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Tastings: May 2018
31 May 2018
83PTS
Rocky Creek Robin's Rosé 2017
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaOld style bright pink in colour with an open red fruit nose. The attack is acidic with a savoury, tart cherry, cranberry fruit palate that finishes short. A simple style that is best served with food.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fitz Brut Sparkling Wine 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted again six months along. Fitzpatrick is a sparkling-focused house, and this is is a brisk blend of estate Greata Ranch grown chardonnay and pinot noir, partial barrel fermented (in older wood), and with two years on the lees in bottle. This is wearing its time very well. Green apple, fennel, croissant underrides the palate, one riding strawberry and white cherry to a finish ringing with salty minerality. Pitch perfect balance of Okanagan fruit and acidity, yet again. This serious fizz will age gracefully.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their 1985 single block of clone 93 pinot noir, this traditional method fizz pours a graceful, delicate light hue. The base wine was fermented and aged for six months in neutral oak, where it remained for two years on lees. This was disgorged in spring 2018, receiving a light dosage of 2015 Juveniles Pinot Noir before corking. Strawberry, cherry, biscotti is centered on a raspberry biscuit base, and seasoned with fine, persistent spicing to a kirsch-licked finish. There's a lovely chalky riffing texture throughout, adding to the lift. Lovely depth in this brut, and one that will age well in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Chardonnay Methode Ancestrale King Family Farms 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI was thrilled to see Bella is now working with a Naramata farming legend, the King family. You may have seen their name on Sandhill Pinot Gris in past vintages, but sadly that label was dropped for marketing decisions. This is one of seven (!!) single vineyard pét-nats Bella released this year, cementing their seat as BC's top sparkling house. Like all their ancestrale method wines, this was whole cluster pressed and native fermented. Vibrant and nimble on the palate, with tight lemon acidity, shimmering minerality carrying green apple, crunchy green pear over a slender slick of lees. This wine is alive, packed with intensity and a length that extends beyond its 11 percent frame. The 2017s are Bella's best pét-nats to date, and this might be the pinnacle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChenin's sharp, bracing acidity shrieks throughout this tight traditional method sparkling. Lemon pith leads, with gooseberry, lime zest, green apple, orange sherbet, and friendly, gentle Froot Loops sweetness filling the palate. There's a grippy riff of stony minerals present to texture the Okanagan orchard fruit. Great tension and structure, with longevity ahead. Indeed, this needs time to come into its own.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Haywire Vintage Bub 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVintage Bub is the first of an extended aging program for Haywire's impressive fizz program. 500 cases of the 2013 vintage were put aside and given an additional five years of lees aging before release. This is pinot noir and chardonnay from Oliver's Secrest Vineyard, fermented in concrete and stainless, before bottling in November 2015. You can consider this the older and more experienced member of their fizz family, a project overseen by sparkling winemaker Jordan Kubek. The maturity is evident right away, through a deeper hue and oxidative aromas, with earthy, wild mushroom dough, brioche, green apple peel, all with a backbone of lemon-laced acidity propping up and elongating this wine. Lovely precision, excellent length, amazing value. Will be released in summer 2017.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Baby Bub 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Summerland's organically farmed Watkins Vineyard, and Secrest Vineyard, the cutest little Baby Bub has been converted to charmat method (originally was traditional method) due to the limitations of making traditional method fizz in 375ml. It's still as delish as before, with ample strawberry and cream lining the bright, fresh palate. Orange peel, raspberry and a dusting of fresh sage complete the medium bodied pink, friendly with a bump of RS, but bright with brisk acidity. Easy to like.Prices:| BC | $15.90 | 375ml |
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91PTS
Sperling Vineyards Sparkling Brut 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis unique sparkler is a pristine and floral pinot blanc of 22-year-old vines, from winemaker Ann Sperling's family estate, one settled by her ancestors 150 years ago. Many folks don't know that pinot blanc is one of the grapes allowed in Champagne, though rarely seen. Here it gets the chance to shine on its own, with tight, lightly pixellated acidity, lemon pith, pear, sweet fennel, and a squeeze of gooseberry. This spends 60 months on the lees, so there is an ample rasp of toast to the spiced finish. To offset the riffing acidity, 6.5 g/l dosage is added before corking, giving this a pleasant, barely felt padding. Lovely finesse and interest.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Northern Light 2008
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThat's right - this 2008 is a current release from East Kelowna's St. Hubertus Vineyard. Northern Light was disgorged August 2016 after 80 months on the lees. An organic estate blend of the traditional Champagne grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier (the latter rarely seen in BC), this still presents with vibrant, red-fruit laced acidity, alongside ample red currants, cherry, pink grapefruit, balsamic, mingled with toast and tight, riffing acidity. There's a cherry-berry honey sweetness that sticks on the clipped finish. Quite a lot has gone into this, and what it lacks in elegance it makes up in fruitiness. It would make a suitable wine for pairing with tuna or salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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30 May 2018
86PTS
Goats do Roam Red Blend 2016
South AfricaA roaming goat's travels across grapes and regions, the 2016 blends shiraz from Darling, Paarl and Stellenbosch; cinsault from Paarl; mourvèdre from Stellenbosch and Paarl; grenache from Piekenierskloof and Paarl; carignan from the Swartland; and petite sirah from Paarl. Fairview was established in 1693, so you can safely assume they know their regions and grapes pretty well. This was fermented in stainless and aged in tanks and barrels separately before the final blend. Smoked cherry, grilled meats, curing spices are held with a minimum of tannin to disperse prior to a short, warming finish. Match this with grilled burgers to best results.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.90 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.33 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Orofino Vineyard Watermark Syrah Petit Verdot Gamay 2015
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI’m never naturally drawn to house wine labels. If anything, I’m suspicious, but the Orofino – Watermark collaboration is a terrific partnership, and the latest red blend offering, a mix of syrah, petit verdot and gamay, is delicious. Winemaker and owner John Weber, together with the Watermark team, created a red wine that really hits the mark. It’s fragrant and inviting on the nose, yet rich in sweet black fruits, toast and smoke. The touch of gamay provides a bit of lift to the stony, mineral Similkameen Valley finish. The tannins melt away, beckoning you to finish the bottle. The wine spends 16 months in French oak before heading to bottle unfined and unfiltered. Well done.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Paux-Rosset Gros La Condamine Paulignan 2015
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau de la Négly owner, Jean Paux-Rosset, and his consulting winemaker, Claude Gros, work together to make this wine, using some of the best grape growers of Minervois. The mix is syrah, grenache, carignan and cinsault, all grown on the clay limestone terroir of Siran and La Livinière, and it overdelivers right from the glass. The nose has an amazingly fragrant floral note previewing red and black fruits with a peppery undertone. There is a bit of tannin yet to be dispersed but it will be well worth the wait. Real wine and solid value by BC pricing standards.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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29 May 2018
91PTS
Trapiche Tres 14 2011
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaI finally caught up with Tres 14, or 3-14 better know as the mathematical equation Pi that also happens to be the name of the winemaker who makes this impressive malbec, Daniel Pi. The vines are old-ish at 20 years, and own rooted, in essence connected directly to the high-altitude soils of the Uco Valley. Given the virtual dearth of interesting malbec in government shops it’s a delight to have access this affordable, small production label. Pi uses second-use French and American oak for nine months to shape this malbec without interfering with its sense of place. The fruit is intense, almost wild, mixing plums, cassis with a mineral stony floral undercurrent. You can drink this now, or cellar it for another five years. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $44.97 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bodega Noemia A Lisa 2016
Rio Negro, Patagonia, ArgentinaBodega Noemía is a very special collaboration between Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers (cousin of Peter Sisseck of Pingus), and Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. The project was inspired by the discovery of a small plot of old vine, pre-phylloxera malbec in the Río Negro Valley. From that, they've produced a small range of malbec, malbec blends, rosé, and cabernet sauvignon. A Lisa is a blend of malbec with nine percent merlot and one percent petit verdot, with a blend of estate and neighbouring fruit. Tight and chiseled, with pure black cherry, plum, thorny blackberry, housed by finely gritty tannins. Acidity is taut and direct, keeping this streamlined and narrow, tucked into its 13.5 degree frame.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Colomé Malbec Autentico 2016
Salta, North, ArgentinaBodega Colomé was founded in 1831, the oldest working winery in Argentina allowing European vines including malbec to arrive in the country long before phylloxera wiped out most of the northern hemisphere’s grapevines in late 1800s. As a result, some of the world’s oldest malbec vines reside in Argentina and many are at the Colomé Estate Vineyard in Salta. “Auténtico” is a tribute to the pioneers who planted the vines back in the 1830s and reference to the sustainable practices used in this high desert environment. The wine today is made with average 90 year-old-vines with no oak influence to allow the 100-percent malbec grown at 7,545 feet to express its unique terroir. The wine is always intense, thanks to the thick skins that protect the fruit from the endless sunshine. Cold nighttime temperatures preserve the fruit and acid and add an alluring floral note to what is a stony, mineral red, laden with pure black fruits. It’s hard not to like this wine that has dealt with a challenging vintage. It’s the answer for just about any favourite beef cut.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Colomé Malbec Estate 2015
Salta, North, ArgentinaColomé has been making wine in the Upper Calchaquí Valley, Salta since 1831. Growing sustainably farmed malbec in a desert at high elevation is no easy task, but they seem to do it with ease. The 2015 is one hundred percent malbec aged in French oak, of which only 20 percent is new. The fruit is precise and chiselled with blackberries, cherries and blackcurrants and an attractive strong mineral floral undercurrent. Seriously excellent value and a perfect match for a T-bone. The flagship house wine is a mix of four estate vineyards: La Brava Vineyard (1700m) is known for intense ripe fruit; The Colomé Vineyard (2300m) adds complexity and weight; The El Arenal Vineyard (2700m) is all about freshness and elegance; while the Altura Máxima at a stunning 3100m (the highest vineyard in the world) adds the floral and mineral notes.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Amalaya Gran Corte Malbec Cabernet Franc 2016
