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Tastings: August 2024
31 August 2024
86PTS
Mayhem Sparkling Rosé Can 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe canned Sparkling Rosé is different juice from their bottled Rosé, and is a blend based on merlot, pouring a fuchsia pink hue. Sour cherry, watermelon is cut with a tart rhubarb acidity, and livened with a very subtle fizz. Chill very well, and crack into in direct sunlight (possibly even with ice cubes).Prices:| BC | $88.36 | 3000ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Sparkling White Can 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2023 Sparkling White can blends Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling into a tart, gently fizzy white with Asian pear, crunchy apple, and grapefruit acidity. The bubbles blow off near instantly, so chill this well and quickly after cracking into. Fun and portable.Prices:| BC | $88.32 | 3000ml |
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30 August 2024
91PTS
Free Form Blanc de Blanc 2019
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade from chardonnay grown at Garnet Valley Ranch in Summerland, this traditional method sparkling reveals a beautiful nose of zesty citrus, Bartlett pear, fresh baked brioche, subtle cheese, and chalky minerals. Fermented in concrete eggs, aged on lees for 42 months, and bottled with zero dosage, it offers a very dry mouthfeel and finishes with a savoury, saline twist, leaving a lasting impression with its crisp and refreshing character.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lightning Rock Viognier Pét Nat 2023
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Summerhill's Elysia vineyard, this is the last viognier pét-nat from the property. Whole cluster grapes were partially fermented long and cool on stainless before moving to bottle in early October, and staying there until disgorging March 2024. Opening with an abundance of bubbles (do not open over your face), this tart, dry fizz streaks lime pith, white grapefruit, apricot fuzz, white pepper along the slight 10.8% palate, with the aggressive fizz tapering out to a bare blip on the finish. Brisk in every which way, chill this down and enjoy now. 32 cases made.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Champagne Stéphane Regnault Chromatique Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Côte des Blancs, Champagne, FranceAfter working as a sommelier in London, and an aerospace engineer in Paris, Stéphane Regnault returned to his family's Côte des Blancs domaine in 2007 and converted farming to organics with biodynamic practices. The domaine includes 4 hectares of Chardonnay divided equally between the legendary chalk terroirs of the Grand Cru villages Oger, and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The majority of the vines are between 40 and 60 years old. A passionate jazz saxophone player, he has named his 3 single vineyard cuvées after a different jazz mode that each wine reminds him of. Chromatique is his NV blend, utilizing a little of every parcel he has in the cellar. The chromatic scale in music is the one which uses all the available notes, thus an appropriate name for this cuvée. Based on 2019, with 40% reserve wines, this base was native fermented in 30% stainless, and 30% barrel, with full MLF. It was disgorged in July 2022 after 2 years sur lattes, with 2 g/L. Deep chalk beds this sculpted BdB, with bright green apple, burnished lemon, savoury lees, Madagascar vanilla, and crushed stones that carry through the lingering finish. Savoury and uncompromising, this is showing beautifully at present, and will continue to impress.Prices:| BC | $95.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs 2017
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaNamed in memory of Henry’s wife, widow, and family matriarch, Catharine Smith, Carte Blanche is the vintage dated Cuvée Catharine. Short Hills Bench estate clone 95 chardonnay was partially neutral barrel fermented and then aged for 54 months on lees prior to disgorgement with approximately 6 g/L. Lemongrass, herbal meadow flowers, light toast, and fresh lemon work through the finely creamy fizz, finishing long. This is a safe, consistent, and friendly bubbly for enjoying now. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mayhem Sparkling White Can 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Sparkling White is more exciting than last year, beginning with more sparkle. Seeing it in a can is less shocking, and you can’t beat the freshness and coolness (temperature) when you snap the tab and open. Look for mostly citrus and melon that dissipate as quickly as the bubbles. Drink up and enjoy with a bag of popcorn.Prices:| BC | $88.32 | 3000ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Sparkling Rosé Can 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Mayhem Canned Rosé is a different mix from Mayhem's bottled Rosé. It comes off a separate block, and the pink merlot base comes with a splash of riesling. The colour is red-pink, and the flavours decidedly merlot, pitching cherries and strawberry jam. There is a touch of sugar to keep it friendly, and the sparkle is down to a dull roar but enough to clean the palate. Ready to drink, although you might consider serving it over ice. Available in 12 packs for $88.32Prices:| BC | $88.36 | 3000ml |
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92PTS
Seven Stars Aurora Stoneridge Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWinemaker Mary McDermott drives Township 7’s first-class sparkling wine program sold under the Seven Stars moniker. Aurora is a Blanc de Noirs made from 100 percent clone 15 pinot noir grown at Stoneridge Vineyard, a southwest-facing hillside overlooking the meandering Okanagan River near Vaseaux Lake in Okanagan Falls. It is aged on its lees for over 30 months after its secondary fermentation in the bottle. The 2020 is lighter in colour, pitching a faded straw yellow hue with hyper-fresh white peach, baked apple, saline, and seaspray nose. The flavours are intense, and the acid is front and centre from entry to finish. Look for bright red fruits poking through its refreshing palate. This is hardly out of its sleep and looks to easily be able to be cellared for a decade, only adding to its complexity and stature. Perfect for West Coast smoked Sockeye salmon. Note the winery has solved its issue of the impossible-to-remove corks that were plaguing earlier sparkling vintages.Prices:| BC | $57.97 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Noble Ridge The One Sparkling Brut 2018
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe One is an Okanagan Falls sparkler grown at the 13.7 hectare Noble Ridge Vineyard. It is roughly a two-thirds/one-third chardonnay (clones 76 and 95) / pinot noir (clones 115 and 777) blend. The fruit is gently whole cluster pressed and aged en tirage for 40+ months. The extra time on lees is the key to this wine’s complexity and inviting creamy brioche notes, but in the end, it is the saline, citrus, green apple, and stony notes that elevate this wine, putting it among some of the best sparklers made in BC. It will also age effortlessly through 2027.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Free Form Blanc de Blanc 2019
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCertified organic chardonnay from Garnet Valley Ranch was fermented in concrete, before aging on its lees for 42 months. That lends a pronounced toasty autolytic character to the wine, alongside lactic notes of butter and parmesan rind. There's an evolved character to the fruit, with dried green apple and lemon, and for this palate it's drinking just about at peak, hitting a perfect balance between primary and tertiary complexity. The zero dosage gives a leanness to the palate, with brisk acidity that leads to a chalky finish. Serious sparkling wine that packs a lot in, though with some frothiness to the mousse.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Blanc de Noir 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA single block of 1985 Clone 93 pinot noir is the source of this Blanc de Noirs, which is ready to celebrate. The glass has a light copper colour, highlighted by a persistent bead of fine bubbles, creamy textures, and pastry notes. Red fruits and citrus pith keep the freshness moving from the front to the back of the glass. Technically, the base wine spends seven months on its fermentation lees in barrel before going en tirage to secondary fermentation in a bottle, and a 22 month rest. It was disgorged in February 2024 with a small amount of wine from the 2022 Maija Pinot Noir.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Champagne Frédéric Savart l'Ouverture 1er Cru Brut NV
Montagne de Reims, Champagne, FranceSituated 10 km west of Reims, Frédéric Savart is based in the village of Écueil, in the Val de Reims. Continuing from his father's work with their 'laboratory of terroirs,' Savart has made the 4-hectare property his own and has become one of the superstars of the Grower Champagne movement. L'Ouverture is the introduction to Freddy's range, with three vintages of Pinot Noir from Écueil's sandy soils, native fermented and aged in a mix of stainless and barrel before heading to bottle. My bottle was disgorged in October 2023, with 3.5 g/L. Red fruited throughout, with wild cherry, fragrant raspberry, and crunchy red apple strung across lightly toasted meringue. Acidity is tart and crunchy with this recent DG and will nimbly integrate into the wine over time. A stunner, as usual.Prices:| QC | $109.25 | 750ml |
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29 August 2024
89PTS
Pour Le Vin Faim de Loup Syrah 2022
FrancePour Le Vin Faim de Loup Syrah is a delicious red from France's IGP Pays d'Oc region. Syrah can be a big wine in the northern Rhone, but this red made from 40-year-old vines is juicy, slippery, fruity, and peppery all in one, and it slips down easily. Could this be the best-value syrah under $20 sold in British Columbia? I would be happy to taste any wines that come close to it, but my guess is there are very few, if any, to be had. Boutinot, France, produces the wine, and the grapes are sourced from southwest Languedoc. "Faim de Loup" translates to "Hungry like a wolf," the perfect moniker for a wine designed for southern France's rich stews and casseroles.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.05 | 750ml |
| NFL | $23.30 | 750ml |
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27 August 2024
92PTS
Mason Vineyard Blanc de Blancs Brut Hors Domaine 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaKelly Mason’s Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Brut Hors Domaine is a delight. The talented winemaker with seemingly endless energy makes wine with the intensity and enthusiasm few can match. Yet, she leaves one of the slightest footprints in the business on her owners. This chardonnay, grown in the Twenty Mile Bench sub-GI of Niagara on the Lake, opens with an attractive floral nose dusted in an early morning bakery scents The palate is awash in peachy nectarine fruit, streaked with yellow fruits, but with a linear freshness and a persistent creamy finish. Tiny bubbles and big aspirations suggest this wine will age effortlessly, and this is only the beginning of what it can achieve with even more bottle time. Highly recommended for the price.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mason Vineyard L'avenir Chardonnay 2022
