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Tastings: October 2023
31 October 2023
88PTS
Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvee Brut NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis is a pleasant little bubble on the edge of sweetness, but well-managed and with just enough acidity to please all. The blend combines chardonnay, macabeo, parellada and pinot noir. The style is elegant, the bubbles refined, and the palate alive with honeyed notes of lees, ripe red apple and pear, mixed with honey and light tropical notes. The winery says it is surprisingly good with fish & chips, though my match would be a spicy sushi roll.Prices:| CDN | $21.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Carneros Cuvée de la Pompadour Brut Rosé NV
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesMadame de Pompadour (mistress to Louis XV) is credited with introducing Champagne to the court at Versailles and the inspiration for the Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour. This NV blends organic, estate-grown pinot noir (59%) and chardonnay (41%), with some days on skins for the pinot imbuing the deep peach/blush hue. This spent 18 months on lees in a bottle before a disgorgement of 9 g/L. Tart cherry, crunchy pear is lit with a crispy acidity but filled with wilted fruit and florals, pulling this to a bitter-edged finish with lingering smoked stone.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $51.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $41.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Sandhill Blanc de Blancs Method Traditional 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSandhill Wines has released its first sparkling wine from the 2020 vintage. The Blanc de Blancs is chardonnay grown on the Naramata Bench at King Vineyard, is made using the traditional method, and is part of the Sandhill Small Lots Program at 255 cases. I like this first release from the long-time virtual wine brand that pitches classic chardonnay green apple and pear with creamy lees, reminiscent of an early morning bakery. It could be a touch drier, but I'm sure consumers won't quibble with ripe fruit. It is of value.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Benvolio Prosecco NV
Veneto, ItalyBenvolio Prosecco is not your everyday Prosecco by virtue of its sense of place with a mineral and citrus style. The mousse is restrained and northern, the nose fresh white flowers and fresh cut lemons, and the palate is clean with peach, green apple, and grapefruit. Crisp and clean, this is perfect for seafood sushi rolls or shellfish. Ready to drink and affordable.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gramona Imperial Brut 2017
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis biodynamic brut leads with a slight majority of xarel.lo, followed by macabeo, and equal parts parelleda and chardonnay (each base wine fermented separately). 2017 was the first year of Demeter biodynamic certification across the 13 winemakers of the collective Alliances per la Terra association, founded by Gramona in 2015 to unite like-minded growers in the area. This bottle spent 62 months on lees and was disgorged in June 2023. Green and red apple lead into toasted brioche, slicked with anise, and wrapped around a doughy lemon core, finishing with a more toasted biscuit. Friendly and generous, this is undoubtedly a step above Cava and worth seeking out. Partner with cushier dishes that can match the toastiness here.Prices:| BC | $84.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Perlage Zharpi Prosecco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyPerlage is one of Italy’s first organic sparkling wineries. In the local dialect, zharpì is a term transcribed as vine pruning, reflecting this wine’s connection to the vineyard and those who work the vines. This glera is bright and shining with pear blossoms, white peach, and tangerine, finishing crisp and thankfully dry. A very smart and modern take.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Julià & Navinès Cava Brut Nature Reserva NV
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic Cava blends Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada from Font-rubí, in the Alt Penedès, at 350m. It spent 18 months on lees in the bottle prior to a zero disgorge. Crisp and racy, with crunchy honeycrisp apple, white blossoms, and bright, zippy citrus acidity that streams this through the snappy, anise scented finish. Smart and modern, and ready for enjoying now.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Champalou Brut NV
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceCatherine and Didier Champalou came from vigneron families and began this domain in 1983. They farm 21 hectares of vineyards, embracing some organic and biodynamic practices. This NV Brut blends three recent vintages, wrapping them into a doughy, toasty, vanilla wafer sparkler, with Chenin's characteristic laser acidity carrying this through a persistently humming and subtly saline finish. Cushy and friendly, ready for cracking into now.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Evolve Brut Nature 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 50% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, and 10% pinot blanc, this traditional method of sparkling wine spent five years on the lees. The results of the extended lees aging are evident in the aromatic complexity and creamy mid-palate. It showcases pear skin, bruised apple, and orange peel layered with intriguing aromas of oyster shell minerality, aged cheese, and toasty brioche. It boasts a delicate fine mousse, tight, crisp acidity, and a long, savoury finish. It is nicely done.Prices:| BC | $54.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Benchmark Brut 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis new sparkler is made from all of Poplar Grove’s Naramata vineyards. The mix is 78/22 chardonnay and viognier. The bunches are handpicked and kept separate before being blended into a single base wine fermented at 12º C, and re-fermented in a pressurized tank for six weeks before bottling and release. Look for enticing red apple with citrus and apple pie pastry. Ready to drink and fun to drink. Good value.Prices:| BC | $30.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hugging Tree Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love that we are exploring chardonnay blanc de blancs in British Columbia. The world is awash in sparkling wine, but not much of it is blanc de blancs, the pinnacle of style and finesse. The Hugging Tree label is a work in progress, and it gets full marks for the front end, with some work to be done on the finish. It has been aged 36 months on its lees and was disgorged and topped up with zero dosage, namely just some juice from another bottle. The nose is refreshingly chardonnay-like, with toasty, leesy, green apple, a dose of salinity and creamy lees with a honey, brioche, hazelnut and almond finish. There is a hint of bitterness and some flatness in the end, but with food, it is hardly noticeable. It's a great start, and I look forward to watching subsequent releases improve with time. It is well on its way. Minimal quantities are available.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pere Ventura Vintage Gran Reserva Brut 2015
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe Gran Reserva Brut is a delicious little sparkler mixing chardonnay and xarel-lo. From its straw colour to its minuscule persistent bubbles, look for a fresh yellow floral nose with hints of licorice and dried herbs. The palate is creamy, saline, and fruit-forward, with mature buttery notes that suggest it is at a perfect age. Bright, elegant and refreshing, this was a hit pre-dinner and could handle a wide variety of bites.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
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30 October 2023
92PTS
Bodegas Toro Albala Eléctrico Fino Solera 5 Años NV
Montilla-Moriles, SpainThe fino Eléctrico is a classic wine that has been taking part in Andalusian people's lives since 1922. Toro Albalá's foundational winery is settled in the zone's first power plant, which gave birth to jokes between the natives that said that the wine had electricity or that it was electric. This is a solera that began 65 years ago, though the wine is no more than ten years old (averaging five), meaning it's a fino with extended time under flor, adding to its complexity. As with all finos from Montilla, no fortification is needed for the flor to thrive. Bone dry and svelte, with marcona almond, herbal meadow grass, subtle wild lemon and ample flake sea salts running the long, nutty palate. This is less overtly marine salty than its coastal Jerez counterparts, and its mellow nature adds to its appeal. Pass the tapas.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Howling Bluff Forbidden Fort Noir 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Forbidden Fort Noir is a better-balanced fortified effort than the Blanc, although it remains hot and spicy in the finish. It is more tawny-like in nature, pitching caramel and almonds with good sweetness. Sip by sip, your palate adjusts to the alcohol and sugar, leaving you to enjoy a mellow fortified red on a rainy day, fireside.Prices:| BC | $52.17 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Howling Bluff Forbidden Fort Blanc 2018
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis white port-style wine is interesting if highly volatile on the nose. Once you get by the alcohol, it has some redeeming port characteristics, including a silky sweet palate and a long finish. I would be tempted to pour this over the rocks, squeeze some fresh lemon, and fill the rest of the glass with tonic. Serve liberally on a warm patio before dinner.Prices:| BC | $52.17 | 500ml |
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90PTS
Clos du Soleil Saturn 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSome wines are consistently good year in and year out, such as Saturn, a late-harvest sauvignon blanc grown at Whispered Secret Vineyard in the Similkameen Valley. The nose is an inviting mix of ripe apricot, pineapple, and mango with candied lemon that runs throughout the wine. It's perfectly fresh, even carrying 85.5 g/L residual sugar, and it will age effortlessly through 2030. It's a super wine to treat your guests with at dessert.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 375ml |
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90PTS
Cháteau de Beaulon Pineau des Charentes Blanc 5 Years in Wood NV
Cognac, FranceFor those unfamiliar, Pineau Des Charentes is an aperitif made from grape juice or partially fermented wine that is fortified with newly distilled cognac. This bottling is a blend of 1/3 cognac and 2/3 sauvignon blanc and sémillon, aged for five years in barrel. The result is a sweet aperitif, with 120 g/L residual sugar and 18% abv, that combines dried apricots, lemon, and orange peel with white blossoms, honey, and dried nuts, showing the oxidative character of five years in wood. It's a fun discovery, to be sure, and you can't go wrong at this price. A bottle should hold for 3-4 weeks after it's opened.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
McWatters Collection Harry's Apera 2011
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHarry’s Apera is a tribute to BC wine legend Harry McWatters, who was always curious about wine and never missed a chance to taste or make something different. This sherry-like fortified chardonnay was aged in neutral French oak barrels. The exact 2011 still wine was distilled and used to fortify Apera. The nose is surprisingly fruity for its age, a testament to Okanagan acidity and fruit. It is pitching a mix of dried orange and yellow fruits, and candied lime, with a blend of salty almonds and caramel in the back end. At this point, it has stabilized in the bottle and has become something of an afternoon sipper on a cold winter day. It is food-friendly or perfectly fine to be served solo.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 375ml |
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27 October 2023
91PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve Red 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClos du Soleil's flagship red blend shows the elegance and freshness of the 2019 vintage, with a combination of bright raspberry and red currant alongside thyme, desert shrubs, and gravelly undertones. It's already open and generous, lighter in style to be sure, but with complexity that is well above the norm. There's an appealing sappiness and juiciness to the fruit, with a seamless structure that will reward another 5-7 years in the cellar. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Clos du Soleil Signature 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThis is another impressive iteration of Clos du Soleil's Signature, no doubt benefiting from the exceptional 2020 vintage. It's become one of the most consistent and ageworthy red blends in British Columbia, and is a true expression of the Similkameen. There's the characteristic gravelly minerality as its backbone, layered with lush wild berries, dried thyme, desert shrubs, cedar, and balanced oak. The fruit is exceptionally dense and concentrated at this stage, and will slowly begin to reveal its true potential from 2028 onwards. If you don't have the patience, there's no need to wait, though. It's impressively polished and balanced right out of the gates, and evolves beautifully in the glass over a couple of hours.Prices:| BC | $55.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
