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Tastings: April 2021
30 April 2021
89PTS
Poggio Anima Il Mostro Ragana Bianco 2020
Abruzzo, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie, and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. This is a certified organic pét-nat of 85% pecorino and 15% chardonnay, from Vasto / Monteodorisio, in Abruzzo, and a site at 280m altitude. Pouring a lightly hazy, very pale hue, this is bright and lively with fragrant melon, pear, grapefruit pith on a juicy, medium-bodied palate. Lovely balance and ease to this charming pét-nat.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Averill Creek Charme de L'ile NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis recent incarnation of Charme de L'ile (tasted spring 2021) was the first made by winemaker Brent Rowland for Averill, and was the first sparkling he has made other than his pét-nat at Niagara's Pearl Morisette. This keeps the same varieties as previous (60% pinot noir, 20% chardonnay, 20% pinot gris), but this was foot stopped and whole bunch pressed immediately, with no sulphur added, and pressed straight to tank on full solids (as is his style), with full MLF. This charmat method fizz then underwent secondary fermentation in tank, and was dosed with 6g/L before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Peach pit, apricot, almond fills the bright, brisk palate, with a more savoury, brown buttered bent than previous incarnations, through the ample marine salty finish. Much more on the umami, less on the fruit, and still vibrantly so. Check it out again / still. Great new packaging too.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Crescent Hill I Am Diva Frizzante Gewürztraminer NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow. This wine has a specific target audience, from concept to name to label to wine, and admittedly, I am not that. I am, however, into wine and had a very hard time with this disjointed, lightly frizzante, sweet wine. Shearing citric tablet acidity cuts through sweet orange, candied lemon, honey, and white florals, finishing abruptly with a bitter citrus twist. Though "This bubbly is dedicated to excellence which will take you to any black-tie affair or any #pyjama #popcorn #movie #marathon #overnighter," I think it's best taken back to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Four Shadows Riesling Sparkling 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis frizzante tries to balance out the ample RS coming off their Naramata Bench Estate fruit with shockingly high acidity. The result is a jarring, lightly fizzy wine with lime sherbet, lemon pith, white grapefruit, lychee, candied pear and soap on a shorter, snappy, lighter palate. I think this needs more dialling in on the acid / sugar spectrum to really shine (and make sense).Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cattin Sauvage Crémant d'Alsace Brut NV
Alsace, FranceThe Cattin family has been making wine in the same village in France since 1720, and the winery and its 170+ acres of organic, dry-farmed vineyards are today in the hands of 11th and 12th generation Jacques and Jacques Jr. This 80/20 Pinot Blanc / Chardonnay was native fermented in steel, before 9 months on lees during secondary ferment. It was disgorged with 8 g/L RS. Perfumed white blossoms, pear, red apples flood the bright palate, held taut by crunchy acidity, but easily balanced by the RS. This is a lively, pure, food-focused crémant primed for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco 2019
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThe Medici family has been producing quality sparkling wine since the beginning of the Emilia Romagna's sparkling appellation of DOP Lambrusco di Modena. The winery today is in the hands of the 5th generation. Concerto is said to be the world’s first single vineyard vintage Lambrusco. If you eschew Lambrusco because of the sweet, candied wines of your past, give this a try. This comes from the organically farmed Tenuta La Rampata vineyard in Reggio Emilia province. This is a blend of 85/15 Lambrusco Salamino and Lambrusco Ancelotta, the former a tannic and deeply coloured grape and the latter a gentler, slightly sweeter grape, used to soften the blend. Opaque in hue, with swings of dark balsamic, wild blackberry, black cherry, earthy plum, and grippy thorns in this robust, single-vineyard Lambrusco. The 10 g/L RS is balanced off by brisk, tart acidity, and a slight effervescence. Serve chilled.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.71 | 750ml |
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29 April 2021
89PTS
Perlage Afra Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry 2019
Veneto, ItalyThis organic, vintage dated rosé Prosecco blends glera and pinot nero into an off-dry, creamy fizz of strawberries and cream, wild raspberries and orange. The acidity well balances out the RS here, making this a harmonious, easy sipper. This is showing the best balance I've seen for the new Prosecco Rosé DOC. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emandare Vineyard Traditional Method Rosé 2018
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the stressful 2018 vintage (they were frosted out in April, losing close to 70% of their crop), this pinot noir was picked on October 4 with a decision to make fizz. After 6 hours soaking, this was pressed, native fermented in barrel and left on lees for 3 months prior to racking to stainless. They used some of the original pinot noir juice to kick off the 2nd ferment, leading to 7 months on lees. Very young and primary, light frizzante on the palate, moving juicy cherry, and zesty red berries on the finish. Very limited amounts made of this fresh, zippy fizz.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Wolfberger Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé NV
Alsace, FranceCorked.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château des Charmes Sparkling Rosé 2014
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis traditional method rosé of chardonnay and pinot noir was bottle aged for at least 18 months, and disgorged to order (10 g/L), though the DG date is not listed on the bottle. This bottle is showing its age, and time on lees, with a deeper orange peach hue, and notes of dried cherry, cherry blossom, orange pekoe, almonds, and light brioche. What this aged fizz might lack in freshness, it trades for aged complexity. This elegant wine is drinking well now.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Brilla! Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry 2020
Veneto, ItalyWell isn't this a fancy shiny little thing? If the name didn't get you, the sparkly label might catch your eye. Fresh and bright and lively on the palate, with candied strawberry, candied apple, on a lightly frizzante, brief palate. Fun option for light fruit desserts.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé NV
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesMadame de Pompadour (mistress to Louis XV) is credited with introducing Champagne to the court at Versailles and the inspiration for the Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour. This 59/41 pinot noir/chardonnay Carneros cuvée contains a portion of pinot noir with several days skin contact, as well as a splash of still pinot for additional structure. This spent 18 months in bottle on lees prior to being disgorged with 9 g/L RS. Raspberry, fresh herbs, cream lead the round, soft palate, with ample spices and an equally ample dosage to make this super accessible. Unfortunately, the outdated styling and ample dosage makes this also a bit dated.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $41.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Teresa Prosecco Rosé Brut 2020
Veneto, ItalyOff dry and fruit forward, with candied strawberry, pear gummies, perfumed pink florals, on a frothy, shorter palate. Gentle and friendly, this is an accessible Prosecco Rosé. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Charme De L'ile Rosé NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCharme De L'ile is a moniker of a sparkling wine style on Vancouver Island. It has to be made using the charmat-method using island-grown grapes. The fruit for this wine comes from six island vineyards. This pale orange/pink is made with Cowichan Valley pinot noir giving it a more weight mouthfeel than most of its white competitors. Look for a mix of cranberry, rhubarb with a touch of earth and oxidation. Ready to drink. Serve well chilled with a small-bite appetizer.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
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80PTS
Mionetto Il Rosé 2018
Veneto, ItalyCandied red apple, candied cherries, milk chocolate, burned marzipan rule this short, clipped palate, finishing with a bitter green note. Look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.35 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $20.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bride Valley Brut Rosé Bella 2014
EnglandShiny attractive coral pink colour with lively bubbles and a lacy head when poured - it's also very frisky during opening so be sure to chill very well. Nuanced scents of apple and pear; red currant and rosehip; bread dough and tea biscuit grace the nose. One sip and you’re aware of racy, mouthwatering acidity, crisp citrus, green apple and delightful red berry flavours; then comes a dry, saline, chalk-laced, tapering mineral finish. Toasty with a touch of caramel throughout, it’s elegant, poised and stylish and while it conveys a streamlined cool-climate silhouette, there is nothing overly lean or austere here. From a special plot in South Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, the chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier (about 50% grapes are the pinots) densely-planted vines root deeply in Kimmeridgean chalky/clays lending a distinct terroir stamp to this fine English Brut. Aged for about 18 months and topped up with a dosage that was minimally needed, thanks to one of the warmest years seen in these parts for a century. Steven and Arabella Spurrier started this labour of love in the Bride Valley with an initial planting of 3 hectares in 2009, helping to shine a global light on the potential for sparkling wines along the south coast of England where the chalk terroir shares DNA with that of the Champagne region 650 kilometres to the east. Pair with succulent crab cakes, a slice of your favourite pâté, or gourmet potato chips.Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sottal Vinho Frisante Rosé NV
PortugalThis very lightly effervescent, deep-hued glowing pink blends castelão, aragonêz, touriga nacional from southern Portugal's Lisboa region. Candied raspberries, baked red currants pops with pomegranate acidity on the short, sweeter, soft palate. Take with a light berry tart or brunch waffles. I know it's Portugal and the land of the cork, but this would fare much better with a crown cap or Stelvin closure.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Rosé Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalySandro Bottega is an irrepressible ambassador for Bottega and Prosecco and now the Italian bubble’s latest category DOC Prosecco Rosé. The Il Vino dei Poeti Rosé is a brut sparkler mix of 85/15 glera and pinot noir grown at Treviso and Friuli. The glera juice is passed over the Fruili pinot noir skins mixing a bit of the traditional with the avant-garde before a slow, 60-day fermentation to produce another winner. Fresh and bright, this pale pink rosé bubble is a party in the glass. Look for persistent fizzy, primary floral/fruit aromas of pink grapefruit, raspberries, citrus and wild strawberries. Perfect for prosciutto di Parma sushi, salty Parmesan cheese, charcuterie plates, vegetarian dishes or your favourite pizza.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Medici Ermete Lambrusco di Modena Phermento Rosato Rifermentato in Bottiglia NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThe Medici family has been producing quality sparkling wine since the beginning of the Emilia Romagna's sparkling appellation of DOP Lambrusco di Modena. The winery today is in the hands of the 5th generation. The Phermento project came to life in 2016 under Alessandro Medici. This is a pét-nat, from 35-year-old lambrusco di sorbara, the most fragrant and delicate of the lambrusco clan. Tart and crisp, with ripping acidity along a bone dry palate, this carries red currant, cranberry, rhubarb to a citrus spiced finish. The high acidity keeps this more severe lambrusco tight and nimble on the lighter palate, refreshingly held to 11%. A natural for savoury brunch or canapés.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trumpeter Rosé de Malbec Extra Brut 2018
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis traditional method fizz is entirely malbec, from Tupengato, in the Uco Valley, with 12 months on lees. Pouring a peachy hue, this is dry and brisk, screeching with cherry, raspberry, cranberry, orange on a zippy palate. Quite a tart, high acid wine, ideal as a starter to get the appetite going.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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28 April 2021
92PTS
Domaine Rolet Côtes du Jura Chardonnay 2015
Côtes du Jura, Jura, FranceTasted again 9 months along, and this vintage is holding strong as ever. I'm so glad I stashed a couple of bottles away in my cellar. From En Chagnon in Montigny-les-Arsures, and vines rooted into gravels and Lias' grey marls, this is tucked up against a limestone cliff protection. Post-ferment, this rested 16 months in oak, including 30% new, which adds to the structure in this confident, now relaxing, medium bodied chardonnay. Mineral-driven, with smoked stones, lemon pith, green apple bedded by a cloud of herbal lees, and driven by lemon peel acidity to a lingering saline finish. Drinking beautifully now.Prices:| ON | $35.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
On Seven The Devotion Chardonnay 2018
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOn Seven is a relatively new boutique Niagara winery owned by passionate wine aficionados Vittorio & Sula De Stefano. The De Stefanos bought an abandoned 7 acre vineyard (hence the name) in 2009 in Four Mile Creek, and under the guidance of consultant viticulturist and founding winemaker Peter Gamble, prepped the site for 3 years before replanting in 2014. The heavy clay loams are laced with calcareous deposits, and sloped north to maintain freshness. The philosophy from the beginning was to be 100% organic certified, and produce wines with minimal intervention. Wines are native fermented with no fining agents, and SO2 is added only at bottling. This was whole cluster transferred to French oak barrels (20% new, 80% neutral) for native fermentation and 18 months aging. This is the first release of The Devotion, and is a barrel selection. More structural than their Pursuit On Seven, though this shares its sibling's lemon cream that dominates the palate. Green apple, lemon blossom is braced with veins of flint and finishes with a toasty spice. There's a perfumed corn note on the mid palate, and a very long broken stone that lingers on the finish. This serious wine is beauty now in youth, though is quite cellarable.Prices:| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
On Seven The Pursuit Chardonnay 2018
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOn Seven is a relatively new boutique Niagara winery owned by passionate wine aficionados Vittorio & Sula De Stefano. The De Stefanos bought an abandoned 7 acre vineyard (hence the name) in 2009 in Four Mile Creek, and under the guidance of consultant viticulturist and founding winemaker Peter Gamble, prepped the site for 3 years before replanting in 2014. The heavy clay loams are laced with calcareous deposits, and sloped north to maintain freshness. The philosophy from the beginning was to be 100% organic certified, and produce wines with minimal intervention. Wines are native fermented with no fining agents, and SO2 is added only at bottling. This is primarily Dijon clone 76, planted 2014, with a small percentage of grapes from their 2015 planting of Dijon clone 95. This was whole cluster transferred to French oak barrels (20% new, 80% neutral) for native fermentation and 18 months aging. Similar to the inaugural 2017, with ample lemony cream leading a fuller, generous palate. Ripe pear, yellow apple, green apple, lemon pith is flecked with flint and seasoned with toast. The lengthy finish tightens with a flinty, toasty grip. Quite polished, this is drinking well now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montalto Pennon Hill Chardonnay 2020
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaThis is a multi-clone chardonnay from Montalto's Red Hill sites, as well as their warmer Tuerong vineyard. This was whole bunch pressed to French barriques (29% new), native fermented, with natural MLF, and 9 months aging on lees. There's a lovely reductive edge to this medium bodied, structural white, with alluring lemon, cream, toasted hazelnut, green apple, and light toast to a chalky-gripped finish. Lovely purity and focus in this youthful wine, showcasing Cool Climate Chardy in Oz.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pascal Clément Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Vide Bourse 2017
Chassagne Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of growers and winemakers, Pascal had more than 20 vintages working experience in Bourgogne before he started his own project in 2012. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, where he owns a half hectare organic vineyard, he farms 10 ha across 29 appellations in Bourgogne for his wines. 80% of his production is white wine, a passion honed by his years of winemaking at Coche Dury, amongst others. He farms with no chemicals, does native ferment in older, larger barrels, employs MLF, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. Vide Bourse is smartly located under the Bâtard Montrachet, and a great mix between the brilliance of Puligny and the richness of Chassagne. Lemon and fine cream lead this bright medium-bodied wine, tightened and shaped by chalk, perfumed with lemon blossom, and driven by a lemony acidity across a finely textural, medium+ palate. Finish is long and subtly saline.Prices:| ON | $119.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pascal Clément Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Baudines 2017
Chassagne Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of growers and winemakers, Pascal had more than 20 vintages working experience in Bourgogne before he started his own project in 2012. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, where he owns a half hectare organic vineyard, he farms 10 ha across 29 appellations in Bourgogne for his wines. 80% of his production is white wine, a passion honed by his years of winemaking at Coche Dury, amongst others. He farms with no chemicals, does native ferment in older, larger barrels, employs MLF, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. This comes from a mid slope plot in Chassagne Montrachet’s 1er Cru Baudines (the highest altitude on Chassagne), situated on the edge of Santenay. This rested 16 months in older barriques. Flint-decked, this powerful wine draws pencil shavings, broken stones, lemon pith across the fuller, structural palate, woven with green apple, cream through the stony, spicy finish.Prices:| ON | $119.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Pascal Clément Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumeaux 2017
Puligny Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of growers and winemakers, Pascal had more than 20 vintages working experience in Bourgogne before he started his own project in 2012. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, where he owns a half hectare organic vineyard, he farms 10 ha across 29 appellations in Bourgogne for his wines. 80% of his production is white wine, a passion honed by his years of winemaking at Coche Dury, amongst others. He farms with no chemicals, does native ferment in older, larger barrels, employs MLF, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. From a plot on the edge with Meursault, on an old quarry's rocky, skeletal soils, this is a striking example of Puligny Montrachet. Tight and nimble up front, this opens into a flint lined, structural white, with lemon pith and blossoms, almonds, and fine cream on the core, and ample minerality leading to a lengthy, super saline finish. Great tension throughout, this grows in the glass, and will continue to impress with cellaring.Prices:| ON | $149.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascal Clément Meursault 2017
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of growers and winemakers, Pascal had more than 20 vintages working experience in Bourgogne before he started his own project in 2012. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, where he owns a half hectare organic vineyard, he farms 10 ha across 29 appellations in Bourgogne for his wines. 80% of his production is white wine, a passion honed by his years of winemaking at Coche Dury, amongst others. He farms with no chemicals, does native ferment in older, larger barrels, employs MLF, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. Rich and expansive, with lemon and cream, light toast and flint on and full bodied palate, this lovely 2017 shows ample perfumed white florals, and toasted brioche throughout. Certainly the weight of Meursault is evident here.Prices:| ON | $97.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pascal Clément Meursault Narvaux 2017
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of growers and winemakers, Pascal had more than 20 vintages working experience in Bourgogne before he started his own project in 2012. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, where he owns a half hectare organic vineyard, he farms 10 ha across 29 appellations in Bourgogne for his wines. 80% of his production is white wine, a passion honed by his years of winemaking at Coche Dury, amongst others. He farms with no chemicals, does native ferment in older, larger barrels, employs MLF, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. From the cooler pocket Narvaux, this grows on white marl and limestone soils. Tight lemon, lemon peel, green apple, anise on this vibrant, salty mineral-driven, flint licked, Meursault. Meursault's generosity is evident on the palate, but the fine, grippy sides hold this tight and narrow through the lingering finish.Prices:| ON | $89.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2018
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFrom 30 year old left bank vines, biodynamically farmed since the 1990s, this Vaillons sings of typicity. Fermentation and aging in stainless for 8 months only preserves the crispness of the Premier Cru fruit. Creamy perfumed pear is livened with lemon pith and green apple, seasoned with a lick of flint, and extended with a shimmery kimmeridgian buzz. The flinty salinity balances out the Drouhin polish smartly.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Réserve de Vaudon 2018
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. The Réserve is a richer, more expansive palate than the entry level Chablis, including biodynamically-farmed Drouhin estate fruit, primarily from the right bank, neighbouring the Grand Cru terroirs. Broken stone, elastic, pear, ripe yellow apple rule the creamy, softer palate, finishing with a gentle stony spice. Certainly a polished pour, and one when you'd like the additional weight to partner with richer dishes.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2018
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. This is their entry level Chablis, sourced from across the appellation, and with time in stainless for 7-8 months. Juicy pear, green apple is lined with river stones and herbal lees running the creamy palate to a stony spiced palate. Bright acidity carries this friendly, approachable wine to the finish. Classically styled.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
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 is a classic, cool-climate Oz chardonnay that many wines aspire to. David LeMire MW, is recently joint CEO of Shaw + Smith along with chief winemaker, Adam Wadewitz. Planted in 2001 in Lenswood's loam over clay and shale, this is clones Bernard 76 and 95, gently sloping east, at 500m. This is a powerful, striking wine, with whole bunches chilled overnight, then pressed, before native ferment in new and used 500 L French oak puncheons where it spent a further 10 months in barrel with gentle stirring. Flint led, this is seasoned by toast, popcorn, and amply fragrant scented cloves / nutmeg, across a profound base of green apple, pear, light cream, hazelnut nougat across the medium+palate. The very lengthy finish echoes with flint and lingers with saline. Such a striking wine, this is drinking beautifully now and with much time ahead.Prices:| BC | $117.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $114.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Louis Jadot Chablis 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFairly dark for Chablis, this light gold coloured chardonnay presents with fresh lemon and ripe pear. Added to that is an exotic orange that runs across a mineral finish. Pure and clean, this is a very attractive entry level Chablis that will work well with a wide variety of seafood.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Louis Michel and Fils Chablis 1er Cru Forêts 2018
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFrom two parcels with deep bedrock close to the stony, Kimmeridgian limestone on the surface, these grapes were planted from 1969-78. After a native ferment in stainless, this remained there on lees for 12-16 months. Forêts is a 1er cru within the larger Montmains 1er cru, on the left bank. Elegant and steely, with bright lemon, green apple bedded by a stony base, slicked with lees, and threaded with flint. Lovely typicity of Forêts here, drinking very well now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Giant Steps Chardonnay Sexton Vineyard 2019
