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Tastings: February 2023
28 February 2023
85PTS
Lola Nero NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaLola is a lineup of wines from the folks at Pelee Island Winery, with frizzante wines like this charmat, bottled under screw cap. This is a blend of chambourcin and pinot noir, with 33 g/L RS. Pouring a deep peach hue, this has bitter cherry, crab apple, red currant, smoke, on a disjointed sweet / tart palate, finishing with a pasty note. Needs ice cubes, and possibly a punch component.Prices:| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château La Coste La Bulle de La Coste Extra Brut NV
Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis sparkling rosé from Provence blends organic grenache and cinsault from the region's clay/limestone soils. After a stainless ferment, this spent 14 months sur lattes. Pale salmon, this has very soft, silken mousse supporting sugared strawberries, candy apple to a bitter floral finish. The elevated dosage makes this best with a brisk chill, and possibly a cocktail / mimosa / punch mix.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blomidon Grande Réserve Extra Brut 2008
Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, CanadaThis Grande Réserve is entirely chardonnay, from their Annapolis estate. It spent 10+ years sur lattes prior disgorge in February 2022, with 4 g/L. It's certainly a long term project, reflective in the premium pricing. Pouring a deep lemon hue, this opens with ample bread dough and yeast, with baked apple and pear, lined with oxidative notes. The mousse dissipates very quickly, leaving a tight cider apple note on the buzzing finish. Certainly a mature offering, and a wine for those whose palates are appreciative.Prices:| NS | $110.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Blomidon Estate Winery Cuvée L'Acadie NV
Nova Scotia, CanadaFrom their estate vineyard, this was the first NV traditional method l'acadie blanc, a smart move to cover off the vagaries of vintages in NS. This spent 16 months sur lattes, and was disgorged late 2019 with 7.6 g/L. Ripe pear, perfumed melon, pomelo, candied pink grapefruit is met with 10.2 g/L TA, leaving just a kiss of orchard blossom sweetness in its lingering wake.Prices:| NS | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $43.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Megalomaniac Bubblehead Rosé NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis traditional method rosé is made from Niagara Peninsula estate grown pinot noir. Red currant jam, fleshy raspberries, red apple take the lead on the dryish palate, finishing with a bitter cherry / chocolate kiss. One to take on foodstuffs.Prices:| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Megalomaniac Reserve Blanc de Noirs 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis 2019 is the inaugural release of Megalomaniac's Blanc de Noirs, with only 1500 bottles produced. This traditional method pinot noir sparkler comes from Vinemount Ridge, was fermented in stainless, and spent 18 months on lees sur lattes prior to a 0 dosage disgorge. Very floral, with ample red blossoms, tart red currant, and a lick of anise on a crisp palate, thankfully balanced somewhat by the cushion of lees lining through the floral kissed finish. Well done for a first release. One to watch.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Megalomaniac Sparkling Personality 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis charmat riesling is off dry and juicy with pulpy lime, fragrant melon, mandarin, and white blossoms, with a kiss of petrol revealing the grape's identity. Chill liberally and drink before the bubbles dissipate.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Aphros Phaunus Pet Nat Rosé 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis biodynamic, sparkling split of Alvarelhão and Vinhão was fermented in stainless, finishing in bottle, and disgorged after 3 months. Red flowers, red currant, light herbs rule the bone dry, brisk palate, finishing with a sour cherry twist. Beauty freshness and authenticity in this pared down pet nat.Prices:| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Aphros Phaunus Pet Nat 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalHard to be more natural than Aphros' founder and winemaker Vasco Croft. This biodynamic, sparkling split of Loureiro and Arinto was fermented in stainless, finishing in bottle, and disgorged after 3 months. Crisp and bone dry, with ample lime pith and peel, lemon blossom, tart citrus, and melon. Very bright and lifted, with a great buzzy finish.Prices:| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ferrari Brut Metodo Classico NV
Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalySelected chardonnay plots, all handpicked across Trento's province, are the source of this tasty Brut that spends a minimum of 24 months on its lees. The nose opens with a medium intensity of fresh, leesy, oven fresh brioche that signal a stylish fizz. On the palate, green apples, honey, and almonds waft in and out, suggesting both simplicity and complexity. Finally, the classic white label packaging is a master class in style, projecting an image of quality. A blanc de blancs par excellence. Add to that a note that they have been making this wine for 118 years.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $31.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $30.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bernard-Massard Cuvée de L'Ecusson Brut NV
LuxembourgIf you want a new experience, how about a sparkler from the Duchy of Luxembourg? Sandwiched between Germany and France, the main vineyard area is a chipshot from the Mosel Valley. That said, it is made in the Champagne style mixing several grapes: pinot blanc, riesling, pinot noir, and chardonnay, and it gets a full 24 months on its lees, no doubt the key to its subtle complexity. Expect an enticing croissant/yeasty nose mixed with green apples and peaches that permeate the persistent, somewhat frothy, creamy mousse. However, the lemon and minerals that dust the finish keeps this sparkler in order, making it a perfect luncheon or late afternoon wine. Good value, and it includes two modern sparkling wine glasses.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Pink Bub 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWow, has it been seven vintages since I've had Pink Bub? Guess so. Though, it's a new year, a new label, a new wine, and a new winery name. Okanagan Crush Pad has shifted its name to Haywire Winery, reflecting the growing importance of its leading brand and the company's shift away from being a custom crush facility. With the change comes new branding and this new Pink Bub. This friendly fizz comes from old vine pinot blanc, whole cluster pressed and native fermented in concrete before heading to the charmat tanks for three months. With a deep peach hue, this fun fizz is flush with ripe cherry, ripe raspberry, and sweet salami across a dryish form, bright with orangey acidity to the short, snappy finish. Fun, fresh, and frisky, much like its new label, chill this and enjoy equally fun and fresh and frisky activities.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Masottina Collezione 96 Prosecco Rosé Brut 2020
Veneto, ItalyMasottina named their range of wines 96 after a 96 point Decanter score for one Prosecco DOC Brut. 96 represents the winery's search for harmony. 90% glera is met with 10% pinot noir, with 2 months on lees in the charmat tanks and at least one month in bottle prior to release, with 11 g/L. Pouring a pale peach hue, this carries lightly sugared strawberries, ripe raspberries, mandarine pith along a lifted frame, with a short but creamy mousse taking this to a snappy rhubarb finish.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Maria Rigol Ordi Microtiratge 6 Cava Gran Reserva 2016
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMaria Rigol Ordi is a 5th generation family of Cava makers since 1897, based in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Along with their main range of Cavas, they also began producing microtiratges, small experimental productions of unique cavas, in 2013. This, #6, is all xarel-lo from the 2016 vintage, with ample time on lees until disgorgement in February 2022 (disgorged to order). 2060 bottles. Super yeasty and savoury, with dried apple, toast and bitter lemon along a slight, bone-dry palate, finishing with toasted dry spices. Serious stuff this, and one for the purists.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Marynissen Heritage Collection Charmed Sparkling Rosé 2021
Ontario, CanadaThis charmat pink fizz is a mix of 46.5% pinot noir, 39% merlot, 10% muscat, 5% gewurztraminer, 4.5% riesling, yielding a sweet, frothy wine with candied strawberries, light florals, and red apple. Built for parties or punches; chill well.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marynissen Estates Charmed 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis charmat fizz blends Riesling, Gew, Muscat, and Vidal into an off-dry, frothy wine. Candied pear, pithy lime, white peach finish snappy, with a soapy kiss. Chill well and enjoy over brunch or in mimosas.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Closson Chase Mosaic 2021
Ontario, CanadaThis charmat chardonnay was fermented in a split between stainless and neutral wood before heading to the secondary ferment tank. Bright and light with white florals, light citrus, and pear, with moderate fizz and a pithy, off dry finish. Chill well and enjoy over brunch, as intended.Prices:| ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Valentino BOOM! Bombino Bianco 2020
Emilia-Romagna, ItalySan Valentino is a certified organic property owned by the Mascarin family since 1990, and is centered on the hills of Rimini, near the sea. This fun frizzante of Bombino Bianco (aka Pagadebit) is from young vines in calcareous clays. It was native fermented in stainless, with the secondary ferment happening in bottle, where it remained for a short time prior to release, unfiltered. The sediment is obvious in the clear bottle, casting a haze through the pale yellow hue. Light and subtle, with gentle white florals, lemon, pear skin on a slight 11% palate, finishing with a saline wash. An easy, fun day drinker. 3000 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Collavini Ribolla Gialla Spumante Brut 2018
Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyThis sparkling ribolla gialla comes off vineyards in Corno di R. and Manzano, in Colli Orientali. After ferment in stainless and wood, this was finished in the charmat method, with 30 months in tank on lees, and then 1 year's rest in bottle prior to release. Tight, subtle floral blossoms, light pear, and yellow apple is lifted with a slight effervescance through a softer lime pith finish. A pretty, light fizz for brunch.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Gray Monk Odyssey Rosé Brut Méthode Classique 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is one of my favourite wines from the Gray Monk portfolio, and it really overdelivers for the price. It's surprisingly elegant and poised, with generous red berry that's accented by cream and subtle autolytic character. It's quite expressive, and just about perfectly balanced in a style that is approachable yet still serious. Most importantly, it's just plain delicious.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.31 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Maria Rigol Ordi Brut Nature Gran Reserva NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe Europeans call this a gastronomic wine, and I agree. The blend is classic Cava: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada grown at 200-400 metres in the Penedès region. Gran Reserva means at least 60 months of ageing in the bottle, clearly evident when you pop the cork. This bottle was disgorged on January 27, 2022, releasing the flavours built by all the ageing in the cellars. At this point, the expressive, creamy, apple, and walnut are charming. Surprisingly fresh for its age, this is a delight to drink with food, hence its gastronomic tag. This is a bubble for celebration and contemplation or, as the winery suggests, Iberian ham, foie gras, fish, white meats, paellas, marmitakos, and risottos.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marqués de Monistrol Seleccion Especial Cava Organic Brut White Flower Bottle NV
SpainThis sparkler is part of the Marqués de la Concordia wine family. Concordia is the name of the Roman goddess of Harmony, something the winery hopes to achieve in the bottle. The Seleccion Especial Cava is a 40/30/30 mix of macabeo, xarel-lo, and parellada grown at San Sadurni d’Anoia that rings all the Cava bells. The nose is fragrant, with leesy almond and peach. The mousse is tight and persistent, with red apple and almond paste mixed with fennel and cherries. So fresh and lively, this is the ultimate seafood tapas bubble. A solid buy for the patio or appetizer crowd.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Red Rooster Sparkling Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the strengths of the Okanagan is the ability to make wines others can’t or haven’t because of the versatility of its grapes and sites across the valley. This traditional method rosé is made from malbec that has been well-established on the Naramata Bench at Red Rooster for many years. It has been given a brief year of ageing on its lees to preserve the fruit and freshness most crave from rosé sparkling. From its pale copper colour to its uplifting fresh red fruit dusted in light lees, this is a perfect patio bubble to kick off the late afternoon.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Benvolio Prosecco NV
Veneto, ItalyBenvolio Prosecco reflects its famous origin lending the Glera grape grown on Veneto terroir a sense of style involving mineral, and citrus. The mousse is restrained and northern, the nose a riot of fresh citrus with hints of white flowers. The palate is clean with peach and honey streaked with grapefruit and apples. Crisp and clean, this is a stylish wine for seafood sushi rolls or shellfish. Ready to drink and affordable.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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27 February 2023
92PTS
Barbeito 5 Year Old Malvasia Reserva NV
Madeira, PortugalThis Malvasia comes from vineyards in Arco de São Jorge, and was slowly aged in French oak casks for more than 5 years, via the historic Canteiro method. Pouring a bright golden brown, with candied orange, roasted almonds, golden raisins, sweet pipe tobacco and light smoke which lingers on the lengthy toasted wood finish. Lovely fresh acidity to counter the richness on the palate, keeping this feeling bright and ready for creme caramel or candied chestnuts.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 500ml |
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88PTS
Sandeman Founder's Reserve Ruby Porto NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalClassic Ruby Port, you open, pour, and sip during a cold, snowy, or rainy BC afternoon. It is a blend of various Port grape varieties, including touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinta amarela, tinta barroca, and tinto cão, that spends five years mellowing in old casks before being bottled ready to drink. The nose and palate melt together, pitching cherry jam, candied plums, raisins, caramel, and five spice. Simple but effective. Try this with brownies, you won’t regret it.Prices:| CDN | $23.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Apostoles VORS NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainTry something different like this "Very Old Rare Sherry" or Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum, a label the Jerez Consejo Regulador awards specific wines of exceptional quality with an average age of over 30 years. Apostoles is, in fact, much older thanks to its working Solera that dates to 1862, marking the visit of Queen Isabella to Jerez. A meal in itself, this is a gorgeous, intense, rich wine packed with raisins, figs, sweet marmalade, walnuts, and dark honey. The wine is based on the palomino grape, but adding 7 percent pedro ximenez sweetens the wine, thickens the palate, and adds a bit of fat to a refreshing finish. There are precious few old soleras, so this is a real opportunity to taste and enjoy history in your glass.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Callejuela Manzanilla Almacenista Añina 2016
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainBrothers Pepe y Paco produce some incredibly dynamic Palominos from el Marco de Jerez, some fortified and some not, and some with flor and some without. Their father, Francisco Blanco Martínez, ‘el Blanquito’ founded the business in 1980. Originally, he worked as an almacenista de mosto, farming his own vineyards and selling the base wine to bottling houses. His sons came on board in the late 1990s, and consolidated the operation in a cellar atop the slope of Pago el Hornillo on the estuary side of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Today they own 28 hectares of vines across four pagos. This single vineyard manzanilla is dry farmed palomino from the pure white albariza limestone soils and the windy, weathered Añina pago in Jerez's hills, eastern facing, and raw from the Levante winds. It was fermented in very old manzanilla barrels, fortified to 16%, and left untouched for 3 years. The winds create thicker skinned grapes, and you can feel it through the intensity on the concentrated palate of this golden oxidative wine, lined with a honeyed waxen sheen supporting salt roasted Marcona almonds, wild green herbs, sunned straw, and abundant flake salts which linger long on the finish. Bone dry, this impactful Manzanilla can easily handle all matters of oily / cured fish, olives, and veg.Prices:| BC | $29.50 | 500ml |
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24 February 2023
90PTS
Ca' La Bionda Le Tordare Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2015
Veneto, ItalyCa’ La Bionda is nestled in the common of Marano di Valpolicella, in the heart of the historically classic zone of Valpolicella. The winery was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani, and their organically certified 29 hectares of vineyards is currently overseen by the fourth generation. This blend of 70% Corvina, 10% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella is rooted in rocky clay limestone, around 300m. The grapes were left to dry in small wooden crates until the end of February 2016, allowing the sugars to concentrate to 120-140 g/L RS. The must is then fermented in stainless, with 3 weeks skin contact, prior to aging in small oak barrels for 24 months. This sweet wine pours a dark hazy cherry hue, and is compact with sugarplums and dark chocolate cherries, finishing with ample sweet baking spices. There's an easy freshness here, along with a limestone buzz, which helps counter the richness, and leaving it feeling moderately sweet. Dark chocolate would be an ideal pairing here.Prices:| ON | $58.95 | 500ml |