D'Angelo Montepulciano Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLook for a medium dark purple-red colour. It has fresh red fruit aromas mixing savoury dried herb notes. The palate is similar in style with very fresh mid-palate acidity cran-cherry flavours and light sticky tannins and with more acidity poking through the back end. This wine will keep in the bottle for some time, which will no doubt tone down the acidity, but it is a relatively simple style red wine. Best now with grilled beef or an older soft cheese to balance out all the flavours.Prices:| BC | $99.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
D'Angelo Miscela Tempranillo 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA Bordeaux brick colour and a brooding stewed cherry nose lead to a medium, rich red that opens with earthy leather, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it is a mix of black raspberries, juicy blackcurrants, dark chocolate, and sun-warmed earth. Dry and firm, I suggest an old mature cheese, classic osso buco, or lamb stew to match this full-flavoured blend of tempranillo, merlot, and cabernet franc.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Roche Nuances 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Roche family has deep winemaking roots led by Pénélope, who counts six generations of viticulture and winemaking at Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion in Bordeaux. Nuances 2020 blends 47% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, from sites up and down the Okanagan. Perfumed and juicy cassis, crunchy plum, violets, and dried blueberries rule this surprisingly tart, medium bodied red. Tannins are sticky and sueded, taking this to a lightly warming finish. Partner with roast fall dishes / beef.Prices:| BC | $34.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mt. Boucherie Original Vines Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2019
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSelf-described as the pinnacle of the Original Vines series, this wine is designed to be cellared for a decade. The grapes come out of the heart of Okanagan Falls on Oliver Ranch Rd., with a rush of black fruits, spice, and licorice that intermingle with youthful, juicy black plums, blackberries, and bitter chocolate. Big, firm, and dry, it will repay cellaring or pair it up with a rare Tomahawk steak. The blend, seemingly made for the Okanagan, is 58% cabernet franc and 42% merlot. Lost Horn Vineyard is nineteen years old and sits overlooking Lake Vasseau and Macintyre Bluff on top of mounds of glacially deposited rock with glaciofluvial sands and gravels. Post ferment, the individual components are left in the barrel for nine months and blended for a further nine months of elevage in 30 percent new French and American oak, and the rest in neutral barrels. Finally, the blend spends an additional two months in the tank before it is bottled.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Certitude One Faith Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit in this wine has come from the Black Sage Bench in the south Okanagan Valley. The nose is under 14-16 months of mostly new French oak, so right off the bat, I suggest this wine needs time in the bottle to open up and be its best. The palate is surprisingly softer and more open, but still youthful, pitching blackcurrant and coffee, with more oak sitting on the wine. The mix is 44/42/14 merlot/cabernet franc/cabernet sauvignon that, while young, is showing surprising signs of balance and texture that are encouraging. I say come back to this in 2025 or 2026 and see where it's at, or try it now with a roast leg of lamb.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Calliope Figure 8 Red 2020
British Columbia, CanadaThe generous 2020 vintage is a 75/12/8/3/2 mix of merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and syrah. The attack is full-bodied with plenty of florals and fruit, such as violets, black cherries, and dark plums. A touch of bitter dark chocolate balances the ripe fruit and pulls the wine through the finish line with a dusting of Okanagan sagebrush. The grapes are a mix of estate and purchased fruit from across the Okanagan Valley. Post ferment, the varieties were kept separate, ageing in barrel (mostly neutral, and mostly French) for 9 to 14 months.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOsoyoos Larose is being directed by Groupe Taillan in Bordeaux, and Osoyoos-based winemaker Michael Kullmann, both parts aiming to bring the wine back to its early days and Bordeaux roots. The 2019 mix is mainly made up of merlot at 58%, followed by 26% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc, and 7% petit verdot. My second look at the 2019 another three months down the road reveals minimal change as it begins to move off the freshness and flush of youth for an even more serious demeanour on the palate. Look for a silky entry, with savoury and dried sagebrush, dried herbs, mixed with black plums, blackcurrants, and a hint of vanilla. The oak is perfectly balanced, and the fruit is finally beginning to poke back through the spice, wood, and espresso that pervade the finish.This wine has a long history of aging well, and with the fruit surfacing I'm going to say this will easily slide into the 2030s. Good value in a world full of overpriced red wines.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $46.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $56.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $465.99 | 6000ml |
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26 October 2023
89PTS
Corte Ottone Riserva 2019
Puglia, ItalyNegroamaro is the main red grape in Salice Salentino, as well as this one from Brindisi, in Puglia. The fruit is savoury but on the rich and ripe side, slightly smoky with sweet spices, chocolate, tobacco and cherry, and all done with only 13% alcohol. Lovely and interesting.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fort Berens Red Gold Reserve 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada2020 marks the return of Red Gold after a three year absence. This cuvée is only made when the vintage portends a very high-quality wine. The Lillooet red is grown at the estate Dry Creek Vineyard. The blend is 67/33 cabernet franc/merlot, aged separately in French oak barrels. In the end, Red Gold 2020 was a selection of three barrels. At 13.2 percent alcohol, this is an elegant red with a juicy palate mixing dark blackberry, blueberry, and black currant with some earthy, floral, cigar box and chocolate underneath. Complex and youthful, this will only improve in the bottle through 2028.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Garzón Cabernet de Corte 2020
Garzon, Maldonado, San José, UruguayBodega Garzón sits about 20 kilometres inland from what some would call Uruguayan paradise, at Punta del Este, La Barra, and Jose Ignacio. The estate has more than 1,000 hillside vineyard blocks with as many expositions and microclimates providing a wealth of expressive fruit via multiple grape varieties. Corte translates to blend. In this case, it is 80% cabernet franc, 10% tannat, 5% merlot, and 5% marselan. The secret to this wine is the styling. They preach elegance at Garzon, so expect a tight mix of red and black fruit that opens with violets and wet stone, followed by raspberries, blackberries, and green pepper, kissed with dark chocolate. There is no oak here, just pure terroir. We like this with roasted pork ribs on fennel and leeks or pappardelle with a wild mushroom ragu.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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25 October 2023
89PTS
J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc 2021
FranceThis family estate owns vineyards in the Upper and Central Loire. Descending from an old French family that is established in the Netherlands since the 19th century, (where the V became a W) Joost and Miguela de Willebois settled in Touraine with their 4 sons in 1996. They since hired Patrice Merceron and Alberto Tonetto to oversee the estate. This entry Savvy comes from vineyards from the coast across the valley. After a stainless ferment, this remained on lees for 3 months prior to bottling. Verbena, gooseberry, crunchy green apple streak across the medium palate, with lemon peel tightening, and a fine lees pad slicking the bottom, finishing with a dash of white pepper. Fresh, bright, punchy, and reach for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Certitude One Faith Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFaulty. Acetone. We await next year.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLa Crema Sonoma Sauvignon is a 73/27 mix of grapes aged in stainless steel and neutral oak. It is what I like to call the new classic American sauvignon, slightly fruity but much more in tune with the times, showing less oak and less overt sugar. It is a juicy mix of ready to drink exotic tropical fruits that finish dry. It’s not Sancerre or New Zealand, but it will do at the table. The fruit is sourced from multiple vineyard sites throughout the County, including the Russian River, Bennett, Alexander, Knights, and Dry Creek Valleys.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe mix is 65% sauvignon blanc, 35% sémillon. All the fruit was whole cluster pressed and racked to second, third, and fourth-year French oak barrels and puncheons for fermentation and aging on lees for six months before a two-month stint in stainless steel to tighten the tension. The attack is fresh, the fruit lemony and clean, pitching green apples, herbaceous boxwood, and desert scrub. Ready to drink with fresh BC shellfish.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Small Blessings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA late bud break and extremely cool spring and early summer portended a challenging 2022 growing season that included leafhoppers, powdery mildew, and, just for fun, some small hail events. September and October save the year with warm weather. There is a touch of amber in the colour, no doubt due to the winemaking: the fruit was destemmed into a clay egg for fermentation and aging on the skins for 45 days. The juice was then drained and pressed into a neutral French oak barrel for eight months. It was rack to tank and bottled without fining or filtration, leaving a thin film of sediment in the bottle. The nose is tropical with mango and orange, while the palate has that textural skins structure. This is a busy sauvignon with weighty tannins pitching some bitter notes among the final ripe pear in the finish. It's best with more decadent menu items.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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24 October 2023
93PTS
Spearhead Clone 828 Pinot Noir 2021
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClone 828 ripened perfectly in 2021, leaving winemaker Grant Stanley no choice but to make a single bottling of this rare-ish clone, and it was a good decision. The fruit is all estate, coming off the home Southeast Kelowna vineyard. The grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and cold soaked for six days before a spontaneous fermentation. After 18 days on the skins, the gently pressed juice was run into 25 percent new French oak barrels and aged for 13 months. The first thing you notice is the aromatic spicy, black fruit nose. The attack is silky smooth, with rich dark fruit that broach the threshold of pinot noir but run on endlessly. Black cherries, dried spices, and intensity suggest this 13.5 percent pinot is well equipped to age through 2028. Serve with richer dishes like duck confit or roasted pork belly. You better hurry if you want this wine, as it won’t last long.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Solvero Pinot Noir 2019
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDark cherry, licorice, molasses, cookie spices, and some winning strawberry notes in the finish fingerprint this wine. The fruit amplitude holds well into the long finish. A complementary acidity contributes to balance a remarkably restrained 12.2%. Cropped at 1 ton to the acre, the wine spent 12 months in barrel, (25% new). The clones involved were 115, 667, 777, Swan, 828, Pommard, and 943.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s year one for Black Pine, a Naramata Bench vineyard whose pinot portion is planted to clones 667, 777, 115, and Pommard, joining two other Home Block pinot offerings. The 1-6 hectare bony, dry granite site is farmed by growers Kathi and Rick Prosser. 2022 was a long growing season, bringing the intensity of flavours, which is never a bad thing with northern pinot noir. Post ferment, it spent nine months in one, two and three-year-old oak before the final blend. The palate is a dusty, earthy, red fruit affair with cranberry, cherry, dried spices, and desert scrub. There is not a lot of charm, but there is some pinot sophistication, which will be fine with food or more time in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack Pine is a small, 4 acre vineyard on the Naramata Bench, planted to four different pinot noir clones. This is the first release from this vineyard for Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott, and it's a solid start. At this early stage, the whole cluster use feels quite evident, adding stemmy spices on top of the crunchy red berries. The end result is a woodsy, firmly structured pinot that will benefit from another 2-3 years in bottle to come together.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Martin's Lane Fritzi’s Vineyard Missing Ear Pinot Noir 2020
West Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFritzi's Vineyard is named after owner Anthony von Mandl's mother, and is planted exclusively to clone 115. It is a compact vineyard at the base of Mt. Boucherie in West Kelowna sitting over a former conical volcano created 60 million years ago. The vines have been in the ground for 26 years, facing southeast, 417 metres above Okanagan Lake. The vineyard is exposed to the gentle morning sun and is protected from the hot afternoon sun that bathes the east side of the valley. The site has always been vigorous, so winemaker Shane Munn diligently manages the yields to the best effect. 2020's grapes were harvested on October 3, producing a typically rich, wild, dark cherry wine with an unexpected freshness. Complex and layered, this wine is beautifully balanced at 13 percent alcohol and cellar worthy through 2026 and beyond. The wild fermentation occurs in concrete with 70 percent whole clusters over 34 days before spending 17 months in tight grain Austrian oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $150.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDespite coming off a cooler, steep, north-facing vineyard in East Kelowna, Simes Vineyard is the darkest of all the Martin’s Lane pinots. The soils are granite-based over fine silt, and sit only a few kilometres south of the 50°N mark. Two exceptional parcels go into this label, whose northern aspect adds a rare distinction to a site that remains cool even as climate change is warming up the world. There are three blocks within the vineyard and a mix of clones: 943, 667, 777, 114, and 115, but in 2020, only the 667 and 943 made it to the finished wine. Simes is fermented wild using 70 percent whole bunches for 28 days before spending 17 months in extra tight grain Austrian and French oak. The style is dense, with a vivid profile of black spicy fruit reminiscent of Central Otago. The high percentage of whole bunches is the secret sauce that gives this pinot a silky palate, which changes the narrative of this wine. That is more about finesse and bright acid than big flavours. The vineyard has been certified organic since the 2020 vintage.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Martin's Lane Zenith Single Block Collection Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaZenith is self-described by winemaker Shane Munn as “a single, isolated parcel from our most complex site.” The high elevation site produces highly perfumed pinot noir with pitch-perfect textures and tannins. I love the wild British Columbian tones that mark the palate, with floral, desert scrub underbrush. The clone is 667, spontaneously fermented using 50 percent whole clusters, and spends 32 days macerating, and 17 more months in tight grained Austrian and French Oak. The attack has some reduction that needs airing, but it eventually peels off, leaving those perfumed dark florals. The texture attracts, and at 12.6 percent alcohol, it is easy to immerse yourself in the many complex layers it can reveal. Not near ready to drink, but if you must, may I suggest the Peking Duck at Mott 32 in Vancouver. The fruit is grown organically and was certified as of the 2020 vintage.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Martin's Lane Naramata Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe first Naramata Ranch pinot vines were planted in the early 2000s, followed by several more blocks added at different elevations and expositions over the next decade. It is an amazing mix of sites and mesoclimates, depending on the exposition and proximity to Okanagan Lake. Four clones are in the ground: Pommard, 943, 828, and 667. Two distinct vineyard parcels collide at 49.67˚N, combining Dijon clones 667 and 943, revealing a geologically diverse universe at the Northern end of the Naramata Bench as the land rises up into the mountainside. That said, this may be the best wine Munn has made at Martin’s Lane, coming off a concrete fermentation containing 65 percent whole cluster bunches, a technique he uses to control the tannin in the wine while building complexity and structure. It is a mid valley pinot grown at 410 to 500 metres above sea level that comes with a little more gravitas than its northern brethren. The clones were co-fermented over 26 days and spent almost a year and a half in extra tight grain French and Austrian oak. The nose is highly perfumed, and the flavours of a complex mix of black cherries and savoury, spicy licorice, together in a storm of umami. This is pure, complex, elegant, silky pinot to drink through 2028 and beyond. The vines are certified organic at 12.7 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Martin's Lane Dehart Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTraditionally the most elegant pinot made at Martin’s Lane, Dehart Vineyard in East Kelowna, was 12 years old as of 2020, perhaps the best growing year ever in the north Okanagan. The site faces due west just above Okanagan Lake and is planted to clone 777 and a smaller amount of 667, co-fermented in concrete with 60 percent whole bunches, over one month. Winemaker Shane Munn keeps it gentle, beginning with all those bunches that help him manage the tannins, keeping them textural but not structural. You can expect a mix of earthy floral red blossoms and intense spice, followed by red fruit. One points to the quality of light in the vineyard that gives this wine a special film. Fresh and spicy, and while you can drink it now, it is going to age well in the bottle. Note the mouth-filling, silky palate, length and refinement in this certified organic pinot that comes in barely over 13.2 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe standard Unsworth Pinot is a selection of hillside grapes from three Vancouver Island vineyards: Saison Vineyard, Unsworth Vineyard, and Zanatta Vineyard. The winemaking is do-not-do-much, and the results are brilliant. Island pinot is distinctively different, beginning with barely any alcohol, vibrant acidity, and silky textures. The flavours run the gamut of sour cherries, red plums, and spice, mixed with a damp forest floor and minimal tannins. Whole berries are pressed and fermented in stainless steel and aged in barriques of varying ages with a kiss of new oak. Dry and complex, this is a pinot searching for protein like salmon tartare or spicy tuna rolls.Prices:| BC | $38.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Saison Vineyards 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSadly, there isn’t much of the wine. Still, high quality and low production are good for the grower, and the winery and Saison Vineyard, a property that is a beacon for Island pinot noir, are good for British Columbia. Winemaker Dan Wright has an affinity for letting this wine's high acid, floral aspects shine through drawing on its earthy, dark cherry and savoury notes that help build complexity and length without alcohol and wood marring the purity. Like last year, this is another long, complex, delicate, and layered pinot that deserves the attention of pinotphiles. The Saison soil type is Shawnigan, a mix of marine silt and loam. The clones are 115 (18%), 667 (26%), 777 (30%) and 828 (26%). The wine spends 12 months in 20 percent new oak barriques. Alcohol is a modest 12.4 percent. Only 96 cases are made.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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23 October 2023
89PTS
Yalumba GEN Organic Shiraz 2022
South Australia, AustraliaThe Yalumba GEN series is organic and sustainably grown as approved by Australian Certified Organic standards. There are no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in the vineyard. It is also vegan. With few additions, the wine is wild fermented. Look for a fresh, juicy red with dark plums, blueberry, and a dusting of cracked peppercorns before a spiced fruit cake finish. Mushroom burgers would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Syrah 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Syrah is all Paisley Vineyard, a west facing and steep site on the Upper Naramata Bench. It is co-fermented with 6% viognier to fix the colour and add some florals to the vibrant blackberry and cherry. This is similar to last year's edition, pitching peppery, toast, and bright acidity but with a skinny mid-palate and finish. A cool, juicy, lean Rhône-like texture that needs a bit of fat to counterbalance the freshness here.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Code Wines Single Clone Syrah 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis newer Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5-acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. Over the past three years, they've made their wines at Naramata's Roche Winery but have recently launched their operation. This 2021 Syrah is from a single unknown clone planted in 2017 across two blocks on their Peach Cliff Mountain estate vineyard. This was 2/3 destemmed and whole cluster fermented before 11 months in French oak (25% new). It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Super smokey, with roasted meats, grilled black fruits, and BBQ spices infiltrating a fuller body, laced with cracked pepper. There is an easy swell of acidity keeping this fresh and slippery on the medium palate, framed with lightly sticky tannins. Primed for drinking now, ideally with fire-grilled fare.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Poplar Grove Syrah 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDeep purple, near opaque, the blend here is 95% syrah, 4% malbec and 1% viognier. The Syrah grapes were sourced and hand picked at Haynes Vineyards on the Osoyoos East Bench, and a four day cold soak preceded the fermentation. A quarter of the wine was aged 15 months in new French oak barrels, with remainder elevated in two year old French oak barrels. Unusually, but much appreciated by this critic, the wine is further developed in a bottle for 21 months at the winery before its release. The nose is Okanagan desert fragrant with savoury scrub, blueberries, and cracked pepper. Look for fresh, crunchy acidity playing host to dark plums, florals, black pepper, and cocoa. Youthful and just beginning its journey, this is a good one to follow.Prices:| BC | $35.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Painted Rock Syrah 2021
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest 2021 Syrah at Painted Rock made it through the heat dome and is thankfully smoke-free this year. Low yields have given the wine extra concentration, not that it needs it, but what is interesting is it's not a fruit bomb. The fruit is grown mid-valley on a sunny, west facing Skaha Bench slope. Expect a dry, savoury attack with hits of earth, licorice, light blueberry, raspberry, and oak. The textures are suitably refined in a dry finish with some young tannins to disperse. This will be a short-term aging red you should drink up through 2026-2027. Painted Rock aged this syrah for 18 months in 30% new oak, in an 80/20 split of French and American barrels. The remaining 70% was aged in second-fill French oak.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Seppeltsfield Barossa Shiraz 2018
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA bold, powerfully structured Barossa shiraz that exudes opulent fruit ripeness, with a combination of macerated blackberries and wild blueberries along with a dash of sweet spices. Give this time in the cellar for the tannins to soften, and enjoy from 2025 to 2029. Or, pair with a hearty protein now. I'm thinking lamb shanks with the cooler fall weather.Prices:| US | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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20 October 2023
91PTS
Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2020
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceThis family estate (founder Jean-Claude, wife Evelyne, and son Romain) inherited her father's vines in 1989, based in the small village of La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, and redirected their lives into biodynamic winegrowing and making. These vines were planted in 1950-74, with additional plantings in 1996, 2001, 2012, rooted in Kimmeridgian marl and Portlandian soils. It was native fermented, whole cluster, with MLF in stainless, and bottled with light filtration. Quite a pure expression of the grape and place, with a silken and light lees bed housing bright lemon, green apple, and crushed stones, ending with a lingering saline wash. Subtle, gentle, and still taut, this is a quiet charmer.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Gen Organic Chardonnay 2022
South Australia, AustraliaThe Yalumba Gen Series is certified organic and sustainably made. The chardonnay presents in a richer, riper style, yet this wine has zero oak. The palate is a mix of peach and melon, but the creamy, leesy mid-palate supercharges this wine and gives a modern, updated feel and taste. The wine is certified by the Australian Certified Organic standards and is vegan. It's made without chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the vineyard. With very few additions, the wine goes through wild fermentation, using only the natural yeasts present in the vineyard and on grape skins. Yalumba's suggested food pairings include spicy mussels, soba noodles or lentils, sweet potato, and chickpea stew.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Montmains 1er Cru 2021
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceMontmains sits on the Serein River's left bank, on chalky soils. Its mineral rich terroir significantly impacts the wine, contributing to its stony character and floral undertones. The coolish 2021 is a saline mineral affair pitching citrus and licorice, all contained in its subtle, taut, leesy textures. It is a beautiful food wine that is only beginning its life. Oysters, anyone? Delicious.Prices:| BC | $62.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $59.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Matchbook Old Head Chardonnay 2020
Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California, United StatesThe 2020 vintage opens with surprisingly intense fruit flavours aided by a long growing season. Tropical but not overly sweet, pitching pineapple, melon, and papaya with a delicate wash of lees that helps out on the mid palate and adds a creamy vanilla. A little hedonistic but not for California chardonnay lovers. Ready to drink, pair this with a favourite creamy pasta, scallops, or roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.88 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lake Sonoma Chardonnay 2020
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesAs slow as the transformation of California chardonnay has been to a more modern style, every once in a while, a wine will come out of nowhere to suggest things are changing. This Russian River is an excellent example, with its green apple, flinty nose and vibrant palate. It has tropical peach and tangerine but not without some acid to keep it chill and bright through the finish. You can serve this perfect five o’clock wine with a warmed Brie. Post ferment, it spends three months in stainless on lees before ageing for 22 months in 20/50/30 percent mix of new French oak, neutral oak, and stainless tanks. Think buttered clams, Dungeness crab, or pasta seafood.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.97 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.96 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.49 | 750ml |
| PEI | $27.23 | 750ml |
| YK | $26.65 | 750ml |
| US | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luca G Lot Chardonnay 2020
Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLuca Chardonnay perfectly balances Burgundian and California style, grown 1500 metres above sea level. It is nothing like the two. G Lot is a stony Gualtallary wonder with a quiet nose and subtle notes of honey and apples with a mineral underside. The palate is a smooth, creamy affair with pear, honey, and orange, with wafts of caramel, oak, and spice. The fermentation is an 80/20 mix of barrels and stainless steel, aged for one year in French oak. Baked pear and a stony/mineral note create a stylish wine that seems part New and part Old World. If sensitive New World chardonnay is your favourite, you can add Luca G. Drink through 2025.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jean Collet & Fils Chablis 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceRomain Collet made his first vintage at age 21, and since then the fourth generation Collet has moved the domain to native yeast and organic and biodynamic farming. The vineyards are located on Kimmeridgian limestone marl bedrock and clay topsoil, and the vines date back to 1978-83. This standard Chablis spends 11 quiet months in a tank with no stirring. The 2022 is classic, with a herbal, mineral, citrus base pitching Meyer lemons and subtle streaks of tangerine. Showy yet reserved, and sophisticated. Fabulous oyster wine.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Jean-Claude Ramonet Bourgogne Blanc 2018
Burgundy, FrancePierre Ramonet arrived in Burgundy in the late 1920s with nothing but a knapsack, and started to earn money by buying and vinifying grapes. The land value was very low, so hardworking Pierre was able to accumulate vineyard plots surrounding the village of Chassagne-Montrachet, with his first purchase within the great Ruchottes vineyard in 1934. Pierre eventually handed over the reins to his son André, who passed in 2011, and subsequently to his grandchildren, Noël and Jean-Claude, who had tended the family vineyards since 1984. The Domaine produces 24 appellation wines from 40 acres. This chardy comes from 20ish year old estate vineyards across the appellation, was native fermented in stainless before resting 1 year in French oak (10-15% new) on gross lees. Such complexity for a Bg Bl, with layers of pencil shavings, lemon, green apple across a gently expansive (2018) palate. There's still a brace of taut acidity, bringing this to a snappy and lingering saline finish. Classic Ramonet cut and finesse.Prices:Read Full Note
19 October 2023
91PTS
Black Hills Tempranillo 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Ross Wise is having fun unravelling the tempranillo grape in the south Okanagan. The 2019 was an excellent effort, but in 2020, we see the potential for this well known Spanish variety. There is a welcomed subtly here, including only 13.5 percent alcohol. The nose is a mix of red and blue fruits with desert sagebrush and a floral underside allowed to surface by using older wood. The flavours are full, the textures silky, suggesting you can drink it now. The classic match is lamb.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2019
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesSmoked chocolate and blueberries mix with saddle leather and spice here. The attack is warm with rich baking spices, vanilla, black cherry, and more leather and tobacco in the back end. It’s a bit one dimensional, with some dead fruit in the finish. A Monday night zinfandel best suited to hamburgers or ribs slathered in BBQ sauce. Far more interest here on the mid-palate, not just fruit but leather cedar, and tobacco, give it some welcomed complexity. Drink all autumn with any number of mushroom dishes. Made with fruit from seven vineyards.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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18 October 2023
88PTS
Little Engine Gold Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe nose is slight light plum and chocolate, a whiff of Mission fig, Seville orange, rich mulberry, loganberry, and more. In the glass, ample red berry fruit, mission fig, oak involvement, and dried fruit. It is a little weighty and bigger bodied, with some alcohol heat and tannic friction at this point, but the wine carries it all with grace. The finish is lengthened and flavourful. Sourced exclusively from estate vineyards, the involved clones are 115, 667, 777, 828, 943, 91, Swan, and Mt. Eden. The yield is about 2 tons per acre. The grapes are de stemmed into one ton fermenters and undergo a 6-7 day cold soak before a natural fermentation. The wine matures in the barrel (28% new French puncheons, balance in 2nd fill) for 15 months with no racking until pre-bottle blending. Unfined and unfiltered.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
O'Rourke's Peak Cellars Pinot Noir 2019
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGenerally rich, dense, darker fruit aromas reside, including dried plums, black mission fig, chocolate, licorice, and prune. Less dense, intense, and alcohol-driven than the nose might indicate, it's supple and balanced with fruit leather, baked cherry, and black Mission fig. The finish is long and well counterbalanced. Made with Lake Country estate-grown fruit.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Winemaker's Cut Bohemian Pinot Noir 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCherry, vanilla, baking spices and grape hyacinth lead delicate, focused fruit that straddles fresh and savoury on a light frame. All very well balanced, smooth textured, and lengthy in the finish with a touch of preserved plum. The harmony of its elements is noteworthy.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tender Hope Winery Pinot Noir Thacker Drive Vineyard 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSome pomegranate, brick dust, and light florals lead to expressive wild strawberry, mulberry, and raspberry with a moderately silky texture. An appealing balance of flavours here includes plum skin, strawberry, a supportive acidity, and a soft tannin counterpoint. All in all, it has a distinct flavour arrangement that finishes with lingering mulberry. Every sip seems tailgated by another. All this is arrayed on a very restrained 12% alcohol. Great job. Sourced entirely from the Thacker Drive Vineyard in West Kelowna, planted in 2000 on own roots, the wine spent ten months in French oak, 25% of which was new. Two hundred twenty cases were produced.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Foxly Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaStarts with a precocious flourish of savoury cherry, a touch of barnyard, blueberry, kirsch, vanilla, sweet baking spices, and an excellent range of red fruits including strawberry and mulberry. In the glass, a similar potpourri of flavours, with all elements well balanced and the red fruits really entertaining. Good length in the finish. Give it an hour to open fully. Foxly is the second label of Foxtrot Vineyards. Affordable and ready to drink, they made their debut in 2018.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the inaugural vintage of Black Pine single vineyard from 1 Mill Road. It joins their Home Block and Block Two pinot noirs. Loganberry, blueberry, forest floor, a touch of licorice and darker fruits sit on the nose. In the glass, graphite, blueberry, juicy acidity and a savoury flavour intensity combined with very restrained alcohol should foretell a bright future. It does not show much complexity and retains some tannic grip, but the finish is long and rich. Promising, but needs cellar time. The Black Pine Vineyard is a 4-acre vineyard on the Naramata Bench. The Pinot Noir portion of the vineyard is planted to clones 667, 777, 115, and Pommard. 19% of the picked grapes were left as whole bunch clusters. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks for 14 days, then basket pressed into a combination of 1, 2, and 3 year old French oak barriques for nine months until blending. Alcohol 12.8%.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Century Block 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe silky texture is apparent even on the first whiff. Cherries, wild strawberry, lilac, a touch of kirsch, and baking spice all float up. There is a light body and intensity in the flavours but with graceful fruit clarity and surprising length in the finish. Subtle flavours of strawberry, lilac, and cranberry have a fine floating texture. It is light for a Century Block pinot but retains its calm, refined charm—cellar for a few years to elaborate the flavours. One hundred ten cases were produced.Prices:| BC | $34.35 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stag's Hollow Pinot Noir Shuttleworth Creek Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSilky aromas of cherries, kirsch, and some breezy, sweet baking spices immediately beckon, along with more complex strawberry and marionberry. There are lively flourishes of fruit and sweet spice on the nose. The flavours go straight to a pirouetting mid-palate, then slide into a second darker, supple fruit layer built on rich cherry and wild strawberry. It is exceptionally elegant, with a beautiful accompanying acidity that keeps the flavours fresh. The Dijon clones pitch it more forward and showy with red fruit flourishes. Elegant, flirty, balanced, this is a real showoff.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stag's Hollow Pinot Noir Stag's Hollow Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA little reluctant on the aroma, with some flat cherry, strawberry, and a developing note of berry and bramble. This wine typically has good fruit concentration but the tannins, though not harsh, generally muffle the fruit for the first few years. Be it vintage, increasing vine age, or a newer winemaker though, this one unpacked in the glass after a few minutes to show savoury, dark red fruit intensity that included marionberry and baked cherries. The length, focus, and clarity of the finish really stretched out and was slow to diminish. The linear wavelength of flavour on the ending, though not flashy, was splendid and is hard to achieve. Very well done and promises much for the future. Overall, spare in complexity and nuance, yet exceptional. Three clones of Pinot Noir grow in the winery’s Stag’s Hollow Vineyard, the winery’s original vineyard. This wine is a co-ferment of clones 115 and 667. It was aged 12 months in French oak barrels (16% new). 195 cases produced.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Simply Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPredominantly pinot noir, Simply Noir is a mix of preserved cherries, kirsch, chestnut, lilac, and dried rose petals, sweet and earthy simultaneously, with just a touch of alcohol heat. The blend is pinot noir, some rounded merlot, easy-going gamay, and a touch of dolcetto. The texture is light, showing some complex, fresh, and savoury cherry intensity. Simple, balanced, and easy, it also includes a tangy cherry cough drop. The alcohol is slightly elevated, but the fruit keeps up with it. After fifteen minutes in the glass, it softened and spread its wings nicely. The finish lingers with a last savoury fruit note and a farewell glimpse of dolcetto tang.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kitsch 5 Barrel Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInitially, this has balanced scents of rich cherry, clove, nutmeg and sandalwood with a growing component of earthiness and underbrush. Later, plum skin, florals, blueberry, crushed green leaf, lilac, and marionberry emerge. The core has savoury cherry with juicy acidity, some earthiness, lightly taut tannins, with black and blue fruits predominating and an apparent, focused intensity through the finish. The texture stood out in an unfolding finishing sequence of flavour elements, including clay, plum, cherry, pomegranate, a touch of graphite, and elegant darker fruits. Showing well now but will repay keeping for another 2-5 years.Prices:| BC | $69.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from 3 Cowichan Valley vineyards (Saison, Unsworth, and Zanatta), this was destemmed, whole berry, with minimal punchdowns, and fermentation in stainless. Post-ferment this is pressed off into barriques, primarily older. Shaped by the Wine Islands' tart marine acidity, this lighter (12.3%), tighter pinot streams fresh raspberries, rasped pink peppercorn along a sleek frame, housed with long, lithe tannins to a saline finish. Pretty smart, and ready for drinking now, with raw salmon or mushroom canapés.Prices:| BC | $38.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir Reserve 2020
