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Tastings: September 2024
19 September 2024
92PTS
Lourens Family Wines Lindi Carien 2021
South AfricaFranco Lourens is one of South Africa’s top young winemakers, releasing wines of precision and brilliance. Franco gained experience working for the likes of David Ramey in California and Vasse Felix in Australia before returning to SA where he took up the role of assistant winemaker for the prodigious Chris Alheit of Alheit Vineyards, one of the most influential and talented winemakers of the Cape in the last decade. Named after Franco Lourens' wife, Lindi Carien blends 35% Stellenbosch Verdelho (the oldest block in SA), 21% Swartland Chenin Blanc, 19% Swartland Colombar, 18% Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc (with 5 days on skins), and 7% Piekenierskloof Palomino, with vines dating back to the early 1970s. It was whole cluster pressed and native fermented with no additives, resting for 10 months in old French barrels before bottling, without fining. A tight and buzzy line pulls this sleek white through the lingering, amply saline finish, drawing wild pear, greengage, green fig, toasted pine nuts along with. This practically vibrates with energy. Showing beauty now, and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $43.00 | 750ml |
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18 September 2024
90PTS
Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon Howe Vineyard 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLegend has it that Hillside’s founder planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Okanagan, in a row that still lies just to the south of the Howe vineyard. This is a classic mid-valley BC cab in structure, tightly strung with a running line of acid from front to back. All the markers are here pitching youthful versions of blackberry jam and black cherries dusted in baking chocolate. There is a sophistication to its leanness and lithe spirit, but with food, this Bordeaux-styled red will be fine, especially at the seven to ten year mark. Howe Vineyard, part of their Single Vineyard program, is reserved for Hillside Wine Club members. The fruit was fermented in a small tank and received an extended skin maceration of 27 days. The wine was drained and pressed directly to new (28%) and used French oak barrels, where it was allowed to mature for 17 months before bottling. It has a modest 13.2% alcohol.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom Sonoma’s warmest AVA, Knights Valley, this deeply coloured, bold, and rich cabernet sauvignon accurately reflects the region's provenance. It features ultra-ripe fruit, almost verging on jammy, with blackberry preserves, ripe blueberries, and black plum blended with sweet licorice, vanillin, and toasty oak while retaining the subtle minty character of the grape. The generous tannins feel smooth and plush on the palate. While it may not be the hottest style, it will undoubtedly satisfy those who appreciate it.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.10 | 750ml |
| NL | $49.98 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesConsistent and reliable, the 2020 vintage of Knights Valley Cabernet is true to form. It offers inky, lush, dark fruits that effortlessly soak up the toasted oak alongside graphite, lavender, and mint. Rich and full-bodied, this shows polished, dense tannins that make it approachable out of the gates but with great potential ahead. Another winner, and one to revisit in 4-5 years.Prices:| BC | $46.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $35.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $47.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $37.10 | 750ml |
| NL | $49.98 | 750ml |
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87PTS
St Huberts The Stag Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesClassic California cab with a Paso Robles designation. This is a rich, round, warm red with black fruit and some youthful sticky tannins. Made for the masses, it has a sweet underside and a solid herbaceous note that lingers in the finish. It is simple, and ready to drink. It is not to be confused with Stags' Leap Winery or Stag's Leap Vineyard in Napa Valley, but I'm sure it will by many unsuspecting wine drinkers.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.75 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.31 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $22.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.50 | 750ml |
| NFL | $20.58 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2021
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe hillsides of Alexander Valley are home to this lush but vibrant cabernet that doesn't have the gloss of Napa but rather the umami, garrigue, and deliciousness of Sonoma. Red plums and dark berries, which winemaker Seidenfled describes as dried figs, give this wine a structure that pleases without scaring the drinker. It spends 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new), which you can sense but doesn't dominate while dissipating. Drink or hold through 2028. 2021 was a very dry season with approximately 15% lower yields than previous years, triggering higher concentrations of flavours. Impressive for the price.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $29.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $29.75 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2017
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis wine is just beginning to reach its zenith at seven years of age. It has lost any baby fat to a rush of spicy red fruit and florals before spilling onto the palate with more of the same, giving this wine some exciting mid-palate vibrancy. The finish is smooth with balsamic and dried herbs. As mentioned, it is perfect now and will likely remain on this plateau through 2027. A rack of lamb seems a good fit, or a veal shank osso buco with olives and mango. The RS Reserves are made in the Artisan winery. Techniques such as cluster pre-sorting, berry sorting, cold soaking, extended maceration, and a free run only protocol match up with tanks and equipment sized for the exacting vineyard selection process. The 2017 Reserve Cab came from select areas within each vineyard, which are hand harvested and fermented separately, and only the best lots of that make it to the final blend to spend 24 months in wood before bottling. In the end, the fruit selection involved 52% Alexander Valley, and 48% Sonoma County grapes broken down as Cooley Ranch, Brothers, Rockaway, and Crown vineyards.Prices:| BC | $74.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $69.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $69.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $69.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Rodney Strong Brothers Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesBrothers opens with a rich overcoat of black and blue fruits and balsamic, chocolate, savoury notes that combine to add complexity to ripe California wine. This wine is just a baby, although many will rush to buy and drink it now. Let’s hope some grilled beef is involved. For the more patient, it will age well into 2028 and beyond. Brothers Vineyard, 141 acres of loam over sandstone, shale, and ancient greenstone, sits in the hills east of the small town of Cloverdale. It is primarily planted to Cabernet Sauvignon with only a small amount of Malbec in the ground at the very top. The vineyard is on well drained loam. Its elevations, surpassing 1,000 feet, and primarily western aspect perfectly situate the vines to capture the full warmth and light of the afternoon sun, ripening Cabernet well into the chocolate and black fruit profile with exceptional richness. 