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Tastings: July 2022
31 July 2022
87PTS
Sperling Vineyards Speritz Pet Nat NV
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe current Speritz, though there is no mention anywhere on the label, is from 2021 vintage, and a blend of Perle of Csaba, Chardonnay, and Bacchus, from their biodynamic East Kelowna Slopes vineyards. Each grape was harvested separately, with the following grapes blended in and continuing the ferment in the bottle until all was left at dryness, with 1.5 atm (the gentle wee spritz) and a harmless sediment layer in the bottom of the bottle. Lemon pith, lime blossom, crab apple, pear skin, Palmolive dish soap is bedded on dusty stones, and finishes brief and snappy. Naturally pure, chill well down, and crack into.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Last Ride In R.D. 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, a family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. This traditional method fizz comes from an upper Peachland vineyard that ripened very late in October 2020 with snow dusting the vineyard and bins. Once snow removal was complete, this was whole cluster pressed into barrel and stayed there with no racking or bâtonnage until moving into a stainless tank in early February for a yeast dose before heading to bottle and six months' rest on lees. It was disgorged on August 25, 2021. The short time on lees has made for frothy, loose bubbles, while the time in barrel has lent a strong oxidative note to this fizz. Bruised pear, yellow apple, and salted pineapple rind take this to a brief, bitter citrus-kissed finish. Best taken with a chill over the short term.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Chardonnay Ancestrale Bella Estate Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Ancestrale comes off Bella's Estate Vineyard, and is a Dijon clone rooted into their young organically / biodynamically farmed steep clays. Shining green apple, pear skin, crushed rocks skip across a slight 11.4% palate, lit with buzzy acidity and laced with alluring salinity. There is such a welcome balance and energy to Jay's 2021's, making them eminently charming (and smashable). 415 bottles.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling Piquette 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough it sounds new and trendy, piquette is a very old traditional French way of using up grape skins and stems after first pressing, giving them a quick rehydration and then (re)ferment in stainless, and bottling them right away, capturing the slight effervescence, and slighter alcohol (here 7%) for a refreshing drink, usually for the farmers, to consume near instantly. As labelled, this bottle comes off their old vines riesling block, and there is a very faint pear blossom note intermixed with ethyl acetate (acetone), crab apple, smoked stone on a tart, short palate, finishing with a bitter banana skin note. Chill well down.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Bella Estate Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gamay ancestrale comes off Jay and Wendy's organically and biodynamically farmed estate vineyard's steep clay banks. Zippy and nimble, with the purest wild strawberries, wild orange, tangerine pith streaking along an amply saline, bone dry palate, lingering with a salty bergamot meringue kiss. This has ample presence and verve for its 10.3%. A purer pét-nat I can't imagine. 55 bottles. Yes, that's correct.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Agape Vineyard Clone 358 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou can imagine how excited the super geeks at Bella were to discover a 3rd clone of Gamay grown in Naramata Village. Organically farmed Agape Vineyards grows clone 358, familiar in Beaujolais, and oft in use for its structural muscle. Jay believes this is the first commercial 358 in Canada. Pouring a light red hue (akin to a Lambrusco Sorbara), this tight, higher acid fizz leads with cranberry and rhubarb, with a green apple and saline rainier cherry base. Bone dry and purely so, this completes a wonderful trifecta of Naramata Village Gamay Clone Ancestrale Studies. 1200 bottlesPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Mariani Vineyard Clone 509 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of two 2021 gamay pét-nats from Naramata Bench's organically farmed Mariani Vineyard, each made from a different clone, processed and picked the same. Clone 509 is the most common gamay clone found in BC. They left this on skins overnight for a darker hue, yielding a near sparkling red. Red currants, cherries, and raspberries are lit with a buzzy stony undercurrent and ample riffing acidity streaming through the saline finish. Beauty balance for its lightness of being (10.8%). 1750 bottles.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Mariani Vineyard Clone 787 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of two 2021 gamay pét-nats from Naramata Bench's organically farmed Mariani Vineyard, each made from a different clone, processed and picked the same. Clone 787 is rarely found in BC. The blushing peach hue is thanks to a few hours' skin contact. Subtle mandarin, apricot, white peach glide along the bone dry, saline palate, with a welcome riff of texture and fine bubbles. The wee bump up of alcohol this year (to 12.3%) has elevated the charm and friendliness, as well as the concentration. Super smashable. 1115 bottles.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Gold Label Brut 2018
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2018 marks a special year for Blue Mountain's Gold Label Brut, one of BC's most iconic sparkling wines. This year, there is no pinot gris in the blend for the first time, leaving it at a welcome 62% pinot noir and 38% chardonnay. It's also easily identifiable (on the back label, at least) what vintage you have. Truth in labelling is everything, so I'm thrilled for this move forward (hence the new listing for this previously labelled NV wine). The Mavety family acquired their gravelled, loamy sands Okanagan Falls site in 1971, overlooking Vaseux Lake. Owners Ian, Jane, Matt, and Christie have over 45 years of continuous grape production within their family. This sparkler was whole cluster pressed and fermented primarily in stainless, with a portion in barrel, before blending and 24 months on lees. It was disgorged August 2021 with 8 g/L. This is a striking instalment, serious yet entirely and enjoyably drinkable. Frizzed lemon, green apple, red apple, subtle brioche are shaped with stones and lightly scented with lemon blossom across a driving, saline-slicked palate. Lovely buzzy lingering finish. Cementing itself as BC's sparkling icon here.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Narrative XC Method Sparkling 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMy bottle of 2021 Narrative XC Sparkling is part of a trial run, packaged in lightweight glass and stelvin that can still handle the pressure of sparkling. If successful, OCP can convert 3000 cases of sparkling, reducing the weight of glass by 36,000 pounds. This blush-hued charmat is entirely pinot blanc, from a 40+ year old Okanagan Falls vineyard, fermented native in concrete before heading to the pressurized tanks for 90 days (XC). Pouring a peach-blush hue, this is brisk and dry-ish, with ripe pink grapefruit, pear skin, apricot skin on a riffing palate. A bump of RS offsets the racy acidity, making this a super smashable and friendly sipper.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Gewmay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough known for their exclusive gamay and chardonnay fizz, Jay has been experimenting with small lot productions of other fun wines. This is a traditional method blend of Gew and Gamay, as the name hints. The gew saw 9 days of skin contact before being added to the gamay. The whole finished wild ferment in tank and then spent 6 months in bottle before disgorge with a small tip of sulphur and no dosage. Pouring a deep cherry hue, this charms with gew's gentle apricot and peach blossom florality woven with crunchy cherry, red currant, black tea. Ample juicy acidity streams this youthful red sparkler to a brisk, dry, white pepper finish. The beauty balance makes for a lovely pairing, ideally with glazed ribs / tofu, or fried duck.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Bella Wines Bubble Dogs 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough known for their exclusive gamay and chardonnay fizz, Jay has been experimenting with small lot productions of other fun grapes and wines. Bubble Dogs is the winery's first ancestrale method pinot noir, from Naramata's Black Pine Vineyards, and made in conjunction with Vancouver's Dachi restaurant. This spent 6-8 hours on skins, and was settled overnight in tank and then racked into neutral barrels for the wild ferment to begin. It went into bottle with 20g/L RS to continue ferment, and remained there 6 months prior to disgorge and a wee tip of sulphur added. Red currant, dark cherry, herbal thorns mingle with lightly smoked stone on the slight 10.7% palate. The bone dry wine is full of juicy pinosity, and I can see it making a smart pairing wine (togarashi tofu yum). Nice adventuresome new direction for Bella.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Bella Wines Reserve Brut Nature Oliver Eastside Chardonnay 2016
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Bella's black label series, indicating serious ageing has occurred to this traditional method fizz. Serious for sure, this bottle has seen 66 months on lees, disgorged March 2022 in a lot of 600 bottles. From the limestone laced soils of Oliver's Cerqueira Vineyard, this powerful, salt-studded chardonnay is deeply lined with broken stones, bedding burnished lemon pith, crisp green apple, and savoury, almost bacon-fat kissed lees. Quite profound, this was an experiment that paid off strikingly.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Buddha's Blend Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBuddha's Blend, was a 2017 experiment that worked so well it has continued. Unlike all of Jay's other fizz, this blends two grapes: chardonnay and gamay. Jay scooped suitable lees from his various single-vineyard pressings around the Okanagan and Similkameen, and combined them into one tank to native ferment, topping up as they were racking all their single lot wines. After five months on lees following secondary ferment, this was bottled with zero dosage. Textural and light on its feet, with tart redcurrant, teeny wild strawberry, apricot, nectarine, and tangerine pith strung across a saline studded palate.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Westbank Gamay Rosé Brut 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLast time I tasted this wine, it had around 18 months on lees under its belt. But Jay and Wendy decided to hold a lot back for release in 2023, with 40ish months on lees. I snuck a peak at 31 months on lees, disgorged June 2022 for the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium. This terroir-focused traditional method fizz is gamay from organic, volcanic soiled Beaumont Vineyard in Westbank. Pouring an orange / peach hue, this is tight and nervy with pink grapefruit, red currant, wild strawberry, tangerine, on a dry, raspy, saline-kissed palate. The extra time on lees has given another (beneficial) dimension to this wine, plumping up the lees base. Patience pays off. Drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Cowabunga! R.D. 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI do love adventuresome winemakers. This is my second time tasting this base wine, though this bottle carries the R.D. labelling, indicating it was Recently Disgorged and spent more time on lees than the first release. The initial release had six months on lees, whereas this saw 24. This trad-met was a fortunate turn of events, as the barrels set aside for a pét-nat finished ferment too quickly to be bottled, so this surprise was born instead. Cowabunga! 80% pinot blanc and 20% roussanne from West Kelowna and Osoyoos vineyards was whole cluster, native fermented, and fermented in used puncheon, where it remained for four months before heading to bottle for second ferment and the previous 24 months on lees. The extra lees time has given a toasty brioche note to this bone dry fizz, still with brisk, fine, persistent bubbles, but textured and shaped via pear skin, apricot fuzz, dusty stones, and kissed with an alluring elderflower on the saline finish. Well done.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Riesling Brut 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is year three for the Riesling Brut, a juicy, fun charmat blend of 87% riesling and 13% pinot blanc. It spent only a few months on lees in the tank, and is finished with a bump of residual sugar to offset the fresh acidity. Bright and lively, the latest version is a little rounder and more generous. A full palate of grapefruit, lime pith and fresh cut green apple leaves so refreshingly. It is a fine patio bubble that is well-suited to anything tapas.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lakeside Cellars Bubbles Lakeshore Vineyard 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new sparkler made from sauvignon blanc comes in with a mix of citrus, lime rind, and red apple. The acidity is firm, and the palate light but juicy. Served this casually with a simple bowl of popcorn.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Hic et Nunc Monbullae Metodo Classico Pas Dosé NV
