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Tastings: December 2016
31 December 2016
87PTS
Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee NV
AustraliaDollar for dollar this sparkler is for those of you who want a dry but fruity sparkler without the aggressive acidity. The grape mix is chardonnay and pinot noir. The nose a citrus affair with soft red fruit flavours with a touch of yeast and crushed hazelnuts. The texture and finish is creamy and soft. Hard to beat at this price.Prices:| BC | $11.79 | 750ml |
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30 December 2016
94PTS
Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Brut Cuis 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceI could never tire of this fizz; the crisp, pure and precise linearity in this understated 1er cru is impressive. Didier, third generation of the Gimonnet family, oversees this small Côtes des Blancs grower champagne house. This wine, like all of their chardonnay-centric wines, is crystal crisp and bright, with driving linearity through to the lengthy finish. Five different harvests in the cuvee provide depth and complexity to this 1er cru, though the base is youthful, keeping the freshness and the piercing acidity of Cuis prominent. Aromas of juicy green apple, sea salt, subtle white flowers and lemon open onto schisty complexity, with chalky purity, vivacious intensity and a shimmery, saline-laced lemon zest to the finish. Chardonnay’s pure elegance and finesse, perfectly expressed.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Blanc 2013
Alsace, FranceThe ZH pinot blanc is actually a blend 65/35 pinot blanc/auxerrois from two sites: Herrenweg and Rotenberg Vineyards. The Rotenberg (red limestone) ripens later, bringing structure and acidity, while the warm alluvial soils at Herrenweg brings richness and aromatics. Fortunately in warm years, like 2013, the pinot blanc actually retains its acidity. Look for a fresh elegant style with mineral and wet stone wafting from the glass. The fruit is restrained, mostly white and yellow and disappears into a long, dry, food-friendly finish. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Evolve Pinot Blanc 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEvolve is the new Okanagan label from a very old Okanagan name - McWatters. Harry's daughter Christa Lee Bond oversees this line, meant to be affordable and approachable. The pinot blanc is a good example of the style - soft, fruity, round orchard fruit including peaches and red apples, finish with a fair bit of sweetness (candied fruit) flavours. Chill this down and sip solo or try it with spicy sushi to take on the sugar.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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29 December 2016
91PTS
Garzón Estate Tannat 2014
UruguayOne of the best 100 percent tannat wines I have ever tasted, and it begins with the texture and balance. Alberto Antonini is well known for his love of concrete – in this case, the tannat spends six months in 150 hectolitre concrete tanks followed by six months on the lees. It then spends another six months in neutral French oak barrels and untoasted casks. Those who know Antonini know that he loves concrete because "It provides an environment for any living organisms to live. It's where all the microbiology that what we want lives, and we want to welcome them." Garzón started with barrels to age, but they quickly realized it wasn't the best tool for the fruit. So today, the cellar is filling up with large untoasted casks to protect the original flavours and aromatics of the fruit. "It's nothing new we are just going back to the early days of winemaking." Again the texture is like no other, so soft and supple with richness and depth and elegance seldom encountered in South America. In 2014, a cooler year spawned more red than black fruit flavours with a dusting of white pepper and dried herbs. Energy is a great word to use here, reflecting the vibrant, fresh, juicy red with dense supple tannins. Grilled meats are a must.Prices:| BC | $33.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Garzón Estate Albariño 2015
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayThe wine growing and making is a three-way project at Garzón among Alberto Antonini, German Bruzzone and Eduardo Felix. A superb vintage has yielded a delicious version of this famous Spanish grape variety. Full flavour development occurred at a slightly higher sugar level than in 2014, resulting in more alcohol but terrific acidity. After a few days, post pressing, on the lees, the settled and racked juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks and kept on the lees for six months. Expect bright stone fruit aromatics and a rich mouthfeel. The palate is a balanced mix of peach and apricot fruit suspended by a perfect level of acidity. It's a head-turner, so fresh and lively, and full of minerality and a whiff of the sea. It's crazy good for the price: an amazing seafood wine and a stunning statement for Uruguay.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2014
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Servin is now in its forth generation of tending vines in Chablis, with family roots dating back to 1654 and with vines deep on old Kimmeridgian limestone (though here chardonnay is also known as Beaunois). The power of Grand Cru Bougros is clear here with the full, lees-fed body and tropical lemon, citrus curd and honeyed stone fruit. Flinty, spicy wet stone lingers on the very long finish. This site is near the top of slope, with vines averaging 34 years. The wine was fermented and aged in older oak and underwent full MLF. A baby now, this will fully reveal in ten years.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine de la Mandelière Robert Nicolle Chablis 2015
Chablis, Burgundy, FrancePaul Nicolle is firmly rooted in the village of Fleys, a winemaker village in the middle of the vines 4 kilometers from the town of Chablis. The domaine was created with less than one hectare in 1979 by Robert Nicolle and Josette Laroche, who can both trace their history from winemaking families in Fleys back to the late 19th century. Since the creation of the domaine, they have increased the size of their vineyards bit by bit, and currently the domaine produces wine from 20 hectares of vines. ILight lees, green apple, cream with crystalline lemon and a bright citrus lift. Precise and crunchy acidity reflect the limestone soils, brightening the fine lees base. Very well knit and complete. The Nicolle family has been farming vines here for four generations. This particular wine is sold through Laithwaite's, in the UK.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Eleni et Edouard Vocoret Chablis Le Bas de Chapelot 2014
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceWet stone, crisp citrus and a lovely stoney lees bed from this small 3.3 HA family owned vineyard just below the Montée de Tonnerre 1er Cru. The Vocoret family have been making wines in Chablis for generations, though this project is Edouard Vocoret and his wife Eleni, who trained at Dauvissat and Oudin. They are solely focused on small production, quality and terroir. Young, with just a light reveal of stone fruit and white floral perfume, this is built on minerality and blanketed with honeysuckle. Drinking well now, this will certainly continue to improve with time in bottle. Understated and pure.Prices:| UK | $25.00 | 750ml |
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28 December 2016
88PTS
Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou can set you watch by this ripe, round, a generous gewürztraminer that opens with a squeeze of grapefruit acidity to keep its off-dry gew demeanour quite fresh. Kiwi, lychee, juicy melon and fragrant florals are spiced with crystalline ginger. A cool ferment in stainless steel and attention to picking keeps the alcohol in check at 13.5 percent. A charmer this vintage. Good value too. Stock up and consider serving this with roast turkey.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Marionette Gewurztraminer 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThis new Salmon Arm based winery sources grapes from across BC for their single-vineyard, sustainably produced wines. This gew is from Summerland, and crushed and destemmed in stainless without skin contact to highlight the pure fruit notes. Light and lean, with delicate rose blossoms, soap, sour lemon to a short finish. Gew needs a bit more plumping out to be pleasant.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Interloper Gewurztraminer 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Sarah Bain is turning heads early with some delicious drinking wine. From Central Otago’s Burn Cottage and Quartz Reef, clearly she has a handle on cool. This 2015 reflects the warm year showing tropical litchi notes and orange on the nose, and it carries across the palate. The finish is off-dry, welcoming favourite curries, Thai dishes, roast turkey or pork. A mix of neutral barrels (25 percent) and stainless steel hosted the ferment and it all spends another four months on lees in stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz Gewurztraminer 2015
Alsace, FranceThe Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr was the first cooperative in Alsace. There is a freshness and acidity that underpins this very ripe gewürztraminer. Apricots, yellow fruits and rose petals spill onto the palate before finishing with peach, honey and plenty of residual sugar. Spicy dishes, even barbecue, will work here as will a savoury bird. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.25 | 750ml |
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27 December 2016
90PTS
Coolshanagh Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCoolshanagh is a meeting place of friends. It is also a small vineyard that sits 7 kilometres north of Naramata. This was harvested and produced by winemaker Matt Dumayne at Okanagan Crush Pad. Approximately one third was fermented in lightly toasted French puncheons and the balance in concrete eggs before eleven months on the lees. An alluring reduction kicks off this fuller bodied chardonnay, one carrying textured crisp pear, green apple, broken stones, earthy lees and wild herbs, all hemmed in skillfully and quietly with a verve of acidity. A swing of perfumed sweet lemon lingers on the finish, welcoming pairing with lobster or crab. In its youth; this will hold for 3-5 years easy in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gehringer Brothers Dry Rock Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough this Okanagan chardonnay may be unoaked, it certainly isn't lean. This is full bodied, slightly sweet, lees-led chardonnay from Dry Rock Vineyard, in the southern Okanagan Valley. All that sun is absorbed in this wine and reflected through the ripe and round red apple, orange blossom and thick lees. Lacking the acidity and verve needed to lift this heft, this is left heavy and blousy and much warmer than the 13 percent declared alcohol.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Big Leap Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury wild herbs, flint, baked apple and fine, potent citrus pith ring through this fuller, reductive chardonnay from Greata Ranch. A lengthy 41 day wild ferment in barrel (15 percent new) before ten months on the lees has upped the complexities here, on a bed of creamy lees, dried herbs and smoked salts A kiss of sweet vanilla applesauce lingers in the wake. Would love to see a tighter acidity in future to really make this wine striking. That said, a very impressive first showing from this label, from a family that needs no introduction in the Okanagan, The Fitzpatricks (founders of CedarCreek).Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yalumba Organic Chardonnay 2015
South Australia, AustraliaFollowing a leaner cool-climate BC chardonnay on the tasting bench you immediately pick up on the bright, tropical fruit characters in this organic chardonnay. Melons and pineapple mark the nose with a dusting of magical lees notes. The attack is round peachy/orange fruit flavours of baked red apples and tangy orange creamsicle and candied lemon notes. Serve this chilled with a dish featuring a little heat.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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23 December 2016
92PTS
Chateau Pomeaux 2005
FranceFrom a stellar vintage this ’05 Pomerol is completely ready to drink. There was optimal maturity and the fresh, ripe, juicy black fruit has seemingly soaked up all the new oak barrels used here. The style is soft, supple and as hedonistic as Bordeaux can get. The fruit dominates with some resin notes to remind you its' Bordeaux and not Napa. Best now with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $129.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau Belgrave 2010
Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau Belgrave, classed as a 5ème Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification came back to life in the 1980s under the Dourthe team and oenologist Michel Rolland. The chateau is in Saint-Laurent adjacent to the St-Julien appellation and the 55 hectares are planted to Cabernet-Sauvignon (40), Merlot (35), Cabernet Franc (20) and Petit Verdot (5). The oak regime is 50 percent new French barrels and the wine spends 15 and 18 months in wood. The style is Rolland sleek and harmonious. At six years the 2010 is strutting it stuff offering silky, smoky plummy fruit flecked with bits of tobacco and pencil lead. Showing well at the moment and pretty solid for the price.Prices:| QC | $48.50 | 750ml |
| PEI | $60.50 | 750ml |
| NLC | $31.55 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Château de Ricaud 2012
Bordeaux, FranceThe vineyards at de Ricaud were renovated by the Dourthe team in 2008 and four years later the work has paid off. The predominantly clay-limestone terroir works well storing and releasing water when needed. We love the soft textures and richness of fruit in 2012; this 50/50 blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot ages in all new oak. The mid-palate is full with a pleasant savoury, licorice riff penetrating the cassis fruit flavours. Fair value. Beef stroganoff anyone?Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chateau Canada 2012
Bordeaux, FranceChateau Canada has been making wine for 114 years on about 6 hectares of gently rolling vineyard in Cubzac-les-Ponts, 15 kilometres north of Bordeaux. The site is a mix of clay, chalk and gravel soils, the vines are on average 25 years old and the blend is 70/30 merlot / cabernet sauvignon. The 2012 is a winner. It’s always had structure but this year there is delicious, juicy red fruit with a touch of flesh, cedar and tobacco. Try this with a grilled steak for best results. Excellent value and authentic.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Chateau Lassègue 2008
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceChateau Lassègue has roots in Bordeaux that date back to the 1600’s but by the time Jesse Jackson got involved in 2003 it was at a low point. His fix was winegrower Pierre Seillan, and after Jess died in 2011 Seillan and Jesse’s wife Barbara have carried on. Nothing has been easy but the winery seems to be in a good place today. The 24-hectare site is planted to 60 percent merlot, 25 percent cabernet franc and 15 percent cabernet sauvignon and the vineyard is pushing 40 years. This has all the hallmarks of St. Emilion: a mineral, savoury earthy underbrush current that cuts into the supple plummy soft resiny red fruit. The finish is rich, persistent and long. A great performance in an average year. Ready to drink. Try this with mushrooms and game birds.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $70.00 | 750ml |
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22 December 2016
93PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2014
South Australia, AustraliaA blend of 53/47 cabernet sauvignon/shiraz, Bin 3890 is always a multi-district blend. The 2013 opens with fresh blueberry aromas off the top. The textures are almost relentless across its silky, smooth, long, satiny sheen. The attack is fresh with stony, mineral and black olives highlights, with cherries, chocolate, licorice, resin and tobacco behind. This red spends 12 months in American oak hogsheads (53 percent new). Tasty stuff and one of the best since 2010, if not better. There is plenty of stuffing here to wait through 2024.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $77.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu De Père en Filles 2014
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThings are changing at Jaboulet. Cellar and vineyard improvements are beginning to show up in wines such as Plan de Dieu, one of several Côtes du Rhône Villages that sits nearby Gigondas and Vacqueyras. The 80/10/10 mix of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre is gentle and polished with silky tannins and lovely black, peppery, juicy fruits with a mineral, stony savoury undercurrent. The high fruit content makes it a match for pork or even spicy curries.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bleasdale Frank Potts 2013
