quicksearch
Tastings: June 2022
30 June 2022
91PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHand-picked from a single block of 1985 planted Clone 93 Pinot Noir, this was native fermented in barriques and puncheons over 7 months on lees prior to moving to bottle for secondary ferment and 22 more months on lees. It was disgorged in March 2022 with 5 g/L dosage via their still 2019 Pinot Noir. Fragrant cherry, raspberry blossoms, cherry brioche, almond float along the palate, strung with pithy pink grapefruit and rainier cherry acidity through the salt studded finish. Very singular, and striking.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Rinaldini Pjcol Ross Lambrusco Brut NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyForget about the sweet and candied Lambruscos of your past. This is serious, dry, handmade metodo classico (traditional method) from the ancient, rare and endangered original Lambrusco grape: pjcol ross. The Rinaldinis are the only producer of pjcol ross varietal wines today, a grape that exists in only three vineyards. It was rediscovered by Rinaldo Rinaldini in the 1970s when he took over the vineyard. This tiny family owned winery is between Reggio Emilia and Parma in Emilia-Romagna at the foothills of Matilda de Canossa. Savoury and earthy, with dark earth, wild herbs, roasted beets, menthol, wet cement, with gentle bubbles and a cement/stone texture. Very different.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
28 June 2022
90PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Leone Rosso Orcia 2019
Orcia, Tuscany, ItalyDOC Orcia is produced in 13 municipalities between Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This is 60/40 sangiovese/merlot from the historic estate, built by Donatella Cinelli Colombini's ancestors in 1592. Six months in tonneaux has provided the structure to this full red, with chewy tannins housing dark chocolate, blackberry, cherry jam, candle wax, with sultry balsam woven throughout through the peppery finish. This is a powerhouse at 15%, and best served alongside grilled beef.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Donkey & Goat The Gallivanter 2018
California, United StatesThis true gallivanter is a merlot based blend, backed up by grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, and from vineyards across cool climate California. All their partner growers are farming sustainably, organically, or biodynamically and it's up to owners / winemakers Jared and Tracey Brandt to make the adventuresome blend, which varies wildly each year. Each variety was native fermented, with no inputs or outtakes, and aged in older oak before the final blend, bottled unfined and unfiltered. In 2018, this natural red pours a cloudy hazy darker hue, teeming with dusky plum, thorny wild blackberry, smokey tobacco ash, balsamic, and cracked peppercorns across the textural, slight 11% palate. There's a prickle of spritz livening the chill palate, reminding me of natural Lambruscos. Quite adventuresome, and one to check out after a slight chill (to help quell the VA) with a plate of hearty charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Niepoort NAT’Cool! Voyeur Tinto Amphora 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSix amphora reds and whites, from vines 40-50 years old, and from six different sites in the Douro go into this unique Voyeur wine. Voyeur is taken from different sites, altitudes, etc. each year. Each site spent 6 months in 1000L Spanish amphora, lined with beeswax, prior to blending in stainless, returning to amphorae for a couple of months, and then bottling. Near deep-rosé in hue, this lighter, juicy red is filled with crunchy red currants, wild flowers, wild herbs along a silken, sleek palate, finishing with ample salinity. So characterful and charming, enjoy this smashable wine now with a light chill.Prices:| ON | $43.95 | 1000ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Vignobles Foncalieu Nu.Vo.Té 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceNu.Vo.Té (meaning novelty) is a new project from Languedoc-based les Vignobles Foncalieu, and using the new French hybrid grapes Artaban and Vidoc, bred for disease resistance. Juicy and fruity, with forward red currant, rhubarb, blackberry gummies on a shorter palate, with pasty, sticky tannins. An interesting experiment, and hopefully one that helps vignerons and consumers find affordable solutions for easy wines.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Herdade do Arrepiado Collection Red Reserva 2019
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis icon wine is packed in a telling hefty bottle, with dense touriga nacional, petit verdot, and syrah controlling the full palate. After a native ferment, this spent 24 months in new French wood, before it was lightly filtered prior to bottling. Compact black cherry, blackberry, black plum, pipe tobacco is lit with an inherent stony freshness, and seasoned with scrubby wild herbs. A well-managed big red, drinking smartly now (lamb) and with time ahead in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $55.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Gómez Cruzado Viña Motúlleri Gran Reserva 2011
Rioja Alta, Rioja, SpainThe Viña Motúlleri Gran Reserva references the historical name of the cuvée, with a heritage of more than 100 years. This comes off 60 year old bush vines in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavasa, blending 70% tempranillo, 25% garnacha, and 5% viura from the regions' calcareous clays and iron rich clays. It was aged in French barrels for four years, followed by four years in bottle. Ripe and dense red/black fruits rule the heady palate, with baked black cherry, raspberry pie, dried cherry, fruitcake lined with worked leather and baking spice. Tannins are ample but now, with time, have sunken into the dense fruit, leading this to a lingering dried floral finish. The most traditionally styled of their wines, and one that should rest well in the bottle (bottled in magnums only) for some time in the cellar. A modern take on a traditional style.Prices:Read Full Note
27 June 2022
86PTS
Viña Chocalán Carmenère Gran Reserva 2018
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFrom the Coastal area of Maipo Valley, near the Maipo River and rooted in granitic clays and loam, this carmenere is aided by 10% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. After a stainless ferment, this remains on skins for an additional 10 days before 80% is moved to French and American oak barrels for 10-12 months of aging. Roasted meats, grilled onions, sappy branch, tar, and rubber fill this chewy, rustic, old-school red, finishing with a thick puff of smoke. Carmenère needn't retreat to this green rubbery caricature, and modern examples bypass this style altogether.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
24 June 2022
89PTS
Haywire Secrest Mountain Vineyards Gamay 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new single vineyard gamay release focuses on their estate Secrest Mountain Vineyard, just above Oliver, and on calcium carbonate laced soils. Destemmed fruit was native fermented in concrete tanks and stainless over 4 weeks on skins, prior to aging in concrete, puncheons, and amphorae for 10 months. Darker shaded than their Haywire 2019 Gamay (which incorporates some Secrest Mountain fruit), this leads with sultry spiced plums, black cherry, fleshy raspberry scented with sarsaparilla, and is studded with flake salts. This 2020 is already showing slight bricking in the glass, and best enjoyed liberally now, ideally with wild mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Haywire Gamay 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith fruit from Oliver and West Kelowna, this destemmed gamay was native fermented in concrete and stainless, then basket pressed into concrete for 10 months of aging prior to bottling without filtration. Fragrant wild raspberry, cherry, wild herbs, savoury red liquorice floods the juicy palate, with fine, long, lightly sticky tannins hugging the sides through the gently spiced finish. There's such an easy purity to this charming Okanagan gamay, ready to crack now.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Benjamin Passot Chiroubles Cercillons 2020
Chiroubles, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis tiny low-intervention negotiant sources grapes in Chenas, Juliénas, and Chiroubles, employing native ferment, semi-carbonic maceration, and 10 months in older wood. Benjamin cut his teeth in Vosne-Romanée, and has now turned his passion towards Cru Beaujolais.This Chiroubles is from 50 year old vines, on red granite and quartz soils. Bright and floral, with peony, carnations, tight cherry and fine spice filling a juicy, lofted palate. There's a kiss of wax, and ample salinity on the lingering finish. Joyous and smashable, yet serious.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Benjamin Passot Chénas Au Bois Retour 2020
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis tiny low-intervention negotiant sources grapes in Chenas, Juliénas, and Chiroubles, employing native ferment, semi-carbonic maceration, and 10 months in older wood. Benjamin cut his teeth in Vosne-Romanée, and has now turned his passion towards Cru Beaujolais. This Chénas cuvée uses 80 year old vines in sandy soils, and sees some new oak. Fleshy cherry, wild raspberry, white peppery spice flood a juicy palate, hemmed with long, lightly sticky tannins and buoyed by bright, mineral-laden acidity. This is a charmer, drinking smartly now and with time ahead.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Benjamin Passot Juliénas Vaux 2020
Juliénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis tiny low-intervention negotiant sources grapes in Chenas, Juliénas, and Chiroubles, employing native ferment, semi-carbonic maceration, and 10 months in older wood. Benjamin cut his teeth in Vosne-Romanée, and has now turned his passion towards Cru Beaujolais. From 80 year old vines on blue and red granites, this darker, gutsier Juliénas draws black raspberry, wax, dusty stones, across a buzzy, granite-lit palate. Tannins are long and firm, indicating this youthful wine has time ahead to shine. The Vaux uses a proportion of new wood.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Benjamin Passot Juliénas Vayolette 2018
Juliénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis tiny low-intervention negotiant sources grapes in Chenas, Juliénas, and Chiroubles, employing native ferment, semi-carbonic maceration, and 10 months in older wood. Benjamin cut his teeth in Vosne-Romanée, and has now turned his passion towards Cru Beaujolais. This Juliénas comes from 45 year old vines. This is flooded with woodsy berries, cherry, wild raspberry, lofted with bright acidity, and framed with a slight granitic grip around the sides. Charming and ready to drink now.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Bachelder Bator Gamay Noir - Pinot Noir PTLG 2020
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis P.T.L.G.(Passez Toutes les Grappes) is Bachelder's take on Bourgogne's traditional Passe-tout-grains, a blend of pinot noir and gamay. This blends 2/3 Gamay Noir with 1/3 Pinot Noir, with fruit off their Bator (part of Line Two Vineyards), and Willms Vineyards, and vines dating back to 1998. Fragrant and finessed, with perfumed cherries, raspberries, crushed plum on a softly silken palate, framed with long, fine tannins. Acidity feels effortlessly placed, light and unobtrusive, to carry this medium bodied through a baking spiced finish. Enjoy now, liberally, with a slight chill.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSt. Hubertus has a long history, with gamay first planted in 1964 with followups plantings in 1990 and 1999, at 350-440 metres, over clay, sand, and gravels. It is fermented in a blend of stainless steel, French, and American oak. This is a darker, wood-framed gamay, with black cherry, dark florals, thorny blackberry, and ample pink peppercorn spice, with finely grippy tannins framing the medium bodied frame. There's a lot packed into this well priced wine, one to pour alongside grilled ribs or vegetarian shepherd's pie.Prices:| BC | $18.50 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Desert Hills Gamay Noir 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Three Boys estate vineyard is located on the Black Sage Bench; this gamay is from 27-year-old vines. It was 95% destemmed / 5% whole cluster and partially native fermented in stainless, with eight days' maceration, before moving to neutral French oak for five months. Ripe and forward black fruit sweeps across the palate, with ample smoked stones, black plum, baking spices, and subtly sweet cured meats on the warming, peppery finish. This is a bigger, darker shaded gamay, one for considering with grilled ribs.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
22 June 2022
93PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom Montalcino's organic Casato Prime Donne vineyard, this was fermented over 2 weeks followed by a long maceration in small conical cement vats. It then aged in large barrels and 5-7hl oak tonneaux prior to bottling, without filtration. Very elegant and polished, with layers of worn wood, worked leather, smoked stone, dried cherry, tea leaves, candle wax, and forest floor. Tannins are ample, but well-situated to frame this special wine for the years ahead. Certainly cellar-worthy. 10,500 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $153.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2016
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom the organic Casato Prime Donne property, this Brunello comes from vineyards on the cooler northern side, around 225 m altitude, on soils rich in clay and silt. The native fermentation takes place in small stainless and bare concrete, after which it rests in older tonneaux and big barrels for at least 2 years, followed by a period of at least 6 months in bottles. Powerful and stately from first whiff, with dried leaves, fresh and dried cherry, crushed plum, leather, and broken stones woven with dried herbs and orange peel. Tannins are firm and long, and acidity easily bright enough to buoy through a lingering ferrous finish. Lovely balance here, drinking smartly in youth, but with ample time ahead.Prices:| ON | $78.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Sesti Brunello di Montalcino 2016
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyGiuseppe Maria “Giugi” Sesti did not initially choose a career in wine. Instead, his Venetian upbringing inspired him to study music, art, and astronomy, the last of which became his profession. After marrying, he moved his family to Tuscany, where they bought the abandoned ruins of the hamlet and castle of Argiano, all 102 hectares, on southern boarder of Siena. He started planting vines in 1991, and his four children grew up amidst the vines. In 1999 daughter Elisa joined the estate full time to take care of the 9 hectares of viticulture and winemaking. This sangiovese comes from sandy marine soils at 350m, was fermented over 2 weeks in stainless and then aged in Slavonian oak for 3 years, followed by one year of bottle age. Wild raspberry, wild cherry, worked leather, tobacco is scented with dried florals, and lit with ample buzzy minerals underneath. Tannins are firm and grippy, housing this savoury red through a lingering saline / scrubby rosemary finish. Quite finessed, with great presence, this has a ways to go yet.Prices:| ON | $135.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Fanti Brunello di Montalcino 2013
Tuscany, ItalyThe Tenuta Fanti estate has belonged to the Fanti family since the beginning of the eighteenth century. It extends across 300 hectares in Toscana, 52 hectares of which are specialized certified sustainable vineyards, 110 hectares are olive orchards, 80 hectares are used for seed plots, and 70 hectares are forests. Made from 20-30-year-old vines, this Brunello fermented over 25 days in stainless before aging 28 months a mix of French oak barrels and 3,000L Slavonian oak vat. The wine then aged in bottle for one year prior to release. Dried leaves, dried cherry, worked leather, mushrooms weave through the medium palate, still showing brightness, though fading now with age. Tannins are long and sticky, making this best served now with grilled pork / lamb. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Fitapreta Castelão Chão dos Eremitas 2019
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalHermits of the order of São Paulo, had been making their wine in the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard since at least the 14th C. From 51 year old vines in granitic soils in the Southern foothills of Serra d’Ossa, this was 30% whole bunch, and native fermentated and macerated over 35 days, prior to resting one year in barrels. Black cherry, black raspberry is rinsed with balsamic, and wrought with furry, grippy tannins through the finish. Acidity is bright, easily lifting this 14% red. Take with a slight chill, and as an accompaniment to wild mushrooms / pork.Prices:| ON | $58.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Fitapreta Moreto Chão Dos Eremitas Vinhas Velhas 2019
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalHermits of the order of São Paulo, had been making their wine in the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard since at least the 14th C. This is Moreto (50 year old vines), a crossing between Sarigo and Alfrocheiro Preto. 30% was bled off to give concentration before fermentation with 30% whole bunch, over 40 days. Post ferment, this rested one year in older barrels. Juicy plum, wild raspberry, cherry, pomegranate is wrapped with fine, firm, tannins. Acidity is bright, lifting the textural medium-bodied red to a spiced, tart finish. Quite characterful and special.Prices:| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Casa di Baal Aglianico di Baal 2017
Campania, ItalyThis organic and biodynamically farmed Aglianico is rooted in the Salernitan Hills’ sandy clay soils. It was native fermented before resting twelve months in medium sized oak barrels, and then at least twelve months in the bottle prior to release. Wild scrubby herbs, cassis, wild blackberries, thorns, ferrous flood this fuller red, one lifted with a bright buzzy acidity. Tannins are ample, and well absorbed into the cushy fruit.Prices:| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
San Valentino Bacaia Sangiovese Superiore 2019
Emilia-Romagna, ItalySan Valentino is a certified organic property owned by the Mascarin family since 1990, and is centered on the hills of Rimini, near the sea. This sangiovese is from 150m, and 12 year old vines, native fermented and aged in stainless and concrete, and rested for up to 10 months in large French wood casks. Crushed cassis, plums, black cherry, and ample flake salts dart throughout this fuller wine, one that carries an effortless lift for its 14%. Tannins are firm and finely sticky, hugging the sides to the spiced, scrubby herb finale. Quite smart, and a very different view of sangiovese.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Maçanita Letra A Touriga Nacional 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThose familiar with the rigorous Port wine vineyard grading system will know that A grade vineyards are ranked the most superior. This is the siblings’ version of a letter A Douro wine, a category that is traditionally favoured for yielding the biggest, most alcoholic, powerful wines. This Touriga Nacional has the grace and power of prestige port wines, but with grace and lightness. After 23 days on skins and ferment, this rested 14 months in 70% neutral French oak barrels, 20% new oak, and 10% inox. 3333 bottles released. Super fragrant, with touriga's signature violet perfume infiltrating wild plum, wild blackberry, thorns, black licorice, and studded with ample salts. Tannins are ample, though absorbing into the dense fruit, and acidity is strident, driving this through the pink peppered finish. This smart wine captures the perfumed, powerful side of touriga, in an elegant way.Prices:| ON | $58.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Fitapreta Tinta Carvalha Chão dos Eremitas 2020
