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Tastings: May 2023
31 May 2023
0PTS
Bartier Bros. Brut (Disgorged 10/07/22) NV
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs BB matures its traditional method sparkling program, this has moved into NV bottling, reflecting the use (however small) of reserve wines. The current iteration is entirely chardonnay, fermented and aged four months in stainless before heading to bottle and 12 months sur lattes. It was disgorged in October 2022 with 0 dosage. Buzzy lemon and green apple up front move into a creamy, peachy palate, with pear blossoms and toast, tightening up again on the lemon peel finish. Friendly, fresh, and a lovely work in progress.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Covert Farms Sparkling Zinfandel Methode Ancestrale 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis estate organic zinfandel pét-nat started ferment and stainless, and finished in bottle, leaving a pale peach hue. Tart rhubarb, cranberry is kissed with salami, and finishes bone dry and bitter sharp. A severe style, best chilled and matched with a fatty / protein bite.Prices:| BC | $28.52 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Brut NV
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs BB matures their traditional method sparkling program, this has moved into a NV bottling, reflecting the use (however small) of reserve wines. The current iteration is entirely chardonnay, fermented and aged 4 months in stainless before heading to bottle and 12 months sur lattes. It was disgorged October 2022 with 0 dosage. Buzzy lemon, green apple up front moves into a creamy, peachy palate, with pear blossoms and toast, tightening up again on the lemon peel finish. Friendly, and fresh, and a lovely work in progress.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Maria Rigol Ordi Mil.Lenni Reserva Brut Nature 2018
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMaria Rigol Ordi is a 5th generation family of Cava makers since 1897, based in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Chardonnay joins the classic lineup of Xarel.lo, Macabeu, and Parellada in this vintage dated Cava, disgorged in May 2022 with 0 dosage after at least 36 months on lees. Alluring toast and darts of brown butter lead into a complexed palate of lemon pith, green apple, almond blossom, crushed stones, all lit with an intrinsic energy that shimmers this long on the finish. Very artisanal, and very special.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Maria Rigol Ordi Brut Nature Reserva NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainMaria Rigol Ordi is a 5th generation family of Cava makers since 1897, based in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. This organic cava blends Xarel.lo, Macabeu, and Parellada, from 280-450m. It spent at least 36 months on lees prior to a zero disgorge in June 2022. Showing ample development, with toasted biscuit, roasted hazelnut, red apple, lemon, licks of anise, over a bed or river stones. The shining acidity easily carries the autolytic / oxidative notes on the palate, finishing with a lingering lemon pith and peel. If you're looking for a Cava that carries its age well, look here.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom higher altitude parcels, protected by the Montserrat Mountains, this Cava blends xarel-lo, macabeo, parellada, and chardonnay. Toast, red apple, yellow apple, river stones is bright with lemon peel and snappy with green apple. A simple, well-made Cava to enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Gioiosa Et Amorosa Prosecco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis glera prosecco comes entirely from Treviso, and after the charmat tanks, is left at the upper end of Brut. There's a nice freshness to counter the sweetness, with pear blossoms, yellow apple, and red apple running the snappy, brief palate. A pleasant Prosecco for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
1701 Franciacorta Rosé 2018
Lombardy, Italy1701 Franciacorta is a 10 hectare biodynamic certified estate, the first and only certified biodynamic producer in the Franciacorta region. This Pinot Noir was briefly macerated on the skins, before native ferment in stainless, and a minimum of 30 months on lees in bottle. Zero dosage. Tight and buzzy, with sultry spices and fragrant sandalwood mixing with morello cherry, and wild raspberry, stretching long on the palate. A structural, serious rosé, ready for food.Prices:| ON | $84.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cavit Collection Prosecco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis prosecco is Extra Dry, which, bizarrely means it's mid sweet. Sugared pears, ripe red apple is hit with a plastic note, which closes out the brief finish. Simple stuff, best with a brisk chill / cocktail mix.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Traditional Method Sparkling 2016
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs has been the case with Okanagan Crush Pad / Haywire of late, this wine has undergone a rebrand, losing the Haywire name altogether, and relaunched under the new Garnet Valley Ranch label—this traditional method blend of chardonnay and pinot noir spent six years on lees. The extended time on lees is evident with oxidative and doughy notes, toasted hazelnut, and dried apple woven with crunchy green and red apple, with a lemon peel twist to tighten the saline finish. A serious, aspirational, contemplative wine.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Covert Farms Sparkling Zinfandel Methode Ancestrale 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCovert Farms are working the land in the best ways, practicing regenerative organic wine growing, but the winemaking can be a bit hit and miss. This sparkling zin, made in the ancestral style, began fermenting in stainless steel and finished in the bottle. It has a cloudy pale peach colour, its most redeeming feature, followed by a soft rhubarb and barely there cranberry and cherry before the acid kicks in. We broke out some salumi at the tasting, which helped, but this one needs to return to the drawing board.Prices:| BC | $28.52 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Seven Stars Aurora Stoneridge Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Mary McDermott is the force behind a highly successful sparkling wine program at Township Seven, now known as Seven Stars. Aurora is clone 15 pinot noir, aged for over 30 months on its lees, and it is a delight to nose and drink. Made in the classic Méthode Traditionelle, Aurora exhibits a touch of bronze in the glass with fresh white peach, baked apple, and a whiff of wet stone. More subtle than elegant, it pushes forward with bright red fruits and tart acidity that runs through the finishes, cleaning the palate on the way. This is just a baby but what a fine start. You must join the club to get this, but it will be worth it. The fruit comes off Stoneridge Vineyard, a southwest facing hillside overlooking the meandering Okanagan River near Vaseaux Lake in Okanagan Falls. The winery suggests you pair it with Pacific scallops with a strawberry relish, or peach prosciutto and mascarpone canapé. We loved it with baked salmon.Prices:| BC | $57.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Evolve Pink Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPrimarily chardonnay and pinot blanc, this peach fizz is hued with a tip of syrah. White peach, red apple, is kissed with sweet strawberry jam on the brief finish, mostly dryish. Quite fun to enjoy while very chilled, and just after opening.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Evolve Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis fizz blends pinot blanc and chardonnay into a frothy, up-front sparkler with melon, pear, and Asian pear on a snappy, barely off-dry palate, finishing briefly with a bitter apple skin note. Best when quite chilled and consumed soon after opening.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Brut Superiore NV
Veneto, ItalyThe Italians love prosecco after work, served solo, or with finger foods, and I highly recommend you do the same. Expect a fruity, creamy prosecco with a pleasant fruity mid palate of red apples, peaches, with a hint of spice. The DOCG Asolo Prosecco lies in the Veneto region on the Montello and Colli Asolani hills, at the foot of the Dolomites. Whole grapes are pressed, fermented, and racked into controlled temperature tanks, remaining until they go through the sparkling wine tank process to be finally halted by refrigeration.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco NV
Veneto, ItalyIl Fresco is a Brut Prosecco, meaning it has a healthy swig of sweetness colouring ripe pear, pink flowers, and sugared grapes. A simple, pretty fizz for enjoying quite cool.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Sandi Prosecco Rosé 2020
Veneto, ItalyThis Rosé Prosecco blends glera and pinot nero into an off-dry 10 g/L. Candied apple, sugared strawberries and rhubarb tart is touched with light florals, and finishes with a sweet kiss. A pretty fizz to brunch too.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Paladin Prosecco Brut Rosé 2021
Veneto, ItalyThis is a 90/10 mix of glera and pinot noir, made from a winery founded by Valentino Paladin in 1962, long before Prosecco was known internationally. Still family owned today, the estate is farmed according to lutte raisonnée (reasoned viticulture) principles and the wines contain 50% fewer sulphites than is typical. Expect a pleasant strawberry character with only medium sweetness flecked with pepper and pear in the finish. More wine like than rosé, which is a bonus.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vaporetto Prosecco No 8 Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis solid Prosecco offers crunchy Bartlett pear and yellow apple, lifted by lemon blossoms. There's a savoury edge to the fruit, not unlike a sparkling chenin, which adds complexity, though may not appeal to all Prosecco drinkers. Off-dry and crisp, this will be lovely as an afternoon aperitif or in your favourite spritz recipe.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Canella Puccini Mandarin Cocktail NV
ItalyNot strictly speaking a sparkling wine, this 75 percent wine fizz contains 25 percent mandarin orange juice from Sicily and is labelled a cocktail. It has a stunning yellow/orange colour and a nose awash in citrus, lemon pith, and mandarin. The palate is similar to sweet mandarin juice, perfectly balanced by the acidity of the sparkling wine. Canella works with the Consorzio Tardivo di Ciaculli, a Slow Food Presidio, to pair its best fruit with sparkling wines. The wine is labelled tardivo (meaning late) because it is harvested in late February, later than the average harvesting of Mandarin oranges. Brunch, anyone?Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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30 May 2023
88PTS
Mural de Favaios Moscatel NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom the Douro, this moscatel galego was macerated and fermented in stainless prior to aging 3 years in older oak barrels. Pouring a golden walnut hue, this waxes the palate with maple, butterscotch, salt roasted hazelnuts, and candied orange peel. The sweetness is countered by a swell of citrus acidity, taking this to a gently warming finish. Certainly a worthy contender for the numerous egg custards / puddings / tarts that which Portugal excels.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Silvio Carta Vermouth di Sardegna Rosso NV
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. Made from a blend of aged Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva, this red vermouth is infused with a blend of forged Sardinian herbs, including Myrtle, Thyme, Lentisk (Mastic), and Artemisia. Warm, and complexed, with ample scrubby rosemary, bay leaf, dark honey, molasses, toasted walnut, all studded with sea salts. The intense, sweeter, and silken palate lingers long, releasing citrus oils and toasted pine nuts on the finish.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Silvio Carta Vermouth di Sardegna Bianco Servito NV
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 Vermouth is a blend of young Vernaccia IGT wine infused with elicriso, Desoleana sage, myrtle, and senecio serpens. Heady green herbs, wild orange, potent mint, and ripe quince, the intense, silken, streaming palate is laced with Mediterranean salts and eucalyptus over an expansive base of plush vanilla stone fruit. Very elegant, and very of a place.Prices:| ON | $51.00 | 750ml |
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29 May 2023
90PTS