2019 was a home run vintage in Northern California. Sonoma County began with late winter/early spring rains that saturated the water table. Early spring heat days prepared the grapes to take on an August heat wave, which resulted in fabulous phenolic ripeness across the board. The wine spent two years in 24 months in new French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.75 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Rodney Strong Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe 2019 Rockaway is more or less made in the same way as Brothers Vineyard and Alexander Crown, leaving the site to explain any differences. Rockaway was planted in 1994 mainly in Cabernet Sauvignon, but it also grows the other four classic Bordeaux varieties. The elevation ranges from 225 to 700 feet, and the land generally slopes northeast and southwest, with gravelly clay subsoil over fractured greywacke sandstone. The clusters and berries are small in true mountain style, yielding bold flavours. In 2019, the growing season was among the best in years, and the fruit was pristine on arrival at the winery. The style is slightly leaner here, with more mineral and red fruit intrusions, keeping the wine vibrant and feeling lighter on the palate. The palate is a mix of cassis, dark plums, blackcurrants, streaked with licorice, tobacco, and leather, and plenty of savoury Sonoma dried herbs and baking spices. Complex, intriguing, and ready for a long life in the bottle, the wine was aged 24 months in new French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.75 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.75 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Luke Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis is a solid Washington cab whose name honours the Whaluke slope. The final blend is 87/6/5/2 cabernet sauvignon / merlot / malbec / petit verdot. Despite its excellent purity of fruit, it can be a bit one dimensional, pitching that blackcurrant, cassis, chocolate story from front to back, and not a lot else. The tannins are well managed, and the textures are soft enough to drink now, so a broad spectrum of red wine drinkers will welcome it. Almost anything grilled off the barbecue will work here. It could be a preview of the Washington reds heading to BC this year to help fill the gap resulting from the considerable freeze damage that took out most of the 2024 vintage in the Okanagan and Similakmeen.Prices:| BC | $43.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
North Coast Region, California, United StatesThe North Coast designation allows for a much wider area of grapes to be used in this wine, and it's needed to reach a production quota that makes sense for the price of about $20 in the US. Here in Canada, that price doubles before it leaves retail, so what looks like a real bet in the US is pushing the limits in Canada. It is a solid wine with intense black olive, cassis, dark plum, and blueberries, with a touch of spice and cocoa powder in the finish. It has some California polish and smooth textures, inviting you back to the glass for more. Best with ribs or beef tacos.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Black Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, California, United StatesNapa cabs have a signature silky texture and a ripe black fruit profile, and the 2021 Black Stallion is no different. It is structurally full bodied with rich black currant and blackberry throughout, and streaks of cedar and licorice for complexity. One minor drawback is the slightly dry tannins that pop up in the finish, adding a touch of bitterness to the final picture. It is still a quality red and fun to sip even now, but in another three years, the tannin will dissipate, and I anticipate the finish will work itself out. A T-bone steak, or lentil soup with quinoa and mushrooms would be a good match for now.Prices:| BC | $38.99 | 750ml |
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16 September 2024
87PTS
Marqués de la Concordia Rioja 2021
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainThe Rioja Santiago label is an ode to the winery's 150 year history. The style is modern, clean, and fresh, with no old wood or cellar notes. The nose and palate are red fruit oriented with soft tempranillo textures bolstered by acidity. The tempranillo vines average 20 years, and post ferment this spent 12 months in used American oak barrels where the exchange is mostly about oxygen, not oak. Ready to drink and perfect for chicken, vegetables, pasta and soft, fresh cheeses.Prices:| BC | $21.49 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Marqués de la Concordia Rioja Reserva 2018
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainThe fruit is sourced from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa vineyards, growing at 650m above sea level in poor, calcareous clay soils. It's fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and aged for 24 months in French and American barrels. The attack is medium weight with ripe black fruit, spicy incense nuances, and minimal tannins. Soft and round, it slides down quickly in a mix of wild blackberries streaked with balsamic and vanilla oak. Easy to like and drink. A classic paella would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca El Encinal Roble 2022
Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, SpainYou don’t get much for $21 these days, which is a wine crime in itself, but this tempranillo delivers right off the bat with a pleasant red fruit nose with hints of vanilla and spice. The grapes come from vineyards that average 30 years of age and are planted in loamy clay soil, which is noted by the density and weight of the wine in your mouth. The continental climate delivers fully ripe grapes and flavours. It spends 6 months in American and French oak barrels to add some extra mouthfeel and weight. The nose is a mix of red berries and cherries. It is perfectly rustic with more black cherry and vanilla, with some tannins yet to disperse. Roasted chicken or a simple grilled lamb chop would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chivite Legardeta Single Vineyard Garnacha 2019
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainLegardeta Garnacha is a single vineyard Navarra red crafted to be full bodied and fruit forward with a balanced alcohol level and mouthwatering acidity. On the first sip, they hit the mark perfectly. The nose mixes fresh dark red fruit led by raspberries and cherries with some florals. On the palate, flavours are darker and more expansive, pitching spice and vanilla that disappear into a juicy, textured finish. This is an easy wine to like, and it's just beginning to open up and settle onto a plateau it will hold through 2028-29. Lamb or pork would be fine picks, or a fall root vegetable casserole. This is a real wine that is well done. The grapes are harvested by hand and placed into small 200kg crates. Upon arrival in the winery, the grapes are sorted and gravity fed into 20,000 kg stainless steel vats, where the wine ferments at a controlled temperature. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine is gravity fed into French oak barrels, remaining for around 12 months.Prices:| BC | $37.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Chivite Las Fincas Blanco 2023
Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, SpainThe blend is a snappy mix of white grenache and viura that opens with enticing florals, followed by a more intensely flavoured palate pitching pears, pineapples, and quince. Long and persistent, it lives up to its reputation as a gastronomic wine suited to richer seafood or earthy mushroom pastas. Las Fincas Blanco was born of an exciting partnership between the winemaking Chivite family and the Arzak family, one of the driving forces behind the New Basque Cuisine, which put the Basque Country on the international gastronomic map during the 1980s.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Primitivo Collantes Viña Matalián Blanco Seco de Albariza 2023