Piedmont, ItalyHic et Nunc is from from the Latin 'Here and Now', and devoted to making wines from their home in Monferrato, in northwestern Italy's Piemonte. Of their 100 hectares of arable lands, woods and poplar groves, 20 hectares are dedicated to local vines, and the are entirely estate, organically managed, on clay limestone soils. This traditional method fizz of Barbera and Cortese had 24 months on lees before being disgorged with 0 dosage. Super salty and lean, with tight, nervous acidity driving green apple, anise, lemon pith down a racy, chalky palate. This positively buzzes with energy and shines with intent. Very smart.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Blancs 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pristine and racy blanc de blancs comes off one block of chardonnay, and was fermented in older puncheons and barrique, remaining there on lees until the following May when it headed to bottle for 2nd ferment. It remained en triage for 22 months, and was disgorged in March 2022 with 4 g/L dosage of 2019 Chardonnay. Green apple crisp, with echoes of lemon peel, anise, verbena, and broken stones that linger through a well-placed herbal lees bed and along the saline finish. This positively hums with energy, and rings with Northern Okanagan. Stunner.Prices:| BC | $31.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ca' dè Medici Piazza San Prospero Lambrusco Reggiano NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyCa 'Remigio Medici founded dè Medici Winery in 1911, and today it is in its fourth generation. This pale rosé is a blend of 70% Lambrusco Salamino, 25% Lambrusco Montericco, 5% Ancellotta, charmat fermented in stainless before a dosage of 15 g/L. Pouring a dark hue, this is threaded with balsamic running through wild plum, black cherry, and crunchy pomegranate, with furry tannins and gentle fizz.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ca' De' Medici Remigio 101 Lambrusco di Sorbara NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyCa 'Remigio Medici founded dè Medici Winery in 1911, and today it is in its fourth generation. Lambrusco di Sorbara is considered the oldest variety, producing the lightest and most delicate of Lambrusco wines, often in a rosé style. Bright and fresh, with gentle frizzante fizz, this charmat streams cranberry, fragrant rosehips, and crunchy pomegranate on a silken palate, finishing with a bump of RS (11 g/L). Pretty.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bernard-Massard Cuvée de L'Écusson Rosé NV
LuxembourgBernard-Massard is a 5th generation family owned business that is Luxembourg's primary sparkling wine producer. Traditional method sparklers are the focus, and this copper coloured fizz is a good example. It opens with a barrage of raspberries and candied cherries on the nose that spills to the palate with a light fizz, more of that pinot cherry, and a well balanced, almost dry back end. This is well suited for lunch and patio parties, and can handle a bit of spice. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Rosé Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyProsecco rosé has made quite a splash at retail and at least for the hot summer days in BC, so I can see its appeal. This blend of glera and pinot nero was vinified separately in steel, with the nero taking on 16 hours of skin contact to produce the pinkish hue. This aromatic, fruity fizz is all about heady orchard blossoms, aromatic,s and confected red berries. As you might expect, it is off-dry at 12 g/L residual sugar, making it a perfect foil to spicy appetizers from olives and sushi to barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
St. Hubertus Frizzante Rosé 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother year and another solid effort from this producer. The fruit is alive and bright, making this a perfect everyday pink for a crowd. This is a gamay noir blush made for summer. From its lightish orange/pink colour to its juicy frizzante strawberry, pink grapefruit, off-dry palate that invites. Chill and serve on the patio.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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29 July 2022
88PTS
Miral Nero d'Avola Organic Wine 2020
Sicily, ItalyIt is hard to believe you can get a well made red wine from Sicily for the same price as a decade ago. Cantine Fina is the maker of this easy sipping nero d'avola grown on the western side of Sicily. Ripening wine in Sicily has never been a problem, and growing at altitude with care seems to have solved the freshness issue. The result is a full-bodied, juicy red packing raspberry and black cherry with a touch of dry earth and leather in the finish for mystery. I love that the alcohol is a modest 13 percent, and the tannins are soft. A classic pizza red that can double up with sausages or burgers from the grill. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Miral Nero d'Avola Organic Wine 2020
Sicily, ItalyCantine Fina winery is located in western Sicily, between Marsala and Erice, on the hill of Bausa. From Nero d' Avola grapes in the hills above Trapani, this is ripe with the Sicilian sunshine, moving ripe raspberry, cherry across a suave, leathery palate, brightened with some altitude and the marine environment. Time in stainless has preserved the purity of the grape, clocking here at a moderate and welcome 13%, and tannins are soft and nubile, making this a friendly wine to drink this summer, ideally with grilled burgers / ribs. Great value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Feudo Maccari Saia 2018
Sicily, ItalySette Ponte owner Antonio Moretti and his daughter Monika pieced together 30 small properties in the Noto area of Sicily and now have 120ha of land and some 50ha of vineyard planted at Feudo Maccari. Saia takes its name from the irrigation channels the Moors built in the 9th and 10th Centuries, and this cuvée is a selection of the best fruit and barrels on the property. It is a stylish Sicilian red with quite a fragrant nose and an approachable spicy, black fruit entry perfectly balanced by a rush of red cherry, dried herbs, dark chocolate and a harmonious brush of oak. The vines are currently 30 to 40 years old and sit over a volcanic mix of white sand, stones, and chalk. More of a steak or roast beef red. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $44.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $46.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $44.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cusumano Nero d'Avola 2020
Sicily, ItalyThe Cusumano Nero d'Avola has been around for a while, and the attention to detail leads to an intriguing modern style. The family owns and operates over 1,000 acres of vineyards across Sicily, and this is estate grown. The nero is densely planted, with over 5000 plants per hectare, yielding an almost modest 60 hectolitres per hectare. The fermentation is done in stainless steel, and the fruit sees no oak over its five months ageing on its lees. Instead, look for a peppery, black raspberry affair with a savoury undercarriage that finishes lean and dry with a touch of cardamom and licorice. A pasta red for sure, but grilled ribs would be a good match too. Again the price is a bonus.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $10.00 | 750ml |
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27 July 2022
93PTS
Niepoort Redoma Branco 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalOld vines (65-85yo) on profound mica schist soils planted at 400-600m from the Douro's right bank fill this alluring branco. Led by rabigato, códega do larinho, viosinho, donzelinho, and gouveio fermented in neutral 228 and 500L French oak, where it remained for eight months. Ringing with deep stony minerality, this streams wild quince, wild lemon, Mirabelle plum, and meadow grass along a lengthy palate, seasoned with burnished flake salts that linger on the finish. Striking, stony purity now and will continue to hold in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Quinta da Lixa Alvarinho Loureiro Trajadura 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis delicious Vinho Verde is a mix of three traditional grape varieties: Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura. At 12.5 percent, it is light on its feet, and with bright acidity, it is vibrant. The fruit is grown on granite giving the wine all the minerality it needs to shine, and the flavours are very VV. It goes through a classic white wine ferment leaving a fruity white reminiscent of fresh tropical fruits and white flowers. Dry, balanced, and ready to drink, it is simply looking for a tulip shaped glass and some seafood. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Soalheiro Alvarinho Primeiras Vinhas 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalSoalheiro is and should be regarded as the epitome of Vinho Verde production. Luis Cerdeiro, along with his brother Joâo and sister Maria, have taken over the northern VV estate that their father Joâo planted in 1974, making them the 4th wine producer in VV at that time, making and bottling their wines to sell. This alvarinho, from the initial vines planted on the property in 1974 (including some own-rooted vines), was primarily fermented cool in stainless, with 15% going into used oak barrels until the blend and bottling the following spring. Crisp and bright, crystalline lemon, crunchy pear, pear skin, green apple, rock salts, and wild herbs across a bed of fine lees, finishing a potent granitic grip and lingering salinity. Beauty linearity here, and one worth aging.Prices:| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta D'Amares Alvarinho 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuinta de Amares is located in Amares, in the small village of Sto. André de Rendufe. The quinta has a legacy of history, home to the very important Benedictine monastery Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe (11th century – 15th). Because this 100% alvarinho is from Cávado subregion, and not from the special northern subregion of Monçao e Malgaço, it has to take the designation VR Minho (rather than DOC Vinho Verde). Ripe pear, yellow apple, white peach, almond, and fine spice fill a gently expansive palate, finishing with a raft of salinity. Smart and friendly.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Portal das Hertas Avesso 2018
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalCreated in 1995 with a focus on quality wines from Baião, Casa das Hortas is one of the oldest companies in the Douro region, bottling wines from both Baião and neighbouring Douro Valley. Avesso means reverse in Portuguese, referring to the grape's lower acid and higher alcohol than its VV compatriots. It was fermented cool in stainless, with some time on lees and bâtonnage. Now with some age, this is showing the grape's light honeyed notes, shellacking the steely pear, wild herbs, and buzzy granitic grip underneath—a lovely chance to taste an avesso with a bit of age.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Adega Coop Ponte da Barca Grande Escolha 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 label features the naperão, the embroidered lace table mat popular in the 60s and 70s. The Grande Escolha (term referencing Grand Selection but without any real meaning) blends loureiro, trajadura, and arinto, with a purposeful light spritz. Melon, yellow apple, and gooseberry ride the short, light, snappy palate—a modern version of a classic VV style, ready to drink this summer with veg dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
0PTS
Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis bottle was corked—I will retry. Soalheiro is and should be regarded as the epitome of Vinho Verde production. Luis Cerdeiro, along with his brother Joâo and sister Maria, have taken over the northern VV estate that their father Joâo planted in 1974, making them the 4th wine producer in VV at that time, making and bottling their wines to sell. Soalheiro is Portuguese for 'sunny,' as their site, in the priced subregion of Moncão e Melgaço, is protected from the harsh Atlantic winds by a range of mountains. Thus, they are warmer and less humid than their neighbours just across the divide, in Spain's Rias Baixas region. Soalheiro Alvarinho has the nickname Clássico, as it was the family's first wine ever to be made back in 1982. It remains their most classic style of single varietal Alvarinho, built around purity (all stainless) and towards a propensity for aging.Prices:Read Full Note
26 July 2022
92PTS
Vina Ane Selección Eduardo Monge Rioja 2016
Rioja, SpainViña Ane Selección 2016 is a dense, rich style of Rioja. No red fruit here. The vineyard blocks are grown over clay-calcareous soils adding texture and mouthfeel from front to back. It has a dark and brooding purple colour with notes of toast and oak mixed with black fruit and chocolate. This wine is aged in French barrels, remaining for 13 months. I love the minerality here and the edges that keep it just off the norm and more in the particular tempranillo lane, albeit significantly dense, rich, and sweet. Again, lamb seems the choice here.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quinta da Lixa Vinhão 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalOn the hottest day of the year, I tasted this Northern Portugal red with a chill on the bottle, and I loved it. The definition of juicy and brambly hits the palate with light feet and plenty of acidity, with a mysterious inky dark purple colour. Barbecue pork Chinese style would be perfect or, even more straightforward, a pulled pork sandwich. It is fun but serve it chilled. Temendous value here but for wine nuts only.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Faustino Rioja Organic 2020
Rioja, SpainA new wine from an old Rioja wine producer that is surprisingly certified organic. The colour is dark, the yields are low, and the tempranillo is a mix of berries black and red. The attack is round but fresh, and the tannins youthful but light. A perfect mid week chicken wine that would also suit soft cheese.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Torres Celeste Crianza 2019
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainCeleste has a history of over-delivering for the price, and it is easy to know why. Maybe it is the sheer elegance, possibly the drinkability or both. Whatever it is, you need to stock up. Celeste is made at an altitude 950 meters above sea level, among the market's most charming Ribera del Duero. It is a fabulous restaurant wine, making it an even better value if you buy it and drink it at home. The all tempranillo red has muted smoky undertones that mix with black cherries, a dash of oak and a warm long, lush, balanced finish. Like last year this is crazy delicious, and it is your choice: you can drink or cellar for five more years.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.20 | 1500ml |
| NB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Losada Bierzo 2018
