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Tastings: July 2018
31 July 2018
91PTS
Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love the sharp focus and the stony, salty, citrus, mineral notes. Electric on the palate, this sparkler is built for to age with a foundation of rich acidity that defines the north Okanagan as the true Canadian cool-climate region. Already seven years in the bottle, you can feel the creamy textures and toasted lees note that permeate its refined mousse, yet it has an electricity that sets it apart from most of its peers. The fruit is all estate and certified organic. Freshly shucked oysters are the ticket with this real wine.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut NV
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaReliable can be a wishy-washy descriptor for still wine, but for sparkling wine I think it’s just fine, especially if the bottle in question is the Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut. The latest release was bottled in 2015 and disgorged in March 2018. It’s all Okanagan Falls estate fruit - 50/45.5/4.5 - pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris - that the next label may bear the more descriptive Okanagan Falls sub-GI just awarded this region. After two years on its lees the wine is disgorged, and then aged another six to nine months in bottle. Look for a bright lemon, green apple nose with chalky undertones. The palate is similar with a drying finish. Perfect with steamed clams and butter.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a single block of clone 93 pinot noir planted 23 years ago, this traditional method sparkler opens with just a hue of colour and a soft effervescence that is captivating. The base wine was fermented and aged for six months in neutral oak, and then aged on its lees for two more years, gaining complexity and texture. The final product was disgorged in the spring of 2018 with a dash of the 2015 Juveniles Pinot Noir as its dosage. The nose is a subtle mix of red fruits, toast, umami like dried herbs and guava that finishes mineral and chalky. Seriously delicious and elegant. More please. Cellar for a decade and see what can happen to pure fruited bubble.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Grand Piano Brut NV
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom thirty-year-old pinot blanc, this is a charmat method (Prosecco-styled) fizz filled with white florals, bitter pear, citrus, and frothy bubbles, finishing with a pink grapefruit snap. Simple and fresh, useful for brunches or in fruity fizz cocktails.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sperling Vineyards Sparkling Brut 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Sperling sparkler is made with 22-year-old pinot blanc vines by the family winemaker Ann Sperling. The property has been inhabited by Sperling ancestors for some 150 years. You don’t see a lot of pinot blanc fizz, although the grape is authorized in the Champagne region. It could be that in warmer years it can be a bit fat for the French taste. Indeed, this bubble walks the tightrope of citrus and pear, with a dollop of dried herbs before finishing long and rich. The richness comes from 60 months on the lees and a mouthfilling, toasty finish before a final dosage of 6.5 g/l. Solid, but we would love to see an even drier, tighter version.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masi Conti Bossi Fedrigotti Conte Federico Brut Reserva 2013
Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyLemon musky perfume pervades this Metodo Classico chardonnay / pinot noir, with green apple, pear, ginger biscuit. This 2013 feels like it's ready for drinking right now, with the fine bubbles, soft palate and gently trailing off finish. Enjoy with scallops or lemon risotto now.Prices:| BC | $31.29 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Modello Prosecco Brut NV
Veneto, ItalyThis Prosecco DOC is crisp and bright with yellow apple and pear. Impressively dryish, with tight citrus, lemon blossoms to a snappy finish. Best when well chilled, this is great value in a clean, fresh fizz.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.65 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canevel Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis is an extra dry (sweetish) Prosecco that has rivlets of acidity to match the 12-17 g/l RS it carries. This is from the classico, or heartland of the Prosecco region (DOCG). White flowers, white peaches, candy necklace on the finish. A lovely, different take on Prosecco, well suited for brunch.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Juve y Camps Gran Reserva Brut 2012
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGran Juvé & Camps is produced with only the finest estate grapes from the Espiells estate in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, and from Mediona in the Alt Penedès. Expect just a hint of pale gold colour before a lightly oxidative, leesy, mineral nose with an underlying, surprising freshness. It’s floral and redolent in notes of white flowers before red apple, stones, toasted nuttiness takes you through to the finish. The fizz is soft and creamy but persistent. On average it spends an impressive 42 months in bottle. The blend is a mix of macabeu, xarel. lo, parellada and chardonnay. Works with a wide array of appetizers although we enjoyed with fresh cracked Dungeness crab. Excellent value. Real wine.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.25 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fitz Brut Sparkling Wine 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe warmest year since 1998, 2015 challenged every winery in the Okanagan, and especially sparkling wine producers who live off a high acid base. It was still full steam ahead at Fitzpatrick where they are committed to vintage bubble using the traditional method, and 100 percent estate grown grapes from the Greata Ranch Vineyard located between Peachland and Summerland. As it turns out the wine is brighter and fresher than you would expect in such a warm year. The chardonnay and pinot noir are partially barrel-fermented in older wood and spend two years on lees in the bottle. Expect a rich, savoury mix of licorice, green apple skins, yeasty limon streaked with strawberry, hazelnuts and a mineral undercurrent. Impressive and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fitz Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWarm sunny mornings and late afternoon shade is a perfect recipe for an elegant blanc de blanc such as this bottle, coming off the estate at Greata Ranch Vineyard north of Summerland. Three years on its lees gives this 100-percent chardonnay a complexity and depth that will attract sparkling wine enthusiasts. Light and tight with a stony, mineral, citrus, pear/apple core it vibrates with acidity before a creamy, chalky finish dusted with sage.Prices:| BC | $42.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pearls Traditional Brut 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen apple, lime, light stone and with searing acidity that cuts through the biscuit notes, this is a welcome dryer sparkling wine that would make an excellent aperitif. In the vein of high quality Sekt, this is a classy addition to a busy field of fizz in BC.Prices:| BC | $34.69 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fitz Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChardonnay from the winery's estate Greata Ranch Vineyard go into this new release, a blanc de blancs of entirely chardonnay that spent 36 months on the lees before a slight 4.9 g/l dosage that takes the edge off the streaking acidity. Tight lemon, green apple, light pear is gripped with chalky stones and lingers with verbena. Impressive now, and will age accordingly; Fitz is one to watch.Prices:| BC | $42.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fitz Crémant Sparkling Wine 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new wine from sparkling house Fitz is titled Crémant, harkening to the traditional method sparkling wines of France outside of Champagne's appellation laws. Like those wines, this underwent secondary ferment in the bottle, where it then rested for nine months on the lees. Crémant is entirely pinot blanc, sourced from the winery's Greata Ranch estate (much like France's Crémant d'Alsace). Bright, juicy and joyous lemon, green apple, pear blossom, with light biscuit notes and ample brut sweetness (10.6 g/l RS) to counter the zippy acidity. There's a lemon pith texture on the finish. The RS could be dialled back a bit, but this bright, zesty, fruity, well made wine will have many fans, rightfully so.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Steller's Jay Mountain Jay Brut Méthode Classique 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBC classic yet again, and deservedly, the 2015, now called Mountain Jay Brut, is a blend of chardonnay, pinot blanc and pinot noir. Bright, shining yellow apple, white florals, citrus, toasted almonds in a round, softer, easy, biscuity palate. The dosage makes it highly accessible, while the acidity keeps it food friendly. Spends a minimum two years on lees before bottling.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chandon California Brut NV
California, United StatesA blend of pinot blanc, pinot noir and chardonnay (like BC's own stalwart sparkling, Steller's Jay), this is an ample, generous waisted wine with baked yellow apple, white peach, pink florals and perfumed lemon, with a fine stream of citrus acidity to carry. A higher dosage of sugar gives this a friendly demeanour which should appeal to a wider audience.Prices:| BC | $29.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.70 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Seven Stars Cuvée 2015
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSeven Stars is bottle fermented using the traditional method, with a long secondary fermentation on its lees (here 18 months) to add texture and complexity. This blanc de blanc is made with 100 percent Naramata chardonnay grown at the estate's Hidden Terrace. After being hand riddled and disgorged the wine is topped (dosaged) with a mix of 2014 and 2015 Township 7 Reserve Chardonnay. Look for notes of fresh baked biscuits flecked with orchard apples and peaches, on a fresh citrus base. It’s a touch foamy and dry but otherwise balanced and exhibiting the elegance you expect from an all chardonnay fizz. Try this with smoked salmon on cream cheese for a delicious match.Prices:| BC | $29.79 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBrisk, bright and fresh, with broken stones, tight lemon, a fist of frisky energy framed by grippy sides, and kissed with orange and fennel on the finish. From their home estate, certified organic vineyard, this chardy spent 48 months on the lees, and was dosaged from the 1997 cuvee (1.5 g/l RS). This was disgorged in June 2018. Lovely energy here. #pyramidpower.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Volcanic Hills Bubbly Gewurztraminer 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSparkling gewürztraminer is not for everyone, but don’t undersell the fizzy version of this aromatic variety. The nose is a subdued (classy) mix of citrus and lime with orange blossom and a touch of rosewater. The attack is dry, and though it’s a touch foamy, it's stylish with more citrus marmalade and ginger spicing on the finish. This would be fun with Indian cuisine, or most any vegetarian dish. Sold effort and I love the price.Prices:| BC | $19.79 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling Brut 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiesling sparkling wine is always a head turner and this 200-case offering from southeast Kelowna is a prime example. It comes off a single old block planted in 1978. The nose is aromatic in a good way with notes of grapefruit marmalade and fresh baked yeasty bread before a stony minerality fills in the edges. On the palate it jumps with electricity, green apple, chalk and again a stony mineral citrus thread that pulls it tight. It has a long future ahead of it with proper cellaring. The base wine was refermented in bottle for two years before a Spring 2018 disgorging and a light dosage of the 2015 Old Vines Riesling. You will have hard time finding something that doesn’t pair with this real wine.Prices:| BC | $34.70 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines King Family Farms Chardonnay Sparkling 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI was thrilled to see that Bella has started working with King Family Farms, one of Naramata Bench's pioneering farming and vineyard families. This chardy was whole cluster pressed, native fermented, and had a tirage of Champagne yeast to kickstart secondary fermentation and its five months in bottle on lees, before hand riddling and dégorgement. Tight, and sharp, with lemon, granny smith apple, river stones and a riveting acidity in a zero dosage, severe styled fizz. Humming along the slim palate, this moves rapidly along the palate to a snappy, upright finish. At 11.5 degrees, 3.17 pH and 10.5 TA (!!) this is a taut, sparkling wine for acid-freaks, like me.