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThe Potts blend is 62/18/11/6/3/ cabernet sauvignon, malbec, petit verdot, cabernet franc and merlot, and it spends one year in oak of mixed sizes, 27 percent of which is new. Look for a floral, dark fruit nose with blackcurrant and plums. The attack is soft with brown spices, vanilla and more black fruit with bits of cassis, chocolate espresso and black olive flavours and just a hint of acid breaking through. Best with steaks. Drink through 2022.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
HMC McWatters Collection Meritage 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly reduced nose of tobacco leaf, cedar and meaty, leather aromas. Round, slightly dirty entry with cherry, earthy, coffee, peppery, fruit flavours and some grippy tannins. Rustic this will need some grilled beef to pull it all together. Let this age for another year or two for best results.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature Robert Hill-Smith 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Yalumba Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2012 bears the signature of Robert Hill Smith, former CEO of what is one of the most progressive wine companies in the world. Like Robert, this wine is a giant and should last well into the middle of the century if not beyond. The nose is awash in cocoa and blueberries with a savoury, cedar, dried herbs undercurrent. Long, warm, and silky, the fruit becomes expansive as it coats your palate from front to back. Its Hungarian oak ageing seems to have set the fruit free, leaving a very juicy free flowing style that for the moment subdues the dense, round, fine-grained tannins that are fuelling the future. An impressive take on the classic blend and one of the best from Yalumba.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz The Signature Andrew Murphy 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaIn 2013, the Signature cabernet sauvignon is all Barossa Valley with fruit from vineyards of Trevor Fromm, near Williamstown; the Brooks vineyard at Gomersal; the Cowham Light Pass vineyard; and the Crown Village vineyard, in the Krondorf foothills. The majority of shiraz comes from the Schiller family vineyard north of Nuriootpa on the Barossa Valley floor. Four of the blocks were selected with vines planted between 1925 and 1969. The wine is huge on the nose and palate. Look for lifted blueberry and black raspberry mixed with sweet spicy notes of black plums and licorice. The styling is supple and soft but with dense, rich black tannins. The ferments, open top, are all wild yeast induced to give the wine its individuality and complexity. The wine is one to age, including waiting until 2020 for a first peek. The 55th release of Signature in 2013 honours the Signatory Director of Wine Andrew Murphy. A young Murphy started his working life in the cellar where he rose to Cellar Manager, qualified as a Winemaker, was promoted to Operations Manager in 1992 and today is Director of Wine.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $75.00 | 750ml |
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21 December 2016
92PTS
Quinta do Vallado 30 Year Old Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThirty is a sweet spot for aged tawnies, merging some of the primary fruit of youth with the grace of age. Dried husk and dried fruits (apricots, figs) are imbued with sweet tobacco, vanilla and caramel notes. Bright and nimble in the mouth, over a cushion of crème caramel lining the palate. Fantastic length.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Quinta do Vallado 10 Year Old Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalRoasted nuts, light caramel, and marmelade is marked with bright acidity in this 10 year old Tawny. Light, fine wood shavings, hazelnut and crème caramel fill the firey palate. This Tawny is alive with vibrance of youth, though finishes a bit hot and eager. Charming, still.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Quinta Vale D. Maria Vintage Port 2014
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTasting in its primary youth, this concentrated vintage port is alive with vibrance and intensity. Smoked tobacco, potent cassis mark the dense palate, one quite grippy with raw, raging tannins that will settle with time. Sweet and spirited on the finish, lay this intense Port down for five years, as a start.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Croft Vintage Port 1994
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOpening with a distinct earthy, mushroom savouriness before a round and sweet palate. Blackberry jam, cassis and raisins are propped up with soft, supple tannins, finishing with a medicinal ribena note. Easy and accessable now, ready for drinking.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $165.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 1999
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirect and forward, with savoury and salty soy, perfumed anise, ink, heady cassis and violets dominating this peppery and youthful full palate. Quite sweet and primary in the mouth, though a moderate peppery grip returns to the finish. This is a vintage port from a non-classic (undeclared) year from a single quinta, Panascal.Prices:Read Full Note
93PTS
Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port 1998
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis savoury little singular port impresses with savoury and salty soy, perfumed anise, violets and fine ink. The medium-full palate is dense with alluring carmelized brown sugar and ample fine spices adding layers of completxity and balance. Drinking very well know, but will continue to hold. This is a vintage port from a non-classic (undeclared) year, and a blend of three different properties (note the Guimaraens in the name of the wine, indicating the difference).Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas 2002
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBottled in 2004. A light citrus cherry note opens this still youthful, ripe and generously juicy 2002 from Vargellas. Amply sweet on the mid palate, with structured, grippy tannins framing the dense cassis, raisins and wild blackberry notes ably. One to hold, and will hold very well. This is a single quinta port (Vargellas) that is made entirely from one vintage, but quality was not high enough to be classified or blended into the house's Vintage Port.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Fonseca 20 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe 20 years in wood is very evident, in this punchy, medium-full Tawny. Almost a whisky note on the nose with caramel sweetness offset by textural, strident, cedar-hewn tannins. A more assertive style, as is typical of the brand, this is a proudly firey and gutsy Tawny.Prices:| BC | $88.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fonseca 10 Year Old Aged Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalReddish cherry in hue, almost looking like a red wine. The nose is less classically tawny, though friendly and appealing with youthful sweetness, orange and cherry notes carring through to the turbindo sugar-led palate. Brisk, gruff acidity and a very grippy finish counters the sweetness and welcomes food pairing.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| PEI | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $40.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Taylor Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAlmond paste, cookie dough and a faint plastic / earthy note on the nose. Forty years in cask has worn this Tawny very gentle on the palate with a rounder mouthfeel than tawnies of youth. A fine line of orange oil is woven throughout the concentrated hazelnut, caramel and butter notes to a lightly grippy finish. Elegant and fairly seamless, quietly.Prices:| BC | $197.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $244.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $245.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe 30 Year Old Tawny hits all the right notes for me, a beauty integration between the energy of youth and the wisdom of age. Nut skins and dried citrus on the earthy, lightly oxidative nose continue onto the silken palate, where an alluring saltiness comes in. Valencia orange oils, salted and roasted almonds and hazelnuts, and warm golden raisins linger on the shimmery finish. Excellent length.Prices:| BC | $155.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $145.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $193.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $193.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuite a jump in smoothness on the palate from the 10 Year Old Tawny though the wood is certainly more more present here, strident and grippy. Roasted hazelnuts, orange-scented caramel and golden raisins stud the medium-full palate. A warming alcohol is felt on the drying, riffing finish.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.75 | 750ml |
| NF | $78.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $90.75 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSweet salted hazelnuts, orange marmalade, caramel, classic, for a reason. Still showing youthful energy, with grippy roasted and salted almonds, mouthwatering and juicy acidity and the moderately silky tannins, all well coated by fine caramelized sugar. Fine perfumed orange oil on the rear.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port Unfiltered 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalWith a quiet nose of cassis, this unfiltered Late Bottled Vintage Port carries much more vibrance and punchy fruit on the juicy palate. Fiery, grippy on the finish. LBV's are bottled when ready to drink. This port benefits from being decanted before serving, as it is not filtered when bottled.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quevedo LBV Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBlack plums, caramelized brown sugar dominates the nose, overlying a burnished tar and brandy note. Very concentrated, young and fiery (as expected of young port of this age), the ripe cassis, black cherry and blackberry jam is mellowed with slightly worn (though still grippy) tannins, enabling its easy drinking now, especially with strong blue cheese. Brown sugar returns on the finish, as does some heat, though easily tamed with more time in bottle or a suitable pairing.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fonseca Bicentenary Edition Crusted Port Bottled 2008 NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTo commemorate 200 years of family tradition and achievement, Fonseca has made a limited release of a Bicentenary Edition Crusted Port. This one was bottled in 2008. Broken stone, light cassis, blackberry, dark brown sugar and cracked black pepper lead this grippy Port, one that finishes a touch on the firey side at this early stage. A textural component ups the interest here. Crusted is a traditional style and Fonseca is one of very few houses that continue to produce it. It is a blend of rich, full-bodied Ports bottled without fining or filtration. After some time a sediment or 'crust' will form in the bottle.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Fonseca Bin No 27 Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis entry-level and highly accessible port is very grapey, youthful and simple, with sweet cassis and ribena, framed with finely grained and grippy tannins. First launched in 1972, Bin No. 27 is premium ruby, and an excellent introduction to non-oxidative style ruby ports (at a great price). In the Guimaraens family for five generations.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2011
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLight grapey notes open this juicy and youthful Late Bottled Vintage. Fine and moderate silkiness on the palate is countered with a nice light grip on the sweet finish. Welcoming and accessible. This LBV draws upon fruit from Taylor estates in Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. It’s as ready to drink as any young Taylor wine which means you could technically wait a year or two but there is enough fruit to buffer the inherent structure that marks the Taylor style.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.99 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Taylor's Chip Dry NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe classic for the iconic Porto Tonico cocktail. Creamy and expressive, with gentle sweetness, citrus and light nut. Subtle orange blossom, pear blossom on the finish, with a quietly warming and well integrated wood presence noted. A blend of Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato and Arinto.Prices:| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fonseca Siroco NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAn alternative to Chip Dry (and my preferred white port) for Porto Tonicos. This dry white port opens with a nice cut of citrus, orange and lemon pith. A fine vibrance and snappy acidity on the gently citrus sweet palate. A blend of malvasia fina, gouveio, viosinho, rabigato and arinto.Prices:| QC | $15.65 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sandeman Ruby Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA mainstay on our market, and not just for the bargain price. This is a bright, sweet and direct Ruby Port, supple and smooth, up front and accessible, with boozy cherries, baked brown sugared plums, moderately dark chocolate and vanilla raspberry jam. Bright acidity moderates the ample sweetness here, while just a gentle tug of tannins keeps this approachable and friendly now. Best for a crowd when you're serving cheeses or chocolate desserts.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalBrown spices, pineapple, roasted bananas and light butterscotch dominate this youthful port, the first one to be 100 percent organic (down to the spirit). The mid palate is round, and flushed with a watery core which works in its benefit to counter the candied plum and blackberry jam sweetness. Grippy spices linger on the warm finish. Eager and youthful, and appealing to those who want to drink organic.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $31.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1967
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's boasts extensive reserves of very old cask aged Tawny Ports, and as of 1964, have released a series of fifty year old Tawnies from a single vintage (Colheita). Still potent up front, with salted marzipan, orange, whisky and wood tannins more strident and firm on the palate than in previous colheitas. Carmelized orange, singed brown sugar, butterscotch, raisins, honeycomb and pecans finish with great length and a fiery warmth.Prices:| BC | $259.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1966
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor Fladgate boasts extensive reserves of ancient, cask-aged Tawny Ports, and as of 1964, have released a series of fifty-year-old Tawnies from a single vintage (Colheita). A medium mahogany hue, with a complex nose of salted hazelnuts, almonds, orange and light caramel carry onto a savoury palate. Layers of subtle spices, wood, salted caramels, fig, and dark molasses, framed with fine, persistent tannins. Exceptional length and hum on the finish, with sweet tobacco and potent orange-caramel notes lingering. Subtly confident, this is a unique wine that is drinking beautifully now.Prices:| BC | $299.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1965
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's boasts extensive reserves of very old cask aged Tawny Ports, and as of 1964, have released a series of fifty year old Tawnies from a single vintage (Colheita). Deeper mahogany hued, sweeter, round and full, with caramel, walnut, toasted oak, burnished orange, marmalade, cinnamon, tobacco and lightly smoked cedar notes on a concentrated, voluptuous palate. This carries a lot of power still, all with a crisp edge of acidity. Caramel notes and tobacco lingers on the exceptional finish, one that vibrates in the mouth. Such power and showing such youth, still. Fifty years young.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port 1964
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaylor's boasts extensive reserves of very old cask aged Tawny Ports, and as of 1964, have released a series of fifty year old Tawnies from a single vintage (Colheita). Potently nutty, with salt roasted almonds, hazelnuts merging with alluring orange oil, crème caramel and light molasses. The frame is strict, with fine, cedar bough tannins firmly supporting the ample tawny sweetness. Worn wood lingers on the humming, lengthy finish.Prices:| BC | $280.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quinta Do Noval Colheita Tawny Port 2000