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWhen I see a chardonnay at 12.3% alcohol, I’m already on board. Add in Clone 76, and a wild ferment that only uses oak, and the excitement builds. In 2022 (a vintage closer to the very fine 2020 than 2021) this aged for 17 months in mainly neutral oak along with second and third-fill barrels, and the result is stunning. The mixture of vibrancy, purity, and acidity with a creamy texture is never easy to achieve, but when it happens, it is magic. Pear and white peaches with a touch of nutty, mineral notes all speak to the balance of this barley lean chardonnay that will age effortlessly into 2029 and beyond. First class and a delight to drink.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mason Vineyard L'avenir Chardonnay 2021
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe ’21 L’avenir is the inaugural release of Mason’s chardonnay, first planted in 2018, so at three years, the vines are at best rambunctious. The alcohol is a modest 12.5 percent, which speaks to its structure, although having said that, tasted alongside 2022, the ’21 appears to have just a bit more weight and honey and a little less minerality. It was wild fermented in a barrel and aged for 24 months in a mix of neutral oak and a single, second-fill barrel. The finish is more decadent, with brown butter and toffee in the denouement before the acidity cuts through and cleans up the palate. An impressive launch if already surpassed by the 2022, it has long been sold out. If you have some, I suggest you drink it sooner rather than later.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mason Vineyard The Landed Cabernet Franc 2018
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMy first experience with The Landed Cabernet Franc involved a vertical of three vintages: 2018, 2020, and 2023. Winemaker Kelly Mason says the winemaking has been consistent from the beginning, so it was an excellent opportunity to explore vintage variance and a major Niagara grape that Mason is firmly committed to exploring as time passes. The oldest bottle in the trio was the 2018 cabernet franc, which shows no signs of age at just about six years old. It was in perfect condition. Mason’s style is all about elegance, and you sense that structurally, the 2018, while lean, is both intense and elegant, making it well suited to the dinner table and or aging. The 2018 spent three years in older wood as Mason waited to get the winery open. Sadly, but understandably, she hasn’t been able to age it more than two years since the first release due to consumer demand and the usual financial pressures of owning and running a winery. At this point, the texture sells this wine, a plate of finely tuned red and black fruits and herbaceous notes that scream cabernet franc. Lovers of the grape will embrace this style and can likely expect it to continue as the vineyards age and Mason stores more and more valuable information about the site.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mason Vineyard The Landed Cabernet Franc 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMy first experience with The Landed Cabernet Franc involved a vertical of three vintages: 2018, 2020, and 2023. Mason says the winemaking has been the same for all years, so it was an excellent opportunity to explore vintage variance, and a grape that Mason is firmly committed to exploring in Niagara. In 2020, the nose is highly expressive, almost lifted, tossing several cab franc scents at you, from leaves and earth to wild berries, dried thyme and spice. This collection spills onto the palate with a similar flavour profile that is only beginning to awaken. It is the richest of the trio. You can't buy this one at the winery anymore, but owners are not rushing to open it yet. I seldom write about cabernet franc and elegance unless I'm in Bordeaux or Bolgheri, but this wine has it in spades. Complex and sophisticated, just like its owner.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mason Vineyard The Landed Cabernet Franc 2022
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMy first experience with The Landed Cabernet Franc involved three vintages: a vertical of 2018, 2020, and 2023. Mason says the winemaking has been the same for all years, so it was an excellent opportunity to explore vintage variance. The 2022, at 13% alcohol, is a stylish version of Cab Franc. Again, it is wild fermented and aged in Bourgogne barrels for 17 months with only 10% new oak, 10% second fill, 30% third fill and the remainder in neutral oak. Most years, the harvest begins in late October and finishes in early November. Mason called the ’22 growing season “hassle-free.” There is no crushing the grapes; they go straight to the tank whole berry for a brief cold soak before heating the tank jackets to fire up the ferment. Ultimately, this wine’s charm is its texture, which permeates it from front to back. It supports a classic savoury, herbaceous franc with just a little bit of Loire, mixing barely ripe strawberries with cranberries and brown spices with a puff of campfire. The acidity is firm and structural for long-term ageing. Elegant, understated red fruits with a complexing, level mineral fresh finish, this is a classic Thanksgiving dinner red.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mason Vineyard Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaNumber three in the Collab Rosé Series with Brooke Husband began with gamay, then pinot noir, and now in 2023, cabernet franc. All the wines are wild fermented at Mason Vineyard, which is particularly useful for generating aromatics and even a bit of texture, something that can elevate a rosé above the crowd. The colour is a pale orange salmon. The nose is a muted mix of rhubarb and red berries with a citrus, floral underside that spills onto the palate. There is just a dusting of spice and pepper, and a dry, crisp finish full of minerality. It has the structure to take on barbecued chicken or sausages but would also be just as fine with a Thai noodle dish. Fine value.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mason Vineyard The Matriarch Pinot Noir 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaAccording to winemaker and owner Kelly Mason, 2020 was the perfect vintage for pinot noir. That is saying something, given how driven Mason is in searching for perfection in her vineyards and wines. The weather cooperated, allowing the fruit to hang until she decided to pick, and the 30 year old vines, a mix of clones 115, 667, and 777, really delivered. At four years old, it is barely showing any signs of aging. It's wild fermented like all the Mason labels, aged in French oak barrels for 17 months, but only sees 10% new oak. The rest is a mix of 10% second fill, 30% third fill. The Matriarch is the pinnacle pinot at Mason Vineyards, but it's been a decade in the making because that is how long it takes to understand your site, according to Mason, who has left no stone unturned on the Twenty Mile Bench site. I tasted this wine over three days, something I rarely do, but it just kept on giving. Complex and silky, it has a juicy red and black fruit character with a savoury underside that is powerfully attractive. You could hold this through 2027, but there is no need; it is on a perfect plateau now.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Mason Vineyard The Matriarch Pinot Noir 2022
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Matriarch Pinot is the pinnacle of Kelly Mason’s wine pyramid. It’s made with pinot noir clones 115, 667, and 777 from the estate Mason Vineyard on Twenty Mile Bench and is bottled, as you would expect, unfiltered. All the Mason wines are wild fermented, and in this case, they were in French oak Bourgogne barrels, where they remained for 17 months in mainly neutral oak with some second and third-year fills. Mason calls it a structural vintage underlying its earthy palate and rich tannins. As she describes, “With a much drier growing season, we were able to hang the pinot a little bit longer (think here that even a week or so is a big difference with Pinot Noir!). Harvesting was much easier, and we could pick with ripeness and promising phenolics.” Look for a medium ruby red colour. The fruits are black and red, mostly cherry, with a deeper brooding earthy underside. Again, the texture is silky smooth, leading to a long, complex floral, mineral finish. Serious, complex and elegant, it’s a winner by any standard. Real value, too.Prices:| ON | $55.00 | 750ml |
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26 August 2024
89PTS
Château Eugenie Tsar Pierre Le Grand 2020
Cahors, Sud-Ouest, FranceChateau Eugenie has a long lineage of winemakers that dates back to 1470 when the Couture family of winegrowers served the Lord of Albas and their great-great-grandmother, Eugenie, who offered her name to the property. Centuries of tradition and know how have been passed on from one generation to the next in the heart of Cahors. In 2020, the mix is 85% malbec, and the 15% merlot is grown on a terraced hillside vineyard. The colour is Cahors dark with intense blackberry, black cherry, and forest floor that spills onto the palate. The texture is more forgiving than you might imagine, pitching soft tannins and balance. Perfect for the fall, and stew or beef Bourguignon.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec Alluvia Vineyard 2018
Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaSelección is a polished malbec thst opens with a stony, floral, mineral nose that previews a fresh, balanced, Next Generation, high altitude malbec. Black plums, blackberries, and cassis are balanced by the tannins and acidity, creating a long, complex finish. The flagship fruit comes from the famed Alluvia Vineyard in Gualtallary, 1,350 meters above sea level. The vines are head pruned and grow out of a rocky, ancient stream bed, hence the strong mineral connection. It is native fermented and aged in new French oak barriques for 24 months. This will currently benefit from a 30-60 minute decant but will age well over the next decade.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Malbec 2022