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Pinot Noir is fronted by a golden mask created by heralded Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob, signifying its importance in the portfolio and its rarity (only 100 cases). This Reserve is based on a small mid-slope block of Dijon clone 667, with seasonings of 91 and 31 in the mix, along with partial whole bunch. One barrel of 115 was co-fermented in with neighbouring 667 including 50% whole bunches. Post native ferment, this went to barrique (40% new) for a 15 month rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dusky dark cherry, wild plum courses through the medium palate, with a lift of tart acidity, and herbal thorny, scrubby seasoning. Tannins are taut and firm, stringing the downy palate through the pink peppercorn finish. The Diam10 cork leads one to believe this will go the distance. I vote for opening sooner than that, with some version of wild mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $65.22 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis year's Tantalus Pinot Noir is kissed by the wildfires of the vintage, with a light cloud of hazy smokiness lofted atop the fruit. Sourced from estate fruit and a neighbouring Southeast Kelowna vineyard, this blend of clones was native fermented with up to 20% whole bunches. After 2-3 weeks on skins, this was pressed off and aged in oak barriques for 11 months (20% new). Darker cherry, baked raspberry, juicy plum is wrought with tight, grippy, sticky tannins, pinning this through the bitter pink peppercorn finish. A crunchier, chewier PN than I'm used to from Tantalus, no doubt the result of a tricky vintage.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fresh, easy-sipping style of pinot noir that opens on the dry side of earth and mushrooms, with a bit of strawberry and spice pushing through the centre and a touch of smoke poking through the finish. The textures are reasonably round and provide a solid backdrop for the flavours as they run the length of the wine. There is no need to wait for this wine; it is ready to drink. Lamb chops or a mushroom pizza would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chain Reaction Pendulum Pinot Noir 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis begins with redolent cherry, nutmeg, pomegranate and vanilla before lush, elegant, savoury fruit that is prominently mulberry, along with some elevated intensity, soft tannins and supporting acidity. A distinct style of ripe, savoury berry that shows the diversity of Naramata Bench pinot noirs. Dwight Sick, formerly of Stags Hollow and Moraine Vineyard, is the consulting winemaker here, and this is the first vintage from the winery's McMillan Vineyard.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from the southeastern Okanagan Valley, this destemmed pinot noir was crushed and fermented in stainless before 1 year's rest in concrete and French oak (4% new). Smoked plum and ripe cherry is worn with softly furry tannins through a warming, cedar-spiced finish. Simple and a bit muddled, this would suit a fall root veg braise.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Chronie Family Vineyard 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the best of the '21 pinots at Howling Bluff, and from from the Chronie Family Vineyard. I like the restrained, juicy black cherry, reminiscent of Sonoma, with some sweet cola. There is a touch of floral to steady the ship, but this is more of the hedonistic pinot that attracts a lot of folks to this grape. There is a bit of that desert savoury character and some smoke, but nothing serious. Get your glass early at the party because this one will disappear quickly.Prices:| BC | $34.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Century Block 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a pretty pinot with an airy nose of cherries, roses, and cranberries. The palate is structurally correct, with very silky textures that run below the surface. There are strawberries and red licorice ruling, with a hint of smoked meat. It's much lighter than I remember earlier versions, but that isn't bad. Charming, dry, and ready to drink with mushroom chicken bourguignon.Prices:| BC | $34.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howling Bluff Pinot Noir Three Mile Creek 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe vines are a mix of clones 115, 667, and 777, and are among the oldest on the property at 22 years. Three Mile Creek Pinot gets a two day cold soak to extract colour and a bit of texture without accumulating alcohol. Three weeks later, the wine is pressed off into French oak barrels for 18 months. The wine is remarkably fresh, pitching juicy, tart, cool red fruit led by sour cherry and raspberry. The underside is savoury and earthy, with more acidic fruit on the finish. The acidity will scare some, but you can help this wine out with pork or duck. Ready to drink now through 2027.Prices:| BC | $34.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solvero Pinot Noir 2020
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA polished first effort mixing several clones of Pommard, Swan, 115, 667, 777, 828, 943 for this initial release that weighs in a light 12.2 percent alcohol. The nose is a cool dark cherry, black plum affair with violet florals. An earthy forest floor herbal undertone holds the fruit in check, adding complexity and length to the dry finish. Silky soft, this will be an excellent mid-term pinot you can drink now through 2025. The winemaking is exacting with each block and clone treated separately, pressing off to age 1 year in 33% new French oak barrels before the final blend. An impressive start, and food friendly.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Red Rooster Pinot Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRed Rooster is closing its door on the Naramata Bench, although we are told the brand will live on out of Peller Kelowna. The fruit is sourced from the southeastern Okanagan Valley. The winemaking is kept simple in stainless steel before the finished wine spends one year in a mix of French oak (four percent new) and concrete. Look for a smoky, slightly reductive, meaty nose with sweet, earthy cherry and a spicy herbal back end. Textures are soft and ready to drink. Try with a lamb stew.Prices:| BC | $19.90 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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16 October 2023
91PTS
Sattlerhof Südsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Südsteiermark, Steiermark (Styria), AustriaSattlerhof is a leading producer in Austria’s South Styria region, known for their benchmark examples of Styrian Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. The Sattler family has been growing wine in the village of Gamlitz since 1887, and they were one of the first in the region to bottle high quality dry white wines under their own name in the 1970s. Willi Sattler grew the estate to 40 hectares of organically / biodynamically farmed vines in some of the region’s most famous vineyards including grand crus Kranachberg and Pfarrweingarten, now joined by his two sons Andreas and Alexander. Their vineyards are centered around the village of Gamlitz, located less than 10km from the Slovenian border. Young and bright, with zippy grapefruit, lemon pith, crunchy green apple streaks across the palate, with a slight slick of lees to counter the mountainous acidity and buzzy stony underlay, finishing long and super saline. Such a presence here.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jonathan Didier Pabiot Élisa Pouilly Fumé 2021
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceJonathan-Didier Pabiot is a young revolutionary in Pouilly-Fumé, revolutionizing his family’s domaine with certified organic and Demeter certified biodynamic practices. The grapes were primarily whole-bunch pressed with some crushing for structure and aging took place in stainless steel tanks on the lees, for eight to twelve months. Lemongrass, thistle, white grapefruit, and perfumed pear blossoms rule the sleek palate, with a cushy, earthy lees bed to cushion, a twist of fresh mint to season, and a present buzzy undercurrent for interest. A polished, smart, and modern Pouilly-Fumé.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Sauvignon is amped with 8.5% Semillon from their Keremeos vineyard. This was partially barrel and co-fermented, with the remaining 45% sauvvy fermented and aged solo in the tank. The barrel portion received three months of bâtonnage plus five more months rest before reunification with the tank sauvignon. Smoked lemon, baked green apple, white grapefruit, and lemon verbena run a plumped, glossy palate with soft edges and moderate acidity, trailing into a quiet citrus wake—certainly a richer, posher style of sauvignon, ready for your poached salmon or creamed asparagus dishes.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vineyards in both the southern Okanagan and Similkameen, this was fermented and rested in stainless. Bright and shining, with gooseberry, Honeycrisp apple, and Anjou pear, with a crunchy Asian pear acidity atop a light lees bed base, finishing with some green asparagus herbaceousness. Compact and simple, fresh and fun, this is meant to be cracked now.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wild Goose Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis south Okanagan/Similkameen blend is fermented and aged in stainless. The result is a bright, ripe fruit affair, pitching gooseberry and sweet red apples with just enough acidity and herbaceousness to keep it balanced. To best effect, drink this one now and serve it with some spicy sushi or steamed mussels. Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is 8.5% sémillon from Keremeos in the mix, which has a positive effect. Just over half the wine is barrel fermented, including co-fermenting the sémillon portion, while the remaining fruit is fermented in stainless steel. Post ferment, the wooded portion gets three months of lees stirring before five more months in wood undisturbed before the final blend, followed by another two months together before bottling. Look for an enriched sauvignon with a hint of the Bordeaux/Loire styling, pitching white grapefruit, citrus, stones, and lemon verbena. Perfect acidity keeps it all together, but this is a gastronomic wine you should bring to the table with rich, creamy seafood dishes.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Alibi 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine continues to get better with time. Winemaker Ross Wise has carefully adjusted the blend, favouring sauvignon over sémillon in a 94/6 split. It greets you with delicate, intense aromatics, a dance of classic sauvignon gooseberry, cut grass, and just a hint of the richness of sémillon. A refreshing style with fine minerality, it's a perfect companion to a wide range of dishes. It's fermented in French oak puncheons and barriques with selected and wild yeasts and aged on its lees for six months. This wine will age well into 2027.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe colour is a bright, pale straw, and the nose intensely aromatic with granny smith apple, lemon rind, and orange blossoms. The plate is awash in crisp citrus, washed in saline and finished with a subtle tropical note. This wine overdelivers in the glass every year. From the Wairau Valley, Marlborough, the DP sauvignon is picked at 8.4 tonnes/hectare from a vineyard planted over silty-clay loams with some parcels of gravel interspersed. A portion of this wine is fermented using indigenous yeasts, and it is all aged for four months in stainless steel, and bottled without fining.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.25 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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15 October 2023
92PTS
Domaine Nico Grand Mère 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGrand Mère pinot was first planted back in 2013. The 2-hectare mix of 667 and 115 clones is fermented with 20 percent whole cluster bunches before ageing 14 months in 15 percent new French oak, plus a combination of second and third use barrels. The style is subtle and very Burgundian despite sitting 1100 metres above sea level. Red fruits, cranberries, cherries, and floral notes dominate the nose. The palate is similar, with more brown spice, black pepper, and a dusting of wet stones. Fresh with perfectly managed tannin, it is another drink-or-hold situation, but this will easily live through 2028. A serious wine ready to take on some duck confit.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.40 | 750ml |
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13 October 2023
90PTS
Orto 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA blend of 56% carignan, 29% grenache, 10% tempranillo, 5% picapoll, from Montsant DO in Spain, this wine opens with earthy, savoury, and dusky aromas along with subtle volatility. On the palate, it offers tangy brambles, red beet, and delicate spices nicely framed by refined tannins and mouth watering acidity.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Torres Cos Perpetual 2017