Rust Wine Co. South Rock Vineyard Syrah 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe orange wax evokes the early sunrise from the Golden Mile Bench. The wine comes from South Rock Vineyard, at its southern edge, on gravelly clay and eroded mountain rock. It's the most tightly wound of the four at this stage, with firm grained tannins and a dense dark cherry and raspberry core that's just beginning to unwind. Perfumed violets and licorice join it to make a complex, compelling syrah that will be at its best in 3-5 years.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co Lazy River Vineyard Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe blue wax takes you to the river. Located ten kilometres north of the US border in South Cawston, Lazy River Vineyard is nestled on the stony slopes that typify the Similkameen Valley. This comes from an ungrafted block planted in 2002 to clone 877. The nose has a lovely intensity led by fragrant wildflowers and lavender, followed by sappy, macerated blackberries, and black raspberries. There's a real depth and purity here, with a smart touch of oak that frames this Similkameen fruit, buzzing with a stony minerality.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co. Ferreira Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRust takes us on another Okanagan and Similkameen syrah tour with the 2020 vintage. The yellow wax again leads us to the sandy soils of Ferreira Vineyard on the northern tip of the Black Sage Bench and a block planted initially to clone 877 in 2002. The fruit has an opulent ripeness, with macerated dark plums and wild blueberries accented by dried sage, mint, and white pepper. The 25 percent whole cluster gives this an extra layer of complexity and freshness, thoughtfully complementing the fruit, with the wood (33% new French and Hungarian) nicely tucked in the background. It's a skillful expression of Black Sage Bench syrah, with suave, refined tannins that make this a joy to drink even at this early stage.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Reserve Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2020 is widely lauded as a top vintage thanks to a warm and dry September that aided all the later ripening fruits to reach phenolic maturity. The winemaking is simple: hand-harvested fruit is fermented in stainless utilizing natural yeast, and is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. The attack is fresh and juicy, mixing black plums and floral on the nose with more dry plummy fruit and spice, with polished tannins. The finish lingers a bit, offering subtle licorice and a touch of brown spice. This is one of the first big reds I have encountered under winemaker Leandro Nosal (Checkmate and Red Barn) with some guidance from Ross Wise (Black Hills and Chief of Peller Winemaking in the West), and I like the direction.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Covert Farms Syrah Grand Reserve 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA perfect vintage for syrah has given Covert its best syrah yet. The Coyote Block is home to this, opening with silky textures and surprising light aromatics. Subtle black and white pepper preview a supple styling with subtle fragrant licorice, savoury desert scrub, black raspberries, and roasted espresso. The finish has a juicy acidity and black cherry that lifts the wine and portends a long life in the bottle. Not particularly varietal, but good nevertheless.Prices:| BC | $51.22 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rust Wine Co Lazy River Vineyard Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSyrah took a beating in the winter of 2022, and it would be a shame if we were to lose a wine like this going down the road. The 2020 Lazy River has it all, just ten kilometres north of the US border in South Cawston, sitting on a stony site that reminds in some ways of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is an ungrafted block of Clone 877 at 18 years of age and is showing off. Open, fragrant, wild, and floral, it brings all the best that syrah can offer, and it likes the Similkameen. Blackberries and blueberries fight off the oak and finish with peppery hits that get you back to the glass for more. Grab some while you can, and open it slowly over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co. Ferreira Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe sandy soils of Ferreira Vineyard on the northern tip of the Black Sage Bench open with an expressive, opulent nose that is true to its origin, especially in vintages like 2020. Desert sagebrush and black pepper lead the charge here in a syrah with more weight and volume than their Similkameen label. The fruit is the ripest of the bunch, with black raspberries and blueberries running east to west and north to south. The tannins are dense but primarily sweet and will quickly dissipate through 2025-27. The finish is equally attractive, with just a hint of sweetness that lets you know it comes from a warm site.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co. South Rock Vineyard Syrah 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Rust Golden Mile Bench Syrah is grown over gravelled clays with vines now 18 years old. Losing the sun early in the afternoon leads to cooler, more exotic syrah with tighter notes of black tea, black cherries, white pepper, over a round structure. The palate is more of the same with medium density, black raspberry, and a streak of licorice and sagebrush, all with some refinement and a long, silky, floral finish wrapped in minerals. Just a baby, but the future looks bright. If you cannot wait, try it with lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Rust Syrah story is a four part tale featuring wines from four sites. They are all made from Clone 877, and the wine growing and winemaking is identical, leading one to interpret the site for any noticeable changes in the finished wine. The Lost Horn Vineyards Syrah hails from Okanagan Falls, bringing quite a bit of power thanks to its clay loam soils and ungrafted vines planted in 2016. The nose is tight and youthful, pitching mostly spice. On the palate, the predominant flavours are earth and spice with cedar highlights and streaks of black cherry, espresso and a touch of cola. Still slumbering, this will need a grilled piece of lamb to tame its more rustic edges. Cellar for three to five years for best results. A little more charm would go a long way here.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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25 May 2023
89PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHome Block Vineyard has been home to CedarCreek’s pinot noir grape since 1989. The combination of soils, mixed elevations, and the moderating effect of the lake has spawned complex fruit with gravitas. 2021 was a warm year, especially in the second half, which led to the highest number of growing degree days on record and the earliest start of harvest on record. Unusually full bodied, it walks the line between too much and too little, perfectly pitching dried and fresh fruits, an earthy cedar underside, and enough freshness to bring you back to the glass. It is naturally fermented in concrete and oak before aging for 12 months in French oak barrels. This would be a good match for Chinese pork or duck dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for the 2021 is Narmata-based, and compared to 2020 it is slightly drier and carries a touch more alcohol. It remains elegant and well structured, and the flavours are smoky with bloodied notes and briary earth. It is all hand picked, gently fermented and aged for nine months in neutral French and American oak barrels. The attack is juicy with darker black raspberry, and a dry, short finish. A perfect foil for salmon burgers or a simple mushroom pasta. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI always like to return to the platinum National Wine Award wines to see how they are doing, and this pinot is just fine. From the Flaherty Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, it made its way to Lillooet and was fermented in stainless steel and then aged for ten months, in 25 percent new French oak combined with four and six year old French and American oak barrels. At only 12.5 percent alcohol, it presents with aromatic spice, red licorice, and turned earth, while on the palate, cherries and raspberries rule. Ripe, dense, sweet pinot that is charming in a New World way. Long since sold out.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThis clocks in at an excellent 12.4 percent alcohol leaving it light on its feet. The nose is a mix of earth and brown spices with a streak of herbal savoury notes. On the palate, the acidity dominates, feeding tart cherry and earthy mushroom. This needs food to sing at this point, although it probably should be drunk sooner than later given its overall structure. This stony mineral affair is just a bit low on fruit this year. I suggest a spicy tuna roll to mash up the flavours.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an electric ruby red colour and a nose of fresh red berries perfectly layered with a dusting of oak and smoke. The bright red fruit on the palate mix effortlessly with an earthy undercurrent and light tannins that fade into the finish. I like how it doesn’t overreach in the end, disappearing into a cool mix of redcurrants, cranberries, and spiced earth. Salmon sushi rolls would be a fit, as would a Portabello burger.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Orofino Pinot Noir Home Vineyard 2020
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrofino works with five different clones on its estate Cawston Bench vineyard. The assorted blocks of vines date back 13 to 31 years on the home estate, where winemaker John Weber is quick to say that it is “a wine truly made in the vineyard.” The texture is spot-on silky, the tannins barely existent, and the flavours a juicy mix of rich, savoury, spicy red fruits with a warm menthol undercurrent. Uniquely Orofino and Similkameen. It is bottled without any fining or filtering.Prices:| BC | $29.65 | 750ml |
| BC | $29.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mt. Boucherie Pinot Noir 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit was planted in the mid-1990s at Lazy River Vineyard in South Cawston, Similkameen Valley. This is very pinot on the nose with a mix of savoury red fruit aromas. The wine widens out on the palate with darker fruit and a silky palate that finishes spicy with a New World milk chocolate dusting, ensuring it is ready to drink. The match is grilled salmon with soy sauce. Aged in French oak for six months (15 percent new).Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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24 May 2023
87PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Pinot Noir is new to the BB portfolio, with grapes sourced from Naramata Terrace's silty soils. Utilizing 15% whole clusters, this macerated over 18 days in stainless, and rested 17 months in 225L neutral French barrels and a neutral oak tank. Soft and sapid, with plump plum, downy raspberry, seasoned with brown spices and hugged with silky cedar-scented tannins. The finishes puffs with light smoked stones. This is tasting a bit tired at present, and would benefit from a slight chill and cracking into now, ideally with smoked salmon or roasted beet salads.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Meyer Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir fans can rejoice: the bargain priced Meyer Family Pinot Noir, aka the Okanagan Valley label, is a winner in 2022. At a modest 13.5% alcohol, this juicy cherry, raspberry pinot has everything you could want under $25. At less than 1 gram per litre of residual sugar, winemaker Chris Carson has worked his magic on this eminently drinkable and affordable red. The grapes enjoyed a long, dry autumn that gives the wine a ripeness that is hard to match in most years. Hand picked from four vineyard sites located in Naramata, Osoyoos, Kaleden and Okanagan Falls, it was aged in neutral French oak barrels and puncheons to allow for some expansion, while leaving no discernible oakiness. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2019
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe grapes from this pinot noir come off the Awatere and Wairau Valleys. Smoked stones, moss, and earthy stems rule the browning palate, with bitter and blocky tannins to the short finish. Look for a fresher (newer) vintage.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Garnet Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs has been the case with Okanagan Crush Pad / Haywire of late, this wine has undergone a rebrand, losing the Haywire name altogether, and relaunched under the new Garnet Valley Ranch label. This pinot noir included 50% whole cluster, fermented in concrete, and aged in a mix of neutral barriques and their own homemade concrete tanks. Dark earth, forest moss swirls with cherry, dark raspberry, and dark cocoa, with a gently humming texture to the fleshy core. Acidity becomes bright, and tannins are fine and lightly sticky, hugging this softer, lighter pinot to a gently spiced finish. Enjoy with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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23 May 2023
89PTS
Trapiche Tesoro Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Uco Valley malbec leads with lush blueberries and brambles, which are lifted by fragrant violets. Fourteen months in barrel dip the fruit in a chocolate accent, with the oak nicely balanced by the elevated fruit intensity. However, it retains good freshness on the palate, with some grip on the tannins, making this a solid BBQ red throughout the summer. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Colomé Malbec Estate 2020
Salta, North, ArgentinaColomé stakes claim to work the highest vineyards in the world, from 1700 to 3111 metres above sea level, on four sites in the Upper Calchaquí Valley of Salta. Higher altitudes mean much more sun, much less UV protection, thicker-skinned grapes, and a darker wine with robust flavours and fresh acidity. The complexity comes from site variations. The four estate vineyards are blended, combining Colomé Vineyard (60%) that surrounds the winery at 2300 metres; El Arenal vineyard (25%) at 2600 metres; La Brava Vineyard (5%) at 1700 metres; and Altura Máxima vineyard (10%) at 3111 metres. All the fruit is aged in older French oak for 15 months. The wine is a wild stony mix of black and blue berries that seamlessly combine in a savoury, well-balanced red with the rare combination of power and elegance. Here’s to altitude. Steak, anyone?Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca La Linda Private Selection Old Vines Malbec 2020
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaI drove by this vineyard about twenty years ago without knowing its name or who owned it, but I was impressed by its overall look and situation. It was well looked after. The 30-year-old vines sit at 950m in Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza on what is known as the Andes Ridge, or the hills leading into the Andes. The style is soft and round, with plush blackberry and cherry dusted in baking spices. This is a ready to go barbecue red that pleases a vast number of palates. Perfect for burgers or beef tacos, or Portabello mushroom burgers. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Mascota Malbec 2020
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe La Mascota Malbec comes from Cruz de Piedra in Maipu. Thankfully, it is a simple, straightforward commercial malbec on the drier side. It spends 12 months in French and American oak before heading to bottle. The style is warm, ripe, and soft, with black plums, licorice, and blackberries with a smooth peppery finish. Ready to drink. Think beef tacos, pulled pork, or vegetable empanadas.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe malbec is fermented and aged for 12 months in oak (60% new). The colour is opaque purple, with tarry, floral notes, intense blackcurrant on the palate, supported by youthful tannins through the finish. There is some freshness in the back end to balance it all but this red will need three to five years more bottle time to settle in. Barbecued ribs with a sweet sauce might be able to handle it at this point. The fruit is sourced from estate vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, with vines that span 20 to 90 years of age, planted at 100-1200 meters above sea level.Prices:| BC | $27.26 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.70 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Uko Select Vineyards Malbec 2019
