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Tastings: April 2024
30 April 2024
90PTS
Champagne Lucien Collard Extra Brut NV
Champagne, FranceOwner Lucien Collard comes from long heritage in Champagne, with his ancestors growing wine since the 17th century. The Collard family settled in Bouzy in 1919 through the marriage of Lucien Collard (grandfather of the current owner of the House) and Julia Bara, she of the Champagne family Paul Bara, who settled in Bouzy in 1833. Lucien Collard and his goddaughter Auriane now create fabulous champagnes from their 2 organic hectares of vines split between Bouzy in Montagne de Reims, and Celles sur Ource in the Aube. This is a blend of 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay, with at least 3 years on lees, and dosed with 4 g/L. Red apple, white cherry, red liquorice is met with lightly fino-esque oxidation that runs along a chalky, textural palate, finishing with crushed stones. A wine for food.Prices:| England | $45.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV
Champagne, FrancePol Roger opens with an ethereal scent of green apple, nectarine skin, and brioche. On the palate, faint hints of toasted nuts and bread dough with a pinch of honey, all balanced perfectly by its impeccable acidity. It's one of the finest wiens you can serve with fresh shucked oysters. Pol Roger was founded in 1849 and overseen by 5 generations of family members. It is a label you can buy with confidence. Brut Reserve was famously Sir Winston Churchill's favourite. Today, equal parts pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay, from 91 hectares of prime owned sites in the Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs make up 55% of Pol Roger's needs. The rest is purchased from growers. The winery has 7km of underground storage on three levels; the deepest at 34 meters is also among the coolest in Champagne and is said to prolong the fermentation and fuel its elegant styling. The final blend contains one-quarter of reserve wines, adding complexity and value.Prices:| BC | $89.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $98.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $85.55 | 750ml |
| QC | $75.25 | 750ml |
| NS | $85.23 | 750ml |
| PEI | $84.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Henkell Trocken Blanc de Blancs Dry Sekt NV
GermanyA classic dry fruity sparkler from Germany, in this case, labelled a blanc de blancs. It's made with chardonnay mixed with sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, and pinot noir. The nose is fresh and fruity, and the palate is equally fragrant, with a whack of orchard fruit and baked apple flecked with honey, ginger, baked apple, and guava notes. It's a fun, very inexpensive Prosecco-like bubble.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Freixenet Extra Dry Italian Rosé NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyFreixenet has entered the Prosecco market with a Veneto Charmat rosé made from a glera/pinot noir mix. The style is light and effervescent, with aromas of red berries and fresh-cut red apples. It is an inviting, lively wine with a bump of residual sugar to counter the acidity, making it very easy to sip. We enjoyed this fun, well made, refreshing everyday bubble with savoury appetizers, salmon mousse, and creamy cheeses. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.35 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Charles de Fère Cuvée Jean-Louis Brut Rosé NV
FranceThe selection of base wines is unknown, but we know they are made with several different grape varieties depending on the vintage characteristics to maintain a regular style. Post-ferment, it spends three months aging on its lees with daily stirring. Expect a pale pink colour, a persistent smallish effervescent trail of bubbles, and a fresh, fruity red berry palate with a light bump of residual sugar at 8 g/L for balance. The good news here is it is a lot of fizz for a modest price, and if you are a fan of brunch bubbles, you can add orange juice to this to brighten any breakfast. It is also a wine you can serve with a strawberry salad.Prices:| BC | $16.55 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Gérard Bertrand Papilou Pétillant Naturel 2021
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis new pét-nat blends 60% Cinsault and 40% Pinot noir from Narbonne, with a very light spritz, and finishing with 5 g/L. Pouring a pale peach, this rosé leads with tart red currant, wild strawberries, perfumed red apple on a crunchy palate. The acidity matches the RS, leaving this easy drinking and fresh. A smart and sophisticated brunching wine, or with summer canapés.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castell d’Or Cava Brut Organic 2020
Tarragona, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThis organic cava blends the 3 amigos Xarel·lo (40%), Macabeo (30%), and Parellada (30%), with 14 months sur lattes before disgorge. Apple blossoms, Asian pear, and biscuit floods this friendly fizz, with a nice riffing nuttiness that carries on the stony finish. Drinking now.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Castell d’Or Cava Brut Rosé NV
Tarragona, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainExpect a pale pink/orange eye of the partridge colour, and refined tiny bubble mousse. The nose and palate are a mix of ripe red fruit that persist through the finish. Ready to drink and versatile for food matching, the winery suggests spicy appetizers, fish, rice dishes, pasta and creamy cheeses. Made in the traditional method, it spends 12 months ageing on its yeast before disgorgement.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
BH Brut NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Ross Wise is having fun making BH Brut, strictly selecting the finest chardonnay grapes from Hidden Terrace vineyard in Oliver, and pinot noir from a cool site above Lake Skaha. The chardonnay dominant mix is 71/29, and it comes with a pleasing creaminess and complexity helped along by using a gentle champagne-style press cycle and an oxidative winemaking approach that helps to enhance flavour and “harmony and balance between the chardonnay’s richness and crispness.” The key is aging, and this bubble remains on its yeast in the cellar for 40 months. Croissants and brioche draw you into a refined glass of bubble with a pear fruit underside. The dosage is kept low. Drink or hold.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Reserve Brut NV
Burgundy, FranceBailly Lapiere is one of the major producers of Crémant in Bourgogne, and more than 400 growers contributed to this cuvée, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, and Gamay. This easy, friendly crémant had 1 year in bottle, and was finished with 9 g/L. Red apple, dough, lemon blossoms fill a soft palate, with creamy mousse, and a gentle nut finish. Simple and pleasant and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Township 7 Seven Stars Polaris 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTownship 7's sparkling program is well on its way under the watchful eye of its creator winemaker, Mary McDermott. The series is six strong with a seventh label in the offing. All the wines are made using the classic traditional method. Polaris is the guiding light for the program, a blanc de blanc that flirts with finesse and flavour, pitching pure green apple, white florals, and lemon pith, a creamy texture, and subtle peach and lime on the finish. The 2020 is slightly drier than previous versions, adding the complexity I crave in this wine. The wine is en tirage for at least 18 months. After hand riddling, the wine is disgorged and topped with a proprietary dosage. 2020 brought everything mother nature could think, beginning with a cool, wet start that delayed bud burst about 7–10 days. Heavy rains during flowering interrupted pollination, leading to a poor fruit set and reduced yield by as much as 20-30%. The humidity was higher than usual in June and early July, causing some early disease pressure before hot, dry weather arrived in July and August, allowing the ripening to return to normal. Smoke from western United States wildfires drifted north to our region, slowing photosynthesis. While the vintage was drawn out in the end, the balance between sugar and acid in the grapes was close to perfect.Prices:| BC | $39.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Township 7 Seven Stars Rigel 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTownship 7's sparkling program is well on its way under its creator winemaker, Mary McDermott. The series is six strong with a seventh label in the offing. All of the wines are made using the classic traditional method. Rigel is named after the 7th brightest and one of the youngest stars in the night sky. It is all riesling grown at Fool's Gold Vineyard in Oliver. The nose is aromatically riesling with fresh lime and minerals blending with toasted brioche. The attack is round and lively, with bright citrus and more stony mineral notes that electrify the middle palate. This is a perfect wine for West Coast oysters and is long, flavourful, and complex. Sparkling riesling is a good thing in British Columbia, and this one is super. The vineyard is owned by Mark Antonello, a well known vineyard manager, and was planted by his father-in-law and renowned Okanagan viticulturist Richard Cleave. The fruit was gently pressed, fractioned off to separate tanks for free run, cold settled and fermented in stainless steel. Only the free run juice made it to the final blend.Prices:| BC | $36.97 | 750ml |
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29 April 2024
88PTS
Enrico Winery LionHeart Port Style Wine NV
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaEnrico made a credible port-style fortified wine using the property's signature cabernet foch grapes, grown on their Vancouver Island estate in the Cowichan Valley. After fortifying the wine, it has been tempered over time by the warm, sometimes hot Cowichan Valley sunshine. Look for an authentic ruby port nose, spicy honey, and fig, and rich, sweet, warm black fruit with a touch of oxidation. I suggest serving it with classic cheeses like Camembert or Brie, or for the more adventurous, with a favourite chocolate dessert.Prices:| BC | $38.75 | 500ml |
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86PTS
Frind Estate Handcrafted Merlot Dessert Wine 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis dessert wine is a bit of a faux-icewine, with ripe merlot clusters picked, then frozen in a freezer, and pressed after sitting at -8 degrees celsius. The ferment was halted to keep the natural sweetness in the wine, while the hue comes from a few days of skin contact. The heady RS keeps it weighty on the palate, with syrupy strawberry jam, cinnamon, and caramelized brown sugar. A brief wave of acidity takes to an equally brief, warming finish. Try with berry and dark chocolate desserts.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
KWV Paarl 5-Star VSOP Brandy NV
Western Cape, South AfricaFrom South Africa's ex-monop, and still major player, KWV, this brandy is quite spirited on the firey palate, drawing roasted nuts, spiced oak, golden raisins, and boozy caramelized orange through the warming, woodsy finish. This rested 2 years in French barrels. A potent warmer-upper well suited to cocktails.Prices:| BC | $25.49 | 750ml |
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26 April 2024
