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Tastings: February 2018
28 February 2018
91PTS
Charles Fox Cuvée Elgin Vintage Brut Rose Méthode Cap Classique 2012
South AfricaCharles and Zelda Fox purchased Elgin's Furneaux Farms in 2005, founding Charles Fox MCC, a sparkling house. They own and organically farm six hectares of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, the latter lesser seen in RSA. This blend of 50 percent pinot noir, met with equal parts chardonnay and pinot meunier, pits assertive red fruitiness to ample toasty dough, to brilliant results. It's easy to get lopsided with very fruity, or very oxidative styles, but when the two forces meet = balance. This spent three years on the lees, and is disgorged in batches of 2000 bottles to ensure freshness. That atypical meeting of two big forces is achieved here, in a self-assured style, with generous wild strawberry, juicy raspberry, smoked stone, rich hazelnuts, dough on an expansive palate, one with a glint of age. Acidity is striking and the finish lingers with a hum. This shows the seriousness of MCC, a relatively new category to our market; listen up.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Charles Fox Cuvée Elgin Vintage Brut Method Cap Classique 2013
South AfricaCharles and Zelda Fox purchased Elgin's Furneaux Farms in 2005, founding Charles Fox MCC, a sparkling house. They own and organically farm six hectares of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, the latter lesser seen in RSA. This is (barely) meunier dominant, along with chardonnay and pinot noir, and after blending together spends three years on the lees. Roasted chestnuts, toasted brioche and cider apple fill the generous palate, with a scratching of stones and a swell of red apple juiciness. Shows the drinkability, and attitude of serious MCC.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Calmel and Joseph Blanquette de Limoux Brut NV
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceCalmel & Joseph produce a traditional method sparkler with a second fermentation in the bottle that rests on its lees for 15 months before its disgorged and corked. Blanquette de Limoux differs from the region’s other Crémant offerings as it must consist of at least 90 percent Mauzac – a rare indigenous grape – before adding 10 percent of chardonnay and/or chenin blanc. At Calmel & Joseph the additional fruit is all chardonnay. Expect a fresh, dry sparkler that opens with a mineral wet stone nose that previews a flash of tropical fruit aromas and baked apple notes with a light citrus theme. Just a hint of nutty lees evens out the balance and the finish. Pleasantly fresh with a twist of exotic fruit and a dusting of austerity. The vines are planted to the west of Limoux at 200-300 metres over clay and limestone.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Dilettante Vouvray Brut NV
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceCatherine and Pierre Breton champion biodynamic viticulture in the Loire, use native yeasts and eschew much sulfur. They have been farming organically since 1987 and biodynamically since 1999. This is a pretty, light, elderflower, and apple blossomed sparkling chenin blanc from Vouvray. Traditional method (from two vintages) with 24 months on the lees and a light touch, deftly merging autolysis with subtle white florals. Gentle white peach lingers on the tight, bright, dry finish, with a gingersnap scented on the finish. Effortless and easily drinkable, especially at breakfast / brunch.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Selbach-Oster Riesling Brut 2014
Mosel, GermanyOne of the few traditional method sekt on this market, and one worth seeking out. Mosel riesling spends 18-24 months on the lees, and the dosage is an aged auslese, both of which help the sometimes-rocky marriage of riesling and autolysis. Just off dry, with scents of nectarines and fleshy peach, candied apricot and gingersnap on the finish. Acidity is lifted and buoyant, with herbal lime leaf threaded throughout. Serious and ideal for pairing with Thai or Vietnamese.Prices:| BC | $24.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Crémant du Jura Extra Brut NV
FranceImpressive crémant, and among the best I've tasted from the Jura, where Crémant makes up nearly one third of wines. The numbers are similar with this biodynamic Tissot (one of many Tissots), with fizz comprising approximately one quarter of their production. This focused Extra Brut is half chardonnay with 40 percent pinot noir and the remainder split between poulsard and trousseau, with 18 spent months on the lees and with no dosage at bottling (and very little sulfur). Meringue, toast, lemon brioche on the lifted palate, tight and nervy with green apple cut and buzzy acidity, but with a depth of crushed stone and vanilla bean mergingue dust that is alluring. The finish is alive, humming and vibrant. Fantastic value for an exciting wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Ballerine Brut Étoile Rosé NV
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGerard Bertrand is making some terrific wines in the south of France and even better marketing decisions. Ballerine strikes all the right notes, from its colour and styling to its grace on the palate. Even the shape of the label mirroring the ballet shoe further fits the image of this wine. Its origin in Limoux, where the first sparkling wines were made at Saint-Hilaire Abbey in 1531, is another nugget Bertrand mines, as he should. The freshness sweeps down the Pyrenees infusing the red fruit flavours and brioche notes with a touch of electricity. A lovely fizz, unfortunately not sold in Canada, yet.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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27 February 2018
89PTS
Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a bright golden yellow, the 2016 hails from 27-year-old estate fruit from Okanagan Falls vines mixing five clones. It’s all whole-cluster pressed and fermented wild (30 percent in stainless steel the remainder in a mix of new-to-three-year old French oak barrels) before a 10-month rest on the lees. Only ten percent of the wine goes through malolactic fermentation keep the majority fresh offsetting the weight and toast of the wood while filling in some of the cracks from the crisp acidity. The creamy, round palate is cut with bright green apple and scented with perfumed melon and white peach. Rich and full, with a hazelnut spicing and a welcome lemon zest tightening the finish. AS touch less complex this year but ready to drink. Seafood anyone?Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liquidity Reserve Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLiquidity’s Reserve Chardonnay is more intense than the Estate version, due in part to more new oak, although at 25 percent new it doesn’t overwhelm the wine. Lemon curd, toasty spice, baked pear on a downy, creamy palate all comes together in texture (lees) and structure (oak). Again the style is generous, yet fine. Made from older vines, planted in 1994. Try this with halibut.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liquidity Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRound perfumed lemon, cream aromas with pillows of white peach fill out the estate chardonnay. A spicy, rich custard-bodied white with clean, grapefruit zest finish. The fruit is clone 76 chardonnay from two sites on the Allendale Vineyard in Okanagan Falls, planted 1994, and 2010. Crushed before pressing, this began fermentation in stainless before being racked to French oak (only 16 percent new) for the remainder of ferment, battonage, partial MLF and ten months aging. There is fine restraint here, resulting in a food-friendly, elegant white.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay Cerqueira Vineyard 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe, round, leesy and cloudy on the palate, with ripe yellow apple, almonds, toast and a sweet, caramelized sugar note to the gingerale finish. This is sourced from Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Gravel Bench, a prized site for its limestone laced soils. The growing season was very warm and the wine is showing flabbier and sweeter than expected.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2014
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBeamsville Bench is one of the 10 sub appellations of Niagara Peninsula, and one of 14 wineries based there. The area is characterized by sloping bench lands and limestone enriched soils which imbue wines, like this, with fresh minerality. Organically farmed, native fermented and whole bunch pressed, this spends time in French barrels. Creamy, yet streamlined on the palate, with green apple, herbs, lemon and large flake salts, bedded with fresh filberts and finishing with stony citrus.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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26 February 2018
89PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir GFV Saddle Block 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGFV stands for their estate Gentleman Farmer Vineyard, and Saddle Block, a single plot within the East Kelowna site. This is a blend of their three original estate pinot noir plantings of Dijon 115, 777, and 828, with ten months in French oak. Sweetly ripe, with pretty raspberry, plum, sweet tobacco on a soft palate. There's a stickiness to the tannins that works to frame the fruit to a dusting of smoked pink peppercorn on the finish. Russian River-esque, and great swing towards refinement over last vintage.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe white label pinot noir is the mainstay of Spierhead, a winery that has made a name for itself for its trio of pinot noirs released each vintage. This is a mix of estate fruit plus a Summerland vineyard (Golden Retreat) and a blend of two Dijon clones (115 and 777). Soft and gentle, with sweet plum raspberry, fine peppery spicing and a fine, firm tug of tannins along the sides. This was barrel aged for ten months in French oak, but this youthful wine meets the wood with its ripe cherubic charm.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir 2015
