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Tastings: April 2023
28 April 2023
94PTS
Seven Stars Sirius 2015
Fraser Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Mary McDermott is the force behind the new sparkling wine program at Township Seven. Yet, new is hardly a good description for the 2015 Seven Stars Sirius sparkler that has been ageing quietly for 60 months at the Langley-based winery. I have been tasting this wine for the last three years before its release, and it has not disappointed me. Sirius is a traditional serious sparkling wine made with pinot noir and chardonnay grown at the Township 7 Langley vineyard. Recently retasted with even more time in the bottle, the complexity and depth are coming to the fore. Look for sophisticated brioche dusted in citrus, followed by a creamy, mineral, red berry character that runs through the finish. Taut, stylish, and electric, it will keep for years in the bottle. A top-flight BC bubble you should try before it is all gone.Prices:| BC | $79.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
U Mes U Ardea Rosé Cava Brut NV
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic cava is entirely pinot noir with 1-2 hours skin maceration shading the light rose hue. It is 2020 base year, with 15-20 months aging, and 9 g/L RS. Redolant with raspberries, cherries over a stony base, this is lifted with a sweet rhubarb acidity, finishing bright and crisp. Easy to like.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
U Mes U Cygnus Albireo Cava Brut NV
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic cava is blends the classic Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parallada from 2021 base, and with no MLF. After 10-16 months aging, it is disgorged with 8 g/L. Cygnus is the swan constellation, and Albireo is one of the stars within. Big toast bases red apple, Anjou pear, floral orange blossom, with bright shining acidity to counter the dosage, finishing crisp and clean. A welcoming, friendly fizz for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
U Mes U Cygnus Deneb Cava Brut Nature NV
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic cava is entirely Xarel-lo from a single vineyard, went through full MLF, and was produced without the addition of sulfites. Cygnus is the swan constellation, and Deneb is the brightest star within. This bottle was disgorged January 2023, from the base year 2019. Crisp yellow apple, white grapefruit is scented with pear blossom and subtle quince, all strung taut and nervy along a crushed stone base. Lovely purity here. 5000 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rama & Selas Rosé Bruto 2020
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis traditional method rosé blends 40% baga, 30% pinot noir, and 30% touriga nacional from Bairrada's limestone soils. After ferment in stainless, this moved to bottle for 2nd ferment and nine months sur lattes. It was disgorged in November 2021. Pale peach in hue, this has subtle bubbles carrying rainier cherry and delicate strawberry, with a lightly toasty backdrop and a mainly dry palate. Elegant and gentle, this would be well suited to brunch.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort de Rauzan Brut Crémant de Bordeaux NV
Bordeaux, FranceIt's not so oft you see a Crémant de Bordeaux on this market, or have the chance to try a traditional method sémillon. This one is dry and crisp, taut with lemon and grapefruit, and scented with green hedge on a snappy palate. A bright and different aperitif.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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27 April 2023
91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Stevens Block Old Main Road Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine always delivers. Expect a tightly wound, lemon scented chardonnay with a palate full of fresh green fruit and pear, all with a reductive, creamy, spicy bread dough undercurrent. The acid is bright and palate cleansing, pulling you back to every sip. An excellent match for grilled halibut with fruit salsa. Drink or hold. Stevens Block is named for co-owner Janice Stevens-Meyer, and it comes off Naramata Bench Old Main Road Vineyard vines, and French clones 4 and 5, dating back to 2006. It is farmed using organic practices and made with unobtrusive winemaking. It is a whole cluster ferment where the free run juice is natively fermented cool over six weeks in stainless before resting in older French barrels on lees for ten months and going through complete malolactic fermentation. Great value here.Prices:| BC | $27.04 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay Dekleva Clone Anarchist Mountain Vineyard 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Anarchist Mountain chardonnay was planted in 1985 with an unknown clone by the Dekleva family on the Golden Mile Bench. The original vineyard is a significant part of the Checkmate site. This fruit comes from the family estate in Osoyoos. It is native fermented in stainless steel tanks before moving to French oak (5% new) for 11 months. The lees are in contact with the wine the entire time, but there is no stirring. It is less reductive than the other Meyer wines and more approachable at this stage. Expect a creamier mid-palate mix of green and yellow fruits with a touch of dry ginger ale. More modern if you like, but still a solid effort for the price.Prices:| BC | $32.26 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Old Main Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis might be the softest, creamiest Meyer chardonnay I have tasted. The acid is medium low, with creamy, toasted notes throughout the ripe peachy, starfruit. This will be ready sooner and can be drunk now too. Think roast chicken or a lovely chunk of warm brie. The former Tribute Series Chardonnay has morphed into simply the Old Main Road Vineyard. Silt over clay loams sitting at 350m is home to vines planted in 1996. In 2021 it was aged on its lees in 22 percent new French oak for 11 months with zero bâtonnage.Prices:| BC | $32.26 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Meyer Family Vineyards Chardonnay McLean Creek Road Vineyard 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMcLean Creek Road Vineyard, in Okanagan Falls, is the home base vineyard, a steep, sand, gravel and loam site planted nineteen years ago. The winemaking is primarily hands-off at Meyer. In this case, the fruit gets a cool partial native ferment in stainless steel before finishing up in 22% new French oak barrels for 11 months. It is sitting on its lees throughout but without any physical stirring. The nose has pleasant spice and toasted overtone with plenty of green apple and wet stone. Cool, calm, and sophisticated, this is chardonnay for grown-ups. Treve nailed the cracked nutmeg in the finish. Just a baby, this will be fun to track through 2030.Prices:| BC | $32.26 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Rooster Sur Lie Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2021 brings us a less steely style with a slightly more creamy lees character that slides down easily. The nose is a stony mineral, pear, grapefruit affair with a strong lees character underneath. The attack is medium-weight but with subtle, tropical fruit mixed with peach and a lemon line creamy finish. A perfect wine for delicate seafood dishes. Red Rooster is on a roll under winemaker Elaine Vickers.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Upper Bench Chardonnay Estate Grown 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA ripe, tropical expression of chardonnay, with forward oak from aging eight months in new wood, this shows a combination of pineapple and honeyed peach alongside toast, caramel, and nutmeg. Concentrated, creamy, and richly textured, there's a freshness here that belies the ripeness of the fruit and keeps everything in balance, with a gentle hint of wood tannin. A satisfying, hedonistic chardonnay that's perfect for the winter months.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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26 April 2023
88PTS
Pure est Tempranillo 2021
SpainPure Est Wines are seeking to create a community where all wine lovers (new and old) share a connection to nature. The fruit is grown organically, and there is a pureness to the flavours. So bright and vibrant, its spicy, dark plum hits you upfront and spreads across a soft, creamy palate with a texture that slides down easily. Well-made, medium-weight red for white meats and simple party appetizers> Good value, but it is only sold in select private wine shops.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bodegas Moises Casas Ecce Vinum Tempranillo 2015
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThis is as intense as tempranillo gets from its complex floral nose to its spicy dark fruit. The attack is dry, and even at eight years old, there are still some sticky tannins to be dispersed. Coffee, cocoa, earthy balsamic underpins the intense black cherry. At this point, I think this would be on point with lamb chops, a beefy winter stew, or mature cheeses. Moisés Casas, who founded Ecce Vinum with Elena García, is driven by a simple idea. "We want to be the benchmark for modern wine associated with excellent quality and originality.” Their vineyards are in the Toledo town of Miguel Esteban and belonged to his family for five generations. The vines range from 60 to 100 years old and sit more than 700 meters above sea level, where they enjoy a tremendous thermal range between day and night. The wines are organically farmed and certified as IGP Vino de la Tierra de Castilla.Prices:| BC | $33.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rioja Bordón Gran Reserva Rioja 2011
Rioja, SpainThis is classic Gran Reserva Rioja at a very reasonable price. The winery Bodegas Franco-Espanolas dates to 1890 and is steeped in traditional Rioja values, so if that's your thing, this wine delivers. The blend of 70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, and 10% mazuelo is aged in American oak barrels of medium to intense toast for 36 months. Once bottled, it gets a further 24 months of ageing in the cellar. Fresh and full bodied, this is a terrific bottle of tempranillo that sings Rioja with a silky smooth, spicy ripe red berry complexity that pushes long into the finish. Ready to drink. Rioja Bordón has a great history and remains one of the great wineries of La Rioja. It was founded in 1890 after phylloxera devastated the French vineyards and French winemakers moved to Spain. Frederick Anglade Saurat from Bordeaux established Bodegas Franco-Españolas, which was the merger of his French heritage (Franco) and Spain, the location of the winery (Españolas). In the 1960s, the winery was renamed Rioja Bordón.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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25 April 2023
89PTS
Château de France Rouge 2018
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau de France was purchased in 1971 by Bernard Thomassin, with their 40 hectares in Pessac-Léognan currently managed Arnaud Thomassin, and is consulted by Michel Rolland since 1996. Roughly equal parts cabernet sauvignon and merlot, from deep gravels over clay / limestone. After a stainless ferment, this rested in oak barrels 30% new) for one year. Sunripened cherry, blackberry, medicinal raspberry leather work through this medium red, with tannins softened with time, providing a gentle hug to the lingering gravelled finish. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $61.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château de France Rouge 2019
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau de France was purchased in 1971 by Bernard Thomassin, with their 40 hectares in Pessac-Léognan currently managed Arnaud Thomassin, and is consulted by Michel Rolland since 1996. Roughly equal parts cabernet sauvignon and merlot, from deep gravels over clay / limestone. After a stainless ferment, this rested in oak barrels 30% new) for one year. There's a definite earthy barrel edge to this savoury Bx, with dusty tannins, dried cherry, autumnal leaves, with structural tannins turning bitter edged on the warming finish. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $61.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château de France Rouge 2020
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau de France was purchased in 1971 by Bernard Thomassin, with their 40 hectares in Pessac-Léognan currently managed Arnaud Thomassin, and is consulted by Michel Rolland since 1996. Roughly equal parts cabernet sauvignon and merlot, from deep gravels over clay / limestone. After a stainless ferment, this rested in oak barrels 30% new) for one year. Black cherry, dark raspberry is layered with tobacco, graphite, and dark cocoa, drawn long across the structural palate. Tannins are appropriately firm, while the wood use is judicial, guiding this to a warming finish. Stately yet accessible, partner this with roast beef.Prices:| ON | $61.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Enate Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2019
Somontano, Aragon, SpainFounded in 1991, Enate de Viñedos y Crianzas del Alto Aragón began with 25 hectares under vines, which grew to today's 500 hectares. The sustainably farmed vines rest around 600m in the heart of Somontano, in north east Spain, protected by the Pyrenees. Equal parts cabernet sauvignon and merlot, this aged 6 months in American oak prior to bottling. Ripe and dense, this full bodied red has soaked up the Spanish sun, and together with the American barrels has turned up a potent, full bodied red with ripe raspberry, jammy cherry, cracked nutmeg framed with tight, sticky tannins through a shorter finish. Try with a lamb / root veg ragout.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château La Coste Grand Cuvée Rouge 2012
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis current 2012 release blends old vine organic cabernet sauvignon and syrah from d'Aix's limestone soils. After a ferment in stainless, this aged French oak (50% new) for 20 months. Opaque in the glass, this full red is still clad in ample gritty / sticky tannins, most likely never to shed. In between is sun baked and leathery black cherry, blackberry, dark earth, and baking spice. The finish is sticky with bitter cherry and black espresso. If having now, decant and serve with fire-grilled beef or lamb. 5000 bottles.Prices:| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château La Coste Grand Vin Rouge 2017
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis Grand Vin Rouge blends old vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from d'Aix's clay, limestone and ancient volcanic soils. After a native ferment and 2 weeks in vat, this moved to new and 1 year old barrels for 18 months, prior to 2-3 rest in bottle. Near opaque in hue, this dense dark red has wild mint, crushed rock, and medicinal notes imbuing the fleshy black cherry, wild blackberry on the full palate, ripened by the Mediterranean sun. Tannins are ample and furry, taking this to a leather and baking spiced finish. Definitely requires a decant, and lamb pairing.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château La Coste Les Pentes Douces 2017
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis blend of organic cabernet sauvignon and syrah come from d'Aix's clay limestone soils. It was aged in oak barrels for 14 months, prior to 2-3 years in bottle prior to release. Deep and dusky, with blackberry, plum, black cherry, crushed florals wrapped with ample gritty tannins, seemingly unresolved even this far along. The limestone soils give a pleasant sheen of freshness, though this broody wine still needs a decant and pairing of lamb or beef.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Marynissen Cabernet Syrah 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of Cabernet Franc and Syrah came off select Niagara Peninsula vineyards. The lots were fermented separately with 14 days on skins prior to being pressed and aged in older French, American, and Hungarian oak for 14 months prior to the final blend. Amply spiced, with exotic baking spices seasoning black cherry, blackcurrant, dark earth and ample cracked peppercorn. Tannins are firm and lightly gritty, guiding this fuller red to a spiced finish. Drinking well now, ideally with shepherd's pie or lamb.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Reif Estate Cabernet Merlot 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is flooded with soft, jammy blackberry and raspberry, brightened with tart red currant acidity, framed by pasty tannins, and finishes with a bitter twist. Chill slightly and crack with summertime burgers.Prices:| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Magnotta Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom vineyards around Niagara Peninsula, this friendly, entry-level Bx blend is plump with ripe plum, blackberry jam, blueberry on a smooth palate. Tannins are sticky, taking this to a pasty, brief ending, noticeable from the bump of RS. Crack now, chill slightly, and take with equally simple and easy fare.Prices:| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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98PTS
Vérité Le Désir 2019