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainThe history of Bodega Primitivo Collantes dates back to the 19th century, with the arrival of brothers Primitivo and Tomás Collantes to Chiclana de la Frontera. Today the current Primitivo Collantes is in charge, a young and dynamic member of the new movement of Jerez wines. He oversees the family farm of 55 hectares of vineyards, including the lauded areas of Pozo Galván, Matlián and El Inglês. This organic, young vine estate palomino was rooted in the region's albariza soil, and native fermented in stainless, preserving all the crisp, shimmering fruit. Meadow grass, pear skin, green fig, and green apple streaks across the stony, slender palate, laced with salinity and lit with energy.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pepe Mendoza Giró de Abargues 2019
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPepe Mendoza is one of the most talented and recognized winemakers in Spain, starting in youth helping his father, the founder of the prestigious Grandes Pagos inducted Bodegas Enrique Mendoza in Alicante. After studies in Viticulture and Enology, and winemaking stints around the globe, Pepe returned home to Alicante and took over leading the family business. Casa Agricola is Pepe dream 25 years in the making, teaming up with his wife Pepa Agulló Llorca and their children. They focus on local Mediterranean low yield varieties sourced from their own mostly dry farmed vineyards, and vines up to 80 years. Giró is an ancient variety, first mentioned back in 1500, and today there is only around 90ha left in the world, found only in Alicante, Mallorca, and Sardinia (the grape is said to love the sea). This is from 80 year old vines, in sandy, calcareous, and ferrous laced soils. It was fermented in stainless before resting 1 year in 500L French oak. Wild cherry, pomegranate, perfumed black raspberry, scrubby resinous herbs rolls through the structural palate, with an easy buoyant acidity holding the 14.5% at bay, and long, subtly toothsome tannins framing. The finish lingers with crushed rosemary and ferrous stones. Quite a singular wine, drinking beautifully now.Prices:| BC | $77.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bodegas Tentenublo Xérico Rioja 2018
Rioja, SpainRoberto Oliván is the force behind Tentenublo, one of the growing band of Rioja winemakers focused on making single vineyard wines of place. Most of his organic vineyard plots (including his family's historic holdings) are situated his home village of Viñaspre, a high altitude site near Lanciego in Rioja Alavesa. Xérico is his house wine, a cofermented blend of tempranillo and viura aged for 5 months in cement and chestnut foudres. Juicy cherry, raspberry, and rasped pink peppercorn flood the palate, now showing some autumnal leaves and baking spice of age. Tannins are sinewy and the finish flushed with warmth, calling out for lamb kebobs to counter.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Tentenublo VLAV Rioja Tinto 2020
Rioja, SpainRoberto Oliván is the force behind Tentenublo, one of the growing band of Rioja winemakers focused on making single vineyard wines of place. Most of his vineyard plots (including his family's historic holdings) are situated his home village of Viñaspre, a high altitude site near Lanciego in Rioja Alavesa. Tentenublo translates as ringing bells, as in Rioja bells are rung to ward off hailstorms, hence the bell chasing the storm cloud on the label. This tempranillo, from vines averaging 50 years, was native fermented in large vats before resting 11 months in French barrels. Tightly wound wild blackberry, perfumed cherry rings on the medium+ palate, held taut with ample lofty acidity and fine, long and sticky tannins. The finishes closes out with a swell of warmth and perfumed black fruit. Fresh, modern, and authentic Rioja Alavesa.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Primitivo Collantes Socaire Palomino Fino 2021
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainThe history of Bodega Primitivo Collantes dates back to the 19th century, with the arrival of brothers Primitivo and Tomás Collantes to Chiclana de la Frontera. Today the current Primitivo Collantes is in charge, a young and dynamic member of the new movement of Jerez wines. He oversees the family farm of 55 hectares of vineyards, including the lauded areas of Pozo Galván, Matlián and El Inglês. This is an unfortified palomino, rooted in the region's albariza soils. It was native fermented and aged for 2 years in ex-Fino barrels, imprinting a strong whiff of fortified Fino onto this classically made still white wine. Meadow grass, marcona almond, lemon pith is all imbued with alluring sea breezes which carry through to the lingering saline finish. A chiseled, coastal, crossover white, well suited to tapas (and at a happy 12.5%).Prices:| BC | $54.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Primitivo Collantes Fino Ceballos NV
Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, SpainThe history of Bodega Primitivo Collantes dates back to the 19th century, with the arrival of brothers Primitivo and Tomás Collantes to Chiclana de la Frontera. Today the current Primitivo Collantes is in charge, a young and dynamic member of the new movement of Jerez wines. He oversees the family farm of 55 hectares of vineyards, including the lauded areas of Pozo Galván, Matlián and El Inglês. Ceballos comes from the former finca, and this palomino, from the luminescent albariza soils, rests for 3 years under flor. Tight and nimble, teeming with olive brine, fresh meadow grasses, green herbs, fresh marcona almonds, and ample mouthwatering sea salinity that rings long on the finish. This is a sleek, chiseled fino for immediate enjoyment.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Las Moradas de San Martín Senda 2020
Madrid, SpainEstablished in 1999, Las Moradas de San Martín was established to recover the centuries-old vineyards of Garnacha that had been cultivated there since the 12th century. Located in the hilltops of Pago de los Castillejos, they benefit from its altitude and granitic / volcanic soils, imbuing a natural freshness and minerality. Winemaker Isabel Galindo farms organically / biodynamically. This dry farmed bush vine garnacha comes from a vineyard at 900m, with sandy granitic soils. It was native fermented and aged 10 months in neutral French wood of various sizes. Candle wax, baked raspberry, and fragrant cherry works through this muscular and dense red, thankfully lifted and lofted with altitude acidity, and hugged with long, finely sticky tannins. A lot of wine stuffed into this 14% frame, finishing with scrubby wild rosemary on the lingering end. Give this some airtime in a decanter or your glass to really let it open and shine.Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Pepe Mendoza Pureza Ánfora 2022
Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, SpainPepe Mendoza is one of the most talented and recognized winemakers in Spain, starting in youth helping his father, the founder of the prestigious Grandes Pagos inducted Bodegas Enrique Mendoza in Alicante. After studies in Viticulture and Enology, and winemaking stints around the globe, Pepe returned home to Alicante and took over leading the family business. This Moscatel de Alejandria was planted in 1940, and named Pureza = Purity. It saw 25% skin contact for a few days before heading to amphora where it remained for 6 months. Incredibly fragrant, with rosewater, orange blossom, musk melon, and anise flooding the svelte, medium bodied, and subtle textured palate, dusted with perfumed spices on the finish. Though slight, this special little spice box makes a statement.Prices:| BC | $52.00 | 750ml |
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12 September 2024
90PTS
La Soeur Cadette Juliénas 2022