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalComplex nose of old wood, caramel, dried cherries, leather, dried fig, roasted almonds, orange zest and cedar spicing. Very sweet, dense in the mouth, with smooth tannins and layers of spirited orange, fine pepper on the grippy finish. Exceptional length. This has been matured in cask for at least seven years.Prices:| QC | $68.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $85.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Warre's Vintage Port 1977
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom the cellar. Tasted a dozen times or more but we never get tired of this fabulous, old mature ’77. Notes of died cherries and candied cranberries, Christmas cake, brown sugar, heated molasses and medicinal notes. It’s taken several decades for this port to find its feet, but forty years along now it has settled into its bones perfectly. Delicious now and an experience for all, this is the reason we cellar wine. Less rich than some, more mineral than most. Drink solo when you need to contemplate an issue or two.Prices:| BC | $270.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quevedo Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalRoasted almonds, nougat, figs, orange peel and light fruitcake carry this spirited, single Quinta Tawny Port. Fairly streamline and accessible, with a soft mouthfeel balancing out rustic edges. A noticeable wee burn of alcohol on the shorter finish would be best mitigated by pouring with fruitcake or crème caramel.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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20 December 2016
87PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards The Unwinder Ehrenfelser 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Fitzpatrick family made an unfailing good ehrenfelser at CedarCreek for many years so I’m not surprised to see this variety among the still wine list at Greata Ranch. The style is clean, rich and sweet with big orange fruit but not as much acidity as we like in 2015. Pair this with spicy dishes for now or chill it down and serve liberally on the patio.Prices:| BC | $24.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Radikon Ribolla 2007
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyOne of the iconic wines of the natural wine world, this wine is typifies wabi-sabi. It has many "faults", but in that imperfection lies a beauty. Entirely additive free, this had three months on the skins, fermented wild, in 3000L botti, where it spent nearly 4 years before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, and then rested a further year. This orange wine pours a cloudy haze, with orange oil, elderflower, fennel, wild herbs, quince, dried apricot, meadow blossoms scenting a malty cereal base. Acidity is bracing and striving. Gripped with firm and fine tannins, this savoury wine is best enjoyed over a number of days, or at the least, after a decant and very light chill. Intriguing and memorable.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Enrico Winery Confessor Estate Reserve Ortega 2015
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe winter hardy ortega has found a home on Vancouver Island and it appears to be thriving at Enrico. The 2015 is fully ripe but super fresh too. Bright and juicy it doesn’t have any of that ponderous Alsatian-stylled weight, that can make it a chore to drink. This is fun and it is delicious too. Almost watery in a good sense with floral orange tropical fruit flavours, try this with a spicy stir fry or sushi rolls. Super value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Spinetta Vermentino Toscana 2013
Tuscany, ItalyA super bright vermentino grown over clay and sand, south facing at 180 metres above sea level. Naturally fermented, this spends four months on its lees in stainless steel. The nose is cool and complex with hints of citrus, seaweed, sea salt and pine. The attack is very fresh with a strong citrus undercurrent and more rosemary, dried herbs, pine, peach and lime fruit. A classic Tuscan white that calls for pasta doused with a simple tomato ragú.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Ana Torrontes Reserva 2014
ArgentinaSweet lime blossom, rose petals and peach throughout this juicy, round and off-dry torrontes. Nine months in French oak is meant to increase the seriousness of this full white, though torrentes' inherent playful fruity jubilance is hindered somewhat by the wood, and as well-integrated as it may be it leaves a lingering bitterness. Pour this alongside butter chicken or richer Thai green curry for best results.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta De Chocapalha Arinto 2015
PortugalArinto is one of my favourite underdog grapes of northern Portugal: lemony, herbal, marine and lean. Here it shines in Lisbon, from an estate established in the 16th century. This is fermented cool in stainless steel, after which it spends five months on the lees to fill out the wine's thin frame. Light and fresh, with that hallmark herbal lemon and pithy grapefruit pervading the linear form. Sea salts season the brisk finish. A fruitier, livelier choice than Chablis, and just as at home with oysters or spot prawns.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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19 December 2016
88PTS
CedarCreek Amphora Wine Project Desert Ridge Meritage 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRock roses, dense raspberry and an earthy clay throughout this natural wine from CedarCreek, a project now in its second year. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec from their Desert Ridge vineyard in Osoyoos was destemmed into amphora without any additions at all (including sulphur) and was sealed and left for nine months. When the top was cracked, this was pressed off and foot tread before a stint in stainless for two months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Grippy, raspy raspberry, tobacco, dusty stone, plum and medicinal black cherry carried on finely sticky tannins to a drying and warming (15 percent) finish. An adventuresome project, though at this price point and with only 35 cases made, one that is hard to follow closely.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Rita Secret Reserve Red Blend 2015
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileWhat's the big secret? Well it's not the grapes - some mix of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/syrah/carmenere/petit verdot. Nor am I surprised by the cedar-hewn, green-tipped, milk chocolate cushioned and tugging tannins from this Maipo red blend. What you're not going to get until you taste though, is that there is a bright freshness that carries this ripe red to a snappy finish, and enabling you to pair it with fare from empanadas to pork meatloaf.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ravenswood Icon Native Sonoma Mixed Blacks 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesPouring an opaque hue, this is a full bodied Sonoma County blend of zinfandel, petite sirah, carignane and alicante bouschet but with a sense of freshness on the palate. Low yields, old vines and wild ferment before 19 months in French oak (40 percent new) has resulted in a dense, but smooth ripe red, with supple tannins well supporting the medicinal cherry, ripe blackberry, black plum fruit. Espresso and cinnamon add seasoning to the generous palate, and linger on the slightly sweet but well balanced back end. This is well suited to beef tenderloin in jus, or steak.Prices:| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Borsao Garnacha 2015
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainBright and fresh, with medicinal-kissed cassis, wild blueberry, blackberry thorns, bramble, espresso and dark violets on the palate, one fleshed out with the generosity of the hot Spanish sun. Garnacha, tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon are kept bright with stainless steel, while tannins are smooth, fine and held taut with a slight stickiness. A fresh finish easily holds the 14.5 percent alcohol at bay, welcoming another pour. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Petit Bonhomme 2014
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainWinemaker Nathalie Bonhomme puts her name on this Jumilla red that mixes monastrell, garnacha and syrah from bush vines grown in southwest Spain. The monastrell comes off the oldest vines at the plus 25-year mark. It spends only five months in French and American oak to mostly let the blend stretch its legs. Look for a peppery, liquorice, raspberry/cherry fruit aromas with flecks of savoury, dried black fruits. The attack is similar, with more licorice, plums and black cherry/coffee flavours. Lamb chops or barbecue back ribs are a fine match. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ravenswood Besieged 2014
Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBesieged is a throwback to an old Italian field blend made mostly with Sonoma County fruit: petite sirah, carignane, zinfandel, syrah, barbera, alicante bouschet and mourvèdre. All play a part in forming a deep, ripe red wine. Sueded, supple tannins support sweet plums, ripe blackberry jam, black liquorice, cardamom, and chocolate covered cherries, all with a heft and density that reflects the alcohol (near 15 percent). Ten months in French oak (40 percent new) and another layer of weight texture. Rich, ripe and warm through the finish, this is a generous full-bodied red that is well suited to short ribs and or lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Ana Reserve Malbec Shiraz 2014
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis ripe malbec/shiraz blend from Maipú carries silken black plum, black cherry, light pine and black pepper from front to back, riding along smoothed, supple tannins. A warm wave of camp smoke wraps up the finish. The round fruit handles the year in French and American oak easily, welcoming grilled ribs or Angus burgers.Prices:| BC | $13.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Tinto 2014
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThere’s lots of passion here thanks to constant international feedback on its wines which is why it’s a consistent little red wine that packs well above its price point. The vineyards are all 20+ years old and a mix of tinta roriz, tinta barroca, touriga franca and touriga nacional. The fruit is aged in stainless steel before a splash of old vine reserva from oak barrels is added back into the blend. The key here is freshness under and over the black plum, black cherry flavours and a beautiful, stony, mineral finish. This is wine for wine drinkers. Drink now with lamb or age it through 2024. Super value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quinta do Crasto Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva Old Vines Vinhas Velhas 2013
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOld Vines is a mix of old vines – to 70 years old – and just for fun there are 25 to 30 different grape varieties in the vineyard. The ageing is done in an 85/15 mix of French and American oak for about 16 months. The nose opens with a mix of vanilla, tobacco, black liquorice and dried savoury field herbs. The palate is mix of warm, juicy black fruits with hints of raisins and some rich textured tannins yet to be dispersed. There is fine intensity here but this red needs five more years in bottle to pull it all together. The future is bright.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Esporao Reserva Tinto 2013
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalFleshy dark plum, perfumed blackberries, dense rock roses, dark chocolate and ample thorny tannins fill this dense and compact young blend of aragonês, trincadeira, cabernet sauvignon and alicante bouschet from the Alentejo. Twelve months in 70 percent American oak and 30 percent French oak barrels, plus an additional stint of 8 months in bottle have primed this wine to reward with some aging (and decant and enjoy with roasted lamb now). A wave of acidity carries the heft to a pleasant sweet cassis and heady spice on the warm finish.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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18 December 2016
84PTS
Marionette Sur Lie 2015
British Columbia, CanadaTrue to name, this is a white that has spent time on the lees. In this case, Peachland chardonnay and Armstrong pinot gris were united in a 50/50 blend that was fermented in stainless and then underwent weekly battonage for six months. A lovely creamy mouthfeel carries notes of sour lemon, yellow apple blossoms and quiet pear. Acidity is tart, and at odds with the residual sugar, leaving the whole disjointed and clumsy on the finish.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Marionette Entwined 2015
British Columbia, CanadaThis is a sweet and sour blend of siegerrebe, pinot gris, pinot blanc and gewürztraminer from Armstrong, produced by this new Salmon Arm winery. Soap, pink florals and crab apples on a tart, lighter and dilute palate, finishes short and sour.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Singletree Winery Homestead White 2015
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhat a difference a year makes. Singletree started planting vines in Fraser Valley's Mt. Lehmann in 2011 and opened their wine shop in 2015. This is a blend of estate pinot gris, grüner veltliner, chardonnay and kerner, all co-fermented in stainless steel. It’s lively, fresh and has a touch of lees adding texture and mouthfeel that makes it all that more attractive on the palate. The ripe flavours of red apple, honey and spice add even more to the mix. Ready to drink. Try with spicy chicken salads or a spicy tuna roll.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2014
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLime cordial, lemon pledge and apple are bathed with a wash of sweet peach pie and baked apple before a lime peel finish. Riesling and Gewürztraminer come together in this juicy, off-dry, round and ripe white. Easy and approachable.Prices:| BC | $10.29 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.55 | 750ml |
| NS | $13.50 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Alandra Branco 2014
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThick lees coat the base of this fuller white from the Alentejo, a blend of indigenous grapes antão vaz, perm and arinto. Youthful and round, with a kick of residual sugar acting as a foil to the sharp, green-edged and herbal orange. Bitter on the finish, this benefits from a brisk chill and a seafood platter.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Esporao Reserva Branco 2014
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis fuller white is a blend of antão Vaz, arinto, and roupeiro from the Alentejo. From an average age of 22 years and a home on clay loam, this spent six months in both stainless steel and new French and American oak barrels with extended lees contact, hugely evident in the overt smoky oak on both the nose and palate. Rich lees, overripe pear, banana custard and tropical blossoms sit on top of the rich bed of lees, finishing with a warm flush. This is a classic case of too much is too much - this would be much more drinkable if the fruit was left to shine clearer.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Oops Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Region del Valle Central, ChileBaby barf and lactic notes are your first intro to this super simple Chilean white. Sweet and sour lemon, grapefruit and tangerine are slicked with lees on the zesty palate. Sauvignon blanc from the Central Valley is splashed with 15 percent carmenère here.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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17 December 2016
87PTS
Finca Las Moras Reserva Tannat 2014
San Juan, ArgentinaFirm, stony, blackberry baselines an earthen clay and perfumed floral peony palate with rich tannins and brisk acidity. Pencil lead and barnyard pervade the black fruit to a bitter, espresso finish. This is classic tannat albeit in a friendlier style even if it doesn’t sound like it. Open early and decant for best results and be sure to serve with a piece of rich, medium rare to rare barbecue meat. Even opening 24 hours in advance of drinking doesn't exclude needing roast beef or lamb. Not for the timid. Good value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marionette Pulcinella 2014
