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Tastings: June 2023
30 June 2023
88PTS
Red Rooster Sparkling Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis traditional method malbec, sourced from the southern Okanagan, spent one year on lees in bottle. Pouring a blush peach hue, this juicy rosé is packed with smoked raspberry, cherry, and crunchy red currant, with a tight line of grapefruit acidity dressing this to a saline finish. An easy, fun, and smart bubble for enjoying now, ideally with forward-flavoured canapés.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Red Rooster Brut Traditional Method NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Traditional Method Brut blends nearly equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir, with 2 years on lees in bottle. Ample toast, red and green apple, lemon pith roll across an expansive palate, with bright citrus acidity keeping every tidy and en pointe through a snappy finish. Friendly and smart, and ready to enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Last Ride In R.D. 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, a family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. This traditional method fizz comes from an upper Peachland vineyard that ripened very late in October 2020 with snow dusting the vineyard and bins. Once snow removal was complete, this was whole cluster pressed into barrel and stayed there with no racking or bâtonnage until moving into a stainless tank in early February for a yeast dose before heading to bottle. When I last tasted this, it was 6 months on lees. This recently released, RD (recently disgorged) edition shows how the wine looks after 25 months on lees in bottle. Pouring a deep lemon hue, this brisk, high acid bubble has much more completion than the last time I tried it, with a gentle padding of lees softening the sharpness of pomelo, tangerine, and underripe green apple. There's an earthy ale note that runs throughout, and lingers on the snappy finish. A very worthy experiment in lees aging on tradmet fizz.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Sparkling Rosé Can 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mayhem Canned Rosé is a different blend than the Mayhem bottled Rosé, off a separate block and with a splash of riesling. Profoundly hued and lightly effervescent (more a prickle than a fizz, hence my labelling it as still wine), this is a blast of cherry, red apple, and strawberry jam with a kiss of green herbs and a twist of candied tart grapefruit on the end. One to pocket-pack, chill well (over ice!), and crack this summer, as intended. Fun! Sold in 12-paks for $88.32Prices:| BC | $7.36 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHand picked from a single estate block of 1985 planted clone 93 Pinot Noir, this was fermented in older puncheons over 7 months prior to moving to bottle and 22 months sur lattes. It was disgorged in March 2023 with a dosage from their 2020 Pinot Noir, bringing the RS to 7.46 g/L. Wild cherry, wild raspberry, meringue is tinged with crushed stone and kissed with subtle smoke along the streaming, structural, and finessed palate. Quite striking.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Blancs 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Tantalus BdB is always a joy, and the 2020 is true to form. This chard comes off one estate block of 2013 plantings. It was fermented in older puncheons, with 7 months on lees before heading to bottle, and 22 months sur lattes. This was disgorged in March 2023 with a dosage from their still 2020 Chardonnay, bringing the RS to 5.46 g/L. Burnished lemon leads crisp green apple, Asian pear, seared stone, and ample toast, scented with medicinal Rainier cherry and rock salts across a savoury, structured palate. Super serious sparkler this, insanely under priced (stock up!), is drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $31.30 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Julià and Navinès Brut Rosé Cava NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic Cava blends 60% grenache and 40% pinot noir, from Font-rubí in the Alt Penedès, at 350m. This aged 14 months on lees, and was dosed with 8 g/L. Pouring a pale pink hue, this light and lifted Cava streams ripe strawberries, perfumed roses along a pink grapefruit laced palate, with fine bubbles carrying the red fruit through the juicy finish. Quite smart, and very friendly.Prices:| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Grand Cuvée Vinescence Brut Crémant de Bourgogne NV
Burgundy, FranceThe Vignerons de Bel Air Co.Op was founded in 1929 in Beaujolais' Saint-Jean d'Ardières. Over the years they merged with other similarly-minded Co.Ops in BoJo, and in 2017 the three groups came together. This Crémant de Bourgogne blends chardonnay and gamay into a creamy mousse with baked red apple, pear skin, pastry dough woven with oxidative notes and dusted with baking spices and made friendly with a solid dosage. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Traditional Method Sparkling 2016
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first of what will be many releases of sparkling wine from Garnet Valley Ranch makes its debut. It is a traditional method sparkler mixing chardonnay and pinot noir that has spent an impressive 72 months on its lees. It opens with an apple almond nose courtesy of the aforemntioned extended bottle ageing. The palate is mix of creamy brioche streaked with oxidative notes and air-dried apple chips, wild desert sagebrush, all wrapped in citrus. A serious sparkling wine for those who like to contemplate their bubble.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Evolve Pink Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe hand sorted and whole bunch pressed grapes blend 50% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, 9% pinot blanc and one percent shiraz for its peachy salmon colour. All the components are fermented separately but come together nicely in a red fruited fizz with a feather light palate of strawberry, cherry streaked with a touch of mandarin. This is a terrific pink for a watermelon salad or a Margherita pizza. Fantastic value here.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Evolve Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA sparkly 70/30 blend of chardonnay and pinot blanc, this wine has been very good value since its original release and it remains so today. Under winemaker Lynzee Schatz the wine has gained a touch more sophistication for what it is, a mid day bubble made for the patio and and pre-dinner sips. Look for clean fresh pear and melon with only a hint of sweetness before a green apple skin finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Casa Canavel Prosecco Brut NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyExpect a pleasant glera nose of fresh sliced pears and white flowers. The effervescence is soft and creamy, with more pear and red apples with citrus and a bump of light residual sugar, with a twist of minerality. The winemaking employed the classic Martinotti or Charmat method for 15 days, followed by a month of rest. This wine will disappear at any afternoon gathering out of doors with bites or simple seafood dishes like halibut cakes or steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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29 June 2023
88PTS
Sem Igual Tinto 2019
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalSem Igual means 'no equal', and is a line of uncompromising wines from a family producing Vinho Verde since the 18th Century, and started to release these wines from their 10 hectares in 2012. From VV's inland Sousa subregion, this blends sustainably farmed touriga nacional, baga, and vinhao (sezão), the latter foot trodden separately and added into the blend of touriga and baga. This lighter red charms with morello cherry, fleshy plum, and rockrose, scented with chinotto, bedded on worked suede, woven with alluring reductive notes, and framed with light tannins. Quite charismatic and interesting, and certainly unlike any VV you've had before. Take with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Niepoort Diálogo Tinto 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis youthful red may show a (Canadian themed!) comic on the label, but make no mistake, this is a serious wine, from one of the world's top winemakers, Dirk Niepoort. This is a blend of touriga franca, touriga nacional, tinta roriz, tinta amarela from the Cima Corgo's schistous soils, and vines up to 40 years in age. This was native fermented in stainless, and aged in a mix of stainless and oak for 6 months. Fresh and fragrant, with black raspberry, cherry, plum filling a juicy core. Wrapped with slight, sticky tannins, and buoyed by bright acidity, this friendly, smart red is primed for drinking now, all at a welcome 12.5%.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fitapreta Tinto 2021
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis characterful blend of aragonez, alicante bouschet, and trincadeira, and castelo comes from the rocky schistous vineyards of Alentejo and vines planted 1979-1989 at 300-400m. After the berries were popped and native fermented in stainless, they rested between French barrel and stainless for nine months. Wild plum, brambleberry, thorns and rockrose are bright and lively in the mouth, framed with sticky tannins through a stony finish.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fitapreta Branco 2021
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis blend of roupeiro, rabo de ovelha, antão vaz, tamarez, alicante branco, and arinto are sourced from 2 organic vineyards in Alentejo's granitic and limestone soils, and vines from 30-50 years, up to 400m in altitude. After a whole bunch press and a native ferment in primarily stainless barrels (the second pressing goes into older barrels), this remained there on lees for six months before bottling. Pine nuts, quince, and green fig ride along a honeysuckle-slicked palate, seasoned amply with buzzy granite grip. Lovely balance and flow here.Prices:| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adega Mãe Lisboa Valley Selection Red 2020
PortugalFrom Lisboa's Adega Mãe, and winemakers Anselmo Mendes and Diogo Lopes, this year's Tinto blends touriga nacional, syrah, pinot noir, and aragonez from Ventosa, in Torres Verdas. Approximately 1/3 of this wine was raised in used French oak, with the remainder in stainless. Soft raspberry, cherry is touched with wet wood, dulling a bit of fruit, yet the bright acidity still shines on the silken palate, taking this to a briefer end. Tannins are fine and long, encouraging food pairings, ideally with a hearty soupy mix.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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28 June 2023
89PTS