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlmost two decades ago, I walked the newly planted Verite vineyard blocks with winegrower Pierre Seillan, whose take on complexity was simple. “Every hillside, every elevation and every aspect offers us a different micro cru. From the beginning, the pure expression of these unique sites has defined our winemaking philosophy.” It makes it easier to understand the birth of the Verite trilogy: La Joie, La Muse, and La Désir, each exploring a different grape while reflecting its Sonoma origins. In 2019 the vintage began with a healthy water supply in the soil from a warm winter of storms. Budbreak was early in what would be a warm year, complete with some heat spikes. The ’19 mix is 83/8/5/4 cabernet franc, merlot, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. Of the trio of Verite reds, the 2019 cabernet franc dominant Le Desir impressed me the most. The aromatics are fantastic, and while the wines of Saint-Émilion inspire this label, it carries a deliberate New World style with more power and concentration led by some delicious savoury bay leaf and black fruit compote with subtle but well-integrated French oak and super fine-grained tannins. This is a wonderful expression of what a fragrant, ripe cabernet franc can be when made with extreme care and attention.Prices:| BC | $520.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $400.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Vérité La Joie 2019
Sonoma County, California, United StatesMany years ago, I walked the early Verite vineyard blocks with winegrower Pierre Seillan, whose take on complexity was simple. “Every hillside, every elevation and every aspect offers us a different micro cru. The pure expression of these unique sites has, from the beginning, defined our winemaking philosophy.” It makes it easy to understand the birth of the Verite trilogy: La Joie, La Muse, and La Desire, each exploring a different grape while reflecting its Sonoma origins. In 2019 a vintage began with a healthy water supply in the soil from a warm winter of storms. Budbreak was early in what would be a warm year, complete with some heat spikes. The cabernet sauvignon dominates La Joie and breaks out as 84% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 5% cabernet franc, and 4% petit verdot. Top quality Sonoma cabernet always has a charming, savoury/umami character that invites. In the hands of Seillan and company, it is front and centre in La Joie. Blackcurrant and black plum return on the palate with a dusting of dried herbs, baking spice, and chocolate. A premier cru style wine rich in power and swaddled in silky textures, it is perfectly balanced and will age effortlessly well past 2035.Prices:| BC | $540.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $450.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Le Loup Blanc Soif 2019
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFrom Languedoc, this blend of Cabernet and Sauvignon is from 35 year old vines grown in calcareous clays. Simple and short, with tart cherry, tart raspberry wrapped with sticky tannins to a pasty finish. Needs rustic stews / dishes to fill this out.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaines Paul Mas Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021
Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis all you could want for the price and more. The cabernet brings the structure and herbaceous notes while the merlot brings the flesh and roundness to the table. It’s a stylish mix of black fruits and liquorice with a dusting of garrigue. Supple, ready to drink, and as mentioned, an unbeatable value. Back up the truck if you can find it.Prices:| CDN | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Orofino Red Bridge Red 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the house red, as in 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, and 15% Zinfandel from four Similkameen vineyards. It is made to be approachable, although the acidity needs something fat to tone it down. It is all hand-picked and sorted and dumped into small open-top fermenters. It was aged in a mix of American and French 225-litre barrels and 500-litre puncheons for 16 months. Look for wild black and red fruit, bright acidity (as mentioned earlier), a hint of desert scrub, and spice. Linear and taut, this will need five to seven years to settle into itself. Serve now with fatty meat grilled over an open fire.Prices:| BC | $25.65 | 750ml |
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24 April 2023
90PTS
Church & State Wines Merlot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot the way it should be, dry with good fruit, earthy undertones, and softish tannins. The C&S version is fermented and macerated in stainless tanks for 20 days before ageing in French oak for 12 months. Better yet, only 15 percent new oak is in the mix, leaving the fruit to express its southern Okanagan terroir. I love the black fruit, the expresso, and the dried herbs, all of which add complexity to a well-made, straightforward wine. This is a winner, a versatile food wine from burgers to pizza, grilled beef, and pork.Prices:| BC | $37.37 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sea Mountain Devils Peak Merlot 2020
Robertson, Breede River Valley, South AfricaThis Merlot offers confected plum and blueberry, bolstered by mocha and espresso tinged oak. There's a subtle sweetness to the palate, softening the gritty tannins and making this more approachable, with marked acidity on the moderate finish.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Four Shadows Merlot 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has improved each of the last three years, and this is the best effort yet for this classic release. The nose is a minty, spicy affair of black fruits that tumbles onto the palate mixing black currants, cassis, and a delicious umami-like earthy character. It is reminiscent of Bolgheri and, at times, other BC reds streaked with desert scrub. You can drink or hold this, but you have a solid bottle of wine. Pair with grilled lamb chops, beef ribs, or simple pizza funghi.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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21 April 2023
89PTS
Eric Texier Chat Fou 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceEric Texier is a leading natural and biodynamic vigneron in the Rhone, renewing and reviving the tiny Brézème appellation in North, as well as acting as négociant for other like-minded sites in the Rhône and Mâconnais. This humble Côtes du Rhône is based on 85% grenache with the remainder blending marsanne, clariette, and chasseslas, and vines planted between 1968 and 1978 on clay, limestone, quartz, and granitic rocks. After a native ferment and short maceration in concrete, this is gently pressed before a year's rest in in concrete, and bottling without fining or filtration. A stony basin beds wildflowers, red currant, wild cherry along a slender palate, with faintly sticky tannins and furry sides. The white grapes provide a charming aromatic lift to the red fruit, finishing now on a browning note. Enjoy this 1L bottle liberally now, with a slight chill, and grilled mushroom / pork / savoury salads.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 1000ml |
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90PTS
Famille Coulon Dan and Fred Côtes du Rhône Vignoble en Biodynamie 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis organic and biodynamic Côtes du Rhône is named for proprietors Daniel and Frederic Coulon, who belong to the seventh-generation leading Domaine de Beaurenard. Don't let the fun name and packaging mislead you. This is serious Côtes du Rhône, well-deserving of the price. There's a lovely purity to the fruit, with macerated raspberries and brambles joined by peppery spices, thyme, and sun-baked clay. It's juicy yet concentrated, carrying the 15% abv well, and structured by ripe, fine tannins, which shows this is more than a step above your average CdR.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Camille Cayran La Grande Reserve Cairanne 2020
Cairanne, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Cave de Cairanne Co-Op began in 1929 when seven wine growers in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, just north of cru villages Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras, banded together to bottle their wines. Cairanne was recently elevated to cru status in the Rhone, thanks no doubt to the efforts of this collaborative. Over the last 93 years, this co-op has grown to 65 growers, producing organic, minimalist wines at fair prices. This blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre comes off stony limestone and clay slopes. It was aged in concrete for ten months, with a small amount of SO2 at the bottling. Very perfumed, with soft plum, fragrant black raspberry, and ripe strawberry across an expansive, gilded palate framed with softly cushioned tannins threaded with pink peppercorn. A fresh stony acidity can lift this big red through a saline finish.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Silvio Carta Serenata 2021
Sardinia, ItalySilvio Carta founded his eponymous company in Baratili San Pietro in the 1950’s, devoting himself to making traditional wines and spirits of the region. Sixty years on, Silvio, together with his son Elio, the latter at the head since 1973, still devote themselves to these aims. This cannonau (garnacha) comes from 12 year old vines, near the sea, rooted in calcareous soils. It was native fermented in stainless, where it remained for 8-10 months' rest. Perfumed purple and blue fruits are imbued with ample scrubby resinous herbs, scented with wild florals, and lined with worked leather. Tannins are sinewy but will absorbed into the fuller wine, guiding to a spiced finish. Tastes of the Mediterranean.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Vinyes Domènech Vi D’Àmfora Natural 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVinyes Domènech is a family project started Joan Ignaci and his wife, Rita, in Capçanes, in the south of Priorat. Together with their sons, they biodynamically farm 15 hectares of recovered old-vines vineyards. From an amphitheatre vineyard surrounded by forest at 600m, this biodynamic garnacha is rooted in red clay and limestone, and is produced without adding SO2. After a native ferment, this aged in 300L amphora. An intoxicating nose of perfumed wildflowers, musk, scrubby herbs, rockrose, pink peppercorns continues through this medium bodied wine, shaped with a finely grippy amphora texture and fine, sculpted tannins. There is an easy, buoyant, mountainous acidity streaming this to the botanical finish. Very characterful.Prices:| ON | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vinyes Domènech Bancal del Bosc Tinto 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainVinyes Domènech is a family project started Joan Ignaci and his wife, Rita, in Capçanes, in the south of Priorat. Together with their sons, they biodynamically farm 15 hectares of recovered old-vines vineyards. This is 85/15 Garnacha / Samsó (AKA Carignan) from red clay and calcareous soils. After a native ferment, this aged in both French oak and stainless for 6 months. Wild and stony, this fuller red is infused with scrubby herbs and wildflowers, and wrapped with fine, sticky tannins, laced with pink peppercorn. There's a beauty mountain freshness here, easily lofting garnacha's 14.5 degrees. A lovely pairing for pork / wild mushrooms.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Borsao Garnacha Selección 2020
Campo de Borja, Aragon, SpainThis predominantly garnacha blend is a versatile barbecue red that won’t break the bank. Look for a fruity, peppery red with earthy black raspberry fruit that speaks to the north of Spain. Ripe, round, smooth, smoky, meaty notes is grounded in earth, spice, and light tannins. The juicy, fruity, earthy style makes it very barbecue friendly. Pork or beef ribs are the matches. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $17.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Coupe-Roses Naturamania 2020
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFrom the Haut Minervois, between 200 and 350 meters above sea level, this mix of cinsault, grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre is farmed using organic and biodynamic agriculture. The wine is made without sulphites and added yeast, and fermented in stainless steel. Expect a dark cherry colour, a nose full of black and red fruits, and a palate of crunchy red currants, cherries, dark plums and blackcurrants, dusted in pepper. It has a harder, grapey natural edge, perhaps lacking the warmth of most southern French reds, but reflects its terroir. You can serve this with any number of foods, from chicken to grilled vegetables, or fresh or aged cheeses.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Las Moradas de San Martin Initio 2017
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainLas Moradas de San Martin sits at nearly 900 metres above sea level, on the fringes of the Sierra de Gredos, southeast of Madrid. This is an exceptional red wine full of dark plum and intense strawberry streaked with a line of high desert scrub. Fresh and bright, this has a modicum of tannin that will disperse over the next three to five years. There is delicious complexity in this mountain red. Only twenty-one hectares of vineyards surround the winery, but what vines they are. Initio comes from old bush vine garnacha, some as aged as 100+ years old, high and organically dry farmed in granitic sandy soils. Seven days of cold maceration precede a native ferment over three weeks, prior to 14 months in French oak barrels. The final blend is bottled without fining or filtration.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Torres Salmos 2018
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainHow delicious is this wine? Salmos is a tribute to the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei monks, who arrived in Priorat in 1194 and introduced winegrowing there. It is also a testament to the Torres family, who make several high-quality wines and don’t get enough respect for them. The grapes cariñena and garnacha come from La Giberga vineyard in Porrera, a terraced site on the region’s famed llicorella slate soils. It was fermented in stainless before ageing for 14 months in 20 percent new French oak barrels. The palate is a seamless mix of wild black fruits and stony mineral notes wrapped in a floral finish. The tannins are mostly expired, leaving a long lingering finish. Drink or hold; this a real wine. Super value.Prices:| CDN | $40.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Torres Purgatori 2020
Costers del Segre, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMiguel Torres Jr. has never been one to rest on the family laurels, hence his desire to find new vineyards and make new wines. Purgatori comes from a historic estate in the heart of Les Garrigues (Lleida) with 200+ hectares of dry-farmed organic vineyards planted at three different altitudes across poor loamy soils with a high calcium carbonate content. The grape mix is cariñena, garnacha, syrah, and a small percentage of two ancestral varieties (gonfaus, moneu) fermented in stainless and aged in French barrels for 18 months (30% new). Expect a soft, inviting nose of smoky blueberries, pipe tobacco, and ground coffee. The attack is dense, the tannins sweet, and the textures smooth and long. More black fruits with a twist of forest floor, medium acidity, and spice, finish off an attractive red for the dinner table. You can drink this now, and any grilled meat dish would be perfect, especially lamb. As for the name Purgatori, the Torres family found an ancient building adorned with the shield of the Abbey of Monserrat, who sent less than motivated monks to the area to grow olives and vineyards.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Torres Salmos 2018
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom Porrera's llicorella's soils and Torres' La Giberga vineyard (planted in the mid-90s), Salmos is a tribute to the monks of the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, who arrived in Priorat in 1194 and introduced winegrowing. This blend of cariñena and garnacha was fermented in stainless before transferring to French barrels (20% new) for 14 months. Though a fuller wine at 14%, the black slate soils and altitude keep this feeling fresh and nimble on the palate, with wild blackberry, thorns, wild blueberries, crushed stones, and dried and fresh purple florals, wrapped with long, fuzzy tannins which trail off into a stony saline wash. You can feel the profoundness of Priorat in this wine.Prices:| CDN | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
RMX by Ingo Grady 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRMX is an Ingo Grady creation produced and bottled at Kismet Estate Winery. It is meant to be a fun wine that turns your head but is easy to drink and priced accordingly. The latest remix (RMX) is a blend of 32/27/14/21/6 syrah, malbec, grenache. and mourvèdre. It’s all aged in used oak and stainless steel for 20-24 months to keep it fresh and mostly fruit-forward. 2020 was a good year for red wine in south Okanagan. Savoury and slippery, there is no shortage of cherry at the core. The finish is round with super light tannins, a touch of white pepper, and desert scrub. A favourite recipe for grilled pork works here.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de Cébène Les Bancèls 2017