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Haywire Vintage Bub 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe folks at Haywire never cease to surprise. They seem to be working years ahead of the pack as evidenced by the release of this Vintage Bub - the first extended aged bubble from the Summerland winery. They laid away 500 cases back in 2013 and five years later it’s been disgorged and bottled to showcase the magic of bottle-aged sparkling wine. The pinot noir and chardonnay is from Oliver's Secrest Vineyard, now owned by Haywire. It was fermented in concrete and stainless. A slightly deeper colour cues the extra ageing, as does its gout anglais oxidative notes that swirl out of the glass. Earth, mushrooms, bread dough and citrus drenched flavours make for a long, impressive finish. Serious wine and another harbinger of the future of sparkling wine in the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Parés Baltà Cava Brut B Organic NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPossibly the best value, organic sparkling wine sold in BC, but inexplicably not in government stores. The nose is a fruity, savoury, enticing mix of wild herbs, citrus and stony mineral notes. The palate is a mix of green apples, lemon peels, nuts and citrus rind with fresh, cleansing acidity balanced by its impressive creamy textures. Extremely food-friendly and well worth seeking out in the private sector.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Jara Prosecco Extra Dry Organic NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyIf you think all Prosecco is sweet, think again. La Jara is crisp, bright and zesty, with peachy, green apple, floral overtones but all in balance. Although it’s referred to as classic Extra Dry it is in fact much closer to Brut dryness. Italians are the master of bitterness, and this hint of lime rind undercuts any inherent sweetness in this bottle. Ready to drink on a warm patio and just for an extra bonus this 11.5 percent fizz is certified organic. Good value and vegan rated.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
Champagne, FranceThe Larmandier and Bernier families have a long history in Champagne, traced back to the French revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was established. Larmandier-Bernier is a gem of a grower estate with fifteen biodynamically farmed hectares in Grand Cru & Premier Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. Latitude (formally known as 'Tradition') is a shimmering chardonnay sourced from vineyards in Vertus, with 70% base wine (2009 vintage) fermented in stainless steel & 30% reserve wine from foudre & neutral oak. This was aged on the lees for over two years before dégorgement and topping with 4gr/l dosage. A tight core of green apple is rapidly buffered out by crispy layers of meringue, pear pastry, green apple and the aforementioned shimmer, tight with chalk and minerality that propels this to a very elongated finish. Delicate and filligreed, yet with intensity.Prices:| BC | $76.99 | 750ml |
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30 July 2018
89PTS
Nichol Vineyard Extra Brut Rosé 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring the palest blush hue, this new release from Naramata legend Nichol Vineyard takes pinot noir from the highest elevation vineyard on the property, and blends with five percent pinot meunier. Traditional method, this spends seven months on the lees and is zero dosage. This was disgorged on June 21 of this year. Perfumed cordial cherries, raspberry, is kissed with the scent of plum and taut with humming minerality. Bitter orange brightens the finish. Bone dry, unfined, unfiltered, enjoy this lean lens of Naramata as an aperitif.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fitz Reserve Sparkling Rosé 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhen you begin with 36 months ageing on the lees you have our attention. The 2014 vintage was a very good growing season at Fitz and the result is a rich, complex sparkling rose with made with 100 percent pinot noir grapes from Greata Ranch Vineyard. The techniques are all method champenoise to ensure only the most refined flavours. Expect an elegant style with a fine bead, a refined citrus, rhubarb aromas and flavours flecked with stony, salty brioche notes. An impressive start and wine that will improve in the bottle another three to five years. Perfect with smoke salmon, lemon bits and green onions on cream cheese on crackers.Prices:| BC | $42.40 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Steller's Jay Méthode Classique Rosé Sparkling NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada#GoGamayGo. We're pleased to see this pink fizz back for a second vintage, and hope it will be available further than just the winery. This rosé is entirely gamay, filled with bright cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Acidity is brisk, as is the sprinkle of spices that lingers on the snappy finish. The dosage is generously accessible to all.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chandon California Rosé NV
California, United StatesPale pink peach hue, this traditional method fizz of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier is frothy and fresh in the mouth, kissed with wild strawberry, cherry and pretty pink florals. The palate is creamy and the dosage is ample, making this an easy and friendly pour for most palates.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rosa Vino Spumante Brut NV
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThe Rosa rosé results from a gentle pressing of pinot nero, pinot bianco and chardonnay, all from Alto Adige. It's aged nine months in tank and six months in bottle. The style is dry and fresh with an obvious floral cherry nose. The just off pink colour attracts, as does the soft, creamy textures. Ready to drink all summer on the patio and perfect for handheld vegetarian or white meat appetizers.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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27 July 2018
88PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaAffordable, check; tasty check; real pinot character, check; ready to drink. check. There’s a lot to like here, beginning with the fact that it’s not overdone. Soft, plummy fruit with a thread of spice and savoury dried herbs melts into your palate with zero tannins. The winery suggests Aburi sushi, salmon, grilled vegetables, or poultry, and we agree. The winery is named for the cattle drive “trail” of pioneer rancher Thaddeus Harper, and was the first from Kamloops.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis reserve pinot noir comes off the Noble Ridge home vineyard in Okanagan Falls planted to four clones. It was cold soaked for five days before a warmer ferment and 14 months in French oak (20 percent new). Highly perfumed, with whiffs of iris, violets and roses, this has a soft entry to a palate of ripe cherries, raspberries and plums, before a quick grip of fine, strident tannins that squeezes out the warming finish. This bigger wine is best partnered with lamb pie or kabobs, or leave it in the cellar for two or three years.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Pinot Noir 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLightly coloured, earthy, red berry notes mark the nose. The attack is ripe, warmed, round and a hint pinot sweet, bolstered by a mineral undercurrent from Stoneboat’s calcareous lined soils. This is a generous, easy-sipping and varietally correct pinot, which makes it better than many in this price range. Perfect for pulled pork or salmon.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a juicy, soft, ripe pinot with black cherries, a touch of spice and orange peel. A simple but stylish take on the variety, and certainly one with better oak and fruit management than in previous vintages. Ready to drink, but it should age through 2022. Fermented in small open top fermenters and allowed to ferment spontaneously, this was 30 percent whole cluster on the bottom, with the remaining fruit crushed and destemmed on top. Once active the tank is pumped over for two days to mix the naturally fermenting yeast. After that, only one or two punch downs a day are used to gently extract colour, flavour and tannin. This saw a small portion of new French 400L oak puncheons for ten months followed by three months of tank ageing prior to release.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Screaming Frenzy Pinot Noir 2016
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit is all East Kelowna from two vineyards and it spends time in older oak, mostly two and three-year-old barrels. The attack is spicy, earthy, herbal, and it spills onto the palate with elevated acidity that pokes through chocolate cherry fruit. Ready to drink, but needs something like a smooth, rich cheese or a piece of grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStill herbaceous, but the winemaking is much better this year as the winery settles into its pinot noir program. The nose is a hint reductive, offering earth, forest floor mixed with sweet strawberries. The palate is similar with a fine supple character a and warm spicy mid-palate and finish. Ready to drink. Try this with a pulled pork sandwich.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Three Mile Creek 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Three Mile Creek vineyard is 16 years old. It was planted to a 50/50 mix of French Burgundy clones 777 and 667; in 2015 they deliver a dark coloured, warm, spicy affair with slippery tannins. It’s soft and mouthfilling with big, spicy cherry fruit and still some oak to digest, but if you love that exuberant New World style with a savoury twist you will like this pinot. It’s ready to drink, but should hold a year or two. A fun style pinot from the Naramata Bench.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Century Block 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCentury Block pays homage to the site that was home to over 100 different apple varieties back in the 1980s. Today, the old river bed (Three Mile Creek) vineyard is planted to clones 666 and 777. The 2015 nose is bright, even fresh in the face of 100 percent new oak which no doubt seemed like a clever idea given the structure and weight of the warm 2015 harvest, but it may be too much. Its dark fruit, black flavours, penetrate the palate with a savoury, spicy undercurrent, but the finish leaves you wanting more complexity and length. A bigger New World style, and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Acta Vineyard 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHowling Bluff has become a model BC wine producer, using no pesticides or chemical fungicides and working vigorously to become a net zero energy user by the early 2020s. It’s more impressive when you taste this pinot noir, and in particular, this delicious 2015 Acta (beach) Vineyard. The site is all 777 and planted on a western sloping ancient seabed. A decade of vintages has given the family a historical base to meet every growing challenge and a chance to reflect on their use of wood, now down to roughly a year in wood, and that is split almost evenly between new, one-year-old and two-year-old barrels. This 2015 is the richest we have tasted from HB, plumped by a warm year, but it’s all in balance and focus. This pinot fills the mouth (its prime duty by the way) with warm, silky, dusty cherry fruit that finishes soft and long, flecked with brown spicing. It also has a touch of savoury Okanagan, keeping it in point and perfect with grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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26 July 2018
89PTS
Finca El Encinal Crianza 2016