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec comes from Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza. It’s enough to buy a case without tasting it at this price. The Select Reserva is aged in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels for ten months, plus another three months in bottle. The result is an intense nose of plummy red fruit lined with vanilla, dense sweet tannins, and a whiff of that stony minerality. Lamb chops work well here. Great value.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Uko Old Vines Malbec 2018
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSandy, loamy soils over stones are the story of Altimira. Add in older malbec vines, and you have a recipe for quality. Post ferment this spends 18 months in new French oak barrels. The palate is silky smooth with spicy black cherry, blackberry, and black plum with a line of umami, savoury desert running through it. Impressive styling and finesse, and while it’s warm, it remains in balance. You can drink it now with a T-Bone steak or you can age it in the cellar for six to eight years.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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22 May 2023
89PTS
Lafazanis Geometrica Agiorgitiko 2022
Peloponnese, GreeceThis agiorgitiko comes from vineyards in Nemea, Corinthia, at 250-400m. After a day maceration it underwent a speedy, warmer fermentation. Sapid plum, baked rhubarb, wild cherry, thorny wild blackberry is lit with bright acidity, wrapped tightly with fine, firm tannins, holding this medium red through a snappy and saline finish. A fresher, younger, lightly handled agiorgitiko for enjoying now, with mushrooms / lamb.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Seaward Pinotage 2019
Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom 15-20-year-old vines around the Coastal Region, this was destemmed and fermented in stainless over 15 days, prior to heading to 80% French / 20% American (30% new overall) to continue MLF and have a 14 months' rest before the final blend. Sticky/pasty tannins frame a silken palate of black plum, mulberry, and cherry, trailing off with a grippy and bitter tomato leaf and tobacco end. There is some freshness here, but a lighter touch would be appreciated in the future.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Sottimano Barbaresco Cottá 2018
Piedmont, ItalyAndrea Sottimano and his father, Rino, produce highly regarded, structural, age-worthy wines from their 13 hectares across Barbaresco. This comes from 50-70-year-old nebbiolo in the heralded Cottá vineyard (between Neive and Barbaresco) and its limestone clay soils. Maceration and native fermentation lasted around 40 days in French barrels (15% new wood), where it remained for two years (half with lees). It was bottled without fining or filtration. Alluring black and red cherry, crushed stones stream along the savoury, streamlined palate, with limestone-lit freshness acidity belying its 14.5%. Scents of wild mint, scrubby perfumed roses and rosemary charm and linger on the saline finish, framed by long, fine, well-placed tannins. Drinking beautifully now and with time in your cellar ahead.Prices:| ON | $109.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $120.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Izadi Larrosa Negra Garnacha Rioja 2020
Rioja, SpainThis is a different side of Rioja, with garnacha replacing the more common tempranillo. The vines were planted in 1975 in the northern sub-region of Rioja Alavesa. That reflects the freshness found here, which belies the 14.5% abv, with crunchy strawberry and red cherry accented by sweet spices and dried herbs, with little noticeable oak. The palate has a juiciness, densely packed with expressive fruit and structured by fine, powdery tannins. It's a fun discovery for garnacha/grenache lovers, which stays true to its Rioja terroir. Recommended and good value.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chionetti San Luigi Dogliani 2020
Piedmont, ItalyThis organic dolcetto comes from fifth-generation growers in Dogliani. The fruit comes off San Luigi Vineyard, which sits at 400m elevation, and is fermented with wild yeasts before aging in a combination of stainless steel, cement, and wood. It shows beautifully delineated sappy dark cherries and wild strawberries, intertwined with fresh roses, lavender, and sweet spices. Juicy and well-structured, with a lovely purity, this will be at its best served with a light chill at the dinner table. Solid value.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti Le Orme 2020
Piedmont, ItalyThis is a serious Barbera d'Asti with a level of depth and precision that's well above the norm. It leads with beautifully defined cherry and plum that's lifted by violets and licorice spice, leading to a juicy palate that's marked by refined tannins and a finish that's awash with a stony minerality. If you're like me, this is the type of light, juicy red you always want on hand, whether for midweek pasta or a chilled red for the patio. Remarkable value, so back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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20 May 2023
92PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2020
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTasted three times this month, Fortissimo is as impressive as it is charming. Large format puncheons and Hungarian/Slavonian oak (only 6.6. percent are new) keep the oak influence to a dull roar while allowing what looks like a terrific vintage room to expand in the bottle. Plums, spiced fruitcake, and dusty, savoury, south Okanagan notes perfectly punctuate its fresh black and red fruit lined with desert scrub and tobacco, adding complexity throughout its long finish. Think richer foods, none better than braised veal shank, osso bucco, or Tuscan roast lamb with a rosemary crust. The blend is 63% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Sangiovese, all grown on Black Sage Bench and in the Osoyoos Lake District. Drink or hold this bargain.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Little Engine Union 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnion is a 73/22/5 merlot, cabernet franc, and malbec blend that punches above its 13.6 percent alcohol but in a good way. The palate is juicy and fresh with a mix of bright acid and brambleberries streaked with dried herbs, roasted meat, and spices, all in a pleasing medium-weight style. The maceration runs 21 days and it is matured 23 percent new French oak barrels for 16 months.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moraine Cliffhanger Red 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCliffhanger Red is evolving. The latest blend is a mix of merlot, syrah, and malbec from the property's estate Anastasia Vineyard. The nose is lightly reductive, but a splash decant can help clean that up. Before you get to the black cherry, raspberry, and vanilla, there is a fair bit of tannin to disperse. Best now with barbecued pork ribs or Portobello mushroom burgers to soak up some flavours. A rustic red at this point, but ageing another three years in the bottle should allow it to all come together.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Meritage 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA first look at this youthful, full-bodied red blend from CedarCreek’s south Okanagan Haynes Creek Vineyard. The nose is savoury with red and black fruit. The attack is dense with rich, soft tannins, earthy blackcurrant, black plums, and spice, with streaks of bitter chocolate and roasted coffee beans. There is a sense of balance here even if this wine will require five to seven years to shed its tannin jacket and open up to full maturity. Try this with lamb chops if you must drink it, but I suggest you wait for it to bloom fully around 2025.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Covert Farms Amicitia 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Amicitia made by winemaker Gene Covert is a 35/28/16/11/8/2 blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec, petit verdot and syrah, all certified organic. It is fermented for 25 days in open-top fermentors and barrel aged for 14 months. The tannins are front and centre from daily punch downs, but the acidity is bright and helps moderate. The style is dry, the nose a mix of spice with desert sagebrush and blackcurrant with more of the same on the palate. This could use some time in the bottle, a slow-cooked pork belly, or a marbled steak. The certified organic estate vineyards are influenced by neighbouring Okanagan landmarks nʕaylintn (McIntyre Bluff) and are managed with biodynamic and regenerative agriculture practices.Prices:| BC | $26.78 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rust Wine Co. Solus 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSolus is a giant of wine, starting with a big colour, big tannins, and plenty of alcohol. It’s not particularly out of balance, just big. The attack is warm and marked by desert scrub and blackberry jam with plenty of cedar, milk chocolate, and youthful tannins, as would be expected at this point. You could drink this now if you are one of the many big red fans, but it would have to be with a substantial piece of protein to help pull it all together. Otherwise, this needs to go to the cellar for three to five years. Oh, and the bottle needs to lose a few pounds. From South Rock Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench, Solus 2020 blends 38/32/29/1 merlot, zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, and gewürztraminer grown over gravelled clay and co-fermented using a unique rolling ferment technique. It is aged in French and American oak (61% new) for 18 months.Prices:| BC | $88.88 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château la Besage Grande Cuvée 2018
Bergerac, Sud-Ouest, FranceAn actual Bordeaux blend from Bordeaux, Beasage pitches a fragrant soft silky texture and an equally pleasant nose of fully ripe black cherry, black plum, streaked with savoury tobacco and grilled meats. All that and more continue onto the palate that remains reserved and balanced through the finish. Impressively on the mark and a perfect mid week dinner wine you can count on now through 2026. Roasted beef, pork roast, or a steak would be the ideal match. Couleurs d'Aquitaine is a group of four cooperative cellars that has become one of the most important cooperatives in the South West, with 400 families tending 4000 hectares of vine. From Bergerac's clay-limestone soils, the mix is generally 70/20/10 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. Good value here.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Caccia al Piano Ruit Hora 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThis organic red is a 65/25/5/5 mix of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, and syrah, and it is voluptuous from front to back. The grapes are grown on a combination of soils rich in silt, clay, limestone, mineral-rich sands. Each variety is aged separately for 16 months in large 35- 50hL oval oak barrels, and after the blend is made, it spends a further six months in the bottle. The result is a rich, mouth-filling, graceful red, with classic blackcurrant, licorice, savoury dried herbs, and the perfect dryness in the finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the south Okanagan but with more refinement. Italian fans should stock up.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mt. Boucherie Contessa 2018
British Columbia, CanadaContessa is a blend of winemaker Jeff Hundermark’s favourite barrels, in this case mixing 38% merlot, 32% syrah, 23% cabernet franc, 5% zinfandel, and 2% malbec aged in 20% new French, American, and Hungarian oak for 22 months. The fruit comes from three sites: Lost Horn Vineyard, Okanagan Falls; South Rock Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench; and Lazy River Vineyard, Similkameen Valley. If you enjoy big reds, this one is for you. Rich, warm, spicy, and youthful, with lashings of oak, tobacco, and blackcurrant and nowhere near ready to drink unless you order a Tomahawk at the winery restaurant The Modest Butcher Kitchen + Market.Prices:| BC | $88.88 | 750ml |
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19 May 2023
88PTS