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaI like how Australian chardonnays sneak up on you with an inviting, nutty, citrus that mixes effortlessly with a creamy undercoating and plenty of lees to feed its complexity from front to back. It is rich in a Grand Cru way but not overpowering. This is a terrific discovery for the Vancouver market. I hope some of this gets distributed out to retailers so all can enjoy it. It joins a short but impressive list of Down Under chardonnays that are lighting up the category. The 30 hectare Sexton Vineyard, planted in 1997, is located on the steep, north-facing slopes of the Warramate Ranges. The topsoil is thin, and vines sit on shallow, gravelly loams over a rocky clay base. Vigour and bunch yields are naturally low.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Albert Bichot Petit Chablis 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceMaison Albert Bichot was founded in 1831, and now is in its 6th generation of family ownership, overseeing 247 across across 6 estates. This comes from the Portlandian soils of the appellation. Young and light, with subtle lemon, green apple, on a slender palate, finishing with gentle lemon blossoms. Drink now with simple salads or white fish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Albert Bichot Chablis 2018
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceMaison Albert Bichot was founded in 1831, and now is in its 6th generation of family ownership, overseeing 247 across across 6 estates. Classically done in stainless, this is crunchy and bright with green apples, pear on a stony, snappy palate, finishing with a lemon twist and rasp of saline and chalk. A nice fresh example for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Lingua Franca Avni Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesAvni is Latin for stone, or rock, and a hallmark found across the Willamette Valley. In contrast to Lingua Franca's single-vineyard wines, this is sourced from various sites across the greater Willamette, including their Eola-Amity Hills Bunker Hill Estate vineyard. Mostly Dijon clones, this was harvested early, pressed and rested in tank for one day to settle and then a natural fermentation and full MLF before a year in French puncheons (partial new) and a tightening stint back in tank before a light filter and bottling. Polished from the start, woven with an alluring reductive streak that runs the length of this svelte, medium bodied wine, threaded with tight white florals, lemon, green apple, fine cream and a salted minerality that is addictive. Bright acidity helps this dance on the palate. Structure and drinkability in spades, this is drinking beautifully now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $52.25 | 750ml |
| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Santa Carolina Chardonnay Gran Reserva 2018
Valle del Itata, ChileI'm not surprised by the quality of this wine. It seems everything coming out of Santa Carolina is more focused than ever, and on the mark more often than not. This chardonnay comes with both a bit of luxury in weight and creaminess buffered by the inherent cool freshness of its Itata fruit source. But for $20, no one can complain given its biscuity complexity and bright citrus undercurrent. Good and getting better every year.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Otronia III and VI Chardonnay 2017
Patagonia, ArgentinaOtriona is big on numbers. 2017 is a selection of blocks 3 and 6 sourced from vineyard 22. The fruit is organic, projecting big aromatics, including a savoury tangerine rind note. The winemaking is simple: direct press, static settling, fermented cool, with no malolactic before ageing in French oak foudres for 16 months. The wine is lively and savoury with more exotic cool tangerine and citrus pushing through a floral, mineral, almond undercoating on the palate. Unique among most chardonnays, this is a wonderful addition to the spectrum, this time from way down south.Prices:| CDN | $85.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estates Collection Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2018
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis special limited release Santa Maria Valley chardonnay was established in 1981. The vineyard sits 350-450 feet above sea level, not far from the California Coast in a rare east-west mountain range that opens to almost daily cooling marine air from the Pacific Ocean. The result is a long, cool growing season that produces intense flavours (think New Zealand) with naturally high acidity. The nose is awash in tropical notes of guava, lime, mango, and vanilla. The palate is equally rich but with some mineral undertones from the ancient seabed that sits under the vineyard. The wine is getting drier and more complex every year, upping its quality quotient. Think lobster or any butter-based fish or creamy pasta. It's 40+ years, clone 4 chardonnay grown on its own roots, and barre aged 7 months in French oak (39 percent new).Prices:| BC | $51.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2019
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAs big and as sprawling as it is, the Sonoma Coast AVA is known for its strong maritime influence due to fog moderating the warm summer temperatures. It is always the richest version of the brand's many chardonnays, mixing ripe red apple and lemon curd with orange and coating baking spice and vanilla-scented oak. It boasts a broad mix of clones, all barrel fermented and aged seven months in a mix of French (75%) and American (25%), but only 17 percent is new. It is a perfect chardonnay vintage and a wine you can enjoy now through 2023. Dungeness crab is a terrific match in British Columbia.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.60 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $32.87 | 750ml |
| PEI | $39.69 | 750ml |
| NB | $40.48 | 750ml |
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27 April 2021
87PTS
Foxly Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFoxly is the 2nd label of Foxtrot Vineyard, released in the spring of 2020, and meant to be a more approachable, drink-now style. It's strange to me, then, that their inaugural chardonnay is from the 2016 vintage, and showing evident oxidation. This was barrel fermented, with full MLF, and aged on lees for 11 months, in 30% new wood. The wine then was bottle held for 2 years prior to release. The wood / nutty / oxidative note rules this wine, cutting through lemon curd, ripe pear, and pecorino notes. Lacking energy, I hope to see a fresher foxly iteration, more true to its purpose, next time around.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCrisp and lean via time in stainless, and orchard fresh, via the Okanagan, this is a dry, steely chardonnay, with crunchy pear, green apple, and a slick of spice on the finish. Thankfully this went through MLF, or it would be shockingly tart, I reckon. At 12.5%, it's just the thing to crack now with lighter salads or seafood dishes this summer.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NL | $24.98 | 750ml |
| PE | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Summerland chardonnay has gone through a partial malolactic fermentation to soften the edges, but in no way has it robbed this wine of its fresh mid-valley demeanour. 60 percent of the wine spends eight months in new French oak, with the remainder in stainless. The combination seems about right, leaving the wine vibrant and fresh from front to back. This would be a fun wine with spaghetti vongole or crabcakes. Well done.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI really like the direction of Quails' Gate Estate Chardonnay. It's quite restrained, with fresh lemon and a touch of lees. It's lighter-bodied and just 12.5% abv, with lively acidity that makes you crave freshly shucked oysters. This style of wine is like a simple recipe. You need to nail every component because you have nothing to hide behind, and Quails' Gate has done exactly that. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NL | $24.98 | 750ml |
| PE | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAm I in BC? Chardonnay at 12.5% is such a delight to nose and drink. It signals a desire to make wines of place, and wines that speak to the grape it's made from. This wine has been solid for years, but it doesn't mean it can't evolve, and this label continues the journey to something more than ordinary. Restrained, it mixes bright apple with fresh lemon, some complexing lees, and a clean, balanced finish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.50 | 750ml |
| NL | $24.98 | 750ml |
| PE | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Foxly Chardonnay 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFoxly is a new line of wines from Foxtrot that is more affordable and drinkable sooner, but it firmly remains within the house style. Leaner, tighter, and sophisticated, they are wines for wine drinkers and people who love to serve their wine with food. Look for a mix of fresh green apple mixed with a citrus mineral undercurrent and long, lean, fresh finish. Clean, refreshing and screaming for food, it is a solid bottle of chardonnay for the price.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Chardonnay 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a solid chardonnay that packs a lot of value for its modest $26 price tag. It's quite complex, if lacking some precision, with citrus and orchard fruit, hazelnut, toasty oak, and some buttery malolactic character. It retains a nice degree of freshness, even at 14%, with a creamy texture that's calling for fresh shellfish in a butter sauce. If you're looking for a classic style of chardonnay, you'll find a lot to like here.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Chardonnay 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis easy drinking, well crafted chardonnay is coming off some of the oldest vines on the Naramata Bench, and is all barrel fermented in French oak. I love the combination of acid and creamy textures that pull you into the glass. Look for a mix of citrus soaked hazelnuts and ripe melon, and red apple with a slick of butter in the finish. It is a terrific wine to be enjoyed with fresh west coast seafood dishes such as halibut, prawns, and crab.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Ross Wise shows his deft touch with chardonnay with his first vintage at Black Hills. It's elegant and poised, with a precision to the fruit that immediately grabs your attention. The emphasis is on freshness, not only in terms of the bright citrus, but also the modest 13%. The oak is beautifully integrated, with added complexity coming from a touch of flinty reduction. Some richness on the palate alludes to its South Okanagan origins, but otherwise this is beautifully restrained. Outstanding value at this price.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frind Estate Winery Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is fresh with light green apple, green melon. The attack is similar, with more green melon and slightly bitter pear. Light, bright, and ready to drink, this is a simple wine best suited to summer dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from four estate blocks in Osoyoos (62%) and the Naramata Bench (38%), this is predominantly fermented and aged in stainless steel, with 20% of the blend put in new French oak for 3-4 months. Unsurprisingly, this is very much fruit forward, with the vanillin of the oak asserting itself on the finish. It's a riper style that's quite estery, pushing into the orchard fruit spectrum, but with sufficient acidity to balance the creamy texture and subtle impression of sweetness. Correct, and a wine that's sure to appeal broadly, but lacks elegance.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipening chardonnay isn’t a problem in BC. It is getting the acidity and freshness to match the fruit, and at 13 percent, winemaker Ross Wise is hitting the sweet spot with this label. Using only the French oak, the wine shows a mix of citrus, baked red apples, and tropical fruit undertones. A cross between Burgundy and California is the best way to look at this wine that should fly off the shelves this summer. Halibut steaks, Dungeness crab, lobster, and creamy risottos are all possibilities.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peak Cellars Chardonnay 2018
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate Carr's Landing vineyard, this was planted from 2013 through 2015. Grapes were whole bunch pressed to tank for an over night settle (with no additives), and then racked to barrels for ferment and 10 months aging, with very minimal MLF (20% new wood). The wood is certainly present and in the fore, with creamy, spiced and toasty notes woven throughout lemon curd, perfumed cream, ripe pear, baked yellow apples. There is a pop of lemon peel that gives this a welcome freshening, but the overall heft weighs it down. Best taken with richer, creamy dishes like halibut chowder.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peak Cellars Chardonnay 2018
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYoung vines from the Carrs Landing vineyard, planted from 2013 through 2015, go into this wine. The winemaking is minimal: whole bunched pressed to tank, settled overnight and racked to barrel, with only 20 percent new wood used during a ten month ageing period. The style is rich and open with creamy vanilla and toast sitting over a light lemon, baked apple base. Not as fresh as most of the whites coming out of O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars but will have appeal to those who like their chardonnay rich and creamy.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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26 April 2021
89PTS
Wente Riva Ranch Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Wente Riva Ranch is sourced from the family’s estate vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Arroyo Seco’s long, cool, growing season is ideal for pinot noir, as are the gravelly-loam soils rich in shale and limestone deposits. Add to that the old vines and eight clones (Pommard, Martini, 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, and 77), and you have a complex mix of agents that contribute to this affordable pinot. In 2018 the wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 16 months in a 50/50 mix of new French oak and neutral oak. Baking spices mingled with red raspberry and red apple fruit aroma and flavours in a very drinkable pinot noir with light tannins. Serve now with grilled pork sausages, duck or salmon.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Leko Pinot Noir 2019
Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaLEKO Wine is an Adelaide Hills sister brand to Clare Valley's Koerner Wine. Damon Koerner and his wife Maddy bought a property in Lenswood in 2017, now home to this winery. Damon developed a passion for the Adelaide Hills through his 10 years as a viticulturist in the region. The name LEKO represents Lenswood and Koerner while also giving a nod to Maddy’s maiden name, Lehmann. From Willsmore Vineyard, in Adelaide Hills' Piccadilly Valley, this organic pinot noir was planted in 1998 (MV6), and 2001 (114) on the site's sandy loam, sandstone, and broken red rocks. This was 50% whole berry (no bunches), fermented native in open top stainless over two weeks, then aged in 2000L Slavonian oak foudre and French barrique for 1 year, prior to a stainless tightening for 2 months. It was bottled without fining or filtration. Juicy and joyous, with perfumed raspberry, red currant, herbal green branch tightness freshened with crunchy acidity, on a medium bodied palate. Tannins are slight and softly furry, framing this bright wine to a mustard seed finish. Cool climate, new wave, low intervention, Oz pinot. Take with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Satellite Pinot Noir 2018
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandLight, bright, and juicy, this is a classic, easy-sipping Marlborough pinot with soft edges and plenty of fragrant black cherry. Cool and aromatic, you can feel it has been hanging on the vine, putting on flavour without much weight. Ready to drink, it will benefit from 10 minutes in the refrigerator to keep it at cellar temperature and delightfully food-friendly. Perfect with grilled chicken dishes. Solid.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kutatas Ferment Nine Pinot Noir 2018
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two 2018 North Saanich pinot noirs from the same 1 hectare, dry-farmed, clay-soiled vineyard. Both are clone 114 at 200+m altitude, and they were picked same day. However, for this very limited release (a single ferment), 40% whole cluster was used before a native ferment over 5 weeks, and aging in 2-3 year French oak barrels for 14 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Don't let the heavyweight bottles, or thick wax fool you. This is an elegant, medium+ pinot noir. Wild raspberries, cherries, black plums is lashed with ample marine salinity, and layered with perfumed plum on the textural, yet silken palate. Tannins are finely grippy and long, housing this to a lingering spiced / saline finish. There's an alluring dark floral note darting throughout the underneath of this silken wine. Drinking beautifully now, in youth, but has the structure to cellar over the next few years. Certainly a winery to watch. While they have a light vit/vini footprint, I hope they can move their packaging into an equally sustainable and modern way.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kutatás Patricia Bay Pinot Noir 2018
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two 2018 North Saanich pinot noirs from the same 1 hectare, dry-farmed, clay-soiled vineyard. Both are clone 114 at 200+m altitude, and they were picked same day. This bottling was the result of a number of small ferments, blended together. Patty Bay was destemmed and native fermented, run to barrel after about 6 weeks and remained in 1-3 year French oak barrels for about one year before bottling without fining or filtration. Don't let the massive heavyweight bottles fool you. This is an elegant medium bodied pinot, full of finesse. Wild raspberries, cherries, plums is lashed with ample marine salinity, and livened with bright acidity on the fresh, textural palate. Tannins are finely grippy, leading this to a lingering pink peppercorn, saline finish. Drinking beautifully now, in youth, but has the structure to cellar over the next few years. Quite impressive, and certainly a winery to watch. While they have a light vit/vini footprint, I hope they can move their packaging into an equally sustainable and modern way.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Shaw and Smith Lenswood Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaFrom their home base in cool climate Lenswood, Adelaide Hills, this pinot noir was planted in 1999 at 500m in brown loam over clay, dotted with shale and stones. This was 30% whole bunch, native fermented long and slow before 10 months in oak puncheons prior to bottling without fining or filtration. The latter is evident through the slightly dusky hue, leading into scents of forest floor, perfumed plum, dark cherry, wild mushrooms, laced with iodine and herbal branchy notes. Tannins are soft and furry, while acidity is bright, carrying this to a lingering, baking spiced finish. Drinking smartly now, with a slight chill and ideally with wild mushroom / truffled dishes.Prices:| BC | $117.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $114.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Giant Steps Single Vineyard Wines Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaYou can see why the Australian media is so excited about this pinot. Fresh, light, and medium-weight, this projects a lot of pinot character and fits the Jackson Family Wines' delicious factor they like in their pinot noir. Giants Steps’ is now under the watch of JFW Australia and will have access to many resources, including the mind and palate of Peter Fraser. I have no history with this wine, but it doesn’t take much to fall in love with the elegance here and the rooty, savoury undercurrent that complexes its delicious red fruit—what a delicate pinot with extraordinary length. Let’s hope local buyers get on board and order all they can get.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haut-Blanville Grande Réserve Pinot Noir 2019
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau Haut-Blanville is a family-owned Languedoc wine estate that was founded in 1997 by Béatrice & Bernard Nivollet. Their 70 ha of vineyards extend across The Grés de Montpellier AOP, stretching from the Hérault middle valley to the Vidourle, and from the Mediterranean in the south to the Pic Saint-Loup in the north. Wines are produced naturally, without the use of any additions except a minimal amount of sulphur upon bottling. This pinot noir comes from the limestone and basalt soils of Pézenas at 100-150m, on a cool, north-facing single vineyard. Juicy and fruit-forward, with plum, black raspberry and cherry flooding the medium bodied palate, finishing with a light puff of smoke. Tannins are soft and cocoa dusted, and acidity is humming. A welcoming and friendly pinot for drinking now.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Zena Crown Vista Pinot Noir 2017
Oregon, United StatesSourced from several blocks within Zena Crown Vineyard, now more than a dozen years old. It’s aged 16 months in 53 percent new French oak barrels. Winemaker Shane Moore likes a high percentage of new oak with medium and medium-plus toast levels because new barrels breathe, permitting more oxygen ingress than wine-soaked neutral wood. The wine only moves once: into the bottle. If there’s one wine that reflects Zena Crown Vineyard, Moore thinks it is the 2017 Vista. The nose is savoury Oregon with coffee, toast and light-brown spice mixing with dark strawberry fruit. The palate is silky texture that seems to power up the spicy notes throughout the wine before a lengthy, earthy, wild pinot finish. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $109.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $100.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $111.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $111.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Willakenzie Estate Pinot Noir 2017
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe highly regarded WillaKenzie Estate, now under Jackson Family Wines' watch, takes its name from the sedimentary soil on which the vines are planted, and the long left aftermath of Oregon’s two major rivers Willamette and the McKenzie. The estate boasts 11 clones, reportedly the most in Oregon. 2016 is a mix of estate fruit from the Willakenzie Estate and Jory Hills Estate. The aromas and flavours are classic Willamette Valley, namely more Old World than New in the earthy, barnyard department with plenty of silky, savoury, black tea with a riff of black raspberry, rhubarb and cinnamon. Seamless in the finish with enough weight to impress without overloading its unique pinot noir character. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $48.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $48.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Otronia 45° Rugientes Pinot Noir 2017
Patagonia, ArgentinaBodega Otronia is all about extreme wine growing, from its most southern position in Argentina. Desert-like conditions and winds that can top 110 kilometres per hour make just getting to harvest an achievement, but as we know, the closer to the edge you get, the better the wine. Cool, delicate, and amazingly elegant, this pinot noir has a sophisticated wildness that captures your attention immediately. Red cherries and fresh strawberries, and a persistent cinnamon spice easily grab your attention. Best of all is its amazing silky palate throughout. A beautiful newcomer.Prices:| CDN | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Otronia I Pinot Noir 2018
Patagonia, ArgentinaWe feel privileged to have an early look at the Bodega Otronia wines making their way to Canada. The vineyards of Otronia are located in Patagonia, the southernmost region of Argentina. Extreme is a word many use to describe Patagonia, wind-whipped most of the time and is about as cool as it gets when it comes to viticulture. The top-of-the-line pinot opens with a pale colour and an earthy, raspberry, forest floor nose similar to many Oregon labels. On the palate, the textures are silky smooth flecked with red cherry, a whiff of truffle, and floral notes in what is a long, complex finish with perfect acidity throughout, keeping it fresh. An impressive start for this label.Prices:| CDN | $85.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2017
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesJulia's Vineyard was originally planted in the 1970s, and was named for Julia Jackson in 1988 after the Jackson family purchased the winery two years earlier. You feel the warmth of Santa Maria Valley here, both in terms of the darker fruit profile and the rich, glycerous texture. But it's nicely balanced by savoury notes of underbrush and flint, with well-integrated oak spice. Already drinking well now, thanks to its silky tannins, serve this with a slight chill to bring out more freshness. It's serious pinot that's a steal at this price. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| US | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRetasted six months down the road, and 2018 has settled in to be an excellent bottle of pinot for the price. It is packed full of black cherry. The textures are similarly inviting, with just enough structure to channel all the mouth-filling fruit along the palate with an even more impressive 13.5 alcohol content. Seriously pinot-like, this was once thought unattainable in California. Delicious and friendly, you can serve it with duck, mushrooms, root vegetables, soft cheeses, and pork. La Crema Sonoma Coast oversees a large production of estate and grower vineyards, all within the cool, marine swept boundaries of Sonoma County.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.10 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.85 | 750ml |
| NFL | $41.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe subregion of Gualltallary is a buy sign for me, and this pinot grown at 1300m above sea level in Tupungato is just another example of that statement. Raised in stony, gravelly, chalky soils, Terroir Unico was native fermented in cement, giving it volume and pureness of fruit throughout. The attack is soft and awash in dark cherry, spice, and black raspberries with easy-sipping tannins in the back end. Definitely Argentine but mostly cool southern pinot. I’m thinking chicken empanadas. Fine value too.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017