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalHermits of the order of São Paulo, had been making their wine in the Chão dos Eremitas vineyard since at least the 14th C. Tinta Carvalha is a cross from the ancient varieties of Sarigo and Alfrocheiro Preto, and a half-sibling to Castelão and Moreto. This is the only single-varietal bottling commercially known, from 51 year old vines rooted in the Chão dos Ermitas vineyard’s granitic soils. This was 30% whole bunch, native fermented and macerated 40 days, followed by 12 months in stainless. Pouring a lighter red hue, this slight red is gripped with finely sticky tannins, housing wild raspberry, wild strawberry, wax, perfumed wildflowers, and tea leaves. Acidity is lofted, taking this to the haunting white pepper finish. Charming and characterful, and one to enjoy with a light chill. 4197 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
21 June 2022
93PTS
Yalumba Viognier The Virgilius Eden Valley 2018
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Virgilius is the top viognier and the flagship white wine at Yalumba. The cuvée is certainly important for this iconic Australian winery, credited with saving this near-extinct southern French grape a few decades ago. Part of this Eden Valley blend comes off old 1980-planted vines, with the balance from a neighbouring vineyard, planted to the same clone in 1995. This was handpicked and native fermented in older French barriques, puncheons, and demi-muids, where it remained on lees for 10 months. Powerful and toward, with smouldering apricot, fragrant jasmine, ripe white peach, wild herbs, stretched across a waxy, smoked stone basin. There's a flicker of reduction, adding an alluring twist. The finish lingers long with gingersnap and white pepper spicing. This is certainly the most grown up and serious of Yalumba's impressive viognier portfolio, and a contemplative wine to take now, or lay down for a few years in the cellarPrices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Eden Valley Viognier 2020
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSamuel's Collection honours Yalumba's founder, Samuel Smith, and this viognier comes off 11 blocks from 7 separate vineyards, all native fermented and matured for 10 months in older French barriques and puncheons. The wood imparts a savoury suppleness to this fragrant, full bodied white, layering lush white peach, ripe honeydew, fleshy apricot, jasmine, lime pith across a cold cream palate, seasoned with finely rasped exotic spices. With everything knit together so well, this ample wine retains an air of finesse and subtlety, words not usually associated with the grape. A lovely wine to crack for fragrant Thai cuisine.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Yalumba Organic Viognier 2021
South Australia, AustraliaYalumba is credited with being the leading rescuer of Northern Rhone's viognier grape, close to slipping away to oblivion back in 1985 when there were only 32 hectares planted worldwide (and nearly entirely in the Rhone). Fast forward to today, when Yalumba is the largest producer of the grape, and viognier is healthfully planted and purchased around the globe. This organic viognier comes from the Babich family property, tucked up along the Murray River in Loxton, as well as the Bassham's family vineyard in Barmera, and Yarra Vale Vineyard in Virginia. This was native fermented in stainless, where it remained until bottling. The grape's characteristic apricot and lush peach are on display here, imbuing a cold cream palate that is scented with rose petals, honeysuckle, and ripe honeydew. Full of typicity without being a caricature, this is a lovely, pure introduction to the grape.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2021
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 (in a brand new slick label), blends fruit from across Southern Australia, each parcel native fermented, with time in stainless. This vintage is lean and green edged, with ample lemon verbena, hedge, white pepper, green melon, gooseberry, and subtle lashings of the grape's characteristic apricot. Crunchy on the sides, but slick on the palate, this youthful wine is disjointed at this time, but would make a fine companion for Vietnamese / Thai curries.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
17 June 2022
91PTS
The Allure Rosé 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOn Seven did not release a red Pinot Noir from the 2021 vintage, directing the fruit instead to this new rosé. From organic Dijon clone 115, planted in 2017 on calcareous clays, this was whole cluster pressed and native fermented in neutral French barrels for 8 months. Pouring a pale hue, this sleek rosé carries wild strawberry, wild raspberry, cherry blossom along the medium palate, with a fine dusting of spices and bright mandarin pith seasoning. Quite elegant and finessed, and a welcome addition to the portfolio.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé Nouveau 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPoplar Grove Rosé Nouveau is a low alcohol (8 percent) and low calorie (85 per 5-ounce glass) pink. The finished wine was run through a special membrane to remove a portion of the ethanol, leaving the colour and aroma intact. The texture differs from the regular version, presenting somewhat skinnier and showing a slightly sweeter palate. Strawberries and watermelon with a citrus streak mark the palate, finishing clean but short. Ready to drink and a solid alternative for those looking for a glass of lighter rosé wine.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPoplar Grove is making two rosés this season: the regular label, and a new low alcohol version they call Rosé Nouveau. The standard 2021 is a juicy kitchen sink mix of malbec, merlot, cabernet franc, pinot noir, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon. The colour is a tea rose pink, and the style is fresh and dry. It is awash in juicy fruit with strawberries, raspberries, and slightly bitter nectarine. I love the complexity here that leaves it open to many food possibilities.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé Nouveau 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRosé Nouveau is a new low alcohol (8%) / low calorie (85) release, crafted with the use of a Juclas Mastermind 50 to remove alcohol. When alcohol is removed, sugar is usually added to replace the mouthfeel. That seems the case here, with the 8 g/L feeling sweeter and more candied than expected, with watermelon, red candy apple, apple blossoms, and peach gummies, with a pointed grapefruit acidity to tighten on the short, snappy finish. If you're looking for a pink to chill well, and calories / alcohol is a concern, here you go.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend were fermented separately, with four hours skin time before a cool ferment in stainless, leaving it with 1 g/L RS. Pouring a shining mid-pink hue, this slick, juicy pink is filled with watermelon, cherry gummies, candy apple, and soft spice, with the bump of sugar feeling more pronounced on the finish. Crack now with a chill and enjoy on a sunny patio.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Rosé blends 60% cabernet sauvignon with 40% malbec, sourced from their Similkameen home vineyards as well as La Côte in Keremeos, both farmed organically. The destemmed fruit was under dry ice for 4 hours, then gently pressed and cool co-fermented in stainless, where it aged on lees for 4 months. Tight and zesty, with a bracing grapefruit pith tightening spring rhubarb, Rainier cherry, wild raspberry, studded with ample stony, salinity and lit with tart cranberry acidity. A smart, dry rosé to crack into this summer, ideally with salmon.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Corcelettes Oracle Rosé 2021
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis rosé has improved every time out and now ranks among the very best in the country. It's the perfect vehicle to show off the many attributes of the Similkameen from its pale, barely-there Provençal colour. The mix of guava and raspberries is flecked with stony mineral and a creamy, pink grapefruit finish. The finesse almost belies its make up of 70/30 pinot noir and syrah, but it's aided by a 90/10 stainless steel and neutral barrel fermentation and ageing vessels. Best of all, it's dry. Dungeness crab, anyone?Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Umberto Cesari Costa di Rosa Sangiovese Rosé 2021
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyUmberto Cesari was founded in 1964 in the hills of Castel San Pietro Terme, in westen Romagna. This is a new interpretation of their beloved sangiovese, from young 10 year old vines planted in clay soils. After a gentle pressing, this fermented and rested 6 months in stainless. As stylish as its pale peach hue (and "Tiffany blue" striped label), this streams wild strawberry, pink grapefruit, perfumed raspberry along a sleek, silken palate. Very smart, and chic option for drinking this summer.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Donnafugata Dolce and Gabbana Rosa 2021
Sicily, ItalyThis prettily wrapped and decked bottle is a collab between Italian fashion powerhouse Dolce & Gabanna and Sicilian wine powerhouse Donnafugata. ROSA is a blend of nerello mascalese and nocera, pouring a shining pale pink hue. Wild strawberries and green raspberries are strung on a steely frame, tightened with pink grapefruit rind, and perfumed with a soft spice. There's a strawberry yogurt note on the palate, which a brisk chill will swell, and a pairing with spinach or seafood salad will suit.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
86PTS
Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde Rosé 2021