93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery End Game Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEnd Game is born on two south Okanagan benches that line up on the warm eastern side of the valley. Their sandy soils primarily define the Black Sage Bench and the Osoyoos East Bench, but the multiple expositions and elevations help produce a range of flavours and styles heightened by long days and plenty of warm, late day sun. The wild fermentation, with 50-55 days of skin contact finishes in the barrel, where the wine ages 21 months in new French oak, mostly St. Martin and Deptos Bordeaux. The nose is rich in black raspberry and whiffs of sassafras that spill onto the palate. The finish is long and persistent, with plenty of desert scrub and sagebrush that remind me of Bolgheri. Dense, rich tannins suggest it will age well into the late 2020s. Again, lamb is a good match.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Silent Bishop Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSilent Bishop accentuates the vagaries of its south Okanagan site, the cooler western benches under Mount Kobau, namely Oliver North, Golden Mile, and Osoyoos West, between 313 and 400m. The gentle early morning sun kicks off long days at 49 degrees north, beginning as early as 5am all summer. The sun slips behind Kobau in the late afternoon, allowing the grapes to escape any late-day baking. There is 11% concrete in the mix of new French oak. This combination, plus organically grown merlot tannins provide a silky base for this delicious red. Look for a fine blend of red and black fruit that set the table for a spicy mocha finish, dusted with desert sagebrush. The acidity and tannin management all add to its vibrancy on the palate. Drink from 2025 through 2030.Prices:| BC | $105.99 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Black Rook Merlot 2020
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBlack Rook is situated on the Black Sage Bench in an unclassified subregion. Kelly thinks it’s a unique spot just above Black Sage Road where the Red Barn and Phantom Creek wineries sit, that pushes up tight against the Okanagan Highlands between 317 and 408m. It is a single vineyard sitting primarily on a pure sand site with a southwest exposure that endures warm evenings and poor soil. The yields are naturally low, and the fruit is concentrated, the opposite of what Checkmate has on the Golden Mile Bench, yet somehow, it reveals finesse at this early stage. The ’20 opens with floral violets and intense Bing cherry, streaked with licorice, bitter chocolate, and espresso. It’s wild fermented, in new French oak barriques, something Kelly suggests will likely be tweaked down the road, beginning with larger oak vessels to do the aging (currently for 21 months). Expect plenty of glossy blueberry and cassis with dense, supple, chalky tannins. The finesse comes in at the end, convincing you the wine is lighter and more agile than it appears on the front of the palate. Another 7-10 year wine that you need not rush to drink.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $6000.00 | 750ml |
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95PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Opening Gambit Merlot 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2020, Opening Gambit revealed its richest characters, taking advantage of an excellent year for red wines, particularly in the south Okanagan. It was in year two of its transition to organics, something we now know will help this wine ripen earlier at lower alcohols as it moves forward, allowing for it to add more finesse to the mix. Under winemaker Spencer Kelly, the plan is to increase the merlot percentage and reduce any other blending varieties to improve the purity and finesse of the wine. The wine comes from two vineyards on the east side of Osoyoos, Border Vista and Vineyard 3, just a little north of Border Vista but right under Anarchist Highway. The vines are now 28 years old, growing at 330 to 437m on various expositions. It is wild fermented and spends 21 months in new French oak barrels. Like the 2016 harvest, the nose opens with intense black cherries and cassis, with streaks of baking chocolate. More black raspberry and cherry patrol a polished palate flecked with dark chocolate, tobacco, and desert scrub. This will cellar nicely through 2027 and drink well through 2032.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Queen Taken Chardonnay Dekleva Vineyard 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQueen Taken is a historically significant Canadian chardonnay, beginning with its 46 year old vines located on the first Okanagan sub-Gi: the Golden Mile Bench. The Checkmate viticultural team has painstakingly restored the vineyard over the last decade, which has reshaped the earlier versions of this wine, taking it down a leaner, more complex road, reducing the alcohol and upping the freshness. In 2021, it was a mix of the primarily unknown Dekleva clone, named after the family that planted the first vines, with some recently planted old Wente clones. The latter clones bring more minerality and complexity to the blend. 50% of the wine is wild fermented, and all the wine is barrel aged in 58% new French oak for 16 months. Queen Taken is like no other Checkmate label and will be the beacon for the coming releases under Spencer Kelly. It will be tighter, fresher, and more Burgundian, if you like. In the glass are notes of pear, ginger, and wet stones. The minerality leads on the mid-palate with an assist from a savoury, vibrant undercurrent. Dekleva Vineyard is a single block wine located southwest of Oliver, beneath Mt. Kobau and the Thompson Plateau on the Golden Mile Bench. It is predominantly gravelly and coarse Stemwinder, Ponderosa, and Ratnip soils (rubble originating from the mountain above's fluvial fan deposits). Its exposition welcomes a very early and warming sunrise. At the same time, it protects the fruit from baking in the late day thanks to the shadow of Mount Kobau.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $280.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $680.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1425.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Little Pawn Chardonnay Jagged Rock Vineyard 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLittle Pawn tends to be the group’s most reductive chardonnay, coming off the highly acclaimed Jagged Rock Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. Dijon 76, with its abundant stone fruit, makes up more than half the blend, while interestingly, it is joined by the Dekleva clone planted by John Simes in the late 1990s on the sands of the Black Sage Bench, adding complexity and lift to the wine. It is 55% wild fermented and entirely barrel aged in 61% new French oak for 16 months. In its final year of organic certification, the alcohol comes under 14%. Evolving viticulture and irrigation techniques have further reduced the crop. The vines are no-maintenance and self-limiting in yields, intensifying its vibrant nose of rosewater, peach blossoms, and melon, followed by a delicious palate of peach, lime rind, and green tea, dusted in a saline mineral, fennel finish. Fresh and elegant, it's Next World chardonnay, and the good news is that production nearly doubled this year to 34 barrels.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $250.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $620.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1300.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Attack Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of sites is consistently at the top of the chardonnay collection, and once again, 2021 delivers an appealing style with a boatload of finesse. From its historic canopy of vertical shoot positioning with a bilateral Geneva double curtain, to foudre-only fermenting vessels, it remains unique at Checkmate. In 2020, it was aged 16 months in 50% new oak, allowing the wine to express its terroir. Citrus and seaweed line the aromas, while pears, a subtle licorice undercurrent, tangerine, and a saline seawater permeate the wine through the finish. Its calling card is understated elegance and plenty of curb appeal. The fruit is a 35/35/15/15 mix of Jagged Rock Vineyard, Dekleva Vineyard, Combret Vineyard, and Border Vista Vineyards, containing Dijon 76 and the local Dekleva and Combret clones.Prices:| BC | $105.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $260.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $840.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1330.00 | 6000ml |
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94PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Queen's Advantage Chardonnay Combret Vineyard 2021
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaQueen's Advantage is rooted in the country's oldest, most traditional chardonnay vines, planted in 1973. The unknown clone takes the vineyard name Combret, a single estate plot of gnarly 48 year old vines deeply rooted in the Golden Mile Bench hillside site of calcium carbonate coated stones. The vineyard sits at 1266-1319 feet and has been painstakingly restored via precision agriculture. The result is an exciting chardonnay with cooler floral tones that capture electricity on the midpalate, and layer crème brûlée and pineapple flecked with ginger, followed by pears, wet stone, and minerals. I love the structure and balance of this wine, which suggest it will age effortlessly. According to winemaker Spencer Kelly, the Heat Dome of 2021 has less effect on white wines. The vines, now deeply rooted, are tapping into the calcium carbonate rocks embedded in the fluvial fan. The ferment is 67% wild in 52% new French oak, all barrel aged for 16 months. QA is all about freshness and persistence now while building richness throughout, suggesting Dungeness crab or lobster would be a good match.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFool's Mate is the only multi-vineyard blended chardonnay at Checkmate involving five individual sites. In 2021, the breakdown changed significantly with a much more significant portion of Golden Mile DVA fruit, namely 39% Combret Vineyard and 22% Dekleva Vineyard. The Black Sage Bench provides 27% Jagged Rock Vineyard and 7% Sunset Vineyard, while finally 5% comes off Border Vista Vineyard on Osoyoos East Bench. The goal is complexity, beginning with a complex mix of clones: Dekleva, Combret, Old Wente, Prosser, Hyde-Wente, Mt. Eden, Calera, Dijon 76, 95. It opens with inviting orchard fruits and melon before a rich palate pushing pears, nectarines, stone fruit and vanilla with excellent acidity supporting and tightening the wine from underneath. Fool's Mate attracts with texture thanks to French oak split between 54% barriques (68% new), 25% foudre, and 21% concrete egg. The long term plan is to expand Fool's Mate as a village label, leaving the single vineyards as standalone Crus.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Capture Chardonnay Border Vista Vineyard 2021
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways more serious, Capture opens with complex flinty and seawater notes and hints of grilled lemons. The palate mixes mild stone fruit and more mineral seaweed with a creamy finish. Capture has been on the upswing for the last couple of years, and 2021 is no exception. Border Vista Vineyard takes you as far south as possible in the Okanagan on the Osoyoos East Bench, just north of the US border. There is plenty of power here, but its sparse soil helps to restrain its overall structure, especially when combined with organic growing, contributing to a modest 13.5 ABV. It was made with 30+ year old Dijon clone 76 vines, half wild fermented in French oak (47% new) and aged 16 months. It's always a fine match for West Coast seafood.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 6000ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Knight's Challenge Chardonnay Sunset Vineyard 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKnight's Challenge is a contemporary chardonnay from Sunset Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench. It appears to be a single vineyard site, but differing elevations and east/west row orientations give it much more diversity. The vineyard has numerous aspects that affect the wine's personality as much as its 30 year old Dijon clones (76 and 95). The magic is mixing the powerful, fully ripe chardonnay fruit (late-day sun) with the cooler, high-acid fruit from the lower rows. It is all wild fermented and barrel-aged (64% new French oak). It opens with peach blossoms, vanilla beans, some barrel sweetness, and a light dusting of sagebrush and spice. The palate is similar with honeyed melon fruit, almonds, and like last year, with a cleansing saline note at the finish. It is a wine for chardonnay enthusiasts with a taste for the exotic.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $460.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $920.00 | 6000ml |
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23 April 2024
90PTS
Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2019
Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWinemaker Clive Jones has been around Nautilus for decades and has always been focused on making high quality wines. This Southern Valleys pinot pitches a complex mix of aromas, mixing earth and dark plums with spice. It is an elegant expression but not at the expense of mouth filling fruit and a persistent aftertaste. It is one of the best ever vintages for Kiwi pinot noir. The clones range from 114, 115, and 5, to 667 and 777. A small amount (20%) of whole bunch fruit is added to the fermentation after a 7-12 day cold soak. The wine is pressed off into new and older French oak barriques (25% new), where it remained without stirring until February 2020.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Cooper and Thief Cellarmasters Pinot Noir 2021
California, United StatesCooper & Thief Pinot Noir is one of those "let’s entertain the kids" wines. Sweet caramel notes reflect the brandy barrels it is aged in, quickly penetrating the wine, wiping out its sense of place and the grape variety it is made from. However, this lush style has its attraction for some. You can drink this now, and given lush, mouth-filling caramel and chocolate notes, you can serve this solo to great effect. Go easy though, as it packs a real punch at 16% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021
Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesA lot of work goes into getting the most finesse they can from this wine, but make no mistake, this is a powerful pinot. The nose is a dusty mix of red fruit and tea leaf, with an intense earthy forest floor and baking spice palate that finishes long and warm. The bigger the food here, the better. Peking duck would be a treat or an even more decadent pork dish. Brewer–Clifton is a champion of the much-heralded Sta. Rita Hills appellation and winemaker Greg Brewer and his team work under the doctrine of “discipline, neutrality and deliberate intent. Only neutral barrels are used, and the fermentations are all whole clusters complete with fully ripened stems to allow for a well-structured, earthy wine to offset the big fruit. In 2021, the fruit comes off three sites, 3D, Machado and Hapgood, bringing a rich selection of clones, including Swan, Pommard, 667 and the Merry Edwards clone.Prices:| BC | $71.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $73.32 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis Leyda Valley gets a lot of kudos for its cool climate sauvignon blanc, but the pinot noir has been moving forward slowly but surely in the background. Expect an earthy palate of mushroom and sour cherries, with a hint of five spice in the finish. It's fresh at 13.5 percent, and you can drink this now. Clean, fleshy, and at 13.5% alcohol, very drinkable. Good value at $18.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $24.10 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Ned Pinot Noir 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThe Ned is a snappy name for a snappy Marlborough pinot with a modest price tag. The secret sauce in Marlborough is the long, cool growing season that allows the fruit to hang on the vine, achieving optimal ripeness without packing on the alcohol. Look for a mix of florals, wild strawberries, and silky pinot textures with a spicy, earthy finish. Fresh, juicy, and fun to drink now. The fruit is ripe, concentrated, and well-defined, led by bright dark berries, which give this a natural appeal. But there's depth, too, with a hint of spice and earth to add complexity. Even with that darker fruit profile, this is still fresh, juicy, and easy to enjoy alone or paired with smoked salmon and cream cheese appetizers.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Erath Pinot Noir Estate Selection 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesPinot noir is all about texture for me, and this Estate Selection is swimming in silky, smooth, which is difficult to resist. Despite many climate challenges, including temperatures 8 to 10 degrees above normal and one of the lowest years on record for precipitation, a cool September righted the ship, bringing home one of the best years in recent history. The clones Pommard, 777, Coury, and Wadenswil come off numerous sites within the Willamette Valley and spend 15 months in French oak, of which 27% is new. The nose is a sophisticated mix of berries, and the palate is a riot of Bing cherries and black plums with a sweet dressing of leather and musky spice, all playing second fiddle to seamlessly soft textures that run long into the finish. Think duck, roast beef, lamb, and mushroom dishes, or try a favourite grilled salmon recipe.Prices:| BC | $57.59 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Opawa Pinot Noir 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandOpawa is different from most classic Marlborough pinot, pitching a drier, much earthier style, and in this version, one that is entirely reduced upon opening. I gave this a lot of air, but it wasn’t much cleaner 30 minutes later. The textures are supple and pinot-like, but the reductive nature of this bottle suppresses the red fruit. I will not score this bottle before tasting a new sample.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kono Pinot Noir 2021
South Island, New ZealandMarlborough pinot has a juicy, unpretentious style playing off the soft, round, mouthfilling fruit that sliders down easily. It is the kind of New World pinot many pinot producers should ape. The chance of making a great DRC Burgundy right out of the gate is frankly zero, and pursuing that could leave an awkward, unbalanced pinot that does your brand no favours. Slow and steady wins the race. The Kono Pinot is a black cherry affair flecked with baking spices and wild herbs on the nose with juicy, plummy fruit and just a touch of French oak to pull it all together. It is all batch fermented in small open-top vessels. Most of the fruit is sourced from Marlborough Valley's subregion of Awatere Valley, and the other third from the Moutere Hills area of Nelson. I suggest a mushroom pasta or pizza dish, or a medium soft cheese. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Southern Lines Pinot Noir 2022
Central Otago, South Island, New ZealandYear two for one of the province's best priced Central Otago pinot noir made by Brent and Shirley Rawstron, who planted their first New Zealand vineyard in 1986 and were among the first to produce pinot noir in Canterbury. In 1999, they purchased their first five vineyards in Marlborough, which now form a large block in the heart of Rapaura. They are also the folks behind the successful Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc. This is a nice improvement over last year's reductive bottle that I tased. The textures are silky, and the fruit is forward with ripe Morello cherries and plenty of earthy, savoury notes pushing up from underneath. A fine match for butterflied lamb, cassoulet, or duck with olives.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2022
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLa Crema continues to elevate its Monterey Pinot Noir by doing a diligent job of expressing the character of its AVAs. 2022 has just the right amount of sweet strawberry to counterbalance the red florals and cool, red plum, rhubarb on the mid-palate. It was a wet spring and a regular growing season before a warm fall culminated in slightly lower yields. It aged 8 months in new and used French oak barrels. Ready to drink and an excellent match for a sweet soya poke, salmon steaks, or duck pizza.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $30.44 | 750ml |
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22 April 2024
86PTS
Esprit du Rhône Réserve Côtes du Rhône 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis is a simple Côtes du Rhône with confected red berry fruit lifted by dried florals. Light, juicy, and easy, this will be best with a light chill.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Camille Cayran L'Insouciante Côtes du Rhône 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom Cave de Cairanne, a co-op based in the southern Rhône, this Côtes du Rhône is a blend of grenache, syrah, and carignan. The name, L'Insouciante, translates as "the carefree" and the wine is made in that spirit. It's approachable and juicy, with sappy, brambly fruit that's accented by peppery spice and lavender. It's a solid red for the grill as we head into BBQ season. Certified organic.Prices:| AB | $23.99 | 750ml |
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19 April 2024
90PTS
Frescobaldi Tenuta di Calamaia Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2019
Tuscany, ItalyThe Tenuta Calimaia project marks the return of the Frescobaldis to Montepulciano in the name of Lionardo Di Niccolò Frescobaldi, explorer, writer, and merchant who became mayor of Montepulciano in 1390. The 70-hectare site lies between the rolling hills of Val di Chiana and Val d'Orcia, in the Cervognanoan area historically dedicated to the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Its clayey soils and higher temperatures make a richer, full-bodied 14.5 percent sangiovese or prugnolo gentile, its regional moniker. It is deliciously styled, spending two years in 50-hL oak barrels and another four months in bottles before release. Cherries and dried herbs with a smear of dark chocolate give the wine a smooth, rich demeanour that slides down easily. There is some tannin, and it will age for another three to five years with ease, but you can also drink it now. Mushroom dishes would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $39.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Pieri Agostina Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrancesco Monaci, nephew of Consorzio President and famed producer, Giancarlo Pacenti, had long wanted to make wine in Montalcino, and finally found his dream Castelnuovo dell’Abate vineyard in 1991. His steep, 7 ha vineyard is planted to older Sangiovese clones. His Rosso di Montalcino is still the only one to earn Gambero Rosso’s prestigious Tre Bicchieri score, setting a benchmark for the appellation in 1995. From galestro and calcareous clays, this was fermented in stainless before spending 1 year in older barriques. Savoury and herbal, with thyme and balsam woven throughout wild cherry and raspberry on the textural palate. Tannins are long and gently strident, well absorbed into the generous palate, and guiding through a stony, saline finish. Though there is obvious density, there is also a lifted freshness, thanks to site, soils, and thoughtfulness. Super serious, and super charming, drinking now and with time in your cellar also. Hits WAY about its humble Rosso name.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Antico Toscano 2019
Santa Lucia, Pisa, Tuscany, ItalyMonte Antico was founded in 1977 by Neil and Maria Empson, spurred on by their love for Tuscany. The Empsons asked a longtime friend, famed winemaker Franco Bernabei, to style a blend of 85/10/5 sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. This is a soft, round, easy, sipping Tuscan red with bright flavours of cherries and plums and a dusting of oak. Ready to drink, it’s a solid mid-week partner for pasta or pizza.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.45 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.90 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
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18 April 2024
91PTS
Château Famaey Le Grez 2022
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceThe Famaey Le Grez is an exciting red wine that impresses right out of the bottle. Alluvial deposits of gravel and quartz pebbles are mixed with clay from a plot of 20+ year old malbec called Le Grez. The winemaking is traditional, with 25 days of skin contact and 10 months in foudres before spending a full year in a 500L clay amphora. The wine is surprisingly elegant and soft, with bright acidity and florals that lift its black cherry, currants, and peppery notes. The finish is long but restrained, with well managed tannins. The new Cahors?Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fox and Archer Malbec 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFox & Archer is a Naramata grower and producer, and this malbec is a fine example of what the bench can produce. It was aged for 11 months in 35% new French oak and 65% neutral French oak, allowing the grapes (Clone Cot 46 and 180) to retain their fresh floral notes. The 2019 impressed the judges at the 2023 National Wine Awards, and this is a fine follow-up. Long on plums and cherries, and short on tannins, this is an intelligent wine for the sophisticated wine drinker.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Violeta 2020