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaAmalaya is a modern Argentine producer located in Cafayate, Salta. Amalaya, or a hope for miracle, is nod to the local farmers who made offerings in hope of a large and high-quality harvest each year. At 1,800 meters above sea level, the winery has two main vineyard sites at Las Mercedes and San Isidro. There are 107 hectares planted with a hundred more to come. The site is cool and dry, with poor soils and a huge daily thermal amplitude, all of which set the stage for its compelling wines. But 2016 was anything but a miracle vintage, unless, of course, just making wine counts. The harvest yielded the lowest production in 20 years, some 40 percent less than 2015. It opens with heightened acidity and spicy, black fruit notes before a cooler, skinny palate with savoury, peppery red fruit flavours and a touch of tomato. There is fine intensity but the finish is short. This is ready to drink and is best served with lamb chops or sausages. The blend is an 85/10/5 mix of malbec, cabernet franc, tannat.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2016
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFinca Decero started with bare land and a hands-on approach free of any traditional restraints. In fact, ‘decero’ means from scratch. This malbec hails from the Remolinos Vineyard in Agrelo at 3500’ above sea level in what was a less than perfect year, unless lower alcohol and higher acidity appeal to you as they do us. The vineyard takes its name from the Remolinos, or whirlwinds, which keep the grapes dry and in perfect condition. Powerful floral aromas jump from the glass along with red and blue fruit. The tannins are lighter this year, the style juicer, and more fun to drink thanks to supple, elegant tannins. After the ferment and maceration, 90 percent of the juice spends 14 months in French oak barrels (30 percent new). Grilled meats are the best tonic for this red.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
TintoNegro 1955 Vineyard Malbec 2014
La Consulta, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe 2014 TintoNegro Vineyard 1955 is located on the border of La Consulta and Altamira. It’s mostly malbec, because like most old vineyards it was interplanted with other varieties that live on today. The attack is rich, round and soft, with that classic puppy fat texture and concentrated spicy black fruits with a hint of chocolate. The grapes are picked three times to create a complex mix of fruit at various stages of ripeness. Add some dried herbs and a touch of orange oil and you have a very attractive red wine you can drink now or hold through 2025.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
TintoNegro Finca La Escuela 2014
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTintoNegro is a join venture between former Catena colleagues: winemaker Alejandro Sejanovich and marketer Jeff Mausbach. La Escuela is a single vineyard wine made from young vines in the acclaimed Paraje Altamira district of the San Carlos county in the Uco valley, located at some 4,000’ elevation. The nose is similar to the Limestone Block label, meaty and a touch reductive, but there is more fruit here and a richer, albeit softer tannin structure. Black plums, cherries, and licorice predominate the palate with a tug of tannins and sweet balsamic in a pleasant 13.5 degrees finish. Quite youthful and currently in need of some grilled beef. The wine takes its name from the rural school (Escuela) located on the property. TintoNegro actively supports the school through regular donations and scholarships, furthering the education of rural vineyard families.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bramare Malbec 2013
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA second look at this malbec three years down the road reveals it has barely aged. Grown at 3,330 to 3,845 feet above sea level on sandy rocky soils, its hand-harvested fruit is grown at San Carlos and Tupungato, in Valle de Uco. The low yields, 2 - 3.79 tons per acre, give it the fruit power to absorb the 17 months of ageing in 5 percent new French oak and 26 percent new American oak barrels, 69 percent into second year wood. The nose is alluring with stony, floral violet undertones, and silky long warm ripe cassis fruit lashed with licorice, vanilla, coffee and cola. It's just beginning to come into its own at five years of age, but will easily keep for another five years. A T-bone steak covered in chimichurri is the match.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaFifty-year-old vines from Finca La Linda vineyard, planted at 950m above sea level, are the base for this honest red. Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo is the spot and floral violets set the stage for this firm, dry, mature, black cherry jam red, flecked with coffee and tobacco and nutmeg spice in the finish. It gets 12 months in mostly new French oak that brings a touch of sophistication to what is boisterous, warm fruit. Ageworthy, but you can drink now with a favourite steak cut.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2015
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWe have been tasting the Toso Alta wines since 2008 and we have always been impressed with the elegance and styling of this fruit from Barrancas in the Maipú District of Mendoza. The vines are 60 years old, and this opens with refined peppery floral notes. Spicy black fruits dominate the subtle mid-palate with poultry spice preceding a long finish. The wine is aged in new French oak for 14 months and gets a further six months of ageing in bottle at the winery. Power and finesse would suggest you could age this through 2022. Whole roasted chicken would be a fine match, or a favourite steak cut.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Esteco Malbec 2012
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaBodega El Esteco, founded in 1892 by David Michel and Gabriela Torino, sits at nearly 6000 feet above sea level in the Calchaqui Valley in Salta. Much like the south Okanagan, it sees little more than six inches of rain a year and abundant sunshine. The wine gets a gentle pre-ferment maceration at 5°C in stainless steel tanks before an alcoholic fermentation using native and selected yeasts. Post ferment, it spends another 25 days on skins before ageing in French and American oak blending new, one, two and three-year-old barrels for one year. The colour is inky black, the nose a mix of black fruits, meats and a touch of raisin. The attack is smooth and glossy with super ripe black fruits, licorice and sweet tannins. As long and powerful as this wine can be, it has the elegance of altitude to keep in balance. Best with grilled meats. Note the vintage is 2012, and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Argento Single Vineyard Finca La Cerezas Malbec 2015
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Single Vineyard Finca La Cerezas Malbec is a new label from Argento, a winery that is beginning to stretch its wings under winemaker Silvia Corti. This wine is all about place and expression of place. It’s helped by one year’s ageing in 3500L second use foudres that gently aerate the fruit, leaving fragrant, mineral, red fruit flavours flecked with curry and perfectly connected to an electric, wet stone finish full of tension. There is a small touch of tannin is what is an elegant red with a big future. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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28 May 2018
90PTS
Bella Wines Cavada Gamay Rosé Brut 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 20 year old vines on a steep, west facing granite and alluvial loam slope above Naramata Village, these gamay vines were dry farmed and currently in transition to organics. After destemming, basket pressing and a lengthy native ferment, this received a Champagne yeast dosage and spent five months on lees before being hand riddled and disgorged with zero dosage. Pale salmon in colour, this opens with bright and brisk strawberry jam, rhubarb, pink grapefruit, citrus blossoms and red apple on a juicy, cleansing palate. Raspberry seeds. and orange peel brighten the palate, as does a swing of sherry vinegar. The finish is snappy and shining, with cranberry kisses and lingering stoniness. The balance is nailed, and this wine is on point this year.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Buddha's Blend Rosé 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBuddha's Blend, or B2, is yet another new experiment from BC's leading sparkling house, Bella Wines. As any visitor to the Naramata Bench winery knows, Buddha is the family bulldog / official greeter. For this new release, winemaker Jay Drysdale took all the suitable lees from his various single vineyard pressings around the Okanagan, and combined them into a single tank to native ferment, topping up as they were racking all their single lot wines. The final wine turned out to be approximately 50/50 gamay / chardonnay, was bottled with a Champagne yeast for secondary ferment and five months in bottle on lees before hand riddling and disgorging. Earthy wild raspberry, fresh rhubarb are strung high-tension with cleansing grapefruit acidity. Bone dry, with no dosage, this rings with citrus pith, subtle strawberries, mandarine to a snappy, bright finish. Friendly, charming and easy to like, just like a certain bulldog named Buddha.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Methode Ancestrale Mariani Vineyard Clone 509 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWine geek alert. In 2017, Bella Wines, already well established as a sparkling-only house (and single vineyard wines from chardonnay and gamay at that) released two gamay pét-nats (methode ancestrale) from the same Naramata Bench vineyard, each made from different gamay clones, processed and picked the same. This is the second year they've worked with this young, organically farmed vineyard. They made clone 509 into this rosé, whereas the partner gamay, 787, was crafted as a sparkling red. Destemmed, basket pressed and native fermented, this was bottled ten days after picking to allow the wine to finish its ferment in the bottle (the ancestrale part). After six months on the lees this was hand-riddled and disgorged. Shiny cherry salmon in hue, this is a brisk, astringently refreshing wine, with quenching cranberry acidity, raspberry whiffs, subtle bergamot and ample zingy acidity. Zero dosage keeps this as honest and clear as they come. A brisk beauty, riveting in the mouth.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Methode Ancestrale Mariani Vineyard Clone 787 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWine geek alert. In 2017, Bella Wines, already well established as a sparkling-only house (and single vineyard wines from chardonnay and gamay at that) released two gamay pét-nats (methode ancestrale) from the same Naramata Bench vineyard, each made from different gamay clones, processed and picked the same. This is the second year they've worked with this young, organically farmed vineyard. They made clone 787 into this fizzy red, where as the partner gamay, 509, was crafted as a sparkling rosé. Destemmed, basket pressed and native fermented, this was bottled ten days after picking to allow the wine to finish its ferment in the bottle (the ancestrale part). After six months on the lees this was hand-riddled and disgorged. Plum in hue, this is intense from the start, with twinges of balsamic, sharp cassis, dark cocoa, tangy rhubarb, thorny blackberry. Ample spices season this zero-dosage wine, finishing crisp and cracking. Somewhat rustic in form, this is a bone dry fizzy red for chilling well and popping with grilled ribs, Spicy Indian meats, or bacon-laden brunches.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards TimBuckTwo Sparkling Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChardonnay is given an ample dose of fruitiness by ten percent pinot noir in this juicy and fun charmat method fizz, sourced from Okanagan grapes. Ripe red apple, lemon, apple blossoms fill the frothy, medium bodied palate, with a kiss of sunny sweetness to make this extra friendly. A great riff of spice snaps on the finish and keeps this food-appropriate. In a sea of charmat in BC, this one rises; well done, easy to like, easy to drink this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Santa Margherita Vino Brut Rosé NV
Veneto, ItalyPresented in the same distinctive squat bottle that their still rosé comes in, though the sparkling version is not nearly as successful as the still. This is a blend of 50/45/5 chardonnay/glera/malbec, charmat method (tank fermented, as per Prosecco). Tight, herbal-lined berries, pink florals, cherry jam is carried along a tight, sharp palate to a sweet, candied necklace finish. Sweet and sour and sharp and short does not make for a pleasant sipper, but well chilled and with flavourful brunch pancakes or pastries (or best, in punch) this would do well.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé NV
Loire, FranceMedium blush in hue, this is a traditional method fizz from 20-30 year old cabernet franc. You get a sense of the grape's alluring herbaceousness throughout, crossing raspberry, cherry, and rhubarb jam. Perky grapefruit acidity lifts to a snappy, dried cinnamon and salts finish. Great food pairing sparkling rosé, with enough weight to easily match proteins.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Rolet Crémant du Jura Rosé Brut NV