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92PTS
Ca' La Bionda Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2016
Veneto, ItalyCa’ La Bionda is nestled in the common of Marano di Valpolicella, in the heart of the historically classic zone of Valpolicella. The winery was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani, and their organically certified 29 hectares of vineyards is currently overseen by the fourth generation. This blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella and Molinara is planted in very rocky clay limestone at 200m. The best and loosest bunches are placed on cane drying racks for drying / raisining the grapes. This drying period lasts from vintage to the end of January or early February. During this period the grapes loose approximately 40% of their weight in water, affording the finished wine a remarkable concentration. This Amarone was fermented in stainless, prior to 36 months in 3000L barrels. The ripeness and concentration is met with a bright freshness, countering the worn leather, raspberry, morello cherry, and dusty stones that cloak the palate. Tannins are chewy, taking this wine to a lifted, spiced finish. There is a lot of natural freshness here, making the 16% feel much lighter. Modern Amarone, and a style I hope more producers make.Prices:| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ca' La Bionda Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Malavoglia 2019
Veneto, ItalyCa’ La Bionda is nestled in the common of Marano di Valpolicella, in the heart of the historically classic zone of Valpolicella. The winery was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani, and their organically certified 29 hectares of vineyards is currently overseen by the fourth generation. This Ripasso blends 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella and Molinara from very rocky clay limestone at 150-300m. The blend was refermented on the pressed skins (containing unfermented sugars) of Amarone, in a passing-over, or Ripasso style. Following fermentation the wine is aged in 3000L wooden vats for 18 months. Unlike most ripasso, this holds its freshness and dryness impressively, with a focused perfumed cherry, raspberry, leather strung taut along a long, bright frame. Acidity is limestone lit, and tannins are long and supple, finishing with a stony spice. Next gen ripasso here.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ca' La Bionda Valpolicella Classico Superiore Casalvegri 2019
Veneto, ItalyCa’ La Bionda is nestled in the common of Marano di Valpolicella, in the heart of the historically classic zone of Valpolicella. The winery was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani, and their organically certified 29 hectares of vineyards is currently overseen by the fourth generation. This single vineyard blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella and Molinara is planted in very rocky clay limestone at 150-300m. It was fermented in steel, and aged for 18 months in 3000L barrels. Morello cherries, subtle wax, worked suede is lit with bright limestone acidity, streaming this fresh, medium bodied red to a stony, spiced floral finish. Tannins are long and fine, and the lively acidity is limestone laced. Very finessed and graceful.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ca' La Bionda Valpolicella Classico 2021
Veneto, ItalyCa’ La Bionda is nestled in the common of Marano di Valpolicella, in the heart of the historically classic zone of Valpolicella. The winery was founded in 1902 by Pietro Castellani, and their organically certified 29 hectares of vineyards is currently overseen by the fourth generation. This blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella and Molinara is planted in very rocky clay limestone at 150-300m. It was fermented and aged in stainless. Dusty rocks, crushed cherry, is lit with a tart red currant acidity and licked with red liquorice on a bright, limestone laced palate. Tannins are fine and taut, keeping this energetic through the finish. Lovely freshness throughout.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine des Tourelles Red 2020
LebanonFrom vineyards in the western Bekaa valley at 1050m, this red blends 40% syrah, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cinsault, 5% carignan, from dry farmed vines 15-20 years, rooted in sandy limestone over clay. All was native fermented in concrete vats before blending, and aging in the same for 2 years. Wild cherry, black raspberry, subtle anise, dried herbs, worked leather are woven throughout this savoury red, with brisk stony acidity, and fine, amply grippy tannins through a sharply bitter finish. An interesting take on a Bordeaux blend, ready for adventuresome drinkers.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jolie Laide Dans le Vide 2021
California, United StatesJolie-Laide is a one-man operation based in a Sebastopol winery where winemaker Scott Schultz makes only 500 cases of wine a year under his own label. The name Jolie-Laide translates loosely to 'Pretty-Ugly' a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful. From various cool climate vineyards around Northern California, this singular red blends 45% Trousseau Noir, 30% Cabernet Pfeffer, 20% Valdiguié, and 5% Gamay. Cab Pfeffer was originally thought to be Trousseau, but DNA testing shows it to be a unique French grape called Mourtaou. Each was fermented separately, all whole bunch, and some partial carbo, adding more herbaceous freshness to this lighter red. Bright cherry, fragrant wild raspberry wrap around a pure sweet-fruited core, scented with dried wild herbs and gripped with a subtle sapid branchiness. Studded with river stone and flake salts, this finishes with a raft of white pepper. Really intriguing and moreish, take this with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Arrepiado 2020
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalOne of winemaker António Maçanita's consultancy projects, this blend of 80% touriga nacional and 20% syrah comes from Alentejo and was partially raised in French oak. Dark, brooding and muscular, with blackberry, black cherry, black plum, and dark florals, woven with tobacco. Tannins are ample and sinewy, holding this full bodied red to a smoked stone finish. A big wine, requiring an equally big protein pairing, as well as a decant.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Maçanita Vinhos Letra F Os Canivéis 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLetra F refers to the last letter in the grade for the categorization system for port grapes in the Douro, where Letra A is the best. Though the F grade were historically seen as the worst for port wine, and thus neglected, these old vines are proving a treasure trove for showing wines of place today. The 2019 Tinto Os Canivéis is a field blend from old vines (80 to 90+ years) aged for 12 months in used French oak. Wild black fruits, thorns, are darted with dark florals and studded with mineral salts. The schistous grip holds this structural wine firm with long, fine tannins, while the acidity and old vines provide a natural grace and lift. The whole is quite beguiling, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Maçanita Letra F Vinho de Mistura 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLetra F refers to the last letter in the grade for the categorization system for port grapes in the Douro, where Letra A is the best. Though the F grade were historically seen as the worst for port wine, and thus neglected, these old vines are proving a treasure trove for showing wines of place today. From the Cima Corgo and 480m - 720m altitude, this is a blend of more than 20 red and white varieties, including many very old vines. After a cold soak, this was native fermented in small lagares, with 28 days on skins before ageing 1 year in stainless. Amply perfumed, with layers of iris, wildflowers, rockrose, and fragrant red fruits along a bright, medium bodied palate. Tannins are slight, guiding this pretty red to a lingering saline finish. Really memorable and striking.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Tinto 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIlimitado is a soil survey of the schist-driven terroir in the Douro, regardless of grapes. This year, field blends of grapes from Cotas and Ervedosa do Douro in the Cima Corgo were sourced, with vines between 35 and 60 years, planted in Patamares and large terraces from 400-550m, predominantly on loamy clays and yellow slate. 40% of the grapes were fermented whole cluster in Lagares, foot trodden, with 8-10 days maceration. The remaining 70% fermented whole cluster in stainless tanks, with 20 to 30 days maceration. Both lots aged for 14 months in used French barrels. Dusky dark florals, scrubby herbs, wild blackberry, light pepper is drawn across a stony base, with finely grippy / schistous lined tannins pinning the sides, and perfumed florals returning to lick the lingering saline finish. Very much in youth, this structural wine is drinking smartly now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ciù Ciù Bacchus Piceno 2021
Ascoli Piceno, Marche, ItalyBacchus is equal parts organic Montepulciano and Sangiovese, grown in mixed clay soils 300m on the Marche hills surrounding the towns of Offida and Acquaviva Picena, in Ascoli Piceno province. This unoaked red is designed to be consumed in youth, with gobs of cherry, black raspberry, plum, and pipe tobacco filling the fleshy, medium weight palate. Acidity is brisk, and tannins are grippy / sticky, pinning this to a spiced / scrubby finish. Enjoy with lamb or mushroom burgers.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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23 February 2023
91PTS
LaStella Allegretto Merlot Pie Franco 2019
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAllgretto is not your typical Okanagan merlot. There's tanker loads of that, mostly not needing your attention. However, this special merlot, from east bench Osoyoos' Le Faucon vineyard and its distinct sandy, white silica soils, was planted in the early 1990s, and certainly deserves seeking out. The pie franco in the name signals that the vines are planted on their own rootstock (piè franco). Wild black plum, thorny wild blackberry is poised taut, with a fine, slender architecture lined with grippy/gritty tannins, finishing with shimmering salinity. A leaner year, welcoming partnering with meaty dishes now.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lock and Worth Merlot 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a small sandy soiled plot on the original Poplar Grove Vineyard property planted on Naramata Bench in 1995, this was destemmed, cold soaked and fermented in 2 tonne open top tanks. Once ferment starts to rip (with around 5 days on skins), it's pressed to stainless to settle, and then racked to old barrels for 4/5 months, bottled without fining or filtering. Atypical for Naramata merlot, the star region for merlot (IMHO) in BC, this fresh, very youthful example is tart and tight with crunchy plum, morello cherry, wild blackberry, and salty, herbal thorns. Acidity is racy, and tannins are slight and furry. Certainly early pick, this is a different lens for merlot than you're probably used to. Give it a little time to settle in bottle, or decanter now, and then enjoy with a very slight chill.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Merlot Fleet Road Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata's Fleet Road vineyard, this merlot spent 3 weeks on skins before 1 year in mostly French oak (with a small percentage in American oak), 50% new. Ripe and glossy black plum rules the full palate, with tobacco, dark cherry, and bitter / sticky tannins hugging the sides. The finish carries espresso and dark chocolate. A stricter red now, one in need of beefy proteins.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Maestoso Solo Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMaestoso is La Stella's flagship wine and is treated as such, with prestige treatment from vineyard to sale. 80% comes from high terrace Lumeno Vineyard at La Stella, tempered with 20% from the Golden Mile Bench. This fermented in 1200L open-top fermenters before 20 months in Slavonian and French barrique and puncheons (60% new). It was bottled unfined, and coarsely filtered. Fleshy cherries, ripe plum, baked bitter cherry, and dark chocolate are framed with tight, fine tannins carrying some ragged edges still to resolve in the bottle or decanter. Not my favourite Maestoso.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Merlot Fleet Road Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is exuberant, offering up blueberry and black plum with streaks of savoury tobacco, dark chocolate, and light but resiny tannins with a touch of espresso. A big wine, semi-polished, that will need three to five years to reach full maturity. Well made. I would reduce some of that new oak and drop the American oak altogether to let the fruit soar. The grapes are sustainably grown at the Fleet Road Vineyard within Tightrope Estate on the Naramata Bench. It is all selectively hand picked over two days and placed into 1/2 ton fermenters and cold soaked for five days before fermentation. The resulting wine is aged for 12 months in 50 percent new French oak, and 50 percent used oak, including a small percentage of American oak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Da Silva Legado Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDa Silva estate sits on the southern edge of Naramata Bench, owned and operated by Richard and Twylla da Silva. The Da Silva family has been farming the Okanagan since 1959, when they first purchased a small orchard. Today the winery works with estate fruit and grapes from up and down the valley from land and landowners they know intimately. The Legado, or reserve version, selected over two years from four of the best barrels, is a more classic look at merlot. It comes in a darkish red/purple colour. The nose mixes plums, prunes, and cedar with a soft, earthy warm undercurrent that spills onto the palate. The extra ageing has mellowed the tannins and the fruit, giving the wine a significant drinkability factor. It is aided by a modest 13.3 percent alcohol, leaving the wine in excellent balance. The fruit was fermented in 1/2 ton open-top fermenters, aged 36 months in a barrel. Drink or hold, there is no rush here.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Da Silva Merlot 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Richard Silva is a larger than life character, and his blue label merlot, a giant of a wine, appeared to take its cue from him in 2018. The fruit is grown in two distinct areas: a Naramata fluvial terrace at Blenheim Hill Vineyard; and the Penticton West Bench at Lazy Dog Vineyard. Gravel, shale, and loams feed the fruit that is crushed and fermented in 1/2 ton batches before ageing in French and American oak barrels for 36 months. The colour is deep purple-black, and the nose lifted with spice and intense black cherry. The plate is smooth and warm with great intensity. However, it still has that merlot softness that mitigates the power, weight, and sweet fruit of what is a giant wine. Roast beef is its friend today; otherwise, this will need seven to ten years in a bottle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2020 is a mix of two vineyards: the rich, rocky soils of North Oliver Bench’s Blue Terrace Vineyard, and Front Yard Vineyard in Naramata, said to bring complexity and dimension to the blend. 14 to 21 days of maceration precede 18 months of ageing in American and French oak barrels. Smoke was an issue mid-season, but didn’t seem to have affected the wine substantially. The attack is rich and intense, with black cherry, black plums, and green olives. The tannins are dense but sweet and soft, leaving this one to age gracefully through 2027. A solid merlot for the price.Prices:| BC | $29.97 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Les Jamelles Merlot 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFresh and bright, with pretty black raspberry, cherry, and wild plum, this youthful red is short and simple, but charming all the same. Tannins are lightly sticky, so would benefit from a lighter poultry or roasted veg dish (and give it a slight chill first).Prices:| ON | $15.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lunessence Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLet’s see, 40 percent foot trodden, post ferment, it is aged only in French oak for 14 months, and only 12 percent of the wood is new. This explains its enticing, fragrant nose with fruity, black cherry, black plum, and cedar notes. The attack is silky smooth, low in spice and high in more red fruit, with barely noticeable fine tannins. This is a merlot of interest and refinement that will age well into the end of this decade. Drink or hold, there is no rush to open this bottle, but it will not disappoint alongside a T-bone steak now.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Merlot 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2020 is a dense mix of ripe black cherry with an undercurrent of tobacco, savoury desert scrub, and black plums. The tannins are soft, and the textures lush, soaking up the nearly 15 percent alcohol that adds even more gloss to the wine. This big red comes with a gentle demeanour that should capture the imagination of many wine drinkers. Lamb sirloin is the winery dinner pick, and I agree. It is the perfect meat to stand up to the density of this 2020 merlot, one of the best we have tasted from Hester Creek. The Old Vine merlot comes off 50 year old vines in Block 2 on the Golden Mile Bench estate vineyard. The fruit is fermented in unique Italian Ganimede stainless steel tanks over two weeks. The tank is constructed with an internal cone that traps CO2 below it during fermentation. As excess CO2 is formed, large bubbles gently rise to the surface through the neck of the cone, which constantly agitates the cap keeping all the skins wet and evenly dispersed without promoting any harsh tannins. After fermenting, the wine is barrel-aged in mostly French oak for 18 months.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Change Merlot 2019
