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Tastings: August 2016
31 August 2016
86PTS
Santa Carolina Pinot Noir Reserva Leyda Estate 2014
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileRoasted branch, resin and sappy, this sweeter, ripe pinot noir from Leyda carries the brightness of the region. Strawberry jam coats the palate to a sweet spiced, lightly wooded finish. Tannins are fine, and the acidity is juicy. Simple, fleshy pinot, well suited to your mushroom-laden pizza.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2014
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis Leyda Valley pinot noir opens with roasted branch and tar, carrying through to a sweeter, ripe, black and red fruited body. Earthy mushrooms, roasted red pepper and poultry spice dominate the fleshy palate, overshadowing the warm, round fruit. The finish is shorter and warm. Certainly much more old school Chile than finessed pinot, but would suit hearty beef or pork stews.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Martin Ray Pinot Noir 2014
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA mix of Russian River sites are used here but the majority comes of the old Foppiano Vineyard, literally a few feet from the river. This is topped up from sites around the home vineyard on Laguna Road and throughout the Green Valley appellation. It was a drought year so yields were low but the fruit was ideal. The lots are all kept separate and aged in new, one and two-year-old barrels. The nose is rich and ripe, Russian River style, with big, black cherry fruit, spicy cola notes and a touch of earth and mushrooms to keep it centered. Big, soft, juicy and fruit-forward, you can drink this now with grilled salmon.Prices:| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blue Grouse Cowichan Station Pinot Noir 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaTight resiny, reductive,cherry/blackberry, black plum nose with and subtle branch dominate this concentrated and brisk (fresh) Cowichan pinot noir. The fruit is a mix of two sites averaging 20 years in vine age and the wine spends ten months in barrel adding some slightly sticky tannins to support fruit. Acidity dominates the wine and tends to dry out the chocolate-mint finish. A rich fatty salmon steak is the match here. A good effort that needs a touch more fruit and a little acid to really shine.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArrowleaf excels at making wines far beyond their humble price point (which can almost be to their detriment) and this wine is no exception. Fragrant raspberry, plum, cherry and lightly earthy branch notes are imbued with sweet smoke and tightened with an appealing grip. Darker fruited, suitable for pork roast.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Angela Estate Pinot Noir 2012
Oregon, United StatesFrom their Angela Estate vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, this perfumed and generous pinot shows the finesse of its ancient marine sedimentary soils. Ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry are seasonsed with rosehips, fine salts and pink peppercorn, and bracketed with fine, sticky/grippy tannins. Medium-full bodied, fleshy and round, with a snappy acidity to drive the whole through a lingering, warming finish.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cambria Barbara's Clone 667 Pinot Noir 2011
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Santa Maria Valley benchland was once known as “tepuztli,” a native term meaning copper coin. At some point the Spanish settlers in the region translated the word as Tepusquet which was the original vineyard name when Kendall Jackson CEO Barbara Banke bought a large part of the original Tepusquet Vineyard (planted between 1970 and 1971) in 1986. The vineyard has been expanded and replanted to new clones and rootstocks over the last two decades. A cool, wet spring marked inconsistent weather patterns that prevailed throughout the summer, leaving small clusters and berries full of flavour yet fresh with bright acidty. Clone 667, as the label notes, is Cambria proprietor Barbara Banke’s favourite. We love the smoky, earthy undercurrent that sets the stage for persistent blueberry and black cherry flavours. Long, spicy and silky, it is a delight to drink. The wine is fermented in open top new French oak barrels, pressed off and returned to the same barrels for 16 months.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cambria Benchbreak Pinot Noir 2013
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBenchbreak sits 400-800 feet above sea level on the Santa Maria bench over a mix of shale, limestone and sandy soils. The site is cool and fog-swept leaving the vineyards with longest growing season in the state. Look for an herbal raspberry, strawberry nose with brisk, crunchy acidity and fine, lightly grippy tannins. There is an earthy undercurrent that tempers the silken ripeness leaving it streamlined on the palate, with a powdery grip on the finish. Seven clones of pinot go into this medium bodied red, which spends eight months in French oak, a quarter of which is new. You can drink this now ore age three to five years.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
La Crema Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMost of you are too young to remember when the winery was called la Crema Vinera or the “best of the vine,” back in 1979. Saralee’s Vineyard lies in the heart of the Russian River Valley honouring one of the regions most respected wine growers. Today this pinot is 100 percent artisan in nature over tow thirds of the fruit goes into the open top ferment as whole berries. They get a cold bath for four days before heading for 100 percent French oak barrels for nine months of aging. The nose has beautiful earthy floral tones with a black licorice, spice and espresso mid-palate and along sooth simmering spicy clove finish. Think roast chicken, tea-smoked duck, or creamy mushroom pasta dishes. A charcuterie plate with dried fruits would also work.Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir is the flagship red at Quails’ Gate and under winemaker Nikki Callaway, it's reaching a level of elegance we have not seen before. The 2014 comes with an attractive, fragrant and ripe strawberry/cherry pinot nose that continues on the palate. Callaway reveals some spice and dried herbs, yet maintains a perfect 13 percent alcohol. Juicy and fruity with complexity. Most of the fruit comes off 20-year-old vines all hand harvested in 2014 in early October. There’s a five-day cold soak prior to a ferment started with mix of wild and cultivated yeasts. After 14 to 21 days the fruit is pressed and aged in French oak barrels for 10 months before racking and blending. Well done and just under 6500 cases. Super value.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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30 August 2016
87PTS
Five Vineyards by Mission Hill Pinot Grigio 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright and juicy pear, white peach and a kiss of apricot on this cool, fresh pinot grigio, one of the over-delivering Five Vineyards tier from Mission Hill. Ginger spices warm the clean finish. Excellent value, chill and crack in.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.65 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chaberton Reserve Pinot Gris 2015
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLight peach in hue, with ginger, orange, peach, dried apricot and piercing lime oil to lift the whole. Twenty-four hours skin contact before whole berry pressing counters the acidity with a bump of RS and 90 days on the lees with regular battonage. Sweet and sour on the short finish. This is from eight-year-old vines grown on Cawston's Blind Creek Vineyard gravel soils.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Giorgio & Gianni Pinot Grigio 2014
Veneto, ItalyAlmonds and Mediterranean citrus hallmark this Venetian pinot grigio, one more complex than its contemporaries at this price point. A slick of lees cushions the whole, while wild herbs and bright acidity add interest through the spiced finish. One to seek out.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wolfberger Pinot Gris 2014
Alsace, FranceHeady honeysuckle, ripe pear and yellow apple dominate this creamy and full-bodied, if straightforward, Alsatian pinot gris. Spices linger on the blunted and short, honeyed finish. Off-dry and easy, this is a richer gris appropriate for carmelized onion tarte or grilled pork/peach skewers.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blue Grouse Cowichan Station Pinot Gris 2015
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp, tight pear is padded with fleshy yellow apple, melon and more fresh pear notes. The light palate carries a creamy layer of fine lees (15 percent is barrel fermented), but the whole is briskly brightened by a rivet of acidity and a driving lemon pith. I love the freshness here, reflective of the Islands, and a great direction for this wine.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +23/09 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis ripe and full-bodied southern Okanagan gris reflects the warm 2015 vintage, further plumped by whole cluster pressing and a ferment shared between neutral French oak, stainless and concrete eggs. Five months on the lees with weekly stirring amplifies the richness further, with leesy, creamy, lush pear, musk melon, white peach laced with grapefruit pith. A lush style, bitter-edged and gingersnap spiced on the finish. Best with spicy dishes or roasted turkey.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Roche Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere’s more than one way to make a pinot gris and Roche is doing a fine job of doing something more interesting with this dry white, devoid of the omnipresent honey that tends to be slathered on so many BC examples. I love the bright, floral, mineral nose, the citrus, the lees and the spice that complexes the palate. The style is elegant, the texture creamy, and the finish long and persistent. Serve with grilled halibut, seafood pasta or mushroom risotto.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kono Pinot Gris 2014
Nelson, South Island, New ZealandThis wine seems to make itself each year. Consistently fresh attack with ripe, juicy citrus, guava, candied pineapple notes. The attack is smooth with more candied citrus and passion fruit flavours that finish a touch sweet. A fine match for sautéed calamari, steamed mussels or goat cheese salads. Clean, simple and ready-to-drink.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kris Pinot Grigio 2015
Veneto, ItalyCrisp and bright, this is pinot grigio from across Veneto, with time in stainless steel to capture the desired fresh fruit. Subtle herbs, crunchy green apple, tangerine and quiet white flowers finish tight and quick, with a touch of bitter almonds and light lees. Simple and consistent every year. Try this with grilled octopus.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Pinot Gris 2015
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a pretty, floral nose with notes of citrus and dried herbs. The attack is sweet and floral with candied grapefruit and lemon flavours dominating. Some will like the sweet baked fruit notes but I prefer a drier, more food-friendly finish.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother super ripe version of pinot gris - a style that dominates the 2015's in BC. Almost all Naramata fruit (96 percent), with four percent out of Osoyoos. Honey and ripe nectarines dominate the palate, finishing without the usual minerality and acidity seen in this wine. Ripe, round and friendly, best served chilled with spicy appetizers that can take on the sweetness.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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29 August 2016
90PTS
Va Piaño Vineyards Portteus 2012
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFrom the second oldest planting of syrah in Washington State, this is 22-year-old vines from a 1.5 acre block of Portteus Vineyard in Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Sixteen months in French oak (50 percent new) provides the strident oak backbone, while 400 metres altitude and volcanic ash and clay loam provide precision and acidity to the plush, desert-ripened fruit. Ripe cherry, brambled blackberry and dense plum is varnished with a layer of anise tar and supported by ample sticky tannins. The finish is long with subtle sweet smoke and black pepper, welcoming pairing with a rich porterhouse steak or a couple more years in the cellar.Prices:| USA | $65.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 2012
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe black plum, anise, tar and cassis is marked by cracked pepper in this dense, full bodied Similkameen syrah. Thick tannins are able to support the weight, mitigated by a clear spike of acidity, though you're left with vanillin oak and excessive heat (14.5 percent declared) on a blunted finish. Vanessa Vineyard has supplied grapes to Sandhill's single vineyard wines for years, before the owners started transitioning from grape growers to vintners in 2012. A proven site, promising future, and I'm hoping the winemaking can calm a bit to let the place shine though.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA brighter, juicer syrah from Tinhorn with ripe plums, perfumed violets, roasted meats and caramelized root vegetables. The attack is soft and fleshy with fine grained tannins that frame the black, anise-seeded fruit, structured through 18 months in barrel. The sweet fruit is nicely balanced by a bitter espresso and branch-like lingering finish. Well suited to herb-roasted lamb.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2015
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEarthy, licorice, black fruit nose with a touch of screw cap reduction so give it some air by decanting or at least splashing it around in your glass. The attack is soft with balanced, jammy, blueberry fruit flavours ending with cocoa. Ready to drink - just fire up the barbecue.Prices:| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.55 | 750ml |