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainI've said it before, and I'll repeat it: if you love big reds and want to up your game to another level of sophistication and enjoyment, look to Bierzo. Losada aims to make an elegant new wave Bierzo by seeking out old vineyards, traditionally planted on clay soils, a terroir that the Bierzo's new wave had relatively overlooked. The style is rich, juicy, mineral-laden, supporting, and has a showy red fruit palate. The finish is long and packed with sweet, savoury cinnamon spice. Steak with licorice. A blockbuster wine made for lamb or venison.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rectoral de Amandi Matilda Nieves Mencia 2020
Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, SpainBodegas Rectoral de Amandi is benchmark in Ribeira Sacra, not only for being the largest volume producer (2 million+ bottles per year), but also for being directly responsible for the development of this heroic mountain viticulture DO. Winemaking dates back to Roman times, and was continued by the monks in the Middle Ages. This cuvée was named after one of the founder’s granddaughters, and the grapes are sourced from vineyards in all five subregions of Ribeira Sacra. The blend is based on Mencía (85%), aided by Garnacha, and Sousón with vines ranging from 5-60 years old, rooted in alluvial, slate, pebbles, and granite. It was native fermented in stainless, where it remained until bottling. Soft and dusky wild plum, mulberry, blueberry, is scented with scrubby red florals across a juicy palate, brightened easily by altitude and viewed purely thanks to stainless. The medium body is lined with slate, and nimbly framed by long, wispy tannins, finishing with a dusting of white pepper. A real charmer, and one to enjoy liberally with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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25 July 2022
92PTS
Torres Mas La Plana 2015
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis iconic Spanish wine has been in the spotlight since the 1979 Paris Judgement (The Wine Olympics) when the 1970 Mas La Plana beat out Bordeaux for the Cab Crown. From deep, limestone-rich soils in Alt Penedès, Catalunya, this cabernet sauvignon was destemmed, fermented in stainless, with a gentle extraction. This spent 18 months in French oak (85% new) barrels. Drinking beautifully now, with gravelled dark cherry, wild thorny cassis, and perfumed plum layered with cracked peppercorns and worn leather. Acidity is still bright, while tannins are softer and sunken into the fruit, propping the wine to a gently lingering finish. Certainly iconic, this is a worthy choice to crack with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $72.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Los Vascos Cromas Cabernet Sauvignon Gtan Reserva 2018
ChileLos Vascos wines try to bring a bit of the Lafite tradition to the terroir of Chile, which means hoping for elegance and finesse over powerful fruit and spice. In a way, it is the case with this Gran Reserva. The property is the vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, who arrived in Chile in 1988, almost a century after Chile sent vines to Bordeaux to resuscitate its vineyards after phylloxera. It was the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Los Vascos is located in Valle de Caneten inside the Colchagua, 40 kilometres from the sea. With 1,581 acres planted on the over 10,000 acre estate, it is one of the most extensive vineyards in the central Colchagua Valley, at the foot of Mount Cañeten. The blend is 88% cabernet sauvignon, 10% syrah, and 2% carménère. It was a warm year, but as is the case most of the time, the grapes were blessed by an equally cool night. Los Vascos wines are made in the Bordeaux way. After malolactic fermentation, 50% of the wine is transferred into French oak barrels for 12 months. The nose is intense, mixing cherries and plums with blackcurrants and a savoury and spicy clove underside. The tannins are rich and dense but well-rounded. You can drink this now with a grilled steak, but another year or two in the bottle will only enhance your absolute pleasure. The Cromas name is said to be inspired by the colours of nature, the soil, and the terroirPrices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Viña Chocalán Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2019
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileA journey back to the medicinal, herbaceous, chocolate style of the 90s but with a bit more terroir, if not finesse. The palate is lush, dense, and full of coffee and tobacco, with black cherry rushing from underneath. This is barbecue wine for those who need a big red with almost everything they eat. The fruit is coastal Maipo Valley and includes 10 percent carmenere and 5% petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.69 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Torres Mas La Plana 2016
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom the heart of Penedès, subzone of Turons de Vilafranca, Mas la Plana is spread acorss 29 hallowed hectares of ten plots on two levels. The lower level has loamy soils, whereas the higher level is predominantly marlstone. The vines are old, planted in the 1970s, and have adapted well to the ever-warming Mediterranean climate. Today, the Mas La Plana estate is a natural ecosystem, benefitting from regenerative viticulture and teaming with life. So too is the wine, teaming with life. This is not your typical cabernet sauvignon. Instead, it takes its cue from Bordeaux and offers complexity and concentration without losing its balance. It is fermented in stainless and oak foudres and spends 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 65 percent were new. Its juicy, fleshy nature draws you into the wine, with rich black cherry, tobacco, and a tremendous savoury undercurrent that permeates. This is the real deal. Drink or hold through the next decade or beyond.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $57.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Red Horses Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNothing but respect for people who can ripen cabernet sauvignon in BC, but new French oak for 25 months seems a bit much for 49 degree north fruit. That said, this Reserve is a big step up on the regular label this year, showing more complex and developed fruit with oak char, tobacco, and cedar notes throughout. Back plums, spice, and blackcurrant are in abundance and still relatively youthful. Consider cellaring this for two to four more years and give it a chance to stretch its legs.Prices:| BC | $36.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Horses Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA small production of South Okanagan cabernet sauvignon opens with a cedary, caramel, dark berry nose with the oak dominating. The palate is more of the same with dark fruit highlights, spice, and enough freshness to keep it engaging. Not quite up to the 2018. Ready to drink now with grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Undurraga T. H. Terroir Hunter Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alto Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThere is something special about Pirque and the Alto Maipo, and it is just the kind of thing the Terroir Hunter Series was designed to find. The series is a prime example of what can be done in Chile, starting with an intense, smoky, cassis, cabernet sauvignon nose from fruit farmed at 700 meters above sea level on small sandy clay alluvial terraces. The attack is intense with savoury Maipo fruit. Generous swaths of texture roam your palate while the spice, tobacco, and complexity of this wine begin to overwhelm your palate. In the end, a floral, peppery mineral undertone mixes in the pepper and spice, leaving you wanting more. Impressive any way you cut it, and may I suggest you cut it with a steak. Drink or hold, it will only get better.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesThis cabernet takes its name from the vineyards that lie along the southern hills of the Livermore Valley. It's made with two clones originally planted by pioneer Charles Wetmore from 19th century Bordeaux cuttings. The family has been farming the land and making wine in the Livermore Valley since 1883. It's generally aromatic, offering cedar, tobacco, and smoke along with pleasantly ripe blackberry and black plum. Dry and firm but hardly rustic, it is a refreshing style of California cabernet perfect for grilled sausages or beef tacos.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.49 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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22 July 2022
90PTS
Nigl Senftenberger Piri Gruner Veltliner 2015
Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFrom Kremstal's Senftenberger Piri, this GV is rooted in south facing slopes of mica-schist, and raised in stainless. Honeycomb is drawn throughout this maturing gruner, weaving through quince, pear skin, waxy lemon peel, ash, and a grippy schistous undercurrent. Acidity is gentle but arrow straight, directing this to a white pepper scented finish. Though 2015 was a very hot year, this is only 12.5%. Subtle and intellectual, drinking smartly at this time.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Terravista Albariño 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnder the previous owners and founders, Bob and Senka Tennant, Albariño was planted in BC in the late 2000s on a sloping, rocky property on Naramata Bench. They were the first winery to sell this Galician grape commercially in Canada. This year, for the first time, the entirety of this fruit comes off their estate Lone Hand Ranch. It was picked in 2 lots, whole-cluster-pressed and excellent fermented in stainless until dry. Albariño it is, with white peach, apricot fuzz, lime pith, river stones, a lick of anise, and fresh green herbs, the latter more of n Okanagan effect. The whole has a buzzy, fresh vibrato undercut that finishes with a lingering saline note. Naramata pure, this is a lovely version, drinking smartly now.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hic et Nunc Monolite Cortese 2021
Piedmont, ItalyHic et Nunc is from from the Latin 'Here and Now', and devoted to making wines from their home in Monferrato, in northwestern Italy's Piemonte. Of their 100 hectares of arable lands, woods and poplar groves, 20 hectares are dedicated to local vines, and the are entirely estate, organically managed, on clay limestone soils. This comes from a white marl vineyard at 170m, and was fermented in stainless where most of it remains (10% into 225L barriques) for 6 months. Full in the mouth, with ample acacia, fragrant white blossoms, ripe pear, baked quince, marzipan, and spice toasted almonds, this is a stylish, and accomplished bigger white, ready for equally rich white proteins and / or creamy risottos.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sunnybrae Siegerrebe 2021
Shuswap, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a deliciously aromatic and correct siegerrebe that comes from the Shuswap. It seems perfectly suited to the site and has been made with a gentle hand. It is full of roses and fresh litchi with a dusting of minerality and citrus. You can drink this solo or with lightly spiced appetizers. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Sovereign Opal 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSovereign Opal is a unique wine with a long history at Calona Wines/Sandhill, first championed by celebrated winemaker Howard Soon. The current edition opens with an aromatic nose rife with tropical fruit. The palate is medium sweet, showing pink grapefruit, white peaches, and sweet lemons. The acidity is low, making it easy to sip, especially when chilled. Try this with a favourite curry or spicy chicken dish for the best effect.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cascina Galarin Pra Done Moscato d'Asti 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis organic moscato blanco comes from Castagnole Lanze's calcareous clays, between 250-350m. The fruit was fermented cool in stainless, with no MLF, to preserve freshness. Fresh, lifted, and bright, with fragrant orange blossoms, cold cream, apricot, perfumed elderflower on a slight 5.5% palate, with ample RS to make this a dessert-driven pairing. Whatever frizzante was there has gently dispersed, leaving this with a mere prickle. Very primary and fruit-forward, take this with vanilla custards or simple fruit desserts.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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21 July 2022
88PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 chenin confusingly blends in 7% viognier, making for questionable bedmates indeed. The Chenin was cold settled and fermented in 90% stainless and 10% neutral French oak, while the Viognier grapes were entirely barrel-fermented. There is a creamy mid-palate, housing ripe pears, yellow apple, white peach, and lime peel, with a fragrant gingersnap seasoning. Not so chenin; treat this as an aromatic white blend, and one ideally suited to fragrant Asian seafood/veg dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.79 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $23.19 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.05 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Daschbosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2021
Breedekloof, Breede River Valley, South AfricaFrom a 58-year-old vineyard in Breedekloof comes a fine example of old vine chenin made by one of the leading producers in the region. Breedekloof is on the eastern border of Paarl, and the vines grown at the Mossiesdrift farm are registered as part of South Africa's Old Vine Project. Hand picked, destemmed, and crushed, they go through a cold soak and long slow cool fermentation in old neutral oak, mixing commercial and wild yeast before being left on its considerable lees for six months and barrel matured for eight months. The palate is an elegant expression of chenin with exploding ripe lemon and a load of minerality in the form of wet stones, finishing with a light dusting of spice. Impressive, vibrant, and totally, old vine, it is the real thing. West Coast seafood is the match.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChenin Blanc has been growing at Quails’ Gate Estate for more than 20 years, and they remain one of the few producing the variety today. The QG styling is dry and floral with a bright lemony floral nose with quite an aromatic lift, no doubt from a bump of 7 percent viognier. The chenin is cold settled and fermented in 90% stainless steel and 10% neutral French oak, while the Viognier grapes were barrel fermented in neutral French oak. On the palate, lemon and guava meet a peachy/pear finish. There is plenty of Okanagan acidity to keep it tight and food friendly. I have enjoyed this with freshly shucked oysters and steamed mussels, but it would be equally at home with a buttery halibut dish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.79 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.05 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $23.19 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.05 | 750ml |