Tightrope Winery Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFour Shadows Vineyard has yielded a fun style of Naramata-chardonnay that comes at you with some freshness before the palate takes on a rich, round, creamy texture thanks to a full nine months on its lees. Look for gentle citrus, underripe papaya, desert sagebrush, and brown spices that give it an attractive drink me now quality.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Return to the Beginning 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Secrest Mountain Vineyard (ex-of OCP) comes this deeper hued chardonnay, with tight lemon, roasted almond, lemon blossoms sharpened with a flor-esque character, and bumped with RS, leaving it streamlined and off-dry and quite apple juice on the finish. The chardy was whole cluster pressed and barrel aged on full solids. When the ferment stopped, leaving some residual sugar, Costa decided it worked with the wine, and left it as is. Certainly distinctive, though I reckon they should return to the beginning on the 2023 version of this.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's BB Chardonnay removes Cerqueira Vineyard from the label, but the fruit all still comes off the Black Sage Terrace and its calcium carbonate laced sandy loams. It was whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless, where it remained for 4 months post ferment and racking, on lees. Creamy and bright with orchard blossoms, crunchy yellow apple, white peach, Asian pear over a lemon-curd slicked palate. The soils and stainless help preserve some freshness, white the ripe fruit reflects the warm southern Okanagan. One to crack into now with chicken and/or salads.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Okanagan Falls' Lost Horn Vineyard, this clone 76 chardy was planted in 1990 in clay loam soils. This is their first time barrel fermenting their chardonnay, with ample oxygen prior to native ferment. It remained in a mix of French and European barrels (40% new) for ten months. There's a shimmer of the desired reduction, though it's lost amidst the super ripe fruit, and amply toasted barrel action overruling this wine at present. Lemon curd, baked pear, nutmeg peaks out from under the wood cloak, before the warm finish is gobbled up with toasted spices. A worthwhile experiment, needing focus and tweaking next time out.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Church and State Wines Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough this wine has dropped the CBS name on the label, it is still sourced from their estate Coyote Bowl vineyard in the southern Okanagan. This rested for eight months in French barrels. Quite ripe and flabby, with custard, baked pear, and vanilla on a shorter, softer palate. Old-school Cali is unnecessary from here.Prices:| BC | $31.04 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Covert Farms Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis clone 76 chardonnay came off the estate winery's organically farmed A15 block, planted in 2007 on sedimentary soils at 420m. This was barrel fermented over 45 days, and aged 9 months in 1st and 2nd fill French oak, with partial MLF and regular bâtonnage. Ripe and round, with ample toasted spice framing ripe white peach, lemon curd, lightly smoked stones, all cut with a zesty lemon pith and peel. Lovely freshness and youth here to counter the power of the wood. Drinking smartly now (think crab and/or risotto), or revisit in a year after this settles into itself a bit. Don't wait too long however; the youthful acidity is a lure. 75 cases.Prices:| BC | $56.52 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Covert Farms Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their A15 Block at 420m, this organically farmed clone 100 was planted in 2007 in sedimentary soils. It was fermented in Stainless (85%) and new French oak, aged on lees until bottling. Creamy vanilla, lemon curd, lush white peach and fragrant white blossoms fill the medium-bodied palate, with a dusting of wood spicing settling on the subtle, fresh finish—a friendly, easy wooded chardy for cracking into this summer, with creamy vegetarian or seafood pasta.Prices:| BC | $24.17 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2021
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs has been the case with Okanagan Crush Pad / Haywire of late, this wine has undergone a rebrand, losing the Haywire name altogether, and relaunched under the new Garnet Valley Ranch label. 2021 marks the 2nd solo chardy release off their organically farmed Garnet Valley Ranch estate vineyards, with blocks sitting between 600-680m. This was whole cluster pressed and fermented in concrete, and aged in a mix of concrete and stainless. Crushed stones and desert scrub pervades this medium bodied white, giving it a distinctive savoury, smokey edge. White peach, smoked lemon fill out the textural core, which tapers off into lingering citrus / smoked salts. This is not about the fruit, but is about a place.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church and State Wines Chardonnay 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe C&S chardonnay comes off the home estate Coyote Bowl Vineyard on Black Sage Road in the southern Okanagan. The style is round and soft, with baked apple and honey leading the way, and vanilla notes throughout the finish. More California than BC, but it will have fans who prefer the riper, rounder style of this versatile grape. It spends eight months in French oak barrels and is fully ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.04 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn unusual combination of being slightly skinny yet flat underscores the story of this chardonnay that boasts ripe apple and pear, and a primarily soft demeanour that fades into toasted oak notes. This one is for you if you like your chardonnay on the rounder side. It is well made and easy to drink right now. I suggest you have it with Dungeness crab or a lobster tail and play the rich/rich match game. Lost Horn Vineyard in Okanagan Falls is home to the clone 76 chardonnay vines planted in 1990. The wine was barrel fermented and native fermented in 40% new French and European barrels for ten months.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’21 Reserve is highly aromatic, projecting its cool, ancient Thompson Valley river bed site where the fruit is grown. Fresh cut apples dusted in baking spices with a cool, light mineral, wet stone finish mark this lively chardonnay that presents bright and fresh but with a certain sense of elegance and balance. A perfect accompaniment to seafood, chicken fajitas, or turkey.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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18 May 2023
90PTS
Rigour & Whimsy Multiverse 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Multiverse blends the very different universes of red and amber / orange wines, mixing merlot, cabernet franc, pinot blanc, and gewürztraminer. The two reds were cofermented, while the orange is direct off their popular Bifrost. The result is a slightly hazy moderate red, bursting with fragrant red fruit, crushed red currants, plum, spring rhubarb, and wild raspberry, lashed with fine pink peppercorn and spun with finely sticky tannins. A charmer, especially with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Meritage blends 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, frown in Eva's Vineyard in Osoyoos and BOV Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Each component was vinified separately for 15 months (97% French, 3% American) with 75% new wood, before the top barrels are singled out for the blend. Post-blend, they were barrelled for another 3 months prior to bottling. This vintage marks a shift away from the very spiced Hungarian wood, which is all the better to show off the purity of the Southern Okanagan fruit. Wild black cherry, blackberry, black plum is seasoned with thorns and kissed with a scrubby herbal spice, and easy freshness. Tannins are fine and structural, well placed to take this into the coming years. A lovely new direction for this iconic BC wine.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Red Horizon 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed Horizon is a Bx blend with a twist, with Dunkelfelder including in the mix of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and cabernet franc, all sourced from Oliver and Osoyoos. Each component was vinified and barrel aged separately for 16 months in a mix of 25% French, and 75% American oak, and then blended. Sweet, ripe black fruit leads, and campfire smoke follows on a silkened palate, with a bitter powdery tannin to frame. Needs an equally rustic stew to partner and tame.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co. Solus 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Golden Mile Bench's South Rock Vineyard, Solus 2020 blends 38% Merlot, 32% Zinfandel, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Gewürztraminer from the site's gravelled clay—this aged 18 months in French and American oak (61% new). As one would expect from the blend and super thick, overweighted glass bottle, this is not a shy wine, but rather a compact and chewy red, with medicinal edged black cherry, blackberry compote, and toasted cedar filling the full palate, wrought with sticky tannins, taking this to a bitter cocoa finish. It certainly needs some bigger roast beef/lamb/root veg to match at this point.Prices:| BC | $88.88 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château Coquillas Rouge 2020
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceChâteau Coquillas is a second label of Château de France, based in Bordeaux' Pessac-Léognan. Coquillas refers to numerous shells in several plots of the property. This red of equal parts merlot and cabernet sauvignon was grown on gravel over clay/limestone and rested one year in 2-3-year-old barrels before a light filtration and bottling. Perfumed raspberries, cherries, and plums are woven with an earthy dusty gravelled note. Tannins are long, chalky, and taut, drawing this medium red to a lingering crushed rock finish. Well made and charmingly proper, drinking well now.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
HMC McWatters Collection Meritage 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's McWatters Meritage blends 40% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 5% malbec, and 5% petit verdot into a ripe, round, and plush fuller red. Plumped plum, blackberry jam is seasoned with wood and baking spices, framed with cedar hewn, slightly ragged tannins through a warming finish. A friendly and welcoming big red ready for pouring now with your grilled steak and potatoes.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
L' Agassant Bordeaux Rouge 2018
Bordeaux, FranceThis is a solid, cherry-fruited Bordeaux that's accented by fresh herbs and cedar. Nothing more, nothing less; just exactly what you'd expect. Led by merlot, it's medium-bodied and juicy, calling for simple French bistro fare. Another good value from Caves de Rauzan.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Magnotta Pzazz NV
Ontario, CanadaThis limited edition red blend, named Pzazz, is a non-vintage blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc, using 50% appassimento grapes and packaged in a very heavy bottle. Wow. Rich and full, with jammy medicinal red and black fruit, smoke, bitter chocolate, and tart acidity, up against some RS. Tannins are ample and ragged. Needs equally rustic meat dishes to tame.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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17 May 2023
86PTS
Church & State Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Détente vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, this cabernet sauvignon was aged 1 year in French barrels (22% new). Plump blackberries, cherries, is framed by ragged cedar hewn tannins, and cut with a tart green edge, taking it to a short finish. This rustic red needs an equally rustic stew to mitigate.Prices:| BC | $37.37 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Bloc and Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFull and ripe from the warm Paso sunshine, this cabernet sauvignon was aged in American wood, which is readily apparent on the soft, sweet and vanillin palate. Candied blackberries, chocolate cherries, and toasted spice swirl on the cushy palate, with negligible tannins, and a pasty stickiness on the finish. If you're looking for typicity (of place and/or grape) look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
California, United StatesGrapes from across the state, including (and certainly not in this order) Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Monterey, Mendocino, and Lodi, go into the 815 Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet and ripe, with a confected kirsch, chocolate cherry, and candied raspberry on a short palate, finishing abruptly with a pasty note, jolted by the bump of RS on the palate. A very made wine, without any sense of place or grape.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bloc and Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe Bloc & Barrel Cab is sourced from Paso Robles on the eastern side of the Central Coast. The wine is painted with a mix of French and American oak, bringing brown spice and vanilla to a rich, ripe red full of black plums, mulberries, and sweet blueberry. Soft, round, and ready to drink, this is a well-made commercial version of this highly revered grape.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Seaward Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom the Coastal Region's Groenekloof (Darling), Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and a mix of decomposed granite and weathered shale. After destemming and a stainless ferment, this went into 80% French and 20% American oak (mostly 2nd fill), where it rested for 14 months. The spicy toasted wood is a prevalent backdrop to the cushy black fruit on the tart palate. Tannins pinch this into a shorter finish and call for some protein to help plump it out—a welcome fresher style, compared to old school cab sauv from SA.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileFrom estate vineyards in Colchagua Valley, this cabernet sauvignon with a dash of merlot delivers a smooth palate of spicy black and blue fruits alongside dried herb and chocolate that melt into one another. The tannins are dense but sweet, yet they have a heft and structure to take on some bright acidity to keep fresh. As time passes, this label is gaining polish and complexity that belies its price. It should evolve quickly in the bottle over the next 5-7 years but drinks well now with grilled lamb or beef. A serious cabernet at this price point.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rocca delle Macìe Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macìe totals 600 hectares across six estates in Tuscany. The Zingarelli family has made wine for over four decades in the Chianti Classico DOC. The cabernet sauvignon label joined the lineup in 2015 and was well-received. The style is savoury and sophisticated, the tannins silky, and the fruit impressively red/black, with plum, complex streaks of tobacco, cedar, and balsamic. It's just beginning to gather itself and would be a perfect addition to a meaty pasta dish or a T-Bone steak. The wine is fermented in concrete vats and aged 18 months in French barriques (50% new), followed by 20 months in bottle.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $47.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Saltram Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