Jura, FranceDomaine Rolet is run by four siblings: Pierre and Elaine, plus winemaker Guy and vineyard manager Bernard. Together they sustainably farm prime old vine vineyards in Arbois, Côtes du Jura and L’Étoile. This is a blend of pinot noir and poulsard, from 30+ year old vines, growing on gray marl up to 380m. This was native fermented and saignée method, fermented and aged in tank before spending 40+ months on the lees. This fine fizz is a creamy pink/orange hue, with red currant, pommegranate, brisk cherry, streaming down a tight line to a salted, snappy finish.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.60 | 750ml |
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25 May 2018
88PTS
Matua Valley Pinot Noir Rose 2017
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA good growing season has yielded some tasty fruit that was picked under cool conditions. Interestingly, the delicate pressings were separated into small batches where each separate run was inoculated with a different yeast. Post ferment and blending the final mix was left on its lees and it has made an impression in the wine’s texture and complexity - maybe a little too much. That said, many will be attracted to its bright, orchard fruit flavours, bolstered by a strawberry, leesy undercurrent. Mouth-wateringly crisp and dry, it is very food-friendly. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cirelli La Collina Biologica Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 2016
Abruzzo, ItalyFrancesco and Michela Cirelli make wine from their 22 hectare certified organic farm, situated only 8 km from the Adriatic Sea. Cerasuolo is Italian for cherry-like, and used locally to describe rosato wines. This is 100 percent montepulciano, from calcareous clay soils, pressed and native fermented in stainless, where it spent three additional months after MLF. Fuller hued, through very fresh, with a distinctive herbal / cannabis edge that wafts throughout wild raspberries and meadow flowers, herbal cherry, dried basil and oregano on the finish. There's a lovely brisk buzz of acidity and grippy riff of texture that draws you back to the glass. Both an intellectual and a charmer, making it winner all around.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Sainte Roseline Prestige Rosé 2017
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceChateau Satine Roseline is both a registered historical site and one of the cru classé vineyards of the Côtes de Provence. There have been seven generations of vines cultivated on this property. Darker salmon pink in hue, this Prestige label is also sold as "Instant" elsewhere in the world, and is an export-only product for the winery. Fuller bodied and fruit forward with raspberries, strawberries and cherries, creamy by Provencal standards, with light cinnamon and peppery spice on the finish. Cinsault, grenache, syrah is juicy and accessable, and welcomingly dry. Best to partner to lighter protein or roasted veg fare.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château La Prégentière Varois en Provence Rose 2017
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis classic pale rosé is a mix of grenache and cinsault that toes the light, elegant, soft, juicy, fresh fruit line. Soft as the late day sun, it has hints of watermelons and pomelos drenched in pink grapefruits. The finish is perfectly in balance with a lovely fresh, minerality and stony undercurrent. Most any summer salad works here, or even chicken kebobs. No wood is used in the making of this wine.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
La Bonhomme Disfruta Rosado 2016
Valencia, Valencia and Murcia, SpainCorked; retaste.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| QAC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Honoro Vera Rosado 2017
Rioja, SpainThis Jumilla rosado delivers as expected, with punchy, juicy, fruity and spicy watermelon, raspberry and cherry fruits, ample spice and a deeper, shining hue. This is tempranillo based, with a dose of syrah (for spice) and a bump of sugar (for commercial appeal). Thankfully, alcohol is moderate, as is acidity, holding this welcoming for an ice bucket and spicy prawns, or red-pepper grilled pasta/veg.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille J-M Cazes L'Ostal Rose 2017
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe mix is 50/50 syrah, grenache. This Pays d’Oc’s colour is Provence pink and the nose is a delicate mix of red fruits led by strawberries and raspberries. The palate is equally fresh and inviting with just enough acidity to accentuate the red fruit flavours and some spicy tangerine notes in the finish. Chicken, goat cheese or just a warm patio is all you need to enjoy this well-made pink. Super value here.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Paradou Côtes' de Provence Rosé 2017
Sud de France, FranceTrès chic, both in packaging and pale hue, this is a blend of cincault, grenache and rolle from the mountainous Sainte-Victorie region in the western flanks of Côtes' de Provence. Poor limestone, clay and red sand soils at 300m yield these grapes, gently pressed at cool temperatures and in stainless to preserve the delicate fruit notes. Finely salted and amply mineral, with wild strawberries, light pear, floral orange blossoms, perfumed melon streaming along the bone dry, linear palate. White pepper gently heats the finish. Delicate, yet with an intensity; the perfect duo for solo sipping, and for food.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Roubine La Vie en Rose 2017
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceRoubine comes wrapped in its barely pink Provençal rose colour, a tradition as old as this historical property that dates to when the Templar Knights roamed the land and owned the chateau through 1307. Today Roubine is under the management of Valérie Rouselle, whose rosé style is light and airy allowing the delicate florals and this barely-fruited, almost watery rosé to make an indelible impression on your palate. The French love to serve it with tomatoes, or fish, or chicken, or alongside a charcuterie plate of cheese and meats, and who are we to disagree.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Meiomi Rosé 2017
California, United StatesBehind this delicate pink/peach hue you'll find a fuller bodied pinot noir-based pink picked from Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara. Silken and potent on the palate, with strawberry jam, light rhubarb, pear and watermelon notes. The finish is warming, though alcohol is reported at 13.5 degrees. This has a lovely polish to it, and though a flush of heat on the finish, would suit fried chicken or salmon burgers this summer.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Aroa Larrosa Garnacha Tinta Rosado Organico 2017
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainAroa is one the Vintae projects, an innovative terroir-based group which involves seven wineries in six different DOs. Deeper cherry pink in hue, as oft seen with Spanish rosados, this is a gutsy, lusty, potent red, reflective of the wine's rustic landscape. This organic pink is entirely garnacha, on calcareous clay soils near the northern border of DO Navarra, fermented wild. The cherry carries onto the palate, with crunchy red apple, red currants, pink florlas and light cinnamon spicing, slicked with a layer of glycerol and bump of sugar. Chill well; this can stand up to ribs or roasted pork well into fall.Prices:| BC | $19.29 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kim Crawford Rosé 2017
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandA glowing peach orange hue, this wine is affectionately referred to as Pansy, though it no longer has space on the front label. Merlot is scented with one percent syrah, all from Hawkes Bay. Full bodied and slicked with glycerol, this was direct press, reflective of its deep salmon hue and punchy assertiveness. Ripe melon, strawberry jam, watermelon, mandarine rides the palate to a lightly spiced, peppery finish. With a wee bump of sugar to make this extra crowd pleasing, this is best chilled and ready for this summer's sunshine.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Aix Rosé 2016
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FrancePale peach pink in hue, this blend of grenache, syrah, cinsault and carignan employs saignee and direct press in a 30/70 proportion, fermented cool to preserve aromatics and pure red berry fruit. This is from one of the largest domains in AOP Coteaux D'Aix en Provence, with Maison Saint Aix dating back 130 years. Its location on a plateau 420m high provides freshness in Provence's baking summer and fall heat. Still, this carries the region's warmth, with a pillow of raspberry jam supporting peppery spice, broken stones, scrubby herbs, cracked peppercorns. Though slight in body, this wine is intense with flavours, balanced with a potent stream of acidity and seasoned with peppery spice. This can take on bigger proteins like pork tenderloin or seared tuna with ease. Created using 30% of rosé bleeding and 70% direct pressing, the softest hint of Carignan was added to the classical Provence blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault to give the 2016 vintage an even more profound depth. Fermented between a cool 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, AIX Rosé is elegant, generous and tasty and the perfect wine to drink all day long. ''classical blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault''Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Triplette Rose 2017
Provence, Sud de France, FrancePouring the most delicate pale blush, this Côtes de Provence is a blend of syrah, grenache and cinsault. As light in body as it is in hue, this carries delicate raspberry, pear, cantaloupe on a tight, lightly spicy frame. This light bodied wine gets better as it warms up in the glass, allowing the savoury spices to open up and relax. Ideal with food, this lingers with cracked pepper and fine stoniness.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau de Nages ButiNages Rose Organic 2017
Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceButiNages belongs to the Gassier family, a major player and respected force in Southern France. Shining, bright peach hue, this organic grenache/syrah dry pink carries orange, rhubarb, red apple, strawberries on a crunchy, exuberant, medium-bodied form. There's a slick of creamy lees to cushion, and riff of peppery spice to season to an astringent, cleansing finish. This is an energetic, bullish fizz to match up to seasoned grilled fish or burgers this summer.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.55 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2017
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceMore than anything, Côte des Roses celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle, something Gerard Bertrand has done with style for more than two decades. The grenache, cinsault, syrah blend comes off mostly hard limestone and schist with a lesser contribution of gravels from the rivers of the Languedoc region. Strawberry, watermelon and citrus with fresh lively mineral undercurrent supports a similar flavoured palate with a riff of Southern France garrigue. Dry, firm and elegant, a pairing of lobster comes to mind, as does a spicy tuna poke. The bottle is original with its base in the shape of a rose, created by a young designer from the Ecole Boulle. It’s a wine intended to be given in the same way you would offer a bunch of roses.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.35 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chateau Ste. Michelle Rosé 2017
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis medium blush hue rosé carries black tea, raspberry jam, candied rhubarb, sweet melon, pastry along a just off-dry palate, one that pinches in at the snappy finish. This is a new release for the winery, and based on syrah with 2 percent merlot splashed in. Kudos for going paler, and dry-ish in such a wide-reaching, market-centric wine. Enjoy this summer on a patio.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2016
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceBrisk, spicy and juicy, this dry rosé is a blend of grenache and syrah, carrying cherry, raspberry, red currant, baked rhubarb and ample black and white peppercorns along a snappy, medium-bodied, lees-lined palate. It's relatively rare to find a pink Côtes du Rhone, though this one captures both syrah's pepperiness and grenache's sundrenched strawberries well. Nice improvement over the last time I tasted this; chill and drink this snappy rosé this summer.Prices:| BC | $21.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Barone Ricasoli Albia Rosé 2016