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20 July 2022
86PTS
Lakeside Cellars Portage Red 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Dhaliwal family purchased the 14-hectare Osoyoos lakeshore property in 2015 and renovated the older vineyards (from 1998) and the heritage building, formerly part of the Haynes homestead of 1882, the Okanagan’s first commercial orchard. This year the blend is a 43/36/21 mix of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot from Osoyoos and the Golden Mile. The attack is warm and spicy, with a lot of oak sitting on baked fruit. At this point, only a rack of sweet and sour barbecue ribs will save this wine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kismet Estate Mantra 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn excellent vintage and 44% merlot is a good way to start a BC blend. The remainder includes cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and malbec. The winery chose the moniker Mantra, a sacred Indian word that embodies spiritual power and is often used as an object of concentration. On the palate its mostly blackberries and black cherries dusted in coffee and tobacco notes. An easy sipping, oaky style you can drink now with burgers or beef tacos.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate The Premier 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Premier is nearly 60 percent merlot mixed with cabernet sauvignon, marquette, petit verdot, syrah, cabernet franc, and malbec. The style is hedonistic, almost a throwback to another time when big, rich, and ripe red wines ruled the world. For some, this is precisely what they want in red wine. The back is not as cheery, showing some savoury green that adds another dimension. A solid mid-week choice best served with grilled meats or roasted fall vegetables.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frind Estate Big Red 2020
British Columbia, CanadaExpect a youthful, fruit forward red blend, still with some tannin to shed. The mix is 49/22/12/6/5/3/3 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marechal Foch, Pinot Noir, Syrah. The nose has a light plummy, black cherry tone that follows on the palate, finishing dry with a dusting of pepper. Something off the barbecue would handle the tannins at this point.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Kobau Vineyard Cuvée No 15 2019
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2019 is the second Cuvée to come off Kobau Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench. The nose is an ultra inviting mix of savoury black fruit aromas with a dusting of spice. As we have experienced in Bolgheri and parts of the Languedoc, the south Okanagan reds come with a savoury herbal, spicy undercurrent that balances off the fully ripe fruit that thrives in the GI. The cabernet franc percentage has risen to the advantage of this label. A drop in chocolate and a rise in umami have made a splendid difference. The southerly aspect of the Kobau Vineyard allows the vines to bask in the early morning sun and escape the heat o the late day. Stock up. This is a winner.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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19 July 2022
86PTS
Gneiss Pendulum 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Pendulum is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Shiraz. The wine is youthful, with a fresh undercurrent of acidity poking into the red berry fruit. The finish is dry and spicy. Serve now with a favourite beef dish or cellar another year or two.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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18 July 2022
87PTS
Elouan Pinot Noir 2018
Oregon, United StatesThis accessible wine is part of the Wagner family, with Joseph J Wagner overseeing winemaking of this easy, entry Oregon red. Though fruit comes from across Western Oregon, it was vinified and bottled in California. Soft, cushy plum, cherry jam, and light spice rules the short palate, framed with downy tannins. Simple and easy, as intended. Drink now.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Minimus Pinot Noir Dijon Free 2017
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesNo Dijon clones were harmed in the making of this wine. Though Dijon clones are prevalent throughout the Willamette, they wanted to create a wine using only heirloom clones. This was a blend of Mount Eden, Swan, Mariafeld, with 30% whole cluster, aged in neutral French oak. Fragrant black cherry, wild raspberry, black tea flood the juicy palate, with finely sticky, long tannins housing the pure fruit. The finish lingers with dried florals and salinity. Quite lovely and multilayered, and a wonderfully different lens with which to view Willamette pinot.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Laurelwood District 2017
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesDick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s with a spirit of adventure and a passion for making world class Pinot Noir. For the last 25 years, this philosophy has been carried on by the Ponzi family's second generation: President and Director of Sales and Marketing, Anna Maria Ponzi and Winemaker Luisa Ponzi. Their 130 acres of estate vineyards are LIVE Certified Sustainable. In 2021, the winery was purchased by Champagne's Bollinger family. This comes from the recently recognized AVA Laurelwood District, and blends fruit from the family's Aurora, Avellana and Madrona plantings, blended with Gemini, Paloma, Sufi and Alloro vineyards, across higher elevation volcanic and loess soils. This spent 14 months in French oak (20% new). Perfumed wild raspberry, silken cherry, baked strawberries is housed with silken sheer tannins, and lifted with subtle acidity. The finish is slightly warming, and dusted with sweet spices. Drinking smartly now, ideally with rosemary pork and/or mushrooms. Finished with a Diam10 cork, so you know the winery expects this to last a while.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Ponzi Vineyards Tavola Pinot Noir 2019
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesDick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s with a spirit of adventure and a passion for making world class Pinot Noir. For the last 25 years, this philosophy has been carried on by the Ponzi family's second generation: President and Director of Sales and Marketing, Anna Maria Ponzi and Winemaker Luisa Ponzi. Their 130 acres of estate vineyards are LIVE Certified Sustainable. In 2021, the winery was purchased by Champagne's Bollinger family. This sees 20% new oak, providing more expansiveness to the soft, plush palate, one caressed by plump raspberry, juicy plum, and strawberry compote. Tannins are equally soft and welcoming, and this friendly pinot finishes with a dusting of baking spice. Smart intro to Willamette pinot noir from a pioneering family.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Erath Pinot Noir 2020
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesErath generally has a lighter colour, reminiscent of village Burgundy than North American coastal pinot noir. However, in this case, the acidity and firmness of the structure are the perfect backdrops for cherry berry, raspberry, and earthy, savoury forest floor. The fruit is a blend from vineyards in Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys grown over Jory, Willakenzie, silty loams, and clays. A well-made introductory style to Oregon pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Sea Sun Pinot Noir 2019
California, United StatesFrom vineyards in Monterey, Solano, and San Luis Obispo, all cooler climates, comes this big, baked, hot and browning pinot noir. Above ample ripeness is met with cloudy, clunky oak, a chewy, browning palate, and ample alcohol in the back end. Not real wine, and best to look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.30 | 750ml |
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15 July 2022
91PTS
Quails' Gate Three Wolves Vineyard Pinot Gris 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new release is sourced from Three Wolves Vineyard in West Kelowna, which has deep volcanic silt soils at the base of Mount Boucherie. It shows a pure, precise nose of honeyed stone fruits and crunchy pear, leading to a crisp, concentrated, mineral-driven palate that's laden with orange blossom. A beautiful, serious expression of pinot gris, which is bone dry and impeccably balanced with excellent fruit intensity. Tasted twice, including blind at the National Wine Awards of Canada.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sage Hayward Vineyards Pinot Gris 2021
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaSage Hayward Vineyards is a new family-owned estate found on Saturna, comprised of two brothers and their wives. They purchased and recovered mostly fallow vineyards on a property that Sea Star had owned, but had to sell. Tyler Cox is the winemaker, and Michael Bartier is a consultant. Though it states only pinot gris on the label, this wine blends in 15% chardonnay, from their Longfield and Ramsbottom vineyards. It was whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless where it remained on lees for 5 months. Tight and sharp, with lean green apple, herbal grass, crab apple, lemon pith and peel on a light 10.6% palate. This certainly feels marine-swept, though hopefully the grapes can achieve a bit more ripeness and pass through a touch more acid in future. Racy. Promising project.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2021
British Columbia, CanadaFruit for this PG comes off their estate Dry Creek Vineyard, plus one in West Kelowna, and one is Savona. Half the grapes were crushed and destemmed, with 6 hours' skin contact, while the remainder saw no skins at all. The whole was fermented cool and aged 5 months on lees in stainless. Round and juicy, with Asian pear, crunchy Anjou pear, fragrant melon on a brief, snappy palate. Fruit-forward and fresh, crack into this youthful wine this summer / fall.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sperling Vineyards Amber Pinot Gris Organic 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis singular natural, orange, pinot gris comes off Ann Sperling's certified organic/biodynamic vineyard in East Kelowna, belonging to her family since 1925. Pouring a very cloudy dark peach hue, this was whole bunch, native fermented to dryness and pressed after setting. This went to bottle sans fining, filtration, or sulphuring. Grippy and textural, with heady apricot fuzz, peach pit, ash, pear skin, and mandarin pith, with moderate acidity well in tune with moderate 11.5% alcohol. One for adventuresome drinkers to chill well and take now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Whispered Secret Vineyard Pinot Gris 2021
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the certified organic Whispered Secret Vineyard in Keremeos, on the cooler south side of the valley, this gris was whole cluster and fermented cool and slow in a mix of stainless barrels, tanks, and French puncheons over 1 month, with an additional 3 months' aging on lees. Creamy and textural, with ripe pear, white peach, nectarine pit, scrubby desert sage, on a lees-lined palate. Lovely concentration here, ready to tackle summer dishes like veg / seafood green curry.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Pinot Gris 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA touch of oak marks the wine, working to balance the sweet and sour fruit salad palate. Pears and ripe yellow apple dusted in lime zest keep it fresh throughout. Fresh, fun and quaffable, the fruit is grown at Ryegrass vineyard and is whole bunch pressed and aged in French oak (7% new) for 6 months.Prices:| BC | $17.31 | 750ml |
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14 July 2022
90PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Into the Darkest Wood 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls (bottled at Echo Bay Vineyard), sourcing special vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. From a certified organic vineyard in Osoyoos, this was whole cluster and semi-carbo, with partial foot trodding and four weeks' fermentation. It was then pressed off into 2 puncheons and 1 barrique for a 16 month rest. Downy and brooding violets, with sultry plum, balsam, sapid twig, and dark earth along a slender 12.5% palate. Acidity is crunchy, edges are herbal, and tannins are furry, finishing with a cracked white peppercorn note. Fantastic diversity in their syrah portfolio (this is 1 of 3 cuvées I know of), this natty syrah will have many fans. Take with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rigour & Whimsy Thus Spoke Veruca 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing special vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. This new wine blends 85% syrah and 15% viognier from an Oliver vineyard, cofermented. This new wine, a sibling of their familiar Multiverse, was whole cluster fermented and macerated over 1 month, with 9 months' barrel aging. The whole cluster is apparent from first herbal whiff, with alluring white pepper and pitchy sapid notes carrying into the medium bodied (13%) palate, where silken plum and boysenberry meet up with fragrant violets, sweet fennel salami, and flake salts. Really lovely, gentle, pretty example of Syrah, and one that takes me to cool climate Oz rather than Southern Okanagan. Well done R&W.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Syrah 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNaramata grown and raised, this 20 year old syrah comes off Hidden Valley Vineyard, located just south of the winery above the Naramata Highway. The style is decidedly relaxed and dry with firm acidity and a bony Rhone bent. It opens with a raft of black raspberry and spicy clove with more savoury hits along the way. Elegant and refined, it is a syrah for contemplation and gastronomy. This gets an 11 day cold soak, 21 days of skin contact, and spends nine months in 26 percent French oak. Best of all, it comes in at 11.8 percent alcohol. I love this juicy, fresh style, so alive it speaks to some exceptional terroir. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lake Breeze Cellar Series Mistral 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mistral Syrah is part of the Lake Breeze Cellar Series, a luxurious collection adorned with a wind goddess. Winemaker Garron Elms says, “each varietal pays tribute to the regional wind that embodies its unique winemaking style.” The Mistral wind is a critical component in the terroir of the Rhône Valley, keeping disease due to dampness to a minimum. 2018 is a tasty little red with soft edges mixing pepper and black fruits, plums, cherries with a streak of blueberry. The harmony here will appeal to most drinkers, and its glossy textures are ready to drink. Try this with anything grilled on the barbecue to show it at its best.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom fruit (syrah cofermented with a tip of viognier) off both the Golden Mile Bench and Black Sage Bench, this is instantly recognizable as syrah, with ample dark pepper, perfumed violets, ripe blackberry filling a plump, Southern Okanagan fed palate. Cushy tannins are well pitched to the amplitude of fruit, hugging the full wine to a lightly smokey finish. A smart syrah for grilled fare.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Desert Hills Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways one of the best wines at Desert Hills, 2019 Syrah opens with a blast of pepper, smoke, and intense ripe fruit. The attack is equally full with a savoury, smoky, meaty, mid-palate and long, protracted, peppery finish. The tannins are smooth, the texture glycerine, but all with a measure of acidity to keep it on beam. Drink or hold, but if you are opening a bottle, think lamb or rare beef.Prices:| BC | $36.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Yellow Tail Shiraz 20 Year Anniversary Limited Release 2012
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaExpect a surprisingly dark colour for 2012 but some definite age in the form of orange hues at the edge. The nose is classic Yellow Tail, with chocolate, blueberry, and vanilla spread across the entire palate. Soft and sweet, it is starting to dry out but is fun nevertheless and a tiny bit of history given how much of this wine has been sold worldwide since 1992. It was initially designed for beer shoppers who needed a bottle of wine for the non-beer drinkers. Ready to drink.Prices:| QC | $18.70 | 750ml |
| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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13 July 2022
88PTS
Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2021
South Australia, AustraliaEntry level wine has always played an essential part in my quality calculations regarding the measure of any winery. At Yalumba, the Y Series consists of 11 wines, and one of the best is the Viognier. With the most extensive planting of viognier on the planet, Yalumba winemaker Louisa Rose has a virtual playground of vines to choose from. In the case of the Y, she blends fruit across Southern Australia. The key is there is no giant tank. Instead, each parcel is natively fermented, bringing the necessary prerequisite to the blend: white flowers, apricot nectar, bright acidity, and zest. I love the fresh and peppery style with crunchy green melon, lemon pith, and subtle apricot flavours. It would also work with Asian chicken dishes or as the perfect foil for vegetable pan dishes.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Eden Valley Viognier 2020
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Eden Valley Viognier released under the Samuel's Collection honours Samuel Smith, founder of Yalumba. Winemaker Louisa Rose works with 11 blocks and seven separate vineyards that age on their lees in various older French oak vessels for ten months. The nose is viognier fragrant, pitching honeydew, white flowers, and lime rind. On the palate, the sweet, peach, lush fruit spreads from front to back across a creamy layer streaked with lime rind and spice. So firm and tight, it sets up nicely for the dinner table. Famed British food and wine writer Fiona Beckett thinks the match is mild spicy noodle dishes like Pad Thai, or chicken salads with apricot, peach or mango. Or try my favourite, lamb tagine with apricot.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Yalumba Viognier The Virgilius Eden Valley 2018
Eden Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe Virgilius is the flagship white wine at Yalumba and the pinnacle of the long running viognier project. It is pretty much safe to say that the Hill-Smith family and its talented wine growing team saved the viognier variety from extinction. A portion of the blend comes off 40+ year vines in the Eden Valley with new additions of the exact mother clone planted next door in 1995. Winemaker Louisa Rose does a masterful job of extracting all that is required to be viognier without ever going over the top into the heavily perfumed range. So fragrant and bright, the fruit dances along your palate, stopping to release some citrus, minerality, lemons, white pepper, and a stony finish. More ethereal than any other label, it is sure to be the standard for viognier for many decades.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Yalumba Organic Viognier 2021
South Australia, AustraliaAt Yalumba, the environmental philosophy begins with the "belief that sustainability never ends," so the winery continually strives to reduce its impact on the environment and the community to ensure they are around for generations to come. The Organic Viognier comes from the Babich family property at Loxton along the Murray River, the Bassham family vineyard in Barmera, and the Yarra Vale Vineyard in Virginia. It is all wild fermented and aged in place in stainless steel. The attack is richer and much more vibrant than the Y, with pronounced apricot and peach. The finish is equally striking with more of the same seasoned with honeydew, exotic flowers and spice. A classic bottle that would fool the French. Stock up at this price.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Desert Hills Viognier 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Osoyoos estate, this viognier was fermented and aged 82% in stainless, with the remainder in barrel. Pouring a deeper yellow hue, this fatter, looser viognier feels its wood weight, and additional ripening, with baked apricot, peach jam, ripe yellow apple, and ample gingersnap spicing along the shorter, oily palate. Not shy.Prices:| BC | $22.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Gneiss Viognier 2021
British Columbia, CanadaFrom a site north of Oliver, near McIntyre Bluff, this is a simple, short, bold white with peach, apricot candy, and ripe yellow apple, with hints of hot dog, and finishing with gingerale on a warming finish. Chill well down.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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12 July 2022
89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Home Block Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a vineyard close to the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake, this is the first pinot noir to ripen in their Home Block. Harested over a couple of weeks in early September, this spent four months on lees post-ferment. Pouring a pale peach hue, this sleek pink streams pink grapefruit, perfumed raspberry, mandarin, green apple on a steely palate, with the crisp acidity offset by a slight tip of RS. A stylish rosé for cracking into this summer.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé Nouveau 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis 8% abv rosé is just about perfect for summertime in the Okanagan. (The high was 33 degrees in Penticton today, so I'm trying this under ideal circumstances.) It's a welcome addition to the low alcohol category, and it hits the mark with a light, brisk palate that's balanced, dry (2 g/L), and all about refreshment and fruit, showing bright red berries and citrus. All it really needs is to be packaged in a can for easy enjoyment on the beach.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPoplar Grove's Rosé is a dependable go-to, and the 2021 vintage is no different. It shows a combination of juicy red fruits, with a mix of cherry, strawberry, and candied watermelon, alongside a dusting of spices, leading to a balanced, approachable palate that's dry and laden with fruit. There's some astringency to the finish, and this will show at its best at the patio table paired with summer salads topped with grilled chicken or salmon.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sperling Organic Heritage Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deeply-hued rosé was off their biodynamically-farmed estate pinot noir 777 clones. Instead, this was a whole cluster pressed and fermented in barrel, where it remained until the following March when bottled. Ripe strawberry, raspberry jam, subtle smoke is set against a wave of VA, leaving it with a tart, yet warming finish. Snappy and punchy, this needs a brisk chill.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 rosé blends 65% young vine whole bunch pinot noir, with 1985 and 2013 plantings of pinot meunier, fermented native in neutral oak barrels. Pouring a peach hue, this leads with ample summer strawberries, ripe red apple, apricot yogurt on a softer, creamy body, with fine baking spices scenting the finish. Ready to crack this summer.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sokol Blosser Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThe Sokol Blosser Rosé is all pinot noir fruit, and it is grown to be rosé. It’s made in a very agreeable dry style. Best of all, it is not overthought, nor does it try too hard to be anything but a rosé. Bright fruit, juicy, and well balanced, it has summer written all over it. In British Columbia, it is the match for Dungeness crab.Prices:| BC | $31.89 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sandhill Sangiovese Rosé Block No C9 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI fell in love with the Italian version of sangiovese rosé last week, and this effort by Sandhill is also a keeper. I love the pale peach colour, and the delicate fruit nuances mixing grapefruit, fresh red berries, watermelon, and sea salt. Lovely styling and balance, and was perfect with fresh cream cheese. Pricey, but worth buying direct.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCdS Rosé is a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% malbec from the home estate and La Côte in Keremeos. It is all farmed organically. The style is bright and tight with perfect tension and that strong mineral dusty, stony Simikameen base under an enticing mix of grapefruit rhubarb, cherries and sea salt. A delicious summer rosé for almost any occasion, with or without food.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Umberto Cesari Costa di Rosa Sangiovese Rosé 2021
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyWho knew sangiovese could be so inviting in the form of rosé? At Umberto Cesari in western Romagna they have launched a pale, pale peachy orange rosé that sings summer and al fresco dining. All made in six months, it delivers the essence of strawberries and watermelon with a streak of pink grapefruit in a tart, fresh, dry style that makes your mouth water. Add in a knockout stylish Blue Tiffany label and you have a winner. If you want to be a hipster wine guy or gal take this to your next weekend party, but don’t take your hands off the bottle because it will be gone before you know it.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHillside makes an all-Naramata rosé that bucks the pale pink barely-there style that is all the current rage. The colour pours a deep pink hue partly due to the grapes involved in this year's blend. A premium block of merlot is crushed directly to the press and given minimal contact, while the rest of the mixture comes from small portions of juice brained or bled (saignée) during cold soaks from blocks of merlot (68%), cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. As a result, the palate is awash in intense, juicy red and pink fruit, like cherries, pink grapefruit and blood orange. A small amount of muscat ottonel and viognier is added for lightness and a floral lift. A bump of residual sugar suggests you serve it well chilled and or serve it with a favourite spicy food item. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Frind Estate Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a bolder rosé, pouring a medium pink hue, that shows a combination of ripe summer berries, watermelon rind, and spice. Medium-bodied, crisp, and dry, this will pair nicely with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, as the winery suggests. Made predominantly from Merlot with four hours of skin contact.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe origins are 41/30/25/4 gewurztraminer, chardonnay, pinot gris and syrah from the estate Cerqueira Vineyard (mostly granite glacial till with sandy loam topsoil), and a Summerland site of sandy silt topsoil on mainly granite gravel. Look for a pale soft pink colour, the Bartier Rosé calling card, and an aromatic open nose of freshly squeezed grapefruit, rosé petals, and bitter nectarine. It’s a manly version this year, bone dry and awaiting a generous charcuterie plate. The chardonnay and gewürztraminer were fermented solo in stainless steel tanks; the pinot gris fermented on skins for 12 days to achieve colour and light tannins; the syrah goes through a 17-day maceration with cultured yeast. Finally, all the varieties rested three months in stainless steel before bottling. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Rosé 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Meyer Rosé is all pinot noir, and in 2021 it will come with a middle of the pack pink/orange colour. The fruit comes off a mix of sites across the Okanagan. Post ferment, it spends four months on its lees. Look for a strawberry campfire nose that spills onto the savoury, dry palate. Ready to drink now and best with bites of food.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Play Saignée 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSaignée is a French term to describe the process of bleeding a tank that concentrates the remaining red wine, and provides pink juice typically made as a rosé. The 2021 is a 50/22/28 mix of merlot, syrah, and various grapes used in other Play wines. The style is fresh, almost tart, with refreshing, crunchy green apple streaked with red fruits and a touch of residual sugar. A fun summer sipper with plenty of citrus notes to allow you to chill out under the sun.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Modest Wines The Eye of the Partridge Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé, sourced from Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, pours a stylish pale pink thanks to just a couple of hours (plus a few minutes) of skin contact. It's restrained yet complex, showing pink grapefruit and wild strawberry with an attractive orange blossom lift. Dry, round, and crisp, this is beautifully balanced and evocative of both variety and place, with a long, saline finish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2020