South Australia, AustraliaYou can’t expect much for $12.99, so if a rough and tumble, dry, herbaceous cabernet is your bailiwick, this is it. The bitter chocolate staves off the tannins and smooths out the short, dry finish. Ready to drink. The most surprising thing about this wine is that it is cheaper today than last time we tasted it at $14.99 in 2014.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPirramimma is never a shy label, and it begins with big aromatics from an excellent McLaren Vale vintage. Look for violets and black fruit streaked with licorice and cedar. There is excellent structure and balance to keep this red in line through the finish. Still youthful with a modicum of sticky tannins, this briary blackcurrant wine is drinkable now, or you could lay it away for three to five years. Grilled lamb or pork ribs would be the match at the moment.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesThis is a bold red that shows generous fruit ripeness, with jammy, confected dark fruits accented by sweet oak from a combination of French, American, and Hungarian wood. Some sweetness (4 g/L) helps to soften the palate, but there's still a firm grittiness to the finish. A bit simple and disjointed, but it will make a solid barbeque wine.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.88 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.99 | 750ml |
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15 May 2023
91PTS
Sattlerhof Ried Kapellenweingarten Morillon 2019
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. This 1er cru site is at 600m, the last hillside before the alps. Grapes are rooted in the gravels and stones that have washed down from those mighty mountains. Morillon vines (the local name for Chardonnay) are rooted in the gravels and stones that have washed down from those mighty mountains. This was native fermented and aged in large old oak. Ripe lemon, green apple, pear blossom swirls with lees, and is lit with a humming stony acidity, propelling this to the subtly smoked finish. Alpine chardy, quite distinctly.Prices:| ON | $63.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Montrose Chardonnay 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceDomaine Montrose was founded by the Coste family in 1701 in Pézenas, in Languedoc, and today Bernard and Olivier Coste oversee the estate. This chardonnay is rooted in IGP Côtes de Thongue's white chalky clay and dark volcanic pebbles. Each plot was fermented and vinified separately, and then blended. After a short skin contact, this was fermented and aged in stainless to preserve the fresh fruit. Fragrant white blossoms, crisp pear, lemon curd is laced with a buzzy stony mineral underlay which lingers on the finish. Fresh and friendly, and ready for cracking into now.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Patrick Javillier Cuvée Oligocène 2020
Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceKnown as one of the best growers in Meursault, the thoughtful Patrick Javillier has now retired, but the estate is in the very good hands of his daughter Marion and son-in-law Pierre-Emmanuel. Cuvée Oligocène comes off the lieu-dit Pellans, on the Puligny side of Meursault, with 40 year old vines rooted in brown limestone. Profound and flinty at first, this savoury wine courses with energy. After some air time the flintiness moves more into lightly toasted wood, which remains on the lingering finish. Subtle white flowers, green apple, lightly smoked crushed stone, and lemon pith flood the medium bodied palate. Punching quite a bit beyond its weight as a humble Bourgogne Côte d'Or, this is more interesting than many Meursault I've tried of late.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2021
Livermore, San Francisco Bay, California, United StatesThe Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay opens with popcorn butter and a more modern freshness thanks to the morning fog drifting across the East Bay. The natural air conditioning keeps the vineyard cool until late morning, and returns in the mid to late afternoon to fix the acidity overnight. Look for light spicy floral notes that preview a green apple and baked pear palate dusted in oak and vanilla. This is a match for rich seafood dishes like prawns or Dungeness crab.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.60 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $22.99 | 750ml |
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12 May 2023
89PTS
Juxtaposed Bigger Boat Fiano 2021
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom McLaren Vale's Sellicks Foothills subregion, and Lacey vineyard, this fiano was native fermented on full lees in a mix of old oak barrels and tank. Ripe pear, white peach is flooded with juicy pink apple, and seasoned with stony spice, with a pear skin grip pinning in the sides. Juicy and joyous, ready for cracking now.Prices:| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Olivier Coste Rare Carignan Blanc 2022
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceIt's very rare to taste a single variety carignan blanc, with only 250ha remaining, and this is one that you should imprint with should you get the chance. Very floral, with pear blossom, lush white peach, fragrant tangerine, and ripe melon, laced with stony spices and kissed with anise. Partner with prosciutto and melon salads.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Viognier 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOff Black Sage Bench's gravelled Bella vineyard, this was aged 8 months in French oak. Spiced ginger and jasmine greet the nose and continue on the medium palate, joined with ripe peach, anise, fragrant honeysuckle, and apricot fuzz. This is a lovely balance between the grape's lushness, and a sleeker 13% approach. Crack into now.Prices:| BC | $27.67 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Covert Farms Pinot Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOff their estate Coyote Block and sedimentary soils around 420m, this 2006-planted organic pinot blanc was fermented and rested in stainless, on lees. Green apple, tart lemon and white grapefruit rule the crunchy palate, scented with ale, and with a welcome mat of gentle lees to cushion. Fresh and crisp, and lovely with spring and summer salads.Prices:| BC | $20.70 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Covert Farms Pinot Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe estate Coyote Block and its sedimentary soils are home to this organic pinot blanc grown at 420m, with vines now 16 years old. It was made using minimal intervention, fermented in stainless steel and left to age in its lees for a few months. Look for light green apple, citrus and gooseberry, with a creamy, leesy undercarriage that balances the mix. I can think of plenty of seafood dishes that would be perfect with this pinot blanc.Prices:| BC | $20.70 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Márcio Lopes Pequenos Rebentos Loureiro 2021
PortugalMárcio Lopes studied as an engineer, but started his winemaking career working for two years with Vinho Verde master Anselmo Mendes in Melgaço. He then traveled to cool climate Australia (Rutherglen and Tasmania) before returning to Portugal in 2010 to start his own projects, including Pequenos Rebentos in Vinho Verde. From VV's acclaimed Monçao & Melgaço subregion, this sustainably farmed loureiro was native fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees with bâtonnage for 5 months. Pouring a deep yellow hue, this is redolent with honeysuckle, yellow peach, fragrant pear blossoms which stretch across a waxen palate. The granitic soils provide a lovely buzzy texture to the underlay, making this Atlantic influenced wine even more food-friendly. Enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc Clone 220 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFor those who crave something different, Clone 220 Chenin Blanc is a rare occasion in British Columbia grape growing and a star at Quails’ Gate. It hails from Alsace but has been growing for over two decades at the Westbank winery. It is part of the Distinction Series, which means it comes and goes depending on the vintage. It is partially fermented in concrete eggs, all part of its gentle handling regime. The wine is aged in neutral oak barrels for six months to plump up the palate of this stylish, bright, lively wine, with lime and quince running throughout. The latest effort is impressive and well worth trying. It also has the potential to age seven to ten years and develop an even richer patina of flavours. So delicious and complex that it is very versatile at the dinner table. Distinctive indeed.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
St. Hubertus Organic Pinot Blanc 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the South Kelowna Slopes, this organic estate pinot blanc has tart, sweet and sour notes of unripe guava, pear, lime sherbet, and yellow apple, all dashed with a stony spice, and finishing with a citrus twist. A simple white to crack into on a sunny patio.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVivacious is primarily pinot blanc, tipped with 4% pinot gris, coming off their rocky estate Homelot vineyard above Naramata Road. It was fermented in a mix of tank and barrel, with partial MLF and lees contact. Crunchy orchard pear, red apple, pink grapefruit is scented with Okanagan desert scrub, all lain out along a medium bodied palate through a saline kissed finish. Fresh and friendly, but not dumbed down, this sings of Naramata.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Viñátigo Gual 2020
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainYou may know gual by its more familiar name on Madeira: bual. But the variety plays a supporting role here; it's volcanic wine through and through. It's smoky and saline, supported by honeyed yellow apples and perfumed acacia. The palate is textured and concentrated, with notable dry extract that's beautifully balanced by crisp acidity. Few wines can take you to a place like this.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Grower's Series Pinot Blanc Middle Bench Vineyard 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis continues to be one of the top expressions of pinot blanc from BC. It's restrained, zesty, and mineral driven, with bright lemon and crunchy green apple fruit that's awash in sagebrush and the salinity of the Similkameen. It's a pure, transparent expression of place, with precise, thoughtful winemaking from Michael Clark. Remarkable value at this price.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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11 May 2023
87PTS
Rust Wine Co Gewürztraminer 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOff Golden Mile Bench's South Rock Vineyard, and its gravelled fluvial soils, this old vine gew (clone 47, planted 1973) was fermented on skins over 4 days in stainless where it remained for a short stint prior to bottling. Upon cracking the screw cap this has a lot of reductive and vegetal notes, which improve gradually with a good amount of air time. Underneath you'll find some pear skin, white peach, and subtle apricot on a watery palate, with a little rasp of ginger spicing on the warming bitter finish. Perhaps best tied together with lightly spiced and/or sweet & sour dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Emandare Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaMike Nierychlo believes Gew has much potential in Cowichan Valley, but not in the stereotypical fleshy / flashy style. From Younger (12 year old) estate vines were whole cluster pressed into neutral French oak, while their older (22 year old) vines were foot crushed with 20 hours of skin contact before joining the other juice in barrel. After a native ferment, this remained 4 months on lees before bottling, unfined and with coarse filtration. Very slight and streamlined, with subtle honeysuckle, pear, lime blossom skirting along the lean palate, touched with salinity, and finishing with kisses of lime and anise. Very pretty without being showy at all, this is a supreme example of coastal Gew for those paying attention.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Corcelettes Gewürztraminer 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe '22 Gew is from Second Chance Vineyard in Cawston, Similkameen Valley, with a 28% addition from the Okanagan at Summerland, all arriving in small lots on October 12, 13, 17, and 25. Two separate cold ferments in stainless steel yielded an aromatic mix of pears and litchi that spilled across a similar fruity palate streaked with ripe melons and ginger. Clean, fresh, and drinkable, this is a pleasant sipping late day wine for the patio. The winery pairs it with grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken wings. Who am I to argue?Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Enate Gewurztraminer 2021
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. This Gew was destemmed and lightly crushed before 5 hours of skin contact prior to a stainless ferment. It was bottled shortly after fermentation completed. Highly fragrant, with gooseberries, lilies, lime blossom on a fuller, yet fresh palate, kissed with lime blossom which remains on the sherbet finish. A smart, modern, just off-dry Gew to partner with Thai or Vietnamese salads and light curries.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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10 May 2023
89PTS
Kühling-Gillot Qvinterra Riesling Trocken 2021
Rheinhessen, GermanyThe grapes for the QVINTERRA collection are the entry into the portfolio, reflecting the purity of their Rhine grapes with native ferment in stainless steel. This Riesling comes from the best Oppenheimer sites of lime and loess, and is rounded off with a little bit from the Rheinterrassen for spiciness. This dry riesling is taut and buzzy with lime pith and peel, racy green apple, crunchy Asian pear laced with white pepper, running the length of its sleek frame. Enjoy this energetic and youthful white now.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Riesling 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis riesling comes off Okanagan Falls' Lost Horn Vineyard, and its gravelled clay loams. This clone 21B was planted in 1990. It was fermented in stainless, where it remained for 5 months on lees prior to bottling. Juicy and mouth filling, with yellow apple, pear, gooseberry, and ample pithy lime, pinning in the sides. A healthy dose of RS (25 g/L) plants this firmly in the off-dry category, with a brace of citrus acidity to counter, taking this to a lingering limey finish. Quite joyous and friendly, and ready for cracking into this summer.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens Reserve Riesling 2021
