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Tastings: July 2023
31 July 2023
89PTS
Bella Wines Black Pine Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis traditional method rosé comes from Naramata Village's organically farmed Black Pine Vineyards, and is a new release from Bella's ever-expanding bubbleverse. Pouring a slight peach hue, this bone dry and high acid fizz streaks wild cherries, subtle raspberries, mandarin peel and sour plums across the slight 9.3% palate, finishing with a bitter cherry riff. Nice new experiment from the bubble family.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bella Wines Cabernet Franc Ancestrale Mariani Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first time Jay released a pét-nat of cabernet franc, sourced from Naramata's Mariani Vineyard, and only 30 cases were produced. Pouring white, this bone dry fizz is flooded with red fruit: wild strawberries, crunchy cranberry, along with Rainier cherry on a tart, snappy, buzzy palate. A nice addition to the ever-growing Bella bubbles.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Chardonnay Ancestrale 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of fruit from Naramata Village was co-fermented in neutral oak before heading to bottle to capture the sparkle. Subtle white peach, tangelo, green apple flood the bone dry, racy, 9.4% palate, finishing with a snappy tangerine twist. A lovely new addition to the ever-growing Bella portfolio of bubbles.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Bella Estate Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gamay ancestrale comes off Jay and Wendy's organically and biodynamically farmed estate vineyard's steep clay banks. Bright and racy, this bone dry pét-nat streaks along the slight 9.9% palate with mandarin, green apple, wild strawberries, carried with nimble salty acidity through a lingering saline finish. Very pure. Only 75 cases.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Mariani Vineyard Clone 787 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe rarely seen clone 787 gamay comes off Naramata Bench's organically farmed Mariani Vineyard. Pale peach in hue, this bone dry and racy pét-nat streams tangerine, wild strawberries, white peach crunchy green apple along a slight 9% palate. Lovely pitch between fruit and acidity here. For acid lovers. 75 cases.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bella Wines Gamay Noir Ancestrale Rosé Agape Vineyard Clone 358 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata's Agape Vineyard, this clone 509 (the most commonly planted in BC) gamay was done in the ancestrale method, bottled while fermenting to hold the sparkle in the bottle. This pét-nat is barely peach hued, and a slight, bone dry 10.5%. Tart rhubarb, crunchy cranberry, green apple streak across the racy palate to a snappy end. For avid acid lovers only. Only 20 cases made.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bella Wines Buddha's Blend Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBuddha's Blend (aka B2), was a 2017 experiment that worked so well it has continued through. Unlike all of Bella's other fizz, this blends two grapes: chardonnay and gamay. Jay scooped suitable lees from their various single vineyard pressings around the Okanagan and Similkameen, and combined them into one tank to native ferment, topping up as they were racking all their single lot wines. After five months on lees following secondary ferment, this was bottled with zero dosage. Pouring a blush peach hue, this youthful, tart, zippy fizz streams wild strawberries, tart rhubarb, mandarin along a sleek 10.5% palate, rinsed with fresh acidity, and kissed with salted dried cranberries on the snappy finish. Severe acidity warning: unlike most fizz, this welcomes not being served super cold. Allow the vinosity of this wine to come through.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Oinea Amyndeon Lune Rosé Extra Brut 2020
Amyndaio, Makedonia, GreeceDomaine Oinea is a remote gem in the small mountainous town of Amyndeon, in Macedonia, protected by a mountain range full of conifers, lime trees and chestnuts. This blend of 98% xinomavro and 2% Limniona comes from limestone soils and biodynamic, ungrafted vines in Macedonia's Amyntaio, at 650m. This trad met fizz spent 12 months on lees prior to disgorge with 1.3 g/L in January 2021. Brisk and dry, this very pale rosé streams wild strawberry, pink grapefruit along a crunchy palate, lit with limestone which reverberates on the finish. Quite striking and unique, very well handled, and certainly a wine of place.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Domaine Oinea Amyndeon Lune Noire Extra Brut 2019
Amyndaio, Makedonia, GreeceDomaine Oinea is a remote gem in the small mountainous town of Amyndeon, in Macedonia, protected by a mountain range full of conifers, lime trees and chestnuts. This blend of 90% xinomavro and 10% assyrtiko comes from limestone soils and biodynamically farmed, ungrafted vines in Macedonia's Amyntaio, at 650m. This trad met fizz spent 18 months on lees prior to disgorge. Bright and brisk, with perfumed tight white florals, white grapefruit, fragrant anise, and lemon, with a racy, dry palate lit with limestone. Quite interesting, and certainly a wine of place.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Fitz Blanc de Blancs 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom this sparkling-centric winery's Greata Ranch estate vineyard in central Okanagan, this chardonnay was fermented and aged in neutral French oak and rested at least 3threeyears in a bottle before disgorging, with three g/L residual sugar. Toasty red apple, wand hite cherry fills a gently expansive core, sliced with tart green apple and kissed with white blossoms, with a lick of anise on the finish. It's an easy, friendly, and intelligent wine to enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $44.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
13th Street Winery Cuvée Rosé Brut NV
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWith a lovely pale rose gold hue, this sparkling rosé reveals slightly bruised apple and pear skin peppered with subtle spices and bready notes. The sharp acidity is nicely balanced by a hint of sweetness at the finish. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Weingut Heinrich Oh When the Saints Pet Nat 2021
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFrom one of Austria's leading biodynamic vintners, this St. Laurent was grown on mica schist, and started native ferment in inox before moving into bottle. This was disgorged in spring 2022. Light elderflower, green apple, Asian pear blossom skip along the slight 10.9% palate, with a buzzy, grippy, saline underlay, and fine texture. Light, dry, pure, and refreshing.Prices:| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Stag's Hollow Muscat Frizzante (in can) 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Italians have long perfected the fizzy Moscato, and this BC label is a close second. Like the Italian version, it is drier than you might expect, which is always a delight for serious wine drinkers, and it has the requisite low alcohol, well below 11 percent. This lightly fizzy blend of Muscat Ottonel and Orange Muscat is a delight to sip, thanks to a juicy floral fruity palate and clean finish. Fun in a can.Prices:| BC | $8.00 | 250ml |
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83PTS
Mayhem Sparkling White Can 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Sparkling White is a new canned wine from Mayhem, which really should be called Canned White, since the bubble is non-existent here. A wee prickle opens this sharp, tinny chardonnay, with light lemon, melon, white peach on a short palate, finishing with a bitter snap.Prices:| BC | $7.36 | 250ml |
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89PTS
Henkell Trocken Crémant de Loire Methode Traditonelle 2016
Loire, FranceFrom the Loire Valley, from hand harvested grapes, this Crémant de Loire opens with a light golden colour and an attractive nose of pears and muted hazelnuts. From the 2016 vintage, this is a surprisingly correct Crémant with plenty of bottle age to add to its interest. Dry yet juicy, this is fun to drink and will be food friendly with the likes of Gougères, vegetarian pizza, or a favourite charcuterie board.Prices:| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
| CDN | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $16.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainIt has been a while, but this rosado remains a consistent, class act cava. Look for a bright, clean fruity nose and an apparent step-up in intensity over a Prosecco. It is a true Brut, leading with creamy red fruit before it drys out through the finish to invite a pairing with a wide range of foods. The blend is trepat / monastrell / garnacha, resulting in a fun summer sipper or brunch rosé that will charm many a palate.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lunessence Riesling Brut 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOrganic riesling is at the heart of the third release of this charmat blend of 86/14 riesling/pinot blanc. It gets several weeks of lees contact in tank and is finished with a bump of residual sugar. There is excellent acid to help counterbalance the sugar, leaving the wine bright and refreshing with grapefruit and candied citrus. Enjoy this one with take-out Thai or Chinese on the patio.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis Cava impresses with its meticulous attention to freshness, intensity, and a controlled mousse. The vineyards are higher up in the Montserrat Mountains, and the blend is xarel-lo, macabeo, parellada, and chardonnay. The nose is an inviting bite of almond croissant sprayed with lemon juice. Fresh and elegant, it more than delivers for the price. Perfect for West Coast shellfish.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Back Door Winery Giggle Juice Rose Bubbles NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe rosé has a pink/orange tint with a slightly tired nose of yellow apples, caramel, and strawberries. The blend is gewürztraminer, riesling, pinot gris, and cabernet franc. This needs drinking now.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Back Door Winery Giggle Juice White Bubbles NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSoft, sweet sparkling juice with yellow fruit and peach, bruised apple. It's in a can, and it's ready to drink. The mix is gewürztraminer, riesling, and pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $7.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Canavel Setàge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe colour is pale straw, while the floral nose previews an elegant sparkler long on minerality and subtle fruit. A perfect sipping wine for late day or early evening gatherings. Like most Prosecco, it is best served with small bites. Canevel sparkling wines have bubbles that are as subtle and elegant as silk (Setàge). According to the winery, the slow sparkling wine process is carried out at low controlled temperatures (12° – 14° C) using selected yeasts. The result is bubbles conferring unique softness and creaminess.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Valdo Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore Marca Oro Extra Dry NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe Marca Oro Extra Dry (12-17 g/L of residual sugar) is the prototype everyday easy sipping Prosecco you can pop and pour anytime. Sweet peaches and candied pears lead the way for this light sparkler, prime for a warm weather outdoor gathering.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Sparkling Angel 2021