The Guedes family has owned Quinta da Aveleda since the 15th Century, and the family has practiced viticulture for 5 generations, dating back to the 1870s. Their 150HA estate includes 7HA of lush gardens, where majestic roaming peacocks strut their stuff. This deep peach hued rosé is a direct press of Azal Tinto, Touriga Nacional, and Espadeiro, avoiding skin contact as much as possible, and is fermented cool in stainless, where it remains on lees. Creamy and soft, this slight 11% rosé carries watermelon, sour cherry, red apple, strawberry yogurt to a shorter finish, bumped with a slight push of RS. I'd much rather a dryer, crisper version, to show what this aromatic grapes are capable of in this profound granitic soils.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Road 13 Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Barclay Robinson has worked some magic here, refreshing this label and taking it down the fresher, lighter, brighter road to success. 2021 is a 54/46 mix of estate pinot noir and gamay grown for rosé production on the Golden Mile Bench. Exuberant aromas of rose petals and wild strawberries preview similar flavours on the palate in a much more refreshing style this year. Pairing is easy: clam linguini, summer chicken dishes, grilled mushrooms, and asparagus pasta. High level smoke from area wildfires blocked the sunlight allowing Barclay to hang the fruit longer, improving intensity without affecting the wine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Donnafugata Dolce and Gabbana Rosa 2021
Sicily, ItalySome wines lend themselves to labels that preview what is in the bottle, and rosé is one of those categories. Dolce and Gabbana has thrown a few bucks at this wine, and I'm guessing the stunning packaging is all theirs. The blend is Sicilian nerello mascalese and nocera that comes out pale pink and shimmering. Wild strawberries, watermelon, kiwi and citrus rind lead, while a softly creamy texture rules the finish. Drink all summer with your favourite patio bites.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
French Door Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest rosé is a step up in brightness and freshness while still projecting a Provençal pale pink colour and textures that remain sleek and silky. The nose is clean and offers notes of pink grapefruit, pear, and tangerine, all served in a stylish package. The blend is grenache and mourvèdre, and is sold out at the winery so watch for it in private stores and restaurants.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Stag's Hollow Syrah Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a a light peachy hue and a lively Bing cherry nose with raspberries and spicy peppery notes. The palate is vibrant with more cherry, raspberry, white pepper, and savoury, warm desert scents in the back end. Juicy and fun and ready to drink. Tasted from the bottle (vs their canned rosé).Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $32.00 | 250ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Chain Reaction True Colours Pinot Noir Rosé 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first vintage of Chain Reaction's rosé and it makes quite a statement. The nose is bursting with fruit, showing a combination of strawberry, tart red cherry, and citrus that's layered with spices. That fruit drives the palate, making this generous, round, and approachable but still dry and refreshing. It's exactly the style of rosé I want to drink in the summer. From Chain Reaction's estate McMillan Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, this pinot noir saw three hours of skin contact to get its medium pink hue.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Seven Directions Fruitvale Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFruitvale Ridge Vineyard is an Osoyoos cabernet franc from sustainably farmed 14-year-old vines grown over larger rock and shale, with gravel, loam and clay mixed in. The grapes are cold soaked for two hours, fermented cool in stainless steel, and aged on lees for added texture and mouthfeel. The attack is dry and opens with light wild strawberries that preview savoury apricot and finish dusty dry. This one is best served with bites of food. Seven Directions has a new home base in Cawston, where they are farming just under four acres of vines, including garnacha tinta, grenache clone 52, cabernet franc clone 214, and pinot noir clone 667.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Fabre en Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceHenri Fabre and his ancestors have been producing rosé for 17 generations in Provence, and participated in founding the Provence AOC. This is fresh, bright and vibrant, with reasonably lush strawberry and rosewater that spill across a palate of ripe raspberries and salinity throughout its glossy textures. The vineyard mix is 29/26/45 grenache/syrah/cinsault. Fabre en Provence is the largest family-run estate in Southern France, with 550 hectares under vine.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2020
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire has farmed Secrest Mountain Vineyard for several years, and now they own its rare limestone-laced soils. Like most Haywire wines, it is native fermented and aged in concrete. The pale red colour comes with an orange tone. The soft creamy textures are flush with intense cherry dusted in sagebrush before the mineral sea salt finish kicks in. So complex and food-friendly, this is quintessential BC.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
16 June 2022
88PTS
Mayhem Riesling 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata's Garagan Vineyard, and 18 year old clone 21B vines, this was whole bunch pressed and fermented cool in stainless, stopped after 3 weeks to hold the RS around 15 g/L. It then aged on lees for 6 months in stainless and neutral French puncheons prior to blending and bottling. Very fragrant, with lush florals, peach blossoms, white peach, apricot filling a creamy, plump palate. The RS gives an easy friendliness to this, countered by some lime sherbet that rings on the brief finish. Enjoy this off-dry white on the patio this summer.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vines now 30+ years, this was fermented cool in stainless where it remained for a short time on lees prior to bottling. Tart and dry-ish (4 g/L RS) with lime pith, lime blossom, green apple, gooseberry on a bright, briefer palate, with a twist of lime sherbet on the end. A racy little white to chill and crack this summer, ideally with fragrant Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Vignoble du Rêveur Vibrations 2020
Alsace, FranceThis Riesling comes from 40 year old vines rooted in their biodynamic Bennwihr estate. Ten percent was macerated on skins for 10 days, and then blended back with the whole for a native ferment in foudre, where it rested on lees for 1 year until bottling with light filtration and a minimum of sulphur. Honeyed lemon, tangerine, lime pith, grapefruit streak through this tight and nimble dry wine, with an undercurrent of grippy granite, and perfume of wildflowers that lingers on the finish. Understated, yet, profound, with killer Riesling acidity that sings.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
15 June 2022
93PTS
Koerner Cannonau 2020
Watervale, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBrothers Damon and Jono Koerner show classic and alternative Clare varieties through a variety of winemaking vessels and styles, all from estate fruit, and all with low intervention. From Watervale's Cullyview Vineyard, these cannonau (grenache) vines were planted in 1935 on the region's terra rossa / red clay on limestone soils. This was 50% whole berry, entirely destemmed (no whole bunch), and native fermented in open top stainless, with 2 weeks' maceration. It then aged in 2000L Slavonian foudre for 9 months, prior to a 3 month tightening stint in stainless. It was bottled without fining or filtration. The soils make themselves present from first whiff: a savoury, iron-laden nose that carries onto the medium bodied palate, pulling wild cherry, forest berries, dried leaves, fragrant strawberry along with, all lit from beneath with a buzzy limestone base. Tannins are fine and lightly raspy / sticky, hugging this pleasantly fresh (13.8%) red to a white peppery finish. Smart and smashable, as is the Bros. way.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Hoyanko Paraje Vina Marisa 2017
SpainThis old bush vine garnacha (planted 1945) comes from a single plot in El Hoyo de Pinares (Ávila), at an altitude of 1000m, on granite. It was destemmed and native fermented with 7 days maceration before heading to old 300L French barrels 1 year. It was bottled without fining or filtration. This is bottle 694 of 775. Dried strawberry, ripe wild raspberry, baked plum, fragrant wildflowers bed up alongside a worked leather base, with a finely grippy granitic base providing a textural undercurrent. Tannins are plump and sticky, hugging this to a peppery finish. Feeling its mountainous sunshine, this deserves a light chill and partnering with something to tackle its 15% (think pork).Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
94PTS
Las Moradas de San Martin Libro Diez Las Luces 2010
Madrid, SpainLas Moradas de San Martín began in 1999 on the Madrid side of the Gredos hills, with an aim to recover ancient garnacha vineyards that had been cultivated since the 12th century near the municipality of San Martín de Valdeiglesias. Isabel Galindo is the talented winemaker here, seen as a visionary for gently coaxing the authenticity and stories out of the old vines in her care. This is her flagship wine, made only in exceptional years. This garnacha comes off La Centenera plot, 100+ years old, covering an area of 3.25 hectares on a granitic mountain plateau (900m) in the Madrilenian slope of the Sierra de Gredos. Destemmed grapes were native fermented in new, 500L French oak, where it remained for 18 months prior to bottling without fining or filtration. Showing great freshness still for a wine 12 years on, with dried florals, and dried cherry woven with black plum, wild raspberries, alpine mint and rosemary, black tea, ferrous notes over a base of worked leather. Acidity is still mountain lofty, while tannins are long, fine, and firm, sunken into the fruit now with time, and boning this full, finessed red through a lingering dusting of pink peppercorn. Quite striking, and memorable, drinking beautifully now, and still with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