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis single vineyard gamay rosé comes off Haywire's estate Secrest Mountain Vineyard in Oliver. It's slightly darker in colour, going against the pale rosé trend of the moment, but it's all the better for it. There's an attractive combination of expressive fruit and savoury complexity, with dried cherry, rose petal, sagebrush, and layers of spice. Dry, with a soft, silky texture that elevates this wine (it's aged in concrete prior to bottling), there's excellent fruit intensity on the palate, which makes this a contemplative rosé to enjoy on its own, or equally versatile when it comes to food pairing.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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11 July 2022
88PTS
Mayhem Riesling 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 Riesling comes off 21B clones at Garagan Vineyard. It was handpicked on September 30 at full ripeness. It is all whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel before being halted with a bump of residual sugar. Post ferment, it was aged on its lees for six months in a combination of neutral French puncheons (36%) and stainless steel tanks (64%). The style is open, floral, juicy, and fun. The residual sugar lets it pop in your mouth and makes me think of spicy bites to allow it to shine. Fun, fun, fun, and nothing more. Stock up all summer.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
St. Hubertus Vineyards Family Estate Riesling 2015
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA fine example of the ability of BC riesling to age. At seven years along, this screwcap finished riesling is awash in minerality and honeyed apple streaked with lime rind and an exotic orange undercurrent. Long and full flavoured with a nutty finish, this is just about at its zenith, and undoubtedly ready for a savoury chicken dish or a full flavoured fish recipe. Great value.Prices:| BC | $16.75 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Dry Riesling 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe QG Dry Riesling has been farmed from the same site for more than 30 years. 2021 follows in the crisp, clean footsteps of its predecessors, pitching crunchy lime, green apple against juicy peaches running through the wine's back end. The winery restaurant serves this with Asian style salads infused with coriander, Vietnamese lemongrass vermicelli bowl, Thai fish cakes, or a luscious fresh cracked crab cocktail. It is ready to drink but will hold for years under a screwcap. It is a terrific value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spearhead Riesling 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic edition riesling combines grapes sourced from Seven Mountain Vineyards in West Kelowna and estate fruit from Southeast Kelowna, all hand harvested. Look for floral red apple and honeydew with candied lemon and sweet vanilla through the finish. A bump of residual balanced by acidity still allows for a chance to sip this solo on the patio or to be served with a favourite spicy sushi roll. Half is whole bunch pressed, while half undergoes maceration and cold soaking on skins for 24 hours. The process allows for complex fruit aromas and increased mouth texture. Mission accomplished. Good value.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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08 July 2022
88PTS
El Petit Bonhomme Tinto 2020
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainEl Petit Bonhomme is a Jumilla blend hand harvested and fermented for two weeks in small stainless steel vats. The malolactic fermentation was in 225L French oak barrels for the monastrell and syrah, and in 300L American oak for the garnacha. The total ageing is only six months. This might be the best yet of this 55/30/15 bush vine mix. Look for plump red fruit served without makeup. An authentic country red you can serve to people who love wine.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
St. Hubertus Great Canadian Red 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like the previous version, this is a basic, clean, fresh red wine made with fruit grown in the cool, north Okanagan Valley. It mixes juicy chambourcin, pinot noir, and maréchal foch to make a light, fresh, somewhat acidic red that is ready to take on a game dish or mature cheeses. A four cheese pizza might be your best move here.Prices:| BC | $12.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mathilde Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom the legendary Michel Chapoutier's daughter, Mathilde, this sans-soufre blend of grenache and syrah comes from calcareous gravels over clay. Destemmed grapes went to concrete for 4 weeks' native ferment, after which the wine remains there for 5 months to rest. The concrete has added a welcome textural component, threaded throughout downy plum, black raspberry on a softer, shorter palate. Tannins are fine and sticky, hugging a muddied core to the subtly spiced finish. One for drinking now, with lighter, simple fare.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Vertis Organic 2020
Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThe Castano family are the kings of monastrell, and their latest venture Vertis is another example of their ability to turn out attractive, inexpensive organic versions of this grape. Vertis is 90 percent monastrell mixed with a 10 percent blend of garnacha, syrah, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, and tempranillo. The attack is juicy and soft, with plenty of upfront black cherry streaked with wild black fruits and soft, easy sipping textures. Balanced and ready to drink, this would work with many favourite chicken, rice or pizza dishes, or more decadent one-pan vegetable dishes. Not listed yet but what else is new in BC? Check with the distributor for an update on its listing status. Very good value.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro Original 2019
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLight peppery, slightly reductive meaty nose mixed with dried herbs and fresh black cherry, with a touch of curry spice in the finish. The garnacha cariñena blend is ready to drink with simply prepared lamb or pork chops or a meaty pizza. Simple everyday red.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.60 | 750ml |
| YK | $16.00 | 750ml |
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07 July 2022
90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2019
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaYou will love the light and juicy expression of this Island coastal pinot noir that comes with a pale red-orange colour and a complex mix of flavours. The entry is silky with alluring forest floor streaked with cherries and spice. The palate is a complex mix of dry black cherry and wild raspberry that barely make it out of the glass, with piercing acidity to keep it all taut, demonstrating Cowichan Valley pinot at its best. The majority of the pinot comes off the immaculate Saison Vineyard mixed with 15 percent Unsworth estate fruit and eight percent from nearby Zanatta Vineyard. The complexity comes from a mix of clones: 115, 667, 777, 828, and a clone whose origin is unknown, all grown over marine sediments. The winemaking is simple: the fruit is destemmed and whole berry fermented in stainless before spending one year in barriques, where only ten percent are new. The tannins are mellow. I've tasted this serval times this year, and there is no rush to drink it but a big rush to buy it before it is all gone. I can't wait for the 2020 release.Prices:| BC | $32.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lunessence Pinot Noir 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a retaste six months down the road. Lunessence has embarked on a pinot noir planting program on the estate property in Summerland, but the fruit for this wine has come from the Palo Solera Vineyard in East Kelowna, or East Kelowna Slopes as it has recently been given a coveted sub-GI. Not a lot of change. The alcohol level is moderate (for pinot noir) at 13.5 percent, but the rest is heavy handed, presenting with more weight and less fruit. Expect a New World style with more earthy than fruity black cherry. The textures are soft, and it is ready to drink. Think pulled pork or an Asian pork belly dish.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Volcanic Hills Pinot Noir Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA mature version for sure but a bit of an odd duck with not a lot of pinot character, save for the sour cherry entry. There are cedar and spice herbaceous notes and vestiges of too much new oak, but not many of the round sweet pinot characters you crave at this price point. The finish is short and dry. It needs drinking with a rambunctious beef stew to smooth out all the imperfections.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Volcanic Hills Pinot Noir 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a pale cherry colour with an orange tint. The nose is a rustic mix of earthy rhubarb and cola. The same pattern follows on the palate, finishing light and somewhat herbaceous. A simple ready to drink pinot, lacking bright fruit and finesse.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire pinot is the perfect introduction to natural cool-climate BC red-fruited pinot noir. It is a mix of Kelowna, Summerland, Naramata, and Oliver fruit, fermented in concrete and large format neutral oak, all of which helps the wine to express the fruit. Look for earthy red fruit, cranberry, rhubarb on the palate with spice and desert scrub notes along the journey. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.91 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chain Reaction Pendulum Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pendulum Pinot is grown on the Naramata Bench. The fermentation of cold soaked whole berries begins gently with the indigenous yeast population and never exceeds 25C. It is all oak aged to a maximum of 15 percent new wood. It was a terrific year for fruit, exemplified by this all-McMillan Vineyard fruit harvested at just under 2.5 tons to the acre. The attack is juicy and enticing, mixing black cherries, black plums, farmyard, cranberry, and mostly soft tannins. It is effortless sipping and a perfect foil to chicken, duck, or mushroom dishes. Well made and a welcomed newcomer on the bench. Joel and Linda Chamaschuk own Chain Reaction, and the wine is overseen by veteran BC winemaker Dwight Sick, formerly of Stags Hollow and Moraine Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Liquidity Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLiquidity Reserve mixes clones 667 (lush red fruits and full-bodied texture) with 115 (earthy, savoury thyme and forest floor notes). Each clone is fermented on its own to reach its zenith. The nose is plummy with red fruit compote and smoky-toasted oak dusted with pepper. The flavours are earthy, spicy, savoury that take me to Oregon on the palate. Tannins are supple but dense, giving this pinot substantial mouth presence and balancing the acidity. Onsite chef Phil Tees recommends garlic mushrooms on grilled ciabatta, eggplant pilaf with halloumi, and tuna tartar as matches. The fruit is all estate grown on the Allendale Vineyard. Drink or hold through 2024.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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06 July 2022
88PTS
Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA solid year has produced a freshly polished sauvignon with yellow fruit, lemongrass, and red apple. The attack is similar with more pink grapefruit, peach, and guava. A fun summer sipper, the winery suggests you can serve it with a favourite herbed pasta salad, or a cool refreshing gazpacho. Sounds good to me. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOkanagan (Oliver) and Similkameen (Keremeos) fruit come together in a 61/39 mix of sauvignon and sémillon. Stainless steel and French oak puncheons shared the fermentation and were eventually blended after four months. The attack is refreshingly green apple, lemon, and white grapefruit with an oily, leesy undercurrent. Salty grapefruit pith dominates the finish, calling for fresh goat cheese or a creamy pasta dish. Vibrant, lively, and perfect for summer get togethers on the patio.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Play Estate 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is fresh and medium-light, pairing sauvignon blanc with its traditional Bordeaux white partner sémillon. Look for grapefruit pith, a hit of pear, and a strong lemon citrus undercurrent. Oysters are not abundant in the Okanagan, but this would be the match, especially for those on the coast. Ready to drink once you pull the pesky unnecessary cork.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pentâge Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Skaha Bench estate, this sauvignon saw only time in stainless to preserve the mid-Valley fruit. The two kinds of yeast selected certainly has shaped the profile of this wine, with screaming guava, passionfruit, pink grapefruit dominating this zesty wine, one that trails off with saline and white pepper notes. If you're a fan of bigger, brasher Kiwi chardy, and want to support BC, seek this one out.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Gneiss Sauvignon Blanc 2021