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis wine is classic Ribera del Duero, offering up earthy black fruits, dark chocolate, stony mineral undertones, and baking spice. Post fermentation the wine spends a year in medium toast American oak. At this point the oak is more prevalent, but there is a good measure of fruit as well. A tempranillo with power and energy you can drink now. Think grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2014
Santa Rosa, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBlack pepper filters through the nose of this Santa Rosa tempranillo, selected from older vines, seasoning deep blue plum, mulberry, violets, black raspberry, pipe tobacco. Under the alluring berry fruit there's a dusky, spicy and brooding charcoal spicing to a lingering, textural finish. This has a natural intrinsic freshness to lift the sun-ripened weight easily to a bright and brisk fuller red. Native fermented in concrete vats plus a soft extraction and 20 - 25 days maceration reflects the winery's dedication to their wines, and this grape, in a foreign land.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mas Donis Negre 2016
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMas Donis Negre is a 45/35/10/5/5 mix of tempranillo, garnacha, merlot, syrah and samsó (carignan) that spends a brief four months in French and American oak barrels. This is powerful, spicy red wine with plenty of dimension and a small but important floral aspect. This nose is full of red berries with garrigue-like dried herbs and plenty of youthful tannin. This will age for a decade and be even better in 2028. A terrific wine to add to the cellar at a bargain price. Serve with grilled lamb or grilled vegetables.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Hills Tempranillo 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA wine club / wine experience centre exclusive, and the winery's second vintage of this this rarely-in-BC-spotted tempranillo carries perfumed blueberry, cassis, wild blackberry and sweet salami across a fuller palate, one that is kept buoyant by acidity and afloat by impressively lower alcohol (13.1 degrees) to a lingering charred black pepper spice. Tannins are silken soft, gripped with a slight tug of spice and wood (only 2, 3, 4-year wood used here). Smart, well-controlled, and easy to enjoy now or over the next couple of years.Prices:| BC | $59.90 | 750ml |
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25 July 2018
88PTS
Kitsch Dry Riesling 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a single vineyard riesling, planted in 2013, whole cluster pressed with 10 percent going into neutral oak barrels for native fermentation and the remainder in stainless, where the wine remained for a couple of months on lees. Tight and lean, with herbal citrus, meadow grass, green apple, sour lemon, white peach, driving lime and pixellated stoney mineralogy. This youthful, nervy little number appreciates some airtime so best to open a bit in advance and let breathe, or hold for a year or two and allow some honeyed notes to creep in.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Little Farm Winery Pied de Cuve Riesling 2016
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPied de Cuve is Little Farm's natural series, native fermented (with the foot-trod pied de cuve vineyard starter) and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2016 is a blend of 6 clones, all estate planted at the winery's organic Mulberry Tree Vineyard in Cawston. Whole cluster pressed to neutral barrels, this underwent a slow native ferment, spending seven months on the lees before racking. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulphur. Tight and taut, with electric energy pulsing the linear palate along a mineral core. Savoury, stony and salty, this draws key lime, meadow grass and dried herb along to the lingering finish. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Riesling 2017
British Columbia, CanadaRiesling is one of the stars of the Monte Creek Ranch portfolio. It was good last year and equally well made in 2017. The fruit remains reserved and streamlined with super bright peach and yellow apple and a squeeze of lime. The citrus persists across a clean, crisp finish inviting an array of pairing possibilities. Take-out BBQ chicken was a fine match.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Organic 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic riesling comes from both the Summerhill Estate in Kelowna, as well as at the Manz Estate in Naramata. Grapes were whole cluster pressed, and fermented cold and native. A swing of unfermented sugar (11 g/l RS) counters the natural crisp acidity, leaving this off-dry and pleasant. Honeyed lemon, peach, apricot blossoms and river stones line up along the streamline palate, grounded with an earthy herbaceousness and lingering with medicinal white cherry.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2017 is a ‘Spatlese-white’ made from fully ripe riesling grapes, with the majority of fruit coming from clone 21B, Block 1 in their youthful Home Block vineyard, planted in 2013. Some nine percent is aged in oak for a bit of texture and weight. The residual sugar is a healthy 19.2 g/l. Expect an open floral, citrus nose. The attack is intense with a long showy bead of limey acidity tempered by the residual sugar. Intense, long, and mouthwatering, this is a bargain price high quality riesling you should snap up by the case. Oh, and it will age well for years. Thai curries, vegetarian dishes or a sunny patio all work here.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spearhead Riesling 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaResinous, lime rind, stony, green apple aromas open this tight, severe styled riesling, sourced from The Rise Vineyard in Vernon, as well as Gentleman Farmer Vineyard in south east Kelowna. The attack is juicy but a touch rustic, with the crisp, dry palate of peachy orchard fruit and grassy, soapy notes in the finish. This still holds 8 g/l RS. Fun, and ready to drink but simple. A weeknight bottle for sushi, chicken salads and creamy pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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24 July 2018
88PTS
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Region del Valle Central, ChileExpect an exuberant nose of blueberry, blackberry and blackcurrant flecked with floral, smoky pipe tobacco and a whack of boldo. Intense yet refined, this is solid value for the price and a fine improvement on previous versions. The fruit is a mix of Rapel and Colchagua Valleys sites with 10 percent merlot to soften the edges. Only 55 percent of the wine was aged in older French oak for one year. Still firm and with tannins to disperse but nothing a steak won’t deal with. Modern and fresh, this is a good one.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.02 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaSecond time around and no substantial changes. Look for bright blueberry/cassis fruit with soft round tannins. 1884 spends eight months in 100 percent French oak, adding a bit of toast and spice while softening the edges of what is a savoury, dry red made for grilled meats. If you are a cabernet sauvignon fan, this delivers solid value in a ready-to-drink cabernet.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Catena Cabernet Sauvignon High Mountain Vines 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom a selection of five higher altitude vineyards within Mendoza, this lot is a blend of 90 percent cabernet sauvignon splashed with cabernet franc and petit verdot. A bit reduced upon opening so be sure to get it into a decanter for 30 minutes or fully aerate your glass pour. Cedar infiltrates fresh red fruits (plums, cherries), with a push through by ample medicinal blackberries and perfumed tayberries. The juicy mid palate is a touch over-sunned and soupy this year, though acidity is still bright. Tannins are sueded, supporting the fruit just enough. Always a reliable producer, and wine. Perfect for most any meaty or mushroom-laden dish.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.40 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSuch a big wine in such a hefty bottle with such a short cork (at least it's Diam). From Calchaqui Valley, this rich red was aged in new oak for one year, which is felt throughout the amplitude of this wine sitting on it rather than integrating itself. The tannins are dusty and sticky, the black and red stony mineral fruit is sun-ripened to leather, and the acidity struggles to match all the heft. That said, this would suit stews or braised meat dishes in the cool fall months or a side of midweek ribs on the grill in warmer ones.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is a big, ripe, richer wine, swelled by the UV rays and sun-swelled time afforded this high altitude grapes, tucked into the foothills of the Andes. This gained structure through eight months in French oak, lending cedar spicing to the compact black and red fruit. Plump plum, raspberry, rasped pepper and prickles of green thorns, all housed by sticky tannins, make this ready to open now, alongside fired beef.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Pascual Toso Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis fuller red carries a swath of green through its downy plum, blackberry and blackberry fruit. Roasted coffee, leather sticky tannins and a warn finish welcomes pairing with simple foods like burgers or meatballs. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sunrock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt wasn’t all that long ago that ripening cabernet sauvignon in BC was a big challenge. Not anymore. Global warming and much better vineyard management is changing the cabernet game, especially in the south Okanagan. The warmest year ever in the Okanagan, 2015 lends a rich cassis, black cherry aroma to this cabernet sauvignon. The wine is fermented in open-top tanks and punched down by hand to allow for more intense flavour extraction, before aging in French and American oak. Look for a robust red with cedar, black fruit, dark chocolate, smoke and somewhat rustic tannins that will need time to desist. Best now with grilled meats, or cellar three to five years.Prices:| BC | $30.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesHappy to see a little less sugar and little more Washington in this wine than with our last experience. Still soft and supple, with coffee, chocolate, vanilla and cocoa aromas, the palate is a mix of cassis, dried herbs and black olives. The tannins are rustic but in a friendly way. A solid, introductory, all-American cabernet that will work with ribs or burgers.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| US | $13.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
KWV The Legend of Big Bill Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Western Cape, South AfricaRipe black fruit carries a chip wood component, cedar and ample heat in this simple, sweeter red that self proclaims itself as "Ridiculously Big" on the front label. Tannins are smoothed almost negligible, and the finish is short and powdery. Big Bill Miller was the first general manager of KWV, and also the name of a 22,000 oak vat within the winery. Not representative at all of South Africa.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $15.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Quinta Ferreira Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLifted acetone notes with black cherries and chocolate greet from this wine. The attack is skinny, with herbal red fruit and medium light tannins. The finish is short and dry. This would be best suited to fire-grilled hamburgers. The wine is aged in 25 percent new oak, 60/40 (French and American) for nineteen months.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis is a rich, structured version of cabernet sauvignon with a floral, smoky, black fruit nose and a savoury (boldo) undercurrent. The attack is hedonistic and pleasing, featuring supple tannins, ripe red cassis and blackcurrant, with cedary, firm acidity. Elegantly balanced by Chilean standards, this keeps you interested throughout the long, polished, spicy finish.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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23 July 2018
90PTS
Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinos Vineyard 2014