93PTS
The Bee-Side Grenache 2021
IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceDomaine of the Bee's second label (and smartly named / labelled The Bee-Side) is grenache partially from their estate vineyards, plus neighbouring Jean-Marc Lafage’s vines. The estate fruit was partial saignée, and then blended with the whole, resulting in a very light wine, while Lafage's was partial whole bunch. The lots were blended to create a light hued, light bodied red. Crushed florals, wild strawberry, delicate spices rule this smashable Grenache, bedded with stones. Gently whisper fine tannins wrap around the delicate and pure strawberry core, dusted with white pepper. Such a charmer, and at just 13.5%, one you can revisit often.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
David & Nadia Grenache 2018
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom early 2000s planted Paadreberg and Malmesbusy vineyards, primarily organic, this was 60% whole bunch fermented before aging 1 year in old 500L barrels. Light and graceful, with a whisper of tannins holding wild raspberry, wild strawberry, cherry leather across a taut 13% palate. Tannins are soft and sticky, hugging this through the lingering kirsch-licked finish. Lovely finesse throughout.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Gómez Cruzado Pancrudo 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. Part of their Selección Terroir series, Pancrudo is old bush vine garnacha rooted in the ferrous clays of Badarán (Upper Najerilla), at 650m. After a native ferment in stainless, this underwent MLF in a mix of 65% new French oak and 35% in concrete eggs. Fragrant wild raspberries, ripe strawberries flood the juicy, generous palate, with savoury worked leather bedding the perfumed and spiced red fruits. There is ample concentration in this 15% wine, but ample freshness to counter. The finish lingers with mineral salts and perfumed white pepper. Striking, finessed example of Riojan garnacha.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Niepoort NAT'Cool! Tinto Navarra 2020
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainDirk 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 Naravva, the result of one of son Daniel Niepoort’s numerous trips to Spain where he came across incredible old garnacha bush vines rooted in calcareous schist soils at Viña Zorzal. This was native fermented in stainless and cement. This is a light and lifted garnacha, with candle wax, wild strawberry, crushed roses, rhubarb, hugged by finely gritty tannins and dusted with white pepper. There is a lovely lifted floral perfume here, showing garnacha's lighter side. A welcome addition to the family.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 1000ml |
Read Full Note
14 June 2022
90PTS
Marco Porello Roero Arneis Camestri 2020
Marco Porello is a 3rd generation winemaker who took over the family vineyards in 1994. The arneis here comes from the single camestri vineyard in the mineral rich clay hills of Alba. You can feel the stony buzz in the undercurrent of this wine, bedding wild pear, lemon, quince, subtle pear blossoms. Subtle, yet holds your attention, which is a very alluring combination.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Fabrizio Battaglino Bastia Roero Arneis 2020
Piedmont, ItalyThis arneis comes from the San Michele del comune di Canale, in Piemonte's Roero. It was fermented and rested briefly in stainless (no MLF) to preserve freshness. Bright pear, yellow apple, delicate white florals waft across a subtle palate, gently persistently humming through the finish.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Cascina Galarin Barivel Arneis 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyBarivel is another fine effort from Galarin and a personal Piemonte favourite. In south Piemonte, the arneis grape is grown artisanally at Guarene on the calcareous and sandy soils of the Roero area. It's a high-density planting at 250 metres above sea level. The attack is fresh with lifted floral citrus and musk melon with underlying lees and a shaved almond bent. Dry and elegant, this is a terrific seafood wine or the perfect appetizer white before a rich meal. It can easily take on turkey or mushroom risotto at the dinner table or serve it with a favourite vegetarian dinner.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
13 June 2022
89PTS
Ciù Ciù Merlettaie Pecorino 2020
Marche, ItalyMerlettaie means lace, and the name of this wine pays homage to the lace workers of Offida, characteristic of these hills much like the Pecorino grape. From vineyards in Offida and Acquaviva Picena, at 280m, this was native fermented and aged in 25hL Slavonian oak barrels over a period of 8-10 weeks, where it remained for 6 months on lees prior to bottling. Creamy and expansive on the palate, with toasted almonds, ripe pear, lemon curd, white peach blossoms, seasoned with light toast. This is a full-bodied, stately, polished wine, ready to tackle creamy dishes.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Keremeos' Middle Bench Vineyard, this pinot blanc was whole cluster pressed, fermented in stainless long and cool, where it remained on lees a short time until bottling. Tight gooseberry, lime pith and peel, melon flood the juicy, sleek palate, with scrubby desert sage and crunchy acidity to liven the dry frame. Drinking smartly and easily.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Via Latina Alvarinho 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalVercoope is a co-op founded in 1964, and today represents more than 4000 wine growers across Portugal, with an annual production of 9 million bottles. This was done in stainless, with some time on lees. Now showing alvarinho's light honeyed evolution, with waxy pear, Asian pear, perfumed quince along a streamlined palate, scented with almond and buzzing with granitic grippiness. Smart, streamlined alvarinho from the gem M&M subregion that is drinking well now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Adega Ponte de Lima Loureiro Colheita Seleccionada 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalPonte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal, and home to this co-op, founded in 1959. It now has 2000 growers, and an 11.5M L production. This loureiro comes from Lima's granitic sandy loams, and underwent some skin contact before a cooler ferment, and 3 months aging on lees. Tight, light, and lean, with a noticable spritz livening green apple, white peach blossoms, elderflower, grapefruit peel, and lime rind. This is an early pick of loureiro, showing subtle hints of the grape's characteristic florality. Take now, with lighter Thai curry or vegetarian dishes.Prices:| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Barão do Hospital Loureiro 2020
PortugalFalua was founded in 1994 with the aim of asserting itself as a reference in the production of wines from the Tejo region and which quickly grew to other regions. In 2017, VITAS Portugal acquired Falua. The title Barão do Hospital was awarded to one of the previous owners of Quinta do Hospital in the 12th century. These Loureiro grapes were destemmed with a few hours skin maceration in stainless, where it remained on fine lees for many months. Though there is a generous tip of 15% alvarinho in this wine, the loureiro steals the show, with fragrant white peach, apricot, and pear, structured perhaps with alvarinho's citrus and almond bracing. It strikes a lovely balance throughout to the lingering saline finish.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Barão do Hospital Alvarinho 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalFalua was founded in 1994 with the aim of asserting itself as a reference in the production of wines from the Tejo region and which quickly grew to other regions. In 2017, VITAS Portugal acquired Falua. The title Barão do Hospital was awarded to one of the previous owners of Quinta do Hospital in the 12th century. These alvarinho grapes were destemmed and had a few hours skin contact prior to a cool ferment in stainless, where it remained on lees for 6 months. 10% was aged on lees in used French oak. The lees and wood treatment is felt on the creamy palate, with wood spices lining the textural white peach, ripe pear, and fragrant quince fruit. The expansive palate is held easily in check with citrus-laced acidity, and a buzzy granite underlay. Enjoy this fuller white with richer white fish or seafood dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Quinta de Azevedo Alvarinho Reserva 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Azevedo domains date back to the 11th century, when royal donations were granted to the Azevedo family. The vineyards and winery, including the mysterious tower, have remained since the 15th century. Since 1982 it has been the Vinho Verde base for the Guedes family, owners of the mighty Sogrape empire. This was done in stainless, blanketed by gas, and with regular bâtonnage. There's a lovely directness in this streamlined alvarinho, with white peach, almond, quince blossom and a twist of lemon on the finish. Tight, bright, and crisp, with a lingering salinity, this is a natural for simple shellfish dishes. A welcome and refreshing change to have a Vinho Verde under screw cap.