Juliénas, Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, Burgundy, FranceBorn into a family of vignerons, Valentin Montaney sources grapes from across Bourgogne and Beaujolais for his negociant La Soeur Cadette wines. Valentin wanted to highlight the lesser-seen Juliénas cru in this bright and joyous red. This blends two sites, one on blue granite and one on sandy soils, with vines averaging 80 years. This was whole cluster fermented in concrete and then into older barrels for 8-10 months’ rest. Perfumed plum, juicy raspberry floods a buoyant palate, with a fine buzzy granitic underlay. Tannins are long and fine, framing this fine boned wine through a scrubby herbal finish. Drinking beauty now. #GoGamayGo.Prices:| ON | $41.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Haywire Gamay 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis distinctive gamay bursts with floral rose and violet, pronounced cracked black pepper, and tangy raspberry and cranberry. On the palate, juicy red fruit mingles with fine tannins and vibrant acidity, showcasing classic gamay character. The use of 50% whole cluster fermentation beautifully highlights the spicy peppery notes, giving it an extra layer of intrigue and depth. Highly recommended, especially for rotundone lovers.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Haywire Gamay 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom 45 year old vines in Kelowna, this is led by spicy, herbal notes from 50% whole cluster, giving a firm, stemmy quality to the tannins. That pushes down the fruit slightly, which underneath is vivid and pure, with a combination of dark plum, black cherry, and wild strawberry. There's a real brightness to the palate, with crunchy acidity that's reflective both of the vintage and place. A sophisticated take on gamay.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Three Sisters Winery Gamay 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's easy to taste why this earned a gold medal at this year's National Wine Awards. It's serious gamay, pure and expressive, with enticing violet aromatics backed by black raspberry, plum, blueberry, and spice. The palate is juicy yet structured, and this wouldn't feel out of place in a line up of Fleuries. It's another strong release from the 2022 vintage for Three Sisters, and clearly they get gamay. Talk about value, too.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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11 September 2024
88PTS
Bartier Bros. Sauvignon Blanc Desert Wolf Vineyard 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Oliver's Desert Wolf Vineyard, on the Black Sage Terrace, this sb was whole cluster pressed, inoculated, and fermented over 3 weeks before remaining 4 months in stainless, sans lees. Tart tangerine, white grapefruit streaks across the zesty palate, with a dusting of desert sage scrub before the snappy finish. Bright, fresh, and fun for cracking into now.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom a single vineyard on Naramata Bench, this was whole bunch pressed, racked off lees, and fermented slowly in stainless over 7 weeks. It then rested 4 months (92% stainless, 8% barrique) until bottling. Racy and zippy with grapefruit, passionfruit, and tangerine, this punchy and pithy sauvy streaks across the palate, finishing with a dusting of white pepper. Not shy, if you like your sauvignon blanc tart and fruity, crack into this.Prices:| BC | $20.97 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Château Briot Bordeaux Blanc 2022
Bordeaux, FranceChâteau Briot sits in the centre of Bordeaux’s Entre-Deux-Mers AOC, which has been under the care of the Ducourt family since 1980. The 14 hectares are planted to sauvignon blanc, which is farmed sustainably. The colour is straw yellow, and the nose is a mix of green fruits and freshly cut hedge clippings that preview a tart, citrus mid-palate with a slash of lees, honey, and fresh peach in the finish. A perfect mid-week fish wine you can serve at dinner or as an appetizer, that is not Sancerre and it’s not New Zealand.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Black Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt's hard to describe the transformation of this wine under winemaker Ross Wise. It was always an excellent wine under the Alibi label, when it contained a percentage of sémillon. Still, Wise has slowly reduced the amount of sémillon in the blend based on the quality of the sauvignon blanc he now has access to. The fruit comes off Peller's High Terrace Vineyard near Covert Farms in the southern shadow of McIntyre Bluff. In 2023, the wine was entirely sauvignon blanc, and is impressive. The nose is lively and fresh with classic gooseberry herbaceous hints and intense lime. All are enveloped in a polished frame that presents another level of complexity. You will love the intensity and weight of this wine, plus the minerality that allows it to persist for an extended period during the finish. It's fermented in French oak puncheons and barriques with selected and wild yeasts and aged on its lees for six months. Only 15% is new (down from 25% in 2022), with the remainder aged in neutral oak barriques. A small amount was fermented in concrete. This wine will age well into 2029.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Blue Mountain Estate Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaBoth subtle and expressive, this is an excellent rendition of sauvignon blanc from Okanagan Falls. It has all the green notes, herbs, grapefruit, and grass but in a thoughtful, muted way. It also has wonderful ripeness that works well against the bright acidity and lime rind finish. The chalky mineral notes add yet another dimension. The 16-17 year old vines are picked twice at different flavour and acid levels and fermented with ambient winery yeast in 50% stainless steel tanks and 50% large French foudres. Super value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.85 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Joiryde Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith a very pale lemon-green hue, this refreshing sauvignon blanc opens with white blossom, tangy citrus, and a hint of white peach, all underpinned by subtle grassy herbal notes. It offers a clean and simple expression of the variety, with a straightforward, crisp mouthfeel.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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10 September 2024
88PTS
Fort Berens Red Gold Reserve 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaHeavy bottle. A blend of 2/3 cabernet franc and 1/3 merlot from Lillooet fruit, this leads with generous oak, adding mocha and vanilla to the ripe dark cherry and plum. It's a more extracted style, with firm, chewy tannins that outpace the moderate fruit concentration, leading to a drying finish. A well made wine that needs time in the cellar to resolve. Give this another 3-5 years or vigorously decant if opening sooner.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Burrowing Owl Athene 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2021 Athene, always a highlight of the BOV portfolio, blends 55% syrah with 45% cabernet sauvignon, primarily from the Burrowing Owl Vineyard A8 block on the Black Sage Bench. The destemmed fruit was cofermented before moving to large oak barrels for 18 months' rest. Showing very smartly, with peppery wild black cherry, blackberry, and dark earth across a structural palate, scented with wild thorns, bacon fat, and smouldering smoked stones. Tannins are very well managed, fine and firm, making this effortlessly drinkable now, and with time ahead. Well done.Prices:| BC | $41.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Rouge 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPetit by name only, this shares the same genes, vineyards and love afforded to its elder siblings. The range was developed to be an affordable, well-made wine to drink now. The 2023 blends southern Okanagan merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and syrah, with 6 months rest in a mix of stainless and oak (2.5% new). Dark damson plum, wild blackberry, and perfumed cassis is seasoned with cracked peppercorn and tart thorns. Tannins are lightly furry, framing this medium red for pairing with grilled pork / root veg.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Estate Reserve Red 2020