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFinca Decero is a vineyard that was carved out of its landscape from ‘scratch’ or ‘decero’ as they say in Spanish. The winery philosophy is less is more, to allow the character of the 3500-foot-high Remolinos Vineyard in Agrelo to shine through the wine. The ‘remolinos’ reference is to the whirlwinds that sweep through the countryside keeping the grapes dry and in perfect condition. Last year there was a certain Napa feel to this wine, in terms of roundness and richness. It still has that weight finesse but in this much cooler year, the nose is more aromatic and stylish with concentrated, ripe, blueberry/blackberry fruit with vanilla and roasted coffee. Prime rib, lamb or T-bone steak would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2016
British Columbia, CanadaCapella is the flagship white of Clos du Soleil, and is always built around the best sauvignon blanc and sémillon of the year. In 2016, this yielded 80 percent sauvignon blanc from two vineyards in Keremeos, and 20 percent semillon from Oliver. Barrel fermented (45 percent French oak puncheons and the remainder stainless barrel), partial native fermented and 1/4 MLF, this all aged nine months on lees with regular battonage before blending. This is a wine for aging, but is drinking well now in youth, with flicks of flinty lemon, medicinal citrus, stones, apricot pit and white grapefruit pithiness seasoning the medium bodied palate. The wood is hinted at rather than shouted about, noticed but not talked about, and well enveloped into the form of this confident wine.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2017
British Columbia, CanadaA mix of fruit from Cawston, Keremeos, and Oliver explains the BC VQA British Columbia designation, and perhaps the ripeness that creeps into this stylish 83/17 blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon. The wine gets a small amount of wood contact, more to justify the name (we think) then the actual style. It’s full-bodied and aromatic, but smoky not so much, at least in 2017. It’s rich and textured with several layers of citrus drenched flavours of pears, fresh cut green apples, grapefruit pith and lees. A perfect match to barbecued citrus chicken, new tomatoes with mozzarella and basil, or new carrots and peas. That said, this will take on fall and winter dishes equally well now, and five years from now.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liber Farm and Winery Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOur second shot at this newer, organic, Similkameen producer. Liber Farm sources fruit from Oliver for this barrel fermented blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon. Year two has a lighter, fresher appeal on entry, with grassy, passionfruit flavours, a rift of lees, pink grapefruit and just a hint of the oak it was aged inside. The finish is fresh with spicing, while the dried herbs (tarragon) finish tells of time in wood. A perfect match with halibut and fresh fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve White 2015
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's estate reserve is distinct in that it is almost entirely sauvignon blanc, with four percent sémillon, all of which are sourced from two vineyards in Keremeos and amount to two barrels total. Native fermented and barrel fermented over a long, slow, seven weeks, this was then barrel aged on lees with occasional battonage for six months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Flax, meadow flowers, earthy lees bed Anjou pear, lemon curd, grapefruit pith fill this broad palate before bitter lemon tweaks the lengthy finish. This is seasoned with crushed stone throughout. Youthful and bright but with impressive complexity now, which will build with time. One of BC's more expensive whites, and a cellar worthy one.Prices:| BC | $59.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2017
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Fumé Blanc, always a distinctive wine for BC, is a mix of fruit from Cawston, Keremeos, and Oliver, and uses 83 percent sauvignon blanc and 17 percent sémillon. Full bodied and aromatic, this gathers the Fumé in the name from a light amount of oak contact, which seems to shrink year over year. Whole cluster fruit was fermented slowly and coolly in stainless, vinified separately and then blended. Textural and potent, but held to a moderate 12.8 degrees, with layers of pear, green apple, downy lees, lemon pith, white grapefruit, all drawn along with a stream of acidity.Prices:| BC | $20.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2016
British Columbia, CanadaAt Clos du Soleil, Capella is the flagship white, made in the classic Bordeaux style mixing sauvignon blanc and sémillon. In an age of skinny sauvignon blanc, this barrel-fermented and aged white is rounder, softer, and more complex. The nose is bright with citrus, grapefruit, lime rind and guava, and those aromas spill across the palate with an addition of passionfruit, sea salt and sage. This a fresher version in 2016, and it looks like a great candidate for age. Shellfish, seafood pasta or roast chicken all work here. Drink through 2023.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe best yet of this tricky 85/15 sauvignon blanc and sémillon. With the vineyard now 15 years old, the fruit is at a stage to begin showing what it has, and under the enthusiastic guidance of winemaker Luke Smith it is showing quite a bit, beginning with fine freshness. The attack is dry with bright notes of green apple, pineapple and grass. The attack is crisp and tight but with a touch of weight and round mouthfeel before finishing with citrus and passionfruit. Food-friendly all summer and winter; serve with favourite sushi rolls, roast chicken, and most anything in between.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlibi is the winery's white Bordeaux blend, a mix of 80/20 sauvignon blanc / sémillon from Black Hills' sunny southern Okanagan vineyards. The sémillon is fermented in neutral French puncheons for added complexities and a plumpness that swells the palate. Ripe white peach, dried mango, light ginger and yellow apple fill the fuller palate. The snappy finish buzzes with gingersnap spicing. Fresh, light and drinkable, this is a lovely, spicy partner for scallops or lightly spiced curries.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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20 July 2018
88PTS
Musella Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2014
Verona, Veneto, ItalyCorvina, rondinella and barbera planted on calcareous, red clay, tufo soils north east of Verona make up this dusky, supple red, plumped up with the ripasso technique. Fifteen percent of corvina is air dried for 4 weeks, while twenty percent of all fresh grapes are vinified as normal. The remaining 65 percent is “ripassato” on the unpressed skins of Amarone to gain colour and structure. It's aged in French oak of various sizes for one year. Sweetly soft plum, blackcurrant, thorny blackberry is kissed with perfumed strawberries and threaded with pipe tobacco. Tannins are softened, cushioning the plush, medium bodied palate, finishing with well placed balsamic. Though it all raises a strong stream of acidity, holding this medium bodied wine aloft (not easy in this style) and at 13.5 degrees.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alpha Box & Dice Rebel Rebel Montepulciano 2016
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaStriking labels, memorable wine, and moreso if you recognize that this montepulciano is not (gasp) from Abruzzo, but from it's tiny expat homeland in Oz. This was sourced from Kimbolton Vineyards in Langhorne Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula, and is full of fresh cherries, tayberries, mulberries with an active undercurrent of worn leather and soft pepper. Tannins are soft and the mouthfeel is broody, much like the label. Peppery spices build on the finish. For current drinking, and I'd take it with grilled veg.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte del Frá Bardolino 2016
Verona, Veneto, ItalySpiced red fruits fill this DOC Bardolino, a Veneto-area blend of corvina, rondinella, and sangiovese. Nutmeg and cinnamon lead, followed closely by tart cherries, mulberries and red apples. Tannins are dusty and sparse, encouraging a slight chill and partnering with mushroom dishes or toss it in the picnic basket on your way to the beach.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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18 July 2018
89PTS
Hester Creek Terra Unica Semillon 2017
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhy is semillon not planted more often in BC? It seems to excel in the soils and climate of the Okanagan, and I'd love to see it from Similkameen and further. This wine is an excellent example of potential fulfilled. From 20-year-old vines on their estate Golden Mile Bench, this was lightly crushed, pressed and fermented cool for 18 days in stainless,. It was aged briefly on fine lees, and left unoaked to allow the pure fruit to shine. THANK YOU. Here we can clearly see sem's oily/waxy sheen, bedding ripe pear, honey, yellow apple, perfumed lilies, and pink grapefruit zest. The palate is seamless and the body is full (14%) to a warming, spiced finish. I'd love to see this carry a bit less ripeness / RS / alcohol in future, as it doesn't need it. Beautiful fruit. Well done. 155 cases made, and a Bench Club subscription.Prices:| BC | $22.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a baby yet, with perfumed quince, pear and a bump of sweetness that is noticeable. In 2016 the fruit came from Cerqueira Vineyard, the special calcium carbonate studded site north of Oliver. Whole cluster pressed and native fermented, this spent seven months in stainless before bottling. The core is yeasty and round with yellow fruit: apples and apricots, and finishing with ginger spicing and gentle honey.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2015
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGingerale, yellow apples, elderflower, perfumed blossoms fill the mouth of this soft white, now four years old. Whole cluster pressed, native fermented, and from the special Cerqueira vineyard site north of Oliver, this is now showing signs of wear with a soft, blousy palate and a bit of sour yellow fruit finish. The latest vintages show tighter, brighter form and firmer structure. If you've still some 2015s in your cellar, drink now.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Semillon 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe limestone laced Cerqueira Vineyard, one of the top vine spots identified in the Okanagan, yields this striking semillon. I am highly impressed by Okanagan sem, and this site, so it's nice to see them work so naturally together. As in past years, this textural wine draws citrus, desert scrub, medicinal herbs, sea salts along an oily palate. Tight in structure, riveting in acidity, but relaxed with texture and lees, this is a winner again, all in a tidy 13 degrees package.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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17 July 2018
86PTS
Tinajas del Maule Ruben Y Flora Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Reserva 2016
Maule, Valle del Claro, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileAmple camp smoke, grilled meats filter through this potent blend of cabernet sauvignon and carmenère from Maule Valley, in Chile. Compact with dark fruits, dried herbs and peppercorn to a shorter, smoke-tinged finish. Tannins are downy and acidity is enough to keep this aloft to partner with your fire-grilled lamb or beef. Old school.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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81PTS
The Grinder Blue Moose Cabernet Sauvignon I Shiraz 2016
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom The Grinder, The Blue Moose is a very ripe, sweeter Swartland blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Some jammy fruit on the palate is propped with tobacco and roasted meats before the hot, short, pasty bitter finish. Tannins are soft and easy. A commercial wine that does little to share or better South African reds.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $11.61 | 750ml |
| QC | $11.81 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bleasdale Frank Potts 2014