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaNo significant changes here. The colour is nearly opaque, and the nose is a floral, violet affair, with baking spices and a stony mineral underside. The attack is fresh and vibrant with black cherries and a whiff of dried herbs at 14%. A drier style malbec from a so-so vintage that would be a fine partner for beef tacos or grilled flank steak. Doña Paula High Altitude Malbec is a 90/10 split of grapes from Finca Alluvia in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 1350m altitude; and Finca Los Indios in El Cepillo, San Carlos, at 1100m. It is aged in a mix of first, 2nd, and 3rd use French oak barrels for nine months.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $18.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $17.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Escorihuela 1884 MEG Malbec - Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaA big earthy, vegetal nose spills onto the palate, revealing a mix of dried red fruits and green pepper with a floral underside. Elegant and intense, it is not cooked or jammy. In fact, it is anything but. The 60% Malbec is sourced from the El Cepillo Vineyard, Uco Valley; and 40% cabernet sauvignon from vineyards in San José, Tupungato. It is all aged in French oak casks, 80% new and 20% used. It is best served with rich meat dishes grilled over the fire.Prices:| BC | $58.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Escorihuela 1884 The President's Blend Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaThe President's Blend is an 85/10/5 mix of malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah from two sites: the malbec and syrah are from the El Cepillo Vineyard, Uco Valley; while the cabernet sauvignon is grown at vineyards in San José, Tupungato. The malbec and syrah age for 16 months in French oak casks, and the cabernet spends 16 months in French oak barriques. The nose is a floral, red fruit affair with delicate, stony mineral undertones. On the palate, juicy black plums, cassis, and smoked cloves conspire to capture your attention before fading into a balsamic, soft, textured finish. This will easily cellar through 2028 and beyond. It is best now with grilled beef or pork.Prices:| BC | $57.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.99 | 750ml |
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22 August 2024
91PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Nota Bene blends 46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Cabernet Franc from the Southern Okanagan. It was destemmed and whole berry native fermented, before resting 18 months in French barriques and puncheons (47% new). Plump and plush blackberry and wild cassis flood the core, while the sides are structured with firm, finely grippy tannins. Scrubby violets, ink, and toasted spice season, with the lingering finishing trailing off with toasted cedar and cracked peppercorns. Though drinking well now (grilled striploin), winemaker Ross Wise is certainly crafting this for the cellar and future enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château Pascaud Reserve Bordeaux Supérieur 2020
Bordeaux, FranceThis merlot comes from the Commune of Galgon, near Fronsac, 10 kilometres north and slightly east of Pomerol. The property farms a six hectare high density site of 45 year old vines over clay-gravel slopes. The style is Right Bank, with luscious blackberry and rich tannins that run through a long, primarily silky finish. At 14.5 percent, this competes with New World merlot on the West Coast but has the structure to cellar a decade and beyond. There is fair value considering its aging potential and quality.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luke Wines Merlot 2020
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesLuke Merlot is grown on the Wahluke Slope in the Columbia Valley of Washington State. It is much like many Columbia merlot: big, rich, warm, soft, and peppery with black fruit and clove spice. Opulen is a good word for it. It's not complex but satisfying nonetheless, and it's the perfect wine for grilled beef. The fruit comes from several vineyards: Weinbau, Stone Tree, Clifton Hill, Sugarloaf, and Ravencliff. In 2002, the final blend was 92% merlot, 6% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc, all aged in French & American Oak. It is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Merlot Cerqueira Vineyard 2022
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Black Sage Terrace's lauded Cerqueira Vineyard, this was fermented in stainless before heading to neutral French 225L oak for 15 months. Black plum, cassis, and smoked stone rule the palate, with finely sticky tannins guiding this to an abrupt, snappy finish. Crack into this now, with grilled kabobs or ribs.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Cabernet Merlot 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis blend of 92% merlot and 8% cabernet franc comes from Osoyoos' Anarchist Mountain Vineyard (planted 1994) and Oliver's Ryegrass Road Vineyard (planted 2009). All was destemmed into stainless for co-fermentation, with two weeks on skins before heading to French oak for 11 months. Wild blackberry, cassis, and dark plum are kissed with smoke and wrapped with sticky tannins. A juicy palate welcomes pairing with grilled burgers or ribs.Prices:| BC | $24.44 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Merlot King Family Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Naramata Bench's iconic King Family Vineyard, this merlot comes off 40 year old vines, and was native fermented in concrete. Perfumed blackberry, wild plum, boysenberry floods the juicy, joyous palate, with finely sticky tannins framing the sides, and drawing this to a gently spiced finish. I love merlot that reminds of a big bear hug, and this does in spades. Riding easy at 14%, try cracking this with grilled mushroom / salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Fort Berens Merlot Reserve 2021
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaIt's too smoky to evaluate. It's a shame; the wine is rich, spicy, and has lovely tannins, but you must love that campfire smell in your merlot to enjoy it.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Cabernet Merlot 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt is a blend of 92/8 merlot/cabernet franc hand-picked from two South Okanagan vineyards: Anarchist Mountain Vineyard in Osoyoos, initially planted in 1994, and Ryegrass Road Vineyard in Oliver, planted in 2009. It is aged for 11 months in seasoned French oak barrels. It is back on track after a smoky 2021. Look for juicy dark red cherry fruit, a touch of compost, and leafy, herby notes before a tobacco and chocolate finish. It's a mid-weight, midweek red, perfect for burgers or ribs.Prices:| BC | $24.44 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Black Hills Nota Bene 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Nota Bene chases the terroir of the Black Sage Bench in the South Okanagan and its distinctive savoury notes. Merlot takes the lead in 2022, which fits the finesse and elegance winemaker Ross Wise has been seeking as he slowly retools the winery's top-selling wine, bolstering the label's "Iconic" moniker with something far more interesting in the bottle and the glass. Both opulent and succulent, the merlot is the perfect foil for the cabernet sauvignon's herbaceous notes and the cabernet franc's floral vibrancy. The mid-plate is awash in blackberries and black currants with structural tannins lined by desert scrub sagebrush notes. We love the freshness here and the polished finish. You can drink this now, but it is going nowhere for a decade or two. The blend is 46/36/18 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc fermented with wild yeasts and aged 18 months in French oak barriques and puncheons. Some 47% of the oak was new.Prices:| BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Famille Sichel Château Daviaud 2020
Bordeaux, FranceAt the start of 2020, the Sichel Family took control of Château Daviaud, which was contributing to Sichel’s Bel Air cellar. When the Château went up for sale, they bought the entire vineyard and its infrastructure. 2020 is becoming a highly rated vintage where the best wines combine finesse with gravitas and opulence. This imposing blend mixes 45% merlot, 21% cabernet franc, 19% cabernet sauvignon, and 15% malbec, grown over limestone and gravel soils mixed with silica at lower elevations. The result is open, showy, spicy black cherries, blackcurrants, and blueberries, with silky, dense tannins, suggesting you could drink this through 2027. Charming is the word for this delicious modern reference to everyday Bordeaux. The styling is impressive. A serious bargain.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
LaStella Fortissimo 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFortissimo is an ode to the pioneers of Tuscany who challenged the traditions of classic winemaking in the 1950s and 60s to elevate the reputation of Italian wines when they were suffering internationally. Grower winemaker Severine Pinte uses large format puncheons and Hungarian/Slavonian oak with any barely new wood to keep the oak in check, and let terroir speak. In 2022 the savoury side of this wine was evident, with only marginal plum and black cherry poking through the midpalate, with a rush of desert scrub, tobacco, and more dried herbs that run through the finish. There is plenty of substance here, if a bit on the dry side, but nothing a steak or a mushroom burger wouldn’t tweak as it blossoms in the bottle. The blend is 45% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Sangiovese, all grown on Black Sage Bench and in the Osoyoos Lake District.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit Rouge is made like any other wine at Le Vieux Pin, but it is always more accessible upon release thanks to fruit from younger vines and vines pruned and cropped at less stringent levels. In 2023, a well-regarded and generous vintage, the mix is mostly merlot, with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and a touch of syrah. The palate is lively and harmonious, the fruit plummy and spicy with a dusting of dried desert scrub. The balance is perfect; the tannins and acid are present but balanced. It is equally at home with pork chops, sausages, a pâté charcuterie board, vegan enchiladas or a hearty ratatouille as the weather cools in the fall.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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21 August 2024
89PTS
Rigour and Whimsy Bite of the Dragon 2023
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRigour & Whimsy are a tiny garagiste, family-owned winery based in Okanagan Falls, sourcing vineyards across the Okanagan for their creative and adventuresome (and artfully labelled) portfolio, one that changes annually. Though we've seen this cuvée before, in 2023 it comes off Osoyoos' Sekhon Family Vineyards, and was whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented and aged in older wood on full solids prior to racking into stainless for a stint before bottling. Bone dry and textural, with an earthy, stony lees bed to base ripe pear, peach, and yellow apple, licked with yogurt, and seasoned with a kiss of lime pith and white pepper. An uncompromising view of southern Okanagan riesling.Prices:| BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2023