Priorato, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPerpetual is from Cariñena and Garnacha vines 80+ years, rooted in llicorella slate slopes across 5 Priorat municipalities: El Lloar, Porrera, Torroja, El Molar, and Bellmunt. With 2 weeks skin contact, this was fermented in stainless before heading to French foudres (40% new) for 18 months. 19,000 bottles were produced. In a beauty state now, with long, fine tannins melting into the cascading liquorice, black plum, cassis, thorns, and ferrous notes flooding the muscular, refined palate. Acidity is naturally mountainous bright, and the texture is salty slate, lingering on the lengthy finish. Such a beauty.Prices:| QC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fusco Mencia 2021
Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, SpainA juicy mencia with sappy dark berries, peppery spice, and wildflowers. Lovely purity and elegance, with concentration that is well above the norm. A seamless wine.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Foresta Sumoll 2021
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainPale fluorescent ruby-purple in tone, this is a light, juicy red with crunchy red berries and some florals. Not a lot of depth and concentration here through a tart, drying finish.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Foresta Turó de les Llebres 2019
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis is a lifted, rustic Spanish red with sundried tomato, macerated strawberries, violets, and earth. There's a slight oxidative note, with firm tannins that are still hard even at this stage. A blend of sumoll, garnatxa, cabernet franc, and marselan.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Orto 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA 56/29/10/5 blend of carignon, grenache, tempranillo, and picapoll (piquepoul), this is a juicy, sauvage red blend with lovely purity of fruit, led by wild berries interspersed with perfumed lavender and a rustic, earthy spiciness. There's a real polish here, with fine tannins that show deft winemaking. Love the juiciness, while still being concentrated. A chillable red, but a serious one at that.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fusco Mencia 2021
Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, SpainThis wine had me at mencia, a highly underrated red wine in the New World. The nose is a floral overload before the wild blueberries and black plums kick in, all dusted with a desert brush. The tannins are firm but fine grained and tend to melt in your mouth. Made from old vines grown over granite and schist soils from the Chantada sub-region of Ribeira Sacra in Galicia. Impressive and should improve in the bottle over five to seven years. Lamb, anyone?Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Orto 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom Montsant, the mix is 56/29/10/5 carignan, grenache, tempranillo, and picapoll, (or piquepoul as the French would say). Look for a medium-weight, wild, juicy red with blue florals and edgy red fruit, all with a touch of finesse. A perfect wine for salmon or chicken. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Foresta Turó de les Llebres 2019
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainA next-generation blend that mixes the brightness and acidity of sumoll with the roundness and juicy notes of grenache, the layered textures of cabernet franc, and all boosted by the darkness of marselan, the new darling of climate change. This mid-week rustic red fermented in open barrels lends a touch of oxidation to its floral red berries mixed with a touch of tomato. It is aged six months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. Ready to drink with stews, burgers, and beef empanadas.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Foresta Sumoll 2021
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainDescribed as one of the great red varieties of Catalonia, I found this sumoll to be underwhelming. It is fermented and aged in used French oak barrels for eight months. The fruit comes off the Garraf Massif about 30 minutes from Madrid by car off 60 hectares in the village of Arboçar and its surroundings. The vineyards are planted on terraces with centuries old dry stone walls. The topsoil is so shallow that the roots immediately come up against a bed of limestone rock. The site is warm but cooled by mid-winds that blow up from the Mediterranean. Savoury and wrapped in dried herbs, its red fruit and bright florals are buried under the desert scrub and resiny notes.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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12 October 2023
91PTS
Domaine Pellé Morogues Rouge 2019
Menetou-Salon, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThis family winery has been based in Morogues for four generations, in the Centre-Loire's eastern end. This pinot noir, their iconic red, is from 30 year old vines rooted in Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils, shared with nearby Auxerrois and Chablis. After a native ferment over 3-4 weeks in wooden vats, this was pressed off into older wooden vats for aging. Dusky perfumed plum, black raspberry flood a sultry palate, threaded with thorns and rockrose, and framed with downy black tea tannins, finishing with ample crushed pink peppercorns and that characteristic limestone buzz. Give this well-knit red some time to open up in the glass, as it will really reward.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Sonoma Pinot Noir 2021
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United States2021 was a hot year and an early harvest in Sonoma, which is never the perfect scenario for pinot noir. Two Dijon clones are involved here (115 and 667), and each is kept separate before blending seven months in 40% new French oak, 20% neutral oak, and 40% stainless steel. The style is New World rustic with earth, black cherry, and blueberry, with a brush of dried herbs and dry tannins. Best now with pork or duck dishes. Lake Sonoma Winery is owned by the Stewart Family, third-generation, pioneering West Coast winemakers who founded BC's Quails' Gate Winery.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $31.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $32.95 | 750ml |
| US | $38.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Luca Pinot Noir G Lot 2020
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLuca Vineyards, the first pinot noir planted over 1371 metres, is grown in Tupungato, Uco Valley at Gualtallary, in a vineyard section they refer to as G-Lot. The colour and nuanced nose take you to Burgundy, though the rest of the wine is more New World. The nose is a mix of wild strawberries and earthy, leathery notes. On the palate, there are more wild berries with strong savoury leather, and a twist of cola in the background. G-Lot spends a year in 20 percent of new French oak barrels, mixed with 80 percent second and third use. Ready to drink, but you can hold through 2025.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Domaine Nico Le Paradis 2018
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe Le Paradis Vineyard belongs to Laura Catena and her sister Adrianna Catena, and it feels like paradise, according to Laura. The 12 hectare site is lined by trees and fruit orchards, with majestic views of the Andes sitting at an impressive 1525 metres in the Gualtallary Alto, Tupungato, Uco Valley. The soil is deeper, with calcium carbonate texture and boulders below the loam. This wine has a wealth of minerality that leads with intense red berry aromatics, herbaceous notes, and some reduction on first pouring. The oak is beautifully managed, and the textures are silky smooth thanks to the rolling fermentors and concrete eggs in use. Paradis is the most flavourful in red cherries of the group, and the label with the most style. Rare high altitude pinot noir that is worth a look.Prices:| BC | $389.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $349.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Nico La Savante 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLa Savante, or “The scholar” in the feminine, pays homage to scholarly women, for whom Laura Catena may be the best model. One can be severe and feminine simultaneously, like this wine. This Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley pinot sits 1450 metres above sea level on loose, sandy, loam soil over compact calcium carbonate. Finally, all that sits over 90% boulder debris with dispersed calcium carbonate. Minerality is a strong theme here, along with forest floor, mushrooms, and ample Burgundian character. Citrus and orange peel thread through a low alcohol, high acid pinot for aficionados.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Nico Histoire d'A 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLaura Catena says this parcel makes a very “sexy” wine, hence the name Histoire d’A, a play on the famous pornographic novel Histoire d’O by Pauline Réage. This wine gets a lot of whole cluster treatment, giving the wine a pronounced texture, adding graininess and a richer, spicier character. Histoire also gets greater sun exposure, pitching cinnamon, clove, and a perceived sweetness to the tannins. This is a Gualtallary clone 115 pinot noir full of dried herbs, red fruits, and relatively low alcohol, as you might expect at 1350 metres above sea level.Prices:| BC | $77.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $67.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Nico Grand Père 2021
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLaura Catena set out to honour her grandparents with elegant pinot noirs her father planted in Tupungata long before anyone thought about pinot noir in Argentina. Grand Père was planted in 1993, just as malbec was emerging as the national story in Argentina. Grand Père is all clone 115, all planted over loamy soil on rounded alluvial rocks covered with limestone at Villa Bastías, Tupungato, in the Uco Valley at 1121 metres. The Grand Père parcel gets more shade than the Grand Mere, leading to a more delicate, light red with stronger mineral and higher acidity. A more intellectual offering. Winemaking is gentle with roller fermenters and concrete eggs involved. Ready to drink through 2025.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.40 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Churton Wines Natural State 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandNatural State is the Churton family's second generation, Jack and Ben Weaver's, personal project. It comes from organically / biodynamically farmed pinot noir from the hillside Clod Block of their Waihopai Valley estate vineyard, planted in 2000, their youngest pinot noir block. This was destemmed, natively fermented with 14 days on skins (half a lunar month) and tipped into French barrels for three months. Forest moss, sapid plum, branch, tart cherry and white pepper spices flood the lean palate with finely grippy tannins and early-pick green-edged acidity—a youthful, fresh and authentic pinot for autumnal mushroom dishes.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Craggy Range Pinot Noir Te Muna Road Vineyard 2018
Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandThe 32 hectare, two-terraced Te Muna Road Vineyard is planted to eight individual clones of Pinot Noir over stony soils across 40 different parcels in Martinborough. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and fermented in open top oak tanks before maturing on lees in oak barriques. Despite a number of late season rain events, the 2018 pinot is showing extremely well. Expect a medium cherry colour followed by strong, savoury truffle and forest floor covered with a ripe, dark plum that is full flavoured, perfectly balanced, and insanely long through the finish. It is one of those bottles that disappears in an instant.Prices:| BC | $64.99 | 750ml |
| US | $48.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2020
Burgundy, FranceIf you want to know what the introductory Old World style is versus the same as the New World, this Bourgogne is a good example. The nose is subdued, and the attack is spare with fresh acidity and dry, earthy beetroot notes with a tiny amount of red fruit. It is basic red Burgundy, a far cry from Burgundy's famous wines but still selling at +$40 that must be served with food. This needs a pulled pork sandwich to smooth out the palate.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $41.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $38.95 | 750ml |
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11 October 2023
94PTS
Martin's Lane Sperling Vineyard Riesling 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhen Anthony von Mandl bought Sperling Vineyards, there wasn’t a lot of fanfare. It was more of a vineyard purchase and a promise to pass the 150 year old family site to another family that would carry on the tradition of growing grapes on the land. The East Kelowna vineyard was planted over clay soils streaked with calcium with clone 21B riesling, and eventually farmed biodynamically. Interestingly, Martin’s Lane winemaker Shane Munn closed a circle he began early in his career as Ann Sperling’s assistant at Malivoire Wine Company in Ontario, where he was first introduced to biodynamic viticulture. The first Martin’s Lane release is spectacular, clocking in at 10.9 percent, and the flavour profile is off the charts. There is a wealth of residual sugar here, but the acidity is equally fixed, allowing the electricity to flow. Look for floral, juicy lime pulp, with litchi and white pepper that persist across the palate. If you don’t open it with a favourite spicy Thai dish, this will last forever in the bottle. It was certified organic.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Martin's Lane Simes Vineyard Riesling 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSimes is a delightfully delicate, off-dry riesling long on style and flavour. The intense citrus is supported by some electric mineral stony notes that light up the palate from back to front, and finish with a hint of savoury desert scrub. Simes Vineyard, certified Ecocert, is a cool, steep, north facing vineyard in East Kelowna, whose granite based soils lie just a few kilometres south of the 50°N mark. Its northern aspect is a natural defence against climate change, keeping the vineyard cool as the region warms up. The site is mainly planted to pinot noir, but a small amount of Alsace clone 49 riesling is planted at the bottom of the steep slope. Traditionally, this is the last parcel picked. Winemaker Shane Munn is meticulous in his regime. The fruit is hand picked over selective passes through the block, and the bunches are hand sorted on the 6th floor reception deck of the five level, pumpless winery. The fermentation and ageing are done in an 80 /20 mix of stainless steel and large format 1200 litre German foudres.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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10 October 2023
93PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a mix of grapes grown in the Stag’s and Shuttleworth vineyards, this tastes like a grander version of the Stag’s vineyard bottling, but more supple, accessible, complex and intense while retaining the focused fruit element. A delightful mix of cherry, mulberry, marionberry, tobacco, cloves, nutmeg, and gingerbread, this is balanced, rich, intense, and silky, with a spare yet low dark fruit wafer travelling throughout. It’s big in body but not alcohol driven, has absolute flavour clarity, and makes me think of Côte de Nuits. It has power and elegance combined that shows itself in the second half. The clonal mix here is 39% 667, 31% Pommard, and 30% 115, fermented in small 1 ton, open topped fermenters and later pressed directly into French oak barrels (15% new 300L hogsheads). It was aged for 13 months on fine lees before being racked and blended. One hundred cases were produced.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Moon Curser Border Vines 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic smoke taint here. It is a shame, because the texture is terrific, and the fruit is juicy upfront, but the palate is an ashtray that doesn't quit all the way to the finish and beyond. We await next year.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve Red 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClos du Soleil Estate Reserve is the winery flagship and a Similkameen statement red. The fruit comes from two Keremeos estate vineyards: Clos du Soleil Estate Vineyard, and Clos du Soleil La Côte Vineyard. The blend is 31% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 19% malbec, 14% cabernet franc, and 11% petit verdot. The fruit is gently handled and gravity fed into concrete fermentation tanks, fermented using only native yeast, and matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. Look for a cedar black raspberry nose with desert brush notes. The palate mixes minerals, wet stones, dark chocolate, wild red and black fruits dusted in Similkameen desert scrub. Elegant tannins define its highly refined structure. The finish is long and complex. No rush to drink this one.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lovo Blossom Rosso 2020
Veneto, ItalyRosso Veneto IGT covers the northern Italian style of red wine that is light, bright and fresh. The nose mixes florals, dried herbs, and a light candied cherry finish. Ready to drink with lighter dishes like chicken or turkey.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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06 October 2023
88PTS
Vale do Homen Wild Ferment Loureiro 2022
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalFrom VV's Minho subregion, this loureiro was native fermented and aged briefly in stainless. Tight and limey, with tart citrus sherbet, crunchy Asian pear, and green grass skeeting along the narrow palate, finishing with a snap. Not your typical floral and ripe loureiro, that's for sure.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Quinta da Lixa Colinas do Avesso 2016
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThe Meirles family has long owned vineyards around Vila da Lixa, selling their fruit to others, but in 1886 they decided to start making their own wines. They hired well-known oenologist Carlos Teixeira in the early 2000s to over see the project. They now have 52 hectares of vines across 6 estates. This special Private Collection tier, single vineyard wine spent 5 years on lees prior to release. Quite a rich and leesy nose surprises on the palate, with tart and tangy lemon / tangerine acidity, peach yogurt to a clipped finish. Lacking, at this point. Only 1200 bottles made.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Quinta de Santa Teresa Esculpido Avesso Vinhas Velhas 2020
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalA&D Wines is a family estate, run by Alexandre and Dialina Gomes, located in Baião, on the border between Vinho Verde and the Douro Valley. The winery was established in 1991 on property that had been in the family for six generations. Quinta de Santa Teresa is one of three labels produced by A&D Wines, and is devoted exclusively to the production Avesso, grown here on terraces separated by granite walls. This older vine avesso was fermented and aged for 1 year in 500L oak, evident through the gentle softening and cushioning on the sides of this medium wine, with green apple, meadow grasses and lemon textured with grippy granite, and finishing with a saline wash. The wood acts as a lovely backdrop to this smart wine, not overpowering, but positioning it nicely to partner with proteins, or enjoy solo.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Domaine Vendange Roussette de Savoie Madame de M... 2020
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This Altesse (aka Roussette) is from 20 year old vines, native fermented long and cool in stainless, with 1/3 going through MLF. This then rested 10 months in a mix of older barrels and stainless. The malo, time and wood, and on lees has afforded a noticeable expansiveness to this wine, with quince, anjou pear, hawthorne filling out the frame, bedded with a slick of herbal lees, and streaked with ample stony salinity throughout. Lovely freshness to carry the vinification, and display the alpine grape.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Vendange Jacquère La Côte 2021
Savoie, FranceLocated in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, Domaine Vendange stretches over 10 organically farmed hectares, on south facing slopes of youthful glacial till / limestone scree. The Vendange family has been involved with the viticulture and agronomic industries for many years, and are one of the largest vine nurseries in the region. After studying viticulture and oenology in Beaune, Benjamin Vendange returned in 2015 to the family property. With his partner Diane Gounel, oenologist from Languedoc-Roussillon, the step was taken to start their own estate with the family’s holdings. This Jacquère comes from 25 year old vines, and was native fermented and briefly rested in stainless, with a little bâtonnage post ferment. Light and lifted at 11.5%, this little mountainous white streams elderflower, lemon blossom, verbena along a sleek palate, with just a sheen of lees to buffer the alpine acidity. There's a lovely salinity throughout, which rears on the dissipate finish. A lovely curiosity.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2022
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceDomaine de la Pépière is one of the region's iconic producers. Their 10 ha estate is part of the Clisson Cru Communeaux, and this is their core, flagship bottling. Organic muscadet from granite soils is pressed and the juice is settled over 12 hours prior to native fermentation in stainless, and then aging on the lees in large glass lined cement vessels, buried in the ground for coolness and quiet (no racking possible) until the following spring. Some bottlings are after 1 year underground. Tight and arrow-like, with a driving, linear acidity housed with light white honey, subtle creamy lees, and lit with green apple and lemon pith. There's a tight granitic buzzy grip throughout this sleek wine, one to reach for anytime you want to kick off conversation or a meal.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Champalou Vouvray 2020
Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, FranceCatherine and Didier Champalou both came from vigneron families and began this domaine in 1983. They farm 21 hectares of vineyards, embracing some organic and biodynamic practices. This, their flagship, is a dry chenin from 35 year old vines on clay and limestone, fermented in stainless, and with 11 months on lees. Vouvray's honeyed generosity is at the fore, with white flowers, quince, fragrant lemon blossom across a lightly waxen palate, trailing off into stony spice. Juicy and weighted, but with chenin's inherent acidity to brighten and carry through the finish. Drinking very smartly now.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
BK Wines Ovum Grüner Veltliner 2022
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaThe Adelaide Hills is proving itself again as the incubator of pioneering, forward-thinking, envelope-moving wine in Oz. This GV was partially barrel fermented, partially whole bunches, before pressing into ceramic egg, where it rested on lees before bottling. BK (Brendan Keys) looked to Austria for inspiration for this juicy, gently textural white, laden with herbal elderflower, lemon balm, pink lady apples running the streamlined palate, dusted with fine white pepper that lingers on the saline finish. This builds in the glass. Reminiscent of Austria, but feels distinctly new wave Australia.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2022
Piedmont, ItalyFrom Roero’s sandy soils, and vines up to 26 years old, this Arneis was fermented and aged in stainless to preserve the delicate fruit. Fragrant orange blossoms, apricot, and quince waft across the stony spiced palate, lit with crunchy Asian pear acidity that hums on the lengthy finish. Very polished, and very smart.Prices:| ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Maeli Bianco Infinito 2018
Veneto, ItalyMaeli is owned by the 21st generation of Bisol brothers, Gianluca and Desiderio, and is nestled in the Euganean Hills’ volcanic, chalky slopes. The organic winery is directed by winemaker Elisa Dilavanzo. This Moscato Giallo (Yellow Muscat) comes from the volcanic and chalky hills of Veneto's Colli Euganei DOCG (though they choose to opt out of the DOCG and their restrictive rules) at an altitude of 250m. The 7-15 year old vines were fermented with native yeast, and the wine is unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant pear, lush white peach perfume a nose that leads into a dry, sleek palate lined with lime leaf. A lovely fresh and very modern take on this historic grape.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ceibo Godello 2021
Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainThis godello from Valdeorras in Galicia shows a citrusy and minerally nose with a subtle hint of ripe tropical fruit. There’s added complexity and depth coming from lees ageing. It's a beautifully textured and tightly structured white with taut acidity and the saline minerality that you'd expect from a good Chablis.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Maldición Malvar en Bota Blanco 2020
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainEleven months on skins in amphora gives this a pale amber colour, very much in an oxidative style with a combination of dried orange and beeswax, alongside a saline, flor character that comes through especially on the palate. Complexity is above the norm, but lacks the precision of the top vinos de pasto coming from further south in Jerez. A fun discovery that speaks to the traditional winemaking of the region.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ceibo Godello 2021
Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainThis godello from Valdeorras shows crystalline lemon and pear, lifted by white blossoms. There's a saline accent, with lees adding texture to the already richly concentrated palate. A serious wine, with exceptional purity of fruit. Very good length.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Ceibo Godello 2021
Valdeorras, Galicia, SpainXurxo Alba's family has been farming and making Albariño in Rïas Baixas for generations. The family is dedicated to making fresh white wines, which they do with this godello from a Valdeorras vineyard planted to old vines on slate soils. It is native fermented and aged in a 33/67 mix of stainless steel and French oak for eight months. The 2019 is about mineral saline styling, with florals, pear, and a subtle tropical undercurrent for balance. It is hard not to drink this bottle before the guests arrive. Pure and streamlined, this is a stylish, first rate white you should seek out in private wine shops.Prices:| BC | $56.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Maldición Malvar en Bota Blanco 2020
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThe spontaneously fermented Malvar en Bota macerates for eleven months together with the stems and on the skins in 200 litre amphorae below a veil of flor. A quarter of the barrel is left unfilled to allow the yeast and oxygen to do their thing. Winemaker Marc Isarts says it is not an exact science. Nature is nature, and sometimes the ferment can be more biological, and sometimes it is more oxidative. It opens like a fino, all yeast and doughy before the dried fruit reminiscent of sliced apples and candied lemons kicks in, with a beautiful saline, nutty almond, spicy aftertaste that changes the direction of the wine. This is a fun wine for the daring in search of something different.Prices:| BC | $40.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Sémillon Winemaker's Selection 2017