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaThis Langhorne Creek red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc. Dark and smoothed on the palate, with layers of cedar, pipe tobacco, black cherry, cracked clove and cinnamon. Tannins are softened, but carry an edge that cuts the ripeness. Bottled without filtration, this is a solid red for skirt steak or sausages.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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16 July 2018
88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +10/10 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a full meal pinot gris style aged in French oak (50 percent) and some 15 percent is aged in concrete to complete the soft textures. The fruit is mix of Skaha and Naramata benches. This is more of a dinner wine than a sipper with rich pear flexed with citrus, dried herbs and a spicy thread that runs along the finish. Grilled chicken stuffed with lemons and onions would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +10/10 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLush and full bodied, reflective of the time spent in French oak (half) and concrete (15 percent), as well as the whole cluster pressing of this sun warmed Naramata Bench and Skaha Bluffs fruit. Medicinal lemon, white cherry, ripe pear, lemon curd and perfumed melon is seasoned with ample spices and bedded with a palate of lush lees. This is a full bodied, assured wine, and it works, so if you're seeking such, look here. The alcohol (14.5) is helped by pouring alongside proteins.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Pinot Gris 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 29-year-old estate vines in Okanagan Falls, this blends two clones of pinot gris, and was fermented and aged in a 60/40 stainless/oak split for eight months. Elegantly nonchalant, as is the house style, this lines up cream, lemon peel, pear, white peach and desert scrub into a fluid, medium bodied, streamlined palate. Intensity plus reserve, they've done a fantastic job in what was a record-breaking hot year in the Okanagan, leaving just a whisper of warmth in the finish. Drinking well now, but will certainly cellar short term.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPear skin, yellow apple, musk melon and lees rules this tight, light and chiselled pinot grigio. The winery terms that "Vivace is Grigio gone to CrossFit." Sourced from Oliver's Golden Mile, as well as Naramata (65/35 split), this spent four months on lees in stainless steel. Juicy, bright and energetic, this is still quite sculptured, with bitter pear sides framing the slight, bright fruit and bitter-edged, lees-led and salted palate. Bone dry, this is a lovely food wine at 12.3 degrees. Organic farming.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rocky Creek Pinot Gris 2017
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaRocky Creek is part of a small group of BC producers exploring orange wines, aka white wines that get extended skin contact. In the case of this pinot gris, the number is 16 hours which immediately gives the wine its peachy orange hue, and hence the orange wine reference. It also adds considerable mouthfeel and weight to the wine. Once removed from the skins, the wine fermented in stainless steel, where it remained until the spring. The wine has plenty of chops, a lot of fruity aspects and some funky undertones that seem to be the major attraction for a sub-set of bored white wine drinkers. It’s an interesting look at pinot gris that ironically is turning heads for its purity of style and elegance on Vancouver Island. This is the polar opposite of that version. To each his own.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
L'Ora Pinot Grigio 2016
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThis Northern Italian white remains consistent from year to year, and is especially correct under screw cap. Expect an aromatic nose of white flowers and apples flecked with light citrus and mineral notes, it finishes dry with a lightly woolly texture. Fresh and light, it works with most simple shellfish or calamari dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Gris 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMichael Bartier has always made real wine but lately he has shown the confidence to let his wines tell their story of place, as emphasized by the rare cactus flower on his labels. The 2017 gris comes off the sandy loam topsoil over sandy silt site of Peach Orchard Hill Vineyard in Summerland. It spends four months in stainless steel on lees. The nose and palate are a riot of orchard fruit with fig and citrus supporting the finish. A serious, no nonsense white for summer seafood salads. Only 229 cases made.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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13 July 2018
88PTS
Meyer Rosé 2017
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis fruit for this saignée rosé was taken from their estate McLean Creek Road vineyard, in OK Falls, as well as a vineyard in East Kelowna, and Kaleden. After the juice was bled off 12 hours into cold soak, it was partial native ferment in stainless, where it remained on lees for four months. Tight raspberry, red currants, strawberry jam kissed and lightly spiced on the finish, all cushioned with downy lees, this is a clean, dry, medium bodied rosé for cracking this summer.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 July 2018
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2017
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA middle-of-the-road BC style with a gingerale, soap, pear blossom nose, peach jam and jube jubes that fill a soft, off-dry palate. Like the 2016 the round, warming, softer and sweeter style finishes with a warm, ginger/cinnamon hearts spice. We are missing some acidity and definition for all this expanse. Try this with barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $17.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The View Revolution Gewurztraminer 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Revolution gewürz is dry and barrel fermented, giving substance and weight to the palate. Look for classic litchi aromas with a dash of rosewater and Turkish Delight. The palate is fresh and dry with peachy/tropical fruit flavours and a fine spice. An interesting style that is food-friendly. Moroccan chicken or spicy dry ribs would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The View Gewurztraminer Single Vineyard 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a soft, round, off-dry gewürztraminer mixing sweet floral aromas and similar candied tropical fruit mixed with clean ripe melon and litchi on the finish. Best with spicy appetizers or chill down and serve solo on the patio.Prices:| BC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Volcanic Hills Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFairly consistent from year to year, this gew is on the ripe side with sweet lemon and orange marmalade dominating up front with a squeeze of lime pith to keep it balanced. The attack is similar with round edges and rosewater, ginger and orange. Try this with a favourite curry; the spicier the dish, the better the match.Prices:| BC | $19.30 | 750ml |
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86PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGinger pervades this off-dry gew, from ale, to snap, to spice. The palate is gummy bear round and gushy, with rosewater flecked with pear, nectar, litchi. One third oak fermentation ups the richness and body but this wine could use a little more electricity to match. Lush, ripe, warm, this is best matched with sweet-sauced pork dishes, or simply serve well chilled on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2017
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGewurztraminer is dialled in at Hillside where winemaker Kathy Malone has her finger on the Naramata Bench. This year's gew yields a juicy, fresh style that is food friendly. The wine particularly shines in the cooler vintages like 2017. The wine is just off–dry, the aroma fragrant with a honeysuckle rosewater bent that spills across the palate in refreshing mix of pink grapefruit, tangerine and ginger. The fruit is a blend of six sites including Hillside’s Hidden Valley Vineyard. From a spicy tuna roll to a favourite light curry chicken dish, this is a great match. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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11 July 2018
90PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer Orchard Block 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrchard Block is a different kind of gew; the textures are soft and creamy, but not sweet. The entry is linear with a lovely lime undercurrent and a lean style. It’s the delicacy that makes this so attractive and the almost watery texture that keeps you coming back to the glass for more. The source is old 1989 plantings that bright pear and delicate rosewater with a dusting of ginger. A delight to drink and 100 percent Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pierres Rousses Vouvray 2015
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceThis wine is made by the son of founders / owners Catherine and Pierre Brenton, organic champions who farm eleven hectares of vines just east of Bourgueil in the village of Restigné. Their eldest 20's something son, Paul, has joined the generations and made this singular chenin from the tiny lieu-dit of Pierre Rousses in Vouvray, named for the red rocks covering the surface of the limestone undercover. Give this ample airtime to allow the exceptional layers of crushed stone, earthy pear, wild clover, key lime, honeysuckle, white pepper, ample crushed sea salts, to emerge and pulse along the confidently lackadaisical palate. After native fermentation in 1-to-2-year-old barrique this ages in barrique for 7 months, sans MLF.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2016
Coastal Region, South AfricaChenin was sourced from Agter-Paarl, Durbanville and Bottelary Hills for this tribute series wine, named for the winery's founder, Bernard. The dry 2016 vintage concentrated fruit and flavours in this granitic-soiled, old bush vine (averaging 45 years) white, already low yielding and ripe fruited. Whole bunch pressed, this spent one year in French wood (half new) with regular batônnage. Heady white peach, lush pear, fynbos honeysuckle is seasoned with big wood spicing and based by a creamy, rich palate. Chenin's hallmark acidity helps keeps this big wine taut, and will aid its time in the cellarPrices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2017
Western Cape, South AfricaGrapes for this likeable, potent chenin were sourced from the Breede and Coastal regions of Western Cape. After light crushing and brief skin contact, and overnight cold settling, this was tank fermented where it spent three months on lees before bottling. The result is an easy and juicy white, with ripe yellow apple, pear, guava, lime, melon and pineapple on the spicy, medium-bodied palate, finishing shorter and snappy. A swig of RS rounds this out and makes it super accessible. Great value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Protea Chenin Blanc 2017
Western Cape, South AfricaProtea is South Africa's national flower, and this wine, and beautifully distinctive label, pays tribute to the beautiful bloom. This is a lean, tighter chenin, with lemon and greengage, green melon, pear and green apple. Grapes from across the Western Cape were selected for this wine, fully crushed and fermented in stainless before time in stainless and ten percent in in 600L oak barrels for five months prior to bottling. That barrel is all but entirely absorbed by the fruit, leaving some firm spice lingering on the finish.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jardin en Fleurs Vouvray 2017
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceWhite florals, white honey and wet rocks lead this approachable, just off-dry Vouvray, kept in stainless to brighten and sharpen chenin's characteristic acidity. Acids are on full display here, pulling the candied lemon, medicinal white cherry, pear gummies sweetness that slows down the palate along to a snappy finish. A bit sweet and sour; chill well.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Domaine Langlois-Chateau Saumur 2016