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis sparkling wine was a delight to discover at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, introduced by Aurelio Montes. The fruit is from Zapallar, a cool coastal site a few kilometres off the Pacific Ocean. The nose is a mix of fresh white flowers and red fruits with a hint of brioche. The texture is creamy and round with more of the same subtle red fruit, ending in a blaze of hazelnut and dried fruits. The Montes Brut is made in the traditional method and spends three years on its lees. Years ago, New World producers would kick off their wine dinners by serving Champagne to announce that they were all about quality. Now many pour their Champagne-method sparkler, and I say good on you.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Township 7 Seven Stars Polaris 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPolaris is a blanc de blanc chardonnay sparkler grown at Hidden Terrace (Oliver) and Township 7 Estate Vineyard (Naramata). The grapes are picked with high natural acidity to sustain the bottle throughout its secondary fermentation, and the wine spends 21 months on tirage building complexity of flavours and texture before it is disgorged and dosaged and put back in the cellar for another nine months prior to release. Look for a lively but fine mousse that offers citrus, green apple, and lees. Red apples and stone fruits disappear into a lean, tight, racy finish dotted with minerals and more subtle lees characters. Complex and sophisticated. A delicious bottle and a nice jump from last year in style and complexity.Prices:| BC | $35.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Teresa Prosecco Vino Frizzante Organic NV
Veneto, ItalyVilla Teresa is made by the Vini Tonon Company, established in 1936 by Pietro Tonon. Villa Teresa was born more than 40 years ago and was one of the earliest adopters of making organic wines. With a goal of thinking about the environment first, this brand has grown over the decades from a funky hit-and-miss sparkler to a clean, reliable, well made Frizzante keying on yellow fruits and pear with a refined, quiet mousse. Serve well chilled in the mid to late afternoon on your piazza.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moraine Shipuchka Frizzante 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShipuchka is a lightly effervescent mix of pinot blanc, auxerrois, and chardonnay. The nose is a sweet scent of ripe red apples and other assorted orchard fruits. Soft and round, with a bump of residual sugar on the mid-palate, and more peach, honey, red apple. Simple and ready to drink, serve well-chilled with slightly spicy bites on the patio.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Evolve Pink Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot blanc is joined by a dollop of syrah for colour, pouring an attractive pale salmon hue. The emphasis is squarely on the fruit thanks to the charmat method, with lemon, red apple, and soft red berries that are lifted by orchard blossoms. There's lovely depth here, well above the norm for the category, with a soft, creamy mousse that leads to a balanced, off dry finish. A fun wine that will make the perfect Okanagan aperitif.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Evolve Effervescence NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is an off dry, easy drinking sparkling wine made in the charmat method from pinot blanc and chardonnay. It offers fresh pear, green apple, and lemon on the nose, leading to a soft, gently frothy mousse with modest length. Serve well chilled.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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28 July 2023
88PTS
Chronos Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from Penticton and Okanagan Falls, this shows ripe guava, white peach, orange, and grapefruit pith. Far from a lean, grassy style, but still with the vibrancy of the 2022 vintage. Rich and nicely textured, benefiting from added weight from a subtle residual sweetness, with a crisp, modest finish. Well made.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI revisited this over three days and it just kept getting better and better. At first pour, it's tightly wound and restrained, with white grapefruit, peach, and fresh herbs. I found the fruit got more expressive with time, and clearly this is a wine that will benefit from time in the cellar. What stands out is the texture: precise, linear, and chalky, with vibrant acidity that exemplifies the 2022 vintage. Sourced from 15-16 year old vines and harvested over two picks, this was fermented with ambient yeast and aged in a combination of stainless steel (25%), barriques (25%), and foudres (50%) for five months. A triumphant return for Blue Mountain after courageously skipping the 2021 vintage.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.85 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHerrera Vineyard, Keremeos, in the Similkameen Valley, is home to this fruit. After a 24 hour cold settle, the juice is racked into a concrete tank (63%), neutral French oak barrels, and stainless steel barrels for fermentation and ageing. There was regular bâtonnage until blending when all the parts were combined. Look for creamy textures with tropical lemon and lime, orchard fruit, and a welcomed vibrancy. This wine has more electricity this year and is better for it. The winery says to match it with dishes with green herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil, cilantro, mint, etc.) or fatty vegetarian dishes (asparagus quiche, green hummus, white bean casserole with zucchini, and white lasagne).Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Fumé Blanc blends fruit from 4 vineyards in Oliver and Keremeos, and is a blend of 69% sauvignon blanc and 31% sémillon. The fruit spent 2 hours on skins prior to pressing and fermenting cool in a mix of stainless tanks and French puncheons. Each parcel spent 4 months on lees until the final blend. Punchy and forward, with heaps of fresh lime, crunchy guava, tart white grapefruit, and green apple skimming across a taut palate. Thankfully there's a fine slick of lees and gentle toast here to try to counter. But, where's the Fumé Blanc in this? With a name as forward as that, one would be expecting more barrel influence, as has been in some years past. Perhaps it will inch out more with time, but for the present and near future expect this as a zippy, zesty, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata's Hillview Vineyard, this was whole bunch pressed and underwent a long cool fermentation starting in stainless, and then heading to a mix of 15% stainless and 85% barriques. The heavyweight bottle and gold foil lettering show intent before the wine gets into the glass. After that, heady passionfruit, guava, lime pith and peel rule the tropical palate, with mouthwatering acidity and ample citrus sherbet to sharpen. This packs a punch, like a ripe Marlborough Sauvy would, and would make a great local substitute for that style.Prices:| BC | $25.32 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench fruit, it was destemmed and fermented over two months in stainless, with 7% heading into French barriques. All remained for four months on lees before bottling. Juicy and bright, with shining grapefruit, lime, grapefruit and finely buzzy spice, all buffered by a thin and well-placed slick of lees. Fun and friendly, ready to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Border Vista Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Osoyoos' Border Vista Vineyard and its sandy soils, this sauvignon blanc spent time in both French and acacia barrels. Brisk and bright, with lemon thistle, verbena, ripe gooseberry, racy white grapefruit smartly balanced off with a gentle lees pad and ample white pepper, trailing off into mineral salts on the lingering finish. Lovely presence and structure here, reminding me of top Chilean examples of the grape.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOff their Naramata Ranch vineyard, this was native fermented in concrete egg and French barrels. Piercingly sauvignon blanc, this drives through the palate with lemon thistle, lemon verbena, gooseberry, grapefruit and lime pith, and a shake of mineral salts which linger on the citrus finish. Does not lack for acid, or energy, and thankfully has a thin sheen of lees to buffer. This structured and taut Sauvy will stand in smartly for your assertive Kiwi sauvignons.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
River Stone Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is becoming a reliable cog in the growing BC sauvignon blanc category. The grapes are grown just North of Oliver on the cooler, west side of the valley, in sandy loam deposited during the last glaciation. It comes with less sweetness, and the tradeoff is a more versatile mouthwatering white you can serve with a variety of foods. Look for tropical aromatics mixed with herbal notes, pink grapefruit, melon, and passionfruit. Steamed mussels are the classic match, but I also like it with Dungeness crab cakes.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Taylor Whelan says, “sauvignon blanc has immense untapped potential in North Okanagan because of our climate and soils.” I have thought this for years, seeing one off wines from nowhere hitting it out of the park, while the natives drink every commercial offering made in New Zealand. This grassy, lemongrass and guava affair is streaked with flint and mouth-watering freshness. Fermented in concrete and French oak barrels, this wine will turn heads. Low in alcohol but rich in flavour, this is a delight to drink. Oysters, anyone?Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Three Sisters Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThree Sisters Sauvignon Blanc has a large bump of residual sugar, flattening the traditional high acid style most sauvignon is known for. The catch is, for the many who will say this wine is too sweet, an equal number of folks will say they love this style. This wine will appeal to a broad audience if you embrace ripe candied grapefruit and ripe melons in your sauvignon. You can chill this and serve it on a hot patio, and it will be a hit, or you could serve it with a spicy curry where it will be equally embraced. Simple but effective, and to each their own.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Border Vista Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Osoyoos' Border Vista Vineyard is a warm site with sandy soils, but you would never think so when you taste this tightly wound sauvignon blanc. Time in French and acacia barrels allows for some tempering of the acidity, with a creamy entry of gooseberry and grapefruit. A dusting of mineral salts pulls it all together in the finish. Surprisingly complex given its southern Okanagan provenance.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Fumé Blanc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Fumé Blanc cames off four sites in Oliver and Keremeos in late September with a final blend of 69/31 sauvignon blanc/sémillon. The style is lively and fresh with big aromatics. Grapefruit and Meyer lemons dominate the nose, dusted in Similkameen desert scrub. Juicy and fun to drink right now solo or with fish tacos, crab, or spicy tuna rolls. Post ferment, the wine is aged on its lees in stainless steel tanks and French oak puncheons for four months. Solid.Prices:| BC | $25.