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceBrigitte Chevalier is the winemaker behind this delicious textbook, Faugères. Chevalier is a fan of cooler sites in the Languedoc, organic grape growing, and careful vinification, which plays a vital role in the makeup of this label. Les Bancèls grows organic syrah and grenache facing north and northeast on two parcels planted over schist. The mourvèdre vines tilt south. The attack begins with an inviting red fruit nose. On the palate, it opens with sweet black cherry dusted in white pepper and intense savoury garrigue, all with a silky texture throughout. No oak, just purity. Les Bancèls is old patois for terraces. The blend is a 60/20/20 mix of syrah, mourvèdre and grenache.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Gérard Bertrand La Forge 2019
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceLa Forge comes from a four-hectare site at Domaine de Villemajou, the birthplace of Gérard Bertrand's family, amid the celebrated Boutenac sub-appellation of Corbières. Century-old carignan vines are at the heart of the high end syrah/carignan blend. The yields are crazy low at 25hl/ha, but the results are worth it. It is a red wine that combines power with deliciousness, which is a rare treat. The nose mixes garrigue, grilled toast, and black fruit, while the palate offers rich sweet fruit and roundish tannins, forming an elegant bond that pulls you into the wine. This is an outstanding bottle of Languedoc wine.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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20 April 2023
90PTS
Eduardo Torres Acosta Versante Nord 2019
Sicily, ItalyEduardo Torres Acosta, Canaries born, first began working with vines in Tenerife where his family had a small plot of land. In 2012 Eduardo moved to Sicily, interning at Azienda Arianna Occhipinti, and moved on to an enologist position at Azienda Passopisciaro, pioneer of Etna's new wave. Eduardo’s began renting several choice parcels on Etna for his own project, made until the 2017 vintage at Arianna Occhipinti’s estate in Vittoria. Since her facility is not on Etna, the wines were not allowed DOC status, hence the IGT Terre Siciliane designation. Even though Eduardo was able to convert a small Etna garage into a winery, he decided to keep the wines IGT. This organic nerello mascalese (with a splash of Nerello Capuccio) comes from 2 parcels off the cooler, north facing side of Mt. Etna, between 750-950m. It was native fermented, 10% whole cluster, and macerated for 15 days. Once vinified, the wine is aged in 750 and 3,000 litre Slovenian oak foudres. There's a strong stony savoury volcanic grit and grip here, bedding wild raspberry, wild cherry, along a strict and straight palate. Acidity is marine buoyed, and tannins are finely furry, pinning this medium red to a crushed rock end. Really smart, forward winemaking.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
b.io Il Nero 2021
Sicily, ItalyThis distinctly shaped, bee-laden bottle is from the Terre Cevico co.op, founded in 1963, and sources nero d'avola with from inland southwestern Sicily. b.io references their organic project, also active in Puglia and their home base of Emilia Romagna. The grapes are harvested and fermented in stainless, with 10 days maceration and 6-8 months in tank. Young and simple, with jammy raspberry, sweet boysenberry on a shorter palate, framed with pasty and sticky tannins. There is some RS here to make it glide down easily.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.75 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir comes off the family's oldest plantings on their estate, started in 1984 in silty clays. This aged in a combination of new and 1-2 years old American barriques, then partially finished in 5000L oak foudres for a combined 12 months. Opaque in the glass, with roasted coffee, smoked stones, bittersweet chocolate, and sour cherry. Acidity is very tart, and tannins are very soft and smoothed. I am not understanding the Baco appeal, but for those that do, here you go, for the BBQ.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Carter Mollenhauer Los Despachos Petit Verdot 2020
Valle de Cauquenes, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. A rarity in Maule, this Petit Verdot was planted in 2007 in alluvial gravel and quartz of Los Despachos, cooled by the Pacific Ocean which is 33 km away. It was native fermented and vinified partially whole cluster in stainless, prior to aging 19 months in older 225L French barrels and 13% in new 500L French demi-muids. Heady and concentrated, but with intense ample acidity, this carries wild black cherry, black raspberry, bracketed by straight and upright tannins, and seasoned with salted violet, purple florals, potent graphite minerality, and wild mint through the saline finish. Not the easiest grape to handle solo, and they've nailed it here. 2848 bottles.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Carter Mollenhauer VIGNO Carignan 2020
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. From Truquilemu vineyard in Maule's Secano interior, this ungrafted bush vine Carignan was planted in 1950 at 225m, on granitic alluvial quartz soils. It’s a cool site that receives maritime freshness from the nearby Pacific. It was destemmed and fermented in vats, without sulphites. It aged 16 months in older 225L French barrels. Concentrated blackberry, medicinal black cherry, dark purple florals fill a compact, fleshy palate, with ample tannins stuck into the fruit. A stony freshness holds this aloft, and the welcome 13% keeps this food friendly (one for the grill). 2045 bottles.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Carter Mollenhauer Ciénaga de Name Carignan 2019
Valle de Cauquenes, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. From the Ciénaga de Name vineyard, close to the coast in Cauquenes, Maule, this dry farmed, ungrafted bush vine Carignan was planted in 2007 on decomposed red granite. This is partial whole cluster, fermented in stainless and native fermented prior to aging 20 months in French barrel. There are no sulphites used. Heady, compact and concentrated, with brisk acidity easily leading iron, red cherry, black raspberry, wild mint, and scrubby herbs. Ample tannins are well integrated. Very stony on the lifted medicinal finish. Authentic and pure, at a welcome 13.5%. 3384 bottles.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Carter Mollenhauer Los Queules Cinsault 2020
Itata Valley, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. This single vineyard, ungrafted, dry farmed bush vine Cinsault is their Cru from Guarilihue Alto in Itata. It was planted in 1955 in rocky soils at 265m. The wine was native fermented with 80% foot trodden whole clusters, and vinified slowly in a Chilean tinaja, with maceration lasting 138 days. It then aged 4 months in older barrels. There were no sulphites used during vinification or aging. So fragrant, with lavender, rosemary, iris, wild mint, native pine. Salted, pitchy, and herbaceous. So intense, but so light, with lifted, finessed, expressive aromatics and long, fine tannins with ample salinity throughout, lingering on the finish. An intoxicating wine. 824 bottles.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Carter Mollenhauer Aurora D'Itata Cinsault 2021
Itata Valley, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Two vineyards from Guarilihue Alto are used in this village level Cinsault, with dry farmed ungrafted bush vines planted in 1950 and 1955, and rooted in quartzic granite at 225m. It was native fermented, foot-trodden and whole cluster in concrete vat prior to aging 8 months in older French barrels. A puff of reduction upon opening blows off quickly, leading into wild plum, wild blackberry, boysenberry, scrubby herbs / thorns, dried rosemary. Sticky, grippy tannins hold this tight on sides, with an alluring granitic grip texturing. Lovely authentic, fresher view of the grape. 2304 bottles.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Carter Mollenhauer Aurora D’Itata Pais 2020
Itata Valley, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. From Pachagua, in Itata, this is dry farmed ungrafted bush vine País, planted around 1800, making them 200ish years old. It is rooted in quartzic granite, around 100m. It was native fermented, with 90% whole cluster, and gently foot trodden before resting in 3000L concrete, (14% in 225L older French barrels) for 8 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Quite light bodied and hued, this carries ample fragrant iris, wild plum, wild blueberry, tayberry along the slight palate, hugged with long, fine tannins. The salinity lingers long on the finish. So bright and finessed. 1494 bottles.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ribera Huenchullami Morros Costinos Pais 2021
Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileHusband and wife team Edgard Carter and Karine Mollenhauer run their family winery in the Maule, making a few small-production wines from indigenous grapes. Their idea is to elevate the reputation of purity and authenticity of Chilean wine through organic farming, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Ribera Huenchullami is a side project with friends, and only a handful of bottles were made. This coastal vineyard is only 5.6km from the cool Pacific, and Edgar believes it to be the closest old vine País site to the coast in Chile. These dry farmed, ungrafted bush vines were planted in 1920 in mica schist soils. This was foot trodden whole cluster in open vat, native fermented, before a 6 months’ rest in French barrels. Buzzy quartz hums throughout, with a long, fine tannic grip sharpening wild plum, downy cherry, iris, lit with bright, brisk VA. Very saline on the unfined / unfiltered / hazy finish. Take with a light chill.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Four Shadows Zweigelt 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Four Shadows Zweigelt, all two acres, was planted in 1999. It took two decades to get around to dropping the yields and making the wine a serious club selection, and the difference is night and day. The deep cherry purple red is fresh and floral, aided by a short eight months of aging in older, primarily neutral oak. The palate mixes pomegranate, blueberry, raspberry, a tart undercurrent, and some firmness in the back end. Clean and stylish, this is a wine for rich meaty dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Companhia de Vinhos dos Profetas e Villões Tinta Negra dos Villões 2021
Madeira, PortugalThis must be the longest winery name in the world (and up there with the most confusing for non-Portuguese speakers). Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic winemakers in Portugal, António Maçanita crafts wines from the Azores archipelago to Alentejo and Porto Santo, a small island off Madeira. This latest project was created with his friend of 15 years, Nuno Faria, a Madeiran and restaurateur. The adventuresome duo have joined forces to explore the potential of these magical islands. This Tinta Negra (also known as Saborinho in the Azores and Molar in Colares) is planted very close to the sea on the rainy island of Madeira, and was 30% whole bunch (sandwiched between crushed layers), natively fermented with 40 days of skin contact, and aged eight months in French barrels. This lighter red (11.5%) matches its lighter crimson hue and crunchy red currant, rhubarb, and crushed red florals. Tannins are fine and sticky, while the acidity is marine fresh, with lashes of salinity through the snappy finish. Adventuresome. 7398 bottles.Prices:| ON | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kamara Shadow Play Xynomavro 2020
Thessaloniki Area, Makedonia, GreeceDimitrios Kioutsoukis and his family decided to give up city life to be more connected to nature, moving to Thessaloniki and planting 11 ha of organically farmed vines. All of their wines are low intervention, with native ferment, no sulphur additions and bottling without fining or filtration. From sandy clay schists, at 140m altitude, this Xinomavro was native fermented and aged for one year in older barrels. Intense and pointed black liquorice, cassis, anise, fills the fresh palate, neatly packaged in 13.5 degrees, and housed with grippy, dusty tannins. Lovely fresher view of Xino.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Anna Spinato Malanotte Del Piave 2020
Veneto, ItalyNew wines are always exciting, and it really ups the ante when they are historically significant. At Spinato, Malanotte del Piave was born to tell the tale of the Raboso vine. The name Malanotte del Piave speaks to the tiny village of Malanotte, which still exists in the Piave area where this raboso grape was born. If you check out the label, you will see a drawing of a mulberry bush that historically was used by the raboso grapevine to support its fruit. Back in the day when the silk industry was thriving, the silkworms ate the leaves of the mulberry bush while the plant structure beckoned the raboso vines in need of support. The wine opens with medium dark red hue and a fragrant nose mixing red berries with a touch of dried fig and earth. The attack is warm and rich on the palate, with more red fruit and chocolate, with sticky, almost rustic tannins that need some time to dissipate. The locals like to serve this wine with veal shank ravioli with gremolata sauce, or aged cheese. I suggest you open and decant this wine for 45-60 minutes to give it a chance to express itself fully. The DOCG says Malanotte del Piave must be a minimum of 70% Raboso Piave and a maximum of 30% Raboso Veronese, while the origins of the name Raboso remain a mystery. Some suggest it derives from the stream that flows into the Piave river, but others have said it speaks to the Venetian term “rabioso” (angry) for its strong and decisive flavour.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Organic Pinot Meunier 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot meunier is quite pale in colour, almost more of a dark rosé, mirroring the light, juicy style. Expect tart wild strawberries and orange zest, with some smoke impact, unfortunately. Serve lightly chilled alongside grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $32.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Feudo Maccari Neré 2019
Sicily, ItalyNeré stems from Alberello (bush) trained Nero d'Avola vines that average 23 years, growing about one mile from the sea. The yields are low (2.5 tons/acre), but the return is high. Look for plenty of red/blackberry led by black plums and blackberries dusted with Mediterranean spices and chocolate. There is a twist of tannin, but nothing grilled meat won't subdue with ease. There is good value here, and it is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pepe Mendoza Monastrell Giró Alicante Bouschet 2020
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainYou have to love a winery’s whose mission statement is more or less: “We can afford to make a little or lose a little, but we can’t afford to sit pat.” Pepe Mendoza and his wife Pepa run Casa Agrícola. Mendoza spent 25 years as the winemaker at Enrique Mendoza, one of the most important wineries in the DO Alicante, before starting up his own winery to pursue the full potential of Spain’s East Coast, and use the most sustainable agricultural techniques. The Tinto is a 70/25/5 blend of local Valencia grapes monastrell, giró, and alicante bouschet. The fruit is grown using both biodynamic and organic farming methods. The whole grapes, bunches, and stems are included in the tank fermentation to protect its juicy fruit characters. Native yeasts are used for fermentation, and it is aged for six months in French oak barrels. His wines have been described by Scott Scott Wasley of The Spanish Acquisition, a specialist importer and wholesale distributor of Spanish and Portuguese wines and spirits, as having a duality. DO Alicante is part coastal and part inland high country, and Pepe harnesses both. Some wines are Marina, meaning wines from the coastal strip, fresh, salty and light. Some are from 100km inland in the upper reaches of Rio Vinalopó. You feel the sun and light of the Mediterranean, salt, and balsamic scrub, and everything is effortless and deft. These are small artisanal production, minimum intervention wines conceived for and defined by Mediterranean freshness. Wild, free and delicious.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Blaufränkisch 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlaufrankisch is found throughout Central Europe, though it's most commonly associated with Austria. Mt. Boucherie proves it's right at home in the Similkameen, too. From 28 year old vines planted at Lazy River Vineyard, this offers spiced cherry and dark plum, with a dusting of sweet cinnamon and crushed gravel. It's juicy, light in tannin, and ready to enjoy now, especially with a light chill. A fun discovery, to be sure.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bodegas Arzuaga Pago Florentino 2019
La Mancha, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainPago Florentino is always made from the best cencibel selection grown over pebbles on top of slate from the Solana farm at Malagón, in La Mancha. It is the first wine of Bodegas Arzuaga developed outside the Ribera del Duero. The grapes are cold-soaked for three days in stainless steel before fermentation. Post ferment, the juice is racked into French and American oak barrels to age for a year. The nose is suitably complex, pitching ripe red fruit streaked with espresso. On the palate, the rich red/black plum slides from front to back through a persistently long finish. The tannins are medium but present and will need three to five years to dissipate. Best now with grilled pork chops or a hardy winter stew.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Domaine de Cébène Felgaria 2016