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from a blend of estate fruit spread across six Dijon clones: 115, 114, 777, 667, 828, 943. It’s all young vines, the oldest only seven years old. It is cold soaked and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts for 17-26 days and then 14 months in barrel before blending. The style is consistent with juicy, spicy pinot fruit with a smoky savoury undercurrent. It’s much earthier now then it was last summer, showing hints of Oregon in the finish. Drinkable now but there is no rush. Best with grilled duck, barbecue pork or chicken. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liquidity Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm, soupy cherry, strawberry jam, root beer and cola mark this Okanagan Falls estate pinot noir. This is Liquidity's 1994 planting of own rooted clone 115, plus clones 667, 777, 828 and 91, all harvested and fermented separately. Each was aged in 21 percent new French oak for 11 months prior to blending and bottling. A gentle potpourri perfume floats on the surface to a short-ish finish. A pretty-looking, simple, unresolved pinot noir, that needs a bit of tightening and acidity to really shine. Try this with a salmon burger.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Pinot Noir 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe very best lots at Stag’s Hollow fall under the Renaissance moniker and in terms of pinot noir this is only the sixth produced in 21 years (now that’s a ratio we can get behind.) Winemaker Dwight Sick has selected barrel lots from the winery’s two vineyard sites: Stag’s Hollow and Shuttleworth. The Renaissance style is always a jump up in texture and weight from their regular label, and after two decades of experience, the pinot character is pure. A sign of better fruit is 47 percent new French oak, the remainder is aged in second use oak. Savoury and complex on the nose it is a 47/26.5/26.5 mix of clones: Pommard, 115 and 667 that are whole berry fermented, and bottle unfined and unfiltered. This is a bigger, peppery version of Okanagan pinot (in a very warm year) with a hint of tannin in the back end but it’s not without its charm. Best with duck or grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Robin Ridge Pinot Noir 2014
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEach year this wine has improved, shedding the sum of its parts and revealing its home in the Similkameen. Refined and subtle on entry, the textures are silky, the flavours spicy sweet cherries with a strong undercurrent of sage (brush). Elegant and ready to drink it has all you could want in an elemental pinot noir. A fine improvement in style and substance. Try this with salmon sushi rolls. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Spierhead pinot white label is the winery workhorse, responsible for about 60 percent of the production and frankly it has settled into a reliable, authentic drop of pinot noir. It’s crafted to reflect the Spierhead house, one I have said on other occasions is more Oregon than California, with a nod to Burgundy. Far less heat in 2016 has allowed the lighter, fresher, cooler style to return. It spends a less than a year in wood allowing it to come out of the barrels with juicy, bright red berry fruit aromas and flavours with a hint of savoury underbrush, compost and licorice. All you could want in a ready-to-drink easy-sipping style point noir that we have only come to know in the Okanagan. Veal chops, pork and or grilled salmon all work here.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpearhead Pinot Noir Cuvée is a selection of the best barrels. It’s always made in limited quantities and it disappears fast. In 2016 the mix is 35 percent Dijon 115, 25 percent Dijon 667, 25 percent Dijon 828 and 15 percent Pommard. The nose is a savoury mix of dried herbs, tea, beef au jus, and the flavours dry dark plums and cherries followed by smoke and oak. Rich and robust but with just enough restraint to still be pinot-like. No rush to drink this, in fact another three years in the cellar would be a perfect way to let it sing.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir GFV Saddle Block 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGentleman Farmer Vineyard (GFV), Spearhead’s East Kelowna home vineyard, is shaped like a saddle, hence the Saddle Block label moniker. In 2016 all of the original plantings of Dijon clones 115, 777 and 828 made it into the wine blended 70/15/15. This has much wider appeal in 2016 with soft, slippery, supple fruit redolent in strawberry, tea and cherry notes, and with cinnamon and star anise in the back end. Tannins remain gentle. Think salmon sushi, pork belly or cedar planked grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Crowsnest Vineyards Pinot Noir 2016
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA pleasant, soft, silky style marks this Similkameen pinot. The fruit is medium light in colour, the nose aromatic, mixing notes of roses and red fruits. The plate is similar in character with mostly red fruit, mineral, spicy flavours with a twist of forest floor. It could be cleaner, but all in all, a good effort. Try this with a piece of grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Upper Bench Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery says it is not a wimpy pinot noir and they're right. Earthy black fruit and balsamic notes give it a richer, more aggressive demeanour, frankly lacking the finessed, red-fruited style that is fast becoming the benchmark in the valley. Many will like the black cherry, raspberry, smoky leathery fruit with a strong forest floor undercurrent. Personally, I favour a more reserved style but this is, as it should be, the Upper Bench style. Lamb burgers, grilled salmon or duck confit will all work here.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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25 February 2018
90PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2016
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe top tier of the trio of pinot noirs Spierhead makes each year, Cuvée is a barrel selection of best clones and sites. In 2016, this is Dijon 115, 667, 828, plus 15 percent Pommard, all aged ten months in French oak (more new oak than the other pinot cuvées). Soft and generous on the mouth, with perfumed plum, dark raspberry, and ample fine cinnamon and clove spicing. Tannins are dusky fine, dark chocolate clad, and powdery soft, wrapping a velvet palate. Elegant and assured.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Llopart Brut Rose Reserva 2015
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPouring a pink blush hue, on the palate fine raspberry and cherry bump up against red apple, toasted almond biscotti and lightly smoked stones. The red fruit is well-harnessed, and complements rather than competes in this cava, finishing with a gentle swell of sweetness and a good dose of finesse and length. This is a blend of 19-28 year old estate monastrell, garnatxa and pinot noir, farmed organically and with 18 months on the lees. The Llopart clan are recorded as viticulturists dating back to 1385 (!) at their current estate. They have been making Cava since 1887. Today's sparkling labels reference the first lithograph Cava labels, illustrating the familial house, vineyards and surroundings.Prices:| BC | $33.93 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Llopart Brut Reserva Organic 2014
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainToasted almonds, biscotti, lightly smoked stone and cider apples stream through this salty, racy cava. The finish vibrates with lingering ripples along the palate. The typical trio, macabeo, xarel-lo and parellada, from four estate vineyards spend 18 months on the lees. Eight g/l RS just rounds off some of the sharp edges, leaving lots of bright, crisp fruit intact. The Llopart clan are recorded as viticulturists dating back to 1385 (!) at their current estate. They have been making Cava since 1887. Today's sparkling labels reference the first lithograph Cava labels, illustrating the familial house, vineyards and surroundings.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Agusti Torello Mata Reserva 2013
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainOlder macabeo, xarello and parellada vines make up this Cava, aged for a minimum of 24 months before disgorging in September 2017 (all of Agusti Torello's wines show the disgorgement date on the back). Dry with yellow fruits, desert pear, and crisp yellow apple, there's ample dusty stoniness on the nose that carries along to the spicy palate. A gingersnap and some dried crystalline orange closes this out. From the Sant Sadurni d'Anoia area, in Alt Penedes, this shows a different, grown-up, savoury dimension to Cava.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Agusti Torello Mata Trepat Reserva Rosado 2014