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Sémillon Thomas Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's Thomas Vineyard, this sém was whole cluster pressed and fermented cool over 1 month in stainless, where it remained on lees until bottling. Characteristic of young sémillon, this is brimming with lime and lemon and zippy white grapefruit at this stage, resing on a bed of grass, with a kiss of herbal Okanagan scrub in the background. Though zingy and vibrant now, try resting this for a few years in the cellar and see what honeyed relaxed goodness becomes.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Covert Farms Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Sauv Sém is off the estate Coyote Block, high atop McIntyre Bluff at 420m. This year the blend is 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Sémillon, and 8% Viognier, all fermented and rested in stainless. Lemon verbena, lime, gooseberry is livened with pink grapefruit and bedded with a well-placed cushion of lees and river stones. Lovely balance this year, making this a charmer for enjoying this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.43 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA subtle expression from Okanagan Falls that never gets too high and never gets too low. The nose mixes fresh cut herbs, grapefruit, and muted peach. The palate has the same flavours and tempo with a mineral chalky undercurrent in the finish. The 15-16 year old vines are picked twice at different flavour and acid levels, and fermented with ambient winery yeast. The ageing is in stainless steel, French barriques, and larger French foudres for five months.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.85 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Thomas Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's Thomas Vineyard, this blend of 85% sauvignon blanc and 15% sémillon was cold fermented separately (sém whole cluster) and rested, most likely in stainless, and then blended. Zippy and zesty, this leads with grapefruit, passionfruit, tangerine, and gooseberry, which stretch across a lees-slicked palate, lined with RS and lees, and seasoned with buzzy stony spicing. This juicy, ripe, friendly model will have many fans this summer.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chronos Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright gooseberry, passionfruit, and lemon light up this fleshy and ripe sauvignon blanc, with a slick of lees and RS padding out the generous core, and making this seamless on the round palate. There's a kiss of warmth on the finish, but nothing that a brisk chill and plate of summer canapés won't quench. Friendly and likeable.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tightrope Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon Thomas Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThomas Vineyard on the Naramata Bench gives us this delightful 85/15 sauvignon blanc/sémillon, fermented separately and blended down the road. I love the freshness and vitality, making it perfect for a warm summer evening. Look for fresh cut grapefruit, passionfruit, and a streak of tangerine that lights it up. The finish is a fine mix of wet stones, creamy lees, and juicy lemon lime. It’s only missing a bit of complexity, but who cares. Back up the truck and give up that Kiwi sauvignon for a week. You may never go back.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Covert Farms Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to improve, finally adding some complexity to the mix. From the regeneratively farmed and certified organic Coyote Block Estate Vineyard atop McIntyre Bluff, the 2021 blend is 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Semillon, and 8% Viognier. It is all fermented and aged in stainless keeping it bright and fresh. Look for gentle tropical pineapple with grass and guava, rinsed in cool, ripe lemon juice. Another step up to the top. Well done. Fabulous seafood wine.Prices:| BC | $22.43 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Township 7 Reserve Benchmark Series Sauvignon Blanc Blue Terrace Vineyard 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTownships 7’s flagship Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a super vibrant style leading with big hits of passionfruit and gooseberry on the nose, with more lemon, almond on the palate, finishing with creamy lees. The Loire clone fruit is all estate grown at Blue Terrace Vineyard in north Oliver. Stony soils reflect heat up into the vineyard through the cool fall evenings, allowing the fruit to ripen fully. You hardly notice that it is entirely barrel fermented and aged for seven months, 15% new and 85% neutral French. The rich structure supports various food matches, including local shellfish with a citrus mignonette, balsamic braised Brussels sprouts, or Risotto and bitter greens.Prices:| BC | $26.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Modest Wines La Graves Robber Sauvignon Blanc / Sémillon 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNo need to be modest here. This is delicious stuff and a tip of the hat to Bordeaux whites, most of which are gathering dust on retail store shelves. The creative team went down the road to Graves, robbing the sauvignon and sémillon blend (79/21) and impishly labelling it La Graves Robber. No wood is in sight again, resulting in a bright, shiny, fresh, crisp white that dances on the palate. The Okanagan Falls fruit brings a wealth of flavours, from gooseberry and passionfruit to lime pith and grapefruit. Steamed mussels would be a great match.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Capella 2021
British Columbia, CanadaI said it last year, and this vintage just hammers home the point: Capella is one of the most consistent and reliable wines in British Columbia. There's an exuberance to the fruit in 2021, while still holding true to the Clos do Soleil ethos of restraint and elegance. There's a lovely interplay of lemon, white grapefruit, gooseberry, and white peach, framed by savoury notes of desert herbs, beeswax, and lees. It's complex, textured, and beautifully balanced, easily rivalling white Bordeaux double or triple the price. I'm sure the French wish they had that Similkameen minerality.Prices:| BC | $30.90 | 750ml |
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27 July 2023
87PTS
Stag's Hollow Dolcetto Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis label is consistently tangy. Even in a warm year like 2020, it remains true to form. The nose is Italian lean with light red fruit and floral undertones. The attack is tart and relatively short on the mid-palate. The finish is dry. It is more Italian than Okanagan, which is good, but more charm would be appreciated. Serve now with grilled sausages, root vegetables, or creamy cheeses.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castelvecchio Refosco 2020
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyCastelvecchio is a part of the Karst (Carso) area in the province of Gorizia The dry, rocky soils are layered with red sand, iron, and limestone, and the vineyards are cooled by breezes from the Istrian Peninsula. This Refosco dal peduncolo rosso was fermented in stainless before spending 1 year in small barriques of 225/350/550 litres of French and American oaks, and then 1 year in 7,5, 15 and 25 Hl barrels of Slavonian and French oaks. Fragrantly spiced mulled plum, blackberry, perfumed boysenberry, dark cocoa is framed with lightly sticky tannins, and finishing with a potpourri spice mix.Prices:Read Full Note
86PTS
Da Vero Biologico Nero d'Avola 2021
Sicily, ItalyAraldica is a third generation, family operated co-operative based in Piedmont, though they also work on projects outside of their home region, like this organic nero d'avola, from Sicily. Pitchy black fruit, pipe tobacco, thorny branches are wrapped with ample sticky tannins to a briefer bitter cherry finish. Needs a fat / protein to match, and lamb or mushroom burgers would well work.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Heinrich Leithaberg Blaufränisch 2017
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFrom a mix of Leithaberg’s limestone, sandstone, mica schist soils, this spent 20 months in older 500L barrels. Wild plum, wild blackberry, perfumed red currant are layered throughout the schistous frame. Tannins are long and taut, housing this to a mineral laden finish. Finessed and understated from the cooler 2017 vintage, this is drinking beautifully now.Prices:| ON | $49.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Heinrich Blaufränkisch 2018
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaWith organic / biodynamic grapes sourced from the east and west side of the Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl), this blends grapes growing in the limestone and schist of the Leithaberg (Leitha Mountains), as well as the sandy loams on the Parndorfer Platte (Parndorfer Plain). This was native fermented with two weeks maceration on the skins in wooden vats and steel tank before 39 months aging in wooden vats and in used 500-litre oak barrels. Dusky blackberry, black cherry, crushed violets and broken stones are hugged by grippy / powdery tannins, holding this to a firm finish. Nice purity and freshness in this darker blaufrankisch, primed for grilled fare now.Prices:| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Juxtaposed Old Vine Grenache 2020
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom the Wait Vineyard in Blewitt Springs and the Smart Vineyard in Clarendon, this year's OV Grenache is mainly concentrated due to the drought year and poor weather. This was fermented in open fermenters, pressed to a tank for settling, and racked into old oak barrels for aging. Medicinal hewn cherry, raspberry, and red earth rest on a base of worn leather, studded with flake salts and glowing with a gentle humming acidity. Tannins are worn fine and supple, hugging this through a pink peppercorn spiced finish. Lovely concentration and thoughtfulness here.Prices:| ON | $60.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Craven Wines Cinsaut 2022
Bottelary, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom 32 year old dry farmed bush vines on decomposed granites and silica sands of Stelly's Rustenhof vineyard, this is one of the Bredall family farms that the Cravens started using in 2017. They share the site with with Bernard Bredall and his striking Sons of Sugarland label. Rustenhof is one of the region's most coastal vineyards, and you feel it in the freshness of this lifted cinsault. 2022 is the second time this wine was aged entirely in concrete, a move Mick and Jeanine have been moving towards for some time. Destemmed and whole berry, this was native fermented and rested in concrete, where it remained until bottling. Wild cherry, wild raspberry, mustard seed flood this lighter red, lit with crunchy acidity, scented with fynbos and white pepper, and framed with finely sticky tannins through a buzzy, medicinal kissed finish. Beauty energy and texture, this is most obviously a grape very well suited to concrete. Drinking beauty now.Prices:| AB | $38.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sunnybrae Marechal Foch 2022
Shuswap, British Columbia, CanadaThis foch opens with a purple/black colour, a fragrant wild nose of roses, and some meaty chocolate undercurrents. The palate is fresh and chewy, with more juicy black fruit and rubbery, smoky, earthy notes through the finish. Juicy and easy to drink, it will be best with grilled hamburgers or even beef tacos. Ready to drink at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Spier Seaward Pinotage 2019