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90PTS
C.C. Jentsch Syrah 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmoky cured meats and perfumed florals puff up this ripe and full-bodied syrah that has experienced a quick rise in recent years to become a BC favourite. Nine percent viognier was co-fermented in the mix, adding an orchard perfume to the blackberry, cassis, coffee-laden palate. Sticky tannins are textured enough to support the fruit as well as add some brightness to a hefty palate at 14.4 percent. Young, but with the viognier in the mix it is very drinkable, especially with grilled beef or lamb. Best suited for short term cellaring.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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27 August 2016
87PTS
Mission Hill Five Vineyards Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep, medium pink in hue, this is a juicy, medium bodied rosé, consistent and popular year after year. Punchy strawberry jam, pear, yellow apple and watermelon is kissed with sweetness, punctuated with a light pink peppercorn spice. Thirst quenching if chilled and food friendly. The fruit is Oliver and Osoyoos based and while the ripeness is evident the acidity does a fine job of keeping it all fresh. A little drier and a little less colour would heighten out interest but not perhaps the mainstream.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $12.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mt. Boucherie Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep pink in hue, with cherry jam, raspberry and lush strawberry fruit. Ripe, sweeter and round, with cinnamon bark spicing powdering the creamy palate. Not shy; a bold pink suitable for sweet-shellacked ribs.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Rosé 2015
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThere’s nothing better than a wine that reflects its place. This Cowichan gamay destemmed and crushed before resting on skins for eighteen hours does just that offering up a perfect light pink hue and fine, lithe tannins. Quenching cranberry and juicy lime lifts its wild strawberry and fresh herbal rhubarb flavours to a crisp finish. Juicy, youthful, bright, dry and fruity or exactly what the Wine Islands needs and what you should be drinking all summer. Grilled salmon anyone?Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lunessence Rosé 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMedium dark pink with a sweet, earthy strawberry nose. Crazy sweet on entry with soft, syrupy strawberry notes in the finish. Simple, sweet, and ready-to-drink. Not our style but best of you chill it well before serving. A blend of cabernet franc and pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Roche Rosé 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis medium pink rosé is a blend of zweigelt and schonberger from Naramata's Domaine Roche Vineyard, and in the warm 2015 you feel the hefty weight of the fruit here (and missing the acidity of the previous vintage). Fuller bodied and round, with red apple, pink florals and bright cinnamon spicing. Juicy and generous, with a bitter edged, rose petal finish. At 13.7 percent, you can comfortably pair with a substantial salmon salad or burger.Prices:| BC | $15.01 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Summa Quies Rosé 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s year two for the Summa Quies Rosé made from all three major blocks of pinot noir planted to clones 667, 777 and 115. The grapes were harvested separately from the dry red pinot noir and pressed off in stages of 24 and 48 hours. The nose is sweet and matches the palate but there is some balance here. Look for notes of strawberries, earth and dried herbs with a soft sweet raspberry/red currant finish. Chill this down in warm weather or try it with some spicy tuna.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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26 August 2016
87PTS
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt RK Pinot Blanc 2015
Mosel, GermanyThis pinot blanc, or weissburgunder, as it's known in Germany, opens with tight green apple, ripe yellow apple, slate and bitter melon notes. Tight and narrow with a bitter citrus cut, but with a cushion of cream and lees that floods and textures the palate floor. The finish is sparse, much like this wine itself.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Pinot Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Blue Mountain PB is always consistently good but seldom as expressive as the 2015 is with its ripe apple and pear, melon, pink florals and white peach that flood its soft palate. Fine apricot fuzz lines and spice mark the finish. Lovely complexity and thought here and overall impressive but we miss the acidity of the crisp 2014 vintage. Thirty-year-old estate vines are whole cluster pressed and wild-fermented in a mix of stainless steel and wood vessels before partial lees-ageing for approximately nine months.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.95 | 750ml |
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25 August 2016
91PTS
Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay 2014
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaGive this expressive wine airtime, decant, or open hours in advance. Attractively reductive in style, with eraser, fresh herbs, earth, whiffs of caramelized onion and laces of lemon pith. Wood is present on the palate (18 months in oak, 10 percent of which is new), but very complete and well integrated, with herbal, hay, lees and fine spicing. Savoury, lean and focused, with depth of flavours, this is drinking beautifully in this youthful stage, but will continue to grow and deepen with cellaring.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Henry of Pelham Chardonnay Speck Family Reserve 2014
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCream, vanilla, spice in this rich, full bodied chardonnay from Short Hills Bench, and the oldest site Henry of Pelham farms. Low yielding and whole cluster pressed before fermentation and aging in French barrel (40 percent new). Still in its youth, this shows exuberant oak which currently overrides the appealing creamy pear, apple, sweet lemon, flakey brioche and toasted spices. That said, the concentration and depth of flavours here goes deep, the acidity matches the intensity and the minerality of the site will become evident over the years in your cellar. If drinking now, open in advance or decant. Otherwise, show patience.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2013
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis Beamsville Bench chardonnay is generous in mouthfeel, but linear and precise in motion, with mineral, pithy drive from tip to tail. Whole bunch pressed, with wild yeast ferment into French barrels, this organically farmed, fuller white has complexity in spades. Earthy lees, wild herbs and subtle hazelnuts lead, layered with ripe pear, pear skin and salted lemon curd to a lingering, flint-flecked finish. Impressive now, and will remain so over the next few years.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Queylus Tradition Chardonnay 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDough, hazelnut and thick, creamy lees forms the base of this full and rich Niagara chardonnay, anchored with clay soils and brightened by limestone minerality. Lemon curd, baked yellow apple, toasted popcorn dominate this intense, full and showy chard, while a bead of lemon peel acidity counters. Organically grown on silty-clay, limestone laced soils, this was whole cluster pressed before a long wild ferment in French oak (20 percent new) and 16-20 months aging stint. Domaine Queylus is a spare-no-expense project of friends, consisting of 16ha spread over three appellations, with lauded winemaker Thomas Bachelder at the helm.Prices:| ON | $24.75 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe, creamy, and full, this is one generous chardonnay from MHFE's Oliver, Osoyoos, and Naramata Ranch vineyards. Ten months in American oak (27 percent new) has made its mark adding a streaking vanilla glow to this sun-ripened-sweet fruit. Pineapple, white peach and cloves ride herd over the hazelnuts, and a spicy, hot, gingersnap finish. Sweet wood over sweet fruit takes us back in time but not to a place we love. We would love to see the less is more rule employed here rather than what is more of more. If you like your chardonnay on the sweet side this is it.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chaberton Reserve Chardonnay 2015
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBig rich, full and oaky with ripe pineapple, spicy baked apple and pear skin. This was whole-berry pressed before heading into 100 percent new French oak for three months (full MLF) and then a split 50/50 between that potent oak and stainless. Too bad because there is some interesting fruit here but it's been clobbered by sweet, vanilla-laden wood. The finish is more of the same with sweet vanilla overtones. Old school.Prices:Read Full Note
84PTS
La Mirada Chardonnay 2014
California, United StatesThis simple, straightforward chardonnay is sourced from "California", but really, could come from anywhere. Chardonnay is splashed with 11 percent sauvignon blanc, fermented in stainless and aged in French and American oak for four months. Creamy, tropical fruit and lemon, there is some juiciness on the core, though you can feel the oak through the fruit until the burn on the short finish. Thankfully, dry. A familiar style, for those looking for it.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Tom Gore Chardonnay 2014
California, United StatesThick cream, vanilla and heavy baked apple and pear, this is an old school style of sweeter oaked, round Cali chard. Cloves spice up the finish, leaving with a swing of alcohol. Simple and commercial.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Signorello Hope's Cuvée Chardonnay 2014
Napa Valley, California, United StatesHope’s Cuvée is big on texture and weight with an expressive nose of honeysuckle, hazelnuts, orange blossoms, butterscotch, and apricots The palate is equally rich, mixing pears, apricots, and toasted nuts with a touch of resin and vanilla. As rich as it is, there is some elegance here: New World style with a European twist. Hope’s Cuvée is the pinnacle white at Signorello; it pays homage to Ray’s mother, Hope Signorello. The 36 year-old, old-clone fruit, comes off a 5.12-acre parcel on the west side of the Signorello hill and is among the oldest chardonnay vineyard in Napa Valley. The wine is made with natural yeast and is bottled unfiltered after spending seven months in 56 percent new French oak barrels. Approximately 50 percent of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $90.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Chardonnay 2015
British Columbia, CanadaThis chardonnay comes off the "Grown and Wine" vineyard in Kelowna. There is no hiding the warm summer here, with the deluge of sweet, almost candied, red apple fruit that runs from front to back leaving a somewhat cloying finish. Spicy Thai or Indian dishes would be the tonic to tame the sugar and fruit salad character of this wine.Prices:| BC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother super ripe chardonnay from 2015, with a whack of candied apple, pear and banana fruit aromas and flavours. The textures are soft and round with a bit of an un-synchronised vanilla and lees character that seems out of place with sweetness. Ready to drink but chill this down and serve it with some smoked chicken. I miss the leaner, drier style but I’m sure a lot of consumers will like this riper version.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cambria Benchbreak Chardonnay 2014
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBenchbreak opens on the rich side of chardonnay with caramel, brown spices and vanilla dominating the nose. Underneath is a citrus, mango and pineapple core that scrubs some of the richness off the back end of the palate. It is 100 percent chardonnay and a broad mix of clones including 4, 76, 96 and Wente. Benchbreak is a cool coastal vineyard at 400-800 metres above sea level, made up of ancient fossilized seashells, shale, limestone and sand. Serve with crab, lobster or creamy shrimp dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesReliable, large production Sonoma chardonnay that opens as always with attractive, spicy lees notes supporting prominent tropical fruit aromas. On the palate the attack is bright with a citrus, pear, red apple character carrying enough freshness to take on the vanilla and butterscotch finish. Drink now with fresh cracked Dungeness crab. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandhill Master Winemaker Howard Soon Chardonnay Single Block Sandhill Estate Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new chardonnay from Sandhill master winemaker is a single block selection of 18-year-old fruit that, according to Soon, offers a true expression of the site. The fruit is all hand-harvested and hand-sorted and is aged in stainless steel tanks and two French oak barrels for 10 months. The style is opulent with smoky, toasted nutty aromas with slices of pear and baked apple. The attack is rich, but there is a central core of fresher fruit to keep the wine centred and balanced. It’s the Howard Soon style to be sure, but it tells its own story. Try this with your favourite crab or creamy fish dish.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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24 August 2016
91PTS