British Columbia, CanadaMarionette is a new BC winery located in Salmon Arm and run by a young couple with winemaking experience in France, Spain and the UK. Amanda and Jamie returned to BC and founded Marionette two years ago, focussing on low intervention wines. Pulcinella is 100 percent zweigelt, from Ladyhawke Vineyards in Keremeos. A pre-fermentation maceration ups the extract here, while time in stainless and lack of filtration aim at maintaining purity. Light and bright on the palate, with herbal raspberry, tart rhubarb, light blossoms and tight, tart black cherry. Tannins are astringent, though fine, and provide a firm base for the gentle silkiness on the lean palate. A stripped down, severe style that needs food to shine.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBranchy raspberry, light sappy resin and ample salts flow throughout this lightish, unfiltered cabernet franc. Wild black plum, black cherry, raspberry and dusty earth finishes with a gentle light smoke, broken stones and grippy tannins. The acidity has an easy crunchiness to it. Characterful, friendly, but with detail and interest, both of which will increase with time in the cellar. Beef please.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Foradori Teroldego Dolomiti 2013
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyDark plum, subtle cassis, blue florals, tobacco smoke and dusty tannins in this perfumed teroldego. one with a bamboo-fine frame. Light-medium bodied, natural, lifted, with very fine tannins that turn raging on the finish, craving pairing with wild mushrooms and/or wild boar.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nals Margreid Galea Schiava 2013
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThough the schiava grape might be new to you, it's been grown in Alto Adige since the 16th century. Also known as vernatsch or trollinger, the grape produces light, fragrant reds typically with moderate alcohol and light tannins. This elegant, lightly hued example from Nals Margreid is an excellent introduction; 100+ year old vines yield a light red with delicate wild strawberries, raspberries, perfumed pink florals and a thin vein of minerality. The palate, also quietly confident, brings delicate strawberries and anise, fine pink peppercorn spice, a slight grip of tannins and a subtle smoked stoniness. Acidity is freely lifted and the finish lingering. Pair with charcuterie, specifically, speck, on a midsummer eve.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Foch 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA foch by any other name would still be a foch. Dark purple, peppery, gamy, foxy and meaty in character. There are hints of black currant that fade into its wild notes. The style is round and soupy with a hit of peppery acid in the finish. Serve with mature cheeses for best results. I'm not sure we need this grape in BC.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Oops Carmenere 2014
Region del Valle Central, ChileRoasted meats, green twigs and wet earth meet sweet black fruit in this basic, screwcapped red from Chile's Central Valley. Powdery tannins house the smoothed fruit to a short, onion skin and black pepper finish. Simple.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Tannat 2012
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis Cafayate tannat opens with ink, dark chocolate and roast coffee, which are quickly squashed by massive, powdery and grippy tannins. While there is a fleeting cushion of attractive espresso rubbed black cherry, those tannins override immediately, and grip the short, warming finish to bitter astringency calling for big, fatty meat stews to counter.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $16.00 | 750ml |
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15 December 2016
86PTS
Bench 1775 Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is ripe and juicy up front with warm black raspberry flecked with savoury dried herbs that coat the palate. Fresh and youthful, it’s leaning to red fruit and spice in the finish but with some drying, grippy tannins that hold back the finish. Needs food now. A little more silk is all this needs to sing. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Five Vineyards by Mission Hill Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJust released and showing a bit tight under screw cap so be sure to splash decant your bottle for best results. The ’14 shows a little more fruit but this wine has always been about forest floor, spice and earthy elements, and that style remains. Stewed cherry, juicy red currants, stewed raspberry fills the spicy palate. More or less ready to drink out of the gate. Try this with roast chicken. Simple, good value but probably not what the $18 punter is looking for in pinot noir.Prices:| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.45 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marionette Pinot Noir 2014
British Columbia, CanadaMarionette is a new BC winery located in Salmon Arm and run by a young couple with winemaking experience in France, Spain and the UK. Amanda and Jamie returned to BC and founded Marionette two years ago, focussing on low intervention wines. Candied sour cherry, rhubarb, cranberry, young raspberry and black pepper fill this exuberant, youthful and slightly spritzy pinot noir. Tannins are fine and lightly grippy. The grapes come from Peachland's sandy gravelled Tenacious Vineyard, the freshness is captured with stainless steel, and no filtration is used prior to bottling. Eager and keen, if a bit ernest, this is a project to keep an eye on in future.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is classic north Okanagan pinot - Block 4 off the home vineyard – that opens with spicy, forest floor, rhubarb, strawberry, black cherry jam, on a silky palate. Bright fruit and fresh acidity rules here thanks to multiple picks in the vineyard, with spicy, menthol, cherry, dried herbs in the finish. Big enough for a turkey and all the trimmings but it won’t overpower the bird.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir 2015
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandThere is something delicious about entry level Central Otago pinot noir and Mud House often hits the mark with its estate label. The fruit is grown at Bendigo and destemmed, leaving a portion of whole berries to brighten the palate. Plums and dark cherries flecked with savoury dried herbs and spice finish round and supple with little oak intrusions. A soft, silky, red ready for a stuffed bird. Super value.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ‘white’ label Spierhead pinot is the winery workhorse responsible for about 60 percent of the production and its becoming something of a North Okanagan pinot beacon for me. It’s meant to be a window into the house style that outsiders might claim to be more Oregon, less California with an eye on Burgundy. In the warm 2015 vintage it may be slightly more skewed to California. Aged for roughly ten months in French oak the ‘white label has a delicious demeanour with sweet strawberry over tones mixed with cherries, spicy, licorice and compost notes. Still fresh but already fun to drink. Try this with pork or grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Averill Creek Somenos Series Pinot Noir 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the premium pinot noir from Cowichan Valley's Averill Creek, and an excellent example of what the grape can achieve on our Wine Islands. Dark, spiced cherries, black plum and wild black raspberries, and forest fill the silky palate of this medium bodied pinot. Bright acidity and cracked black pepper liven the palate, one framed with slightly sticky tannins and lingering with a balsamic, wood note. Young still, this will reward with a year or two in the cellar. Well done.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Averill Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaProof that the fringe Wine Islands weather can make a high quality red. This is a silky, medium bodied pinot noir, with dark cherry and wild raspberry, finely stencilled with lightly grippy tannins. Cloves and cinnamon season the palate, while a gentle and lifted acidity carries it. Serious stuff.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Free Form Natural and Unfiltered Red 2015
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree Form wines are made naturally, with nothing added or taken away. This, clone 667 pinot was fermented wild in two 800L amphorae and aged on skins for eight months before it was pressed and left an additional month prior to bottling, without any additives. Light dusty, strawberry, raspberry fruit revolves around a plum core that finishing with earthy, drying tannins with autumnal notes. Juicy, young and natural, it’s showing its unprotected age. We will revisit this wine in the future. Loving this project, what it stands for and where it is going, but at this price, it's not easy to follow closely.Prices:| BC | $54.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Aronui Pinot Noir 2014
Moutere Hills, Nelson, South Island, New ZealandFragrant and juicy plums, dusky raspberry and fine spices fill this medium bodied, single vineyard Nelson pinot noir. A generous palate is hemmed in with fine, supple tannins and some light nutmeg spicing. Easy drinking, mid-week red.Prices:| US | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir 2012
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWarm and ripe black raspberries, cherries and plum fill this generous Marlborough pinot noir. A pure plum core is scented with soft baking spices and hemmed in with a light raze of tannins. Easy, friendly and accessible Marlborough pinot.Prices:| US | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2014
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGenerous raspberry jam, strawberry and a tart herbal rhubarb note on this soft, round Awatere Valley pinot noir. Tannins are soft and easy, finishing with a fine lick of cinnamon bark and light oak spicing. Simple, easy and welcoming light red.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kitten Swish I'm Here Now Pinot Noir 2012
Green Valley, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSweetly ripe, this pretty, perfumed strawberry jam-imbued pinot charms with a generous fleshy mouthfeel and fine florals. Light bodied, with an appealing lightness to the core, this is framed by supple tannins and has a subtle dusting of nutmeg and pink peppercorn on the finish. This is a single vineyard barrel selection from Russian River Valley's Green Valley sub-appellation. The wines were 10% whole cluster fermented in a mix of concrete egg and stainless steel before time in older oak barrel. On pointe now but can hold for a couple more years in cellar easy, this is a new view for Russian River pinot.Prices:| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Carson Pinot Noir Naramata Vineyard 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFree draining alluvial and colluvial soils of silt and sandy loams over clay and gravel sets the stage for this hedonistic, rich Naramata Bench pinot. Dijon 115 clones have yielded an exuberant, fruity, spicy pinot that is three quarters Central Otago and one quarter Oregon in my mind. The ferment was 22 days, the aged 11 months in French Oak, 1/3 new, first fill and second fill. This rivals last year’s effort but with better ripeness. Strawberry fruit runs wild with enough spice and acidity to keep it all lively. The finish is soft silky and long. The bottle was served with roast chicken and gone in minutes.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous edition, this Lillooet pioneer pinot mixes five clones from the home vineyard, yielding spicy, raspberry, cherry, strawberry jam aromas to entice. The palate is refined with more juicy black raspberry, black cherry fruit and a red fruit/pomegranate undercurrent. Finesse and length, which is hard to do, points to a lot of promise for this variety moving forward as the vineyard matures.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2014
Burgundy, FranceCompote cherries, stewed rhubarb and dank forest throughout this simple, sour pinot noir. Overt earthiness and a lack of fresh fruit to the astringent finish make this simple Bourgogne an easy pass.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $18.30 | 750ml |
| NB | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSix months down the road from our first look, this Island pinot noir remains an enticing wine of cedar, black raspberry and spice on the nose. The attack is silky and light, true Cowichan Valley (another reason why we need sub-appellations now). A clean ferment in stainless is followed by sixteen months in new and used French oak leaving a quiet, elegant, floral, red fruited pinot with silky demeanour. Simply prepared wild salmon is the match.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe flagship pinot at Quails’ Gate is estate grown on the volcanic slopes of the Mount Boucherie bench. The mix of pinot clones are now somewhere between 12 and 29 years old and frankly are just beginning to stretch their legs. The 2014 was hand-picked and cold soaked for several days before the spontaneous ferment began. It’s barrel aged 10 months in French oak, of which about half is new. What we like most about this wine is how the intensity and purity of former winemaker Grant Stanley has been given a coating of elegance and finesse. The result is a complex offering of red fruits, that in this warm year are mixed with sweet notes of clove and nutmeg. Balanced, long, silky and complex, this is a fun wine to try now but will only improve over the next five years in bottle. One of the best yet from Quails’ Gate and a beacon for BC Pinot Noir.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2013
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesSiduri Oregon is all about a variety of vineyard sources: more than 20 in total. As a result the wine gains complexity. This vintage uses Arbre Very 44 percent, Shaw 35 percent, Muirfield 13 percent, and Hawk’s View 9 percent. The style is classic Oregon with a soft palate and a mix of forest floor and slightly sour cherry/strawberry fruit. An amazing 4489 cases produced and rated vegan-friendly and gluten-free.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| US | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe fruit comes off estate and grower vineyards in the cooler marine influenced areas of Sonoma County. Each parcel is kept separate until the final blend is put together. You can expect bright wild strawberry aromas and flavours to prevail, with persistent baking spices, earthy notes and soft, silky textures. This 100 percent Pinot Noir aged in French oak (20 percent new) and spends a short eight months in barrel to help pull its many fruit components together. Delicious stuff.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $41.75 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Jean-Claude Boisset Bourgogne Pinot Noir Les Ursuline 2014
Burgundy, FranceForest moss, crushed cherries, red currants, tobacco and mint are textured with an earthy, sinewy tug in this Bourgogne from Boisset. Named for the former Ursuline convent in Nuits-Saint-George, this medium bodied pinot finishes on an astringent and espresso note. Too lean and bitter to bring much enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.70 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.50 | 750ml |
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14 December 2016
90PTS
Broc Cellars Cuvée 11.9 2014
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIn pursuit of balance. This lean, finely structured syrah is 11.9 percent alcohol, hence the name. From high altitude vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands, this is an early picked, partial carbonic, light red. Opening with a slight reductive note before alluring herbal violet, raspberry, blue plum and fine herbal spicing. Savoury through the finish; chill slightly and serve up with charcuterie.Prices:| US | $25.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Classique 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA stunner. The savoury and structured big brother to LVP's floral Cuvee Violette, Cuvee Classic is from three vineyards across the Black Sage Bench, North Oliver and South Osoyoos. Thirteen months months in 32 percent new French oak barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, the potent and pure southern Okanagan fruit is aptly able to take on the oak. Fresh, with cracked pepper, violets, cured meats, salted black liquorice, medicinal cassis and a savoury vein of bacon fat. Firmly structured without severity, plus seemingly effortless acidly leaves this graceful and alluring now, but will continue to reward with time in the cellar. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah 2010
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the cellar. Ample cracked pepper, dense black fruit, thorns and dried thyme on this Oliver syrah, sourced from the Black Sage and Golden Mile Benches. A splash of cofermented viognier amps a delicate violet florally, but this is all about savoury, gravelly, ripe black fruit, now tempered and softened with time. A salted dried plum lingers on the finish. At an ideal time right now, if you've been cellaring, drink now.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCorked.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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13 December 2016