Faugères, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFelgaria is a 70/30 mourvèdre/syrah blend aged twelve months in barrels. That’s the short story. The longer, more exciting story is Brigitte Chevalier, ex-Bordeaux/St Emilion wine seller turned winemaker has managed the 11-ha estate since 2007, growing the fruit organically in the centre of the wild, high Languedoc on the Faugères shales. The wine is fully ripe and full-flavoured, mixing spicy blackcurrant, a hint of complexing prune, and most of all, the taste of schist. There is little more to say than buy this wine while you can still afford it.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sunnybrae Bastion Mountain Red 2021
Shuswap, British Columbia, CanadaThis more than acceptable Foch opens with abundant black fruit with a touch of rubber and an enticing texture. The attack is full of juicy black fruit that are almost sweet and fade into a soft finish. Juicy, easy drinking, and perfect for anything smothered in barbecue sauce. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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19 April 2023
88PTS
Chronos Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaMade of syrah, this pale rosé opens with delicate estery florals, pear, and watermelon from a cool fermentation. Crisp and juicy on the palate, sweeter red berries and zesty citrus are layered with subtle white pepper. There’s a slight bitterness nicely wrapped by a touch of sweetness at the finish. A friendly rosé, perfect for warmer days.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chronos Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis pale pink syrah rosé from Silver Barrel Vineyard in Okanagan Falls offers a bright, fruit-driven nose of pink grapefruit, candied watermelon, and white peach, along with delicate spices. Well-balanced in an approachable style, with subtle residual sugar balanced by crisp acidity, it's the type of light, easy drinking rosé that's calling for the poolside or beachside.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Corcelettes Oracle Rosé 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOracle 2022 is a mix of 76/24 pinot noir/syrah, with 24 percent coming off Keremeos' Corcelettes Estate Vineyard, and 58 percent from Cawston's Second Chance Vineyard, plus 18 percent from Earlco Vineyards in Naramata. It boasts a pale, Provençal-like colour that leads into a fresh, bright nose of wild strawberries and cinnamon hearts. On the palate, raspberries, guava, and pear are streaked with mineral wet stones. A summer of fish tacos, spot prawns, crab cakes, and Mexican dishes all call out for this pink. Everything is grown using sustainable, responsible, and organic farming practices, and it’s hand-tended, hand-harvested and hand sorted. It sees zero skin contact, and a 93/7 split of fermenting in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with full malolactic fermentation and bâtonnage.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot noir rosé is the first release from vineyard to bottle for Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott, the new stewards of 1 Mill Road. This release reflects a new direction for the brand, not just in terms of the new packaging, but also the extension of the portfolio with its first rosé. It's all about restraint, reflecting the North Okanagan terroir of the East Kelowna Slopes from which the fruit is sourced, as well as the moderate 2022 vintage. Clocking in at just 12.2% abv, it shows a combination of bright pink grapefruit and delicate red berries, accented by a subtle floral accent. There's lovely purity and balance, bone dry (0.3 g/L residual sugar) without being austere, in a style that is immensely moreish. The Okanagan needs more brands like 1 Mill Road and more people like Ben and Katie. I eagerly await the next chapter.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe CedarCreek pink is farmed as a rosé, early picked and given two hours of skin contact before it is pressed off into stainless steel and fermented for a short period. The style is fresh, tight, and zesty, with lime and pink grapefruit pumped up by a hit of residual sugar to smooth out the lemon pith finish. This is ready to go and will be a patio hit wherever and whatever it is served with all spring and summer.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Araldica Palazzi Monferrato Chiaretto Rosato 2021
Piedmont, ItalyAraldica is a 3rd gen, family-operated co-op based in Piedmont, working with over 230 growers. This rosato of 80% barbera and 20% pinot nero comes from the Monferrato hills. A short maceration gives the moderate pink hue, while a stainless ferment preserves the bright fruit. Crunchy plum/wild strawberries is lit with a red currant acidity, gliding this dry pink along a sleek frame through a subtly spiced finish. Very food friendly, crack into this stylish rosato this summer.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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18 April 2023
89PTS
Château de France Grand Bordeaux Blanc 2021
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceThis blend of 80% sauvignon ad 20% sémillon come off deeply gravelled soils, Fermented in wood, and aged in mix of new and old barrels. It was fermented in barrel, and then aged in the same (30% new) for 10 months with regular bâtonnage. Quite toasty and structural, the new wood has an impact through the grippy sides and very creamy structure. White flowers, light toast, lemon peel and crushed stones rule the palate, and while the wood sticks out some at this early stage, it should certainly integrate more with age. For now, this is the one to partner with richer foods, like white risotto. White flowers, light toast, lemon peel and crushed stones.Prices:| ON | $61.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château Coquillas Blanc 2021
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau Coquillas is the second wine of Château de France, based in Pessac-Léognan, and with 40 sustainably farmed hectares of its own. This blend is 80 SB / 20 Sém from deep gravelled soils. It was fermented and aged in older oak barrels for 9 months, with regular bâtonnage. Bright gooseberry, white grapefruit is laced with smoked stone and lemon verbena, running the length of this finely structured palate. The finish lingers with flake salts. Lovely judicial use of wood here lends a refined structure without overwhelming the youthful fruit. Yet another example why folks should drink much more white Bordeaux.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandTohu is sourced entirely from vineyards in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley and always surprises with its dry, aromatic lemongrass and passionfruit. A fresh grassy, citrus undercurrent keeps it moving along the palate with a more ripe, juicy, pink grapefruit and a saline mineral finish. The Awatere Valley is more remarkable, drier, and windier than other sub-regions of Marlborough, leading to an even longer growing season and a ripeness few can claim. A fine representative of the Kiwi sauvignon upper class.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2021
FranceThe Vin de France cuvée gives J. de Villebois some leeway to work outside Sancerre with grapes grown on the cool Atlantic Coast and in the Loire Valley. Don’t be fooled. The result is more Sancerre than Vin de France, which means you are getting a sauvignon that overdelivers for its price. Fresh gooseberry mixes with citrus, pears, and super bright acidity. Clean and correct, this is a treat for the price and the perfect seafood wine for the west coast of North America.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fleur Entre-Deux-Mers 2021
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, FranceThis is a fine follow-up to 2019 and, as written by GOW reviewer Geoffrey Moss, "one of the best values on the planet across all quality levels". Caves de Rauzan is a large Bordeaux co-op that knows how to make quality white wine in the modern style. Look for an electric, zippy mix of lemons and grapefruit balanced by ripe apricot. This is an authentic white Bordeaux at a giveaway price. From minerals and wet stones to herbaceous dried herbs, this is a wine to note. Look for it in private wine shops.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Flores Sauvignon Signtaure 2022
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceClassic fruity, grassy sauvignon from the south of France. Look for a mix of grapefruits and lemons with tropical mango and passionfruit. The finish is tart with gooseberry and mineral. Not for everyone, but this is it. If you like a zesty style sauvignon, you can serve it with seafood, mussels, or clams.Prices:| BC | $21.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandSpy Valley is a family owned 400-acre winery on the sunny southern side of Marlborough's Wairau Valley, making highly reliable wines. This juicy sauvignon is grown over alluvial, stony, silty soils in Waihopai Valley, mid-Wairau, and Lower Wairau Valley. The ferment is mainly done in stainless steel tanks, but selected blocks are fermented in barrels to give the wine a slightly richer undercurrent. Expect an enticing mix of floral, citrus, nectarine, sweet lime, and a stony, saline finish. Mussels, crab cakes, fish and chips all work here.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.63 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.49 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.01 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Leyda Coastal Vineyards Kadún Sauvignon Gris 2021
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile2021 saw extremely cold temperatures well below the historical average. The result was slow ripening and a significant challenge to reach the desired level of Brix, but in the end, the wine is pretty good. It’s first and foremost packed with gooseberry and passionfruit, and at first taste, it seems more Kiwi than Chilean until you consider the cool Leyda site it comes off. The sauvignon gris vines, now eleven years old, are farmed at El Granito vineyard, just 4km from the Pacific Ocean. Extreme is a good word for the site, a collection of granitic terraces. Tart is its primary attribute, with a smoky mineral, citrus, gooseberry, and green pepper undercurrent. Grilled vegetables or steamed shellfish are the best matches here. Kadún means gray in Mapudungún, the language of the local Mapuche people, and the wine was named for the colour that the skins of Sauvignon Gris berries take when they ripen. When they transition to a dark grayish pink, that is the moment the grape is in its optimal state to be harvested.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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17 April 2023
87PTS
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec from Trapiche comes off 25 year old vineyards between 900-1000m, and aged 1 year in oak. The final blend is a barrel selection. Dark cocoa dusts blackberry, blueberry compote, with sueded tannins and a clipped, pasty finish. One for taking with grilled burgers now.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Mascota Malbec 2020
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Finca La Mascota in Maipú's Cruz de Piedra, this malbec spent one year in new French and American oak. Ripe and plush, this carries crushed cassis, black plum, anise along a seamless palate, with tannins wrapped in silk, and a snappy finish kissed with peppercorn. A friendly, well made malbec for enjoying now with any grilled fare.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, this big, savoury malbec is sourced from vines 20-90 years, and 1100-1200m. This was fermented and macerated for 3 weeks before aging for 1 year (40% in older wood). Potent and dense violets, black currants, tar attack the full palate, with a swell of ripely sweet vanilla and candied florals sticking to the finish. Tannins are ample, tuggy, and ripe, and thankfully acidity is lofty as there is a lot to manoeuvre through here. This youthful wine will benefit from some air time and / or time in bottle before partnering with your sweet sauced ribs.Prices:| BC | $27.26 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.70 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alamos Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom high altitude vineyards, and under the Catena family purview, this full bodied malbec (tipped with 1.5% each of cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo) fermented in stainless prior to aging in a mix of French and American oak for 8 months. Gobs of sweet jammy blackberry, blueberry compote jostle for pole position amidst a cloak of sweet ripe vanillin tannins, finishing ragged and warming, with the return of that candied sweetness. A simple, entry malbec, ready for your grilled lamb or yam burgers.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $17.45 | 750ml |
| NF | $17.45 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paz de Finca Las Moras Malbec 2020
Pedernal Valley, San Juan, ArgentinaFrom the Pedernal Valley and sourced from malbec at 1350m, this approachable malbec spent fifteen months in new American and French barrels. Perfumed dusky florals open into lush blackberry, black plum, and dark earth. Tannins are a bit ragged and bitter edged, drawing this to a bitter espresso finish. Needs grilled meats to mitigate. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Estancia Mendoza Single Vineyard Malbec 2019
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom 20-year-old vines in Uco Valley's Tunuyan, Vista Flores, and 1100m altitude, this was fermented in stainless before resting for six months in American oak barrels. Ripe plum and blackberry are filtered with camp smoke and framed with chewy, ripe and somewhat sticky tannins. The finish hangs with American oak vanillin and more of the aforementioned campfire smoke. Certainly, one to partner with hefty grilled fare and one that will benefit from a decant.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaFrom Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato at 1350m altitude, as well as from Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo, San Carlos, at 1100m, this Uco Valley malbec was aged in first, 2nd, and 3rd use oak barrels for one year. Ripe with the mountainous sunshine, this gutsy, full red is rife with cherry, medicinal raspberry, crushed florals, buoyed by a bright grapefruit acidity, and framed with cedar-hewn tannins. You feel the 14.5% on the finish, making this a suitable match for grilled pork / veg dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Alluvia Vineyard 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAs the Selección name and hefty bottle attest, this is a premium wine and the flagship estate malbec of Doña Paula. The fruit comes off the special Alluvia Vineyard in Gualtallary, at 1350m, with bush vines growing out of a rocky ancient stream bed laced with limestone deposits. This was native fermented and rested 20 months in French barrels (50% new). Crushed stones and crushed purple florals are woven throughout this full yet fresh wine, scenting wild black plum, wild blackberry, blackcurrant, and thorns. Tannins are structurally firm and fine, with an alluring stony grip which lingers long on the bitter cherry finish. Certainly a wine of place, and a beautiful place at that. Now if only they'd lose the overweight bottle... In youth still, this can cellar a decade easily.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luigi Bosca de Sangre Malbec 2020
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe de Sangre Malbec comes off Luján de Cuyo's Las Compuertas, Vistalba, and Agrelo vineyards, at 960m average altitude. The destemmed fruit was fermented in stainless prior to moving to oak barrels for 1 years' rest. Black plum, black cherry, tobacco, and thorns flood a juicy palate, wrought with firm, sinewy, ferrous-dusted tannins which take this full bodied wine to an espresso finish. Certainly one for the grill, and roast beef / root veg.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Catena Vista Flores Malbec 2019
Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaDon Domingo Catena began sourcing Malbec from the historic vineyards of Vista Flores In the 1950s, and it has only become a more and more prominent home to quality fruit over the last 70 years. This is at once sturdy, with a dark colour and dense sweet tannins, but rich with black and blue fruits, mocha, pepper, black tea, and blueberry. The wine gets a five day non-alcoholic cold soak before a 16-day fermentation and another ten days of maceration post-ferment. The finished juice spends 12 months in French oak, of which 35% is new. Vista Flores Vineyard sits at 1100m in loamy soil, with rounded rocks on the bottom. The alluvial composition is 80% sand, 10% clay and 10% silt.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA New World icon, Cloudy Bay is the wine that set the entire New Zealand wine industry in motion in 1985. Marlborough was an unknown entity back then, but the showy lemon-green wine with a pungent nose shocked the international wine world. In 2022 it had a new package but the same bright, fresh green apple, grapefruit, and gooseberry dusted with fresh herbs. On the palate, intense flavours of kiwi and nectarine, white pepper, and passionfruit fuel a lingering, mineral finish. It remains another notch up the scale and a true icon of the region. Technically it is made from over 90 parcels of Wairau Valley fruit, with a small amount fermented in used barrels to add a touch of softer textures to the mix. Balanced and ready to drink, the magical match is steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $42.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $34.75 | 750ml |