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lillooet estate, and Dry Creek and Red Rock Vineyards, half of this was crushed and left on skins for 12 hours prior to pressing, and the remainder was whole cluster pressed. All were native fermented and rested in French barrel over 9 months (12% new). Lemon and lime sherbet, Asian pear, and green apple stream along the sleek palate, with well-placed lees cushioning the sides. A small bump of RS (5.2 g/L) makes this smart riesling a smart choice for enjoying now (think light seafood / veg curries).Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Riesling 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious drinking style riesling with 18 grams of residual sugar tempered by 10.8 grams of total acidity. The attack is fresh and lush with pineapple, pink grapefruit, and apricot, with a welcome streak of northern minerality. It is fermented and aged stainless steel with three months of ageing on lees. Enjoy now or cellar through 2030. Serve it with a spicy stir fried pork dish. 2022 began cool and wet, with significant precipitation in April/May and the latest bud break in the last ten years. July and August were hot, while September and October were unseasonably warm, extending our summer by several weeks. The result was wines low in alcohol but rich in flavour, and with perfect phenolic ripeness. Good value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Riesling 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLost Horn Vineyard hails from Okanagan Falls, where its gravelled clay loams and clone 21b riesling seem ideally suited to each other. At 32 years of age, these vines have a purpose, and with simple winemaking and five months on the lees, this is an impressive riesling. Its generous 25 grams of residual sugar is almost completely tamed by its 9.8 grams of total acidity. It leaves a lively fresh orchard fruit affair pitching yellow fruits, lime rind, gooseberry, and tangerine. This is a terrific late afternoon patio white you can pair with tapas.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Naramata Bench estate Fleet Road Vineyard, this mid-sweet riesling reflects the warmer 2021 growing season. 14 hours of skin contact and whole cluster pressing gives some depth, and cooler stainless steel ferment and subsequent aging for a short stint gives clarity. Ripe pear, gooseberry is welcomely sculpted with lime pith and peel and fleshed out with sweet honeysuckle on the expansive palate, returning to the citrus pith on the lingering saline finish. An off-dry style, drinking well now.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Four Shadows Riesling Dry 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe last effort was impressive, and this one is equally fine. Lean, taut, and bone dry pitches a peachy, tangerine nose with lime, grapefruit, and guava that finish bright and clean. Another step up and wine that will attract riesling aficionados. It is also well suited to limitless menu items, from crab and lobster to pork and lamb pizza. Solid.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Four Shadows Riesling Classic 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic is a highly entertaining off-dry riesling that clocks in at a super light 9.9 percent alcohol. This takes me to Germany with lively crunchy red apple before soft ripe banana streaks kick in. The acidity holds it all together and leaves it ready to be served on a warm patio all summer. Think about Asiago cheese, spicy Thai or Indian dishes, spot prawns, spicy olives, and even vinegar chips.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious everyday patio sipper with ripe pear, honey, peach, and pineapple that run across the palate. Sweet but mineral lined and fun to drink, it clocks in at a hefty, warm 14 percent alcohol, but it can handle it all. An off-dry style at 23.6 grams of residual sugar that is ready to drink, this is perfect for spicy barbecued pork. The fruit is all estate from the Fleet Road Vineyard on Naramata Bench. Load up.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens Reserve Riesling 2021
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’21 is a mix of fruit from their Lillooet estate Dry Creek Vineyard and Red Rock Vineyard. Interestingly 50 percent was crushed and given 12 hours of skin contact before it was pressed off; the other half was whole cluster pressed. The collective was native fermented and aged in French barrels (12% new) for nine months. Despite the wood, this wine is much fresher than the 2020, bleeding green apple and lime into 5.2 g/L of residual sugar that smooths out the edges. So fresh and clean, this is a solid effort, and you can drink it now. A favourite curry dish works here, or a piece of firm cheese.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Reserve Riesling 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a single block off their Lillooet Dry Creek Vineyard, this low yield riesling was whole cluster pressed, and fermented slow and cold in stainless steel. There is a bump of RS here, but it barely takes this wine into the off-dry sector. The attack is on the wild BC side with a savoury sage-like undercurrent giving it a very Lillooet bent, mixed with pears, and clover honey, dusted with a hint of white pepper. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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09 May 2023
90PTS
Sattlerhof Südsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. This is young and fresh, with punchy gooseberry, white grapefruit, crunchy green apple, lime pith and peel, with a shimmering stony underlay. Vibrant and full of verve, ready for cracking into now.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sattlerhof Gamlitz Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. This village wine come from steeply sloping quartz and limestone vineyards 350-450m. It was native fermented in stainless (partial MLF) where it remained on lees for 5 months. Lightly smoked stone, green apple, pear skin wraps around a lees bedded, subtle passionfruit core. This is more tropical than you might expect from south Austria, and quite a lovely surprise. Very textural, this finishes with a lingering quartzite buzz.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Sattlerhof Ried Kapellenweingarten Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. This 1er cru site is at 600m, the last hillside before the alps. Grapes are rooted in the gravels and stones that have washed down from those mighty mountains. This was native fermented and aged in large old oak. Smoked stone, quince, crunchy Anjou pear, tangy lime pith and peel lead this medium bodied alpine white, with a beauty texture, fresh acidity, and fine stony grip. Quite profound, with massive salts on the lingering humming finish. Prices:| ON | $64.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tinhorn Creek Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe new regime under winemaker Leandro Nosal, with some input from MW winemaker Ross Wise (who oversees the Peller team in BC), has further tweaked this wine toward something special. Pleasantly understated on the nose, giving a little hint of what’s to come with muted, nutty, oatmeal and passionfruit followed by graceful, mineral salted lime and grapefruit. Long and balanced, and just beginning to age, this is a winner.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Misty Cove Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassic Kiwi sauvignon from its herbaceous, green apple, mango, passionfruit nose to a dry, slightly bitter passionfruit underbelly. Crisp and dry, this needs something like steamed mussels to take on the citrus and herbs. Ready to drink. Not cheap.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChief winemaker Corrie Kreibehl continues the sauvignon excellence at Mission Hill. It is year two of full organic certification (Ecocert) of its vineyards in the south, whose fruit ends up in the Legacy, Terroir, and Reserve wine tiers. The attack is fresh and vibrant, perhaps a little stark for some, but it is proper to form with crisp citrus and lemongrass throughout a palate of grapefruit and gooseberry. This finish is a touch phenolic, but nothing most food can’t balance. This is no ordinary, stainless steel white, but rather a complex offering that spends time in a mix of French oak barrels, stainless barrels, foudres, and concrete eggs before blended with its stainless steel-fermented counterpart.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chronos Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHand harvested and hand sorted, this Sauvignon Blanc comes from a vineyard between Penticton and OK Falls. This is much riper /sweeter than 2020, but its overall balance impeccably camouflages it. This will be a big hit with consumers. The nose is an exotic floral affair flecked with orange and tangerine that spill onto the palate, mixing with guava and passionfruit. This edition is better suited to the spicy bites of a favourite curry.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Esteco Don David Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Cafayate, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaFairly prevalent citrus and high mountain desert scrub follows through with lime and grapefruit peels, mixing with a touch of grass and oatmeal. This needs to be served well chilled alongside fresh cream cheese and olives to best effect.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe southern Okanagan is home to CedarCreek's sauvignon blanc grapes. Despite the heat, this wine thrives off the sage and antelope brush that supercharges the air at the height of the growing season, giving the wine a savoury, grassy undercurrent that winemaker Taylor Whelan combines with early picked, high acid fruit. Whelan also employs two different yeasts designed to accentuate the herbal nature of this variety. An early cool growing season and a warm fall have brought phenolic ripeness at an exciting 12 degrees alcohol. This gives the wine a foundation to show off all its savoury lemongrass flecked with passionfruit and lime zest. At Home Block, it is served with ricotta and nettle dumplings.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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08 May 2023
94PTS
Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Redoma Reserva comes from vineyards which are more than 80 years old, planted in mica-schist soils at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Since its first edition in 1995, the main objective in producing this wine has been to reflect the character of the Douro’s old vines. The best barriques were selected for the wine’s maturation in order to guarantee minerality, complexity and ageing potential. Rabigato, Códega, Viosinho, Arinto and others were fermented in French barrique, where it remained for 9 months. Alluring reduction is woven throughout this complex wine, stencilling the wild lemon, subtle quince, pear skin, and light biscuit with a schistous grip. The impact of the palate is far beyond its 11.5%, with shining lemon acidity, and lingering stony salinity. Quite masterful.Prices:| ON | $61.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Papantonis Winery Metron Ariston 2021
Peloponnese, GreecePapantonis Winery was established in 1993 in Nemea by siblings Antony and Kallie Papantonis. The vineyards, are situated just outside of the village Malandreni. Metron Ariston (meaning ‘moderation is best’) is a blend of Roditis (65%) and Chardonnay (35%), planted on their estate's sandy clay soils. Full and cushy white peach, fragrant pear, almond blossoms is stencilled with a fine stony underlay, which lingers on the finish. Quite full bodied for its 13%, this is ready for flavourful Mediterranean seafood / veg dishes.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Heinrich Naked White 2021
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaNaked and unadorned, this is a natural biodynamic white blend that hides nothing. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner, and Welschrieslingn are sourced from vineyards on both sides of Burgenland’s Lake Neusidel, rooted into limestone, schist, gravel soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this rested 14 months on lees in large, older oak before being bottled unfiltered with minimal sulphur. Pouring a hazy hue, this buzzes along the palate with wild citrus, white florals, and crushed stones, lit with energy and lingering with salinity. A beauty slight white ready for enjoying now, liberally.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adega Mãe Lisboa Valley Selection White 2021
Lisboa, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalFrom Lisboa's Adega Mãe, and winemakers Anselmo Mendes and Diogo Lopes, this Lisboa white blends Viosinho, Alvarinho, Arinto, and Sauvignon Blanc, all fermented in stainless with 4 months' rest on lees with bâtonnage. Tight and subtle pear, green apple, lemon rule this slender marine white, finishing with a dash of lemon pith on a snappy finish. One for salads or simple shellfish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Amalaya Torrontes Riesling 2021
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaAmalaya, 'a hope for a miracle' is a nod to local farmers who made offerings hoping for an abundant, high quality harvest each year. The mix of torrontes and riesling has an intense musky scent under a mix of lemons and flowers. A strong stony mineral thread cuts through the grapefruit and sweet lime finish. A unique and fun wine to play with around food. The Amalaya blanco blend is made with organic grapes grown around 1675 metres.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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05 May 2023
87PTS
Covert Farms Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon organically and regeneratively farmed Mimi's Block and Coyote Block on their spectacular 650-acre bluff overlooking Oliver. The grapes were co-fermented and bled off skins (providing the medium peach hue) before aging for four months on lees in stainless. Ripe and expansive on the fuller (14%) off-dry palate, this carries sun-sweetened strawberries and raspberries, subtle blood orange, along a glycerol-decked palate, finishing with a dusting of spice. If you're looking for a full-bodied rosé to handle weighted dishes (especially ones with spice), crack into this pink this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.43 | 750ml |