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAnother solid effort for the price from Sea Change. The brand is constructed to protect our seas and planet through its corks, bottles, labels, and fruit. But, of course, none of that matters to wine drinkers unless the wine is well made, and thankfully, it is. A Pays d’Oc Merlot has that French sensibility of dryness and style that calls you back to the glass after every sip. Round, flavourful, and persistent, its blue and black fruit with spice and light tannins is the definition of easy drinking. Beef, pork, and chicken all work here, making this a mid-week winner.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Le Vieux Pin Equinoxe Merlot 2019
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe last time I tasted this wine was the 2016 vintage, and I remarked that we need more, and we still do. Equinoxe Merlot, a specific block of 25+ year old vines, mid slopes at the south end of the Golden Mile Bench, is a powerful expression of this much-maligned grape. There is 19 percent new oak for support, but it doesn't need much help. Winemaker Severine Pinte's has a quieter, drier French style that suits the site and grape. Plums and blackberries coat the palate with streaky cedar and minerals, with a dash of cocoa. This wine will only get better through 2030. Lamb is today's ticket while we wait for it to reach total harmony.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liber Farm and Winery Off Your Rocker 2019
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLiber Farms has a gently sloping west-facing organic vineyard in the Similkameen winery overlooking the Similkameen River. It is one of the oldest organic farms in BC, dating back to the 1960s. Seven acres were planted to chardonnay and merlot in 2007 – the latter is what goes into Off Your Rocker. Winemaker Mike Liber says, “the wine is our salute to all those who march to their beat and follow their dreams. You can expect a stylish, easy-drinking merlot with savoury, plummy/black fruit, bits of dark chocolate and soft tannins and wild desert Similkameen scrub and spice. Drink or hold; there is no rush. We love the winery food pairings: backyard burgers, mushroom and truffle pizza or thyme-roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Merlot comes from three vineyards: Lazy River Vineyard in South Cawston, Similkameen Valley; South Rock Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench; and Lost Horn Vineyard, Okanagan Valley. It is a somewhat more delicate version of the regular label, although it is not a light red wine. It spends 14 months in American and French oak, 25 percent of which is new, and it weighs in at 13.9 percent alcohol. The texture is well done, soft and slippery, and it is peppered with savoury, earthy, dark cherry and a fair hit of wood spice in the finish. This wine needs 3-5 years in a bottle to reach its best expression, but you can drink it now with steak or a Portabello hamburger.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mt. Boucherie Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mt. Boucherie Merlot was farmed at a trio of sites: Lost Horn Vineyard in Okanagan Falls; South Rock Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench; and Lazy River Vineyard in South Cawston. It has an earthy, meaty nose lined with black cherry jam. The palate is similar, mixing with earthy, black olive, black raspberry, with some light tannins yet to dissipate. A fine vintage, this wine will need three to five years to reach its zenith. If you can’t wait, you can drink it now with grilled sausage, roasted pork, or root vegetables. It was aged in French oak for 14 months, (fifteen percent new).Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Painted Rock Merlot 2020
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool start, a smaller set, and warm mid-season punctuated with a lot of smoke in parts of the south Okanagan all played havoc with area wine growers. Painted Rock has long since mastered the art of tannin management, and that, in combination with merlot tannins, presents a smooth, slippery palate that can be enticing. My issue is the fruit tastes more cooked than fresh, and at 14.9 percent, it presents a bit sluggish and tired at such a young age. It is not a disaster and would be OK with a charbroiled burger, but it is a step down in elegance and vitality in 2020. I can recommend it as buy and drink red at this point, or wine to reassess in 2024.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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22 February 2023
88PTS
Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2021
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lillooet estate, this reserve chardonnay was 50% whole cluster, with the rest destemmed and on skins for 4 hours. Both lots were native fermented in French oak (partial MLF), where they remained for 9 months (30% new). As the Gold label reflects, this is a rich white, with ample buttery lees, ripe white peach and pear, fragrant white florals across a toasty, full backdrop. There is a lift of lemony acidity to carry, but this remains a homegrown wine for Cali chardy lovers.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's Four Shadows Vineyard, this chardy was whole cluster pressed, and French barrel fermented over 3 weeks (1/3 MLF) before ageing 9 months on lees. Ripe lemon and green apple rule the medium palate, with a spike of citrus acidity, ample padding of creamy lees, and lashing of sage and ginger spices through the brief finish. Ready to crack and enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2021
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaIn ‘21, the estate grapes enjoyed a long, slow ripening period with cool nights. As a result, the Chardonnay is bright pale straw. It opens with an inviting lemon peel nose streaked with peach and honey. The textures on the palate are creamy, with a nutty lees undercurrent and a rich long finish. It smells skinner than it is, leaving it in the more decadent California style, albeit with better acidity. Think chicken empanadas, grilled prawns, or creamy mushroom pasta. 50% of the fruit was crushed/destemmed and left on skins for four hours before an overnight settling and a natural barrel fermentation. The other half was whole cluster pressed and fermented naturally. The wine spent nine months in French oak, 30% new, 30% 2nd fill, and 40% neutral, and only went through a partial malolactic fermentation.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaAs strange as it might sound to some, the FB Reserve is all Lillooet fruit grown at Dry Creek Vineyard. When people talk cool-climate chardonnay, and many do, few can claim a latitude of 50° 41' 6.59 N, but Fort Berens can. The '20 is a reasonably rich version with peachy aromas that spill onto the palate with creamy, nutty, buttery undercurrents and a vanilla-flavoured finish. Fear not, there is plenty of acidity and freshness, but it could use a bit more electricity to set it apart from so many other chardonnays made around the world. Now that we know Lillooet chardonnay is a reality, it is time to explore the terroir to the maximum and make a statement about Next World chardonnay. 2020 is ready to drink and would be a fine match with a roasted turkey, sablefish sushi rolls, or decadent lobster rolls.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Organic Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis cool climate chardonnay is all that and more. It reminds me of a bit of Macon chardonnay with its skinny green apple nose and tart flavours. It has beautifully managed leesy notes that add texture and weight to the mid-palate. The acidity is lipsmacking with a mineral wet stone character that carries through the finish. The perfect white wine for creamy pasta dishes, tuna sushi rolls, or fresh oysters.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire has always been about the less is more philosophy, trading oak and fat fruit for concrete and delicate, refined, cool climate characters. Perfectly ripe, the creamy textures draw you into this wine that opens with leesy, nutty, lemon notes that fade into a grassy, oatmeal, citrus/saline finish. There is much to consider here; it will only intensify in bottle over the next three to five years. A chardonnay to contemplate and pair with a favourite halibut dish or, more simply, freshly cracked oysters. Only 12.5 alcohol.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLazy River Vineyard in South Cawston, Similkameen Valley, is home to this rich chardonnay. Post ferment, it spends 13 months in 50 percent new oak, the latter still leaving an impression on this wine. The nose is a melange of peach and pineapple with a dollop of vanilla floating on a creamy texture. It has some of that Similkameen freshness, 12.6 alcohol, and some desert scrub to keep it all together as the oak dissipates. Buttery baked apple and a grind of hazelnuts and spice finish it all off.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic chardonnay comes from several family-owned sites and is fermented in a mix of vessels from stainless steel tanks to neutral French oak. It goes through partial malolactic fermentation to retain its freshness and spends nine months on its lees, adding some creamy textures to the mix. The style is lemon zest bright with a touch of pear and spice. Clean, fresh, ready to drink, and well suited to various shellfish, halibut, or roasted chicken. Solid.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.98 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
| NL | $24.98 | 750ml |
| PE | $24.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Chardonnay 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a significant improvement over last year with the same fruit that comes off the historic Becker Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, initially developed in 1977 as part of the pioneering Becker Project looking at which Vitis vinifera could thrive in British Columbia. While most of the property eventually went red, a small amount of chardonnay is made exclusively for the wine club. This year, while still intense and even rich, the style is tighter and more linear, a sort of California meets cool climate. The ferment is indigenous and this gets plenty of lees contact with ten months in oak barriques and casks. Look for a bright mix of green apples and lemons with a touch of sweet pineapple in the finish. Delicious drinking now and should hold through 2024. Classic halibut wine.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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21 February 2023
92PTS
Bodega y Viñedos Nicolas Catena La Marchigiana Criolla Vino Natural Ancestral 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Marchigiana is Catina's respectful look to the past, fermenting indigenous criolla in clay pots. Though the amphora here was brought over from Italy by Nicola Catena, Chile has a long ancestry with clay pot wine aging dating back to the 16th century. The label is also historical, dating back to when Nicola (before he changed his name to Argentinian Nicolás) sold barrels of wine to Buenos Aires' finest restaurants. This rosé of criolla, from Finca La Vendimia, spent 250+ days on skins in the pots before bottling, sulphite free. Light/moderate crimson-hued, this presents more a lighter red than the rosé label states. Pomegranate, raspberry, wild herbal thorns, and fragrant dried wildflowers are lifted and buoyant on the slight palate, kissed with ample fine mineral salts and wrung with whisper fine tannins across a saline finish. Very distinct and quite charming, ideally with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Uppercase Malbec 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a dark opaque purple-black colour from this malbec made from two vineyards: one in the Similkameen, and one in Oliver. Both sites are rocky, gravel-strewn vineyards which adds a little extra minerality to the mix. As big and plush as this wine is, it remains refreshing, suggesting that the acid and wood are balanced here, allowing it to act as a malbec and not a cabernet or syrah, and that is a good thing. Post ferment, it spends 16 months in French oak barriques that are 30 percent new. Expect a soft, spicy, juicy, savoury style that is perhaps best suited to chicken or veal dishes. A solid start.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Malbec 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis malbec comes from the Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The style is juicy with a reasonably high mineral profile that helps absorb some of the 22 months this wine spends in new French oak. The tannins are ripe and structural. However, they remain primarily soft, disappearing into the red and black raspberry jam that permeates the wine. The finish is balanced with black licorice and spice to add some complexity. This will effortlessly age through 2025 and beyond before it reaches its best moments. Best now with grilled beef or pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Valle Las Acequias Malbec Oak 2017
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe vines are closing in on 90 years at the Don Angelino estate in Medrano, Mendoza, giving this wine a natural gravitas that, over the years, has attracted many fans, especially for the price. The attack is impressively lavish, with plenty of black fruit and dense, slippery tannins. Round and persistent, it finishes in a storm of pipe tobacco, licorice, and toasted oak. Still youthful, this is the classic barbecue red you can serve with a steak, hamburger, or pulled pork sandwich. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Violeta 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVioleta reveals how exceptional the Naramata Bench can be. Every year, this malbec holds its own, with many of the best merlot and pinot noir grown across the mid-Okanagan Valley, exhibiting some of the softest textural notes and lively fruit. I love the floral, violet, mineral nose, the intense red plum, spice with black tea notes, and finish amid those dense but soft tannins. The most refined yet would be a perfect barbecue red with grilled chicken, pork, or veal.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2020
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaYou have heard us talk about wines we can count on, reliable producers, and great value wines. Well, this is one of them. The Santa Julia Reserve Malbec draws upon the considerable resources and skills of the Zuccardi family, and it delivers it all at a fantastic price. It is entirely hand-picked Uco Valley fruit grown at 1400 metres above sea level. It goes through a classic, warm 20-day fermentation using selected yeast. Part of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for ten months. The nose is fresh and bright with red-black fruit evoking cherries, plums, blueberries, and black plums with just a trace of sticky tannins for gravitas. Back up the truck, again and again.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Malbec 2020
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Painted Rock Malbec has always been big, but this one tops the charts with a red-black colour and intensely smoky, earthy nose with a floral undercurrent. There is more intense black licorice, black plums, and smoked leather in the mix, and plenty of rich black fruit on the palate. Not a lot of finesse here this year, but as a rambunctious red, it is a wine that will have its followers. Depending on whether you like your reds young or old, drink or hold. I suggest a leg of lamb, at this point, roasted on a spit.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Malbec Block 8 2019
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fun wine because it falls on the delicate side of malbec. This is a red wine with finesse and silky textures that pulls you into the glass along with plenty of violets that complete the other half of an intense red packed full of savoury desert scrub, blueberry, chocolate, and warm earth. A dense, refined tannin structure accepts a fraction of toasted oak and vanilla, all heading for a seven to ten-year maturity mark in the bottle. The tiny, eight-acre parcel first planted by Dick Cleave in 1996 is primarily cabernet sauvignon. Since the early 2000s, the fruit from the property has been used mainly on single-vineyard bottlings, a tradition Phantom Creek is honouring today. It is a pleasure to see how this malbec has been adapted to the south Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Mad Bird Dark Malbec 2018
Mendoza, ArgentinaA simple nose of jammy blackberries and cola spice leads to a sweet and sour palate with an unclean character to it. We'll seek out another bottle to re-evaluate.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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20 February 2023
89PTS
Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Cinsault 2020
LebanonCinsault has been farmed in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley from the mid 19th Century. This comes off 50 year old dry farmed cinsault vineyards in the Western Bekaa at 1000m, rooted in clay with limestone. It was hand picked and native fermented in concrete prior to ageing in neutral French barrels for 8 months. This medium red is laced with cracked white pepper, infiltrating wild cherry, raspberry, worked leather, and seasoned with dried herbs and fine salts which linger on the bitter edged finish. Tannins are long, fine, and sticky, welcoming partnering with pork / roast autumnal veg.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
SCEG 2019
Basilicata, ItalyIn 2016, Elena Fucci, responsible for saving her family’s high altitude, volcanic soiled vineyards and solidifying the appellation with her singular Titolo cru, began another passion project, SCEG, to help out friends of her 94-year-old grandfather Generoso. To preserve their vines and tradition, she makes this special wine from his friends’ vines, four parcels near her family’s vineyards, and vines ageing 70+ years. SGEC (pronounced Sheg) is organically farmed Aglianico, spending one year in 500L tonneaux and 6 months in bottle before release. Alluring dark florals, dusky violet dart throughout this fresh, fleshy red, with wild plum, raspberry, anise, perfumed mulberry lit with buzzy, stony acidity. Tannins are long and amply grippy, carrying this youthful red to a floral spiced finish. Youthful and pure, this is a lovely authentic look at aglianico.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Il Carnasciale Ottantadue 2019
Tuscany, ItalyFrom the secluded hilltop estate of Podere Il Carnasciale, in the mountains of south eastern Chianti’s Valdarno region, this organically farmed sangiovese is rooted in clay limestone soils. After a native ferment in stainless and concrete, this rested 14 months in stainless, and a few months in bottle prior to release. After a youthful puff of reduction blows off, this savoury red moves into black cherry, wild raspberry, crushed stones, with cracked pepper, mustard seed, and scrubby herbs. Ample grippy tannins take this through the lingering finish.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Caberlot Trentesimo 2018