British Columbia, CanadaGneiss is a new venture out of Oliver’s hipster wine park District Wine Village. It is a straight-up sauvignon blanc with a refreshing tropical mix of grapefruit and lime characters with a bitter guava back end that calls for a warm sunny patio and fresh goat cheese, or even better, a palate of west coast steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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05 July 2022
91PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '18 is all about the texture at this point, and it over-delivers what many would agree are the genuine charms of merlot: softer tannins and bright fruit. Black cherry dominates the wine, with toasted oak, coffee bean, and some savoury blueberry/ brambleberry in the finish. The tannins are dense but dusty, and the wine is already very drinkable. Black Rook comes off the sparse, sandy soils of the Black Sage Bench. Their low vigour yields intense black cherry dusted with licorice and a savoury sagebrush undercurrent so prominent across the east side vines of the south Okanagan. The vineyard is pushed up into the foothills of the Okanagan Highland at an elevation of 317 metres through 408 metres. All the Checkmate fruit is hand-picked and hand-sorted and then destemmed. In 2018 production was only 10 barrels. It is wild fermented and gets extended skin contact before barrel ageing in new French oak for 21 months.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $215.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $480.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Opening Gambit Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGambit 2018 mixes 85.5 percent merlot with 7.5 percent petit verdot, 4 percent syrah, 3 percent cabernet franc, and one percent malbec. The fruit comes off 26-year-old vines on a steep undulating slope on the Osoyoos East Bench, 330m to 437m above sea level, boasting multiple expositions. The wine has been on an upward curve every year, and in 2018 it again surprises with an enticing fragrant, savoury nose á la Bolgheri, and its now trademark silky textures. It gets a cluster by cluster hand sort before it is destemmed to undergo an individual berry selection. The ferment is natural, and it aged in new French oak barrels for 21 months. The fruit is an intense mix of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, tobacco, and stony, black tea notes. Soft, round, and charming, it is already showing signs of early drinkability. All Checkmate reds are bottled unfined and unfiltered, so they will need to be decanted at some point in their history, one that looks long by the quality of this wine.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $215.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $480.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI like to think Silent Bishop accentuates the vagaries of its south Okanagan site. It comes from the cooler western benches under Mount Kobau, where it collects the gentle early morning sun, and at 49 degrees north, that could be as early as 5 am all summer, while escaping the late day baking rays as the sun slips behind Kobau. Three sites are involved in the Bishop: Oliver North, Golden Mile, and Osoyoos West, situated between 313 and 400 metres above sea level. The ’18 opens with some herbaceous notes with medium weight and silky textures throughout its redcurrant, raspberry palate streaked with coffee and tobacco. You can drink this now, but it will age effortlessly through 2025 and beyond. The blend is 86/2/2/10 merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and syrah.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe start of End Game begins on two warm, south Okanagan benches on the valley's eastern side: the Osoyoos East Bench; and the Black Sage Bench. Both are mostly made up of sandy soils sporting multiple expositions and elevations, producing a range of flavours and styles intensified by long days and warm, late day sun. As is the norm, it is all handpicked and hand sorted and now entirely wild-fermented in new French oak where it aged for 21 months. The 2018 blend is 86/7/3/3/1 merlot/syrah (for aromatics and to narrow the palate), petit verdot/cabernet franc (to pretty up the fruit and the malbec to flush up the texture). The result is a complex red with chocolate, raspberry, Bing cherries, root beer, and gentle tannins. The entire wine is balanced and exudes a vibrancy that gives it appeal now but will serve it well down the road. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $196.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $439.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $989.00 | 6000ml |
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95PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Opening Gambit Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2019 Gambit has stretched its legs mixing 88 percent merlot with 7 percent petit verdot, 4 percent cabernet franc, and one percent malbec. In my opinion, dropping the syrah has allowed this wine to soar to another height. The fruit comes off 27-year-old vines growing over a steep undulating slope on the Osoyoos East Bench, 330m to 437m above sea level, and pitching multiple expositions adding complexity to the pick. It is wild fermented and spends 21 months in new French oak barrels. As mentioned, the wine has an extra lift this year, a mix of black raspberries and cassis with a whiff of black forest cake on the nose. The palate is similar, with more cassis, blackberry, and cherry that fade into savoury, dark chocolate, and tobacco finish. Expect a richer, denser, fuller style that will age.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $220.00 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSilent Bishop sits at an elevation of 1027 to 1306 ft. The fruit is handpicked off the cooler Western Benches (Oliver North, Golden Mile Bench, and Osoyoos West Bench) and is wild fermented. It spends 21 months in new French oak. The west side offers a multitude of red and black fruit nuances mixing tobacco and mocha with blackberries and raspberries, with scrubby desert notes underneath. A diversity of soils, aspects, and sun exposures leads to a complex Bordelais style. The final blend is 87/9/4 merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $220.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $1050.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnd Game is born on two South Okanagan benches that line up on the warm eastern side of the valley. Their sandy soils primarily define the Black Sage Bench and the Osoyoos East Bench, but the multiple expositions and elevations help produce a range of flavours and styles heightened by long days and plenty of warm, late day sun. This was native fermented with 50-55 days of skin contact, and 21 months in new French oak, mostly St. Martin and Deptos Bordeaux. The nose is rich in black raspberry and whiffs of sassafras that spill onto the palate. The finish is long and persistent, with plenty of desert scrub sagebrush notes that remind me of Bolgheri. Dense, rich tannins suggest it will age well into the late 2020s. Again, lamb is a good match. Production nudged up to 17 barrels in 2019.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
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90PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack Rook Merlot comes off the meagre sandy soils of the Black Sage Bench from a site pushed up tight against the Okanagan Highlands at 300+ metres above sea level. It is a single vineyard wine with small clusters and powerful fruit with a twist of finesse. The ’19 opens with juicy black cherry laced with licorice and subtle notes of roasted coffee. It is wild fermented, which seems to heighten the blueberry black cherry that could be considered wealthy, but with what winemaker Phil Magann terms light feet. The tannins are dense and chalky but should quickly dissipate through 2025. The blend in 2019 is 86/9/4/1/ merlot, petite verdot, cabernet franc, and malbec.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $220.00 | 1500ml |
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04 July 2022
90PTS
Amalaya Malbec 2020
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThe easy-to-spot blue label is the go sign if you like buying quality wine at a bargain price. Amalaya, under screwcap, is an alluring mix of red and black fruits with a dusty, stony, mineral underside. Wonderfully dry and fresh, the palate is juicy and round, and the tannins light but structured. The esperanza por un milagro (waiting for a miracle) Amalaya is grown at some of the world's highest vineyards topping 1800 meters. It is mostly malbec mixed with 15 percent tannat and petit verdot. It remains an absolute bargain at $21.99. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Salentein Malbec Reserve 2019
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Salentein style is always a bit showy, and this reserve version of their malbec is no surprise. The attack is fresh, inspired by its chosen fruit from a cool location at altitude. Floral and black fruit notes precede a juicy palate of savoury black fruits with a spiced finish. Authentic, and while youthful, it will need only another year or two to reach its zenith in the bottle. Steak anyone?Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Posta Malbec Pizzella Family Vineyard 2019
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Posta Pizzella is Altamira malbec grown at 925 metres, with ten months in a 50/50 mix of stainless steel and French oak (50 percent new, the remainder second and third use barrels). The texture is fine, almost silky, and the fruit is a mix of blackberry and boysenberry, with spicy branchy notes in the finish. An uncomplicated red for most beef dishes or a favourite hard cheese. Winery food matches include grilled polenta with wild mushroom ragout, grilled quail with quinoa, currant and pine nut pilaf, or wild boar, sage, and dried cherry risotto.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NFL | $18.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec 2019
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFor the price, this well made basic malbec overdelivers. The vineyards sit at 950m in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, and a portion of the wine ages eight months in American oak. Soft, plush blackberry and cherry with a dusting of baking spices, this is juicy and ready to go with almost anything off the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
El Enemigo Malbec 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMany things come together to shape El Enimigo, with 8 percent cabernet franc in the co-fermented mix. The alcohol is a pleasant 13.5 percent and comes off a calcium-rich Guallatary vineyard high up at Tupungato. Red fruited, dark plum malbec rich in minerality is the sweet spot for Mendoza. Savoury, floral, and mostly oak free after 15 months in old foudres, this is a clean expression of fruit and terroir. Thre is still some tannin to be dispersed, but it will only improve the overall impression of this well made red.Prices:| BC | $47.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA touch reductive on opening, but that blows off quickly. The tall 7-year-old espalier-trained vineyard sits at 1,350 metres in Gualtallary, Tupungato. Sand and stone mixed with chalk make a fresh and silky impression on the palate. Three different picks contribute to the style, each vinified separately with indigenous yeasts. The soft, round, easy-sipping style speaks to its concrete ageing. Milk chocolate, black plums and barnyard aromas spill across the palate and finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaLuigi Bosca was always a steady, value-for-money performer, but over time they have upped the quality of this affordable label. At 50+ years old, the east-facing, biodynamically farmed Finca La Linda vineyard is in full flight. Black plum, blueberries, and black raspberries have a tightness and tannin profile that gives the wine some gravitas, and it spends a year in French oak to round out the edges. Age worthy, but you can now drink it with grilled beef or a classic spaghetti Bolognese now. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.78 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Felino Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaFelino is made with a mix of fruit from the Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo, aged in American oak for eight months. The nose and palate open with soft black, juicy plum streaked with licorice, cocoa, black pepper, and smoky, dense sweet tannins. A summer barbecue red, if ever there was one, you can serve it with burgers or steaks or the way they do in Argentina with beef or chicken empanadas. Again, hedonistic and unapologetic.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bramare Malbec 2019
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom high up in Luján de Cuyo, this malbec grows near 1000 metres. The rich, full bodied malbec shows some of Paul Hobbs's influence. Blackberries and cherries with a touch of tobacco coat the palate with just enough acidity to keep it fresh for the next sip. It was 18 months in French oak barriques that were one quarter new. A classic drink now red you can serve with lamb or a T-bone steak for those who love the hedonistic style, or one you can hold for another four to six years and serve fully mature.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec 2020