British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023, Fort Berens released only one riesling, a blend of 57% Naramata fruit, and 43% Lillooet. After 12 hours skin contact, the crushed grapes were pressed into stainless for a long, cold fermentation waiting until the desired RS (9.4 g/L) was met. The wine rested on less for 4 months before bottling. Perfumed cold cream, apricot, tangerine rules the bright, snappy palate, finishing with a brief orange twist. Crack into this friendly wine now.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Old Vines Riesling 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTantalus' Old Vines Riesling, consistently one of Canada's top wines, comes entirely off their north facing 1978 plantings of clone 21B, sheltered by Ponderosa pines, and rooted in deep silty soils. This was handpicked, gently whole bunch pressed, settled and fermented cool for 45 days before resting a few months on lees, plus 2 years in bottle prior to release. Such a wine of site, and time, this savoury, dry riesling streams across the palate with crushed stones, lime pith and peel, mandarin, pear skin, and flake salts. Though held taut with nervy energy, this wine reveals itself slowly, confidently, and without any showy pretension. The finish lingers long, thankfully, reminding that you should seek out this singular wine whenever you can.Prices:| BC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2023
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis, their flagship riesling, was picked over a few weeks across a number of estate vineyards (2005 and 2009 planted) plus neighbouring East Kelowna grower blocks. All were whole bunch pressed, inoculated, and fermented cool-ish and long in stainless until the desired RS (15 g/L) was achieved. Juicy and mouthwatering, this off-dry riesling rings with tangerine, lime, ripe pear, cold cream, and perfumed apricot, with a driving lime peel acidity tempering the sugar and sailing this through the shimmering finish. Friendly, but never dumbed down, this is an Okanagan gem.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Riesling 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for the 2022 riesling comes from two longtime growers and a portion of the estate's 35 year old vines. The style is comfortably off-dry and the sweetest of the wines made at Wild Goose. It opens with a sweet, sour mix of grapefruit, with orange and peach, washing up with citrus in the clean finish. This is a simple, straight up riesling that is ready to drink. The winery match is pickled mustard and hot honey fried chicken with a buttermilk sauce.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Fort Berens Riesling 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThis classic label riesling boasts 10.0 g/L of residual sugar, straddling the dry and off-dry zone. Expect pretty lime sorbet, talcum powder, stone fruit, and florals. Fresh and balanced with moderate zest, it has an effortless drinking style that is well made and suited to various dishes, including beef or pork tacos. The winery suggests pairing it with fried tofu and a mild chilli sauce. The grapes were destemmed and crushed, then left on the skins for 12 hours before pressing, followed by four months on lees.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Riesling 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThis is a delicious everyday drink-now riesling with a bump of residual sugar that takes in an equal amount of acidity, leaving a fresh, fruity, barely off-dry riesling full of ripe apples, lime, mineral, sour citrus, and apricots. It's a fun patio sipper or wine you could serve with a favourite Southeast Asian pork dish. The fruit comes from various locations, as indicated by its BC VQA status. It's ready to drink and offers good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Riesling 2023
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYear after year, the Tantalus team digs in and give us a masterpiece in simplicity and consistency with its flagship off-dry Riesling. The fruit comes off home block vines planted in 2005 and 2009, and neighbouring established grower sites inside the East Kelowna Slopes sub-GI. Winemaker David Patterson says, "the fruit is self-balancing," with 14+ g/L of residual sugar working its way into an explosion of acid tension. Chalk, lemons, minerals, and florals precede a rush of citrus and peach that takes over and runs through the finish. Drink or hold. A recent tasting of the 2021 was only beginning to open now, so take your cue from that.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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16 August 2024
90PTS
Domaine de Paris Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThe Breban company is one of the last family-owned companies producing artisanal sparkling wines and a wide range of wines of varying styles in the South of France. Domaine de Paris has a classic pale Provençal colour from a blend of 40/30/20/10 grenache/syrah/cinsault/carignan that previews a fragrant, delicate, floral, red-fruited rosé that is true to the Provençal style. The plate is a rush of wild strawberries, tart raspberries and a dusting of white flowers. Drink anytime, anywhere. A perfect sushi wine it is equally at home with grilled white fish. Good value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CedarCreek Platinum Naramata Bench Pinot Noir Rosé 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Naramata Bench appellation sits on the narrow eastern side of Okanagan in a wild terroir that gets warm afternoon sunshine tempered by a daily lake breeze. The soils are ancient lake bed soils, and this pinot noir rosé is grown specifically from two distinct organically certified blocks, fermented in concrete to focus on its minerality and nuances. The nose and attack pitches bright raspberry and citrus that is crunchy and crisp, snapping off a clean finish. This is an Aspect Member Exclusive, so you must join the club to get access. This pinot noir is fermented in concrete fermenters for thirty days before aging for three months on its lees. The residual sugar is a modest 6.9 g/L, set off by a total acidity of 0.7.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn anarchistic blend of zweigelt, malbec, pinotage, and merlot, all sourced from Kaleden, this tangy, spice-tinged rosé offers bright cranberry, raspberry, and pink grapefruit framed by cream and expressive florals. It's brisk and dry, with impressive complexity that reflects the palette of grape varieties.Prices:| BC | $21.83 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA medium pink rosé based predominantly on merlot, it offers a juicy nose of succulent red berries alongside dried herbs and spice. It's a richer style, evidenced by the 14% abv, but with balancing, crisp acidity, leading to a dry, fruit-laden finish. Well made with broad appeal.Prices:| BC | $27.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joiryde Winery Rose 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a pale salmon pink hue, this cabernet franc rosé opens with the classic strawberry-rhubarb notes accented by herbal greenness. The crisp acidity brightens the fruit on the palate, while a subtle textural element from the phenolic finish adds interest.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Rosé Noir 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClassic pale pink, this pinot noir rosé offers a lean, delicate nose of watermelon, strawberry water, and spice, leading to a crisp, textured palate with a dry finish that's marked by a touch of bitterness. True to style and variety, it's a well made rosé to take you through the summer months. You have to love the 11.7% abv.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Meyer Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for this pinot noir rosé comes from across Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, and Naramrata, with 12 hours on skins translating to a medium pink hue. It opens with a lifted, characterful nose, offering a combination of wild strawberries, sour cherry, blood orange, desert shrubs, and earthy spices. There's no shortage of depth and intrigue here, with notable weight and concentration to the palate, in a richer, bolder style that will be versatile at the dinner table. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $20.96 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosé 2023
Thompson Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis organic rosé is made from marquette, which offers a deeper, medium pink hue alongside dried raspberry, blood orange, and spice. A touch of residual sugar (8 g/L) helps to balance the tart acidity, leading to a brisk, mouthwatering finish. Well made and fairly priced.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Solvero Rosé 2023
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere's a surprising amount of colour to this rosé, with just three hours on skins translating to medium fluorescent pink, perhaps reflective of the low-yielding 2023 vintage (2 tons per acre in this case). It's very much an archetypal pinot noir rosé, with bright red cherry, strawberry, and watermelon, leading to a bone-dry, zesty palate with a concentrated, creamy texture. Lovely purity of fruit and balance, easily standing out in our line up of rosés.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Over the Fence Winery Rosé 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis merlot-based rosé offers a simple cranberry, rhubarb nose, leading to a round, off-dry palate with just enough acidity to keep everything in balance. It is the type of rosé you can get away with throwing an ice cube or two in your glass while pairing with light summer fare on the patio.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a deeper pink, this gamay rosé was made in the saignée method, with the bled juice wild fermented in concrete and stainless steel, before aging for seven months. It offers a richer, riper nose, with wild red berries accented with peppery spice and perfumed florals leading to a dry, weighty, textured palate with crisp acidity. There's a clear gamay character here, almost more of a very light red, giving this a distinctive quality that's a worthwhile detour from the ocean of pale pink rosés on shelves.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2022
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FrancePouring a pale Provençal pink, this affordable rosé offers a simple, attractive nose of tangerine and soft red berries, with a touch of spice, leading to an off-dry palate with soft acidity. A well made, beach ready rosé.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Orofino Vineyards Rose (1.5L MagBag) 2023
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest Orofino Rosé available in a 1500 ml bag (without the box) has quickly become known as the Mag-Bag and is selling out even quicker. Made with pinot noir, this is a dry, pale pink/orange rosé that falls on the sophisticated side of the genre. Red fruit and melon rind is dusted in Similkameen desert scrub and minerality. As well suited as it is to the dinner table, its innovative and highly green packaging allows you to take it camping, boating, backpacking, beaching, and picnicking. Oh, and did we mention that it will stay fresh for a month when it is opened?Prices:| BC | $45.35 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Rosé 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThis wine mysteriously fell through the cracks at the National Wine Awards. Could the judges have had a defective screwcap? It has all the Island attributes. It's dry, and the fruit is vibrant in an earthy, rhubarb, cherry way. The attack is fresh, the acidity bright, and the creamy palate adds more approachability to this highly gulpable pink. Last year, we said this wine was delicious and primarily unequalled worldwide and that this kind of wine will turn heads everywhere in the wine world. So be it in 2023.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Sunnydale Vineyard Rosé 2023
Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Sunnydale Vineyard on the Saanich Peninsula, the vines are located on the sedimentary slopes of Mount Newton. The onion skin colour is beautiful, as it is neutral French oak fermentation. It rests for four months before bottling. The palate is once again taut with vibrant fresh wild berries permeating a stony mineral base with a saline undercurrent. I love that there is no pandering here to sugar, making this a classic rosé for grownups.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chivite Las Fincas Rosado 2023
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThe Chivite Las Fincas range was born from a 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 latest wine from the collaboration between Julián Chivite and the Arzak family, and like last year, it is delicious. The colour is Provençal pale, while the nose is a subtle mix of floral and citrus, and the palate a mix of rose petals, strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, and cranberries. 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 roasted chicken. The blend is 70/30 garnacha tinta and tempranillo, and it spends six months in stainless steel before going to the bottle.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis pale rosé is made from cabernet franc grown in both Oliver and Osoyoos, on BOV estate vineyards. The fruit is picked separately and gets an overnight’s worth of skin colour, resulting in its stylish pink-gold colour. Post ferment in stainless steel, it spends three months on lees before bottling. This is a big step up for this wine and a delight to sip. The palate is an enticing mix of red fruits, a touch of pepper, and a slick, smooth, almost creamy palate that slides down easily. Ready to drink with smoked salmon and cream cheese for starters.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Rosé 2023
Thompson Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMonte Creek has released its latest organic rosé, a deeper pink colour. Tangerine and pomelo with a dusting of spice, it's fresh and well made, with just enough residual sugar to smooth out the fresh, lean finish. It is definitely a food wine. Think salmon sashimi or salmon sushi rolls. It is affordable compared to many other BC options. Living Land Rosé is Thompson Valley marquette grown on scudetto soil, primarily composed of mineral particles that form a thick mantle of lake sediments over volcanic bedrock. The winemaking is simple: grapes are pressed before fermenting and aged for five months in stainless steel. The Thompson was unaffected by the 2023 freeze, and Monte Creek recorded its largest crop ever, exceeding 2022 by 10 percent.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Solvero Rosé 2023
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis dry pinot noir rosé, with its medium pale pink hue, opens with delicate rose petals, tangy raspberry, and cranberry, complemented by subtle spices. It has a nice backbone of mouthwatering acidity framing the palate. An elegant, light bodied rosé with restrained flavours.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Meyer Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith 12 hours of skin contact and partial wild fermentation in 50% barrel and 50% stainless steel, this charming pinot noir rosé bursts with pronounced aromas of perfumed rose petals, raspberry, and strawberry, accented by subtle touches of nutmeg and clove. The palate is round, balanced, and flavourful, offering juicy red fruit and savoury spices. Well crafted and inviting, with a lingering finish.Prices:| BC | $20.96 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Rosé 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAn interesting blend of zweigelt, malbec, pinotage, and merlot, this coral-pink rosé reveals zesty grapefruit, orange peel, and savoury leafy herbs like sage and mint, all aromas more reminiscent of white wine than rosé. There are some tangy cranberries on the palate, brightened by refreshing acidity. A vibrant and herbal rosé.Prices:| BC | $21.83 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joiryde Winery Rose 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis deep pink cabernet franc rosé is an intriguing mix of herbaceous notes and fairly exuberant fruit. Look for redcurrants, red cherries, melon, and strawberry, all with a dusting of desert sagebrush in a watery style. Balanced and fresh, it finishes mostly dry. Look for the tasting room at District Wine Village just north of Oliver.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Rosé 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a bright pale gold rosé from this pinot noir grown on a steeply sloped vineyard in the Okanagan Valley's Kaleden region. The entry is juicy and fruit driven, offering bright strawberries, plums, and grapefruit, pitching fruit and acidity into the glass and producing a lively rosé with balance and some style. This was made for food, and I think salmon sashimi would be the right pick to cut to take on the acidity and freshness.Prices:| BC | $28.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Provenance Series Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPouring a deeper sockeye salmon hue, this rosé is crafted from a diverse blend of grapes: 68% merlot, 18% cabernet franc, 6% cabernet sauvignon, 4% chardonnay, and 4% pinot noir. The slightly lifted nose reveals tangerine, orange peel, baked red apple, and some herbs. Crisp acidity and a subtle bitter finish are balanced by a touch of sweetness, rounding out this lively, approachable rosé.Prices:| BC | $27.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pasquiers Grenache Cinsault Rosé 2022
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceShowing a very pale, onion skin hue, this grenache / cinsault rosé from Pays d'Oc opens with light notes of orange peel, mixed red berries, and a hint of florals. On the palate, a bit of candied fruit with a touch of sweetness comes through, softening any rustic edge. A light bodied, refreshing, and friendly rosé that delivers great value.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Haywire Gamay Noir Rosé 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPale ruby garnet in colour, this gamay rosé, made using the saignée method, leans more towards red than rosé, both in hue and flavour. Naturally fermented in concrete and stainless steel before aging for 7 months, it offers rich flavours of juicy, sweet red berries, almost like a compote, along with cracked black pepper, and subtle spices. Expect a lingering, savoury finish with a spicy kick. Delicious.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Over the Fence Winery Rosé 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaShowing a copper pink hue, this merlot based rosé opens with watermelon and candied fruit, mixed with a touch of green herbs. Made in a sweeter style with soft acidity, it has an old school charm that may appeal to fans of Californian Blush.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Vieux Pin Vaïla Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn 2023 there were low yields due to winter conditions, but winegrower Severine Pinte believes it was an excellent year for pinot noir and rosé. This pinot pink is exclusively aged in stainless steel, yielding deliciously full flavoured notes of rhubarb, grapefruit, minerals, and wild strawberries. It's serious enough for a dinner table and fun enough for lingering on the patio with appetizers. The winery suggests pairing it with a tossed baby greens salad with fresh berries and warm vegan cultured cheese on a summer day.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tantalus Rosé 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe latest pink from Tantalus is an 80/20 split of pinot noir and pinot meunier. The former’s volume is up considerably from last year due to a late December 2022 cold snap. The fruit is whole bunched pressed, fermented dry, and spends a total of three months on its lees, adding a modicum of texture to a finely tuned rosé. This is it if you are a fan of red and orange fruits running through a mineral stream. It is ready to drink all summer and fall.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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15 August 2024
90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Cowichan Valley Pinot Gris 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe Unsworth style is not for everyone unless you are a fan of purity and precision, which happens to be the signature of its pinot gris, a wine that can transport you to northern Italy and its magical pinot grigio zone, Fruili. Look for a lean, taut, mineral scented white full of crunchy fresh greens dusted in saline notes. A true oyster slayer. Three Cowichan vineyards are home to this tasty gris (a mix of clones 52 and 53). Unsworth, Zanatta, and Saison Vineyard each share a unique mix of marine silts and loams. Ten percent goes into neutral barriques before it all rests for five months on its lees.Prices:| BC | $27.90 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Gris Saison Vineyards 2023
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaThe long-running relationship between Unsworth and the Saison Vineyard Pinot Gris is closing in on 15 years. Over time, the evolution of this fruit has taken it to a single vineyard bottling. The Saison effect is all about increased intensity and delicacy. It is primarily fermented in stainless steel with a minor amount of neutral French oak (10%). The style is coastal electric with a silky, leesy, electric undercurrent and a chiselled, fresh mid palate of saline washed stone and minerals. Assorted shellfish all work well here.Prices:| BC | $29.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
J. M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gris 2022
Alsace, FranceWinzenberg Grand Cru rests between 240-320m, south and south-east facing, on pink granite soils laced with mica and feldspar. Super perfumed, with lovely rosewater, starfruit, perfumed pear across a full, cushy palate, all held taut with lofted, structural acidity, and finishing long and saline. Lovely pedigree here, drinking now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wild Goose Pinot Gris 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistency is not to be ignored. It comes at you every year from this aromatic, lively gris. Honeyed pears and juicy nectarine push into lighter citrus notes, leaving this on the crunchy but just off-dry side. Drink now with spicy chicken tacos, or Singapore-style noodles.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Gris 2023