Tuscany, ItalyPodere Il Carnasciale is situated in the southern Chianti mountains in the Valdarno di Sopra region of Tuscany, 30km north of Siena and Arezzo and 60 km south of Florence. True to original owner’s (Wolf Rogosky) vision, the secluded hilltop estate is run today by Bettina and her son Moritz Rogosky, in collaboration with the enologists and winemakers Peter Schilling and Marco Maffei. This cabernet, a naturally occurring crossing of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is cultivated exclusively at Podere Il Carnasciale. Trentesimo reflects that 2018 marks the 30th vintage of this singular wine, and though the X on the label may look the same each year, it's a different colour, and brushstroke, every vintage. This aged in French fûts and barriques, 50-60% new, for 22 months, and was racked only once prior to bottling unfiltered. The wine is typically bottled in magnums only (2000 annually), resting an additional 18 months prior to release. This is typically only sold in magnums, however, they release a limited number of ‘demi-magnums’ of 750ml, primarily for restaurants and importers. Dark and fleshy, with wild blackberry, black cherry, dark florals, anise, wild herbs, and sapid thorns stretched long across a structural palate. Tannins are ample and firmly grippy / gritty still, starting to yield, but signalling a long life ahead. Drinking beautifully now, but with another decade easy. I tasted from the 750ml, but know the magnum is the ideal showcase for this wine.Prices:| ON | $250.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $499.00 | 1500ml |
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93PTS
Carnasciale 2019
Tuscany, ItalyCarnasciale is the second label of Il Carnasciale's iconic Caberlot, ready for drinking earlier and made with young vines, but with all the layers, and care, given to its big brother. Podere Il Carnasciale is situated in the southern Chianti mountains in the Valdarno di Sopra region of Tuscany, 30km north of Siena and Arezzo and 60 km south of Florence. True to original owner’s (Wolf Rogosky) vision, the secluded hilltop estate is run today by Moritz Rogosky, his daughter Carla-Elle and his mother Bettina, together with the enologist and winemaker Marco Maffei. This Caberlot, a naturally occurring crossing of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, is cultivated exclusively at Podere Il Carnasciale. After a native stainless start to the ferment, MLF is finished in a French 40hl botte grande where it remains for 22 months, before bottling and 6 months' rest prior to release. Ample dark florals and lashes of cracked pepper meet wild blackberry and cherry on the fleshy, savoury, and supple palate. Ample tannins are very well integrated, and acidity is bright and buzzy. Structural yet very drinkable now, this is a wine to seek out.Prices:| ON | $106.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $267.00 | 1500ml |
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90PTS
Uppercase Petit Verdot 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you are a climate change denier, you only need to taste this 2020 petit verdot to be convinced a warmer world is happening, given that the latest ripening grape in the world is reaching phenolic ripeness in the Okanagan Valley north of the 49th parallel. Used sparingly in Bordeaux blends and only in the most perfect of growing seasons, it is seldom bottled solo, and when it is, it can be overwhelming. Not so with a version that comes with a sense of balance. It opens with savoury, ripe, olive, floral, black plums streaked with black licorice. Robust and densely structured from a sun-drenched site in the South Okanagan, it offers an array of black plums, dried figs, licorice, and bitter dark chocolate. The package is youthful with dryish tannins that speak to this grape's robust structure. It will need time, but it will repay the patient drinker around 2028. The fruit comes off Iqbal Vineyard on the Golden Mile bench in Oliver. It is fermented in stainless steel to 13.5 percent alcohol and matured 16 months in older French oak barriques. A fine start from an excellent vintage.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Red Rooster Petit Verdot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHarvested mid-October from the Crespo vineyard, this PV was fully ripened in the Osoyoos region of the southern Okanagan Valley. The grapes were sorted, destemmed, crushed, and fermented in multiple bins. The tannins, flavours and colour were carefully managed over 27 days with exacting punch-downs meant to avoid harsh notes. The result is fresh wine that underwent complete malolactic fermentation in barrel before ageing 18 months in new and older French oak vessels: one 500-litre puncheon coopered in 2020, two 225-litre barriques coopered in 2019, two 225-litre barriques coopered in 2017. The colour is opaque purple/black, the nose a sweet floral mix of black plum and cherry, with savoury vanilla streaks and smoky cigar box notes. It is a big wine, but the structure is well-defined and manageable. Not as dry as the Uppercase PV but instead buoyed by an underlying acidity that balances off its robust nature. Look for spicy black and blue fruit and long, dense tannins with lingering espresso scents. Give this 5-8 years of bottle age and always serve with lamb or an equally powerful menu item — exceptional winemaking.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Winemaker's Cut Bohemian Petit Verdot 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBohemian is a good name for this full-blooded petit verdot with a black-purple colour, a floral, black fruit, and a savoury nose. The attack is rich with a mixture of black and blue fruits, desert sagebrush, spice and dense, sweet tannins — another wine whose life is ahead of it in the bottle, likely through 2030 and beyond. Rich, ripe cheeses would be the current match as you wait for it to expand and mellow fully over time. A grape that has enjoyed the 2020 growing season. Not for the timid red wine drinker.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moon Curser Petit Verdot 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit verdot makes up a tiny part of the Okanagan Valley red wine map, likely because it is not easy to ripen most years. Still, Moon Curser has enjoyed quite a bit of success with the variety, and 2020 is the latest version. It is a monster wine pitching powerful warm black fruit laced with licorice, graphite, and floral lavender. The palate is equally full-bodied with plenty of dry extract throughout the licorice, smoke, and blue fruit. The Osoyoos East Bench fruit is grown at Moon Curser Vineyard and is aged in 225-litre French barriques, of which 27 percent is new, and the remainder goes into neutral barrels. This will require at least ten years to settle into itself. Currently, steak lovers will have the best chance of enjoying this wine.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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17 February 2023
89PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Basa Rueda Blanco 2020
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainFrom my short list of can't-miss wines year in and year out comes Basa, a gift from winemaker Telmo Rodriguez to consumers. It is a medium-bodied blend of verdejo/viura from Rueda that is reminiscent of sauvignon blanc but slightly richer and less exuberantly fruity. There is plenty of mandarin, peach, melon, and spice with a juicy, tangy, chalky texture and minerality. Good value. Real wine. Basa is one of the pioneering Rodriguez wines meant to express the grape, in this case, verdejo, that has adapted to a continental climate to become a fresh and expressive Spanish white. It is also a key label in quantity produced that has enabled Telmo to go about his goal of redefining Spanish wine. The fruit comes from four villages: La Seca, Serrrada, Pozaldez, and Foncastín, and the blend is 90% verdejo and 10% viura.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Donnafugata Anthìlia 2021
Sicily, ItalyAnthìlia 2021 is the 38th edition of this white wine made on the Contessa Entellina estate in southwest Sicily where it all began for Donnafugata. The latest effort is fragrant in the glass with delicate underlying freshness. The palate is intensely fruity with fresh citrus, peach, and bitter grapefruit that persist through the finish. The winery suggests you pair it with lightly smoked fish, shellfish, or a classic Caesar salad. Interestingly, the international varieties were harvested in the first ten days of August, and the native varieties which make up the majority of the blend were harvested from the end of August through mid-September.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Suertes del Marqués Vidonia 2021
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainFrom Tenerife's volcanic soils, this organically farmed old-vine listán blanco was rooted at 350-550m. Vidonia is an old colloquial term for the historic whites of the island, traditionally dominated by listán blanco and generally field blends. This mineral-driven blend was native fermented in neutral 500L casks and 25hL foudre before spending another 11 months rest there. A flinty reduction is woven throughout this vintage, mingling with subtle quince, mirabelle plum, green apple, verbena, and wild meadow herbs. The finish is long and saline. There is nothing but volcanic that this wine could be.Prices:| ON | $74.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Valentino Bacaia Bianco 2021
Emilia-Romagna, ItalySan Valentino is a certified organic property owned by the Mascarin family since 1990 and is centred on the hills of Rimini, near the sea. This young vine Grechetto Gentile is rooted in limestone and native fermented in stainless, where it remained six months on lees. There's an alluring slick to the palate, basing almond, wild lemon, subtle pear, and fresh herbs, with a subtle grittiness around the sides, finishing with a citrus twist. Bright, unique, and engaging, this would make a welcome addition to the dining table.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ecce Vinum Verdejo Crianza 2016
SpainBorn into a family of vintners, 3rd generation winemaker Moisès Casas started his La Mancha winery, Ecce Vinum Bodegas Moisès Casas, in 2009 after a decade of making wines for other wineries around Spain. His organic and natural farming techniques and low-intervention winemaking aim to allow his small-production wines (and vines up to 100 years old) to shine. This verdejo was fermented and aged six months on lees in new 225L French oak with weekly bâtonnage. Pouring a golden yellow hue, this hefty verdejo carries honeyed white peach, ripe quince, Marcona almonds, and candied mandarine peel across an expansive palate, feeling much weightier than its 13.5% (but equally as heavy as the massive glass bottle). A gentle sea shell acidity buoys this through the subtly saline and flinty finish—an impactful white.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Sartarelli Tralivio Verdicchio 2020
Ancona, Marche, ItalyTravilio is the perfect combination of older vines, higher altitude, long hang time, and plenty of lees, A Verdicchio Classico Superiore, it opens with a refreshing hit of citrus and pear with a soft leesy creamy texture that draws you along its palate with ease. The finish reveals stony mineral notes and bright acidity to clean up the finish and invite you back for the next sip. Richer than your average Italian white, it only means you can serve slightly bigger seafood dishes with it. A lovely addition to restaurant wine lists selling at a giveaway price.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Dereszla Tokaji Furmint 2021
HungarySituated in the heart of the Tokaj region, the origins of Chateau Dereszla can be traced back to the 18th century. This ferment is tippled with 8% kabar B and 7% muscat. Dry-ish, with a bump of RS offsetting the lime pith/peel, white melon, and pink grapefruit on the bright, snappy palate. Something new to explore and well worthwhile.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Dereszla Tokaji Hárslevelű Semi Dry 2020
HungarySituated in the heart of the Tokaj region, the origins of Chateau Dereszla can be traced back to the 18th century. Here, Hárslevelű is presented with a touch of sweetness, countering crab apple, musk melon, and sour lemon to a brief citrus drop finish. A bit disjointed, but it would be happiest chilled and partnered with spiced/sauced Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.98 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rivera Scariazzo Fiano 2020
Puglia, ItalyScariazzo comes from a single vineyard in the hills of the Murgia area, northwest of Bari, and is made from fiano. The fiano grape is an indigenous variety from the Irpinia area, known as the apiana grape, because bees (api) prefer its sweetness. The vines are old and resilient to most weather events, from heat and cold to wind and rain. The fruit is picked at the optimal phenolic maturity and fermented in 20% new Allier oak barriques and 80% stainless steel. Look for light smoky notes sprinkled with wet stones and fragrant florals. The palate is medium-bodied with multiple layers and fine acidity to keep it fresh. A perfect wine for appetizers, it has the weight to take on veal or seafood with ease. The name Scariazzo is a traditional vaulted building where sheep are kept, symbolic of the economy that flourished in the north of Puglia until the end of the 19th century.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards The Mischief Pinot Blanc 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreata Ranch Estate, north of Summerland and south of Peachland, is home to this pinot blanc that is fermented slow and cool in stainless steel before a five month rest in stainless and 40% neutral oak, with the latter getting regular stirring. The style is chiseled with bright lime mixed with pear and juicy fresh-cut apple. The texture is just round enough to invite a broader audience to this well made white wine. Underappreciated as a varietal wine, this label is well worth investigating. Matches include asparagus dishes, fish soups, and shellfish.Prices:| BC | $19.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Gaba Do Xil Godello Branco 2019
Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain2019 Gaba do Xil Branco of Galicia is made with the little-known Godello and some other assorted local grapes that grow at 400 to 500 meters on red clay and slate soils. The fermentation is all natural in stainless steel tanks, aged for four months on its lees. In some ways, it is so simple it is sophisticated beyond belief. The nose and palate are mineral, granitic, and super dry with guava and a chalky, dusty, saline finish. Rodriguez says, “Gaba do Xil offers an update on the wines of the inner Galicia. An Atlantic wine with a continental influence.” In the case of the Godello, the harvest was bountiful.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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16 February 2023
92PTS
Giant Steps Pinot Noir 2021
Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia2021 takes off where the excellent 2020 ended, beginning with a fresh and juicy nose of red cherries and an earthy forest floor undercurrent. The regular label mixes several Yarra Valley vineyards, including Sexton, Applejack, Primavera, Swallowfield, Wombat Creek, and Tarraford. It wasn’t an easy season, with summer and autumn rains and more cooler than average temperatures. Still, in the end, it led to an extended slow ripening period, producing thicker skins, riper stems, and more concentrated flavours. The fruit is handpicked and cold-soaked for three days before warming up in small open fermenters to kick start a wild fermentation. To add to the complexity, each parcel is divided into either destemmed or whole bunch, and fermented, pressed, and matured in French oak (10% new, 90% older) for eight months. The result is delicious, light, but intense pinot noir that overdelivers for its price. I love the thought of pappardelle and shredded confit duck leg and arugula. High quality here.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2020
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe vineyard known as Julia's Vineyard was renamed at the age of 20 in 1988 after Julia Jackson, the daughter of Jesse Jackson and Barbara Banke. Julia is the co-owner of Unsworth and Blue Grouse Vineyards on Vancouver Island, also well known for their pinot noir, if a completely different style. The warmth and richness of this pinot noir are apparent in the glass, but it's not over the top. The mix of clonal material (50% Clone 4, 16% Clone 667, 15% Clone 23, 15% Clone 2A, and 4% Clone 115) brings a lot of complexity to the wine. The mix of red and dark fruit, dried cranberries, and black cherry pulls with plenty of savoury notes and brown spice in the finish. It's always charming and silky smooth, and I like to chill the bottle before serving this wine to add a final touch of liveliness to the glass.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $43.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $45.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 2020
California, United StatesThis pinot noir comes from coastal California vineyards, including Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. The cooler sites help the acidity levels that keep the wine fresh. It's aged eight months in French and American oak (only four percent is new), adding some vanilla but mostly helping to expand the soft, round, earthy, cran-cherry fruit with a dash of spice. Ready to drink with simple foods, like a pulled pork sandwich. The fruit is 47% Sonoma Coast, 44% Central Coast, and 9% Mendocino County.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2021
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLa Crema does a remarkable job of expressing the character of the various sub-AVAs where it makes pinot noir, which is no mean feat given its substantial output. The 2021 Monterey Pinot Noir is a snappy edition with bright red florals and cool, red plum leading the way. It spends eight months in French oak barrels (21 percent new). It was a long, cool growing season with some heat spikes that bumper the alcohol weight and texture of the wine, adding to its drinkability. We enjoyed this with a sweet soya poke, but salmon steaks would be fine too.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Carmel Road Pinot Noir 2019
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOpen, expressive nose of fresh cherries, caramel, and black tea. The style is soft but juicy, with just enough acidity to keep the palate lively through the finish. Look for black cherry, cola, caramel, and vanilla with very little tannin. Ready to drink and a perfect foil to grilled chicken, pork sausages or vegetable pan dishes.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.49 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Citation Pinot Noir 2006