Saumur, Loire, FranceThe domaine has been actively growing vines and producing wines from their clay/chalk soils since 1885. The chenin in this cuvee comes from Bron and St-Florent, in Saumur, was fermented cold and matured on fine lees for four months in barrel, with regular battonage. Lime sherbet leads, giving this a sharp, acerbic edge from the start - even more than chenin normally carries. Lemon/lime, white cherry, yogurt, verbena, greengage carries a chenin waxy weight (and a bump of RS) but green apple tartness and stony, tight texture. Not pretty, but distinctive. Asparagus omelette, arugula salad or sardines on toast are looking for this.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chateau de la Roulerie Coteaux du Layon 2015
Coteaux du Layon, Anjou, Loire, FranceBotrytised chenin, from hillside clay and gravels was aged in oak casks for one year, yielding this off-dry wine. Honeysuckle, beeswax, ripe pear, riper quince, with evident botrytis savouriness throughout. The waxy palate easily carries the ripe weight through the lingering, white pepper spiced finish. Let this warm up to cellar temperature (and beyond) to fully enjoy. An unsuspecting, lovely partner to creamy blue cheeses, or creme brûlée.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 500ml |
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10 July 2018
92PTS
Stags' Leap The Investor 2014
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, United StatesChristophe Paubert is all about winemaking, and his own path. He’s never too concerned what his peers are up to, nor is he influenced by consumer trends. The Investor may be a marketing initiative, as in, 'we need a blended wine', but Paubert made it all Stags’ Leap when he decided to add petite sirah to a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. The trick is to offset the power of the petite sirah, of which the majority comes from estate vineyards in Oakville, and he’s done that in spades. Despite drought conditions, 2014 proved to be an ideal year with no real heat spikes leading to an early but ripe harvest. Investor spends 18 months in oak, the petite sirah in 25 percent new American oak barrels, while the merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec were aged in 35 percent new French oak. It was blended just prior to bottling. The nose is inviting, rich in dark fruits and spice but not overpowering. The palate is generous and elegant, mixing plums, blackberries and black cherries with soft, small-grained tannins and impressive acidity. Bordeaux meets Napa, and we are the winners.Prices:| US | $60.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $63.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Screaming Frenzy Meritage 2016
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine improvement here, especially on the nose, which is now more of a mysterious, brooding red with earthy, savoury dark fruit nuances that seek to entice rather than overwhelm. The blend is 47/39/14/ merlot, petit verdot and malbec from Jagger Rock Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The entry is round, soft and dense, with mouth-filling tannins from the merlot and petit verdot. Impressive at this point, especially for the price, and likely to get better over the next two to three years. Lamb is a fine match.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Quatrain 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFinally, a look at the 2013 Quatrain that has somehow evaded us until now. The ’13 is a 43/27/18/12 blend of merlot, syrah, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon mostly from Osoyoos with a tenth of the fruit from Oliver. It spent 15 months in small French oak barrels. The crop was excellent and it's translated to the wine. Rich and generous in black and blue fruit, this has a hint of raisins, dark chocolate, espresso and that savoury herbal southern desert sagebrush. This will be ready to drink sooner than later and you can start now with an herbed leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Hands Up Red 2016
British Columbia, CanadaIt’s a new year but the same story for this rustic red blend of vinifera and hybrid grapes. Merlot, marquette, cabernet sauvignon, frontenac noir and cabernet franc come together in this round, juicy, foxy sweet and sour red. It requires an equally rustic dish of meat or chicken pot pies.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red +03/10 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNow intrenched in the gigantic Arterra Wines Canada family, Laughing Stock is in transition, with new ownership, and a new winemaker (Nikki Callaway) in place this summer. Blind Trust Red remains a full, plush, sweetly sun-ripened blend from Naramata and Osoyoos, aged for 15 months in French oak (one quarter new). This year's blend (secret until you peel back the capsule) is merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and cabernet franc, and each plays a key role. Malbec is the plush plum spicing, cabernet brings the dusty, structural frame, malbec is a perfumed blueberry / violets that flushes out the whole and cabernet franc adds the herbal savoury interest. There's a lovely acidity and peppery lift that brightens and charms what could be a monster wine. Ripe, rich, and warmer than it needs be, though this is very well balanced in its 14.9 degrees (and pleasantly at zero residual sugar).Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Arrowleaf Solstice Reserve 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArrowleaf manages to get the best fruit character it can out of most of their wines, and it’s the case with this 70/30 mix of weighty merlot and zweigelt aged in a mix of American and French oak. Look for a soft, peppery, showy entry with vanilla, coffee, blueberry flavours and a dusting of dried herbs and tomato leaf. Ready to drink. Best with smoked chicken or grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Volcanic Hills Eruption 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipe, smoky, sweet fruit with lifted cherry to open. The attack is round, the palate spicy and dense with coffee, resin, liquorice and very ripe black cherry/blackberry cassis notes. Ready to drink, and best served with richer grilled fare from the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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09 July 2018
93PTS
Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard 2015
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaShaw + Smith winery was founded in 1989 by Michael Hill Smith (of Yalumba) and Martin Shaw (his cousin, a well-travelled wine consultant) with the goal of producing elegant, refined cool-climate wines at a time when no one in Oz was talking cool-climate. They focused on Adelaide Hills for their project. This was whole-bunch pressed and native fermented in new and used French oak, where it spent 9 months with some lees stirring, and another 2 months on its lees, in tank, before bottling. The wood is present in this youthful, expressive wine, but handily balanced by weighted pear, white peach, apple, and ample cream on the medium bodied palate. Hazelnuts, brioche, lemon pith layer on the confident, structural palate. Acidity backbones this lengthy wine, and river stones texture and bed it through the spicy, lingering finish. Drinking very well now, but will continue to gain in depth over 5+ years. If you can't wait, pour with halibut, sablefish and fresh spring vegetables.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
KWV The Vinecrafter Chardonnay 2017
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom pioneering winery Co-op KWV, this easy, lightly-oaked white is sourced from various spots around the Cape, and partially (40 percent) barrel rested for four months. Yellow apple, lemon, melon and white peach with a buttery mid and a warming, short finish. Soft on the palate and with a solid dose of RS, this should be well chilled and drunk this summer.Prices:| BC | $8.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2016
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe 1685 in the name refers to the date this winery was founded, and today Boschendal is one of the grandest, largest estates on the Cape. Shining with bright lemon curd, this chardonnay was selected from Stellenbosch, Elgin and Boschendal farm, in Franschhoek. Grapes were whole bunch pressed and cold settled for two days before some of the puffy solids were added back into the clear juice. It then underwent partial natural fermentation in 30 percent stainless and 70 percent French oak (12 percent new), where it remained on primary lees for ten months. Regular battonage amped up the mouthful of this creamy wine, one already generous with wood. Thankfully there is a tight backbone of lemon and stones to right this and keep it from feeling too fat. Green apple, wood spice, and the ever present zippy citrus hold this aloft, to a warming finish. Great value for a fresh, lightly oaked chardy.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2016
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine is better than ever, shaped by Sebastian Zuccardi's lighter hand and inherent knowledge of soils. This wine was sourced from the limestone laced soils of Gualtallary & El Peral at Tupungato in the Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Pure, light lemon is bedded with lees and salty spice in this bright, fresh, textural white. After direct press, this was native fermented in a mix of concrete and 20 percent oak, aged on its lees with no malolactic fermentation; freshness is the aim. The mid-palate weight now is almost entirely lees-led (vs the wood of the past), bedding white peach, lemon blossom, pears and fine toast. Salted cashews and lemon pith linger on the lengthy finish. Very complete, offering a friendly view of the exciting new world of Argentine chardy.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Wakefield St Andrews Clare Valley Chardonnay 2016
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis is the winery's flagship white, named for the historic property first established in 1892. This is sourced from the heart of Clare, from two blocks in the historic St. Andrews vineyards planted to the French Bernard clone. From the famed terra rossa soils (red brown loam over limestone), this is whole berry pressed with juice cooled quickly to maintain freshness and delicacy. The juice is then cold-settled prior to fermentation in French oak barrels with battonage for nine weeks post fermentation, followed by ten months on lees in new and one-year-old French oak. All the treatments are certainly felt in this serious, full-bodied and creamy white, lined with lemon curd, hay, roasted almonds and savoury flinty notes. Pear, white peach, large flake salts are compacted into an impressive 12 degrees alcohol. Though the wood is evident at this very youthful stage, this wine was built for the future. So much freshness and finesse here now; drinks beauty now after opening, but will be a killer in a few years. Cellar-worthy, and a highlight of the portfolio.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
West Cape Howe Chardonnay 2016
Western Australia, AustraliaThis mildly wooded chardonnay comes from various plots around Western Australia, specifically from Albany, Mount Barker and Frankland. You can feel the sun-drenched fruit in the shoulders of the palate, though it's held smartly in check by a stream of acidity and bracket of stones on the sides. Ripe pear, yellow apple, orange blossom and lemon verbena quickly yield to a slick of lees and slight wood spice to the shorter finish.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Rolet L'étoile Chardonnay 2015
Jura, FranceDomaine Rolet was founded in the 1940’s and has remained family run ever since. With 58 hectares of vines in Arbois, Cote du Jura and L’Etoile, they are the second largest wine growing estate in Jura, working only with estate fruit. Unlike many Jura whites, L’Etoile Chardonnay was fermented in barrique, where it aged for over a year. There is a swell of flint and wood upon opening, yielding to allow the crisp and mineral white to emerge. Tight white fruit, white florals, light hazelnuts, meadow grass, dried green apples and a hum of stones, this is reminiscent of Chablis (their soils are similarly studded with marine fossils). Amplify the slight earthiness woven through here with brown buttered scallops, or potent gruyere.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2018
89PTS
Alpha Box and Dice Golden Mullet Fury Semillon Viognier 2015