British Columbia, CanadaThe '23 mix contains 26% Lillooet fruit, with additions from two of BC's warmest regions, Osoyoos and Lytton. The wine is surprisingly fresh, pitching cool green melon and pears, with a wash of ripe grapefruit giving it a touch of tropicality in the finish. It is well made with some attractive precision and attention to freshness. Ready to drink with summer pasta salads, or a watermelon salad with feta cheese.Prices:| BC | $23.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Solvero Pinot Gris 2023
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's year two for Solvero’s pinot gris, harvested from Kozuki Family Vineyards and Happy Valley Vineyard near 600 meters above sea level, across four separate picks, and treated individually. The fermentations were mostly spontaneous, kept cool, and spread over three to four weeks to dryness. The textural style has low fruit, more mineral terroir, and creamy, bitter citrus notes. It is best with food as the winery suggests: crab cakes or baked salmon, chicken piccata, lemon herb chicken, or pasta primavera.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Pinot Gris Belich Vineyard 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the first release of Anarchy Pinot Gris, sourced from Kaleden's Belich Vineyard. It is fermented in a mix of 42/41/17 stainless steel, ceramic balls, and neutral puncheons, and then stored for seven months on its lees before blending and bottling. Mayhem has that hard-to-copy knack for making delicious wines. In this case, the mix of grapefruit, peach, and nectarine with a spicy finish gives it a rich but easy drinking style. It's more intense than their classic pinot gris, and a smidgen is more complex, but still just as approachable now. Save this for the dinner table, but you must be a club member to buy it.Prices:| BC | $26.18 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Pinot Gris 2023
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKaleden’s Belich Vineyard is home to this year’s Mayhem Gris. It has an attractive ripe orchard fruit profile that slides down dangerously easily, with red apples, peaches, and just the right amount of lees and bright acidity. What you think will be sweet stays the course, although spicy food would be the best match here for the overall ripeness. 17% saw time in larger seasoned puncheons, before 5 more months on lees prior to blending and bottling. Delicious, and drinking right now.Prices:| BC | $19.22 | 750ml |
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14 August 2024
88PTS
Hillside Chef's Whites 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of sauvignon blanc (45%), sémillon (38%), and chardonnay (17%), this food friendly white offers a restrained, lean nose of green apple, Anjou pear, and lemon, with a touch of lees and white blossom. Brisk and crunchy on the palate, both textured and concentrated, it offers nuance and subtlety with a finish of green and citrus fruits.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.80 | 1500ml |
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91PTS
Gómez Cruzado Rioja Blanco 2022
Rioja, SpainGómez Cruzado operates out of their 135 year old cellar (founded 1886) in the Station District, in Haro, the historic heart of Rioja. The bodega focuses on sustainably farmed old vine plots and indigenous varieties. This is a blend of viura, tempranillo blanco, garnacha blanca, and malvasia from a single high altitude plot in Haro, on stony alluvial / limestone soils. This used about 50% stems in the pressing, was native fermented in stainless before a part rests 5 months in French oak on lees, with the rest aging in concrete. The 2 Ano on the front label is an old term used in Spain to refer to whites released in their second year, as they benefit from longer ageing. Creamy pear, white peach, crystalline lemon is textured with downy lees and seasoned with light toast, shaping this through a lingering, subtly spiced finish. Deftly handled, pour stylish white in lieu of white Bourgogne.Prices:| BC | $29.30 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terra de Asorei Nai E Señora Albariño 2023
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainNai E Señora is a tribute to Galician women, as imaged by the floral silhouette gracing the front label. Nai translates to mother, and Señora means lady, in Galician. From Val do Salinés' clay and pink granite, this albariño spent 30 days macerating in stainless before ferment and a brief stint on lees. Fragrant white peach, nectarine, and pear blossoms fill this juicy, joyous white, with a buzzy granitic grip running along the base. Friendly, and ready for sunny patios.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fitapreta Branco 2023
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis blend of roupeiro, rabo de ovelha, antão vaz, tamarez, alicante branco, and arinto are sourced from 2 organic vineyards in Alentejo's granitic and limestone soils, and vines from 30-50 years, up to 400m in altitude. After a whole bunch press and a native ferment in primarily stainless barrels (the second pressing goes into older barrels), this remained there on lees for six months before bottling. White grapefruit, green fig, pine nuts flood the bright, juicy palate, with a buzzy granitic grip that takes this to a saline finish. Super smart, and fantastic value in ON.Prices:| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
François le Saint Calcaire 2022
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 30-45 year old vines grown on a 6.26ha plot of calcareous soils. After a native ferment in stainless, it rests there for a brief time on lees prior to bottling. Perfumed pear, lemon, melon, white peach, and almond glide along the sleek palate, with a fine buzzy acidity that flows long on the palate. Super smart.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
François le Saint Sancerre Silex 2022
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceFrançois le Saint is a line of wines from one of Sancerre's most revered names. Established in 1749 in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest wine growing families in the Loire Valley with a history that spans 10 generations. This sauvignon blanc is certified organic and biodynamically farmed, from 35 year old vines grown on a 3.15ha plot of clay soils with flint and marls, native fermented. Crushed stones are layered with pear skin, lime pith, white grapefruit, and wild green herbs run long on the taut palate, mouthwatering, finishing with a lingering salinity. Super smart, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Hester Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek is going down the Bordeaux road in 2023 with a 60/40 mix of sauvignon blanc and sémillon that was all handpicked by the cellar team, whole cluster pressed and co-fermented in four 228 litre vessels, three of which were French oak. Post ferment, it was racked off, the barrels were cleaned, and the juice was returned to the barrel for five months of aging. In the glass, you get straw, juniper, and dried herbs, while on the palate, honeyed apples, citrus, and melon penetrate the wine from front to back. Rich yet restrained, with bright mineral tones in the finish, this is a well balanced, attractive white for the dinner table. My suggestion is prawn ravioli or salt and pepper fried squid.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hillside Chef's Whites 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 45% sauvignon blanc, 38% sémillon, and 17% chardonnay, this vibrant, nuanced white opens with white peach, grapefruit, and subtle herbal notes. Crisp acidity and a sweet core of citrus and stone fruit shine through on the palate while the layered, rounded texture, developed from 38% terracotta jarre (egg-shaped sandstone jar), 24% neutral French oak, and 4 months on lees, is well balanced by a subtle, pleasantly phenolic finish.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $20.80 | 1500ml |
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13 August 2024
84PTS
Veramonte Reserva Pinot Noir 2021
Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThis organic Casablanca Valley pinot noir was native fermented with 15% whole cluster, before resting 6 months in neutral oak. Super herbal and weedy up front, with tart cranberry, rhubarb, toasted wood, and furry tannins. Lacking pinot's charm (though the label is pretty).Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Ned Pinot Noir 2020
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandWith fruit from Marlborough's Waihopai Valley, around 900m, this is a fruit forward pinot, with browning cherry and meadow grasses seasoned with toasted spice, and framed with fine, sticky tannins to a snappy, warming finish. Simple and soft.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2019
Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom their estate Southern Valleys vineyards, this blends clones 114, 115, 5, 667, and 777, with 20% whole bunch in the mix. Post ferment, this rests in French barriques (25% new) until bottling in February 2020. Dark plum, fleshy cherry is scented with toasted oak spicing, and kissed with dark chocolate. Tannins are smoothed, framing this to a spiced and warming finish. Solid pinot for pouring alongside pork / chicken sausages.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Cowichan estate vineyard's hillside blocks, this was fermented in stainless before resting in French barrels (15% new) for 15 months. Pretty and perfumed with wild plum and raspberries, this is scented with an alluring herbal scrub, and lifted with effortless acidity. Tannins are fine and long, guiding this delicate and finessed pinot to a lingering stony, saline finish. Much going on for its 12.1%, this expressive pinot is one to seek out.Prices:| BC | $38.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lightning Rock Pinot Noir Elysia Vineyard 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two Pinot Noirs released by Lightning Rock in 2022, this is from Summerland's Elysia Vineyard, and its limestone laced, granite bedded slopes, with vines planted 2006. This fruit was destemmed and native fermented over 2 weeks before being pressed to neutral French barriques for 7 months' rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fragrant raspberry, peony, and wild strawberries is lifted with crunchy rhubarb, and framed with long, fine and sticky tannins. A brighter, raw view of the grape.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Lightning Rock Canyonview Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two Pinot Noirs released by Lightning Rock in 2022, this is from Canyonview Vineyard's sandy and granite studded soils, planted in 2003 to 1155 and 667 clones. This was native fermented in tank (40% whole cluster) before heading to neutral oak barriques for 10 months' rest. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Perfumed raspberry, juicy cherry courses across the softer, cushioned palate, with finely rasped tannins framing, and a lick of perfumed lavender on the lingering finish. There's a fine granitic grip livening this softer pinot, encouraging glass after glass.