91PTS
Meãndro do Vale Meão Douro Red 2013
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalA fresh, complexed and mineral-led blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinta barroca, tinto cao and sousao that was foot trodden and then into stainless steel. Wild cassis, black cherry, black plums, thorns and potent anise, tannins are fine and lightly downy, and acidity is lifted. This is the second label to their Quinta do Vale Meão, and easily drinkable now, right down to the stony finish. Super value.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Averill Creek Vineyard Somenos Series Foch Cab 2014
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis full-bodied red is a blend of 55 percent marechal foch, 35 percent cabernet foch and 10 percent merlot from Cowichan Valley. Herbal and twine imbued, this rustic red carries stewed dark berries, sweet baking spice and cedar bark along chewy tannins. The finish is brusque, with a lingering herbal mustard seed note. Suitable for hearty beef or pork stew.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Amphora Wine Project Desert Ridge Meritage 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Amphora wine project at CedarCreek is an important step for the winery, taking its red wine from predictable to exciting. The fruit a 54/35/11 mix of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec plucked from various rows of the Desert Ridge Vineyard in Osoyoos on October 23. It was aged nine months in Tuscan clay amphora on skins. There were no additives and the caps were plunged by hand. The grapes were stomped by foot and after another eight weeks in small stainless steel tanks it was bottled unfiltered without any additives. It smells like rock juice and taste like it too. We love the texture, so silky already, and so juicy with intense black fruit and spice rounding out the warm finish. It should age effortlessly but given the techniques used we are thinking it will be at its best by 2020. Steaks anyone? All 35 cases are sold out so look for this in restaurants.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
BenMarco Expresivo 2014
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe BenMarco Expresivo takes Dominio de Plata to new heights and extreme sites in search of the best soils of Mendoza. The fruit is an 80/20 mix of malbec/cabernet franc grown at 1,285 metres above sea level at Gualtallary, in the Uco Valley, perhaps the most premium wine site in all of Argentina. The maceration is 30 days, before spending 14 months in 100 percent new French oak. There is a freshness here you seldom see in red wines with both black and red fruit aromas dominating a savoury base. Dense soft textures of chalky tannins and stony, mineral undercurrents preview smoky black currant, licorice and cocoa powder. More terroir and less winemaking is giving this wine a fresh look. Best with steak now but you can cellar this five to seven years.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens Red Gold 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe genesis of Red Gold is White Gold created in 2010 from two special barrels of chardonnay pulled form the cellar blend. In 2014 the appearance of some exceptional lots got owner Rolf de Bruin thinking, why not Red Gold? The initial 2014 release is a mix of estate cabernet franc and merlot, with Osoyoos cabernet sauvignon, and merlot from Blind Creek vineyard in the Similkameen. The nose is aromatic and showing intense, ripe black fruit aromas that spill onto the palate. The style is New World and the ripeness is more akin to Napa than British Columbia but there is a reason. Part of the cabernet franc was air dried, Amarone-style to 32 brix prior to ferment. At 14.4 it’s not shy but there is an underlying freshness that keeps it all together. It’s a good start especially if game is on the menu.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Barry Bros by Jim Barry Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2014
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Barry Brothers Red 2012 is produced by Tom Barry, Jim Barry’s grandson. The Adelaide University graduate has worked across the world including stints with Dr. Ernst Loosen and down the road from Jim Barry at Yalumba. The wine is highly decorated, including taking Top Gold at the 2016 Royal Adelaide show and the Trophy for Best Cabernet Shiraz Blend at the 2016 Royal Queensland Wine Show. Look for a fragrant, spicy mix of floral blackcurrant aromas with a whiff of vanilla. The attack is round with juicy raspberry, espresso, wild blackberry and with a dusting of pepper. Perfect for fall stews, of a beef stir fry.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alandra Tinta 2014
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalRipe red berries, dark plum, branch and cured salami fill this juicy and fresh red from Alentejo. Moreto, castelão and trincadeira, averaging ten years old, spent four months in stainless to preserve the youthful buoyancy. Anise and a wave of resin enter in the medium bodied palate, one kept fresh with a black currant tartness and supported with smoothed, slightly powdery tannins to a short finish. Easy to drink, ready to drink, and to drink often at a price like this. Great value.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cims del Montsant 2012
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom the neighbouring region that rings regal Priorat comes this smokey and modest Montsant. Carignan and garnacha pick up potentcy from the powerful llicorella and còdois soils, as well as the hot and wild terroir (and altitude; this is from 530m). Five months in oak further plumps the sun-ripened black fruit, supporting dusky black cherry, wild blackberry, floral dark plum, bitter chocolate and resinous anise. Tannins are gritty and slightly sticky, to the snappy finish. A great value from a challenging region, and ideal for steak frites or lamb sausages.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.82 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monfaucon Les Gardettes 2013
Le Gard, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis supple blend of cinsault, carignan and grenache carries black cherry, black raspberry and black pepper along a soft and smooth palate, one jarringly framed with brusquely grippy and powdery tannins to a snappy finish. Simple weeknight red, best suited to Croque Monsieur or roast beef paninis.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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12 December 2016
89PTS
Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection Malbec Gardemiel Vineyard 2015
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceEvery year we laud the quality of this single vineyard wine that is clearly site driven and the benefactor of fine weather. Expect a fragrant, juicy, peppery, floral, red fruit nose and palate that reminds us a little bit of the best new style malbec coming out of Argentina. No worries, there is plenty of savoury, licorice undercurrents to keep it centred and with an amazingly soft textured finish. This is modern Euro malbec that is a perfect match for T-bone steaks.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau Paul Mas Clos des Mures Coteaux du Languedoc 2015
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Château Paul Mas single vineyard wines are the signature labels of Domaines Paul Mas from the best cru sites of Côteaux du Languedoc AOP. The Clos des Mûres vineyard resides within the Domaines de Nicole Estate between the villages of Montagnac and Sète. The south-facing, 11 hectare vineyard includes vines near 40-years old, and is surrounded by mûres (wild blackberry) bushes. The blend is an 83/12/5 syrah/grenache and mourvèdre, spewing blackcurrants, violets and spice. Smoky licorice, pure black fruit flavours set the stage for this spicy black cherry, black raspberry, tobacco and tapenade red. An impressive wine from a great year, this has a long life ahead of it. Terrific value. Lamb would be the match: chops, kebabs or a roast.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Côté Mas Languedoc Reserve 2015
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe perfect introduction to the south of France at a terrific price. Jean Claude Mas does a fine job of mixing a quartet of classic Languedoc grapes: grenache, syrah, mourvèdre (GSM) plus carignan. The result is an approachable but sophisticated blend of floral, cherry and black fruits, garrigue and texture. Made for autumn, think stews, casseroles, pork or whole roasted chicken. It is ‘Le Luxe Rural’ and it’s excellent.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paul Mas Grenache Noir 2015
Sud de France, FranceAt this price point you want a juicy, fresh, red-fruited grenache with medium alcohol (it’s 13.5 percent). You get all that and more in this Pays d’Oc varietal red made by Domaines Paul Mas. Mas operates via estates and appellations even at the entry level, and it works to keep yields in line, in this case well under 60hl/ha. Look for plenty of fresh, ripe strawberries with flecks of dark fruit and a smooth juicy mid-palate and finish. Tannins are dusty with more mineral, savoury, raspberry flavours. A dependable, accessible, good value red for grilled chicken thighs, or poultry burgers. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete vats and 80 percent of the juice is aged in American oak barrels; 20 percent in French oak. The Paul Mas range of varietal wines is mostly produced from vineyards on the Nicole Estate in Montagnac, near Pézenas in the rolling hills of the Hérault Valley - mere kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Look for Vinus the heron on all the labels from Domaines Paul Mas. As the tale goes it was often seen in the Mas vineyards, preferring the ripe grapes to the fish from the river.Prices:| BC | $11.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Paul Mas Viognier 2015
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceIf you have travelled across the south of France the nose of this wine will instantly transport you back in time. If you have yet to get there, the fragrant, fresh, floral, fruit driven aromas and flavours flecked with citrus, ginger and pineapple will inspire you to visit the French countryside for sure. What I like most about this wine is its quiet texture, one rich, fleshy and long without any of the oily, cloying characters that can make viognier tiresome, especially at this price point. This wine is a go-to white for a variety of west coast seafood dishes. It's even better suited to chicken or pork. Summer, winter, fall, spring it can handle any season. The recipe at Mas is mixing viognier fruit from cool and warm sites using young and old vines and relatively low yields at 52hl/ha. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $12.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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09 December 2016
91PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Bouzy Grand Cru 11 NV
Champagne, FrancePierre Paillard is firmly ensconced among the top producers in Bouzy. The family-owned, sustainably farmed grower champagne house continues to impress each year. This is 60/40 blend of pinot noir/chardonnay. The vines average 25-years of age and span 22 Grand Cru rated parcels. It's rare to see this amount of chardonnay in a blend from this red-centric region, and gives a distinct character to this house. Four years on the lees has added ample brioche and generosity, coloured with red apple, apple pie, light raspberry and pink grapefruit scenting a pure and generous cherry core. Acidity is brisk and able to carry any weight. One impressive sparkler and very food-friendly. Base wIne 11.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
LaStella La Sophia 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is a bit of a surprise showing a baked raisiny character that dominates the bouquet. Big and bold with ripe, plush tannins and some underlying freshness, it's hard to get by the port-like fruit. I want to like this wine but it is a bit too much of everything at this point including some persistent tannin and leather in the back end. There’s a bit of Cahors here that likely won’t dissipate. Serve with roasted meats.Prices:| BC | $89.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe haven’t seen this wine in a while but it is impressive. If you are keen to produce a BC cabernet sauvignon you might want to try winemaker Randy Picton’s version and see what ripe cabernet sauvignon fruit is all about. If you are looking for a local cabernet sauvignon that is ripe and balanced this is it. It’s a big red but everything is in perfect balance. Juicy black fruit, bright acidity and sweet, soft, long chain tannins. It is a savoury affair with plenty of dried desert herbs, dark fruit, bits of cocoa and an enticing long finish of fruit and just enough oak. Give this a decade or drink it now with a big piece of roasted meat.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cono Sur Silencio Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis super premium cabernet sauvignon might just be the thing to change your mind about Chile. This cabernet sauvignon, sourced from five vineyards in the Maipo Valley, is splashed with 2 percent carmenère. Grown on gravelled alluvial soils it spends 22 months in new French barrels plus another 60 days in stainless steel before bottling. Dusty gravels, dried earth, dried tobacco, dried florals, fresh thyme and ample anise fill this savoury, structured red, one intertwined with black cherries and thorny blackberry. But this is not about the fruit. Appealingly fresh and medium bodied, this is restrained and elegant cabernet sauvignon. Graphite, salts and orange pith lingers on the finish. Angular (pleasantly) and characterful it drinks well now (decant) but will certainly reward with 5-10 years in the cellar. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $169.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
California, United StatesSoft, friendly, easy-sipping cabernet that draws you in with its inviting cherry notes and spicy compost nose. The attack is sweet and round with soft, earthy, beet and cherry compost flavours with bits of blackberry. Most of the cabernet fruit is from Mendocino County but there is a splash of merlot in the mix as well. Rich, round, introductory style cab without complication. Perfect for pizza and chicken dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Reserve 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesIt’s easy to dismiss the VR wines as introductory wines but there is far more to this wine than meets the label. It’s been more than 30 years since this label launched. The 2013 is 95 percent Sonoma County, 4 percent Mendocino County, 1 percent Napa County and the varietal mix is 85/6/4/4/1 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, malbec and merlot. It’s all aged 13 months in 63/28/9 French oak, American oak and stainless steel. In 2013 the cool weather yielded a freshness and elegance seldom seen in any California cabernet. Look for bright black cherry, blackberry aromas on the nose. The palate is a seamless mix of black fruit and cassis flecked with cedar, vanilla and bits of mocha. Ready to drink and perfectly suited to red meats.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Concha y Toro Terrunyo Andes Block Las Terrazas Cabernet Sauvignon Pirque Vineyard 2013
Pirque, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileRich open New World style with floral, blackberry, cassis and pepper aromas. The palate is classic mint/bay leaf flavours laced with tobacco, cedar, licorice and dense, rich, fine-grained tannins. The plate is equally big with a whack of alcohol. A concentrated, rich-fruited cabernet that is best served with a grilled steak served rare. The 2013 is 97 percent cabernet sauvignon and 3 percent cabernet franc from the 1978 planted Las Terrazas Block, Pirque Vineyard, Maipo Valley some 650 metres above sea level. The wine spends 14 months in French oak barrels. Drink now through 2023 especially with grilled beef and mature hard cheeses.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 2012