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaVioleta pays tribute to the floral notes in this malbec grown on the Naramata Bench. There is a lot unpacked here in this rich, spicy, savoury malbec with dense, youthful tannins, and some dry, bitter notes in the back end. It is a consistent performer, painting some of the softest textural notes of any malbec in BC. Look for red plums and black tea in the finish.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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16 April 2024
89PTS
Domaine Richaud Terre de Galets Côtes du Rhône 2021
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceFrom the family-run and organically farmed Domaine Richaud, Terre de Galets blends 40% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, 15% Carignan, and 10% Syrah, from 30+ year old vines off 4 plots with noticeable stoniness (galets). Mostly destemmed (the carignan sees whole cluster) this sees a short maceration over native ferment before 8 months in concrete, and bottling without fining or filtration, and minimal SO2 throughout. The 14% is lifted with easy acidity (aided with a prickle of CO2 and a swell of reduction), streaming juicy plum, scrubby thorns, resinous purple florals, and pink peppercorns across sticky tannins, to a snappy and tart finish. A natty CdR best taken with a chill and charcuterie hour.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Les Vignerons du Castelas Côtes du Rhône 2020
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThis delicious workhorse red blend of 60/40 syrah/grenache comes off vines that average 30+ years in the ground. Cherries and red berries with a dusting of pepper, and rich, round, soft tannins coat the palate that finishes with a twist of garrigue. Expect terrific value in a red suited to beef tacos, pizza, grilled vegetables, and more. Stock up for the barbecue season. The Castelas cooperative cellar of winegrowers was created in 1952 to develop the wines of the Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues, AOP Tavel, and IGP du Gard. The Co-op works with 450 hectares, mainly in Côtes du Rhône, and more than 45 families of winegrowers. The Côtes du Rhône appellation stands out for its diverse rocky soils (granite, sandy silica, limestone and more) and a wide selection of grapes, like syrah, grenache noir, marsanne, roussanne, viognier, and much more.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nathalie Bonhomme El Petit Bonhomme Tinto 2022
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainEl Petit Bonhomme fruit is sourced from Jumilla, and in this case, 55% 30 year old monastrell, 30% garnacha, and 15% syrah from the harsh climate and bush vines of southwest Spain. Winemaker Natalie Bonhomme says the label is “made with the same zeal that we produce all our wines, which is to create approachable wines of quality that over-deliver for the price.” I agree. The yields are easy to control in Jumilla due to the lack of water, which gives the wine a concentration you seldom see at this price point. It is hand harvested, followed by a cold maceration and a two week fermentation in small stainless steel vats. It goes through malolactic fermentation in 225L French oak barrels for the monastrell and syrah, and 300L American oak for the garnacha. In all, it spends 6 months in French oak. As mentioned, I enjoy the quality/price ratio that gives this spicy workhorse weekday red a well earned place at the dinner table. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $17.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Famille Perrin Gigondas La Gille 2019
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceThe Famille Perrin La Gille Vineyard is located mid-hill among Gigondas's most historic vineyards. The vines stand over limestone, calcareous marl, and sandy soils, giving the grenache immense finesse and elegance, with plenty of spice and classic garrigue aromas. Some of the oldest plots of grenache planted on the sand are pre-phylloxera vines. Typical for Gigondas, the 60/40 mix of grenache / syrah delivers a full bodied red, but the finesse attracts me to this wine. Round, ripe, sweet black fruit dances across the palate, filling all parts. Be careful though, as this bottle slides down too easily, but it could remain in the cellar for a decade. The wine is aged for 12 months in large oak foudres.Prices:| BC | $47.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Gérard Bertrand Cuvee 100 Les Arbousiers Parcelle Centenaire Corbieres 2019
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThe carignan grapes are handpicked at perfect maturity and placed whole into vats with destemmed crushed grenache. The skin contact totals 10-15 days before it all spends 18 months ageing in French oak barrels. The colour is purple-black with an aromatic mix of garrigue, warm earth, black plums, and blackcurrants. Similar notes coat the palate, showing full ripeness, rich, dense black fruits, and equally dense, glossy tannins. A rack of lamb comes to mind here, along with grilled root vegetables, Mediterranean charcuteries, and local cheeses. This wine began in the 20th century on the mythical territory of Fontfroide. From a 100 year old plot of land first cultivated in 1920 by Paule Bertrand, Cuvée 100 reveals the best potential of its terroir, and the unique know-how of the Bertrand family.Prices:| BC | $75.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blasted Church Small Blessings Mourvèdre Syrah Grenache 2021
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA tough year for smoke has left its mark on this wine as it ages in the bottle. The opening is a red fruit affair with bright acidity and smoky notes. Plums and cherries dominate the palate, which is frankly a little light, before the earthy, smoky notes return to linger in the finish. This needs drinking this year with smoky grilled meats. The blend is 35/33/32 mourvèdre/syrah/grenache. I would very much like to see this in the cleaner year. The mourvèdre and grenache were harvested off the Moksha Vineyard in Osoyoos, while the syrah is grown at House Vineyard south of Oliver.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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15 April 2024
87PTS
Amaral Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileCrisp, pungent, tropical fruit with a whack of asparagus greet the taster, somewhat reminiscent of the early Kiwi versions. Passionfruit and gooseberries take the lead, with a spray of citrus, lime rind, and smoky jalapeno, followed by more grapefruit and green asparagus at the finish. Dry and crisp with some mid palate flesh, this sauvignon is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pure Coastal Sauvignon Blanc 2023
South Australia, AustraliaFrom the folks who brought you Yellow Tail, this tightly wound passionfruit and asparagus affair will get you puckering up. Light on its feet, it is fresh and bright, weighing in at only 11% alcohol. A Kiwi-style sauvignon finish with a tug of dryness. It is best with food, and I think steamed mussels would do the trick.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tohu Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandRetasted about a year later, the '22 Tohu SB hasn’t changed much. Bright acidity and a screwcap have given youth to this all Marlborough, Awatere Valley white that is awash in citrus blossoms and scents of lemongrass and passionfruit. A bright citrus undercurrent steadies a riper, juicy, pink grapefruit and a saline mineral finish. The Awatere Valley is unique among Marlborough sub-regions, as it is drier and windier than most, which leads to longer growing seasons and riper fruit. It is a fine representative of the Kiwi sauvignon upper class and the first Maori-owned winery. Oysters anyone?Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThere are no significant changes here from this reliable Marlborough sauvignon producer. Bright and fresh, it leads with a mix of guava and citrus in an easy sipping white where the acidity is in check. The style is fruit driven, but they halt the fermentation with a touch of residual sugar to balance the palate and finish. Expect a bit of candied pear, grapefruit on the dryish end. Serve with a charcuterie plate or freshly steamed mussels.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
# Ono Sauvignon Blanc The Honorine Pain Collection 2021
Loire, FranceHonorine Pain is the youngest daughter of winegrower Philippe Pain, owner of the Domaine de la Commanderie in Chinon. Honorine has launched her #ONO brand from plots around the AOC. This stainless steel sauvignon comes from a mix of clay and limestone. It’s a delicious blend of floral, lemon, grapefruit with plenty of marine minerals and a touch of menthol. Oysters, clams, or mussels all work here, as does salmon sashimi. Plus, the price is perfect.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine Jacky Preys Touraine Terroir Silex Sauvignon 2020
Touraine, Loire, FranceThe Preys estate vineyards are located near the towns of Meusnes and Mareuil-sur-Cher, and the Cuvée Silex vines are grown exclusively over flint (silex translates to flint), giving a smoky, mineral essence to the wine. The winemaking is simple: the grapes are destemmed, pressed, and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The finished wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. I love the sophisticated lemon and lime mixed with chalk and flint. Lemon curd and grapefruit grab your attention from front to back. A super seafood wine that you never tire of drinking. Think anything goat cheese, or decadent Mediterranean-inspired bites. We tasted this in the US, but it is not sold in BC as far as I know.Prices:| US | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bailly Lapierre Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Burgundy, FranceSaint-Bris is a small appellation in the north of Bourgogne where sauvignon is the AOC grape, not chardonnay. Wines from vineyards around Saint-Bris-le-Vineux planted with chardonnay or pinot noir are not included in the Saint-Bris AOC but are allowed the appellation Côtes d'Auxerre. Given the herbal guava and grapefruit, it is obvious why chardonnay is not the main play, at least not yet. This is an enjoyable round, nutty, almost baked pear / apple style of sauvignon that slides down easily, with just enough acidity to keep it fresh. The fruit is ripe to the point of nearly being sweet, but the juicy, fresh palate quickly draws you into the glass. Ready to drink with fish tacos or spicy sushi dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Napa Valley, California, United StatesLike many California sauvignon, the Honig is a honeysuckle, sweet peach, ruby grapefruit affair with an illusion of citrus, but primarily off-dry by sauvignon standards. If you want something to quaff, you can chill this down and drink it up or serve it with a Thai or Indian curry or spicy sushi to help calm down the heat in the dish.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Jabber The Winemaker The Blend Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileKim Crawford, the brand, is famous worldwide for New Zealand sauvignon blanc, but Kim Crawford, the winemaker who made that brand famous, is no longer associated with the winery or the brand. When the winery was sold to Constellation Brands, they bought his name. Jabber is what his friends call him, and his new label in Chile might be his most important work. Working with granitic soils, red clays, black chalk, slopes, and three microclimates within Casablanca, Crawford makes deliciously bright, citrus powered sauvignon with a tight mineral, reductive note, and less biting acidity. It is a Chilean version of Sancerre with a riff of ripeness running through the wine. Ready to drink with mussels, clams, or freshly shucked oysters. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintner's Reserve 2022