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada2022 marks the second Garnet Valley Ranch Pinot Noir, and like the inaugural 2021, the organically farmed / biodynamically inspired grapes are native fermented in concrete with 50% whole clusters, before resting in a mix of neutral oak and concrete. Bright perfumed plum, raspberry is stencilled with taut, fine, grippy tannins, guiding this lighter bodied wine to a fragrant wild scrub finish. Quite pretty, with a lithe, tight structure to work with food and / or cellaring. A lovely pinot of place.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Tantalus Maija Pinot Noir 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe last time we saw Maija Pinot Noir was the 2019 vintage, so it's lovely to have it back in the portfolio. Named for owner Eric Savics' daughter, fruit came off their youngest estate blocks of Dijon plantings, complemented by fruit off a neighbouring vineyard. It was native fermented with 20% whole bunches prior to moving into French barriques (10% new) for 11 months prior to blending and bottling. Darkly shaded, this perfumed, plumped wine charms with fragrant plum, black cherry, and savoury spices, with a silken body gripped with long assam tea tannins to a spiced finish.Prices:| BC | $30.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gneiss Pinot Noir 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExpect a medium-rich pinot noir with light, supple tannins. The fruit, grown at Keith Vineyard on the Naramata Bench, is hand picked and foot pressed. It opens as an easy sipping pinot with rich dark cherry and an earthy forest floor underside. It is barrel aged in French Oak for 18 months. It is ready to drink and would be fine with barbecued salmon steaks.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Block 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHome Block is the heart of the 0.6 hectare 1 Mill Road vineyard in the Naramata Bench. It was planted in 2013 to a single pinot clone, Dijon 15. The 2022 continues to expand in the bottle, adding complexity to its vibrant cherry and desert scrub. These are new wines and young vines, but the finesse I am tasting suggests the future is bright for 1 Mill and other pinot producers on the Naramata Bench. Winemaker Ben Bryant is passionate about his approach to making pinot, and his wines are coming in under 13 percent (take that Burgundy, California, and many others) with barrels you can barely smell and rarely taste. Tasting this wine in three to five years will be a treat.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
1 Mill Road Black Pine Pinot Noir 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEight months from our last look, the style remains earthy and reserved, with more mushroom and forest floor than cranberry. The textures are silky but with light tannins yet to shed in a spicy finish. The wine is stainless steel fermented over two weeks and basket pressed into a combination of 1, 2, and 3 year old French barriques, and aged for nine months. The final alcohol is a welcomed 12.8%. Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott own the current iteration of One Mill Road, and this is their first bottling of Black Pine Vineyard, a 1.6 hectare site on the Naramata Bench planted to four pinot clones. The dry granite site is farmed by growers Kathi and Rick Prosser.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bartier Bros. Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Bartier Pinot speaks to you like winemaker Michael Bartier would, with directness and honesty, although you must be a wine club member to buy it. The 97/3 mix of Kamloops pinot noir and oddly Similkameen petit verdot spent 17 months in neutral French oak barrels and stainless, yielding a silky texture and juicy quality that is close to Micheal’s heart. It’s not a knockout wine, but rather a solid everyday pinot you can enjoy any night of the week. Look for a mix of red cherries, earthy underbrush, floral undertones, and a wisp of peppers. Long and smooth on the palate, it would be fine with most pork dishes or grilled wild BC salmon.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haywire Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSourced from 3 vineyards across the Okanagan (Garnet Valley, Summerland, and Naramata), this utilized 50% whole cluster and 50% whole berry in its native ferment over 1 month. It was then basked pressed into concrete and foudre for aging. Perfumed boysenberry, dusky plum, is threaded with astringently textural black tea and kissed with smoked stones. Tannins are sticky, hugging this to a baking spice finish. Take with a slight chill, and crack with mushroom / salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Limited Production Pinot Noir 2022
Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaPequeñas Producciones is focused on typicity of variety, and it starts with the best suited terroir, says winemaker Matias Cipriani. The alluvial soils at El Cepillo Vineyard in the Uco Valley are deep sandy loam with rocks rich in calcium carbonate (caliche) and are home to his pinot, which opens with a classic pale pinot colour. The style is earthy and reserved, with more terroir than muted cherry and blueberry. The alcohol is moderate, adding some elegance to a medium-long, dry finish. Try this one with salmon burgers.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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12 August 2024
94PTS
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2016
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyAlways fragrant and mouth filling, the 2016 is a first rate effort. The attack is rich and full of mushrooms, black fruits, and balsamic that only expand and fill the palate. As big as it is, the acidity helps keep it fresh throughout. There is a lingering sweetness and mineral notes among its fine grained tannins, suggesting it will easily hit the ten year mark in a bottle, and likely age for another two or three decades with ease. One for collectors. Impressive, and just getting started at the eight-year mark. Monte Olmi is the vineyard at Pedemonte di Valpolicella, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. The 2.5 hectare site has a southwestern exposure and is organized on terraces to ensure efficient drainage. The soil is riddled with clay, which is the key to the vineyard not drying out in the driest of years. Monte Olmi has been farmed since the early 60s, creating one of the first single-vineyard wines in Valpolicella. It is planted to 30% corvina, 30% corvinone, 30% rondinella, and 10% oseleta, negrara, dindarella, croatina and forselina. The grapes are dried for four months before getting a soft pressing.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $78.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $92.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2008
Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThe fully mature 2008 is full of life as it progresses along the Amarone maturation line. The tannins are mostly evaporated, revealing a rich palate of black and blue fruits, leather, minerals, wood smoke, pepper and tobacco. This is a wine for contemplation and a hunk of old Reggiano. There is no rush to drink this, but it is entering its zenith year now. Monte Olmi is the vineyard at Pedemonte di Valpolicella, in the heart of Valpolicella Classico. The 2.5 hectare site has a southwestern exposure and is organized on terraces to ensure efficient drainage. The soil is riddled with clay, which is the key to the vineyard not drying out in the driest of years. Monte Olmi has been farmed since the early 60s, creating one of the first single-vineyard wines in Valpolicella. It is planted to 30% corvina, 30% corvinone, 30% rondinella, and 10% oseleta, negrara, dindarella, croatina and forselina. The grapes are air-dried on straw mats (appassimento) for four months before getting a soft pressing.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| Global | $80.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pasqua Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2021
Veneto, ItalySome would say ripasso wines are a good alternative, at least value wise, to Amarone. Yet I’m not sure how many people know what an Amarone is or why passing (Ripasso) simple Valpolicella wine over the dried, raisin-like skins left over from Amarone production is good. The technique bolsters what some would say is a fresh, lightweight, red fruit affair, giving it more full-bodied darker fruit and plenty of spice. Ultimately, this is a solid mid week red wine perfect for a chicken or pork dish.Prices:| AB | $21.49 | 750ml |
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09 August 2024
91PTS
Le Serre Nuove Dell' Ornellaia 2021
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyLe Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is a true mini-Ornellaia made with all the same grapes and, most importantly, with the same ethos as its Super Tuscan mother. Often, it portends the coming Ornellaia release, given the precision with which it is made by winemaker Olga Fusari. The mix is 50% merlot, 28% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc, 11% petit verdot from a noted vintage. Look for a medium dark red, an earthy, peppery nose of crushed dried herbs, cedar, plums, blood, and berry. The palate is alive with freshness and just enough tannin to temper the alcohol and subdue the acid, all part of a silky texture throughout. There is no rush to drink this wine, but it can be consumed now if need be. Pork would be a perfect foil at this point. The optically sorted fruit spends 15 months in barriques (25% new and 75% used once), and the parts are blended at the 12 month mark. Finally, the wine is allowed to rest another six months in a bottle before release.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $176.99 | 1500ml |
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92PTS
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThere is never any rush to drink Brunello, and especially Pian delle Vigne, which has been sculpted like that since the beginning of 1995. In 2017, it was awash in espresso, dried herbs, violets, and perfectly ripe black cherry that jumped from the glass. The story carries on with a full, fruity entry, a rich infrastructure, and plenty of tannins to go the distance. There is richness and finesse all wrapped in one long, persistent finish streaked with a hint of bitter chocolate and balsamic notes. Steak, anyone? 2017 was a warm, dry season yielding small berries and intense flavours. After only 12 days on the skins, the fermented wine goes to oak barrels ranging in size from 30 to 80 hl for a 24 month stay. It was then bottled and aged for lengthy period at the winery before release.Prices:| BC | $81.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $79.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $71.95 | 750ml |
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0PTS