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaClos du Soleil's top red comes from two estate vineyards and is a barrel selection led by cabernet sauvignon, with merlot (21%), cabernet franc (15%), malbec (9%), and petit verdot (6%). It's generous and open, with more evolution to the fruit than I typically expect for this wine. The tannins, too, are dense but surprisingly resolved, suggesting this is ready to drink but will continue to hold over the next 3-5 years. A satisfying, full-bodied red that's well made and primed for winter roasts in the months to come.Prices:| BC | $64.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos du Soleil Béton Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fantastic new addition to the Clos du Soleil portfolio by winemaker Michael Clark. Béton, French for concrete, is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (52%) and cabernet franc (48%) that is – you guessed it – aged in concrete. I love the cool climate character of the cabernet fruit, reflective of the moderate 2022 growing season, with a sappy, herbal edge alongside ripe plum, dark cherry, and black currant, carried by a gravel mineralty. It's savoury, mineral, and wild, with a remarkable freshness that belies the 14.5% thanks to the use of concrete. The tannins are sculpted and fine, approachable now but with the potential to improve over the next 5-7 years. Recommended.Prices:| BC | $39.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Luke Wines The Companion Red Blend 2020
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Companion is a blend of Columbia Valley vineyards and grapes, namely 54/27/14/3/1/1 cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and malbec, all aged in French and American Oak. It's classic Washington ripe, juicy, soft, and easy sipping, with no edges and plenty of curb appeal. It's a drink me now red with plenty of plums, blueberries, spices, and vanilla with no perceptible tannins. Simple but well made and ready to drink. Ribs, anyone?Prices:| BC | $35.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Santa Rita Triple C 2018
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Triple Cs are cabernet franc 65%, cabernet sauvignon 35%, and carmenere 5%, all vinified solo. The final blend is put together six months after the initial barrel down. The new blend then goes to new French oak for 17 months. The result is a spicy, deep, dark boldo red awash in bay leaf, black currants, and blueberries. The palate is long and warm, with blackcurrant and blueberry streaked with tobacco, leather, and pepper, and there is a long, dry, persistent, entirely savoury note at the finish. Youthful and elegant, this needs more time to mellow in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $58.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $48.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Black Hills Per Se 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe transformation of Per Se is complete under winemaker Ross Wise, giving it more of Right Bank bent with even more savoury Bolgheri styling in 2022, yet leaving it undeniably a south Okanagan blend. The wine is entirely cabernet franc this year for the first time. It opens with floral aromatic notes, including black cherries and brambly fruit with an herbal underside. On the palate, it is very pleasing black and red fruited, with polished tannins and sleek delivery. Drink or hold, no rush here.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Fort Berens Red Gold Reserve 2020
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaA blend of 67% cabernet franc, 33% merlot grown at the estate vineyard in Lillooet, Red Gold stands as the winery’s flagship wine. It reveals a perfumed nose of red currant and plum, mingled with violet florals, dried herbs, and generous oak spices of vanillin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The tight acidity gives the body a lighter feel, while the slightly grippy, subtly bitter nature of the tannins is deftly balanced by sweet, ripe fruit. With four years of age, it is just beginning to show some savoury tertiary notes of black tea leaf and forest floor, and will likely develop more intriguing nuances in the coming years.Prices:| BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Hester Creek Garland 2016
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSeldom encountered but always welcomed are older vintages of a winery’s top wine. I grew up tasting verticals of Bordeaux’s best wines, and there is nothing more instructional than going back to see how the wine is, and has developed. Over the years, I have learned with quite a bit of accuracy which wines should be cellared and which should not. The 2016 growing season was mostly uneventful if a bit on the cool side on the Gloden Mile Bench. The result was longer hangtime for the reds and complete phenolic ripeness. We then suggested, “This is the best Garland yet and perhaps the best wine to come out of Hester Creek ever.” So how did our proclamation that it would “Age well through 2025” stand up? Pretty damned good. Tasing this wine in mid-2024, it appears to have reached its maturity plane, but it also could hold here for another 5-7 years. The stylish black fruit is highly polished and blossoming with time in the bottle. The tannins have melted, and the wood has disappeared into the fruit. Garland was named after Hester Creek owner Curt Garland and first appeared in 2018 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original planting of vinifera vines in 1968. Like the old vines, 2016 has stood the test of time.Prices:| BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
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09 September 2024
92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMany years Cuvée Violette lives up to its floral moniker, with an abundance of perfumed violets and irises. Though the 1% viognier of previous vintages has now been dropped, this continues with its alluring charms. In 2022, the syrah came off the south Okanagan's Crowley Vineyard, Deadman Lake Vineyard, and Le Grand Pin. After a ferment in concrete and stainless, this rested 15 months in older French oak barrels and foudre (77%) and 23% in concrete. Fragrant violets, wild blueberries, and blackberries flow throughout this medium bodied red, with long, fine tannins housing the lifted fruit, and a dusting of red and black pepper seasoning the finish. There's a lovely poise and delicacy here, atypical of South Okanagan reds, but not of winemaker Severine Pinte.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Tantalus Syrah Furthur Afield Series 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaExtreme climate is our new reality. An unforgiving series of very challenging weather events has led to Tantalus' new Further Afield Series and a new line of wines into the portfolio from sourced grapes. This syrah comes from Blind Creek Vineyard in the Similkameen, rooted in stony, broken granite soils. Each batch was native fermented, with varying degrees of whole cluster and length to completion. The wine was then pressed and settled in French oak (10% new) where it rested for 11 months. Ample cracked pepper imbues crushed violets, fragrant cassis, thorns, and scrubby, stony desert herbs streaming along the medium+ palate. Tannins are long and fine, and acidity is buoyant, lifting this through the lingering, peppery finish. A finessed, joyous syrah, drinking beautifully now and with time ahead. Well done.Prices:| BC | $34.75 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos, this was destemmed and gently crushed into stainless for maceration and fermentation, before moving to barrels (85% French, 10% Hungarian, 5% American, with 17% new) to finish MLF and 18 months' rest. Dark and sultry, with cassis, thorns, perfumed purple florals, and cracked pepper filling a muscular frame, wrapped with long, sticky tannins, taking this to a bitter cherry, baking spiced finish. With concentration reflective of the hot vintage, this would well suit grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Black Hills Syrah 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 BHE Syrah wowed the judges at the National Wine Awards as it should. This is one of winemaker Ross Wise’s babies, and despite a great deal of deep freeze damage in 2022 and 2024, they will continue to grow it moving forward on steeply sloped vineyards where it seems to thrive in the south Okanagan. Look for clean, crunchy black fruit laced with ripe cherries and black plums, graphite, and minerals. There is plenty of tension here, with a wonderful floral undercut, and peppery, fine grained, dense tannins. Some reduction lingers early on in the glass before blowing off. Make no mistake, this is a majestic Rhône-esque red that will take the likes of lamb or pork with ease. I think you should hold this a decade or more before opening, but don’t let me stop you from enjoying it in all its robust youth.