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrisky and fruity, with cranberry, raspberry fruit tinged with thistles, roses, pink grapefruit and grippy toast. This is 100 percent trepat from the Alt Penedes region of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, disgorged July 2017 (on the back label, as are all this winery's disgorgement dates). Dry, crisp, lightly fruity and lively, but serious, this is a refreshingly distinct rosado cava to seek out on our shelves.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis rosado opens with a brighter, fruitier nose than the regular Brut, more red fruit and creamier too, before the dryness in the back end sets in. The blend is trepat/monastrell/garnacha, and the flavours a mix of raspberries, cherries and pomegranate that dissolve into a clipped finish, boasting a small dose of residual sugar. A fun summer sipper or brunch style rosé that should have wide appeal.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
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24 February 2018
89PTS
Suvla Karasakiz 2016
Gallipoli Peninsula (Marmara) (Thracian) Region, TurkeyA new winery built in 2009 plays a key role in preserving the freshness of grapes that arrive from the vineyard and ultimately, the quality of the wine. The indigenous variety Karasakiz is unique to the Gallipoli region and at Suvla it’s grown at Bozokbag, upon the family vineyard, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The nose is fresh and fragrant with a hint of balsamic. The attack is soft and round, reminiscent of a young pinot noir with intense plum/strawberry notes with bits of figs dusted in dried herbs. Impressive balanced red that should improve in the bottle. Try this with chicken or pork or a favourite softy cheese.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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23 February 2018
89PTS
Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 2015
Tuscany, ItalyCasalferro is a single vineyard merlot, situated within the historic Chianti Classico heart. Since it's not classic sangiovese based, it wears the IGT Toscana cloak. Intense and flushed with ripe black plum, blackberry, cola, dusky spices, bitter cherry, espresso. A thread of cherry acidity keeps this afloat, enveloped by downy, thick, lightly powdery tannins and finishing with lingering kirsch. I quite like what merlot does on these clay/chalk soils; it tasted distinctly Italian, and distinctly merlot, and very much Super Tuscan. As such, drink this potent wine now with giant red meat proteins, or hold for a few years in cellar.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom the special 2015 vintage, this Reserva is all savoury and serious espresso, flake salts, thorns, dark soils, and earthy black fruit, with anise drawn throughout the grippy frame. This Reserva was selected from estate vineyards between 300-400m, and has 80 percent sangiovese flushed out with merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Sixteen months in barrique and tonneaux is followed by a further 3 to 6 months of bottle ageing. Though tight now in youth, this savoury red charms with its structure, energy and future.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyA selection ofd plots across the estate, the 2015 Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione showcases the beauty vintage to the best of its ability. Sangiovese is splashed with cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot here in a move away from classical, but towards Brolio. After a stainless ferment, the wine is aged for 21 months in French oak barriques and tonneaux (20 percent new) until bottling July 2015, where it will wait until its release in July 2018. The firm structure is filled with salty anise, medicinal black cherry, and leather, gripped with fine, tight and unyielding tannins. Long in the mouth to the grippy finish, the vintage renders this drinkable now, but experience says wait. The wood-built tannins reckon that this wine needs 5+ years.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Barone Ricasoli Colledila Chianti Classico 2015
Tuscany, ItalyColledilà is a single selection sangiovese from Brolio's estate which has been in the family for centuries, and a Cru deemed worthy of the Gran Selezione stream. The 2015, an excellent vintage, will be released in July 2018, as per CCGS rules. Certainly this firm, savoury, structural wine is far too young to drink now, though it is impressively ready to go today with tenderloin after a decant. After a stainless ferment, this spends 21 months in French barrique and tonneau, 40 percent of which are new. Beauty red fruits, dusky raspberry jam, anise, soft and generous at the core, and framed with a salted, firm, upright structure and vibrating with acidity transmitted via the calcareous alberese soils. Tannins are fine, but mighty, and grip all the way through the lengthy finish.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2015
Tuscany, ItalyPreviously, Rocca Guicciarda was one of Ricasoli's most important estates. Today, interestingly, this modern-styled wine it is the name of the estate's Chianti Classico Riserva, here showing all the promise and beauty of the winning 2015 vintage. Predominantly sangiovese, with five percent each of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, this was fermented in stainless, aged 11 months in wood tonneau, before six months in bottle. Red fruits lead the dense, fleshy palate, with dried cherry, worn leather, cinnamon bark spicing to a hard pressed finish. There's a definite earthy, gritty rusticity to this wine, keeping it edgy, and best friends with lamb shank.Prices:| QC | $28.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barone Ricasoli Brolio-Bettino Chianti Classico 2015
Tuscany, ItalyOf the excellent 2015 vintage, Bettino was named for Bettino, the ancestor who invented the original recipe for Chianti in 1872. To honour him, the winery has tried to make this wine like it was made in the past: with a splash of Abrusco (Collorino), aged in larger barrel and with minimal filtration. A lick of spearmint peaks through the dusky dark fruit, with morello cherry, anise, salted black cherry fleshing out the firm frame. The abrusco seems to add a fresh, lifted, stridently herbaceous note to the middle. Great, firm, fine form.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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22 February 2018
88PTS
Meãndro do Vale Meão Douro Branco 2016
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLike most white wines produced at 'red' wine wineries, there comes a point when the owners get tired of pouring someone else’s white wine at special events. It was Francisco Javier de Olazabal who made the decision to plant rabigato and arinto to blend into a fresh white to begin the meal. The 2016 is the fourth such release. It’s not an altitude wine but one adopted to its site. The 50/50 mix of rabigato (planted on schist) and arinto (planted on alluvial soils) are fermented separately; the fruit is barely crushed and then cooled before pressing in a traditional vertical press, after which the separate grapes age on their lees in stainless steel for ten months prior to blending. About six percent of the blend is stored in a single barrique. The result is a serious white with bright freshness, a core of citrus, white peach fruit, a touch of mid-palate weight and a twist of savoury dried herbs. The Portuguese call it a gastronomy wine and we agree. It is perfect for chicken or seafood. Production is approximately 10,000 bottles.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
F. Olazabal e Filhos Monte Meão Touriga Nacional 2014
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalNormally when I think about touriga nacional I think power and weight but this peculiar offering of TN is grown on granite and the difference is astounding. Since 2009 Monte Meão has been making its way as a single varietal wine boasting some magnificent aromatic notes and purity fruit albeit with a stony undercurrent. Think violets and stones mixed with a fleck of Bing cherries, black olives and savoury herbs. Just when you think it's going to be a monster, it reveals a freshness and subtlety of texture, texture and texture. Another gastronomy wine that you can drink or hold for two decades. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quinta do Vale Meão Douro Red 2015
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalHow good is this 45/45/5/5/ blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta barroca and tinta roriz? The fruit is handpicked from older sites, and most of it was grown with a northern exposure on schist. Those parameters lead to more elegance in the finished wine which barely represents eight percent of the winery output. Post crush the grapes are cooled before they are foot-trodden in granite lagares for four hours. From the lagares the juice is run off into small refrigerated stainless-steel vats where each variety is fermented separately. All wines are matured in French Allier oak barriques (225 litres) that are 65 percent new and 35 percent second use. This is a highly concentrated red with a hint of raisins and a strong savoury undercurrent but all with a wonderful sense of balance. The latter will serve it well through the next decade or two.Prices:| BC | $135.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $130.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meãndro do Vale Meão Douro Red 2015
