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Tastings: March 2022
31 March 2022
88PTS
Riccardo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Dry 2020
Veneto, ItalyThe Fornasier family began harvesting grapes in the late 1800s, and began vinification in 1918 with the return of Signore Giuseppe from World War I. Ever since then, he and his family have been producing wine. This glera comes from Valdobbiadene, and spent 40 days in autoclaves. It was dosed with 21.5 g/L. The dosage is apparent on the round, creamy, weighted palate, with baked red apple, caramel, and overripe peach. This is a bit too much for easy drinking, and best taken well chilled with a custard fruit dessert.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Cantina Bernardi Terra De Rù Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry 2021
Veneto, ItalyCantina Bernardi began in 1960 by Mansueto Bernardi, who has been able to impart the love for his Refrontolo Hills and wine to his sons, Pierluigi and Adriano, and to the grandsons, the third generation of vintners, who continue their work in the winery today. This glera is dosed with 15 g/L. The RS is very apparent, with candied apple, candied orange peel, and ripe pear across the creamy, frothy palate. There's a little twist of grapefruit on the zippy finish to counter and refresh. Take now, with a chill, and cool fruit desserts.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Perlage Canah Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut NV
Veneto, ItalyPerlage began in 1985, when the 7 Nardi brothers, encouraged by their parents, decided to convert the family vineyards to organic agriculture. Perlage became one of the first Italian organic sparkling wineries, making high quality Prosecco Valdobbiadene using both tradition and innovation. This glera comes form the calcareous Refrontolo hills, and it was dosed with 8 g/L. The dosage is no match for the racy acidity, leaving a tight palate of pear skin, lemon blossom, elderflower, and green apple, over a zippy broken stone base. Quite a smart showing in this bright, alive wine.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bianca Vigna Rive di Collalto Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry 2020
Veneto, ItalyBiancaVigna was founded in 2004 by the siblings Enrico and Elena Moschetta who, for the first time ever, made sparkling wines with grapes grown in their family vineyards that belonged to their grandfather Genesio since the beginning of 20th century. Their 30 ha are in the southern zone, and this comes from the rive (single vineyard) of Collato. This glera spent 3 months in autoclaves and 2 more in bottle, and it was dosed with 17 g/L RS. The off-dry palate is offset with a bright pithy acidity, framing perfumed pear, white peach, pink grapefruit. Chill well and enjoy now with light / candied fruitsPrices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Valdellövo ZeroNove Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut 2021
Veneto, ItalyBenedetto and Clotilde have been operating Valdellövo for just under two decades and have made a name for their modern interpretation of the Prosecco Superiore tradition. The glera fruit comes off their 10 hectares of vineyards in Collalto di Susegana and Pieve di Soligo. It spent two months in an autoclave and was dosed with nine g/L. Off-dry, with fragrant peaches, pears, red apples, tied up with a snappy anise thread — quite a smart, stylish Prosecco.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Bellenda San Fermo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut 2021
Veneto, ItalyUmberto Cosmo's family has focused on farming for generations (eggs and cheese), and he went to veterinary school. However, he and his brother decided they wanted to do something different and make wine instead, and they opened the winery in 1986. This comes from the Carpesica area of Conegliano, at 180m. It spent 2 months in autoclaves, and was dosed at 6.5 g/L. Soft and expansive on the palate, with white peach blossoms, pear skin, and kisses of lime. This is a softer style, but still with a nice dry tint and stony shape to it, ready for enjoying now.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
La Farra Rive di Farra di Soligo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut 2020
Veneto, ItalyThe La Farra estate was established in 1997 by brothers Innocente and Guido Nardi, following in the footsteps of their family’s long winemaking history. Located in in Farra di Soligo, in the heart of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG, the 20 hectares of vineyards also stretch into the municipalities of Pieve di Soligo, Follina and San Pietro di Feletto. This glera comes from the Rive (single vineyard) di Farra di Soligo at 220-330m, and its clay/limestone soils. It spent 3 months on lees in the autoclaves, before 3 more months in bottle prior to release. It was dosed with 5 g/L RS. Mouthfilling, with pear skin, peach blossom, and grapefruit pith, all held at a smart dosage, allowing the fruit to shine through the earthy / yeasty finish. This is a stylish and contemporary style, and quite welcoming.Prices:| EU | $21.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Collalto Ponte Rosso Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Brut NV
Veneto, ItalyThe great history book of the Counts of Collalto takes its start as early as 958, when Berengarius, King of Italy, granted to Rambaldo I, ancestor of the Collaltos, a vast plain of meadows, pastures, and vineyards at the foot of the hills of Treviso. Since 1110, the House of Collalto, generation after generation, has protected these hills, which over time became the heartland of prosecco. Today Princess Isabella Collalto de Croÿ, and her husband Prince Guillaume de Croÿ oversee the 164 hectare estate and vineyards. From Collato's red clay soils, Glera is tipped with Verdisio and Bianchetta, spending 4-6 months in autoclaves and 2 more months in bottle prior to release. It is dosed with 2 g/L RS, making it a rare and refreshingly dry style. Crunchy pear, green apple, tangerine blossom, grapefruit pith streak across the tight palate, carved with tight, chalky acidity through a lingering shimmery finish. Impressively contemporary.Prices:| EU | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Marca Prosecco Rosé 2020
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis is a fun, fruit-driven Prosecco Rosé that combines summer berries with perfumed orchard blossoms. Light, approachable, and off-dry (16 g/L), this is perfect as a patio aperitif or paired with a grilled salmon salad topped with strawberries.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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30 March 2022
90PTS
Domaine Rolet Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut NV
Jura, FranceNow with a new refreshed label, and refreshed philosophy, the current NV Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut is based on chardonnay, with savagnin, trousseau, poulsard, and pinot noir filling out the rest. This comes off estate vineyards in Arbois, Passenas, and Le Vernnois, and spent a minimum of 1 year on lees in bottle prior to disgorge. The creamy palate is shaped by tight green apple, crunchy pear, ripe red apple, and light meringue, finishing with a lemon peel twist and a lingering chalkiness, thanks to the region's marl soils.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Covert Farms Sparkling Zinfandel Methode Ancestrale 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPét-nat is a short form for pétillant naturel, a term the French use to mean a naturally sparkling wine. It’s a shortcut that skips blending dry wines and secondary fermentation in the bottle for a one-time fermentation by bottling the juice while it is still undergoing its primary fermentation. It is also referred to as methode ancestral, or, the old way. Covert Farms uses a rare BC planting of organic zinfandel from its McIntyre Bluff Coyote Block. It begins native fermentation in stainless before heading to bottle. The cloudy pink colour and copious bubbles preview a cranberry fruit attack with apple blossoms and sweet candy before the dry finish. When it comes to pét-nat, every bottle is an experience, so if you are adventurous. dive in.Prices:| BC | $28.59 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Vendange Grande Reserve Crémant de Savoie Brut NV
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This crémant blends Jacquère (45%), Altesse (30%), Chardonnay (25%) of 25 year old vines, with vinification in stainless over 9 months with bâtonnage, prior to a secondary ferment in bottle for a minimum of one year on lees. Tight and chalky, this dry sparkler wraps lemon peel, pear skin, broken stones, around a green apple core, scented with elderflower. There's a light creaminess, thanks to the slick of lees, buffering the alpine acidity, and making this a friendly, interesting drink for popping now.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé NV
Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, United StatesIt's been a while, but I'm always surprised by its bright, lively character whenever I come back to this wine. The Roederer connection significantly affects this multi-vintage blend of 56/44 pinot noir and chardonnay. The light salmon colour springs from a small portion of pinot noir (3-5%) with extended maceration added to the blend before the secondary fermentation in the bottle. In addition, a small amount of oak-aged reserve juice goes into the Anderson Valley wine, adding another layer of complexity. This first press wine has no malolactic fermentation, keeping the wine fresh and pristine in the Roederer style. Expect fresh red fruit with precision bubble work and elegance galore. At 11 grams per litre of residual sugar, it has an added charm for some. It is also food-friendly and ready to go.Prices:| BC | $58.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire Vintage Bub 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVintage Bub is the result of an extended aging program for Haywire's impressive fizz program, begun in 2013 when The Bub was given an additional five years of lees aging before release. This is equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir from 2014, with an additional 5 years on lees prior to disgorge June 2019. This new release is quite complete at present, confident in its age, and well knit with broken stone, lemon pith, green apple, on a burnished bed of earthy lees, tightened at the end by a brace of citrus acidity and a kiss of anise.Prices:| BC | $43.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire The Bub 2017
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI last tasted 2017 The Bub back in August 2020, while visiting the winery, so it was great to revisit this special fizz, named for OCP's daughter Alison Scholefield (childhood nickname The Bub). The mix is 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay, 70% of which come from Summerland's Watkins Family Vineyard, and rest from Secrest, in Oliver. Primary fermentation was in a mix of stainless and concrete before bottling and secondary fermentation for 30 months prior to bottling, with zero dosage. This was disgorged in early summer 2020.This is as tight and nervy as I remember it, albeit now with some adolescent padding. Earthy lees, green apple, lemon pith, parmesan stream across the tight palate, buzzing with a chalky stoniness, and finishing long with racy lemon pith and an anise kiss. A charming and adventurous fizz, and one highlighting a very promising Garnet Valley future.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Free Form Blanc de Noir 2018
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their pioneering Garnet Valley Ranch, this organic young vine pinot noir was whole bunch pressed and native fermented in concrete, before heading to bottle in early January for secondary ferment and 36 months on lees. This was disgorged with zero dosage. Bone dry, this is showing ample lees set up against mouth-watering lemony acidity. Green apple, dusty stone, biscuit, salted parmesan fill in the gaps of this tight wine, finishing with a lingering citrus buzz. An uncompromising wine of place.Prices:| BC | $44.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative XC Method Sparkling 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a peach/blush hue, the 2019 Narrative XC (for Roman numeral 90) is a charmat method fizz of pinot blanc from 42-year-old vines in a single Okanagan Falls vineyard. As the name previews, this spent 90 days on lees in a pressurized tank prior to bottling with 4 g/L RS. Bright and zippy, with cranberry, grapefruit, wild strawberry, and candied red currants on a lively, dry-ish, friendly palate. This is an ideal brunching wine, ready for popping now.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miguel Torres Santa Digna Estelado Rosé 2018
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileChile's indigenous, ancient and much-maligned país or mission grape is behind this sparkler that comes in pink, making it a fun selection for weddings. Pink roses, fragrant strawberries, bitter melon, and bone dry, this creamy bubble is the perfect wine to serve solo at the reception or with lighter foods at dinner. País was the first grape variety planted in Chile back in the 1550s. It is known as listán prieto in Spain. It was tagged the mission grape in New World colonies, while in Chile, it became known locally as país. Today it is estimated that there are some 15,000 hectares of país, second only to cabernet sauvignon in the country. The vines are concentrated in the dry interior and coastal areas of the Maule and Bio Bío regions, where they are a fantastic 8000 producers.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Time Brut 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of north and south Okanagan, with chardonnay from Phantom Creek in Oliver, and pinot noir from Kuipers in Kelowna. This was fermented in a combination of neutral barriques and stainless steel before secondary fermentation in the charmat method. It shows bright lemon and red apple skin, with lees adding complexity to the nose and a creaminess to the palate. Textured and refined, it's nicely balanced with the fruit ripeness to carry the brut nature style (1 g/L). It's crisp but not austere, with a lovely soft mousse, which will lend itself both as an aperitif or paired with lighter shellfish dishes like scallop crudo.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Jagged Rock Sparkling Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis youthful, fruit-driven sparkling rosé is sourced from Jagged Rock Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Early picking helps to rein in that South Okanagan ripeness (this clocks in at just 11.5% abc) without sacrificing fruit. It shows delicate red berries, crunchy red apple, and cream, with a light touch of lees after aging four months sur lie. Lighter bodied, with a soft, gentle mousse, this shows good intensity with a clean, crisp, dry finish. A well made, aperitif style sparkling that’s a step above for this style.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Sparkling Traditional Method Chenin Blanc 2017
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoad 13's Sparkling Chenin Blanc has become an iconic wine not just for the estate, but for the entire Okanagan Valley. And for good reason: it's restrained with crystalline citrus and orchard fruits on a chalky frame, with subtle toasty notes in the background after aging three years on its lees. Nicely balanced with crisp acidity and a modest dosage (7 g/L), there's an impressive level of finesse here. Perfect with cream-based shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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29 March 2022
90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve 2020