Oregon, United StatesPresident and Founder Howard Rossbach says Citation is “The finest Pinot Noir we offer…by looking beyond limiting local geographic boundaries to attain the highest quality possible.” It is an intense selection of the best blocks from across the state of Oregon. Post ferment, it is aged in French oak barrels for fifteen months. The nose is scented with floral red-blue fruit and cinnamon spice. Nine years of bottle age has left this wine immediately drinkable, from its spicy, earthy cherry to its ultra-silky palate, where the tannins have long dispersed into the fabric of the wine. Perfectly balanced and an absolute pleasure to drink, this is as good as it gets right now. Mushroom-stuffed, oven-roasted chicken appeals to me, as does a Peking duck order.Prices:| CDN | $99.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carmel Road Pinot Noir 2021
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe perfect introductory to Monterey pinot, the Caramel road label comes mainly from the Panorama Vineyard. Look for a round, silky texture full of red fruit, black cherry, and cola dusted in baking spices. Fruity, charming, and easy to sip, it will be a hit with consumers looking for lighter, juicy, soft red wine. It is certified sustainable and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gérard Bertrand Domaine de l'Aigle Pinot Noir 2019
Limoux, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Domaine de l’Aigle is covered by 31 hectares of vines planted between 250 and 500 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc. It lies close to the village of Roquetaillade, near Limoux, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, a place Bertrand describes “as similar to Burgundy, where the grape originated. Here is an oceanic climate with continental influences, frequent rainfall, and a wide temperature range. Post ferment, the free-run juice is cooled for 24 hours and transferred to French oak barrels, where it goes through malolactic fermentation for nine months of ageing. The best barrels are racked and blended before bottling without filtering. The colour is a medium copper tint, and the nose is a mash of aromatic red berries with subtle spice. The attack is fresh and juicy with wild plums, black cherries, and white pepper with a lush underside that takes me to Pommard. Chinese pork dishes would be a good Vancouver match. The vines are grown in compliance with the rules of sustainable agriculture set by Terra Vitis, with traceability at every level and production techniques accredited by independent inspectors.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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15 February 2023
85PTS
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California, United StatesWith fruit sourced from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Monterey, Mendocino, and Lodi, this is a sweet red, with baked cherry, raspberry jam, molasses, framed with soft yet gritty, bitter cocoa and coffee tannins. No varietal or geographical typicity here. Look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lake Sonoma Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis ripe, rich cab is tempered marginally, being Sonoma County, but still results in a plush, round, and cushy red with wild cherry, strawberry jam hemmed with sinewy tannins that finish with a chocolate dust. Friendly and accessible, but doesn't speak much of Sonoma or cab.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.79 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $32.80 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montecariano Puntara Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis cabernet comes from the foot of the hills in San Pietro in Cariano, the only solo cabernet made in the Veneto. The fruit is harvested overripe in mid-October and dried naturally for 30 days in wooden boxes. On the edge of being volatile, the fragrant lifted black cherry is intoxicating. It spends a month in Frech oak with stirring before ageing 12 months in the bottle. You can drink this now, and I suggest mushroom risotto or braised lamb shanks.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2020 there was no problem ripening the cabernet sauvignon fruit from the estate-owned Blue Terrace Vineyard in Oliver, with a contribution from Raju Vineyard in Osoyoos. Youthful and exuberant, it is a bit of a beast with big, rich, black fruit and cassis, a whack of spice, and some sticky tannins yet to be shed. The alcohol is perfect at 13.5 but it will need time in the bottle to settle and open up. Revisit in 2026.Prices:| BC | $33.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trim Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
California, United StatesThe Signorello freshness pervades this blend of 85/12.5/2.5/ cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petite sirah from Lodi. It comes in at a respectable 13.5 percent alcohol and is packed with bright red cherry sprinkled with baking spice. The style is balanced the textures are supple, making it very drinkable. A simple but well made wine for serious drinkers. Trim is all in telling you the ingredients inside the bottle by listing them on the label: grapes, yeast, malolactic bacteria, potassium metabisulfite, natural oak, and tannins. The calories are 122 per 5 fl/oz (148 ml), and it has zero sugar.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
California, United StatesThis is simple stuff with a modicum of varietal character. Soft and a bit herbaceous, it leads with some candied black cherry, followed by black licorice, and mocha vanilla. A mid-week red and my choice match would be grilled hamburgers or flank steak. Ready to drink. The mix is 95% cabernet sauvignon, 2% syrah, 1% merlot, 1% petit verdot, and 1% cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
South Australia, AustraliaSmooth and fruity, it’s an easy drinking red, but what stands out is that it hasn’t lost cabernet’s distinctive greenness, freshness, and tannins. It’s almost a relief to encounter a decent wine like this at this price point. Great value!Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.19 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.60 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis sustainably farmed cabernet sauvignon features black cherry, tart cassis, and bitter dark cocoa on a short, compact palate. Tannins are clipped and firm, and acidity is bright. A very simple red, best with a rustic stew.Prices:| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fortant de France Terroir D'Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThese cab sauv vines are located near the foothills of the Cevennes, planted between 250-600m. Black fruit, dark soils, and cocoa rule the shorter palate, with bitter-edged tannins and a black espresso finish. It needs a hearty stew to mitigate its rusticity.Prices:| ON | $15.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Uppercase Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a big red wine. It benefits from a fine 2020 vintage allowing full grape maturity on the vine. The fruit hails from two superior growing regions for cabernet sauvignon: the stony vineyards of the Similkameen; and Golden Mile Slopes. The nose is intense with big spicy, savoury notes. There are hints of green olives, blackberries, pepper and mineral on the palate. The style is linear with firm youthful tannins and some bitter dark chocolate in the finish. This wine needs three to five years in the bottle to gather itself and smooth out the edges. Best now with grilled beef. It is a good start at this point and will doubtless get better in the bottle through 2028.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
South Australia, AustraliaIt's been a long time since I've tried the Wolf Blass Yellow Label, which was a staple on my family's dinner table growing up. This shows appealing, varietally accurate cassis and menthol notes, with a definition to the fruit that you don't commonly see at this price point. There's some stickiness to the tannins, balanced by a touch of sweetness, but all in all this is a really solid Aussie cabernet. I'd wager Yellow Label has never been better.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.19 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.60 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Phantom Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPhantom Creek Vineyard is one of the finest cabernet sites in BC thanks to its maximum sun exposure and long South Okanagan days of daylight. All the classic cabernet descriptors work here, including cassis, tobacco, dark chocolate, green pepper and deeply concentrated hits of black currant, plum, toast, and baking spices. The tannins are dense and dusty, but the finish has heightened campfire notes. While tolerable now, I think you should drink this wine as soon as possible before the wine surrenders. Established in 1996, Phantom Creek Vineyard was planted by pioneering viticulturist Dick Cleave along the lower terrace of the Black Sage Bench. The tiny, eight-acre parcel has turned heads since the beginning and will continue to, weather permitting, for a long time.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Sonoma Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA cabernet is perhaps the best way to absorb some of that extra heat in a year of late-season heat strikes. This wine came from three vineyards in late September and early October to fight off the heat and keep it balanced. Aged for 19 months in 40% new and 60% neutral French Oak barrels, it opens with fragrant plummy black cherry with a dash of prune. Milk chocolate, spice, and black cherry fill in the back end along with soft sweet, savoury tannins. Consumer-friendly and ready to drink. Think flank steak, beef and greens, or a winter root vegetable casserole.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $33.79 | 750ml |
| NB | $33.79 | 750ml |
| SK | $36.99 | 750ml |
| YK | $32.80 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralux Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a much more complete version of cabernet, linear and long with warmer, richer, more California styling, except with some juicy acidity to keep it all fresh. Look for cassis, assorted black fruits, some dusty stone, pencil lead and spice throughout. As big as it is in youth, it exhibits some signs of elegance, and with such youthful balance, it is safe to say this wine will age effortlessly for a decade. Perfect with grilled steaks and chimichurri sauce at this point, or roasted vegetables. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Winemaker's Cut Bohemian Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bohemian Cab comes from Quails Wayside Vineyard in Oliver. The medium light colour reflects the style of this mid-weight cabernet, big on fragrance and peppery plummy fruit, with bright acidity and a herbaceous undercurrent. It’s an excellent vintage, and as mentioned many times, the 2020 cabs will effortlessly age through 2028. Early drinkers will need a bit of fat in their beef ribs or a well-marbled steak to smooth out the edges. Cool climate as opposed to the warmer, more decadent California style.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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14 February 2023
90PTS
Roche Tradition Pinot Gris 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has taken another step up in the last few months and is presenting with full force in 2023. The style is Okanagan fresh but with a sure-handed Euro interpretation. It is grown organically at Kozier Vineyard on the Naramata Bench and is packed full of crunchy red apple and pear dusted in savoury Okanagan desert scrub. Dry and very pure, this white has more layers than ever, making it the ultimate dinner wine candidate. You can take it in many directions, from fish to fowl to mushrooms to cheese. It is aged ten months in French neutral oak, adding depth and mouthfeel.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris 2021
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI’ve been tasting this wine from its beginning in 2009 when the vineyard was a bit of a mess and far from where it is today. Switchback Organic Vineyard is a model site that portrays what the Okanagan can be with total dedication to the land. This pinot gris was whole cluster pressed and fermented on its yeast before ageing in concrete on lees for 11 months with constant stirring. The nose is a medley of scents mixing pear and yellow apples with a splash of honey. On the palate, it is more of the same combined into a creamy vibrancy with a real mineral/sagebrush finish. A wine that is not like the others (pinot gris). You can drink this now or hold it for even more development; the choice is yours. Well done, Matt and Kat.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris 2021
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new year, a new label, a new wine, and a new winery name. Okanagan Crush Pad has shifted its name to Haywire Winery, reflecting the growing importance of its leading brand and the company's shift away from being a custom crush facility. With the change comes new branding and this new Haywire Switchback Pinot Gris. From their original home vineyard, this organic gris was whole cluster pressed and native fermented in concrete, where it remained for 11 months with regular bâtonnage. Creamy and expansive, this medium white is drawn with flax, lees, ripe pear and white peach, scented with scrubby desert sage and elderflower on the soft finish. Quite youthful. Watch for this to build weight in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jolie Laide Mère Pinot Gris 2021
California, United StatesJolie-Laide is a one-person operation based in a Sebastopol winery where winemaker Scott Schultz makes only 500 cases a year under his label. The name Jolie-Laide translates loosely to Pretty-Ugly, a French endearment term to describe something unconventionally beautiful. This year's Pinot Gris blends fruit from Vista Verde vineyard and Glen Oaks vineyard, the former, new site with 333m elevation and gravelly loams/limestone in San Benito County, near the Pacific ocean. The last vineyard has been a mainstay for Jolie Laide, situated in Sonoma's deep rocky soils. The blend was native fermented and aged in stainless and neutral puncheons before aging in neutral barrique. Deeply hued, this gris is gently expansive, with soft pear, melon, and light spicing running the length of the medium-slight palate. Moderate freshness feels strange for Cali but makes this a friendly, easy pour for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $67.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Uppercase Pinot Gris 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe pinot gris comes from Osoyoos and Summerland, the latter no doubt tempering the ripeness. The wine is quite round and supple, low acid but rich in texture. Even though most of the wine, 84 percent, was fermented in stainless steel, with the remainder in neutral French oak, it feels like more wood was involved. Ripe pears, golden delicious apples and guava highlight what is a most delicate if slightly disjointed gris. Nevertheless, it is a good start and should improve with a cool climate bent in the coming years. Upper Case Winery works out of District Wine Village north of Oliver, and the vineyards are located in the South Okanagan. The pinot gris comes off the warm Border Vineyard on Osoyoos West Bench, and is mixed with Summerland fruit.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways popular, this pinot grigio is all Naramata fruit that is hand-picked off Home Lot Vineyard. Its signature is honeyed orchard fruit that previews dried apricots drizzled in citrus. After all the glitzy fruit, honey, and orange flecks, it is dusted in a savoury desert scrub jacket. What sounds complex is simply a delicious easy-to-drink pinot gris from a prime mid-Okanagan vineyard. Perfect for lightly spiced Asian fare or halibut.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Phantom Creek Estates Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOlivier Humbrecht, the legendary Alsace winemaker and biodynamic guru, is the consulting white winemaker (his only consultation outside his estate in Alsace) at Phantom Creek. Hence, it is easy to get excited about his pinot gris. While we wait for the wild stony Similkameen property to make it to bottle, Humbrecht shapes the 2020 gris from Peachland by slowly fermenting the fruit to dryness in Austrian white oak foudres, and ageing it for 19 months in 32% French oak, 38% Austrian oak, and 30% stainless steel. Typically floral and fragrant with light citrus and a touch of croissant, the palate resembles pear and litchi blended into a spicy, soft plush finish. It is not a style for everyone, but it is a style oenophiles will applaud. The final wrapping was a small harvest that elevated the overall intensity of the wine.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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13 February 2023