Coastal Region, South AfricaSpier’s Coastal Region pinotage fruit comes off 15-20-year-old vines fermented in stainless steel to keep it fresh and lively before a 14-month stay in an 80/20 split of French and American oak, of which about 30 percent was new. It is a rambunctious red with a rich palate of black plums, red berries, and some classic bitter notes of tobacco and tomato leaf, a la run-of-the-mill carmenere. The tannins are youthful and full and need some time to settle down, but this is a barbecue red for sweet and sour ribs at best.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Garzón Marselan Reserva 2020
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayExpect a well balanced mid-weight red. What it lacks in structure, it makes up for in juicy wild blackberry. The mid-palate is medium long and the finish is similar. A solid, well made mid-week wine with a bit more class than fervour. A promising start and a wine I'm sure Garzón will continue to refine over the next decade, as Bordeaux and China will. It spends 6 to 12 months in 50 hL untoasted French oak casks to let it breathe and come together after a concrete ferment. An Alberto Antonini / Germán Bruzzone production, this Marselan weighs in at 14.5 percent. Marselan was first bred in 1961 by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in the Hérault department of the Languedoc-Roussillon at its Domaine de Vassal station in Marseillan, after which the grape is named. The objective was to create a high-yielding variety with large berries. It came naturally resistant to mildew and botrytis, but its small berry size was unappealing to growers. Quality producers revisited the grape in the 1990s first for IGP wines. In 2011 it was permitted as an "accessory grape" in AOC Côtes du Rhône wines. And more recently, in the ever-warming Bordeaux region, it has become one of seven varieties permitted in the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur appellations. It is gaining favour in China, and as seen here at the Uruguayan powerhouse Garzón.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Time Waits For No One Red 2020
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThis organic monastrell is labelled simply as "Red," offering confected black fruits with a hint of graphite and spice. Vinous in character, this feels very much made, with disjointed acidity and noticeable warmth to the finish. Try this with a light chill alongside grilled burgers.Prices:| BC | $26.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Okanagan Hills Estate Reserve Pinotage 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSurprisingly dark in colour with a somewhat dirty, black fruit nose, the attack is rich and peppery with plenty of blackcurrant, dried figs, and a smoky tobacco underside. A fair bit of oak is throughout, whose weight makes for a long, smooth, silky, spicy finish. Much good here, but the front end needs some work to clean up the nose, especially given the price tag. Drink now with grilled sausages or hamburgers.Prices:| BC | $45.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Orlandi Contucci Ponno Rubiolo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2021
Abruzzo, ItalyThese montepulciano vineyards sit on the foothills of the Vomano River valley at 200m, approximately 2km from the Adriatic Sea, on silty loams. From a mix of clones, this medium red aged 6-8 months in stainless. Sultry plum cherry compote fills a softer palate with slightly sticky tannins and a warming bitter cocoa finish. Try with a slight chill and meaty / tomato-sauced pasta.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Damilano Barbera d'Asti 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyDamilano has deep roots in Piedmont, from 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno started cultivating and producing wine from the grapes in his vineyards. The Barbera d’Asti doesn’t have those kinds of roots at Damilano. Barbera d’Asti is a mere babe, having been first made in 2008. Still, Damilamno signed an agreement to manage grapes from an 11-hectare vineyard in Casorzo in the province of Asti, an area where Barbera has grown since the 1800s. This Barbera hails from vines 20 to 30 years old in the white marl soils of Monferrato vineyard. Bright red with a touch of brick at the edge, this wine elevates itself on your palate, shouting class and complexity. Lightly spiced, it offers an ethereal mix of red currants, cherries, and violets on a silky long palate. You hardly feel the 14 percent alcohol without food. This is a real wine. Raw beef is the match.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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26 July 2023
88PTS
Time Waits For No One Double Organic 2021
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThis monastrell from Jumilla is filled with ripe, juicy plum mixed with violet florals, peppery spiciness, and a hint of reductive meaty undertone. On the palate, it offers a supple, lush mouthfeel in a fairly soft structure with some sweetness at the finish. An easy to enjoy red with expressive aromas and a sweetly smooth texture.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi 2019
Santadi, Cagliari, Sardinia, ItalyThis carignano based red blend (60% carignano/carignan, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 10% merlot, 10% syrah) from Sardinia shows a highly complex nose of brambleberries and persimmon skin layered with savoury Mediterranean rosemary and tarragon. There’s a weight and richness on the palate reflecting the warmth of the origin, but it doesn’t feel heavy. The 14.5% is well integrated. The finish is prolonged with saline minerality and a touch of iodine. A multi-layered red blend that shows the perfect mix of fruit, earth, and tertiary flavours.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis single variety petit verdot from McLaren Vale offers sweet black fruit mingled with a touch of dried violet and black pepper spiciness, though the cedar oak is quite forward, along with coffee and clove scents. Ripe, cushiony tannins are wrapped with fruit richness on the palate, and the warmth of the alcohol gives way to a chocolatey bittersweet finish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Alpha Carménère 2021
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Alpha Carménèrecomes from several vineyards across the Colchagua Valley and is grown using strict water management developed specifically by Montes for carménère. In 2021 early rains setback some susceptible varieties, but the carménère was unaffected, and it went on to become a wonderful year for this spicy, savoury variety. It aged in 1st, 2nd and 3rd used French oak barrels for about a year yielding a full-bodied red full of cassis and blackberry fruit streaked with its customary green peppercorn balsamic notes. Not for the faint of heart, this structure red is best consumed at the dinner table with grilled meat or root vegetables.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tosalet Carignan Vinyes Velles 2017
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis intense red wine with a purple opaque colour is filled with mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, and mint. It has a complex and mouthfilling taste with a spicy, mineral, wet stone undercarriage. This wine is best aged in the bottle for at least ten years before opening. Tosalet's old vine carignan comes from Priorat, a unique terroir. The 80+ year old vines are planted from 300 to 600 meters above sea level, yielding a tiny 7 hl/ha in the best years. After a cold maceration, it is fermented at 26-28ºC for three weeks before ageing for 18 months in new 500L French oak barrels. The life of this wine will be long and exciting.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $46.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $43.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Garzón Single Vineyard Petit Verdot 2020
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayGarzon PV is fermented in 80 HL concrete tanks before ageing in untoasted French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months. This petit verdot weighs in at 14.5 percent alcohol, although you don’t notice it, given the balance of this wine. The nose is fragrant and filled with sweet black cherry. The attack is light-footed with more dense black fruit and dense, highly refined soft tannins. This is the hallmark of Alberto Antonini wine, the famed Italian consultant who helped shape the harmonious Garzon lineup. Rich and intense, this is a winner from front to back. This was a star at the Vancouver International Wine Festival and may be available through the Mark Anthony Group.Prices:| CDN | $42.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Garzón Single Vineyard Tannat 2020
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayBodega Garzón is only 17 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean, as the crow flies, close to Uruguay's summer playgrounds at Punta del Este, La Barra, and Jose Ignacio. Designed from the ground up with more than 1000 small vineyard blocks covering its hillside slopes, the vineyards' varying microclimates, different humidity levels, and intense canopy management have spawned a wide range of unique labels, including this renowned tannat. Expect an opaque purple colour and fabulous texture, like most Garzon wines. Indeed there is a surprising amount of charm and elegance that surrounds this plummy tobacco red with juicy, soft, youthful tannins. Lamb, wild boar, or a simple T-Bone steak all work well here. Consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini works closely with Germán Bruzzone Eduardo Félix to make this wine a picture of style and elegance.Prices:| CDN | $53.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Time Waits For No One Double Organic 2021
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainThis organic monastrell shows macerated dark fruits alongside candied violet and peppery spice. Correct but mass market in style, with a touch of residual sweetness, this offers modest concentration and length. Fun packaging.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Purple Angel by Montes 2019
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChilePurple Angel is the Montes flagship carmenere, and in 2019 the mix is from Chile. The colour is almost always opaque, the nose rife with black and blue fruits and dense, sweet tannins on the mid-palate. The style is hedonistic, with baked cherries and candied plums balanced by coffee notes and the savoury bay leaf undercurrent of classic carmenere. Like most years, this wine requires a decade of patience to allow this wine to sing. A singular effort from Chile. It is 92% carmenere split between Apalta and Marchigue, 46% each and 8% petit verdot from Apalta. The fruit is grown on two estate vineyards, Finca de Apalta and the El Arcángel de Marchigüe, in the Colchagua Valley on mostly granitic origin soils with differing clay content and old fluvial and glacial stones.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $75.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| PEI | $66.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $66.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Montes Wings Carmenere 2020