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89PTS
1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Rosé is the first that Katie Truscott and Ben Bryant, the new heads of 1 Mill Road, have seen from start to finish. The pinot noir comes off East Kelowna Slopes, planted to 5 clones of pinot noir on stony Rutland soils. The whole bunch pressed grapes were fermented cool in stainless, with 18% fermented in French oak with regular bâtonnage over three months prior to blending. Pouring a blush peach hue, this carries gentle wild strawberries and mandarin along a silken core, with a tart rhubarb acidity to carry, and very subtle spices to season. An elegant choice for enjoying this summer.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Emandare Vineyard Blanc de Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the inaugural release of the Blanc de Noir, with pinot noir from the Mildenstein Vineyard (ex Godfrey Brownell) in Glenora, Cowichan Valley. After foot trodding and 2 hours soaking, this headed to press, followed by a native ferment in a 50/50 split between neutral barrel and tank. After 4 months on lees and full MLF, this was bottled unfined and unfiltered, at an impressive 11.5%. A shining salmon hue, this leads with ample mouthwatering salinity, followed with mandarin, strawberry yogurt, and savoury crushed stones. Though light in alcohol, this has charm throughout its slender shape, through a bitter citrus finish. Save for the misnomer name (White from Red, and it really should be Noirs, not Noir), this is firmly a rosé, and should be labeled as such.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Sandhill Sangiovese Rosé Block No C9 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis single block of Sangiovese was planted in 1999 at Sandhill Estate Vineyard, located on the Black Sage Bench. It seems perfectly destined for this rosé, which for my money, is consistently one of the best in the Okanagan. It pours a beautiful pale copper hue with a clear restraint and delicacy to the fruit, which is directly pressed. It's reserved at this stage, with time in the glass revealing layers of white grapefruit, cantaloupe, and lemon alongside orange blossoms, rose water, and sea spray. It's clearly a rosé that you don't need to rush to drink, and I'd love to see how this improves over the next 3-4 years, with a richly textured, concentrated palate that benefits from aging in neutral barriques for three months.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chronos Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis medium peach hued, off-dry shiraz rosé is full of strawberry, mandarin, red apple, and fragrant white peach, coursing along a glycerin palate through a snappy finish. Simple, friendly, and accessible, chill and crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Erath Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesOregon is becoming a home for delicate, delicious, sophisticated rosé. This pink opens with a mix of orchard fruits that float along a creamy texture with a green guava ending. Ready to drink and food friendly with a lick of acid in the finish. An early harvest, triggered by the smoke from regional wildfires, ensured the fruit picked was high quality. What was picked left a fresh, dry, pinot noir rosé with limited skin contact that sports a pale pink colour. It is all stainless steel fermented and handled in a cool environment.Prices:| ON | $28.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Toso Estate Rosé 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis simple pink wine presents fresh with savoury/sour red fruit, mixing malbec and cabernet sauvignon. The grapes are from the Barrancas, Maipú District, Mendoza region. Dry and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe MHFE Reserve Rosé comes from southern estate vineyards in Osoyoos and Oliver, and in 2022 it is easily the best I have tasted. Clean, crisp, fresh, and bright, it is a vibrant red fruit affair mixing watermelons, strawberries, and rhubarb while hinting sweetness with no sugar to be tasted. Predominately set in stainless steel, only seven percent goes into neutral French oak, but it is just enough to keep the palate creamy and texturally attractive. Ready to drink with prawns, crab cakes, olives, you name it. A delicious style that should make Provence nervous.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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04 May 2023
88PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah Coyote Bowl Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Black Sage Bench's Coyote Bowl vineyard, and its sandy gravels, this syrah was aged 18 months in French barrels (45% new). Rafts of cracked black pepper ride waves of ripe cassis, blackberry, and black plum, framed with plush, lightly sticky tannins. The warming finish is laced with fragrant baking spices and roasted coffee. This is a very big wine (at 15%) and requires equally sized hearty dishes to match.Prices:| BC | $64.06 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic C&S Syrah blends fruit from Coyote Bowl and Détente vineyards, both on the Black Sage Bench. After fermentation and maceration in stainless over 3 weeks, this aged in French oak for 1 year. Perfumed violets, cedar, blackberry, and cassis rule the fuller palate, with blocky tannins taking this to a shorter, bitter, warming finish. Crack into now, with a meaty / root veg stew.Prices:| BC | $40.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rust Wine Co Lost Horn Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly lilac waxed Okanagan Falls Syrah is one of a quad of single vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2020 vintage. Each of the four is from clone 877, and aged in the same way, so you can compare site and soil. The is off Lost Horn Vineyard's clay loam soils at 395m, and ungrafted vines planted in 2016. This was 25% whole cluster fermented, and aged in a mix of French and Hungarian oak for 18 months (33% new). Spiced cherry, plum, and sarsaparilla is housed with grippy cedar-hewn tannins, leading this medium+ red to a roasted coffee finish. Perhaps a bit more rustic than the other releases, this is ready for your root veg / pork or lamb casserole.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rust Wine Co. South Rock Vineyard Syrah 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly orange waxed Golden Mile Bench Syrah is one of a quad of single vineyard Syrahs released by Rust in the 2020 vintage. Each of the four is from clone 877 and aged similarly so that you can compare site and soil. This is off South Rock Vineyard's gravelled clays and older vines (planted 2002) at 300m. This was a 25% whole cluster fermented and aged in a mix of French and Hungarian oak for 18 months (33% new). Perfumed black cherry, Assam tea, and fragrant iris moves along the medium+, lively palate. Tannins are smooth and sculpted, guiding this to a lightly peppery end. More the medium, mellowed one of the four this year, drinking smartly now.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rust Wine Co Lazy River Vineyard Syrah 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly blue waxed Similkameen Valley Syrah is one of a quad of single vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2020 vintage. Each of the four is from clone 877, and aged in the same way, so you can compare site and soil. This is off Lazy River Vineyard, and its sandy clay loams dotted with limestone and granitic rock. This ungrafted syrah was planted in 2002. This was 25% whole cluster fermented, and aged in a mix of French and Hungarian oak for 18 months (33% new). It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Very floral, with downy violets and damson plums leading, and ripe cassis, crushed stones, and baking spices following. There's an alluring cracked peppercorn note laced throughout, with well placed and long well-knit tannins framing through a lingering finish. Quite striking, and certainly speaks of the windy, rocky, wild Similkameen.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rust Wine Co. Ferreira Vineyard Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe smartly yellow waxed Okanagan Valley Syrah is one of a quad of single vineyard syrahs released by Rust in the 2020 vintage. Each of the four is from clone 877 and aged in the same way, so you can compare the site and soil. This comes from Black Sage Bench's Ferreira Vineyard and its volcanic, granitic sands at 333m. The grapes were planted in 2002. This was a 25% whole cluster fermented and aged in a mix of French and Hungarian oak for 18 months (33% new). It was bottled, unfined, and unfiltered. Ripe and sultry, with Christmas cake spices infiltrating dense cassis, aromatic plum, blueberry, black pepper, and violets. The volcanic sands are evident with the palate's persistent, alluring buzz. Tannins are sueded, with a slight bitter edge that rests on the dark cocoa finish. As expected from the southern Okanagan, a bigger, fleshier syrah, but with a lovely buzzy cool stony interest.Prices:| BC | $44.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2019
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLike last year, this hedonistic shiraz offers bold, jammy dark fruits wrapped in mint and generous American oak. It packs a lot of wine, with a concentration that is above the norm thanks to vines ranging from 9 to 100+ years old. 24 months in barrel makes this approachable upon release, with a soft, plush palate that works on its own, but will be best with a thick cut ribeye.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $34.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $36.99 | 750ml |
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03 May 2023
88PTS
Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThough varietally labeled Pinot Gris, this also 5% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier, and 4% Muscat in the mix, making it much more an aromatic white blend. Each was picked and fermented separately, with the Gris getting a few hours skin contact. Ripe and floral, with perfumed honeysuckle, apricot, and white peach, this fills the palate, carried by a lemon/lime sherbet acidity through a tart finish. Quite a made wine, and one for current enjoyment with lightly spiced fare.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Pinot Gris 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot gris comes off Foundation and Coyote Bowl vineyards in the south Okanagan and a mix of gravels and sandy loams. This spent six months resting in a blend of 80/20 stainless/barrels. The fact that it was a current release in 2019 is somewhat concerning. However, this opens with fragrant pear, gooseberry, and white peach along an off-dry, floral, slightly watery palate, finishing with a gentle flush of warmth. Try with lightly spiced Indian or Japanese curries.Prices:| BC | $22.42 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis has been an iconic BC gris, known for its peach hue long before skin contact / orange / amber gris was the it thing. In 2022, that hue has lightened to more of a white peach fuzz hue even with 36 hours of skin contact. The white peach also floods the palate, along with ripe pear, tangerine, anise, and ample savoury salinity, which lingers long. Not your typical BC PG, thankfully.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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88PTS
CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2022
British Columbia, CanadaLook for a bright, lively pinot gris, blending richer, fatter southern gris with the skinny, nervous juice from the north. The palate is inviting, with a hint of sweetness from the melon and peach before the northern spice and citrus fill in the rest of the story. Balanced and easy sipping, this will be a hit on the patio wherever it is served. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Mittnacht Frères Pinot Gris Les Petits Grains 2020
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. Mouthfilling almond, pear skin, lightly toasted biscuit runs the medium palate, seasoned with stony spices. Quite complete, drinking beaut now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Conviviale Pinot Grigio 2021
Veneto, ItalyConviviale Pinot Grigio is made by the folks at Araldica, a third-generation, family-operated co-operative based in Piedmont, Italy. The grapes grow in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The winemaking is standard for whites with an ageing period of 3 to 6 months on fine lees in stainless. Convivale is part of the Boutinout collection, so that you can expect another level of care and intensity. Look for ripe orchard fruits on the nose with a crisp, dry palate of spicy melon, pears, and nuts, with a citrus finish. Keep the seafood simple, like steamed shellfish, and you have the perfect match.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Barmès-Buecher Pinot Gris 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 vines 29 years old. After a native ferment in stainless, this rested 18 months on full lees in tuns, demi-muids, and older barrels. Brown butter and white honeycomb lead this medium+ white, morphing into baked pear, toasted almond, crushed stones on the savoury, expansive palate. There's a prominent buzzy underlay that drives this waxen wine through a lengthy finish. Very smart, drinking now and in future.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Loew Pinot Gris Le Ménhir 2021
Alsace, FranceThis pinot gris comes off Bruderbach's sandstone soils, kissed with limestone. It was fermented in a mix of 40/60 old oak / stainless, finished leaving 6 g/L. Even with that RS, the racing acidity leaves this feeling dry on the finish. There's a lovely concentration on the medium palate, with white honey, pear skin, buzzy stones and subtle spicing. There is ample extract to assist the 14.1% palate, which still finishes fresh. Quite smart.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Reif Estate Pinot Grigio Reserve 2021
Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaJuice was pulled from their classic Pinot Grigio for this Reserve, which saw 16 hours of skin contact before fermentation. Tight and tart green apple, sour lemon run this shorter palate, finishing with a citrus twist. Clean and simple.Prices:| ON | $25.15 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Skinny Dipping Skin Fermented Pinot Gris 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis skin fermented pinot gris looks and feels like a rosé, with its shiny blush peach hue. With fruit off the Marynissen vineyard, this was destemmed, partially crushed, and fermented in stainless over 7 months. Light and tart, with subtle peach, pear, and light flowers, this dry wine finishes snappy and tart. A friendly, easy blush to chill and crack into now.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino 2020
Volano, Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyNeil and Maria Empson’s signature white, named after the famous Bollini drink, has been improved incrementally over the years. This 2020 is far from the run of the mill Italian pinot grigio that floods the market. I love the freshness and the screwcap that contributes to its consistency and vibrancy, pitching pear, red apple, and quince with a touch of grass. Workhorse seafood white that is well-suited to west coast clams, mussels, oysters, and crab.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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02 May 2023
89PTS
Foxly Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis fruity pinot noir opens with a delightful nose of red raspberry and cranberry mingled with violet perfume and some delicate spices. Fresh and airy on the palate, its smooth tannins and juicy fruits are very welcoming. Its biggest charm is the straightforwardness and great drinkability at this time.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2021 is a blended pinot noir from four vineyards across the Okanagan Valley. Winemakers Matt Dumayne and Kat D’Costa do a 50/50 mix of whole cluster fruit and whole berry, naturally fermented for an average of four weeks before being basket pressed to concrete tanks and foudre for ageing. A beautiful 12.5 percent alcohol, true cool-climate pinot, light in colour, that opens with an enticing juicy black raspberry mixed with baking spice and a dusting of smoke. The mid-palate is fresh and lively with youthful but soft tannins that disappear into the silky finish. So pretty, elegant, and drinkable, it is as stylish as it gets for the price. Haywire was established in 2009, with its first tiny harvest at Switchback Vineyard, starting life as a virtual brand. Today, the winery is an anchor tenant of the Summerland wine scene, with a new visitor lounge scheduled to open in April 2023.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new year, a new label, a new wine, and a new winery name. Okanagan Crush Pad has shifted its name to Haywire Winery, reflecting the growing importance of its leading brand and the company's shift away from being a custom crush facility. With the change comes new branding and this new Haywire Pinot Noir, sourced from 4 vineyards stretching across the Okanagan Valley. 50% was whole cluster and 50% whole berry, all native fermented over 1 month prior to heading to concrete and foudre for aging. Ripe and juicy with black raspberry, morello cherry, brown spice, subtle smoke, brightly taut with rhubarb acidity, and wrapped with softly sticky tannins through a cracked nutmeg finish. Drink now, with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Pinot Noir Rubis 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA single-vineyard pinot from Rubis Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, this was wild fermented and aged for 10 months in French barriques (30% new). It opens with enticing floral aromatics and pure sweet cherry, framed by integrated oak spice, leading to a juicy yet richly concentrated palate that's structured by firm, woody tannins. This will benefit from another 2-3 years in bottle. Otherwise splash decant and serve with roasted pork loin.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Foxly Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFoxly is the second label from Foxtrot, which has entered an exciting new chapter under talented winemaker Andrea Barker. This is a sappy, savoury pinot noir sourced from the Okanagan and Similkameen, showing dusty cranberry, lifted strawberry, and spice, on a light, juicy frame with supple tannins. Very pinote, and a winner at this price, that would compare favourably against entry-level Bourgogne.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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01 May 2023
92PTS
Uko Old Vines Malbec 2018
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is a selection of older malbec vines from Uco Valley's Altamira and its sandy, loamy soils over stones. After three weeks of maceration and fermentation in stainless, this aged in new French barrels for 18 months. Perfumed dark and sultry spices open this robust red, with structured, finely grippy tannins framing dense black cherry, cassis, and dried savoury herbs through a lingering palate. The finish keeps on going with kisses of medicinal cherry and crushed stones. Quite finessed and elegant throughout, this is drinking beautifully now and is one for the cellar.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Uko Select Vineyards Malbec 2019
Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaQuite an impressive looking bottle for such an affordable price, this malbec comes from Uco Valley's Altamira, and sandy loamy soils over stones. After 2 weeks maceration and fermentation in stainless, this aged in 2nd and 3rd use French barrels for 10 months. Fragrant cherries and violets greet the perfumed nose, and carry through the silken palate, woven with fresh cassis and black plum, finishing with a kiss of smoked stone. Tannins are polished, making this effortless drinking now. Quite smart.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
El Esteco Blend de Extremos Malbec 2020
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaThis malbec comes off vineyards at Cafayate's Finca la Maravilla (1700m) and Chañar Punch, at 2000m. It was fermented (partial native and partial whole cluster) in a blend of stainless and concrete, before 1 years' rest in a 25/75 older French barrels / stainless steel and concrete. Very ripe and fruit forward, with mouth filling crushed cassis, cherry, and wild blueberry, seasoned with dark chocolate and wild herbs. The velveteen palate is framed with sueded tannins, finishing with alluring sweet spices and a bitter edge. Very well handled and quite complete, ready for cracking into now.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Trapiche Tesoro Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaTesoro hails from La Consulta and Chacayes in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The fermentation is wild, and the alcoholic maceration runs 18 days before the wine is aged in used oak for 14 months. Look for a red fruit, plums, milk chocolate, black pepper, and soft tannins. This is a simple ready to drink malbec you can serve around the barbecue.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $16.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luigi Bosca Paraíso 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaParaíso is the top label at Luigi Bosca, made only in exceptional years. It pays tribute to Finca El Paraíso, the bedrock vineyard of the property that is a part of the historical and emotional legacy of the family. Paraíso is an intense wine on the nose rich in spices and red fruits with minerals scattered throughout. The grapes come from select plots from Gualtallary, Tupungato (45.2%); Altamira, San Carlos (34%); and Los Árboles, Tunuyán (20,8%); all in the Uco Valley and seated between 1,000 and 1,200 meters. In 2019 the blend was 71% Malbec and 29% Cabernet Sauvignon. Post-fermentation, each variety is aged between 12 and 14 months in used oak barrels, and only the best make it to the final blend. Not for the timid at 15 percent, but the balance is there. It needs some in the cellar, but make no mistake, this is a stellar malbec.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Luigi Bosca de Sangre Malbec 2020
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLuigi Bosca has continued to push the envelope, bringing a sense of style to their wine while still speaking Mendoza. Sangre is a selection of the best blocks in their Los Nobles, Las Compuertas, and El Paraiso vineyards in Maipu. Shallow soil and extravagant temperature change between day and night confers an electricity on the 90-year-old vines. It is aged for 14 months in new oak, bringing a spicy undercurrent to this rich, black fruited red, finishing ripe, long, and warm. A solid everyday red you can serve confidently to a crowd of red wine lovers.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Andean Vineyards Reserve Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis malbec opens with a smoky, peppery, black fruit nose. The palate is more red fruit than black, with plums and black cherries, leading to a savoury mix of roasted coffee and dried herbs. Simple, rustic, yet well made, this would be a fun party red all summer at the barbecue. Tannins are moderate, with a finish of smoky oak and sweet spices. Turkey is the winery pick; chicken is my barbecue pick. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
High Note Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThis simple malbec opens with confected dark fruits and sweet oak, leading to an easy drinking palate that's softened by some sweetness. Serve with a light chill alongside barbequed fare.Prices:| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
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 area, this malbec comes from a single vineyard. It is fermented in stainless steel, but only 30 percent of the juice is aged for six months in American oak barrels. The style is deliberately juicy, pitching black plums with some lingering and, as of yet, unresolved tannins. The finish is a mix of smoke and oak, again a nod to its youth. This wine will appeal to many, especially when it is served with barbecue grilled beef. I suggest a splash decanting to aid this wine further in opening up in the glass.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaBroquel is a Trapiche malbec grown between 900-1000m of 25 year old vines and aged one year in oak. The final mix is a blend of selected barrels showing a softer, richer style. The plate is awash in black and blue fruit with a dusting of cocoa and rounded tannins, and a touch of spice. This is a mid-week red is suited to roasted root vegetables, meaty pizzas, and pasta dishes.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
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe colour is deep, almost opaque, violet. The nose is a riot of violets, black fruit, and baking spice, with some violets and spices dusted in minerals. On the palate, cherries, mint, and a vibrant run of acidity keep it fresh even at 14.5 percent alcohol. The Doña Paula malbec is a 90/10 split of grapes from Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 1350m altitude; and Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo, San Carlos, at 1100m. It is aged in a mix of first, 2nd, and 3rd use French oak barrels for nine months. A drier style malbec that would be perfect with beef tacos or a favourite hunk of Italian cheese.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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88PTS
Paz de Finca Las Moras Malbec 2020
Pedernal Valley, San Juan, ArgentinaThis is a better version this year. The fruit comes from the Pedernal Valley in San Juan/Cuyo and is grown at 1350m. The colour is opaque despite nearly 15 months in new American and French barrels that add a definite spicy kick to the aftertaste. Bold and youthful, it is packed full of blackberries and black raspberries covered in silky, dense, rich tannins that call for a significant piece of protein. Depending on how you like your red wine, drink or hold it for up to three years. Think grilled beef, pork, or mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Alamos Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Catena family is behind the Alamos brand, so it is no surprise Alamos has pulled up its socks in the last five years. The fruit is all high altitude, and the style is slightly more full bodied. A tiny amount of other red grapes are added to the mix that spends eight months in French and American oak post-ferment. Look for an earthy, spicy, juicy, black fruit palate with a tug of tannin and an earthy, savoury undercarriage. This wine enjoys some high scores from the usual suspects, but in the end, this is a mid-week red built for hamburgers and spaghetti and meatballs.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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92PTS
Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Alluvia Vineyard 2019
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSelección de Bodega is the winery flagship red made from the finest plots from the 1350 metre-high Alluvia Vineyard in Gualtallary and is taken from bush vines growing out of an ancient river bed on a bed of limestone rocks. It is native fermented and aged in French oak barriques (50 percent new) for 20 months, and the result is an exciting red. On the nose, it is refreshing with floral, mineral, wet stone that tumble onto a palate of fresh berries, with a dash of black licorice. Juicy, chalky tannins run long through the finish. Structure and elegance are beautiful, as is balance, and this wine has it all.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaUco malbec has a unique fragrance that draws you into the glass, although at this price level, it is fair to say it lacks some intensity. Nevertheless, the fruity floral notes introduce herby plum and red berry, with light tannins and a warm finish. More of a hamburger wine this year, but it still has a fair value. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Condor Peak Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is simple, entry level malbec from somewhere in Mendoza. A much better version than 2019, this malbec is soft and approachable with chocolate, blackberry, and plum, and virtually no dry tannins. Ready to drink, it delivers for the price, which is almost free by today's standards. A pizza red if ever there was one, and a bargain at that.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $11.30 | 750ml |
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June 2023