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Quinta de Santa Teresa Avesso 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalA&D Wines is a family estate, run by Alexandre and Dialina Gomes, located in Baião, on the border between Vinho Verde and the Douro Valley. The winery was established in 1991 on property that had been in the family for six generations. Quinta de Santa Teresa is one of three labels produced by A&D Wines, and is devoted exclusively to the production Avesso, grown here on terraces separated by granite walls. From 20 year old certified organic vines rooted in granite and schist soils at 230m, this had 4 hours maceration time before a native ferment in stainless steel. It remains in stainless for one year, with 9 months on lees, and is bottled unfiltered. Pouring a deep yellow hue, this waxen wine floods the palate with honeycomb, quince, apricot skin, and grapefruit rind. There's a lovely citrus honeyed spice throughout, with a buzzy granitic grip humming underneath. Very characterful, and a lovely wine to pour alongside spring / summer vegetarian dishes, fragrant Thai curries, or oily fish dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Adega CoOp Ponte de Barca Loureiro Alvarinho Premium 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Adega Cooperativa de Ponte da Barca, began in 1968, and today farms 850ha from 1100 members, mainly located in the valleys of Lima and Vez Rivers. This Loureiro / Alvarinho label features the naperão, the embroidered lace table mat popular in the 60s and 70s. This was destemmed, cool fermented with no skin contact (bica aberta) and aged briefly in stainless. Lean and light, with sour apple, lemon, green pear on a slight palate, with white peach spicing lingering on the rear. A simple, bright, seafood ready white for enjoying now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Adega Ponte de Lima Solos de Xisto 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalPonte de Lima is the oldest town in Portugal, and home to this co-op, founded in 1959. It now has 2000 growers, and an 11.5M L production. This Loureiro, uniquely, is grown on schist, a rare soil type for the granite-dominated Vinho Verde appellation. It was vinified in stainless to preserve the fresh fruit. Loureiro's full florality is on display here, with fragrant honeysuckle, lime blossom, pith, and peel, white peach, and apricot. The palate has a lightly waxy sheen, and bright acidity, with a buzzy mineral base. Lots of concentration here for 11.5%, and a lovely new lens for loureiro.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Maçanita Gouveio da Joaninha 2021
Baixo Corgo, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis wine is a special project of Joana Maçanita. This is an extreme gouveio, from north facing high altitude (700m) vineyards in Poiares, in Baixo Corgo. This was whole bunch pressed in stainless horizontal tanks (no bâtonnage, no MLF), where it remained for 6 months. Fresh and racy, with wild lemon, lemon pith, meadow grass on a lean, green-edged palate, buzzing with schistous intent. This is most certainly an oyster wine. Very smart, new wave Douro.Prices:| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
92PTS
Suertes del Marqués Vidonia 2020
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainFrom Tenerife's volcanic soils, this organically farmed old-vine listán blanco was rooted at 350-450m. Vidonia is an old colloquial term for the historic whites of the island, traditionally dominated by listán blanco, and generally field blends. This mineral-driven blend was native fermented in neutral 500 L oak casks, before spending another 11 months rest there. The expansive palate is amply lashed with marine salinity, imbuing lees, green apple, meadow grass, wild herbs, lemon peel through a lengthy, saline finish.Prices:| ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
El Petit Bonhomme Blanco 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis verdejo comes off 50 year old bush vines rooted in the gravelled sandy soils of Rueda. After a cold tank ferment, this rested in a mix of 80 / 20 stainless / new French oak for 4 months, on lees. White peach, lychee, tangerine, fragrant white blossoms flood the juicy, creamy palate, with a steely underlay, and fine spice to season. Friendly and welcoming, ready to crack into now with vegetarian or simple shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
09 June 2022
92PTS
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Silènes 2018
Chinon, Touraine, Loire, FranceCharles Joguet abandoned his budding art career to take over the family vineyards in 1957, becoming caretaker to prime vineyard land and lieux-dits that had been recognized for their character and defined before the Renaissance, with some even dating back to the Middle Ages. He decided to stop selling the fruit to negotiants as his ancestors did, and start making single vineyard and terroir cuvées, somewhat revolutionary at the time. Silènes comes from organic vines in the sandy soils on the right bank of the Vienne River, native fermented, and aged 18 months in stainless. Delicate and perfumed, with crushed red and purple flowers, wild raspberry, fragrant raspberry on a slight palate, with whisper fine tannins and effortless acidity lifting this to a subtly spiced finish. Very finessed, and alluring.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine Langlois-Chateau Saumur 2019
Loire, FranceThe domaine has been actively growing vines and producing wines from their clay/chalk soils since 1885. Today they oversee 95 hectares of vines, entirely certified Terra Vitis (sustainable viticulture) with 30 Ha of the estate certified organic. This cab franc is rooted in clay/limestone soils of Coudray-Macouard and St-Florent, destemmed and fermented and aged in stainless. Bright raspberry, dusky plum, and tayberry run the slender, subtle palate, with spiderweb sticky tannins taking this to a lightly spiced finish. A friendly, yet smart Saumur rouge for cracking now.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Bertrand & Vincent Marchesseau Funambule Bourgueil 2019
Bourgueil, Touraine, Loire, FranceFunambule translates as tightrope walker, and this organic cab franc from the Marchesseau brothers is produced from a mix of clay and gravelly sands between the slopes and the Loire River. After a stainless ferment, 10% was aged in oak for three months prior to bottling. Dusky herbal plum, black raspberry, floral brambles fills the textural, steely palate, with fine, chewy tannins rimming the sides. A pure example of Bourgueil, for drinking now, ideally with pork and / or wild mushroom.Prices:Read Full Note
08 June 2022
87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the #1 selling BC VQA white blend in BC year over year, a friendly, clean and subtle blend of chasselas, pinot gris, and pinot blanc. Stainless keeps the grapes' aromatics bright, while a wee blip of RS smooths out any edges. Melon, kiwi, gooseberry is met with crunchy Asian pear, and pretty perfumed pear blossoms, all lit with a lime pith spice. Classic patio / BTG sipper across the province, and for good reason. Still a great price.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Gazela Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalPart of the mighty Sogrape empire (of Mateus Rosé and Sandmans fame), this ubiquitous Vinho Verde has been cracked and enjoyed the world over. NV, low in alcohol (9%) and with its characteristic spritz, this blend of traditional Vinho Verde grapes (Loureiro, Pedernä, Trajadura, ++) ticks all the boxes for a cheerful, accessible, friendly, crisp white. Lime blossoms, gooseberry, asian pear rule the slight palate, best enjoyed with a brisk chill. Cheap as chips.Prices:| BC | $9.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Quinta da Lixa Aromas das Castas Grande Escolha Alvarinho Loureiro 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Meirles family has long owned vineyards around Vila da Lixa, selling their fruit to others, but in 1886 they decided to start making their own wines. They hired well-known oenologist Carlos Teixeira in the early 2000s to over see the project. They now have 52 hectares of vines across 6 estates. This 2020 shows a lovely honeyed note, cusping with slight age, and encasing the pear, yellow plum, green apple, toasted almond core. There's a lovely buzzy granitic grip texturing through to the saline finish.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Vignoble du Reveur Pierres Sauvages 2020
Alsace, FranceThis is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, from 40 year old vines rooted in their biodynamic Bennwihr estate. This was native fermented in foudre, where it rested on lees for one year until bottling with light filtration and a minimum of sulphur. Honeysuckle, wild pear, apple blossom rule the expansive palate, with lightly grippy sides to frame, and mouthwatering acidity that streams this through the saline finish. Very well knit, drinking beautifully now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Roussanne Marsanne 2016
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPentâge is a rarity in BC / Canadian wine, as they hold their wines back, aging them prior to release. Case in point is this current release 2016 Rhone white blend, a mix of 70% roussanne, and 30% marsanne off their Skaha Bench site. It started ferment and stainless before half was transferred to 2nd and 3rd fill French barrique and puncheon. The wooded portion underwent MLF, while both had regular bátonnage prior to the final blend. Creamy and ripe, with the toasted wood colouring the ripe pear, fragrant white peach, acacia, key lime on a rich, full palate. Even at this aged state the wood is at the fore. Best tried with equally rich creamy dishes.Prices:| BC | $30.34 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Gómez Cruzado Montes Obarenes 2018
Rioja, SpainThe Montes Obarenes blends 25% Tempranillo Blanco from Haro; and 65% Viura, 5% Malvasía, and the remaining 5% blending Garnacha Blanca and Calagraño from their vineyard in Las Laderas de Ollauri; all off calcareous-clay soils. This was fermented and aged in 80% new French oak and 20% aged on fine lees in concrete tank. Powerful and textured, with the spiced wood and concrete grip both at play, wrapping around ripe quince, juicy pear, fragrant apple blossoms ruling the creamy, dense, slow palate. The finish lingers with toasted spice and a warming flush. Ample intensity met with freshness, drinking smartly now with proteins, and with a rest in your cellar.Prices:Read Full Note
