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Tastings: August 2023
31 August 2023
89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Cuvée De L'île 2018
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCuvée de L'île is Unsworth's traditional method sparkler, an alternative to the charmat-method Charme de L'île. The 2018 is entirely pinot noir, making this a proper blanc de noirs, all from estate fruit. The free-run juice was fermented in neutral barrique before heading to bottle for three years on lees. This bottle was disgorged in February 2023, leaving 1.5 g/L RS. A shearing edge of island acidity sharpens this 11% sparkler, leaving rainier cherry, earthy lees, green apple, and pithy lemon skimming along a toasted nut backdrop. It's early days for this aspirational wine, and I look forward to tracking its progression.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moon Curser Eclipse 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s year two for Eclipse, a sparkling 60/40 blend of roussanne and marsanne made in the traditional method. The colour is straw yellow, and the nose a complex offering of yeasty, leesy notes mixed with a hint of nectarines. The palate has the weight you might expect from these traditional Rhône white grapes but remains dry and somewhat underripe. Look for a mix of quince, almonds, lemons, marzipan and creamy bubbles that keep you returning to the glass. It has the texture and freshness to work with oysters but is rich enough for more substantial mains. A touch more ripeness would make a big difference.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Charme De L'ile NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA delicate, gently aromatic sparkling wine with generous pear, yellow apple, and pink grapefruit accented by orchard blossoms, lees, and spice. This is made from pinot gris and pinot noir in the charmat method, though there's a surprising finesse to the mousse. It's well balanced in a dry, approachable style that you could easily serve as an aperitif, but there's much more depth here than just that. A winner from winemaker Dan Wright.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Charme De L'ile Rosé NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a solid Charmat rosé, very much in an aperitif style. Look no further than the 11% abv. There's a combination of green strawberries, red apple, and rhubarb, accented by cream and subtle lees. It's well made, with a soft but generous mousse that leads to a balanced, chalky finish.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Howling Bluff Perspective Frizzante 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFormerly known as Faux Paw and dedicated to the winery’s family dog, this sparkler is made primarily with pinot gris. Despite its description as pale pink, it shows pale lemon hue without any pink tinge. Sealed with a crown cap, this wine opens with a somewhat funky and earthy nose with subtle oxidative undertones. Beneath this, there’s a layer of tangy citrus. The fizz dissipates fairly quickly upon pouring, offering a lightly effervescent texture, hence the name, frizzante. There’s a touch of sweetness in the finish, smoothing out the edges.Prices:| BC | $23.48 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Brut 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Old Vines Brut is made in the traditional method, with 24 months on lees, using a block of estate pinot blanc planted back in 1968. It's lean and citrusy, with a combination of lemon and green apple that's lifted by white orchard blossoms. There's a lovely purity and elegance to the nose, but with an assertive mousse that dominates the palate. A lot of potential here, and certainly a wine to watch.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fitz Blanc de Blancs 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Greata Ranch estate vineyard chardonnay is situated between Peachland and Summerland on the west shore of Okanagan Lake. It is fermented and aged in neutral French oak before heading to bottle for 36 months, then disgorged and topped up with a kiss of residual sugar. Look for creamy red apple, a touch of toasted lees, and a long, smooth, floral, mineral aftertaste with green apple, oyster shell, and a hint of spice. Don’t be fooled by its easy-sipping style. This is a serious effort and will only improve in the bottle over time.Prices:| BC | $44.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Boyd Classic Cuvée NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Classic Cuvée is chardonnay grown at the estate on the cool northern Naramata Bench. The grapes were hand-picked at ideal ripeness for a sparkling base wine and then underwent first fermentation to dryness in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation occurred before its secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine sat on lees for 20 months and was then riddled, disgorged, and bottled with no dosage in August 2020. The tiny bubbles move in a tight, small bead about the wine glass. The nose is a mix of savoury Okanagan sagebrush and citrus that spill onto the palate. A restrained lemon/lime peel is streaked with peach and mineral, with a slight sweetness to balance the acidity. Oysters are the first choice, but the matches are endless. Aging slowly, which is always a good sign. Great value here.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs NV
Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe grapes are handpicked and transported to the winery in small bins, and gently whole cluster pressed to retain delicate vibrancy and freshness. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and spends 16 months en tirage before dégorgement, and has been aged a minimum of two years to develop its complexity fully. The nose has white flowers and orange blossoms with hints of baguette and honeyed almond. Similar flavours appear on the palate, touched by sweet red apples and soft acidity. The food match is endless, but I like smoked salmon, lobster, crab, oysters, and soft cheeses with mild taste profiles, like Brie or fresh goat cheese.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church OMG 2018
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2018 OMG is all estate fruit from the Skaha Bench. The blend is 60/40 pinot blanc/chardonnay, the former bringing plenty of minerals and lean green apple, while the latter is more about weight and richness of textures, flushing out the palate. It was hand harvested, whole cluster pressed, and fermented separately. After several trials, the final blend of the base wine was assembled and put into a bottle for secondary fermentation. It then spent 48 months on lees in the bottle before being hand-riddled and disgorged. Fresh, lean, and only beginning its life, this is one to look forward to through 2025 and beyond. Perfect for oysters or rich, soft cheeses.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Treveri Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis traditional method sparkler is from chardonnay grown in Washington's Columbia Valley. It spends two years on lees and is finished with 12 g/L dosage, pitching candied lemons and oranges with a twist of lime rind. Fun, friendly, simple for sipping late afternoon on the patio. Serve well chilled and preferably with spicy bites. No need to wait for this one.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tinhorn Creek Blanc de Blanc 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2018 was slightly below the five year average for heat in the Okanagan Valley, leaving the crucial final weeks of the harvest cool enough to force a long, slow ripening period ideal for chardonnay. This Blanc de Blanc (truly, Blanc de Blancs) was handpicked, whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel before it was aged on its lees for three years. This is the real deal, a stylish collaboration between viticulturist Andrew Moon and winemaker Leandro and an excellent addition to the top of the BC sparkling wine market. The nose wafts out of the glass perfectly, pitching tangerine mixed with white flowers and and citrus. The palate is similar, with fine concentration and more creamy, brioche in the finish. Love this.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Blanc de Noir is handpicked from a single block of Clone 93 Pinot Noir planted in 1985. Tantalus aptly describes the colour as "pale sunset pink." The attack is super fresh with scents of red apple skin and freshly picked raspberries. The palate takes you down a tart road that mixes cranberries, green apple, early cherries, flecked with beets and savoury, stony, mineral notes. As the wine warms up in the glass, the creamy, leesy notes help to tone down the acidity and smooth out the finish.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Blancs 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlanc de Blancs should always come with delicacy and finesse, as this does. Creamy textures are also a must, and the best have layers of flavours, as the latest 2020. Look for an oyster liquor scent mixed with green apples and ripe pear with an early morning bakery whiff. The palate is all circus and broken stone with more pastry notes near the finish. The balance is perfect, weighing freshness and delicate aromas with rich textures and long flavours. A pleasure to drink again. Tantalus BdB comes off a decade old chardonnay block on the East Kelowna estate. Winemaker David Patterson ferments it in older puncheons before it spends seven months on its lees. The secondary ferment in bottle takes place over 22 months sur lattes. It was disgorged and topped up with the 2020 Chardonnay, pushing the residual sugar to a nominal 5.46 g/L. Drink or cellar, this is the real deal at a fabulous price.Prices:| BC | $31.30 | 750ml |
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30 August 2023
91PTS
Graham Natura Reserve Port NV
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalGraham’s Natura is a Reserve Port produced from Symington's certified organic vineyards at Quinta das Lages in the Rio Torto Valley, and Vineyards in Vale da Vilarica in Portugal’s Upper Douro Valley. The vines sit at 150 and 350 meters above sea level in dry, windy conditions affording them natural solid defences against disease. The grapes are small, the yields are low, and the flavours significant from a traditional Douro mix of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinta barroca, and tinta amarela. The styling is Graham’s fresh, with floral notes followed by a rich, sweet, fruit-driven palate, and an elegance few ports can match. Candied cherries and chocolates with a savoury underbelly leave you wanting more after the first sip. Solid Value. Grab some for the fall and the holidays.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $33.99 | 750ml |
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29 August 2023
92PTS
Craggy Range Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandNew Zealand chardonnay is vastly underrepresented in Canada, at times obliterated by Kiwi sauvignon blanc, but if you are a fan of the cool coastal style, this is it. Winemaker Julian Grounds walks the acid / flavour line, bringing both together in an impressive bottle. Look for oyster liquor notes on the nose, with a nutty, citrus and lees undercurrent. The plate is similar, with lemon curd and perfectly tuned oak. Ready to drink but will age effortlessly through 2027. Do not over chill this wine.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2019
Chalk Hill, Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis a mix of old and new styles led by a spicy, creamy mouthfeel with some Meyer lemon custard tempered by mid-palate acidity, fresh apples, quince, pineapple, and vanilla. Chalk Hill is a Justin Seidenfeld and Greg Morthole production from the respected 2019 vintage in Sonoma. It is aged in French oak (32 percent new) for 14 months. Ready to drink and best with creamy seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tribute Chardonnay 2020
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesTribute is a classic California chardonnay, albeit with a touch of freshness. It opens with ripe pears, red apples, and a dusting of citrus. The mid palate is fatter, with creamy vanilla, tropical pineapple, and a touch of crème brûlée in the back end. Ready to drink and best with lobster, creamy seafood, or pasta dishes. Tribute chardonnay is sourced from the Monterey AVA, primarily from McCoy Vineyard and San Lucas Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Stags' Leap Chardonnay 2021
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Stags Leap Napa chardonnay comes from the cooler southern appellations within Napa Valley, where fog from the San Pablo Bay helps to cool the vineyards throughout the morning and late day, helping to preserve freshness and acidity. The majority of the fruit comes from the Carneros AVA, bringing the citrus, mineral, and ripe red apple notes. A small amount of tropical/orchard stone fruit comes from the Oak Knoll AVA. All of the fruit is whole-cluster-pressed. Twenty-five percent is fermented in stainless steel and remains in tank until the final blend is assembled, twenty-five percent of the wine is fermented and aged in new French oak barrels, and the remaining fifty percent in seasoned French oak. 2020, as usual, did not undergo a malolactic fermentation again, preserving freshness and acid. It is bottled after seven months of ageing, including weekly batonnage or stirring of the lees. The style is California round pitching Meyer lemons peachy melon fruit, with vanilla and Tarte Tatin notes throughout.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $45.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Imagery Chardonnay 2021
California, United StatesImagery Estate Winery was born to experiment with lesser-known grapes like malbec, tempranillo, and such, so why chardonnay? Perhaps the experiment was making a fresher, brighter, tighter style of chardonnay. It gets an extra boost of freshness from a dollop of chenin blanc. Look for lime and pear throughout, and finely integrated oak to add complexity and a layer of creamy texture to entice. Solid and ready to serve all night to Next World chardonnay drinkers. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $22.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2020
Napa Valley, California, United StatesPrivate Reserve has long come from Gamble Ranch in Oakville, where its Clone 4 vines were planted in 1976. The good news is the wine is far from the 1980s style, although it's hardly an electric next-generation version of chardonnay. It is a full flavoured, ripe, honeyed tropical version of chardonnay, stacked with creamy layers of flavour. It carries 80% new French oak, adding toast and vanilla to the finish. Big, ripe and mouthfilling, it would be the match for lobster, or believe it or not, steak.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Centerstone Un-oaked Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesFive years on, this is nearing the finish line. It shows a combination of ripe lemon, pear, and pineapple rind that's now fading on the palate, leading to a dried-out, bitter finish. It shows the signs of a well made wine, with additional complexity coming from lees. It would be interesting to try this at a much more youthful stage.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bloc and Barrel Chardonnay 2020
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis Californian chardonnay is very much in the classic idiom: equal parts fruit and winemaking. Ripe lemon, mandarin, and melon are joined by buttered popcorn, sweet vanilla, and toasted wood, from full malolactic conversion and aging in French and American oak. It's very much more is more, but still well made and with enough freshness to keep everything in balance.Prices:| CDN | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bloc and Barrel Chardonnay 2020
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesBloc & Barrel is made from a selection of wines grown up and down the Central Coast, each bringing a different style to the blend. In 2020 the chardonnay is all Monterey County, home of some of California's coolest fruit. The more extended growing season leads to intense flavours. In this case, there has been an oak intervention of French and American wood, plus a complete malolactic fermentation, lowering the acidity. It begins with fresh citrus tempered with vanilla, and a mix of melon and creamy vanilla on the palate, with a bit of pineapple and some drying resiny notes in the finish. Ready to drink. Think grilled salmon or chicken.Prices:| CDN | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Peter Lehmann The Barossan Chardonnay 2021
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis opens with a prick of SO2, followed by ripe melon and tropical fruit that's layered with cream and generous sweet oak spices. It's not altogether seamless, with hard, disjointed acidity and 3 g/L residual sugar, but all-in-all it's a solid oaked chardonnay at a fair price.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Enate Chardonnay -234 2021
Somontano, Aragon, SpainA fat, ripe chardonnay very much in the tropical idiom, which sits heavy on the palate. You certainly feel the warm of Somontano here, and it just doesn't quite come together. Sourced from 35 year old vines and fermented and aged in stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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28 August 2023
89PTS
La Cantina Vallée D'oka Rosé Du Calvaire 2022
Quebec, CanadaA 45/24/19/12 blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, vidal, and riesling, this Quebec rosé pours an attractive pale salmon hue, with delicate notes of lemon, pink grapefruit, and red apple, and texture and weight from a combination of residual sugar (5 g/L) and lees aging. There's real restraint and class here, with a saline quality to the finish. Excellent value at this price.Prices:| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solis Lumen Rosé 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceSolis Lumen Rosé is an organic project from Domaine Montrose, using grenache and cinsault from contract vinegrowers, packaged in lightweight glass and recyclable cans. Dry and sleek, with gentle crushed strawberries, wild raspberries, wild orange, and a kiss of scrubby rosemary running the svelte palate, seasoned with fine stony spices throughout. Elegant and smart, this is one to watch for.Prices:| ON | $7.00 | 250ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Heist Rosé 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe dark fruit, spice and floral herbs of syrah drew Moon Curser to make a rosé with it. It gets a dash of malbec, bringing fruit and freshness to the mix. It presents with a strawberry, blood orange mid palate and some pretty earthy notes that temper the fruit and push the wine toward the dinner table. Ready to drink with smoked salmon or paella.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA rhubarb and strawberry-laden rosé that's layered with spice, this is quite savoury in style. It's a refreshing change from the status quo, neither shy on flavour intensity nor colour, with a pink fluorescent hue. It's not altogether seamless, but with brisk acidity that carries the bone dry finish.Prices:| BC | $23.48 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Road 13 Select Harvest Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis subdued Golden Mile Bench rosé shows a combination of pear and green apple, accented by subtle red berries. It's quite lean, bone dry in style with crunchy acidity, and certainly meant for the dinner table. I can see this pairing nicely with seared spring salmon. A blend of 58 percent pinot noir and 42 percent gamay, this has five months aging on lees.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bartier Bros. Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA unique blend of gewurztraminer, chardonnay, merlot, and pinot noir from Oliver, Summerland, and Penticton yielding a pale pink. The nose is lightly perfumed, and the palate is primarily quiet and dry, with honeysuckle, melons, apricots and raspberries. Ready to drink and best with some quick summer bites.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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25 August 2023
88PTS
Blue Grouse Pinot Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaIt shows cherry pie crust, clay, forest floor, and some red licorice aromas, with a light body, intensity, and touches of various savoury berries. Tannins are supple but holding some finish in their grip just now. It needs another year in the bottle to properly unfurl. The wine is a 50/50 blend of Saison Vineyard and the winery's 35-year-old estate blocks that aim to create a balanced expression of Cowichan Pinot Noir.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rathjen Cellars Pinot Noir 2020