California, United StatesThe wine that Randy Ullom made famous continues to amaze as the largest selling estate-grown chardonnay in America. Ullom has made subtle tweaks to the wine over the last decade, tightening the structure, restraining the fruit and oak in favour of a livelier palate, and keeping the brand's millions of fans happy. 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. The fruit is whole-cluster-pressed and kept in small vineyard lots throughout the winemaking process, barrel fermented, and sur lie aged with monthly bâttonage. A citrus undercurrent supports silky, creamy tropical fruit with a lime butter finish. Impressive for the price and quantity produced. 2020 was aged six months in French (4.5% new) and American oak (6.5% new). The alcohol is 13.5%, and the sourcing is 54% Monterey County, 25% Mendocino County, 20.5% Santa Barbara County, and .5% Sonoma County.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.05 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Giant Steps Chardonnay 2021
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe Yarra Valley chardonnay comes from five sites: Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera, and Wombat Creek Vineyards. It is hard to believe it could get better than last year, but it is, and alcohol is down an entire point to 12.5 percent. The vintage was large and of high quality. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average, which led to a long, slow ripening period and a significant concentration of flavours and natural acidity. The result is a high-quality white with mealy, leesy notes, bright apricot, and lemon rush through the finish. Rich in a Grand Cru way but not overpowering. Outstanding value. Food possibilities are endless, including these winery suggestions: fish tacos with coriander, chilli and avocado salsa, grilled eggplant with tomato relish, salad with grilled goat cheese on croutons, roast crispy skin chicken with preserved lemon and roast garlic. It is all hand-picked, chilled overnight to 12C, then whole-bunch-pressed, fermented on total juice solids with wild yeast in 500L French puncheons (15% new) for eight months. No lees were stirred, and only 10% of the blend underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
De Loach Chardonnay 2018
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFounded by Cecil and Christine De Loach, the winery is now run by the Burgundian estate Jean-Claude Boisset. The winery's 7-hectare estate vineyard has been restored to organic and biodynamic viticulture. Its cool, foggy Russian River Valley climate plays to the notion of slow, even ripening, which is a blueprint for chardonnay. The fruit comes off a mix of sites and soils, contributing complexity. Post ferment, the juice undergoes malolactic conversion in stainless steel tanks, concrete vats, and French oak barrels, followed by ten months of ageing. Cool pineapple, lemon custard and brown spices mark its juicy flavours, flecked with fresh lemon and grapefruit. There is a leesy garlic finish to balance the fruity notes with butterscotch and baked apple hints. Halibut, anyone?Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hahn Winery Chardonnay 2020
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe grapes for this wine were grown primarily in Hahn's estate St. Nicolas Vineyard in the cooler Arroyo Seco AVA, within Monterey County, on rocky Lockwood Loam and Rincon Clay Loam. This spent 9 months in French oak (15% new). Ripe and creamy, with baked pear, apple pie, lemon curd across an expansive palate, accented by toasted baking spice. Acidity is moderately fresh, and enough to make this a welcome choice with creamy risotto and / or corn dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Sun Chardonnay 2020
California, United StatesSea Sun is a coastal California chardonnay made with fruit from Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Solano Counties. It is a Wagner wine, so expect plenty of oak, but there has been more acidity in the mix in recent years to counterbalance the ripe pineapple, peach, with a touch of citrus rind underneath, and a vanilla finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.30 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Catena Alta Historic Rows Chardonnay 2019
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTwo single vineyards at almost 5000 feet elevation at Gualltallary, Tupungato is the engine behind the Catena Alta Historic Rows. The Adrianna vineyard's calcareous soils and cool climate bring purity of flavour, stones, and minerality. The nearby, gravel-covered Domingo Vineyard makes up 20 percent of the blend, bringing even more freshness and minerality. The label walks the line between rich and spare, with baked pear, mandarin orange, and spicy leesy notes, with the nutty, mineral wet stone balancing the equation. Catena Alta is barrel fermented in 500L French oak using indigenous yeast. It is aged 14 months in French oak mixed between first, second, and third use barrels, and to keep it fresh, 30 percent does not undergo the secondary, acid flattening malolactic fermentation.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $48.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $37.95 | 750ml |
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28 March 2022
90PTS
Mauro Molino Barolo 2017
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyMauro Molino was born in Piemonte, grew up amongst the storied hills and iconic vines, and graduated from Alba Winemaking School in 1973. After a few years of making wine in Emilia Romagna, he returned to start his own winery in the Langhe following the passing of his father. Grown in calcareous and clay soils from vineyards across their holdings in Barolo, this wine is meant to typify the region, through Molino’s understated elegance. From 20-25 year old vines, this was fermented in steel before aging in older 25-50hl French oak barrels for 18 months. Stately and refined, with smoked tobacco, black cherry, black raspberry, dried roses across a firmly structured palate. Tannins are nebbiolo-structured, barely yielding, and holding this upright. Take now with a decant and roast lamb.Prices:| ON | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Belle Colle Langhe Nebbiolo 2020
Piedmont, ItalyNebbiolo from Langhe is designed to be drunk long before Barolo from the same year, but this is made with the same grape and care so, in some wines, it overdelivers. In this case, the wine is fragrant offering up floral violet with a hint of roses and black raspberries. So charming on entry, with bright pretty red fruit, and soft, dusty, almost non-existent tannins. The is no dryness here, just a delicious wine you can practically gulp. More pinot than nebbiolo, grab some of this while it's around.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Belle Colle Barolo Simposio 2017
Piedmont, ItalySimposio is a mix of nebbiolo from three Barolo vineyards, and it spends three years in Slavonian oak, post ferment. The style is comfortable as if it was designed for pleasure and consumption rather than long-term cellaring. A warm year aids in building the ripe cherry component mixed with more classic tar and spice that somehow retains its elegance throughout a fragrant, new leather finish. What tannin exists is quick dissipating, making it a beautiful style for mid-term drinking. Try 2032.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Casa E. di Mirafiore Langhe Nebbiolo 2016
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyA once-in-a-lifetime vintage is a time to strike at the lesser wines in the village, and this Langhe Nebbiolo is worth seeking out. The nose is pleasantly aromatic with a whiff of peppery spice, tobacco leaf, and earth. The colour is Piedmont light red, with a touch of brick at the edge. But the money here is in the flavours. Intense, rich, and at the same time elegant, the wine dances across the palate, pitching red plums and roses. The tannins are almost sweet, blocking the dry notes, pulling you through to the end of the wine. Beautifully balanced, it is 20-year wine that will improve and improve. Well done. Pick your pasta and sauce.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Casa E. di Mirafiore Barolo 2014
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThere were many challenges in 2014 throughout the Piedmont growing season, but it seems time heals all. This fruit was aged in large Slavonian and French casks for 24 months and then another 12 months in bottle before release. Leather and cherries are the main events, with an undercurrent of earthy medicinal notes, and dry, softish tannins. It's currently on a plateau but should be drunk before 2024. I served it with mushroom risotto, and the wine disappeared quickly. Casa E. di Mirafiore has roots in Piedmont that run back to the 1870s. Fortunes fluctuate over a century, and the once up and then down Mirafiore was reawakened in 2008 after a 70-year sleep by Oscar Farinetti, the founder of Eataly. Building on a history of sustainability, the property was certified organic in 2018.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.18 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga D'Alba 2016
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis label first appeared in 1988, celebrating the terroir of Serralunga and the elegance of the Fontanafredda. You feel it in this wine that is a window into an outstanding vintage that will age with ease for a decade and beyond. Look for a classic garnet red colour and aromas of roses and spice with a light dusting of vanilla. It is dry and round on the palate and just beginning to open up, offering leather, spice and wild cherry notes. Full-bodied and long, it finishes with firm but manageable tannins. Honest and affordable.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $45.99 | 750ml |
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25 March 2022
93PTS
Natte Valleij POW 2017
Coastal Region, South AfricaNatte Valleij's old cape Dutch buildings have seen a lot of history, including housing a prisoner of war who was captured and exiled to the Cape during WWII. He most likely contributed to the farm's farming and winemaking while living in the cottage that winemaker Alex Milner calls home. The inscription P.O.W. B.T. 27/12/1943 is the fighter's only mark. In his honour, Milner created this limited release wine, his take on a SA Bordeaux blend. In 2017, this was 84% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, aged 36 months in large oak, and from vines tucked near the Simonsberg Mountain. This sultry, savoury, saline big red coaxes from first whiff, with ample black raspberry, wild black cherry, kirsch, anise gliding the full, silken palate, textured with finely grippy spices, worked leather, iron, and dried mint. The whole is framed with long, integrated tannins and buoyed with an effortless acidity, taking this to the kirsch scented finish. Such an unexpected, graceful, beauty.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba Sanctum Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaMenzies Estate Vineyard lies in the heart of Coonawarra, on the famous red terra rossa soil over limestone. Yalumba has been making cab sauv off this slender slip of a site for 30+ years. A part of these destemmed grapes spent 10 days on skins over ferment, and the whole rested 4 months in French and Hungarian Hogsheads, and French Barriques. Ripe and plush upon entry, with red currants, raspberry, and bitter cherry, all imbued with the ferrous grip of the soils. Tannins are grippy, and acidity is quite bright at this state, sharpening the medium bodied (13%) red. Its grippy leanness is best taken alongside roasted beef and/or root veg at this time.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Volcanic Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMost of this cabernet sauvignon in 2015 came out of the stony, dusty, mineral-lined soils of the Similkameen Valley, with additions from the thin rocky soils in Oliver. In a warm, dry growing season, it spent 12 months in 50% new French oak. There is lots to taste, maybe too much at 14.9% alcohol. The nose is an eruption of cedar, toasted oak, and herby cassis. The palate matches with earthy, dusty, blackberry and rich, dry tannins that cover the finish in a blanket of pepper and leather. This one will be better with fatty dishes to knock down some of the wood.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Sonoma County, California, United StatesRodney Strong planted his first cabernet sauvignon over 50 years ago at Alexander's Crown, on a small hill in Jimtown. Today, the vineyard mix stretches from Jimtown to Geyserville and north to Cloverdale. The soils are a mix of well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale / sandstone soils that are seemingly very receptive to cabernet roots. It's classic modern Sonoma cabernet with juicy, fresh black fruit with a floral undercurrent, perfectly measured oak, and soft, slippery, dense tannins. A well-balanced affair, you can go the grilled steak or vegetable route or have it with a favourite Bolognese recipe. Stock up.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
Frind Estate Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
British Columbia, CanadaLike last year, this remains a bit old school but in a good way, led by a 13.5 alcohol level and juicy red fruit. Cedar and Bing cherries mark the palate with a mocha, vanilla undercurrent. The tannins are minimal, inviting you to drink this in its youth, but there is no harm waiting two to four years. It would be perfect with pizza, grilled sausages, or hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Limited Edition Block 12 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPicked on November 11, Block 12 was aged 20 months in 25% new French oak barrels. The nose opens with fragrant, floral cherry blossoms, muted plums, smoke, dark chocolate, and cassis that run throughout the wine. The texture is full of finesse and style, supporting black fruit, cedar, bitter chocolate, dense tannins, and a spicy finish. The cabernet sauvignon planted at Phantom Creek Vineyard is 22 years old, and as small as the site is, three planted clones add both flexibility and complexity to the wine. This wine is far too young to drink now, but grilled steak is the match if you must.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lost Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesWashington cabernet has few problems ripening. If anything, the category suffers from too much ripeness or sweetness. Lost Peak opens with intense black cherry, tobacco, and a goodly dollop of mocha. For those who prefer a softer, sweeter style of cabernet, this will fit the bill. In the end this is a hamburger red and the spicer the better to tame the sweetness.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesFrom the Dunnigan Hills AVA, this is a 77/13/8/2 blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, malbec, petit sirah, all aged in French, Hungarian, and American oak for 12 months. The colour is black/red, the nose a smoky, black olive boysenberry affair, with a spicy dried herb finish. The finish is round and soft with dusty, mostly spent tannins. A perfect mid-week red for grilled beef tacos, hamburgers, and more. It seems more balanced than 2019 already.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.88 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe style is decidedly earthy and rustic, with meaty reductive undertones persisting across the palate. More licorice, toasted oak and green olives fill the ending. It's drinkable and only medium weight, but it's best served with grilled ribs, hamburgers, beef tacos, or even spaghetti and meatballs. Splash decant to get some air on this cool-ish Euro cab.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.60 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| NLL | $23.80 | 750ml |
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24 March 2022
88PTS
Heinrich Naked Red 2018