07 June 2022
90PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2019
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Signature, the aptly named flagship red of the winery, blends fruit from Keremeos and Cawston. The 2019 result was 42% merlot, 31% cabernet sauvignon, 13% malbec, 10% cabernet franc, and 4% petit verdot. Each vineyard block was harvested separately, destemmed, and native fermented in concrete. After a gentle pressing, the wines aged 16 months in French oak, with the best barrels selected for the final blend. This year is back to form, with structurally firm tannins framing fragrant blackberry, black cherry, perfumed black plum on a compact palate, scented with espresso, violet perfume, and a healthy crack of black peppercorns.Prices:| BC | $54.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Chateau Daviaud Bordeaux 2019
Bordeaux, FranceAt the start of 2020, the Sichel Family took control of Château Daviaud, a neighbouring property it well knew as one of their longtime growers. With the Château up for sale, the family didn't want to lose the connection to the vines and land through new owners. This Bordeaux blends 45% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Malbec from the property's limestone / gravelled hillsides. This was entirely fermented and aged in stainless, ensuring drinking now. The soils and stainless treatment have kept this tight and brisk, with perfumed plum, wild blackberry around a tight, buzzy core. Tannins are slight and grippy, taking this to a snappy, saline finish. There's a lovely, effortless freshness here, making this one for drinking now, with steak salad.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Chateau la Besage Grande Cuvée 2017
Bergerac, Sud-Ouest, FranceSince its creation in 2008, Couleurs d'Aquitaine, a group of 4 cooperative cellars, has become one of the most important cooperative cellars of the South West, combining 400 families and 4000 hectares under vine. From Bergerac's clay-limestone soils, this blends 70% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon, and 10% cabernet franc, each vinified separately and aged in oak barrels 9-12 months before blending. Fragrant black cherry, black plum is threaded with tobacco, grilled meats, ample scrubby herbs, ferrous gravels, and housed with grippy, somewhat ragged tannins that work to house the potency of fruit. The soils keep everything bright, and at a welcome moderate 13.5%. Smart choice for shepherd's pie / roasted root veg braises.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
06 June 2022
88PTS
Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2019
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFrom the Coastal area of Maipo Valley, near the Maipo River and rooted in granitic clays and loam, this cabernet sauvignon is aided by 10% carmenere and 5% petit verdot. After a stainless ferment, this remains on skins for an additional 10 days before 80% is moved to French oak barrels for 8 -10 months' aging. Firm and dense with ripe black cherry, herbal branch, roasted root veg on a full palate, threaded with espresso and medicinal herbs, finishing on a bitter cherry / coffee note. Tannins are smoothed and suave, though overall this remains a bit rustic at this time. Definitely best taken with grilled beef to mitigate at this stage, or wait a year or two.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.69 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2018 Edge fruit is sourced exclusively from premium Alexander Valley vineyards. The mix is 91/9 cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah. It spends 16 months in 50 percent new French oak barrels. The style is savoury Sonoma/Alexander Valley with some subtle Napa polish. It is a stylish entry level premium cabernet rich in spice, black fruits, licorice, figs, and supple tannins. You can feel the Signorello style: more finesse, less oomph, and you get the impression you can wait on this wine for another five to seven years. A perfect weekend steak wine that will impress your guests.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Trim Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California, United StatesYou don’t see Ray Signorello’s name on this label, but his Napa team is responsible for this California red that is drier and trimmer than most other wines that play at this price point. The fruit is juicy and pure with intense cassis and black cherry, savoury licorice, a hint of black tea, and inviting vanilla. It is an introductory wine, but it is for wine drinkers, not influencers. Most anything grilled on the barbecue will set it free. Well priced.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
North Coast Region, California, United StatesThe North Coast is sometimes described as a relatively mild Mediterranean climate intermingled with with well-drained volcanic and gravelly soils. 2018 was a ideal year for cabernet sauvignon as promised by the rich black fruit. Look for plums and blackberries with a savoury undercurrent. Just about anything off the barbecue will work here as this wine ages into 2025.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Viña Echeverria i No es Pituko 2021
Valle del Curicó, Region del Valle Central, ChileNo es Pituko' is Chilean slang for 'it ain't fancy' reflecting natural nature of this wine, made without any additions or deletions. These 20 year old cabernet sauvignon vines come from La Estancia Vineyard in the Curicó Valley, at 243m. It was destemmed and native fermented in stainless, where it remained for 3 months prior to bottling. Slightly hazy and vibrant purple, this lighter cab carries dusky plum, cassis, branch, tobacco, pink peppercorns on the slight palate, with grippy / furry tannins hugging the sides to the warming finish, and crunchy acidity keeping everything fresh in the mouth. A fun, edgy Chilean cab, best taken with a chill. Great labels and lightweight bottles too.Prices:Read Full Note
03 June 2022
88PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2018
Veneto, ItalyIt's been a while since I have seen this label and at first blush, the winemaking looks much improved. The nose is dry but fresh with florals, balsamic, and menthol. The palate opens with the intensity of the ripasso style, offering blackcurrants and baking spices and silky, easy, sipping textures that carry long into the finish. Think grilled beef or game as main course dishes, or you can serve it with a piece of mature cheese. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte village in the heart of the Valpolicella Classico region, on a small amount of land in the northwest part of Verona, between the Lessini mountains and their plains near Lake Garda.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2019
Sicily, ItalyCusumano Winery is spearheaded by two brothers who have grown their empire to more than 1000 acres of vineyards located throughout Sicily. These Nero D’Avola grapes are from the white soils of Butera, in San Giacomo, at 330m. Lusty and sun-filled, with ample ripe black cherry, black plum, and dried red florals scented with dark cocoa and sweet pipe tobacco, with bright marine acidity and volcanic soils adding textural interest. The smoothed, leathery palate is framed with sticky / grippy tannins, pulling this through a kirsch-soaked finish. Pop the vino-loc now with grilled skirt steak and/or fired Mediterranean peppers.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
91PTS
Umani Ronchi Fonte Del Re Lacrima Di Morro D'Alba 2019
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFonte del Re is a local name referring to a site where a spring once rose, near Morro d'Alba. Lacrima di Morro is the grape, so called for the tears (lacrima in Italian) that appear when the grape is ready for picking. This ancient grape is quite rare for a red, with ample fragrant aromatics. These vineyards are in deep clay loams, 150-200m in altitude. Destemmed grapes undergo 10 days' maceration and ferment in stainless, where it remains for four months' rest. Darker in hue, with smouldering wild plum, fleshy boysenberry, ample violet and iris perfume, all seasoned with pine, wild mint, anise, and reams of cracked peppercorns. Tannins are long and moderately sticky, propping up this spellbinding red. Absolutely worth seeking out for adventuresome drinkers, and to enjoy with local lamb and wild mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Modest Wines By Jove Sangiovese 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis sangiovese is sourced from Quinta Ferreira Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, with a little merlot and cabernet franc additions. It is rare to taste a sangiovese outside Italy with a true varietal character (note the classic red cherry and spice). The style is light and refreshing, albeit with some desert scrub to shout Okanagan. I love the balance and the apparent potential for the future here. Well done.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Novaia Valpolicella Classico Organic 2019
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe blend is classic from the hillside vineyards in Novaia di Marano di Valpolicella, and a blend of organic corvina, rondinella, and molinara. Post ferment, it sits in stainless just under a year before going to bottle for two months. The style is fresh, the nose intense, with cherry and a mix of spice and earthy notes, all wrapped up in a stylish finish. The match is meatballs, or a meaty pizza.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pietrame Edizione Limitada Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019