Burgundy, FranceThis entry-level pinot noir from leading negoc Joseph Drouhin came from a dozen appellations across Bourgogne. After a native ferment in stainless, this aged there for 8 months prior to bottling. Stewed cherry, raspberry, fills the shorter, juicy palate, seasoned with autumnal spices to a herbal, gently warming finish. A vast improvement from the last time I tasted, this is a fair glimpse at what pinot noir in its homeland can begin to be like.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Rouge 2017
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceThis is a biodynamically farmed massale selection of clones coming from a 1 hectare parcel of estate fruit, with some younger vines from Clos des Mouches and other declassified 1er Crus. The was native fermented, and the new oak is limited to 10 percent. Elegant and polished, with perfumed cherry, tart raspberry, wild strawberry on a long, slender palate, seasoned with gently smoked wood spices, subtle iodine, and mineral salts. There's a relaxed feel of age with this wine, showing more age than its 4 years would suggest. Drink now, with roasted poultry and/or wild mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.95 | 750ml |
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23 April 2021
89PTS
Wild Goose Riesling 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic Wild Goose Riesling has been overdelivering since the middle 1980s. Cool slate, floral, orange float from the glass. The attack is fresh and clean with crisp, juicy, elegant granny smith apple streaked with pear, lemon, lime, and nectarine skin. Bright, mineral, ready to drink. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Four Shadows Riesling Classic 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two rieslings this Naramata Bench winery releases, this is the sweeter, more Germanically styled of the two. Ripe pear, grapefruit rind fill a juicy palate, held taut by a pithy grapefruit, and perfumed with apple blossoms. Easy, bright, friendly and ready to crack now.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Four Shadows Riesling Dry 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a tight, limey, straight, bone-dry riesling from their Naramata Bench vineyards. Crisp green apple, grapefruit, underripe pear runs the sleek, streamline palate, finishing with a tropical lychee twist. If you like a nervy, dry riesling, here you go.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kitsch Maria's Block Riesling 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMaria's Block was home to the first plantings of riesling at Kitsch's estate in East Kelowna. It's since been pulled out due to winter damage sustained in January 2019, and this is the last vintage. It's a spectacular way to finish, a bit like an athlete retiring in their prime. The clone is 239, a Geisenheim clone originally from Germany. This wine speaks to that Germanic influence, but more importantly, shouts Okanagan. It’s quite pithy and mineral, with well-defined citrus fruits and just a hint of petrol. The balance is on point, with racy, zippy acidity that carries the light touch of residual sugar (16 g/L) to an off-dry finish. The choice to give this a year in the cellar before its release was a smart one. Recommended and good value. Only 250 cases were produced.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kitsch Maria's Block Riesling 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSadly Maria's Block was frozen out during the winter of 2019, and the vines have been subsequently pulled out. Gone but not forgotten, this final effort is a standout. 239 is a Geisenheim clone that originated in Germany, but what you notice is some petrol on the nose. Not enough to bother but rather just enough to complex the aroma and, as some might suggest, point to a warmer site than its ancestral heritage. No matter, this is a delicious wine. Fresh and tightly wound, it is a bath of citrus and herbal notes with just enough residual to keep you going back to the glass or looking for a spicy bite. Hold or drink it is going nowhere.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peak Cellars Riesling 2019
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lake Country estate, this tight, tart riesling is led by lime and lemon sherbet, with lip-smacking acidity and punchy gooseberry and crunchy kiwi on the snappy finish. A needed bump of 9 g/L RS helps to cut the searing acidity, but it's still left on a lime twist. Chill well and crack now.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Riesling 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNine months down the road, this riesling is just hitting its stride. Fresh, juicy, and mouthwatering, it is swimming in bright fruit, making it the perfect, ready to drink style of just off dry riesling. The nose is floral, and the palate is easy sipping with stony, mineral aspects mingling with flowers, lime zest, nectarine, and juicy green apples. A gentle touch of sugar smooths out the finish and leaves you wanting more. Serve with spicy Indian / Chinese / Thai curries. It’s all Golden Mile fruit picked two weeks apart. A bargain for riesling lovers.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peak Cellars Riesling 2019
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Stephanie Stanley heads up all the aromatic wines at O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars and has all the right stuff in this Carrs Landing riesling. A second tasting five months down the road confirms the bright lemon-lime fruit flecked with pear, grapefruit, honey, and floral notes. The style is cool and minerally with a fresh undercurrent of acidity. More cool kids than oldtimer, it is a food friendly riesling leading my thoughts to spicy chicken wraps, Margherita pizza, Asian curries, Mexican vegetarian and well, most anything you like. Tasty and affordable but best served with food.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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22 April 2021
88PTS
Poggio Anima Belial Sangiovese 2019
Tuscany, ItalyPoggio Anima is a joint project between Toscana's Le Ragnaie, and one of their American importers to highlight different regions and indigenous grapes around Italy. Each cuvée in the colourful series is named for fantastic mythical beasts. This single vineyard comes from 24-45 year old vines rooted in rocky red clays near Siena. This was native fermented whole berry in stainless, with a small portion moved to neutral Slavonian Botti for 8 months of aging. Fragrant dark plum, blueberry, wild blackberry fill the juicy palate, seasoned with finely rasped spices, along a mineral-flecked palate. Tannins are softly sticky, as is the palate, making this a friendly, welcoming choice for tonight, especially with ribs or grilled veg kabobs.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Il Carnasciale Ottantadue 2018
Tuscany, ItalyFrom the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of south eastern Chianti’s Valdarno region, this organically farmed sangiovese is rooted in clay limestone soils. After a native ferment in stainless and concrete, this rested 14 months in stainless, and a few months in bottle prior to release. After a short wave of youthful reduction blows past, this streams fragrant black cherries, wild raspberries, rose petals and hints of scrubby dried rosemary and thyme. Tannins are long and fine, and acidity is easily lofted, carrying this to a lightly spiced finish. Fresher than anticipated for 14%, this is a very pure version of sangiovese.Prices:| ON | $43.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
San Felice Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis CC blends 80% sangiovese, 10% colorino, 10% pugnitello from Castelnuovo Beradenga, in the very south of the appellation. These vines grow in stony clay albarese soils at 350-430m. After fermentation in stainless, this rests in large Slavonian casks for one year. Tight cherry, red currant, strawberries fill the slender palate, with tart cranberry acidity and pinched, slight tannins guiding this to a snappy, tomato leaf finish.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis CC comes from Gaiole in Chianti, in the southeastern part of the appellation. This organic Sangiovese is tipped with 10% indigenous grapes, and rooted in the sandy, stony albarese soils of the area, at 250-350m. After a native ferment in stainless, this aged on year in French and Austrian casks of varying sizes. Bright and stony, with fragrant cherries, raspberries, plum, red currants on a textural palate, bedded with river stones, and lofted with easy acidity. Tannins are long and lithe, drawing this to a humming limestone finish. This finessed wine is showing beautifully now, but has time in cellar ahead.Prices:| BC | $39.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis sangiovese (tipped with 5% each of colorino and malvasia) comes from Castellina in Chianti, in the lower western part of the Chianti Classico appellation. The vines are rooted in albarese clay/loam soils, at 300-550m. After fermentation in stainless, this rested one year in French oak (225 and 500L0, 40% new. Fragrant black cherries, dark raspberries leap from the glass and follow on the medium+ palate, wrapped with ample, soft, well-integrated tannins. There's a fine, smoked / dusty minerality woven throughout this wine, lingering and luring on the finish. Quite polished and drinking very well now, but certainly with time ahead.Prices:| AB | $33.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis modern-styled CC comes from San Donato in Poggio, in the western centre of the Chianti Classico region. The Sangiovese is tipped with 15% canaiolo and 2% shiraz, from the region's stony albarese soils, at 400m. This was native fermented in stainless and aged in very large casks for a year. Round and plumped, with dusky black plum, perfumed cherry, black raspberry, pipe tobacco, kirsch, ruling the cushioned palate. Acidity is blackcurrant tart, and tannins are lightly fuzzy, guiding this to the savoury spiced finish. You can feel the hum of the soils throughout this richer wine. In youth, this fares best now with a decant and richer bolognese or give it a couple of years in the cellar to settle into itself.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
San Felice Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalySan Felice works only with native varieties, and in this case, it's mostly sangiovese with small amounts of colorino and pugnitello. The local varieties toe the lighter, fresher red fruit styling of classic Chianti, where elegance is prized above all. Post ferment, the wine spends one year in large older Slavonian oak casks. Look for a firm, youthful mix of red cherries and cranberries with a forest floor and earth brush. A wine constructed for food such as a mushroom or Tuscan pizza.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyTwo vineyards in the heart of Chianti Classico were joined in the 1950s, forming what is now called Isole e Olena made under the watchful eye of Paolo de Marchi, aka Mr. Sangiovese. Marchiloves 100 percent sangiovese wines, although this label mixes in canaiolo and syrah to shape this delicious 2018. It spends a year in large casks, leaving little evidence of wood ageing other than a fullness in the mouth. It hits the palate with plenty of style and a mix of black cherries and raspberries, dusted with pipe tobacco smoke and a spicy finish. It is what it is — a vibrant red that speaks of place and care. Make your favourite ragu and get ready for a night in Tuscany that would make the natives jealous.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Ragnaie Troncone 2018
Tuscany, ItalyMontalcino has an altitude limit in Brunello; it's not allowed to grow above 600m. This organically farmed sangiovese is grown from 620-655m altitude, hence it fell into the declassification of IGT Chianti Colli Senesi. In the 2014, the wine was too pale and wasn't even approved for that, so Riccardo Campinoti said BASTA and labelled the wines IGT Toscana Rosso. Troncone means stump, and was the nickname of Riccardo's grandfather. There is also a large stump in the sandstone, limestone and clay vineyard, giving this wine's name a double meaning. Ragnaie is the name of the vineyard, Etruscan for spiderweb, and reflecting the label and the netting that Etruscans would use to catch small birds. This 14 year old organically farmed sangiovese was native fermented and on skins for 2 weeks in concrete, before one year in older Slavonian oak casks. Alluring cherry, perfumed black raspberry, scrubby herbs fill the fresh, slender palate, wrapped with fine, grippy tannins to a lingering salted finish. Sangiovese + altitude = beauty.Prices:| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lanciola Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2017
Impruneta, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyIn Greve, in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, the winery has 14 hectares, 10 of which are devoted to vineyards sitting on shale soils at approximately 300 meters. This Sangiovese is splashed with 10% of other local grapes, and fermented and rested in a mix of stainless and very large old oak barrels. Perfumed cherry, raspberry, candle wax is held with strident, lightly sticky tannins, guiding this medium bodied wine through to the bright, salted finish. Lovely food wine, especially with roast mushrooms and/or lamb.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Leone Rosso Orcia 2016
Orcia, Tuscany, ItalyDOC Orcia is produced in 13 municipalities between Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This is 60/40 sangiovese/merlot from the historic estate, built by Donatella Cinelli Colombini's ancestors in 1592. Six months in tonneaux has provided the structure housing this chewy, savoury wine, flooded with black cherry, dark raspberry, anise, smoked stones, and peppery baking spice. Tannins are ample and sticky, holding this in through the salted black liquorice finish. Drinking well now, with roasted lamb.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino 2019
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Tenuta Fanti estate has belonged to the Fanti family since the beginning of the eighteenth century. It extends across 300 hectares in Toscana, 52ha of which are specialized certified sustainable vineyards. Made from 15-20-year-old vines, the wine was fermented for 20-25 days in stainless before ageing for one year in oak barrels, 300L French oak barriques, and 3,000L oak barrels. The wine then aged in a bottle for 7 months before release. Perfumed raspberry, worn wood, cherry fills the slight frame, edged with grippy tannins, and finishing with a drying rasp of spices. Best taken now with grilled lamb or sausage.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyPeppoli grows in the heart of Chianti Classico on a 50-hectare site planted to most of the typical grapes in Chianti. It was first released in 1988 (vintage 1985) and has been a classic almost since the day it launched. It is a terrific ragu wine, but often the Tuscans will pair it with a classic regional bean soup. Look for a lightish red colour and a floral, aromatic nose of cherries and raspberries. The palate is bright with more earthy, cedary, spicy red flavours that call for food. An impressive bottle of real wine true to form, at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Tuscany, ItalyDon’t confuse the Marchesi Antinori Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva with lesser Villa Antinori that made the rounds in monopoly stores in the 80s and 90s. The Marchesi Riserva delivers as it should for its DOCG rating. The fruit is dense and ripe with spicy blueberry and balsamic upfront, and rich, at least for sangiovese, black cherries, licorice with a complexing touch of bitterness in the finish. Impressive and age-worthy, that should hold well through 2027-28. Try this with spaghetti bolognese or grilled lamb chops and spring vegetables. The label is historic, issued first in 1928 and brought back to coincide with the new Antinori nel Chianti Classico cellars at Bargino. The final blend is 90 percent sangiovese and, depending on the year, could be mixed with merlot or cabernet sauvignon before spending 20 months in mostly larger casks and a few small barrels.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Castello Vicchiomaggio Chianti Classico La Prima Gran Selezione 2016
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyThis castle dates back to 957, and is the largest south of Florence. It was purchased by the current family in 1964. The estate is 150 hectares, with 24 hectares of CC. This Gran Selezione comes from Greve's heavy clay soils, at 250m. This blends 90% sangiovese with 10% merlot, native fermented in stainless before 18 months in French barriques, and one year bottle aging prior to release. Very perfumed and elegant with fragrant raspberries, wild cherries on a finessed palate, with long, finely structural tannins framing the finely textural fruit. Drinking very smartly now, but will continue to grow with cellaring.Prices:| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Brancaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
Tuscany, ItalyThis CCR comes from their two estates, in Radda, and Castellina. This blends 80% sangiovese and 20% merlot, from alberese and galestro soils, at 250-400m. After a native ferment in stainless and barriques, this aged 16 months in 50% new French casks (500L tonneaux for Sangiovese, and barriques for Merlot). Dark and brooding with black cherry, blackberries, black liquorice, dusty stone, dark cocoa, and ample spicing. The mouthfeel is plush, housed with firm, long tannins through the lengthy, warming, wild mint licked finish. Quite a polished, powerful wine, modern-styled, still in youth, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $39.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2017
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis historic property has quite a storied lineage, passing from noble and important families over the centuries. This 800ha property has 88 ha of vines, with 18ha in Chianti Classico, split over 12 different plots. This 100% sangiovese grows on alluvial soils dotted with calcareous pebbles, at 300-400m. After a native ferment in stainless, this moved into concrete for a few weeks prior to 2 years aging in French tonneaux. Dark and sultry, with black cherry, black raspberry wrapped with enveloping, finely structural tannins. There is beautiful freshness and elegance carrying this long along the palate, to a gently spiced, warming finish. Much time ahead yet.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Valvirginio Chianti Classico Nero dei Venti 2015
Tuscany, ItalyNice to try a CC with a little bit of bottle age. This is from a Co-op in the south of Florence, established in 1972, and made up of 350 families, contributing 1500 hectares across Chianti total. 12 families contribute to Chianti Classico, with vineyards coming from San Casciano Fal di Pesa, and Greve. This blends 80% sangiovese, and 20% merlot, from galestro soils and 200-500m. After a ferment limiting oxygen, this aged in small French oak barrels and stainless for one year. Sweetly ripe cherry, raspberry, some green sapid branch rules the tart, medium bodied palate. Though worn with time, tannins are still somewhat ragged around the sides, gripping this on the finish.Prices:| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Miccine Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyPaula is Canadian born, with Tuscan roots, and after childhood visiting Italy, she knew she wanted to make her life there. After studying agriculture in Canada, and viticulture studies and working across Europe, she ended up in Chianti and this hilly, organically farmed 7ha property. After picking and vinifying her sections separately, she then blends. This is a blend of 90% sangiovese, 5% malvasia nera (floral aromatics, low acidity, higher pH), and 5% colorino, on alberese, clay, and alluvial soils, from 350-400m. After a native ferment in stainless, this moved to older large French oak casks and tonneaux for 12-16 months. Gentle wood frames fragrant cherries, raspberries, on a finessed palate. Tannins are long and fine, housing this to a lingering spiced finish. Understated.Prices:| QC | $23.80 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyFrom Castello di Radda, in the lower-mid of Chianti Classico, this sangiovese is topped with 5% colorino and 5% canaiolo, planted in clay, galestro, and alberese soils at 350-450m. After a stainless and ferment, this aged in tonneaux and Slavonian 20hl barrels. Worn wood, red cherries, black raspberries take over a medium-bodied palate, finishing with a swell of warmth and housed by gripping tannins. For drinking now, particularly with roast pork and / or root veg.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2015
Tuscany, ItalyWe can debate whether the 2016 vintage is better than 2015, but they are both good, as reflected by this Vino Nobile from the Antinori family. The wine spends about ten days on skins during the fermentation process before going to large oak casks for one year. After bottling in the second spring of life, the wine gets an additional twelve months of ageing in the bottle at the winery before it heads to market. La Braccesca, the property, extends over 508 hectares once owned by the Bracci Counts, who gave both their name and their coat of arms, an armoured arm holding an upright sword, to the estate. The vineyard surface of 340 hectares is divided into two separate blocks, including three historic sub zones for outstanding reds: Cervognano, Santa Pia, and Gracciano. 2015 is the 25th vintage at La Braccesca, and as mentioned, it is a delicious bottle of sangiovese, or prugnolo gentile as it's known in the region, mixed with a small amount of merlot to fill out the mid-palate. Expect an aromatic mix of violets and red and black fruit. The palate is round and slippery with more juicy, fresh blackberry and black cherries with a dusting of minerality to balance the finish. Spaghetti and meatballs, anyone?Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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21 April 2021
90PTS
Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California, United StatesCaterwaul is a collaborative project between Thomas Rivers Brown and Matt Hardon. Thomas Rivers Brown is the winemaker for some of Napa and Sonoma’s most iconic labels (Schrader Cellars, Outpost and his own Rivers-Marie), and has more than twenty 100-point wines on his resume. Matt Hardin, a 6th generation Napa resident and farmer, is partner in Barbour Vineyards and owns one of the most renowned vineyard management companies in Northern California. Exhuberant blackberry, black cherry, violets and methyl lees to a full-bodied palate based on dense jammy cassis. Tannins are fine, lightly sandy / grippy through to the drying finish. Still in youth, but this polished wine is drinking smartly now, with ample freshness.Prices:| ON | $84.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesFrom Central Valley's Dunnigan Hills AVA, this is a 79/13/8 blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and petit verdot, aged in a combination of French, Hungarian, and American oak for a year. It hits the glass with a black/red colour and a flush of somewhat tart black fruit flecked with black olive and smoky oak, dusted in spice and dried herbs. There is still tannin to disperse, but it is manageable and nothing a piece of grilled beef or a creamy mushroom sauce can’t handle.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.88 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis wine pays homage to three of Austin Hope's mentors: his father, his uncle, and winemaker Chuck Wagner. No doubt one of the lessons he learned was how to produce wines that sell, and he's done an impressive job of that at Hope Family Wines. The winemaking mantra has been go big and go bold, and that's certainly the case here. There's stewed black and blue fruits with no shortage of smoky oak. It's noticeably sweet (8 g/L residual sugar), which gives this added richness and an easy drinking plushness. Made to enjoy on its own as much as with a plate of saucy BBQ ribs.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Sonoma County, California, United States2018 brings a new look to this well-established label, which we've been reviewing since 1997. Rodney Strong planted his first cabernet vineyard in 1971 in Sonoma's Alexander Valley, and today this wine comes from three vineyards across the County. This shows ripe, plummy fruit with graphite and a moderate dusting of oak spices. It's direct and accessible, with soft tannins that make this ready to drink now. It's not a shy wine at 14.5%, but it's still fresh and balanced.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.90 | 750ml |
| US | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThere’s no arguing the success of this wine. It’s forward and bold, with jammy dark fruits and a good amount of oak vanillin. The perceptible sweetness (10 g/L residual sugar) makes this smooth and easy drinking, while still amply rich. As far as sweet reds go, this is a cut above the competition.Prices:| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.31 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NFL | $20.58 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIf you know Napa, you know the appellations this has been sourced from: Rutherford, Calistoga, and St. Helena. But this is Napa reimagined. The cabernet sauvignon here is rounded out by syrah, petite sirah, merlot, touriga nacional (!), cabernet franc, and charbono (!!), among others. And it's a reminder that the Napa we know may look quite different in decades to come due to climate change. The fruit is darker here than the 2015 vintage we last tried, but it's still quite savoury with graphite, cedar, and herbs. It tastes traditional in style, but the blend tells us it's forward looking. Best in 5-7 years.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Treana Cabernet Sauvignon was created to celebrate those who influenced winemaker Austin Hope: his father Chuck Hope, his uncle Paul, and Napa Valley winemaker Chuck Wagner. The 2018 blends in a splash of petite sirah, merlot, and petit verdot into the blend. Sweet, ripe, and overtly rich, with candied blackberries, blueberry compote, candied black plums on a sluggish, full-bodied palate, framed with toasted oak and pipe tobacco. Tannins are chewy, hugging the soft, cushy palate to a baking spiced finish. Drink now, with roast beef, as expected.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe massive weight of this bottle matches the massive wine inside. Near opaque in the glass, this dense, hedonistic red is rich with sweetly ripe cherry, kirsch, raspberry jam, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The wood is ample, sweetly spicing and framing this through the sweet clove and allspice finish. Nothing shy about this. Ready to drink now, but can last a few years in the cellar easily.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $71.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $69.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $59.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $69.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California, United StatesThe vineyard sources for this California cabernet crisscross the state, and include Sonoma County, Mendocino, Lake County, San Benito, Monterey, and the Central Coast. The result is a wine with simple brambly fruit and a light dose of oak. It's soft, easy, and ready to drink, with a light touch of sweetness (5 g/L residual sugar). Pool side with burgers sounds about right.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesWente was established in Livermore Valley back in 1883 and is now its largest producer. It is a decidedly mass-market style, equal-parts simple, jammy black fruits and oak - soft, smooth, and easy.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Vineyards Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Charles Wetmore 2018