LaStella Espressivo 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Super South Okanagan red blends 12% sangiovese with merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. The wine is typically elegant and mid-weight in structure with reasonably intense red fruit and incredible finesse. But in 2021, instead of the complexing desert scrub savoury notes, it is marked by a smoky, campfire undercurrent that runs through the whole wine. I’m told there is a market for smoky wines, which is good for the winery and for a wine that is so well made otherwise, but I will not score the wine this year. Look for the 2020 online or wait for the 2022; it should return to normal.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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96PTS
Ornellaia Rosso 2021
Bolgheri, Tuscany, ItalyClimate change is altering Ornellaia in subtle ways. The merlot has been reduced, given its propensity to ripen earlier due to a warming planet, robbing the mix of some freshness. In 2021, the blend is 53/25/15/7 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, although the wine still clocks in at a hefty 15 percent alcohol. Similar to the south Okanagan, Bolgheri copes with its inherent richness, balancing it with the scent of wild Mediterranean countryside that permeates the underside of this expressive Super Tuscan. Look for rich black and blue fruits and a rush of fine grained tannin that adds to the wine's muscular undertones. Still, there is freshness of fruit and acidity, pitching a balance, as previously mentioned, that lets you forget the alcohol. This will age gracefully for 15 to 20 years. Technically, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks. After a 15 day maceration, it is pressed off into mainly oak barrels, 70% new and 30% used once. It remains in barriques for about 18 months. After the first 12 months of maturation, the wine is assembled and then returned to barriques for an additional six months. Post-bottling, it is aged a further 12 months before release.Prices:| BC | $240.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $240.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $240.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $240.00 | 750ml |
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07 August 2024
88PTS
Papantonis Winery Metron Ariston 2022
Peloponnese, GreecePapantonis Winery was established in 1993 in Nemea by siblings Antony and Kallie Papantonis. The vineyards, are situated just outside of the village Malandreni. Metron Ariston (meaning ‘moderation is best’) is a blend of Roditis (65%) and Chardonnay (35%), planted on their estate's sandy clay soils. Ripe and sun-rich, with fleshy yellow plum, perfumed white peach, melon, and bitter citrus on an expansive core, held to a smart 13%.Prices:| ON | $26.00 | 750ml |
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02 August 2024
92PTS
Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Hermanus, Walker Bay, Overberg, South AfricaIf you know Anthony Hamilton Russel, you won't be surprised at how posh and stylish this Hemel-en-Aarde Valley chardonnay is. Their vineyards start at 1km from the ocean, and this is planted in stony, clay and shale soils. It was fermented in wood (94% barrel and 6% foudre), with about 25% new, and remained there 9 months. Very potent and textural, with pencil shavings, sharpened lemon, grapefruit pith, and pear skin, culminating with big flake salts on the finish. Drinking very well now in relative youth, but will shine in the next couple of years when it hits its stride. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| AB | $69.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Westcott Vineyards Block 76 Chardonnay 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara's Vinemount Ridge and its extreme climate (too far south for lake effect, extremes in winter necessitate use of geo-textiles), this clone 76 chardonnay was native fermented in neutral barrique with full MLF for 10 months, before moving into neutral puncheons for 6 additional months, and topped with 2020 lees. Nutty and toasty with a buzzy electric energy livening the creamy mid-palate, and a kiss of reduction charming the finish. Long and linear, this is showing quite smart at present and will continue to do so. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Lighthall Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
Prince Edward County, Ontario, CanadaFrom Prince Edward County's Lighthall Vineyards, the 2021 Chardonnay was whole cluster pressed in a mix of 1/3 barrel (1 new barrel, 1 used), and 2/3 stainless. Post ferment the wine underwent monthly bâtonnage over 1 year in oak. A fine edge of reduction leads into this vibrant, long, humming chardy, with savoury pencil shavings to offset the bright lemon and green apple. The finish lingers with a buzzy stoniness. Quite smart, and a highlight of its lineup. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| ON | $30.75 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Chardonnay 2022
Elgin, Overberg, South AfricaBoschendal was founded in 1685, making it one of the oldest and grandest Cape estates. From cool climate Elgin, this accomplished chardonnay carries ripe white peach and fine cream over a long, subtle lees bed, finishing with lingering salinity. Sealed with a Diam10, you can see the winery expects this to go the distance. Lovely cool climate chardonnay. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| CDN | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laroche Chablis Saint Martin 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceSaint Martin was a Monk in the 4th century, and this wine is named for the church started in the 9th century outside LaRoche. Perfumed cream, green apple, crunchy pear rides over a light lees bed, finishing with a snappy lemon twist. Solid, and drinking now. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:| CDN | $27.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFrom the Left Bank's little known 1er Cru Les Vaudevey (only a handful of producers work this steep, cool valley) comes this clear, tight, and shining Chablis. Sculpted and sharpened with lemon and pencil shavings, this is long and buzzy through the vibrant finish. Limestone juice. Tasted at i4c2024.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the best wine I have tasted from Fort Berens since they arrived in Lillooet. It is all Dry Creek Vineyard, Lillooet. Previously, this wine had a strong California bent, but I see more finesse this year, and terroir. Look for a juicy floral aromatic entry that excites. The palate has intensity and length but with balance, mixing creamy textures, melon, honey, and citrus salinity with a touch of cream corn in the finish. Warm days and cool nights are the perfect climate for this grape, picked at optimal ripeness. Half of the fruit was destemmed and crushed with 4 hours of skin contact to add freshness, while the other half was whole cluster pressed for the richness factor. The ferment is wild in a mix of 225L & 400L French oak barrels, also used to age the wine for another nine months. 23% of the oak was new, 20% was 2nd fill, and 57% resided in neutral oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Solvero Chardonnay 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Solvero Chardonnay is farmed at close to 600m elevation, making it one of the highest vineyards in the province. It is whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented in 20% new French oak, and it gets daily lees stirring during fermentation before a 12 month sleep in barriques. There is a Burgundian richness here in a wine that mixes pears, yellow apples, hazelnut, toast, and just a hint of vanilla. Stylish and young, you can think this now or wait another year or two to allow it to develop fully. Yet another promising new label from Summerland.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Domaine Queylus La Grande Réserve Chardonnay Cuvee Champlain 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThis is a bit simple for a single vineyard Grand Reserve and could use more acid or vibrancy to grab your attention, but it is a solid effort. The nose is a mix of nuts with floral undertones. The palate offers honey, nectarine, and apple with leesy rich textures that fade into a flatter finish. It is best over the next year or two with richer, creamier fish dishes. Pricey.Prices:| ON | $60.70 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Stewart Family Reserve wines are produced from some of the oldest vines on the property, now hitting the quarter century mark. The Family Reserve is mostly Clone 95, and while its style has leaned toward California, 2021 is beginning to transition out to a leaner, more complex affair, and something more Okanagan. The pears, peaches and hazelnuts combine with a creamy palate, but now the lees and acidity kick in at the back end, giving it more life and vitality. It's dry and intense as chardonnay can be without losing its finesse. It's an impressive edition of the Reserve, and one chardonnay fans should not miss. The winery suggests it pairs well with a pan fried halibut cooked in a butter cream sauce, or a burrata salad with roasted peaches, pistachios, and cider vinaigrette. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Chardonnay 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCerqueira Vineyard sits on the Black Sage Terrace in Oliver and is the source of this Chardonnay. Its sandy loam topsoil on mainly granite glacial till contains high amounts of calcium sulphate precipitates that add energy and minerality to this tightly strung, modern chardonnay. The wine sees no oak and is aged for only four months in stainless steel. Its creamy textures mitigate the crunchy pear, green apple, and saline lemon finish on what is a marvellous food wine. Shellfish, whitefish, chicken salads, and the like all work here.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt is my first look at the BM chardonnay since 2020, as they did not release 2021 due to smoke damage. This is the ripest, richest version of this wine I have tasted, with a pronounced sweet pear/pineapple flavour amid a creamy, complex mix of spicy lees, toast, and minerals. It is certainly a little more opulent than I am used to from this producer. Not much can touch this chardonnay in most years, especially for $30, so I expect it will be in high demand. Now in its fourth decade, the Estate chardonnay vines are a mix of clones 76, 95, 96, and 548.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $23.95 | 750ml |
| NB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire Chardonnay 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Haywire style is low intervention and fermented in a range of fermentation vessels, in this case, a mix of stainless, concrete, amphora, and foudre, before a final maturation on its lees in concrete for six months. Lean bright and complex, this a vibrant mix of green apple, lemon, and creamy lees before the right streak of acidity fires up the finish. Thoughtful, complex, and sneaky fun to drink. One of the best yet.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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September 2024