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe summer of 2015 was one of the driest ever registered in the Douro, with the lowest temperatures ever recorded, allowing the plants to survive and grow despite the low levels of water in soil. The harvest of red grapes began on August 24 with the tinta amarela. Fresh days and cool nights allowed for a much slower orderly harvest that ran until October 1st. The results were exceptional quality fruit, rich in aromas with a beautiful colour. Meãndro Red is a 40/35/16/5/2/2 mix of touriga franca, touriga nacional, tinta roriz, tinta barroca, alicante bouschet and tinta amarela. Lively color. The nose is beguiling with bright floral red fruit aromas and a strong mineral note. The fruit is dark with rich but supple with pure blueberry/blackberry flavours. Bright and balanced, it dances across the palate before the complex mineral and savoury, black pepper notes kick in. Impressive for the price. Production is 180 to 190,000 bottles.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.85 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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21 February 2018
90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Pinot Noir 2016
Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United StatesThe Navarro River cuts through Anderson Valley and over millennia it has carved a path for through the coastal mountains for the cold ocean wind and coastal fog (perfect for pinot) to flood in. This pinot is bright with active acidity, a dose of minerality and delicious silky black and red fruits with cool-climate shades. The finish is persistent with soft, smoky, toasted oak notes. Very Central Otago. Its easy to sip but will age through 2021. This 100 percent Anderson Valley AVA pinot noir is 80 percent Boone Ridge Vineyard, 12 percent Sable Mountain Vineyard and 8 percent Philo Vineyard. The clonal mix is interesting: 39% Clone 667, 6% Clone 777, 34% Clone 828 2% Clone 115 and 16% Clone 5 and 1.5% each Calera & 2A – it is all aged ten months in 100% French oak (28% new).Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Pinot Noir 2014
Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United StatesI am pleased to see this wine just settling into itself a half year down the road. The KJ style is unapologetically hedonistic, but it is clear over the last half decade they are toning down the richness in a manner that will appeal to both the pinot sniffers and those who are okay with the a fuller, mouth-filling pinot style. This has nothing to do with Burgundy, but everything to do with the Anderson Valley and the wild Sonoma Coast. The nose is a mix of raspberry, pepper, smoke, blueberry, mocha with a savoury undercurrent of celery salt, plus vanilla aromas. The attack is clean, fresh, juicy and elegant but with intensity and more peppery, savoury, herbal, compost before a vanilla, licorice finish. The fruit is grown in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley’s along a high eastern ridge, on broken rock in thin, powdery soil similar to a Goldridge classification. Remote, distant, yet memorable. Bring on the duck, quail, turkey and smoked meats. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Acacia Carneros Pinot Noir 2015
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesIt’s easy to say this large production pinot is nowhere near as interesting as the many single vineyards offerings that made Acacia famous but you would be wrong. For the price, this Carneros pinot is just fine, thank you very much, offering a mix of soft, silky, black and red fruits with a spicy, plummy New World underbelly. Ready to drink and a giveaway at US $12 at Costco. A perfect wine for grilled salmon.Prices:| US | $28.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Jane's Vineyard 2016
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesDavis Bynum produced the first single-vineyard Russian River Valley pinot noir in 1973 from the Joe Rochioli vineyard. The 2016, made by winemaker Greg Morthole, has little bit of Davis Bynum in it via the pair's self-effacing, modest, demeanour. Bynum, who met with Morthole from time to time before his death in 2017, gave him some winemaking advice but it was the stories and mentorship that most affected Morthole, who is quoted as saying "More than anything, what Davis helped me realize is that in this business, you don't have to have a big personality to make great wine and leave an impact." Working with consultant David Ramey, Morthole has tapped the potential of the shallow, moderately well-draining, Huichica loam soils just off West Side Road, mixing clones 2A, 23, 113, 114, 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. Warm summer days provided plenty of sugar accumulation and cool, overcast days from mid-August through mid-September prolonged the hanging and flavour accumulation. All the blocks are hand-picked in the early morning hours and destemmed mostly to stainless steel tanks with a small amount in puncheons, macro bins and small concrete tanks. There is a five-day cold soak followed by a native yeast ferment and in 2016 it was aged in an 87/13 mix of French and Hungarian oak barrels – only 25 percent were new. The wine opens with a fragrant, earthy black plum, Bing cherry tea leaf nose. The attack is silky with warm spicy red and dark fruit flavours that finish long, smooth and warm. Perfect for grilled chicken, soft cheeses or duck pate.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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20 February 2018
90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2015
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong was a fan of Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon as early as 1971 when he first planted Alexander’s Crown. Today the winery farms four different estate vineyards on the benches and hillsides of the Alexander Valley that explore all the valley has for terroir. There is both refinement and richness here but it all begins with a fragrant nose of cedar, plums, cassis, and black pepper with flecks of milk chocolate. The texture and tannins well managed, providing a soft backdrop to the savoury black cherry, blackberry, smoky espresso vanilla flavours — New World style but with freshness, and like all the wines at Rodney Strong, a growing sense of place. You could drink this now with grilled meats but it will reward three to five years in the bottle. The wine spends 18 months in 100 percent French oak barrels, half of which are new.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesI love the fragrant nose and juicy, soft attack of this wine, reminding me of that in-between Napa and Sonoma character and texture of Knights Valley reds. The appellation is the easternmost in Sonoma County and the county’s warmest viticultural region. Fresh crushed black fruits with bits of spice and chocolate preview a soft, dense, long, mid-palate and an equally fruity palate with surprisingly forgiving tannins. The mineral-rich volcanic soils are evident in the stony undercurrent that holds the finish together. The grapes were harvested at peak ripeness from September 12 through September 28 under ideal conditions and spent 18 months in 100 percent French oak.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.05 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong Vineyards practises modern, artisanal winemaking on a large scale, while making substantial commitments to the environment. Its SoCo cab comes off three sites from Jimtown, Geyserville and Cloverdale, all planted to alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils. In 2015 the style remains reasonably rich with floral, plummy, red and black fruits and with hints of cinnamon and pepper. There is just enough structure and tannin to suggest it's cabernet sauvignon. Serve with any grilled meats to best effect. The cabernet spends 15 months in 75 percent American oak and 25 percent French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesArtisanal winemaking is easier to say than do, but at Rodney Strong, Sonoma County’s first carbon neutral winery, the art is in the details. Reserve means a strict selection of individual Cabernet Sauvignon lots made from time tested, meticulously farmed sections of some of the best vineyards of the Alexander Valley and up in the mountains north of Lake Sonoma. It’s all individually harvested, fermented separately, and aged in French oak. After six months, each lot is tasted and graded and only the best considered for Reserve. The 2014 Reserve Cabernet came out of the small lot artisan cellar under the direction of winemaker Greg Morthole. Look for intense, enticing smoky, blackberry aromas and spice. The attack is juicy (yeah) with warm, dense, fine grained tannins - a reserve with meaning. I love the rich hillside black fruit flavours, but there is restraint and complexity now, not just brute cabernet power. Savoury dried herbs and toasted oak punctuate the finish of a wine so well balanced you can almost start drinking it now. This is a Sonoma County mix of 96 percent cabernet sauvignon (much of it from Rockaway), 3 percent petit verdot and 1 percent malbec that is aged 27 months in 43 percent new French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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19 February 2018
88PTS
Rioja Bordón Rosado 2016
Rioja, SpainA mix of red garnacha and viura results in a pleasant, soft pink/orange tone. The aroma is reminiscent of fresh cherries and just ripe strawberries that carry onto the very soft, almost quaffable, palate. There is a touch of bitter almond in the finish that effectively balances off the sweet fruit. Best with tapas or a summer salad.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Parallele 45 Rose 2015