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaComplex drifts of blueberry, cherry, fruit leather, earthiness and dried clay on the nose. The savoury flavours are very subtle and drifting as well, with dried plum, plum skin, dried blueberries, cherry fruit leather, dried flowers, vanilla, and some baking spices. The texture is light and very ethereal with great fruit clarity, restrained alcohol, and a mellow fruit intensity. The exceptional balance and dreamy harmony of elements here show why the Saison Vineyard is so well regarded.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Emandare Pinot Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaQuite shy on the nose, with light blueberry, some baking spice, wet forest, and light red berries in the mix. A very soft texture on entry leads slowly to a subtle, relatively mild, fruit driven mid-palate with unsweetened preserved strawberries. The drifting finish is raspberry, with a bit of mulberry amidst fine-grained tannins. Still, it needs another year or two for the fruit to elaborate, but drinks very pleasurably now. Perhaps the best pinot noir yet from Emandare.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alderlea Vineyards Pinot Noir 2020
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe evolution of pinot noir in the Cowichan Valley Sub-GI trends towards lighter, ethereal, precision fruit, but Alderlea goes its own way here, showing the scope of pinot noir’s capacities. The vineyard was planted in 1993 with a mix of Dijon clones 113, 115, 667, and 777, plus Alsace clones 538, Colmar, and 93. The Alsace clones have skins significantly thicker than a Dijon clone and impart more tannin and colour than most coastal pinot noir. Fresh blackberry, loganberry, and marionberry of elevated intensity show on the nose and in the glass and continue laser-like, maintaining well into the finish. Bigger pinot noirs can want acidity or contain compensating winemaking adjustments that compromise balance. However, the edge of acidity and complementary tannins in the wine provide enough back current to keep the fruit from taking over. It’s a feat to deliver this much fruit intensity combined with such a graceful, echoing balanced finish on 13% alcohol. The grapes were harvested at 24 brix, with a TA of 6.8 and a PH of 3.4.Prices:| Winery | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Grouse Estate Pinot Noir 2020
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaA delightful assemblage here of savoury cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and some forest floor, along with restrained alcohol and fine grained tannins. This Cowichan Valley sub-GI blend has a small percentage of Saison Vineyard fruit. A fine example of how far pinot noir from this area has evolved. The takeaway here is the clarity of fruit, a finely tuned balance, and a very agreeable tension between all elements.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA juicy Okanagan pinot with crunchy red berry in the strawberry, raspberry spectrum, accented by a delicate coating of spice. It's a light, fruit driven style, with an appealing sappiness to the palate. Try this with a light chill alongside stuffed mushroom caps. Well made and varietally expressive.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2020
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaScented with notes of undergrowth and savoury light blackberry and mulberry. Lighter and less intense on the palate than some previous vintages, but more complex and subtle than ever with great balance and precision of fruit.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Pendulum Pinot Noir 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe wine opens with a juicy bright hit of smoky red fruit grown at MacMillan Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. Some might grouse about the smoke, but all in all, this is one you can enjoy, though it might be best to drink it before Christmas. Look for fresh cherries, a bit of tobacco and cola, and a smooth, sweet pinot baking spice finish. Ready to drink. Mushrooms are the ticket here: pasta, risotto, or pizza. Joel and Linda Chamaschuk own Chain Reaction and the wine is overseen by veteran BC winemaker Dwight Sick, formerly of Stags Hollow and Moraine Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sunnybrae Pinot Noir 2021
Shuswap, British Columbia, CanadaA small batch, single vineyard pinot noir that grows on the shores of Shuswap Lake just under 51 degrees north. Like last time, this pale pinot opens with light, branchy, spicy notes with earthy, meaty caramel. Not as clean as 2020, it is ready to drink and needs to be served with food to best effect. Try it with a salmon bowl.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bartier Pinot Noir is sourced from the Naramata Bench. Total skin time was 18 days in stainless steel, aged for 17 months in 225L neutral French barrels and a neutral oak tank. The style is soft and juicy, pitching red plums and fresh raspberries dusted with baking spices, reminiscent of some Sonoma labels. The finish is smooth and silky with a dash of spice. Grilled salmon or duck pizza would be exciting matches.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat tart for 2020 and the Naramata Bench. Skinny, earthy beetroot dominates on the nose. The palate is similar with more bloody, tart red berry and earthy, soya, cedar in the finish. Best with grilled chicken or pork that can take on the spectrum of flavours here.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Small Lot Series Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Lunessence is still waiting on its pinot noir program on the home property in Summerland, but in 2021 this fruit comes from a much warmer vineyard south of the Golden Mile Bench. It weighs in at a beefy 14.1 percent alcohol with sweet black cherries, savoury cedar, and some campfire smoke. New World and ready to drink. It will be good to taste the Summerland fruit at some point.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Noble Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Pinot Noir comes off the Noble Ridge home vineyard in Okanagan Falls, planted to pinot noir clones 113, 114, 115, and 777. It was cold soaked for five days and fermented at 22-25 degrees Celsius before spending 14 months in French oak, where only 10 percent was new. The nose is a mix of cola and earthy cherries mixed with spice and a touch of tannin. This was a gold medal winner in San Francisco this year, but I think it probably should be consumed in the next year to catch the fruit. Try this with grilled salmon with a soy dressing.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Saddle Block 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Grant Stanley is on a journey with BC pinot noir and has enjoyed much success from Quails’ Gate to 50th Parallel, and lately, at Spearhead. Saddle Block is always a big wine; this year, it is also ripe. Sweet baking spices mixed with ripe blueberries and cola combine with an earthy, savoury forest floor undercurrent. This is it if you like your pinot on the rich side. It has the weight and the sweetness to take on a duck confit dish. Saddle Block Vineyard takes its name from the saddle shaped site, home to the 13 year old vines growing at 1550’ above sea level in South East Kelowna. The site is planted with a mix of clones: 33% Dijon 777, 28% Dijon 667, 17% Dijon 115, 11% Dijon 828, and 11% of California Mt. Eden clone. Saddle Block Pinot Noir resides within the new East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moraine Pinot Noir Sophia Estate 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Moraine Sophia Vineyard Pinot Noir comes off the home estate on the Naramata Bench. It is clone 777 Pinot Noir “that has been cultivated and cared for with white gloves.” It is hand harvested and fermented whole berry, leaving a remarkably silky soft texture left unscathed by gentle, hand punch downs. Floreal with intense Bing and Ranier cherries, this carries just a hint of toasted oak. How delicious is this to sip? A fraction of tannin only reminds that this will be even better in a few years. Stock up; it is outstanding. Duck confit, anyone? Good value too.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Oak Bay Vineyard Gebert Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis South Kelowna Slopes organic pinot noir is from a small block originally planted in 1990 and 1999. It shows restrained, lifted dried red cherries flecked with spice and subtle smoke. It's light and juicy, but still structured with supple tannins and very good concentration that carries through to the finish. A solid effort in a challenging vintage. I look forward to trying future vintages. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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24 August 2023
91PTS
Leyda Pinot Noir Lot 21 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLot 21 is a highly focused Chilean pinot noir that opens with a whiff of violets, leading to a gamut of red and dark fruit mixing cherries and raspberries streaked with a slightly richer cassis note. Plenty of lively, juicy fruit here, but with a great structure and a touch of tannin suggesting it will age for a few years in bottle. The clonal mix is 777 blended with a massale selection, and the result is a pinot noir of substance and one of the best in Chile. The final blend mixed 35% foudre with 33% from concrete vats and 32% from barrels. It is a pinot that sings Leyda. The match at the winery is truffle tagliatelle with mushroom sauce.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Leyda Coastal Vineyards Las Brisas Pinot Noir 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCoastal Vineyards of Las Brisas bask in reflected sunlight and cool ocean breezes during the growing season, and are planted to a mix of clones, including 777, 115, GA 02, and Clone 16. Half of the grapes go into open tanks, and the other half is fermented in closed stainless steel vats. Post ferment, it is racked into French oak barrels, concrete vats, untoasted foudres, and stainless steel. Each component is aged for ten months before the final blend totalling 26% concrete vats, 14% French oak barrels, 12% untoasted foudres, and 48% stainless steel tanks. The nose is highly expressive with juicy red fruits dominated by raspberries, cranberries, and cherries, all with underlying mushroom, white pepper, and floral mineral scents. Complex for the price and very food friendly.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doudet Naudin Vin de France 2021
FranceBurgundy know how on the wind swept slopes of Languedoc’s Aude Valley appears to be a fine match in heaven. Christophe Rochet, the current head of Doudet-Naudin, Established in Burgundy in 1849, is committed to maintaining the values of this respected Maison while restructuring it for the future. A case in point is this Languedoc Pinot Noir labelled Vin de France, likely done to not disturb the peace in Burgundy by mentioning the Languedoc and pinot noir on the label. Yet this wine is far more charming than most elementary Bourgogne, and tens of dollars cheaper. Both fruity and floral, it hits the palate with a smooth slurry of earthy, mineral red fruits finished in a dry style.Prices:| BC | $27.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Alexana Terroir Series Pinot Noir 2021
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThough named Terroir Series, this is a Willamette-wide blend of various soils and clones. The wine is a selection of barrels from the dry-farmed younger blocks of the Revana vineyard in Dundee Hills, along with vineyards in Yamhill-Carlton, Eola-Amity, Chehalem Mountains, and McMinnville, and clones Pommard, 115, 777, Wadenswil, 667, La Tache, 943, 114, 828, Coury, and 113. Each lot is separately native fermented whole berry before aging 11 months in French oak (23% new). Forest, wild cherry, fresh moss, and pretty florals rule the silken palate, sided with fine, long tannins and finishing with a gently warming baking spice note. Quite polished and fresh, this medium-bodied wine is ideal now with any mushroom/duck dishes.Prices:| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Chevalier Côte de Nuits-Villages 2020
Côtes de Nuits-Villages, Côtes de Nuits, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceFrom 50+ year old vines rooted in clay and chalky soils of the village of Corgoloin, in Côtes de Nuits, this Pinot Noir spent one year in wood prior to bottling. Dusky black cherry, black raspberry is scented with forest floor, and framed with firm, finely grippy, black tea tannins, guiding this to a lingering spiced finish. Very good typicity here, and ready to drink now with spice rubbed pork / mushrooms.Prices:| ON | $68.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Jane Eyre Volnay 2020
Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Côte d'Or, Burgundy, FranceYou're quite right if you think Jane Eyre doesn't sound like a French name. But her wines have been a shining light of new wave-making wines in this hallowed region. Born in Australia, Jane did her first harvest in Burgundy in 1998, cementing her future links here. After stages with lauded names such as Mosel's Ernst Loosen and Chambolle-Musigny's Frédéric Mugnier, she began making her wines as a micro-négociant in 2011, sharing winery space with legend Dominique Lafon in Meursault. An actual flying winemaker, she also makes wines across Australia, making brilliant use of both hemispheres. The 2020 Volnay is both voluptuous and structured, with gobs of dusky black plum, ripe wild blackberry, sultry, aromatic florals, and savoury thorns balanced off with a tight framework of acidity and finely grippy tannins supporting a lingering, buzzing, saline finish—a beauty. As the Diam10 cork will agree, this is a wine meant to age, though it tastes lovely now in youth, thanks to the plumped 2020 vintage.Prices:| BC | $114.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Centerstone Pinot Noir 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesThis is an evolved, woodsy, earthy pinot from the Willamette Valley, certainly more than reflecting the five years of bottle age, with some spiced red cherry in the background. There's modest concentration on the palate, and the lack of fruit accentuates the tartness of the acidity, which carries the short finish.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cirro Pinot Noir 2021
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA more savoury expression of Marlborough pinot noir, offering a ripe, lifted nose of red cherries and raspberries, with sweet spices and earth. It's still light on its feet even with the evident fruit ripeness, showing supple tannins and fresh acidity that keeps everything in balance. There is a lot to like here, especially at this price. Best with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2019
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFading strawberry notes and earthy mushroom aromas are creeping into this wine that needs drinking now. Canada seems to specialize in getting international releases late, and once in the monopoly system, the time to shelf is even further exacerbated. The attack is soft and earthy with dried herbs and wood spice with some tired notes coming through the back end. Best with grilled salmon burgers or an older soft cheese.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $26.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bottega Vinai Pinot Nero 2018
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyIf you want to make decent pinot noir / pinot nero, it helps to have altitude. This comes from the slopes of the Dolomites, in Trentino, around 300-450m. After a stainless ferment, this rests in a mix of stainless, barriques and larger casks for 1 year prior to blending and bottling. This is showing its age, with a browning hue and watery rim, revealing dried forest floor, dried cherry, raspberry and subtle iodine on the medium palate. Tannins are worn into the fruit at this time, while acidity is still quite bright, leading to a warming finish. A gentle pinot that needs be drunk now, ideally with autumnal mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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23 August 2023
94PTS
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard 2022
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandWow, this is a fabulous wine. Te Muna Road sauvignon is a pure expression of sauvignon, packed full of minerality and acidity that electrifies the palate. Fresh juicy lime leaf and passionfruit power a sophisticated layered, complex white that stands pretty much alone in this category. Western-Australian-born winemaker Julian Grounds is taking this wine to another level. Ready to drink, but it should age effortlessly under screwcap. Te Muna Road Vineyard consists of two distinct soil types — the sauvignon grows on a lower terrace over stony soils sprinkled with limestone.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $30.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandMatua is said to have produced New Zealand's first sauvignon blanc in 1974 in Auckland. Forty eight years later, 2022 opens with jalapeno and dried herbs with a touch of lemon. The palate is similar and clean but watery, making it easy to sip. Zippy, if uncomplicated, it sits in the middle of a sea of Kiwi sauvignon at this price point. The fruit blends sites across Marlborough's Wairau and Awatere Valleys. Fish tacos or mussels are the match.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.15 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Provenance Series is a stripped-down version of sauvignon blanc with zero residual sugar. A portion of the mix is barrel fermented, adding mouthfeel, but it's minimal, and you hardly notice the wood. This year, the palate is less forgiving, pitching grassy, acidic grapefruits under a lean style. It is best with food and preferably something creamy or fat.Prices:| BC | $19.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSurprisingly similar in style to the sauvignon blanc label at this stage, but another step up in complexity and mouthfeel. Three vineyards make it into this Naramata blend. The difference here is the addition of Sémillon in the Bordeaux tradition. You will find plenty of citrus here, lemons and limes, mixed with green apples and a touch of pear over a zippy mineral undercurrent that finishes with lovely bitter guava and lime rind. Creamy seafood dishes and some of those more complicated sushi rolls would work here. Food friendly all summer and winter.Prices:| BC | $21.74 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt Howling Bluff, the sauvignon comes from three vineyards, all hand harvested, destemmed, and pressed off into four different fermentation vessels, each using a different yeast to create some extra complexity. The wine is electric, with mouth puckering grapefruit and lime rind mixed with grass and guava. Very food friendly. It's linear, taut and tangy from front to back, and has a touch of texture from a small amount of the wine going through malolactic and lees stirring. Bring on the oysters or mussels. Refreshingly clean and ready to drink, but serve it with food.Prices:| BC | $21.74 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright and fresh, Anarchy is a party of ripe limes, tropical fruits, and lemongrass that race around your palate and finish clean with more pink grapefruit and tangerine dusted in desert scrub. The winery suggests food pairings of fresh mussels in coconut lemongrass and white wine sauce, or grilled Halloumi cheese on a crunchy crostini topped with a dash of lemon juice. Where do we sign up? But there is a catch: it is a club member only product. Technically it is year two for this delicious single vineyard barrel fermented sauvignon blanc grown at Hillview Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, picked on October 9. After a long, cool 12-week fermentation, the wine was moved from stainless steel to seasoned barriques and 15% stainless steel barriques.Prices:| BC | $25.32 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI think what I like most about Terry Meyer Stone and Andrew Stone’s Mayhem wines is that they are consistently fun to drink. This sauvignon is grown on the Naramata Bench, spends 60 days fermenting, and is infiltrated by seven percent barrel fermented fruit to enrich the back palate. Juicy is the best description, with ripe lime and grapefruit that slides down effortlessly on a warm day. Ready to drink now and perfect with anything with a hit of spice.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Coste de Los Andes Andillian Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Coste de Los Andes is an Argentine project from France's Chateau La Coste. The wines merge La Provence's sunny spirit with the Andes Mountains' luminous heights. This sauvignon blanc comes from alluvial soils in Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo. This underwent pre-fermentation carbonic maceration before two weeks of fermentation with partial maceration. Bright and shining with lemon thistle, meadow grass, crunchy Asian pear, and tangerine, this streaks along the palate with a base of crushed stones. Lovely texture and freshness here.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Castelvecchio Carso Sauvignon 2022