| PEI | $42.95 | 38ml |
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89PTS
J. de Villebois Sancerre 2021
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe grapes come from three hilly slopes featuring three Sancerre terroirs: Caillottes (stones and clay), Terres Blanches (clay), and Silex (flint). The winemaking is classic and simple. The grapes are quickly transported to the winery to minimize skin contact before a gentle pressing. The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 7-15 days. After fermenting, the ageing is done in stainless steel on the fine lees before being blended and bottled the following spring. Expect fine intensity here with lemongrass, citrus, and herbaceous asparagus and gooseberry throughout. This is a perfect wine for steamed mussels or a favourite goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.99 | 750ml |
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14 April 2023
89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. From a mix of estate and purchased fruit, this classic Chablis was fermented and rested on lees in stainless over 7-8 months. Slick lemon and pear glide along a streamlined palate, bedded with river stones, and trailing off with a subtle saline and anise scented finish. Bright, fresh, and welcoming, enjoy this now with spring / summer fare.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Beaujolais Blanc 2021
Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceTerres Dorées is land of the golden (clay-limestone) slopes, and where leading Beaujolais non-interventionist elder statesman, Jean-Paul Brun, owns 39ha. This chardy was native fermented and rested in wood. Creamy lemon is brightened with shiny green apple, and bedded with river stones which linger on the palate along with subtle wood spicing. Lovely flow and energy. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Réserve de Vaudon 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. The Réserve is a richer, more expansive palate than their classic Chablis, from biodynamically-farmed Drouhin estate fruit, primarily from the right bank, neighbouring the Grand Cru terroirs. This was fermented and aged on lees in stainless over 8 months. Certainly richer than the classic, this carries green apple, pear, and lees across an expansive and textural palate, laced with salinity, and finishing with stones. There's a lovely completeness to this 2020, drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceAt a modest 12.5 percent alcohol, the aromatics are pronounced with plenty of green apples, white flowers, and wet stone. Bright, crisp and bursting with citrus and flinty mineral, oysters on the half shell are the match. Since 2008 the Vaudon name can be found on all Joseph Drouhin Chablis, a nod to an old water mill on the river Serein owned by the family. The grapes for this label come off a 6-hectare block on the right bank of the Vauvilien Valley, sandwiched between the Premier Cru vineyards of Mont de Milieu and Montée de Tonnerre.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. This 1er Cru comes from Vaillons, on the southwest bank of Chablis, facing east, and its kimmeridgian limestone. The 30 year old estate vines are biodynamically farmed (since 1999) and supplemented with purchased fruit. After a slow pressing and ferment in stainless, this remained on lees for 8 months until bottling. Tight lemon pith and peel streaks across the amply saline palate, scented with tiny white blossoms, and shaped with a buzzy limestone jacket, structuring this through a lingering mineral / saline finish. Lovely poise, energy, and tension, this 2020 is shining at present, and will hold over coming years.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. This wine comes from the centre part of GC Vaudésir, shaped like an amphitheatre, with its steep south facing slopes absorbing the afternoon sun. Biodynamically farmed vines were slowly fermented and aged in older oak barrel for 1 year. Still just a baby, but showing beautifully now, with smouldering smoked stone scenting the meyer lemon, green apple, and subtle tight white blossoms that rule the structural palate. The finish lingers with crushed rock and oyster liqueur. A GC that drinks now, but will certainly cellar over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $135.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Réserve de Vaudon 2021
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. The Réserve is a richer, more expansive palate than their classic Chablis, from biodynamically-farmed Drouhin estate fruit, primarily from the right bank, neighbouring the Grand Cru terroirs. This was fermented and aged on lees in stainless over 8 months. Toasted stone, lemon curd, crunchy pear sits atop a base of river rocks, finishing snappily with a lemon twist. At this young state this wine is still a bit tight and unyielding, but expect the 2021 to open some with time in your cellar.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceVeronique Drouhin thinks Les Clos is the cru "most able to express what the terroir of Chablis is like." The colour is pale yellow/gold with floral lily aromas brushed with citrus-soaked honey. The attack is surprisingly rich for Chablis, with more pear, floral, citrus, green apple, honey, and seashell notes, all with amazing finesse and complexity that persists long into the finish. 2020 is more approachable, and you should drink now through 2026. Les Clos is easily one of Chablis's most famous Grand Cru sites, between Valmur on the left and Blanchot on the right. Its southwest exposure is responsible for always generous and powerful character. Les Clos, or the surrounding wall built to fence off the parcel, is no longer in existence, but the vineyard was resuscitated in the 1960s by Robert Drouhin. The magic of Les Clos is the Kimmeridgian limestone soil that contains millions of tiny marine fossils embedded in a kind of whitish mortar once the sea bottom hundreds of million years ago. The Drouhin site is 1.3 ha, and the vines average 37 years of age. Its been under organic cultivation since 1990 and biodynamic cultivation since 1999. This is aged in used French oak barrels for about a year.Prices:| BC | $149.99 | 750ml |
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13 April 2023
96PTS
Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey NV
IrelandGreen Spot single pot still whiskey is widely admired by spirit critics, and as a wine writer, I can understand why. It is mature for seven to ten years in first and second-fill bourbon and sherry casks. The texture is the show's star here, so creamy and silky smooth that it slides down effortlessly. When you nose it, sweet pears and vanilla light up the front end and spill across the palate, along with notes of barley/porridge with spicy menthol notes and a touch of toasted oak. Harmonious, complex and super long in the finish. A very stylish whiskey that will wow your guests.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Green Spot Quails' Gate Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Pinot Noir Wine Casks Limited Edition NV
IrelandA barely red colour penetrates the original Green Spot green-gold hue. Initially matured in American oak and ex-sherry casks, the completed whiskey then spent another 16 months in Quails' Gate pinot noir barrels shipped to Ireland at the pandemic's start. The result is an ethereal red fruit scent that threads through the whiskey. Ripe cherry and juicy raspberries are lightly embedded in the ultra-smooth texture of the whiskey. The palate is silky sweet, a harmonious mix of trace dried cranberries that disappears into the signature Green Spot red apple, sweet pear, vanilla and woodland spice (nutmeg). Complex and comforting, this is a terrific sip. It is a perfect partnership and a unique twist for what is already an iconic whiskey. Available by the glass at Quails' Gate Old Vines Restaurant.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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12 April 2023
89PTS
Kumeu River Rays Road Pinot Noir 2019
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandFrom the Brajkovich's newish limestone hillside vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, where various clones of Pinot Noir had been planted in 2008 by the previous owners (a joint venture between Trinity Hill and Pascal Jolivet from Pouilly-Fumé) This is led by clone MV6, and was destemmed with 3 weeks skin contact before fermented and aging in French oak (10% new) for 1 year. Damp moss, forest floor, tea leaves lead this medium+ pinot, flushed out with ripe plum, thorny blackberry, and purple florals. Drinking now, ideally with wild mushrooms / pork dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Wente Riva Ranch Vinyard Pinot Noir 2020
Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Wente Riva Ranch is sourced from the family’s estate vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. The long, cool growing season is ideal for pinot noir, as are the gravelly-loam soils rich in shale and limestone deposits. Wente’s old vines and eight clones in the ground (Pommard, Martini, 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, and 77) come together to form an attractive easy-sipping style with a touch of pinot sweetness dusted in baking spices. The tannins are negligible, suggesting this is ready to drink. Serve now with grilled pork sausages, duck, Indian samosas, or an older smoked cheddar.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Michel Briday Rully Les 4 Vignes 2018
Rully, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceDomaine Michel Briday was founded in 1976 by Michel and Lucette Briday with 15 acres. Today the domaine is managed by Michel’s son and daughter-in-law, Stéphane and Sandrine, and consists of 38 acres spread across the municipalities of Rully, Bouzeron, and Mercurey. As the name of this cuvée suggests, it comes off 4 plots of varying altitudes and soils, and vines averaging 50 years. It was native fermented over 3 weeks, and aged in oak barrels (25% new). Crushed black raspberries, damson plums, sweet pipe tobacco is woven through the chewy palate, with sticky tannins holding the medium body in place. There's a sprinkling of brown spices throughout which hold on the cola finish, encouraging drinking now, ideally with grilled root veg and pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Leyda Pinot Noir Lot 21 2019
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Lot series is all about the terroir and respecting the fruit and identity of each variety. In this case, the pinot noir is Clone 777 and opens with a delicious, juicy, almost creamy style. LOT 21 Pinot Noir comes from three marine-influenced estate plots and a mix of red granite, iron, calcium carbonate, and clay soils, all at various exposures. Each was harvested separately, with around 30% whole cluster, and native fermented in closed concrete vats before heading into untoasted 2000L foudres, a concrete vat, and used 300L French oak barrels. Look for silky plum and black raspberry on a medium-weight palate. There is a cool freshness here that draws you along. This has plenty to offer for the price, which is more than we can say about many pinots at this price point. Back up the truck.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haut-Blanville Réserve Pinot Noir 2021
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau Haut-Blanville is a family-owned Languedoc wine estate that was founded in 1997 by Béatrice & Bernard Nivollet. Their 70 ha of vineyards extend across The Grés de Montpellier AOP, stretching from the Hérault middle valley to the Vidourle, and from the Mediterranean in the south to the Pic Saint-Loup in the north. Wines are produced naturally, without the use of any additions except a minimal amount of sulphur upon bottling. This pinot noir comes from the limestone and basalt soils of Pézenas at 100-150m, on a cool, north-facing single vineyard. Soft plum, perfumed raspberry rule the silken palate, with a fine tug of tannins taking the medium slight red to a gentle finish. Friendly and easy pinot ready for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Drouhin Rully Rouge 2020
Rully, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, FranceDrouhin has been around since the 1880s, with the current generation's great grandfather starting the business as a negociant. In the early 20th century the family started as winemakers, purchasing and planting their first vineyards in the early 1960s. Rully sits south of the Côte d'Or, in Mercurey's limestone layered soils. This biodynamically farmed estate pinot was joined with purchased fruit, and macerated over 2-3 weeks prior to a native ferment. It then aged in barrels (10% new) for 15 months. Perfumed dark plum, tart wild blackberry floods a juicy palate, scented with forest floor and black tea. Tannins are finely sticky, and the acidity is limestone lit and buzzy throughout. An approachable, smart Rully ready for drinking now, ideally with wild mushrooms and/or duck.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Vino de Parcela Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAdrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is certified organic since 2018. It was planted in 1992 at 1,390 meters above sea level in Gualtallary's alluvial limestone soils. Seventy-five percent of this wine is fermented in concrete vats, and the remainder is in oak foudres. Like other high-end concrete-fermented wines, this is all about texture and length. The fruit is ripe, but you don’t notice any sweet fruit. The vineyard's latitude ensures plenty of acidity and freshness in the wine, and the dense, soft tannins combine to give it a long life ahead in the bottle. Complex, natural, iconic, and a benchmark for the region’s top malbecs.Prices:| BC | $354.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $354.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $350.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Vino de Parcela Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe River Stones parcel of Adrianna is, in fact, an old river bed full of large round stones covered in calcium carbonate. The stones offer optimal drainage and work with extreme temperatures, whether heat or cold, and maintain either during the night. Altitude is considerable in Mendoza because as you ascend into the Andes, the average temperature decreases, and the amplitude between day and night increases. That action is an acid preserver that gives the wines freshness and long life. Adrianna Vineyard sits at 1366 meters and is only 1.4 hectares, covered in scattered limestone and marine deposits that covered the ocean floor millions of years ago. This is a typical malbec in that it is dry, seriously floral, and fresh with a texture and length that speaks to its complexity. While you can find some black cherry, it is more about savoury black olive and forest floor, often found in Tuscany. Drink or hold, there is no rush.Prices:| BC | $240.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $232.50 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Vino de Parcela Malbec 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaExpect intense black cherries, raspberries, and black tea with a strong, savoury dried-herb undercurrent. The attack is silky with dense, sweet tannins and a surprisingly elegant fresh mid-palate balancing power and fruit. Juicy yet substantial, this is a great bottle of malbec that will age effortlessly, or you could drink it now with a rare to medium rare steak. Adrianna Vineyard is about extreme altitude clocking in at 1366 metres above sea level. Under Laura Catena, it may also be the wine world’s most studied piece of dirt. Laura’s father, Nicolás Catena Zapata, planted the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary in 1992, hoping to find the coolest site in Mendoza where vines would grow. The Winkler classification, a method developed in California to track the degree days at which the vine grows, places Adrianna between zone 1 and 2, equivalent to somewhere between Burgundy and a cool part of Bordeaux. Undaunted, the Catena family planted cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay cuttings from France and malbec from Lot 18 of their 75-year-old Angélica vineyard. Over time, the cabernet proved less interesting, but the malbec and chardonnay excelled in minerality, density, weight and mouthfeel. Plenty of sunlight, slow ripening, and lower potential alcohol makes Adrianna an ideal vineyard site. Fortuna Terrae, or luck of the land, aptly describes this 5-hectare parcel inside Adrianna Vineyard, where the deep soils support numerous species of native vegetation that attract beneficial insects, birds and foxes that provide a natural balance to the site.Prices:| BC | $145.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $157.52 | 750ml |