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is rich wine from the colour to the finish. The nose is mostly cassis with roasted red pepper and desert scrub streaks. The palate is warm, round, spicy, and loaded with black fruit, mostly blackcurrant this year, and some dark baking chocolate. Given the growing seasons and wildfires, it has emerged mostly unscathed. Drink or hold, either way, this will remain a fire grilled steak wine. The grapes were harvested by hand from estate vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos in the last half of October. High temperatures and dry conditions in 2021 led to smaller than average berry sizes, bunch weights, and total phenolic ripeness early on. After fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrels, followed by 18 months of aging in oak.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $44.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Three Sisters Winery Syrah 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThree Sisters has succeeded with syrah, boasting a Lieutenant Governor’s Platinum Award for 2018. Look for a sweet, dark plum nose with some smoky, meaty notes. The ripe palate pitches sweet cherries, pipe tobacco, and soft, silky tannins. The finish is long, initially bright and savoury before a warm, smoky (but not overwhelming) persistent finish. Drink now.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Vieux Pin Syrah Cuvée Violette 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCuvée Violette continues to evolve and impress, becoming more serious for the price, albeit with all the fun you could want drinking syrah. 2022 is a complete syrah from its floral violet and blueberry to its meaty, licorice, black olive, savoury, peppery, sagebrush notes, met with silky smooth, dense tannins. I appreciate the freshness and tangy acidity that brightens the mid-palate and keeps the finish lively. This is more than ready to drink, but if you have a cellar, it is also worth laying a few bottles away. Classic Severine Pinte.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Syrah 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNaramata grown and raised, the fruit comes from 22 year old syrah vines inside Hidden Valley Vineyard, which sits just south of the winery above the Naramata Highway. There is fine density here with sweaty, earthy, Rhône-esque notes on the nose, with only a hint of campfire. The palate is fresh and full of vibrant red and black raspberry, with baking spices and bitter coffee in the finish. At 13.5%, it feels rich, and yet it is well balanced. This is a mid term red for drinking now through 2025. The ’21 received a 10 day cold soak, 18 days of skin contact, and 9 months in 37% new French oak. An impressive accomplishment in a difficult wildfire vintage.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Pentâge Winery Syrah 2018
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPentâge works 14 hectares above Skaha Lake and makes just over 20 wines, including this 2018 Syrah, which is now six years old. Pentâge has been patient, sitting on wines before release and not rushing them to the market. The ’18 was released this year, and its bottle maturity is a big part of its attraction. A tiny amount of viognier, 0.5%, is the mystery. The nose is clean and intense, mixing jammy raspberry and fresh blueberry dusted with pepper and chocolate. The palate is rich and silky, with big, intense black and blue fruit, licorice, and polished tannins. Perfect now, it will age through 2028 with no problems, Lamb anyone? It was matured for 18 months in 70% French and 30% American oak. 30% of the barrels were new oak, and the remainder was aged in 2-4 year old barriques.Prices:| BC | $26.09 | 750ml |
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89PTS
En Terre Syrah 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is the inaugural syrah release harvested from Naramata's En Terre Vineyards planted in 2020, as well as Osoyoos' Chicane Vineyard. Often, the first vintage of any wine enjoys a fruity, juicy character, and this wine is no exception. On the nose, you get classic blueberry and peppery notes. The attack is more of the same but with freshness and lovely sweet dark plum and blueberry that fill the palate, streaked with licorice and a touch of vanilla filling in the finish. It looks like this label is going to have a bright future.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Foolish Wine Villain Syrah 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Foolish Syrah has wisely added 9% viognier to the mix, all aged 15 months before bottling. This is a very soft, almost commercial style of syrah with rounded edges and requisite pepper and spice. The tannins are smooth, and the fruit is bright red/black with a plummy, blueberry edge. Clean and ready to drink. Perfect for pork ribs.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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06 September 2024
93PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2021
South Australia, AustraliaThis is compelling immediately as you put your nose to the glass. There's beautifully defined black currant and dewberry, lifted with captivating savoury spices, mint, eucalyptus, and violet perfume. It continues to evolve in the glass, with the dense fruit soaking up the French and American oak, leaving the wood barely felt. There's a structured elegance to the palate, with fine grained tannins that support the fruit, leading to a berry laden finish that will gracefully evolve over the next 10-15 years. A fantastic edition of Bin 407.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $99.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $99.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $99.75 | 750ml |
| NB | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $99.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $99.99 | 750ml |
| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Limited Production Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaExtremely heavy bottle. A bold, brash cabernet that evokes sun-soaked brambles and blueberries alongside mint and sweet chocolatey oak. Like the Gran Reserva, this is a bit forced on the palate, with firm, chewy tannins and marked acidity. It's full bodied, but slightly hollow on the midpalate, with moderate fruit weight and length. Bold red drinkers will find lots to like here.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Mendoza cabernet is relatively subdued on the nose, showing sweet wild berries alongside mocha and spice. The tannins are dense and mouthcoating, with balancing acidity that marks the moderate finish. It's not altogether seamless, but it certainly checks a lot of boxes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA worthy follow-up to the 2020 vintage, this is a lighter style of cabernet sauvignon that's just as compelling. It shows sweet currant fruit alongside savoury herbs, with a freshness and brightness that's reflective of the moderate 2022 growing season. The tannins are well proportioned, balanced by very good fruit concentration, leading to a polished, elegant finish. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years alongside simple French bistro fare.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2020