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 organic sauvignon blanc was fermented and aged on lees in stainless. Tightly wound, this textural sauvignon streams stones, herbal lemon balm, and verbena along a chalky base, finishing with a bright lemon twist. Lovely presence and energy here.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Jabber The Winemaker The Blend Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileWhat I like best about Jabber is that Kim Crawford’s important work in Chile brings a high level of acknowledgement to Chilean sauvignon blanc. Crawford’s work in the Casablanca Valley shines a long-overdue light on this cool climate region ideally suited to sauvignon blanc but virtually ignored by most wine retailers in the Western world. Crawford takes full advantage of the granitic soils, red clays, black chalk, slopes, and three microclimates within Casablanca to craft a deliciously bright, citrus-powered sauvignon with a tight mineral, reductive note. 2022 is slightly riper in style, only adding to its attractiveness and reminding us what the Casablanca Valley can produce. Ready to drink with mussels, clams, or freshly shucked oysters.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Invivio Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis is a pleasant Marlborough sauvignon, now in its 14th vintage. Classic vibrant Kiwi style with bright acidity, green melon, and passionfruit with a touch of bitter lime in the finish. Not exactly a sipping wine, but it would be fine with mussels or fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Fleur Entre-Deux-Mers 2021
Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, FranceCorked.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cirro Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA classic Marlborough sauvignon blanc, but with complexity and depth that is above the norm. This offers a combination of gooseberry, white grapefruit, and grassy herbs, all backed by tropical notes of passion fruit and guava. Richly textured and mineral driven, with well-integrated acidity that is crisp and refreshing, this is a serious effort that shows a different, smaller side of Marlborough. Recommended and excellent value.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNice to see an organic sauvignon from New Zealand from Villa Maria’s Earth Garden Range. The style is taut with a citrus lime rind bent. The palate is equally sauvignon green, mixing green apple, asparagus, and gooseberry. Solid seafood white you can pour with mussels or clams or at a crab fest.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Leyda Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileConsistently pungent, the Leyda entry-level sauvignon is a highly varietal affair. With a nod to New Zealand and Sancerre, the style is grassy and herbaceous with canned jalapeno, gooseberry and mandarins with tart lemon and lime and guava in the finish. From fish sticks to crab cakes and oysters, this wine is ready to drink with any dish you want to add a squeeze of lemon. We love the price.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hubert Brochard Sancerre 2021
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe Brochard Sancerre comes off more than 220 fields across seven villages. The fruit is hand and machine harvested from 30+ year old sauvignon blanc vines, and hand sorted at the winery where the berries are destemmed and pressed. The fermentation regime is slow and cool, leading to a classic Sancerre: bright with floral aromas and green fruit mixed with intense Meyer lemon and guava over a creamy, chalky, mineral driven mid-palate. Oysters are a must, or serve with a fresh piece of chèvre and a baguette.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $42.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $42.99 | 750ml |
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22 August 2023
89PTS
Leyda Garuma Coastal Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileTwo clones, 1 Davis and 107, shape this sauvignon blanc they call Garuma after a small seagull seen along the Chilean coastline running across the sandy beaches. The Davis clone is about structure and creaminess, while Clone 107 is about the herbaceous, citrus, and limey saline notes that run along the spine. Garuma hails from the El Maitén estate planted in 2008, 12 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. Pale yellow with green highlights. Perfect for west coast shellfish and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Leyda Sauvignon Blanc Lot 4 2021
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileLot 4 is special expression of Leyda sauvignon blanc. It is made with Clone 317, originally from Sancerre, but little planted in Chile. 317 has tiny clusters that pitch mineral, white pepper notes with a dash of spicy ginger. It has an impressive mouthfeel beginning with grapefruit, tangerine, and dried herbs with polished creamy textures that fade into its inherent crunchy acidity and a long, intense finish. The fermentation is done in concrete egg shaped vats, untoasted foudres, and two year old, 400 litre French oak barrels to preserve the fruit. The final blend is 52% concrete eggs, 38% foudres, and 10% from 400 litre barrels. Interestingly the soil is a mixture of granite and silt that adds a chalky texture to the wine. The match is your favourite ceviche dish.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co Gewürztraminer 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a classic gewürztraminer nose, this wine exhibits crushed rose petals, ripe lychee, and a hint of ginger spiciness. The palate unfolds expansively, boasting weight and breadth. A subtle bitterness on the finish is balanced by a touch of residual sugar.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rust Wine Co Gewürztraminer 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from 50 year old vines planted on the Golden Mile Bench, this sees four days of skin contact, giving this a perfumed, aromatic nose of orange blossom and rose petals, layered with lychee and gold hued apricot. It's well balanced in a surprisingly fresh style, with the subtle residual sugar (7 g/L) helping to balance some bitterness from the skin contact.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Meyer McLean Creek Road Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their home estate McLean Creek Vineyard, this gewürztraminer is closing in on 30 years of age. Not your average gew when it comes to winemaking, the grapes are picked at two different times, and the late pick gets an extra 24 hours of skin contact. Both lots are fermented in stainless steel or older French barrels for more than thirty days, and left on lees for 16 more weeks. Aromatically bright with notes of honeysuckle, ginger, litchi, and ripe pear with a slippery soft finish. It smells sweet but finishes barely off dry. Try this with spicy bites for best effect.Prices:| BC | $17.48 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Gew is a mix of estate fruit and grower fruit, with a later harvest picking adding extra intensity. Each lot was fermented separately before being aged 5 months and blended. Ripe and lush with perfumed white peach, fragrant melon, heady gingersnap, anise, and honeysuckle riding a juicy, off-dry swell through the spiced sage finish. Lovely typicity of grape, for purists.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer McLean Creek Road Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their home McLean Creek Vineyard, this Gew was planted in 1994 on sandy loams and gravels, with cuttings from Germany. From a couple of picks, the latter with 24 hours skin contact, these two lots were native fermented cool in stainless and older French barrels over 1 month. The wine was left on lees for 4 more months, with no MLF. Gingersnap, apricot, cold cream glide along the soft, slick palate, with a hearty bump of RS making this super friendly. Drink now, with a chill.Prices:| BC | $17.48 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Gewürztraminer 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you love gewürztraminer, Hillside winemaker Kathy Malone makes a high quality quaffable style that you can drink solo or with food. Generally exotic, you will find hints of litchi, tangerine, Asian pear, ginger, and ruby grapefruit, with a touch of guava bitterness. It is bright, fresh, and ready to drink. A party in the glass.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wild Goose Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Wild Goose style is always a bit sweeter and rounder, attracting many fans. It is a blend of estate and grower fruit that, as alluded to, is picked later with higher sugar content and more intensity. It aged five months post ferment and bottled fresh ready for release. Look for exotic orange and melon with sweet honeysuckle and spicy ginger streaks underneath. Juicy sweet flavours glide down the palate through the finish. Real gewürztraminer you can buy at a giveaway price. Some winery food matches include a squash curry; cumin, turmeric and paprika-spiced chicken; or spicy noddle dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moraine Gewürztraminer 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lily Estate vineyard plus nearby Cossentine vineyard, this is a juicy and bright Gew, with lush pear, apricot, gooseberry, and rosewater, gently scented with ginger, kissed with RS, and lit with bright (for Gew) acidity. Nice handling of the grape, leaving a very smart, modern wine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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18 August 2023
89PTS
Kitsch Riesling 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis riesling offers a melange of peach, pear, zesty citrus and delicate floral nuances. In an almost bone-dry style reminiscent of its austere Australian counterparts, the palate displays the lusciousness of stone fruit and subtle leesy undertones well balanced by sharp acidity.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Riesling Lab Hard Pressings Experiment 12 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRiesling Lab is a playground for the winery, widely lauded as one of Canada's top riesling producers. This is the 12th annual geek out experiment for the cellar crew (Clarissa, Sam, and Michael this year), utilizing all the hard pressings from their collected riesling lots, implementing partial blackened juice (super hyper-ox), partial fermentation on pinot noir skins, partial native ferment, partial cultured yeast trials, all balanced off with 22 g/L RS. There's a perfumed soapiness to this white from first whiff that carries through the finish, drawing along juicy pear, ripe white peach, candied lemon, and lime peel, finishing with a snappy citrus twist. Fun, friendly, and a little bit funky, this is certainly another worthwhile experiment.Prices:| BC | $21.75 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Old Vines Riesling, one of Canada's top wines, comes entirely off their north-facing 1978 plantings of clone 21B, sheltered by Ponderosa pines, and rooted in deep silty soils. This was handpicked, gently whole bunch pressed, settled and fermented cool for 45 days before resting a few months on lees, plus 2 years in bottle prior to release. You are tasting the magic of site, and time. Savoury crushed stones are woven with lime pith and peel, crunchy green apple, and scrubby desert flowers. Acidity is juicy and well placed, easily lofting this through a lingering saline, white pepper finish. Nothing is out of place here, even now in youth, and this will continue to harmonize over the coming years. Incredible value.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis, their flagship riesling was picked over a few weeks across a number of estate (2005 and 2009 planted) plus East Kelowna grower blocks. All were whole bunch pressed, inoculated, and fermented cool-ish and long in stainless until the desired RS (15 g/L) was achieved. Juicy and mouthwatering, with pulpy lime, pithy pink grapefruit, crunchy green apple on the bright, off-dry, medium palate. Though lacking the definition of previous vintages, this is a fantastic result from an incredibly trying 2022 season.Prices:| BC | $27.85 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Wild Goose Riesling 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's riesling sources from 35 year old estate vines plus growers, all fermented in stainless where it remained aging for 6 months. There's a smoked stone / campfire note threaded throughout this wine, tramping down Asian pear, candied lime, and green apple, and lingering on the zesty finish. A shame.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Naramata Bench estate Fleet Road Vineyard, this dry (unlike their 2021) riesling was whole cluster pressed with 14 hours skin contact, and fermented cold in stainless. Tight with lime pith and, tart green apple, this crispy white is on the severe end of the spectrum, ready for acid-freaks and sugar-adverse. There's a lactic / cheesy core, which offsets the plot a bit, finishing with a bitter lime leaf edge and white pepper. One for drinking now.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Riesling 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 19 year old vines in Naramata's Garagan Vineyard, this was picked later in October, whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless, with the ferment stopped when the desired sweetness (17.55 g/L) was reached. It then aged on lees 7 months in a mix of neutral puncheons and barriques, with 3/4 resting in stainless. Juicy lime, fleshy white peach and orchard blossoms fill this off-dry white, with ample citric acidity to carry this through the snappy, apple juice finish. A fun, friendly, sweeter style to enjoy this summer, ideally with foods carrying some spice.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Small Lot Dry Riesling 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 2 older blocks in their Lillooet Dry Creek estate vineyard, this was partially native fermented in neutral oak, with the remainder destemmed and with 12 hours on skins, fermented cool in stainless. The wine rested 4 months on lees before bottling. Though this is called Dry, in contrast to the winery's classic Riesling, there is a bump of 3.2 g/L RS to offset the acidity. Perfumed cold cream, cool tangerine, creamsicle is shaped with a tart, racy acidity, finishing off with lemon sorbet on the snappy, bitter lime finish. Certainly leaner than its 13% suggests, enjoy this simple sleek white this summer.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2022
British Columbia, CanadaOne of two riesling Fort Berens puts out every year, this classic style has more RS (9.6 g/L) than their Dry Riesling (at 3.2 g/L). This comes primarily from their Lillooet estate vineyards, with 27% from Naramata. After crushing, all had 12 hours of skin contact, fermented long and cool in stainless until the desired RS was achieved. It then rested four months on lees before bottling. The RS is gobbled up by racy tart acidity, leaving lime sherbet, green and crab apples, and delicate blossoms streaking across the light-bodied palate to a shorter finish. A bit disjointed with the bump of RS and tart acidity, this is one to chill and crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Orofino Maenam The Riesling Project 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Riesling Project was born from the idea to make a wine that complements Chef Angus An’s Thai food served for years at Maenam Restaurant on West Broadway. The challenge brought together East Kelowna winemaker David Paterson of Tantalus Vineyards, and John Weber of Orofino at Cawston in the Similkameen Valley. Doing what you should do, The Project Riesling was built around the major Thai flavours. In the end, this juicy off dry riesling is full of ripe lemon, pomelo, and red apple, drizzled in honey with a hint of spice. There is a lovely balance and the potential to take on a fair bit of heat from the food. At 12.6 percent, it is very quaffable, and the first bottle will disappear long before any food hits the table if you are not careful. Mosel-like and a winner. Available only at Maenam Restaurant.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Riesling 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Mayhem Riesling comes off 19 year old vines at Naramata's Garagan Vineyard. The residual sugar is a hefty 17.55 g/L, but seven months on its lees in a mix of 25/75 neutral puncheons and barriques and stainless steel gives it a whack of juicy acidity, leaving a fresh, lip-smacking style, pitching limes, honeysuckle, and red apples. Made to be a fun wine in a friendly, sweeter style, you can enjoy it with some spicy foods like ribs or curries.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kitsch Riesling 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the newly minted East Kelowna Slopes, this riesling speaks both to place and vintage, with a combination of bright lime and green apple that's heightened by delicate white florals. Linear and precise, it shows excellent concentration, with a chalky texture that carries through to the finish. Certainly, a more austere style that will pair well with pork belly and scallops, or another 3-4 years of bottle age. Well worth revisiting. Only 227 cases producedPrices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Small Lot Dry Riesling 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Fort Berens’ Lillooet Dry Creek estate vineyard, this Dry Riesling is partially native fermented in neutral oak and stainless steel before a brief four months rest on lees prior to bottling. Aromatic, it pitches tart lemony acidity, a streak of tangerine, and a slightly mealy, pithy, bitter citrus finish. Simple, ready to drink, and food friendly.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2022
British Columbia, CanadaFort Berens issues two rieslings a year. This classic comes with more RS (9.6 g/L) that barely takes it into the off-dry zone, and the fruit is mostly Lillooet estate, with 27 percent out of Naramata. Post ferment, it gets a four month rest on lees before bottling. Sugar isn’t an issue, disappearing into Vancouver Island like acidity, pitching lime sherbet, zest, and crab apples. Delicate and lightly flavoured, it should be served with pretty neutral dishes to the best effect. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Therapy The Ridge Riesling 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from two vineyards, one on the Naramata Bench and one in Cawston in the Similkameen Valley, this was fermented slowly over 16 weeks at cool temperatures after being whole cluster pressed. It's a textured, racy style, with a real verve to it. Floral white blossoms are followed by honeycomb, mandarin, and confected lime, though it feels like this wine is still tightly wound at this stage.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Riesling 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada35 year old estate vines combine with grower fruit to make this winery staple. It is a stainless steel affair that opens with light pear, fresh green apples and lemon with a touch of smoke throughout that shaves off its typically edgy styling. Juicy and herbal, it is ready to drink, and I recommend it before this Christmas. Serve with a spicy tuna roll or steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lunessence Estate Single Vineyard Riesling 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis riesling continues to impress in year four. It's fresh and racy, but the acidity is not overly aggressive, allowing a sweet lime character to take over the mid-palate. Not quite as crunchy as last year, but more intense, making it a little more pleasing to a broader audience this year.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Tantalus Old Vines Riesling is a Canadian treasure which likely means that eventually you won't be able to buy it in Canada. But for now, it is a British Columbia secret. If you want to buy some, especially at $39, do not delay. The old vine vineyard Single Block 5 dates back to 1978, now 45 years ago, suggesting this is something to treasure. The clone 21B riesling vines are content to sit in deep silty soils sheltered from the late afternoon and early evening sun by even older Ponderosa pines, another Okanagan institution. A 45 days cold ferment is followed by a few months on its lees and two full years in the bottle. The attack is intense, with plenty of citrus and some unusual upfront tropical pineapple. Otherwise, the savoury, wet stone, and bright, juicy acid flood the palate and carries you through the finish. Iconic, unique and as compelling as it gets for Candian riesling, you can serve this with anything or solo. Real Wine and an incredible value.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tesch Unplugged Riesling 2020
Nahe, GermanyWeingut Tesch was established in 1723 and is a classic producer in Germany’s Nahe region. Unplugged is just as it sounds; free from wood and makeup, driven by racy, ripping acidity and juicy bright orchard fruits with a stony mineral undercurrent. Thought to be richer than the Mosel, it vibrates with electricity throughout and finishes with an orange peel essence that makes it as exotic as it gets for wine. This fabulous food wine is always impressive in its simplicity and complexity. Riesling nerds should stock up.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St. Hubertus Organic Riesling 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis expressively aromatic riesling shows a pronounced floral perfume and some rustic earthy notes, accompanied by subtle hints of petrol and smokiness. Dry and marked by searing acidity, the palate offers green apple and lime, mixed with a touch of honey.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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17 August 2023
92PTS
Callejuela Blanco de Hornillos 2021