California, United StatesKJ has always been about cool coastal fruit, and this wine has been splattered with it despite its California moniker. It's been getting skinnier, dropping a bit of tropical fruit sweetness for a fresher, cooler underside of citrus and grapefruit in the last few versions. In 2022, the melon, lemongrass, grapefruit, and honeysuckle led with a hint of minerality in the back end. Soft, round, and easy sipping, this is one to drink this spring and summer. Pleasantly full and fresh, making for an excellent in-between style.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Carmel Road Sauvignon Blanc 2022
California, United StatesThis wine is the child of the cool Pacific breezes that sweep across the Monterey Peninsula in the early to mid-afternoon. By late afternoon, the temperature can fall by 15 degrees, and the wind can be so fierce it hinders photosynthesis, extending the growing season. The temperatures can fall into the 50s at night while the winds blow unrelentingly. By sunrise, all is still, the vineyards sit in fog, and low clouds obscure the mountains before the cycle repeats in the late morning. The result is a refreshing sauvignon with a lemony base, blood orange, and grapefruit. It is becoming a much more serious sauvignon. Ready to drink with a variety of fresh seafood.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.49 | 750ml |
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12 April 2024
90PTS
Catena Malbec Lunlunta Vineyards 2021
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaLunlunta is a district of Maipú, southeast of the city of Mendoza. You can feel the warmth of the appellation here, which lies at a lower elevation relative to Lujan de Cuyo to the west, with lush blackberry and blueberry that has the concentration to carry the generous, mocha-tinged oak (25-40% new for 6-8 months). The tannins are plush and fine, with soft acidity that suggests this will be best enjoyed in its youth. Fans of ripe, fruit-driven Mendoza malbec will find a lot to like here, at a fair price, to boot.Prices:| US | $22.00 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Vino de Parcela Malbec 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena bottles three vino de parcela malbecs from Adrianna Vineyard, located at 1450m elevation in the renowned district of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. Mundus Bacillus Terrae is from a 1.4 hectare parcel rich in limestone and marine deposits. This is the most expensive in the range and also the most distinctive. It has restrained fruit, led by a savoury, earthy complexity of humus, peat, and menthol alongside macerated blackberries and dried lavender. It continually evolves in the glass and the seamless structure suggests this has at least a decade ahead of it. The palate is dense and mouth coating, with a remarkable concentration to the fruit without sacrificing any freshness. An impressive wine, but effortlessly so.Prices:| BC | $324.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $324.95 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Vino de Parcela Malbec 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena bottles three vino de parcela malbecs from Adrianna Vineyard, located at 1450m elevation in the renowned district of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. The River bottling comes from an analogous parcel to the White Stones chardonnay, with river rocks on an ancient riverbed that are flecked with calcium carbonate. The whole cluster use (50%) is quite evident at first, with a spicy stemminess that yields with time in the glass to reveal luscious, polished blackberry that's lifted by candied violets. The palate is both more lush than the Fortuna Terrae but also more firmly structured, with a stony undercurrent that beautifully balances the fruit. It's clearly a wine that needs at least another 3-5 years in bottle, but it's going to be a stunner.Prices:| BC | $249.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $231.50 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Vino de Parcela Malbec 2020
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena bottles three vino de parcela malbecs from Adrianna Vineyard, located at 1450m elevation in the renowned district of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. The Fortuna Terrae parcel is planted on deep loamy soils interspersed with native vegetation. There is a real shrubby, herbal quality to this wine, ranging from thyme to oregano to lavender, that seamlessly complements the expressive wild berry fruit. The palate is beautifully concentrated and structured, with fine grained, chalky tannins and pitch-perfect acidity that will allow this to gracefully age for another 10+ years. A remarkable malbec that shows what Gualtallary is all about.Prices:| BC | $146.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $156.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $184.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Vino de Parcela Chardonnay 2021
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena bottles two vino de parcela chardonnays from Adrianna Vineyard, located at 1450m elevation in the renowned district of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. Together, they represent some of the leading chardonnays from Mendoza. White Stones comes from 27 rows in Block 1 of Adrianna Vineyard, which has alluvial soils laden with, you guessed it, white stones. This has a slow fermentation lasting up to 95 days in French oak barriques, where the wine rests for 12-16 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. It's a remarkably restrained, elegant chardonnay that offers chiseled lemon and Anjou pear, lifted by delicate orange blossom. The wood beautifully frames the fruit, with a hint of lees in the background. It's impeccably balanced, with a vervy freshness and stony texture that leads to a long, saline finish. A remarkable wine and highly recommended.Prices:| BC | $150.99 | 750ml |
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95PTS
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Vino de Parcela Chardonnay 2021
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena bottles two vino de parcela chardonnays from Adrianna Vineyard, located at 1450m elevation in the renowned district of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. Together, they represent some of the leading chardonnays from Mendoza. White Bones comes from rows in Block 1 planted on calcareous soils with limestone, along with fossilized animal bones that give this wine its name. The winemaking is near identical to White Stones: long and slow fermentation in barriques, followed by aging up to 16 months in barrel before bottling unfined and unfiltered. It's instantly recognizable from the distinctive herbal shrub character that is unique to this wine, and is really its driving force. Those rosemary and thyme aromas are accented by fragrant florals, including honeysuckle and jasmine, along with ripe lemon and white peach. The 2021 version of White Bones comes across creamier in texture than White Stones, but finishing with a similar saline, mineral quality. It's such an impressive wine, and a wine that could truly only come from Gualtallary.Prices:| BC | $156.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $157.52 | 750ml |
| MB | $184.99 | 750ml |
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11 April 2024
90PTS
Terravista Figaro 2022
British Columbia, CanadaFigaro has always been a late bloomer with a release date that lags behind most other whites of the same vintage across BC. 2022 is the current release of Figaro, a 70/30 mix of roussanne and viognier. The viognier comes off the Naramata Bench and the Similkameen Valley, while the roussanne comes from an Oliver single vineyard. The roussanne is barrel fermented in French oak barriques and puncheons, mainly neutral with a few second fill vessels. It is stirred for 3 months and left in contact on its lees for another 2 months. The nose is alive, pitching ripe red apples, tangerine peel, and smoky stony notes. More ripe orchard fruits are present on the palate with a hint of ginger adding complexity. This is an impressive wine and one you can age. Thai curries are a good match.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lakeboat SS Wanderer Aromatic Off-Dry White NV
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn off-dry fruit salad style BC white that comes in a can offers just about all you want in a simple, easy drinking summer sipper. It is bright and fresh, with taffy apple and a touch of green that balances the finish. Perfect for spicy bites or well chilled on a sunny patio or poolside.Prices:| BC | $8.95 | 250ml |
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90PTS
Chivite Las Fincas Blanco NV
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainLas Fincas Blanco was born of an exciting partnership between the winemaking Chivite family and the Arzak family, one of the driving forces behind the New Basque Cuisine, which put the Basque Country on the international gastronomic map during the 1980s. This lively white grenache / viura mix is all about pears, red apples, and quince, and delivers a long persistent finish that begs for more substantial food dishes, like a seafood risotto or mushroom pasta.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Les Mésanges Côtes du Rhône White 2022
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceAnother tasty, affordable release from the cooperative cellar of the Castelas winegrowers, formed in 1952. This Côtes du Rhône white is a 60/20/20 mix of viognier / grenache blanc / roussanne. It’s a pleasant mix of ripe peach and racy bitter grapefruit. It's fresh, mouthfilling, and ready to drink. The winery suggests serving it with roast chicken and broccoli with cheddar sauce, or asparagus and hollandaise.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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10 April 2024
90PTS
Scala Bianco 2022
Calabria, ItalyThe Scala family purchased this Calabrian estate in 1949, and it is forth generation Francisco who oversees the business side of the winery, while his father, Luigi, makes the wines. They organically farm 18ha of indigenous grapes, like this Greco Bianco (different from Greco di Tufo of Campania). These vines are from sand and clays around 150m, and the grapes were destemmed, gently pressed, and fermented and aged in stainless. Light and bright, this slip of a wine sails along the palate with a wash of lemon, pine nut, almond blossom, and river stones. This is a natural for spring veg dishes, and / or simple shellfish.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Passato Roero Arneis 2021
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom Roero, Piemonte comes Passato, a straw-coloured arneis with a floral, almond, and green melon nose, at only 13.5%. Post ferment, it spends 6 months on its lees to broaden the midpalate, pitching ripe pear and textural citrus and almonds over a mineral stony base, finishing with exotic bitter food-friendly tropical fruit. It is a delicious wine with an array of West Coast seafood dishes. Make this a fixture on the deck.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pieropan Soave Classico 2022
Soave, Verona, Veneto, ItalyFrom the volcanic limestone soils of the Soave hillside comes a classic 85/15 blend of garganega and trebbiano di Soave. The vines are 6-60 years old, and the wine is certified organic. Pieropan is the maestro of Soave, and this wine, which sells for about $26-$30 in private wine shops, was made for Vancouver’s wealth of local seafood and a vast array of Asian/Indian foods. The purity of fruit flavours and complex almond notes make this the most interesting wine in the room. Bright, fresh, and food-friendly, try hunting this down.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tommasi Le Fornaci Lugana 2022