Terravista Viognier 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis viognier is Naramata meets Condrieu, displaying rich, confident form throughout its expansive, creamy palate. Ripe nectarine and apricot is built on a cushioned bed of lees, with perfumed mandarin and peach fuzz seasoning and a warm, herbal gingersnap and anise spicing. A swell of juicy acidity aptly handles the weight, while a riff of bitter pit counters the sun-ripe sweetness. Best viognier I've tasted from Canada? You bet. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold for short term cellaring.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Liquidity White Blend 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChardonnay musqué, sauvignon blanc and pinot gris from their Okanagan Falls estate vineyard is blended with viognier from the Similkameen in this off dry, lower acid, round and softer white blend. Fragrant apple blossom, pear skin edge and peach ride the palate, finishing with a bitter peach pit and ginger finish. Chill well down.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Liquidity Bubbly NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis frothy, shearing fizz is a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir from two different vintages. The 2014 pinot was whole cluster pressed and fermented before resting on lees for 15 months, while chardonnay and pinot noir from the 2015 vintage were harvested, whole cluster pressed and fermented separately. The whole was then blended, underwent injection and into a pressurized tank for a week at low temperatures. The prosecco-styled result carries a bit of pear skin and crab apple, with a whiff of florals hidden within the toast. Quite flat and rough on the short finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Liquidity Merlot 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPrimarily estate fruit, this merlot is supplemented with grapes from the Similkameen. Fifteen percent wild ferment and 14-18 days on the skins before heading to French oak (34 percent new) for fifteen months. Muddled plum and dusky blackberry on a round palate comes across as warm and clipped. A very troublesome swirl of earthy, wood throughout, though I was alerted that it's a characteristic of this particular vintage. I will wait for the next vintage.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Dividend 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFull and structured, this is an estate blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot. Gravels, tobacco and a core of blackberry and blackcurrant are structured with a firm, wooded backbone, the latter the result of 12-15 days on the skins before pressing into 25 percent new French oak for fifteen months. Wood dominates the cocoa-clad finish, and welcomes pairing with roasted beef or lamb.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liquidity Equity Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMarkedly different from their two other pinots (the Estate and the Reserve), this premium tier carries much darker, duskier black fruit (cherry and raspberry) on a firmer, smoked wood frame. A layer of tobacco tars the bottom and provides structure for bigger protein pairings and a few years in the cellar. This is an estate blend of clones 667 and 115, planted in 1994 and 2010. darker, duskier fruit - black raspberry, black cherry, more cherry, more structure and firmer, with more smoked wood, blacker. layer of tobacco spicing. but still level of finesse here.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liquidity Reserve Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTheir reserve pinot picks up a notch where the estate pinot left off, with ten months in months in French barrels, 30 percent of which were new. Estate clones 115, 667, 777 and 828, planted in 1994 and 2010 bring black cherry and black raspberry to the fore, with a gentle sweeter strawberry lurking underneath. Framed gently by the toast, this gently finessed pinot finishes with fine spicing. Drinking well now, and for another couple of years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis estate pinot cuvée includes partial wild ferment, and their 1994 planting of own rooted clone 115, along with clones 667, 777, 828 and 91, the latter planted in 1997 and 2010. All the complexities are shown in this pretty, bright and finessed medium bodied red, finely spiced and anchored with black raspberry and cherry. Firmness is lent by ten months in French oak, 25 percent of which was new. Young and promising for the future.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liquidity Riesling 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a mix of two clones grown in Naramata, one crisp and acid-driven while the second full of tropical fruit. Ample lees work is noticed on the nose, a result of regular stirring of the 15 percent wild yeast used in the ferment (it took a while to kick off, but finally went and fermented for seven months). Bosc pear and melon rules this sweeter, creamy, leesy white. Ripe and round.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Reserve Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRicher, more perfumed and sweeter than the Estate Chardonnay due in part to a greater use of new oak (25 percent). Planted in 1994, this polished and creamy chard teems with fine toastiness, lemon and baked pear. Moderate acidity and a nice spice on the finish. Only sixty cases made.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a mix of estate fruit from two blocks, planted in 1994 and 2010. Barrel ferment before eleven months of barrel aging (14 percent new) has amped the rich, creamy mouthfeel and toast. Juicy yellow apple, pear and ample lemon and grapefruit citrus notes throughout the smooth palate. Richer styled, to match richer foods.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liquidity Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom three vineyard blocks on their Okanagan Falls estate, this was partially whole cluster pressed, partially crushed before heading to stainless steel, sans lees stirring. A nice creaminess supports a cool core of stone fruit, with earthy spice adding some depth. You can feel the warmth of the 2015 vintage on the finish. Gentle.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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23 August 2016
90PTS
Lock and Worth Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 17-old-year old vines and a gravelled site in Oliver comes this 77/23 sauvignon blanc/semillon blend. One third whole cluster pressed, this spends time in neutral French oak before being gently filtered. Medicinal herbs, meadow grass, lemon thistle, hay and vibrant citrus acidity stream through the lees-lined palate, tighter and more linear than the 2014. The finish carries a slight grippy, greengage and verbena riff. This will build honeyed weight with cellar time, but it's drinking beautifully now in the exuberance of youth.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lock and Worth Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild herbs, hay and a lovely coat of lees on this sauvignon blanc / semillon blend, one showing a honeyed, oily semillon sheen. A slick of large flake sea salts season the medium bodied, broad-shouldered palate, and linger on the finish. From a gravelled site in Oliver, planted in 1999, this was one third whole cluster pressed, before six months in neutral French oak. Savoury.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bernard Baudry Chinon Blanc 2014
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceChenin Blanc from Chinon, this is from ten year old organic vines on clay and limestone soils, fermented wild and aged in neutral barrel. Earthy lees, apple skin, fennel, wild herbs and meadow flowers are scented with subtle honeysuckle and anchored by a weighted clay base. Chisled, chalky acidity focuses the streamlined palate to a lingering, stony finish. Purity plus depth, this savoury and characterful chenin is memorable and worth seeking out.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2015
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom the man credited with figure-heading the Swartland Revolution, this chenin blanc is a highlight of the South African offerings on our market. If you see it, buy. And this is his "entry-level" Secateurs line, from selected old bush vines on granite slopes. Cream, wild herbs, meadow flowers are drawn across a very waxy palate, where spiced pear and subtle fennel notes join in. Savoury, with precise lemon zest vibrancy, broken stones, roasted nut, medicinal lemon balm and gentle honeycomb, this young vintage finishes smoothly, with some gentle waxy warmth. Drinking now well, but will hold with short term aging.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp, tight and bright, this lean and narrow chenin reflects more than the 10 percent of sauvignon blanc that is tilted into the blend. Whole bunch press before heading to 85/15 stainless and a mix of French oak barrel and larger puncheons, this is bright lemon, grass, greengage, tangerine, melon and a very fine layer of creamy lees along the bottom. The finish is somewhat disjointed at this point, but being chenin, expect an evolution. A big style departure from their memorable chenins of previous vintages, this reminds me more of sauvignon blanc trying to imposter as chenin. I would love to see more of the characterful chenin in the future (as in the past).Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
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22 August 2016
90PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.16 Southern Cross Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of Mission Hill's Terroir Collection tier, reportedly a selection of the top three percent of estate fruit. In 2013, that means twenty barrels were produced from their Osoyoos East vineyard, partially (35 percent) fermented in French oak for seven months. The result is a fuller, lees-led and structured, spicy white, with biscuit, lightly smoked stone, flint, lemon peel, honeysuckle, guava and medicinal cherries. A riff of apricot skin and pink grapefruit lingers on the lengthy finish. A blend of stony Sancerre and ripe Chile, uniquely BC. Polished and serious wine, this is drinking beautifully now but will continue to hold for short term cellaring.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLove the bright, intense gooseberry/guava/grapefruit nose with a hint of jalapeno. The palate is juicy with stony, gooseberry, guava fruit and a tight lime/lemon finish. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or with chicken, bean or seafood salads or cold cucumber soup. The fruit comes off mineral clay soils: Los Boldos (77 percent) and El Centinela (23 percent) estates. The wine is briefly aged (4 months) in stainless steel tanks.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2015
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe style is crisp and tight with plenty of grass and gooseberry. The attack is intense, mixing bell pepper, gooseberry, dried herbs and lemony grapefruit. No malolactic and two months lees contact makes for a creamy, passion fruit finish. Fresh goat cheese is a classic match.Prices:| BC | $13.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Singletree Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaToasty oak is immediately evident on this full-bodied sauvignon blanc, with hewn staves sticking out from and overwhelming the vanilla-scented orchard fruit. There's a pithy lemon grip on the finish, but the rest of this is barrel-dominated. Pour if you want to try something different than your typical oaky chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Leyda Estate 2015
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileAs usual, the pungent nose reminds of Marlborough sauvignon blanc despite its classy Leyda appellation. The nose is a lime rind and passionfruit affair. The palate is a mirror image of the nose with more grassy, musky, sweet gooseberry flavours mixed with sweet green peas, asparagus and lemon blossom, filtering to a shorter, tight and bright finish. Predictable and consistent. Chill down, drink now. Easy sipping on a warm day or serve with fresh goat cheese. The dinner match is spaghetti alle vongole. Super value.Prices:| BC | $12.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCelebrating its 30th vintage in 2014, and this wine is going strong as ever. Big, assertive and vibrant passionfruit, papaya and tangerine, with hedgerow and spring green vegetable underneath. Crunchy acidity rides a swell of juiciness to a brisk, warm finish. Two percent of this wine underwent barrel fermentation, with the rest in stainless with yeasts selected to maximize fruitiness. The whole spent three months in contact with the lees to bumper the palate. Drink this now, while young and juicy.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rapaura Springs Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandYoung peas, tinned asparagus, fragrant passionfruit and mandarin are scented with lively acidity and medicinal tinged herbs. Very complete and round on the palate, with sauvignon's vegetative side on full display. An easy, accessible, familiar style, made well.Prices:| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.05 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Misha's Vineyard The Starlet Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandNot your typical Kiwi savvy, starting with the fact that this comes from a gloried vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago. Whole bunch pressed, this is partially fermented in stainless with the remainder fermented wild in older French oak barrels. The oxidative handling lends a reductive, flinty note more common in chardonnay. Broken stones, wild herbs, flake sea salt, earthy white asparagus and grilled fennel throughout, with taut, lemon pith acidity lacing the whole and tangerine, gooseberry and perfumed passionfruit reminding us of the grape. An undercurrent of phenolic grip finishes with stoniness. Unique and characterful, and worth seeking out.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCrisp, bright and tight, with pithy tangerine, passionfruit, gooseberry and pineapple rind. Acidity keeps this lively and lifted, even through intense tropical fruit. Refreshing and pure fruited Marlborough savvy and at an excellent price.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTangerine, passionfruit and guava in this richer, full and fruity sauvignon blanc, sourced from seventeen parcels across three estate vineyards over a three week period. Polished and creamy, the bright tropical fruit rests on a floor of lees in this grown-up version of the classic, fruity, Marlborough style. Named in recognition of John 'Stich' Stichbury, the founder of Jackson Estate.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2015