93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFool's Mate is the only Chardonnay that comes off a blend of five unique sites: 20% Jagged Rock Vineyard, Black Sage Bench; 29% Sunset Vineyard, Black Sage Bench; 30% Dekleva Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench DVA; 10% Border Vista Vineyard, Osoyoos East Bench; and 11% Combret Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench DVA. The goal is complexity, and it begins with a complex mix of clones: Dekleva, Combret, Old Wente, Prosser, Hyde-Wente, Mt. Eden, Calera, Dijon 76, 95, 96, and 548. It opens with an inviting orchard blossom and melon nose. The palate has a rich entry pushing pears and nectarines with some vanilla at this stage. The acidity is fine, and this wine will tighten up a bit and show more restraint with time in the bottle as all the parts come together. The texture is an essential part of Fool's Mate, aged in 65% French oak barrique (41% new), 25% foudre, and 10% concrete egg, all of which suggest this wine could age from 2027 to 2030.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $485.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $985.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Queen Taken Chardonnay Dekleva Vineyard 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOver the years since its inception in 2013, Queen Taken has become a leaner, more exciting chardonnay, with lower alcohol (now 13.7%) increasing its freshness factor. Deeply rooted in BC wine history, these 45-year-old vines hang fruit considerably longer into the season, allowing the grapes to retain their natural acidity. Deep, rocky soils and old, gnarly vines (planted in 1973) combine to create a wine with florals, sub-tropical fruit, ginger, spiced pear, and wet stone aromas. The palate mirrors the nose and transitions from a rich entry to a long mineral finish with signature sticky stone notes. Since 2019 the Dekleva clone has been joined by the old Wente clone, adding increased minerality and upping the complexity of the wine. In 2020 17 barrels were made, wild fermented and barrel-aged in French oak (50% new) for 16 months.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $280.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $680.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1425.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Attack Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently at the top of the heap among the Checkmate chardonnay collection, 2020 does not disappoint. A blend of terroir and foudre fermenting vessels (large oval casks) makes it unique among the group. Both foudres were new this year, adding the highest amount of new oak ever, but the structure of Attack can easily absorb the wood. It opens with an alluring lemon and saline seaweed nose with a vanilla undertone. The palate has an understated elegance marked with spiced pears, tangerine, and seawater. It is handpicked at night, assuring a freshness that permeates the wine. The fruit is a 61/24/15 mix of Jagged Rock, Border Vista, and Dekleva vineyards containing Dijon 76 and the local Dekleva clone.Prices:| BC | $115.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $260.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $640.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1330.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Capture Chardonnay Border Vista Vineyard 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs far south as you can go in, the Okanagan Valley is the home of the Border Vista Vineyard on the Osoyoos East Bench. What Checkmate says "is the most challenging climat from which we source fruit." The sandy, lean soil contributes to an elegant structure aided by its lowest alcohol yet at 13.5%. 2020 is showing more length and complexity this year too. It opens with a light herbal scent, some desert brush and a savoury undercurrent. On top, the stone fruit and seaweed mineral notes add the perfect lift to the mix. This is a good version of Capture and the best I have tasted. The site earned its organic certification in 2021. The fruit is all 30-year-old Dijon clone 76, wild fermented and aged for 16 months in French oak (50 percent new). 2019 saw a jump in quality last year, and 2020 remains at that level. Seafood, anyone?Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $485.00 | 3000ml |
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95PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Queen's Advantage Chardonnay Combret Vineyard 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Queen's Advantage is home to the country's oldest, most traditional chardonnay vines, planted in 1973. The unknown clone takes the vineyard name Combret, a single estate plot of gnarly 47-year-old vines deeply rooted in the Golden Mile Bench hillside site of calcium-carbonate coated stones. The vineyard sits at 1266-1319 feet and has been painstakingly restored via precision agriculture. The result is an exciting chardonnay rich in florals, crème brûlée, and pineapple flecked with ginger, followed by pears, wet stone, and minerals. The vines, now deeply rooted, are tapping into the calcium carbonate rocks embedded in the fluvial fan. The ferment is 67 percent wild in 52 percent new French oak, all barrel aged for 16 months. QA is all about freshness and persistence now while building richness throughout, suggesting Dungeness crab or lobster would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $485.00 | 3000ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Little Pawn Chardonnay Jagged Rock Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLittle Pawn tends to be the group’s most reductive, coming off the now highly acclaimed Jagged Rock Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. It is 88 percent fermented wild and entirely barrel aged in 53 percent new French oak for 16 months. Dijon 76, with its abundant stone fruit, makes up more than half the blend, while interestingly, it is joined by the Dekleva clone that, here on the sands of the Black Sage Bench, takes on more licorice and black sage, upping the complexity of this label. In its final year of organic certification, the alcohol comes at a fabulous 13.6. Changing viticulture and irrigation techniques have further reduced the crop, which is now self-limiting its yields, intensifying its vibrant nose of rosewater, peach blossoms and melon, followed by an intriguing palate of peach, bitter lime, and green tea, dusted in fennel and mineral sea salt. Fresh and elegant, this is Next World chardonnay. Unfortunately, only 17 barrels were made.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $250.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $620.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1300.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Knight's Challenge Chardonnay Sunset Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKnight's Challenge is all about texture, according to winemaker Phil McGahan. It comes off Sunset Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. It remains a vineyard of contrasting elevations and east/west row orientations that affect the wine's disposition more than its 29-year-old Dijon clones (76 and 95). Two distinct blocks go into the wine, allowing for separate pick dates to maintain its inviting balance of power from the warmer upper block and freshness from the cooler lower block. The move to organic viticulture keeps the alcohol in check at 13.9, giving the wine a vibrant personality. This is an enticing style of chardonnay with aromas of sagebrush, floral spice, peach blossom, and melon, underscored by subtle fruit and oak. The palate is equally on point, mixing more desert garrigue with honey, lime, and mineral saline notes — a wine for chardonnay lovers.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $485.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $985.00 | 6000ml |
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10 February 2023
90PTS
Haywire Gamay Rosé 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire has always been a winery that cares passionately about terroir, employing a 'less is more' style, utilizing state of the art concrete tanks and amphorae, and gentle winemaking under winemaker Matt Dumayne. Okanagan Crush Pad is disappearing into the Haywire Winery, reflecting the OCP facility’s shift away from the custom crush business, allowing Haywire to take the lead. The Haywire Gamay Rosé is a prime reason this label needs a brighter spotlight. A wow wine and a great example of what serious rosé can be in BC. Fresh, creamy, and stuffed full of strawberry underpinned by a streak of orange and citrus that reminds me a bit of Provence. The finish is gloriously slick and spiced. It is the kind of bottle that will disappear quickly. You will want to get some of this for the summer now.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Gamay Rosé 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new year, a new label, a new wine, and a new winery name. Okanagan Crush Pad has shifted its name to Haywire Winery, reflecting the growing importance of its leading brand and the company's shift away from being a custom crush facility. With the change comes new branding and this new Haywire Gamay Rosé. This gamay was whole-cluster-pressed to concrete, foudre, and stainless for a native ferment then was racked to tank for a seven-month rest. Pouring a medium peach hue, this is creamy with ripe strawberries and subtle rhubarb, laced with pink grapefruit and tangerine zest through a softly spiced finish.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Condor Peak Peak Rosé 2020
ArgentinaThis bright, simple rosé carries subtle raspberry, cherry, and strawberry along a bitter citrus kissed palate, finishing snappy and briskly. Thankfully dryish, take this with a strong chill now.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Change Rosé 2019
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSea Change produces a small range of ethically-sourced, eco-friendly wines from around the world that help to fight plastic pollution. A portion of sales also supports ocean conservation projects worldwide. This Languedoc rosé is a blend of grenache, cinsault, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah from Château Pigoudet. Subtle and light, with tart raspberry, strawberry, and tangerine, kissed with salinity through the brief finish. Best with a chill and some canapés.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Héritages Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceWith fruit sourced from Vaucluse, Gard, Drôme, and Ardèche, this blend including Syrah, Grenache, Muscat Blanc, and Mourvèdre was fermented and rested briefly in stainless. Tart and sour red currant, green apple, soft spice fill the short, snappy palate, finishing with bitter red currant. Thankfully dry, this is a simple pink that is best with a brisk chill.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom vines averaging 25 years in the region's clay / limestone, this blend of 70% grenache, 20% cinsault, and 10% syrah was fermented and briefly rested in stainless. Glossy with tangerine, tart strawberry, red currant, red apple, and peppery spice on the snappy finish. Simple and easy.Prices:| QC | $23.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Therianthropy Georgian Bay Field Blend Rosé 2021
Ontario, CanadaTherianthropy is the mythical process of shapeshifting, another way to view turning nature into wine. This small collaborative project launched in late 2019. This peach-hued rosé is a field blend of vidal, syrah, pinot noir, and baco noir, grown at Four Wheel Farm in Creemore. Rooted in the area's rich clay loams, these 812-year-old vines were sustainably grown and dry farmed, natively fermented with 10% seeing one week of skin time before joining the rest in stainless for full MLF and five months on fine lees (no bâtonnage). It was a bottle,d unfined and unfiltered. The lightly creamy, dry palate beds ripe strawberry, cherry, and tangerine, trailing off into subtle spicing—aA gentle and friendly rosé.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château de l'Escarcelle 2021
Coteaux Varois, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis organic blend of syrah, grenache, and cinsault was fermented cool in stainless, where it remained until bottling. Tart and skinny, with tart raspberry, unripe cherry, green apple, and zippy lime on a light, silken base through a saline finish. Simple, easy, and ready to drink this summer.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Château des Ferrages Mon Plaisir 2021
Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis blend of Grenache, Syrah and Rolle comes off clay-limestone sandy soils from vineyards in the villages of Pourcieux and Pourrières, at the feet of Mount Aurélien and Mount Sainte-Victoire. It was fermented, cool and aged in stainless. The cooler, mountainous sites give this a tight, zippy lift, with subtle pink blossoms, wild strawberry, tangerine, and fine spicing along a sleek body, finishing long and saline. Quite smart.Prices:| ON | $20.25 | 750ml |
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88PTS
H and B Provence Côtes de Provence 2021
Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle comes from vineyards in Saint-Antonin, Entrecasteaux, Carcès, Pourrières, and La Londe-les-Maures. It was fermented and briefly aged in a blend concrete and stainless. Tart and zesty, with tight pink florals, sour cherry, Asian pear, lime pith and peel, and soft spices on the stony, steely finish.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Gérard Bertrand Perles de Grenache Rosé 2021
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe grenache in this fancy pearl-decked bottle comes from Languedoc. Sour strawberry and raspberry lead the tart, subtle palate, with sticky sides and some soft spicing on the finish. The focus seems to have gone into the packaging rather than the contents.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Marismilla Rosado 2021
SpainLuis Pérez is a professor of enology at the University of Cádiz, and former winemaker at Domecq. Together with his son Willy they clearly tell the story and diversity of four pagos: Corchuelo, Carrascal, Balbaína, and Macharnudo. This rosato is from 25 year old organic tintilla rooted in the albariza soils of Calderín del Obispo vineyard. The grapes had a 4 hour maceration and native fermentation in stainless, before resting there 6 months on fine lees. Pouring a moderate blush / pink hue, this dry, full bodied (14%) rosé packs wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry into a streamlined palate, with hints of candied watermelon, a texturing stony spice, and shining bright limestone acidity. Quite interesting, the contrast between the slicked lining and the savoury overlay, streaking with buzzy limestone and plumped with the Southern Spain sun, this has the guts to partner with equally gutsy tapas and pintxos.Prices:| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fabre en Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé 2021
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceFabre en Provence was created in 1920 by Henri Fabre Sr. and quickly became the largest producer in the South of France. However, the family history in the region stretches back 17 generations. It was one of the first to own a bottling line and work for the recognition of AOC Côtes de Provence. This introductory label over-delivers for its rice, offering a fresh, vibrant pink with a glossy texture and pitching strawberry, rosewater, and raspberries sprinkled with minerality. Perfect with Westcoast salmon or pesto pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Rosé 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted last May, I’m happy to report this rosé under screwcap remains vibrant today. The Reserve label is sourced from estate sites in Osoyoos and Oliver where the vines are now 23 years old. The colour is barely visible pink and the nose is a mix of watermelon and ripe raspberries. It's bright, light, elegant, and simply fun to drink. Best of all, it is fresh and crisp and finished dry. It is made for afternoon tapas. This year, the blend has flipped around to 56% pinot noir, 23% merlot, and 21% syrah fermented in stainless steel. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Château La Coste Grand Vin Rosé 2021
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe pale Provençal pink is an elegant, delicate, graceful rosé made from a classic mix of syrah and grenache. It is whole-cluster-pressed and kept under a blanket of gas to protect its fresh aromas and flavours. It sits here on its lees for six months. The nose and palate is an enting mix of wild red fruits, strawberries, and raspberries with a thin coating of salt and citrus. What a delight to sip. The current supply is almost run out but look for this label next year. Impressive, to say the least.Prices:| ON | $44.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paul Mas Côté Mas Rosé Aurore 2021
Sud de France, FranceIt is a rare wine that remains more or less the same price year after year and provides the same quality, but that is the story of this humble rosé. They are serious about wine at Paul Mas, no matter the price, so this label is a solid buy. This litre-bottle of fresh, juicy, fruity rosé comes with a pale pink colour and strawberry and raspberry that will charm you and your guests, especially if you sit on a warm patio. A grenache/cinsault/syrah mix has all the elements to turn a balcony into what Jean Claude calls "Le Luxe Rural."Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 1000ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 1000ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 1000ml |
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86PTS
Berton Metal Rosé 2021
Riverina, New South Wales, AustraliaThis deeply hued rosé comes from early harvested Riverina shiraz, fermented cool and rested briefly in stainless. Tart red currant, underripe and potent raspberry, tangerine pith make up the short, snappy frame—a simple, forward pink for cracking now. Serve well, chilled with some starters.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Gérard Bertrand Clos du Temple Rosé 2020
Cabrières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceClos du Temple is located on the historical terroir of Cabrières, in the heart of Languedoc, 240 metres above the Mediterranean, with a southern/south-western exposure. Its old vines reside at the birthplace of rosé, on an eight-hectare / seven-parcel site of schist and limestone. The blend is grenache, cinsault, syrah, mourvèdre, and viognier grown using biodynamics, including horses and mules, to bridge the connection of “mineral, plant, animal and human worlds.” The best free-run juice is selected and fermented at low temperatures without added sulphur and matured in new barrels for six months on fine lees with bâtonnage. The final wine is blended on a fruit day and is a study of refinement and grace. Look for intense apricot/peach flavours that stream through a sleek, creamy palate flecked with tangerine and grapefruit pith. As you might expect and demand for the price, this complex rosé will age.Prices:| BC | $262.95 | 750ml |
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09 February 2023
92PTS
Giant Steps Chardonnay 2021
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaThis Yarra Valley chardonnay comes off Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera, and Wombat Creek Vineyards. Eight months down the road and retasted, it's equally compelling. The alcohol is an illuminating 12.5 percent, and the vintage was large and high quality. The overall temperature during the growing season was lower than average, which led to a long, slow ripening period and a significant concentration of flavours and natural acidity. The result is a high quality white with enticing mealy, leesy notes, fresh apricot, and lemon across the whole palate. As I said earlier, rich in a Grand Cru way but not overpowering. Outstanding value. Food possibilities are endless, including these winery suggestions: fish tacos with coriander; chilli and avocado salsa; grilled eggplant with tomato relish; salad with grilled goat cheese on croutons; roast crispy skin chicken with preserved lemon and roast garlic. Drink or hold.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $50.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pascal Clément Meursault Les Vireuils 2018