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaNaked and unadorned, this is a natural red blend that hides nothing. Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent come from both sides of the Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl). On the west side, vines are rooted in the limestone and schist of the Leithaberg (Leitha Mountains) slopes; on the east side of the lake grapes in the gravelly Parndorfer Platte (Parndorfer Plain) and humus-rich Heideboden. The vineyards are in conversion to organics. This light, juicy red was native fermented with two weeks maceration in wooden fermentation vat and steel tank, and then aged for over a year in wood cask. Spiced blackcurrant, wild black cherry, pencil shavings rule the slender palate, sharpened with a balsamic twist. Tannins are slight and sticky, and acidity is crunchy bright. True to name / style.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Douro Tinto 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIllimitado is a soil survey of the schist-driven terroir in the Douro, irregardless of grapes. This year, field blends of grapes from Cotas and Ervedosa do Douro in the Cima Corgo were sourced, with vines between 35 and 60 years, planted in Patamares and large terraces from 400-550m, predominantly on loamy clays and yellow slate. 40% of the grapes were fermented whole cluster in Lagares, foot trodden, with 8-10 days maceration. The remaining 70% fermented whole cluster in stainless tanks, with 20 to 30 days maceration. Both lots aged for 14 months in used French barrels. Mouthfilling wild blackberry, black cherry is seasoned with thorns, violets, balsamic, and ample cracked peppercorns. Tannins are ample and schistous lined, through a lingering violet finish. Tastes like Douro; tastes like schist.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Olivier Rivière Rayos Uva 2020
Rioja Baja., Rioja, SpainRayos Uva is Olivier’s version of a Bourgogne Rouge, sourced from fruit grown in the sandy, gravelly and alluvial soils of Rioja Baja. This year’s blends biodynamically farmed Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano into a bright, unoaked red for drinking now. This lighter red is perfumed with raspberries, cherries, and ample mineral salts strung across a slender palate. Tannins are long and finely gritty, structuring this for ample food pairing possibilities.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luis Seabra Indie Xisto 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAfter a successful decade as winemaker at Niepoort, Luis Seabra decided to break out on his own, leaving his name on the wines of Douro. Indie Xisto blends Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Rufete, Touriga Brasileira, Donzelinho Tinto, Malvasia Preta and Touriga Femea, from a sustainably farmed, blue schist soiled single vineyard in Alijó, planted since 1950 and at 580m elevation. This was native fermented, whole cluster in lagares with 10 days of maceration before resting 18 months in 500ml French oak barrels and saw very low sulphur additions throughout. Perfumed blue fruits, sapid rockrose, thorns fill this savoury red, gripped with schistous texture, and lifted with altitude. Tannins are firm, but well balanced to match the old vines. Lovely finesse in this special wine.Prices:| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Cru 2019
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalAfter a successful decade as winemaker at Niepoort, Luis Seabra decided to break out on his own, leaving his own name on the wines of Douro. From two clay loam / blue slate high altitude vineyards in the Cima Corgo, Xisto Cru Tinto blends Rufete, Touriga Franca, Tinta Carvalha, Alicante Bouchet, Donzelinho Tinto, Malvazia Preta and others, from vineyards 80+ years old. This was native fermented, whole cluster, with maceration over one month in open old wood port wine vats. Post pressing, this was aged 20 months in 228L French barrels. A reductive swing pinches this wine upon opening, which leads into savoury wild blackberry, thorns, purple florals, worked leather, and ample cracked fragrant peppercorns. Tannins are firm and grippy at this youthful point, structuring this wine for some years ahead. At this time, this reserved wine benefits from some airtime, and would well suit roasted lamb or pork.Prices:| ON | $66.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Niepoort NAT'Cool! Primata 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirk Niepoort's NAT'Cool! range of wines were created to meet certain criteria : be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. One of the newest NAT'Cool! in the range, Primata is the result of Dirk Niepoort giving his cellar master Luís Pedro a push to make his own wine in 2016. Half the blend is Touriga Nacional grapes, with the rest a mix of old vine Tinta Amarela, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, all from vineyards at 600m in the Douro Valley's Tabuaço region. Whole bunch and foot-trodden, this was macerated and native fermented in lagares before being pressed into stainless, for a 6 month rest. This opens with a puff of reduction, before a smooth palate of candle wax, ripe strawberries, rhubarb, brightened with a cranberry acidity. Tannins are sticky, taking this to a lightly spiced finish. Chill down and enjoy this lighter red now.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 1000ml |
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91PTS
Niepoort NAT'Cool! Tinto Dão 2020
Serra da Estrela, Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirk Niepoort's NAT'Cool! range of wines were created to meet certain criteria : be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. In 2020, the Nat Cool family grew, with this foray into the Dão region, and grapes from the granite slopes of the Serra da Estrela Mountain Range. This is a blend of 40-80 year old vines of Jaen, Tinta Pinheira, Alfrocheiro, Baga, and Touriga Nacional. This was native fermented and aged 6 months in stainless. Pouring a pale hue, this slight red is lifted with wild flowers, wild herbs, perfumed wild cherry and plum, all laced with grippy, granitic texture, and framed with long, light tannins. The finish lingers with light white pepper and crushed stones. Certainly smashable.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 1000ml |
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92PTS
Fitapreta O Tinto Do Pote de Barro 2019
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis is a field blend of 35 year old vines from Vinha da Nora in Borba, Alentejo. As the Pote de Barro name relates, it is fermented and aged in a clay pot (amphora). Due to the rules of the appellation, they are not allowed to call the wine talha, or VR Alentejano, hence it is declassified as Tinto, with a label of a humble rabbit sitting in the corner. 957 bottles produced. Fragrant with woodsy berries, wild plum, wild blueberries, wildflowers, this slender, bright wine flows along the palate, abuzz with stony acidity through the saline finish. Tannins are long and fine, and there is a slight grip from time in talha. Quite charming and singular, drinking beautifully now.Prices:| ON | $43.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Painted Rock Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPainted Rock worked hard to counter the smoke in 2019, and thanks to a vineyard that ticks off just about all the requirements to be a great site, they mostly avoided any damage to the final wines. The smoke did delay the ripening, but in a region with short hot summers, that is never bad, especially if the fall is dry, relatively warm, and long. It is year ten for the fruit, first planted in 2009 and picked ripe in late October and early November. The blend is classic Oz, 79/21 syrah/cabernet sauvignon. Before assemblage and bottling, the grapes are fermented separately and aged in 30 percent new French oak barrels. It's just under 15 percent alcohol, but a fragrant, fresh, peppery nose and perfect balance leave that number neutral. Bright and savoury blueberry and black raspberry run through the wine. It is an inviting style with just a bit of toasty dryness in the finish. Impressive and will be widely admired by the big red crowd.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Monk's Blend 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the inaugural vintage of Monk's Blend, a blend of 73% syrah and 27% cabernet sauvignon from the south Okanagan (70%) and Similkameen (30%). Each was oak aged separately for 8 months, in 70% American and 30% French oak, and blended just before bottling. Spiced forest berries, perfumed musk, cracked peppercorns and wood spicing fill the mouthfulling, smooth red, with slicked tannins holding this to a peppery finish. A suitable young red to crack now with autumn stews.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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23 March 2022
90PTS
Gómez Cruzado Rioja Blanco 2019
Rioja, SpainGómez Cruzado operates out of their 135 year old cellar (founded 1886) in the Station District, in Haro, the historic heart of Rioja. The bodega focuses on sustainably farmed old vine plots and indigenous varieties. This is a blend of 75% viura and 25% tempranillo blanco from a single high altitude plot in Haro, on stony alluvial / limestone soils. This used about 50% stems in the pressing, was native fermented in stainless before a part rests 5 months in French oak on lees, with the rest aging in concrete. There's a lovely purity on this medium+ bodied white, with creamy lees bedding Anjou pear, subtle quince, crystalline lemon, and fine spice, imbued with a limestone brightness. Impressive drinking now, ideally with halibut or grilled asparagus dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Heinrich Naked White 2020
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaNaked and unadorned, this is a natural biodynamic white blend that hides nothing. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Muskat-Ottonel, Pinot Gris are sourced from vineyards on both sides of Burgenland’s Lake Neusidel, rooted into limestone, schist, gravel soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this rested 14 months on lees in large, older oak before being bottled unfiltered with minimal sulphur. Tight and nervy, with lemon pith, pear skin, bitter white grapefruit across a wash of broken stones, finishing with a sour lemon note. Lean and edgy natural rock juice.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Vignoble du Reveur Un Instant sur Terre 2020
Alsace, FrancePouring a deep, hazy peach orange hue, this is 50% Pinot Gris, 40% Gewürztraminer, 10% Riesling, macerated for 8 months in amphora on skins, with an additional 3 months in amphora without skins. This was bottled without filtration or sulphur. Heady and intense, with a wonderful fine texture and lightness of being, this dry orange wine streams bergamot, honeysuckle, wax, ash, and ample broken stoney salts long on the palate, finishing with a lingering honeysuckle and saline wash on a warming finish (15% is felt). Quite a profound wine.Prices:| ON | $57.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adega de Penalva Indigena Branco 2021
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom the Adega Penalva co-op in the Dão, this blends encruzado, malvasia fina, cerceal, destemmed and raised in stainless. Bright and shining with tangerine, melon, Asian pear, perfumed quince, lime peel, textured with the region's grippy granitic soils. This is a bright, joyous white, ready for enjoying now.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Adega de Penalva Maceration 2021
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. Quince, honeycomb, bergamot, apricot peel rule the textural palate, with a buzzy granitic grip keeping things interesting through the saline finish. Quite a charming orange.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Weingut Heinrich Graue Freiheit 2019
Weinland Österreich, AustriaFreyheit means freedom, and signifies Heinrich's natural range of wines. This is a blend of Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Chardonnay, from the schist, quartz, and limestone slopes of Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) and the Leithaberg (Leitha Mountains). This striking wine was bottled in a clay vessel, and farmed organically and biodynamically. After a native ferment and two weeks on skins, this matured for 17 months in amphorae and in older wood on full lees, until it was bottled unfiltered and without sulphur. This pours a hazy peach hue, and streams tight apricot, lime pith, bitter orange, bergamot on a skinny, super salty palate. Quite knit, there is nothing out of place here. A very adventuresome and authentic naturalist wine.Prices:| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marcel Deiss Engelgarten Le Jardin Anges 2018
Alsace, FranceFrom the lauded biodynamic Engelgarten vineyard’s gravelled soils, this field blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Beurot, Muscat, and Pinot Noir comes from vines planted 1977-1997. Whole bunches were native fermented in barrel, where they remained for one year on lees. This streams along a slick and silken palate, with white honey, quince, pear skin, and apricot blossoms. There's a buzzy granitic grip underneath giving this movement and energy. Subtle and understated.Prices:| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Niepoort Diálogo Douro Branco 2020
Douro Superior, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis youthful white may show a Canadian-themed comic on the label, but make no mistake, this is a serious wine, from one of the world's top winemakers, Dirk Niepoort. From schistous, mica-flecked vineyards on the right bank of the Douro, between 550-700m, this blend of indigenous Portuguese white grapes is native fermented in a split between stainless and older French barriques (30 percent), with no MLF, and remains there for eight months. The blend is 20-50 year old rabigato, códega do larinho, gouveio, dona branca, viosinho, bical and others. Tight and grippy, this lean white streams bitter lemon, verbena, green fig, broken stones along the slight palate, washed with salinity, and finishing with a lemon pith. Fresh and bright and ready to crack now.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Marcel Deiss Complantation Nature 2019
Alsace, FranceFrom Marcel Deiss’ biodynamically farmed vineyards, this is a cofermented field blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat à petits grains, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Beurot, Muscat Blanc, Rose d’Alsace, Traminer, plus others. This was native fermented in foudre, where it rested for one year on lees, with zero inputs throughout, including sulphur. The striking bottle, label, and name preview the wine inside: a contemplative and intellectual (yet delish) blend. Wild lemon, tangerine, galangal, lime pith and peel, honeysuckle stretch across a long, slender frame. The acidity and granitic grip easily hold the tension taut on this 14% wine, drawing it to a pithy grapefruit pith finish, with a lingering, savoury lick of brown butter. I'm tasting this vintage again one year later, and the wine is all the better for it, chiselling out and losing its adolescence chub. Drinking very smartly now, and a bottle I'd love to pop the vino-loc on with some fragrant Thai food.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Branco 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIlimitado is akin to Seabra's village wine. This Branco comes from mica, schist, and feldspar soils (what winemaker Luis Seabra deems the best for whites), this is a field blend of rabigato, códega, gouveio, vioshino and more, with vines 30-60 years old, and at 400-500m in altitude. After crushing and destemming, the grapes are pressed together, native fermented, and aged in used French oak barrels for 7 months on lees, with no MLF or bâtonnage. Green apple, green fig, pear skin streak across the zippy, broken stone bedded palate, still very much in youth. The finish lingers with salinity.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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22 March 2022