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesWetmore Vineyard is located in Livermore Valley, part of the larger San Francisco Bay AVA. It's just over a 30 minute drive from San Jose, so you can go wine tasting and catch the Sharks all in one day. Wente was established in the Valley back in 1883, and is now its largest producer. This cabernet shows bold blackberry with a good amount of mocha and toasted oak after 18 months in barrel (40% new French oak). It's firmly structured, with medium-grained tannins, so this will drink at its best in 3-4 years. Some time in bottle will also help to bring some complexity to the straightforward fruit. Correct, if a bit simple.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIt's cabernet sauvignon on the label, but a Bordeaux blend in spirit. It takes full advantage of California's ability to blend in a healthy dollop of other grapes into a single varietal wine, with merlot (16%), malbec (4%), petit verdot (3%), and cabernet franc (1%). It also blends valley floor and mountain fruit from five vineyards, to produce a wine led by cassis and backed by an appealing savouriness with graphite, mint, and a touch of developing cedar. The vanilla-tinged oak is present but balanced (35% new French oak), leading to a medium-full bodied palate that's linear in texture with firm tannins. Just starting to enter prime time, this is true both to Napa and the estate's house style.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon NV
California, United StatesOne of the reasons to produce a non vintage wine is to maintain consistency over time, and that approach makes complete sense for this wine. It also explains why this iteration is similar to what I last tasted. It shows jammy, liqueured black fruits and smoky oak that’s targeted for the big red crowd. Some sweetness softens the tannins, which is a boon if you're looking for a red to open tonight.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.05 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| NFL | $34.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California, United StatesThis earns the California designation on its label, with grapes sourced from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Monterey, Mendocino, and Lodi. There's some black currant fruit, but really this is about abundant confected oak, which ranges from vanilla to roasted coffee. It's pleasantly dry, with a linear texture and soft, powdery notes. Correct, if one-dimensional.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Campbell Kind Wines California Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesCampbell Kind Wines is a new project from Lifford Wine & Spirits founder Steven Campbell, build on from his decades travelling the wine world and connections in this industry. These are carbon neutral wines selected and produced by his winemaker friends around the world, packaged with the Kind Wine packaging, and line priced across Canada at a very attractive price. The aim is overdeliver value for drinkable, well-crafted wines, all while making an environmentally responsible choice. In addition this project has resulting in the planting of more than 90,000 trees in Canada. Rich, ripe and dense with California sunshine, this is made in partnership with the Kautz family, third generation wine growers in Lodi, from Ironstone Vineyards. Potpourri swirled with dark chocolate and dark florals overlay the potent black blueberry, blackberry, and cassis. Tannins are soft and nubile, wood is overt and cedar spicy to a vanilla finish. Though this tastes quite sweet, it reports only 2 g/L RS. Fans of simpler Cali Cab will find a lot to like here.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Kendall-Jackson Jackson Estate Hawkeye Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesHawkeye Mountain is K-J's signature mountain property in the Alexander Valley AVA. It is planted from 900 to 2400 feet above sea level on shallow, rocky, and gravelly loam. The vineyard pitches mostly west and sometimes south on steep hillsides. For the most part, limited release Hawkeye Ridge red sits above the fog line earning the ‘island in the sky’ moniker. Early mornings can be cool, building acidity and lengthening the growing season, but the afternoons above the fog line are warm. It’s a mountain wine, so double decanting is highly recommended if you're going to drink it at such a young age. It’s the second time I have tasted this wine this year, and it remains big and bold but with a surprising amount of restraint. The palate is packed full of black fruit spiked with licorice, tobacco, and a quiet undercurrent of oak. The finish is long, savoury, and persistent with mineral tones and rich, fine-grained tannins. This is the real deal and an excellent starting point to talk about Sonoma County cabernet's ability to reach eights normally attributed to only Napa Valley. Bravo Randy Ullom.Prices:| BC | $61.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $89.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, United States2017 was a solid vintage marred only by the horrific wildfires that swept through the region in October. The nose alone will tell you this wine was picked just prior to the fires. Both floral and mineral, with exotic spice penetrating the wine from front to back. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and then underwent native malolactic fermentation in barrels to round acidity and softly integrate the vanillin character of French oak (94% new). It is barrel aged for months and is bottled without fining or filtration. The blend is 94/3/1.5/1.5 cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, and it is a giant of a wine packed full of black and blue fruit, purity, and a bony cedar tannic backbone. It will require a decade to rest and settle into a wine you can enjoy by the bottle. For now, a glass or two with a favourite steak is the best way to explore this terrific wine. Mt. Brave Vineyard sits high atop Mt. Veeder at an elevation of 1,400 to 1,800 feet on an area planted since the early 1860s. On the western flank of Napa Valley, the estate is named for the native Wappos, who first called it home. The mountain site is all about high elevation and thin, rocky soils planted to four cabernet clones (191, 4, 8, and 337) and three rootstocks (3309C, 101-14, and 1103P) that combine to neutralize some of the issues in what is usually a slow-moving, long, cool growing season above the fog line.Prices:| BC | $114.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Knotty Vines Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California, United StatesWhen Rodney Strong first arrived in Sonoma in the 1960s, he bought some benchland acreage on Westside Road just behind the winery that included 15 acres of old, gnarled Zinfandel vines planted in 1904. The Gnarly Vine brand's success has inspired the Rodney Strong team to expand the selection, and this cabernet is one of the chosen grapes in the lineup. Like the zin, the cabernet is made in a softer, approachable style with a mix of mocha, black cherry, and soft tannins. The good news is the earthy, dark fruit keeps it focused through the smooth finish. Ready to drink now, and best with meat-based dishes, including pizzas. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Stags' Leap Cabernet is built around valley floor fruit from cooler pockets in the south. It's still Napa through and through, with rich cassis and blackberry, backed by mint and toasted baking spices after aging in 37% new French oak for 20 months. It's medium-full bodied and nicely structured, with firm, fine-grained tannins and enough freshness to make it all work. Some time in the cellar will allow the oak to further integrate, but there is lots of appeal to its youthful fruit. Smartly priced.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $59.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $64.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $64.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $69.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $69.99 | 750ml |
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20 April 2021
88PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate Cerqueira Vineyard, on the Black Sage Terrace, and its calcium carbonate laced sandy loam, this merlot was destemmed and warm fermented over three weeks prior to aging 14 months neutral French barrels. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Plush dark cherry, blackberry, floods the juicy palate, stencilled with pencil lead and threaded with a vein of minerality. Tannins are moderately sticky, hugging this to the cedar spiced finish. A welcoming, savoury, drink-me-now merlot, ready for your burgers.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bartier Merlot specializes in the purity of fruit, showing ripe, dark cherry, blueberry, and an overall juicy character that intrigues. Tannins are moderate as they disappear into a long, savoury, saline, bright Okanagan finish. The wine spends 14 weeks in neutral French oak barrels, and it is all the better for it. Drink or cellar you won’t be disappointed. The fruit is farmed from the home Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Terrace.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frind Estate Premier Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted but not a lot of change, the fruit comes off an old gravel pit, Rock Pile Vineyard in Oliver. Look for an open, soft, mocha, cherry chocolate nose with cedar and sagebrush. The attack is similar, with sweet intense cassis and espresso. It finishes with a rush of residual sugar that tends to make it softer than it might be. Try all summer with burgers or a favourite barbecue rib dish.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Merlot 2017
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2017 growing season was characterized by a warm, dry summer with temperatures above average, and rainfall below. Small berries and ripe juice has given winemakers a solid base to work with here. Expect a whack of upfront chocolate mixed with intense black cherry. It is a New World wine tempered by natural, savoury, sagebrush notes of the Okanagan, supple textures, and fine acidity. The wine pulls you toward the glass, but it needs five to seven years to meet its magic point, which should be a good one. For now, grilled lamb or similar rich dishes are required to tame the beast.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted and probably not at the best moment. The wine is typically aged 14 months in 50% in French oak, with the remainder American, Hungarian and Russian oak. We tasted it alongside 2017, and it showed more vibrancy and a fresher undertone, although, at the moment, the oak is poking through the mid-palate accentuating the tannins. . More red fruit upfront with a spicy undercurrent of savoury black raspberries, coffee grains and tobacco. Lamb chops, grilled pork, or most any steak cut all work here. We stick with our first prediction; this needs time to return here in 2025.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Freemark Abbey Merlot 2017
Napa Valley, California, United StatesIf you want to know what’s up in modern Napa, check out this merlot based mix: 91.5% merlot, 5.8% cabernet sauvignon and 2.5% petit verdot, of which 77 percent is mountain fruit from Keyes Vineyard on Howell Mountain (63%) and Stagecoach Vineyard (14%) on Atlas Mountain. The remainder comes from the Oakville, Calistoga, and Rutherford area on the floor of Napa Valley. The mountain fruit has transformed this wine, giving it more purpose, far beyond the merlot mould. The palate is enticing with medium spice, perfect oak, and a mix of blue and red fruit that assimilate most winemaking and barrel work. You can drink this now with food or cellar through 2030 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $58.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
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19 April 2021
87PTS
Kutatás Ortega 2018
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaKutatás Wines is a tiny boutique winery based on Salt Spring Island, at the former Mistaken Identity Winery home. Kutatás is the Hungarian term for research, inquisition, exploration, or quest. Mira Tusz and Daniel Dragert were the previous winemakers at Averill Creek Vineyard. This ortega is a coferment from two sustainably managed dry-farmed vineyards: one in North Saanich, planted in 2003; and from their home site on Salt Spring Island. This vintage marked a shift in their ortega style. The wine is carbonically macerated prior to native fermentation in stainless (a small portion was in neutral barrel), where it remains on lees for 6 months. Future vintages move entirely to stainless. Melon, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, perfumed lemon and lime blossoms on a slight, soft palate, finishing with a soap twist. This shows more of the grape's delicate florals, rather than the citrus fruit forward styles we're used to seeing on the Wine Islands.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stina Pošip 2019
Islands Brač, Central and South Dalmatia (Srednja i Južna Dalmacija), Coastal Croatia, CroatiaPošip is one of Croatia's white varieties with the greatest potential. This wine comes from the old vines of Korcula, on the the island of Brač. White peach, melon, orange blossom, fleshy lime and lime peel rule the creamy, fuller palate, plumped with time in wood. There's a musky perfume that hangs throughout this wine, all bedded with ample stoniness, which lingers on the lemony finish. Quite polished, this is striking white for white fish / shellfish / spring veg risotto.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sea Star Pinot Blanc 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, Canadait's been a while since we've seen a Pinot Blanc from Sea Star, but with the recent new ownership, this label has returned to the portfolio. Red apples, lime pith, perfumed baby powder is framed with evident toasty oak, knocking down the pretty fragrant fruit, and stunting it on the finish. Disjointed at this stage, I'm not sure I see where this fits in the portfolio.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sea Star Ortega 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaAfter missing tasting the 2019 vintage due to a change in ownership, BC gem Sea Star is back with spring releases. This Ortega, one of the calling cards of the Wine Islands, is grown at Clam Bay Farm on Pender Island. Tight and sleek, this is shaped with pithy lime, lemon sherbet, and pink grapefruit verve, with green melon and starfruit shining throughout. This rings with coastal salinity, and is a natural match for our seafood.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vinyes Domènech Bancal del Bosc Blanco 2020
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVinyes Domènech is a family project started Joan Ignaci and his wife, Rita, in Capçanes, in the south of Priorat. Together with their sons, they biodynamically farm 15 hectares of recovered old-vines vineyards. This garnatxa blanca (grenache blanc) is rooted at 400m in their chalky, rocky limestone soils, is native fermented, and spends 3 months on lees. Fragrant and tight pear, yellow apple, white honeysuckle, subtle white blossoms, lemon pith streams along a grippy, lightly textured palate to a lightly spiced finish. Lovely, fresh, pure version of the grape.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Zidarich Malvasia 2017
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyZidarich is based in the Friulian region of Carso, a very rocky region that borders Slovenia. Benjamin and his wife Marisa Zidarich tend 8 hectares here in a naturalist, non-intervention vein. This Malvasia was native fermented and maceration on the skins in open vats with daily punch downs, before aging 24 months in medium and large barrels of Slavonian oak. Pouring a hazy golden yellow hue, this teems with alluring white florals, subtle jasmine, ash, honeysuckle along the dry, sleek, textural palate, finishing with a bergamot twist. Lovely balance, as with all their wines, and drinking well now and over the next few years.Prices:| ON | $57.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Zidarich Vitovska 2018
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyVitovska is an indigenous grape specific to the Friulian region of Carso, a very rocky region that borders Slovenia. It is a natural cross between Malvasia Bianca Lungo and Prosecco Tondo. Benjamin and his wife Marisa Zidarich tend 8 hectares here in a naturalist, non-intervention vein. The Vitovska Bianco is one of their flagship wines, from 6-30 year old vines grown on extremely rocky calcarious soils between 260-280m in altitude. After native ferment and a moderate time on the skins, this spent two years in old Slovenian oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Powerful and alluring aromas of ash, honeysuckle, bergamot, apricot fuzz rule the buzzing palate, textured with riffing skin contact tannins through the buzzing, limestone laced finish. Such impeccable balance here, drinking beautifully now but is cellar-worthy.Prices:| ON | $57.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sea Star Ortega 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaThe Sea Star Ortega, a crossing of müller-thurgau and siegerrebe, is grown at Clam Bay Farm on Pender Island. As you might expect, it has a floral nose and a fresh attack. The palate is a melon and citrus affair washed with lime rind, sea salt, and a touch of bitterness at the very end. It is made for seafood and with just enough sweetness to take on a bit of spice.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Star Pinot Blanc 2020
Pender Island, Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaPinot blanc has been in and out of the Sea Star lineup but is back in 2020. The nose is pleasant enough with a mix of floral scents and orchard fruit aromas. The attack is less interesting. The fruit is slightly underripe, and what fruit there is has been knocked down by the oak. Drink now, best with food, but not much of a marine taste here. Pricey.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Livon Friulano 2020
Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyThe vineyard is situated in the municipalities of Chiopris-Viscone and San Giovanni al Natisone on alluvial soils, growing Tocai Friulano grapes. The glass presents with a straw yellow colour, with dry, almond dusted fruit with a creamy, leesy undercurrent and mineral finish. It is a stainless steel ferment, and the juice is left in the same tanks on its lees for approximately four months, followed by another few months in bottle before it is released. The Italians suggest you serve it with the highest quality prosciutto you can afford. That sounds about right to me.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Livon Tenuta RoncAlto Ribolla Gialla 2018
Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyThe vineyards of the Tenuta RoncAlto are located at Ruttars in the municipality of Dolegna del Collio, where the soils are described as loamy, mineral marls. Bright and lively, it is all ribolla gialla. The bouquet unfolds with floral and fruity aromas reminiscent of yellow flowers, citrus, white pepper, fennel, and wet stone undertones. Rich but hardly cloying at only 13 alcohol, it is the ultimate food wine. The grapes undergo eight days of skin contact before being pressed off and clarified by natural settling. The fermentation is in stainless steel tanks, where the juice remains for eight months on its lees and then spends additional time in the bottle. It is designed for ageing 5-8 years with no problems. From fish to vegetables, it is as versatile a food wine as they come.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Campbell Kind Wines British Columbia Pinot Blanc 2019
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCampbell Kind Wines is a new project from Lifford Wine & Spirits founder Steven Campbell, build on from his decades travelling the wine world and connections in this industry. These are carbon neutral wines selected and produced by his winemaker friends around the world, packaged with the Kind Wine packaging, and line priced across Canada at a very attractive price. The aim is overdeliver value for drinkable, well-crafted wines, all while making an environmentally responsible choice. In addition this project has resulting in the planting of more than 90,000 trees in Canada. This organic pinot blanc is one of two Canadian wines in the portfolio. Together with winemaker Ann Sperling, this was sourced from from her East Kelowna home vineyard, and only 310 cases were made. this 1980s planted pinot blanc is tipped with a small amount of Ann's 1978 planted riesling. It was mostly whole bunch, entirely native fermented and on skins for 2-3 days before pressing. Crisp and tart, with green orchard fruit, lemon, crab apple, and white melon to a snappy finish, this is a welcome light-bodied white to BC's VQA portfolio, clocking in at only 10.8%. Crack and enjoy now, with spring green salads and / or steamed clams.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Danese Soave Classico 2019
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe Danese family founded a wine business in the early fifties in the tiny town of Roncà, situated in Verona province in the area of the Lessini Mountains National Park, near to the Soave and Valpolicella DOC areas. It began as a traditional wine merchant business, selling bulk wines, but in the 1980s, three cousins of the Danese family founded the company’s first production facility. Since 1997, Cantina Danese has been fully owned by Mario Danese, an original partner, and his son Luca Danese. Their goal is to constantly evolve to remain modern and up-to-date while producing wines “that everyday people can drink every day.” The Classico comes off the hillside communes of Soave and Monteforte D’Alpone, where the soils are volcanic pure lava basalt, the only soil of its kind in Northern Italy. The blend is garganega and trebbiano di Soave. The colour is a pale yellow in the glass, the nose a stony mineral affair with floral and apple. The palate is firm and clean with more mineral, pear, and apple, and a persistent finish with length. I found this better on the cooler side. Perfect with vegetable pasta or seafood dishes. Classico on an Italian wine label refers to the old, historic, original center of a region, often with a history that traces back to Roman times. It is in these historic vineyards that often the best wines of a region are produced.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peak Cellars Grüner Veltliner 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Stephanie Stanley spent four years working joint harvests as a flying winemaker in Okanagan and in New Zealand. She joined Lake Country's Peak Cellars part time in 2017, and became full time winemaker there in 2019. From their estate's 4 acres of GV, rooted in granitic and glacial till, this was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and oak. Bright and dry and orchard-fruit forward, with crisp apple, fragrant white peach, tangerine, and Anjou pear on the medium palate. Acidity is crunchy, set off nicely against a cushion of lees on the palate. Enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos Lentiscus Perill Blanc Àmfora Xarello 2018
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis is 1938-planted Xarel-lo from El Buschet vineyard, in the mineral-laden Garraf Mountains sub zone. After picking and leaving with stems on skins for 15 days, this spends 6 months in amphora before a light filtration and bottling. Pouring a shining yellow gold with a very light haze, this streams bergamot, wild tangerine, crab apple, rambutan along an alive, acidic, and astringent palate. There's a kiss of honey sweetness though this is a dry orange wine.Prices:| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Adega de Penalva Maceration 2020
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom the Adega Penalva co-op in the Dão, this blend of Cerceal Branco, Encruzado, and Malvasia fina spent 10 days on skins, giving its orange tint. Honeycomb, bergamot, apricot peel, anise flood the expressive, waxy palate, finely riffed with tannin, and seasoned with marine salts and ash. You can feel Dão's granitic soils through the buzzy finish. Charming and intriguing.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 16 Trebbiano is a much different wine today than it was a decade ago. Drier, firmer, fresher, and far more interesting, the 52-year-old vines tell a story no other wine in BC can. From the highly-lauded 2020 vintage, the latest effort is impressive. In September, the warm and dry weather resulted in extremely clean, hand-sorted and destemmed fruit pressed whole berry, and cold settled for four days, before slowly fermenting dry over 38 days. It spends a further four months on fine lees before heading to the bottle. Wildflower honey, melon, nectarine, apricot feign sweetness yet remain dry. A highly affordable treasure will transform any prawn dish into a selection extraordinaire, or simply serve with a block of fresh local goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Peak Cellars Grüner Veltliner 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAfter a long tenure with Howard Soon at Calona/Sandhill, winemaker Stephanie Stanley spent four years working joint harvests as a flying winemaker in Okanagan and New Zealand, immersing herself in cool climate wine production. From part-time to full-time by 2019, Stanley took over the reins at O'Rourke's Peak Cellars. Among its multitude of vines, the estate grows four acres of grüner veltliner fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and oak. I love the way this wine invites you into its palate full of dry, mouthwatering orchard fruits flecked with tangerine and minerals. The acidity pulls it back in line for a clean, crisp, leesy finish. You could finish the bottle before any food arrives, but it only gets better on the table. A year later, it's even better under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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16 April 2021