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceThere's a lovely finesse to this Meursault, with the cru's power shaped and sculpted with green apple, dough, popcorn, and lashes of flake salt. The vintage lends expansion to the core, which tightens back at the saline finish.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Rolet L'étoile Chardonnay 2019
Jura, FranceThis chardonnay is grown on the hills near Lons Le Saunier, with distinguished soils of grey blue marls and star shaped fossils called pentacrine, after which this small appellation was named. L'étoile is fermented in barrique, where it ages for a year before bottling. Ripe yellow apple, lemon, anjou pear rule the creamy core, with a gently buzzy underlay of limestone keeping things buoyant and long on the palate. The saline finish lingers long after the wine is done. Drinking well now, ideally with poultry.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Rolet Arbois Chardonnay 2018
Arbois, Jura, FranceThese 30+ year old vines are planted at the top of the vineyard En Chagnon, in Montigny-les-Arsures, up against a limestone cliff with gravels and grey marls. This aged 16 months in oak barrels (30% new). The expansive palate is layered with flake salts, flax, lees, green apple, all lit with a tight, vibrant lemony acidity through a very long, saline finish. Lovely gentle depth to this wine, making it an ideal companion to creamy white or green risottos.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Peter Lehmann The Barossan Chardonnay 2021
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaSweetly ripe lemon custard, pineapple yogurt, banana, guava, and toast rule this medium bodied chardonnay, from sites across Barossa. For all its plumed ripeness, there is a hollow core in the middle, and a short, tart, sticky, warming finish (even at 12.5%). Not much varietal character or typicity here.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Roland Lavantureux Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceUpon his completion of wine school in Beaune, Roland Lavantureux founded the domaine in 1978. Today, he is joined by his two sons, Arnaud and David. From sustainably farmed 60 year old vines, this is fermented and aged in stainless. Textural layers of flax, lees, lemon blossom, pear skin, and mineral salts are woven throughout this medium bodied white, with a fine, buzzy Kimmeridgian hum lighting this from within. Very smart, pristine Chablis, drinking beauty now.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pascal Clément Savigny-lès-Beaune Guettottes 2018
Savigny-lès-Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FrancePascal Clément, well known for his exceptional white wines, loves using older foudre for his whites, as he feels it brings out the saltiness in the wine. Pascal employs MLF but never bâtonnage on his wines, leaving them on full lees in barrels after pressing. From the hills of Savigny-les-Beaune and the Guettottes parcel, this streams lemon peel, lemon blossom, with a buzzy limestone underlay and a slick of verbena. Tight, salty, and with verve, this is an alluring white for now, or future.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vieux Bourg Beaujolais Blanc Clos du Vieux Bourg 2020
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBeaujolais Blanc is a rare phrase in North America, but it is a French chardonnay grown not far from the heart of Burgundy. Dominique Piron, the owner of Domaine du Vieux Bourg, had been making wine in Morgon for 50 years. When he sold Maison Piron, he kept the family vineyards, and began a new life in search of individual wines that tell a story. Using the 35-hectare family estate dating back to the 16th century as his base, he leads a young team that heads up Domaine du Vieux Bourg. Expect a delicious stainless steel fermented chardonnay grown on clay-limestone soil. Bright and floral on the nose, the clay adds a roundness to the flashy citrus, with green apple and mineral highlights. I applaud the complexity and price, making this a perfect candidate for the dinner table.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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08 February 2023
89PTS
Fogolar Hughes Vineyard Riesling 2020
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFogolar Wines is a new small-lot Niagara project created by winemaker Marc Pistor, and named in honour of his Friulian roots (fogolar = hearth). This single vineyard riesling comes off Hughes Vineyard in Lincoln Lakeshore. It was partially native fermented, with fermentation halted when the desired sweetness was reached (here 31 g/L). It rested 10 months in stainless. Juicy pulpy lime, pear, tangerine flood this slight, 9% wine, with pithy citrus lingering on the mouthwatering, sour lemon finish. A great start from this new winery.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fogolar Riesling 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFogolar Wines is a new small-lot Niagara project created by winemaker Marc Pistor, and named in honour of his Friulian roots (fogolar = hearth). Fruit from select Niagara vineyards were fermented separately (partially wild), halted partway through to hold onto the desired amount of RS. This aged 10 months in stainless steel. Just off-dry, with cool lime, pear, white peach along a sleek, light bodied palate. The acidity does well to balance out the 28 g/L RS, leaving this very food and solo sipping friendly. Nice introduction to this new label.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRipe and sweet pear is laced with lime sherbet, and cut with green apple acidity, all wrapped around a round, juicy core. There's a zesty lime pith that ignites the snappy finish. A friendly, easy, mid-sweet riesling to enjoy now with a chill.Prices:| AB | $33.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Reif Estate Winery Riesling 2021
Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaHighly perfumed and oxidative, with apple cider, ripe pear, cold cream, lime sherbet, and sharp acidity which is up against an ample pad of RS. Pretty disjointed.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Riesling 2020
Ontario, CanadaTight zesty lime, small blossoms, tangerine sherbet rules this sleek, nimble, light bodied white, laced with crushed stone and white pepper, and lit with shining acidity. There's a lovely light touch here, welcoming drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Redstone Dry Riesling 2021
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis sustainably farmed and appealingly named Limestone Vineyard was planted in 1999 in Twenty Mile Bench. Lime, verbena glide along a sleek, dry palate, with tight florals and pithy tangerine. Smart and modern, and ready to crack into now.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Karp-Schreiber My Karp Off-Dry Riesling 2020
Mosel, GermanyThe Karp family has been farming grapes and making wine in the Mosel for 359 years. Per our previous experience, 2020 opens with a wisp of botrytis and face powder mixed with sweet lime and honeysuckle. The attack is ripe with fresh lemon, apricots, all with that lifted, elegant Mosel undecurrent. Pair this with spicy tuna sushi rolls, Indian curries, soft cheeses, or red Thai coconut curry shrimp.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Viscous 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaViscous continues to overdeliver in likeability and sheer quaffability, not to mention how it plays to the versatility of the Naramata Bench. Fully ripe yet lively, walking the acid line, boasting nectarine, Granny Smith apple, lime, guava, and sugared lemon drops. I love the balance and the 11.6 ABV that lets this riesling slide down so fast the bottle will empty before the food arrives. Anything spicy, especially sushi rolls, works here, but you can sip this solo, too. Back up the truck if you are a patio freak, as this could be your summer star.Prices:| BC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trisaetum Vineyards Ribbon Ridge Estate Dry Riesling 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis dry riesling comes off Ribbon Ridge's marine sedimentary soils, and dry farmed vines planted in 2007. This young wine was whole cluster pressed and fermented and aged in neutral oak and concrete. Perfumed lemon balm, white peach, pear blossom fill the waxen core, with a lingering cold cream perfume and lime blossom on the end of this gentle white. Drinking smartly now, and a fine pair to fragrant Thai veg curries.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Brooks Wines Ara Riesling 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesOne of the many highlights of the Brooks Wines portfolio, Ara was one of the first rieslings winemaker Jimi Brooks created when founding the winery in 1998. This near-dry (only 7.74 g/L RS) riesling from the stunning 2021 vintage is primarily Brooks' estate Eola-Amity Hills fruit, with the remaining from Yamhill-Carlton (and the mix of volcanic and marine sedimentary from those sites), all older vines. Streamline lime pulp, ripe honeydew, grapefruit is textured with crunchy Asian pear and lemon thistle, and lined with verbena through a long, struck stone, saline finish. So sleek and sculpted, with ample concentration beyond its 12.5%. Benchmark riesling producer for North America, and this youthful Ara is shining now (and for some years ahead). Only 225 cases produced.Prices:Read Full Note
07 February 2023
91PTS
G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Rosso remains one of my favourite little gems, almost always overdelivering quality wine for price. Essentially these are wines for drinking up and in the Langhe, now. Varja's Langhe Rosso is a blend of younger vine nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, fresia, albarossa, and pinot noir, meant to give an overview of Piemonte's Langhe region. This is sourced from various vineyards, each variety vinified separately, fermented in stainless and then into French barrels from new to three years in age, for two years. Fragrant cherry, wild plum, crushed roses fill a cushy palate, threaded with mineral salts, and framed with long, finely firm tannins, drawing this out to a lingering saline finish. Such a charmer, this lighter red. Enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.20 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d'Alba Vigna Valmaggiore 2020
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom Valmaggiore, in the village of Vezza d’Alba, and vines of 42 years, this Nebbiolo was fermented and macerated over 15 days in stainless before heading to French oak for 14 months rest. Fragrant wild cherry, black raspberry, and worn leather are layered through this savoury, elegant, medium+ wine, housed by long, very fine tannins. The finish lingers into a fade of walnuts and flake salts. Impressive now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $91.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d'Alba 2020
Piedmont, ItalyFrom various vineyards in the villages of Monteu Roero, Santo Stefano Roero, and Vezza d’Alba, and vines from 20-30 years, this was macerated in stainless and then aged 14 months in French oak. Wild raspberry, cherry, savoury red currant, dried herbs, and tobacco ash flood a juicy, medium-bodied palate lined with worked leather and framed with long, sticky tannins. The finish rings with saline minerality. Very impressive now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bruno Giacosa Barbera d'Alba 2020
Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom select vineyards in the villages of Neive and Alba and vines 28-36 years, this youthful red was fermented and aged in stainless before moving to oak for 14 months of rest. Fragrant raspberries and cherries flood a juicy palate, rung with long, finely grippy tannins and scented with crushed florals through the lingering savoury herbal finish. Very pure, drinking well now and over the next few years.Prices:| ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba Falletto 2021
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFalletto signifies Giacosa estate fruit, and this Dolcetto comes from their vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba and Lirano di Sinio. It was fermented and macerated over ten days in stainless, where it remained for six months before bottling. Wild blackberry, black cherry, and dried dark florals are interwoven with brooding dark earth and vegetative notes and wrapped with long, grippy tannins to a steely, cool finish — a much darker, more structured and savoury Dolcetto.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
E. Pira and Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging, is kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. From the famed Cannubi vineyard, this 0.7-hectare plot sits at 300m and faces S/SW. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months and one year further in the bottle before release. Savoury cherry, black raspberry, and crushed stones fill this masterful Barolo, scented with wildflowers and candle wax and seasoned with fragrant scrubby herbs. Ample, well-placed and well-integrated tannins frame the plump fruit, structuring this through a lengthy, saline finish. So complete now, and still with ample time ahead. A beauty.Prices:| ON | $159.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
E. Pira and Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Mosconi 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging, is kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. Barolo Mosconi comes from a single vineyard of a newly acquired property in Monforte d’Abla. This 0.8-hectare site rests at 370m and faces south. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months and one year further in the bottle before release. Fragrant wild cherry, medicinal raspberry, and roses fill the palate of this powerful Barolo, bedded with subtle candle wax and scented with scrubby herbs. The ample sticky tannins lead this to a ferrous, saline finish. Very much in youth, this has ample time ahead in the cellar.Prices:| ON | $139.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
E. Pira & Figli de Chiara Boschis Barolo Via Nuova 2018
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyOne of 3 Barolo released by Chiara this year, with vinification and aging are kept the same across the three to highlight the differences of the terroir. Barolo Via Nuova comes from 6 different organic cru located in three different villages: Barolo (Terlo – Liste); Monforte d’Alba (Ravera di Monforte – Mosconi); and Serralunga d’Alba (Gabutti e Baudana). All told, these 2.5 hectares sit at 340m, and face southeast. After a native ferment in stainless, with frequent pumping over and punch downs, all of the Baroli were aged in lightly toasted 30% new French oak for 24 months, and one year further in the bottle prior to release. Amply perfumed with wild flowers, violets, iris across a structured palate, filled in with blueberries, wild blackberries, and scented with scrubby balsam. Tannins are long and fine, well integrated into this stately, yet accessible Barolo. The finish lingers long with fine minerality and subtle salinity. Drinking smartly now, and with ample cellaring time ahead.Prices:| ON | $119.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyProduttori del Barbaresco was formed in 1958 by a priest of the village of Barbaresco who discerned small properties would need to unite to survive. Hence, nineteen small growers founded the co-op. Today 54 members control more than 100 hectares of premium nebbiolo vineyards in Barbaresco. Each family wholly owns their land, growing nebbiolo grapes with centuries-old skill and dedication. The winery produces a Barbaresco DOCG, a blend of nebbiolo grapes harvested from different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption. Nine single-vineyard Barbarescos are produced in outstanding vintages from nine premium sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries. The Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines across the DOC, fermented in stainless and with six months in large oak. The latest version is a terrific example of aromatic and juicy nebbiolo with that dry Italian styling that makes it so attractive. Look for violets, cassis, tobacco, black cherry, and licorice with firm but rounded tannins resulting from fermentation in concrete tanks. I like the versatility of serving this with mushroom pizzas, meaty pasta, or a chicken cacciatore dish.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Dolcetto Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis label is consistently bright and tangy with rusty, earthy rhubarb, red currant, and tart cherry. The fruit is grown on the gravel, glacial till and silty loams of Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. It is fermented in 1 ton open topped fermenters, punched down by hand 2-4 times daily. Next, the must is moved to concrete and stainless steel tanks, where it completes the alcoholic fermentation and goes through malolactic before aging for eight months. Bright and playful, this is ideally suited to grilled sausages or grilled vegetables that can take on tangy acidity. I applaud their work with this grape, and the authentic characters produced so far.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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06 February 2023
92PTS
Lock and Worth Sémillon Kelowna 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear after year, Lock & Worth produces some of the top sémillon in the Okanagan. This 2018 bottling is sourced from a West Kelowna vineyard on Mount Boucherie, initially planted in 1993, and it's an incredible expression of variety and place. Now just starting to show some signs of bottle age, this has a stunningly complex nose of zesty lemon, green apple skin, peach, wax, honeysuckle, and subtle lees, with a natural purity to the fruit. Taut, vervy, and lean at just 10.4%, the palate is exceptionally concentrated and textured, with noticeable dry extract, belying the low alcohol. This type of wine raises the hair on your arms. In a word, electric.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2021