Tantalus Syrah Furthur Afield Series 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn unforgiving series of very challenging weather events has led to Tantalus' new Further Afield Series and a new line of wines into the portfolio from sourced grapes. This syrah came from Similkameen Valley's Blind Creek Vineyard, a site on the opposite end of the spectrum from Tantalus' East Kelowna home. Rooted in stony, broken granite soils, this syrah was a partial native ferment and pressed off into French oak barrels (15% new) for an 11-month rest before bottling in late summer 2022. Dusky dark plums, thorns, and smoked stone flood a juicy, full palate, seasoned liberally with cracked pepper and downy violets. Tannins are soft and plumped, hugging this through a warming, furry finish. Certainly, by far the biggest wine I've seen from Tantalus, and very much Similkameen wild.Prices:| BC | $34.75 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Nichol Vineyard Old Vines Syrah 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the oldest syrah in Canada, planted own-rooted in 1990/91 on granite bedrock at the end of the Naramata Bench, Nichol's home site. This was destemmed and fermented on skins in large open top fermenters before being basket pressed to neutral 500L French puncheons. It remained there until bottling, unfined and unfiltered. Wild blackberry, dark cherry, thorns, crushed violets course through this savoury red, with a crushed stony underlay, and framework of long, finely grippy tannins. There's a grippy granitic energy and acidity holding this taut, and streaming it to a lingering cracked pepper finish. Such a beaut, and one that will reward with cellaring.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard The Village Syrah 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2021 Nichol released The Village Syrah, with fruit from a neighbouring friend, and vineyard planted in 2010 on alluvial till and clay. This was basket pressed, and spent 18 months in neutral oak prior to bottling without fining or filtration. Super ferrous on first whiff, with iron scenting black raspberry, dark cherry, and dark earth. Tannins are softly grippy and fine, and acidity is moderate, taking this to a perfumed violet and peppercorn finish. A nice difference to their home site syrahs, based on granite, this darker, brooding, and perfumed one is ready to enjoy.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rigour & Whimsy Thus Spoke Veruca 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing special vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. This syrah comes off Osoyoos' organic Sekhon Family Vineyards, and unlike the previous Thus Spoke Veruca, there is no viognier to soften and perfume this year. This was whole cluster fermented, and chaptalized to bump up the acidity (all the way to 12.3%). Super peppery and floral, with lashes of violets, irises, fragrant plums, musky potpourri, and wild blackberries flooding the palate. Acidity is lofted, and tannins are soft and downy, carrying this to a blackcurrant twist finish. Very pretty, and ready to enjoy now with a chill.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Juxtaposed Wines Sherry Vineyard Old Vine Shiraz 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the old block at Blewitt Springs' Sherry Vineyard, this was planted in 1955, and has been a backbone of Juxtaposed's Shiraz program over the past 5 years. Sadly, the vineyard sold, and this was the last vintage of this special wine. Deeply ferrous, this concentrated shiraz teems with black cherry, blackberry, anise, flake salts, and liquorice stretching across a rich, yet svelte palate. Tannins are well worn and sunken into the dense fruit, scented with blackberry blossoms, and seasoned with fine black pepper. For all its density, it carries an equal part of freshness, which will guarantee it a long life ahead. 1600 bottles.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Juxtaposed Old Vine Shiraz 2020
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the sandy corner block of the Wait Vineyard in Blewitt Springs, planted in 1943, this was crushed and destemmed, fermented in open top fermenters, and aged in old Hungarian oak. Sultry blackberry, black cherry, medicinal boysenberry fills the chewy, velvet palate, perfumed with musk, scented with light smoke, and framed with plump, sticky tannins. Ample concentration here, ready for a decant and your roasted pork / veg dishes now, but better suited to time in bottle.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Craven Wines Syrah Firs Vineyard 2021
Devon Valley, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Stellenbosch's Devon Valley, and its iron rich clay soils at 300m, this clone S22 syrah was planted in 2002. Unlike Jeanine and Mick's other reds, syrah is always entirely whole bunch. This rested with skins for 9 days, before moving into open top stainless bins for foot trodding and native ferment. It then spends 10ish months in old 500L barrels (soon to be concrete). Wild black raspberry, dusky black plum, medicinal black cherry is woven with cracked pepper, and wrapped with finely sticky tannins through a saline washed finish. Somewhat an outsider in their portfolio, yet feels entirely Craven. Looking forward to seeing what the concrete adds to this in future.Prices:| ON | $37.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Boschendal Shiraz 2019
Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Stellenbosch, Elgin, and the Swartland. Destemmed and fermented over 10 days warm. Aged in 500L French barrels (20% new) for 1 year. Burnt toast, vegetal notes colour the bitter edged black fruit, with a dust of cocoa on the shorter, sour and warming finish. Old school, old news, look elsewhere.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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22 June 2023
88PTS
Chain Reaction Tailwind Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChain Reaction is based on the Naramata Bench and is named for the owners' love of cycling. Joel and Linda Chamaschuk, originally from the Lower Mainland, finally decided to become part of the industry and purchased an orchard on the Bench, planting their first vineyard in 2019. Winemaker Dwight Sick oversees the wines. This year's PG comes primarily from Kaleden's OPG Vineyard and Chain Reaction's McMillan Vineyard in Penticton. Each lot was a whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless, with a partial chill to preserve RS. Both lots rested for two months on lees before fining, blending, filtration, and bottling. Ripe and fleshy, with fragrant florals, white peach, orchard pear, lime pith, subtle anise, a crunchy snap of Asian pear acidity to liven, and a solid bump of RS for extra friendliness. Think modern Alsace x Okanagan Valley.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum South Kelowna Slopes Pinot Gris 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis CC Platinum Pinot Gris comes from their Home Block, and Simes vineyard, off South Kelowna Slopes, with vines in the latter reaching 25-30 years. For the acid-retaining Simes block, the fruit is whole bunch pressed and native fermented in a mix of older foudres and barriques. From the Home Block (block 7, 20 year old vines), the riper fruit is adding texture and mouthfeel. It was also whole bunch pressed, native fermented, and into a 2200L French oak cuve. The vineyards were fermented separately, with 7 months on lees until the final blend and bottling. Quite dense and compact, with ripe pear, lemon thistle, and desert sage along a gently humming palate. Very much Okanagan, and feels quite Platinum, with its fancy stelvin lux closure, and weightier bottle.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Pinot Gris was off their estate Dry Creek Vineyard, Lytton's Winch Spur Vineyard, and random Osoyoos site(s). The destemmed grapes had 4 hours skin contact, with dry ice in the hope to preserve / protect against O2. After a cold ferment, this was aged 4 months on lees. As one might expect from this much winemaking, the wine is left quite disjointed and angular, with crunchy pear, green apple, and white grapefruit, slicked with lees and scented with desert scrub. A bit clinical, but best served with a big chill / over ice.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Oliver's Ryegrass vineyard, and vines planted in 2009, this year's Mayhem PG was whole bunch pressed in stainless, with 16% spending time in barriques. Post-ferment, this spent 5 months on lees prior to blending and bottling. Ripe pear, yellow apple, orchard blossom is shaped with a tangerine pith acidity, which lingers on an orange sherbet finish. Bright and zippy, if a bit too made (that ascorbic edge), this will doubtlessly work well with fragrant hot pot or summer salads on the patio.Prices:| BC | $18.36 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot gris comes off the Naramata estate Fleet Road Vineyard, as well as neighbouring vineyards. All the grapes were picked and harvested on the same day, whole cluster pressed, and cold settled before a cool ferment in stainless over 1 month. The ferment was stopped to capture desired RS. Ripe white peach, juicy pear, and cushy lees runs this medium palate, with licks of pithy grapefruit to sharpen and a seasoning of fine desert scrub on the finish. Chill well and enjoy this summer with Okanagan peaches and prosciutto, or a seasonal salad.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Gris was sourced from vineyards stretching from Summerland to Osoyoos, with 15% fermenting in barrel, with the remainder in stainless. Both spent 3 months sur lie post-ferment, prior to blending and tightening in tank for 2 months. Ripe pear, fleshy peach, yellow apple flood a juicy palate, kissed with starfruit and subtle orange spicing. A friendly gris ready for cracking into now.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Whispered Secret Vineyard Pinot Gris 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Keremeos' certified organic Whispered Secret Vineyard, this PG was whole cluster pressed and fermented slowly in a mix of stainless barrels, tanks, and French puncheons. After the month-long ferment, the wine aged on lees for 3 months prior to a light filtration and bottling. Asian pear and pear skin, green apple, white peach is kissed with apple blossoms, and laced with a tight grapefruit pith acidity, holding this lean and nimble. Lovely energy this year. If you prefer your Gris to be a bit more edgy and acid forward, seek this out.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Craven Wines Pinot Gris 2021
Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom Stellenbosch's Newlands Vineyard and its heavy iron-rich koffeklip soils, these pinot gris vines are 16 years old, facing east. It's rare enough to find PG in ZA, and unheard of to find one as memorable as this. After destemming, this had 6-7 days skin contact (until it goes dry) before being pressed and racked into older French barrels where it remained for 9 months. More a light red than a rosé even, this textural PG teems with smoked stone, tea leaves, bergamot and roiboos, cored with ripe pear, and lingering with flake salts. Quite an adventuresome wine, though just wait for the 2022 which was aged entirely in concrete.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Erath Pinot Gris 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesRipe melon, pear, red apple rule this fuller, softer pinot gris, from one of Oregon's pioneering wineries. Subtle ginger spices close out the just off-dry finish. Simple and friendly.Prices:| BC | $32.98 | 750ml |
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90PTS
J. M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gris 2020
Alsace, FranceWinzenberg Grand Cru rests between 240-320m, south and south-east facing, on pink granite soils laced with mica and feldspar. Ripe pear, lime blossom, yellow apple, flood a just off-dry palate, layered with fragrant melon and gingersnap spicing. Lovely easy freshness easily counters the ripeness on the palate, making this a smart choice for richer dishes (think roasted onion/veg quiche).Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kühling-Gillot Grauer Burgunder Réserve 2021