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FrancePale peach in hue, this Cotes du Rhone rose is a blend of 20-ish year old grenache, cinsault and syrah sourced from two family estates on the Right side of the Rhone River. Biodynamically farmed, this is bone dry and streaming along fine peppery spice and tight red berry fruit. Fine strawberry, cherry, and cinnamon spice is bright with acidity, and lined with river stones to a snappy, pink grapefruit finish. Paul Jaboulet Aine is one of the Northern Rhone's leading estates, first established in 1834. The Paralleles line, their 'entry level' tier, was named because the 45th parallel runs two kilometers from the domaine’s cellars near Tain L’Hermitage. This cuvée began in 1950 and represents the Jaboulet commitment to producing France’s finest Rhône value. The estate been under the purview of the Frey family for the past decade or so, and Caroline Frey is currently oenologist and proprietor. This is an impressive value, an ideal rose to partner with a multitude of foods (and people) and something you could buy by the case.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cono Sur Rose Sparkling Wine NV
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileThe last time I tasted a Cono Sur Bio-Bio Rose it was under the Bicicleta label, and was vintage dated 2014. Light and fizzy, with raspberry, youthful cherry and easy breezy freshness, kissed with sweetness and finishing with a tart, snappy finish. Easy and youthful, for drinking now, well chilled.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2016
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceWe don’t normally mention the package with wines, but rosés, especially French rosés, make a point out of packaging. People buy rosés with their eyes first, from hue to presentation, more than they do with any other wine style. The packaging here is striking and memorable; a gossamer pink coloured rosé pours from a unique glass bottle with the base shaped like a rose. The rose is one that grows in Languedoc, and was imprinted by the artist specifically for this custom-bottle. The closure, Vinolok glass, tops off the experience with style. As the French would say, it is très chic. The nose is a subtle mix of strawberry and citrus with a strong, fresh mineral undercurrent, and the palate is similar with delicate raspberry, pear and stony notes with a dusting of Southern France garrigue. The style is dry and firm, adding substance and intensity, yet it remains perfectly lively and graceful: never easy to achieve. A fantastic price too (around $15 USD), even in Hawaii (also, never easy to achieve). Makes it all the better that it pairs beautifully with tuna poke.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis rosé surprised with its delicacy and aplomb. It was harvested from August 12 to 30 from the River East Vineyard, Jane’s Vineyard, and Preston Vineyard, all within the heart of the Russian River Valley. I love the light pink salmon colour and the inviting strawberry, honeydew melon aromas and flavours. The palate is perfectly light and refreshing with a juicy peach finish. Goat cheese, wasabi ginger poke, shellfish and summer salads all work here. Well done and fun to boot.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tomero Rosé 2017
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe dark red Tomero Rosé has been revamped and they nailed the colour, now Provençal pink. Visually the wine is so much more appealing and it comes with plenty of freshness and crisp acidity throughout. Tart strawberry flavours with a dash of citrus and watermelon mark the palate and finish of this impressive new-look malbec rosé from Tomero that has endless food possibilities. Bravo points for bravery. The fruit is grown at Finca Los Alamos in the Alto Valle De Uco, Mendoza. A little more finesse and it is ready to go.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Fizz Rosé 2015
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pentâge Fizz is a blend of grenache, mourvèdre and zinfandel that is fresher and brighter than the previous all zinfandel version. The nose is an open candied strawberry/raspberry/cherry-scented affair. The attack is fresh with a persistent mousse and more candied red berry flavours that finish clean. A perfect fizz for spicy Indian or Thai food, brie, or spicy tuna sushi.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Rosé 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn atypical (thankfully) blend of pinot noir and pinotage, this day-glo pink wine had 24 hours of skin contact before pressing and cooler fermentation. Disjointed and angular, with strawberry jam and watermelon elbowing sharp green apple acids in a pool of sweet candy apple. Finishes warm and brusque.Prices:| BC | $18.90 | 750ml |
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16 February 2018
93PTS
Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAustralian Charlie Seppelt and American Chris Carpenter are the blokes behind the Hickinbotham revival pushing this Clarendon cabernet front and centre. The wine is shaped by its texture and hence tannins which remain dense throughout framing the wine’s structure to perfection. Pure black fruit/cassis with bits of tobacco, menthol and dark chocolate. The fruit is hand-picked from Clarendon high country at 220 metres where it builds weight and flavour in the warm mornings and freshness and acidity through cool nights. The richness and density makes you think of Pomerol, while the drinkability and savoury aspects remind one Tuscany. First planted in 1971 by Alan Hickinbotham it remains well cared for today under the Jackson Family Wines banner. Delicious especially when decanted for three hours. Cellar through 2025.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCabernet Sauvignon has been a long part of the Hope Family’s viticultural history and this wine is an ode to the many who influenced Austin. His father Chuck Hope, his uncle Paul and Napa Valley winemaker Chuck Wagner. It’s definitely Wagnerian at 15.3 percent alcohol but you don’t feel it. It’s opaque with intense, juicy cassis/black currant, blackberry jam aromas and flavours mixed with tobacco, vanilla, clove, and cinnamon spice with surprisingly soft tannins with some smoke and toast at the end.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesSweet, ripe, spiced cinnamon and sarsaparilla fill the fleshy mouth of this Paso cabernet. There's ample tobacco herbaceousness that filters through the heaps of ripe, sweeter black fruit, tomato paste, lined with vanilla and scented with potpourri. Tannins are sticky and the finish is short. Its disjointed flavours would better meld with saucy veal shank or roasted Portobello mushroom.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis wine is a monster style cabernet, rich and powerful from start to finish, with black fruit and marzipan aromas mixed with blueberry fruit, expresso, chocolate and clove. It needs to be served at cellar temperature to release some of the fresher notes buried under the weight and heft of this extracted cabernet sauvignon. Big bold and proud of it this savoury red will resonate with those who love their red wine as a big as they can get it. Think barbecue pork or a rare Porterhouse steak for now or cellar it for five years.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| US | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
West Cape Howe Book Ends Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Mt. Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaBlack cherry, sarsaparilla, boysenberry blackcurrant jam, lined with a thick layer of mint in this juicy, full-bodied Western Australia cabernet. Tannins are structural and dense, shellacked with anise, but lifted with a shine of tart rhubarb acidity. Sourced from several vineyards in Mt. Barker, each lot is fermented and aged for 18 months in new and used French oak.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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15 February 2018
90PTS
La Crema Saralee's Vineyard Chardonnay 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesMost of you are too young to remember when the winery was called La Crema Vinera or the “best of the vine,” back in 1979. Saralee’s Vineyard lies in the heart of the Russian River Valley, honouring one of the region's most respected wine growers. The 2015 vintage is highly expressive, offering up tropical orange and crystalline lemon, honeydew, and yellow plums. The palate is similar with even more intense pear and lemon curd flavors and caramel. The textures are lush but not overbearing due to a line of minerality and freshness in the back end. Hedonistic and just plain fun to drink, this is New World chardonnay with a sense of place. Think crab or lobster.Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Russian River Chardonnay 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesYou expect the Russian River fruit to project more than Sonoma, and you both sense and taste the intense Meyer lemon and nectarine notes. The lees and weight are well adjusted to be not overbearing. If anything, the honey hangs over the mid-palate weight making it more New World chardonnay than Euro but it finishes balanced and vibrant. Ready to drink now with baked halibut or mahi mahi.Prices:| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Crema Kelli Ann Vineyard Chardonnay 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema is a well known and highly respected brand in the wine business but it was a real pleasure to taste one of its most treasured estate vineyards, Kelli Ann, a site a mere stone’s throw away from the meandering Russian River. There so much definition to this chardonnay, awash in an intense pear, nectarine and apple nose and a palate with a dusting of spice. Rich but fresh, with sweet lemon and citrus in the finish. It’s aged 15 months in French oak but only 39 percent is new.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $42.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Matsu El Recio 2015