Veneto, ItalyLe Fornaci, made by the Tommasi family, is a Lugana DOC from the southern tip of Lake Garda due east of Verona. Historically, Lugana has been the drink of tourists visiting Lake Garda every year. The DOC straddles two Italian regions: Lombardy, with 90% of the vines to the west; and Veneto to the east, where 60% of the winemaking occurs. Le Fornaci, or the Furnace, is named for a local Roman brick kiln, but the show's star is the turbiana grape. Originally thought to be a trebbiano variety (it was called Trebbiano di Lugana until 2008), DNA testing confirmed it is a relative of verdicchio, grown widely in the Marche. The grapes are night harvested by machine and shipped to the Tommasi winery in Pedemonte di Valpolicella. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with no malolactic fermentation and no wood to keep it ultra fresh as it ages briefly (3 months) on its lees. You will love the intense white florals with additional citrus aromas. On the palate, the flavours are bold, mixing lime, green apple and honeysuckle with salty almonds. It is a fabulous seafood wine that is perfect for the West Coast.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Vietti Roero Arneis 2022
Piedmont, ItalyLook for a distinctively straw yellow colour. The nose is fresh and aromatic, mixing herbs, lemons, and mineral. Attractively dry and medium bodied, it has a wonderfully complex aura of honeysuckle and salinity. Best with any savoury sage or dried herb stuffed pasta in a brown butter sauce or pesto. The Vietti Arneis comes from select vineyards, grown over limestone and clay rich soil, in the municipality of Santo Stefano Roero in Roero. The average vine age is around 30 years. The grapes are fermented very slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, and halfway through the process, the tank is hermetically sealed to reabsorb a small amount of natural CO2. There is no malolactic fermentation, and the wine remains on its lees in tank to keep it super fresh until it is bottled.Prices:| AB | $67.00 | 750ml |
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09 April 2024
89PTS
Lunessence Estate Single Vineyard Riesling 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWe keep a short list of consistently well made BC wines, and this label is being added to it. It's year five, and I love how vibrant this riesling can be. It sings in the glass, fresh and racy, with delicious orchard fruit and a hint of bitterness for balance. It is crunchier this year but still has an appealing sweet lime character, dare I say, almost Mosel-like. A great summer sipper for the warm days ahead, and it's very food friendly to boot.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Alte Reben Riesling Trocken 2020
Mosel, GermanyJohannes Selbach is the man for affordable, high quality Mosel riesling, and this Alte Reben is the definitive example. Drinkable, gulpable, crushable, take your pick, but you better buy two bottles because the first one will disappear instantly in your glass. Modern but with a sense of place and history, this crazy mineral racy flinty riesling is perfectly balanced between fruit and acidity. The Selbach family has been in the business for 400 years, and we can only hope they will continue producing wines like this for another 400 years. A true delight for Riesling enthusiasts.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Selbach Riesling Fish Label 2021
Mosel, GermanyThe Selbach Fish Label, an off-dry riesling made by one of the oldest wine families in Germany, with roots that go back to the 1600s, has become an important brand for the Selbach family. The colourful fish label originated in British Columbia, created by Vancouver-based artist Johanna Waldorf, partner of distributor Andy Waldorf (Waldorf Wines), both friends of the famed winemaker Johannes Selbach. It is fruity, aromatic white packed with white flower and peach overtones, fresh green apples, all acutely balanced by bright Mosel acidity. Juicy and delicious, this is a classy patio pour or wine you can serve with various Southeast Asian fare. Consistent year to year, although the price is creeping toward its maximum value limit.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Schloss Vollrads Riesling Qualitatswein 2021
Rheingau, GermanySchloss Vollrads makes numerous wines, but what they do differently is offer high quality and distinctiveness at all price points, something most of the wine world has abandoned, putting wine at risk to just about anything else the competition, beer, wine, spirit, or refreshment drinks throws at it. This brilliant little limey/citrus affair brings a whack of acidity to temper the residual sugar in the back end. The result is a well-balanced, vibrant, off-dry wine with endless possibilities. We bought this in Costco for US$10.00, and it sings. Lip smacking and pristine, its medium, sweet, juicy attack is tempered in the finish with a terrific quaffable riesling acidity, ready to take on a wide spectrum of food. Drink it now.Prices:| US | $17.99 | 750ml |
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08 April 2024
89PTS
Gérard Bertrand An 77 Clairette du Languedoc Adissan 2022
Clairette du Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceI first saw this wine under the Art de Vivre label at the Bertrand winery. It was Gerard’s tribute to the Mediterranean way of life, right down to its natural ceramic bottle. The current packaging is more modern, leaving the focus on the underappreciated clairette grape. Clairette d’Adissan is a grape variety introduced in the South of France by the Greek civilization during antiquity, which has survived for more than 2000 years while retaining its original qualities. Adissan is still the name of a charming village located in the heart of Languedoc. Yellow fruits dominate the aromas with an underlying minerality that pokes through the finish. It is both refreshing and somewhat slick. On the palate, pears and peaches flecked with plums and a hint of garrigue deliver a flavourful pour. Serve chilled on the patio with a favourite seafood starter.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Natte Valleij Axle Chenin Blanc 2023
Darling, Coastal Region, South AfricaCinsault-centric Alex Milner crafted this white for his Chenin-loving wife, sourcing fruit from 1985 planted dry farmed bush vines in Darling. This was basket pressed and settled 1 day before racking to older 225L barrels for native ferment. It remained in the barrels post-ferment with regular bâtonnage for a couple of months, and then a quiet rest, all totalling 9 months. Wild pear, herbal lemon, and downy lees swirl on the textural palate, lifted with an easy acidity, and gently woven with flake salts which linger on the tangerine pith finish.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Roussanne 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 growing season started slowly, with a cool, damp spring and flowering period. A much drier and warmer July, August, and September turned things around in the vineyard, and that, along with a smaller than average crop, allowed for a warm, dry fall of perfect ripening. The nose is a quiet mix of honey and florals with a hint of lemon curd and subtle spicing. The palate is creamy with ripe pear and more lemon and lees. It is all hand harvested and sorted, fermented wild in a combination of neutral oak puncheons and stainless steel.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Finca Bacara Promesa Moscato 2022
Jumilla, Valencia and Murcia, SpainLight yellow with a fizzy edge, this pitches peach, apricot, and citrus. The palate has honeyed lemon and more ripe peach. It is moderately sweet but stabilized by the bubbles, and a drier, slightly bitter licorice note in the finish. This simple style is best suited to the patio, well chilled on a warm day.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Castelo Negro 350 Friends & Winemakers Vinho Verde NV
Vinho Verde, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis Avesso is tart and bright with yellow fruits, lemongrass, and meadow herbs. The grape's inherent dry acidity and the region's granitic soils give this some buzzy interest. A nice introductory view of the grape.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Citra Sistina Pecorino 2022
Abruzzo, ItalyThis Abruzzo pecorino was fermented and rested briefly in stainless. Tight pear, white grapefruit, and tangerine lead the slight palate, with a subtle almond blossom to season. Dry, bright, and brief, chill this and enjoy on a summer patio with canapés.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Livio Felluga Ribolla Gialla 2022
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyLivio Felluga is one of the most respected producers of Friuli, dedicating his life to reviving high-quality and sustainable viticulture in the hills of this north-eastern, Adriatic-influenced Italian countryside. He emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s, buying up old, neglected vineyards and rejuvenating them. Rooted in ponca soils, this was native fermented in stainless, where it remained on lees for a few months until bottling. Honeysuckle, mandarin, and lime blossoms lead the subtle, sleek palate, with a thin layer of stony lees to base, and a lofted acidity to carry this through the saline finish. Super smart, with a great presence and time ahead.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Livio Felluga Friulano 2022
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyLivio Felluga is one of the most respected producers of Friuli, dedicating his life to reviving high-quality and sustainable viticulture in the hills of this north-eastern, Adriatic-influenced Italian countryside. He emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s, buying up old, neglected vineyards and rejuvenating them. From Friulano’s Ponca soils (marl and sandstone), this friulano was fermented and aged in stainless, on lees. Lemongrass, tangerine blossom, and Asian pear fill this slip of a wine, with a crushed stone underlay that culminates in medicinal white cherry on the lingering finish. A lovely line between savoury and fragrant, with subtle and confident energy.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tetramythos Naturɛ Roditis 2022
Peloponnese, GreecePanayiotis Papagiannopoulos, known for being one of the most innovative wine producers in Greece, is the co-owner and oenologist behind the wines of Kalavryta's Tetramythos, in Greece's stunning Peloponnese. Panayiotis has worked to save local grapes from extinction, and often employees amphora in his organic wines (it is in this ancient region that the first "pithos" (amphora) are said to have been made). Their wines all come from from Tetramythos’ rocky, calcareous vineyards. This Roditis is from their Naturɛ range, a line-up of single variety wines made with no intervention save for a small addition of sulphur before bottling. Grapes come off 50 year old bush vines at 850m in Aigialeia, were native fermented in stainless where it remains on lees for 6 months prior to bottling. Textural and sleek, with a nimble, buzzy palate streaking marcona almond, green apple, and fresh green herbs through a noticeably saline finish. Ample energy in this intriguing wine of place.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Da Silva Chenin Blanc Hidden Hollow Vineyard 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis chenin blanc is grown in Penticton's Hidden Hollow Vineyard. I love the freshness and the purity of fruit that jumps from the glass. Expect a wash of citrus, green apples, pear, and lime rind that stretches across the palate. It's a perfect wine for shellfish and seafood bites. Richard and Twyla Da Silva run the vineyards, the wine, and the outstanding restaurant, The Kitchen. All has plenty of care and attention. From fruit to grapes to winemaking, the Da Silva family story in the Okanagan began in the 1950s. Here continued the work of their ancestors, who have been involved in farming and winemaking on Portugal's Azores Islands since the 1700s.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cliff and Gorge Pinot Auxerrois 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaPinot auxerrois is a slightly fatter version of pinot blanc, with less acidity and crispness but a mid-palate weight. This is a clean, well made version that is ready to drink. Look for citrus and honeydew with a splash of green apple and a soft-ish finish. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cliff and Gorge Petite Milo 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaPetite Milo is well known on Vancouver Island, but this is Lillooet's version. The fruit is ripe and clean with fresh acidity upfront. This white wine works well with sushi or simple fish dishes, fish cakes, steamed clams, or mussels. Ready to drink and affordable.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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05 April 2024