| MB | $184.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena Alta is an assemblage of historical rows of the Catena Zapata vineyards planted to the Catena family's proprietary selection of malbec plants from 900-1400m. The 5 blocks yield highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks to four generations of winegrowers. The wine spends 18 months in 70 percent new oak and another 24 months in bottle before release. It's malbec at a comfortable 13.8%, finished unfined and unfiltered. 2019 was a cool year, and the yields were lower than average, leading to excellent acidity and concentrated flavours. Look for violet with hints of blueberry and the classic savoury jarilla characters. On the palate you'll find red and blue fruit with substantial mid-palate weight and rich tannins. This wine will age over the next five years.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $76.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $50.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $49.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lovely Lilly Pinot Noir 2020
Baden, GermanyA light, juicy pinot noir driven by crunchy red berry fruit, with a subtle accent of spice. Good varietal character, with brisk acidity that is calling for a light chill.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020
Mendoza, Argentina2020 was another early harvest at Catena Zapata. The grapes are a mix of origins from Lunlunta (Angélica), and (Nicasia) Altamira. It was whole cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel, then aged in larger oak vats and barriques between 12 and 18 months. It's a big, powerful, juicy wine with dense, rich tannins and an earthy, savoury undercurrent. What is so impressive is the elegance of this wine. The balance and the seamless mix of fruit and tannin suggest that this will age effortlessly for decades. Serious and complex, this is the real thing and a great story for Argentina. Given the family’s Italian roots I suggest Bistecca alla Fiorentina.Prices:| BC | $136.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $136.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $171.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hugel Classic Pinot Noir 2018
Alsace, FranceThis tidy pinot noir offers ripe cherry intertwined with savoury earthiness, showing just a touch of evolution going on five years in bottle. Rich and round, with more weight than you typically associate with Alsatian pinot noir, no doubt thanks to the warmth of the 2018 vintage. This is drinking well now, but will continue to hold for the next 2-3 years.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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11 April 2023
96PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Vino de Parcela Chardonnay 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaAdrianna Vineyard, located at almost 1450 metres in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region high in the Andes foothills, is home to White Bones. Select rows within Block 1 of Adrianna Vineyard layered with calcareous deposits and limestone as well as fossilized animal bones, remnants of a river that used to pass through the region, This makes up the soul of this wine. Cold settled and wild yeast fermented, this chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel and French oak for approximately 90 days. The nose is an intense mix of white flowers mixed with native high scrub and a strong jarilla character, the garrigue of Argentina. White Bones is about precision, chiselled out by fresh acidity, quince, and green fig dipped in a saline solution. White Bones is grown only 100 metres from White Stones, but by any measure, it is a Grand Cruu version of the Premier Cru White Stones. Both are a testament to the research and hard work of the Catena team to reach for the stars.Prices:| BC | $150.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $157.52 | 750ml |
| MB | $184.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Vino de Parcela Chardonnay 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaWhite Stones is the kinder, gentler version of Catena’s duo of top chardonnays: White Bones, and White Stones. It has all the stony minerality I crave, a creamy undercurrent lined with juicy green apples and lemon, and a subtle streak of orange that highlights the finish. More approachable than the White Bones, it is the one to drink earlier. However, there is very little to choose between these two excellent chardonnay that signal an untapped category of high-quality Argentine wine. It is barrel-fermented and then ages in 500L puncheons for 20-24 months. Cellar easily three to seven years or more.Prices:| BC | $150.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $157.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Zapata Malbec Nicasia Vineyard 2019
San Carlos, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Nicasia Malbec, first released in 2004, is another precise selection of vines from the best historic rows of the Catena’s estate vineyards. Carefully hand tended to produce meagre yields, the high-altitude (1100 metres) fruit grown on sandy soils is fermented in new French oak barriques and aged 18 months in new French oak. The quantities are tiny. Look for a dark purple colour on the edge. The nose is awash in ripe red and black currents, raspberries, and dried plums, wrapped in French oak and sweet, dense tannins. Complex and brooding, this wine will need a decade to reach its high mark despite an already creamy palate with sweet blueberries, cassis, vanilla and baking spices. Best now with more decadent foods such as shiitake mushrooms, beef tenderloin, and lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $117.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.99 | 750ml |
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10 April 2023
91PTS
Réserve Mouton Cadet St. Emilion 2018
Bordeaux, FranceI always thought appellation labels from the great French appellations would be the perfect venue to introduce people to the region’s wines, such as Hermitage, Pauillac, St. Estephe, or Sauternes. Still, for some reason, the wine never over delivered for the price, which is something required to gain momentum in the market. This St. Emilion knocked me out when tasted last month. It has all the hallmarks of a well made St. Emilion Cru, and the price is amazingly fair. 2018 Réserve St. Emilion may signal a new path at Mouton Cadet, a company that has the resources and the chateaux to do appellation wines better than anyone. The mix is 86% merlot, 13% cabernet franc, and 1% cabernet sauvignon. It has some of that ethereal St. Emilion character: slick, soft, and full flavoured but with lightness, and plump, juicy, ripe cherry and raspberry streaked with black currant and a touch of spice. Fully integrated and ready to drink, this is a lovely bottle of St. Emilion you can actually afford on special occasions. Get it while you can.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mouton Cadet Heritage Rouge 2018
Bordeaux, FranceThe Heritage Mouton Cadet is meant to increase its intensity and is currently a 95/5 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Winemaker Jerome Aquirre told me they are upping the cabernet sauvignon content to closer to thirty percent in the coming vintages to add some extra power to the wine. 2018 is already soft and round, very drinkable, and it is stuffed with fruity, fragrant black fruit streaked with a touch of espresso and cedar in a more classic Bordeaux nose. The merlot is sourced from the nearby Côte de Castillon appellation, and it presents with ripe, spicy blackberry, cassis mixed with roasted coffee bean, cedar, and a touch of cinnamon. The tannins are firm but soft, and add support without dryness. Prime rib is the match, but lamb chops or a classic steak frites with peppercorn sauce would be just fine. Well done, and a clear step up. Great value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.10 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mouton Cadet x Mathilde Rosé 2022
Bordeaux, FranceThe colour is a very attractive pale peony pink shade. The nose is bright and clean with delicate aromas of red fruits and fresh citrus peel. The palate is equally lively and fresh with pear, kiwi, lemon, and grapefruit balanced by a candied strawberry undercurrent. This is a classic summer sipper for the patio that is as fun to drink as the label is to look at. Pretty avant-garde for Mouton, and it is under screwcap. It should be a big hit.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.10 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mouton Cadet Rouge 90th Birthday 2020
Bordeaux, FranceThis is the best Mouton Cadet to come to the market in some time, and they are only beginning to tweak the style. We can expect more refinement under new director of wines, Jerome Aquirre, in the coming vintages. The blend is a 92/5/3 mix of merlot / cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc, bringing red fruit, cabernet franc for perfume and elegance and cabernet sauvignon for a bit of weight and density. The result is a fragrant red and black fruit nose streaked with a hint of earth and spice. The palate has a real Bodreaux bent as if it was farmed and made with care, not just bottled, offering black cherries, raspberries, and a touch of olive, tannin, and spice. It is smooth, refined, and ready to drink with beef tartare, barbecue chicken, or a favourite young soft cheese. The price is a delight.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mouton Cadet Blanc 2021
Bordeaux, FranceCadet Blanc is a 69/29/2 mix of sauvignon blanc, which brings freshness and fruit; sémillon to add roundness and density; and a dash of muscadelle for lift and refinement. Again, the Bordelais are the master of the blend, and this is a fine example of what you can do with care at the entry level. The nose is a herbaceous affair lined with citrus and peach, while on the palate, it is a grassy, zippy wine with citrus and white peach over a mineral, stony finish. An aperitif white for appetizers, seafood linguine, or freshly shucked West Coast oysters.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.10 | 750ml |
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07 April 2023
90PTS
Domaine Jean-Marie Haag Grand Cru Riesling Zinnkoepfle 2020
Alsace, FranceFrom the GC Zinnkoepfle, this riesling stretches waves of brown butter, ripe pear, white peach fuzz, and lime pith along a lengthy frame, lit with buzzy limestone acidity, and finishing with a lingering salinity. Drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Jean-Marie Haag Riesling Vallée Noble 2019
Alsace, FranceAbout twenty kilometers south of Colmar, Jean-Marie Haag’s vineyards descend from the steep hillsides in this narrow valley called Vallée Noble, closed like a horseshoe. Ample smokey reduction leads this flinty riesling, which narrows on the bone dry palate to a strict slip, drawing pear skin, apricot fuzz, lemon pith along to a crushed stone finish. Uncompromising wine of place.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Fleith Riesling Steinweg 2018
Alsace, FranceIn 1996, Vincent Fleith took over his family's 9 hectares, becoming the 11th generation of winegrowers to caretake these lands. He converted the estate to biodynamics over the next years. This comes off Steinweg's alluvial granite soils. This golden yellow wine starts off with a lure of flinty reduction, leading into savoury pear skin, yellow apple, and a firm granitic grip rasping the sides. Bone dry, the finish lingers with crushed rocks and apricot blossoms. Drinking very smartly now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Domaine Fleith Riesling 2021
Alsace, FranceIn 1996, Vincent Fleith took over his family's 9 hectares, becoming the 11th generation of winegrowers to caretake these lands. He converted the estate to biodynamics over the next years. Pouring a golden yellow, this is heady with ripe pear, honeysuckle, and apricot overtop a flaxen base, finishing quickly with a twirl of sweet jasmine. A fuller style, ready to crack now.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Abbazia di Novacella Riesling 2021
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyThe Abbazia monastery was founded in 1142 by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular in the Isarco River Valley, and on its magical slopes of granitic schist. The estate vineyards, primarily white grapes, stretch across 80 hectares, with additional fruit selected from neighbouring properties. The riesling is an electric version with a strong mineral undercurrent that supports a heady tropical perfume and a citrus drenched mix of peaches, grapefruit, and Granny Smith apples. I like some of the winery food matching suggestions: green asparagus with lime sage vinaigrette; mild curry with coconut milk and jasmine rice; or a lake fish fillet under a coriander crust with fennel salad.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Mittnacht Frères Grand Cru Riesling Rosacker 2019
Alsace, FranceFounded in 1958, Domaine Mittnacht is a family-run estate led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht, with vineyards located around the town of Hunawihr. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement, and the domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999, one of the first in Alsace. GC Riesling Rosacker comes from 40+ year old vines, fermented in large older oak. The treatment is felt from first whiff, with a gentle lees decked, expansive nose that carries onto the medium weight palate. Pear skin and flesh, flax, is coated with lees, and kissed with lemon verbena, drawing this out to a stony finish. A subtle GC, but worthwhile listening to. Drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine Mittnacht Frères Riesling Les Fossiles 2021
Alsace, FranceFounded in 1958, Domaine Mittnacht is a family-run estate led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht, with vineyards located around the town of Hunawihr. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement, and the domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999, one of the first in Alsace. Ripe yellow apple, perfumed quince, and pear rule this dry, streamlined riesling, based on lees, kissed by petrol, and finishing with a melon twist. Drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Grand Cru Kitterle 2017
Alsace, FranceFirst noted in 1699, Kitterlé has had an exceptional reputation, noted by name since 1830. This volcanic-sandstone plot is on a steeply sloping rocky outcrop facing south-west, south, and south-east. After whole bunch pressing, this is fermented in stainless, followed by 8 months on lees prior to bottling. This bone dry white opens as rock juice, with medicinal lemon, white cherry, lime pith pulsing along a taut corridor, framed with crushed stone, and lingering with endless salinity. One for purists, and primed for drinking now.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Valentin Zusslin Riesling Clos Liebenberg 2018
Alsace, FranceEstablished in 1691 by M. Jodocus Cisle (former name of Zusslin), Domaine Valentin Zusslin is now run by two generations of the Zusslin family. The winery is based in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, and the vines are planted on the slopes of the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg and Grand Cru Pfingstberg. Since 1997, the estate has been run biodynamically. The domaine owns the monopole Clos Liebenberg: a group of plots of almost 4 ha, located on top of the Pfingstberg hill, around 380m. The Clos is surrounded by wild hedges, stone walls, and forest. The nose is enveloped with white truffle and white honey, leading you into crushed flint and stones, roasted nuts, and an evident oxidative character, due no doubt to time in older wood. This is woven with white peach, pear skin, and fine spice, evolving into a lingering salinity on the finish. Certainly distinctive, and about place (not fruit), allow this wine time to open up and reveal itself.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Valentin Zusslin Riesling Le Schild 2020
Alsace, FranceEstablished in 1691 by M. Jodocus Cisle (former name of Zusslin), Domaine Valentin Zusslin is now run by two generations of the Zusslin family. The winery is based in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, and the vines are planted on the slopes of the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg and Grand Cru Pfingstberg. Since 1997, the estate has been run biodynamically. Le Schild is their newest plot. Tight and nervy, with pear skin, green apple, licks of brown butter, and kisses of lime, this races along the slight palate, with a fine layer of lees to balance the bone dry palate. Lovely fine and nimble energy here.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Domaine Barmès-Buecher Grand Cru Riesling Steingrübler 2020