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis characterful (quite literally - see the label) 50-70-year-old tempranillo is thick with Toro heat, coating the palate with dark chocolate, black fruits, tar and vanilla. Tannins are fierce and unforgiving, but by bracketing a silken palate seem tamed (most certainly after a decant). This is intense; you can feel the alcohol here up to the bitter / medicinal cherry and highly grippy finish. I recommend roasted lamb or meat pies to match.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matsu El Picaro 2016
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainDistinct packaging marks this distinctive, small lot Matsu line from Vintae. This is 50-70-year-old biodynamically farmed tempranillo vines from the scrabby, poor soils of Toro, fermented in concrete before aging for six weeks in new French oak. Gritty, grippy in youth, with compact black cherry, earthy anise, and a juicy, pure, wild blackberry core to a salt wash finish. I like this authentic wine, most especially with pork ribs or grilled mushrooms. 89.Prices:| BC | $20.87 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Elias Mora Toro 2014
Toro, Castilla-Leon, SpainEarthy, dusky, dusty black cherry and thorns weave throughout this sinewy termpranillo from Toro. The wildness of this assuredly rustic red is on full display, from twiney, pressed dark raspberry, earthy plum, blueberry, thorns and leather, strung across assertive, sinewy tannins. Don't attempt without meat or heady bean stew.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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14 February 2018
89PTS
Painted Rock Cabernet Franc 2015
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGraphite, dried oregano, bay leaf and sage filters throughout this ripe Skaha Bench estate cabernet franc, seasoning a base of grilled root veg and meat. Potent and dense, with tannins dusted with charcoal coating the mouth and holding in the compact fruit. This earthy, savoury franc spent 18 months in French oak (thirty percent new), building the structure for a few years in the cellar. Indeed, this requires a decant and some hearty fare now (I elect rabbit or venison), or time to fully resolve in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château du Hureau Tuffe Saumur-Champigny 2014
Saumur, Loire, FranceThe Vatan family has been making wine in the Loire for more than 300 years, with fifth generation Philippe and his daughter Agathe Vatan currently in charge. This cabernet franc was sourced from 15 parcels scattered around Saumur and Dampierre in the Loire, and is the gateway CF for the Château. Though the parcels range in vine age, they all are planted on tuffeau soils (la Tuffe, locally) of varying depth. The farming follows organic and biodynamic practices (en route to certification for bio), and the wine spent up to two years in tank (underground in the chalk cellars) prior to bottling. Highly fragrant and perfumed with wild raspberry, young strawberry, redcurrant, dark plum and lined with a sapid earthy herbaceousness on the light bodied palate. Acidity is shining and tannins are gossamer gritty. A lovely charming red for solo sipping or with wild mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Orofino Vineyards Cabernet Franc Pozza Vineyard 2016
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first public release of a 100 percent cabernet franc from Orofino. The wine was wild fermented and aged in concrete and neutral barrels for six months. The nose is typically savoury, with dried herb aromas and spice dominating the front end. The attack is ripe and soft with sweet, black cherry jam flavours and a leafy finish. It’s easy to drink. It was bottled unfiltered with minimal intervention so expect a fine sediment that needs decanting to avoid a cloudy pour. An attractive start for a wine that should head down the lighter, red fruit road, more Loire than Napa, in subsequent years.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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13 February 2018
88PTS
Alvear Fino NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainClean, tight and bone dry, with a slick of earthy nuttiness and a slight woody wave on the subtle, shorter palate. Olive, bitter lemon, almonds, green fig and ample salt finishes snappy. This is a great, affordable fino that requires a brisk chill and bowl of lemon dressed olives.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alvear Solera 1927 Pedro Ximenez NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainThe solera started 1927, so a tiny portion of this special wine is now 90 years old. Pedro Ximenez grapes are harvested late, and spread out on mats for one month to dry in the southern Spain sun until they are raisins. When pressed, the must is exceptionally sweet and quickly muted with the addition of spirit. Dark maple syrup, treacle, roasted pecans mix with raisins, dried apricot, hoisin, coffee, walnut, orange, toffee flavours with a stream of acidity to keep it all fresh. Very full in the mouth and quite sweet at 405 grams of residual sugar. Try with dried fruit, nuts and cheeses or a pecan tart.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 375ml |
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87PTS
Tio Pepe Extra Dry Palomino NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainClassic nutty, spicy, rancio, peppery nose with bits of dried apple and sea salt. Fresh, light-bodied style with dry, nutty, spicy, salty almonds and aggressive acidity. Simple and effective, especially when chilled and served with prawns or olives or deep-fried fish sticks.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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12 February 2018
89PTS
Herdade do Esporao Monte Velho Branco 2016
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThe Monte Velho line was started by Esporão in 1992 to provide an accessible, approachable and affordable everyday drinking wine, produced in the same philosophy and standards as their other wines. This is a blend of Antão Vaz, Perrum, Roupeiro from around the Alentejo and from long-term sustainably-farmed contract growers, produced entirely in stainless. Green melon, herbal lemon, white grapefruit, prickly pear, cherimoya on a medium bodied, lees-slicked palate, with toasted pine nuts to a snappy finish. Intriguingly streamline and supple, and a worthy match to oily fish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Laurent Miquel Vendanges Nocturnes Classic White 2015
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLean and clinically clean, this is a youthful, stainless steel blend of white grapes from Languedoc. Light lemon, light green apple on a light palate - well, you get the picture. This is a very simple and rustic, green-edged, citrusy wine, ideal to crack in a bistro with a simple bowl of steamed clams. Great price.Prices:| BC | $11.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Hatch Dynasty White 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Dynasty White goal is extravagant opulence which explains a chardonnay mixed with sémillon and a dash of muscat. The nose opens with a strong floral, honey, spicy, baked pear aromas setting you up for a lush mid-palate held together by a light thread of citrus. The chardonnay and the sémillon is fermented in older oak before spending nine months in stainless steel barrels on their lees to promote texture and freshness. A touch of muscat was added at the end bringing a sweet fat floral note to the glass. Think Thai, Indian or Chinese menus for the best food match.Prices:| BC | $31.77 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jason Parkes Customs Gobsmacked Cyclops Love 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2016 sounds as if it gobsmacked winemaker Jason Parkes who calls it “At once, fat and rich but also blessed with laser-like acidity.” The latest blend is muscat and pinot auxerrois with a twist of gewürztraminer giving it, yet again, a nod to the Alsace Edelzwicker style. Indeed, it’s aromatic and ripe but with fresh, floral fruit and enough minerality to draw you back into the glass time after time. The colourful ‘kid’ label is courtesy of Jason’s 7-year-old daughter. Jason suggests you serve it with hotdogs on the beach and we can’t wait.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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09 February 2018
91PTS
Haywire Switchback Organic Vineyard Pinot Gris 2016
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the pinnacle OCP gris grown at the home Switchback Vineyard in Summerland. The 11-year-old clone 52 vines sit on an east / southeast facing slope of calcium carbonate-laced, gravelly soils. This was the vision of Chris Coletta, David Scholefield, Pedro Parra and Alberto Antonini, and the picture is now crystal clear. Weight and power with finesse, cloaked in savoury quince, pear skin and musk melon, all certified organic. The fruit is fermented on native yeasts and is aged in concrete for ten months on gross lees. A wine so distinctive it outruns its grape variety, displaying only flavours of place. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Pinot Gris 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Saanich Peninsula property, on Vancouver Island, this is a clean and zippy pinot gris. Yellow apple, pear, gingerale and so a snappy, shorter, warming finish. Nothing exciting here, but a simple Island white to match up to prawns or scallops.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe and full pear, white peach, perfumed apple blossoms, with a twinge of lemon / grapefruit sourness that cuts through the plump palate. A fine dusting of spice closes out the finish. Juicy and joyous, this is a classic, friendly BC pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $15.69 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $32.99 | 750ml |