91PTS
A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Riviera 2022
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaAdi Badenhorst is a champion of the Swartland, the region his family has family has been rooted in and growing in for generations. Secateurs Riviera was initially created for the Quebec market, and their thirsty craving for orange wines. The 2022, now thankfully in BC, blends 63% chenin blanc, 20% bukettraube, 9% sauvignon blanc, and 8% roussanne, from a series of various components, and based on chenin blanc vines dating back to 1972, rooted in an old riverbed. This was partially macerated on skins in concrete, with the remaining lots whole bunch carbonic in stainless. After about 3 weeks, all are pressed into old barrels, where it remains on full lees for 10 months. It is bottled without filtration. Tangerine skin, bergamot, white grapefruit, white peach fuzz, fresh green herbs is scented with roiboos tea, and lit with a stony freshness, finishing in a wash of crushed rocks. Super charming, with all components in harmony, this is a delight to drink now.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.65 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Argyros Atlantis Dry White 2022
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceAtlantis is Argyros' entry level white, primarily assyrtiko, with splashes of Athiri and Aidani, all from 'relatively' young Santorini vines (60 years and younger) and fermented cool in stainless. Tight, bright, and spritely, with a sleek palate of bitter lime, tangerine, lemon verbena, and green melon finishing with a saline twist. Quite lean and bone dry, try this with Mediterranean canapés.Prices:| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Alheit Vineyards Hemerland Vine Garden 2020
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaChris Alheit is one of South Africa's top winemakers and old vine rescuers, working closely with the Old Vine Project to preserve the country's OV heritage, and making expressive wines of place, like this. Hans Evenhuis planted this vineyard on Hemelrand (Hemel-en-Aarde) in 2010, on gravelly clay and sandstones at 350m, and Alheit calls it Vine Garden, based on the numerous varieties trialled here. The wine is made and bottled just as the vineyard and vintage dictates, creating a white field blend that changes every year. In 2020, the blend is 32% chardonnay, 25% roussanne, 25% chenin, 13% verdelho, and 5% muscat, native fermented slowly in older wood. Fragrant quince, lemon blossom, and wild pear is shaped with pear skin and decked with a slick of white honeyed lees that carries this medium white through a subtly saline finish. Harmonious.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
San Marzano Edda 2021
Salento, Puglia, ItalyThis Salento white is primarily chardonnay, with a splash of other local grapes. The destemmed fruit was flash frozen for a few hours before fermenting in French oak, where it remained for four months on lees with weekly bâtonnage. The embossed label, heavyweight bottle, and Diam10 cork reflect this wine's lofty ambitions. Pouring a deeper yellow hue, this medium+ white opens with fragrant lemon curd, apple blossom, and perfumed vanillin, all seasoned with subtle barrel spices. The acidity just meets the sunned wine at this point, helping to stretch this out to a lemon twist finish. A posher style for drinking now, ideally with butter-drawn seafood/veg.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $32.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Bank Hill Runway White 2021
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaEstablished by vintner Taylor Emerson in 2017, Black Bank Hill is focused on single vineyard wines from the Niagara Escarpment. Runway White, named for the 1918 Beamsville Aerodrome and runway that preceded the vineyard, is a blend of 46% Viognier, 26% Gewürztraminer, 17% Chardonnay, 11% Chenin Blanc planted in 2018. Each variety was native fermented separately (mix of French oak and stainless) over 18 months. Subtle white perfume, pear, cream, and lemon sail through this medium white, with very light barrel toast and a well placed bed of lees. Nice elegance and light touch for this aromatic white blend.Prices:| ON | $19.75 | 750ml |
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04 April 2024
0PTS
St Huberts The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesCorked. Try another.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.31 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NFL | $20.58 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
California, United StatesThe Coppola cabernet takes the name Claret, which was once used in the Old World to describe Bordeaux, although it is not a wine you would ever associate with the style of Bordeaux. In 2021, the blend is mostly cabernet sauvignon with petit verdot, malbec, and cabernet franc. The style is warm and lush, with sweet black fruit dominating, and a spicy, licorice, anise, and chocolate finish. The tannis are soft and round, and this is ready to drink. It is best served with spicy ribs.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $32.32 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesPaso Robles, which roughly translates as “Passageway of Oaks,” is at the core of this flagship cabernet. The nose is about as pure berry fruit as it gets for a cab, with intense black fruit, perfectly ripe raspberry, and spicy blackcurrant streaked with dark chocolate filling the palate. It is intense but with elegant guardrails and perfectly managed tannins. You can approach this impressive cabernet now, but it will age effortlessly through 2030 and beyond. Steak, anyone? The 2020 early growing season was near normal, with early winter and early spring rainfalls just below average. Vine growth and berry development were typical through spring before unusual summer heatwaves that slowed berries, keeping them small and yielding a highly desirable skin-to-juice ratio. Winemaker Austin Hope ferments each selected lot separately in stainless steel tanks for 10-14 days, followed by extended macerations and carefully managed pumpovers. The lots were aged separately for 11 months in a combination of 10% new, 25% once used, and 65% 2-3 times used French oak. The initial blend was assembled in the late summer of 2021 and was aged an additional two months in 75% new and 25% once-used French Oak.Prices:| BC | $73.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $76.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $85.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $75.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $65.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| PEI | $69.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $66.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $69.98 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Concha y Toro Marqués de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe label winemaker Marcelo Papa made famous continues to impress as the vines quietly age. The fruit comes from two Maipo sites near the foothills of the Andes: Puente Alto El Mariscal at 650 metres; and Pirque at 570 metres. Both sites sit on poor alluvial soils loaded with gravel. The result is a delicious, savoury bay leaf, lightly smoky cassis, and cherry entry, with smoky graphite underpinnings, and dense sweet tannins. A classic steak wine. The final blend is 85/8/4/3 cabernet sauvignon, syrah, petit verdot, and carmenere aged for 18 months, 63% in French oak barrels (28% new and 72% second use) and the other 37% in 5000L foudres from Piedmont. Less new oak and larger barrels are the secret to the styling of this wine, which has gone from chocolate, cherries, and vanilla to a more authentic wine of place.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.95 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.95 | 750ml |
| NF | $23.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe 2021 M Cabernet Sauvignon has that soft and round Paso Robles styling. Its cassis-scented nose previews a rich red with almost no tannins to speak of and an easy sipping style that plays into the jammy, figgy, dark plum, and chocolate fruit that melts in your mouth. You could drink this without food, although I recommend you serve it with barbecued ribs and a spicy sweet sauce. It's a New World red in every sense of the meaning.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
| US | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe grapes used for this wine come from sustainably farmed vineyards in Rutherford and other vineyards across Napa Valley. The blend is 85% cabernet sauvignon, blended with 5% merlot, 5% malbec, and a remaining mix of petit verdot, cabernet franc, and petit syrah, aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels. (25% new American Oak, 20% new French Oak.) The texture is silky despite a fair bit of oak poking into the wine. Look for savoury, minty black cherries and raspberry with licorice and roasted espresso. The finish is long and persistent, if a bit oaky. This needs three to five years to settle into itself.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Atom Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
California, United StatesFrom vineyards sourced from California’s North Coast, this is a riper, sweet-fruited Cali cab, with vanilla-kissed black cherry, blackberry jam, and toast. Tannins are soft and supple, matching the Nestle milk chocolate palate. Simple stuff.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Jack London Vineyard 2019
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesIt's been a decade since we have seen this wine. The fruit comes from Jack London Ranch Vineyard and will close in on four decades of production in 2026. The site sits mid-Sonoma Mountain on the east side, a cool site of volcanic soil that helps to temper the ripe fruit. The excellent 2019 vintage mixes 16% merlot with 3% syrah, which also tempers the richness of the cabernet. The dry, savoury black fruit is a Sonoma blueprint, and it is perfectly melded with its oak ageing, namely 26 months in a mix of French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels (30% new). Finally, mountain fruit is always more concentrated, adding just the right level of complexity to allow this red to age a decade easily. It is a beauty.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $37.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $43.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Frind Estate Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
British Columbia, CanadaThe Premier Cab is a well made varietal wine that hits all the notes most cabernet drinkers like. It has plenty of jammy blackcurrant and black cherries, with a small number of dried fruit notes that offer a touch of sweetness. I like the freshness here, and some of the Okanagan desert scrub that adds interest. There is little complexity, but you can drink this wine now. Moving forward, this wine has plenty of room to move up in stature with minor tweaks.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Errazuriz Max Edicion Aniversario Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileNamed after founder Don Maximiano Errázuriz, the fruit for this label is sourced from estate vineyards across the Aconcagua Valley and comes with a signature Chilean dried herb boldo nose. The mid-palate is a smoky, earthy affair with baked cherry pie and refreshing juicy acidity. Best now with grilled meats to temper the youthful structure of this cabernet.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $21.00 | 750ml |
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03 April 2024
89PTS
Tormaresca Calafuria 2021
Salento, Puglia, ItalyThis peach-pink rosado is made from the negroamaro grape. It is sourced from the Maìme estate in San Pietro Vernotico, near the Adriatic, on the Antinori-owned Tormaresca estate in Puglia. You may be surprised by how fresh and vibrant it is while remaining Italian dry and food-friendly. We love the fragrant southern Italian notes of melon and mango that permeate its creamy texture and fresh citrus-sprayed grapefruit and pear fruit. It has a lovely purity and authenticity; hence, it looks Provençcal but is Italian. It sold in 1.5-litre bottles.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 2ml |