90PTS
Modest Wines The Crimson Crusader Carmenere 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a new arrival to the portfolio, with fruit coming off the Black Sage Bench. The year in French wood is felt through the spiced, cedar-hewn frame of this fuller Southern Okanagan red, deeply redolent with black cherry, cassis jam, on a dense palate, seasoned with wild mint and scrubby desert notes. There's a welcome salinity to keep the palate fresh through the green peppered finish. Quite smart rendition of carmenere, and certainly lamb-worthy.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Modest Wines The Crimson Crusader Carmenere 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCarmenere is no longer just a curiosity in the Okanagan. Plantings remain few and far between at just 14 acres (as of 2019), but the wines increasingly are uniquely expressive of both variety and place. That's certainly the case with this release from Modest Wines, a newish label from the talented team at Mt. Boucherie. There's no hiding the ripeness of the Black Sage Bench, but what stands out is the juiciness of the fruit, which is layered with fresh herbs, peppercorn, and mocha. Winemaker Jeff Hundertmark shows a deft hand here, with thoughtful winemaking that results in something far from modest. Complex, fine, and supple, this is real Okanagan carmenere. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Vinyes Domènech Vi D’Àmfora Natural 2020
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom an amphitheatre vineyard surrounded by forest at 600m, this biodynamic garnacha is rooted in red clay and limestone, and is produced without adding SO2. After a native ferment, this aged in 300L amphora. Perfumed stony florals, wild plum, fragrant iris streams across a light, lifted, limestone lit palate. Tannins are chiselled, and acidity is buoyant. Impressive mountainous graceful garnacha.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mauro Molino Barbera d'Asti Le Radici 2020
Piedmont, ItalyMauro Molino was born in Piemonte, grew up amongst the storied hills and iconic vines, and graduated from Alba Winemaking School in 1973. After a few years of making wine in Emilia Romagna, he returned to start his own winery in the Langhe following the passing of his father. This Barbera comes from the calcareous clays of Le Radici vineyard, in Costigliole d’Asti, extending to the foot of the Castle of Burio. This was macerated on skins over 10 days, and fermented in steel tanks before ageing in large French oak barrels. This is a ripe, brooding and fuller barbera, with tar, baked blackberries, plum pie, and smoked stone across a full, 15.5% palate. Tannins are grippy / sticky, taking this to a baking spiced / fruitcake finish.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Olivier Coste Carignan Je T'Aime 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFrom 60 year old organically grown carignan vines in Minervois, this was macerated for 3 weeks prior to fermentation and aging 6 months in concrete. Ripe cherry and raspberry flood a fresh, round palate, seasoned with worked leather and scrubby spices, and textured with a concrete rasp. Tannins are slight and sticky, guiding this to a spiced finish. One to crack now with grilled mushrooms.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Vendange Mondeuse Le Coz 2019
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. From 20 year old vines, this mondeuse was destemmed and with 10 days on skins, native fermented in stainless prior to heading to a 50/50 mix of stainless and older barrels for 1 year's rest. Tight and bright, with a balsamic twist leading into wild cherry, juicy plum, blackcurrant, and pomegranate on a medium bodied frame. Tannins are slightly sticky, finishing with a dusting of soft spices. Best taken now, with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Niepoort NAT'Cool! Tinto 2020
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirk Niepoort's NAT'Cool! range of wines were created to meet certain criteria : be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. This lighter, shining red is 40-100 year old baga vines from the limestone laced, clay soils of Bairrada. This was native fermented and aged in stainless, to preserve the purity of fruit. Light and lifted, this finessed red soars with wild strawberry, wild raspberry, perfumed plum, thorny rockrose, hugged with fine, sticky tannins, and seasoned with a dusting of pink pepper. So smashable, take this with a light chill, liberally.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 1000ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 1000ml |
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87PTS
Sangre de Toro Tempranillo 2020
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainI had forgotten how delicious this wine could be, and at $17.99, it is a good buy in the private sector only. Nevertheless, this tempranillo, under the Torres Sangre Toro brand, is a Spanish delight for everyone who asks me for an everyday, easy drinking red to enjoy with dinner. It's soft, round, juicy, and slippery as it slides down with a savoury plummy, wild blackberry character. Think stews, meaty paella, grilled chicken, or pork chops.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.57 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.35 | 750ml |
| PEI | $13.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.77 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Quails' Gate Old Vines Foch 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQuails' Gate's Old Vines Foch is a benchmark wine with a long track record, drawing from heritage plantings that date to 1978. The 2019 vintage seems to be a step in a new direction, at least to this palate. It's an exciting new look for this wine. There's still the bold oak, after aging in American oak for 16 months, but what stands out is the fruit. It's fresh, juicy. and at the forefront, led by a combination of dark cherry and blackberry that's joined by coconut and vanillin. It’s soft, suave, and seamless, more medium-bodied than full, and all about the balance and drinkability. Nicely done.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Umani Ronchi Fonte Del Re Lacrima Di Morro D'Alba 2019
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLacrima is an unusual grape variety. Not just for its rarity, but also because it's the rare black grape that is intensely aromatic. Imagine if you dialled syrah's aromatics up to an 11. Umani Ronchi nicely shows its charm and character. This is stunningly perfumed, combining fresh violets with a swath of cracked pepper, all backed by juicy, pure blackberry fruit. Give this a light chill, and you'll find the bottle doesn't last long thanks to the soft tannins and beguiling aromatics. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Church & State Wines Petit Verdot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Coyote Bowl Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, this petit verdot is overflowing with graphite and pencil shavings, alongside dried violets, and lush red fruits. Generous and complex, it's just starting to unwind after some time in bottle. As you'd expect with petit verdot, it's still youthful, structured, and linear, with firm, fine-grained tannins that will allow this to continue to slowly unfold and evolve over the next 5-7 years. An impressive wine, and one of the top petit verdots I've tasted from the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2018
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaKanonkop is one of the most respected producers of pinotage in South Africa. Kadette may be the entry-level offering, but there’s a level of sophistication here that sets it apart from its peers, with impressive concentration and depth. It's fresh and pure, with sappy wild berries and layers of spice. It’s far from the coffee-tinged stereotype of this oft-maligned grape variety. Rather, there's an excellent interplay of fruit and savoury complexity, with impeccable balance and fine-grained tannins that make this a fantastic pour right out of the gates.Prices:| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Play Starring Spotlight Malbec 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis approachable, fruit-driven malbec combines wild dark berries with aromatic spices, in a style that is ready to drink now. Using Kaleden fruit sourced from Douglas Vineyard, this is fresh, lively, and well-balanced. Winemaker Stephanie Bryers continues to make a positive mark at Play Winery, located on the Wild Horse Mountains above the Penticton airport.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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21 March 2022
89PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Okanagan Crush Pad's organic certified Switchback and Secrest Vineyards, this combines the brightness of Summerland fruit with the ripeness of Oliver. Fermented and aged in concrete tanks, it's mineral-driven and sapid, with a precise texture that's accentuated by lemon, Anjou pear, peach, and orchard blossoms. Beautifully balanced, I'm impressed by the depth of this pinot gris year-in and year-out. A true expression of the Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2019
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChain Reaction is a new label on the Naramata Bench, just down Naramata Road from Little Engine, Red Rooster, and Ruby Blues. Joel and Linda Chamaschuk have combined their passion for cycling and wine with this new venture. The team is rounded out by consulting winemaker Dwight Sick, no stranger to the Naramata Bench. The property, originally an orchard, was purchased in 2017 and planted to vines in 2019. The fruit for their first pinot gris comes from further north in East Kelowna. It's quite expressive and honeyed, combining golden delicious apple and nectarine with layers of spice. There's no shortage of pinot gris throughout the Okanagan, but this is a welcome addition, especially for those seeking a dry, ripe, rich style. Pair this with fish curry to balance the bitterness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChain Reaction is a relatively new virtual winery, based on the Naramata Bench, owned by Joel and Linda Chamaschuk, and named for their love of cycling. Originally from the Lower Mainland, they've been enjoying BC wine since 1991, and finally decided to become part of the industry, purchasing an orchard on the Bench, and planting their first vineyard in 2019. Well-known winemaker Dwight Sick oversees the wines, made at nearby Moraine Winery. Off their estate McMillan vineyard, this gris was whole bunch pressed, and fermented and aged on lees in stainless for 4 months. There's a lovely freshness to this younger gris, with tight pear, white peach, gooseberry wrapped with a lime sherbet brace. There's a little warmth on the spiced finish, but nothing that your South Asian take out couldn't meet.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2019
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChain Reaction is a relatively new virtual winery based on the Naramata Bench, owned by Joel and Linda Chamaschuk and named for their love of cycling. Originally from the Lower Mainland, they've enjoyed BC wine since 1991 and finally decided to become part of the industry, purchasing an orchard on the Bench and planting their first vineyard in 2019. Well-known winemaker Dwight Sick oversees the wines made at nearby Moraine Winery. From East Kelowna, this pinot gris utilized whole cluster grapes and a cool ferment, with four months' aging on lees in stainless. An expansive palate is creamy with ripe peach, honeysuckle, juicy pear, seasoned with some desert sage on a compact palate, finishing with a warming, bitter lime leaf note. This simple gris has some sun weight, ready to match weightier dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis Pinot Gris comes off their estate Pauls Road and Tussocks Vineyard sites. It was whole bunch pressed, settled for 12-24 before fermentation in tank, where it was left on lees for five months before blending and bottling. Perfumed pear, gooseberry, baked yellow apple, grapefruit rule the generous palate, with a slight bump of RS (3 g/L), upping the friendliness factor. Enjoy now with lighter salads or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith estate gris from their organic Oliver and Summerland vineyards, this wine was pressed and native fermented in concrete, stainless steel, and oak foudre, where it remained on lees for six months before bottling. Tight and zippy on the palate, with lemon pith / peel harnessing a palate of pear skin, earthy lees, white asparagus, meadow grass, smoked stone amid a reductive salt wash. Haywire is methodically releasing their wines a bit later, to provide (their idea of) optimal drinkability upon release. This is certainly ready to crack now, and I think a spring green pea / asparagus / artichoke dish would sing.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris 2019
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSwitchback refers to the road leading up from Lake Okanagan to this pristine, certified organic Summerland vineyard that is thriving under the vineyard management of Okanagan Crush Pad. This is wild fermented and aged in concrete tanks for ten months. It spends time on its gross lees creating creamy textures that add weight and complexity to a grape that suffers from serious attention worldwide. The colour is more Alsace gold as it ages, but the palate remains Okanagan electric. Expect classic Okanagan minerals, desert scrub, sagebrush and honey to combine and deliver a mouthful of delicious wine. A pinot gris with style and structure made for food.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Haywire PG is fermented in concrete, stainless steel, and oak foudres using native yeast and six months on its lees. It is an organically grown pinot gris with oomph. The palate is taut with plenty of lemon, spicy lees, minerals and a piquant, salty finish. A less floral, more earthy PG that is ready to drink now and could easily take on a spring risotto dish.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Pinot Gris 2020
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaHarper’s Trail usually comes with a leesy palate, and 2020 is no different. This year, the nose is flatter, less fruity, and less electric, but no less rich on the palate with honey, quince, and pear dusted in sage with a mineral finish. Brie or cream cheese is the match. Solid and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis was tasted against the 2019 and seems more like a welcomed progression than a chain reaction of the previous year. More lemon, more freshness, and seemingly a bit more depth of flavour were the story in 2020. Like last year there is pear and peach, but there’s a kiwi, gooseberry note that lights up the underside and keeps it fresh through a citrus finish. Well done and ready for some spicy noodles or a pan of grilled vegetables. Chain Reaction Naramata is Bench based and owned by Joel and Linda Chamaschuk, who named the venture after their passion for cycling. Well-known winemaker Dwight Sick consults here.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2019