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07 February 2018
91PTS
Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2016
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Brewer – Clifton philosophy is embedded in the geographic, geologic and climatic peculiarities of the Santa Barbara sub-AVA Santa Rita Hills. The fruit is intense and tropical and using only neutral barrels allows it to shine through without any extra weight, but with power and finesse. There are four vineyards in the blend, using a mix of clones including a Wente selection originally taken from the original Nielsen Vineyard planted in Santa Maria in 1964 and the Mount Eden selection of chardonnay, each adding complexity. As for the wine, it's amazingly fresh and juicy with floral undertones and bright lemon and lime flecked with ginger and lees. Impressive stuff and ready to drink. Try this with grilled lobster tail and butter.Prices:| US | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Sonoma Chardonnay 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA warm year has made an impression on this very tropical California chardonnay but the oak and lees still defer to the rich mango fruit. The palate is long and lively with fine creamy textures followed by bits of vanilla and caramel. A little more classic and little less cool this year but still well made. Try this with fresh cracked crab.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.97 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.96 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $27.23 | 750ml |
| YK | $26.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Treana Chardonnay 2015
Central Coast, California, United StatesThere is no holding back here in what is a full-on, rich, tropical version of this grape. Look for a boisterous nose of orange blossom and caramel. The weighty intense tropical notes of guava and orange ride over a bed of crème brûlée. The finish is long and surprisingly fresh with bits of minerality and flecks of marmalade butter. Try this with spicy fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| US | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sarmentero Vendemmia Seleccionada Ribera del Duero 2014
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThe winery is based in the backyard of a wee house in the tiny town of Quintanilla de Arriba, Valladolid. Amparo Repiso, 4th generation winemaker, decided to start her own winery in 2004 with just one barrel of wine. A new winery came in 2013 to process the fruits from her two tempranillo vineyards. One year in French oak provides the structure, with a wink of vanilla lines the stony base. Compact and dense blackberry, liquorice, savoury thorns, black plum, cracked black pepper fill the generous palate, and wood gripped tannins house it. Lengthy and spicy, this is drinking beautifully now but will hold for five+ years in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $41.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sarmentero Roble Ribera del Duero 2015
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThe winery is based in the backyard of a wee house in the tiny town of Quintanilla de Arriba, Valladolid. Amparo Repiso, 4th generation winemaker, decided to start her own winery in 2004 with just one barrel of wine. A new winery came in 2013 to process the fruits from her two tempranillo vineyards. This is a blend of plots, expressing crushed berries, dusky florals, root vegetables, stony spice and a lingering medicinal cassis on the firm, compact palate. Five months in French and American oak smooth this out for drinking now, and without too much wood influence to detract, save for a crunchy, cedar, shorter finish. Good value for your weekend steak frites.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rolland Galarreta Tempranillo Merlot 2014
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainRoasted meats, brooding, rich dark fruits, crushed violets, caramelized root veg fill the savoury palate of this luring red. It's impossible to miss that Michel Rolland is involved (it's right there in the name), but if you were poured this blind, you could still recognize his handiwork. Rolland has partnered with Javier Galarreta on this Ribera del Duero tempranillo / merlot blend. The grapes are 35 years old, grown on skinny soils over limestone bedrock. The ample French oak (10 months spent) is here well integrated into the dense black fruits, with espresso and sticky, pipe tobacco tannins framing lifted by swells of acidity (this is from vineyards at 900m altitude). Sweet baking spices and vanilla linger on the finish. This is drinking well now, but will certainly rest a few years in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $32.88 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pixide Tempranillo 2013
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainDense, thick and meaty, typically Ribera del Duero, this is 25-50 year old bush vine tinto fino (tempranillo) from the clay-limestone soils of Tubilla del Lago, and over 850m altitude. After a week maceration and fermentation in stainless, this spent six months in 1-2 year old oak, 90 percent of which is French and the remainder American. Dark spicy red fruit, black plums, forest berries fills the compact palate, short and muscular and sulky. Tannins are thick and a bit ropey, making this potent wine a great match for lamb or wild boar.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Finca El Encinal Crianza 2016
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis wine is so typical of Ribera del Duero: warm, earthy black fruits, leather, crushed florals, broken stones, dark cocoa, baking spice. Though you feel the structure of the wood, it doesn't overwhelm the fruit of this youthful wine. Estate tempranillo from Pesquera and Sotillo aged six months in 50/50 American/French oak. Energy, plus structure, plus drinkability = winning combination.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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06 February 2018
90PTS
Davis Bynum Chardonnay 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesGreg Morthole believes the best vineyard sites yield fruit that distinctively express the characteristics of its location, and so each year he blends his favorite blocks and clones from their River West Vineyard. 2014 was a super warm year that saw Morthole picking as early as August 13. In 2015, only 40 percent of the wine sees new oak, and the remainder is 2-4 years-old, and it all gets monthly bâtonnage. I love the fresh citrus styling and creamy lees notes with a background of floral, tropical, pear tones. Serve with creamy cheeses, vegetable ravioli or mushroom pasta. The wine is a mix of 32 percent clone 15, 24 percent clone 809, 18 percent Spring Mountain, 11 percent clone 76, 10 percent clone 4 and 5 percent Wente.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Reserve 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe RS reserve comes off meticulously farmed sections of some of the very best vineyards in Russian River Valley. The lots are vinified separately in the Artisan Cellar, in the best barrels, and blended just after malolactic before returning to barrel to complete the aging process. Alternating cool and warm summer periods allowed for longer hang time and a chance to add some clone 15 Arata Chalk Hill chardonnay for the first time in many years, bringing added freshness to the traditionally ripe flavours of clone 76 fruit off the Santa Rosa plain. The new oak is down to 23 percent and it makes a difference, leaving creamy lemon, tropical fruit flavours with flecks of brown spice. Ready to drink.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2015
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe light, volcanic, white ash soil of the Chalk Hills appellation is the story of a chardonnay evolving every year into a first class, delicious drinking wine. The in-house high-end chardonnay program is permeating the entire range beginning with less obvious oak and fruit and more complexity. In this case the nose is fresh, the attack is juicy with mineral, pear/apple, Meyer lemon fruit flavours. The palate is creamy but not overbearing with bits of nectarine and wet stone notes in the finish. Crab or halibut all work here. Less is more and we love the direction of this wine.Prices:| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesWinemaker Justin Seidenfeld is a fan of this Petaluma vineyard and does all he can to reveal its maritime-influenced site. All the fruit comes off a vineyard in the Petaluma Gap which gathers coastal fog and sea breezes late in the afternoon to cool down the air and the grapes. The result is a longer, colder growing season and that leads to more elegance and complexity. It’s mostly barrel fermented in new French oak and some 60 percent is aged 10 months in barrel (85 percent new) adding spice and toasted, creamy, vanilla notes to a green apple, pear lemongrass mix. Ready to drink. Serve with pesto pasta or a Santa Fe chicken salad.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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05 February 2018