Alsace, FranceGeneviève Buecher and François Barmès established their estate in 1985 by joining the vines of each respective family who had held land there since the 17th century, near the village of Wettolsheim. Today Domaine Barmès-Buecher spreads over 17 biodynamically farmed hectares, scattered over 7 terroirs including 3 Grands Crus: Hengst, Pfersisberg and Steingrubler. This comes from the latter's calcareous marls and sandstone, and vines around 25 years old. After a native ferment in stainless, this rested 16 months on lees in foudres. Quite potent, with truffle, white honey, lanolin, crushed stones, and flake salts at the fore, with hints of mandarin, and pear skin closing out the finish. There's an almond bitterness framing this dry wine, which will start cusping into more honeyed nutty notes in future. One for the cellar.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Barmès-Buecher Riesling Clos Sand 2021
Alsace, FranceGeneviève Buecher and François Barmès established their estate in 1985 by joining the vines of each respective family who had held land there since the 17th century, near the village of Wettolsheim. Today Domaine Barmès-Buecher spreads over 17 biodynamically farmed hectares, scattered over 7 terroirs including 3 Grands Crus: Hengst, Pfersisberg and Steingrubler. This clos sits on a 40-50% granite mica slope of 350 to 400m, overlooking the village of Wettolsheim. After a native ferment, this spent 10 months on lees. There's a waxen honeyed stone fruit note that pervades this dry, lighter riesling, with shavings of apricot skin, tangerine, crab apple pinning in the sides, and lingering on the finish. A severe and uncompromising look at the site, and one purists should enjoy.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Domaine Schoffit Riesling Harth 2020
Alsace, FranceBernhard Schoffit is a young pioneer in Alsace's Grand Cru Rangen de Thann. The domaine was started by Bernard's father Robert, with 10 hectares, 30 years ago, Bernard has embarked on an ambitious program of buying nearly 6.5 hectares of very steep land in Rangen, around the Clos St. Theobold, largely abandoned because it was too steep to work. Through much hard work, Bernhard reclaimed all 6.5 hectares. The lieu-dit Harth Riesling was certified organic from 2019, coming off 50 year old vines in Colmar. It was native fermented in stainless, where it remained until bottling. Fleshy pear, white peach is sculpted with lemon verbena, and rides a cushy mid palate of lees and tangerine, finishing with a saline and bitter citrus twist. Brisk, bright, and pleasant, this bone dry riesling is ready for cracking now.Prices:Read Full Note
93PTS
Justin Boxler Riesling Sommerberg Grand Cru 2019
Alsace, FranceFrom the GC Sommerberg and its granitic soils, this wine comes from two plots: Herrenberg, planted in 1979; and the Schorr planted in 1989. After a native ferment, this aged for a year in 100 year old oak barrels, plus aging in bottle prior to release. This is a savoury and intense dry riesling, shedding most of the fruit (save for lime and lemon pith, and green apple), and cusping into savoury white honey, subtle truffle, and ample flake salts across a brown butter, lees-decked, 13% palate, trailing off into a saline wake. Such a beauty, drinking well now, but will many years in your cellar ahead.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Justin Boxler Riesling Pfoeller 2021
Alsace, FranceThis tight, dry riesling from the lieu-dit of Pfoeller is rooted in clay-limestone salts, planted in 1976 and 1992. After a native ferment, this ages on on lees for a year in century-old oak barrels. Shimmering with lemon and lime sherbet, green apple, this streaks along the narrow palate like a racehorse. There's such a tension and deep minerality here, which leaves a long wake on the lingering finish. Just a baby, enjoy now or wait for this in your cellar.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Domaine Loew Ostenberg Riesling 2021
Alsace, FranceFrom biodynamic certified riesling rooted in muschelkalk (hard grey limestone, high in Mg) in Ostenberg, this dry riesling feels in melodic harmony, with yellow and green apple, pear, lemon pith streaming across a crushed stone underlay. There's a beauty tension and energy here, driving this through a flake salt finish. The low-yielding 2021 has concentrated this special site. Drinking well now, and cellar-worthy.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Loew Riesling Bruderbach Clos des Frères 2021
Alsace, FranceFrom biodynamic 26 year old vines planted in sandstone, silica, and iron soils of Bruderbach's Clos des Frères, this is a sleek, straight, and lean bone dry riesling rife with lemon and lime sherbet, green apple, and tight saline notes buzzing along the base. Ample energy and vibrancy here.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Selbach Riesling Fish Label 2020
Mosel, GermanyThis off-dry Riesling is made by one of Germany’s oldest wine-producing families with roots that go back to the 1600s. It is fruity and packed with super ripe apple and nectarine offset by the always bright Mosel acidity, and it comes with an intoxicating juicy style. Perfect for a spicy curry dish and a wine you can buy blind every year and be rewarded with a delicious bottle. It is an authentic value-for-money wine with a certain pedigree that speaks to its terroir and the Selbach commitment to quality.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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06 April 2023
90PTS
Collestefano 1 Litro 2021
Marche, ItalyColleStefano is based in the small appellation of Matelica at 450m, near the mountain town of Castelraimondo on the border with Umbria. The Marchionni family purchased Collestefano and have been making wine from organic grapes since 1995, with Fabio Marchionni taking lead since 1998. As the name states, this is a 1 litre bottle, made up of ColleStefano's younger white Verdicchio. Slick and streamlined lemon, pear, verbena, melon slide along the slip of a palate (11.5%), with meadow grasses seasoning through a subtle saline rinsed finish. This charmer is a no-brainer, especially in this package, at this price. Enjoy liberally all spring / summer.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 1000ml |
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91PTS
Vale Dos Ares Alavarinho 2021
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom VV's prized sub-region of Monçao e Melgaço, in the granitic and schistous stony north of the appellation at 200m, this was macerated on skins followed by a soft press and 6 months in stainless, with bâtonnage. Tight and shining with lemon, guava, grapefruit streaking across a sleek palate, lightly grazed with the aforementioned granite grip, and rife with Atlantic salinity through the finish. It's evident why MeM is the top place for Alvarinho in Portugal.Prices:| CDN | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rust Wine Co Gewürztraminer 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSouth Rock Vineyard sits at the southern end of Oliver's famed Golden Mile Bench, British Columbia's first official sub-appellation. The vineyard is home to some of the oldest vines in British Columbia. These clone 47 gewürztraminer ungrafted vines planted in 1973 get four days of skin contact before fermentation in stainless steel. The nose is restrained with quiet ginger and floral undertones that support a dry palate with a touch of skin-contact phenolic bitterness. This sophisticated version of gewürztraminer is best served alongside a favourite curry dish or a South Asian bowl.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
François Mikulski Bourgogne Aligoté 2020
Burgundy, FranceFrançois Mikulski’s father was Lieutenant Mieczyslaw Mikulski, an escapee from occupied Poland in 1939, fleeing to England and joining the Resistance troops of the Free Polish Forces. It was there he met his future wife, a Burgundian working on an English army base. They moved to Brussels where François was born and raised. François spent his formative summers in Burgundy, where he fell in love with wine culture (fortunately for us). These organically farmed 1929 and 1948 planted aligote vines are planted in prime Meursault, native fermented in tank and older wood. The 2020 is sleek and streamlined, shaped with almond, pear skin, wild lemon, and flake salts racing along the flaxen palate through a lingering tangerine rind, saline end. Drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Valentin Zusslin Auxerrois Au'rigine 2020
Alsace, FranceEstablished in 1691 by M. Jodocus Cisle (former name of Zusslin), Domaine Valentin Zusslin is now run by two generations of the Zusslin family. The winery is based in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, and the vines are planted on the slopes of the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg and Grand Cru Pfingstberg. Since 1997, the estate has been run biodynamically. This Auxerrois comes off limestone soils, and was native fermented and rested in stainless on lees for more than 1 year. Very subtle throughout, with delicate pear blossom, subtle verbena, and melon notes on the slight, and watery palate. There's a fine buzzy underlay, creating interest, and carrying this lighter, dry white through the buzzy finish. Not your typical aromatic off white of BC (thankfully).Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Justin Boxler Gewürztraminer Soixante-Cinq 2020
Alsace, FranceIntense from first whiff, this concentrated gew is the oldest plot of their estate vineyards, planted in 1965 (hence the name) in clay soils. After a slow, gentle press, this was fermented and aged in 100+ year old oak barrels until bottling the following summer. A mouthfuling palate of white honey, ripe pear, white peach, and lush quince coats the off-dry palate, with a flint licked stony underlay to counter. Ample acidity keeps this concentrated (yet 13.8%) gew fresh and energetic through the lingering finish. A beaut, showing why Alsace rules the Gew world.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Loew Gewürztraminer Ostenberg 2019
Alsace, FranceFrom Ostenberg's Muschelkalk (hard grey limestone, high in Mg) soils, this is a highly perfumed and finessed gew, with a savoury flintiness pervading ripe gooseberry, pear, peach, lime blossoms, soap, stretching across a subtly waxen, amply silken palate. The stony savouriness provides a welcome counter to the grape's inherent exuberance, resulting in a welcome 13.4%. With a few years on it, this is drinking smartly now, ideally with fragrant green curries or lightly spiced seafood.Prices:Read Full Note
85PTS
Reif Estate Kerner Reserve 2021
Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara River, this kerner displays floral honeysuckle, ripe pear, peach compote on an off-dry palate, with a slight plastic note, and ample ginger spices on the brief finish.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Reif Winery The Sun 2021
Ontario, CanadaThis orange wine is skin fermented vidal, from various Ontario sites. Pouring an appropriately glowing orange hue, this dry wine is finely buzzy, with apricot skin, peach skin, sour melon on a short, snappy palate, kissed with saline and smoke on a sour end. Nice to see some experimentation.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Bonnet-Huteau Muscadet Sévre et Maine Les Laures 2020
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceFrom Les Laures' shallow, stony soils over a deep granite base, this sees 15-30 year old vines, native fermented and with 9 months on lees. Pretty pear, melon, tight gooseberry run a sleek palate over a shallow bed of lees. There's a luring crushed stones drawing this through a saline finish. Very smart.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Companhia de Vinhos dos Profetas e Villões Listrão dos Profetas 2021
Madeira, PortugalThis must be the longest winery name in the world (and up there with the most confusing for non-Portuguese speakers). Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic winemakers in Portugal, António Maçanita crafts wines from the Azores archipelago to Alentejo, and now to Porto Santo, a small island off Madeira. This latest project was created with his friend of 15 years, Nuno Faria, a Madeiran and restaurateur. The adventuresome duo have joined forces to explore the potential of these magical islands. Listrão is produced only on the island of Porto Santo, in the archipelago of Madeira, and is also known as Palomino Fino in Jerez de La Frontera, and Listan Blanco in Tenerife. This Listrão wine comes from a low-lying vineyard 80+ years old, protected from the winds and sea air by crochet walls or reed structures. This was whole bunch pressed, and fermented in older 228L French barrels, where it remained for 10 months. Lean and marine, with tight lemon pith, green apple whipped with a saline rinse, and lit with a buzzy stoniness. This brisk white alluringly tastes of the sea. 2800 bottles, hand numbered.Prices:| ON | $117.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Kamara Estate Shadow Play Assyrtiko 2021
Thessaloniki Area, Makedonia, GreeceDimitrios Kioutsoukis and his family decided to give up city life to be more connected to nature, moving to Thessaloniki and planting 11 ha of organically farmed vines. All of their wines are low intervention, with native ferment, no sulphur additions and bottling without fining or filtration. From the schist slopes of Kamara-Oraiokastro Thessaloniki, this Assyrtiko (including some old bush vines) had 3 days of skin contact before a native ferment in stainless. Lovely structure, with grapefruit, wild melon, green apple, elderflower, and subtle sake notes through the saline finish. Fresh, tart, and pure view.Prices:| ON | $42.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lock and Worth Kerner 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUntil very recently I had no idea L&W made a Kerner. But I came across this 2022 (and a 2021) and was delighted. From a north Naramata vineyard planted in 1999, behind Nichol, this was fermented and aged in stainless, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant lime pith and peel jumps from the glass of this youthful white, followed by lemon blossoms, cold cream, apricot fuzz across a textual, creamy palate. There's an impression of sweetness from this aromatic German grape, but the wine presents and finishes dry, with a bitter lime and white pepper snap.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lock and Worth Kerner 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDid you know L&W made a Kerner? Me neither! But I came across this 2021 (and a 2022) and was delighted. From a north Naramata vineyard planted in 1999 behind Nichol, this was fermented and aged in stainless, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, as the sediment in the bottom of the minimally sleek bottle displays. Wet stone, perfumed white peach, apricot blossom rules this textural white, with moderate buzzy acidity stencilled with lime pith and peel. There's a feel of RS inherent to this Germanic-born grape, but this feels and finishes entirely dry. Really charming.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Massimo Rivetti Langhe Arneis Aurelia 2021
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThe colour is straw yellow, and the nose is decidedly floral with a strong mineral/wet stone note. Fresh-cut white fruits precede pear, guava, and citrus lining a creamy palate. Very seafood friendly and perfect for the BC coastal market. The arneis grew at 500 meters above sea level on calcareous soils. It is harvested during the coolest hours of the day and with dry ice to preserve the freshness and character of the certified organic grapes. The must is cold-soaked at 0°C and then fermented on indigenous yeasts.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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05 April 2023
91PTS
Domaine Barmès-Buecher Pinot Blanc Rosenberg 2021
Alsace, FranceGeneviève Buecher and François Barmès established their estate in 1985 by joining the vines of each respective family who had held land there since the 17th century, near the village of Wettolsheim. Today Domaine Barmès-Buecher spreads over 17 biodynamically farmed hectares, scattered over 7 terroirs including 3 Grands Crus: Hengst, Pfersisberg and Steingrubler. This comes off the clay-limestone and sandstone soils of Rosenberg, and older vines, vinified in stainless. Delicate apple and pear blossoms gather intensity on the silken palate, alongside fleshy and ripe pear, perfumed melon, pomelo pith, all lingering with alluring buzzing salinity. A very smart dry and lively blanc, drinking beauty now.Prices:Read Full Note
04 April 2023
91PTS
Joseph Drouhin Morgon 2020
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis Morgon shows violets and well defined, pristine fruits of bright raspberry and cranberry mingled with distinctive minerals and peppery spiciness. There’s a nice tension between the mouth watering acidity and fine tannins making it even more harmonious. A delicious, yet well structured Cru Beaujolais that has both power and elegance.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc 2018
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceLook for a reserved chardonnay of citrus and hazelnuts that gives way to a creamy mid-palate of almonds, a hint of honey, and light lemongrass. Ready to drink and perfectly styled with most west coast seafood dishes such as Dungeness crab or buttered clams. The Drouhin Côte de Beaune Blanc comes off the hillside above the village of Beaune, as well as available declassified juice from the younger vines at the famous Clos des Mouches vineyard. The grapes have been biodynamically farmed since 1990 at a density of 10 to 12.5 thousand vines per hectare. Post ferment, it is aged in 20 percent new French oak for a year.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits Villages 2020