East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is my first look at this PG from newcomer Chain Reaction named after their owners Joel and Linda Chamaschuk’s passion: cycling. Dwight Sick is consulting for several Naramata bench wineries, and you can feel (or not feel) his light touch here. The wine spends four months on its lees, adding some mid-palate texture to a mostly dry version of PG, mixing peach, pear and sagebrush with a bitter note that balances the finish. Ready to drink solo, but there is enough structure to bring this bottle to the table.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Pinot Gris 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Moraine Pinot Gris comes off two Naramata Bench sites: Anastasia Estate Vineyard, and Dragon Terroir Vineyard. Both locations offer up mineral rich soils and premium exposure to the mid-Okanagan sun. The nose is big time floral with intense apple blossoms and violets followed by a west stone, mineral, citrus undercurrent and fully ripe sweet pear and lemon balanced with a dusting of lime zest. A wine for the summer patio and you can serve it with lightly spicy food like a spicy tuna sushi roll. Bonus, it is a perfect 13 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Pinot Gris 2018
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted eight months down the road, and it is only better. Olivier Humbrecht, the legendary Alsace winemaker and biodynamic guru, is the consulting white winemaker at Phantom Creek. It is his only gig outside of his Alsace estate, and B.C. is lucky to have him. Like Humbrecht, there is nothing showy about the wine, but for the curious, it is all nuance and innuendo, mixing mostly tart fruit, desert scrub, and sagebrush with a lime peel finish. Complex and persistent, this is a wine for thinkers and drinkers. It is painstakingly fermented over four months to dryness using only indigenous yeasts. Alsatian in style, and yes, a bit spicy, 40 percent is aged in traditional foudres for ten months, adding more layers of texture and richness, while the remainder is held fresh in stainless steel. It is a new benchmark for pinot gris in the New World.Prices:| BC | $27.49 | 750ml |
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18 March 2022
89PTS
Gemtree Dragon's Blood Shiraz 2021
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaOff their organic/biodynamic McLaren Vale vineyard, this shiraz was native fermented and aged in French barriques and puncheons for 12 months. There's an alluring ferrous underlay to this savoury red, bedding black cherry, black raspberry, smoked wood, and ample studs of sea salt. Tannins are ample and tuggy, holding this full bodied red to a lingering spiced finish. Acidity is bright throughout, enough to carry this through your grilled ribs and portobello mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gemtree Vineyards Uncut Shiraz 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis Shiraz was the first they made off their organic / biodynamically farmed estate in McLaren Vale. From vines 20-60 years, this was native fermented before aging in French puncheons and barriques for one year (20% new), with minimal racking. This juicy, full-bodied red is packed with spiced raspberry, kirsch, mint, and shellack, on a smoothed palate, with bright acidity and ample spiced tannins sueded into the dense, salted black licorice ruling the palate. There's a lot to chew on here, so fire up the barbie.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pax Sonoma-Hillsides Syrah 2019
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis Sonoma-Hillsides Syrah is a selection off their favourite hillside vineyards in the County: Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffins Lair, Sonoma Coast, and Nellessen Vineyard. Entirely whole cluster, this was native fermented and aged for 10 months in square concrete tanks and neutral French puncheons, before bottling without fining or filtration. The altitude and careful handling have created a tight, energetic syrah, with ample intensity matched to equal lightness of being. Perfumed black plums, black raspberries, black cherries is strung across a base of broken stones, dusted with white pepper, and lit with herbaceous twiney whole bunch acidity. Tannins are softly textured and well-integrated, gently hugging this bright syrah through the lingering stone dusted finish. Fantastic example of pursing balance in California, with a healthy nod to Northern Rhone, drinking well now and with time ahead. Smartly finished with an eco-cork too.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2019
South Australia, AustraliaFrom 6 family owned certified organic vineyards across South Australia, including their own biodynamic block at Waikerie. Like before, this is generous on the plump palate, but tightened with an herbal brace, cinching the wild plum, dusky blueberry, tart blackberry fruit. Perfumed violets, iris, cracked pepper season, while long, flexible tannins frame the medium+ palate. Very charming, and ready to crack now and over the next couple of years.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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17 March 2022
90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2019 Cabernet Franc came from their Burrowing Owl Vineyard in Oliver, plus their Eva’s Vineyard in Osoyoos The destemmed fruit was fermented and aged over 15 months in a mix of 85% French, 13% Hungarian, and 2% American oak, with 28% new wood. Silky smooth, this full bodied wine caresses the palate with black cherry, cedar, black raspberry, cassis, spiced with an alluring smoked herbal note. Tannins are ample, but well-absorbed into the spiced fruit, housing this to a bitter black cherry finish. Quite well-knit at present, drinking smartly with roasted lamb or pork, but able to rest comfortably in your cellar over the next few years.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative Cabernet Franc 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom organic vineyards in Kaleden and Osoyoos, this Franc was fermented and aged in concrete tanks for 10 months. Juicy and forward, this medium-bodied red fills the mouth with smoked stone, cedar, black cherry, all strung with a tart acidity. Tannins are soft, housing this to a snappy, lightly peppered finish. A friendly example for cracking now.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Narrative Cabernet Franc 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNarrative is made to tell the story of the Okanagan and its unique climate, home to both an arid desert landscape, cold, snowy winters, and an intense, short, growing season. The cabernet franc grapes come from organic vineyards in Kaleden and Osoyoos. They are fermented and aged in concrete tanks for ten months. Flavours of juicy, winey red fruit with a spicy leafy undercurrent show more Loire or Ontario style than Bordeaux or Bolgheri. The tannins are supple, and the finish is tart and peppery. This one is made for pork belly.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate Premier Cabernet Franc 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Frind Cabernet Franc contains predominantly south Okanagan fruit. The style is soft and friendly at 13.5 percent alcohol and presents bright red and black cherry with a savoury desert scrub undercurrent. Like last year, this is an easy-drinking version you can take to the table now or over the next three years. It is aged in neutral French and American oak, freeing the fruit throughout the palate. It is just the right thing for a mixed grill of fall vegetables or a T-bone steak.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBOV cabernet franc has a long history of being the sleeper release most years, especially in the days when cabernet franc was a leap for newbie wine drinkers. The style is full-bodied, the textures smooth but rich. On the palate, the flavours are a balanced mix of black and red fruit, the latter keeping the palate fresh through the finish. It's young and just beginning life, but it will be solid wine. Lamb or venison are perfect now, but roast beef will be in the picture five years down the road.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Pépiè Cabernet Franc 2020
Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceCrunchy, juicy and joyful, this is a quaffable cabernet franc from one of Pays Nantais' top Muscadet producers. With granitic slope sourced grapes, this youthful red spends five months in stainless steel. Wild plum, cherry, ample white pepper float through this herbal franc, with buzzy granitic acidity offset by soft, lightly sticky tannins, and a rinse of VA tightening the snappy finish. Enjoy with a chill and some paté or sausages this summer.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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16 March 2022
89PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2019 Merlot comes off estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, and finished fermentation in barrels, where it remained for 16 months' rest (64% French, 18% Hungarian, 18% American, with 20% new). It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ripe and plush, like full-throttle merlot should be, this leads with deep plum, cassis, tightened with an herbaceous branchiness, and scented with toasted cedar. Tannins are ample and a bit ragged, needing a roast beef or hearty cottage pie to match at this stage.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow. A big jump up over last year's version, beginning with a much denser nose and a palate full of gorgeous, soft, round, spicy fruit. The fruit comes off the North Oliver Bench at Blue Terrace Vineyard with smaller portions from Remuda Vineyard in Okanagan Falls and Front Yard Vineyard in Naramata. It is aged in American and French barrels for 18 months, adding to its heft with some caramel/vanilla notes that smooths out the finish. Zero smoke and a somewhat cooler year have spawned a black cherry, spicy, juicy affair that runs through the wine from front to back.Prices:| BC | $26.97 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cotarella Sodale Merlot Lazio 2018
Montefiascone, Lazio, ItalyThe colour is black, red on the nose, an aromatic mix of red and blackberries with a dusting of vanilla bean. The palate is slick with similar flavours and a rich, savoury undercurrent that sets the tone for this intense, high-quality merlot. Harmony marks the dense sweet tannic finish. It's impressive to drink now, but it will be better in three to five years. Sedimentary rocks of clay and limestone sit under the 15-year-old vineyard. It is hand-harvested and macerated on its skins for 12 days with frequent delicate punch-downs. Next is a stainless steel ferment followed by malolactic fermentation in the barrel and nine months of ageing in a mix of new and neutral barriques of varying sizes. Finally, it gets an additional 12 months in bottle at the winery, adding to the final story.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Frind Estate Premier Merlot 2020
British Columbia, Canada2020 is a mix of Similkameen and Okanagan fruit with a modest four months of ageing in French oak barriques. Like last year, the front end is charming, offering ripe mocha cherry that spills onto the palate where black raspberry and coffee run through a more savoury finish. The finish is shorter than I would like it to be, but the wine is ready to drink now, and I think you will enjoy it this summer around the barbecue. A little more time in wood will likely lift this wine into another league.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Merlot 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2019 mixes Oliver and Osoyoos fruit post ferment, with both free run and press wine run into barrels for the malolactic fermentation and 16 months of ageing before the blend is put together and bottled unfiltered and cellared at the winery until its release. The attack is fresh with ripe red undertones and plenty of savoury spice. The tannins are dense and dry at this point but should disappear quickly over the next two years. Beef tacos or grilled sausages would be a good match. Solid.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Plot Wines Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPlot Wines is a new friendly and funky wine collab based out of Kaleden. Their name refers to the partners' (Kevin Rossion and Adam Kereliuk) practice of sourcing grapes from different plots of land across the Okanagan Valley, making an ever changing roster of minimal intervention wines. From 3 cooler sites in Kaleden and Penticton, this merlot was native fermented and spent 14 months in French oak (20% new) before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is a welcome fresh and vibrant merlot, with ample wild plum, wild blackberry, fragrant violets flooding the palate. The bright acidity easily lifts the fruit, and framed by the long, lightly grippy tannins, sails this to a saline lashed finish. The only sense of the 14.7% alcohol is the warming flush on the finish. Really impressive restraint overall, and one to seek out.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Château les Fougères Revelations d'Hubert de Boüard 2016
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceThe Révélations d'Hubert de Boüard collection is based on an exclusive partnership between negociant Yvon Mau and Hubert de Boüard (co-owner of Château Angelus, in Saint-Émilion). The Fougères vineyard is just below the commune of Saint-Emilion, on the sandy, clay-limestone alluvial plain bordering the Dordogne. From 40 year old vines, this merlot was fermented and rested briefly in stainless. Clipped cassis, black plum, ground coffee is filtered with a toasty charcoal lens, and framed with gritty / sticky tannins to a short, warming and drying finish. Very basic Bordeaux.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot Pie Franco 2019
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAllegretto Piè Franco is a rare, ungrafted, single-vineyard merlot rooted in white silica sand in the south Okanagan. In Italy, when a vine grows on its rootstock, it is referred to as piè franco. Winemaker Severine is the force behind this super fresh version of merlot, pitching spicy red plums and desert scrub. The attack is lit by acidity and minerality with black raspberry and medium dry, youthful tannins. This merlot is built to age and has a solid decade of ageing in bottle before we get its best. Very Tuscan-like.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLa Stella's flagship red is Maestoso. The 100 percent merlot takes most of its fruit off the high terrace Lumeno Vineyard, north of Osoyoos. It's a broader wine than the Allegretto, more along the lines of Washington State's best labels. It spends 20 months in a mix of Slavonian, and French barriques and puncheons (60 percent new, but not that you notice it). Black plums and dark black cherries define its silky smooth palate awash in dense, refined sweet tannins that are only just settling in. Winemaker Severine Pinte is never heavy handed, so this wine, while rich, is light footed, and will be a super bottle down the road, and a wine of the vintage.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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15 March 2022
87PTS
Narrative Non-Fiction Red Blend by Okanagan Crush Pad 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Narrative Non-Fiction is from a single Osoyoos organically farmed vineyard, and based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc filling out the whole. It was fermented and aged in concrete for 10 months. Smoked stone and cedar bases this softer wine, topped with blackcurrant, blackberry and stewed raspberry on a shorter palate. Tannins are well absorbed, leaving a bit of a pasty note through to the tart finish. Best cracked alongside grilled root veg or shepherd's pie.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Meritage 2018