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88PTS
Aix Rosé 2022
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe pale Provençal peach pink hue reflects the grenache, syrah, cinsault, and carignan blend grown at one of the most significant domains in AOP Coteaux D'Aix en Provence. Maison Saint Aix dates back 130 years, and its vineyards sit on a plateau that is 420 meters high, escaping the baking summer and fall heat that smothers Provence. This year, there is less red fruit in favour of more peppery herbal, scrubby garrigue, with light stony minerality and some grapefruit bitterness. This would be fine with spicy tuna power bowls or grilled chicken salads.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chivite Las Fincas Rosado 2022
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThe idea of creating the Las Fincas range was born from the longstanding friendship between the Chivite and Arzak families. Juan Mari Arzak Arratibel is a Spanish chef, and owner of Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian. He is considered one of the great masters of New Basque cuisine, something he describes as "evolutionary, investigatory, and avant-garde." This is the third wine from the collaboration between Julián Chivite and the Arzak family, and it is delicious. It is hand picked, carefully sorted, gently pressed, and aged for a long time in oak barrels. You would not notice any wood in this superbly delicate pink. Floral and stuffed full of red fruits, a precision of acidity fires up a mineral palate, pitching raspberries, pomegranates, and grapefruit. Unsurprisingly, this is a gastronomic rosé, from its complex, silky textures to its ability to complement everything from simple pizza to a main course, such as lemon chicken. The blend is 65/35 garnacha tinta and tempranillo.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Nabal Rosado de Lagrima 2021
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainThis rosado is an 85 / 15 blend of tempranillo mixed with albillo mayor and garnacha. The vines are 15 to 30 years old and are planted over deep calcareous clay soils at 840m. The barely crushed berries get about five hours of skin contact before the juice is bled off, lending to its moniker Rosado de Lágrima. The colour is light pink, and the nose is a buttery strawberry affair that spills onto a soft, round, palate with a slightly dirty finish. It is best served on a warm patio, well chilled.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine de Paris Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceA 40/30/20/10 mix of grenache/syrah/cinsault/carignan is behind this fragrant, delicate, floral, red-fruited rosé that is true to the Provençal style. The colour is classic pale pink, with tart strawberry and a fresh, elegant finish. Drink now in warm weather and at al fresco lunches. Domaine de Paris has been owned by the Brun family since 1900.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Margherita Rosé 2021
Veneto, ItalyPouring a pale provencal pink, this rosé is based on chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, with a dash of colour from pinot nero (noir). It shows a simple, fruity nose combining orange blossom and pear, with a herbal accent. Even with a pinch of residual sugar, there's more than enough acidity to keep this dry, though the balance is not altogether seamless. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Limited Edition 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceThis wine has been kicking around in the refrigerator for a while, but it's none worse for wear. At Gerard Bertrand, rosé "celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle" and a life of growing organically over shale and limestone. Made with grenache, cinsault, and syrah, the Art Edition opens with a pale, pale Provençal pink colour and plenty of freshness, and is filled in with a mix of strawberries, licorice, and cherries. Suave and elegant, it's a winner with grilled prawns or barely cooked local spot prawns.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gérard Bertrand Côte Des Roses Rosé 2021
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceGerard Bertrand has been pursuing several rosé versions, each with its charm. This introductory Côte Des Roses Rosé comes from various sites across the Languedoc. The blend is grenache, cinsault, and syrah; each vinified separately in stainless steel before blending. The palate is a cool, sleek, fresh affair with a rush of juicy strawberry and raspberry flecked with tangerine and bright acidity that keeps you returning the glass. Finished under a Vino-Loc, the bottle looks as good as it tastes. Prawns, anyone?Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NF | $21.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.35 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Goats do Roam Dry Rosé 2022
South AfricaThe Goats do Roam Rosé is everything you want in a simple, inexpensive pink that you can drink anytime. Fairview Vineyards is a highly reputable producer of Rhône-style wines, and this blend of shiraz, grenache, and mourvèdre is reminiscent of the famous French style. The vines grow over old decomposed granite, and grapes were gently pressed (some whole bunch, some de-stalked) and cold fermented separately before blending. This wine is made of floral rose petals and citrus-bathed red berries, with a hint of lees and minerality. Clean, fresh, and ready to drink at a giveaway price.Prices:| BC | $16.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.95 | 750ml |
| SK | $16.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.95 | 750ml |
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02 April 2024
89PTS
Tightrope Winery Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTightrope opens with an intriguing candied lemon and strawberry nose. The 96/4 blend of pinot noir and barbera are all Naramata, handpicked over a three week window. The wine is mostly dry on the palate, with just a small bump of residual sugar to smooth out the edges. It's ready to drink, and you can serve it solo well chilled. It would also be fun with beef tacos or a salmon pizza.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cliff and Gorge Rosé 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaCliff and Gorge is a Lillooet-based winery run by former Whistler councillor Eckhard Zeidler. He and his wife Deanne planted 32 grape varieties in an experimental vineyard above the Fraser River Gorge, following organic principles. The rosé is explicitly grown to be a pink wine. The blend is almost all white 507 Blattner with bits of pinot meunier, and gamay added for colour. The 507 was a Blattner experiment designed to be highly disease resistant. It's fermented in stainless with a plastic bin used for the reds. The wine pours with an orange-peachy hue. The palate is lively and just off-dry, with a lot of fresh fruit reminiscent of wild berries and vibrant cherry, with a medium+ body, citrus, and candied apple with a spicy finish. Indeed, it is more interesting than half the rosés that flood the world market. Fine value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lakeboat Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis simple, off-dry pink fits the adage that what you see is what you get. It has a pale colour and fresh citrus notes with a touch of strawberry and apple, lemon, gingerale, and red fruits. It is clean, soft, and ready to drink all summer. It is priced fairly.Prices:| BC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Foolish Wine Ripple Pinot Noir Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRipple opens with a friendly, fresh, fruity nose reminiscent of strawberries and orange zest. The fruit is somewhat neutralized on the palate by a lean grapefruit undercurrent, complete with a touch of bitterness. It is ready to drink and would be best served alongside tapas.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Vasanti Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis cabernet franc rosé comes in pink/orange from the Osoyoos West Bench. Look for a mix of light fruit with a warm demeanour of red cherries and baked plums. Simple, soft, and short, this underdelivers for the price. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Poplar Grove Three Roses Rosé 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Three Roses Rosé is entirely pinot noir from the Poplar Grove estate vineyards. After minimal skin contact for the hue, it fermented and rested in stainless steel. Pouring a shining peach hue, this dry rosé is packed with smoked stone, strawberry jam, orange, crunchy cherry, and cranberry acidity, finishing with a snap on the finish. Try alongside protein-laced salads.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Blue Grouse Rosé 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaBlue Grouse's Rosé has lost the Twill in the title, and their latest incarnation is entirely gamay from Cowichan Valley. Pouring a shining blush peach, this juicy pink is packed with strawberry jam, candied red apple, and pithy pink grapefruit, finishing with a snappy citrus twist. There's a bump of RS here that is up against some pretty sharp acidity, but with a good chill and a plate of protein canapés you wouldn't notice much. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Frind Estate Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is a rounder, softer, spicy style here with red fruits and a bit of a muddled sweet and sour character. This needs more direction next time out. Personally, I think something to go with the on-site pizzas that are sold in great numbers on the patio at Frind might be the way to go.Prices:| BC | $20.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Phoenix Afterglow Rosé 2022
Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Phoenix labels are new wines from Corcelettes, that take winemaker Charlie Baessler outside the estate to source grapes that complement the home team. Afterglow is fermented in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak and is finished with a modest 6.6 g/L of sugar. The wine opens with a pale pink/orange colour with freshly crushed berry streaked with tangerine, citrus, and watermelon. The blend is merlot, malbec, syrah, and pinot noir. You can serve solo or on a sunny patio, or go with the winery recommendation: melted Brie with roasted garlic on a baguette.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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87PTS
JoieFarm Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA 67/33 blend of pinot noir and gamay, this rosé offers soft red cherries and strawberry water in a simple, fruity style that finishes dry with modest length. Fruit was sourced from Skaha Bluffs, Naramata Bench, and Oliver.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Noble Ridge Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSix months later, the good news is this wine is pretty much the same in the bottle today as it was then. The screwcap is likely responsible for that. As for the wine, the colour remains pale, salmon pink colour. The nose is a candied cherry affair with a touch of citrus to neutralize the sweet fruit. The palate is similar, with a long, smooth, confected fruit finish. This will do nicely if you like your rosé on the sweet side. Pair it with spicy nuts or Thai curry to best effect. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
One Faith Vineyards Fizz Rosé 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe One Faith pink is a 92/8 mix of pinot blanc and cabernet franc made in the frizzante style and finished essentially bone dry. The nose is a clean affair of green apple streaked with orange. The palate is a touch foamy but helped by its frizzante lean and tart palate, with cleansing notes of citrus and pears with a subtle hint of piecrust. This needs food but would be a fine match with anything deep fried or oily. Best served well chilled on a warm patio.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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May 2024