AustraliaThe Semillon and Viognier comes off a shared plot of sand over clay at McLaren Vale's Connor’s Farm, was cofermented, and spent ten days on the skins together before innoculation and fermentation. Not common kin, these two grapes are working on the like-complements-like theory. Semillon's honeyed waxy richness is blended into viognier's floral lush richness, resulting in a wine that is - well - super rich, waxy and floral. BUT, and it's a big but, this comes with the orange-wine texture that comes from 10 days on the skins. Post ferment, this spent 18 months in oak, 70 percent neutral. A pierce of tangerine oil strides forward of medicinal orange, lemon pith, quince paste, ample earthy lees, white pepper, heaps of spices. They call this wine "the mullet". You're either all in, or out. With this wine, I've gone back and forth over an evening of tasting; I do not believe in the faux-mullet. This could use a sharper focus in future, but is drinking well now with airtime and an evening of tasting ahead.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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06 July 2018
88PTS
Arrowleaf Zweigelt 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow, I would say Arrowleaf has tamed the beast that can be zweigelt. Expect a bright, super juicy red wine that jumps off the palate with a bit of pepper and a whole lot of fresh, red cherry raspberry flavours. Clean and persistent this is an impressive bottle of bright, savoury, red wine red. Excellent grape growing and winemaking.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pasion de Bobal 2017
Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Murcia, SpainRipe, round and glycerol-slicked this youthful Utiel-Requena rosé is filled with fleshy strawberry, cherry jam and raspberry thorn spice. A medium-pink hue, this is entirely bobal, a native grape to the region and one responsible for over 90 percent of plantings. This reflects the sunbaked region, with jammy berry fruit, softer sides and moderate, though juicy acidity. Pour this rustic red with grilled root veg or meat pies this summer.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB18.49 | $0.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $22.68 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Finca Decero Rare Varieties Mini Ediciones Petit Verdot Remolinos Vineyard 2013
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPetit Verdot clone 400, originated in Bordeaux but is now well adapted about the wine world, including Argentina. The grapes undergo a cluster selection in the field and a second sorting at the winery. It was a cool year, never good news of the late ripening petit verdot, but this looks about right in the glass and there is a welcomed freshness too. The nose is a floral mix of pepper, tar, tobacco, tea and spice. The attack rich and full-bodied with silky savoury blueberry fruit flecked with coffee, vanilla, black cherry, resin and sage flavours with dense but ripe tannins. You can cellar this for three to five years no problem. Best with grilled meats. Production is a healthy 826 cases.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache 2016
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis wine or should I say its old vines consistently over deliver offering a mix of wild herbs, black cherries, menthol and black raspberries that tumble onto the palate. The palate is bright and juicy with more raspberry fruit, dried herbs and bramble but all with a freshness to keep it taut and food friendly. The tannins are soft and slippery the finish dark and peppery. Perfect for grilled ribs or roasted chicken.Prices:| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.47 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mountain Fish Agiorgitiko 2015
Nemea, Peloponnese, GreeceThis is a fun red wine that opens with a dash of bright red fruit aromas. The palate is soft and round with a savoury, plum fruit base flecked with dried herbs, sour cherry and a pinch of blackcurrant. The tannins are powdery and smooth with just a touch of dryness in the finish. Ready to drink and would be perfect with beef or lamb souvlaki.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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05 July 2018
89PTS
Tantalus Juveniles Chardonnay 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou need deep pockets to create wines made from young vines because it takes as much work or more to make them and while they may have purity of flavour, complexity doesn’t come easy. At Tantalus the juveniles or youngest blocks of vines go into this wine. The palate is full of bright acidity and soft creamy lemon verbena flavours with a leesy, crushed oats undercurrent. As impressive as last year, and with vines a mere six- years-old, we can expect much more to come from this site. Chill this one down for best results now or serve with simply prepared seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.30 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Block 5 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Block 5 within the East Kelowna Vineyard at the winery, this is the full-blown native-fermented edition in French barrels and puncheons that stays in the same wood for ten months. The style is New World but well weighty and fruity, with refined acidity, structure and a linear line that makes it fun to sip. It's not for Burgundy lovers but rather those who prefer the next wines of the new world. Creamy floral notes lead ripe pear and similarly sweet grapefruit with flecks of minerality. It’s all saved by a persistent acidity and citrus note that travels front to back. Give this three to five years to really shine or drink it now with a robust, savoury chicken dish.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Noble Ridge Reserve is a mix of French clones 76 and 95 grown over glacial and fluvial deposits of sand, gravel and rock inside the new Okanagan Falls sub-GI. It’s aged 14 months in French oak that is only 20 percent new. As warm as 2015 was the wine has overcome the cooked fruit nature of many of its peers offering a rich, creamy but fresh midpalate. It’s more California than Okanagan but in a good way with intense fruit and just enough acidity to offset the ripeness. Peachy nutty leesy but in balance with some complexity. We can’t wait to see this in more normal, cooler growing season. Buttery seafood dishes or creamy mushroom pastas all work here.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2015
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA very warm year has yielded a ripe, pear-flavoured chardonnay with plenty of spice and creamy peach fruit. A super-hot 2015 growing season proved to be a good year to shift 25 percent cooler Naramata fruit into this formerly all-Osoyoos chardonnay. That said, it’s a fleshier version of what is normally a tightly wound white. The first Darryl Brooker version explains the much appreciated leesy, mineral Burgundian notes from three separate clones 76, 96 and 548. There is a saving saltiness in the face of less acidity this year to offset the creamy, buttery notes. Yet the creamy ripe pear fruit will be hard for most to resist, and I’m betting it will be a big hit with consumers. Ready to drink soon.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.01 | 750ml |
| MB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay Cerqueira Vineyard 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Cerqueira Vineyard is located on the Black Sage Terrace just southeast of the town of Oliver. Winemaker Michael Bartier hand-harvested his chardonnay on September 27, from the sparse granite glacial till with widely occurring calcium sulphate precipitates – think minerality. There is no wood here but 5 months in stainless steel, in contact with its lees, adds texture and length to this stylish chardonnay. Look for a band of fruit scents including apple, peach and pineapple with just enough flinty smoky leesy note to keep pulling you back to the wine. You can drink this now but should get better over the next two to three years as the overt fruit drops away. The is New Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liber Farm & Winery Everyday Chardonnay 2017
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear two is much like year one for this Similkameen chardonnay. The fruit is all estate that sits along the banks of the Similkameen River. The wine is unoaked and fresh with clean, crisp, fresh fruit, lined with bits of pear, pineapple and green apple fruit that finishes just off-dry. To nitpick it is a bit simple but then it is an unoaked chardonnay. Consider serving this with fresh crab or lobster.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Reserve Chardonnay 2016
British Columbia, CanadaA mostly oaked age chardonnay in variously aged barrels, including 20 percent new. The nose is floral with buttery, smoky notes and an odd chardonnay passion fruit note. The fruit is rich, intense and peachy with a touch of vanilla and caramel. The components are all here, but it's unknit and awkward at the moment. Give it some time in the bottle to gather itself. Try this with a shrimp pizza.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Naughty Chardonnay 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Naughty release is the oaked companion to their Not So Naughty Chardonnay, monikers aside oaked it is with wooden spice, lemon curd and cream coating a rich palate based on ripe peach, baked apple fruit. For all its width, this holds a firm line of acidity to structure which is good but it’s a bit too overt for solo sipping. Chill this down and serve with creamy seafood or pastas.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFor all the negativity surrounding the 2015 vintage and how warm it was and how many winemakers struggled to keep the alcohol in check, the Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay comes in at an amazing 13.0 percent. This wine has always been one of the more complex BC chardonnays, but always on the richer side with plenty of oak. Look for intense floral notes and a sweet ripeness tempered by a spicy creamy, lemony undercurrent and a hazelnut finish. Some 60 percent is fermented in French oak split among new to four-year-old barrels, with the remainder finished in stainless steel. A terrific effort in a challenging year for white wine. This will easily age through 2020.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Haywire Chardonnay Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely perfumed light cream, Anjou pear, green apple, honeydew, very direct and linear, streamlined and textural. Whole bunch pressed, pressed to concrete for native ferment, 8-9 months on full lees, with a beauty nutmeg spice seasoning throughout to a gently salted finish. Textural, fennel, harmonious, this is the best Secrest chardy to date, and one that will age well.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Not So Naughty Chardonnay 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFresh, round and juicy, this chardonnay carries bright peach yogurt, yellow apple and lime on the palate. There's a tightening here through time in stainless, but the bump of RS that rules the palate pulls this into softer territory, to a shorter caramel finish. Many will like this style but given the Naught is fairly rich, it could stand to be slightly drier version. It’s a nice improvement over recent vintages, but for now chill this down and serve enjoy it with crab.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Block 5 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their home vineyard, block 5, this was entirely native fermented in French barrel and puncheons before ten months in said wood, with a small amount deciding to undergo MLF. Fermenting and aging in wood, especially larger-format, gives an entirety and completeness to this wine, one that is weighty and structural, but still elegant and seamless. Licks of white florals kiss the French cream, ripe pear, grapefruit, one rafted with flinty minerality and brisk acidity, carrying this far. Showing lovely now in youth, this will only continue to integrate and merge with time in your cellar. One of BC's best chardys.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tantalus Juveniles Chardonnay 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLime pith, lemon oil weave through this youthful chardonnay. I refer to youth by way of its name, the age of the vines, and the aim to be ready to drink and enjoy easily now. This was native ferment and aged in both stainless and neutral barrels. The 2017 vintage was compressed and tricky, with a late start, scorching summer, and early harvest, all the while with much of the valley blanketed in wildfire smoke for periods of time. This wine mirrors the disjointed nature of the year at this point. Lemon oil, yellow apple, toasted oats and hints of green poke up through the plump palate, one still reflecting a dusting of stony minerality, though to a somewhat stunted finish. I have the feeling this will settle some with time in bottle, and benefit from a chilling and pairing with scallops or spot prawns. Will re-taste in a few months' time.Prices:| BC | $19.30 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay Cerqueira Vineyard 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Bartier Bros' prized Cerqueira Vineyard, north of Oliver, the 2017 chardy is super ripe with lemon curd, white peach, almonds, lemon thistle on a round, cushy palate. There's a bright and fresh minerality that lifts this, most certainly transmitting from the calcareous-laced soils of the vineyard. I would love to see this tighter, leaner and sharper in the future. For now, this is an easy, accessible chardy to chill and drink now.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Reserve Chardonnay 2015