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMontes Wings is the latest carmenère project from the Montes family. A blend of 85% carmenère and 15% cabernet franc, the fruit comes off the home Apalta vineyard in the Colchagua Valley but from the top of the hill instead of the lower vineyards as has been the case. The result is a somewhat more approachable wine mixed with red and black fruit than Purple Angel. It has some carmenère intensity, showing olives and fennel notes, but it's mixed with blackberry blueberry and sweet French oak dusted in chocolate. Some 80% of the wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak barrels, 20% in second and third-use barrels.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Church & State Wines Petit Verdot 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Coyote Bowl Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, this petit verdot is always an extensive wine, and in 2019 it remains no less so. The nose intensely pitches graphite and floral notes before the big black, peppery fruit kicks in. The palate is dry, and the tannins are youthful, suggesting that the bottle needs more years. Expansive and structured, it needs more charm this year. This will be best with grilled lamb or wild boar to offset its power and tannins. Not a wine for the timid.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Telmo Rodriguez Gaba Do Xil Tinto 2019
Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainAfter two trying growing seasons, 2019 produced an average size crop, albeit slightly reduced by hail damage. The origin of viticulture in Valdeorras is as old as the Romans and probably older. Phylloxera wiped out some of the original vineyards. The empty plots, abandoned for over a century, attracted Telmo Rodriguez and friends to revive some of the best sites for mencía. Expect a mineral-saturated mix of scrubby dried herbs and bright red, smoky, peppery fruit with a heavenly texture. Gabo do Xil is stainless steel fermented with indigenous yeasts and left alone for 12 months before bottling. Wild, aromatic and unique, it is hard not to finish this bottle in an instant. Drink or hold through 2027.Prices:| BC | $24.35 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Corcelettes Petit Verdot Micro Lot Series 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a Similkameen savoury desert wildflower nose mixed with dried herbs, black plums, Christmas cake, dried black cherries, and a peppery finish. It is a modern version of a grape that few varietal bottlers understand. This needs three to five years in the bottle to be at its best, but it should become a solid red wine from a fine vintage. Well done.Prices:| BC | $45.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi 2019
Santadi, Cagliari, Sardinia, ItalyPredominantly carignano (also known as carignan), with 10 percent additions of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and syrah, this savoury red comes from Santadi in the southwest of Sardinia. It's led by stewed dark plums, with leather, sundried tomato, dried florals, and anise. It's very much in the Mediterranean idiom; a complex wine, to be sure, if a bit rustic and soft, though with polished, fine-grained tannins. A touch warming on the finish, serve this with a light chill and drink in the short term.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaPirramimma has created a loyal following for its single variety petit verdot and it is easy to see why. This shows generous depth, with dark plum and macerated blackberry that is layered with dried violets, graphite, and a litany of spices. There's just enough freshness to balance the evident fruit ripeness here, with structured, fine grained tannins that are well managed and will support careful cellaring for another 4-5 years. Very good length.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Pure est Monastrell 2020
SpainFrom hilly vineyards on the limestone soils in the south east of Valencia, this organic monastrell was fermented warm over 3 days before a short stint in oak. Thick with cloves, nutmeg and roasted coffee, this chewy, rustic red is cloaked with ample oak, and finishes with bitter browning cocoa notes.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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25 July 2023
88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Meritage 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 Reserve Meritage is a mix of merlot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, sourced out of Oliver Osoyoos, and is aged 14-16 months in French and American oak. The 2021 is very young and somewhat unknit at this point. The nose mixes dark fruit and blackberry pie crust with lifted notes of blackcurrants and dry, youthful tannins. There is also a spicy undercurrent that runs through a savoury desert scrub finish. It needs two to three years in the bottle or a very hardy menu. Mushrooms, lamb, or aged beef all should work right now.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $32.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NL | $25.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terralux Meritage 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is well put together, and it begins with an enticing 60/24/12/4 blend of cabernet franc/merlot/cabernet sauvignon/malbec grown at S’milka Vista Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The nose is generous, mixing red (plums) and black fruits (blackcurrants) streaked in tobacco and dusted with fine dark chocolate. Rich bit balanced and shows some minerality throughout. The production is standard: indigenous yeast fermentation at ambient temperatures, gently pressed fruit with a traditional basket press, followed by an 11-month stay in French barriques.Prices:| BC | $46.12 | 750ml |
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24 July 2023
89PTS
Red Rooster Pinot 3 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAs the name suggests, this is a blend of the 3 local pinots: noir, gris, and blanc (from Oliver and Penticton), all co-fermented in concrete eggs, and aged in a split between eggs and stainless. It's an adventuresome wine for Red Rooster, resulting in fragrant pear, sage leaves, subtle strawberries, and light spice along a softer palate, with a gentle texture, and lovely flow. Quite smart, and a nice change from the RR crew.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Calliope Figure 8 White 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Figure 8 blends sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, and riesling from the southern Okanagan into a steely, cool aromatic white. Tart and grassy up front, with some melon, yellow apple, and Asian pear on the middle, this easily displays the 3 grapes in the mix. Thankfully dry, and best with a brisk chill.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAutumn Gold is an off-dry aromatic blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc, sourced from 18 different blocks in the South Okanagan. Each grape was vinified separately, with 6 months' rest prior to the final blend. Perfumed roses, jasmine, honeysuckle, lush melon, and soap jump out of the glass, with noticeable sweetness finishing with a snap on the lightly spiced finish. A simple white for those looking for one on the sweeter, perfumed side.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Terravista Figaro 2021
British Columbia, CanadaFigaro is always a bit behind the other whites (currently 2022s), with its current release of 2021. This year it blends 75% roussanne and 25% viognier, leaving marsanne out of the mix. Viognier comes off Naramata Bench and the Similkameen, with Roussanne off a single vineyard in Oliver, and utilizing a mix of stainless and French barrels / puncheons, with 3 months' bâtonnage. There's a pronounced smokiness to the dense fruit here, with a smouldering stone underlying the ripe white peach, fragrant quince, pulpy lime, and spiced ginger. Certainly the most flamboyant of their portfolio, and one to try with an equally fragrant green curry or coconut rice.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Terravista Fandango 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot surprisingly, Fandango is the only albariño / verdejo blend in Canada. This year, it's a 40/60 split estate grown on the granitic soils of their estate Lone Hand Ranch Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. This is the first year that verdejo takes the lead in the blend. Each grape was picked and whole cluster fermented separately in stainless, where it aged for 5 months prior to the blend. Fresh green herbs, lemon verbena, green papaya, pomelo lead this zippy, sleek white, nicely padded with subtle lees, and scented with sagebrush on the saline finish. Quite distinct, and worth seeking out. 308 cases.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Tragically Vidal (in can) 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt Stag's Hollow, the vidal sweet spot pick is timed after the first frost when the skins finally soften, and the flavours are maximized. The canned version gets a cool fermentation and a small amount of CO2 that remains dissolved in the wine, adding some zip to the palate. Look for a refreshing, lively nose with notes of lemon, desert brush, grapefruit, and residual sugar through the finish. Try this with Mexican food for a fun afternoon. The vidal fruit comes off Parsons Vineyard on the Skaha Bench Sub-GI, and the Stag's Hollow Estate Vineyard, Okanagan Falls Sub-GI. The cans are packaged in 4-packs.Prices:| BC | $8.00 | 250ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Crisp White Wine 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you want to make an aromatic white, selecting pinot blanc, viognier, riesling, and muscat is an excellent mix. Clean and fresh but with seemingly lower acidity this year, I’m not sure this is a wine they need to make, although maybe a little chenin blanc could perk this up. Otherwise, expect a round, easy-sipping floral affair with pear and grapefruit and a touch of bitterness for balance. Ready to sip on the patio.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Red Rooster Pinot 3 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA one off equal blend of three pinots: pinot noir, pinot gris, and pinot blanc that presents as a floral fruit salad. Look for red apples, pears, and Meyer lemons but all with a softer acid bent. This is best suited as a summer patio wine served well-chilled and served with light spicy bites. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Riesling Grüner Veltliner 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2022 is an interesting mix of 56/44 riesling / grüner veltliner from Coldstream in north Okanagan, and Okanagan Falls East. At first glance, you might expect these two varieties to clash, but winemaker Michael Bartier has found a synergy in this blend. Grapefruit and lemon-lime pervade the palate, with mouth watering streaks of orange before a lovely mineral, wet stone finish. Fresh and succulent, you can serve this white with richer creamy cheeses or a Thai noodle dish.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Canter Field Blend 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Canter Field Blend combines co-fermented sauvignon blanc and chardonnay based on a traditional Cheverny blend in the Loire Valley. Winemaker Bertus Albertyn has put together an elegant white wine using no oak but hinting at blackcurrant fruit aromas and flavour over a mineral base. The fruit is handpicked from selected vineyards, whole bunch pressed, settled, and cold fermented between 11°-13° C. Interestingly, the press wine is barrel fermented in used French oak. After fermenting, the wine is left on its fine lees for three months before blending and bottling.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
River Stone Splash 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis aromatic off-dry white blends viognier, pinot gris, and gewürztraminer from the south Okanagan. Ripe pear, white peach, crunchy Asian pear leads the slender palate, with a subtle dusting of spices on the finish. Lovely restraint here, this lighter wine shows sophistication in an oft-dumb downed style.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Calliope Figure 8 White 2022