California, United StatesKJ has always been about cool coastal fruit, which should work for sauvignon blanc, a newer wine in their lineup. I note this edition is skinnier than it has been, with a central theme of floral and citrus notes reminiscent of pink grapefruit, melon, lemongrass, and honeysuckle. A 15 percent addition of barrel fermented fruit has softened the edges, giving it a California finish. The fruit is a broad mix: 69% Lake County; 12% Mendocino County; 10% Monterey County; 6% San Luis Obispo County; and 3% Santa Barbara County.Prices:| US | $12.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Crema Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Sauvignon opens with a whiff of passionfruit and then strays a little more toward the exotic pineapple, guava, and lemongrass sector. It’s softer than any Kiwi version, but the roundness will attract as many as it will reject. The finish is medium-light with a subtle grapefruit mineral undertow. Ready to drink with sushi, chicken fingers, or a Greek salad.Prices:| US | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Change Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceA lightish, easy sipping style, this ready-to-drink sauvignon blanc from the Pays d’Oc arrives with fresh lemon rind and subtle gooseberry, finishing with subtle green notes and a crisp, clean palate. Sea Change makes a range of ethically sourced, environmentally conscious wines that support ocean conservation through direct partnerships with ocean and marine-focused charities. Read more at seachangewine.comPrices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Condor Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Mendoza, Argentina2019 was clean, crisp, and bright, with vibrant lemon, green apple, and lemon pith, and 2021 is identical. It is a massive achievement for a wine that sells for $12. Slender and inviting, a subtle layer of lees gives the texture a touch of creaminess and weight that easily support its citrus grapefruit finish. If you are paying too much for introductory sauvignon blanc, this is one to look for.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2020
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Reserve tier of Sauvignon Blanc at Villa Maria contains the most prized vineyards throughout the Wairau and is only realized in the top vintages. From primarily the Laugesson vineyard, with smaller parts off Hocquard, Maxwell, and Cowley, these vines are rooted in deep silts, loess, and clay. It was fermented in stainless and remained on lees for a couple of months. Zesty and pungent, with white asparagus, passionfruit, and hedgerow on a creamy palate, livened with lime zest, grapefruit, and jalapeño, and lingering with stony spice on the warming finish. Not shy but suave, this Reserve packs a punch, making it easily workable with richer seafood or veg dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Blank Canvas Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Holdaway Vineyard 2021
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the Holdaway Family vineyard at Dillons Point, a Marlborough subregion. It is tank fermented, but the fruit has a complex texture laced with salt and minerals. It is the kind of sophisticated sauvignon serious wine drinkers are looking for from New Zealand. Passionfruit and guava mixed with hints of oyster liquor provide the perfect balance of fruit and complexity—most shellfish work here, before or during dinner.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaWe know Adelaide Hills can be a cool site, as exemplified by the quality of this sauvignon blanc. The nose of this free run white is tropical, conjuring up grapefruit and lemons, with litchi and passionfruit, all perfectly balanced in a long, persistent finish. Impressive, to say the least, and is a fine addition to the Down Under white wine scene in BC. Good value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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05 February 2023
90PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSummit is a proprietary red blend selected from the best Mt. Boucherie vineyard blocks in Lost Horn Vineyard, Okanagan Falls, South Rock Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench, and Lazy River Vineyard in South Cawston, Similkameen Valley. After that, it is a best barrels selection made by winemaker Jeff Hundermark. The 2019 mix is 57% merlot, 26% cabernet franc, 9% carménère, 5% malbec, 2% cabernet sauvignon, and 1% syrah. Like last year, the styling is getting more elegant, and the current blend is more amenable for drinking, which is a big plus. I like the texture and subtle aromatics before the California black and blue fruits and cedar mineral notes round out through the finish. Well done, and you can drink or hold a good wine through 2027 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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03 February 2023
91PTS
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaComing from Canada’s oldest syrah vines planted in Naramata, this deeply coloured syrah opens with brooding dark fruit and earthy notes. With only 12.4% abv declared, you would expect something light, but there’s ample dry extract here, making it meaty and chewy but not quite fleshy. Stripped down of any fat and flesh, it’s pretty tight and firm, with sufficient tannins and taut acidity to frame the dark fruit. It finishes with lingering flavours of spices and a subtle hint of iodine as well as a touch of sweetness. A serious wine with long ageing potential. Aerating for a couple of hours beforehand will help unmask the flavours.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Middle Bench Vineyard Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Blind Creek Vineyard, Cawston syrah (97%) mixed with La Côte Vineyard, Keremeos viognier (3%) is all Similkameen Valley and part of the Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Series. It opens with a mysteriously opaque level of black purple. The nose has an enticing, beguiling wild black fruit with dried herbs and white pepper. On the palate, black raspberries reign with a deep silky plummy mid-palate awash in pillowy tannins dusted in floral, sagebrush, and baking spices. Long, penetrating, and balanced with a touch of dark chocolate in the finish. As drinkable as it seems, this stony mineral affair will live in the bottle for years, if not decades. The fruit is hand-harvested at peak maturity, gently destemmed, lightly crushed, and fermented in concrete. The destemmed viognier was co-fermented with the syrah at just the perfect quantity to brighten up the syrah without intruding. It was 16 months in French oak barrels, of which only five percent were new. This is a benchmark wine.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Condor Peak Syrah 2020
ArgentinaIt’s no secret that the vast majority of wine at retail is overpriced, which makes us want to pull for any wine that sells for $12-$13. This wine is simple, if not ordinary, for a Mendoza red, but it’s not a malbec, which could explain its lack of character. It is soft, round, red, and drinkable but could be from anywhere. Maybe an injection of malbec would help this wine reach its goal of being inexpensive and tasty. Hamburgers, or a beef taco are the match.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Orofino Reserve Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Syrah is a limited release small batch wine aged in the finest French oak barrels. On the surface, it presented more depth and a somewhat firmer structure, with denser, sweeter tannins and increased spice. Look for a wild wine with a light peppery meaty style, all with a touch of leanness and reserve. In many ways, it portrays the power and weight of syrah, but it has a certain elegance that catches you by surprise and that tempers its wild terroir. Complex and balanced, serve this with lamb or roasted pork for best results.Prices:| BC | $29.65 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKeremeos is home to this old vine single vineyard syrah that sits above the valley floor on a wild, windy, harsh and rocky site. It is native fermented in open-top fermenters, and the cap is hand punched down twice daily before spending 16 months in older French barrels. Minimal winemaking and only 13.2 percent alcohol are the key to releasing the wild Similkameen notes that permeate this syrah, and energize its spicy, meaty nose. The tannins are structurally present but dense and sweet and laced with minerality. Like last year, but even better, this is all you could want in a big, mouth-filling syrah. This will age effortlessly, but don't be afraid to drink it now. It is a splendid bottle.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Syrah 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe Mount Boucherie Reserve Syrah was farmed at Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley, South Rock Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench, and Lost Horn Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The blend is an attractive drink-now style of syrah with rich, black cherry, peppery fruit, relatively sleek in style and moderate at 13.5 percent in alcohol after 15 months of barrel ageing. The finish is wild, stony dry, and mineral soaked, adding an excellent level of complexity to the wine. Think fire-roasted meats, lamb, venison, and duck, all of which you can enjoy at the winery restaurant The Modest Butcher.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection Jagged Rock Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJagged Rock Vineyard is fast becoming a Grand Cru vineyard in the South Okanagan. It is a spectacular piece of dirt surrounded by steep rocky cliffs at 356m - 385m elevation. The sparse, sun-scorched soils hit with reflected heat off the soaring cliffs make it ideal for a heat-loving grape variety. Expect an aromatic floral nose that pulls you into a red wine swimming in dense black fruits, spice, pepper, and sweet, generous tannins that fill the palate from front to back. The mix is 97/3 syrah/viognier, with the latter white fixing the colour and lifting the front end with those floral notes. It spends 15 months in 60 percent French oak barrels, 16 percent in foudre, and eight percent in puncheon. You can enjoy this wine now, but it will only improve in bottle over the next seven to ten years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNichol first planted syrah back in 1990. The small block, totalling just 17 rows, is the oldest planting of syrah in Canada. It's stood the test of time, on own-rooted vines no less, and today produces one of the benchmark Okanagan bottlings. The winemaking is all about showcasing the fruit from these old vines. Fermented in small open-top fermenters and then basket pressed, aged in older 500-litre puncheons and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Bright and vibrant, it shows black raspberry and bramble, lifted by perfumed violets alongside savoury notes of cured meat and spice. It evolves every time you go back to the glass, and this will only continue to improve with time in bottle.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Syrah 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Naramata Bench syrah, co-fermented with viognier (4%), exhibits a bright yet deep crimson colour. It's perfumed, packed with florals, clove, and peppery spices layered with red and black brambleberries. It's everything you would expect from a good syrah. The hallmark black pepper note is more emphasized on the palate, continuing through to the finish. The lighter weight, perhaps lifted by the refreshing acidity and silky tannins, makes it approachable at this stage and enjoyable for immediate consumption.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kitsch Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis syrah sees Kitsch venture from their East Kelowna estate to the South Okanagan. That sun-soaked ripeness is felt here, with a dark, brooding nose of brambly fruit, chocolate, and lavish oak spices. A solid, polished, bold red, but one that seems to depart from what we've come to expect and love about Kitsch.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Miles From Nowhere Shiraz 2020
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaMargaret River shiraz is miles from nowhere which may explain its style: lighter than traditional Oz shiraz but often more complex. The fruit is night-harvested during the coolest hours. At the winery, the fruit is gently split or kept whole to promote different levels of carbonic maceration to freshen the must and add more complexity. The fermentation occurs in a combination of open-top and closed stainless fermenters with temperature control. The various batches are aged in French and American oak for 16 to 18 months before a barrel selection decides on the final blend. The nose is highly aromatic with super fragrant blue fruit mixed with cedar, dried herbs and white pepper. The palate is juicy with intense boysenberry dusted in vanilla and baking spices, with a fresh undercurrent. The winery suggests a ribeye steak with an Argentinian chimichurri sauce, and I say bring it on. Drink or hold through 2025. Good value.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralux Syrah 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2018 showed well at the highly critical National Wine Awards, taking home a silver medal. It remains consumer friendly with an inviting smoky, earthy, cracked pepper nose. The entry is soft and round with rich black fruit, black pepper, and a touch of meaty animal notes. The tannins are well managed; if anything, the intensity drops off through the finish, with a little less structure and more drinkability, making it fun to drink now. Lamb chops, anyone?Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Winemaker's Cut Bohemian Syrah 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new wine to us, but on first impression, it brings quite a bit to the table. The blend is 92/8 syrah/viognier, with the latter adding quite a floral jasmine and violet character to the wine. The Bohemian labels are single vineyard offerings made in small quantities and are made only in the finest of years by winemaker Michael Mosney. The colour is close to opaque, and the attack leads with juicy black fruit laced with black licorice, white pepper, cloves, and some quiet oak. The style is bone dry, and in such a youthful state, it needs equally intense food like lamb or venison at this point. A good effort that may be even better with a little less viognier next time out. The fruit comes off Deadman Lake Vineyard in Oliver and is cold-soaked for two days, followed by 18-day fermentation on organic yeast. It spends ten months in a mix of Slovakian, American, and French oak barrels. I suggest you give this syrah three to five more years of bottle ageing for best results.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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02 February 2023
89PTS
Collavini Broy 2019
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyCollavini began in 1896 under founder Eugenio Collavini. His grandson, Manlio, is known as 'the lord of ribolla, for his work the grape. The winery is now in the hands of Manlio and his sons Giovanni and Luigi. They are now centred in Corni di Rosazzo, with 170 hectares of vineyards in Collio, on the Slovenian boarder, and Colli Orientali, at altitude. This blends Friulano (50%) and Chardonnay (30%) that were partially dried in lofts, with 20% sauvignon, harvested normally. The 3 parts were then blended and fermented in a mix of stainless and barrique. This powerful wine mixed dried citrus fruits with fresh lemon, ripe peach, and apricot, filling a creamy, expansive palate. The sides are gripped with buzzy stones and toasty wood, taking this to a snappy orange finish. Quite a surprising, peculiar wine. Partner with shellfish and/or squash risotto.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Rolet Arbois Tradition 2015
Arbois, Jura, FranceThis oxidative 50/50 blend of chardonnay and savagnin is from parcels in Château Gimon and Sous le Viaduc, in Montigny-Les-Arsures, planted in grey marls. The savagnin is aged sous voile in an oak barrel for four years, while the chardonnay was aged for four years in foudres, topped up (ouillés). The components were blended and rested for three months before bottling. Pouring a light golden hue, this opens with an evident oxidative note thanks to the savagnin (lightly reminiscent of amontillado) but with a creamy lemon, green apple, and lees woven in, courtesy of the chardy. The two seemingly at ends parts come together in a nutty, lemony, medium-bodied wine, with a fine grip around the sides and a lingering tart salted lemon finish. Try with a French onion soup.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2023
90PTS
Luis Seabra Xisto Ilimitado Branco 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalIlimitado is akin to Seabra's village wine. This Branco comes from mica, schist, and feldspar soils (what winemaker Luis Seabra deems the best for whites), this is a field blend of rabigato, códega, gouveio, vioshino and more, with vines 30-60 years old, and at 400-500m in altitude. After crushing and destemming, the grapes are pressed together, native fermented, and aged in used French oak barrels for 7 months on lees, with no MLF or bâtonnage. Fragrant pear blossoms, lemon streak across a sleek, silken palate, ringing with river stones and a peachy kiss. Lovely pure version of the grapes.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Brotte Esprit Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis blend of Grenache blanc 70%, Clairette 15%, Viognier 15% was fermented in stainless (no MLF) where it remained for 6 months on lees. Ripe and creamy white peach, lush melon, fragrant orchard blossoms is bedded with a downy layer of lees, finishing briefly with a little stony spicing and a flush of warmth. A simple, creamy, floral white for drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Ferraton Père & Fils Samorëns 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Ferraton family have been winemakers for generations, and the estate was converted to biodynamic practices by Michel Chapoutier. This CdR Blanc blends Grenache blanc 30%, Roussanne 30%, Viognier 30%, Clairette 10%, from clay-limestone soils. It was fermented in stainless (no MLF) where it remained for a few months prior to bottling. Tight white blossoms, ripe pear, white peach, and kisses of honeysuckle glide along a glycerin palate, with light stony spices on the snappy finish. A fresh, medium bodied white for drinking now with salads or lighter vegetarian dishes.Prices:| QC | $17.45 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate Baronesse 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn the Okanagan, we're increasingly seeing syrah in so-called Bordeaux blends, so it's only fitting to see viognier (3%) alongside sauvignon blanc (69%) and sémillon (25%), in this case, rounded out by a dollop chardonnay. It offers a complex, developed nose rich in honeyed stone fruits and fine herbs, lifted by toasted spices and dried orange blossoms. It's distinctive and oddly compelling, with a rich, oily texture that will be versatile with roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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March 2023