South Australia, AustraliaPeter Gago has worked some amazing magic with 407, once a distant cousin to 707, then a poor cousin, and now a legitimate Penfolds family member. First launched in 1993 with the 1990 vintage, it is a multi-regional blend from Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, McLaren Vale, and Barossa Valley that spends one year in French oak (25% new) and American oak (11% new) hogsheads. The density and weight are mind-boggling, and the tannin profile is refined, dense, and sweet. A seamless textbook cabernet that mixes black fruit with dark chocolate, minerals, and freshness, and it goes on forever. It's worth every expensive penny.Prices:| BC | $109.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $109.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $109.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $109.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $109.75 | 750ml |
| NB | $109.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $109.99 | 750ml |
| NFL | $109.99 | 750ml |
| US | $80.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Doña Paula Estate High Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis is a much different animal than a California cabernet. It blends cabernet sauvignon from vineyards in Gualtallary and El Cepillo in Uco Valley, where stones and minerals rule. Slim and savoury, with a juicy red currant and cassis mid-palate, it runs along to the finish, energized by the acidity. If there are tannins here, they are seamless. You can drink this now or through 2027. It's not for everyone, but this is for those of you who like complexity and leanness in your cab.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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88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Gran Reserva 2021
Buin, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe 2021 mixes 93/4/3 cabernet sauvignon / petit verdot / cabernet franc from the famed Alto Jahuel, Maipo. A cooler than normal February and March have yielded a richly flavoured black and blue fruit cabernet with a stylish, minty, bay leaf, savoury aroma. The palate is a soupy mix of red and black fruits with a lovely savoury undercurrent, announcing an impressive modern example of where Chilean cabernet is in 2021. I love the value.Prices:| BC | $26.28 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.50 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.60 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Hester Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHester Creek’s 2022 cabernet sauvignon shows slightly evolved aromas for a two year old red. The fruit is restrained on the nose while the palate reveals a blend of macerated black and red currant with sagebrush, clove, and cinnamon, all framed by refreshing acidity and refined tannins. Dusty earthiness and potpourri floral notes add some layers.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Limited Production Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Mendoza cabernet sauvignon shows a charming nose with earthy, savoury herbal notes and a blend of red and dark berries, complemented by sandalwood and subtle tertiary notes of black tea, coffee grinds, and soy. On the palate, it offers tangy red fruit and freshness, reflecting the cooler vintage, though the tannins feel a bit grippy at the moment.Prices:| BC | $43.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis Mendoza cabernet sauvignon opens with bright notes of dark plum and cherry, layered with florals, dried herbs, and a touch of toasty spices. Its soft structure emphasizes ripe dark fruit, with a subtle chocolatey sweetness on the finish. A straightforward, fruit driven wine with an approachable style.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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05 September 2024
90PTS
Three Sisters Winery Kiki The Sister Series 2021
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaKiki is named after the youngest sister Kiki Mikulic, and in 2021 the Sister Series produced a merlot under the Kiki label. The fruit comes from a mix of sites across the Okanagan Valley. The Sister Series only releases a wine in superior years, and despite the wildfire challenges of 2021, winemaker Matt Mikulic appears to have made an immaculate selection, judging by the fresh black cherry fruit that marks the nose of this wine. Ripeness was no problem, with the fruit average of 25 brix at harvest. All of the fruit was given a seven day cold soak before fermentation. After fermentation, the evolution continued in French oak barriques for 21 months. Look for refreshing dark red fruit with a spicy, savoury undercurrent structured by round tannins and a long, clean finish. This is just a baby, but it has all the tools to age gracefully. It is well made and one of the better 2021 reds made in BC.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Three Sisters Winery Rebecca The Sister Series 2019
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRebecca is the fifth wine of the Sister Series, named after the owner of the Three Sisters winery, Rebecca. The 2019 traditional method sparkling wine is 90% chardonnay and 10% pinot noir. Now almost five years old, it shows many tertiary characteristics, including almonds and brioche undercurrents pulling at the lemon and apple that have led the way for the last few years. Perfect now, especially for those who like a little complexity and age in sparkling wine. It should be made every year.Prices:| BC | $379.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Three Sisters Winery Marina The Sister Series 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fourth label in the Sister Series is named after Matt's older sister, Marina. It is made from tempranillo aged in new American oak for two years. It's eight years old and at its zenith, helped by a remarkable 2016 growing season that was very kind to BC red wines. It has the red fruit nuances of tempranillo streaked with savoury desert scrub and bits of bitter chocolate. The tannins are all but dissipated, and the textures are silky and extended in a noticeably fresh finish. This is an excellent experience for those who seldom drink older wine. This would be a fun wine to serve with the classic Spanish dish, paella.Prices:| BC | $379.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Three Sisters Winery Katarina The Sister Series 2015
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe second Sister Series wine is named after winemaker and co-owner Matt Mikulic's eldest sister, Katarina, and is Naramata Bench chardonnay. Following protocol, only the best barrels were selected and in the end, now nine years down the road, it is showing some remarkable youth. The nose is a highly atrractive yeasty, graham cracker affair with pineapple and honey uindertones. The palate is round and lush with sweet orange, pinjeapple, and peach that belies its age, with a dusting of baking spice in the finish. Ready to drink at nine years of age but fresh enough to surprise your guests.Prices:| BC | $379.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Three Sisters Winery Abigail The Sister Series 2016