88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris Saison Vineyards 2019
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Cowichan's Saison Vineyard, this marks the first single vineyard Pinot Gris from Unsworth. This was fermented and aged in 90/10 stainless and neutral French oak, with full MLF. Cool and sleek, with melon, crunchy yellow apple, bosc pear running to the lightly spiced, lees-cushioned palate. A touch subdued in youth, this will come around with some time in the bottle. I wish it was finished under screwcap to really let the fruit shine.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kitsch Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Kelowna estate and its loamy clay soils, this pinot gris was whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless, where it rested for a short stint. Yellow apple, ripe pear, honeydew melon rule the snappy palate, finishing with grapefruit sherbet. Simple, bright, and clean, this is primed to be cracked this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Moraine Pinot Gris comes off two Naramata Bench sites: Anastasia Estate Vineyard (72%) and Sunrise Vineyard (28%), sitting on an old moraine deposit leading to its tighter, juicy, orchard fruit style. It’s not the intense Alsace style or the drier, lean, acidic style the cool kids like. But it is delicious and offers far more interest than your run-of-the-mill pinot gris, boosted by a stellar vintage and precise winemaking. Ready to drink and a steal at $20. Stock up for summer.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liquidity Pinot Gris 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe gris is estate grown, from an older block of clone 457, planted in 1998. Whole cluster pressed and cool fermented in stainless steel, it comes off fresh and lively with green apple and pear aromas. The palate is another notch up in weight and silkiness with melon, lemon, and mineral with a dusting of sage and honey. A perfect companion to vegetable pasta, lemon chicken, or curry roasted cauliflower.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kitsch Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA crisp, refreshing pinot gris that reflects the cooler growing conditions of East Kelowna. It's driven by soft orchard fruits that are complemented by subtle lees and almonds. It's a light, easy-drinking style, but with some seriousness that elevates this above the sea of gris/grigio. Nicely balanced, dry, and well made.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Di Lenardo Pinot Grigio Monovitigno 2019
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyMassimo di Lenardo is in charge of this spectacular property, founded in 1878. He mixes estate fruit with purchased fruit from the DOC regions Friuli Grave, Friuli Aquileia, and Colli Orientali Del Friuli. All grapes are harvested by hand and are made with modern technology, including solar energy to generate all the electricity used at the winery. The style is clean and bright with the softness of Fruili mixed with floral honey, baked pear, citrus, apple, quince, and almond. Most seafood works here, but my pick is spaghetti carbonara.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe handpicked fruit is a mix of estate gris plus a portion from two nearby longtime growers, Pascoa and Chahal, in the Oliver area. It had a long, cool, 28 day stainless steel ferment, and the wine is aged on lees in stainless for 4 months before bottling. Free of oak, this is a fresh, zingy gris that leads with citrus and apricot, backed up by flinty minerality. A new colour coordinated package finished under screwcap makes this a sure summer bet on the patio. Fresh and dry, it is finally on the right track.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Roche Tradition Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVery typical BC gris in that it is crisp, dry, and bursting with orchard fruits. From Naramata's organic Kozier Vineyard, this was whole bunch pressed, fermented, and rested in stainless to preserve fruit purity. Anjou pear, a medley of crunchy apples, and lemon blossom flood a juicy palate with brisk acidity matched by a slick of dessert herbal lees. This organic gris finishes dry with a lingering spice. Quite complete and pure, and a lovely wine of typicity for grape and Naramata.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Roche Pinot Gris 2018
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata's organic Kozier Vineyard, these gris vines slope west to catch the afternoon sun and the reflected light and warmth off Okanagan Lake. After a whole bunch of press, this was native fermented in neutral French barrels, where it remained on lees for one year with periodic bâtonnage. This is a richer, wider gris, now more so with some age in the bottle and some oxidation creeping in. Look for a little honeysuckle on the fading finish; baked pear, red apple glides along a waxen palate. In full development, this is ready for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt a production volume of 11,000 cases and rising, this is a cornerstone of Poplar Grove's portfolio. It's easy to taste why it's so popular: there's abundant soft orchard fruit while still being light and refreshing. It makes for a perfect everyday sipper, while still being a cut above your standard pinot gris. I was impressed by the purity of the fruit, which is one of the reasons this doesn't need to rely on residual sugar. Clearly the 2020 vintage is one to watch from Poplar Grove.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Peak Cellars Pinot Gris 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lake Country estate vineyards, this pinot gris was whole bunch pressed, with 15% barrel fermented in neutral oak, and the remainder in stainless. Round and creamy on the mid, this still is led by a steely coolness, drawing green pear, green apple, kiwi along the palate. The coolness is offset by a small bump of residual sugar on the spiced finish. Simple, classic orchard fruit led BC PG.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fidora Tenuta Civranetta Pinot Grigio Amphora 2019
Veneto, ItalyThis single vineyard, biodynamically farmed pinot grigio comes from vineyards located in the old family estate, Tenuta Civranetta, close to the lagoon of Venice. Destemmed grapes are native fermented in Italian Terracotta Amphorae. Once fermentation is complete, the Amphorae are sealed and the wine sits on skins for around 4 months before bottling without fining, filtration, or sulphites. Pouring a shining peach gold hue, this is vibrant with shimmering with orange pith, tangerine, wild lemon on a brisk, medium bodied palate. Well integrated, understated, and interesting, this is drinking smartly now.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Pinot Gris 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis opens with an exotic sweet nose of honey and pink grapefruit. The palate follows along with ripe, almost sweet grapefruit, citrus, and candied pear. Six separate stainless steel fermentations are behind the blend that varied with the harvest date, yeast selection, fermentation temperature, and post-fermentation residual sugar. Juicy and round, this is a generous patio sipper you can serve well chilled or with spicy dishes like chicken curry or a spicy tuna roll.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Craven Wines Pinot Gris 2020
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Newlands Vineyard and its heavy iron-rich koffeklip soils, these pinot gris vines are 16 years old, facing east. It's rare enough to find PG in SAF, and unheard of to find one as memorable as this. After destemming, this had 6-7 days skin contact (until it goes dry) before being pressed and racked into older French barrels where it remained for 9 months. This savoury, textural, peachy-red hued wine opens with beauty roiboos and bergamot, cut with pear skins, ash, and a swath of flaked sea salts. The grip and tension here is alluring, keeping you coming back to the glass. intellectual, and smashable, which is an astoundingly rare combination.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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15 April 2021
96PTS
Penfolds Quantum Bin 98 2018
World BlendTwo decades down the road, Quantum continues a story first launched in Paso Robles with a vineyard of Australian vine cuttings. It is a cabernet sauvignon-dominated blend, at 87 percent, but the Oz factor is 13 percent “pedigreed shiraz” from South Australia. It’s a huge wine combining power and finesse that goes on forever on the palate. Minty, smoky, earthy black and blue fruits melt into a river of oak and spice that continues the story. The cab component is from Oakville and Diamond Mountain in the heart of Napa. The wine partially barrels fermented, a signature of most Penfolds' reds, it comes with refined oak and intense fruit. A new modern flagship joins a raft of Napa Valley cabernets almost a half-century to the year Robert Mondavi and friends decided to get serious about wine in California. If you have the time, this wine will go the distance and beyond to 2050.Prices:| BC | $899.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Penfolds California Collection Cabernet Shiraz Bin 600 2018
California, United StatesIn 1998, Penfolds exported a heritage selection of vine cuttings from South Australia's esteemed Kalimna and Magill Estate vineyards and planted them at the Creston 600 Ranch in Paso Robles. Today the vineyard is known as Camatta Hills, but Bin 600 honours the original site name and the 22 two-year-old vines. The cabernet shiraz blend is a Penfolds specialty, so it is no surprise they made one in California. The first release is a 78/22 mix of cabernet and shiraz, with some Kalimna, Napa and Sonoma fruit joining the Paso grapes. They all spend 16 months in American oak (40% new, 60% one year old). The nose has a cool aromatic tone with coffee and tea notes. The palate is soft and medium-light with cocoa and cherries and a hint of pastrami and pepper. It could use five years to settle in, but if you must drink it now, grilled lamb chops would be the match to tame the tannins. Penfolds' arrival in California is hardly new; winemakers Darryl Groom and Mick Schroeter began in the late 1980s. Under the old Southcorp banner, vine cuttings were taken from several fabled South Australia vineyards, including Kalimna and Magill Estate, and planted in 1979 at Paso Robles. Today Penfolds is a part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, giving senior winemaker Stephanie Dutton, winemaker Andrew Baldwin, and chief winemaker Peter Gago access to prime Napa Valley and Sonoma County sites to assemble what has been labelled the California Collection. Interestingly in the Gago way, the California winemakers are invited to taste the collection as it goes together, to share ideas and experiences. In the end, Gago and the Oz winemakers make all the final decisions regarding The California Collection.Prices:| CDN | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $99.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $99.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Penfolds California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704 2018
Napa Valley, California, United StatesBin 704 is how winemakers Peter Gago and Steph Dutton see Napa Valley cabernet through the Penfolds lens. It starts with perfect fruit and French barriques to craft a texture of finesse and power. The nose is aromatic, mixing dried herbs, espresso, and black and blue fruit. It is a middleweight with a freshness not so easily attained in Napa Valley. The attack is Napa cabernet firm with a whack of cassis, with savoury licorice supporting ripe blackcurrant sprinkled with cracked pepper, salami, and dusted in dark chocolate. Intense, long, and youthful, there is no hurry to drink this wine and given its balance and silky textures, I suggest it will live long into the 2030s. Bin 704 is the 'mirror' or reverse image of its Australian Bin 407 stablemate. They would make a fascinating duo to taste side by each. Gago reiterates that “There is California sun and California soil, but everything in between is Penfolds.” The wine is aged 16 months in 40 percent new oak split 80/20 between French and American, coopered in Australia. Some 85 percent of the fruit is sourced from Rutherford and Oakville, 15 percent from South Australia.Prices:| CDN | $99.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 149 2018
World BlendBin 149 is all cabernet sauvignon and mostly Napa single-block stars, but it is also reinforced with what winemaker Peter Gago says is flagship-worthy South Australian cabernet sauvignon. The Oz juice flows from a highly evolved evaluation process that Gago and the team go through every Penfolds vintage. The result is an elegant, black-fruited cabernet with a bit more acidity to turn Euro heads and a bit more structural texture to please modern New World cab drinkers. What it takes back to an Oz audience is a voluptuous, exuberant California style with no mid-palate holes. It is no chocolate/cherry red but rather a colossal cabernet rich in layers of black fruit and dense fine-grained tannins, suggesting ten years would be an appropriate time for this wine to spend in the cellar. Look for a spicy, olive, umami thread that keeps the fruit in check, along with some famous Napa menthol notes to add complexity. It is seriously good. All of the wine is aged in new oak with an 80/20 split of French and American. Today Penfolds is a part of the Treasury Wine Estates portfolio, giving senior winemaker Stephanie Dutton, winemaker Andrew Baldwin, and chief winemaker Peter Gago access to prime Napa Valley and Sonoma County sites to assemble what has been labelled the California Collection. Interestingly, in the Gago way, the California winemakers are invited to taste the collection as it goes together, to share ideas and experiences. Still, in the end, Gago and Oz winemakers make the final decisions regarding The California Collection.Prices:| CDN | $299.00 | 750ml |
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14 April 2021
90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Gamay Noir 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlue Mountain has taken gamay seriously for awhile now, as evidenced by the 12-30 year old vines at their estate. It seems like they've really honed a house style here. This wine will be familiar to those that tasted the 2018 vintage. It's flinty and savoury with a faint hint of oak after aging in older French barriques and puncheons. But this vintage brings brighter fruit to the glass, led by spiced black raspberry, making this really attractive and seamless. It's juicy and fresh, so easy to enjoy now, but the relatively structured style means the best is still to come.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Mee Godard Morgon Côte du Py 2018
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBorn in South Korea, raised and educated in France, and Mastered in wine science at the University of Oregon (followed by Diplôme National d'Oenologue in Montpellier), Mee purchased 5 hectares in Morgon in 2013, including key plots in Côte du Py, Corcelette, and Grand Cras. In 2017 she acquired 2.1 hectares in Moulin-a-Vent. She farms everything organically, and has rapidly risen to be one of Bojo's young star vigneron. This comes from her 1.7 ha of 65 year old vines on the famed Côte's blue volcanic soils. Ripe dark plums, damson berries, blackberries are drawn along the brooding palate, moulded by fine, firm, grippy tannins, perfumed with violets, and livened by profound mineral salinity. Though from a generous year, this powerful wine is drinking well now, and with a few years in cellaring ahead easily.Prices:| ON | $51.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pentâge Winery Gamay Noir 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pentâge Gamay is a fine example of how this grape can be at once alluring and juicy, yet full of flavour, with a modicum of complexity. Fresh forest berries, plums, and black cherry jam sit below a medium-light red colour that finishes dry with more intriguing savoury, salty, mineral, smoky, spicy notes. A more elegant expression than earlier versions. Food-friendly.Prices:| BC | $19.91 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Louis Latour Gamay Bourgogne 2019
Burgundy, FranceGamay from declassified Beaujolais Crus can use the term Bourgogne Gamay as of the 2011 vintage, as is the case with this Louis Latour. This vintage blends 85% Cru Bojo, mostly Chenas, Régnié and Moulin-a-Vent, with 15 percent pinot noir from Bourgogne. A proper Passe-Tout-Grains, this is juicy and approachable, with plum, mulberry, perfumed wild blackberry, cool quartz on a spicy, medium bodied palate. There's a subtle granitic buzz that bases this, and fine tannins that support, to the pink peppercorn finish. A friendly charmer.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Gamay Noir 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGamay is not as sexy as pinot noir, but Blue Mountain continues to prove that most years, it is equally compelling. With a mix of vines from 12-30 years old, it is clear they have the chops for getting the job done in Okanagan Falls, which just may be the perfect BC home for this variety. The winemaking is simple: destemmed fruit, native-fermented, all aged in older French barrels big and small. The result is a bright, fruity red with a savoury, almost saline undercurrent that is eminently drinkable, which is a nice bonus. That said, two to three years in bottle will only enhance its charm. Buy it while you can. For clone freaks, the mix is 358, 509 and 789.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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13 April 2021
88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2017
Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong first planted Chardonnay vines in Sonoma's Chalk Hill area in 1965, and in 1977 he launched Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Thanks to his efforts. Chalk Hill was designated an official AVA in 1983. The cooling ocean fog and chalky-white volcanic soils seem destined for chardonnay. Barrel fermentation and one year's aging in new and seasoned French oak, with regular bâtonnage, sets the style for this wooded, full-bodied white. Toasty spice frames vanilla, ripe apple, lemon curd, and fine cream, trailing off into sultry nutmeg spicing on the finish. I wish we could see the site, rather than the winemaking. As is, this is a smart example of comfortable and familiar Sonoma chardy.Prices:| ON | $26.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé 2019
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis Monterey pinot noir pink is fermented in stainless to try and preserve freshness. Soft strawberries, cream, red apple, and a twist of mandarin fill the peach-hued, medium+ palate. The finish is snappy and brief. Chill well and drink this friendly, simple pink this summer.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Arnot-Roberts Trousseau North Coast 2018
North Coast Region, California, United StatesSince founding their winery in 2001, childhood friends Duncan Arnot Meyers (ex-of Pax) and Nathan Lee Roberts have been needle-moving revolutionary producers in Cali. This perfumed trousseau was sourced from three sites across the North Coast, rooted in volcanic cobbles over river stones. This was whole-cluster and native fermented before 11 months in a combination of neutral French oak barrels, puncheons, and foudre. Pouring a light, hazy hue, this light red is infiltrated with a smoked stone/ash vein that runs through the light plum, forest berries, wild blueberries, dried cherries, fragrant dried iris. Acidity is rhubarb tart and lofted via the whole cluster, and tannins are long and lithe, hugging this to a lingering finish. Take with a light chill and a charcuterie platter.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ridge Lytton Springs 2016
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom Lytton Springs Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, the 2016 vintage of this iconic wine is a blend of very old vine 69% zinfandel, 23% petite sirah, 6% carignane, and 2% mataro. After a slow native ferment, this rested 14 months in American oak (15% new). Full and rich and youthful still, though very much knit together even at this stage, the complexities of this old vine, single-vineyard wine bound from the glass. Perfumed black plum, black and red cherry, boysenberry are bolstered by leather, violets, iris on the full, dense, harmonious palate, scented with eucalyptus and sultry baking spices. Tannins are ample, though easily absorbed into the impactful fruit. The vineyard speaks, and it is the star here, impeccably balanced and rightfully respected. Still very much in youth, this has a decade+ easily ahead before it fully unknits.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis bold, ripe pinot embodies the warmth of Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara. It's not shy on dark berry fruit, with cola, rhubarb, and sweet spices. It's drinking well now with a nice combination of fresh fruit and tertiary complexity coming from bottle age at five years. Medium-full bodied, it's dense and concentrated with impressively supple tannins. If you like pinot that's at the riper end of the spectrum, but without being over the top or just a fruit bomb, this is a winner.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.50 | 750ml |
| US | $49.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA classic label for Napa sauvignon blanc, the approach here is restrained without being austere, which seems to be an increasing trend in the region. Nearly gone are the tropical fruits; the focus is on citrus and gooseberry, with a faint hint of oak from ageing five months in 8% new French oak. The judicious amount of sémllion adds some flesh to the palate, but at 19% of the blend, this can still be labelled as a single variety sauvignon blanc in California. It shows real freshness and poise and is just calling out for shellfish. Other examples may be more complex, but they almost certainly won't be this price.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay 2017
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesYou expect the Russian River fruit to project more than Sonoma, upping the intensity and tropical notes, and this is the case here. Meyer lemon, nectarine, honey, ginger, and toasted oak leaves the palate broader than sharper, thanks to a full malolactic fermentation. As I suggested last time, it is more New World chardonnay than Euro, but it finishes with just enough vibrancy to hold your interest. Drink now with baked halibut, creamy seafood dishes, or vegetable pasta. The wine comes off off two sites: the fleshy, led by the peachy fruit of Wood Vineyard, located on River Road; and the more mineral, floral notes of River Vineyard, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley on East Side Road. An up-and-down vintage of weather, fortunately, the fruit was all picked before the catastrophic fall fires.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Broc Cellars Love Red 2019
California, United StatesBroc Cellars is a self-identified natural winery based in Berkeley, California, home to food and wine icons like Kermit Lynch and Alice Waters. This is a Southern France-inspired blend of carignan (72%), valdiguié (20%), and syrah (8%) from 70+ year old vines in Solano and Mendocino Counties. Using a combination of whole cluster and destemmed fruit, this is aged in neutral French oak and concrete tanks. It shows bright, juicy black fruits with some spice and sappy notes. It has a directness and purity to the fruit that makes this really appealing. The acidity is crisp, and tannins fine, making this a perfect barbecue wine to serve with a light chill. Good thing it's in a can. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Broc Cellars Love White 2019
California, United StatesBroc Cellars is a self-identified natural winery based in Berkeley, California, home to food and wine icons like Kermit Lynch and Alice Waters. This 90/10 chenin blanc and chardonnay blend smells, well, natural. It's packaged in a can for quick and easy enjoyment, but don't think this is a gimmick. The fruit was spontaneously fermented and aged for 11 months in a combination of neutral French oak, Stockinger oak puncheons, and sandstone jars. Surely a first for any canned wine. It shows honeyed orchard fruit, hay, and an oxidative note with bright, tangy acidity and a saline finish that lingers with some bitterness. A fun wine worth discovering.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesI visited La Crema just over a year ago, though it feels like a different lifetime now. What impressed me as I tasted through the portfolio was how expressive the wines were, both of variety and place. We're not talking about a small, boutique producer here - and that's okay. It means we get wines like this, which overdeliver for the price and still speak to Sonoma Coast. In this case, it evokes the richness and ripeness of Sonoma Coast's warmer sub-appellations, with honeyed stone fruits, baked apple, and moderate, well integrated oak. Well made and good value.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.60 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $32.87 | 750ml |
| PEI | $39.69 | 750ml |