Rheinhessen, GermanyKühling-Gillot is located in the municipality of Bodenheim, Rheinhessen, where the Kühling family has been farming and making wine for more than 200 years. Until Roland Gillot married into the family in 1970, it was always run by women. Since 2006, the winery has been run by Carolin Gillot and her husband Olivier Spanier. Their 23 hectares of vines have been cultivated biodynamically since 2005. This pinot gris was from 20 year old vines rooted in limestone-loess marl soils across Bodenheim. It was native fermented in large wood, and then transferred to 900L Tonneau for a few months prior to bottling. Ripe pear, fragrant white peach, toasted almond is lined with beeswax and scented with lime blossom, with kisses of salinity on the finish. A serious pinot gris, belying its 12.5%, and one ready for the dinner table.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Okanagan Hills Estate Reserve Pinot Gris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSo when looking up details about this wine, anywhere, here is what I found : "Aromatics of soft butterscotch and floral integration and mid palate balance. Aged six months in Hungarian Oak." All that, for $30?! Ok then, this deeply golden Reserve Pinot Gris is ruled by smoked stone, tobacco ash, subtle pear, sweet peach nectar across a creamy palate, to a shorter, bitter edged finish. Needs work from front to back.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio 2021
Veneto, ItalyBright and light, this is a tight and shining white with lemon, grapefruit, pear, and green apple, all slicked with a thin layer of lees over a stone base. Friendly and accessible, this is ready to crack into and easy to like.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.33 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.60 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Pinot Gris 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gris comes off their estate Anastasia Vineyard, on the Naramata Bench. Ripe pear, white peach, perfumed melon is bedded with stones, coursing through a juicy, medium palate, scented with sage, and finishing with a mandarin twist. A fleshy style well suited to lightly spiced dishes, or a classic prosciutto/melon/basil dish.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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21 June 2023
88PTS
Chain Reaction True Colours Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChain Reaction is based on the Naramata Bench and owned for the owners' love of cycling. Joel and Linda Chamaschuk, originally from the Lower Mainland, finally decided to become part of the industry and purchased an orchard on the Bench, planting their first vineyard in 2019. Winemaker Dwight Sick oversees the wines. This Pinot Noir Rosé comes off their estate McMillan Vineyard, in Penticton. 75% was destemmed and crushed, with 12 hours skin contact. The other was lightly pressed, and the both were joined and fermented in stainless. The fermentation was stopped when the desired RS was achieved. Pouring a salmon pink, this glides along the glycerol-slicked palate along with ripe strawberry, watermelon, candied red apple, and light smoked spice. There's a gentle pink grapefruit twist to liven before the smoked spice returns on the gently buzzing finish. A creamier rosé, ready to tackle salmon / mushroom summer dishes.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Tantalus Rosé blends equal parts of young vine pinot noir and pinot meunier, with quantity down due to the severe late 2021 frosts blitzing out pockets of their estate pinot noir. This was whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees for 3 months. Pouring a pale peach hue, this concentrated yet graceful rosé is packed with golden apple, wild strawberry, mandarin, laced with buzzy pink grapefruit, lingering long on the finish. A beaut. Only 210 cases were made, so seek out while you can.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Rosé Furthur Afield Series 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Further Afield Series allows Tantalus to source grapes and make wines from non-estate fruit, like this organic cabernet franc rosé of Osoyoos' Sekhorn Family Vineyards, and its sandy soils. Some of the fruit was whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless, while the pressings were fermented wild in older pinot noir barrels. Post ferment and blend, this aged on fine lees for 3 months. Pouring a blush peach hue, this is packed with mirabelle plum, raspberry, and tart red currant, and scented with subtle florals and white pepper. Pretty, smart, and charming, enjoy this new pink this summer.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's rosé takes fruit from their estate McLean Creek Road in Okanagan Falls and Lakehill Road in Kaleden, as well as Fat Coyote Vineyard in Naramata. The darker pink hued rosé had 12 hours of skin contact before being blend off into stainless and older French barrels where it remained on lees for 4 months prior to bottling. Ripe and full and glycerol slicked, this packs a lot of fruit density into 13%. Ripe strawberry jam, cherries, raspberries is dosed liberally with spices and kissed with a forest green note on the finish. One for foodstuffs, ideally mushroom and/or salmon based.Prices:| BC | $20.96 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis merlot rosé comes off Osoyoos' Ryegrass vineyard, and was fermented in stainless over 11 weeks before resting 6 months in 92% stainless tank and 8% neutral French barrique. Pouring a deep pink hue, this juicy rosé is flooded with strawberry, raspberry, tangerine, and fine spice. There's a bump of RS to make this especially friendly and smashable this summer.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Rosé 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom estate Lillooet fruit, this rosé is primarily pinot noir, with splashes of merlot and cabernets (franc and sauvignon). The destemmed grapes had 12 hours skin contact time, resulting in the potently peach hue. Ripe melon, white peach, mandarin, and strawberry rule the juicy, medium bodied palate, with a raft of spice to season. The snappy finish welcomes food pairings this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
South Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Simes and Home Block vineyards, this pinot noir rosé was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and concrete. Summer strawberries, raspberries glide along a silken palate, with ample juicy lime pith acidity keeping this lively on the palate, and subtle spices to season. Very polished and smart, this is at home on a yacht as it is your summer picnic.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canter Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCanter is a new Southern Okanagan label founded by 3 families, and named for their shared love of horses. This is a single vineyard cabernet franc rosé, whole bunch pressed, with a part seeing some skin time before bleeding off into the mix. After 12-24 hours, all is saignée, and fermented until dry-ish, at 4 g/L. Ripe and glycerol, with a sultry acidity, and ample ripe wild strawberry, juicy watermelon, and baked rhubarb, seasoned with baking spices. If you like your pinks pretty, sweeter, and rounder, and possibly over ice, here is a new one for you.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vino Lauria Rosé di Zio Paolo 2021
Sicily, ItalyVito Lauria is a Sicilian local. After studying winemaking in Friuli, he returned home in 2005 to take over his family's winery in the west of Sicily, renovating the vineyards, focusing on organic viticulture. He focuses on local varieties, like the Frappato in this rosé. Pouring a glowing amber peach hue, this salty, potent rosé teems with apricot, strawberry leather, mandarin, scented with scrubby rosemary and exotic florals. Quite characterful.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis grenache, syrah, and cinsault blend is rooted across the Côtes de Rhône's stony-marl soils and clay-limestone slopes. It was fermented without oxygen to preserve the bright fruit. A pale peach hue, this is juicy with tangerine, white peach, and pear and seasoned with scrubby southern Rhône garrigue, finishing with a swell of warmth. A friendly, open rosé for this summer (now a couple of years old, it is not getting any fresher).Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cirro Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis is a generous, fruit driven pinot noir rosé with bright strawberry and cherry that's accented by gentle spice and orange zest. Dry but laden with fruit, this has a flavour intensity that is above the norm while still retaining refreshing acidity. Well made and easy to love.Prices:| BC | $23.98 | 750ml |
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88PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceGrenache, syrah, and cinsault are the triumvirate of grapes behind this Côtes du Rhône pink. Grown in the stony-marl, clay-limestone slopes of the southern Rhône, it pitches a fresh tangerine and pear nose that spills onto a fresh fruity, savoury, garrigue-dusted palate that softens as it gets to the finish. Ready to drink all summer, but where is the latest vintage?Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Miraval Studio Rosé NV
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMiraval has a history that dates to 1252 and St. Thomas Aquinas, while Studio Miraval has hosted Sting, Sade, the Cranberries, and Pink Floyd, not to mention the current owners Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, now divorced but still partners in the rosé project. The Perrin family of Chateau Beaucastel make their wine, and in 2022, the 30/30/30/10 mix of cinsault, grenache, syrah, and rolle (vermentino) sings loud and Provençal. Pretty in pink with citrus, red fruits, and floral with a touch of iodine, it is hard to miss this rosé no matter your plans. Sleek, slippery, and gulpable, you can serve this mineral stony pink all afternoon and night. And, it is finished dry with only 13 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Stemmari Nero d'Avola Rosé 2020
Sicily, ItalyThis pale, dry rosé of nero d'avola shows the Mediterranean sunshine with gently ripe pear, melon, and raspberry blossom on a short, slender palate, finishing with a tart, lactic yogurt note, which detracts. Try with roasted red pepper dishes to coax out some sweetness and balance.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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20 June 2023
91PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Fleet Road Vineyard edition will appeal broadly to those who prefer bone dry riesling, and in this case, estate grown, and certified by Sustainable Wine Growing British Columbia. It is whole cluster pressed after 14 hours of skin contact. The wine was stainless steel fermented for 30 days with minimal intervention. Expect a dry, tight, nervy, grapefruit affair with a crisply clipped finish. This is not a style for everybody, but for those who love food and know the type, this is a winner. The winery suggests serving it with spicy chickpea curry or Kung Pao chicken.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Riesling Lab Hard Pressings Experiment 12 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConfidence is a very infectious trait to have when you are making wine. At Tantalus, winemaker David Patterson has plenty of confidence, and it shows in the annual Riesling Lab label put together by all the visiting understudies who work the yearly crush. This is year 12 of the Riesling Lab experiment, a chance for the cellar crew to use the hard pressings of all the riesling blocks that do not go into the top wines at Tantalus. This year’s iteration of Lab Riesling is a mix of experiments. The bulk of the juice was fermented wild in old Chardonnay barrels. Some of that was blackened, a process of hyper-oxidization of the juice to drive out any phenolics (also fermented wild). A portion of the juice was fermented on Pinot Noir skins, while everything was balanced with a prominent bump of 22g/L of residual sugar. The flavours mix peach and apricot with candied lemon and subtle guava. Curry anyone?Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt 12.9 percent alcohol and 14.7 g/L of residual sugar, the latest Tantalus Riesling is all you could want for the price. Year after year, it presents a nervy mix of peaches and lemon pith with a squeeze of green apple and wild flowers on wet stones and orange peels. Long, complex, and electric, it is a wine for the ages. One you can drink now or twenty years from now. Riesling thrives in the north Okanagan, and in the cool years, it transcends itself. Winter hasn’t been kind to this vineyard, but I hope it has something reserved from four+ decades of existence that will allow it to return stronger than ever.Prices:| BC | $27.85 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moraine Riesling 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis classic Moraine Riesling is a gift to wine lovers who love the off-dry Spatlese style of delicious riesling. At 10.5 percent, it slides down dangerously easily, hauling fresh apples, honey, peaches, and nectarine with every sniff and taste. The acidity kicks in mid-palate to create some tension before the lime pith and floral notes finish it off. Drink solo or with anything with a kick of spice. Elegance with style and affordable = the trifecta.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Reserve Riesling 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Riesling comes from the home estate Anastasia Vineyard on the Narmata Bench. The mineral-rich moraine soils are a match made in heaven for the riesling grape. A warm year has given it a bump in ripeness with an intense apricot nose pulling you into the glass. On the palate, peach, Pomelo, and lemon pith deliver a lively palate that runs through its medium-long finish. There is no rush to drink this wine, nor is there any reason to wait. From sushi to pork chops it is highly versatile at the table.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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16 June 2023
88PTS
Moraine Malbec 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClub members get the first shot at the Moraine Malbec, a fresh, peppery, floral affair long on red fruit and light on tannins. Naramata is about as far north as malbec can ripen in BC for now, but the results are pleasant, Look for cherries and plums in a juicy version of the variety. Beef tacos would be a good match, or a classic hamburger on the grill.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Road 13 John Oliver Selection Malbec 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is bigger than its bottle, which is environmentally insensitively overweight. After that, many buyers will be attracted to its super rich black fruit, relatively soft tannins, and long, spicy, prolonged finish. From a fine vintage, this wine will effortlessly age a decade. It needs a few years to shed some oak, but it will be a malbec to be reckoned with by 2025. Think Argentine empanadas, pork belly, or grilled Portobello mushrooms. The fruit comes off an East Osoyoos vineyard block and is aged in 40 percent new French oak for 18 months. John Oliver was the engineer of the Okanagan Canals, an advocate for women’s rights, and a champion of the working man.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Modest Wines Côt Blocked 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFew people can market like Mt. Boucherie, but few consumers likely know what they are talking about until they modestly explain it. For example, Côt is an ancient grape, served to kings and queens. It landed in Argentina in 1868 from Cahors, France and was soon celebrated as malbec, in effect blocking the name Côt from existence. Fast forward to British Columbia's Similkameen Valley and the Lazy River Vineyard, home to this blackish wine, although at 12.6 percent alcohol, it is far more elegant and modest than those blockbuster malbecs from Cahors. It spent 13 months in neutral American, French, and Hungarian oak. The attack is dry and spicy with a wonderfully fresh undercurrent and a few sticky tannins but it is an otherwise cerebral edition of malbec. It is a perfect wine to order at the Modest Butcher, the winery restaurant that specializes in dry-aged beef.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Corcelettes Malbec Micro Lot Series 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe varietal malbec made at Corcelettes is released under the Micro Lot Series, and it is a ginormous red handpicked from the furthest west block of the estate Similkameen Vineyard. It is one of the last blocks that bathe in the warm, late day sun. The intensity in 2020 is off the charts, rich in cedar and toasted oak, and mixed with black cherry and blackcurrants from front to back. It has a wild savoury Similkameen note in the finish. There is no rush to drink this wine; three to five years of ageing will help it settle and come together. Lamb or wild boar would be a good match today.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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15 June 2023
90PTS
Burrowing Owl Viognier 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is plush with peach, honeysuckle, and cantaloupe. Ripe, round, rich, and even a bit sweet, this is a wine for rich foods and with a bit of spice. Hold or drink. BOV picks its viognier by hand. The majority of the juice (75%) was then drained by gravity flow into oak barrels for fermentation, while the remaining 25% was vinified in a stainless steel tank. All is aged for nine months in barrel on lees with regular stirring. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lunessence Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLunessence opens with vibrant tropical fruit, with a fresh, deep, juicy undercurrent, something I love in my viognier. Expect a rush of exotic honey, peaches, and fresh apricots through an intense citrus, candied Meyer lemon palate, woven into a creamy texture, with a long, ripe aftertaste. The property is farmed sensitively and sustainably. One third of the wine is barrel fermented in neutral French oak, adding texture and weight with light hands.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tightrope Winery Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOwners and growers Lindsay and Graham O’Rourke were the force behind the birth of Sustainable Winegrowers British Columbia, and the 2022 Fleet Road Vineyard, home to this viognier, is certified sustainable. It is fermented in a mix of French and acacia barrels and gets three months of lees contact to give it some mouthfeel. It must sit given the electric lime, mandarin orange, peach, and mango sprinkled with nutmeg. Alive, balanced, and sitting at 13.4 percent alcohol makes it even more appealing. You could argue it's not varietal, but it is more fun to drink than most. Twist off the screwcap and get going. You won't be disappointed.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralux Reserve Viognier 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a new producer in West Kelowna, the savoury, mineral fruit comes off the stony S’milka Vista vineyard in the Similkameen. It is an exciting mix of lush, honeyed, peachy, exotic viognier, with a leaner, mineral, wet stone half that injects an undercurrent of life. If first impressions are everything, this winery has a bright future. Roast turkey with savoury stuffing is a fine match.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Viognier 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Church and State Viognier blends two vineyards, Bella and Coyote. The 2019 Viognier is grown over sand and loam, and under winemaker Arnaud Thierry’s touch. This wine is barreled aged in French oak for eight months. The result is a lively viognier where ginger and jasmine meet peach, honeysuckle, and licorice. Exotic and inviting, but with freshness. Drink now and serve with BC halibut.Prices:| BC | $27.67 | 750ml |
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13 June 2023
92PTS
Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Açores 2021
PortugalArinto dos Açores is a unique grape native to the Azores, unrelated to mainland Portugal's Arinto. These vines are planted in the rock cracks at the foothills of the volcanic mountain, almost touching the ocean. The vineyards are protected from the strong salty marine breezes by rock walls known as currais. This was native fermented in a horizontal stainless tank, where it remains on lees until bottling. Tight and energetic, with buzzy herbs, meadow grass, lemon, and ample oceanic influence. Certainly a striking wine of place.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Açores 2018
PortugalArinto dos Açores is a unique grape native to the Azores, unrelated to mainland Portugal's Arinto. These vines are planted in the rock cracks at the foothills of the volcanic mountain, almost touching the ocean. António Maçanita believes in the ageworthiness of this wine, so this is a library release, and in the future it will be an even later release date for the library. Lovely energy still, and freshness, even with a touch of waxy sheen from age. White honey, stones, long in the mouth, with a healthy touch of salinity on the end. Special to try this grape, descended from Verdelho, and earlier from Savagnin.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Zárate Albariño El Palomar 2021
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zárate estate is located in Rias Baixas' Vale do Salinas subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via Albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. Seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. This special cuvée is from 150 year old vines, amongst the oldest documented in Rías Baixas. It was fermented in a 2200L French foudre where it rests on lees until bottling. The deeper yellow hue hints at the time in wood, as does the broadness on the palate, supporting white peach, pear, lemon curd, and herbal thistle, trailing off with ample buzzy granitic grip.Prices:| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Zarate Balado Albariño 2021
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zárate estate is located in Rias Baixas' Vale do Salinas subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via Albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. Seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. From the oldest vineyard of Albariño in Rias Baixas, planted pre-phylloxera, these granitic-soiled vines in Val do Salnés are around 150 years old, and farmed with some biodynamic principles. After a native ferment in stainless, this is left on lees for 9 months, without bâtonnage, or MLF. Quite a powerful wine, with crushed stones bedding white peach, medicinal white cherry, meadow grass across a structural palate, slicked with lees, ringing with granitic minerality, and lingering with salinity. A beauty.Prices:| ON | $79.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Zarate Albariño Val do Salnés 2022
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zarate estate is located in Rias Baixas' lauded Val do Salinas subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. 7th generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. This is from 30 year old vines, fermented native, and with three months on the lees in stainless. Super buzzy, lit from within with a vibrato granitic grip, livening grapefruit, lemon, white peach, with a crunchy Asian pear acidity and lingering stony lift. So much energy in this wine here, and with life ahead. Benchmark.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sartarelli Classico Verdicchio 2020