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaVat 1 Sémillon comes off dry framed, old vines rooted in primarily sandy and free draining soils, giving the wine unique character (note BC growers). The oldest block here was planted in 1923. 2017 is one of the best growing seasons in recent memory and is reflected in the glass. The bunches are hand harvested and carefully sorted in the vineyard. The fermentation is cool and in stainless steel tanks. From here, the wine spends a year on its lees but sees no wood at any point before bottling. At six years, it is just starting to build weight in the bottle. The nose is a grassy, waxy, talcum powder affair. At the same time, the palate is clean, fresh, and intense from front to back with lemon, lime, lemon curd, and a lightly nutty character building in the finish. First rate and what that will remain for another decade and beyond. A true icon of Australian wine.Prices:| BC | $62.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $62.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $61.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Moon Curser Arneis 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaArneis is a somewhat rare white grape from Italy's Piedmont region, and in days passed, was blended with nebbiolo to soften the big red tannins of Barolo. Moon Curser Winery has successfully grown arneis on the Osoyoos East Bench in the Okanagan Valley in near complete obscurity. Arneis translates to little rascal, or troublemaker, in the Piemontese dialect, which refers to its problematic propensity to grow. Still, it hasn't stopped Moon Curser from releasing some terrific bottles led by the latest 2022 label. The nose is incredible, mineral and saline all in one, while the palate is awash with restrained yellow fruit and kiwi with just enough acidity to finish with vibrancy. My favourite match is roast chicken stuffed with mushrooms, but it is also a magical sushi wine.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Petit Milo 2021
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaPetit (with or without the e) Milo is a Blattner hybrid engineered in Switzerland to be happy in a marine/cool/wet climate. It has a home in Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island, with this Unsworth version showing some extra cool climate class. It is off dry, an anomaly for Unsworth, but I bet it is a massive hit on the patio with consumers. Look for ripe pears, peaches, and candied citrus throughout, but in a relatively skinny package so there are no cloying flavours. There is a twist of pink grapefruit to pull you down into the glass, with hints of almonds and minerals on the way out. Pure, juicy, lively and food friendly, it is worth a try. The winery recommends warm winter vegetable dishes from squash to root vegetables, roasted with some honey, pumpkin seeds, a squeeze of lemon, and finished with good salt.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Pinot Bianco 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn its pale lemon-green hue, this pinot blanc offers green herbal notes of chives, and white radish, mingled with zesty lemon and a hint of fresh cream structured by citrusy crisp acidity. It offers a clean and straightforward finish with a subtle spicy undertone.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Sémillon 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Hester Creek's Block 12 on the Golden Mile Bench, planted in 1997 and 1998 to clone 02 from Bordeaux. This is a crisp, citrusy sémillon showing lemon and lime, with a touch of residual sugar (5 g/L) and lees adding weight and texture to the palate. Well priced.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards Interloper Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis gewürztraminer opens with a good mix of floral perfume, sweet and spicy notes, featuring dried rose petal, peach, and pear with subtle hints of candied ginger. With 14.2% alcohol, it exhibits richness of ripe fruit while retaining freshness and a lighter mouthfeel thanks to its crisp acidity. The finish offers a nice balance between the variety's characteristic bitterness and sweetness. Pair with Asian dishes with a bit of heat and spices.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards The Mischief Pinot Blanc 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a pale lemon-green hue, this pinot blanc shows fresh tangerine and a leesy character mingled with floral undertones. On the palate, apple and citrus are highlighted by mouth watering tangy acidity. It offers slightly more flavour depth than expected for a grape that is typically considered neutral.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Old Vines Block 16 Trebbiano 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom old vines planted in 1968, this trebbiano is one of the signature wines at Hester Creek. It's bright and lemony, accented by tangerine, peach, and white florals. A touch of residual sugar (5 g/L) adds weight, while still leading to a lip-smacking, dry finish that is nicely balanced. A fun, unique wine that's well worth the discovery.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Rapitalà Grillo Organic 2021
Sicily, ItalyThis is a compelling expression of grillo, at an even more compelling price. There's real depth and complexity, with a lovely interplay of fruit, florals, and savoury herbs. It's crisp and refreshing, offering a combination of Anjou pear and white peach that is lifted by lime blossom and perfumed thyme. Plus, it's certified organic to boot.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Pinot Blanc 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom vines dating back to 1968, this Golden Mile Bench pinot blanc is lean and zesty, with a combination of punchy lime, pear, and green apple, along with delicate white blossoms. There's a beautiful purity to the fruit, but it's just as much about the precise, linear texture, which shows the remarkable concentration of these old vines. A top Okanagan pinot blanc, to be sure, and a steal at this price. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
El Petit Bonhomme Blanco 2021
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis is a crisp, if somewhat simple, verdejo that offers a combination of bright lemon and crunchy pear, leading to a short, snappy finish. A solid introduction to the grape, and fairly priced at $18. Certified organic.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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05 October 2023
88PTS
Code Wines Single Clone Syrah Rosé 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis relatively new Okanagan winery is the vision of Shay and Harlee Code, the farmers and owners of this organic 5-acre Okanagan Falls east bench estate with self-rooted vines. They began planting in 2017 with chardonnay and syrah. Initially, they made their wines at Naramata's Roche Winery but have recently launched their own operation. This single clone (?) syrah comes off their block 3, with destemmed grapes being pressed without any maceration, even then yielding a deep peach hue. This was fermented and aged in stainless. Spiced strawberry, mandarin, and peach yogurt rule the medium, glycerol-lined palate, with a bump of RS to smooth out any edges and light spice to season. One to chill and drink now.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Feudi di San Gregorio Visione Rosato 2022
Campania, ItalyVisione Campania Rosato is an eye opening pink made from the indigenous Aglianico grape grown in Campania. The grapes are hand harvested, and fermented and aged for four months in stainless steel tanks to preserve and retain all the fruit possible. It's hard to know what is better: the Massimo Vignelli bottle design with its waves of glass, or the elegant delicate floral overtones layered with wild red berries and bright acidity. The perfect glass for a Margherita pizza.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Road 13 Honest John's Bright Rose Wine 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale salmon in colour with light citrus, rosehip, and pink grapefruit aromas, this is very much in the airy Provence end of the rosé spectrum, showing grapefruit, melon, fruit tea, and watermelon. Very clean, not too crisp, with a poised balance. A touch of citrus peel on the ending invites yet another sip. A gold medal winner at the recent 2023 National Wine Awards.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chain Reaction True Colours Pinot Noir Rosé 2021
Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch on the nose for a rosé, including watermelon, pink grapefruit, pomegranate, apple, lime peel, nectarine, and cranberry. Pinot noir shines through here with similar clean, impeccably balanced flavours, a cushy mouthfeel, and a grace note of blanc de noir in the long finish. From the McMillan Vineyard using pinot noir clones 667 and 777, this had 12 hours skin contact, and arrives at 12.5% ABV.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Liber Estates Rosé 2022
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Liber Rosé is made from organically grown Similkameen grapes, and pours a pale salmon colour. The attack is crunchy, mixing cranberry, cherry with a touch of ripe pink grapefruit and creamy textures. The style is approachable and ready to drink. You can drink this solo or with lightly spiced bites. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Les Argiles d’Orto Vins Rosat 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis grenache had five hours on skins. A fruit driven rosé with candied strawberry, cherry, orange rind, and rose petal. Rich and weighty, with notable concentration, belying the relatively modest 13% abv. Lacking some length.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Les Argiles d’Orto Vins Rosat 2021
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainLes Argiles d’Orto is a grenache rosé grown organically, biodynamically, and regeneratively on small clay terraces planted in 2001. It gets five hours of skin contact and post fermentation it remains on lees until spring. This is a fruit forward style pitching rose petals, candied cherries, strawberries, and raspberries, with a touch of citrus rind in the finish. It has the weight to take on food but is certainly pleasant enough to be served solo. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Rocky Creek Robin's Rosé 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThis tempranillo-dominant rosé comes from the Cowichan Valley, and you can tell it's a variety very much on the margins there. The acidity is brisk, with a green edge alongside the tart red berry fruit, and a final abv of just 11%. It is an interesting curiosity, to be sure.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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04 October 2023
89PTS
Road 13 Viognier 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRoad 13's 2021 Viognier is full of juicy Okanagan orchard peach and apricot, complemented by notes of orange blossom, and fragrant jasmine tea. Subtle hints of clove and nutmeg add depth to its aroma. Aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 5 months, it shows a rich texture and complexity while maintaining the purity of its fresh fruit. The finish is nicely balanced with pleasant bitterness and a touch of sweetness.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Viognier 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaViognier is a grape with roots in the Rhône Valley, but looks like it will be a keeper in the south Okanagan, where it easily handles the intense summer sun and high temperatures before ripening late in the season. This allows cooler temperatures to protect and enhance the intense stone fruit and floral aromas it's known for. At Black Hills, Ross Wise ferments his viognier in a combination of concrete, neutral oak puncheons, and stainless steel to keep it fresh and lively, with an overall six months on fine lees to add some texture and complexity without adding too much weight. Wise also employs a unique press cycle to extract maximum aromatics and texture from the berries while keeping the juice clear and fine. New in 2022, a portion of the viognier was fermented and aged in concrete vessels, retaining the freshest fruit but with added layers of complexity and texture. You will love the intense orchard fruit with subtle spicing throughout. Creamy and vibrant, and while it seems ready to drink, it will age through 2027. The best yet.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moon Curser Viognier 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a consistent performer at Moon Curser, albeit in a brighter, livelier style, but as it happens, that is the style of viognier I like. Upfront, there are some green apple notes, but then it settles in, pitching nectarines, peaches and cream, with a saline, mango, mineral finish. Ready to drink. Adjust the temperature to match the moment on the patio or at the table.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Road 13 Viognier 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA creamy, lactic viognier that shows peach yogurt and papaya alongside candied ginger and delicate white florals, with a light touch of oak from aging five months in barriques (30% new). It strikes a nice balance between richness and freshness, with a crispness to the acid that belies the evident fruit ripeness, keeping this surprisingly light on its feet. Well made and correct.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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November 2023