| NB | $40.48 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley, California, United StatesMiljenko “Mike” Grgich has been called The King of Chardonnay since the winery began in 1977, and this is a Cali classic wines. Grgich's benchmark Chardonnay comes from biodynamically farmed estate vineyards in American Canyon and Carneros, at the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which is cooled by the cool maritime breezes and morning fog. This was native fermented (no MLF) and aged 10 months in French oak. The wood is present as a sweeter backdrop to the complexed wine, layered with French cream, toast, gently smoked flint, hazelnuts, and ripe red apple. There's a fine, firm backbone of lemon pith acidity that works to carry the heft of this fleshy wine.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2019
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United States2019 in Monterey was cool, with plenty of fog and overcast skies. No big heat spikes were leading to a slowly ripening crop of fresh fruit. Best of all, the acidity is juicy and the perfect foil to its ripe tropical fruit. Look for an aromatic nose with baked apples and pineapple dusted with butter scented brioche. On the palate, lemon and tangerine pull it all together along with a mineral coating. Balanced, fresh, and ready to drink. The wine is aged eight months in an 85/15 mix of oak (15 percent new) and stainless steel. The Monterey AVA consists of a long valley stretching from the uniquely cold Monterey Bay to the far southeast reaches of the Salinas Valley.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joel Gott Merlot 2017
California, United StatesThere is a bit of Napa Valley merlot mixed into Central Coast and Lodi fruit, but every bit helps lift the wine above ordinary. The attack is rich with deep black cherry, milk chocolate, and espresso. The critics hate what the public likes, and I think this wine delivers what the public wants with their ribs or chicken and in an affordable price range. The wine was aged in 25% new French oak and 75% 2 year old American oak. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joel Gott Zinfandel 2018
California, United StatesIf you are looking for an uncomplicated, easy-sipping, deeply-fruited zinfandel, this is it. Look for a perfect mix of raspberries, blackberries, blueberry jam, and spice that fills the palate from front to back. Ribs on the barbecue and this wine are the perfect marriage. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 2019
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Santa Lucia Highlands is the foggy, windy, cool home of this Monterey chardonnay that appears to be slightly changing its stripes for the better by toning down the ripe fruit. Like last year, it is ever so gently getting fresher and drier. On the palate, it's soft and round, and it's totally ready to drink. Think crab/lobster dishes, creamy pasta, or a favourite vegetarian dish that needs a refresher between bites.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Conundrum White 2019
California, United StatesThe conundrum is detecting the secret, exact blend, although I am not sure the answer is spy-worthy. In fact, it's a blend of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, semillon, muscat canelli, viognier, and other undisclosed finishers. It is consistently ripe in a fruit salad way, with mostly tropical fruit overtones leaving it sweeter than drier in the finish. You can enjoy on the patio well chilled or try it with a favourite spicy curry dish to counter the sweet factor. Ready to drink, but at this price, you can pick from numerous Okanagan blends with better acidity.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.55 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.80 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.26 | 750ml |
| PEI | $26.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Emmolo Merlot 2018
Napa Valley, California, United StatesJenny Wagner, of Caymus, now owns and runs Emmolo. The merlot is sourced from holdings in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley that have been in the family for generations. San Pablo Bay's proximity keeps the region a little cooler than the vineyards up valley, making it a happy place for merlot, and giving the grape maximum hang time. The style is plush, with minty aromatic notes laced with black cherries, dark plums, black currant, and dark chocolate. Hedonistic as is the Wagner custom. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $63.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $69.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $70.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Avant Unoaked Chardonnay 2019
California, United StatesAvant is all stainless steel fermented and bottled under a screwcap, a reliable recipe to rein in its bright tropical fruit. In 2019, the wine was 50% Monterey County (lemony citrus and mineral notes), 36% Santa Barbara County (fresh pineapple), and 14% Mendocino County (juicy green apple flavours). This wine has put on a little mid-palate weight to add to its ripe, sweet fruit. It is ready to drink all summer with your choice of west coast seafood or creamy cheese dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.19 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2019
California, United StatesWinemaker Randy Ullom has does a fine job of keeping this wine in play, tightening the structure and restraining the sweetness as much as possible without upsetting its millions of customers. It is part of the new California chardonnay style. It all begins with some impressive fruit sourcing up and down the Golden State’s coolest hillside vineyards influenced by the Pacific Ocean from Mendocino to Santa Barbara. Look for a bright and lush palate of ripe peaches, a touch of caramel candy, and creamy, buttery lees all freshened by an acidity that sets off the tropical pineapple and Meyer lemon. Pair with lobster, crab, butter chicken, or popcorn.Prices:| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| US | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $27.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Hartford Russian River Chardonnay 2019
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA quarter century of winemaking at Hartford Family Winery has seen incremental improvements, rewarding for all. The winery, located in Forestville in the heart of the Russian River Valley, is a vital part of the Jackson Family Wines collection, and specializes in small lot wines. Once rich, thick, and powerful, the wines have gathered a new sensibility over the last five years, reigning in the power and weight to some extent to let the fruit and terroir poke through. This 2018 is a great example of a more modern California chardonnay style, not screechingly acidic but rather hedonistically well formed with cooler flavours of pear, peach, ginger, pineapple, and warm brioche, finishing with honey, spice, and minerality. Lobster, crab, roasted chicken, and fish dishes all work here.Prices:| BC | $48.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States2018 has given us a very pure pinot noir packed full of black cherry fruit. The textures are similarly inviting, with just enough structure to channel all the mouth-filling fruit along the palate to an even more impressive 13.5 alcohol content. Seriously pinot-like, this was once thought unattainable in California. Delicious and friendly, you can serve it with duck, mushrooms, root vegetables, soft cheeses and pork. La Crema Sonoma Coast oversees a large production of estate and grower vineyards, all within the cool, marine swept boundaries of Sonoma County. The parcels are kept separate until the final blend to capitalize on the best lots. Clones include 23, 37, 115, 667, 777, 828, Pommard, Calera, Swan, and Martini. The fermentation is done with 70 percent whole berries placed into open-top fermentation tanks. Post ferment, it's aged nine months in 98 percent (20 percent new and dwindling) French oak. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.10 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.85 | 750ml |
| NFL | $41.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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12 April 2021
90PTS
François le Saint Calcaire 2018
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 30-45 year old vines grown on a 6.26ha plot of calcareous soils. After a native ferment in stainless, it rests there for a brief time on lees prior to bottling. Creamy and stony, with perfumed lemon and bright tangerine pith, melon, bosc pear riding a medium bodied, textural palate through to the lengthy and mouthwatering, humming mineral finish. Lovely typicity.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Serge Dagueneau & Filles Pouilly Fumé Tradition 2019
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThis branch of the Dagueneau family, headed by father Serge, is based in Saint Andelain, and owns 19 hectares of old vineyards across several of the prime sites of the Pouilly Fumé appellation, as well as 3 hectares in the nearby appellation of Cotes de la Charite. Today the estate is run by Serge's daughter Valerie, cousin of the late Didier Dagueneau, and Serge still helps in the vineyard. This, their flagship wine, blends various blocks of sauvignon blanc on calcareous clay soils to provide a snapshot of their site. After pressing, this spent a few months on lees until the following January when it was fined and then bottled in the spring. Expressive and fruit forward, with white grapefruit, green apple, hedgerow, and lemon pith flooding a juicy palate. There's a grippy, chalky texture throughout to a cleansing finish. A lovely intro to the appellation.Prices:| ON | $37.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2020
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileBy its taste, this sauvignon appears to be from New Zealand. By its price, it has to be from Chile. Lucky for you, both statements are mostly true. Look for a fresh nose of grapefruit, canned jalapeno, passion fruit, bitter green melon, and mineral notes that spill across the palate. You can not ask for more at this price, and you can serve it with a variety of foods from seafood and sushi to chicken and vegetarian dishes. It is a ridiculous value.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
François le Saint Sancerre Silex 2018
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 35 year old vines grown on a 3.15ha plot of clay soils with flint and marls, native fermented. Lean and mineral driven, this is shaped and led by broken, struck stones, with supporting roles of lime pith, pear skin, white grapefruit riding an earthy clay base to a lingering saline finish. The silex gives a brooding, flinty edge to this wine.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Campbell Kind Wines New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandCampbell Kind Wines is a new project from Lifford Wine & Spirits founder Steven Campbell, build on from his decades travelling the wine world and connections in this industry. These are carbon neutral wines selected and produced by his winemaker friends around the world, packaged with the Kind Wine packaging, and line priced across Canada at a very attractive price. The aim is overdeliver value for drinkable, well-crafted wines, all while making an environmentally responsible choice. In addition this project has resulting in the planting of more than 90,000 trees in Canada. This Marlborough savvy is made in conjunction with Steve Smith MW, and from some of the oldest vines in Marlborough. Smith was the one that talked Steven Campbell into the project, and the eponymous name, and was the first collaborator. Tight and pointed potent gooseberry, white peach, apricot swells with juicy acidity, tempered with a greengage, hedge note and finishing with a hearty dose of pithy lime and grapefruit spicing. Alcohol and heft is a welcome 13 degrees, and acidity is crunchy and moreish, making this even more friendly.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Chiopris Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyThe DOC Friuli Grave, Villa Chiopris Sauvignon, reflects its stony alluvial soils, offering a fresh, clean, spare style. Machine harvested and cold settled, it is all stainless steel fermented, hitting the palate with a sage scented, bell pepper nose, lean mineral green fruit, and a twist of bitterness. Ready to drink and best with creamy or buttery seafood dishes. The grapes are harvested by machine, then steeped in a cold horizontal tank. Villa Chiopris is situated where the plain meets the eastern foothills of Friuli. Until the end of the last century, the property was owned by the Hausbrandt family from Trieste, producers of the famous coffee. Today Villa Chiopris has been restored to its former glory by the Livon family.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Groth Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Napa Valley, California, United StatesInsiders know the Groth Sauvignon Blanc has long been a star Napa white, walking that line between freshness and ripeness. Lemons and tangerines combine to draw you into the glass, and the acidity keeps it all rolling along the palate from front to back with no flabby notes. Juicy, inviting, and showing just a hint of weight and tropical notes, all of which adds to its complexity. This is a juicy bottle of white that doesn’t last long with salmon sashimi. The blend is 82% sauvignon blanc, 18% semillon aged sur-lee in 80% neutral oak barrels for three months, with the remainder in stainless tanks.Prices:| BC | $34.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.34 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.34 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ant Moore Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAnthony “Ant” Moore is an Oz in Marlborough, New Zealand, arriving there in 2002. In addition to his own winery, he also started his own custom crush facility to help other small growers, making him a central figure among independent winemakers in Marlborough. For this vintage, fruit is sourced from the Lower Wairau (57%), the Waihopai Valley (22%), Rapaura (13%), and a small component from the Awatere Valley (8%). Post-ferment, the individual parcels held separate on light lees to help maintain freshness before final selection and blending. Pungent and bright, with fragrant and juicy lemongrass, lychee, guava, tightened with lime pith and finishing with a vibrant buzz. Sipping liquid sunshine.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pentâge 'Bordeaux' white mixes roughly 2/3 sauvignon blanc with sémillon, and it has a wild, intense, grassy, nettle, citrus-scented nose. The attack is equally bright and intense, with gooseberry and grapefruit flecked with some furry, almond notes in the back end. Lean and fresh, it may be too wild for some, but perfect for the white wine adventurer. Very BC, and an easy style of wine to serve with grilled seafood.Prices:| BC | $18.71 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLet us know if you see this wine and what it sells for in your market. The fruit is grown at Aconcagua Costa, a cool climate valley that sits only 12 kilometres from the ice cold Pacific, off the coast of Chile. It is teeming with freshness, bright acidity, big minerality, intense gooseberry, lemongrass, and citrus. Shellfish, crab cakes, sushi, pesto pasta and more all work here. Producer Eduardo Chadwick deserves better in Canada given his considerable investment in the market, and let's hope Mark Anthony Wines and Spirits can do something with the brand. It is a delicious wine that is of big value and should be stacked to the ceiling in retail stores. The same goes for all the labels Chadwick has launched out of Aconcagua Costa.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gérard Bertrand Change Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Sud de France, FranceChange is their 'activist brand,' from grapes in conversion to organic farming. These sauvignon blanc grapes were pressed quickly, cool, and placed in stainless steel to preserve the freshness. Lemon-led, with fresh green notes, melon, grapefruit, on a fine lees-lined palate. This finishes crisp, tart, and bright.Prices:| CDN | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis wine continues to impress and grow as all the vineyards age. The flagship sauvignon from winemaker Kevin Judd is packed full of fruit ranging from nectarines and cantaloupe to lime and passionfruit, with an appealing savoury undercurrent. The fruit comes off prime vineyard sites in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, the central Wairau Plains, and a river terrace site in the upper Awatere Valley. Most of all, this wine has a stony, mineral, complex base that continuously draws you back to the glass. The balance is equally impressive and makes it ready to drink with any number of West coast seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis new world wine icon has never tasted better than in the exulted 2020 vintage. Glittering lemony green in the glass, a drift of pungent guava and lime hits the senses as the wine is poured. Green apple, gooseberry, grapefruit, and snipped herb aromas are conspicuously sauvignon and explicitly Marlborough, but there’s much more to observe, like elderflower, white pepper and savoury bay leaf. Extravagantly ripe fruit flavours of kiwi, nectarine and passionfruit pulsate with limey acidity, and a dusty, saline note unfurls on the lingering finish. Generous and creamy with notable mid-palate intensity and lip-smacking freshness and verve, this is an elegant, complete, sophisticated Marlborough sauvignon from a magnificent growing season. It shows more nervy, stony restraint than the 2019 and will reveal greater complexity with time. Made from over 90 parcels of Wairau-grown fruit with 4% fermented in used barrels to add emollience without oaky flavours. It’s perfectly proportioned to sip without food, but you could also fuss over a pairing of creamy tarragon chicken or tangy chèvre souffle.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.51 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| NS | $35.00 | 38ml |
| SK | $38.99 | 750ml |
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09 April 2021
88PTS
Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom a high altitude (1300m) vineyard in Tupungato, this young vine pinot noir is rooted in chalky soils. This was 20% whole cluster, native fermented in cement, where it remained until bottling. Soft and fruit forward, with youthful cherry, raspberry, wrapped in soft, spicy tannins, this has a bright, mouthwatering freshness to the palate, thanks to the altitude and soils. The finish tightens off quickly, but nothing that grilled pork chops wouldn’t mitigate.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is sourced from a vineyard in Tupungato Valley, a sub-region located less than 100 kilometres south of the city of Mendoza. Tupungato is known for its high altitude vineyards, and this particular vineyard sits at 1,300 metres above sea level. It's a fairly simple, unoaked pinot noir that's surprisingly earthy and vegetal, with lean red fruits. It's a relatively light, quaffable style with fine tannins, but the finish is marred by disjointed, tart acidity. Drink now and serve lightly chilled.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Familia Schroeder Alpataco Pinot Noir 2019
Patagonia, ArgentinaAlpataco is an indigenous bush that symbolizes the tenacity of life in the Patagonian steppe, where this pinot noir is rooted. With 30% whole berry and 3 days of maceration, this was fermented and aged in stainless. Quite primarily fruited, with strawberry jam, a tart cherry on a softer, short palate, finishing with some pasty tannins.Prices:| BC | $14.90 | 750ml |
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08 April 2021
90PTS
Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2018
San Carlos, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena is one of Argentina's leading producers, and not just for the quality of their wines. They were named the world's most admired wine brand in 2020 (number two in 2021), and they continue to push the envelope through initiatives like the Catena Institute. The nose here primes you for a bold style of cabernet franc, with black cherry, plum, subtle dried herbs, and well-integrated chocolatey oak. But it’s surprisingly elegant on the palate, more medium-bodied than full, and clocks in at a reasonable 13.5% abv. A little more time may allow for the oak to further integrate, but it’s a pleasure to drink now, with a slight hint of sweetness (5 g/L residual sugar) helping to smooth the fine-grained tannins. Good value at $20 in Ontario.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
El Esteco Fincas Notables Las Mercedes Tannat Cuartel No. 28 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis dark, brooding tannat is only just starting to unwind itself at six years of age. It's a wine that's as much about savoury accents like graphite and tar as it is judicious toasty oak and blackberry fruit. It's still quite linear and firmly structured, so give this some time in the decanter while you fire up the charcoal grill.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Esteco Fincas Notables Las Mercedes Tannat Cuartel No. 28 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe Fincas Notables labels draw its fruit from top blocks across its Calchaqui Valley estates. Point in question plot 28, sandy alluvial soils at 1700m in Cafayate. There is nothing shy about this dark, almost menacing black chocolate, espresso, smoky red that will thrill barbecue fans looking for a hefty style red. It shows no sign of deterioration at six years of age, so fear not, it will age another decade. It as rich and as savoury as tannat can get and a bit reminiscent of a 70s style tannat from southwest France. It is partially native fermented in new French oak barrels and aged for 15 months. A leg of lamb comes quickly to mind.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Argento Estate Reserve Organic Cabernet Franc 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Agrelo, in Mendoza’s Lujàn de Cuyo, this organic cabernet franc was fermented in steel, with 30% going off to French barrel (550L and 3500L) for aging. Toasty on the nose, with downy soft blackberry and black cherry striated with hard pressed and powdery green franc tannins. The finish is short, and sour, with the hard, green tannins. Disjointed.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.00 | 750ml |
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07 April 2021
86PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Uco Valley's Los Cerezas vineyard, at 1000m, this bright sauvignon blanc was cooly fermented and rested briefly in stainless to preserve its fresh fruit characteristics. Gooseberry, crab apple, melon finish with a snap on the simple, clean palate. Crack with seafood.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaIf this is the direction of value-priced Chilean sauvignon blanc, sign me up. It has a faint herbaceous grassy note, but really this is about bright citrus fruits that are accented by white flowers and lees. There's surprising purity to the fruit that supports the light, delicate style. It's dry (2 g/L residual sugar) but not bracing thanks to nicely integrated, crisp acidity, and it clocks in at just 12.5% abv. A great everyday sipper that really impresses for the price. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaIn the early days of this wine, I remember they were cutting about a quarter of the vineyard flowers off, forcing a secondary bud that would ripen later after the hottest part of the growing season. Eventually, they moved off that method, finding it was too difficult for the vines. That said, they have made great strides with this sauvignon and its subtle green notes and fresh acidity. It is grown at Los Cerezas Vineyard, at 1000m inside the Uco Valley. It is bright and fresh, with notes of gooseberry, green melon, all with a minimum of only two g/L of residual sugar, keeping the finish clean and fresh without an aggressive finish. Crab cakes and grilled prawns on the barbecue come to mind. A real bargain at $12.99, so back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino Chardonnay 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis chardonnay comes from semi-arid vineyards in Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, around 1000m. Post-ferment, this aged in oak for 4 months. Creamy and round, with baked apple, poached pear, vanilla custard on a lightly spiced palate, this has a bright lemon acidity to carry the heft to a shorter finish.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
El Enemigo Chardonnay 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis rich, creamy chardonnay shows a liberal amount of spicy wood, overshadowing the underlying baked apple and ripe stone fruits. It's a fairly old school style, though there's enough freshness on the palate to keep it all in balance. If you like big, oaky chardonnays, you won't be disappointed.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
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06 April 2021
89PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec Terroir Las Miradores 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Finca Los Miradores vineyard in Valle de Uco, this massale selection malbec is rooted at 1150m. Post-ferment, this is partially aged in new French oak barrels over one year, and then blended with the stainless component. Super ripe and dense with inky blackberry, black cherry, blueberry jam, pipe tobacco, espresso on a plush palate. Tannins are soft, hugging the cushy, full-bodied palate to a perfumed musk finish. This big wine is very much in youth, and has time to go. I only wish I could see more of the vineyard, and less of the winemaking.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Colomé Malbec Estate 2018
Salta, North, ArgentinaColomé stakes claim to the world’s highest elevation vineyards, 1,700 to 3,111 metres above sea level, along its four sites in the Upper Calchaquí Valley of Salta. The regular label is French oak aged for 15 months and delivers a spectacular fresh set of black, dusty stone aromas and flavours. Think blackberry compote meets blueberries. Power with elegance is rare in this variety, but you sense this wine, as wild as it is, has a bright future ahead of it. Fresh and savoury, it is a terrific wine for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Alluvia Vineyard 2016