Tuscany, ItalyPale hued, mineral salted and bone dry, tasted blind I'd swing to Provencal over Tuscany every time. And I'd be failing massively, every time, as this delicate and elegant rosé is a purpose-made merlot dominant (sangiovese splashed) rose from the heart of Chianti Classico. The salted herbs / red fruits lures in this pale, elegant rose, one pouring a pale orange hue. Light florals weave throughout the subtle orange, wild raspberry, faint smoke and ample mineral on a lengthy finish. Though slight in frame (at 12.5 degrees) this carries ample intelligence and presence.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Bernard Cotes de Provence 2017
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FrancePale pink peach in the glass, this opens with wild strawberry jam, grapefruit and a slick of glycerol on the medium bodied, dry palate. Pink / red florals dart throughout, as does a wave of honeydew melon, to a shorter, zesty and amply pepper spiced finish. This blends grenache, syrah and cinsault together into something very Provencal, and quite accessible.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Ned Pinot Rose 2016
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMarlborough pinot noir is fruited up with 30 percent pinot gris in this fuller, juicy rosé. There's ample spice riding a wave of plump cherry, raspberry fruit, red apple, finishing with a splash of spice and ample dose of candied mandarin. Ripe, round and soft, with a good swig of sweet, this requires a chill and drinking this summer for best effect.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Rosa dei Masi 2016
Verona, Veneto, ItalyShining peach in the glass, this is a juicy, mouth filling rosé of refosco, from Verona's Stra' del Miloni vineyard. As is Masi's hallmark, part of this wine uses partially dried grapes (Appassimento) to create a richer, deeper palate. This certainly veers into jams (cherry, raspberry) though the rustic acidity of refosco keeps it fresh and fruity and bright. Spiced orange, fleshy plum, wafts of clove on the zesty finish. This would well suit a variety of pasta dishes, especially those blessed with fresh tomato.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.25 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé 2017
Valle del Bio-Bio, ChileCono Sur has to be one of the most consistent, best value brands on the market. I've yet to come across a wine that is disappointing, and most are entirely overachieving, especially considering their humble price. I think that price causes these wines to be overlooked, but savvy shoppers know. This year's rosé is another winner. Medium pink blush in the glass, this Bio-Bio sourced pinot noir is all sun-ripened strawberry, raspberry jam, candy apple and mountain air freshness in this just off-dry pink. Chill down and stock up for this summer.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.17 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Brancaia Rosé 2016
Tuscany, ItalyThis Tuscany rosé is early picked and purposeful merlot, with time in stainless and only three months on the lees. Pale orange blush, slim on the palate, with ample salted plum, rhubarb, tangerine, wild strawberry, and an alluring kiss of cola cherry sweetness which somehow works so well across the dry palate. Fine spices lead out to a snappy finish. Lovely with a charcuterie plate or lighter summer pasta.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wine for Yoga Lovers Sangiovese Rose 2017
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaOk. If someone showed me this label, I would pass. But if someone poured me a glass of this very pale, lightly spiced strawberry, wild raspberry, Rainier cherry, dried herbs, light bodied rosé, I would easily finish the glass and inquire what it is while pouring a second. Gimmicky label and name aside, this is pretty serious sangiovese rosé from Langhorne Creek. This achieves that tricky trifecta of fruit / acidity / interest, the latter in this case is a swig of salted herbs. There's a wee swell of warmth on the finish that surprises in this 12.5 degree frame, though that is easily overlooked by the numerous food pairing / patio pairing opportunities in this dry rosé. Props for making a real wine aimed at, I assume, a mass market audience of spandex-wearing yogi. Now, about that name / label ....Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Soto y Manrique Naranjas Azules Rose 2016
Castilla-Leon, SpainIf you're familiar with most Spanish rosados, this pale orange hued garnacha rosé from Rueda will surprise. Husband and wife team (Sr Soto and Sra Manrique) began a project in 2012 to highlight what their homeland of Castilla y Leon is capable of. They found a small, high altitude (780m) 12ha vineyard of poor, limestone rich sandy clay soil, planted to verdejo, garnacha and chardonnay and with vines 20-75 years old. They make only three wines, including this purposeful rosé, all biodynamically farmed, native fermented and using ancient clay amphorae. This wine was whole bunch, gently crushed, immediately pressed off skins and fermented in stainless. Lees-led wild raspberry and wild strawberry is streaked with salted dried herbs and generously twisted with bergamot on the finish. There's a lovely textural mid that makes this wine generous despite its slender 13 degree frame. Salted strawberries linger on the finish. Alive with energy, and beautifully knit, if you shy away from Spanish rosés due to their punchy rusticity, try this.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castello Monaci Kreos Negroamaro Rosato 2017
Salento, Puglia, ItalyBright and shining medium blush hue, this rustic and authentically-styled fuller-bodied saignée nergroamaro rosé is from the dry gravelly limestone and clay soils of Apulia. Earthy raspberry, cherry and strawberry jam makes the middle, while orange-laced acidity and stony minerality brighten and season. Dry, bright and lengthy, and a welcome 13 degrees, this is a worthy pour for your best cioppino or grilled pork chops.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Margherita Still Rose 2017
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThis is a brand new wine from a well-known winery, and in a bottle shape many of you will recognize from their Rosé fizz. This, however, is still, pale orange-peach hue, and pretty much dry, with orange, pear butter, raspberry and a fine riff of spice on the medium bodied (13 degrees) palate. Groppello, barbera, sangiovese and marzemino from Lake Garda is partially crushed and partially macerated, with the two parts fermented and aged separately in stainless for a few months on lees before the final blend. Though shorter on the finish, this is quite an elegant show, and a welcome mature move from this classic Italian.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fontanafredda Solerose 2016
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis Langhe Rosso pours a deeper cherry hue in the glass, and opens with ginger spicing before launching directly into strawberry jam, cherry and subtle kirsch spicing. Barbera, dolcetto and nebbiolo spent three months on fine lees, in stainless, for a youthful, soft and approachable (safe) rosé. The finish returns to ginger, but with this time spiced gingerale. Thankfully dry, and moderate (12 degrees), this is best well chilled and drunk now.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Promenade Cotes de Provence 2017
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceDeep salmon hued, this dry Côtes de Provence is a blend of syrah, grenache, carignan and cinsault. Grapes came from numerous clay and limestone studded plots in the heart of the Var, and clustered within the communes of Cabasse sur Issole and Flassans sur Issole. Gently pressed, cool, and in stainless (the typical Provencal formula), this is juicy bright cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and orange, on a crunchy frame. The attack is a bit punchy and the finish short, though is a worthy, refreshing pour (try with lightly spiced curry or aioli dipped seafood) this summer.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tournon Mathilda Chapoutier Rosé 2016
Victoria, AustraliaChapoutier's venture in Victoria has been a success and this rosé is just another example of what you can do when you pay attention to the details. The colour is Provence pink, the nose a bright mix of exuberant strawberry and raspberry with a dash of peach. The palate is that juicy, watery, thirst quenching style with more mineral red fruit flavours with a touch or orange. Light, refreshing, perfect pink in an easy screwcap. This 2016 over delivers in terms of youthfulness revealing the freshness of this 100-percent grenache. Technically perfect – whole bunch pressed at low pressure, the juice is cold settled without enzymes, retaining a high level of turbidity, and fermented at low temperature with natural yeasts to 12.5 percent alcohol. Charcuterie is the match. Real wine, stock up.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tilia Malbec Rose 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaTilia is Latin for Linden, the traditional tree found throughout Mendoza. Its flowers are used to make a popular herbal tincture said to have calming properties. This export-driven wine was made by longtime Catena winemaker, Leopoldo Kushnaroff, at Bodegas Esmeralda, and from malbec sourced from eastern and southern regions of Mendoza. Medium pale blush in hue, and bone dry, this is white pepper spiced orange, cherry, wild raspberry, spring rhubarb, light smoke on a brisk palate, tightened with roasted tea leaves and lengthened by the lingering, salty finish. An impressive showing, and all at a welcome 12.5 degrees alcohol.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Rose 2017
California, United StatesKJ has joined the rosé rush predictably, watching from the sidelines to make sure it was real, before being slotted into the friendly Vintner’s Reserve selection. It’s not anywhere near as sweet as you might expect which is as heartening as it is light with fresh cut watermelon, apricots and white flowers. KJ has an almost unlimited amount of coastal fruit to choose from in Santa Barbara, Monterey, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. The inaugural pink is mostly pinot noir with some syrah and grenache. It’s all stainless steel fermented to retain maximum freshness. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Copain Tous Ensemble Rose 2017
Mendocino County, California, United StatesCEO Barbara Banke purchased the Copain property and brought it under the Jackson Family Wines banner a couple of years ago. It looks like another good buy. Lauded for their ‘Rhone wines” it only seems natural they would make a rosé of substance. The Tous Ensemble or ‘all together’ is a mix of pinot noir fruit from three vineyards across Anderson Valley. Quaffable, with sweet strawberries and watermelon drizzled in citrus with a shot of minerality. For those long summer nights.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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24 May 2018
91PTS
Sea Star Stella Maris 2017
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaStella Maris translates as Sea Star, and this is the winery's flagship white blend. In 2017 this is gewürztraminer, pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling, ortega and schoenburger. Unlike previous years, the 2017 has deftly reined in gew's opulence and shuffled its strengths (rosewater, fragrance, ginger spicing) in amongst the highlights of its blending partners. Pear, lime oil, mandarine, musk melon is woven with tight spicing, lacing green apple, ample minerality through the slender frame to the lengthy, shimmering finish. Wow. If only every "BC aromatic white blend" had this finesse and vibrance. Very impressive, and all in 12.5 degrees.Prices:| BC | $20.78 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Craft & Origin Organic White Wine 2016