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe good news here is the rising level of finesse from the latest Don Melchor, in this case a blend of 93/7 cabernet sauvignon/cabernet franc. The year was warm and the fruit is slightly richer with plenty of plum, black cherry, mocha coffee notes. The tannins are rich, dense and slippery and feed into a floral, stony mineral finish. Drink now with steak and mushrooms or strong paté, or let it age another decade. A fine cabernet sauvignon. Don Melchor boasts 127 hectares (average age in the older plantings is now 30-years-old) planted to 90 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.1 percent Cabernet Franc 1.9 percent Merlot, and 1 percent Petit Verdot. The older parts of the vineyard average 30 years in age, and the mostly stony soil is low in fertility. The wine is now aged 15 months in French oak barrels (71 percent new, 29 percent second use).Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $73.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $80.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $89.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $79.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith 85 percent cabernet sauvignon it just makes the varietal line adding 14 percent merlot and one percent cabernet franc. The fruit is selection of the winery’s “best batches.” All was aged in oak for 16 months. It was a warm year in the Okanagan, one of the rare years you can achieve phenolic ripeness in cabernet sauvignon, giving this wine a better start. The nose is a mix of savoury licorice and leather with bits of orange peel and cedar. The attack is medium weight with firm dry tannins, plenty of oak, coffee and spice, with a persistent burn in the warm finish. Not one to age but it needs another year in the bottle. Best with beef. Expensive for what it is.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Santa Ema Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis brash Maipo cabernet sauvignon is thick with menthol, green fruit and resin, overriding the blackcurrant and tart black cherry fruit underneath. Tannins are rustic-hewn and powdery, finishing quickly with bitter espresso. To its benefit, it has a freshness and welcome 13.5 percent alcohol, which may, counter-productively, equate to early picking to produce the potent green notes here. Requires hearty empanadas or beef stews.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI like the 2013 but this is even better. A ripe cabernet sauvignon, yeah, and it is not sweet. The vineyard block is one of the warmest sites in the Okanagan and it looks like winemaker/grower Jason James has really got a handle on it. Close your eyes and a little bit of Napa Valley comes into view. Love the acidity here that fends off the savoury, ripe fruit and carries the tannin. Juicy and drinkable but this will get better over the next three years in the bottle. Steak is the ticket and serve it rare to medium rare.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Hardys VR Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLike others of this price from Oz, we suggest you let it go. It’s introductory but the acidity and coarseness of this wine is likely to drive off more drinkers than attract them. The palate is a light, peppery, blackberry, coriander mix of fruit and leather with that sweet and sour finish. Ready-to-drink but needs a hamburger to smooth things out.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSimple cabernet sauvignon from Calchaqui Valley, the warm blackberry, black cherry fruit absorbing the year in new oak fairly soundly, save for some powdery, wood-strident tannins on the back end. Before that astringent finish, the roasted coffee, earthy blackcurrant, tobacco and green-tinged resin notes are appealingly fresh. Best with hearty, gravied roast meat sandwiches.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Chaberton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
British Columbia, CanadaA cool climate rendition of cabernet from the Oliver, Cawston and Naramata growing regions in the southern Okanagan that is aged 19 months in new French and American oak barrels. The fruit is persistently aromatic with plenty of spice and stony floral undertones. The acidity is fresh, even mouth-watering, the entry skinny and spicy with dried raisins, black cherries, branches and more elevated acidity in the finish. Best now with beef or game dishes or cellar a few years, but the fruit may not be there in the end.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis wine has been consistently less than stellar. I suppose it meets a price range and a demand for cheap cabernet sauvignon but the world could live without it. The nose is a melange of black olives, cedar, light cassis and pruney/cherry aromas. The palate is soft and wandering, with that classic acidified sweet and sour finish. Break out the sausages and burgers.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.10 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.55 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Condor Peak Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaAn introductory style cabernet with the emphasis on softness and sugar. Round, smooth, easy drinking if unremarkable with ripe plum and dark fruit flavours, caramel, vanilla and oak. A mid-week hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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08 December 2016
90PTS
Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV
Champagne, FranceBright pear, sweet apple, apple blossom, are lifted with green apple and pithy lemon in this late night-apropos Champagne. Categorized Sec, this chardonnay/pinot noir/pinot meunier was coursed from thirty different vineyards, spent four years on the lees and has a dosage of 17.5 g/l. Even with all its richness, this smooth and mellow fizz has a swell of acidity to counter. Ginger ale lingers on the finish.Prices:| BC | $93.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial NV
Champagne, FranceRiper and expansive, this is a generous demi-sec blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay complemented with 20-30 percent reserve wines and 45 g/l dosage (which is ably gobbled up by the density). Baked pear, ripe apple and vanilla creme caramel fill this hedonistic, fuller Champagne, ideal for post-dinner sipping.Prices:| BC | $75.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV
Champagne, FranceDemi-sec Champagnes have between 32 and 50 grams of residual sugar per liter, much sweeter than Brut. In Champagne the sweetness is controlled by the winemaker during the dosage process, in which a liquid mixture of reserve wine and pure cane sugar is added before corking. The Clicquot Demi-Sec dates back to the sweet tooth of Russian court in the 19th century. Like the yellow label Brut, this wine’s style is consistent from year to year, mixing some 55 percent pinot noir, 28 percent chardonnay and around 17 percent pinot meunier, with 4% residual sugar added. Look for classic nutty, spicy notes with brown sugar and honeyed nougat. The palate is a mix of candied fruits, toast and baked bread with a slightly sweet, creamy palate. The sugar and acidity are at odds on the finish, though serving up with foie gras or creme brûlée for dessert mitigates the disjointedness.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $81.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Veuve Clicquot Rich Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThe history of Champagne always allowed for the “rich" category for bottles loaded with residual sugar. Today at Veuve Clicquot they continue the tradition of rich with this label now expressly made for mixology maestros and the Champagne cocktail. AT VC they suggest the signature notes of this bubble, sweet pears and super bright sweet apples, are “magnified by the presence of selected ingredients: pineapple, grapefruit zest, cucumber, celery, peppers or tea, all on the rocks.” Certainly sweet, with dense brioche, pear pie and vanilla creme caramel, though fortunately with a fine wave of acidity to support, this is appropriately dessert-ready. You might even try it with foie gras before dinner. Party on.Prices:| BC | $78.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $86.79 | 750ml |
| SK | $81.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $84.50 | 750ml |
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07 December 2016
86PTS
Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut Rose NV
Champagne, FranceRustic and simple rosé of 50/20/15 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay is finished with 15 percent Côteaux Champenois Rouge. Coarse raspberry, green herbal note and crunchy acidity makes this fuller-bodied fizz an assertive pour, ready to handle bigger proteins.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé NV
Champagne, FranceLight strawberry, potent cherry and a gentle freshness liven the generous strrawberry jam core in this richer, softer rosé. Raspberry scents the cushioned, creamy palate, while a light pink grapefruit pithiness livens it. This is a blend of 60 percent pinot noir, 30 percent pinot meunier, and 10 percent chardonnay that has spent three years on the lees. Solid.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $54.25 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Rosés 12 Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FrancePotent and heady pure strawberry, with finesse in spades, this is an elegant grower Grand Cru rosé with a surprisingly high amount of chardonnay (65 percent) in the cuvee. Lovely florals, fine, brisk white pepper and mandarine pith scent this elegant fizz. 35 percent pinot noir, of which 6 percent is still red wine, completes the blend, all based on the 2012 (70 percent) and 2011 vintages. The Bouzy rouge (2012) was wild yeast fermented and spent 18 months in oak casks before blending with the chardonnay and four years of aging on the lees. Impressive showing, and a rare Chardonnay-dominant fizz from red-centric Bouzy.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Champagne 2010
Champagne, FranceAmple cherry, raspberry, and strawberry jam in this expressive rosé, its concentration a surprise considering the pale and delicate pink hue. Smoked stones, spiced berries waft through the fresh, lifted, elegant palate. This is a blend of 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay, 20 percent of which is matured in oak tuns (without MLF), and rests for four years on the lees, plus an additional six months after disgorging in the bottle. Classic rosé champers.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceDelicate cherry, raspberry and lightly smoked stone throughout this elegant pinot noir rose. One of the best selling rosé Champagne in the world, LP's Cuvée Rosé Brut is one of the few still made using the saignée method - keeping skin contact with the 100% Grand Cru Vineyard pinot noir grapes - to produce the structured and complex rose. Strawberries and cream linger on the finish, one kissed with dosage. An attractive style.Prices:| BC | $119.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $119.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $119.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $117.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial NV
Champagne, FranceIt has a lovely light coral colour. Ripe and round, rich cranberry, cherry, and raspberry fruit colouring a creamy lees-led core of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Succinct, with delicate, bright and vibrant spices underpinning some grippy, citrus cherry skin notes on the finish. This is 40-50 percent pinot noir (10 percent still), 30-40 percent pinot meunier (10 percent still) and 10-20 percent chardonnay, with 20-30 percent reserve wines and a dosage of 9 g/l. Try this with Peking Duck for an exotic night.Prices:| BC | $93.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $104.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.65 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.50 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon Bjork Rosé 2004
Champagne, FranceWinemaker Richard Geoffroy has been quoted as saying “This is a great wine that happens to be pink.” It’s all that and more. The still pinot noir is from the Grand Crus of Bouzy and Ay as well as the 1er cru of Hautvillers in this pinot noir / chardonnay rosé, the exact blend of which is secret proprietary information. Reportedly, the blend is near 50/50, with approximately one quarter being still red wine. A light cherry-orange hue launches this bubble that striking in colour before you even smell it. Pristine, with deep strawberry core and fine florals, fine smoke, cranberry and blood orange on a weighted, generous but never heavy, mineral core. This powerful wine vibrates along the finish, leaving spice and broken stones in its wake. Drinking beautifully now, but could last another decade. Can easily last from befores, through dinner, to post-dinner (better pick up a few bottles while you can).Prices:| BC | $288.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
H. Billiot Fils Brut Grand Cru Reserve Rosé Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceCorkedPrices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Bollinger Rosé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceThis pink fizz blends the power of Bolly with the generous fruit of rosé, resulting in a savoury, serious Champagne. A partial oak ferment and ample time on lees builds the mouthfeel and presence in this 62/24/14 pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier blend, with 6% still wine, and nearly 90% coming off Grand Cru and Premier Cru fruit. Creamy and expansive on the full palate, with pink florals, light cherry, bright juicy strawberry and fine persistent bead of acidity through the finish.Prices:| BC | $139.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Amour de Deutz Rosé 2006
Champagne, FranceVery fine and delicate, yet powerful and structured, with pristine flow from first scent through lingering finish. Very floral, with subtle cherry, strawberry and a light, appealling herbal pink pepper notes, bound by filigreed fine tannins on the taut frame. The blend is 55% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzenay and Bouzy) and 45% Chardonnay (from Avize, Chouilly and Villers-Marmery). The lightness of touch is highly impressive. Drinking beautifully now, but this expressive rosé will continue to mature and impress over the next decade.Prices:| QC | $260.00 | 750ml |
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06 December 2016
94PTS
Champagne Bollinger 2005 La Grande Année Brut 2005
Champagne, FranceLa Grande Annee is made only in the best years, and although 2005 can't be widely reputed to be one of those, Bolly makes it otherwise. 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay was sourced from 13 crus, fermented in small French oak and spent nine years on the lees; this bottle was disgorged in 2015. The autolytic, leesy depth is impressive, a perfect foil against the precise, taut and lemon pith acidity. Dense apple, brioche and toasted hazelnuts on the structured, complexed and fresh palate, one that ends with fine spices. Drinking beautifully now, but will easily hold and mature over the next decade plus.Prices:| BC | $169.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $324.99 | 1500ml |
| AB | $165.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $157.02 | 750ml |
| ON | $136.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $173.99 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006
Champagne, FranceRetasting this prestige champagne one year later and it is still brilliantly pristine. This stunning blanc de blancs sets the standard for the style, with seemingly effortless, elegant and finessed fruit all in complete integration with each other. Potent, shimmering vibrancy with chalky, lemon, green apple, pear, light brioche, salted cashew, white florals with an endless length. Intense yet graceful, all in that elegant Taittinger style. The Benchmark for premium blanc de blancs.Prices:| AB | $245.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $459.25 | 1500ml |
| NS | $200.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $256.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006
Champagne, FranceThe ‘06 Pol Roger is a 60/40 pinot noir/chardonnay selected from a mix of 20 grands and premiers crus vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Limited bottles ensure high quality along with an 8-year sleep in the cellars. Elegant but full describes this round and generous fizz with a dough, brioche and fine, pithy lemon middle. The acidity is very precise with an herbal component on the honeyed stony finish. Slightly fuller and more complex than the Blanc de Chardonnay. So proper.Prices:| BC | $93.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $93.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $199.99 | 1500ml |
| NB | $99.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Moêt & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006