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainBrothers Pepe y Paco produce some incredibly dynamic Palominos from el Marco de Jerez, some fortified and some not, and some with flor and some without. Their father, Francisco Blanco Martínez, ‘el Blanquito,’ founded the business in 1980. Initially, he worked as an almacenista de mosto, farming his vineyards and selling the base wine to bottling houses. His sons came on board in the late 1990s and consolidated the operation in a cellar atop the slope of Pago el Hornillo on the estuary side of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Today they own 28 hectares of vines across four pagos. This cuvée is named for Pago de Hornillo, where their bodega stands, just away from the Atlantic, on the estuary side of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This uses fruit from their four pagos, fermented and aged in stainless. Bright and fresh, with meadow hay, lemon thistle, and subtle chamomile streaking along a slender palate, seasoned with smoked white tea leaves / crushed chalky stones, and finishing with a saline wash. A very pure example of the grape without flor influence.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Artífice Llanito Perera 2020
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainBorja Pérez is an ex-race car driver-turned winemaker based in the northern part of Tenerife. After his previous high octane career, he decided to take over his family business, creating the critically well-received wine project Ignios. Pérez, however, wanted to make a range of accessible wines under a new label, Artífice, working with local island varieties, and restoring old ungifted vines back to health, organically. Llanito Perera comes from listán branco grown on the area's sandy, stony basalt. This was native fermented and aged in 500L oak barrels for 1 year. alluring licks of reduction link this to the volcanic soils of Tenerife, mingling with meadow herbs, subtle quince, wild lemon, and ample marine salinity, running deep and long across the sleek 12.5% palate, finishing with a saline wash. Listán Blanco, aka Palomino, always takes on this shape when grown on these soils: with darts of reduction and intrinsic salinity. A lovely example of place here, this is drinking beauty now and over the next couple of years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Castelvecchio Malvasia 2022
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 malvasia was fermented and aged on lees in concrete and fragrantly perfumed, with ripe melon, lush peach and herbal apricot, with a bracing lemon acidity to tighten and brighten. Enjoy equally fragrant Chinese / Thai dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Castelvecchio Vitovska 2022
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. Native to the area, this organic vitovksa was fermented and rested on lees in concrete. Perfumed lemon, musk melon, rosewater slips along a linear palate, with a very subtle concrete grip. The finish lingers with crushed stones. Floral and stony, and marine shaped, this is quite a smart wine for enjoying now.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Castelvecchio Malvasia Dileo 2022
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. Dileo is from the oldest vineyard of the estate, and this organic malvasia was fermented and aged on lees in concrete. Pouring a glowing golden hue, this fuller bodied white is concentrated with honeysuckle, jasmine, perfumed guava, rose petals along a waxen palate, dotted with fragrant spices. Marine acidity and limestone soils keeps this weightier white aloft. Try with equally fragrant curries.Prices:Read Full Note
94PTS
Savage Wines Never Been Asked to Dance 2021
Paarl, Coastal Region, South AfricaFrom an organically farmed Paarl vineyard planted in 1956 in decomposed granitic sands, this was left for dead when Duncan restored and rescued it. They have been interplanting Picpoul, Grenache Blanc, and Petit Manseng for pops of freshness throughout, making the 2021 approximately 87% chenin. This was whole bunch pressed, with quite brown juice before a native ferment and full MLF, with 10 months ageing in old 600L Stockingers. Licked alluringly with flinty reduction, this streams wild pear, lemon thistle, quince, meadow herbs, along a streamlined, linear palate, threaded with a gentle texture and imbued with salinity. So much depth and lightness of being here.Prices:Read Full Note
93PTS
T-Oinos Clos Stegasta Asyrtiko 2021
The Islands, GreeceAt 450m on the island of Tinos, this organic / biodynamically farmed assyrtiko grows in broken granitic soils, surrounded by giant granite erratics. This was native fermented and rested on lees in a mix of stainless, amphora, and barrel over 4 months. Concentrated quince, white grapefruit, lemon thistle, pear is lashed with windswept marine acidity and salinity, and buzzes with a deep granitic grip which lingers on the lengthy finish. Quite profound for 13.5%, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Artemis Karamolegos Santorini 2021
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceArtemis Karamolegos is one of the most dynamic wineries on the unique island of Santorini. Led by his grandfather, who started making wine and cultivating vines as a hobby in the 1950s, Artemis founded the winery in 2004. They own just over 3ha of vineyards (some over 100 years old) across Pyrgos, Megalorchori, Exo Gonia, Akrotiri and Fira and have long-term contracts to farm another 5 hectares. This comes from vines averaging 80 years and blends 90% assyrtiko and 10% blend of Athiri / Aidani. This was fermented and aged in stainless on lees for seven months. Sleek and streaming along the palate, with mandarin, white grapefruit, subtle quince, with racy acidity balanced with a fine slick of lees. Beautifully pitched between acid, volcanic soils, marine salinity, and purity of fruit, this is a striking wine ready for enjoying liberally now, ideally with seafood/shellfish.Prices:| ON | $52.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Oinea Aetos 2021
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. In Greek, Aetos means eagle. From limestone soils at 650m, this biodynamically farmed Roditis Alepou is tipped with 3% xinomavro, and was cold macerated for 7 days in stainless, where it rested for a short time, with full MLF and no bâtonnage. Sleek and streamline, this mountain wine is kissed with white grapefruit, scrubby herbs, and lemon verbena, with a tight, buzzy limestone underlay driving it to the finish. Light (11.5%), tight, and energetic, this is a lovely wine of place.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Tenuta Le Colonne Vermentino 2021
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyTenuta Le Colonne Vermentino Costa is from estate Vermentino grapes grown a mere 15 metres above sea level on the Tyrrhenian Coast. The colour is pale, pale yellow with a greenish rim. On the nose, it pitches ethereal herbaceous notes mixed with citrus and white flowers that spill on a lively fresh palate of lemons, minerals, and a saline finish. A perfect match for unadorned seafood dishes. Fine value too.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their estate Fleet Road vineyard, this viognier was fermented in a mix of French and acacia barrels, with 3 months' rest on lees. Lush apricot, perfumed musk, rosewater, and apricot rule this medium+ palate, with a crunchy Asian pear acidity to offset. Warming gingersnap spicing rests on the perfumed, grippy finish. Not much subtle here, with the acacia ramping up the spicing quite a bit, so if you're a big fan of the grape's showiness, seek this out.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Covert Farms Roussanne Grand Reserve 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis roussanne comes off their estate's certified organic Coyote Block, and was planted in 2007. This had a month long fermentation, followed by 9 months' rest on lees, in neutral French oak. Ripe pear, lemon verbena, apricot and ginger run the sleek palate, with a sherry-like nuttiness lingering on the finish. Certainly a leener, steelier version of the lush white grape.Prices:| BC | $43.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Roussanne 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOff Bella Vineyard's gravelled soils, this was aged 8 months in French oak. Pervaded with ample perfumed potpourri and fragrant blossoms, this full-bodied spice box is full of showy white peach, ripe nectarine, and lusty gingersnap, running slow across the expansive palate. There is a lime rind lift to tighten and take to the spiced finish. If you're looking for something smart and showy to pour alongside lightly spiced and sauced Chinese or Thai dishes, look here.Prices:| BC | $29.89 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Church & State Wines Marsanne 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Bella vineyard's gravelled soils, this marsanne spent 8 months in French barrels. White pepper infiltrates this fuller bodied white, seasoning white peach, fragrant pear, exotic ginger and jasmine spicing, rolling out slowly across a subtly waxen palate. Such a spice box, and well used to partner against fuller, fragrant dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Viognier 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Osoyoos estate vineyard, this viognier was whole bunch pressed, with 75% fermenting in oak barrels (15% new) and the remainder in stainless, both with bâtonnage over 9 months. The toasty wood is an ever-present backdrop to ripe apricot, lush peach, honeysuckle, gingersnap spicing that stretches long across the fuller palate. Acid is in check to buoy this wine, one that smartly holds itself in check, even for a full-bodied Southern Okanagan viognier.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Terravista Roussanne Focus Series 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Focus Series is a limited release, and in this case, comes off celebrated winemaker Severine Pinte's (of Le Vieux Pin and La Stella) home vineyard, in Oliver. This was gently whole cluster pressed, settled, and then into 2nd fill and neutral French barrels and puncheons for fermentation and 5 months' rest on lees, with regular bâtonnage. Ripe and lush with rosewater, fragrant peach, lime pith, and jasmine streaming along the ginger spiced palate. Acidity is bright, streaming this to a zesty lime finish. A really unusual take on the grape, and one that would well-suit fragrant Thai or Vietnamese dishes.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Terravista Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFor the first time, this comes entirely off Raisin D’Etre vineyard on the Naramata Bench. It was whole cluster pressed and fermented in 2 batches, with 2 separate yeasts, in stainless. Fragrant cold cream, fresh and dried apricot, fragrant peach is lit with lime pulp and peel along a sleek palate to the gingersnap finish. Viognier's inherent abundance is smartly held at bay here, resulting in an elegant and highly drinkable white.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Terravista Albariño 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnder the previous owners and founders, Bob and Senka Tennant, Albariño was planted in BC in the late 2000s on a sloping, rocky property on Naramata Bench. They were the first winery to sell this Galician grape commercially in Canada. As of 2021, all of this fruit comes off Terravista's estate Lone Hand Ranch. It was picked in 2 lots, whole cluster pressed and fermented in stainless until dry. Juicy and bright, with mouthwatering lime, lemon verbena, white peach tea at the fore, while scents of anise, sage, and white pepper season the zesty finish. Very pure, very distinct, and very Okanagan.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Sémillon 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is my second time tasting this wine, and it's even better with some more time in bottle. Sourced from Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Gravelbar, it shows pure lemon lifted by lime blossom and honeysuckle, with an accent of lees. Precise and textured, there's a beautiful balance of richly concentrated fruit and crisp acidity that will yield further dividends with careful cellaring over the next 4-5 years. Highly recommended and excellent value.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Covert Farms Grand Reserve Roussanne 2017
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis roussanne comes off their estate's certified organic Coyote Block, and was planted in 2007. This had a month long fermentation, followed by 10 months' rest on lees, in neutral French oak. Subtle fragrant ginger and star anise spicing runs throughout, weaving through pear, apricot, yellow apple on a sleek, tart palate, finishing with some warming spices. Showing its age, this is best enjoyed now.Prices:| BC | $43.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Les Pins De Camille 2021
Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe Omarine Picpoul de Pinet has been a regular feature on monopoly shelves for years, and for good reason: it overdelivers. Oddly it has no other challengers, although there are other selections in the private sector. This slim southern French variety is an enticing food friendly grape that makes everyday wine especially suited to summer, decks, patios, bite-sized food, or a bowl of steamed clams. Fresh and citrus scented with a mix of honey and quince, its juicy grapefruit and ginger palate is difficult to ignore.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 2 neighbouring vineyards, Stones Throw and Pandher Farms, white viognier was whole cluster and whole berry pressed, with a month long cool fermentation in stainless followed by 4 months on lees. Cool and sleek, with apricot, white peach, cold cream softened with a bump of RS. There's a lime sherbet announcement that reins in the finish, leaving it snappy and bright. Quite made, and well done, leaving a viognier at 12.4% that's ready for enjoying now with lightly spiced fare.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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15 August 2023
93PTS
Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThe Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva celebrates the Mazzei ancestor who penned the first official document mentioning Chianti in 1398. The label is unique, held together with a wax seal, inviting you to open and view illustrations by young Florentine artists hidden within. This sangiovese is splashed with 10% merlot, coming off the Cornia and Caggiolo vineyards' clay, limestone, and albarese. This aged one year in small French barrels, 50% new. Crushed stones, and dried florals are woven throughout this alluring Riserva, scenting fresh and dried cherry, black raspberry, and dried scrubby herbs. Tannins are fine and firm, and acidity is bright and stony, carrying this to a salt-dotted finish. Very impressive now, this finessed wine will reward with cellaring.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Castelvecchi Madonnino della Pieve Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Tuscany, ItalyThis Gran Selezione sangiovese comes off Radda in Chianti's Madonnino vineyard, planted in 1970. Picked over sever triers, each fermented separately, with 40 days' maceration. It continues aging over 24 months in young French barriques, followed by 18 months in large barrels. Powerful and stately, with wild cherry, black raspberry, worked leather, and perfumed dried florals, wrapped up with ample structural and sueded tannins and seasoned with hoisin and cracked peppercorns. It is very polished and prime for drinking now, but it will undoubtedly cellar well with its Diam10 closure.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lamole di Lamole Lareale Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyOrganic Sangiovese and Canaiolo from schist and sandstone marls at 350-500m were fermented in vat before heading to new French barrels for two years. They've done the work for you; this is a suave, smooth and finessed CC Riserva ready for enjoyment, with raspberries, wild cherries, and dried florals along a streamlined frame, with long, slightly grippy tannins hugging the sides through an amaro kissed finish.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gabbiano Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalySangiovese is tipped with 5% merlot in this Riserva, with fruit coming off various estate plots, each fermented separately in small stainless tanks. Half went through MLF in stainless, with the remainder in wood, before aging for ten months in oak casks and 225L barrels (10% new). The wine rested in a bottle one year before release. There's a slight browning to the ripe fruit, with some baked plum, leather, and hoisin on the fuller palate, wrapped with sticky, ample tannins. The finish wraps up quickly with a dusting of nutmeg and clove. Drink now, ideally with roasted root veg/lamb.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macìe was founded in 1973 by legendary film producer Italo Zingarelli. His impressive film career allowed him to fulfill his dream of producing wine. His son, Sergio, oversees the operations today. This CC comes from Tenuta Sant'Alfonso, a 40-ha single vineyard site. This is rooted in clay soils at 300m, giving a weighted expansiveness to the palate. The wine rested in 35hl French barrels. Slightly brown in the glass, this is ripe and sultry with baked plums, worked leather and raspberry jam, pinned with firm, sticky tannins through a baking spiced finish—a wider, riper style for drinking now.Prices:| ON | $23.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tenuta Fanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Le Macchiarelle 2013
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFilippo Fanti planted This Riserva only in the best vintages, from grapes in Vigna Le Macchiarelle’s galestro soils, in 1980. The vineyard is 2.5 hectares, with 35+ year old vines at 250m, facing southward. This ferments for over a month before aging two years in 500L French tonneaux and 30 months in bottle before release. Very well relaxed now at 10 years (they've done the aging for you) this shows dried morello cherry, dried raspberry, tobacco, and supple worn leather, with ample mineral salts lingering long on the finish. Tannins are soft and yielding, though the softer finish. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $149.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Il Palagio Sister Moon 2020
Tuscany, ItalyThe first Toscana IGT created by Il Palagio, this full bodied and age-worthy wine is named after Sting’s Sister Moon. This blend of organically grown Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 14 months in French tonneaux. Worked leather, fresh and dried black cherries, dried green herbs are drawn across the full, fleshy palate, pinned with sticky, dark cocoa tannins, and judiciously seasoned with wood and baking spices. Dense and structural, this youthful bigger red benefits from a decant now, or time in your cellar before enjoying with roasted beef / lamb / veg.Prices:| ON | $99.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Il Palagio Casino Delle Vie NV
Tuscany, ItalyTuscany's Villa Il Palagio has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. For the last two decades it's been the summer home of Sting and Trudy Styler, who have transformed the estate into a vibrant organic farm and vineyard. Over that time, they've worked with consultants Alan York and Pedro Parra to design the vineyards and farming practices. This organic, biodynamic blend of 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the calcareous clays and sands of the hills of Florence, at 330m. After a stainless ferment, it rested for 1 year in older small French barrels. This release is a blend of 2 vintages, hence the NV labelling. Plush black raspberry, black cherry, dark chocolate courses through the plumped palate, with furry tannins pinning in the sides, and a dollop of candle wax sticking to the finish. One for enjoying now, with roast lamb / beef / rich tomato sauced pastas.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lamole di Lamole Lareale Chianti Classico Riserva 2018
Greve, Florence, Tuscany, ItalyThis sangiovese, canaiolo blend comes from Lamole in the commune of Greve in Chianti at 470 - 655 meters. The sandstone galestro soils with bits of limestone (alberese) are the perfect medium for the optically sorted fruit. The finished wine is aged 24 months in 30 to 50 hectoliter casks before the final blending and bottling. The nose is violets with balsamic and forest floor, and the palate is wild berries with some weighty muscularity and a mineral underbelly. It is impressive for the price and another Chianti standing up for the region. Think baked fowl and vegetables as the match.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Castelvecchi Madonnino della Pieve Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Tuscany, ItalyGran Selezione sits at the top of the sangiovese heap in Chianti, and old vineyards like Madonnino planted in Radda in 1970 play their part. The bunches are picked over time as they reach maturity and are fermented separately. The ageing is 24 months in young French barriques plus 18 months in large barrels. The result is a powerhouse Chianti awash in wild cherry and long, round, soft tannins flecked with spice, balsamico, and violets. This is a giant of a wine and one that will require a decade of ageing to reach its zenith or more. A mushroom risotto or wild boar are in its future.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gabbiano Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018