Western Cape, South AfricaYou're forgiven for thinking this 500ml, stubby, crown-capped bottle is carrying craft beer. Rather, this is Craft & Origin's organic blend of sauvignon blanc and chenin, sourced from the Western Cape. I'm all for alternative packaging, especially when it has friendly results (here on the environment, and your wallet). Subtle tropical fruit, tinned pear, candied lychee all sit on a slim, simple palate, finishing brief and quick. At 11.5 degrees, and at this size, and with this closure, best well chilled (on ice) at the beach.Prices:| QC | $9.80 | 500ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Honest John's White 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's white Honest John's is a blend of chardonnay, pinot gris, chenin blanc, kerner, viognier and orange muscat, fermented and kept in stainless to protect freshness (in what turned out to be one of the warmest summers on record). This juicy white is kissed with honey, and filled up with red apple, fleshy peach and lime. There's a slight bump of sugar here making this approachable to the masses and requiring a steep chill and sunny patio.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sperling Vineyards Sper...itz Organic 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis light and lively, slightly sper…itzy wine is a 50/50 blend of the obscure perle of csaba grape, and slightly more familiar bacchus. Anne Sperling, one of Canada's most famous winemakers, makes this from the biodynamically-farmed, limestone-laced Kelowna land that her grandparents settled more than 150 years ago. You can think of this as a local spin on northern Italy's Moscato d'Asti. Mid-sweet and light (only 7.9 degrees alcohol), this is all fragrant roses, perfumed honeycrisp apple, pink grapefruit and gingerale. Acidity is grapefruit laced and ample to keep this sweetie lively. Pair with pavlova, or sweeter brunch dishes.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lang Vineyards Bravo White 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn off-dry, aromatic white with a shot of spritz, this is a blend of estate grown old vine riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot blanc, muscat and schonburger. White florals (some overripe petals in the mix) and key lime dominate, followed by peach, apricot, gingersnap, jasmine, and pink peppercorns warming the finish. Lean and bright, this is waiting for a pool and an ice bucket this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis BC classic varies widely every year, and the 2017 is on the leaner, streamlined side of the spectrum. This is based on the spirit of Edelzwicker, Alsace's traditional Germanic varietal blend. Just so happens that the literal translation of Edelzwicker is 'a noble blend', and fittingly, winemaker/founder Heidi's last name is Noble. Lime leaf, pear blossom, fine tight spicing lead this year's incarnation, a blend of gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot auxerrios, pinot blanc, and muscat. Aromatically very pure, with rosewater, gingersnap, tight pear, lime peel, streaming along the palate, with a dusting of white pepper piquing the finish. Again, well done Noble.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA BC favourite on restaurant lists and patios every summer, and this year's incarnation is zippy and bright like the 2016. Chasselas, pinot blanc and pinot gris charm in this friendly white. What I like is that this is easy and accessible without being dumbed down by sweetness or overt fruitiness. Not to say this is without fruit: think tangerine, green apple, Asian pear and honeydew. Stainless keeps this fresh and light on its feet, and if you find this on your patio restaurant list, order liberally. Great value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.69 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.05 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $19.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Goddess 2016
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI suppose this is target marketed at... crystal followers? Bedazzlers? Yoga moms? Not quite sure, but this is "The Perfect me wine" and here so you can "Reward yourself after all of life's stresses and littlest emergency", according to the front label. Also promising it "Will go great when you have some Girlfriends over for appy's..." All that aside, inside the bottle you have a sweet, low acid blend of schonburger and gewürztraminer, juicy with lime blossoms, pear, lemon, apple juice, dish soap to a short finish. I suppose goddesses would enjoy this most over ice.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Great White North 2016
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe great wine turnaround continues at St. Hubertus where clean wines were always expected, but since winemaker Wade Stark arrived in 2017 there has been an obvious lift in quality. Great White North a blend of chasselas, riesling and gewürztraminer, first designated for an American grocery chain. This is a vibrant, dry white with juicy, citrus, herbal aromas and flavours. Not only food-friendly, but a solid patio heat beater as well. Super value at $14.50.Prices:| BC | $14.50 | 750ml |
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23 May 2018
90PTS
Quinta de Sao Francisco 2014
PortugalDeep, ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, cola, twine and herbal plum in this plush blend of castelao, aragonez, and touriga nacional from Óbidos, on the fresh Atlantic coast of Portual. There's a dusky, musk perfume that pervades this dense wine, one held in check with a line of acidity and is hemmed in with fuzzy tannins to a dark cocoa finish. This wine spent ten months in a blend of French and American oak to build structure. At only 13.5 degrees, and with some age on it, this is a welcome alternative to boozier, riper and heftier Portuguese reds.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Soito Taleiga Dao 2015
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalTaleiga is all about richness and power but with a touch of the velvet glove. Blackcurrant and violets dominate this tight little red flecked with tar (think young nebbiolo), leather and tobacco notes. Not as rustic as the previous version, this mix of touriga nacional, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro and jaen is from the granitic soils of the Viseu region of the Dao. After a stainless ferment, this spent ten months in French oak. Youthful and tight this best attacked with grilled lamb or put it away for five years.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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22 May 2018
87PTS
Squeezed Gewurztraminer 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSqueezed is a fun look at a variety that has made a home in British Columbia, and one that comes in many different styles. In this case, it is a sugar bomb packed full of candied orange and honey flavours that coat the palate. The litchi/orange and sugar is best suited to a favourite spicy curry dish or chill this down and serve liberally on the patio.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lang Vineyards Gewurztraminer 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA measured and delicious expression of gewürztraminer grown on the Summerland bench by Hans and Guenther Lang. The nose is bright with tropical litchi, orange aromas with some classic rosewater scents. The palate is lean but juicy, with light, spicy, litchi, mineral and a perfectly bitter nectarine and peach skin finish. Think pulled pork, or spicy chicken stir fry.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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21 May 2018
87PTS
Lang Vineyards Maréchal Foch 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweetly sunbaked plum, cherry and blackberry fill the full, ripe and just off-dry palate of this marechal foch. From 60+ year old vines, this concentrated red draws leather, dried figs, blueberry jam and cracked peppercorns along a full palate. Tannins are soft and plush, and the finish is long, absorbing the warmth (nearly 15 degrees). This reminds me of a ripasso red in its richness and intensity. Drink now with blue cheeses.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rive Droite, Rive Gauche Côtes-du-Rhône Vendanges 2016
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe great thing about Côtes-du-Rhône is that even when it's humble and inexpensive, it's (generally) entirely acceptable as an everyday / bistro red. This wine is a perfect example. Grenache, cinsault, syrah and mourvèdre tumble forward with juicy black and red fruits housed by soft, leathery tannins, sprinkled with savoury spices and finishing with cracked pepper. Potent garrigue throughout reminds you that you're drinking in the Southern Rhone. Excellent value for drinking now (screw cap helps).Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Foch 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoasted meats, roasted earth meet super ripe black fruit in this marechal foch, tipped with nine percent chambourcin. After time in stainless, American and French oak, this yields a ripe, rich and lightly sweet red. Tobacco, charcoal, roasted coffee all filter through the thick, dense black fruit, leaving a lingering roasted onion, dark chocolate and sweet mint ringing the finish. Purposefully-made, and for the fans of rich, sweeter (whether they recognize it or not) reds. Well made for style.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Pesquié Ventoux Terrasses Rouge 2015
Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceClassic modern Rhone, dominated by grenache and syrah A classic modern Rhone red, dominated by grenache and syrah and dusted with carignan, cinsault, and mourvèdre — the vineyards are around 300m, on gravelly soils dotted with pebbles and limestone. One-third of this sees time in used wood for six months. Ripe and fleshy raspberry, black cherry, mulberry is punctuated with waves of tar, resinous dried raspberry, new leather and ample black pepper. Tannins are grippy but cushy, housing the ripe fruit to a clipped, warm finish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Front Row Shiraz/Mourvedre/Viognier 2016
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaFront Row is a mix of shiraz, mourvèdre and viognier produced in Swartland. The fruit is purchased on long-term contracts; the goal is a value-for-money blend. The style is light, soft and peppery with hint of minerality. The fruit is ripe / slightly overripe with vanilla and meaty mocha flavours but there is just enough funk to keep the ripeness all in order on the palate. Simple, solid and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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18 May 2018
91PTS
Domaine Vacheron 2015
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe Vacherons are counted among Sancerre’s elite because of their tireless approach to terroir and biodynamic viticulture. Old vines date back generations and the farming is painstakingly precise – think Burgundy. The estate white is a mix of chalk and flinty hillside vineyards around the town of Sancerre now 30 to 50 years old. The nose and attack is ripe and pure with a touch of lively white pepper and grapefruit zest with flinty chalky notes on the nose. Bright citrus drench pears with a shake of sea salt for complexity. Oysters anyone? Will hold through 2020.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre 2016
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceOne Sancerre is not like another because the soils are amazingly diverse. This wine comes from the village of Bué, considered to be one of the best sites in Sancerre, although there is no official classification. The third generation of Millets, Franck and Betty, are in charge and the first thing you sense is the minerality and freshness here. Citrus and guava with a streak of lime and grapefruit mark a long, persistent finish. Lots of class. You can drink this now with a classic young goat cheese or age it through 2020.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.35 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.97 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| Mb | $33.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cirro Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTwo years on since my last look, and the style remains consistent and fresh. If anything, it is just a little less aggressive, which is appealing. Citrus and passionfruit aromas fill the glass with similar notes of tropical fruit, lemongrass and jalapeño, reigned in by a touch of sweetness counterbalanced by the freshness of the acidy. A classic mussels wine, but clams and prawns will do just as well.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Marquis de Goulaine Sancerre 2015
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceIt's amazing how many people freely profess hatred for sauvignon blanc, and then profess love for Sancerre. This, of course, is entirely sauvignon blanc, and a youthful, approachable one, all flint-lined and green fruit filled. Crisp, youthful and quick to market gives just a slip of lees to offset the mouth-puckering citrus fruit ruling this light bodied wine. Simple and exactly what is needed with steamed clams or artichoke stew.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sun and Air Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Coastal Region, South AfricaCapturing the warm sun of South Africa and the cool coastal breezes, Sun & Air is a new line from Boutinot, in their ever-expanding reach of affordable, well-made, excellently packaged wines from around the globe. They do particularly well with South Africa, finding interesting pockets of grapes and working with local vintners to make well priced, tasty wines. Like this, sourced from the foothills of Paarl Mountain, the second largest granite outcrop in the world after Oz's Ayers Rock. Decomposed granite is hinted through the stony minerality woven in this wine. Bright and sunny with a steely backbone, streaming lemony acidity and heaps of green: apple, peas, asparagus, grass atop a fine layer of lees. The finish snaps to attention with zesty spice. This is a youthful, sunny wine for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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17 May 2018
88PTS