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThere is nothing too complex here or exactly what you might expect for $9.99 but they don’t mess it up with sugar either- something you might not expect for $9.99. Grassy, guava, asparagus notes preview a fresh white with grassy, citrus/grapefruit flavours that finish clean and crisp. Made for clams, spaghetti vongole or any summer-styled salad. Ready-to-drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $10.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo French clones and nine-year-old estate vines were whole cluster pressed before a wild ferment and aging on the lees (3/4 stainless and the remainder in oak). Lemon thistle, meadow grasses, gooseberry and smoked salts dominate the complexed, laden body, an amazing feat at 11.5 percent alcohol. Precise lemon pith acidity buoys the whole through a finely spicy, medicinal finish. Love the quality statement here. Perfect with west coast mussels.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Condor Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaFull, ripe and fruity, with ample tropical notes - pineapple, apple, and grippy, pithy rind on the shorter finish. Simple, tight and dry; well suited to shrimp ceviche. Chill well and crack now.Prices:| BC | $10.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Region del Valle Central, ChileJuicy, ripe and refreshing, with lime, lemonade, pink grapefruit pith, lemon rind and a riff of peach fuzz bitterness on the finish. Always consistent, and the 2015 vintage nails it again. Juicy and bright, finishing dry, and great with melon salsa and fish. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Barrel Select Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Barrel Select is a wine club exclusive that is aged four months in French oak puncheons. The nose is a mix of vanilla, ripe grapefruit and aromatic tropical fruits. The palate is soft and round with rich, off-dry almost pink grapefruit and ripe fig flavours. A bit too sweet for us but if served with the right dish, preferably one with some heat, it should work.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cirro Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic, bright, refreshing, citrusy, passion fruit nose. The attack is similar with tropical fruit, lemongrass and a hint of sweetness to balance off the jalapeno and acidity that punches through the finish. Ready to drink and perfect with clams, mussels or prawns. Coming in October.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimilar to last year, though a bit richer and riper on the palate. Look for hints of lees under grassy, citrus, kiwi aromas and a twist of wood. The attack is super ripe, mixing lime rind, gooseberry, grassy, tropical fruit flavours. Just a bit too big in the finish but fine if you are a fan of rich, ripe, warm, mouth-filling sauvignon blanc. Like last year it has a richness and sweetness you can use up against spicy dishes, but we would prefer a bit more mystery and complexity. Still fine value.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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19 August 2016
88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Ovation Solera NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaYou don't get many ovations in orchestra, and you certainly will find fewer in the wine world. Unsworth Ovation is a solera blend of estate maréchal foch. This is more reminiscent of a late bottled vintage port to me, with its gutsy and spirited demeanour, dense plum, fruitcake and sweet cassis fruit. Smooth and sweet, with lightly grippy tannins dragging along throughout, this finishes quite hot on its own, but I would pour this with local blue cheese and sugar spiced roasted nuts.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 500ml |
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88PTS
A Mano Imprint Susumaniello 2014
Salento, Puglia, ItalySusumaniello is an ancient grape, supposedly found only in the Italian region of Apulia (Puglia) and is thought to be a cross between sangiovese and some unidentified parent (bastard child). Perfumed and fragrant blackberry, delicate black liquorice, heady balsamic and plum, this is light bodied and soft, but framed with very grippy, downy and thorny tannins. The balsamic lingers on the grippy finish. Fresh and characterful, and lovely with lighter pork or rabbit.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi 2011
Campania, ItalyThe volcanic soils soar through this aglianico, with potent tight minerality, precise acidity and fine, stony texture from top to tail of this generous, classic Campanian red. Dusky anise, leather, tar and scrubby herbs lend grip and interest to the ample, ripe and slightly tuggy tannins, while wild herbs, ripe black cherry, wild plum and blackberry season the generous palate. The finish is long, with five spice, nutmeg and minerality lingering. Twenty-ish year old vines are grown on deep ash and pumice soils, and after 3 weeks fermentation in stainless, this goes into French barrique for eighteen months, followed by nine months more in bottle to settle and smooth.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2011
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyTedeschi’s signature Amarone comes off the hills of the Valpolicella Classico zone. There is a much welcomed purity in this wine from its savoury, black fruit nose to its rich, fruity mid-palate and spicy finish. The style is fresh and juicy which effectively counter-balances the alcohol and weight. This is just a baby and would be fine to leave in the cellar through 2020. Serve now with slow braised meat dishes or mature cheese.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2014
Piedmont, ItalyConsistent year over year, and the 2014 is no different. This barbera, from the hillsides of Langhe and Monferrato brings black cherry, anise, worked leather and black raspberry across a fleshy, cured meats and oak framed medium body. Scrubby herbs, pipe tobacco and brisk spicing liven the smooth palate, while six months in oak barrels and Slavonian casks defines it. An approachable and interesting red for drinking now, especially with wild mushroom risotto or boar pappardelle.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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18 August 2016
88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit Rouge is the little brother to the big, long-lived reds in their portfolio, designed as the friendly drink-now wine while you cellar the elder siblings. Merlot, cabernet sauvignon is splashed with perfumed syrah to create a lush, dark fruited red, serious in its own right. Structured, if currently slightly ragged tannins support the youthful Southern Okanagan fruit (Black Sage Bench, Golden Mile Bench and Osoyoos Bench), to a peppery, slightly warm finish. Thirteen months in French oak barrels and puncheons, thirty percent new.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Narrative Fortified Small Batch by Okanagan Crush Pad NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first fortified from OCP, distilled on site, this is a blend of merlot and syrah that was fermented in concrete before being spiked with their own grape spirits and aged two years in neutral oak. Raisins lead off the nose and palate, followed by a reductive note that blows off with ample airtime. Maple, creme caramel and christmas pudding complete the medium bodied, sweet frame. This is boozy, but not syrupy, and the sweetness is matched fairly well by acidity. I would pair this with mild blue and biscuits.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cellar Hand Punch Down Red 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is much more interesting this year with riper, dark and red fruit aromas leading the way. Smoky, cedar, cherries and milk chocolate mark a sweet-ish palate with some prominent acidity poking through the back end. A more commercial style, although not our favourite. Serve with hamburgers or grilled ribs. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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17 August 2016
89PTS
Feudo Maccari Grillo 2014
Sicily, ItalyThis grillo is from low-yielding bush vines averaging 20 years old, on calcareous laced soils in Sicily - Noto, near the sea. Stainless steel aging has preserved the grape's herbal sweet grass, honeysuckle, meyer lemon and almond notes. The fuller body, lined with beeswax and lees, is kept fresh and bright with nimble, mineral laced acidity. Characterful, and well suited to pasta dressed with oil and spring vegetables.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Singletree Winery Siegerrebe 2015
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMid-sweet, soft and perfumed peaches and pears fill this lush siegerrebe from the Fraser Valley. Stainless steel works to provide an element of crisp pithy fruit against the grape's lush, fragrant nature. A gentle spritz lifts the whole to a shorter finish. Chill, crack and drink this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bees Knees Chenin Blanc Viognier 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaRipe pear, peach and melon carry this friendly and fuller Western Cape white. White florals, honeysuckle and fine spice take over on the waxy palate, one that carries herbs, lanolin and a lick of lees, and ends with a fine nutmeg spicing and nutty bitterness. Amazing value.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Atlantis Godello 2015
Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainThis is a part of the Atlantis series managed by oenologist Raúl Acha, producing Atlantic wines from different DOs in Spain. Here, godello has its day, with gobelet-trained vineyards upwards of 25 years old coming together with younger trellised vines from sloping granite and slate, 400-600m high. The generous palate surges with creamy, oily lees-lined flow, along with pear, yellow apple, melon and a lift of greengage and bright lemon. Moderate acidity, massive mouth-filling, this is a fuller, oak-free white capable of handling fresh halibut or sablefish with ease.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2014
Marche, ItalyThough the 2015 has poked its head on our market earlier this year, I found the 2014 vintage on store shelves and wanted to see how it was progressing. In one word: delizioso. The bitter almonds have continued to focus and narrow, wrapped with a veil of earthy fine lees and laced with bitter lemon. Pine nuts, scrubby thistle and bitter melon are anchored by a solid, medium body (heavy clay loam hillsides contribute), though a lift of bitter citrus acidity balances it easily. Grapes from 8-30 years on hillsides 200-350m go into this classic Castelli di Jesi.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oscar's Douro White 2015
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalStraw, Asian pear, white peach and a zap of limoncello light up this easy Douro white blend of viosinho, gouveio and arinto. Lively and light in the mouth, with a thin pear skin cushion (two months on the lees) to support, this is lively and ready for an ice bucket and plate of ceviche.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Rocky Creek Siegerrebe 2015
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSweet orange sherbet, pear, bitter lemon pith take over this sharp, soapy siegerrebe, with nothing much underneath to support. It's like the middle is missing for some reason. Back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Frontenac Gris 2015
British Columbia, CanadaA nice improvement over last year. The nose is clean and fruity with a light orange citrus note. The palate is medium sweet with tangerine and honey flavours. Try this with a spicy curry dish or spicy tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Tragically Vidal 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFloral, fresh, clean and not as rich and fat as its heady spicy nose. Orange blossoms, litchi fruit and citrus come together mid-palate in an explosion of fresh orchard fruit flavours flecked with ginger. Grown at two sites: Stag’s Hollow Vineyard and Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard both in Okanagan Falls. The blend is 90/10 vidal/orange muscat finished with 13 g/l of sugar. Chill this guy down and bring on the spice.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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16 August 2016
88PTS
Dibon Brut Reserve Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainBright, fresh and zippy, with earthy fennel, almond, pear skin, peach pit, heady brioche and meyer lemon colouring a cool, yellow apple base. A touch of fruit sweetness offsets the orchard fruits, while brisk acidity keeps this moving on the palate. The baked apple and herbal brioche is a lovely turn from the norm in this well-priced Cava.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bubbles by Lobetia NV