Côtes de Nuits-Villages, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceCôtes de Nuits Villages is a blend of village wines from the southern end of the Côte de Nuits: Corgoloin, Comblanchien, Premeaux, Brochon, and Couchey. The name Côte de Nuits comes from the town Nuits-Saint-Georges, the capital of its own Côte. The fermentation and maceration runs 14-21 days on indigenous yeasts, followed by 12 to 15 months of ageing in French oak barrels, of which only 10 percent is new. As a result, you expect this label to have a bit of gravitas, and it delivers a slightly deeper, darker, more brooding style of pinot noir with a touch of tannin dust. The nose leads with Bing cherry aromas that mix with lightly spicy earthy, mushroom, mulberries, and dark plums. Fresh and balanced, this is drinking well now but will improve in bottle over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $50.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Drouhin Chorey-Lès-Beaune 2020
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceChorey-lès-Beaune is a lesser-known village in Côte de Beaune, situated just north of Beaune. Just out of the limelight in Bourgogne usually means a break from the oppressive prices plaguing modern Bourgogne. The grapes are crushed, macerated, and fermented over two or three weeks before heading to barrel (10% in new oak) for 12 to 15 months. Look for an enticing balanced style of juicy red and black fruits with a scent of earth and underbrush. On the palate, more blackberry, black cherry jumps to the forefront with a dry, savoury back end. Just complex enough so that you can drink it or hold it through 2025. The vineyard at Chorey-lès-Beaune was first planted in 1237 by Edouard de Froment, the Duke of Bourgogne's step-nephew. Drouhin owns 3.25 acres of Chorey that wraps around the foot of the hill of Corton. The vine's average is 53 years old, and it was first farmed organically in 1990 before converting to biodynamic cultivation in the mid-1990s. They crush both domain fruit and purchased grapes from suppliers on long-term contracts.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Drouhin Morgon 2020
Morgon, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis Morgon has an expressive, fruit-driven nose, offering a combination of dark cherries and raspberries, which is lifted by perfumed violets. There's a clear ripeness to the fruit, as you'd expect for the warm 2020 vintage, and this manages to clock in at just 13.5% alcohol. But what really stands out is the purity of the fruit: bright and well-defined, with a youthful exuberance thanks to the semi-carbonic winemaking that makes this delicious even at this early stage. It's not the most structured Morgon, but there is a backbone of fine-grained tannins with excellent fruit concentration that suggests this will be worth tucking a few bottles away for 4-6 years. Very good length, carried by a stony minerality.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020
Burgundy, FranceDrouhin selects a dozen appellations for this pinot noir, off clay and limestone soils, and planted to a density of 10,000 vines per hectare. This is about as elegant as it gets for Bourgogne, and it comes with some freshness, a far cry from how this category was presented in the 80s, 90s and 00s. It is all aged in stainless steel vats for 7 to 8 months, while wines of higher origin can spend time in one to two year old barrels. Expect a soft, charming, earthy, juicy pinot with silky tannin and an elegance that punches above its appellation.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $33.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages 2020
Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceThis shows an appealing nose of spiced cherries and black raspberries, with the fruit certainly showing the warmth of the 2020 vintage. It's still fresh, but not quite your typical juicy Beaujolais-Villages, with warming alcohol on the finish against the moderate concentration. Still, this is serious, and great value at this price. Serve with a light chill and #gogamaygo.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Joseph Drouhin Côte de Beaune Rouge 2017
Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceA sign of good Burgundy is its ability to overcome an ordinary vintage. At six years of age, this Cote de Beaune delivers a rather elegant version of the 2017 pinot noir that reflects the ethos of the Côte de Beaune appellation. Expect a mature nose mixing red cherries, subtle barrel notes, strawberries, and mushrooms with no noticeable tannin. Ready to drink and savour, especially throughout a long flavourful finish. Perfect now, drink all 2023. The bulk of the wine is a massale selection of pinot clones farmed biodynamically, with the addition of declassified younger vine fruit from cru vineyards, including Clos des Mouches.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Grèves Premier Cru 2020
Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceBeaune Greves is a touchstone label that gives you a glimpse into the year's quality at Drouhin. When it is good, chances are all the Beaune wines are good. I like the sleek, lean styling that sets the stage for a bright, black fruit reveal dusted in smoke and fine-grained tannins. The oak rounds out the finish quietly, leaving room for some mineral. Delicious right now in a bony Beaune way, but this wine shows a decade of promise to come.Prices:| BC | $143.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $141.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Joseph Drouhin Meursault 2020
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceAs soon as you nose this wine, you know it is unique and very Meursault, reflecting its weight and roundness on the palate. A pear and apple freshness balances the hazelnut butter and vanilla bean that permeate the chalky mineral finish. It is more mysterious than my words, and delights to savour as the long finish goes on and on. Impeccably balanced and ready to drink now through 2028. If you love white Bourgogne, this should be on your radar. The celebrated terroir of the Côte des Blancs, a few kilometres south of Beaune, is home to Meursault, one of the oldest villages in Bourgogne. The camp of Mont Milan, above the present village, was erected and settled in Neolithic times (2,500 BC) before being occupied by the Gauls (500 BC) and then the Romans. It was finally abandoned for the present location of the village built during the Gallo-Roman period, at which time the name Muris Saltus (Meursault) was given to it.Prices:| BC | $108.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $105.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Drouhin Mâcon-Villages 2020
Mâconnais, Burgundy, FranceThe Drouhin Mâcon-Villages is a simple but well made chardonnay in 2020 that hails from the Mâconnais region of Bourgogne. Mâcon-Villages is an appellation name given to 26 communes that produce wines a step up in quality from the regional Mâcon title. Rising prices in Bourgogne have given this sub-app a new lease on life, not to mention a significant improvement in winemaking over the last decade. This 2020 comes with a fresh nose of pear and citrus and a round, easy sipping palate with a mix of citrus, pear butter, and a light nutty finish. A seafood pasta dish is a good match. This is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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03 April 2023
88PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2020
British Columbia, CanadaWith fruit from across BC, theoretically including their Lillooet home, this cab franc was aged for 15 months in 225L oak barrels, split between French and American. Smoke leads the medium palate, pervading bitter dark cherry, blackcurrant, roasted coffee, and lingering on the spiced finish. Tannins are finely gritty, and acidity is tart. Needs a mushroom and/or beef stew to unite at this point.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Reserve Cabernet Franc 2018
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis richer, fleshy cabernet franc is filled with black fruit, jam, cola, and sweet baking spice. Tannins are softly sticky, and acidity is currant-tart. Doesn't speak much of place, but if you're looking for a big black fruited, herbal accented, local red wine to partner with your meatballs, give this a go.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cooper's Hawk Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020
Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario, CanadaTart rhubarb, sour cherry, herbal raspberry are framed with grippy / gritty tannins, finishing with a powdery baking spice note. A lighter, leaner result, try with a light chill and a grilled burger.Prices:| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Megalomaniac Reserve Cabernet Franc 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis Reserve Cabernet Franc was sourced from Twenty Mile Bench, and spent 18 months in French barrels. Sultry raspberry, black cherry is seasoned with peppercorns and nutmeg on a full, fleshy palate. Tannins are straight and still somewhat firm, yet well situated to the cushy fruit, taking this to a ferrous-kissed finish. Well done.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Megalomaniac To Be Franc Cabernet Frank 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom their estate vineyard, this was handpicked over 4 stages, with each tranche fermented separately and rested 6 months in barrels prior to the final blend. Post blend, it returned to barrel for a year's rest (23% new wood). The wood is super evident upon first whiff, with toasted spices and cedar and vanilla. That's all quickly absorbed into the concentrated red cherry, plum, and baking spices on the dense palate. Tannins are chewy and the palate is a bit sinewy, all calling for a pairing with grilled beef or pork dishes.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finite x Fogolar Cabernet Franc 2019
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Vinemount Ridge's Picone Vineyard, this cab franc was entirely whole cluster, covered with a layer of crushed cab franc and allowed to rest for 72 days. It completed MLF and aging in neutral French oak for 1 year prior to bottling without fining, filtration, or additional sulphur added. Herbal and earthy, with perfumed musk, blackberry, thorns on a plumped, medium bodied palate. Tannins are soft and sticky, and acidity is herbal tart. An interesting natural take.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fogolar Picone Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019
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 black label Cab Franc comes from Vinemount Ridge's Picone Vineyard. Plush and perfumed black plum, blackberry is laced with red flowers and herbal spice. Tannins are finely grippy / gritty, taking to a baking spice finish. Aspirational, and getting there.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fogolar Cabernet Franc 2019
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). Soft and perfumed plum, raspberry, thorns is seasoned with baking spice, and wrapped with furry tannins. A friendly welcome intro to the grape.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019
British Columbia, CanadaLillooet cabernet franc grown on the home Dry Creek Vineyard opens with bright floral violet mixed with brooding dark plums and chocolate. The tannins are a touch sticky but mostly well managed, and will dissipate quickly over the next 24-36 months when this red will reach its peak. It is a testament to the work of the team at Fort Berens establishing a new wine region and sorting out what will and will not grow. Indeed, at eleven years of age, it looks as if the cabernet franc has a future at 50.6 degrees north. The grapes were row selected and picked late in the season for optimal ripeness, and post ferment, extended skin maceration was employed to add body and structure to the wine. Drink or hold, there is no rush.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2020
British Columbia, CanadaLike last year, the colour is on the light side for the cabernet franc but no matter. The nose is a smoky mix of black cherry and ground coffee that spills onto the palate. The back end is a touch bitter, with some acidity poking through and sticky tannins at this finish. Again, a bit unknit, but it would be okay with grilled pork or beef/mushroom stew.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Da Silva Cabernet Franc 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAvila Family Vineyard in Oliver is home to this cabernet franc grown in heavier soils, lending the wine a touch of Pomerol weight. It’s fermented in open half-ton fermentors and aged in 50/50 French and American oak for 20 months. The nose is a mix of chocolate, bourbon, and red plums. Like last year, it has a pretty veneer and silky palate with plum and cherry streaked with smoke, orange rind, and clove. Just a baby and will need some time to gather itself. Try again in 2025-27 or served now with lamb tagine.Prices:| BC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc 2020
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc is the inaugural release from Thadd Springs Vineyards. The wine opens with a cooler floral profile, cooked cherries, and brown spices. Soft and juicy on the palate, this is more Loire than New World. The finish is dry with an earthy cherry undercurrent. Roast chicken might be the match here.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThis label is pretty consistent, opening with a vibrant palate of mostly red fruits such as wild strawberries and cherries with a dusting of sagebrush and pomegranate. The floral tone continues through the wine, as does its bright acidity and controlled alcohol, well under 13 percent. The textures are silky and run softly through the finish. A gentler, cooler version of the grape than the south Okanagan blockbusters. Serve this with turkey or veal for the best results.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Cabernet Franc 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA rare red single varietal release from Lunessence, this is a full blown southern Okanagan red that shows a touch more terroir than fruit. Dried plum, black cherry, floral, savoury cedar and desert permeate a soft textured red. It’s easy to sip, and you can drink this now if you like, or over the next three years. Interestingly 40% of the wine was foot trodden. It was fermented and aged in French oak for 12 months (12 percent new). Barbecue ribs or lamb chops would be good choices at the moment.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Uppercase Cabernet Franc 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit came from Osoyoos and is fermented in a wooden vat, then aged 16 months in French oak (30 percent new). The style is full throttle from a rich, savoury nose of black fruit and spice to a palate of dark cherries, brambleberries, dark chocolate, espresso beans, and oak tannins. The winemaking is solid if uneventful, but that is probably good for a new producer. This is a big red you can pour now with equally rich food or give it three to five years to settle in and show its best.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 3 is home to this old vine cabernet franc, initially planted in 1968 on the Golden Mile Bench. Today it yields one bunch per shoot, handpicked and sorted and whole-berry fermented for 17 days in Italian Ganimede fermenters. Post ferment, it is aged for 18 months in primarily French oak. It was a great year in the Okanagan, and this wine’s nose is stunning. Aromatic and stuffed full of savoury black cherry, this is the best version of this wine I have encountered. The acidity is on point, the youthful fruit more red than black, and the oak moving to mostly French is the icing on the cake. The tannin is dense but sweet and small-grained. I love the balance and the potential to age for five to seven years without difficulty. Well done.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liber Farm and Winery Let Me Be Franc 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFranc-ly this wine is different from many of its peers. Less fragrant, this is more a mix of dry, earthy, thorny notes with a zero cola scent, while spicy dried plums, cedar and dried blueberries reign on the palate. It opens up with time in the glass, so decanting is recommended if you serve in the short term. The fruit comes off a gently-sloping Okanagan mountainside and is aged in French oak post-fermentation. The fruit factor is low, so this wine would be fine with mushroom dishes, a pulled pork sandwich, or beef tacos.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Three Sisters Winery Cabernet Franc 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis was a gold medal winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada, and tasting it again seven months later, it's easy to see why. This is Okanagan cabernet franc at its best, retaining the variety's perfumed aromatics, peppery spice, and – yes – even some herbaceousness, which adds complexity and freshness to the generous black fruits. Concentrated yet fresh, this has the fruit intensity to effortlessly balance the sweet oak spice, with the assertive structure to continue to improve in bottle for the next 4-5 years. Well done.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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May 2023