Haywire White Label Pinot Gris 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire Winery secured Secrest Mountain Vineyard this spring, buying the 38 ha vineyard site that faces south-west at 487 meters above sea level. This site is cool, with alluvial soils studded with coarse gravel and sandy loam intermingled with limestone layers. The wine is naturally-fermented to dryness in stainless, with MLF stopped before eight months in concrete. That said, this year the fruit feels riper and rounder than previous incarnations. This is designed to be approachable and forward, for drinking now while Switchback (gray label) hangs out. Sweet pear and sagebrush envelope this soft-ish white, one that we'd love to sharpen with more acidity / less ripeness, but we suppose that most consumers won’t mind. Melon, pear, white peach, lemon to a snappy finish. Best with spicier foods this year to take on those ripe fruit flavours.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is much to like here from the cool, creamy texture to the understated fruit. This is a product of two French clones planted 29 years ago. For 2015, the amount fermented and aged in French oak for eight months jumped up to 40 percent but you do not feel it. Expect a delicious but contained blend of orchard fruits mixed with floral notes, creamy lees and a saline/orange note in the finish. Wonderfully precise and fresh but this will keep another three to five years and evolve.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2017
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaTropical is not a word most people associate with Lillooet, but this pinot gris boasts tropical pineapple, mango, peach aromas that spill onto the palate. It’s a moderately sweet, juicy affair with candied orange tempered by a mineral, lees and a sagedust finish. The fruit is 80 percent estate grown with a 20 percent injection of electrical energy from the Similkameen. Some 15 percent is barrel-fermented and you feel that weight on the mid-palate. Nice freshness here to counter. Best with fresh halibut in a butter sauce.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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16 May 2018
89PTS
Road 13 Chip Off The Old Block Chenin Blanc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoad 13 is one of the few BC wineries working with chenin, and we're all the better for it. This is younger vines, taken from cuttings from their 1968 planting on the Golden Mile Bench, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless. Tight and slender, lined with lees to buffer, this streams green apple, pear skin, ample quince, lemon, along a swift palate, finishing with river stones and spice. Acidity is hallmark chenin, and well placed to match the residual sugar (rendered invisible here). Lovely accessible, interesting wine that drinks very well now, and will deepen with age.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuails' Gate is one of the rare few that has chenin blanc in the ground in BC, and even more impressive, they have 20 years experience with the grape in the Okanagan. It perplexes me every year that they add in 10 percent sauvignon blanc to the grape (WHY?!), muddling, rather than sharpening, this regal grape. Lemon curd, lime sherbet, green apple, gooseberry, pear blossom, hedgerow, on a medium-bodied, streamlined frame. Chenin's stony minerality streams along to a snappy, lemon-laced finish. This is solid, but could be spectacular. Most of this comes from the home West Kelowna property, with a splash from Osoyoos. Approximately 25 percent of this sees time in wood.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.79 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $23.19 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.05 | 750ml |
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15 May 2018
89PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer Orchard Block 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLush and full bodied, this rich wine retains its lime-tight and sleek backbone, keeping it from being overblown and blowsy. Indeed, it's more in the Alsatian style, here pitting gew's sweet power with northern Okanagan acidity. From 1989 plantings (on the Stewart family's old orchard plantings), this mid-sweet wine scents pear and white peach with rosewater, gingersnap spicing. Whole cluster pressing adds interest to this fresh, textural white. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFragrant lychee, roses, orange blossoms on this leaner, fresher gew. The grape's luscious core still shines, but in this version, shines a little lighter, and much more likeable. Asian pear crispness and ginger spicing closes the finish. A beauty match for dishes with spice and sweet / sour complexities.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.59 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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14 May 2018
88PTS
Sun & Air Cinsault 2016
Coastal Region, South AfricaBoutinot has found a welcome niche seeking out pockets of authentic and affordable wines from South Africa, pairing them with credible winemakers, marketing them smartly, and getting them to the Canadian market - none of which is an easy feat. This duo (there is also a white wine in the range) is named for the abundant sunshine and marine-freshened air of WO Coastal Region. This is a youthful and juicy cinsault from a majority of 65 year old dry farmed bush vines across the Cape (with a great chunk from Paarl). Raspberry, rhubarb, brambly blackberry, dried tobacco is streaked with smoke and brightened with a crunchy acidity and a peppery finish. Tannins are tucked away, allowing the fruit to poke through to the flush of warmth on the finish. This shows best with a slight chill, and when poured beside a grilled burger or ribs. Great price.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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11 May 2018
94PTS
Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard 2014
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAnakota is located in Knights Valley over an ancient volcanic zone, where reddish-brown, gravel/silt loam soils intermingle with volcanic rock. The soils show an affinity for the main Bordeaux grapes. Since 2001, Anakota has made two single-vineyard, single varietal, single appellation estate cabs: Helena Dakota and Helena Montana. The 2014 Helena Dakota is a 12.4-acre block of vines below Mount St. Helena’s two highest peaks at 750 feet elevation. Look for a rich, dark red with savoury espresso, chocolate, laced with blackberries, cassis and some wet stone minerality. Famed Frenchman and vigneron Pierre Seillan oversees all aspects of Anakota’s planting, farming, harvesting and winemaking.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2014
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, United StatesLokoya Mt. Veeder has been made from a selection of blocks within Veeder Peak Estate vineyard for almost 20 years. The cabernet sits on a series of sun-bathed western ridges of the Mayacamas Mountain range that make up the northern end of the Mount Veeder AVA. Poor, low nutrient volcanic soil yields small berries and big, concentrated flavours that come at you as soon as you stick your nose in the glass. Blue/black fruits with an intense floral (violets) aroma preview a classic mountain red with rich, dense, long tannin. The structure reflects its 100 percent cabernet sauvignon makeup, fermented with native yeast, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Smoke, cassis, lined with exotic, incense spices, this is a magical wine only beginning its life. I love the dry, firm, mineral undercurrent and red fruit styling that signals its serious nature. Buy and hold for 15 years before you start to drink it. Impressive winemaking.Prices:| BC | $359.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $400.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe label salutes the origins of San Pedro just over 150 years ago. The wine is a selection of top cabernet grapes from 40-year-old, thin, rocky, alluvial-based soils in the Maipo Valley. A five-day cold soak previews a 25 to 30-day ferment before the juice spends a year in oak – 95 percent French; half new, half second fill. This is a much better wine in 2014 versus 2013. The textures are more refined and there is less reduction and resin. The fruit is red, blue and aromatic, lifted by classic bay leaf, boldo with a spicy back end flecked with dark chocolate. Serve now with grilled beef or age through 2020. Impressive.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
California, United StatesTrue to form, this a round, ripe, warm and sweet cabernet sauvignon redolent in rich black fruit aromas and milk chocolate flavours. The tannins have been exercised leaving a soft, supple, long, sweet, cloying finish. Pork ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce may be the best way to consume this red. If you like your reds big and super ripe, this is it.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.88 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.06 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.45 | 750ml |
| NL | $20.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.78 | 750ml |
| PE | $20.19 | 750ml |
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10 May 2018
83PTS
Remy Pannier Chinon 2014
Loire, FranceRoasted cinnamon, green branch, sap and earth fill this cabernet franc of Chinon, an entry level, mass market offering from Remy Pannier. There's some bright cranberry acidity darting about, but this lighter bodied wine is dragged down by a muddy mid and stunted, powdery finish.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bravo Campa 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBravo Campa was crafted by Okanagan Crush Pad for Vino Volo wine bars (famously and thankfully found in airports around North America), and blended in conjunction with Vancouver's own Sally Campa, who oversees the chain's wine programming. Cabernet Franc from the Black Sage Bench's Saddle Ridge Vineyard, plus 10 percent Secrest Mountain gamay, comes through with dusky mulberry, wild blackberry and baked plum, all brightened by herbal thorns and housed with soft fine tannins. Native fermented in concrete tulips and aged in a concrete egg, this saw no fining or filtration, leaving the mouthfeel textural, as is winemaker Matt Dumayne's hallmark. The finish ends with a prickle of dried herbs, is best with a slight chill, and would suit a variety of foods from charcuterie to roasted veg.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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97PTS
Vérité Le Désir 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAt Vérité every block, every tilt of land, every exposure, and the multitude of places and facets that make up any vineyard are the storytellers. Sweet herbaceous black fruit wafts from the glass, streaked with tobacco and chalk. The texture is deep, soft and layered, revealing a little more of the wine every time you taste it. The blend is 53/21/21/5 cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec, reminiscent of the great St. Emilion, but this has a kiss of California sun that simply lifts this wine to different level. I’m going to rate this higher than last year but they are both great vintages and they will both be better in two decades. The fruit is highly selected by the fastidious Pierre Seillan, choosing from an impressive array of sites owned by Jackson Family Farms in the Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Knights Valley.Prices:| BC | $480.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $400.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lock and Worth Square One Cabernet Franc V.5 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe current vintage is 2016 and we are onto V.5 (version five) of this characterful Naramata Bench cabernet franc. CF is of the Okanagan / Similkameen's top red grapes (IMHO), and expressed purely, from low-interventionist producer Lock & Worth. This is from a two-acre clay soiled planting from 1995, fermented native, and with nearly a year and a half in neutral French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Gently smoked blackberry, black plum, black raspberry, kola nut pad the base of this medium bodied wine, with dark cherry and darker cocoa providing highlight notes, and a thorny resinous note sticking to the finish. Tannins seem lined with black tea - grippy but brisk - to the lingering finish. Satisfyingly suited to grape.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Little Farm Winery Pied de Cuve Cabernet Franc 2016