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThis sparkling dry Spanish wine is from ten-year-old viura vines, grown organically in Las Pedroñeras-Cuenca. Sour lemon, sharp green apple and bitter herbs throughout the frothy palate give off a sharp briskness. The finish is short and leaves stone dust behind. Not as pleasant as the pretty label would indicate. Simple stuff, chill well.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Corvezzo Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyWhite flower, white peach and a sharp, pithy tangerine note throughout this simple, off-dry prosecco. A candied necklace note on the short, soft finish. Chill well and utilize in cocktails.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Steller's Jay Sparkling Gewurztraminer Méthode Classique NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGooseberry, anise and pez candy sum up this frothy bubble from Steller's Jay. A strange mix of "gewürztraminer" and "Methode Classique", this is an intense, floral and candied orange fizz, crunchy and disjointed on its own, and best utilized in cocktails or punch.Prices:| BC | $21.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLeading and completing with dough, toast and lemon curd, this 40/30/30 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay blend is nothing but consistent. Broad and creamy on the palate, with abundant red fruits, corn, brioche and sweet almond on the finish. Tightens and freshens a bit on the end, but this is a generous, night club / night cap blend. A sweeter NV for those who prefer that style. The cuvée takes in more than 100 crus from around the Champagne region, as well as pinot meunier from the Grande et Petite Montagne de Reims region.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $59.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $52.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $58.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $65.85 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Terra Serena Prosecco Extra Dry NV
Veneto, ItalyRipe pear, pink florals and a fine pink grapefruit pith carry this simple, light (10.5 percent) prosecco. Hints of almond tuck in on the bright palate, finishing with a brisk peach fuzz bitterness. Chill, use in cocktails or enjoy solo at breakfast/brunch. Finished under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Intrigue I Do Sparkling NV
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough merlot and riesling are strange partners, this wedding-themed fizz unites them anyway. Frothy pink, with candied cherry, strawberry, peach fuzz and a sharp bitter cut on the finish. Off dry and simple, this theme-wine is best chilled and used for what it's intended for: toasting the newlyweds.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Monster Vineyards Rosie 2015
British Columbia, CanadaThis is a sweet, simple and fruity blend of malbec, merlot and syrah. Syrupy cherries, grainy strawberries and powdered orange on the nose and palate of this blunt fizz, finishing with a strange faux note. Even chilling way down won't tame this monster - perhaps a sangria?Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santero Asti Dolce NV
Piedmont, ItalyThis Moscato Asti is Dolce, or sweet, with ample sugared pear, white flowers and candied lemon gummies. Frothy bubbles are cut with a very pithy citrus note, and ends with white honey. With an alcohol of 7.5 percent, this is an attractive sweet fizz to open brunch or close afternoon tea.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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15 August 2016
93PTS
Martin Ray Reserve Synthesis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California, United States"Synthesis" is a combination of Napa Valley vineyards, mixing silky, red fruit from Stags Leap District, dusty Rutherford fruit and big, powerful mountain fruit from Diamond Mountain's rocky volcanic soil. In 2013 the region was heat-spike free, leading to perfect fruit. Synthesis is the best of the best, from its dried savoury herb notes to figgy, plum, blueberry flavours. The textures are remarkably soft, the tannins chalky and generous, making it approachable now but this will age a decade. Grilled meats are the ticket here. All Napa Valley. A crowd pleaser.Prices:| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Martin Ray Reserve Santa Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Santa Cruz Mountains, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesThe reserve is a blend of two mountaintop sites: Fellom Ranch and Beauregard Vineyards. Beauregard is south facing on Ben Lomond Mountain and Fellom Ranch is located on Monte Bello Ridge. Both get morning sun and evening fog and enjoy long growing seasons. A great 2013 year has lead to an impressive red. The nose is a fantastic mix of aromatic cedar and black fruits. The palate is similar with savoury blackberry, brown spices, mint and tobacco. The tannins are firm but fine-grained. Perfect with grilled veal or lamb chops.Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
La Mirada Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
California, United StatesThis is an entry-level, soft and simple California red, though it could really be from anywhere. Short black fruits, roasted onion skin and an earthy branch finish with peppery heat and bitter dusty wood. I suppose if you're looking to drink any red wine from anywhere in the world, this could do, though there are tastier examples at a better price from specific places that I recommend moving along to.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
California, United StatesThis ripe, full and gently sweet Cali cabernet sauvignon is seasoned with a hint of malbec, merlot, petit verdot and petite sirah and spends sixteen months in French and American oak. Ripe and soft black fruit, vanilla and kirsch is surrounded by wood-hewn, powdery tannins and supported by a mocha base. Short and quite warm on the finish. Lacking distinction, but suitable for a burger BBQ.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2012
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe 2012 Lokoya is a mountain of wine. Think big and long with intense aromas and flavours from front to back. Matching the intensity is piercing blue fruits and spice with enough floral mineral activity to keep it all balanced and refreshing. It’s 100 percent cabernet sauvignon, ripened to perfection and washed in blueberries, black raspberries, and cassis with a savoury, menthol, licorice undercarriage. You can only expect this wine to improve through 2025 and beyond and hold for decades. Bravo winemaker Chris Carpenter. If you dare open it now it has to be with rare beef. The Mount Veeder single vineyard sits at 1800 feet above sea level on the western ridges of the Mayacamas Mountains and at the northern end of the Mount Veeder appellation. The shallow, poor volcanic soils, low in minerals and nutrients, encourage smaller bunches and small berries that most years lead to huge concentration of flavour.Prices:| BC | $425.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $400.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella La Sophia 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis cabernet sauvignon is not your typical BC cab. This amply plush, structured, generous full bodied red might as well be from Bolgheri, or even Walla Walla. Twenty-eight-year-old vines draw dense cigar, tobacco, black cherry, and leather slowly across the generous palate, supported by the sun-baked ripeness of the Black Sage Bench, as well as thick, chewy tannins. There is so much heft and weight here (and I'm not just talking about the heavy glass bottle) that this necessitates a decant now, and would greatly benefit by five+ years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $89.90 | 750ml |
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12 August 2016
89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA co-ferment with a splash of roussanne may soften this perfumed violet, peppery and red fruited syrah from Black Sage Bench, North Oliver and Osoyoos Lake District. A reductive tar and sweet pipe tobacco dominates the fruity plum and cassis jam note, while 14 months in French oak barrels provides brute force and grainy structure. Hints of perfumed florals and bitter espresso linger on the finish. A lot going on here, perhaps not fully resolved, but great value nonetheless for a very serious wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaScented violets meets roasted meats meets cracked pepper in this alluring, charismatic syrah. One percent co-fermented roussanne seasons and softens the cuvée, though this is all about bright, fresh, earthy wild blackberry, cassis and black pepper. A veneer of tar lines the bottom before wild herbs and charcuterie come into the savoury, pink peppercorn-laced palate. Grapes were drawn from Black Sage Bench and Dead Man's Lake for this well-priced, likeable and serious wine.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmple cracked black pepper opens this potent, complex syrah. A tiny tip of co-fermented viognier adds perfumed cold cream fragrance to the mix, but this vintage is dominated by big peppery, roasted meats, flirting tar and structured, bristling tannins. Bacon fat coats the palate before a rage of earthy, dusty tannins take over. The finish lingers with fresh roasted coffee. With grapes from Osoyoos Lake District and North Oliver. Decant now, or cellar for short term.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAmple and heady perfumed violets lead off this peppery and complexed syrah, the premium syrah bottling from LVP. Savoury roasted meats, cured meats, cassis, bright wild blueberry, sultry baking spices and thorns fill the structured, lush palate, one built on 18 months in French oak (mix of second fill and neutral) and framed with taut tannins. Potent and alluring tobacco and mixed peppercorns throughout, from start to lengthy finish. Unfined and unfiltered. Pretty and pretty drinkable now with a decant and rack of lamb, but its best years are ahead yet.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ochota Barrels I am the Owl Syrah 2014
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaSourced from "the gorgeous section" of seventeen-year-old vines, this was bottle 1482 of 2262 from Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills and produced in a natural way by Taras Ochota and his wife Amber. Textured, perfumed dark plum, fine smoke and herbal brambled blackcurrant pulse with a taut acidity along fine, slightly grippy and cloudy tannins. Persistent violets dart in and out of the fresh palate, one that draws deliberately lazy along the medium body. Mineral salts vibrate along the lengthy finish. Whole bunch, without additions and rested ten months in French barrique. This is as pure and patient view of cooler climate Oz syrah that you will find. Enjoy this beguiling wine over an evening.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah +07/10 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis musky, perfumed and dense meaty syrah is grown at Perfect Hedge Vineyard at their Osoyoos estate vineyard. You can taste the sunshine and weight and in 2014 as well as the fully ripe berries, baked under the warm southern Okanagan sunshine. After several tears of trials, winemaker David Enns has settled on three percent viognier to scent the amply fragrant, blueberry/blackberry and luscious dark plum flavours in this pure-fruited red. A lift of acidity keeps it form weighing down the palate, while thick, sage-dusted tannins support the heft through the lengthy finish. Partial whole cluster, partial 500L open top French oak puncheons, partial stainless steel, partial puncheon ferment - all prior to spending sixteen months in 45 percent new French oak. Complex and long it has a lot going on, and a bright future ahead.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Glen Carlou Haven Shiraz 2014
Coastal Region, South AfricaFleshy, earthy black cherry and blackberry fill the mouth of this generous Coastal Region shiraz. Worked leather, anise, peppercorns and thorns season the generous and soft palate, one supported by ripe tannins and balanced with a gentle swell of acidity. Pink pepper lingers on the finish. Suitable for your skirt steak or grilled skewers.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bench 1775 Syrah 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFull and densely perfumed cassis and thick leather is lifted with a swell of juicy acidity all carried along by slightly dusky, sticky tannins and a cedar-spiced resinous finish. Ripe and gummy fruit with a peppery, meaty character from sun-drenched Osoyoos spends eight months in a mix of 80/20 French/American oak. Suited to big rich beef dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose has a savoury, floral, gamey, licorice root and pepper bent with streaks of black fruit. The palate is lively with juicy meaty, black fruit, raspberries, some brown spice, bright acidity and glossy tannins. This will grow in the bottle through 2019 but you can drink it now with grilled meats. Solid.Prices:| BC | $32.09 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Syrah 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHillside syrah is blend of two sites on the Naramata Bench, providing a cooler perspective right from the get go. The style is fresh, the alcohol barely 13.5 percent, and there is plenty of acidity. The nose and palate have a meaty, savoury plum character with a hint of roasted tomato in the finish. Elegant, round and forward this could be drunk over the next three to four years. Try it with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Classique 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCuvee Classic is the North Oliver LVP syrah picked at 3.15 tons to acre that spends 13 months in 32 percent new French oak barrels. A little more New World and a little less Old World in a warm 2014. It’s still savoury and brooding, with plenty of floral black fruits, a whack of meaty bacon fat and cracked black pepper. The acidity is prominent but it falls in line at the back end. Grilled lamb seems such a natural fit here but anything big and meaty will work. Or, be rewarded with three to five years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Equinoxe confirms the 2013 vintage in my mind as one of the best ever in the deep south Okanagan. The 2.8 tons to the acre fruit is both powerful, yet elegant, and that’s before you add the savoury, white pepper, black cherry, tobacco aromas and perfectly refined tannins. The palate is blueberries, and very floral with savoury streaks, licorice and amazing elegance and length. Only 12 percent new oak is the secret and 88 percent neutral barrels built to express the terroir of this Osoyoos based fruit. Fabulous potential here in what is a wonderful bottle of syrah. It will be even better in five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fielding Estate Winery Syrah 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPeppered charcoal-grilled meats and potent black fruits dominate this Niagara Peninsula syrah, sourced from St. David's Bench. Cracked rosemary and peppercorns scent the full bodied palate, structured with smoky, toasty tannins (via eighteen months in French and American oak, 35 percent of which were new).Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2016
85PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt once ripe and full, as well as bitter and tart, this rustic merlot is missing the knitting of vintages past as well as merlot's welcome hug. Earthy branch, blackberry, plum and cola notes are hewed with a splintered cedar and dusted with bitter cocoa notes before a violet candy perfume. Drink up now with sauced meatballs over polenta, or juicy beef burgers.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFew wineries hang their hat on 100 percent merlot, especially in the Okanagan, but this premium red from Osoyoos' La Stella is entirely "solo", and is the winery's flagship wine. The style is a tip of the hat to Ornellaia’s Masseto. A stretch perhaps, but the blend of two vineyards, one in Osoyoos and one on the Golden Mile Bench is at the root of this full, dense and structured red, from 16-21-year-old vines. It spends 18 months in French oak barriques and puncheons (38 percent new). Brooding and perfumed black plum, wild blackberry, ripe cherry, dark chocolate is scented with heady kirsch. The firm and full palate is drawn along by thick, grainy tannins, finishing with length, fine baking spice and some heat (the 14.7 percent felt here). Decant, and pour with a rich steak now, or cellar for five or more years. Impressive and encouraging for merlot.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot Pie Franco 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAllegretto is a single vineyard Osoyoos merlot, planted on its own rootstock (pie franco) in white silica sand. This is full, youthful and dense, with the tight fist of sun-ripened density meeting the gentle expansion of sixteen-year-old vines on silica sand. Eighteen months in French oak provides the background to this brooding, full red, flushed out with black cherry, cassis, tobacco, dark plum and structured with ample sinewy tannins. The finish is hot and dusky spiced. Very much in youth; decant now, or cellar for five+ years to reveal what this wine can be.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou feel the heat in the 2014 right from the start and through the finish. Coffee and smoky toasted oak mark the nose, with plenty of ripe black cherry fruit. The entry is soft and round but with a fair amount of sweetness in its warm, spicy, milk chocolate and black fruit flavours. More California than BC this year which may have wide appeal. Ready to drink. Consider this around the barbecue red with ribs and or burgers.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lunessence Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA nice improvement over last year in some ways, but this baby is warm and spicy from front to back. The wine spends six months in a mix of French, Slavonian and Hungarian oak, and six months in stainless steel. The nose shows a touch of baked red cherries with ripe blueberries and blackberries. The oak is prominent but less than 2013 which is a good thing. The attack is soft and warm with intense spicy black fruit flavours, but with enough acidity to remain balanced. Try it with grilled lamb chops for a perfect match.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPoplar Grove merlot is easy to like, with its inviting nose of vanilla and black cherry fruit. The attack is soft and round, very merlot, and the palate similar with plummy, black cherry fruit and licorice flavours and soft, well managed tannins. A solid effort that could use a bit more concentration and acidity to really sing out. Pleasant and ready to drink now with most grilled meats. The wine spends a lengthy 21 months in 100% French oak. In 2013 the blend includes 7% malbec and 4% cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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10 August 2016
90PTS
TintoNegro Uco Valley Cabernet Franc 2014
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWild blackberry, smoked meats and streaky bacon fat lead this higher altitude Uco Valley cabernet franc, before a persistant perfumed violet floral takes over. Sueded, dusky tannins support the medium bodied, lifted and cherry-laden fruit to a mineral, limestone-spiked finish. TintoNegro is a collaboration project between Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. Finesse finishes warm, and best suited to pork dishes. A new lens for Argentinian reds.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
C.C. Jentsch Small Lot Series Cabernet Franc 2014
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaImpressive meaty, squid ink nose leads to a medium/rich palate awash in raspberry and cherries. The textures are youthful with grippy tannins, cloaked in medicinal-scented tobacco and long lingering cloves. A strong vein of acidity counters the fruit pushing through a dense, sweet fruited, warm finish. Seventeen months in French and American oak barrels, plus the sun density of the Golden Mile Bench provides structure that will reward with a few years in the cellar. Pricey but impressive.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Synchromesh Cachola Family Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild fresh raspberries, perfumed cherries, rhubarb and raspberry leaf lead this Loire-inspired, herbal cabernet franc. Bright and precise acids lift and buoy the juicy fruited, medium-bodied palate along fine, lightly cloudy tannins (unfiltered) until a vibrating riff of sage and mustard seed herbs lingers on the finish. A welcome lighter version of Okanagan cab franc, even at a surprising 14.2 percent alcohol, and best appreciated with a slight chill. Cachola Family Vineyard is located just north of Oliver, and is composed of gravelly clay soils cutting into the base of the hills.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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09 August 2016
88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Chardonnay 2014
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe, full and bold, this young chardonnay (four-year-old vines) carries overt wood and cream throughout its rich frame. Sweeter smoke, cloves, baked caramel apple pie and marzipan ride through to the finish. Rich and potent, this Golden Mile fruit was fermented wild in 100 percent new French oak, before 50 percent aged in the oak and the other in stainless for sixteen months. So much influence from the wood here, it's hard to clear through to the beautiful fruit, but time in bottle should assist.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Gray Monk Chardonnay Unwooded 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis big, concentrated and slightly sweet chardonnay is from vineyards from the north and south Okanagan. Tropical fruit, passionfruit, green melon and hedge fill the round, soft palate, one that is clipped short on the finish. Simple juice, chill well, drink now.Prices:| BC | $14.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Signorello Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesEarly, even and excellent is how winemaker/owner Ray Signorello describes the 2013 that jumps form the glass with notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom and vanilla. The style is rich and opulent California with more tropical fruit flavours and a thin bead of resin through the finish. A little more old-style perhaps than it needs be, but would be perfect with rich seafood dishes like lobster and crab. All native yeast ferment with fruit off 36-year-old vines. Only 1.8 tons per acre all picked September 22. The wine is whole cluster pressed and fermented in French oak barrels. Just under 60 percent goes through malolactic fermentation. The wine spends 16 months on the lees in 19 percent new French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $66.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $57.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Chardonnay 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThis oaked chardonnay, their estate, is an "entry level" tier, though it certainly doesn't present that way. The oak here, though evident, is well handled, and provides a good support for the fresh, potent orchard fruit. This was fermented in stainless steel, foudre (2250L) and traditional French oak barrels. Cream, ripe pear, nectarine, white peach and lemon peel are set against the round mouthfeel of that wood and finish slightly warm. While not fully seamless, it will become more so with time, and with assistance from tender scallops or crab cakes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Beringer Chardonnay 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBeringer chardonnay has escaped the rich, oaky, cloying style and now appears all grown up in the glass. Like the ’12, the ’13 is a slightly leaner, fresher style of chardonnay. It’s still Napa rich but there is balance here as exemplified by a mix of citrus and melon that enervate the mid-palate before the creamy orange flecked finish kicks in. Love the lees notes throughout. Try this with lobster or crab. Fine value in New World chardonnay.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $31.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Beringer Luminus Oak Knoll Chardonnay 2013
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLuminus continues to impress me and frankly isn't at all what you may expect from a Napa Valley Chardonnay. This single vineyard chardonnay from Oak Knoll has style and freshness. There is perfection tension here between the ripe tropical fruit tones and a mineral/citrus undertone. We love the nutty lees, ripe pear fruit and spare use of oak. High quality and good value in a New World style of chardonnay. Crab, halibut, lobster, whole roasted chicken all fits here.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
C.C. Jentsch Small Lot Series Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery perfumed white flowers open this full bodied, whole cluster pressed and barrel-fermented chardonnay. After fermenting in two-year-old French oak, this spends six months with occasional lees-stirring in the same vessels. Sweeter orchard fruit base, textured with light peppery spice and tightened with green apple acidity. Perfumed pear and apple blossoms linger on the finish. Reflective of the warm 2015 vintage, and the sun-ripe Golden Mile Bench.Prices:| BC | $49.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Tribute Series - Art and Viv Meyer Old Main Road Vineyard 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit was hand harvested October 30th at 24 brix from the sixteen-year-old, silty/clay loamy Naramata-based Old Main Road Vineyard that faces north. Only the finest, purest free run juice is used here. The attack is light and juicy with rich, nutty, leesy, honeyed-peach fruit flavours. The palate is similar with soft, round, almost sweet fruit flavours, no doubt attributed to the vintage. Still after all that there is freshness and length that keeps you coming back to the glass and finishing the bottle. Stylish and fun to drink now. The wine spends 11 months in 22 percent new French oak sans battonage. The Tribute Series is dedicated to Canadians that have been outstanding in their field. In 2014 Art and Viv Meyer were honoured as parents, grandparents and community workers.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Meyer Okanagan chardonnay is a mix of estate fruit from McLean Creek Road in Okanagan Falls and Old Main Road in Naramata. The wine goes through a natural, partial malolactic fermentation and spends about five months on its fine lees. The style is minimalist, helped by the use of older wood, yielding classic Okanagan tree fruit aromas with fairly ripe peach fruit flavours. As rich as we have seen this wine, although the finish is fresh and stony with a light mineral undercurrent. There is some complexity too. Ready to drink. Try this with fresh halibut and a fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo big changes here. The oak still dominates this wine, and in a warm year like 2014, only accentuates the sweetness and roundness. Butter, honey, melon and vanilla make for a slightly sweet entry that finishes with some oak spice and a much needed trace of freshness. Ready to drink. Serve creamy pasta dishes or scallops for best effect.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
LaStella Leggiero Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2015
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLeggiero is made without any oak, to emphasize the search for minerality and freshness. The challenge is to have some weight and complexity. The palate is quite pure and juicy, with skinny citrus, green apple scents and flavours accompanied by some sour notes in the crisp mineral finish. Food please; butter chicken could be fun or oysters on the half shell.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
50th Parallel Estate Chardonnay 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly softer edition from winemaker Grant Stanley, but the wine is cleaner this year. Look for an inviting nutty, leesy, baked apple, spicy nose. The palate is round and a touch buttery with more ripe apple/pear fruit and flecks of peaches. The finish is full with a touch of sweetness (honey) that moderates the acid, spice and oak. Ready to drink and would be perfect with Dungeness crab or lobster.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2016
89PTS
Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2015