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaRebecca Mikulic and her husband, Matthew Mikulic, are the force behind Three Sisters Winery and the iconic Sister Series of labels they released in the most exceptional vintages. In 2014, Emily was released and named after the eldest sister. As the years passed, the hardworking couple waited to release the following Sister Series labels when the harvest warranted. Abigail, Rebecca’s oldest sister, joined the Sister’s Series in 2016 with a syrah that was 24 months in new French oak, and at eight years of age, it is just beginning to blossom. Dark and brooding, packed full of plums and chocolate, it has all the meaty and reductive notes of syrah that cry out for 30-45 minutes of decanting. Once aired out, you can enjoy its power and savoury, peppery fruit that rides a wave of silky tannins long into the finish. Lamb, anyone?Prices:| BC | $379.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Three Sisters Winery Emily The Sisters Series 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe inaugural Sister Series label, named after Rebecca's eldest sister, Emily, is a decade old. It was selected from the very best Cabernet Franc barrels. At a decade old, the colour is browning, and the wine gives off tertiary earthy, mushroom notes with some slightly volatile spicy black fruit. It's in surprisingly good shape but needs drinking this fall at the latest. Full-bodied and robust, this was blended with a select barrel of Merlot to round out the palate and soften the tannins. The entire Sisters Series Collection is available directly from the winery for $379.99. The six-pack of one bottle of each unique label features Emily, Katarina, Abigail, Marina, Rebecca, and Kiki in a pine collectors box. The Sister Series Collection is a tribute to the strong, inspiring sisters of both Matt and Rebecca Mikulic. From eldest to youngest, each wine is named after a different sister, all with distinct personalities. Each wine was produced from meticulously chosen grapes harvested only in the most exceptional vintages.Prices:| BC | $379.99 | 750ml |
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04 September 2024
92PTS
Haywire Chardonnay Delong Gee Vineyard 2022
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYou know it has to be a special site and year when winemaker Matt Dumayne opts to bottle a single vineyard wine. The certified organic Summerland vineyard was planted in 2010, and purchased by Deb Delong (UBC Agriculture Prof) and her husband Ty Gee, hence the vineyard name. Haywire used fruit from the site exclusively for BUB until this vintage, when it felt too special to blend away. It was whole cluster pressed and native fermented in 2 neutral puncheons and 1 concrete egg, where it remained on gross lees for 11 months' aging. Shining bright, with lemon, green apple gliding across the medium palate, licked with flint which hums on the saline finish. There's an easy vibrancy and energy in this charming chardy, making it super moreish. 200 cases made for wine shop / wine club (so go get it).Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fort Berens White Gold Reserve 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaFrom their Lillooet Dry Creek Vineyard, this was partial whole cluster press, with the remaining half destemmed and crushed after 4 hours skin contact. All was native fermented in 225 and 400L French oak, where it remained aging for 9 months (23% new). Ripe and near tropical, with fragrant white peach, pear, cream, and subtle toasted wood. The silken palate carries this to a gently spiced finish. Quite polished, and one to partner with creamy pastas or butter drawn seafoods.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaConsistently one of Okanagan's top chardonnays, Tantalus' flagship chardy is primarily estate fruit, based on their 2006 and 2013 plantings, and by a vineyard up the road, also planted in 2013. The fruit (clones 95,96,76 and 589) was whole bunch pressed and native fermented in barrel and puncheons (20-30% new) where it underwent partial MLF, and 10 months on lees prior to bottling. Confident and complete, with interwoven layers of lemon, light cream, stones, and subtle toasted nuttiness, this streams along the palate with an effortless acidity. The medium+ body will work well at the dinner table now, or with a couple of years in your cellar. Super smart.Prices:| BC | $36.50 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Unsworth Vineyards Chardonnay 2022
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada2002 was an 1126 degrees day growing season for this Cowichan Valley chardonnay in its fourth year of production. It mixes vineyards from Cowichan’s marine silts with unknown chardonnay clones. The winemaking is simple, with whole cluster press and ferment in French oak, but only 12% was new. Post ferment, it spends 15 months on its lees in the same barrels. At 12.5% alcohol, it is a rare bird among high quality chardonnays worldwide. 2022 is another electric version of this Island chardonnay, packed full of acidity and freshness, green apple, and lemons tempered by a fine creamy less and beautiful saline hazelnut underbelly, with a persistent mineral finish. The property is getting an adult million dollar facelift, and one wonders what can be done here from a state of the art facility. Salish Sea oysters are the magic match here.Prices:| BC | $35.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Quails' Gate Dijon Clone Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAt Quails' Gate, they describe the inaugural vintage of the ’22 Dijon Clone Chardonnay as a thoughtful blend of clones 96, 95, 76, and 548, carefully hand selected from premium South Kelowna vineyard blocks. This vintage was hand picked, whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented in French oak for 15 months, with full malo and some bâtonnage, adding to the wine’s smooth, creamy character. There is excellent ripeness here, with honeyed peach streaked with flint that permeates the entire wine. The finish is clean and mineral driven with a stony finish. So impressive and another step up for chardonnay at this winery. QG likes several cheese matches: swiss fondue, gouda panini, or French onion soup. Super value.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay 2022
Garnet Valley, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 Garnet Valley Ranch Chardonnay, grown between 600-680 metres above sea level, is finally in full bloom. The vision was always a wine like this, and with a decade of hard work completed, GVR is only beginning its story. The ’22 is whole cluster pressed, fermented in concrete, and aged in a mix of concrete and stainless. Winemaker Matt Dumayne has upped the weight in this version and, together with its inherent spare, high latitude, cool climate style, has produced an impressive, creamy, textured chardonnay packed with savoury scrub, mineral notes, citrus, and freshly cut green apples complexed by light lees and some reduction. Stock up, as this is a keeper. Garnet Valley is a magical place, as is the eponymous Garnet Valley Ranch. The Coletta/Lornie property is coming into its own in 2024 after some early but important help from famous wine folks. The 130-hectare Summerland property was purchased in 2013 at the urging of Chilean terroir consultant Pedro Parra, who designed fifteen unique vineyard blocks, employing extensive research to determine viticulture strategies. The first blocks were planted in 2014 with guidance from Alberto Antonini and David Scholefield. As of 2023, the site has 18 ha of vines: pinot noir, gamay noir, chardonnay, riesling, and chenin blanc, planted in volcanic and glacial matter (including alluvial course sand with limestone and rock) that varies from block to block. To date, a handful of low-intervention organic wines under the Free Form label have been released, along with a few limited edition Garnet Valley Ranch labels.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Little Engine Silver Chardonnay 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLast time out, I thought the Silver label best described California meets Naramata, and it appears to be the same story this year. It’s a good story for this whole cluster pressed / pressed after overnight skin contact chardonnay, fermented long and cool in stainless steel tanks and a variety of seasoned French oak barrels. The final blend was 71% barrel fermented (no new oak) and matured on lees for eight months with bâtonnage. There is a mix of pineapple and Meyer lemons, balancing the sugar and acid perfectly with streaks of lime and vanilla butter before finishing fresh and ready to drink. A modern version of New World chardonnay that should have a broad audience. Lobster, Dungeness crab, creamy cheeses, or roasted chicken all come to mind.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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