Marche, ItalyNo significant changes here, just reassuring consistency. This is a delightful Marche white that was made for Westcoast seafood. The verdicchio grape brings a tight, grassy, green apple and crunchy pear to your glass with more green melon, tangerine rind flowing through the wine. A perfect wine for butter clams, pesto pasta, or sushi rolls. The Sartarelli family is committed to the historical preservation of Verdicchio in Castelli di Jesi as they move to elevate the grape’s reputation, and it has been doing it for over four decades. Stock up, this one is a winner.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lafazanis Geometria Moschofilero 2020
Peloponnese, GreeceThis moschofilero comes from Peloponnese's inland Mantinia region, and its golden hue comes off 6 hours of skin contact. Fresh green herbs, fragrant florals, tight white peach is lofted with an easy mountainous acidity, stringing this medium white along the bright palate. Quite restrained, this opens up with some time in the glass. Enjoy with summer salads and Mediterranean mezze.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you need more inspiration to try this historical wine, the Hester Creek Block 16 Trebbiano, which dates back to 1968, took a hit last winter from a freak overnight freeze, and it’s struggling to come back to life. The 2022 is a fine rendition of what is a fresh, floral white like no other in the country. Its simple production process begins with destemmed berries and a long, cool, three-month fermentation to preserve all it has to offer. The flavours span green apples and sweet melon with a tangerine, nectarine undercurrent that runs through a dry, palate-cleansing finish. I am a fan of shrimp on the Barbie or even the more delicate BC Spot Prawns. Few wines are as unique as this label in Canada.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Losada Godello 2021
Bierzo, Castilla-Leon, SpainLook for a lightish yellow colour and an enticing mix of pear and licorice. There is a fine amount of richness, with a touch of oil, without being heavy on the palate. Crisp acidity and slatey mineral notes carry you through the finish. Not your Monday night white but rather a wine for contemplation and food. It is aged for five months on fine lees, with 70% in stainless steel and 30% in used 500 litre French oak barrels. The Godello grape grows in northwestern Spain’s Galicia region, and the Gouveio found in northern Portugal is thought to be the same grape variety. Its origins are in the town of Godello, which was first planted in the 19th century by a local landowner. In the early 1920s, the vineyards were transported by a Galician trader who took several samples up to Galicia.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Marsanne 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe shift to a drier style continues, and it looks good. The nose mixes orange and nectarines with a lovely bitter undercurrent to keep it all in balance. Look for more dried apricot and peach with a dusting of almonds. It brings a bit more mid-palate weight this year, but remains fresh and complex with no cloying aspects. Perfect for vegetarian dishes and, of course, West Coast seafood. This year, the fruit is all Bella Vineyard, and it spent eight months in French oak barriques.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Roussanne 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2019 Bella Vineyard Roussanne was a whole bunch pressed, and barrel fermented for 21 days, followed by eight months of ageing in French oak. The result is a full-flavoured, green-yellow wine with an attractive honeysuckle floral, exotic nose. The palate is medium to full weight, with more ripe peach and orange streaked with almonds and pears. The rich and smooth texture, with a lovely lees component, keeps the weight and complexity running through the back of the wine. That said, winemaker Arnaud Thierry keeps it all fresh, leaving it, as the French might say, a serious wine of gastronomy. Halibut in an orange sauce comes to mind.Prices:| BC | $29.89 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lunae Vermentino 2021
Tuscany, ItalyThe name Lvnae is inspired by the town of Luni, an ancient Etruscan and Greek port, consecrated to the goddess Selene by the Greeks (Luna, for the Romans). The first Luna settlement was founded by the Romans in 177 BC. This vermentino was fermented and aged briefly in stainless. Lemon, starfruit, greengage, and peach sail along the streamlined, fresh palate, lined with fresh almonds and kissed with lemon blossom. Very charming yet serious, this is a worthy contender with your spring risottos or white pizza.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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12 June 2023
91PTS
Terralux Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted lately, and this wine continues to impress. It is a complete version of cabernet, linear and long, yet warmer, and richer than most BC offerings. More California in style, but in the end, the juicy acidity keeps it all fresh. Look for cassis, assorted black fruits, some dusty stone, graphite, pencil lead, and spice. As big as it is in youth, there are touches of elegance and balance that bode well for the future. Perfect with grilled steaks and chimichurri sauce at this point, or roasted vegetables. Another impressive newcomer on the slopes of Mt Boucherie, with big plans for visitors.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArnaud Thierry is working hard on the sandy loams of the Black Sage Bench, releasing an attractive enticing black fruit cabernet sauvignon that is perfectly ripe. Blackcurrants and olive tapenade spill out of the glass, inviting you to drink this wine now. The attack is similar, adding blackberries with youthful tannins, as you might expect at this point. Best now with grilled ribs and a sweet sauce but will be much better next spring as all the parts come together. It is aged in French oak for about a year.Prices:| BC | $37.37 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Road 13 John Oliver Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a giant cabernet sauvignon rich in blackcurrant, blackberry, and pencil/graphite notes. On the palate, the ripe fruit continues to join rich chocolate and a persistent long finish. It comes from a fine vintage and represents the best nine hand-selected barrels. The mix is 89% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, and 3% petit verdot. At this point in its very young life, it requires grilled Porterhouse steaks, BBQ beef short ribs, or grilled Portabello mushrooms. The fruit comes from a reserve block of thick-skinned grapes in east Osoyoos. It was hand-picked at peak ripeness, sorted and fermented for 28 days to extract the perfect balance of fruit and tannin, and aged for 18 months in French and American oak. John Oliver is a story of success won by sheer grit and unshakable determination. Never shy to don his overalls to get things done, Oliver was the engineer of the Okanagan Canals, an advocate for women’s rights, and a champion of the working man.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Covert Farms Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis cabernet sauvignon comes off the certified organic Coyote block, planted 2007-2008, over glaciofluvial sedimentary soil, at 415-420 meters of elevation. It was hand-harvested at 1.75 tons per acre. The nose is an attractive haunting black fruit affair. It’s a wine that wants to be Napa but is uniquely BC with its red fruit profile of Lapin cherries, red licorice, and white pepper with modest but youthful tannins. The finish is medium long with dark choclate bitter notes and baking spices. A wine for grilled meats, especially lamb, or cellar for three to five years. It is one of the best I have had from Covert. The property is just south of McIntyre Bluff and is managed with biodynamic and regenerative agriculture practices.Prices:| BC | $55.48 | 750ml |
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09 June 2023
90PTS
Quails' Gate Rosé Lucy's Block 2022
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLucy Mary Whitworth, the family matriarch, inspires Lucy’s Block. It is a tribute to her love of wine and the memorable moments shared with friends over a glass or two. This limited release blend of pinot noir and pinot meunier comes from the Westpoint Vineyard in East Kelowna. The free run juice is pressed after less than one hour of skin contact, hence its pale colour and fresh aromatics. Wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry with a drizzle of savoury sage and citrus make it totally smashable. Grilled asparagus, anyone?Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA new addition to the Bartier pink lineup is the Pinot Noir Rosé. In 2022 the all pinot pink offers a drier, more sophisticated style you can serve with food. Post ferment, it spends four months on its lees that help to build a silky mid-palate. Look for a freshly picked strawberry nose with a thread of spice and tangerine running through the entire wine. Stylish and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Keremeos' La Côte Vineyard and Whispered Secret Vineyard, this certified organic rosé blends 91% malbec with 9% sauvignon blanc. After the destemmed grapes were lightly crushed, they were soaked with dry ice for 4 hours, followed by a gentle pressing and cool co-ferment in stainless. It remained there on lees for 4 months. Juicy rhubarb, red currant, and early raspberry lead the medium palate, tart with zippy acidity, and seasoned with a dusting of spice which closes out a mandarin kissed finish. A punchier style of rosé which can easily handle gutsier summer dishes (think spice / protein).Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Liquidity Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother fresh aromatic pink stuffed with peach and guava with bright floral undertones. On the palate, savoury blood orange, cranberry, and rhubarb, with a dusting of pepper. Fresh, juicy, and easy to sip, it delivers with perfect tension of sweet fruit and acid. Most sushi works here, or a winery suggestion of arugula and tangerine salad. The fruit comes off a young block of cabernet franc grown near the US border. The juice is in contact with the skins for only two hours, hence the super pale colour. A portion is fermented in neutral French oak barrels to bring added weight and depth to the wine.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a medium pink, this juicy, fruit-driven rosé offers bright raspberry and pomegranate alongside cherry water, orange blossoms, and gentle spice. It's beautifully balanced, dry with abundant fruit and crisp acidity that leads to a bright, saline finish. A moreish style of rosé, to be sure. From two organic vineyards in the Similkameen: La Côte Vineyard, and Whispered Secret Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Pinot Noir Rosé is new to the BB lineup, and the 2nd rosé offering from 2022. This fruit comes from Penticton's sandy silt soils, and it was whole cluster pressed and fermented over 1 month in stainless, where it remained for 4 months on lees prior to bottling. Compared to their classic Rosé blend, this is a much drier, more serious offering, with wild strawberry, tangerine, and subtle stony spice, with a lactic slick on the core, through the snappy finish. Quite smart, and a nice addition to the lineup.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's rosé blends Gew and Chardonnay with splashes of merlot and pinot noir for the blush peach hue, and with grapes sourced from Oliver, Summerland, and Penticton. The whites were fermented in stainless, while the reds were fermented on skins for 19 days before pressing and blending, with all resting an additional 3 months before bottling. Very perfumed, with the gew is showing full force here via honeysuckle and gingerale, backed up with melon, lemon, and strawberry. Though the RS is low, the palate feels a bit softer through the shorter finish. A gentle, perfumed, friendly rosé to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