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first red wine in the Pied de Cuve (natural) line for Similkameen's Little Farm Winery. They've used the cabernet franc grapes from Blind Creek Vineyard before, in their quaffable Rosé. 2016 provided the ideal conditions for them to use some of the fruit in this natural red. Grapes were foot trodden and left on the skins for a native ferment for a couple of weeks before gentle pressing into stainless, where it remained for the following year. Dusky plum in hue (unfined and unfiltered) and earthy flavour (in the Loire way), this is full of dried herbs, pointed balsamic, wild flowers, and pink peppercorn. Acidity is crunchy and tannins are feathery but firm, tightening this 11.5 degree frame. Best chilled and enjoyed in youth with grilled sausage or charcuterie. 60 cases made.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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09 May 2018
92PTS
Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnn Sperling farms the Kelowna land her grandparents settled more than 150 years ago, and she does it biodynamically, with decades of winemaking experience and inherent knowledge of the land. The Old Vines Riesling is the winery flagship, held back two years prior to release. Potent and delicate at once, with tight minerality driving pear, lime, green apple, quince, white honey, along a juicy, streamline palate. There's a slick of RS tipping this into off-dry, but enough nervy, zippy acidity to keep it all taut. Drinking beautifully now, but will continue to hold and impress with cellaring. Definitely among Canada's top rieslings.Prices:| BC | $27.89 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lang Vineyards Farm Reserve Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve is a slightly drier version of the Select Harvest made more in the Alsace style but it is equally delicious. A little less sugar gives it a higher complexity quotient to go along with the fresh, crunchy, apple-pear-yellow fruit mid-palate that is much cleaner than last year. This is the perfect pulled pork wine or serve with a spicy chicken stir-fry. Private wine shops, grocery stores.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lang Vineyards Riesling Select Harvest 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow, so delicious, and a perfect wine to quaff all summer. The style is super ripe-Kabinett with refreshing stony mid-palate minerality, beautiful peach/pear fruit, with just a hint of crunch suggesting perfect acidity for the style. I’m thinking spicy pakoras, sweet and sour dishes, barbecue pork and much more. Impressive wine with a new label that looks as good as the wine tastes.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFollowing last year's tightening of this QG classic, the 2017 is equally nimble and bright, with lemon, green apple and a squeeze of lime in a slim frame. The swing of residual sugar is offset by riveting acidity, while whole bunch pressing and a long, cool ferment ups the aromatics and texture. This wine now lives up to its 'Dry' moniker. Great value for real riesling drinkers and one that is an easy joy to drink and dinner table versatile.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.05 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Thorle Riesling Kabinett 2016
Rheinhessen, GermanyThe Rheinhessen warmth gives this riesling a riper, richer texture with a strong, fresh peach undertone. There is a refined, Kabinett, floral nose that contains a whole lot of honey and orange that persist well into the finish. Fresh and juicy at 8.5 percent alcohol, with just enough acidity to keep the sweet fruit lively. Delicious sipping and perfect for your favourite curry dish.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Thorle Saulheim Riesling Kalkstein 2016
Rheinhessen, GermanyThe sons and brothers Christoph and Johannes Thörle took over the family winery in Saulheim in 2006, exploiting the limestone soils of the north Rheinhessen. Less is more is the viticultural theme, followed by the hand-picking of grapes at several levels of maturity. Some 25 percent goes into traditional old oak barrels; 75 percent into stainless steel tanks. The ferment is natural and the wine sits undisturbed for six months before bottling. Aromas of ripe apricots and yellow peaches open. Look for that Rheinhessen richness followed by bright, full, yellow plums and apples with a push of acidity. The finish is similar with traces of green fruit, light minerality and freshness supported by mineral, salty, citrus notes. You can drink this now but you may want to wait three to five years to let it reveal its full power.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moraine Riesling 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMoraine’s ‘16 Riesling is entirely Naramata Bench fruit, of which nearly half is estate grown clone 49. It’s all whole-bunch-pressed and wild fermented in three batches over 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 9 weeks at very cool temperatures (under 13C). What can I say? This is delicious wine with the perfect tension between fruit sugars and acidity. It is fresh, floral, mineral, ethereal and… very unordinary. Best with a favourite chicken or pork curry. Real wine offering real value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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08 May 2018
88PTS
Catena Chardonnay Mountain Vines 2016
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine has come a long way over the years and can intrigue with the right foods. There’s a much welcomed leesy component but the fruit remains ripe and soft with bits of pineapple, yellow apples and a touch of butterscotch. There is a dusting of minerality and some altitude freshness that keeps it from wandering all over your palate. Seafood in a brown butter sauce is the perfect match. Grown on the stony gravely soils of The Domingo, La Pirámide, and Adrianna vineyards between 3,117-4757 feet above sea level.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTime at Niagara’s 2017 International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4c) led winemaker Heidi Noble to hyper oxidize (hyperox) all her press pan juice - particularly this 2017 chardonnay. The result is a concentrated white with lemon curd, red apple, tropical florals, pineapple rind, applesauce, and honeydew melon that sits with some weight on the palate, though kept in check with 13.4 degrees alcohol and freshness from no malolactic fermentation. There's a blousy, candied banana / pear drop ester note that detracts from the purity of this wine, leaving us wanting a bit more complexity.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Are you Game? Chardonnay 2013
Strathbogie Ranges , Victoria, AustraliaFowles' Are You Game? line makes the food pairing easy for you. This label features a turkey, making it fairly obvious this is poultry-friendly. Chardonnay from Victoria's cool climate, granitic-soiled Strathbogie Ranges (Fowles' home farm at Upton Run, plus neighbouring Tarcombe Ridge vineyard) makes up this label. This was primarily fermented in stainless, with 10 percent in barrel. The wine was then aged for four months in new and old French oak with lees stirring, topped up with a splash of viognier from their mates down the road, at Tahbilk. White peach, pear, yellow apple rolls across a creamy palate (feeling that lees work), though the earlier pick, scrabbly mineral-studded soils, and stainless steel keeps things bright. Showing lovely now, four years along. Though one of their entry-level tiers, this shows an attention and care uncommon in many wines, at any price point. Get Game with Fowles.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean Bourdy Côtes du Jura Blanc 2012
Jura, FranceBeauty Jura. The Bourdy family has been growing vines / making wine since 1475 in Jura, just east and south of the gloried Cote D'Or. This is biodynamically farmed alpine chardonnay, native fermented and without inputs during the four years spent in barrel, under flor. Pointed almond, sea salts, lemon, elderflower, is lined with a tight, steely mineral backbone that runs the sleek frame. Acidity is nervy and attention is pointed, drawing your attention sip after sip after sip after... Best when able to open and relax at cellar/room temperature, this is one of those memorable wines that sets your compass.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
50th Parallel Estate Chardonnay 2016
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fresh, bright, cool-climate version of this classic grape with an attractive round creamy texture. The aromas are an appealing mix of tropical melons and spicy apple butter. The palate opens with creamy pear butter notes flecked with peach marmalade and a hint of caramel. Ready to drink and preferably with crab, lobster or spot prawns in butter.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Summerhill's biodynamic estate fruit, this is a very full bodied wine, reflecting the warm 2015 vintage, and quarter of the wine spending two months in American oak with ample battonage. Toasty, and creamy, with ample vanilla and popcorn scenting the rich and ripe pear, yellow apple palate. There's a hum of minerals underneath, but it is flattened down by the wood. This is not shy, nor does it care. Old school.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arterra Chardonnay 2016
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe death of Le Clos Jordanne has spawned Arterra Chardonnay and Pinot Noir using the former winery’s high-class fruit grown on the Niagara Bench above Jordan Village. The nose is mix of fresh cut apple and the smell of butter on warm toast. The attack is almost tropical with pineapple/melon fruit with a slathering of oak and spice. A conservative, safe style that will have wide audience appeal. Pair this with a savoury onion and garlic stuffed roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
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07 May 2018
88PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2015
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNo substantial changes here in what is a ripe, typically rich and sweet-scented oak aged shiraz from the Barossa. Six generations of farming are behind this fleshy, valley floor shiraz that is ever potent from its black fruit and ripe blueberry nose to its sweet, mocha, minty, cracked pepper finish. It’s an old style but still admired by many. Smoky, charred meat from the grill is the match here to take on the alcohol and weight of this Barossa red.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
West Cape Howe Two Steps Shiraz 2014
Mt. Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaTwo Steps comes off older vineyards and the choice parcels in Mount Barker. It’s ripe with big lifted cherry, cassis on the nose that tumble onto the palate. The sweet boysenberry, tangy, spicy fruit spends 16 months French oak adding yet another layer of weight and smoky vanilla notes to the mix. Rich and ripe with medium tannins, it's another sweetish shiraz from Australia that will appeal to those who like the simpler, hedonistic style.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
West Cape Howe Shiraz 2015
Mt. Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaRound, soft, sweet nose and more of the same on the palate. It’s clean and juicy but the candied, sugary, red and blue fruit flavours are a bit overwhelming. For those who love their red wine sweet and ripe this is it. Ready to drink with spicy ribs that could take on the sugar.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Salvaje Syrah Roussane 2015
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileOpening with a strong reductive swing, this natural Chilean Syrah (with five percent roussanne) requires some air time to tame and relax. Salvaje is a new project from Chile's most prominent and respected biodynamic estate: Emiliana, and winemaker Alvaro Espinoza. This follows Alvaro's no inputs / exports philosophy, and is a true reflection of place and time. Place in question is Quebrada Vineyard in the La Vinilla zone of Casablanca in the foothills of the Coastal Mountains. Granitic sandy loam at 380m are the fount for this sulphite-free wine, one that was fermented, and then rested in stainless for nine months. Tar, menthol and leather colour the spicy black fruits in this earthy red, with a scent of brooding florals, dusky nutmeg, charcuterie, and ample black pepper across streaky bacon. Rustically framed and clouded without filtration, this dense wine remains bright with acidity, if a bit hazy upon first opening and balsamic on the warming finish. Promising start. Pop the cork, decant, and then serve with grilled lamb or vegetables.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Riebeek Cellars Shiraz 2016
South AfricaThis wine is an excellent lesson in wine buying. At $12.99 by the time you take all the tax off, the shipping from South Africa, the winery, agent, retailer’s profit what’s left? Two bucks seems about right but wait this wine is a star. The key: It comes from the Riebeek Valley, renowned for shiraz wines and Swartland is the uber hip sub-region where young people rule the winemaking. I’m betting good genes, information sharing and peer pressure have given this wine all it needs and more for $12.99. Fruity, peppery, meaty and balanced it’s eminently drinkable for the price. Is it a 90-point wine? No. Is it a great buy? Yes. Try this with most any grilled meats especially pork sausages.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