Tuscany, ItalyThis opens with a 2018 hit of warmth and ripeness, including a touch of maroon at the rim. The palate is full-flavoured with dark plums, mushrooms, baked cherries, and balsamico. A surprising amount of tannins suggests this wine could be cellared for three to five years. You can drink it now with a sugo or roasted vegetables. The mix is 95/5 sangiovese/merlot from various Tuscan estates. It spent ten months in oak casks and 225L barrels (10% new) and was given another year in bottle before release.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Brancaia Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyChianti Classico is the only Brancaia red made without wood. The Radda and Castellina sangiovese offers cherries and raspberries heightened by spending twelve months ageing in steel and cement. Despite its youth, it is infinitely ready to drink with a favourite pizza. Warm and savoury, it can take on even bigger dishes.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $42.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Tuscany, ItalyA nice uptick for a wine that sometimes can be disjointed in the sense of being overbearing for a Chianti. Not so in 2019. I love the earthy herbal undernotes that stage for more decadent, darker black raspberry and slippery but structured tannins. A sense of elegance balances it as it rides out a lingering, fresh, mineral finish. There is no rush to drink this, as it will effortlessly age through 2027. Osso buco would be a fine match. Good value.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Istine Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThe organic sangiovese is a mix of four sites in Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Tibuca, and Le Noci, averaging 500 metres above sea level over marl, limestone and clay. Perfumed and definitely on the red fruit side, pitching cherries and raspberries with the requisite acidity for life and earth and leather for complexity. Simple yet polished, it is an excellent example of when less is more. Drink or hold; there is no rush. The fermentation languished over two months in concrete and stainless before aging in a combination of Slavonian oak (10hl, 20hl, 40hl) and concrete tanks for a year and then some.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rocca delle Macie Tenuta Sant'Alfonso Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macìe was founded in 1973 by legendary film producer Italo Zingarelli. Still, it's having a moment in its 60th year under the watchful eye of Italo's son Sergio whom, when he wasn't busy organizing the Chianti Classico Consortium, was overhauling the family wines in a big way. Today this weighty, full flavoured red of broad, soft textures is a statement for inexpensive Chianti Classico. Plenty of red plums and black cherries come together with savoury leather. Tenuta Sant'Alfonso is a 40 ha single vineyard that provides all you want at this price point. The match is spaghetti Bolognese.Prices:| ON | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyPèppoli is a single estate in Chianti Classico owned and farmed by Marchesi Antinori. It is primarily sangiovese and complemented by other indigenous grapes, each fermented and separately aged in stainless steel before ageing for nine months in large, older Slavonian oak barrels. The textures are soft, fleshy, and full of black cherry with a spiced forest floor finish. Very polished in the way most Classico are not. It's food-friendly, and we loved it with a broad spectrum of Chinese dishes.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macìe was founded in 1973 by legendary film producer Italo Zingarelli. His impressive film career allowed him to fulfill his dream to produce wine. His son, Sergio, oversees the operations today. This sangiovese is tipped with 5% merlot sourced from their 4 estates in Castellina in Chianti. After primary fermentation in stainless, and MLF in concrete, this rested in large Slavonian oak for 6-10 months. Ripe and cushy up front, with sun dried cherries, crushed florals, worked leather, dried mint, fresh parsley across a fleshy palate, with bitter cherry tannins drying up the kirsch stained finish. A forward, drinking-now style, ideally with richer tomato sauced pastas.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyFrom the hills of Gaiole, this Classico is a classic mix of sangiovese and a few native grapes that spend 12 months in oak and stainless steel. There is something about the simplicity of this wine that gives it its charm, running along a rich bed of black cherry and a silky savoury undercurrent. There is a tinge of tannin to disperse, otherwise, this is good to go with grilled chicken or a chinghiale pasta.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyArceno is always a rich red, mixing sangiovese with 15% merlot. Soft and fleshy, it pitches spicy blackcurrant marked with baking spices and licorice, with a dusting of violets that lift the wine out of the glass. Still, some tannin to disperse, but this wine is always better at the five to seven-year mark. Think porthouse steak or Bistecca Alla Fiorentina. Tenuta di Arceno spreads across 1000 hectares of classic rolling hillside containing vineyards, forests, and medieval castles. The vineyards have been replanted and expanded into a series of micro crus relating to the property’s 12 distinct meso climates over the last 20 years, vastly improving the fruit that gets to the winery.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalySangiovese is tipped with 15% merlot in this fleshy, dark fruited and brooding CC, with ten months in 2-3-year-old French oak giving some baking spice seasoning to the blackcurrant, black cherry ruling the full-bodied palate. Lashes of black licorice, hoisin, and worked leather are woven throughout, while sticky tannins wrap this to a warming, bitter cocoa finish. A bit rustic, this would do best with a fall/winter stew.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyFrom grapes at 500m at Tenuta Perano, in the hills of Gaiole in Chianti, this CC is based on sangiovese, with some native grapes blended in. All aged one year in a mix of stainless and barrique. Dark, dusky black cherry, dark raspberry, ferrous notes rule the medium palate, wrapped with long, lightly grippy tannins and kissed with baking spices. This harmonious CC is drinking very well now, ideally with roast lamb / tomato sauced dishes.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyPèppoli is an Antinori single estate dedicated to quality Chianti Classico. This is based on sangiovese and complemented by other indigenous grapes, all harvested separately. Each was fermented in stainless through MLF, and then the lots were blended and transferred into large Slavonian oak barrels for nine months (a small part remained in stainless for a sprinkle of freshness). It was bottled in January 2022. Fleshy black cherries and juicy raspberries are seasoned with gently spiced wood and cracked nutmeg and framed with long, sticky tannins to a bitter cherry finish. Ready for enjoying now, with tomato-sauced pasta.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Istine Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThis organic sangiovese comes off vineyards in Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Tibuca, and Le Noci, averaging 500m, and from a mix of marly limestones and clay. It fermented for over eight weeks in concrete and stainless before aging in a combination of Slavonian oak (10hl, 20hl, 40hl) and concrete tanks over one year. Perfumed cherries and raspberries flow through a graceful supple leather-lined palate with bright, lifted acidity and sticky, long tannins. Quite polished and drinking well now.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gabbiano Cavaliere d'Oro Chianti Classico 2019
Tuscany, Italy90% Sangiovese mixed with 5% Merlot and 5% other grapes in this CC. After 2 weeks on skins, this moved to botti to complete MLF, which was transferred to a mix of French casks (60%), smaller oak (20%), and cement tanks. Black cherries and black raspberries fill a juicy palate with fresh acidity to brighten and a healthy dusting of white pepper and nutmeg to season. Tannins are soft, then astringent, hugging this to a warming finish. Ready for drinking now, with tomato sauced pasta.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Freixenet Chianti 2020
Tuscany, ItalyOxidized; faulty cork?Prices:| BC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.35 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.98 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2019
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyRocca delle Macìe was founded in 1973 by legendary film producer Italo Zingarelli, and his impressive film career allowed him to fulfill his dream of producing wine. His son, Sergio, oversees the operations of their 600 hectares today. This Classico Riserva blends 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot into a generous red redolent with bitter cherry, black raspberry, and tobacco, tinged with ferrous notes and framed by firm and cedar-hewn tannins to an espresso finish. A mix of rustic and slick would suit any fancy burger or tomato-sauced pasta.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyThe Zingarelli family has worked the land for four decades in Chinati Classico. Established in 1973 by acclaimed Italian film producer Italo Zingarelli, Rocca delle Macìe totals 600 hectares (1,500 acres) across six estates in Tuscany, and today under the watchful eye of Sergio Zingarelli and family. The Classico gets 12-14 days of maceration with frequent pumping over to extract colour. 2020 is well structured with dense black cherry, soft tannins, and a hint of the forest floor. This is a quality spaghetti red with style. Ready to drink. Good value too.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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14 August 2023
87PTS
Red Rooster Golden Egg 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre at first scent reminds me of the many scorched earth, burnt rubber, old school South Africa labels, although a juicy midpalate helps to ameliorate some of that through the finish. The wine is round, warm, and relatively soft on the palate, with a mix of smoky raspberries flecked with pepper and a slightly acidic finish. Best with barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Grenache Syrah 2021
British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Black Sage estate (39% syrah) and Similkameen (61% grenache) this full, soft red was aged 16 months in neutral oak. Fleshy raspberry, cherry is seasoned with cracked peppercorns and framed with downy tannins, holding this to a red fruited finish with quite a bit of heat. A friendly Southern Rhône meets Southern BC blend for drinking now with lamb / root veg.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Red Rooster Golden Egg 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the size, weight, and gold script on the bottle (impossible to photograph), you know this Golden Egg is an 'icon' bottling from Red Rooster. This blend of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre has been aged for you, which has removed some of the grippy wood-hewn tannins, but sadly none of the smoke taint of 2018. Now softer on the palate, with smoked raspberry, bitter cherry, wet cedar, and peppery spicing through the warming finish, this would be best sopped up with a fall/winter root veg / smoked meat braise. I think the Diam10 cork is a bit aspirational.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceClassic Chapoutier, biodynamically farmed, vinified in concrete and stainless to showcase the fruit, add texture, and made with the same precision as his two and three-hundred dollars wines. Belleruche is a 60/35/5 mix of grenache, syrah, and marselan from grapes harvested across the appellation. It’s only aged six months and released for immediate drinking. Year in and year out, it is consistently one of the best value red blends in the market, and the latest is no exception. You can expect a gentle, round, easy sipping style, but it remains a wine of flavour, pitching red and black fruits, black pepper, and a dusting of garrigue to liven up its youthful but soft tannins. Barbecue ready if you need an inexpensive crowd pleaser for wine nuts.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gabriel Meffre Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge Saint-Vincent 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceMeffre does a solid job with this wine, selling at a price and quality level Canadian producers can only dream about. The colour is crimson red with darker purple hues, and the blend is grenache/syrah. With black and blue fruit, garrigue, and softish round tannins, it is easy sipping and versatile at the table.Prices:| ON | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Rouge Réserve 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceCôtes du Rhône Rouge is a classic style bistro red great with chicken wings or even steak frites, but you get the idea: rustic is just fine. 2020 was a generous vintage in the Southern Rhône, both in quality and quantity. Fresh, bright and fleshy, this grenache / syrah / mourvèdre blend draws black cherry and raspberry dusted in black and white pepper. The finish is warm and long. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
DogRidge MVP Grenache 2015
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDogRidge’s sustainably farmed vineyards are home to some of the oldest vines in McLaren Vale, with 80+ year old Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon growing on their McLaren Flat site. MVP is their Most Valuable Player, and the pinnacle tier of the winery. With 10% whole bunch, this was native fermented with extended skin contact and spent 6 months in new French oak before being racked to older barrels. It remains in wood for around 2 years prior to bottling. Dried cherry, strawberry compote, dried blossoms, cracked mustard seed, worked leather flood a juicy palate, wrapped with finely sticky tannins, and swelled with an easy acidity. OV Grenache's concentration and warmth is countered by the juicy acidity, leaving this full-bodied wine still feeling buoyant. Drinking beauty now, ideally with grilled pork / mushrooms.Prices:| ON | $82.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Grenache Syrah 2021
British Columbia, CanadaIn 2021 there was no mourvèdre available for the blend, leaving it a 61/39 grenache/syrah mix, or a more southern Rhône style. There is a little less gravitas and a little more smoke this year. On the palate, it is a dry peppery affair with plummy, meaty tannins and a dry aftertaste. The wine was aged for 16 months in neutral oak barrels. The grenache comes off the Cawston East Slopes in the Similkameen; the syrah is grown on the home Cerquiera Vineyard. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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11 August 2023
90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaPouring a pale peach hue, this year's pinot noir rosé is sourced from 3 vineyards: Fraser Valley's Damm Vineyard; plus Cowichan's Unsworth Vineyard, and Cherry Point Vineyard. The destemmed fruit (clones 777, 667, 115) was fermented and aged on lees in stainless for 3 months. Rhubarb, strawberry yogurt, tangerine runs along the slip of a palate, with a sprinkle of spice on the fresh finish. Bright, saline, dry, and light bodied (11.5%), this is a smart, modern choice for cracking into this summer.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSomewhat muted red fruit nose with cool, savoury watermelon undertones. It is mouth-filling with good length, but the finish comes with elevated warmth reducing the fruit’s character. A dry, simple, uncomplicated rose that is ready to drink. The fun match is salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA pale copper-orange colour invites you to the glass. On the nose, it smells ripe yellow fruits, some litchi and a small bump of residual sugar followed by a touch of bitterness in the finish. This will be best at the table with a lightly spicy curry or grilled chicken.Prices:| BC | $27.97 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2022
British Columbia, CanadaIf you love dry rosé and food, this Vancouver Island pink is the solution to all your needs. The nose is a vibrant blend of cherries and rhubarb. The attack is sleek and lean with more red fruit, bright acidity, and a tight linear style through the finish. It gets just enough lees contact (three months) to add a layer of complexity and leave a dusting of texture. Delicious and mostly unequalled worldwide, this kind of wine will turn heads everywhere in the wine world. The pinot noir fruit is an 82/10/8 mix of Damm, Unsworth, and Cherry Point vineyards, all stainless steel fermented and aged. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Solvero Rosé 2020
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA light coppery colour previews a candied, cherry nose in this pinot noir rosé. Ripe, soft, and a bit too sweet for me. Of course, there will be an equally enthusiastic crowd for this style, so chill it down and serve it solo on the patio or with spicy wings. Aside from the sugary tones, it is well made and might be far more attractive and versatile in a drier state.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Meyer Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2022 the Meyer Rosé blends grapes from the estate McLean Creek Road in Okanagan Falls, Lakehill Road in Kaleden, and Fat Coyote Vineyard in Naramata. I’m not a fan of the dark pink colour but to each his own. It gets 12 hours of skin contact before it goes to the tank and older French barrels for four months of lees contact. The style is ripe and round, with sweet red fruit wrapped in spicy, green, herbal notes. This will be best with food, and it can take quite a bit of spice to boot.Prices:| BC | $20.96 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI don't like to do too much work when I'm drinking Rosé. Translation, make it fun, or even Mayhem. This merlot rosé from the Ryegrass Vineyard is fermented slowly in stainless tanks over 11 weeks before getting a six month rest in 92% stainless tank and 8% neutral French barrique. The colour is red/pink and the style is fresh and juicy with vibrant red and orange fruit, all lightly spiced. There's a little residual sugar, but not enough to scare off dry wine drinkers. Drink all summer when you want to have fun.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Liber Estates Rosé 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic merlot rosé from the Similkameen pours a pale salmon-orange, offering crunchy cherry and cranberry along with pink grapefruit and cream, leading to a crisp, textured palate that's well balanced in a dry but approachable style. Well made and well priced.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fabre en Provence Côtes de Provence Rosé 2022
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis introductory Fabre en Provence label was first created in 1920 by Henri Fabre Sr., although the family history stretches back 17 generations in the region. The winery quickly became the largest producer in the South of France. It was among the first to operate its bottling line while working tirelessly for the recognition of AOC Côtes de Provence. This label continues to overdeliver for its price, pouring a fresh pale pink/orange colour, pitching wild strawberries and rosewater sprinkled with minerals. Westcoast salmon is a superior local match, but it works just as well with pesto pasta.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
80x When Pigs Fly Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada80x Wine Company is a Niagara-based collab of 4 friends, now five vintages deep. They seek out great vineyards and make small lots of Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and cider. This year's rosé comes from Vinemount Ridge's Vieni Vineyard. Pale peach in hue, this juicy, elegant rosé is flooded with tangerine, pink grapefruit, and wild strawberries on a sleek, streamlined palate, dusted with subtle spices on the finish. A step up from the already very good 2021 Rosé, keep an eye out for this little piggy.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