Champagne, FranceVintage number 71 opens with notes of sea shell, white peach and light biscuit. This highly finessed 2006 vintage mixes 42/39/19 chardonnay/pinot noir/pinot meunier, with a great depth of pithy lemon and chalky minerality. A dense green apple core is brightened and styled with chalk dust and lemon vibrancy. A fine rift of spices on the finish, and a low (5 g/l) dosage keep chardonnay's pristine fruit at the fore. A quirky year, the 2006 vintage followed a cold winter, frost in the spring, and a summer that featured hail, a heat wave and then a cool, rainy August. It was all saved by a September that featured three weeks of superb weather to brought the crop home. It’s what makes a vintage bubble so unique.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $87.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Krug Grande Cuvée 169èmé Brut NV
Champagne, FranceBased on the 2007 vintage, this 2014 disgorgement is a selected uvée of 12 vintages across 182 crus. Rich and full, as is the classic house style. A densely centered and expansive core of brioche, baked pear, roasted hazelnuts, dried apricots and toast could be overwhelming, save for the vibrant and tight lift of lemon pith acidity, which reins in the generosity of the palate. Drinking well now, but the reward comes when this powerhouse has time to settle into its form in the bottle. Always more intense and concentrated than almost any other champagne but also austere and drier. More like a table wine with its intensity yet impeccable balance and acidity. Top flight bubble that ages effortlessly for decades.Prices:| BC | $285.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $289.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $290.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $313.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $280.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $295.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut 2008
Champagne, FranceA blend of 61 percent pinot noir, 34 percent chardonnay, 5 percent pinot meunier from Grand and Premier Cru sites, this spent six years on the lees and was disgorged March 2015. New to this 2008 Vintage: 5 percent of the wines were produced and aged in wooden casks. Classic Veuve throughout, with dough, hazelnut and brioche dosed with red apple, yellow apple and a pithy grip and cherry fruit on the finish. Generous but under new winemaker Dominique Demarville (ex-Mumm) it is fresher and showing more finesse. The 2008, the first vintage since 2004, featured a new winemaker and was the first vintage Veuve fermented and aged in wood since the 60s. It's also the first time VC has placed a disgorgement date on the label. Impressive start by Demarville.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $97.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Champagne Dom Pérignon Brut 2006
Champagne, FranceA stunner. Alluring sea water, smoked stone and brioche leads this classic DP, executed seamlessly. Richer, but with a perfectly integrated balance, Dom is powerful, confident without shouting or boasting but very self assured. Complexed red apple, fine citrus and nimble minerality woven throughout the complete palate, with fine spicing and salts through the exceptional length. There is precision and power behind this beauty now but it will reward with a decade and beyond in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $220.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $250.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $232.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $224.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $215.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $210.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $213.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Jean Milan Selection Symphorine Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2009
Champagne, FranceCaroline Milan is the 4th generation of the family to direct this estate; it was founded in 1864 by her great-grandfather Jean Milan. Today she controls six hectares of vines averaging 43 years, spread over 42 different parcels, all in the grand cru of Oger. An alluring light reductive note leads into this Grand Cru champagne, with a dough base lightened with toasted brioche, light cream and bright lemon. Driving to the brisk finish, this has ample minerality, carved by chardonnay precision. Lovely finesse in this confident, memorable, rare bottle of 2009.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Drappier Grande Sendrée 2002
Champagne, FranceThis is a single vineyard champagne from a plot named Sendree, the scene of a terrible fire in 1838 (sendree is a misspelling of the French word for cinders). This is 50/50 chardonnay/pinot noir, one third of which was fermented in wood, and has spent seven years on the lees. Evident dominant autolytic character, with ample pink salts, potato chips, and bright cranberry fruit. Quite earthy and funky notes blanket toasted and rich brioche, roasted hazelnuts and honey, with an assertive richness and intensity. Over the top, and and too overtly showy for my tastes, but for those looking for a powerful and rich champagne, this could do.Prices:| UK | $90.00 | 750ml |
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05 December 2016
90PTS
Champagne Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSmoked stone, yellow apple and toast lead this NV Champagne, reportedly the most consumed in the world (they say a bottle of Moet is popped every second around the globe). Pinot noir and pinot meunier lead chardonnay, sourced from 200 crus and with 20-30 percent reserve wines. Fine and persistent lemon, dough and stone are cushioned by a red apple core and perfumed with apple blossom florality. A riff of chalky grip on the finish. Solid, consistent, impressive on any scale, but especially this global one.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $71.10 | 750ml |
| SK | $85.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $87.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.15 | 750ml |
| NS | $77.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $79.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $78.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThe Heidsieck’s Brut Réserve formula begins with some 60 parcels of fruit and some 40 percent reserve wines aged from five to 15 years. Lively and fresh, it has a rich, nutty, goût Anglais nose with baked apple, hazelnut cream aromas. The palate is elegant with citrus, juicy baked apple, cherry flavours with a lemon curd finish. The balance is perfect with lovely bottle age bolstering its finish. Rich and powerful and suited to bird dishes or rich pâtés. This is Dégorgement 2014.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Lanson Black Label Brut NV
Champagne, FranceLanson has been making Champagne since 1760 and over those years its reputation has risen and fallen. It’s in an up period at the moment as expressed by its fresh saline laced aromas flecked with citrus and light smoke that penetrate its brioche core. Cherry, light raspberry, lemon, green apple and stone carried along riffing citrus acidity and sea salt flake finish. The cuvée is 50/35/15 pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, sourced from ten different years and a cellar layover in bottle for three years. Approachable and thankfully again, consistently dependable.Prices:| BC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $66.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $63.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceTaittinger has just under 300 hectares of vineyards across Champagne, giving it a plethora of vines to work with in all vintage conditions. In the NV blend the mix is normally 40 percent chardonnay with some 60 percent split between pinot meunier and pinot noir. It's the high percentage of chardonnay, unique among its competitors, that gives this label a leg up in finesse. Lightly smoked lemon, pith and peel in this fresh brut. Shearing crystalline lemon acidity, white flowers is offset with baked green apple, toast on a creamy palate. Very grippy finish cleans everything up. Impressive non-vintage brut champagne, year after year.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $76.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Charles de Villers Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV
Champagne, FranceGrand Cru Chardonnay from the chalk soils of Avize is expressive, rich and round, with lemon curd, brioche, sweet dough base, and crystalline lemon acidity to brighten an elevated dosage. This is a supermarket Champagne in the UK at Morrisons (lucky Brits!)Prices:| UK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Charles Orban Blanc de Noirs NV
Champagne, FranceThis is a 60/40 pinot meunier/pinot noir from a small family-owned grower house located around Troissy in the western Marne Valley. It was fermented in stainless before 30 months aging on the lees, and with 30 percent reserve wines in the cuvée. Round and generous, with cherry, baked apple, light raspberry and fine, light grippy tannins through the moderate, lightly smoked finish.Prices:| UK | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSpecial Cuvée Bolly is classic for the house: powerful, presence, prestige. It is a blend of 60/25/15 pinot noir/ chardonnay/ pinot meunier, over 85 percent of which is Grand and Premier Crus, and with a dose of reserve wines up to 15 years old. Up to fifty percent of this cuvée will have been fermented in oak casks. And all of this explains the density and power of Special Cuvée. Toasted brioche, hazelnuts, cherry, baked pears and rich cream on an expansive and full palate, carried by the firm, citrus acidity and lingering with subtle spices. If you're a fan of more opulent styles or looking for something to match to richer proteins, you'd be hard-pressed to find an NV finer than this.Prices:| BC | $94.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $90.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $78.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $76.25 | 750ml |
| PEI | $74.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $79.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $79.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Vilmart and Cie Grand Cellier Brut Premier Cru NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceThough technically not a "grower champagne" because Vilmart & Cie sources some grapes from around their home base in Rilly-la-Montagne, they are certainly in the same authentic, hands-on, small-scale league, and a highlight of any wine list or tasting. This is a 70/30 chardonnay/pinot noir cuvée (not to be mistaken with their Grand Reserve, which reverses the grapes in the mix) that has spent spent ten months in a mix of oak foudre and barrel, on the lees. Shearing acidity, lemon, biscuit, light toast, with lovely depth on the mid palate, grippy and deep chalky texture and impressive citrus length. Well integrated from start to finish, with alluring finesse and precision.Prices:| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $108.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Vilmart & Cie Grand Réserve Brut Premier Cru NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceThough technically not a "grower champagne" because Vilmart & Cie sources some grapes, they are certainly in the same authentic, hands-on, small-scale league, and a highlight of any wine list or tasting. This is a 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay cuvee (not to be mistaken with their Grand Cellier, which reverses the grapes in the mix). Red apple and red currant is brightened and textured with a crystalline citrus pith and toast, though the plush cushion on the palate is white cherry and gentle apple blossom. This has been plumped with ten months ferment and aging in oak foudres. Very elegant.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Jean Milan Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Special NV
Champagne, FranceThe Milan family are fifth generation vine growers, growing grapes since 1864. They began with selling to négociant houses (including Krug) while learning the traditions and techniques for making their own fine champagne. Rounder, with deep brioche, toast and a generous pear middle, this has a light sweet smoke, nutty, red apple, citrus and guava flavours finishing with a great chalky grip. Power, with restraint. Super value.Prices:| BC | $66.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Bauchet Brut 1er Cru Signature NV
Champagne, France80/20 Premier Cru chardonnay / pinot noir, with 20 percent reserve wines makes up the Bouchet family's house fizz. 36 months on the lees has plumped up the the mid palate. Assertive smoked stone, crunchy acidity, red apple, blossoms and a drying apple peel on the coarse finish. Not shy, this is well suited to roasted pheasant.Prices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut Premier Cru NV
Champagne, FranceBaked apple, toast and light blossoms spring from this simple, fruity champagne, a blend of 50/50 pinot noir/chardonnay that spent 36 months on its lees. Not shy, this overt and accessible fizz will appeal to most folks from its soft mousse to a higher dosage that makes it as friendly as its price.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Michel Loriot Champagne Apollonis Les Classiques Authentic Meunier Brut Blanc de Noirs NV
Champagne, FranceThis 100 percent pinot meunier is tight and pithy, scented with orange and cherry and a savoury, full red apple core. The flow is linear and streamlined, hemmed in with a citrus riff and a lightly, salted finish. Impressive detailing for a meunier fizz based on the 2010, 2011 and 2012 vintages. The Loriot family are tenth generation wine growers located in Festigny since 1675 and music lovers, who play music in the vineyards and the cellars, believing the melodies have an enriching effect on the vines and the yeast in wine. You can serve this with bigger proteins.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceEqual parts pinot noir and pinot meunier is finished with chardonnay and aged for three years on the lees. The result is a light caramel, toasty nose with overripe fruit dominating. Lemon curd, cherries, pears and a shearing acidity punctuate a lightly sweet finish. This large cooperative has over 5000 growers and is one of the top five selling Champagnes in the world. Ready to drink, and the fruity style welcomes smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $52.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.55 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Devaux Ultra D NV
Champagne, FranceThis extra brut NV is a mix of pinot noir and chardonnay sourced from several vintages, and aged for five years on the lees. A lower dosage (2 g/l) than sibling Cuvée D, it opens with saline notes, yellow apple and frisky acidity on a well-cushioned, bigger-boned core. Crystalline lemon, white florals on the finish, with a serious cut of riffing acidity to counter some of the weight put on during wood ageing of the 40 percent reserve wines (a quarter of which are from perpetual soleras and the remainder stored in large oak casks).Prices:| BC | $65.19 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Devaux Cuvée D NV
Champagne, FranceCuvée D opens with a whiff of oxidation adding to its rich round style. The blend is equal parts pinot noir and chardonnay from the Aube, in the Côte des Bars, aged for five years on the lees and with a higher dosage (7 g/l) than sibling Ultra D. Ten percent is barrel aged, and 40 percent reserve wines are added (25 percent of which are from a perpetual solera). Peach and ripe yellow apple fruit lead, while dried fruits, dough, brioche, pink florals fill a generous mid-palate, finishing with bright mandarine spicing on the very dry finish. A softer style that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $60.89 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceBrut Premier has long impressed us but the latest bottling, tasted against its peers, really shone. This 40/40/20 mix of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier includes 10% reserve wines from three harvests, and rests in oak casks for 2-6 years. After three years on the lees and six months after dégorgement this elegant bubble reveals light, fresh, dough notes, salted almond paste and lemon pith. Medium bodied, with lively brisk lemon-lined acidity and a sea salt persistence that lasts long after the wine is over. Quietly subtle and confident, this classic is one of the top NV Bruts on our market, especially for the price. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $72.50 | 750ml |
| NF | $79.20 | 750ml |
| AB | $74.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Nicolas Maillart Brut Platine NV
Champagne, FranceA 80/20 pinot noir/chardonnay is splashed with pinot meunier and amped with 40% barrel-aged reserve wines before a rest of two years on the lees and 8 g/l dosage. Expect a richer, full-bodied style with dough, crunchy acidity, red apple and more toast. It all finishes with a medicinal cherry note and some sweet citrus flavours. Well made and characteristic of the Maillart house style.Prices:| BC | $67.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Gardet Brut Tradition NV