LaStella Lastellina Rosato 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLaStellina is a delicious rosato following the winery’s Italian theme. It is made by pressing some grapes and bleeding tanks with others. The combination of the press and the bleeding method has been successful. The mix of cabernet franc brings the spice and herbal notes, the sangiovese red fruit, Bing cherry, while the merlot adds a touch of darker fruit and texture. One of the best of the year that is for sure. How versatile is it? Well, the winery goes from casual sipping to Indian or Thai curries, strong aged cheeses, or later this fall, to lentil & bean chilli.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lunessence Estate Single Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLunessence makes two rosés, but the Blanc de Noirs, a single vineyard offering, is the more idiosyncratic release. In 2022 the wine has been tightened and leaned out a bit, making it more of a rosé for wine drinkers. Bright citrus, red fruit with a streak of tangerine skin all dance along the watery acid line. Dry and tart, this is a stylish food wine, but I also enjoyed it solo. So long, sugar, hello complexity.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Rosé Furthur Afield Series 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Further Afield Series gives the winery some flexibility to work outside the confines of its Kelowna Vineyard with what they describe as British Columbia’s most revered varieties. The series began with a rich, full-flavoured 2021 Syrah, and next up is this 2022 Cabernet Franc Rosé. The colour is Provençal pink, the attack juicy with fruit slightly sweeter than the home vineyard, pitching fresh plum and dried wild herbs under strawberries, red apple, and cranberry before a crisp, dry finish. Interestingly the fruit was gently whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks with inoculated yeast, while the hard pressings of the juice were fermented wild in older pinot noir barrels. The blend was aged on fine lees for three months before going to bottle.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Tantalus style is tight, refreshing, and juicy, and in 2022 the home based rosé, a 50/50 mix of pinot noir and pinot meunier, brings more of the same to your glass. The colour is pale, barely there pink, with enticing notes of strawberries and watermelon that preview juicy red apple, lemon, and pink grapefruit. Dry, complex, and replete with a mineral undercurrent, this is worth drinking on any occasion all summer. Rosé for wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Seven Directions Fruitvale Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé 2022
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFruitvale Ridge Vineyard is made with Osoyoos cabernet franc farmed sustainably from 15 year old vines growing over larger rock and shale mixed with gravel, loam, and clay. Winemaker Daniel Bontorin cold soaks his grapes for a couple of hours to help capture his Provenćal pale pink rosé before it is fermented in stainless and aged on lees. Expect a dry, juicy wine with ethereal hints of wild strawberries and watermelon, and a savoury apricot finish lined with stony minerals and a touch of lime pith.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Seven Directions Tractor and Vines Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKristine and Daniel Bontorin have been busy finishing their new winery in the Similkameen Valley but have still found time to make another version of the Tractor and Vines Vineyard Rosé that is easily among the top five rose’s made in BC every year. The fruit is grown at lake level on a 1.1 acre, dry-farmed Summerland site, and the 15-year-old vines, oriented east-west, sit on silty clay loam and fluvioglacial deposits rich in organic matter. The colour couldn’t be any paler, and the 667 pinot noir couldn’t be more floral and inviting on the nose. The grapes are crushed and cold-soaked briefly before pressing and fermented in the roughly three-to-one ratio of stainless steel tanks and neutral French oak barrels. It is very Provençal in style with fresh and creamy citrus and strawberry that melt in your mouth yet persist long into the finish. Load up if you can find it. You will not be disappointed.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Covert Farms Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Rosé comes off the regeneratively and organically farmed Coyote Block Vineyard, cofermenting merlot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, which spends four months on its lees post ferment. The colour is peachy orange after a few hours of skin contact, and the style is richer than most, reflecting its grape makeup. Cherries, apples and jammy raspberry is streaked with baking spices. Old-school, but it will be fine when served with grilled chicken, pork ribs, and richer summer plates. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.43 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Pink Mountain Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPink Mountain delivers a thirst quenching burst of watermelon, pink grapefruit, and sweet raspberries with an underside of guava and passionfruit for balance. The mid-palate is sweet, suggesting you chill this bottle and serve it with spicy sushi rolls or spicy wings.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Modest Wines Les Cinq Sink Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis rosé combines five Bordeaux varieties, or everything but the kitchen sink, hence the Les Cinc Sink moniker. The mix is 31/20/21/12/16 cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, malbec, and petit verdot, but the folks at Mount Boucherie capture it all with the 101 Yacht Worthy tag. Expect a pale pink rosé a la Provence with fresh pink grapefruit and watermelon. Bright, tasty, and ready to drink. At the Modest Butcher Restaurant, this wine is widely, or should I say modestly, applied to local charcuterie plates.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chronos Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis pale peach syrah rosé opens with a fragrant mix of red and white fruits, including watermelon, strawberry, mandarin, red apple, and white peach. There is a bump of residual sugar here, but it is quickly offset by the wine’s acidity and a touch of bitterness, leaving it a refreshing, light easy sipping pink you can drink solo or by the pool. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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08 June 2023
89PTS
Olivier Coste Oldstar Carignan Noir 2021
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSince his childhood, Olivier Coste’s favourite places to play have been the vineyards and the family wine cellar at Domaine Montrose, his family’s wine estate founded in 1701 in Pézenas. With this upbringing, Olivier developed a profound attachment to the Languedoc’s terroir and landscape, and later to its wines. This was fermented and aged in stainless, to preserve the purity of the older bush vines. Baked plum, boysenberry is lit with a buzzy acidity, and framed with fine, sticky tannins, finishing with cracked stones and a dusting of pepper. A substantial red, yet a lovely 13% take on carignan. Try with grilled pork.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Olivier Coste Cinsault 2021
l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSince his childhood, Olivier Coste’s favourite places to play have been the vineyards and the family wine cellar at Domaine Montrose, his family’s wine estate founded in 1701 in Pézenas. With this upbringing, Olivier developed a profound attachment to the Languedoc’s terroir and landscape, and later to its wines. This Cinsault grows on the schist soils of Château des Adouzes, in Faugères. This underwent a 3 week maceration and fermentation in concrete tanks, where it remained until bottling. Wild blackberry, plum, is scented with a scrubby wild rosemary and iris, and lined with light, long tannins through the saline kissed finish. A charming red ready to enjoy now with your wild mushrooms.Prices:| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rivetto Barbera d'Alba Zio Nando 2020
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyYouthful, energetic, travelled Enrico Rivetto farms his family's estate with a philosophy beyond biodynamics (they are the first Demeter certified winery in Barolo), and towards complete biodiversity. Zio translates to uncle in Italian, and the vineyard that forms an important part of this wine was planted by Uncle Nando in 1944. This youthful red uses one third of 1944 vines from a vineyard planted at 365m, on sandy, western-facing slopes. It was native fermented in stainless. Wild plum, wild blackberry, thorns ride through a sleek palate, hugged with finely grippy tannins through an herbal kissed finish. Easy swell of acidity even in the warm 2020.Prices:| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bisquertt Crazy Rows Carignan 2020
Maule, Valle del Claro, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileStrawberries, sour cherries, and dried herbs preview a light, juicy, tart barbecue red from 70 year old carignan vines in Maule. Coastal Cauquenes is home to this very old, granitic sandy loam, formed from granite and full of quartz and other minerals. It’s fermented in old concrete tanks for two weeks, without controlled temperature, fermented with native yeast, and aged in concrete tanks for six months. Think Rhône and the south of France.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Carménère Gran Reserva 2020
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis wine continues to improve with an enticing plummy savoury nose followed by a swath of lush dark fruit and a spicy, peppery undercurrent. Treve calls this smoked bay leaf on a bed of pipe tobacco, and that nails it. The tannins are fully dispersed, and the sweet fruit balances the final green kick that is carmenere. Corn and beef empanadas in Chile are a good match. Further north, beef tacos would do the trick equally well.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.80 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co. Zinfandel 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOld vine Golden Mile Bench zinfandel is at the heart of this ripe, dense, warm red that opens with black raspberry and black cherry aromas that spill onto the palate. The attack is soft and peppery with black raspberry, nutmeg, and menthol, faintly reminiscent of California, aided and abetted by a 15.5 percent alcohol. Bring on the ribs and steaks.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Luigi Scavino Azelia Barolo 2017
Piedmont, ItalyAt Azelia, mixing the calcareous soil of Castiglione Falletto with the heavier clay soils of Serralunga d’Alba is the magic behind this beautiful wine. In all, six plots of vines from two villages, with vines closing in on 50 years of age, make the story behind the amazing purity of fruit you find. In 2017, a hot, dry year, the tannins are fully ripe, giving the wine a softness not often attributed to Barolo. Look for bright floral cherries and black licorice to kick off the nose. The tannins, Barolo dense, are equally chalky and able to support all the black cherry and tar you can throw at it. A modern, soft, dense Barolo big on styling that is aged 24 months in 25 - 50HL oak barrels of Slavonian, French, and Austrian origin. The Azelia estate resides in the village of Castiglione Falletto and goes back generations in the family. Azelia proprietor, Luigi Scavino, split ownership of two highly regarded Barolo vineyards: Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto; and San Rocco in nearby Serralunga, with his cousin, Enrico, who runs the neighbouring Paolo Scavino winery. Their respective fathers divided the family holdings back in the 1950s.Prices:| BC | $71.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pegaso Barrancas de Pizarra 2017