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVanessa Meritage is cabernet dominant, mixing 45/28/27 cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. The grapes are kept separate and fermented in small lots and aged for eight months on oak before a final assemblage, followed by 12 additional months wrapped in 40 percent new French and American oak. The nose opens with smoked plums and cassis that spill onto a similar palate with more savoury, ripe, blue and black fruit, and a warm, spicy finish. Full-bodied and mouthfilling, this is best served today with a grilled piece of beef or venison. It will age comfortably through 2026 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Narrative Non-Fiction Red Blend by Okanagan Crush Pad 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNarrative wines speak to the unique meso-climate of the Okanagan. It is an arid desert landscape with cold winters and a shortish, intense, growing season. The result is vibrant, very natural wine (in its original sense) that sings freshness and vitality. The blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon dosed with some cabernet franc, and this year an addition of merlot that gives the wine an interesting suave character. It is fermented and aged in concrete vessels for 12 months electrifying the blend that sings of wild herbs and juicy back fruit. Drink or hold, but buy this one.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
LaStella Espressivo 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA Super Toscana-inspired blend of 32% cabernet franc, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, and 10% sangiovese, with 18 months in French barrels (10% new). This year's shows ample ripe, dark, brooding fruit imbued with violets, peonies, black cherry, and dusky blackberry. The southern Okanagan heft is bound by ample, structural espresso-clad tannins that draw to a peppery / violet close. Very much in youth, this masterful handling will best reveal itself with time in your cellar. Take now with a decant and herbed lamb.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
LaStella Espressivo 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEspressivo is Tuscan inspired and cabernet dominant, both sauvignon and franc, but in the end, it is all Okanagan, if not a ringer for Bolgheri blends. Winemaker Severine Pinte is making magic, blending the Italian penchant for challenging the norm with that special touch the French seem to have in the New World. I often describe it as having a keen understanding of the importance of acidity in the blend and getting to work with ripe fruit they could only dream of back home. It is one of the best BC red blends I have tasted in 40 years, and the key is a balance of everything: fruit, acid, savoury notes, oak (very little new oak), and texture. The winery suggests Swiss chard gnudi with lamb ragu of braised rabbit pappardelle pasta. Vegetarians can go with lentil pasta with braised tofu and mushrooms. The 2019 cepage is 32% cabernet franc, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, and 10% sangiovese.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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14 March 2022
89PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Meritage blends 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, with each vinified separately for 15 months (70% French, 23% Hungarian, and 7% American with 85% new and 15% second fill oak) before the top barrels are singled out for the blend. Post-blend, they were barrelled for another 4 months prior to bottling. Deep and plush black fruit, floods the palate, woven with anise, toasted cedar, twine, and smoked stone. This is quite posh and well-knit, holding freshness beyond its 14.5%.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2018
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2018 Meritage is a 37/28/22/10/3/ mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec. Each is kept separate for 15 months in a mix of 85% new oak from France, Hungary, and the USA. The best barrels make it to bottle. At 14.5% alcohol, it is rich enough to get your attention and it has a sense of freshness that balances the wine, although the oak is heavy-handed and tends to rule the flavour profile for the moment. Many will be fine with this edition. I will wait three to five years to pass final judgement. I do know it tends to age well most years.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Mormoreto 2016
Tuscany, ItalyThe blend is an 84/26/5/5 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot and merlot grapes, harvested by hand. Post ferment, the ageing is done in hand-split oak barrels, partly new and once-used for 24 months, followed by six months in the bottle. The colour is ruby red with a darkish edge. The nose is an expressive mix of blueberries, black cherries, black olives, tea and balsamic notes flecked with mint and spice. The palate is silky smooth with dense, sweet tannins and a long persistent classy finish. It is a terrific vintage and a wine that will age effortlessly for ten to 15 years and beyond. Mormoreto is the flagship label at Castello di Nipozzano is grown on the 25-hectare Mormoreto Vineyard rich in sand and well-drained with a heavy presence of limestone and clay planted in 1976. The site elevation is 250m to 300m above sea level. The first vintage sold was 1983. After that, it was produced only in exceptional years. For example, none was made in 1984, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1998 and 2002. Since the 2013 vintage, small amounts of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot, grapes planted 150 years ago, have been used in the blend.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $57.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $64.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $65.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $69.99 | 750ml |
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11 March 2022
91PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 2018
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect meaty, smoky, reduced notes on opening that is best dealt with by a splash decant and some time in the decanter. Similkameen syrah can be wild and raw, and this wine is both but with a sense of elegance that pulls you back to the glass. The juicy sweet and sour notes of damson plum thread through the peppery black fruit, toast, and vanilla, seemingly from the American oak. Big rich, and full-bodied, it will need time in the bottle before it fully matures. Vanessa Syrah is all estate fruit hand-picked and small-batch-fermented, including a small amount of viognier co-fermented with the syrah, Northern Rhône style. Post ferment, the wine was made almost entirely of free-run juice before ageing for 20 months in a combination of new and used oak American oak (60%) and French oak (40%). Total heat units for 2018 at Vanessa were 1730.5 Growing Degree Days, similar to 2017.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, this syrah was destemmed and lightly crushed before heading to fermentation tanks (partially cofermented with viognier) for 25 days. The wine was moved to barrel to complete MLF and 16 months' barrel aging in a bizarre mix of 61% French, 24% American, 12% Hungarian, and 3% Caucasus wood, amounting to 30% new, 29% one- and two-year, and 41% third fill and older oak. It was bottled unfiltered. As per the house style, this is a massive, ripe and richly spiced red, with a cloud of perfumed exotic spices and thick layer of toasty wood cloaking ripe raspberry, blackberry, and dusky purple florals. Tannins are wood cloven, fine grained and long, trailing off to a lingering Worcestershire note. If you like not-shy wines, give this a try now after a decant, ideally with roasted lamb or beef tenderloin. Or wait a couple of years for the same pairing.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Narrative Syrah Viognier 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Narrative 2018 saw syrah and viognier cofermented in amphora, left on skins for 9 months, and then blended with additional syrah treated the same, for more complexity and blue/black fruited intensity. Mouth filling blueberry, plums, black cherry is woven with cracked peppercorns and downy violet across a fleshy palate, livened with an easy, stony acidity. There's a slight smokiness throughout, which sticks on the finish, welcoming partnering with grilled fare now.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lightning Rock Syrah 2020
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Summerland's Elysia vineyard, planted in 2006 on the steep sloped mix of limestone and decomposed granite, this year's Syrah was destemed and cofermented with 10% whole cluster Viognier. After 21 days on skins, this was pressed to neutral puncheons and native fermented, remaining until early May the following year when it was bottled unfined, and unfiltered. The viognier is felt from first whiff, with a beautiful perfumed wash of violets, followed by wild blueberries, wild blackberries, juicy plum and ample cracked pepper. Acidity is bright, while tannins are long and finely textured / slightly sticky / grippy, hugging this medium bodied syrah through the white pepper finish. Lovely finesse and elegance here, and a style I hope more Okanagan winemakers will adopt.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Narrative Syrah Viognier 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOkanagan Crush Pad's Narrative line is all about the freshness and purity of fruit. The blend in 2018 is syrah and viognier from two Osoyoos vineyards, some of which were co-fermented in a clay amphora and left on skins for nine months. The result is heightened perfumed aromatics. On the palate, the wine is juicy, spicy, and alive with plummy fruit across its unique silky textures and mineral-flecked finish. You can drink this now, which is a bonus, but its balance would suggest it will hold comfortably through 2028. A whole roasted organic chicken would be the simpatico match.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Frind Estate Premier Syrah 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Premier Syrah comes off 30+ year old vines at Knollvine Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. As I discovered last year, the style is understated, sipping easy, and delivering a pleasant, balanced, peppery ripe red. The style is more Barossa than Rhone, but many will be attracted to its soft, floral, black fruit and spicy oak after its 10 month stay in French oak. You can dink or hold this wine through 2025.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Becker Vineyard Block 1A Small Lot Syrah 2018
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThey mean it when they say Small Lot Series and limited production at Phantom Creek. This label comes off a 0.78-acre Block 1A syrah on Becker Vineyard, and only two barrels made it to bottle. Nevertheless, surprising freshness buoys the red and blue fruit mid-palate, dusted in classic Black Sage desert scrub sagebrush and tobacco. Some 21 months in French oak give it depth and texture, but it is generally a less glossy version of the Kobau Syrah that is a little more food-friendly. Drink or hold, there is no rush.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Kobau Vineyard Syrah 2019
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKobau Vineyard is tucked underneath Kobau Mountain on the westside of Golden Mile Bench. Its southerly aspect tilts it to the gentle early morning sun, escaping the late afternoon sun that disappears over Kobau peak. The vineyard has a history of producing some outstanding syrah under the C.C. Jentsch label. The style is highly polished, the fruit glossy, rich, black and blue. The French oak adds an extra layer of sophistication, although, in a blind tasting, this would take you more to Barossa than the Rhone this year. Round and soft, the finish is a long peppery, creamy affair that should repay any amount of cellaring up to 15 years.Prices:| BC | $83.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rust Wine Co Lazy River Vineyard Syrah 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly blue waxed Okanagan Valley Syrah is one of four single-vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2019 vintage. It comes from Similkameen's Lazy River Vineyard and its sandy clay loams dotted with limestone and granitic rock. This clone 877 was planted, ungrafted, in 2002. The syrah spends ten months in French oak (20% new) before heading to bottle without fining or filtration. Super peppery, this fuller syrah is flooded with ripe blackberry, black plum, balsamic across a savoury, wild palate. Tannins are long and lightly sticky, binding this through the lingering peppery finish.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co. South Rock Vineyard Syrah 2019
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly orange waxed Okanagan Valley Syrah is one of 4 single-vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2019 vintage. It comes from Golden Mile Bench's South Rock Vineyard's gravelled clays and older vines, at 300m, clone 877 planted in 2002. It is aged ten months in French oak, 20% new, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Super perfumed, with gobs of violets, iris perfumes a ripe base of black plums and blackberries. Tannins are ample but yielding, cushioning this to the lingering perfumed finish. It is quite a pretty syrah for all its heft, drinking very well now and with some time ahead.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Syrah 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly purple waxed Okanagan Valley Syrah is one of a quad of single-vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2018 vintage. This is the first time we're seeing Lost Horn Vineyard from OK Falls, a clone 877, ungrafted syrah on clay loam soils, planted in 2016 at 395m. It spent ten months in French oak, 20% new, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Big and rich, with ample sweet blackberry, black plum, and sweet baking / peppery spices that flood the palate. Tannins are ample and sticky, hugging this to a lingering peppery finish. Not shy, this is a big potent syrah for partnering with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co. Ferreira Vineyard Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly yellow waxed Okanagan Valley Syrah is one of a quad of single vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2018 vintage. This comes from Black Sage Bench's Ferreira Vineyard and its volcanic, granitic sands, at 333m. and planted to clone 877 planted in 2002. This spent 10 months in French oak (20% new). Ripe and full, with perfumed blackberry, black cherry, black plum, seasoned with cracked pepper and violets. Tannins are well-integrated, hugging this to a lingering peppery finish. The soils add a prickly vibrancy to this wine, in its favour. Drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Classique 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the big brother to Violette, mostly from the Le Verger vineyard (used to be known as Airfield, due to the vineyard's slightly elevated location on a small bench underneath the Osoyoos airport). This year's Cuvée Classique comes 73% off Osoyoos Lake District and 27% off Black Sage Bench, with 19 months in French oak barrels and puncheons (35% new). Sultry dark blackberry, black plum are imbued with baking spices and downy violets running the length of the fuller palate, housed by ample, well-integrated tannins and lit with a grapefruit pith acidity. Dark cocoa and espresso is woven throughout, and the finish lingers with cracked black pepper. Very complete. A brooding, structural style drinking smartly now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEquinoxe is the flagship syrah of LVP. This comes from a few sites in the southern Okanagan, and vines nearing 20 years. This year sees 97% syrah, 3% viognier, with 19 months in French barrel (36% new) before bottling unfined and unfiltered. This masterful, structural red is entirely in balance, with rivers of wild blackberry, black cherry, espresso, iron, and cracked peppercorn. Tannins are long and fine, and acidity is easily matching the Southern Okanagan weight. The finish lingers with luring violets and bacon fat. Savoury and confident, this is drinking beautifully now and with time ahead. 199 cases.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe BOV Syrah has never been a shy wine, and 2019 is no different. The meaty, peppery nose mixes with savoury, peppery, sagebrush notes that fire up the heat and oak in the wine. The palate is awash in black raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry mixed with more toasted oak and a meaty soy finish. In late October, the fruit was picked off two sites: the Burrowing Owl Vineyard (Oliver), and Eva’s Vineyards (Osoyoos). It is all hand sorted, barely crushed and gravity fed into the fermentation tanks. A portion of the syrah grapes is co-fermented with viognier before going through a softening malolactic fermentation in barrel and 16 months of ageing in a mix of new and used oak. For the moment, lamb shoulder is the best friend of this wine, or another seven to ten years in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.95 | 750ml |