De Bortoli Woodfired Heathcote Shiraz 2016
Heathcote, Victoria, AustraliaFresh white pepper/black fruit opens, with quiet but persistent floral undertones. The attack is smooth, the textures dense and fleshy (from the deep red soils) with pronounced flavours of smoked plums, licorice, resin and cedar. Impressive, easy drinking style you can serve liberally around the barbecue. Excellent value you can rely on all summer.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Polkura Block g + i Syrah 2012
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileHighly reductive, meaty nose, not unusual for syrah, but this time with a hint of oxidation that could be cork, related to the cheap cork used for such a serious wine. Why? As the name suggests the syrah is block selected from a hillside in Marchigue, a relatively cooler zone in western Colchagua. Once you get past the nose, the wine offers up a showy, rich, glossy palate of smoky black fruit that persists long into the coffee/mocha finish. Almost sweet, this can take on any substantial meat dish especially if its grilled on the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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04 May 2018
91PTS
Quails' Gate Shannon Pacific Viognier 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs Treve has rightfully suggested in her note, the style of BC viognier is all over the place, but when in doubt I prefer this brighter, tighter style. A part of winemaker Nikki Callaway’s Collector's Series, it opens with a floral, spicy fresh nose. The palate offers up a crunchy version of apricots and more honeysuckle dusted with Sagebrush and a grating of smoky, citrus drenched almonds. Impressive and well worth joining the club for access. You could cellar this through 2020 no problem, or serve with a chicken curry dish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penner-Ash Viognier 2016
Oregon, United StatesRetasted in Vancouver, fruit is a 61/25/14 mix of Crater View, RoxyAnn and Power Block vineyards. It's 100 percent viognier and entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel. The attack is fresh with honeysuckle, orange blossoms, apple and citrus. The fruit and acidity is perfectly matched along the spine of this vibrant white, with hints of jasmine, apple and citrus zest and a dash of peach pit bitterness in the finish. A perfect wine for halibut and a fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Blanc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the St. Hubertus vineyard planted in 1978, this pinot blanc was destemmed, and fermented in stainless, where it held before bottling. This is a lean and light bodied lens of pinot blanc, orchard crisp and fresh, with pear, white grapefruit, starfruit, and melon, seasoned with white pepper, lime pith to a snappy finish. Though slight, this lingers long on the palate. Well done.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lang Vineyards Viognier 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Lang Viognier is an expressive, exotic mix of aromas including jasmine, apricots and honeysuckle. The palate is similar with a touch more acidity in 2017 to lengthen the fruit in the mouth before finishing with a touch of bitterness. It's off-dry, with spicy pear in the back end. Ready to drink. Try this with a vegetarian casserole or spicy pakoras.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm En Famille Reserve Muscat 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you only know muscat as the sweet, possibly fizzy wine, then you should try this bone dry version, one of the En Famille tier wines of JoieFarm. This is the first time muscat has entered the En Famille range, but Heidi Noble decided her 2007-planted moscato giallo (yellow muscat) was ready. Tight and nimble (at 11.4 degrees alcohol), give this a little time in the glass to reveal musk melon, tangerine, with crunchy Asian pear acidity. Light and lean, this petite wine shines with big flavours and arms in the glass.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Shannon Pacific Viognier 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOh Canadian viognier - you're so confusing. Thankfully, this is one of the better ones. This is a new release from Quails' Gate, and slotted into one of their Collector's Series. Characteristically viognier with its generous, waxy palate and ample jasmine spicing. Honeysuckle, downy white peach, apricot, is scented with Okanagan scrub and cut with lime peel, which tightens around the youthful, warming finish. A polished example, and one to watch in future vintages.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Menade Rueda Verdejo Ecologico 2017
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainMenade is an ecologic (organic) offering of verdejo from Rueda. The nose is fresh and aromatic, projecting floral, candied lemon notes and herbal, grassy, passionfruit. The palate is a sea of citrus, lime, mango and nectarine in a medium-rich style. An upscale sauvignon for the senses with the perfect yin and yang for the palate. Grilled seafood comes quickly to mind.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Feudi Di San Gregorio Albente 2016
Campania, ItalyFeudi di San Gregorio has made a huge impact in their home region of Campania in a relatively small amount of time. Founded in the mid-1980s, they've been protecting and rediscovering key indigenous grapes. Varied soils, and altitude between 350-600m gives them ample room to experiment. Albente is 100 percent falanghina, an ancient variety known to the Romans, and grown on the chalky soils around Tufo. A short stint in stainless steel preserves the bright fruit and gets it ready to market quickly. Delicately perfumed pear, citrus blossoms fill this voluminous wine, lively with acidity yet steady with pear, almond, fig, light straw, subtle honeysuckle. Mediterranean spices cling to the finish. Quiet, unassuming, confident and unapologetic, this is a gem.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Bacchus 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI really like Arrowleaf's new labels: fresh, modern, natural, herbal. This is a sweeter aromatic white, with candied pink grapefruit, orange blossom and elderflower coating a shorter, somewhat citric tablet. Best well chilled and enjoyed on the patio.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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03 May 2018
89PTS
Novaia Valpolicella Classico Organic 2016
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe Novaia wine estate is in the Classico village of Marano di Valpolicella. The family farms 7-hectares of terraced pergola and guyot vines at 300 and 400 metres above sea level on the calcareous ‘pietra di Lessinia’ stone soils mixed with volcanic elements. Post ferment it spends a brief ten months in steel; and two months in bottle. This simple Valpolicella is a delight to sip from its fragrant fruit aromas to its, sour cherry, blue fruit, crunchy acidity and super fresh palate. Floral spicy alive and ready for food this is perfect uncomplicated red wine for lighter foods. Try this with vegetable pakoras.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zonin Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2015
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyZonin’s ties with Negrar gives its ripasso a slightly richer bent thanks to its secondary ferment on dry Amarone skins. The nose is fresh but full of chocolate/cherry fruit notes and liquorice with bits of bitter cocoa. Soft tannins make this easy to enjoy although its freshness suggests you could age it through 2020. Serve with meaty pasta dishes or casseroles. The blend is 70/20/10 corvina (including corvinone), rondinella and molinara.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.60 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.00 | 750ml |
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01 May 2018
89PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack Rook fruit comes off the warm, sandy, low vigour soils of a Black Sage Bench section pushed up against the Okanagan Highlands. The clusters are small and yield very intense, mostly black fruit flavours. This style is more hedonistic and abetted by the warmer site. The palate is a cherry/licorice affair with sweet, dense textured tannins that bring just a touch of bitterness to the finish, balancing the sweet fruit. More similar to Washington State than Bolgheri or the right bank of Bordeaux. It will need more time to gather itself moving forward, not quite as polished as the rest of the group. Best now with grilled meats. Black Rook blends 86 percent merlot with 8 percent syrah, 5 percent petit verdot and 1 percent cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Opening Gambit Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpening Gambit - 90 percent merlot, 10 percent petit verdot - is quickly becoming my favourite Checkmate merlot thanks to its stunning nose. The fruit is beautifully aromatic despite its warm, Osoyoos East Bench site neatly tucked up against the US border. The hill is steep (1083 to 1437 feet above sea level) and undulating, pitching the vines over various expositions to the sun that, in the end, delivers a very hedonistic red. Iodine, black cherries and blackcurrants spill from the glass, inviting you inside the wine. Initially, the wine presents delicious dark, ripe fruits before the tannins begin to set in. Dense, long and supple, they suggest time in the bottle is the message here. Like all the McGahan wines, the oak is well-integrated, thanks to 52-plus days of maceration before the juice runs directly from the tank into the barrel. This wine takes me to Bolgheri with its rich, savoury, sagebrush mocha notes that persist throughout the finish. Again, a very sexy merlot, triggering the question, 'why can't the standard be more like this across the valley? Impressive texture. Food friendly.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $196.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $439.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Silent Bishop is all about the cooler Western benches where the sun routinely disappears behind Mount Kobau in the late afternoon. The fruit an 86/8/5/1 mix of merlot, petit verdot, syrah and cabernet franc, off three separate sites in Oliver North, Golden Mile and Osoyoos West that bask in a much more temperate morning sun. The nose is focused and intense, with floral red fruit undertones and fine fresh acidity. The style is a touch more linear on the west side, with cooler, anise notes and brown spice. It’s worth noting how chalky and refined the tannin is here. Like last year it has a quiet sophistication that is going to persist throughout the next decade as this wine comes into its own. The 2014 ferment is 100 percent wild and undergoes 50-52 days of maceration to help build structure and body. The numbers, 14.7 percent alcohol, with an average PH of 3.65 and TA of 6.2, point to an inherent richness with freshness. This Silent Bishop is incrementally better than year one, which is saying something. It is nowhere near ready but you could crack a bottle with a T-bone steak now if you had to.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Checkmate project is slowly maturing, aided by a string of fine south Okanagan growing seasons, namely 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and what looks like 2018 too. Winemaker Phil McGahan oversees a meticulous regime that starts in the vineyard with precision desert viticulture. The fruit comes off two warm, south Okanagan benches along the valley's eastern side. Osoyoos East Bench and the Black Sage Bench are mostly sandy soils combined with multiple undulating exposures to produce a range of flavours and styles intensified by the late sun. In 2014 the ferment was 100 percent wild and ran into oak before dryness to finish up inside the barrel. In all, there is 50+ day maceration (wine in contact with the skin) that contributes to beautiful silky, soft tannins. McGahan seeks the purity of fruit and feels he gets that from the extended macerations times. The nose has an enticing pure merlot or red fruit character that pushes the oak into the background. McGahan's barrel regime is designed to increase complexing by using wood from two different forests using alternating air-dried staves to complex the wine. The attraction of merlot is its texture, and this dense, soft, round, savoury red with bits of licorice, bitter chocolate and brown spice is more about texture than big flavours. It's a new style of Okanagan merlot where less is more. You can drink this now with a grilled steak, but we would wait till 2020 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $196.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $439.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml |
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June 2018