British Columbia, CanadaNo big changes here with this sauvignon blanc, gewürztraminer, and riesling from the southern Okanagan. The style is tighter than most aromatic blends, focused on citrus and grass mixed with fresh melon and pears. Its dry demeanour adds a level of intrigue the competition lacks. Solid, if simple, serve with crab cakes or fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEighteen blocks of selected grapes go into Autumn Gold, an off-dry aromatic blend of South Okanagan gewürztraminer, riesling, and pinot blanc. After six months of aging in stainless steel separately, the winery brings them together in the blend. It's suitably perfumed, pitching rose petals, honeysuckle, and litchi with a palate of off dry orchard fruits and melons. The finish comes with a hint of spice and more litchi. Ready to drink well chilled on the patio or with spicy appetizers before dinner.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lunessence Estate Single Vineyard Field White 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is year three for this Alsace-inspired Gentil blend made with certified organic fruit. The blend is 64/30/6 riesling, gewürztraminer, and pinot blanc. The attack is fresh with plenty of fragrant floral and tropical tones, followed by crunchy primary orchard fruit dusted in lemon, lime, and minerality. Clean and bright, this is all you could want in a summer sipper grown in the Summerland area. The wine spends five months on its lees, adding a further dimension to a tidy little white you can serve with various bites.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vina Esmeralda By the Sea Edition 2021
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe 2021 Vina Esmeralda By the Sea Edition is a blend of moscatel de Alejandría and gewürztraminer that results in a medium-dry, fragrant Mediterranean white flecked with oranges, mandarins, and a touch of spice. This is a simple fruity summer white for the patio to be served well chilled. Best with a favourite curry or even spicy ribs. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Back Door Winery Secret Stash White Blend NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother simple summer sipper that reminds me of apricots and peaches. The style is fragrant and while not that sweet it has a slightly cloying finish. The blend is a mix of riesling, pinot gris, and gewürztraminer. Pricey for what you get. Try this well chilled with a summer cheese plate.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Cliffhanger White 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMoraine's signature white from the Cliffhanger series. This year's blend is pinot gris, gewürztraminer, and riesling, which is lively and aromatic, with apparent residual sugar. Expect a mix of rose petals and mountain meadow flowers with a palate of juicy pineapple and peaches riding a bed of citrus rind. It is better balanced and easy sipping this year, leaving it to be served well chilled on the patio or with a favourite spicy appetizer. The blend is 18 percent riesling, 37 percent gewürztraminer, and 45 percent pinot gris.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Modest Wines The Elder Vicar 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Elder Vicar is said to refer to Father Pandosy, the first European settler in the Okanagan, while at the same time being a clever nod to the classic Alsace white, Edelzwicker. Edelzwicker is a blend of pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer, and muscat, something refreshing and bright with enough spice and flavours to take on substantial Alsatian food. The BC version from Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley is a wild, co-fermented version of 50/28/15/5 riesling, gewürztraminer, pinot gris, and muscat that comes with a modest 6.5 grams per litre of residual sugar. The nose is a stonefruit, citrus, and litchi affair with more orchard fruit and honeysuckle on the palate. It's built for spicy foods and richer white meat dishes, and quickly reminds one of Alsace.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Masi Fresco di Masi Organic Bianco 2020
Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis Veneto white is a 60/15/25 mix of garganega, pinot grigio, and other local varieties. Winemaking is simple. The style, a bit of old-school northern Italy, pitches almonds and grass mixed with lemons and pineapples. The colour and flavours are already tired, so drink this organic offering this summer.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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19 July 2023
91PTS
Hester Creek Chardonnay 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOffering sweet citrus and fresh white peach deliciously blended with refined oak spices, this wine shows chardonnay's charm effortlessly and elegantly. Although it has a slim and lean body, a lot of tightly packed juicy fruit fills the mid-palate, carried through alongside crisp acidity. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Huff Estates Catharine's Chardonnay 2021
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaThis cleverly crafted chardonnay perfectly balances fruit and oak, intermingling ripe apple and peach with toasty vanillin and lees. There’s also great tension between the textural richness and crisp freshness. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Flat Rock Cellars The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRevealing a bit of evolved yet appealing hay and bruised apple notes, this mineral-driven textural chardonnay offers a creamy, leesy mid-palate framed by taut acidity and sumptuous oak. The finish includes a decent length with a saline touch. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis chardonnay shows pristine and pure peach and floral esters with a light oak touch, highlighting the grape's natural beauty. The refreshing acidity is nicely balanced by a hint of sweetness at the finish, making it more approachable at this stage. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Monte Creek Chardonnay Ancient Waters Series 2020
British Columbia, CanadaIt’s a rather delicate chardonnay that shows ripe citrus layered with nuanced oak spices and subtle leesy notes. Lightweight and straightforward on the palate, there’s a richness of fruit harmonized by the elevated freshness. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
50th Parallel Estate Chardonnay 2021
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine offers quite a broad spectrum of aromas and flavours, from subtle flinty reductive notes to green apple and lemon zest to white almond and baking spices. As opposed to the lean and slightly tart fruit profile, there’s a density of flavour on the palate structured by taut acidity and well-managed oak. A nicely done chardonnay that shows cool climate characteristics beautifully. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Rosemary's Block 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis classic chardonnay shows a sublime combination of highly attractive flavours. There’s crunchy yellow apple and peach, with a touch of pineapple interlaced with vanillin and nutmeg. The palate is quite dense and weighty, but at the same time, the focused pristine acidity makes the fruit feel tighter and better defined—a well-chiselled chardonnay with precision and direction. We tasted blind at NWAC in June 2023.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Stonebridge Reserve East Chardonnay 2019
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis multilayered chardonnay offers bruised apple, pear skin, and sweet tangerine layered with almond and nutmeg spices, starting with a whiff of attractive subtle volatility. Luscious, rich flavours on the palate are balanced with the crunchy freshness and tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $78.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis chardonnay shows a lovely nose of Meyer lemon zestiness and citrus blossom backed by cedar, vanillin, and oak spices. Excellent flavour concentration on the palate is accented by a rich, creamy texture running seamlessly through to the finish, alongside precise acidity. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Hidden Bench Tête de Cuvée Chardonnay 2020
Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis elegant chardonnay opens with a slightly reductive nose developing into more leesy, cheesy, savoury notes later. There’s a sweet citrus core with a touch of tropical fruit layered with baking spices from the intelligent use of oak. It’s a structurally beautiful chardonnay with superb complexity and length. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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14 July 2023
91PTS
Lock and Worth Cabernet Franc Rosé White Label 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo cabernet franc rosés were released from L+W's 2022 vintage (plus one merlot rosé). This is the white label one from Naramata, and there is a grey label rosé from Oliver. These cab franc vines were planted in 1995 at the OG Poplar Grove vineyard. After destemming, this had 3 hours of skin contact in the press before a stainless ferment, plus older barrel aging, with full MLF. Graceful and finessed, with fresh strawberries, Rainier cherries, mandarin streaming along a sleek palate, lined with a slick of sage scented lees, and dusted with pink pepper on the saline finish. A wee bump of RS makes this even more friendly, and welcoming for this summer.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tinhof Rosé 2022
Burgenland, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFrom Burgenland’s Eisenstaedter vineyard, this organic Blaufrankisch is from vines 34-49 years old, rooted in calcareous clays and gravels, at 180-220m. It was native fermented in steel, where it remained for a brief time on lees before bottling. The delicate pink hue is mirrored with the delicate blossoms opening the palate, followed by crunchy and fresh pink grapefruit, perfumed Asian pear, tangerine, all lit with a buzzy energy running the length of this sleek, bone dry pink. A beauty, and bonus to find it in a magnum, summertime ready.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $51.00 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Enrico Winery Red Dragon Rosé 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis rosé has been a dragon slayer at several competitions and topped an impressive field (149 wines strong) at the National Wine Awards of Canada last month. It is made from Cowichan Valley pinot noir grapes. Look for subtle summer strawberry widely supported by a dry, citrus, mouthwatering crisp finish. Perfect for small bites on the patio or even at the dinner table. Congratulations to the Enrico team, Lorne Inglis and winemaker Daniel Cosman.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château du Trignon Rosé 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Roux family acquiered the Château du Trignon in 1896. Since then 5 generations have refocused the farm on the vine and expanded the estate across a number of appellations in the Rhône. In 2006, the Quiot Family, active in wine since 1748, acquired the estate, expanding it by 10 hectares of Vacqueyras and few hectares of Beaume-de-Venise. This rosé of cinsault, grenache, and syrah grew in a mix of pebbles, clay, and limestone. This was direct pressed and cold macerated over 1 day before heading to stainless for ferment and brief aging. Pretty strawberry blossom, red apple, ripe gooseberry stream along a silken palate, with an easy swell of acidity, and dusting of fine pink peppercorn and mandarin peel on the finish. Polished, and easily likeable, this is one to watch for this summer.Prices:| ON | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom vines averaging 25 years in the region's clay / limestone, this blend of 70% grenache, 20% cinsault, and 10% syrah was fermented and briefly rested in stainless. Juicy wild strawberry, mandarin glide along the slick palate, with a dusting of spice and tart red currant acidity to the snappy, shorter finish. Friendly and ready for enjoying this summer.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Rosé 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThe Lillooet fruit is a 70/16/14 blend of pinot noir, merlot, and cabernet franc. It gets 12 hours of skin contact, revealing a peachy spring salmon colour and a wild, smoky, juicy strawberry nose. The attack is soft and ripe but mainly dry with a dusting of savoury citrus, and spicy mineral. Drink well chilled with marinated prawns on the BBQ.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
South Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Platinum pink is a mix of pinot noir fruit off the Simes and Home Block vineyards from the South Kelowna Slopes. It is also a mix of fermentation strategies using both stainless steel and concrete. Look for a tightly strung affair of savoury red fruits on a smooth slick, spicy palate. This is not a walkabout sipper, but rather a pink for al fresco dinner parties.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sandhill Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen cherry, berry nose with a whiff of candied strawberries. On the palate, more of the same, with a bump of residual to smooth. The acidity is medium, helping to hold it together through the finish. Simple but tasty everyday rosé you can serve solo, or with spicy tuna sushi rolls.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mirada Organic Rosé 2021
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFifteen year old bobal vines are at the heart of this super pale pink from Spain’s Castilla VDT. The nose offers delicate strawberry intermingled with citrus, lovely minerality, and a long delicious finish. The fruit is organically grown on head trained bush vines and sits on a high plateau at 600-800 metres. This is a terrific bottle of rosé at $14.99.Prices:| BC | $22.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Orofino Vineyards Cabernet Franc Rosé Pozza Vineyard 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPozza, with its intriguing pale pink-orange colour, comes off a small block of cabernet franc on a sloping, cooler, higher site in the Similkameen Valley's Olalla Gap. Look for a mix of fresh strawberries and citrus streaked with cranberry and rhubarb. The textures are soft and silky, and the finish combines desert scrubby sagebrush and stony mineral notes. If you visit the winery, the exact wine in the 750ml bottle is also sold in a 1.5L Bag, aka the Mag Bag ($43.30), which is an environmentally sensitive alternative, excellent for camping, boating, backpacking, beaching, picnicking, well, you get the picture.Prices:| BC | $19.04 | 750ml |
| BC | $38.90 | 1500ml |
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87PTS
Santa Margherita Rosé 2021
Veneto, ItalyA new IGT Trevenezie rosato listing from Santa Margherita is a mix of chardonnay (from the mountainous area of Trentino), sauvignon blanc (from the Adriatic shores), and a touch of Venetian pinot nero to tint the wine just off-white. It is all fermented in stainless steel and pitches soft peach streaked with spice and tangerine rind. The finish is dry and somewhat tart, which happily sets off the softish mid-palate. Serve well chilled with prawns or raw tuna.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Tightrope Winery Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis unusual rosé blends pinot noir and barbera from their Naramata Bench estate vineyards. The deeper pink hue comes from 1-2 days cold soaking prior to pressing and a cool ferment in stainless. Candy apple, candied strawberries is lit with a pink grapefruit tanginess on the snappy, pithy finish, matched by the bump of RS. Chill well and crack into this summer with bites on the beach.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tightrope Winery Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe grapes for this strawberry, cherry Kool-aid coloured wine come from Tightrope Estate vineyards in Naramata, and vineyards on the Naramata Bench. It was picked on September 30, October 4, and October 25 at 21 Brix. It blends 96/4 pinot noir and barbera, creating a dry and super fresh wine with a complex finish. More red fruit and cranberry acidity on the palate keeps it lively and crisp. Winery food suggestions include grilled salmon or beef souvlaki. A nice improvement over 2020.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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07 July 2023
90PTS
Gabriëlskloof Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaGabriëlskloof is located in Bot River, cooled by nearby Walker Bay. The farm's 178 hectares (68 hectares under vine) was purchased in 2001 by Bernhard Heyns. Peter-Allan Finlayson, one of ZA's leading next gen winemakers (Crystallum) married Bernhard's daughter Nicolene, and now contributes to the winemaking here. This is part of their 'entry' Gabriëlskloof Range, small lot wines that always over-deliver on quality and value. Grapes come off 7 low-yielding vineyards planted on rocky sandstone and shale. This was native fermented and aged in stainless on lees for 7 months. Lemon thistle, hedge, passionfruit, verbena is lit with a buzzy white grapefruit acidity, licked with a slip of lees, and finishing with ample white pepper spicing. Such lovely flow and energy in this very smart sauvvy.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFrom coastal Aconcagua, and vineyards cooled and refreshed by Pacific sea breezes, this was fermented and briefly aged in stainless to preserve the fresh fruit. Passionfruit, green apple, hedge, and lime pith lift this crisp white, with a fine slick of lees to offset, and a kiss of white pepper on the snappy finish. Fresh, bright, and ready for your fresh shellfish / seafood / summer salads.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandClassically Marlborough, and Villa Maria, this best seller shines with the punchy gooseberry, guava, lime leaf, and fresh grass that you expect year in and year out. A bracing medicinal white cherry colours the snappy, lip-smacking finish. Ready for food (salads, shellfish) and cracking into this summer.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.77 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandEarth Garden is Villa Maria's organic range of wines, with vineyards planted with natural biodiversity in mind. This is tight and shining with lime pulp and peel, spring asparagus, green apple gliding long along a sleek palate. There's an easy harmony and sophistication here, elevating it above the flagship VM SB.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2021
California, United StatesRound and mellow, with white grapefruit, green apple, gooseberry, white blossoms, and verbena on an expansive, 13.9% palate. There is a lemony freshness to lift, even briefly, to a moderately warming finish. A gentle sauvignon for California wine lovers (and richer salads).Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA classic release from a traditional Villa Maria label, Private Bin. Crisp, chiselled lemon, passionfruit, asparagus, guava, and lime leaf all come together to run into a fresh-cut grass mid palate, with a lip-smacking Kiwi sauvignon finish. This is best with steamed mussels, and the simpler the preparation, the better.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.77 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileI've been a fan of this wine since it was released, but for whatever reason, it faded in and out of the market for years with no consistency. From Aconcagua Costa, with vineyards only a few kilometres from the Pacific, the fruit is all cool climate, and the result, fermented and briefly aged in stainless on its lees, is a super crisp white packed full of passionfruit, fresh cut green apples, asparagus, drenched in lime pith. The lees add some texture, and a wisp of white pepper lights up the finish. A fabulous seafood wine, be it shellfish or the day's catch. Fish tacos are the perfect match.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean Paul Balland Sancerre Grande Cuvée 2020
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThere is something about quality Sancerre that is captivating from the first scent. Apples, honeysuckle, pears, and candied nuts suggest this was a ripe year in Sancerre. Only a few producers make Sancerre that you might consider ageing, but Jean-Paul Balland is one of them, or should I say his daughter Isabelle, now that she is in charge of the winemaking. The regular label is well respected, but this Grande Cuvée is another level. 66 percent is aged for 15 months in large, 600-litre oak barrels to be later united with the remaining stainless steel aged fruit. I love the combination of minerality and edgy sauvignon notes with the riper, rounder barrel aged fruit. Complex and delicious, we served it with halibut cakes and it was the star.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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05 July 2023
87PTS
Domaine Chevalier Bourgogne Aligoté 2021
Burgundy, FranceFrom 30+ year old vines in the village of Ladoix Serrigny, on the Côte de Beaune, this Aligoté started fermentation in stainless, and finished in older barrel, resting there over 11 months before bottling. Banana custard, perfumed yellow apples, and yogurt lead the palate, before a sharp citrus acidity cuts across the whole, driving this to a very buzzy finish. A bit disjointed at present, with ample energy to hopefully smooth things out in the future. I will retry this vintage again.Prices:| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Torres Celeste Verdejo Sur Lees Pago del Cielo 2021
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainCeleste Verdejo is a new sister label to the familiar Celeste Crianza from Ribera del Duero. This white, however, comes from Rueda, and clay / gravel riverbeds on the left bank of the Duero River. This verdejo had 3 hours cold skin maceration before ferment in stainless, where it remained for 2 months. Tight and zippy, with guava, prickly pear, lemon thistle, and green herbs across a zesty palate, finishing with a snappy citrus twist. This vintage is very sauvignon like, and ready for enjoying now, with spring veg.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.20 | 1500ml |
| NB | $29.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rapitalà Grillo Organic 2021