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDona Paula Seleccion de Bodega Malbec is the flagship estate malbec made from only the finest plots. It is native fermented and aged in new French oak barriques for 24 months. The nose and palate are intense with notes of earthy back cherries, wet stones, and florals. Dry and complex, this is the real thing. The structure and elegance are a delight to encounter. The fruit comes off the famed Alluvia Vineyard in Gualtallary, 1,350 meters above sea level. The vines are head pruned and grow out of a rocky, ancient stream bed, hence the strong mineral connection. Open, decant, and wait for this beautiful wine to unfold throughout the evening.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corazon del Sol Malbec 2017
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec is grown among the rocky soils of Uco's Los Chacayes, at 1200m altitude. It is aged for a year in second and third use French oak. Ripe and full of silken dark blackberries, perfumed dark plums, sided with sticky / ragged tannins, and finishing with a warming roasted coffee and bitter cherry note. Both savoury and cushy at once, this is best met with roasted meats.Prices:| ON | $35.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Versado Reserva 2013
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVersado is the Argentine project of Canadian winemaker couple Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble. An exhaustive 2 year search of more than 200 vineyards brought them to this special 3 hectare high elevation site in Mendoza, and its 1920s plantings of ungrafted malbec. This comes from those old vines, and was native fermented in concrete before a rest in wood. Plush and sumptuous on the full palate, with gobs of perfumed black plum, cassis, and fleshy dark cherry, with a swing of oxidation reflecting the warm vintage and age of this bottle. Tannins are ample, but well absorbed into the cushy fruit, all lofted with a buzzing limestone minerality, leaving a moreish salinity on the lingering finish. Drinking very well now.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Versado Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaVersado is the Argentine project of Canadian winemaker couple Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble. An exhaustive 2 year search of more than 200 vineyards brought them to this special high elevation site in Mendoza, and its 1920s plantings of ungrafted malbec. From nearby vineyards at 1000m, this is a compact red of dense black cassis, kirsch, livened with a limestone minerality, and hemmed with ample, fuzzy tannins, finishing with a drying, leathery grip and a swell of warmth. Drinking well now, especially as intended, with fire grilled meats and veg.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Versado Reserva 2013
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCanadian winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble are the owners of Versado Wines, home to a 3-hectare, high-elevation site in Mendoza with 1920s ungrafted malbec vines. The Reserva comes off the oldest vines, and is native fermented in concrete. In 2013, a warm-to-hot year, the fruit is fully ripe but more floral than sweet, with a strong mineral stony core that stretches it out along the palate. It's beginning to show signs of age, but it's mostly complexing, adding more to the depth of the wine. Ready to drink with roasted meats. I’m guessing the more recent organic versions will be another jump up in quality as they come to market.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Versado Old Vines Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Versado vineyard, certified organic, lies between the famed Cobos Road and the Andes, not far from Chacras de Coria, an old town south of Mendoza City. 2017 opens with fresh cut cedar, leather, and brambleberry scents. Like the regular malbec, the style is on the drier side, mixing dark berries with licorice and dried herbs, and just a hint of spice. There is more intensity here and a longer, more persistent finish featuring pure black raspberry and black cherry that finishes with a twist of smoke and leather. Drink or hold it can go either way. An elegant style of malbec seldom seen on wine shop shelves.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Versado Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCanadian winemaking giants Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble bought a piece of dirt in Mendoza back in 2007. After a lot of hard work and travel, the organically farmed wines are now making their way to Canada. The regular malbec is a delightful departure from the sweet, soft, ripe, plush style, albeit, at $28, one should expect something different. The nose is a reserved mix of dark cherries and mineral earthy notes. The palate follows dark stony fruit with dry, earthy, savoury underpinnings and a long finish with light tannins. It needs food in a good way to lift it to another level. A simple piece of grilled beef will do the trick. Well made and will age through 2025 with ease.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Vino del Sol's San Pablo estate vineyard at 1300m in Uco Valley, this was aged one year in oak barrels (1st and 2nd use). Tapiz translates to tapestry, and references the integration between intense fruit, extreme altitude, and oak. It's great to see a powerful wine like this with some age, although at only 13.9%, it's already showing its gentle touch and winemaking restraint. Cassis, wild blackberries, black plums, anise, is woven with perfumed violets, and ample cracked pepper on the layered palate. Near prime now, this will easily hold over the next number of years in cellar.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2015
Mendoza, ArgentinaSix years on, this is ready for prime time. It shows dusty black fruits, rosemary, chocolatey oak, and a slight oxidative character. Medium-bodied, with appealing juicy freshness, the tannins are almost resolved, with a touch of grip to the finish. A solid wine, already aged, at a fair price. You can't go wrong here.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2016
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis polished malbec comes from vineyards in Uco Valley, and aged 18 months in new French barrels. Sultry violets perfume wild dark cassis, blackberry, black plum along a smooth, supple palate, buoyed by a wave of acidity and a bump of RS. Tannins are plush and long, drawing the fruit through the spiced, pressed finish. Easy to drink now, with some maturity. Nice to see the sweetness dropping off over time on this label.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.85 | 750ml |
| NFL | $22.85 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2016
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is a full throttle, heady malbec aged in all new French barriques for 18 months. The oak is certainly present, with no shortage of chocolate and toast, but it doesn't overwhelm the fruit. The soft, plump black fruits work nicely with the wood, and a violet lift gives it added aromatic intensity. Suave and polished, this is nicely balanaced and will hit that big, bold red craving as we head into barbecue season.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.85 | 750ml |
| NFL | $22.85 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alamos Selección Malbec 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaRich and dense and smoky from the start, this full-bodied red grows in high altitude vineyards, is macerated for approximately one month, and spends 16-18 months in a mix of stainless, American, and French oak. A whack of sweet, ripe, potent black wood greets, imbued by sweet smoke, candied black liquorice, and cracked black peppercorn and cinnamon spicing. Tannins are ample, plush, and enveloping, cradling this to a warming finish. Quite a massive wine, and one that necessitates equally powerful food to meet.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
El Enemigo Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec, bolstered by 10 percent cabernet franc, was fermented by indigenous yeasts, using 50% whole cluster. It then aged in oak foudres for 15 months. The result is a spicy, dark-fruited malbec, showing pepper, cloves, smoke, and juicy blackberry. With some time in the glass, the fruit comes more to the foreground, but I find this a touch rustic. It has impressive freshness and depth, though, and it's quite an interesting take on malbec.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.05 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThere’s more fruit ripeness here than Trivento's Reserve Malbec, veering into the blue fruit spectrum. There’s also a lot more oak, with abundant vanillin and smoke. Interestingly, there’s not the weight you'd expect from the fruit ripeness, with a surprisingly thin mid-palate leading to a tart, short finish. All in all, it's fairly disjointed, and the blocky, grainy tannins will need to be finessed at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $25.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.65 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis shows deeply concentrated dark berry fruits that harmoniously balance the cedar spice from aging 12 months in French oak. It's more medium-bodied and juicy than you'd expect from the level of fruit ripeness on the nose, though it still checks in at a warming 14.5% abv. The tannins are velvety, and slightly powdery on the finish, making this approachable now. Like Kaiken's Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon, this is not wildly complex, but it's clearly well made and fine value for the price.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFull and rich, with dense medicinal cherry, smoked blackberry, blueberry jam, dark chocolate ruling a spicy palate. Tannins are ample, chewy, and wood-born, but pretty well absorbed by the density of fruit, and would be further with the introduction of grilled beef. On its own, it falls a bit short on the warming, bitter cherry finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSleek soft, warm and packed full of cedary, menthol, black cherry aromas. The attack is rich and warm with black cherry blueberry fruit with a hint of brown and cedar spice. A year in French oak is still showing, as are some granular tannins at this point. The finish is long, warm and spicy, but in the end, it holds it all together — a solid dinner wine that is more on the indulgent side than the complex — best with a T-bone steak now or cellar through 2023.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2017
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDecero's Remolinos Vineyard is situated at 1050m above sea level, and this has the density and structure that you'd expect from high elevation mountain fruit. Tasted blind you'd be forgiven for thinking it was cabernet. It's led by ripe, concentrated blackberry and cassis, with forward, balanced oak that brings sweet spices and chocolate to the glass. It’s still surprisingly youthful and unrelenting right now, needing a vigorous decant or some time in the cellar, but it has the balance and structure to reward those who wait.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2017
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDecero means 'from scratch', referencing this site's natural state before the vineyards and winery were established, in Agrelo, Mendoza. Remolinos Vineyard is sited at 1100m, and takes its name from the winds that keep the vineyard clean and dry. After a month's maceration and ferment in stainless, this malbec went into 90% oak (30% new) with the remainder in stainless, for 14 months' rest. Cushy and plump with perfumed blackberry, plum, red earth, and crushed florals, against an autumnal backdrop. Tannins are fine and slightly sticky, housing this to a warming finish. Drink now, preferably with grilled pork or lamb.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom high altitude vineyards in Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, this was partially native fermented in stainless before resting in American oak (10% new) for 8 months. It was bottled unfined. There's a green branch / smoked earth element throughout this full red, sweetly ripe with baked raspberries, black cherry jam, and ample peppery spicing. Tannins are furry, housing this to a warming finish. Take now as intended, with fire grilled meats and veg.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis alluring malbec comes off two alluvial, sandy loam / calcareous vineyards in Uco Valley (Paraje Altamira, and Los Chacayes), and 1000-1100m altitude. After a native ferment in concrete, this was aged in concrete and used 500L French oak. Crushed violets, wild blackberries, perfumed plums and blueberries flood the juicy palate, lofted with effortless acidity, and framed with fine, long tannins. The finish hums with an alluring salinity. Harmonious now in youth, this will continue to impress and grow over the short term in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaQ stands for quality, and it is how the best blocks are marked at Zuccardi. The nose opens with a touch of smoke and toast mixed with violets and minerals. It is both soft and generous but never sweet, showing ripe, peppery, blue and black fruits with dense but svelte tannins that effortlessly combine to offer serious complexity at a fair price. The wine is native fermented and spends about three weeks on skins before going through a concrete and oak mix for 15 months to build the structure. Food friendly and ready to drink, it will age with little trouble.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, this big, savoury malbec is sourced from vines 20-90 years, and 1100-1200m. This was fermented and macerated for 3 weeks before aging for 1 year (40% in older wood). The wood plays a role here, with a sweet charred spice note that houses the dense, savoury black fruit. Notes of charcoal, roasted espresso, and violets dart in and out, with an element of freshness afforded by the altitude and dominance of stainless. Drinking well now, with grilled meats and root veg, as intended.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.70 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena is one of Argentina's leading producers, and not just for the quality of their wines. They were named the world's most admired wine brand in 2020, and they continue to push the envelope through initiatives like the Catena Institute. This malbec shows ripe, densely concentrated black fruits, with sweet spiced oak from aging 12 months in a mix of new, 1st, and 2nd year barriques. There's a perception of sweetness to the attack (5 g/L residual sugar), but it's nicely balanced with silky tannins and a real sense of freshness. A brooding style of malbec that is still quite moreish, there's a lot of bang for your buck here.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.80 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Catena Malbec High Mountain Vines 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena’s High Mountain Malbec is a blend of high-altitude, family-owned vineyards situated in Maipú, Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato, and San Carlos. 2018 is a good year, and you sense it a soon as the wine hits your palate. The precision you taste is a reflection of its mix of sites: 80-year-old vines in Lunlunta (Maipù) lend soft, sweet textures; in Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo), the Catena cuttings throw spice; the cold nights in Altamira (San Carlos) lend bright, crisp acidity; and the intense sunshine in Gualtallary (Tupungato) yields floral aromatics and structure. Simply a delicious mix of red and black fruits sprayed with umami deliciousness and finished with a touch of mocha toasted oak. Turkey is an amazing match, but grilled steak is a more likely summer fare. 2018 is year 24 for a label now a million miles from where it began.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.29 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.85 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.80 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Flight of the Condor Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is an approachable, jammy malbec with smoky, charred oak. It's correct, but rather foursquare as a result. At the very least, the name of the wine will inspire you to go back and listen to Flight of the Concords. Crack the screwcap today and pair with burgers and old episodes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Flight of the Condor Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina'Malbec from Mendoza' is about as specific as this malbec goes, which is about as far as it goes in the glass as well. Cedar lined blackberry, black cherry is framed by blocky tannins, and finishes with a roasted coffee / kirsch note on the warming finish. This rustic red requires grilled veg or beef to partner.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Flight of the Condor Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Flight of the Condor is a modern style malbec, which means clean, ripe, and soft, with baking spice notes. It's a wine you can drink immediately and a fine accompaniment to spicy beef dishes from tacos to flank steak. This wine has a connection with the famed malbec producer Decero. It hails from 2019, a vintage many are already suggesting is an outstanding one. At $20, it is worth a look and would be a fine barbecue companion.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom sandy and rocky loams at 1100m in Los Chacayes, Valle de Uco, this malbec was destemmed, macerated, and fermented over 30 days before aging 11 months in 2nd use French barrels. Cushy, plumped black fruit is shaped with sweet smoke and crushed violets, with the ample, slightly gritty tannins well absorbed into the velveteen fruit. Perfumed, friendly, and real, this is a smart choice for drinking now or over short term.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is quite serious malbec, balancing dark, brooding fruit with high-toned aromatics and gravel. There's also some underlying wood spice, from second-use French oak, that is deftly integrated. It's a savoury, structured style that still has generous fruit. At the moment, it benefits from some time in the glass, as it's still fairly dense with assertive, fine-grained tannins, but it makes for a rewarding pour, even more so if you have the patience to tuck it away for a few years. Good value and recommended.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ben Marco Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaBen Marco is a range of wines from Susana Balbo made by esteemed winegrower/winemaker and current GM, Edy del Popolo. Post ferment, it spends 11 months in second use French oak. The fruit is grown on sandy and rocky loam soils at 1100 metres Los Chacayes, Valle de Uco. It is rich and black in colour and flavour, flecked with black pepper and jarilla notes, lifted from the palate in the back end by bright floral /violet tones that electrify the finish. Drink or hold. Grilled sausages, spaghetti Bolognese, or grilled pork chops all come to mind.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Septima Malbec 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaIt's easy to associate Raventós Codorníu with its eponymous Cava brand, but Mendoza-based Septima is the seventh winery established by the group. This malbec is made in a fruit-driven style, with the majority aged in stainless steel. The black fruits are slightly muddled, with added complexity coming from a touch of smoky oak (15% of the blend is aged in American and French oak). It's soft and ready to drink, though there's more value to be found elsewhere in the Argentina aisle.Prices:| BC | $20.91 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Septima Malbec 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSéptima, meaning seventh, is Grupo Codorníu-Raventós' seventh winery. The winery is situated in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, at 1050m. After a stainless ferment, most of this malbec aged in stainless for 6 months, with 15% seeing new American and French oak. Rich black fruit is tinged with camp smoke, and woven with a subtle green branchiness. Tannins are ample, but absorbed by the dense fruit, leaving a slight grip in their wake, up to the warming, sweet spiced finish. Approachable, and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.91 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec 2018
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom vineyards at 950m in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, this was fermented in stainless and partially aged in American oak for 8 months. Dusky plum, blueberry, juicy blackberry floods the fuller palate, with ample sweet spicing that lingers on the shorter finish. Quite friendly and likeable now, especially with grilled kabobs.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis classic malbec comes off vines averaging 35 years in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. After a ferment in stainless, this rests in French oak for one year. Rich blackberry is laced with espresso, fragrant cherry, perfumed plums, anise, and peppery spicing. Tannins are long, firm, yet supple, hugging this to a lingering, sweetly spiced and medicinal finish. Grilled beets, beefs work here.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.78 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaA steady, value-for-money performer, the latest edition comes from an outstanding year in Argentina. At 50+ years old, the east-facing, biodynamically farmed vines are matured at Finca La Linda, at 950m above sea level in Luján de Cuyo. The nose and palate are rich and expressive, offering black plum flecked with blueberries and black raspberries, spending a year in French oak to round out the edges and firm up the tannins. This one is age-worthy, but you can drink now with grilled beef or the classic Italian offering, spaghetti Bolognese. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.78 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Finca Decero Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2017
Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFinca Decero started with bare land and a hands-on approach free of any traditional restraints. In fact, ‘decero’ means 'from scratch'. The malbec hails from the Remolinos Vineyard in Agrelo at 1050 metres above sea level. The vineyard takes its name from the Remolinos, or whirlwinds, which keep the grapes dry and clean. It opens with floral notes and a mix of red and blue fruit. The palate is soft and seductive with more blackcurrant and black raspberry, and dense, soft tannins. Pleasing enough to drink now or hold for another two to four years and beyond. Beef tacos for lunch or a T-Bone steak for dinner.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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05 April 2021
89PTS
Marco Zunino Estancia Argentina Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaMarco Zunio was founded by four French partners in San Rafael, in the south of Mendoza. Their 30 hectare vineyard sits at 670m. This highly perfumed malbec is flooded with blueberry, iris, violets that lead the sleek, medium-bodied palate, with blueberry, blackberry, sweet plums filling out the rest. Tannins are long and fine, and the finish is bright and peppery, with a bump of warmth. A charmer, especially if you are looking for the florality of the grape.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Riccitelli Hey Malbec Rosé 2020
Perdriel District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaOne of Argentina's leading young winemakers, Matías Riccitelli started his boutique winery in 2009, in Las Compuertas, at 1100 meters above sea level. It is the highest area of Lujan de Cuyo, and here he tends 20 hectares of ungrafted old vineyards. Matías also works with small, independent growers that own their lands at the bottom of the Andes halfway between 1000 and 1700 meters, in Gualtallary, Chacayes, Altamira and La Carrera. This malbec rosé comes from Perdriel, at the banks of the Mendoza River. After a native ferment over a few weeks, this is aged for a short amount of time in concrete eggs. Pouring a shining orange / peach hue, this juicy, vibrant, dry rosé sings with wild raspberry, bergamot, grapefruit peel, crunchy pear to a lingering finish. I love the textural riff from the concrete eggs here, elevating this far beyond its peers. A name to watch, and seek out.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Argento Estate Reserve Organic Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis organic malbec comes from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, and Altamira. After a stainless ferment, it rested in French oak for 3 months. Ripe blackberry, wild blueberry, fills a juicy palate, framed with smoothed, pasty tannins. The finish is brief, and this carries its 14.5% alcohol easily. Best matched with pot pies or hearty stews.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Vuelta Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom vineyards along the upper Mendoza River, this malbec saw no oak, allowing the fruit to shine. Youthful and juicy, with ample blueberry, candied blackberry on a short, tight palate. Tannins are smoothed out, finishing with a pasty, spicy twinge. Simple, youthful, and meant for cracking now, with equally simple fare.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Vuelta Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis has the honour of being my first malbec from the 2020 vintage to be reviewed at GOW. As you'd expect from an early release, the emphasis here is on the fruit, which is predominantly black-fruited with an attractive sappy edge. There's also just a hint of reduction. It's an appealing, easy-going style with no oak, but which is detracted by noticeable, unnecessary sweetness. A solid weekday wine to serve with a slight chill alongside burgers.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.35 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Raza Reserva Malbec 2018
La Rioja, ArgentinaThe Raza line of wines was named in honour of the famed Raza Polo Argentino horses, a native breed renown for their polo skills. 60% of this La Rioja malbec was aged in wood (80% French, 20% American). At once sweet and smoky, with candied blueberries, blackberry jam, roasted coffee wrestling with camp smoked stones and fire grilled meats. Tannins are pasty and ample, to a shorter finish. Requires pairing with equally rustic dishes, sooner than later.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Raza Reserva Malbec 2018