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom the estate vineyards in Barrancas, Maipú District, the Limited Edition is a step up from the entry level orange label. Look for a spicy version of malbec with classic jammy red fruit spiked with licorice and a savoury undercurrent sprinkled with baking spices. An affordable everyday option for any grilled meat entrée.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.25 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.40 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena Alta is an assemblage of historical rows of the Catena Zapata vineyards planted to the Catena family's proprietary selection of malbec plants. The blocks (five in total) are known to yield highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks to four generations of winegrowers. It's malbec at a comfortable 13.8% that is finished unfined and unfiltered. Floral dark fruit mix with classic savoury jarilla characters. On the palate, red and blue fruits with a dusting of minerals push through the entire wine. Juicy fresh but with a substantial underpinning of structure, it is a drink or hold wine, depending on your patience. For vineyard freaks, the grape breakdown is as follows: Lot 18, Angelica Vineyard, Maipú, Luján de Cuyo (920m/3018ft) Alluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom; Lot 4, La Piramide Vineyard, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo (950m/3116ft). Alluvial origin. Clay topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom; Lot 1, Nicasia Vineyard, Altamira, San Carlos, Valle de Uco (1095m/3592ft) Alluvial origin. Loamy soil, with rounded rocks on the bottom; Lot 9, Adrianna vineyard Tupungato, Valle de Uco (1450m/4757ft). Alluvial origin. Gravel and limestone. Rounded rocks in the bottom; Lot 6, Angélica Sur Vineyard, San Carlos, Valle de Uco. (1100m/3608ft). Sandy loam with the presence of gravel and limestone.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $66.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $55.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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03 July 2022
87PTS
Vaporetto Prosecco No 8 Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe name Vaporetto pays homage to the Venetian public waterbus. It is simple Prosecco, with pear, citrus, and orchard blossoms. It is well balanced, mainly appearing dry on the palate, making it equally at home as a patio sipper with appetizers or at the lunch table. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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01 July 2022
89PTS
Domaine de la Sarazinière Mâcon-Villages Le Pavillon 2020
Mâcon-Villages, Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceCreated by Claude Seigneuret in 1926, the Domaine de la Sarazinière estate name stems from the small lieu-dit surrounding the original family home in the village of Bussières. Today it is run by a father-son team of Phillippe and Guillaume Trebignaud, with organic/biodynamic farming and low intervention winemaking. Le Pavillon is centred on Bussières' calcareous clays, is native fermented and aged in stainless for 12 months before bottling unfined with minimal addition of sulphur. Expansive in that distinctive Mâcon way, this medium-bodied white is lined with green apple and delicate cream, tightened with tangerine pith, and scented with apple blossom. A lovely pure expression, ready for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bachelder Grimsby Hillside North Slopes Starry Skies Chardonnay 2019
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. Grimsby Hillside is a wild, stony, site out in the far west of Niagara, nestled into the foothill of the Escarpment (122m) in clay, silt, and limestone soils. However, it's likely that this site has many micro fragments of the 4.6 billion year old meteorite that hit the vineyard on September 25, 2009. After a native ferment, this rested in older French oak for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Creamy and powerful, with downy lees bedding a textural top tier of pear, green apple, lemon pith, raw almonds, and ample flake salts. So well knit, and complete, with judicious use of wood to expand and relax, through the lingering saline finish. Powerful, cellar-worthy.Prices:| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bachelder Cuesta Far-East Man Chardonnay 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. Cuesta is 5km from the lake at an altitude of 133 metres on the Twenty Mile Bench, on soils rich in dolomitic limestone and silt. After a native ferment, this rested in older French oak for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Ripe and round, with creamy perfumed pear, yellow apple, lemon curd, lit with a buzzy limestone hum, and lingering with ample exotic spices. This weighty wine would be a good match for creamy risottos (lobster ideally).Prices:| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bachelder Saunders Warren Saunders 100 Chardonnay 2019
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. From Beamsville Bench's organically farmed Saunders Vineyard (named for visionary farmer Warren Saunders, who recently turned 100 (!), 3.9km from the lake and on clay, silt and limestone soils. After a native ferment, this rested in older French oak for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Creamy yet sleek, with green pear, yellow plum, acacia blossom, across a struck match scented lees bed. There's a lovely tension here between the creamy underlay, and the buzzy limestone energy through a saline finish. Drinking well now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bachelder Wismer-Wingfield Ouest Chardonnay 2019
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon and years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. Ouest is a powerful, structural white sourced from a site under 7km from Lake Ontario, at 160m (the hill of Wingfield), and from 30-year-old vines on sloping, dolomitic limestone soils. After a native ferment, this rested in French oak (none new) for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Weighty and powerful, with honeysuckle, yellow plum, yellow apple, meringue, wild herbs, broken stones, lemon pith, wild herbs, and crushed flake salts that dot the palate, lingering on the lengthy saline finish. Drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Bachelder Wismer-Foxcroft Nord Chardonnay 2019
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. Nord comes off a plot in the large, lauded Wismer-Foxcroft vineyard, 5.4 km from the lake, and 30 year old chardonnay vines at 110m altitude on a steep, stony-silty and dolomitic limestone slope. After a native ferment, this rested in older French barrels for near 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Striking wine, leading with a streak of flinty reduction before driving through green apple, lemon peel and pith, broken stones, and ample salts, all underpinned by a savoury fine lees bed. So much to unpack here now, this wine has ample years ahead. Energy, power, charisma, structure - this wine has it all.Prices:| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bachelder Bai Xu Vignes de 1981 Chardonnay 2019
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBai Xu is nestled in Four Mile Creek (just over from Willms), where some of the oldest vinifera plantings in Ontario grow. The site is 6km from Lake Ontario and 4km from the Niagara River, and this clone 95 chardy was planted in 1981 on sandy loams over clay / limestone. After a native ferment, this rested in older French oak for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Creamy and broad, with plumped white florals, lemon curd, yellow plum, with a green apple brace, and fine spice throughout the silken palate. Very welcoming, and ready for drinking now and over short term.Prices:| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bachelder Willms Vignes de 1983 Chardonnay 2019
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon and years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. As the label notes, this is from old vines (planted in 1983) in the Willms Vineyard, 6km from Lake Ontario, and 4km from the Niagara River, with a soil combo of silt loamy-clay, limestone, gravels, and sand. Thomas selects the eastern side of the vineyard for this wine. After a native ferment, this rested in French oak (none new) for around 16 months, sans bâtonnage. Broad and savoury, a buzzy undercurrent sweeps along green apple, pear skin, and a stony salinity through a lingering finish. Very moreish now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bachelder Les Villages Bench Chardonnay 2020
Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. He released two Les Villages Chardonnays in 2020, both made identically, but one from Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and this one from the Bench. Fruit here comes off Saunders, Wingfield Ouest and Est, Foxcroft Sud and Nord. After a native ferment in primarily neutral French barrels, this rested 16 months sans bâtonnage before bottling. An alluring flicker of reduction pokes through a lees-decked, lemon peel, green apple core. There's a wonderful purity and cool freshness here, one that lingers across stony spice on the finish. Quite smart, and a lovely duo of Village chardonnays to enjoy.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bachelder Les Villages NOTL Chardonnay 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThomas Bachelder is one of Canada's leading chardonnay and pinot noir specialists, honed through time in Bourgogne and Oregon, as well as years in the vineyards of his Niagara home base. He released two Les Villages Chardonnays in 2020, both made identically, but one from Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and the other from the Bench. This cuvée blends fruit off The Willms, Bator, Bai Xu and Patte Rouge parcels. After a native ferment in primarily neutral French barrels, this rested 16 months sans bâtonnage before bottling. Creamy and ripe, with lemon curd, white peach, downy pear, and white blossoms on an expansive, lees-decked palate, finishing with a buzzy stony spice and an acetic lift. A lovely intro to NOTL chardy.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Forti del Vento An Piota 2020
Piedmont, ItalyThis Chardonnay comes off hillside calcareous clays at 280-320m, in Monferrato. It was native fermented in clay amphoras, with 90 days on the skins before an additional 6 months on fine lees there, with bâtonnage. Pouring a shining golden hue, this very natural wine teems with apricot, white peach, kumquat, bergamot tea, orange oil along a finely grippy palate. VA is noticeable but acceptable, and with a chill and salty snacks you're on your way. Atypical, for sure.Prices:| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
On Seven The Pursuit Chardonnay 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaOn Seven is a relatively new boutique Niagara winery owned by passionate wine aficionados Vittorio & Sula De Stefano. The De Stefanos bought an abandoned 7-acre vineyard (hence the name) in 2009 in Four Mile Creek and, under the guidance of consultant viticulturist and founding winemaker Peter Gamble, prepped the site for three years before replanting organically in 2014. It is primarily Dijon clone 76, planted in 2014, with a small percentage of grapes from their 2015 planting of Dijon clone 95. It was transferred to French oak barrels (25% new) whole-cluster for native fermentation and 20 months of aging. Creamy and ripe, with cream, lemon curd, baked yellow apple, green apple, pear blossoms and toasty spice caressing the full palate, one lined with downy lees. The green apple backbone and subtly buzzy energy hint at some years ahead.Prices:| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Minimus Chardonnay Dijon Free 2017
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesNo Dijon clones were harmed in the making of this wine. Though Dijon clones are prevalent throughout the Willamette, they wanted to create a wine using only heirloom clones. This used Calera, Old Wenté, Musqué, Mt. Eden, Mendoza, and spent 16 months in 30% new French oak. Showing beautiful evolution, but still shining, with shimmery lemon and a buzzy undercurrent livening yellow and green apple, pear skin, subtle toast on a layered palate. Polished and impressive, reflective of the striking potential for Willamette chardonnay.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Micro Cuvée Old Main Rd Vineyard 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate McLean Creek Road Vineyard, in OK Falls, this Micro Cuvée Chardonnay comes off a steep sandy and gravelled loams site, planted in 1996. After a long, cool ferment in stainless, this transferred to French oak (40% new) for MLF and 11 months on lees, with full MLF, sans bâtonnage. The Micro Cuvée is a barrel selection that was bottled unfined and coarsely filtered. Ripe, dense, and powerful with pineapple rind, smoked stones, toast, ripe fragrant pear filling a full, expansive palate, finishing with some ginger spicing and vanilla. This is a local, modern take on traditional California, and worth a try to partner with rich creamy dishes.Prices:| BC | $58.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2020
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first solo chardonnay release off their organic Garnet Valley Ranch estate vineyards, with blocks sitting between 600-680m. It was whole-bunch-pressed, natively fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless, with full MLF before a further ten months' rest on lees. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright and nimble, with shining lemon, mandarine peel, pear skin, scrubby desert sage, and a kiss of anise blossoms on a sleek, lightly textural palate. Entirely distinct from their Secrest Mountain Vineyard Chardonnays, this is quite a striking and singular example. Distinctly Next Wave Okanagan.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Haywire Chardonnay Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the organic Secrest Mountain Vineyard, this chardy was whole bunch pressed into concrete tanks and amphora for native ferment and 10 months again on lees. There's a textural creaminess underlying layers of sage, cream, yellow plum and yellow apple above. Quite expansive, this would be well suited to polenta or creamy fish pie.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Chardonnay Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the organic Secrest Mountain Vineyard, this chardy was whole bunch pressed into concrete (a mix of nico velo and eggs), with a small proportion of hard press juice going into neutral puncheons, where all remained 10 months. The wood gives an extra level of creaminess to the concrete textured palate, bedding sour lemon, honey ale, bosc pear, pear blossoms. There's a tight savoury spice threaded throughout, keeping this more expansive wine buoyant through a lightly warming finish.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
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August 2022