Castilla-Leon, SpainI’m thrilled to see this wine again after so many years. The Pizarra vineyards sit on metamorphic, brown slate soils, unique to the village of Cebreros, a small region 90 minutes from Madrid within the Sierra de Gredos, from 950 to 1,200 meters above sea level. Team Rodriguez first discovered the slopes of Arrebatacapas while following the transhumance routes of the Cañada Real. It was love at first sight, with the stunning landscape and the old garnacha vines growing wild with only nature’s help. That was in 1999. Since then, the team has recovered the slope of Arrebatacapas, described as “the most crucial slate landscape in all of Gredos.” Old traditional garnacha bush vines are manually harvested and spontaneously fermented in foudre, followed by an extended élevage of 24 to 30 months in 400 and 500 litre French oak barrels. This is wine for the curious and those contemplating each glass they consume. Dry, firm, and fruity, the flavours persist from front to back with perfect weight and length to match.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $50.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.95 | 750ml |
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07 June 2023
90PTS
Garnet Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGarnet Valley Winery makes its debut with this pinot noir under its moniker, signalling it will be a standalone entity moving forward under its license in 2023, while remaining with the same owners and winemakers, namely Christine Coletta, Steve Lornie, and Matt Dumayne. Half of the grapes were pressed stems and all, fermented in concrete, and aged in a mix of neutral barriques and concrete. Earthy, dark forest floor penetrate the black cherry. The textures are surprisingly dense and lush with a modicum of tannin yet to disperse. Bright and edgy, this is a very modern version of Okanagan pinot noir replete with a touch of savoury desert scrub. Pork, duck, or salmon all work here.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir Reserve 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe now familiar golden mask created by Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob marks edition five of the Tantalus Reserve Pinot Noir. 2020 is a lovely vintage clocking in at only 13.2 percent alcohol, and bone dry. This is an invitation to finesse and complexity. Expect dry, forest floor, earthy tobacco until it hits your palate. From here, a rush of red fruits, pomegranate, wild strawberries, and plum jam fill in the spicy oak notes that filter into the finish. “Small but mighty” is the Tantalus vintage review. It began with a cold snap of under -20C in February, damaging some buds. Above average rainfall in May charged the soil with water. It gave the vines all they needed before cool and wet weather in early July affected the flowering, and caused an uneven berry set across the property. Summer was warm but not hot, while the smoky skies on the early days of harvest quickly dissipated. The blocks were picked under ideal dry and warm conditions moments before the first frost and snow.Prices:| BC | $65.22 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoutheast Kelowna is coming on strong in the pinot discussion led by wines like this entry Tantalus label crammed full of dry, earthy aromas, and overflowing with Bing cherry and mushroom that dance in light and fresh. The persistent finish is marked with baking spices and sticky youthful tannin, with a dusting of minerality for complexity. Clones 114, 115, 667, 777, 828, 37, 943 from the estate and neighbouring blocks are handpicked and vinified in small lot wild fermentations. There were no pump overs or punch downs, just some gentle foot-treading. It is aged in oak barriques (20% new) for 11 months. In the end, this wine evaded the heat dome, the wildfire smoke, and a small yield to give us something delicious to drink or hold, all at 13.4 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Little Engine Gold Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a rich, full blown, New World style pinot that will have its fans, from its sweet plum entry to its jammy, raspberry mid-palate, and savoury sweet baking spice finish. It is nowhere near ready to drink, but with a substantial piece of duck, or a favourite mushroom dish you could enjoy it now. The fruit is all estate, mixing clones 115, 667, 777, 828, 943, 91, Swan, and Mt. Eden, and cropped at a mere 2 tons per acre. The 2020 Gold aged in 28% new French puncheons with the balance in 2nd use barrels, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Covert Farms Pinot Noir Grand Reserve 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect an expressive pinot that pitches forest floor, rhubarb, and menthol up front. On the palate, it's red cherries, red raspberries, cedar, and mint tea with a dash of spice. Lean and fresh, this is ready to drink but you need to serve this with a bit of fatty food such as pork belly or pork ribs. From 21 year old vines in Mimi's Block, at 420m on Covert Farms' organic McIntyre Bluff estate. It is aged 21 months in French oak.Prices:| BC | $35.48 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Four Shadows Pinot Noir 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Naramata Bench, this is a much better version than last year. The nose and the palate are riper in a New World pinot way and the oak is more prominent, but it likely will not deter most drinkers who want a bit of weight and density to their pinot noir. Not everyone loves the tighter, leaner style of Burgundian pinot. This is a round, pleasing mouthful of pinot you can drink now and enjoy with a chicken salad, pasta in vegetable sauce, or a simple piece of cheese.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Organic Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic pinot noir from the South Kelowna Slopes is light, juicy, and sappy, with attractive cherry that's overlaid by smoked spices. There's a real attractiveness to the underlying fruit, and the less-is-more style suits it well. Enjoy with a light chill alongside grilled salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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05 June 2023
89PTS
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso 2018
Veneto, ItalyThis is a solid, well-priced Ripasso, which is more on the savoury side of the spectrum. There's a combination of dried cherry and plum, accented by chocolate, tomato leaf, dried herbs, and cinnamon. It's suave and glycerious, with a softness to the palate thanks to the subtle residual sugar, which is nicely balanced by juicy acidity. It's a lovely expression of Ripasso, with a real drinkability that you don't always find with this style.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Masi Fresco di Masi Organic Rosso 2020
Verona, Veneto, ItalyAn organic and vegan red that presents more like a rosé with a gentle bump of residual sugar to smooth out what normally can be a very dry wine. The mix of corvina and merlot fills your glass with soft, easy sipping raspberry and cherry jam. Soft and sweetly ripe, with a light earthy leather underside, you could serve this solo well chilled. or with spicy appetizers. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Montecariano Tutti i Colori del Rosso 2019
Verona, Veneto, ItalyFrom Valopolicella Classico, this off dry Rosso blends corvina and corvione into 80%, with molinara finishing off the remaining 20%. The grapes were fermented in stainless, and halted 2/3 through production, leaving a noticeable bump of RS around 8g/L. It remained in stainless 6 months. Smooth and silken cherry, red currant, raspberry jam glide along the palate, with negligible tannin and a dusting of baking spice. A simple, sweetish, but well made red for drinking with your spiced kabobs.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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02 June 2023
90PTS
Fattoria Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2021
Tuscany, ItalyRufina is the smallest appellation in Chianti, extending across 750 hectares. This is 95% sangiovese, joined with tips of canaiolo, colorino, and malvasia nera from well-drained, dry and stony north and north-west facing vineyards. These 15-40 year old vines grow in medium density clay and limestone at 200-300m. Fermentation and maceration occurs in stainless over 25 days with native yeast, before aging in 25hL French casks for 12 months. Bright and lifted cherry, ripe raspberry is kissed with wild orange, and dosed liberally with flake salts. Tannins are fine and sticky, hugging this medium red to a gently spiced finish. A subtle and pretty Rufina, ready to enjoy now with fragrant mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis Sangiovese, from three vineyards at Casato Prime Donne, is situated on the cool northern area of Montalcino at about 225m, rooted in clays and sands. This was native fermented in stainless and concrete vats, before aging 6-12 months in large tonneaux. Wild cherry, black raspberry is kissed with smoked stones, and wrapped with sticky tannins through a spiced end. Still quite youthful, this Rosso has time ahead.Prices:| ON | $49.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2019
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom Trequanda’s Fattoria del Colle, at 400m on hills of predominantly limestone and sandstone comes this Supertuscan blend of Sangiovese (60%), and equal parts Merlot, and Sagrantino. This was vinified in stainless before 18 months in large barrels and in 5-7 hl French oak tonneaux. Spiced ripe cherry, fleshy raspberry fills a generous palate, licked with leather, and framed with ample sticky tannins which take this to a baking spiced end. Try with grilled beef / lamb / root veg. The 8 doves on the label represent this groundbreaking female-led winery, while the dragon represents Donatella's ever-present husband and confidant, Carlo.Prices:| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tenuta Fanti Poggio Torto Rosso 2021
Tuscany, ItalyThe Tenuta Fanti estate has belonged to the Fanti family since the beginning of the eighteenth century. It extends across 300 hectares in Toscana, 52ha of which are specialized certified sustainable vineyards. The name Poggio Torto (leaning hill) comes from the irregular shape of the hill Poggio d’Arna, that is in front of the winery. This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah comes from young vines rooted in schist and clay. It was fermented in stainless before 4 months in oak barrels, 50% in barriques of 3hl, and 50% in big oak barrels of 50 hL. Ripe blackberry, cherry, boysenberry floods the generous palate, framed with ample soft and sticky tannins which take this to an herbal finish. Best enjoyed with grilled pork / veg.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Selvapiana Vigneto Erchi Chianti Rufina Riserva 2017