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10 March 2022
91PTS
Domaine Rolet L'étoile Chardonnay 2018
Jura, FranceThe Rolet estate was created by Mr. Désiré Rolet in 1942, with just 4 hectares, and was taken over by his children, Eliane, Bernard, Guy and Pierre in 1958. They grew and ran the estate to be the second largest in the Jura until 2018 when they took retirement and sold to the Devillard family, well known for their Bourgogne estates. This chardonnay is grown on the hills near Lons Le Saunier, with distinguished soils of grey blue marls and star shaped fossils called pentacrine, after which this small appellation was named. L'étoile is fermented in barrique, where it ages for a year before bottling. Pouring a deeper lemon hue, this creamy chardy is sharpened with a laser beam of lemony acidity, streaming buzzy mineral, green apple, lanolin, subtle toast, and rock salts down a streamlined palate, finishing with a saline wash. This has depth, and freshness, making for a welcome drink now.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Vendange Chardonnay Montée des Crémaillères 2020
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This chardonnay comes from 25 year old vines, and was native fermented in a mix of stainless and 15% older barrels, with full MLF. It remains there for 10 months, with bâtonnage. This youthful white streams green apple, pear blossom, light cream along a slender palate, shaped by limestone, and finishing with a salted almond hum. Quite smart and compact, this is drinking stunning now.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bret Brothers Viré-Clessé Sous Les Plantes 2020
Viré-Clessé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceSince arriving on the Burgundy scene in 2000, the wines of the brothers Jean-Philippe and Jean-Guillaume Bret have garnered much acclaim. This organic Mâconnais chardonnay comes from the Sous Les Plantes parcel located south of Viré, at 200m, and from 75 year old vines rooted in silt and clay. It was native fermented before 11 months in 600L demi-muids and barrels. There's a lovely completeness to this wine, with a lees-anchored heft deftly balanced by shining acidity, green apple, lemon peel, crunchy pear, broken stone, all wrapped with a silken bow. This youthful wine is drinking very smartly now, and will continue to impress with time in cellar. 2213 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThis winery has been passed from father to son without pause since 1620. Benoît is the 14th generation, working with his father Jean-Paul on their 26 hectares in Chablis, all managed lutte raisonée. This was fermented wild, aged on fine lees without battonage, and spent 8-10 months in tank on lees. As is the house style, this is streamlined and flowing with stones, green apple, pear skin, and light lees along a silken palate, scented with subtle apple blossoms. An understated gem.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot 2016
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This comes from the Grand Cru Blanchot, and 40 year old vines rooted in kimmeridgian clay soils. It was native fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees for 15 months prior to bottling. Very generous and open, with a mouth filling, creamy palate of pear, perfumed mango, yellow apple, lemon verbena, and white/pink florals. Quite floral and accessable now, there's no need to hold this GC.Prices:| ON | $93.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Fourchaume Côtes de Fontenay 2015
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This comes from the Côtes de Fontenay climat, at the entrance of the valley, in Vrignaud's four hectare vineyard in the 1er Cru Fourchaume. The vines were planted in 1955 in brown clay and Kimmeridgian soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this remained there for one year on lees, without bâtonnage. Brown butter, anjou pear is cut and lifted with green apple and crystalline lemon, showing well the shade of aged Chablis, and the cut of the cool, north-winded Côtes de Fontenay. The palate is silken and harmonious, riding a bed of lees through the lingering finish. Drinking very smartly now, and with time ahead still.Prices:| ON | $67.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. Vrignaud's four hectare vineyard in the right bank 1er Cru Fourchaume is planted to 30 year-old vines, rooted in the climat's brown clay and Kimmeridgian soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this remained in inox for one year on lees, without bâtonnage. Powerful and forward, with flint lashed stony minerality driving this wine forward, wrapping around a textural, lees lined palate, and shaped with stones. The finish lingers with a pithy lemon / crushed stone note. Drinking very smartly now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This comes from 40 year old vines in the 1er Cru Mont de Milieu, situated south of the Right Bank's acclaimed Grand Cru Chablis. Historically, this hill used to have a boundary running through its middle, separating the county of Champagne and the duchy of Burgundy. This wine was native fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees for one year, sans bâtonnage. Salty, salty, salty, this streamlined chablis streaks across the palate, with green apple, lemon, subtle lemon blossoms, and broken stones atop a bed of lees, and finishing with a lingering saline wash. Such a striking wine, drinking beautifully and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascal Clément Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020
Burgundy, FranceFrom Savigny-les-Beaune, Chorey-les-Beaune, and Puligny, this was native fermented in foudres, where it was held for a year. Pascal, well known for his exceptional white wines, loves using older foudre for his whites, as he feels it brings out the saltiness in the wine. Pascal also never uses bâtonnage on his wines, leaving them on full lees in barrels after pressing. Streamlined yet creamy, with a lees-decked palate livened with lemon pith and peel, and ample stony salinity, finishing with a lick of flint. Youthful, juicy, and bright, this is shining now.Prices:| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Pascal Clément Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2017
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 bâtonnage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. From 15 year old vines in a very cool climat of Pernand-Vergelesses, this whole bunch chardonnay was native fermented and aged 16 months in older wood. Powerful and dense and dynamic, with toasted hazelnuts, lemon curd, ample flint, crystalline lemon peel, wrapped around a green apple core. Though quite impactful on the palate, it is shaped and sharpened with a brace of broken stony minerality which lingers long on the finish. Still very much in youth, give this time to open now, or better yet, hold in your cellar for 5-10 years.Prices:| ON | $280.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pascal Clément Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Baudines 2015
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, and never uses bâtonnage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. In the warn 2015 vintage, he stopped MLF on his whites, to preserve brightness. 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. Chiseled and shining, with lemon pith, green apple, fresh hazelnuts, flake salts livened with a brace of stony minerality, and lined with a layer of flinty lees. The finish lingers with mineral salts, encouraging glass after glass. A striking 2015, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pascal Clément Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Vide Bourse 2015
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, and never uses bâttonage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. In the warm 2015 vintage, Pascal stopped MLF on his whites, which is usually employed. Vide Bourse is smartly located under Bâtard Montrachet, and a great mix between the brilliance of Puligny and the richness of Chassagne. Ripe and rich, with toasted hazelnuts, lemon curd, cream, elastic, shaped by green and yellow apple, and lingering with flake salts. A more upfront, powerful and attention grabbing style, which would well suit many protein / cream dishes.Prices:| ON | $120.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pascal Clément Meursault Narvaux 2016
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 bâtonnage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. From the cooler pocket of Narvaux, on white marl and limestone soils, this fuller wine has stunning ample cut, with tight green apple, crystalline lemon, and quartz chiseling through lemon curd and fresh hazelnuts on the streamline palate, finishing with ample salinity. This is such a pristine wine now, with focus atypical of the appellation, but which speaks to the site. Striking drinking now.Prices:| ON | $98.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascal Clément Meursault 2018
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 bâtonnage in his wines, leaving them on full lees after pressing. True to style, and vintage, this is a full, powerful white, with lemon curd, brown butter, and green apple layered with toasted hazelnuts. There is a brace of acidity which holds this aloft, through a lingering, nutty, saline finish. Drink now, with butter drawn lobster, or let rest in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $90.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Vendange Chardonnay Montée des Crémaillères 2019
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This chardonnay comes from 25 year old vines, and was native fermented in a mix of stainless and 15% older barrels, with full MLF. It remains there for 10 months, with bâtonnage. There's a lovely lemon freshness that pervades this brisk, slender chardy, with a well-placed lightly creamy lees bed to counter the mountainous slopes. The limestone scree is felt along the buzzing undercurrent, positively illuminating this medium bodied white, and sending it to a highly saline finish. Stunner, drinking very smartly now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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09 March 2022
92PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Rosso di Montalcino 2018
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis is the winery’s first organic Rosso di Montalcino, and it is entirely Sangiovese, from three vineyards at Casato Prime Donne. The sites, always chosen for the earlier-drinking Rosso, are on the cool northern area of Montalcino at about 225m, rooted in clays and sands. This was native fermented in stainless and concrete vats, before aging 6-12 months in large tonneaux. Fragrant wild flowers, wild cherry is woven with fine grained spice, white pepper, and ample crushed stones. Tannins are long and lightly grippy, hugging this through a savoury, saline finish. Very finessed and charming, ready for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini IO SONO Brunello di Montalcino 2015
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyIOsonoDonatella is a very special release Brunello that celebrates the passionate, revolutionary, visionary Donatella. This small lot wine is made only in the best years (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015), and is packaged in a striking silver / gold glitter bottle, recalling medieval goldsmithing. The 2015 comes from the Ardita vineyard, planted in 2002, and was native fermented in open top concrete vats before aging in 5-7 hectolitre French oak tonneau for 2.5 years. Prior to bottling, the wine rested six months in a bare concrete egg. Pouring a lightly bricking hue, this elegant, silken red streams wild cherry, worked leather, dried florals, baked plum, all woven with scrubby dried herbs and candle wax. Tannins are firm and grippy, but fine, well integrated into the plumped 2015 vintage fruit. Acidity is lofted, and there's an alluring buzzy minerality livening the undercurrent, through to the saline finish. Quite elegant and regal, much like its namesake, this is drinking well now, and with time ahead. 750 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $409.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tenuta il Palagio When We Dance Chianti 2019
Tuscany, ItalyTuscany's Villa Il Palagio has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. For the last two decades it's been the summer home of Sting and Trudy Styler, who have transformed the estate into a vibrant organic farm and vineyard. Over that time, they've worked with consultants Alan York and Pedro Parra to design the vineyards and farming practices. This sangiovese is splashed with canaiolo and colorino, and was fermented and aged in stainless for six months. This medium bodied wine is open and welcoming, with morello cherry, red florals, crunchy plum, a lick of leather, and fine dried herbs. Acidity is bright, and tannins are fine, guiding this to a lightly peppered and amply saline finish. Ready for cracking now, ideally with a simple tomato sauced pasta.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 March 2022
91PTS
Domaine Vendange Roussette de Savoie Madame de M... 2019
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This Altesse (aka Roussette) is from 20 year old vines, native fermented long and cool in stainless, with 1/3 going through MLF. This then rested 10 months in a mix of older barrels and stainless. There's a lovely lees slick running the length of this slender white, basing quince, elderflower, hawthorne, pear skin, and tangerine rind. Acidity is alpine bright, carrying this to a saline finish. A striking wine, with ample interest and charm.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Vendange Jacquère La Côte 2020
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This Jacquère comes from 25 year old vines, and was native fermented and briefly rested in stainless, with a little bâtonnage post ferment. Light and lifted, with tight lemon, green apple, white grapefruit, kissed with elderflower and anise, and finishing with a salted citrus twist. Limestone buzzy and bright, there's no mistaking the alpine nature of this fresh white.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Aphros Loureiro 2014
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalVasco Croft is one of the pioneering biodynamic vintners in Portugal, and Aphros is his personal project. From Vinho Verde's Lima subregion, this loureiro spent time on skins before pressing into inox for fermentation and two months ageing on lees before filtration and bottling. Loureiro is showing some aged character here, with some honeyed notes wrapping around pine nuts, honeydew, apricot kernel and wet cement. While the wine isn't as vibrant as in youth, this current release (ON) shows an interesting lens for loureiro.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodríguez & Sanzo Bajo Velo 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainUngrafted, biodynamically farmed verdejo was fermented in new French barrels, and then aged 10 months in an older Sherry cask, adding a richer texture to the creamy mouthfeel. The wood is swallowed up by the potent verdejo easily, leaving cool and sleek white grapefruit, lemon, and white peach, on the medium palate. This is a complete and well knit wine, ready for drinking now with white fish.Prices:| Spain | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blanco Nieva Martúe 2021