87PTS
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Holiday Edition 2016
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThere are no surprises with Kim Crawford, unless getting it mostly right every year surprises you. There is a softer acidity here and less bitter lime rind notes that mark a lot of commercial Kiwi sauvignon blanc. The fruit is a mix from the Wairau Valley and neighbouring Awatere Valley and it's bright and showy. Expect a citrus entry with mango, pineapple and passionfruit flavours, juicy with a touch of sweet fruit. An easy-sipping style for asparagus, young goat cheese or shellfish. Drink up.Prices:| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2016
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong first established this sauvignon blanc vineyard in 1971, naming it Charlotte’s Home in honor of his wife. The same site remains the core of today’s Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc, along with select estate vineyards in the Alexander, Russian River and Dry Creek valleys. There is more freshness in 2016 versus 2015, mixing guava, citrus, orange, lime and candied grapefruit. Grassy, mineral bits sprinkle across the tropical, passionfruit palate that finish with an appealing sour note. Perfect for fish with a fruit salsa, vegetarian or pasta dishes. The ferment is 90/10 cold fermented in stainless steel tanks with no malolactic, with the latter barrel fermented in French oak barrels with full malolactic. A ripe, delicious drinking style that is a fine counter to the more aggressive New Zealand style.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Chateau Cailleteau Bergeron Tradition 2016
Cotes de Bourg, Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceThis crisp 70/30 sauvignon blanc/sauvignon gris was plumped up with aging on the lees along with regular batonnage. Asparagus, lemon pith, light cream, green meadow on a lean palate, laced with bright pink grapefruit acidity and perfumed with passionfruit. A youthful, easy approach to Bordeaux whites if you're used to the more assertive Kiwi style.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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02 February 2018
91PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe RS Reserve used to be a mix of individually selected lots from sites across the Russian River Valley, but the 2015 is the first to be gleaned solely off Jane’s Vineyard (since 2008) and most of it is from the go-to Crinella block. A short crop (some 2 tons to the acre) has intensified the fruit flavours but it’s the texture and weight that makes this wine special. It balances the richness of its Russian River terroir and the delicacy of pinot noir. A smoky, spicy, luscious style but with the appropriate acidity to keep the finish fresh, light and wrapped in silky tannins. Aging in French oak for 14 months but only 20 percent new, has made a big difference. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA year down the road this wine is still bright and juicy. It is a new release from the Rodney Strong winemaking team, focusing on Green Valley, one of the coolest parts of Sonoma Coast. The fine sandy loam Goldridge soils, remnants of an ancient inland sea, gives the wine its unique style. Aging for 10 months in French oak barrels, one third new, has added just enough weight and texture without robbing the pint of its character. Expect a cool forest floor, rooty, earthy note that mixes well with its pomegranate and raspberry notes. The palate is warm and silky with a hint of cola and baking spices. New world but with adequate restraint to respect the variety. Delicious too.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Russian River Pinot Noir Estate Vineyards 2015
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA sea change in style here and it’s fun to see. A light to translucent pinot red colour greets you in the glass along with spicy, cedar, forest floor notes. The attack is silky and very spicy with a mix of earthy, twiggy, red fruit flavours and a much more ethereal pinot styling with a long, warm silky finish. It has the intensity of the Russian River but with restraint, and a touch less sweetness, giving it a far more complex finish. Duck or grilled salmon steaks would be my first choice.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| US | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2018
93PTS
Rocca delle Macie Brunello di Montalcino Esperienza No. 8 2012
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThese are early days for this Brunello but Sergio Zingarelli is committed to making the king of sangiovese at Rocca delle Macie. Expect a fragrant, elegantly styled sangiovese with classic floral red fruit on the nose and palate. The styling is all about balance, with persistent yet understated power. The best fruit from top blocks is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for three years, followed by more time in the bottle. One to watch in the coming years.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico 2015
Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso is from a 40ha single vineyard site now completely replanted in the central Classico part of the Chianti DOC. Sant'Alfonso is sangiovese grown on clay heavy soils giving the wine a richer, fuller palate mixing liquorice and wet mud scents with cherries, milk chocolate and earthy spices. Big but supple, it has persistent length in the mouth and a fine, chalky finish. A partner with aged cheeses and a variety of richer pasta dishes. Drink or hold, there is no rush here. Yields are low at 5-6 tons per hectare.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 1000ml |
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91PTS
Rocca delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyRiserva di Fizzano Gran Selezione is a 35 hectare single vineyard that mixes gravel and sand over a rolling south-facing hillside. There are plans to replant the site to higher density vines over the next two decades. There is power here but mostly elegance and styling in 2013 that makes Fizzano, a 95/5 sangiovese/merlot, a pleasure to drink. Look for a lot of black cherry, blackberry with spicy, earthy, mineral, medicinal clove notes and a lashing of smoky oak.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2013
Tuscany, ItalySlightly more evolved nearly two years down the road, the Classico is a 90/10 mix of sangiovese/merlot that’s aged in Slavonian and French oak barrels for a period of 6 to 10 months before further refinement in bottle. Beginning to mellow, this is a savoury, tobacco, cherry scented nose with a touch of truffle. Dry, elegant, and round, it has a medium bodied peppery, tobacco, cherry, meaty presence. Ready to drink with lamb osso buco or rabbit in a tomato sauce.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rocca delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino di Scansano 2016
Morellino di Scansano, Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyThe Zingarelli project in Morellino di Scansano is based at the Campomaccione estate in Tuscany’s Grosseto province. The family bought the 198-acre property in 1998 and followed that in 2003 with the purchase of 166-acre Casa Maria estate. In local dialect, sangiovese has long been called “morellino,” a reference to “Morello,” a breed of horse formerly used to work on farms. It said the farmers liken the wine's dark colour to the coats of the Morello horses. The blend is 90/10 morellino/cabernet sauvignon. Expect an enticing fragrant nose, with fine concentration of aromas and flavours seemingly bolstered by the cabernet. It will surprise with its stony, mineral notes and warm Mediterranean ripe fruit flavours. Impressive. Try with both roasted and barbecued red meats.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 1000ml |
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86PTS
Rocca delle Macie Vernaiolo Chianti 2016
Tuscany, ItalyClassic introductory Chianti now quite fresh in style. Still youthful with spicy, juicy easy-sipping red fruit for mid week dinners or luncheons. A classic spaghetti/hamburger/grilled chicken red for immediate consumption. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.10 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 1000ml |
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88PTS
Rocca delle Macie Moonlite 2016
Tuscany, ItalyMoonlite remains a fresh, clean, bright, citrus lined white now revamped to a 40/40/20 blend of chardonnay, vermentino and pinot grigio from two Maremma estates: Campomaccione and Casa Maria. White flowers and minerality set the tone for this easy sipping wine, with a wash of lime pith and crisp, grassy finish. Perfect for sushi or tapas.Prices:| BC | $21.66 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2015
Tuscany, ItalyA nice change in style here with more red fruit, more fragrance and really more authentic sangiovese. A kinder, gentler version of the grape with floral overtones, spice and bright, fresh, light red fruit, even in a warm year. Food friendly and supple, you can drink this most nights of the week with a favourite pasta dish. A 95/5 mix of sangiovese/merlot from several estate vineyards, aged in Slavonian or French oak barrels for a period of 6 to 10 months, refined further in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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March 2018