80x When Pigs Fly Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada80x Wine Company is a Niagara-based collab of 4 friends, now five vintages deep. They seek out great vineyards and make small lots of Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and cider. This pinot noir rosé comes primarily off Crispino Vineyard, with 18% of Rockway Vineyard. Ripe strawberries and tangerine flood a juicy palate with vibrant grapefruit acidity and a light dusting of spice on the bitter orange finish. Quite smart.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a pale copper hue with an orange tinge, this rosé offers sweet citrus with some floral notes on the nose. There’s subtle bitterness at the finish, though somewhat balanced by the sweetness. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s a merlot dominant blend with cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, cabernet franc, and a small portion of aromatic gewurztraminer and viognier. Offering a bright pale ruby pink hue, this off-dry rosé is full of vibrant fresh watermelon and strawberry mixed with a fragrant floral perfume. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Poplar Grove Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA slightly restrained nose but with time in the glass it reveals more red berries along with savoury herbal notes. Juicy, concentrated fruit on the palate is framed by crisp acidity. A friendly rosé for the summer. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a lovely hue of pale salmon pink, this rosé opens with fragrant strawberries and raspberries. Subtle spices and juicy red berries on the palate are accented by elevated mouthwatering acidity. It’s a thirst quenching, easy to love rosé with freshness and juiciness. Tasted blind at NWAC June 2023.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGerard Bertrand is on a mission with Rosé, one of the icon wines of the Mediterranean lifestyle. The bottle is distinctive, with its base in the shape of a rose, created by a young designer from the École Boulle. It is a wine to be given the same way you would offer a bouquet of roses. The fruit comes from various sites across the Languedoc, mixing grenache, cinsault, and syrah, all fermented separately for 15 -30 days. Pale in colour but big in wild strawberry flecked with juicy tangerine and crisp acidity. The perfect pink picnic wine, if ever there was one. Crab, anyone?Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.35 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Chain Reaction True Colours Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a pale salmon pink hue, this pinot noir rosé displays an appealing estery nose of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and hints of pear drop, interwoven with delicate notes of nutmeg spices. Somewhat weightier and rounder on the palate than anticipated, it offers a sense of richness, possibly attributed to a touch of residual sugar.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Stag's Hollow Dolcetto Rosato Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInspired by darker Italian rosatos, this deeply shaded rosé gets its bright ruby colour from the extended cold soaking of dolcetto grapes. The slightly reductive nose unfurls with savoury herbal undertones and bramble berries. Highly concentrated vibrant red cherry and cranberry on the palate are encapsulated by tangy mouthwatering acidity. A delicious and serious rosé that can pair well with a wide range of foods.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Bright Rose Wine 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith an elegant pale copper pink, this rosé reveals charming esters of florals, grapefruit, and watermelon intertwined with subtle cracked pepper. Good fruit concentration on the palate is well balanced by a lively, tightly knit acidity. A refreshing and flavorful rosé, primed for immediate enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mirabel Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDisplaying a very pale rose gold hue, this Provençal-style pinot noir rosé offers nuanced notes of restrained watermelon and strawberry. A six month maturation on the lees imparts a leesy character, while its acidity remains taut. The finish resonates with hints of citrus pith and subtle savoury notes.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
50th Parallel Estate Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a pale rose gold colour, this rosé reveals an intense nose for pinot noir grapes, with macerated strawberry and smoky undertones. There’s depth and weight on the palate, but the elevated alcohol level somewhat underscores a bitterness on the finish.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé 2022
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a very pale copper hue, this pinot noir rosé opens with enchanting aromas of rose petal, orange zest, rhubarb's herbal tinge, and leesy undertones. On the palate, it maintains this lifted essence, offering vibrant citrus peels mingled with delicate spice. Its tight acidity is finely balanced by the elevated flavour concentration, all encapsulated in its just under 12% abv. The finish unfolds with an earthy, saline, and savoury flourish. Restrained yet nuanced, this rosé is a refined and intriguing expression of pinot noir.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandhill Sangiovese Rosé Block No C9 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis unusual sangiovese rosé comes with a barely there pale, pale copper hue as delicate as the wine. Some will think it is too reserved, but there are subtle layers of flavour here, all worth looking for. Grapefruit bathed in lemon juice with subtle rosewater leaves you wanting more, but upon reflection, not needing more. The single block of sangiovese vines was planted in 1999 at Sandhill Estate Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Rosé Below the Road 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis bright pink hued rosé is crafted from free-run merlot, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. It partially (44%) aged in previously filled French barrels and spent 4 months on the lees. The nose unfolds with floral accompanied by raspberry and hints of watermelon, as well as the delicate presence of spices. On the palate, there’s a nice mix of flavours, revealing both richness and structure. Elevated acidity, tightly woven, lends vibrancy to the savoury finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
M Minuty Rosé 2021
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceMinuty is a highly focused Côtes de Provence producer of climat-sourced fruit from rigorous vineyard selection. Simple, in a good way, winemaking includes direct crushing, meticulous settling, and low-temperature fermentation. The result is a pale pink rosé to die for, with the perfect acidity that spills across a mix of watermelon and red currants. The finish is a silky affair that nails the Provençal style. The classic pink food wine will enliven everything from gazpacho soup to prawn pasta dishes and almost anything that says summer.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Marqués de Riscal Rosado 2020
Rioja, SpainMade in the saignée method, and a blend of tempranillo, viura, malvasia, and garnacha blanca, this rosé displays a pale orange hue with a tawny undertone. The nose carries notes of oxidized orange peel, hay, dried apple skin, and almond. The palate concurs, concluding with a touch of bitterness at the finish, hinting that it might have exceeded its optimal drinking window.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Painted Rock Rosé 2022
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRosé is not a focus at Painted Rock, although I’m guessing it still sells out every year. Look for a pinkish orange colour thanks to a broad mix of grapes in the bottle: 47% merlot, 24% malbec, 11% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot, 9% cabernet sauvignon. The styling is elegant, with a savoury pink grapefruit attack and a spice touch. The fruit is on the ripe side, but the finish is tart and has a touch of rhubarb. This would be fun with chicken tacos.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Rosé 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLike 2021, the 2022 pink is a mix of Summerland sites blending merlot, cabernet franc, and syrah. The style is just off dry, with candied apples and strawberries prevailing, but unlike last year, there are a bit more candied citrus and savoury desert scrub notes that balance the sugar in the back end. This gulpable patio sipper will have broad appeal, and you can serve it with spicy bites to top off the afternoon.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Noble Ridge Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPerfect pale salmon pink colour. The nose mixes perfume and candied cherries with some citrus and an underlying warmth from the alcohol. The palate is similar, with more confected fruit and a long, smooth, ripe finish. This will do nicely if you like your Rosé on the sweet side. Pair it with spicy nuts or Thai curry to best effect.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Back Door Winery Secret Stash Rosé Blend NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of cabernet franc, pinot gris, and riesling, this rosé shows a slightly deeper medium-pale amber hue. On the nose, it reveals pronounced herbal attributes like sagebrush and pine needle, overshadowing the fruit. Smoked orange peel and red apple skin on the palate lead to a straightforward finish.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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10 August 2023
92PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve Red 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Estate Reserve is the top tier of estate wines from Clos du Soleil, showcasing their Upper Bench vineyards. This year's edition blends 31% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 19% malbec, 14% cabernet franc, and 11% petit verdot, each harvested and native fermented separately in concrete tanks before aging 18 months in French barrels, prior to the final blend. This was bottled, unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant raspberry, wild cherry, scrubby rosemary and thyme are woven throughout this savoury, fuller red, fresh with a brisk, stony acidity, and shaped with long, finely grippy tannins through a ferrous, saline finish. Lovely now, and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Red Gold Reserve 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Red Gold blends 67% cabernet franc and 33% merlot, all from the Lillooet estate. Each part was fermented and aged separately in new French oak before the top 3 barrels were blended for this wine. The heavy weight bottle shows off its 'icon' status for the winery before you even get to the dense, ripe cassis, blackberry, baked plums and liberal baking spice. Sticky tannins frame the fleshy palate, hugging this bigger wine to a warming, bitter cocoa finish. Though it tastes too made, this is an improvement over the last Red Gold I tasted a few years back. Open with sauced steak or lamb dishes now for best results.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Meritage Reserve 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Meritage Reserve blends 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc from their Lillooet estate Dry Creek Vineyard. It was aged in French oak (40% new) for 15 months. Fragrant blueberries and black plum open this fuller red and continue through the spiced, smoothed palate. Tannins are supple, finishing with a bitter cocoa twist. Somewhat disjointed and forced, this would be well suited now to sauced ribs.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fitzpatrick Sudden Inversion Meritage 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Meritage sources 65% Merlot, 15% Cab Sauv, and 20% Cab Franc from Maverick Vineyards in the Southern Okanagan. Each lot was native fermented separately prior to aging 14 months in French oak (16% new). Tart cassis, crunchy cherry, earthy plum work their way through a soft palate, with sticky bitter chocolate tannins leading this to a warming finish. Crack into now with grilled root veg / pork chops.Prices:| BC | $29.50 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mayhem Cabernet Merlot 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Cab Franc (13%) Merlot (87%) comes off Osoyoos' Anarchist Mountain Vineyard, and Oliver's Ryegrass Road Vineyard. Each site was whole berry destemmed into stainless and fermented separately, heading to older French barrique for 11 months. After the blend it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Ripe, dense, and smoked blue and black fruits rule this full bodied red, with gritty wood grained tannins framing the sides, and tart, pinched acidity taking this to a smoked earth finish. Forward and rustic, this requires a meaty stew to match.Prices:| BC | $22.44 | 750ml |
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88PTS
River Stone Corner Stone 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTheir Oliver estate vineyard was originally planted with this wine in mind. Their flagship bottle, this year's Corner Stone blends 33% merlot, 33% cabernet franc, 16% cabernet sauvignon, 12% malbec, and 6% petit verdot, all aged 18 months in French oak. Though 2019, it's a current release, and you sense that weight through the wear and stretch of colour and fruit in this dense, full red. Stewed cherries, black plums, cracked peppercorn, espresso, potpourri is coated with ample sticky tannins, taking this to a warming bitter cocoa finish. Not a friendly red, but one well suited to hearty beef / lamb / root veg braises.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Beringer Q Red Blend 2019
Napa Valley, California, United StatesQ Red is cabernet sauvignon dominant with additional bits of classic Bordeaux varieties. The style is Napa and Beringer plush with rich cassis and blackberry. There is a helpful bit of savoury mineral character that balances the softer tannins, the chocolate, and the overall richness of the Napa fruit which sometimes can be overwhelming. Ready to drink and best with grilled lamb or beef.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $64.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $67.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Meritage 2019
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThese grapes are kept separate for 15 months in a 97/3 mix of French and American with an impressive 75% new wood. Only the best barrels make it to the Meritage blend, and 2019 looks like a real winner. A change in oak has left the wine with a more terroir and signature Southern Okanagan scented fruit. Look for black fruit streaked with desert sagebrush meeting a well structured wine that will age effortlessly into the late 2020s. The 2019 Meritage blend is 37% cabernet sauvignon, 32% cabernet franc, 23% merlot, 5% petit verdot, and 3% malbec from Eva's Vineyard in Osoyoos, and the home BOV Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench.Prices:| BC | $53.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Montes Taita 2017
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Taita vineyards are at the Marchigüe estate, at the cooler western end of the Colchagua Valley, 25 km from the Pacific Ocean. The soils are granite with varying levels of decomposition. Some have high clay content and moderate depth, while others are shallower, with less clay and more silt and rocks. The parcels dedicated to Taita sport glacial influence. The Taita vineyards are dry farmed, yielding fewer bunches of smaller, more concentrated grapes. As you might expect, the wine is intense, but the fruit is more red oriented thanks to its cool site. Notes of strawberries and raspberries dominate even after ageing 24 months in new French oak barrels. The final assemblage is then aged in oak foudres for another year before bottling. The textures are silky, and the finish is long, with baking spices dominating. This will need time, but it is an exciting take on Colchagua cabernet sauvignon. Cellar through 2024. Sourced in the Colchagua Valley at the El Arcángel de Marchigüe estate, this is 85 percent+ (vintage dependent) cabernet sauvignon. Taita is not produced every year.Prices:| BC | $285.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Montes Alpha M 2020
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe production of Montes Alpha M is always limited, with vintages requiring winemaker Aurelio Montes's blessing before going to bottle. The wine is surprisingly fresh thanks to more red fruits than black, and a savoury, cedar, black olive undercurrent. The back end mixes peppery meaty tobacco and some light chocolate. It is a mouthful yet polished, and showing some refinement. This will need five to seven years to integrate with the oak fully and become the M Aurelio likes to drink. For now, if you must drink it, think steak. The Denomination of Origin is Apalta Valley, Chile. The clones are 46C, 169 with smaller amounts of others. Yields are in the 3.5-4 tons per hectare, and in 2020 the 80/10/5/5 blend is a mix of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and petit verdot. 70% of the wine was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels, while the remainder is second and third use barrels.Prices:| BC | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $96.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
HMC McWatters Collection Meritage 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2020 is 40% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 20% cabernet franc, 5% malbec, and 5% petit verdot. The wine is a tribute to founder Harry McWatters, and it opens with a rich, ripe style, which Harry loved. Ripe plums and chocolate covered blueberry set the tone, streaked with cedar, spice, and desert scrub. It is well integrated, and while plenty of youthful tannins, they will disperse over time, leaving a juicy, silky, ripe red for a favourite grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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09 August 2023
91PTS
Domaine des Malandes Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Domaine des Malandes is a family-run estate covering 29 hectares of vines in the Chablis region, with roots dating back to 1949. This 1er Cru Vau de Vey was planted in 1980 on a steep clay-limestone slope in front of the lake in Beines, on the Left Bank. This was partially fermented in barrel. There's a lovely gentle generosity to the base of this stony, mineral-driven wine, basing green apple, crisp lemon, and ample buzzy limestone through a long finish.Prices:| ON | $54.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Jean Collet et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2019
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceJean Collet started Domaine Collet in 1954, the heir of a Chablis grape-growing family since 1792. It passed down to his son, and how to grandson Romain, in charge of his first vintage at age 21. Romain moved the domaine to native yeast, and organic and biodynamic farming. This comes from their parcel in south-facing 1er cru Montmains, on stony Kimmeridgian limestone marl rock and topsoil. It was native fermented and rested in stainless for 11 months to preserve its natural edge, with full MLF and no bâtonnage. Tight and taut, this skims across the palate with buzzy lemon, green apple, flake salts, lingering with kimmeridgian energy. Beauty now, and with time ahead, as evidenced from the Diam5 cork.Prices:| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis Fourchaume Les Côtes de Fontenay 2021
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This comes from the cool, north facing Côtes de Fontenay climat, at the entrance of the valley, in Vrignaud's four hectare vineyard in the 1er Cru Fourchaume. The vines were planted in 1955 in brown clay and Kimmeridgian soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this remained there for one year on lees, without bâtonnage. There's a beauty kimmeridgian underlay to this structural wine, with taut lemon, green apple, crushed stones, streaming long across the palate, finishing with lingering salinity. Beauty now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume 2021
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. Vrignaud's four hectare vineyard in the right bank 1er Cru Fourchaume is planted to 30 year-old vines, rooted in the climat's brown clay and Kimmeridgian soils. After a native ferment in stainless, this remained in inox for one year on lees, without bâtonnage. Powerful and forward, with ripe green apple, lemon thistle, crushed stones drawn long along the taut palate, finishing with flake salts. Lovely structure.Prices:| ON | $72.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2021
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This comes from 40 year old vines in the 1er Cru Mont de Milieu, situated south of the Right Bank's acclaimed Grand Cru Chablis. Historically, this hill used to have a boundary running through its middle, separating the county of Champagne and the duchy of Burgundy. This wine was native fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees for one year, sans bâtonnage. Ripe lemon, tangerine, crunchy pear, green apple skims along this taut 1er cru, with a buzzy kimmeridgian underlay taking this through a saline finish. Lovely energy, this is drinking beauty and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $76.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Guillaume Vrignaud Chablis 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThe Vrignaud family, settled in the village of Fontenay-près-Chablis, have been growing vines for 5 generations. Guillaume Vrignaud started to bottle his first wines in 1999, and became certified organic in 2009. They have 28 hectares today. This is shining and bright with lemongrass, lemon peel, and crunchy green apple along a tight kimmeridgian palate, with a thin slip of lees gliding this to a saline rinsed finish. Very smart.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Coste de Los Andes Andillian Chardonnay 2022
Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Coste de Los Andes is an Argentine project from France's Chateau La Coste. Their wines are to merge the sunny spirit of La Provence with the luminous heights of the Andes Mountains. From alluvial vineyards in Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, this organic chardonnay was cool fermented over 2 weeks in concrete eggs. Ripe lemon, tangerine, yellow pear rides over a lees-decked creamy base, lit with altitude acidity, and finely textured by concrete. A softer style for enjoying now.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Rocca delle Macìe Moonlite Chardonnay 2021
Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyPrevious editions of this label were chardonnay blends, but 2022 is entirely chardonnay, and it is impressive for the price. As gregarious as Italians are portrayed and at times can be, this chardonnay is cool, calm, and collected. The fruit is balanced with acidity and a mineral undercurrent that keeps each sip fresh and inviting. To the best effect, you can serve this with any white meats or fresh shellfish, or a creamy pasta with fresh garden peas would be a super pairing. Well done, and I love the price. Not sure why all these wines are so cheap in Ontario and outrageously expensive in BC.Prices:| ON | $16.65 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Heinrich Chardonnay Leithaberg 2021
AustriaThis organic / biodynamic chardy is taken from east facing limestone and schist slopes of the Leithaberg (Leitha Mountains), with the main portions taken from the Spiegel, Kirchberg and Alter Berg vineyards in Winden, and the Fügler in Jois. Grapes also come from the Edelgraben and Zwergsbreiten sites in Breitenbrunn. After overnight skin contact, the must goes into tank very brown. It was fermented in tank, then into oval casks for 7 months on lees. Stony green apple, sharp lemon streams across the textural palate, driven by tight, buzzy acidity, and finishing with lingering salinity. Much energy here, this rock juice is drinking beauty now, and with time ahead. 9000 bottles.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viña Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay 2021
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe grapes for this chardonnay come from the cool coastal vineyards on Aconcagua, rooted in schistous soils, just 12 km from the Pacific. This was native fermented in French barrels. Ripe and tropical pineapple, pithy lemon and lime is braced with marine freshness, buffered with a gentle bed of lees. Lovely mix of fresh, and fruit, primed for drinking now.Prices:| QC | $19.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Oceano Wines Chardonnay 2021
San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOceano Wines is a boutique winery founded in 2016 in San Luis Obispo Coast, the newly designated AVA highlighting this cool climate wine region. This comes off the Spanish Springs Vineyard, the westernmost vineyard in the US, 1.5 miles from the Pacific, on a mix of marine shale, limestone, sandstone. This Chardonnay, off clones 809, 17, and 96, was fermented in 228L French oak barrels, where it remained for 9 months. Fresh and bright, layered with green apple, lemon verbena, fresh almond, along a fragrant, lightly creamy palate, this finishes with a wash of salinity. Very smart, modern Cali chardy.Prices:| ON | $70.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Errazuriz Estate Reserva Chardonnay 2021
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileFrom vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, this chardonnay was whole cluster pressed and fermented over 2 weeks, with 20% in older French barrels. MLF was stopped, and the wines were aged 6 months in French oak. There's a lovely balance between marine fresh and southern hemisphere fruit, with lush lemon, green apple, flake salts, with a gentle lees bed to support, and a lingering finish. Very smart.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Jean-Claude Boisset Les Ursulines Bourgogne Chardonnay 2020
Burgundy, FranceGrapes from across Bourgogne (in the hot 2020 there was a lot of northern Yonne fruit) makes up this young white, with vines averaging 25-45 years on clay and limestone soils. This was native fermented in barrel, where it remained for 7 months (10% new) with no bâtonnage. Bright lemon, yellow apple leads into a lees-decked palate, with a kiss of perfumed white flowers and a slick of stony spice that lingers on the finish. A lovely entry into Bourgogne.Prices:| QC | $25.05 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2019
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAs old as this wine is (can anyone explain why we don’t have 2021 or 2022 in the market?), it is still in good shape and ready to drink. 2019 was a highly regarded chardonnay vintage in Sonoma, known for its elegance and finesse. The Chalk Hill AVA in Sonoma has long been acclaimed, and while I haven't seen this wine in a decade, it does not disappoint. Is it modern? Hardly, but it is California with a relaxed California twist that makes it an attractive wine for many. The nose is honeyed with tropical fruit throughout. The palate is similar with glossy, creamy ripe pear, some vanilla, and a touch of citrus. A California experience you can pair with crab, halibut, creamy pasta dishes, or baked Brie.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $77.00 | 750ml |
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08 August 2023
92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the second release of Unsworth Chardonnay, the forerunner to a wave of quality chardonnay coming from the Island, planted with the right clones, and in the right place this time. This comes off Mildenstein Vineyard (used to be Godfrey Brownell), and was whole cluster pressed, with partial native ferment, in neutral barriques. There's lovely subtle, savoury, flinty reduction imbued in this coastal white, drawing lemon, green apple, fresh hazelnuts, verbena, and ample flake salts along its brisk, streamlined path, with a subtle softening from time in barrique. Quite remarkable, this stands shoulders to quality Chablis, yet tastes distinctly Wine Islands.Prices:| BC | $30.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Chain Reaction Chardonnay 2021
British Columbia, CanadaTheir 2021 Chardonnay is their first vintage of estate chardonnay from young vines planted in 2019. Such small yields resulted in a mere 15 cases of wine (!). This was fermented in a new French barrel and then aged in stainless, bottled without fining or filtration. The new wood makes itself apparent from the first whiff of toasted clove, cedar shavings, and cracked nutmeg, after which an expansive palate of ripe green apple, lemon custard, and doughy lees rolls out. There is a spike of lemon pith acidity before the baking spices return to the finish. Quite an aspirational wine, to be sure (Diam10 cork!). I hope for more of the wine and less of the winemaking in future editions.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis, their flagship chardonnay, is entirely estate, based on their 1985 plantings, complemented by their 2006 plantings. The fruit was whole bunch pressed native fermented in a mix of new (30%) and old barriques and puncheons, with partial MLF, and 10 months on lees prior to bottling. Polished, and poised, with a structured core led by ripe green apple and lemon, based on toasted wood spices, cracked nutmeg, and fine lees. Very much in youth still, this is drinking very well though has a couple years in cellar to reach zenith. In top tier for BC chardy.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Meyer Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith fruit from their estate Old Main Road (Naramata), Anarchist Mountain (Osoyoos), and McLean Creek Road (OK Falls) this was partially native fermented before aging in a mix of stainless and 20% neutral French barrels for 6 months. Red and green apple, bright lemon, crunchy green pear is up against a creamy background, with a subtle softness and slight spices from time in wood. Friendly and smart, this is a welcome local chardy to enjoy this summer.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Fort Berens Chardonnay 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Chardonnay is nearly a split sourced between their estate Dry Creek Vineyard and Fraser Bench vineyard, both in Lillooet. Tart green apple, lemon peel and pith runs up against a leesy mid-palate with some custard apple before returning to a tart finish. No clear direction in this wine, resulting in a lot of elbows and disjoint.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Big Leap Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Big Leap Chardonnay blends estate fruit with chardy from the southern Okanagan, with 50% fermenting in stainless and the rest in neutral French oak. It sees partial MLF and monthly bâtonnage. Yellow apple, custard, and creamy lees run the medium palate, with peach fuzz spicing through the snappy finish. A simple, friendly chardy for cracking now.Prices:| BC | $25.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solvero Chardonnay 2021
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSolvero Chardonnay blends Clone 75 and 96, pitching elegant pear and citrus with underlying lees and vanilla. The palate is creamy and soft, mixing pear butter with fresh apricots and lemon. The oak is youthful and a touch firm but will dissipate with time, not that it will bother fans of vanilla and oak, and there are many. The clones were picked in early October, co-fermented in 2-year-old French oak barrels, with daily bâtonnage throughout the fermentation and once per month during its 12 months in the barrel: only 50 cases were made, but it is an excellent start. I love the notion of serving this with grilled halibut beurre blanc.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA classic Chardonnay with ripe lemon and nectarine that's accented with butter and sweet oak after aging for 18 months in French oak. You feel the warmth of the 2021 vintage here, both in the fruit ripeness and weight of the wine, which offers a rich, creamy texture against relatively soft acidity. It's a popular style that will appeal broadly, to be sure, very much in a California idiom. Sourced from Tinhorn Creek Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
80x Dam Chardonnay 2020
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada80x Wine Company is a Niagara-based collab of 4 friends, now 5 vintages deep. They seek out great vineyards and make small lots of rosé, chardonnay, pinot noir, and cider. Case in point, this chardy comes off famed Willms Vineyard and vines planted in 1983. The name came from an argument over whether to make a chardonnay or not, with one of the partners finishing with “Fine, You can have your damned Chardonnay”. This was native fermented in 2nd and 4th fill puncheons over several months. Quite ripe and forward, with custard, pear and mango across a creamy base, spiced gently with wood and lingering with gingersnaps. There's a nice backbone of acidity to keep this bright in the mouth and drive it through the finish. An interesting project, and one to watch for. 99 cases.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Quails' Gate flagship chardonnay, the Stewart Family Reserve, is mostly clone 95, with vines approaching a quarter century in the ground under the ancient Mount Boucherie volcano. Almost California in style, with ripe pears and hazelnuts under a creamy palate lashed with honey and tropical fruit, light spices, and a long, leesy, mineral finish. It has a long history of aging effortlessly, and 2020 will not be an exception. Complex, inviting, and as ripe as it presents, there is less than 1 gram of residual sugar in the mix. It held its own in the warm climate flight and, in some cases, looked positively fresh, but in the end, this could use a small injection of electricity to get to the next level. Next World Chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Rosemary's Block 2021
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRosemary’s Block Chardonnay sits on the north side of Boucherie Road, just above the winery proper on a steep slope of an ancient volcano. The West Kelowna wine was named after Rosemary Stewart, the family matriarch throughout the latter half of the 20th Century. The winemaking is precise but straightforward, beginning with handpicked grapes that are whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in a mix of new and neutral French oak for ten months. It goes through complete malolactic fermentation and gets regular bâtonnage throughout. The nose celebrates lemon zest and pears with a whiff of fresh buttered croissant. On the palate, it remains svelte and lengthy with a run of minerals heightened by a line of acid that speaks Okanagan. My experience is that this wine ages gracefully, and will effortlessly age 7-10 years. The final piece of the puzzle is that this is a terrific wine for the dinner table. The vines, clones 76 and 809, were planted in 1997 on a 1.41-acre block in silty clay, sandy loam soil at 420m–433m above sea level.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Quails' Gate Chardonnay Rosemary's Block 2019
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRosemary's Block, as its name alludes to, is a small block of vines that sits above the road just beyond the West Kelowna winery. It bears the name of the family matriarch, Rosemary Stewart, and it has been a stalwart since its release. First launched under winemaker Niki Callaway's reign, the annual bottling remains among the best chardonnays in BC. Although somewhat unassuming on the nose, pitching delicate leesy citrus, it grabs your attention on the palate when the terroir kicks in, talking minerals and wet stones over the perfect tension of acid and fruit. Complex and powerful, it is a statement Okanagan Chardonnay. Clones 809 and 76 are whole cluster pressed and fermented in new and old French oak barrels for 11 months. It goes through complete malolactic fermentation and regular bâtonnage until bottling. This stood out at the recent Chardonnay Classification Tasting at Quails' Gate.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tantalus Bear Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBear is a nod to the nickname of Tantalus owner's son, and typically made from the estate's youngest vines. However, the blitzing cold winter of 2021 and 2022 spring bud damage devastated these vines, so Tantalus was forced to source grapes from across the valley. The result was this blend from growers in Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls, and from a neighbour in East Kelowna Slopes. This was fermented in a mix of stainless and older barriques /puncheons, with partial MLF and 3 months on lees. Apple fritter, fragrant Asian pear, lemon thistle rule the plumped palate, padded out with lees and fine oak spicing through the snappy finish. A big disjointed, but partnering with creamy risotto or scallop dishes should assist.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Therapy Contour Chardonnay 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 12.3 percent alcohol is more than enough to carry this screamingly electric chardonnay grown in vineyards just North of the Naramata township. It is barrel fermented and aged for 16 months in 33% new French oak, although you would never guess that was the case at first taste. Long and linear with knife edge acidity from front to back, it rides a subtle mix of apricots, lemons, and orange blossoms, with a lightly reductive, creamy, complex finish. Not for the timid but the patient. Drink through 2026.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lunessence Small Lot Series Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's year two of the Small Lot Series Chardonnay at Lunessence. This year the fruit comes from Naramata and is fermented in neutral French oak. This edition is fresher but oddly riper with a rush of tropical fruit. Very friendly and fun to drink, this will appeal to the broader audience that likes a bit of sweetness with their chardonnay. It's well made and on track but it must be drier to get to the next level.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Terralux Reserve Chardonnay 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRetasted early this summer, but I’m afraid the inaugural chardonnay release from West Kelowna’s Terralux Estate Winery is far too oxidized to be in the marketplace. The colour is light gold, with evident oxidized peach and honey notes underlying a full, nutty finish. It is concentrated and rich enough in flavours but with no sense of freshness. Wait for the next one. This is an exciting winery with lots of potential, and recently, the arrival of winemaker Jack Kemp will end any wines like this. Not recommended.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Okanagan Hills Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAromatic candied lemon and peach has some savoury desert brush in the back end. The attack is old style, with low acidity, smooth pear, and butterscotch with an orange undercurrent. Sweet and simple, and already showing some age. Not a lot is going on here. Ready to drink. The price is not commensurate with quality.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tinhorn Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaChardonnay has gone through many iterations at Tinhorn, but I like the direction of this 2021. Everything is in place for this wine to reach another level. The wine is well balanced, and the fruit is presented in a muted California style. The complexity is available through a leesy, nutty lens, and the long and lingering finish keeps you wanting more. A wine for the future, and I can’t wait to see the 2022.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2021
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThree limited edition Garnet Valley Ranch wines have been released this year, including this chardonnay grown between 600-680 metres above sea level. It was whole-cluster-pressed and fermented in concrete before ageing in concrete and stainless. Look for the spare style of winemaker Matt Dumayne, albeit now with a very creamy texture and some surprising tropical notes. The attraction is the desert savoury scrub and minerality that give this chardonnay a unique BC signature. Tasted twice already, and it’s impressive—definitely a wine of place and one for contemplation. Garnet Valley is a magical place, as is the eponymous Garnet Valley Ranch. The Coletta/Lornie property is coming into its own in 2023 with some help along the way from some famous wine folks. The 130-hectare Summerland property was purchased in 2013 at the urging of Chilean terroir consultant Pedro Parra, who designed fifteen unique vineyard blocks, employing extensive research to determine viticulture strategies. The first blocks were planted in 2014, and as of 2023, the site has 18 ha of vines: pinot noir, gamay noir, chardonnay, riesling, and chenin blanc, planted in volcanic and glacial matter (including alluvial course sand with limestone and rock) that varies from block to block.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe flagship Tantalus Chardonnay is all estate with a good portion of 35 year old vines plus some 17 year old replacements planted in 2006. It is all native fermented in a mix of new and old barriques and puncheons, with partial MLF to preserve its vitality. It spends six months in wood to build a bit of texture and complexity. The reductive leesy notes set the stage for tightly wound pears, green apple, and hazelnuts. Just a baby, but I don’t mind following it through the next five years. Certainly among the leaders in the province.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Bear Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love this 12.8 percent alcohol chardonnay, named after proprietor Eric Savics’ eldest son Eric Jr., affectionately known to many as “Bear,” because it is brimming with freshness. It is made to drink young, and it comes from Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls, and Kelowna with a bit of Chablis-like character. Oyster shells, minerals, and floral dominate. Balanced and lively, the 50/50 stainless steel and older barrel fermented delivers the freshness and brightness coveted by connoisseurs. Great value in a highly overpriced market. Back up the truck.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Spearhead Chardonnay Clone 95 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 Chardonnay Clone 95 comes from the Duncan Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. The fruit is hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before being fermented and aged in French barriques and puncheons (25% new) for ten months. Look for deliciously balanced honeyed pastry over lemons and stony mineral notes. Round and nearly lush, it finishes with hints of tropical fruits and just the right amount of bitterness. Think chicken Parmesan or Cordon Bleu.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Little Engine Silver Chardonnay 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCalifornia meets Naramata with this Silver Little Engine Chardonnay. It is whole cluster pressed, settled and fermented in a mix of stainless and used French barrels. The final blend was 71% barrel fermented (no new oak) and matured on lees for eight months with bâtonnage. Nice improvement here, showing less winemaking and more terroir, although this is New World. Ripe pear, tangerine, butter has a touch of lime rind and bright acid to keep it balanced, leaving the finish clean and refreshing. Mineral notes also come to the wine's rescue, clearing away the sweet fruit. Lobster or Dungeness crab with drawn butter is the match.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Blue Mountain Alluvium Reflection Chardonnay Single Vineyard Block 32 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPlanted in 1990, Block 32 is referred to as TheFan. The vines look westerly, catching the later morning and afternoon sun while the surrounding rock mass absorbs the heat and throws it back at the vineyard during the night. The gravel soils lend a certain minerality to the wine. This is New World Bourgogne pitching lemon curd, stony, savoury, tropical fruit wrapped in a creamy texture and flecked with hazelnuts. The minerals and lees conspire to create complexity throughout. Very good now and will be even better in three to five years. The grapes were fermented and aged 18 months in new to 3 year old (4th fill) 228L French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Blossom Slope Chardonnay Single Vineyard Block 17 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlock 17 Blossom Slope Chardonnay faces to the west giving the 30 year old vines a warm home in a relatively cool climate. The soils are coarse and loamy sand, which seemed to have an affinity for chardonnay, creating a more structured mineral-based wine. The wine growing is detailed but straightforward. There is manual thinning, and crop yields are low. Vinification is similar. All of the fruit is hand harvested, whole cluster pressed, and fermented with native yeast. The wine spends 18 months in new to three year old French oak barrels. And in the end, it's racked off his fine lees and sent to bottle. Look for citrus and wet stone in this wine, but there's also a honeyed undercarriage from that westerly exposure. It makes it attractive for many who like a bit of brightness and richness in their chardonnay. The key to this is a perfectly balanced wine with 13% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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07 August 2023