La Rioja, ArgentinaThe vintage is declared on the back label next to the alcohol level, almost as an afterthought, which fits with what's in the bottle. This is about the style first and foremost: an easy drinking malbec with bold fruit and oak. Forward, sweet blueberry, and plum is bolstered by vanilla and mocha notes from some oak aging. Medium-bodied, and just 13%, the palate is both sweet and sour, with disjointed acidity that gives this a mouth-puckeringly tart finish.Prices:| BC | $15.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alamos Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom high altitude vineyards, this full bodied malbec (tipped with 1.5% each of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo) was cold soaked for 3 days prior to ferment, to extract additional intensity from the skins. After a week long ferment in stainless, this remained on skins with regular pumpovers for 20 days, prior to aging in a mix of French and American oak for 8 months. Ripe and round with downy violets, plump blueberries, blackberry jam, this is housed with downy / furry tannins to a shorter finish. Crack and drink now, with skirt steak.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.20 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom El Alto Vineyard, in Ugarteche, the southern part of Luján de Cuyo, these malbec vines are planted at 1050m in sandy clay loams. Led by blueberries, this is flush with plums, wild blackberries, framed with a cool steeliness, to a subtly spiced finish. Tannins are long and smooth, making this a fresher, drink now malbec. Simple, well put together, and fun to drink.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.25 | 750ml |
| NFL | $14.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaLos Cardos is Doña Paula's impressive entry-level tier, with wines that overdeliver on their modest price tag. The focus seems to be on freshness and approachability, and that's certainly the case with this malbec. It combines juicy blueberry with some savoury spice that's true to variety and, more importantly, not trying to be something it's not.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.25 | 750ml |
| NFL | $14.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe thistles, or Los Cardos, are desert flowers known for their intensity of colour and super sharp thorns, but their true meaning is that of a stoplight, as in stop and plant your grapevines here. In Argentina, that is at 1050 metres above sea level on the Andes' breezy side slopes. The colour is deep, with bright blueberry, black plum, blackberry, and a long, cool, linear attack. Fresh and spicy, it's not hard to see why this is such a fun wine to pair with hamburgers, beef tacos, or even an Asian black bean dish. Ready to drink and affordable. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.30 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.25 | 750ml |
| NFL | $14.25 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Trivento Reserve Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is slightly reductive out of the gates, which mutes the ripe black fruits and gentle floral aromatics. Medium-bodied, it's fresh and juicy on the palate with judicious oak, though the tannins have a gritty character that dries out the finish. A fine everyday pour if you’re looking for a lighter style of Malbec, but just be sure to give it a splash decant.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, and 1350m altitude, this malbec was aged in first, 2nd, and 3rd use oak barrels for one year. Crushed violets, blueberries, perfumed black plums rule the plush, plumped palate, with ample cushy tannins caressing a velveteen mouthfeel. This has a nice degree of freshness to handle the weight and ripeness however, finishing with a bright stony spice note and not much heat. Drinking well now, but with potential to age over the next few years in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Alluvia Vineyard in the high altitude Valle de Uco, this shows abundant ripeness with dense dark berry fruits, framed by gravel and smoky, toasty oak after ageing in French barriques for 12 months. It has no shortage of extraction, with 15-20 days of post-fermentation maceration. It’s bold and full-bodied, but the tannin quality suffers as a result. The components are all here, but it could use a touch more finesse.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaIn Tupungato’s Gualtallary, Finca Alluvia sits in the middle of nowhere, some 1350 metres above sea level or about 120 metres higher than Vancouver landmark Grouse Mountain. The stony, mineral, edgy malbec is aged in a mix of first, 2nd, and 3rd use French oak barrels. The fruit is black and blue but with a stronger floral, mineral undercurrent firm, dense tannins. Fresh, spicy and stony, you can drink this now or let it age comfortably for three to seven years. It is a sleeker, drier, more mineral, less puppy fat style malbec, perfect with a meaty pizza or a favourite Italian cheese.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tilimuqui Organic Malbec NV
La Rioja, ArgentinaTilimuqui is a small village where many of the workers of the La Riojana co-op live. This is from 30 year old vines. Simple and short, with roasted coffee, kirsch, muted spices on a clipped palate, with bitter edged, smoothed out tannins.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tilimuqui Organic Malbec NV
La Rioja, ArgentinaIt's not every day you come across a non vintage still wine, but it makes sense for this high volume, mass market type of wine, which is more about the style and organic designation than anything else. It shows simple, confected black fruits with a good dose of sweet, heavily charred oak. There's just a hint of grittiness to the finish, but that shouldn't take away from its broad appeal.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Alamos Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Catena family does not have their name on the label, but they are the folks behind the Alamos brand, that frankly has pulled up its socks the last five years. The fruit is all high-altitude, and the style is rich and full-bodied. There is a tiny amount of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo in the blend that spends eight months in French and American oak post-ferment. The flavours are black and blue, the tannins fluffy soft with just a touch of rusticity. Anything fire-grilled will pull this wine altogether. The super light glass bottle is not unnoticed. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.20 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Malbec Finca E.G. 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec comes 80% off Agrelo vineyards, with the remainder from Finca el Cepillo. Post ferment, 60% aged in a mix of American and French oak for 8 months. Roasted meats, roasted coffee permeate this bigger red, flush with cherry, medicinal raspberry, blueberry, and cedar spicing. Tannins are smoothed, finishing a little pasty on the warming finish. Needs a hearty stew.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Malbec Finca E.G. 2019
Mendoza, Argentina1884 is a weekday malbec you can open as soon as you get the bottle home. Post ferment, 60 percent of the juice spends eight months in a 60/40 mix of American and French oak; the remainder is kept in stainless steel. The nose is a mix of smoked meat and cedar dust, and the palate a menthol black cherry fruit affair. A perfect hamburger red.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2019
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom the sandy soils of San Rafael, at 750m, this ripe, sweeter malbec shows candied blackberry, cherry, and pomegranate notes, with a confected blueberry note to the shorter finish. Tannins are pasty, and acidity is moderate, letting the alcohol show a bit. Chill and crack now.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Malbec 2019
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLos Primos Malbec comes off sandy soil at some 750 metres above sea level. The nose and palate ripen with sweet-smelling black cherries and blueberry that spills across the palate. It has a candied fruit demeanour upfront, but it has all the underpinnings of malbec. It is a bit skinny for the overall alcohol, but it settles in just fine when served with barbecue ribs — a rare bargain at $12.99.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Graffigna Reserve Malbec 2019
San Juan, ArgentinaGraffigna has been producing wine in Argentina for 150+ years. This Reserve Malbec shows bright, sappy blackberry and raspberry. More medium-bodied than full, even at 13.5% abv, there's a juiciness to the palate that gives this straightforward malbec some charm and appeal. It doesn't quite have the fruit weight to carry the finish, which dries out from the sinewy tannins, but it should work nicely with something like beef tacos.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.95 | 750ml |
| NFL | $16.20 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Argento Estate Reserve Organic Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaArgento is an organic malbec, made in the less-is-more mould, grown at Luján de Cuyo, just south of Mendoza, and much further south at Altimira in the Uco Valley. It is fermented in stainless steel and briefly aged in French oak for three months to provide a touch of expansion on the palate. Look for a drier style along with plenty of ripe black fruit and a dose of earthy, cedary tannins. There is a touch of reduction removed by a splash decant or simply swirling the wine in your glass. Ready to drink with meat casseroles, stews, or empanadas.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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02 April 2021
89PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom 20+ year old vineyards at 980m in Perdriel (Luján de Cuyo) and Eugenio Bustos (Uco Valley), this cabernet sauvignon was aged in French oak (new to 4th use) for one year prior to light filtration and a 6 month rest in bottle. Dusky red and purple florals preview this savoury, harmonious red, with cherry, leather, kirsch, gravels filling out a medium+ palate. Tannins are long and fine, well integrated into the palate, drawing this to a lightly spiced finish. Well handled, and excellent value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFincas Notables is a selection of highly-rated estate blocks from throughout the Calchaqui Valley. As noted on the front label, the cabernet is from block or cuartel No. 9. in vineyard Finca La Urquiza, a mix of any alluvial soils that sit at 1700m above sea level. It is mountain fruit by any stretch of the imagination, yielding intense colour and rich tannins thanks to thick skins and small berries. 2015 was a difficult year, cooler and wetter than average, leaving herby, earthy pyrazine notes thankfully pushed back by dark chocolate and blackcurrant fruit. Reasonably dry and ready to drink, it is best served with a fire-smoked piece of beef.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe Fincas Notables line comes from top plots around the Calchaqui Valley estates. This cabernet sauvignon comes off plot 9 of finca La Urquiza, at 1700m and sandy alluvial soils. The extreme altitude and intense UV creates small berries with thick skins. This was macerated and partially native fermented in oak vats before the wine ages in new French barrels for 15 months. Dark earth, gravels, smoked stone, black cherry, earthy green pitch fill the savoury-edged palate, with dark cocoa, filling in the gaps, and ample, powdery tannins holding in the sides. This finishes with a swell of warmth, best mitigated with a serving of hearty beef or root vegetable stew.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Cabernet Sauvignon Finca E.G. 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Agrelo, this cab sauv spent 8 months in French oak. Rich and cushy, with red and black cherry scented with toasted cedar, and dusty gravels. The full palate is framed by lightly grippy, well-worn tannins, with a toasty note on the shorter, warming finish. Simple, but varietally correct, and ready to go with your beef stews or roasts.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom high altitude Mendoza vineyards, this was crushed and cold soaked for 72 hours prior to ferment, to extract more intensity. It was then fermented in stainless, and rested 6-9 months in 1 and 2 year French and American oak barrels. Sweet ripe cassis, blackberry is woven with pipe tobacco, camp smoke, pepper, with grippy / ragged tannins leading this to a warming mentholated finish. Best taken now, with grilled meats / veg.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Finca Los Primos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis ripe, sweeter cabernet sauvignon comes from their San Rafael estate, Finca Dona Elsa, and its loamy sands. Candied blueberry, violets, fleshy cherries flood a velvet-lined palate, with lightly sticky tannins to side, and sweet spices to finish. Very entry-level, with the bump of RS to match.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca el Origen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Character 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom their La Esperanza estate, in the Uco Valley, this cabernet sauvignon grows at 1200m. Post ferment, 30% of this saw time in wood for the 6 months of maturity prior to bottling. Rich and smooth, with plush cassis, blackberry jam, ripe plum stretched along a medium+ palate, finishing quickly with a grip of dryness, and a vanillin sweetness. Tannins are integrated into the plump fruit, leaving a tuggy grip in their wake. This full bodied red is primed for drinking now, with grilled steak or mushroom kabobs.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Toso Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom estate vineyards in Barrancas, in the Maipú District, this was macerated and fermented in stainless over three weeks before aging for one year (with 40% moved to American oak). Tart black fruits are flushed out with espresso, and coated with pasty tannins, to a shorter finish. Simple red meant for equally simple dinners, like steak sandwich.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.59 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.69 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaRich and full, with sunbaked cabernet yielding sweet cassis, kirsch, bitter black cherry, and ample toasty cedar wood on a noticeably sweeter palate. Tannins are ample and a bit ragged, gripping this ripe, full red around the sides to the warming, minty finish. This is a lot of a lot, best taken now, with grilled fare to mitigate.Prices:| BC | $28.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Cabernet Sauvignon Finca E.G. 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is an oak-driven cabernet with gobs of sweet spices, chocolate, and cedar after ageing for eight months in French oak. It's obscuring the underlying ripe, polished black fruits at this young age, and I question whether the oak will ever fully integrate. But if you like big, bold, oaky reds, there's no need to wait. Just make sure to throw a steak on the grill as the tannins are still quite blocky.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaUltra is, perhaps, an unfortunate name. This isn't a supercharged cabernet. There's a freshness to the fruit, and even some red fruit character, that's complemented by muddled herbs and spicy oak. It's not overly complex, and the cheaper Selección may even be more expressive, but there's definitely more concentration and higher quality oak here. The other key difference: this will show better with some time in the cellar. Today, it's calling for grilled steak.Prices:| BC | $28.15 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
El Esteco Fincas Notables Cabernet Sauvignon Cuartel 9 2015
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSomething is reassuring and promising about pulling a Diam 30 cork from a bottle. At six years of age, this is already fairly developed and drinking well. It shows green, earthy notes alongside cedar, chocolate, and stewed black fruits. The palate is quite suave, with tannins that aren't far from being fully resolved. Drink now or over the next 4-5 years. A worthwhile pour if you like that greener side of cabernet.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis fresh-fruited cabernet sauvignon shows dark berry fruit with a dusting of graphite and toasty oak. It will certainly appeal to those seeking a fresher, more balanced cabernet style, and you can't go wrong at this price, especially if you serve it at the dinner table to tame the firm tannins.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Finca Los Primos Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis shows quite a confected, aromatic nose, almost carbonic-like in character, with soft black fruits, olive, and a floral lift. It's interesting, though not necessarily evocative of cabernet sauvignon. The palate is broad, if a bit dilute, with decent freshness and medium-grained, powdery tannins. It's a bit forced and disjointed, though a fine everyday sipper at a reasonable price. I'd be tempted to serve this with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $12.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $13.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca el Origen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Character 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFinca El Origen was established in 1996 by Carolina Wine Brands, best known for Santa Carolina, and was the first Chilean venture into Argentina. This shows heady, plump blackberry with lots of toast and vanilla, even though just under a third of the wine is aged in French oak. It's a bit simple, but still varietally accurate and more polished than you'd typically expect for this price. As a celiac, I found the gluten free symbol on the back label a bit much. Yes, gluten can be found in the winemaking process. For example, a flour paste is sometimes used when putting the head on a barrel. But that doesn't translate to the final wine; studies have shown such wines still fall below the legal limit to classify a food product as gluten free. That legal limit, by the way, is just 20ppm, or mg/L, in Canada. In other words, wine should be classified as naturally gluten free.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Toso Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPascual Toso founded his eponymous winery in 1890, with Toso Estate representing the entry-level tier of the winery. This shows dark, brambly fruit with a healthy amount of toasty oak. It's a highly extracted style, which translates to firm, assertive tannins on the palate that dry out the finish. As is, you'll want to pair this with a hearty protein to bring things into balance. It likely doesn't have the fruit to wait for the tannins to resolve on their own in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.59 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.69 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
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01 April 2021
90PTS
Luigi Bosca Icono 2011
Mendoza, ArgentinaYou can tell this is the 'icon wine' of the winery, even without knowing the name is Icono. This has to be the heaviest bottle I've ever hefted, clocking in at 4lbs, 6oz before opening. Ouch. Inside is a 57/43 malbec/cabernet sauvignon blend, from 90+ year old vines at 1050m, from Finca Los Nobles, in Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo. After a stainless ferment and 15 day maceration with regular pumpovers, this aged in new French oak for 6 months, after which the top barrels are blended again, and back into another batch of new French barrels for another year. That's 200% new French oak! The concentration from these old wines is palpable, as is the heavy treatment in the winery, through the dense, chewy potency of this wine. Ultra ripe (now browning), with browning cherry, tobacco, leather, dark cocoa, worn cedar staves on a slow, brooding palate. There is a surprising amount of freshness, but not nearly enough to carry the density of this massive wine. So much, of so much, is too much.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luigi Bosca de Sangre 2017
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDe Sangre is a Cabernet Sauvignon led blend (85%), with 8% Syrah and 7% Merlot, from vineyards in the highest areas of Luján de Cuyo (820 - 1050m), and vines 30-90 years old. Post ferments in stainless, the three varieties are separately aged for 1 year in French (90%) and American (10%) oak. Savoury, with black cherry, dark raspberry, tobacco, graphite down the long, structural palate. The tannins are ample but long and well integrated into the fruit. Very refined and elegant, drinking well now but certainly with time ahead. Great value.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Believer Malbec Syrah Reserve Organic 2016
La Rioja, ArgentinaThis organic and fair-trade blend of malbec and syrah is a simple, entry-level, sweeter blend, with candied cherries, milk chocolate, cinnamon, on a smoothed palate, finishing with a dash of pepper. Not a wine of place, but of label.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Believer Malbec Syrah Reserve Organic 2016
La Rioja, ArgentinaAn organic and fair trade blend of malbec and syrah fills the swelling need for round, ripe, sweetish reds. The recipe is eerily simple across most countries: candied black cherries, brown spices, and milk chocolate on the palate with little or no tannin and, in this case, with a reductive, earthy, meaty character in the back end. This is best served with barbecue grilled beef. Ready to go.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ben Marco Expresivo 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis vintage blends 85% malbec with 15% cabernet franc from Gualtallary's calcareous/alluvial soils and 1300m altitude that spends 14 months in French wood, 70% new. Its artistic label and name aren't all that is Expresivo about this giant red; the bottle's heft makes a big statement. Crushed red florals, red currants, ripe raspberry, juicy plum leads this fleshy, full red. The soils and altitude afford a finesse which is surprising and welcome. Tannins are fine and long, wrapping around it and drawing it long on the palate — quite a smart red.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ben Marco Expresivo 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA blend of 85/15 malbec and cabernet franc, this is quite perfumed and fragrant, not just with floral aromatics but also exotic spices and graphite, with deftly integrated wood (70% new). There's a good amount of vibrant dark fruits, too. Like Ben Marco's single varietal malbec, this evolves nicely in the glass. It makes for quite an alluring wine to revisit over the course of an evening, with good structure and freshness to enjoy now or over the next 4-5 years. And it's surprisingly light on its feet for 14.5% abv, too. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ben Marco Expresivo 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaExpresivo has been supercharged under Edgardo del Popolo’s watch, and it starts with a much higher percentage of malbec. The nose has become more floral, and the fruit more red-black than black-black but still with a savoury undercurrent. The palate has an elegant, juicy flare upfront with ripe raspberry, but it also comes with a fleshy mid-palate that entices and pulls you along to a textured finish. Impressive styling here and a clue that you could age this five to seven years with no issues. T-bone steak, anyone?Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos de los Siete 2017
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe name Michel Rolland can bring certain prejudices or preconceived notions. The stereotype, infamously captured in Mondovino, is that he produces Parker-ized wines, but that's certainly not the case here. It's not shy on ripe, nicely defined fruit, ranging from black to blue, but it's really quite elegant and savoury, with cedar and floral aromatics. It speaks to skilled winemaking, but it also speaks to malbec, the dominant grape variety in the blend, and Mendoza, more generally. Highly recommended and a steal at this price.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vistalba Corte C Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA corte, or blend, of malbec (80%) and cabernet sauvignon (20%), this sees only a small amount of oak, giving it a fresh, fruit-driven character. Equal parts plum and blackberry, there's also some gravelly spice to add complexity and intrigue. It's not overly concentrated or showy, but all the better for it. Medium-bodied and lively, with sinewy tannins, this will be quite versatile at the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $22.35 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vistalba Corte C Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLuján de Cuyo's Bodega Vistalba was opened in 2002, with a focus on exploring traditional Argentine blends or 'corte.' Core C 2017 blends 80% malbec (planted 1948) and 20% cabernet sauvignon (planted 1999), from vineyards at 1000m. Post ferment, this aged one year in a mix of stainless (80%) and oak barrels. Bright blackberry, blueberry, perfumed plums and violets rule this fresh, fuller red, with ample velvet tannins well absorbed into the fleshy, medicinal-led fruit. Drinking fresh and smartly now, especially with roasted chicken or pork.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $22.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vistalba Corte C Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Vistalba District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaBodega Vistalba was opened in 2002 in Luján de Cuyo. Its raison d'etre was to explore traditional Argentine winemaking styles that were blends or 'corte.' Vistalba turns out various Corte with malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and bonarda. Globally the wines are fermented in concrete vessels and then blended and aged in French oak barrels. I love the 13.8 percent alcohol in this 2017. The nose is aromatic, stony, mineral with notes of violets and red fruits. The style continues to evolve, offering elegance and length in spades. The textures are supple, and the palate awash in vibrant plummy blackcurrant fruit with a chalky, long, exquisite finish. Mid-week it's Bolognese ready, and on the weekend, go with a T-Bone steak and chimichurri sauce.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $22.35 | 750ml |
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May 2021