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainFrom partial ungrafted vines 100+ years old, at 900m, this youthful verdejo is potent with aloe vera, verbena, white grapefruit, gooseberry across a heady, lees-decked palate, finishing with a raft of citrus spicing. Quite balanced and complete, this is a lovely modern example of verdejo.Prices:| Spain | $7.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vicaral Verdejo Gran Secección 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis family-run winery was founded in 1991, and today owns 45 hectares, with vineyards located in the south of Valladolid. Youthful and fruit-forward, with a slick of lees buffering pineapple rind, verbena, pink grapefruit, and ample citrus spicing on the finish. Quite intense, yet still fresh, this youthful wine is one to crack now with seafood and spring veg risotto.Prices:| Spain | $8.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Beatriz Rueda Verdejo 2021
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainFrom one of the pioneer vineyards in Rueda, this family winery is now in its 3rd generation, and uses some pre-phylloxera vines 100+ years old. Very green, with ample hedgerow, greengage, verbena, green apple, and gooseberry, this could easily be mistaken for a coastal Chilean sauvignon blanc.Prices:| Spain | $4.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viñas Murillo Chapirete Selección 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis relatively new winery (started 3 years ago) has access to very old, pre-phylloxera vines in Alcazarén. This was entirely done in stainless. Bright and fresh, with ample lemon verbena, greengage, pineapple rind, on a glossy, smoothed palate, finishing with a snappy grapefruit rind twist. Ready to crack now.Prices:| Spain | $7.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2020
South Australia, AustraliaCredited with reviving and re-introducing a dying-off grape, Yalumba now has the greatest plantings of viognier in the world. This, their standard bearer viognier cuvée, blends fruit from across Southern Australia. Winemaker Heather Fraser keeps the grape's flamboyant tendencies at bay here, leaving a more herbaceous driven model in 2020, with key lime pith, gooseberry, bruised pear, tart kumquat, cold cream, pink florals on a creamy, buttery palate, finishing with a bitter melon note. Somewhat disjointed at present, this leaner style would be well suited to fragrant Chinese or Vietnamese dishes at this point.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s been a decade since I last tasted this wine, but at Gehringer, little changes. The wines are always fresh and precise, which suits this aromatic grape, which can present a bit over the top. However, if you are looking for a bright, aromatic, perfumed white with honey, mango, orange peel, and grapefruit, spiced with ginger and a hint of bitterness, this wine is for you. It is a fruity white that finishes just off-dry. I like it with spicy tuna sushi rolls or chicken tacos. Terrific value.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Gewürztraminer 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs evidenced by the latest gewürztraminer sourced exclusively from Cossentine Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, winemaker Amber Pratt is hitting it out of the park at Moraine. It ticks all the benchmarks, including a heady, floral, perfumed nose of litchi and rosewater. The palate is similar in style, with the addition of orange and ginger. It is fully ready to drink, and I suggest you be adventurous with your food matches, from pork, noodles, veal sausages to a favourite spicy vegetarian dish.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Torres Celeste Verdejo Sur Lees Pago del Cielo 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainCeleste Verdejo is a new Torres label out of Rueda. Some north-facing parcels sit close to the river in clay gravel and rounded pebbles, characteristic of an old riverbed. The result is a cool, fresh style with intense aromas that are almost sauvignon-like. It opens with citrus and pineapple scents laced with fennel and licorice, all of which spills onto a slightly more lush palate with a pleasant, bitter green fruit finish. Verdejo is the flagship grape of DO Rueda, used in winemaking there since the 11th century. Delicious summer wine for vegans and food and wine lovers.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.20 | 1500ml |
| NB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cà dei Frati I Frati Lugana 2020
Verona, Veneto, ItalyLugana is a wine-specific viticultural region in northern Italy straddling the regional border between Lombardy and Veneto at the southern end of Lake Garda. It is a triumph in trebbiano, which probably explains why it isn't available in government stores. Ca' dei Frati Lugana DOC uses only one grape variety, named Turbiana, that is genetically identical to Trebbiano di Lugana, and Verdicchio Bianco. The nose is a pleasant peachy, yellow apple affair with some added rosé petal perfume. Elegant and fresh, it is the perfect seafood or white meats wine, although it would be a fine partner for assorted sushi items here in Vancouver.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Massimo Rivetti Langhe Arneis Aurelia 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOrganically certified grapes are harvested in the early hours when temperatures are as cool as possible from one of the highest vineyards in the region. The grapes are further preserved with dry ice as they go through a crio-maceration at 0°C to best extract all the skins' aroma. Finally, the fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks again at low temperatures, where it sits on its lees for four months. We love the pure fruit here and the vivacity of the wine with bright acidity and a strong mineral character. Look for white flowers, pears and guava splashed with citrus that lines a creamy palate and a long persistent, flavourful finish. I enjoyed serving it with crab cakes, but it will work with any west coast seafood dishes — stock up; it is head turner you will want to pour at any opportunity. Arneis translates as a demanding and challenging person in Piemontese, seemingly the opposite of the charm of this wine.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pieropan Soave Classico 2020
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyIf you've ever shied away from Soave, or the garganega grape because it's boring or weak, you owe it to yourself to try the master: Pieropan. The Pieropan family has been producing wines in Soave since the 1890s, and their estate covers nearly 60 hectares of organic vineyards, dotting the stony hills of Soave Classico. It is now run by the 4th generation, brothers Andrea and Dario. This, their youngest and freshest cuvée, is splashed with 15% trebbiano di soave. The destemmed grapes are native fermented in glass-lined cement tanks, where it remains on fine lees until the following spring when it is bottled. Fresh and bright over a bottom layer of fine wax, with subtly perfumed yellow fruits, grapefruit, candied meyer lemon lit with shining citrus pith and buzzy mineral notes. This slight white is such a charmer, and will continue to build complexity in your cellar short term. For now, partner with spring veg risottos and salads.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Feudi Di San Gregorio Albente 2020
Campania, ItalyFeudi di San Gregorio has made a huge impact in their home region of Campania in a relatively small amount of time. Founded in the mid-1980s, they've been protecting and rediscovering key indigenous grapes. Varied soils, and altitude between 350-600m gives them ample room to experiment. Albente is 100 percent falanghina, an ancient variety known to the Romans, and grown on the chalky soils around Tufo. A short stint in stainless steel preserves the bright fruit and gets it ready to market quickly. Intense with the southern Italian sun, yet lifted by altitude, soils, and smart picking decisions, this streams perfumed Bosc pear, lemon blossom, green fig, marcona almond along a bright, silken lees palate. Though only 12.5%, this has presence, calling out for Mediterranean pepper and /or fish dishes now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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02 March 2022
89PTS
Edmeades Zinfandel 2018
Mendocino County, California, United StatesEvery couple of years, I come back to this underrated stalwart zinfandel that's been in the market for decades, offering unfailing quality for the price. Expect a fragrant ripe plum nose mixed with garrigue-like wild herbs, sweet black fruit, softish tannins, and just the right amount of acidity to keep it lively. It is old-school zinfandel miles above the commercial labels that plague the market and the reputation of the best zinfandel grapes. Short ribs, anyone? Dr. Donald Edmeades planted vines in western Mendocino in 1963, among a few centenarian vineyards that are at the center of this wine, under the considerable care of the Jackson Family Wines folks since 1988.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Sonoma Zinfandel 2018
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesInterestingly Lake Sonoma Winery is owned by the Kelowna-based Stewart Family, longtime proprietors of Quails' Gate winery in the Okanagan Valley. The fruit comes out of the famed Dry Creek Valley AVA and opens with a classic brambleberry and black cherry that spills onto the palate with light peppery highlights. It's a relatively simple rendition of the variety that you can now enjoy with a favourite pizza in a fine vintage.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.79 | 750ml |
| PEI | $30.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sea Change Merlot 2018
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe more I taste this brand, the more I like it. The sustainability aspects are attractive, and from corks, bottles, labels and fruit, it is constructed to help protect our seas and the planet. But none of that works unless the wine is worth drinking. Enter the Pay’s d’Oc fruit and merlot that sings deliciously. Balanced, round, flavourful and persistent, this is the definition of easy-drinking and should be applauded for its style. Blue and black fruit, a dash of spice and light tannins come together perfectly. Well-priced and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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01 March 2022
89PTS
Tedeschi Lucchine Valpolicella Classico 2018
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyFrom the Lucchine vineyard at the foot of the Pedemonte hills in the heartland of Valpolicella, this blend of corvina, corvinone, rondinella, molinara, rossignola, negrara, and dindarella is off 27 year old vines rooted in clay and limestone soils. Stainless fermented, then rested for a brief two months, this is a humble and smashable Valpo, full of morello cherry, juicy plum, wild raspberry, thorns, and salted dried herbs. Tannins are slight, as is the 13% palate, guiding this to a saline finish. Unpretentiously smashable, this is a charmer to partner with pizza.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Il Caberlot 2017
Tuscany, ItalyOne of the rarest wines in Tuscany, the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of southern Chianti’s Valdarno region, is the only vineyard to cultivate Caberlot. The grape is a genetic mutation of cabernet franc, with distinct characteristics of merlot. It was discovered in Veneto by Remigo Bordini, and planted in conjunction with Bettina and Wolf Rogosky at the Tuscan estate in 1986, with the aim of producing something entirely different from the Chianti of the time. This low intervention, organic-focused red certainly shares characteristics of cabernet franc, and merlot. There's an herbal branchy note imbued with plush plum, wild cherry, downy blackberry, worked leather, on a structural palate, bound by fine, firm, dark cocoa dusted tannins, kissed with balsamic and finishing with a rasp of peppercorn. This aged in French fûts and barriques, 60% new, for 22 months, and was racked only once prior to bottling unfiltered. The wine, bottled primarily in magnums (2500 in this vintage), rests an additional 18 months prior to release. Drinking beautifully now, indiciative of the warm and generous 2017 vintage.Prices:| ON | $457.95 | 1500ml |
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89PTS
Capezzana Conti Contini Bonacossi Barco Reale di Carmignano 2017
Carmignano, Tuscany, ItalyFor 5 generations the Contini Bonacossi family has cultivated and maintained their Tenuta di Capezzana estate, 12 miles west of Florence in Toscana's Carmignano sub-zone. Count Alessandro Contini Bonacossi and his family returned to Italy after living in Spain and purchased the estate from Raimondo Franchetti’s widow, Sara de Rothschild, in 1920. Of their 270 hectare estate, 80 hectares are certified organic vineyards. Barco Reale is a mix of younger (15-25 year old) vines, and a mix of Sangiovese 75%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Canaiolo 5%, Cabernet Franc 5%. After a native ferment with 8 days' maceration in stainless, this aged in older untoasted 24 hl French or Slavonian oak barrels for 6-8 months. The aging is done for you: fresh and dried cherries, worked and new leather is framed by lightly toasted oak, and licked with wild mint. Tannins are fine and absorbed, leaving a light grit in their wake through the saline finish. Still some freshness here, this is a smart choice for partnering with your tomato-sauced pasta dishes now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Il Palagio Casino Delle Vie 2018
Tuscany, ItalyTuscany's Villa Il Palagio has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. For the last two decades it's been the summer home of Sting and Trudy Styler, who have transformed the estate into a vibrant organic farm and vineyard. Over that time, they've worked with consultants Alan York and Pedro Parra to design the vineyards and farming practices. This organic, biodynamic blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the calcareous clays and sands of the hills of Florence, at 330m. After a stainless ferment, it rested for 1 year in older small French barrels. Dark morello cherry, kirsch, dark cocoa, worn leather, anise floods the sultry palate, laced with perfumed baking spices. Tannins are soft and sticky, guiding this to a saline finish. Drinking smartly now, and with a couple years ahead in cellar easy. For now, pair with roast beef and / or tomato sauced pastas.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyAt Arceno, the Chianti Classico Annata 2018 was a memorable year. It began with a cool, rainy February and March, a late bud break, then a perfect June and July. The property dodged some early August hailstorms followed by some hydrating rain and an ideal finish under warm sunny days and clear, cool nights. It’s described as exuding the powerful fruit of 2015 with the racy structure of 2013. I concur that the fruit is exuberant and plentiful in a European way with cherry, plum, licorice with a spicy finish. Lush but supple tannins run through the 85/15 blend of sangiovese and merlot. Tenuta di Arceno spreads across 1000 hectares of classic rolling hillside containing vineyards, forests, and medieval stone castles. The vineyards have been replanted and expanded into a series of micro-crus relating to the property’s 12 distinct meso-climates over the last 20 years, vastly improving the fruit that gets to the winery.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $39.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $39.99 | 750ml |
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April 2022