89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaUnsworth's classic Pinot Gris sources fruit from Unsworth Vineyard, Zanatta Vineyard, and Saison Vineyard, all in the Cowichan Valley's marine silts and loams. This was whole-cluster-pressed and fermented primarily in stainless, with 10% in neutral barriques. All rested for four months on lees. Tart and zippy, with crunchy Asian pear, early green apple, and tight white blossoms racing through a slight palate, with a welcome slick of lees to temper and a wash of salinity which rings on the finish. Coastal, marine, brisk, and bright, this is what many Italian grigios wish to be.Prices:| BC | $26.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cirro Pinot Gris 2022
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis fresh and zippy pinot gris from Marlborough opens with subtle reductive notes followed by crunchy yellow apple and lemongrass, layered with green beans and a hint of stony minerality. A lean and fairly delicate palate finishes with fine leesy notes and citrusy pithiness.Prices:| BC | $25.13 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Solvero Pinot Gris 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn mid-October, Solvero’s first commercial release pinot gris was harvested from 21 year old, low yielding vines. The fermentation was cool and extended over 21 days until dryness, in a combination of 50/50 stainless steel tanks and neutral French oak, and then aged for four months before bottling. There is a lot of texture here, which is rare in most local pinot gris. I like the floral nose and palate with creamy honey, nectarine, and a strong hint of minerality. Perfect for summer seafood salads, crab cakes, or fish tacos.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Castelvecchio Pinot Grigio 2022
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 organic pinot grigio was fermented and aged on lees in concrete. Golden yellow in the glass, this medium+ white is layered with perfumed honeysuckle, ripe quince, and textured with apricot fuzz along a waxen palate. Quite textural, yet fresh via the limestone and sea breezes, this would work with richer Mediterranean vegetable or shellfish dishes.Prices:Read Full Note
89PTS
Kitsch Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pinot gris leads with crisp tree fruits that reflect both the cool(er) East Kelowna Slopes subregion and 2022 vintage. It is bright and expressive, with an accent of lees and chalk, with the potential to improve in the cellar over the next 2-3 years thanks to the vervy, crunchy acidity. If you don't have the patience, serve this a touch warmer than usual (take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving) and pair with rich shellfish dishes for best results.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 is a mix of estate fruit (Dry Creek Vineyard) and Winch Spur Vineyard, also in Lytton, along with some picks from the Osoyoos region. It’s a mix of bright, almost crunchy fruit with some sweeter orchard fruit salad. Clean and fresh, it is a simple ready to drink white you can pour solo on the patio or serve with a charcuterie plate.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Platinum South Kelowna Slopes Pinot Gris 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThe Platinum gris comes from Home Block and Simes vineyards inside the new South Kelowna Slopes sub-GI. The Simes Block brings electricity and acid to the mix, while the Home Block is more about the texture and richness of fruit, all in a relaxed northern style. The ferment is native fermented in stainless steel and French oak barrels. It spends seven months on its lees, yet it remains relatively lively with excellent ripe pear and some desert sagebrush projecting a skinny elegant grigio style. Ready to drink and best with foods like salmon, clams, oysters, or even veal.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hillside Un-oaked Pinot Gris 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRinse and repeat what might be the best rosé wine in BC, but it is better known as an unoaked pinot gris. Always fresh and mostly dry, the palate is alive with mostly crunchy orchard fruit, while the colour is nearly Provence thanks to some skin contact with the pinot gris skins that can impart a dash of colour to the wine. This dream luncheon wine or patio sipper is to be served with any of your favourite al fresco bites. Terrific value too.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love the consistency here from this aromatic and lively label. The nose is a pear and honeydew melon affair that spills onto the palate with more bright, juicy nectarine and cantaloupe sprinkled with lemon and lime leaf. Some fifteen percent of the juice was fermented and aged three months in barrels to add a touch of texture. Almost sweet yet with fine acidity to balance the wine. Drink now with spicy chicken tacos.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Winemaker's Series Whispered Secret Vineyard Pinot Gris 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhispered Secret Vineyard resides in Keremeos and is certified organic. The fruit is fermented cold in a combination of stainless barrels, tanks, and French puncheons for about a month and left on its lees for 90 days. The style is juicy with attractive ripe pear, lemon, crisp grapefruit and green apple supported by a racy, fresh minerality that keeps it all lively. Like last year, less grass and more complexity, and the perfect shellfish wine.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Cirro Pinot Gris 2022
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandAn expressive, pure nose of yellow pear, white peach, and lemon, with a subtle flintiness. It's very much a leaner expression of pinot gris, but without feeling stylistically forced, as there's lovely depth and balance here. Crisp acidity carries the textured palate, with concentration well above the norm. Very good length. A great buy at this price. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $25.13 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Erath Pinot Gris 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesA somewhat expansive style of pinot gris with lovely ripe pear and melon but not a lot of acid. It is still acceptable for its age but lacks a bit of zip on the palate. The fruit is sourced from Dundee Hills, Willamette, and is fully ready to drink. It is rich enough to take on veal cutlets or aged cheeses. I would like to taste a younger version of this wine for comparison.Prices:| BC | $32.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spearhead Pinot Gris Golden Retreat Vineyard 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2022 the grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed, with 90 percent of the fruit fermented in stainless and the remainder fermented in 2 year old French oak barrels. The nose is a riot of peaches and pears with flecks of tangerine. The palate mixes red apples, sweet melons, and a touch of candied lemon. This year's edition best suits spicy food, from chicken wings to sushi rolls or Thai curry. The Golden Retreat Vineyard is in Summerland, a star site for the pinot gris grape.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Pinot Gris Anastasia Estate Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnastasia is a super ripe pinot gris. The sweetness may bother some. The wine is well made, and the mature orchard fruits with a dusting of citrus are attractive. It all depends on your tolerance for sweetness in your wine. You can serve this well chilled on a warm patio and it will be a big hit. It would be equally accepted alongside some spicy Asian fare to temper the sweet notes. A solid effort, but I’m sure it could be even better with a drier finish.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Church & State Wines Pinot Gris 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA 2019 gris at the end of its run, pitching ripe pear, sweet gooseberry, and plenty of honeyed notes from front to back. Round and plush with some apparent sweetness, I like serving it with a favourite Thai or Indian curry. The fruit is a mix of Foundation and Coyote Bowl vineyards in the south Okanagan, spending six months ageing in 80/20 stainless steel tanks and barrels.Prices:| BC | $22.42 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Pinot Gris 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMission Hill is a model of consistency at the Reserve level. In 2022 the gris fruit is a mix sourced from the Black Sage Bench 71%, Naramata Bench 18%, and the Oliver region 11%. Over 60 blocks and multiple elevations contribute to the flavours and textures of this wine, along with 41 percent fermented in 36% French barrels, 3% French puncheons and 2% foudres (only nine percent is new). Lemons, yellow apples, peaches and honey all come together in a refreshing style that is ready to drink. Think vegetarian pizza, fish tacos, and pesto pasta.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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04 August 2023
92PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Pinot Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhole cluster pressed, wild fermented, and aged on its lees, it is fermented in a mix of stainless steel, foudre, puncheons, and older barriques that release this pinot blanc to be the wine it wants to be. Pears, lemon, and creamy lees combine with a touch of spice to delight your senses. Add some minerality and elegance, and you have an impressive white wine at a terrific price. You could cellar this, but why bother? It's perfect now.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lunessence Pinot Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vineyards in Summerland and Okanagan Falls, this pinot blanc (tipped with 11% sémillon) was whole cluster pressed, with the sém barrel fermented. All aged 5 months on lees in stainless. Tight white peach, yellow apple, tangerine, and light stony spice streams along the cool palate to a snappy, brief, citric tablet finish. Not sure I understand the addition of sémillon here.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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02 August 2023
89PTS
Pirramimma Shiraz 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis inky shiraz opens with luscious plum and savoury black olive blended with black pepper and toasty clove. The palate is filled with plushness and density of rich dark fruit supported by well integrated oak and generous tannins.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Syrah 2020
British Columbia, CanadaSourced from the Similkameen, Golden Mile Bench, and Okanagan Falls, sites individually highlighted through Rust's single vineyard Syrah program, this sleek, spicy syrah shows black raspberry and dark cherry flecked with black pepper and dried violets. The wood is kept firmly in check, with a gravel stoniness that carries through the palate. There's a lovely freshness to the fruit, with an impressive suppleness to the tannins. This is serious syrah from Mt. Boucherie.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
DogRidge MVP Shiraz 2014
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaDogRidge’s sustainably farmed vineyards are home to some of the oldest vines in McLaren Vale, with 60+ year old Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon growing on their McLaren Flat site. MVP is their Most Valuable Player, and the pinnacle tier of the winery. This Shiraz comes off their Digs Vineyard, Block DV4, planted in 1941 on sandy loams over limestone. With 10% whole bunch, this was native fermented with extended skin contact and spent 6 months in new French oak before being racked to older barrels. It remains in wood for around 2 years prior to bottling. This is a dense and compact Shiraz, with dried violets, dried blue and black fruits flooding a full palate, one kissed with subtle smoke and light cracked pepper, and framed by sticky tannins to a gently warming kirsch finish. There is a swell of freshness to counter the weight here, thankfully, and this near-decade old wine is drinking beauty right now.Prices:| ON | $72.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sidewood Stablemate Shiraz 2018
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThere is no shortage of ripeness here, which gives this a prematurely aged character, with stewed dark fruits and fig alongside a dash of olive and white pepper. A rich, plush style to be sure, but perhaps past its prime at this stage. I'm not sure if this is a representative bottle, so I will look to retaste.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Terralux Syrah 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to impress down the road in the bottle and was a pleasure to taste again. It was at once consumer-friendly when released and remains a comfortable red with an enticing smoky, earthy, cracked pepper nose. The tannins are dense but refined, setting the stage for a soft, round, flavoured red packed with black fruit and dusted in classic animal notes. Grill some lamb and drink this wine. You will not be disappointed. The 2018 Syrah is sourced from the Black Sage Bench in Oliver. The fermentation is made with indigenous yeasts at ambient temperature. It is gently pressed with a traditional basket press and matured for 14 months in French barriques. The final alcohol is a modest 13.8 percent by volume.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Syrah Furthur Afield Series 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Further Afield Series has emerged out of a desire for the Tanatalus winemaking team to explore British Columbia’s most revered varieties beyond the vineyard borders of Tanatalus. The new tier comes with a beloved piece by Tahltan-Tlingit artist and dear friend of Tantalus, Dempsey Bob, that is entitled “Wolf Bowl.” The goal is “for each wine to convey the unique characteristics of its growing site and be shaped by the climatic conditions of the vintage.” The syrah hails from the famed Blind Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. Grown over a gentle slope of broken granite and stony soils, it is considered one of the most magical sites for syrah in BC. Four batches of fruit were vinified, each fermented at slightly different temperatures with different yeasts (including some wild) before it was all pressed and settled to French oak barrels, of which only 15 percent were new. It was aged 11 months and bottled under screwcap in late summer of 2022. It was the heat dome year, so there was no lack of concentration, yet the wine is elegant, and at 14.2 percent alcohol, it sits well within its frame. The flavours are plummy and mineral based, lined with pepper, and concentrated through a long, wild Similkameen finish. The tannins are dense and need dispersion, but they are hardly gritty. Three to five years in the bottle will let everything come together, revealing little intervention and much harmony.Prices:| BC | $34.75 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Montes Folly Syrah 2020
Apalta Valley, Santa Cruz, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMontes Folly’s high density vines grow on the steep hillsides of the Finca de Apalta home estate, over the thin granite soils eroded from the mountain chain above angular stones and some clay. Another dry winter has led to low yields and intense wines. Opaque and ripe, it pitches toasted oak, coffee, blueberries, tapenade, and dark chocolate with a touch of reduction for now. This needs time in the bottle, perhaps as much as five years before it blossoms and sheds some of the 80 percent new French oak it aged in for 18 months. Best served now with roast pork or roast lamb.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $75.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $95.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah Coyote Bowl Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Coyote Bowl single vineyard syrah is grown over gravel and sandy loams on the Black Sage Bench. The fermentation is all stainless steel, spending only 12 months in 45 percent new French oak barriques. The attack is aromatic and juicy, mixed with mint and jalapeno on the nose, cranberries, and blueberries on the palate, along with smoke and licorice. A perfect foil to lamb chops. Well-made and will be fun to drink over the next five to seven years as the tannins settle out.Prices:| BC | $64.06 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Church & State Wines Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe classic C&S Syrah mixes Coyote Bowl and Détente vineyards off the first and third Black Sage benches. Post ferment, it spends 12 months in French barriques before bottling. The nose is an aromatic affair, pitching violets and black pepper before morphing into sticky blackcurrant and blueberry that finishes dry and relatively short. There is no need to wait here. I think barbecue ribs or flank steak would be the match.Prices:| BC | $40.25 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pirramimma Shiraz 2019
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis is a ripe, opulent shiraz that exudes sun-soaked fruit, offering macerated dark plums and blackberries with a dash of pepper, dried lavender, and sweet chocolatey oak (French and American, 18 percent new). Rich and concentrated with dense fruit on the palate, it's still structured with firm-grained tannins that will pair well with a hearty grilled ribeye after a short decant.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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01 August 2023
89PTS
Domaine de Coyeux Elegans Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Vins Doux Naturel 2016
Beaumes de Venise, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceIt's a shame that folks don't really drink much sweet wines, because wines like Muscat de Beaumes de Venise are proper classics. This VDN (Vins Doux Naturel) is when the fermentation of Muscat à petits grains is muted via the addition of spirit, leaving the RS around 100 g/L. Pouring a glowing golden hue, this coats the medium palate with fragrant honeysuckle, ripe apricot, baked white peach, with a bright tangerine acidity to carry through a spiced finish. A lovely fragrant sweet wine to pour alongside peach or pear desserts.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
McWatters Collection Harry's Apera 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBright amber gold in colour, this sherry-like wine was made with the winery’s 2011 Chardonnay, aged in neutral French oak barrels. The same wine was distilled and used for fortification. Showing a much riper nose than typical sherries, it offers dried apricot and candied citrus peel drizzled with caramel. There’s salted almond layered with a touch of sweet vanilla, hay, and subtle bruised apple. The creamy mid-palate leads to a savoury, nutty finish with some sweetness. A fun wine to try on its own or to pair with Spanish tapas.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 375ml |
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September 2023