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRich, full and wooded, with perfumed white florals that waft throughout the length. This classic wine tastes as time stands still: creamy, French oak-influenced, full bodied, but reined into a 13 degrees alcohol frame. This is a very polished, poised and confident wine, from estate-grown 26-year-old vines and across five French clones. Forty percent is fermented and aged in stainless, with the remainder spread across new to fourth fill French oak barrels for 11 months. A June blending of the select lots return to barrel to rest on the lees until bottling two months later. White florals, French cream, white peach, popcorn and hazelnuts are lined with lees, lemon curd and slightly tightened with crystalline lemon. A serious wine, especially when it's had time to open and relax, or better yet, after a couple years in cellar.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.95 | 750ml |
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04 July 2018
87PTS
Stoneboat Pinot House Alessio 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGood last year and equally fine this year although different with fruit that is riper. The mix is 91/9 pinot bianco/müller-thurgau. The blanc was picked twice, including some richer botrytis affected fruit that fattens the overall mix. Look for floral honeysuckle, melon with sweet peach and a bump of residual sugar (7.2g/l) in the finish. A little more exotic than I would prefer but many will like this style, especially with spicy food.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2017
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe CdS Pinot Blanc hails from the Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos in the heart of the Similkameen Valley. Deftly handled, it gets a gentle whole cluster pressing before a long, cool, fermentation in stainless steel. The process is key to revealing the tightly beaded acidity of the Similkameen that spills across the palate with a wash of ripe pear. Pinot blanc with a personality, flecked with tangerine, litchi, and dusted with sagebrush. It finishes with a touch of sweetness to take down the acidity and take on anything spicy. A delightful bottle and a label whose future is firmly established.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2017
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Middle Bench Vineyard in Keremeos, this perenially popular pinot blanc is whole cluster pressed and long/cool fermented in stainless, locking in the tight, nimble citrus fruit. Tightly humming pear, tangerine, lychee, prickly pear, herbal scrub streams along the palate, buzzing with acidity and forward with intent. A bump of RS holds this accessalbe and friendly, while maintaining serious intent.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot Blanc is Lake Breeze's signature wine, and changes little year over year, though in 2016 it feels riper / more off-dry than some previous vintages. Rich in fruit and aromatics, with ample pear, white peach, yellow apple on a creamy, ripe palate. Sage leaves and stones add an herbal interest to this full-boded white, one that snaps with lime pith on the finish. Okanagan fruit is supplemented with fruit from the Similkameen here. Another solid year, and showing, for pinot blanc. Would love to see a tighter version in future (dream).Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Narrative Pinot Blanc 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is from high altitude 32 year old vines in Okanagan Falls, tight with acidity and fresh with green apple, melon, pear oil and white blossom perfume. Bone dry, this shows pinot blanc's streamlined side, through this fragrant, pretty filter. Stainless preserved all the freshness. A welcome 12 degrees alcohol makes this a natural pair for spicy Asian foods (Indian or Thai seasoned in particular). Beautiful fennel and lime oil on the finish, and shows a different lens for blanc in the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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03 July 2018
88PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Off Dry White 2017
CanadaA lush garden of florals, this year's Off Dry White (needs a better name folks) is a winning blend of schonburger, gewürztraminer and siegerrebe from both Comox and Cowichan Valleys, on Vancouver Island. Highly floral, with perfumed white blossoms, crystalline lemon, pear nectar, apricot and starfruit filling a slight (12 degrees), lighter, linear and amply off-dry palate (21 g/l RS). I'd like to see this celebrate its off-dry, bright and pretty nature with a better name (did I mention that already?) because it's a well blended, lovely example of the style. All at a charming 12 degrees. Lovely with lighter fruit desserts.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit Blanc is a light, fresh, stainless steel, and early to market white, and in 2017 it's a blend of sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, viognier and chardonnay primarily, with some muscat, marsanne and roussanne in the blend for aromatics. The fruit is sourced from Naramata down to Osoyoos Lake, and from 5-30 year old vines. MLF was Juicy pear, melon, apricot, white peach on a plump, lightly spiced palate, buoyed with shining acidity. The finish is snappy, and the palate slender, welcoming most green or roasted salads, or lightly spiced pakoras.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Emandare Vineyard Siegerrebe Gewurztraminer 2016
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe winery's signature white blend, this is organic and dry-farmed estate sieberrebe and gewürztraminer, native fermented before a short stint in stainless on the lees. Tight lemon blossom, yellow apple, thistle on a thick bed of lees. The yeasty lees jockeys with the perfumed fruit, resulting in discord. Acidity is bright and lemon-laced throughout, finishing with more citrus blossom to a shorter finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Blue Grouse Quill Dry White 2017
British Columbia, CanadaUsing fruit from both Comox and Cowichan Valleys, this DVA Vancouver Island white is a blend of schonburger, sieberrebe and gewürztraminer in 2017, all fermented cool and with time in stainless. The crisp, taut island fruit is apparent with slim grapefruit, green apple, tangerine and melon on a medium palate. The finish is sharp and steel-like, almost clinically-so, with some faint anise. While I appreciate very much the dry, crisp profile, I'm missing some fruit here.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sea Star Salish Sea 2017
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaWhite peach, jasmine, grapefruit, lime blossom and melon fill this slender, fresh, coastal white, a blend of organic Pender Island ortega and siegerrebe. Though there is an off-dry lushness on the palate, this remains zesty with ginger, star anise and lime peel. A lovely partner to melon and prosciutto, or Thai green curries. Lean and lively; well done.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Allegro 2017
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaWhat a difference a couple of years makes. Last time I tasted Allegro was the 2015 vintage. Now, in 2017, Allegro lives up to its musical name (referencing a cheerful, playful and lively tempo.) Dry, lively and bright, this blends Blattner white grapes sauvignette and petit milo to create a crisp, lively white with green apple, bosc pear, Asian pear, white grapefruit, and vibrant minerality, strung taut with acidity and arrow narrow in direction at 12.4 degrees. Stainless steel ferment and aging on lees, plus full MLF, have created a wine that captures the wine islands' bright acidity, yet tempers it slightly with the grapes' own lees work. Tasted blind you may go to Muscadet, but thankfully, this is intrinsically ours. Well done, maestros.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Granite 2017
British Columbia, CanadaMichael Bartier calls his new release Granite a rosé/orange style wine. No matter the name, there is no VQA category for skin contact whites so you are free to assess it for what it is: a blend of gewürztraminer and pinot gris, from Summerland and Black Sage. The fruit was native fermented and spent 19 days on skins and then four months in stainless on its lees. Earl Grey tea, bergamot, grapefruit, dried sage, crushed stones leads along a sharpened palate. Acidity is moderate, as is a tug of grip along the sides. Bone dry, this is an entry-level, yet edgy wine, for those wanting to explore the world of orange.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Monte del Frá Ca del Magro Custoza Superiore 2015
Verona, Veneto, ItalyRicher, honeyed and floral, this is a lush blend of grapes from Verona's 55 year old Ca’ del Magro vineyard. In the mix is garganega, trebbiano toscano, tocai friulano, cortese, chardonnay, riesling italico, malvasia and incrocio manzoni. This spends 6-8 months on full lees in stainless steel to preserve bright acidity, which is needed to carry the sun-ripened weight of the grapes. Quince, ripe pear, honeydew melon, honeysuckle fills the expansive palate, remarkably slender at 13 degrees, to a warming gingersnap finish. Glazed duck, or pork would be a lovely choice.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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02 July 2018
85PTS
Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Western Cape, South AfricaThis wine is consistent. Bright, fresh and commercial, it mixes ripe pink grapefruit, gooseberry, apple and melon with a moderate undercurrent of acidity to keep it palatable. Medium dry, this is Monday sauvignon for simple menus. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $10.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $11.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $13.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $12.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNew from Bartier Bros. this is 100 percent sauvignon blanc hand-harvested on a respectably late September 11th off the Black Sage Terrace. The spare Bartier style is in play here with minerality and stony notes dominating the light grapefruit and white peach. The wine spends only five months in stainless steel, on its yeast lees. Most shellfish would be a fine match. Winery direct.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Langlois Chateau de Fontaine-Audon Sancerre 2016
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe Fontaine-Audon 15-hectare vineyard surrounds one of the rare castles of Sancerre, in St Gemme. The 100-percent sauvignon blanc site grows over prized terroir the French call silex or flint. The wine sees no wood but is aged on its lees. The nose is bright with mineral, grassy/hay, exotic tropical/ grapefruit notes. The attack is fresh with a citrus, gooseberry, stony, flinty bent. Crisp, mouthwatering and clean, this is a winner. The classic match is chèvre, but this will work well with chicken, mixed sushi or shellfish. Drink or hold through 2021.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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August 2018