South Australia, AustraliaCredited with reinstating and introducing a dying-off grape, Yalumba now has the greatest plantings of viognier in the world. This vintage of Y Series brings the classic lush apricot, jasmine, ginger and honeysuckle to a rich, spicy and full palate. At 14.5 percent alcohol, this can and absolutely should be paired with protein - think Ahi tuna tataki with papaya salad.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.70 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tahbilk Marsanne 2010
Goulburn Valley, Victoria, AustraliaPetrol, eraser and faint honeysuckle line the nose and the glass of this six-year-old Marsanne, showing some of the grape's ageworthy characteristics. A light golden yellow hue, with bitter marmalade, scrubby herbs and lemon thistle carried along a light slick of oil and finishing with pear skin spicing. Fine thread of persistent acidity runs the length of this lean bodied wine to the extended finish. This is all about tension and savoury stoniness. Another 6+ years easy.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tahbilk Marsanne 2013
Goulburn Valley, Victoria, AustraliaPale green yellow in hue, streaked with herbed salts, citrus, meadow grasses, subtle hedge and light white honey. Juicy and brisk in the palate, with frisky acidity and a clean, tight citrus and green apple note on a light/medium bodied frame. An apple skin grip adds a light savoury and textural element to an oil-slicked palate, finishing with fine spice. A shadow of age here, but with five-ten years in the cellar (and beyond) this will be an entirely different wine.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tahbilk Marsanne Museum Release 2008
Goulburn Valley, Victoria, AustraliaHoneysuckle is scented with light macadamia, smoked stone, eraser and bitter lemon pith in this eight-year-old Marsanne, bottled under the "Museum Reserve" label. The palate flows with an oily slickness, though there is a subtle fine grip through to the very lengthy, ashen and salty finish. Pale gold in hue, this is lagging in its evolution than some vintages, showing hints of the fruity characteristics of young marsanne, but with some of the secondary characteristics of the age worthy grape. Has a way to go still: 5 years easy. A cellar-worthy steal to buy now.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier +07/10 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTake a lush grape like viognier and match with the hot 2015 vintage and you land on this uber-rich white wine, thick with both floral fragrance and creamy body. Fleshy apricot and baked peach is lined with a thick layer of creamy lees and spliced with lime pith bitterness. You can feel the heat on the finish. One glass of this 15 percent alcohol wine is enough on its own, but paired with a protein-laden food, this could suit. Grapes from their Osoyoos' Perfect Hedge vineyard was split between stainless, French oak and concrete eggs, adding more expansion to the palate. A lot of a lot here.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stag's Hollow Viognier Hearle Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs much as I enjoyed the 2013 the ’14 may be better. The heat is viogner’s friend and there was plenty in 2014. The fruit is whole cluster pressed, cold settled and then moved to 100 percent tight grained French oak barrels (20 percent second fill, and 40 percent third fill, in 40 percent neutral oak) for fermentation and finally aged sur lees for six months prior to bottling. Classic white peaches, ginger, marmalade and floral notes. The palate is similar with a whiff of lees for complexity and along creamy, but not fat, palate. Impressive and more evidence this variety should have a home in BC. Anything in a creamy sauce works here: chicken, pork, rabbit pasta or Thai Pad.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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05 August 2016
90PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is a mix of rhubarb and strawberry with a touch of forest floor. The attack is firmer and drier than the ‘Okanagan blend’ with more spice and mid-palate weight and surprisingly some grippy tannins in the back end. I would leave this alone for three years to give it some time to settle in. Definitely a candidate for duck or grilled salmon. Mclean Creek Road Vineyard is on the home site. Its relatively steep slope, faces south, west and north west and sits over a mix of stony/sandy alluvial and glacial deposits. The vines mix five different Burgundian clones, both Pommard and Dijon, on three distinct blocks. Each block is managed separately using organic principles. The wine spends 11 months in French oak, 24% is new.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Old Block-McLean Creek Vineyard - OK Falls 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ‘Old Block’ is one of the original 1994 plantings (clone unknown) and is part of the largest block of pinot noir (one acre) at McLean Creek Road. It has a steep southerly aspect to capture the full range of the sun and in 2014 it got all the sun and more. Finesse, length, sweet pinot notes and silky tannins are the story here and it looks as if these vines will have a bright future. Love the brightness and the absence of oak influence. Take note competitors.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Reimer Vineyard Kelowna 2014
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEast Kelowna is home to this juicy, spicy, alive pinot noir. The nose is mix of jasmine and super ripe black cherries. The attack is sweet pinot with silky, round, juicy, soft fruit awash in ripe, red berries, dried herbs and a touch of brown spice. Love the balance here between acid and alcohol and the back end persistence. This is a new level of quality for pinot for BC. The grapes were harvested October 30. The vineyard, moderately steep, has a northwesterly aspect with slightly heavier alluvial and windblown deposits making up a silt loam overlaying a gravel loam. Grilled salmon, whole roasted chicken or mushroom risotto would be a dream.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Micro Cuvée McLean Creek Vineyards 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOnly 110 cases of Micro Cuvée were made, all grown at McLean Creek Road. The fruit was picked from the 6th thorough the 21st of October and it is clear it was picked at selection. The Micro Cuvée is all about winemaker Chris Carson and his personal selection barrels that make what he terms the “most harmonious blend” of McLean Creek Road Vineyard. The grapes are mostly from the Pommard Clone 91 block with a small additions form the 114 block and the 667-777 block. Carson picked one new French oak 500-litre puncheon, a one-year-old French oak puncheon and a 228 litre barrel to make the blend. This is full blown new world pinot, a bit reminiscent of Central Otago. Round, silky and ripe on the palate, the fruit is a mix of dark plums and cherries with a spicy, dried thyme undercurrent. Full and long and persistent it is clearly harmonious. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe gentle, minimal intervention style at Meyer filters all the way down to the introductory pinot simply labelled ‘Meyer’. It bears an Okanagan Valley designation and blends fruit from the home property Mclean Creek Road Vineyard in Okanagan Falls, Reimer Vineyard in South East Kelowna and two East Kelowna sites. Destemmed and cold soaked it undergoes a long fairly warm fermentation. It is all hand plunged and post maceration it spends ten months in 100% older seasoned French oak barrels. Certainly the ripest OK pinot we have tasted from Meyer, but what makes this better than past years is the juicy character of the wine. Cran-cherries, rhubarb, raspberry fruit covers the palate with that silky mouth-filling pinot texture. Fine quality and style and perfect with chicken or duck and or mushroom dishes. Good value. A mix of California and New Zealand meets BC.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimple, soft, sweet edition of pinot noir with some tannin that tugs at the back end. Round, spicy, sweet, candied flavours dominate the mid-palate with some bitterness in the finish. A style that won’t offend or impress. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $13.74 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear three of Hillside's pinot program using Naramata fruit is looking good. The nose is a mix of mineral, rhubarb, strawberry flavours with flecks of savoury/smoky dried herbs. The attack is dry and fresh with more rhubarb, pepper, cherry tobacco flavours. The finish has a few grippy tannins tugging at your gums but they would disappear into a duck confit or salmon dish.Prices:| BC | $21.73 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Pinot Noir 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe colour is a pleasing light hue; the nose is savoury, and full of spice and forest floor. The palate is rich with red fruits, rhubarb, plums cedar and spice. The finish is long and persistent. One cluster per shoot and the shoulders are removed suggesting the are not fooling around here. The wine is aged 30 percent new French oak for about 10 months. Solid. Try this with wild salmon.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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04 August 2016
88PTS
Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Riesling 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 10 to 30-year-old vines at the Naramata vineyard and from ancient granite soils, this ripe peach, pear butter, full-bodied riesling carries mango, mandarine and pulpy lime along a softer, cold cream palate to a grippy finish. Wild yeast ferment adds some herbal interest.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt RK Riesling Trocken 2015
Mosel, GermanyHeady white florals, petrol and pear skin lead off this cool, young, dry riesling, from a 600+ year old wine estate in Trier. Quince, mandarine and spiced yellow apple pick up on the medium bodied, bright and crunchy palate, one corseted with fine bones and lingering with a hum of minerality. Vineyards from the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer are utilized in the RK blend, their "entry-level" cuvee.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2014
Mosel, GermanyWith a sheen of petrol and a surge of honey, this Mosel riesling opens with a potency that carries through to the finish. Light flinty smoke, rich pear, light white florals and spiced quince paste are tempered with a thin frame of bitter herbs. From a steep southwest facing slope of medium deep, stony, loamy weathered schist, this absorbs the sunshine and reflects it back in powerful wines like this one. This Kabinett balances out 91 g/l RS with 8 g/l acidity in a tidy 8 percent alcohol bottle. Delish now, and over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Riesling 2015
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly reductive now with notes of struck match mixed with green apples, guava, and pear fruit flavours. Juicy, crisp crunchy fruit flavours of red apples and nectarine with dried herbs and a squeeze of grapefruit. We like most of this wine but the reductive notes mar the nose and finish. Make sure you give it some air to clean up in the glass. Try with spicy tuna sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $21.85 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Synchromesh Riesling Storm Haven Vineyard 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the premium riesling from the Okanagan's riesling specialist, soured from a single course sand over gravel vineyard on their estate in Okanagan Falls. This is the first year to include their new 2010 plantings, up to 1/3 of the blend. Beauty concentration, with lemon balm, ripe apricot and chalky texture cut with grippy green apple and lingering with white, gingered honey and lime pith. Mouthwatering shimmering acidity throughout this youthful wine, with the vast majority of its life still ahead. Indeed, this feels like a gangly teenager, on the verge of the swan stage. I will hold this vintage for 5+ years. Even in the super warm 2015 vintage, this holds at 8.9 percent alcohol, with a striking balance between 46 g/l RS and 11 g/l TA.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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03 August 2016
86PTS
River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPunchy tangerine, passion fruit and peach throughout this bold sauvignon blanc. The sun-warmed ripeness of the southern Okanagan is apparent here. Bitter peach fuzz and crunchy acidity ups the assertive component, as does a swarm of heat on the finish. Not shy, chill and pair with avocado and cilantro fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s hard to believe the vines are now 15 years old at Howling Bluff but they are, and the wine and the winemaker Luke Smith are settling in. Grown on deep clay, it easily withstood the warm summer. There is a hint of sweetness on the mid-palate but that offsets the lime rind, grapefruit and grassy gooseberry flavours. Back on track. Order some steamed mussels for a great match.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bench 1775 Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp and lean, with grass, sour lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry and green melon, this is a brisk and youthful sauvignon blanc to chill and refresh with this summer. Nine percent semillion is added for a touch of padding, thankfully; it's still super skinny.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNo big changes here in what is classic, commercial, Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Gooseberry and dill mark the nose and palate, with a strong citrus undercurrent. The tart, aggressive style finishes short and bitter, and is best tamed by a goat cheese salad or some west coast steamed mussels. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo changes here. The nose is a mix of grassy, pink grapefruit and lime rind aromas. The attack is soft and slightly sweet on entry with more grapefruit, butter, and green apple flavours. Simple and ready to drink if chilled well, or use in wine cocktails with ample citrus / orchard fruits.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAny way you look at it you have to be diligent to make sauvignon blanc in the south Okanagan. At LVP they picked early in 2015 to get taut acidity and moderate alcohol. The result is a bright, fresh style with rich, gooseberry/Meyer lemon aromas and an even sharper orchard fruit flavour on the palate before a stony, mineral back end. The magic comes from partial skin contact before pressing, stainless steel, neutral oak and a different scheme for each vessel holding juice. Look for bright, passion fruit/grapefruit flavours with a touch of stony/minerality. Oysters anyone?Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandRefreshing Marlborough sauvignon blanc from its bright, pure, gooseberry citrus fruits aromas to its trace bits of minerality in the finish. The attack equally bright with more fresh passion fruit and jalapeño notes on the palate. No need to wait on this bottle; just twist off the top and pour it out. A perfect match with shellfish, Margherita pizza or chicken salads.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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02 August 2016
91PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from the south Okanagan come together in this alluring Tuscan-inspired red. Black cherry, leather, graphite, dark florals, wild blackberry, and branch are seamlessly intertwined with this full, flowing red. Acidity pulses along structured, supple tannins, finishing with a long tug gf grippy spice, a welcome lingering effect of light filtration. Much more approachable in youth than previous vintages. Even so, decanting is welcome, and helps this density relax further. Drinking beautifully now, but will continue to deepen with 5+ years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blend of 57/21/11/11 merlot, sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc is big, dry and almost brawny with some grippy tannins. The attack is warm and acidic with savoury, twiggy, spicy black fruit with a long warm finish. If you like big, spicy hot reds this one is for you. We prefer a bit more finesse. Best now with grilled beef ribs.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the cellar. A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese, this is aged in Eastern European puncheons (35 percent new). Worn leather, dried cassis, black cherry and branch is scented with dark florals. At this point, unforgiving; tannins are still massive, raging and sticky, outpacing the ripe fruit and finishing long with a thick bitter espresso note. Decant and pour now with prime rib or roasted lamb.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fielding Estate Chosen FEW 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis big Niagara Peninsula red is a blend of cabernet franc, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, and is only the second vintage of Chosen FEW, a follow up to the warm and ripe 2007. Chosen from their best barrels, this is made in small quantities from select (I assume quite warm) vintages. The wines were vinified and aged for eighteen months in new and older oak barriques, and then blended and bottled without fining or filtration. This leads with big smoked wood and toasted branch. Smoked earth, ink, dark chocolate cedar and tart black cherry ride ragged cedar wood tannins to a bitter espresso finish. Overt oak overwhelms the fruit at this youthful stage, though should integrate more with a couple of years further rest. Decant now and pair with lamb or big beef dishes.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Ryan Patrick Redhead Red 2014
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFrom eastern Washington's Wahluke Slope AVA, the driest and warmest wine region in the USA, comes this full bodied and easy cabernet sauvignon/merlot/malbec/syrah blend. Black cherry, blackberry and pepper are stretched along a soft, wood-framed palate, the result of extraction plus seven months in American oak (fifteen percent of which was new). Short and splintered wood on the warm finish, best sopped up with sauced beef ribs or stew.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Merlot 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpicy black plum, blackcurrant, peppery steak seasoning and fruitcake fill this fuller, plush merlot, one seasoned with a sprinkle of malbec and cabernet sauvignon. Twenty-one months in French oak is apparent in the structure, a firm and warm hug. Tannins and wood are well integrated and a welcome benefit of having the 2013 as current release. Vanilla and heat (nearing 15 percent alcohol) linger on the finish, but nothing that grilled steak won't happily meet. Dialled and impressive, especially at this price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Mer'r'iym Meritage 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMer'r'iym (pronounced mur'-eem') translates to marriage, reflective of the union of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and cabernet franc in this big, ripe and powerful southern Okanagan red. One of the premium wines of the Nk'Mip portfolio, this is a giant of dark chocolate coated cherries, dark florals, tobacco, dried herbs, baked blackcurrant and toasted wood. Tannins are massive, ragged and chewy, and at this stage still overriding the density of fruit (not an easy task) but eighteen months in French oak can have that effect. The finish is bitter espresso and every ounce its nearly 15 percent alcohol. Best enjoyed now with a decant and herbed roast beef or game meat dinnerPrices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
River Stone Stones Throw 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiver Stone is a tiny estate winery operating just south of McIntyre Bluff in the south Okanagan Valley. The Stones Throw red blend is made with estate fruit off River Rock Vineyards, surrounding the Oliver winery. We like the bright fruit attack with ringing acidity that adds a tautness through the finish. Savoury black cherries, sagebrush and moderate vanilla/oak undertones. Tannins are slightly sticky, reflective of the hot site. This will improve in bottle over the next five years. Well done. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, one third new, for some 14 months. Merlot malbec and cabernet sauvignon are at the heart of the blend and they all lie within a ‘stone's throw’ of each other.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Ranch Hand Red Reserve 2014
British Columbia, CanadaRanch Hand Red comes off the Monte Creek Ranch in the south Thompson Valley. The mix of grapes is decidedly different than the BC norm at 59/23/10/8 of marquette/frontenac/cabernet sauvignon/merlot. The attack is fresh and lively with prominent but not overbearing acidity keeping it all fresh. It's an interesting mix of red and black fruit matching its floral, cherry/berry, brown spice flavours. Definitely original. Serve with a favourite venison dish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Retouche 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch better balance here than we saw in the 2011. The nose has an inviting, aromatic, savoury, black fruit note. The flavours are mix of black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit with moderate, silky tannins and very bright acidity. The concept of Hermitage-ing the Bordeaux blend with some Syrah is successful but this wine is only beginning its journey. Try with lamb or beef or wait another three to five years. The gratuitously heavy bottle does not fit the style of Le Vieux Pin.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Young & Wyse Collection Black Sheep Blend 2011
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis southern Okanagan blend is a 40/30/15/15 blend of cabernet franc/merlot/cabernet sauvignon/malbec. Now soothed with time in bottle, the dense and sweetly ripe red and black fruit is supported with gummy, sticky and powdery tannins. Dark chocolate and coffee is spiked with kirsch and perfumed with red gummies and florals. Best paired with saucy ribs.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Red Horizon Meritage 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild Goose always brings out the pure fruit in their wines and this 2013 screams black plums and blackberries on the nose and palate with some prominent spice and acidity. The palate is juicy and somewhat tangy, the finish medium long. A solid barbecue red that should improve further in the bottle. The blend is a mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $19.13 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Meritage 2013
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot quite as enticing as the previous year. There is plenty of savoury, red fruit here but the oak is dominating. The mid-palate is spicy and refreshing but the cocoa and vanilla sits on the red fruit at this point. The finish is medium long with some grippy tannins. I would wait a year or two for this to round out. Best with prime cuts of meat. This is the second year the Reserve Meritage has cabernet franc and malbec in the blend. Both were added equally at 2.8 percent joining 55.5 percent merlot and 38.9 percent cabernet sauvignon. It spends 15 months in a 75/25 mix of French/American barrels of which 40 percent are new and then bottle aged for 14 months.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Nothing Sacred 2011
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA good example why waiting for BC red wines while they age in bottle is usually a good thing. The 2011 Nothing Sacred Meritage is ready to go at five years of age. The nose is a mix of floral, cedar and savoury red fruits with flecks of oak and tobacco. The textures are mostly silky, with rich dark fruit and spicy flavours. Perfect with grilled or roasted meats and or lamb or perhaps a favourite soft cheese. The blend is merlot, petit verdot and malbec.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Inception Deep Layered Red 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaWe continue to see these wines from South Africa that obviously have some sort of commercial appeal retailers, likely a fat margin. The problem is sweet reds wines are no go with us. Smoked branch, tar and blackberry pie mark this concentrated sweet red that finishes simple, sweet and short with a twist of mocha. You could probably get a better version at Starbucks.Prices:| BC | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Roodeberg Red 2014
Western Cape, South AfricaSweet raspberry jam, cherry and cinnamon bark pervade this simple, medium bodied red. A smooth blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and ruby cabernet, this carries enough freshness to keep the super ripe fruit from cloying. Finishes with a black pepper kick.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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01 August 2016
86PTS
La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2015
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThis medium-pale pink offers up off dry candied and jammy strawberry and orange fruit. From cinsault, grenache and rougeon in the Ventoux, this is a ripe, sun-soaked and fleshy rosé, scented with floral roses, tangerine and red liquorice. Simple, and highly affordable, chill this down and crack this summer.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.90 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Salt Spring Vineyards Rosé 2014
Salt Spring Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaVery pale - almost clear in hue, with just the slightest hint of pink. A concentrated nose, with fine savoury herbs, maple bacon and light hints of earthy lees. Beauty spice seasons a gentle core of strawberry sweetness, carried with a wave of juiciness, and hemmed with fine grained tannins and grip on the finish. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sperling Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring the palest peach, nearly clear hue. Whole cluster press, wild ferment, full MLF and into puncheons for twelve months, this is Anne Sperling's adventurous, natural wine bent showing through, and it works beautifully. The savoury, salty nose lures and leads to an earthy, savoury, lees-lined palate, with cracked stone and fine grip on the finish. This is not about fruit, is very distinct, and quite delicious.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bench 1775 Glow Rosé 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a blush peach hue, this opens with light perfumed cherry, confected strawberry notes, which carries through onto the palate. More vegetal strawberry leaf, rhubarb and pear flavours lead the creamy medium body here, with the blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and cabernet franc met by a flush of juicy acidity. Simple and interesting, and well matched to salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2015
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale orange pink, this earthy, salty gamay rosé is from the spectacular Secrest Mountain site outside of Oliver. Twelve hours skin contact after destemming, this is pressed straight to concrete for wild yeast fermentation and six months aging. An earthy, wild herb nose carries Bing cherry, salts and wild strawberries along a slight slick of lees. Vibrant acidity finishes crunchy and quenching. A beauty, and one I expect to do well with some age. #GoGamayGoPrices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Little Farm Winery Rosé 2015
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways impressive, this cabernet franc rosé doesn't disappoint in 2015. Young, juicy and fresh now, past vintages indicate this single vineyard cabernet franc will age well with short term cellaring. If you can wait, that is - this is drinking beautifully now, with salted wild strawberries, subtle cured meats, fresh sage and flake salt. Dried orange peel lingers on the finish. Half the grapes were whole cluster pressed and the rest foot-trodden and left on the skins 4-7 hours before a gentle pressing into neutral barrels and stainless steel where it rested on the lees for six months.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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September 2016