Sicily, ItalyGrillo, a native Italian grape variety, has grown at Rapitalà since the early 1970s. The organically certified white gets a brief classic ferment in stainless steel before ageing on its lees in the tank for an equally brief time to keep it fresh and lively. How good is this wine for the price? Well, very good and it’s not to be missed this summer. Look for a ripe mix of melons, peaches, and tangerines with a dusting of seaside salinity. I’m with Treve. It tastes like summer, and it tastes like more. Bring on the bites.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Albariño Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine has been consistent with its white flower nose and super ripe peach, grown at Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The palate is rich with apricot, lemon, lime and medium acidity with a touch of exotic fruits. The grapes are gently handled and fermented separately, with a portion racked after 12 hours of settling into stainless steel barrels and French oak barriques (one new, one 3rd fill, and two 4th fill). The remaining juice is settled for 24 hours and transferred into two concrete tanks. The wine spends four months on its lees before the separate lots are blended, stabilized, filtered, and bottled. Albariño is seldom this rich, but adding it all up gets the job done. Halibut with fruit salsa, anyone?Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Grüner Veltliner Extended Lees Contact Red Rock Vineyard 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate Red Rock Vineyard, in Lillooet, this GV was destemmed and crushed, with 4 hours skin contact prior to heading to a split of 70% stainless, 30% neutral oak for fermentation. Crisp and bright, with gooseberry, melon, pink grapefruit along a sleek (near clinical) palate, with a slightly slick of lees, and dusting of white peppery spice on the snappy finish. Correct, fresh, and bright, this would suit any summer salads / steamed shellfish dishes.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Craven Wines Chenin Blanc Karibib 2022
Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis is the first year the Karibib Chenin is entirely in concrete, a move that Mick and Jeanine Craven have been moving towards these past few years. From 40 year old, organically farmed radial bush vines on the weathered granite soils of Polkadraai’s Karibib Vineyard, at 300m, this was whole bunch pressed, native fermented, and left on lees until racking (around 10 months total). The concrete has laser focused this already impressive wine, yielding a textural, long, savoury chenin, layered with crushed granite, pear skin, flake salts, meadow herbs, and lemon pith. This has ample energy and tension, strung long with buzzy acidity, and finishing with lingering salinity. Really impressive now, and will cellar without question.Prices:| AB | $37.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sepp Moser Classic Style Organic Grüner Veltliner 2021
Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaSepp Moser’s Classic range represents wines intended for drinking now, but by no means should be understood as ‘a simple wine’. This majority of the organic / biodynamic Grüner grapes for this were grown on the steep, rocky loess terraces of Rohrendorf in Kremstal, rich in lime. Ripe melon, lime pulp, tangerine, perfumed musk flood a juicy core, finely spiced through the snappy finish. A much riper, more tropical scented GV than you may be used to, and ready to crack into now with lightly spiced fare.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Ciù Ciù Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2021
Marche, ItalyThis organic verdicchio grows at 300m, and is fermented and aged in stainless until the following spring. Melon, tangerine, lime pith and almond flood a juicy palate, with vibrant citrus acidity streaming along the streamlined, lightly creamy core. Lovely palate density and freshness here, welcoming ample vegetarian food pairings.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lubanzi Chenin Blanc 2021
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaLubanzi was founded in Cape Town in 2016 by Walker Brown and Charles Brain, alongside winemakers Trizanne Barnard and Bruck Jack. Half of their annual net profits are shared with their growers through the remarkable and impressive Pebbles Project. From 20-year-old dry-farmed chenin in Swartland's granite and shales, this chenin was native fermented and aged for a short time on lees. Gently ripe and waxen, with flax, honeysuckle, and pear caressing a medium palate with gentle spicing and shining acidity. A very friendly, very smart chenin for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vino Lauria Solerte Macerato 2021
Alcamo, 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 Sicilian indigenous varieties, like Grillo, Catarratto, Fontane Bianche, and Zibibbo for whites, plus Nero d’Avola, Perricone, and Frappato for reds. His 70 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout Alcamo, ranging from 600-1000 meters and on clay and calcareous soils. This Zibibbo came from Bosco Falconeria vineyard, and had 15 days of skin contact prior to 6 months in stainless. Pouring a hazy amber hue, this orange wine teems with chamomile, bergamot, apricot skin, fleshy peach, and perfumed rosewater. So fragrant and alluring, you'll return glass after glass.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Il Meridione Catarratto 2021
Sicily, ItalyAraldica is a 3rd gen, family-operated co-op based in Piedmont, working with over 230 growers. This comes from their Sicilian project, and is catarratto from the northwest of the island, rooted in chalky soils at 500m. This is done in stainless to preserve the bright fruit. Quite subtle, with ripe melon, orange creamsicle, Asian pear, and lemon verbena running along a brief palate, finishing with light spices. A friendly wine to enjoy with Mediterranean veg / seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rapitalà Grillo Organic 2021
Sicily, ItalyGrillo was one of the first native grapes to be widely planted on the Rapitalà property in the 1970s. This organic grillo comes from sandy clay soils, and was fermented and aged briefly in stainless to preserve freshness. Ripe melon, juicy tangerine, fragrant white peach run this juicy palate, scented with almond blossoms and fresh with Mediterranean salinity. Tastes like summer; crack into and enjoy now.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barone di Valforte Pecorino 2021
Abruzzo, ItalyThe Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th Century, and their vineyard lies within the DOCG Colline Teramane area. This pecorino is grown on north facing (cooler) calcareous laced soils in Piomba and Colle Sale, and from 150 - 350m. Almond blossom, quince, pear skin run through this slender white, over a base of dusty stones. Quite a smart pecorino, and at a great price.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Sémillon 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Terrace, this sém was whole cluster pressed in stainless, where it remained for 4 months on lees, prior to bottling. Lemon verbena, lime leaf is met with an alluring savoury herbal scrubby note, which stretches along the lees lined palate. The finish lingers with fine white pepper. Very smart even at this young age, this will only improve with time. Well done.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Château Dereszla Tokaji Kabar 2020
HungaryKabar is a Hungarian variety that ripens early and is prone to botrytis. This dry kabar comes from Sajgó, Lapis, and it was fermented and aged in a barrel for six months on lees. The wood is certainly up front and present, covering this medium-bodied white in a sheath of oak spice, covering up the ripe pear, white peach, and baked quince underneath. Try this if you're looking for an 'exotic' woody white.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Barone di Valforte Pecorino 2021
Abruzzo, ItalyThe Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th Century. The vineyard lies within the DOCG Colline Teramane area, but it is the pecorino grape that is the star. Pecorino the grape, not to be confused with the cheese, delivers a delicious mix of almonds and pears undercut by a stony, mineral base and some Meditteranean wild herbs. You can try it with a piece of Pecorino cheese, spaghettini, or mussels. Super value.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc 2020
Coastal Region, South AfricaWith fruit from the Tygerberg Hills and Stellenbosch, chilled by the proximity to the Atlantic, this chenin had 4 hours skin contact before an overnight settling and fermentation in 300L and 400L French oak barrels, where it rested for ten months (10% new). The wood is evident, with a creamy, toasty underbelly supporting ripe pear, white peach, yellow apple, and lemon blossoms, wrapped with wood spicing. A richer, heftier style for your creamy dishes (would welcome polenta).Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clisson Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2018
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceThe Lieubeau family's story began on May 10, 1816, when Joseph Grégoire Lieubeau was found as a child on Hôtel Dieu's porch at the Nantes hospital. The name "lieu-beau" ("beautiful place") was likely a reflection of the hospital's excellent reputation and hospitality. A winegrowing family raised Joseph, and he began his winery as a young man. From the cru of Clisson, south of Nantes, this is a plot selection of 50-year-old vines rooted in granite. After a whole bunch of pressing and native ferment, this aged 24 months on lees in underground vats. Very complete, with layers of almond blossom, lemon, ripe melon, savoury lees, and flax running long on the cushioned palate, propped up with a latticework of bright, marine swept acidity, and lingering with a granitic hum. Drinking beautifully now and with time ahead (Diam10 closure).Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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03 July 2023
91PTS
Cantine Madonna Delle Grazie Liscone 2018
Basilicata, ItalyCantine Madonna della Grazie is a small organic / biodynamic winery in Venosa, in the heart of Vulture. Liscone comes off 5.5 hectares of 30+ year old vines at 430m on volcanic clays. The plants are a massale selection with larger berries due to the stronger water retentive ability of the soils located next to a creek. The native ferment lasts around three weeks in stainless, where it remains for 18 months. It is then racked into old neutral 500L French barrels for a year, then back into stainless for a six-month stint. Finally, it is lightly filtered before bottling. In 2018 the top wines of the estate were not made, so the fruit went into Liscone. Wild plum, perfumed dark cherry, thorns are woven throughout the dusky, substantial palate, lit with a buzzy acidity, and housed with sticky tannins. Still much time ahead here.Prices:| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Old Road Wine Co. The Spotted Hound 2018
Coastal Region, South AfricaThe Spotted Hound blends 24% bush vine grenache, and 65% mouvédre, both from Agter-Paarl; plus 11% pinot noir from Elgin. After fermentation separately and 8 months in oak barrels, they were blended and bottled. Soft, plump, roasted fruit and roasted coffee jumps to the fore, framed with sticky, pasty tannins that fall off to a bitter and warming finish. South Africa can do so much better than this, easily. Teach this dog new tricks.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Vina Esmeralda By the Sea Edition 2021
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThough the packaging is new for 2021 (special by the sea edition), the wine inside is the same as ever, thankfully. This predictable Mediterranean Classic blends moscatel de Alejandría and gewürztraminer into a mid-sweet, aromatic white, ripe and rich with fragrantly perfumed orange blossoms, starfruit, mandarin, soap bubbles on a relatively creamy, 11.5% package. The shorter finish is straight perfumed cold cream and spice. Chill well, and enjoy with equally fragrant Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $13.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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August 2023