Champagne, FranceThe mix is a pinot heavy 45/45/10 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay that spends 24-36 months on the lees, with 20 percent reserve wines in the cuvée to plump up the palate. Creamy and full, with salted dough, lemon curd and brisk, assertive prickly lemon acidity lift the heft. A nice, brisk grip on the finish ties it all together. A solid, rounded wine, with immediate appeal that you can serve with richer protein dishes.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceThe perfect, simple, complex Champagne describes terroir-ist and grower Champagne star Pierre Peters who works with various vessels for base wine, including steel, wood and concrete and combines that with a perpetual reserve system (like a solera) for its reserve wines. There’s 40 percent reserve wine here, from a solera cuvée now more than 20 vintages. The Estate Grand Cru chardonnay is sourced from Le Mesnil sur Oger, Oger, Cramant and Avize fruit and it’s the core of classic Pierre Peters: polished, streamlined and elegant, wrapped around a core of delicate and pure white cherry fruit. This chiselled blanc de blancs drives forward with light toast, medicinal hued lemon, crunchy and bright salts, lemon pith and white florals. An absolute bargain that impresses everyone who tastes it.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FranceThis is benchmark proper fizz. Made from equal parts chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier and from some 30 crus, it brings a level of finesse and style to the non-vintage category that is rare. A fine persistent mousse leads to notes of smoked stones, green apple and lemon pith that streak across the comfortably weighted, creamy palate. Chalky acidity and a fine shimmery vibrant finish. Pristine, proper elegance, every time.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $63.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $72.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 375ml |
| NS | $67.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Laurent Perrier Brut NV
Champagne, FranceDeeper and fuller than most NV, this elegant fizz is a cuvee of 50 chardonnay, 35 pinot noir and 15 pinot meunier, with up to 20 percent reserve wines and sourced from 55 crus. LP opens with fresh floral, mineral notes before the three years on the lees amps the palate richness, flushing out a mix of baked apples, lemon curd and a light honeyed quince note. Finesse and balance mark a perfectly mellow finish.Prices:| BC | $60.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.25 | 750ml |
| BC | $139.99 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV
Champagne, FranceRuinart’s distinctively rotund bottle holds a delicate and finessed wine that blends 40 percent chardonnay, 57 percent pinot noir and 3 percent pinot meunier of which 20 to 25 percent are reserve wines from the previous two years. A full malolactic regime doesn't dampen all of the pristine fruit, green apple, lemon pith and dominant toast that ends with a chalky grip and lingering vibrance. Sheer finesse with fine structure and persistence, and one that stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Seafood anyone?Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $81.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $78.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $82.43 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut NV
Champagne, FranceA rich toasty NV brut defines the house style at Veuve, due mostly to some 50 different cru vineyards and 25 to 40 per cent reserve wine (from five to six vintages) that is blended back into the blend of 50-55% pinot noir, 15-20% pinot meunier and 28-33% chardonnay. Look for a richer bread dough base to support baked apple, pear and lemon. Light smoked stone, lemon curd and baked pear is brightened with a citrus pith and a tiny bit of sweetness in the finish. One of the best non-vintage VCs in recent memory.Prices:| BC | $82.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $73.58 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $68.97 | 750ml |
| PEI | $78.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $76.49 | 750ml |
| NB | $78.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $142.99 | 1500ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Canard-Duchene Cuvée Leonie Brut NV
Champagne, FranceA blend of 40/40/20 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay, this bold and intense Champagne opens with tangerine blossom and peach, before brisk and bristling acidity, pink grapefruit and white cherry on a ripe red apple core. Ample and a touch sweet in the back end that finishes tight and grippy. More of a baked scallop wine than an oyster wine.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $59.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
H. Billiot Fils Brut Grand Cru Brut Réserve Champagne NV
Champagne, FranceCorkedPrices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champagne Barons de Rothschild Brut NV
Champagne, FranceSolid, not spectacular is our description of this assertive, direct and full blend of 60/40 chardonnay/pinot noir, with 80 percent coming off Grand Cru vineyards. There are 40 percent reserve wines in the mix and it spends three years on the lees and with 7 g/l dosage. Pithy tangerine, spiced yellow apple, baked brioche and pear come across powerfully on the fuller, round palate. Big and rich but lacking finesse and complexity in the finish.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $77.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Champagne Janisson & Fils Grand Cru NV
Champagne, FranceThis Grand Cru Champagne blends 60/40 pinot noir / chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay, Mailly, Avize and Mesnil sur Oger. 18 percent reserve wines plump up the blend, and five years on the lees deepens it. A heady and full nose of earthy lees is the entry to the full palate, with ripe red apple, Rainier cherry lifted with pronounced crunchy acidity. The dosage feels a bit high at 9 g/l, but the style appeals to many. Great length, finishing with large flake sea salt. Bottled in 2010 and disgorged in March 2015.Prices:| UK | $47.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Champagne Agrapart & Fils Terroirs Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceLight toast, a lick of anise and lemon balm open this grower champagne, a mid-slope sourced Grand Cru blanc de blancs from Avize, Oger, Cramant and Oiry and from 20 to 40-year-old vines. Blended from two vintages, partially from base wine fermented in aged oak, this was bottled in May 2013 and disgorged in March 2016. Very fine and precise on the palate, with vibrating lemon pith / verbena notes, firm acidity and a very fine but highly structured frame. Chalky mouth feel abounds here, right to the end of the lingering finish. A beauty.Prices:| BC | $160.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Bérèche et Fils Lex Beaux Regards Chardonnay NV
Champagne, FranceCreated in 1847, Champagne Bérèche et Fils is a grower with 9.5 hectares of land, predominantly situated in Montagne des Reims. Brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche are the current generation running the family estate. Terroir-focused, they farm without herbicides, and all wines undergo tirer à liege - where the second fermentation takes place under cork rather than capsule. They believe this allows more oxygen into the bottle resulting in finer bubbles and a seamless texture. A blancs de blanc, some 70 percent comes off a single vineyard in Ludes planted in 1902. It spends three years on the lees. This bottle is the 2010 vintage (though not identified as a single vintage fizz), disgorged January 2014. A lovely and pure white blossom florality lifts the chardonnay off the creamy, fine lemon curd lined palate. Acidity is lemon crisp, chalk dusted, and firm, playing off that seamless texture desired by the house. Quite complex and structured, while holding that tightrope of acidity.Prices:| UK | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champagne Fleury Fleur de l'Europe Brut Nature NV
Champagne, FranceA richer, generous style, hemmed in with a lattice of firm acidity, this is a biodynamic, third generation grower champagne from the Vallée de l'Aube in the Côte des Bar. One of the first to move to full biodynamics, this cuvee is a blend of 85/15 pinot noir/chardonnay, with an an average age of vines 25 years and 25 percent reserve wine. Lemon pith, lemon curd, baked apple lead the round and creamy mid palate, with large flake sea salt, toast and a light kiss of fragrant honey and camomile florals on the finish. A confident and assertive style.Prices:| FR | $46.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne J-M Sélèque Solessence Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceAn impressive grower champagne, crafted with minimal intervention in the vineyard blends 50/40/10 chardonnay/pinot meunier/pinot noir from seven villages spread across the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs. The cuvée is based on the 2013 vintage. Ten percent is fermented in oak (no MLF) with the remainder fermented in stainless steel (full MLF). Sélèque also uses 50 percent perpetual reserve held in large casks and oak that started in 2000. The Solessence Brut spent 18 months on the lees and was disgorged March 2016 with 7 g/l dosage. Red apple, white peach, green apple, bright and crisp, with a salted biscuit depth. Great textural grip on the finish, and impressive integration between the precise acidity and the pure fruit. Characterful. Outstanding value.Prices:| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Champagne Moutard Pere et Fils Brut Grande Cuvée NV
Champagne, FranceRoasted nuts, dough and lemon curd are backed up with red currant and floral cherry blossom notes in this pinot noir from Côte de Bar. Grippy and firm on the palate, with a crunchy acidity to lift, this finishes with a cherry pit pithiness. This spent three years on the lees, and has a 10 g/l dosage. Disgorged in March 2014, this is ready to drink, especially with canapés.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Champagne de Venoge Cordon Bleu Brut Sélect NV
Champagne, FrancecorkedPrices:| BC | $88.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $77.99 | 750ml |
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02 December 2016
86PTS
Beato Bartolomeo Breganze Prosecco Extra Dry Vino Spumante NV
Veneto, ItalyVery floral, with ripe peach, pear and apple blossoms scenting this off-dry fizz. Brisk and foamy mousse keeps things lively in the mouth while this is well-chilled, though when it warms this quickly loses bubbles and briskness. Simple and friendly.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.30 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Henkell Rosé Dry Sec NV
GermanyBright pink in hue, this Rosé Sekt is off dry and coloured with tangy rhubarb, pear and cranberry sauce. Look for baked red apple and strawberry jam on its bright, frothy palate that finishes brisk and with a kirsch note. Ideal for the holidays, especially for cocktails or punch. Friendly.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Hungaria Grande Cuvee Brut NV
HungaryRustic and coarse, this is a simple, short and searing off-dry sparkler from Hungary. Crab apple and smoked stone with frothy, bitter, citrus mousse and a short, sharp finish. Adequate for very fruity punches or cocktails.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Mionetto Prosecco Treviso Brut NV
Veneto, ItalyRed apple, white peach and crisp pear throughout this easy and brisk Prosecco. Fresh and bright acidity counters the sugars, leaving a pithy apricot fuzz and almonds on the snappy finish. Chill well and enjoy this simple, fun fizz.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $20.98 | 750ml |
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83PTS
Henkell Trocken Dry Sekt NV
GermanyFragrant orange blossoms opens this cheap and cheerful Sekt from one of the largest producers worldwide. This Dry Sekt is off-dry, frothy on the palate, and coloured with a sweet salami note before a very short finish. Chill well, and think about making a punch.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.39 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Small Parcels Fizz Méthode Traditionelle 2011
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFelicity Nelson who hosts all of the winery visitors at KC goes by the nickname ‘Fizz’ to match her bubbly personality and quirky sophistication. A 57/43 blend of chardonnay (Awatere Valley and pinot noir (Southern Valleys) you can expect a racy, sparkler with taut lemon lime citrus notes and with notes of pear and cherries. Tight, lean, mineral and dry this is a very food-friendly style made for connoisseurs. Smoke salmon would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.55 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cava Torello 225 Brut Nature Gran Reserva 2012
SpainAt Torelló they spell tradition with a capital T. The “225” is a wine of finesse and style beginning with a classic mix of estate and cava fruit: macabeo, xarel·lo and parellada all grown at Can Martí. It’s all hand harvested and pressed directly into 225-litre barrel giving the wine its name. It spends a minimum of 30 months there before bottling. The nose is a mix of subtle spice and smoky fruit that previews a richly texture bubble with bright acidity and complex earthy, citrus apple flavours. It is described by the Spanish as a gastronomic Cava due to it lengthy ageing, in this case, 40 months. It’s big enough to serve with beef, lamb chops or even duck.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Varias La Bona Vida NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainCava Varias has been bottling sparkling wine since 1918 in the Alt Penedès region of Spain, the historic birthplace of D.O. Cava. The nose is Cava bright with a strong, citrus, melon nose flecked with savoury, dried herbs. The blend is 30/40/20 macabeo, xarel.lo and parellada. The plate is similar in taste but creamy with a delicious lees, brioche note in the finish. Estate grown and bottled this offers solid value. A perfect party sparkler for sushi, tacos, or a charcuterie plate.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Carneros Brut Carneros Sparkling 2010
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Brut Cuvée is the signature label of Domaine Carneros blending the best Carneros chardonnay and pinot noir and using less than 15 grams of residual sugar per liter. It spends three years sur lie (on its yeast) in the bottle. In 2010, a cool year, the chardonnay was impeccable and makes up 58 percent of the blend. The Taittinger style is in evidence here, elegance, with some California power. Look for a fruity mix of citrus and tropical fruit flavours with bits of butter, toasted hazelnut and pear flavours. A ready to drink, rich, full-style, sparkler for dinner with elegance.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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01 December 2016
88PTS
Exton Park Rosé NV
EnglandSour choke cherries, crab apples and a shearing acidity mark this lean rosé fizz from Hampshire. 70/30 pinot noir/pinot meunier was pressed off brief skin contact to create the ample fruitiness, but gentle rose hue. Assertive and ripping grapefruit pith acidity is a sharp offset to a pillow of red berry fruit, leaving it angular now.Prices:| England | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hambledon Vineyard Classic Cuvée Rosé NV
EnglandBright and juicy fine strawberry, wild raspberry and light toast fill this linear rosé fizz from Hambledon's estate vineyards, finishing with a chalky, salty riff and lingering white cherry notes. South East facing chalk slopes in Windmill Down provide a pithy and grippy texture to this crisp, bright fizz from one of England's oldest commercial vineyard (1952) and certainly one of the most exciting quality sparkling producers. 95 percent from the 2014 harvest is splashed with 5 percent barrel-aged reserve wines. The Chardonnay was fermented in French oak and after six months, was blended with the pinot noir in stainless steel for fourteen months on the lees. Precise and structured, with a gentle cushion of cherries to counter the striking acidity, this is drinking beautifully now, but will continue to deepen over the next few years.Prices:| England | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hoffmann & Rathbone Rosé Réserve Brut 2011
EnglandFrom West and East Sussex this rosé fizz is 85/15 pinot noir/chardonnay that has spent forty months on the lees. Barrique fermented chardonnay and still pinot noir has upped the generosity here, with a broad baked red apple, cherry and ripe red current palate with a pithy grapefruit rasp on the finish. Rosewater biscuits add a very gentle, delicate sweetness.Prices:| England | $38.00 | 750ml |
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January 2017