Tuscany, ItalyIn Medieval times, Selvapiana was one of the watch towers along the river Sieve built to protect the city of Florence on the North-East border. During the Renaissance, the building was enlarged and transformed into a villa suitable as a summer residence for noble Florentine families, and the bishops of Florence. In 1827, Selvapiana was acquired by Michele Giuntini, a successful banker and ancestor of Francesco Giuntini, the present owner and fifth generation to run the property from 1957 through to 1997. The vines are certified organic. Winemaker Federico Giuntini grew up at Selvapiana. His father was the estate manager from 1950 to 1990. He always wanted to work at the estate. Francesco Giuntini, owner of Selvapiana, never married, and always considered Federico and his sister like family. In 1994 Francesco legally adopted them, continuing the family tradition at the estate. The Erchi farm was purchased in 1998, in the municipality of Pontassieve, and was planted to sangiovese in 1999 with cuttings from their Bucerchiale vineyard. Fragrant cherries, dark raspberries, bergamot is laced with salinity and ferrous notes, and framed with long, tight tannins, housing this to a lingering bitter cocoa finish. Beautifully structured and graceful, drinking very smartly now and with time in your cellar ahead.Prices:| ON | $69.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Il Bastardo Sangiovese di Toscana 2021
Tuscany, ItalyThe Il Bastardo winery is located in the Rufina area of Tuscany, just 20 kilometres outside of Florence in the Sieve River Valley an area thought to be the best for growing sangiovese outside of the Classico zone. Two decades on in this market and this wine remains pretty much what it has been from the beginning: an easy sipping spaghetti and pizza red that sells for a song. The colour is dark, the nose a mix of floral, black cherry with just enough acid to keep it fresh. The Italian tannins keep it dry and earthy from front to back, and there is even a touch of mineral to gloss up the finish. Back up the truck.Prices:| CDN | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cecchi Chianti 2021
Tuscany, ItalyThis Sangiovese is tipped with 10% Canaiolo and Colorino, from vineyards in the Chianti hills around 270m. This entry Chianti was fermented and aged in stainless. Perfumed cherry, ripe raspberry is woven with gentle spices, and framed with bitter, gritty tannins, leading to a subtly saline finish and a puff of heat. Good intent here, and suitable for cracking alongside a humble stew.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Sergioveto Single Vineyard 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThe first Sergioveto was made in 1985 as an homage from Italo Zingarelli to his son Sergio who joined the company that year. Ser Gioveto is also a reference to the archaic name of Sangiovese, Sangioveto, the primary grape chosen for the new wine. Since 2015, a Chianti Classico Riserva has been produced with 100% sangiovese grapes from a single vineyard: Pian Della Casina. The wine is aged 20-24 months in French oak barrels, plus an extra year in bottle. The wine is dense and packed with dark plum streaked with balsamic. The tannins are measured and round but plentiful at this point. There is no rush to drink this wine. Notes of leather and pipe tobacco round out the dry finish. It will begin to open through 2026 and beyond to be all it can be, which will be considerable.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $52.89 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Carpineto Dogajolo 2020
Tuscany, ItalyPredominantly sangiovese with a 20 percent splash of cabernet sauvignon, this shows dried red cherries accented by leather, sandalwood, and some gaminess. There's a certain rustic charm here, with enough fruit to make it work. Light, juicy, and ready for tomato-based pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Altesino Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Tuscany, ItalyAltesino Rosso is exclusively made with sangiovese di Montalcino grapes before ageing in Slavonian oak barrels for eight months, then a year bottle at a minimum. Light, breezy cherry and berry lead the way before the darker plum and earthy dried herb move in mid-palate. Fragrant, accessible and with bright acidity, it is a terrific wine for meaty or mushroom pasta dishes or grilled chicken off the barbecue—good value and authenticity. It is baby Brunello at its best.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo 2018
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyAnother exceptional vintage, you could argue, is in the class of 2016, if just a touch less. Argiano has been tweaking its style for the last half-decade, and between Bernadino Sani and Alberto Antonini, they have put this label back in the upper echelon of Brunellos. Look for a floral rose opening with black cherry and wild strawberry laced with savoury dried herbs and leather. Surprisingly elegant with refined, dense, and sweet tannins, leaving a silky palate full of mixed red berries and a smooth chalky mineral finish. Impressive now, this vintage has the potential to age for decades, making it a must-have for collectors.Prices:| BC | $334.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $294.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Argiano Non Confunditur NC Rosso Toscano 2021
Tuscany, ItalyNon-Confunditur, or “not to be confused or unique,” is on the Argiano family crest. In many ways, it describes the direction of winemaker Bernardino Sani, responsible for this Super Tuscan mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and sangiovese. The fruit comes off younger 15 to 20 year old organically farmed vines leaving Sani to describe NC as a baby or junior Super Tuscan. The softness and roundness pull you into the glass, offering savoury wild notes of sage and violets mixed with juicy blueberry, black raspberry, with a stony mineral underside. Long, ripe, and sweet spiced, this wine overdelivers right now. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in two and three year old oak. We loved this wine with a plate of grilled sausages and dry hard cheeses. Big value here.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $33.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Argiano family boasts 500 years in the region, growing grapes on a sheltered plateau in the lee of the Amiata Mountain. The property, currently under the direction of winemaker and manager Bernardino Sani, is thriving. Sani has been instrumental in refining the style, using less oak for a more elegant style. Awash in savoury, earthy sangiovese fruit mixed with violets, the palate is lifted with bright acidity and dense, sweet tannins that, while plentiful, do not interfere with the big picture. This will be a mid-term Brunello you should drink from 2025 -2028.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $89.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Argiano Solengo 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe legendary Giacomo Tachis wanted to make a super-Tuscan in Montalcino, so eventually the Bordeaux varieties were planted at Argiano at 280 to 310 meters, over marl and ancient clay, with a high proportion of limestone. Decades down the road, the pandemic vintage, a warm year in Tuscany, came to a finish favouring Super Tuscan blends like Solengo that mixes 50% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 20% merlot, and 5% sangiovese. Always a mouthful, this dense red specializes in floral notes, blueberries, black fruits, balsamic streaks, and spicy oak with fine-grained tannins that finish seamlessly and very long.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $109.99 | 750ml |
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01 June 2023
89PTS
Márcio Lopes Proibido Clarete 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, 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. This Clarete is a field blend from 40 year old vines at 650m on the left side of the river at Vila Nova de fox Côa. The destemmed grapes were native fermented in stainless, where it remained until bottling. More a darker hued rosé, this lighter red charms on the palate with pomegranate, wild raspberry, scrubby herbs, and rockrose. Tannins are near negligible, acting as just a guide to take this to a crushed stone finish. Enjoy this slight red with charcuterie or roasted beet salad.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Adega de Portalegre Conventual 2019
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez, and Alicante Bouschet comes from Alentejo, and was fermented and rested in stainless. Cushy ripe plums, black cherries are seasoned with light cedar spicing and waves of dark cocoa. Tannins are equally soft and plush, housing this to a shorter, peppery finish. A friendly and welcoming easy Portuguese red for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oscar's Quevedo Red 2020
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalQuevedo is a collective of small family wineries based in the Douro, together cultivating 100 hectares of vineyards across six properties in the valley, from the sub-regions of the Cima Corgo and the Douro Superior. Oscar's Red blends touriga franca, touriga nacional, and tinta roriz, with 6 months in wood. Ripe and toasty cherry, raspberry jam is kissed with mint and rosemary, and wrapped with sticky tannins. There's a bright stony freshness to carry the fleshy palate easily. A smart choice for lamb / mushroom burgersPrices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Two Tradesmen Red Wine 2017
California, United StatesThis Paso red blend is anything but small, though coincidentally petite sirah and petit verdot are the dominant grape varieties. Expect dark, brooding fruits that push into the fig and prune spectrum, with a touch of mint and cedary tertiary development nearly six years on from vintage. It's rich and impressively concentrated, albeit a bit heavy, with dense but suave tannins that are nicely resolved. Serve this with a light chill to tamper the warming alcohol, and pair with hearty grilled fare. If you're in the mood for a big, bold red, you can't go wrong here, especially at this price.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Harper's Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Field Blend Red 2021
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThis year’s Field Blend Red is a mix of pinot noir, cabernet franc, and what is described as “a whit of chardonnay". The bouquet is a lightly fragrant affair of cherries and a desert undercurrent. The palate is juicy and lively with a subtle mix of red cherries, tobacco, and pepper, but nothing out of balance. The finish is soft and almost glossy, with a lovely sense of elegance. A perfect partner to grilled chicken or salmon. Impressive for the price. A very natural wine.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
The Chocolate Block 2021
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis is a much different wine than I remember from years back. It's perfumed and elegant, with a beautiful freshness to the fruit. A Swartland blend of syrah (74%), grenache (10%), cinsault (8%), cabernet sauvignon (7%), and viognier (1%), this offers wild brambles, blueberries, and dark cherries, lifted by fragrant lavender alongside sweet herbs, white pepper, and graphite. There's a complexity here that keeps pulling you back to the glass, with a clear ripeness to the lush fruit. Yet it's still vibrant and impeccably balanced, with polished, fine tannins that make this easy to open now, but with the fruit concentration to reward cellaring over the next 4-6 years. Recommended and good value at this price.Prices:| BC | $44.94 | 750ml |
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85PTS
C'est la Vie! Pinot Noir Syrah 2020
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceTart red and black fruit lead this shorter, simple red, with fine, sticky tannins, and a snappy, spiced finish. Fun, easy to drink (with a chill) and ready to crack now with burgers or sandwiches.Prices:| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
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July 2023