Abruzzo, ItalyThis Montepulciano offers classic rich, round, dark cassis and black raspberry. The palate has low tannins and supple textures flecked with dried herbs, chocolate, and licorice. Easy sipping and ready for summer barbecues featuring chicken or pork—prepared to drink and good value. Founded in 1960, Abruzzo's Cantina Tollo has grown into one of the foremost cooperatives in Italy, with nearly 800 shareholders and approximately 3000 hectares of vineyards. They bottle 30% of their wine as Cantina Tollo and sell the bulk to other producers. This Montepulciano comes from 25-30-year-old vines grown atop clay/limestone sites around Tollo. A lengthy maceration and warm fermentation precede 18 months of aging in French barriques, followed by an additional six months in bottle.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
02 June 2022
89PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gew was cold settled and fermented cool in stainless, where it remained for a few months. Sleek and off-dry, with ample ginger spicing, ripe pear, fragrant honeydew melon, and perfumed rose petals on a waxen palate, with bright citrus acidity to balance. Great typicity and easy charm here.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.59 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Pentâge Winery Gewurztraminer 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPentâge Winery farms 35-acres overlooking Skaha Lake in south Penticton. Pentâge does the ageing for its customers, and this 2018 is an excellent example of why a year or three of bootle age can always be a good thing. Expect a full-bodied off-dry style sporting baked apples, poached pear, tangerine and pink grapefruit aromas and flavours. It’s an easy sipping gewurztraminer searching for spicy noodles or a sweet and sour chicken dish. Well made and selling at a giveaway price.Prices:| BC | $16.52 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Gewürztraminer 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOak Bay presents as a true northern gewürztraminer. Cool, calm, and skinny, it skates across the palate with a citrus, dried apricot underside and a fresh, lightly aromatic topside. A palate cleanser ideally suited to any creamy fish dishes, rich cheese, or deep fried finger food. Ready to drink and selling at a fabulous price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Desert Hills Gewurztraminer 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 DH Gew is sourced from Blue Terrace Vineyard in Kaleden, and there is 10 percent barrel fermented chardonnay in the blend. The off dry version has good aromatics of rosewater, peach pit, and candied ginger. Zero malolactic fermentation leaves the acidity fresher to deal with the sweet pineapple and litchi. Ready to drink, and best with spicy bites.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Quails' Gate Gewürztraminer 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love the simplicity here. The style is fruity but almost dry and fresh after spending only a handful of months in stainless steel. The entry is a stylish affair with an intriguing mix of sweet pear, guava, melon and citrus, ending in a silky finish. Classic gew you can serve with lightly spiced dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $21.59 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Gidda Family Estate One Block Gewurztraminer 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Gidda Family Estate wines are only available to wine club members. Consulting winemaker Daniel Bontorin oversees this high end tier at Volcanic Hills. The Gidda Family Block One is barrel fermented using 20 percent new French oak giving the label a much different base to appeal to wine drinkers. The wine gets some bâttonage to add more texture. The style is reserved with a light spicing and barely there pear and litchi with a twist of baked pear in the finish. Again, like Orchard Block. this is a different direction of gewürztraminer: a sophisticated, food friendly white.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
87PTS
Volcanic Hills Orchard Block Single Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrchard Block is a single vineyard gewürztraminer grown on the side of Mt. Boucherie, with interestingly little classic gewurztraminer style. Look for light Asian pear and bright acidity. I actually find this dry style quite attractive but if you are looking for big, rich litchi and heady perfume this one is not for you. Should be well suited to any dishes with a bit of fat to slay.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2019
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWith fruit primarily off their estate's Home Block, supplemented by their neighbour's vineyard a few hundred metres down the road, this gew includes vines from 15-40 years old, growing on heavy clay soils. It was picked over multiple days, adding layers of ripeness and complexity, and was partially native fermented in a mix of stainless and older French wood, where it spent a few months on lees. A dryer, restrained style, with lime pith, pink grapefruit, perfumed lychee, lillies, and soap ruling the gentle palate. The 6 g/L RS gives a soft cushioning to the medium bodied wine, finishing with a subtle dusting of ginger. Chill well and enjoy this polished gew now.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Township 7 Benchmark Series Gewurztraminer 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOliver is home to this fruit, all fermented dry in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, the latter adding extra weight and mouthfeel to the mix. The entry is fresh with aromatic tangerine and classic rosé petal hints. The fruit a mix of peach, apricot, lichi with a drying, slightly bitter undercurrent to keep it all in balance. Food-friendly and crushable all in one bottle, this is a fun wine only club members can access.Prices:| BC | $26.97 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
01 June 2022
90PTS
Mac Forbes Syrah 2021
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThe stelvin Syrah is a blend from the winery's silt, stone, and clay home block in Healesville. The fruit was 50% whole bunch, 50% destemmed, native fermented over 18 days before resting 9 months in small older oak barrels. Softer on the lighter hued and alcohol (11%) palate, with dried cherry and forest plum, dried florals, and a soft sprinkle of baking spice. Tannins are slight and sticky, taking this to a saline finish.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Road 13 Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis was last tasted in October and if anything, it is getting better in the bottle. The fruit is a mix of seven blocks of syrah taken from both the east and west sides of the Okanagan Valley. Winemaker Barclay Robinson is a balance freak, and with a sommelier background, he has an equal interest in making wines that are fun to drink. I love the pure, peppery syrah notes replete with raspberry and blackberry, with a juicy, smooth, clean, spicy back end. Again, it is BC fresh, which ensures it will go the distance in the bottle. Think steak or even a favourite curry for a double hit of spice. All blocks are hand harvested, sorted, destemmed, and fermented individually. The syrah is co-fermented with just the right amount of viognier, one percent, and sees only 20 percent new oak (French and American).Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
88PTS
Strandveld Vineyards First Sighting Shiraz 2019
South AfricaFrom Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of South Africa (and thus, the closest to Antarctica), this shiraz is tipped with 5% grenache, from vines nearing 20 years old. This aged one year in 2nd and 3rd use 300L French barrels. Earthy blackberry, dark cherry is seasoned with peppercorns and streaked with leather. Tannins are a bit ragged, though there's a welcome marine freshness to this bigger red, finishing at 13%. One to crack into now, with grilled root veg and / or pork.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
De Bortoli 17 Trees Shiraz 2019
AustraliaThis shiraz comes from De Bortoli's estate Freemans Bridge Vineyard, in the ancient red Cambrian soils of Northern Heathcote. Destemmed grapes are fermented for 8-9 days in their Potter fermenters, then pressed off skins and blended. Ripe and full, with smoked black fruit, grilled meats, espresso, tobacco, and ferrous notes, this is wrapped with peppery, polished tannins, and finishes with a hearty dash of baking spices. One to crack now with grilled BBQ fare. Every 6 bottles of 17 Trees purchased will go towards planting 1 tree, as part of a collaborative push to rebuild Australian forests.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
90PTS
Gemtree Vineyards Uncut Shiraz 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaUncut is the first-ever Gemtree wine, and today it reflects the vineyards and winery work over the last 22 years. It is made from biodynamically grown vines spanning 20-60 years, fermented naturally in 5-8 tonne open fermenters before ageing in French oak puncheons, 500L, and 225L barrels for 12 months (20% new). The wine is aged on its lees with minimal racking, thus essentially Uncut. As a result, the fruit is exceptionally pure, mixing blueberries and red berries perfectly spiced and oaked. The style is full bodied and spicy with black licorice and a savoury, almost saline undercurrent.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
89PTS
Gemtree Dragon's Blood Shiraz 2021
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAll Gemtree estate vineyards are organically and biodynamically farmed. It is immediately noticeable in the fruit purity on the nose and palate. The Dragon's Blood comes with a dark red colour. The aromas are a pleasant mix of smoky black raspberry with a savoury, earthy undercurrent. The fruit and earth take on more spice and weight on the palate with just enough tannin to disperse over the next three years. It will be a winner for the backyard barbecue all summer, but will also repay a little cellar time.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.95 | 750ml |
Read Full Note
July 2022