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Tastings: August 2025
18 August 2025
92PTS
Terravista Albariño 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaUnder the previous owners and founders, Bob and Senka Tennant, Albariño was planted in BC in the late 2000s on a sloping, rocky property on Naramata Bench. They were the first winery to sell this Galician grape commercially in Canada. In 2023 this primarily comes off Terravista's estate Lone Hand Ranch, with a small amount from their new Naramata Outlook Vineyard, 1km away. It was picked and inoculated with 2 separate yeasts, whole cluster pressed, and fermented in stainless until dry. Tight and pithy, with white grapefruit, green apple, lemon pith streaking along the sleek, tensile palate, kissed with anise and crushed stones, and leaving ample lingering salinity in its wake. There's lovely layering here, bringing more to each sip in the wine's progression. One to enjoy throughout the evening.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Terravista Vineyards Proyecto Terruño Albarino Grand Island Vineyard 2024
California, United StatesProyecto Terruña is Terravista's series of Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This albariño comes from Clarksburg, California's Grand Island Vineyard. After a whole cluster press and settling on site, it was transported up to the Okanagan for fermentation in concrete egg and stainless. Ripe nectarine, apricot, white peach, cut grass, lime pith streak across the medium palate, with sun weight countered by pithy, tight acidity that lingers on the grapefruit finish. The extra padding here would assist with numerous food pairings, like Thai green curry, or papaya salad.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Terravista Vineyards Proyecto Terruña Albariño Spanish Castle Vineyard 2024
Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesProyecto Terruña is Terravista's series of Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This albariño comes from Spanish Castle vineyard, in Columbia Valley's Ancient Lakes AVA. It was handpicked, then driven to their Okanagan winery that afternoon, fermented in stainless until dry, where it rested for a short time until bottling. Salami and other reductive notes open and lead to a gentle palate of lime pith and peel, pear blossoms, nectarine fuzz, finishing with a snappy grapefruit pith finish. Though a bit clipped, this is dry and floral and zippy, and a nice sunny patio white this summer. 233 cases were made.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Lightning Rock Cross Border Collection Albariño Coyote Canyon Vineyard 2024
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis is a juicy, easy sipping style albariño from Coyote Canyon Vineyard in the Washington Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The nose and palate are soft and round, with notes of pear, stone fruit, and a just hint of lees adding a creamy finish. It’s a bit low in acidity, but there is zero sugar, so it's not a real handicap. The fermentation was wild inside concrete eggs, followed by complete malolactic fermentation and extended lees aging for six months in concrete. I like this wine and would love to see it made with a bit more BC acid energy down the road. Try it with a grilled halibut and a fresh chopped fruit salsa.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Zarate Balado Albariño 2023
Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zárate estate is located in Rias Baixas' Vale do Salinas subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via Albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. Seventh-generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. From the oldest vineyard of Albariño in Rias Baixas, planted pre-phylloxera, these granitic-soiled vines in Val do Salnés are around 150 years old, and farmed with some biodynamic principles. After a native ferment in stainless, this is left on lees for 9 months, without bâtonnage, or MLF. Ripe and powerful, this forward white leads and carries pear butter, white honey, white peach along a fuller, gently expansive palate, all held to attention by a buzzy granitic grip that livens the underneath. This lingers long on the palate, finishing with a wash of meadow herbs and salinity. Super smart and quite polished, drinking now and with ample time ahead in your cellar.Prices:| ON | $77.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Bodegas Zarate Tras da Viña 2022
Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, Galicia, SpainFounded in 1707, the family owned Zarate estate is located in Rias Baixas' lauded Val do Salnés subregion. Their sloping, weathered granite vineyards are translated via albariño, a grape intrinsically associated with the estate. 7th generation Eulogio Pomares runs this historic bodega today, farming almost fully biodynamically. Tras da Vińa is a single plot of 50 year old vines aged for 2 years on lees in stainless. Crunchy green apple, tart pear are balanced off with a fine slick of lees riding a humming granitic base, finishing long and saline. Very pure and focused, this lean white is drinking beautifully now and with time ahead.Prices:| ON | $77.00 | 750ml |
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15 August 2025
90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2024
Canada - USA, CanadaThe 2024 CIBC / replacement Petit Blanc uses fruit from both the Southern Okanagan and Washington State, in a cross-boarder blend. Primarily chardonnay, this is joined by viognier, sauvignon blanc, and roussanne, all entirely in stainless, with no MLF or bâtonnage, and 5 months rest on lees. Crisp and bright, this rings with green apple, Asian pear, lemon balm along a sleek, dry palate, lingering with stony spices. Quite smart and easily smashable this summer, solo or with bites on the patio.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet Les Pins De Camille 2023
Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOver the years, the Omarine Picpoul de Pinet has gradually established a dedicated following in BC by those who value this refined southern French grape. It is a compelling alternative to sauvignon blanc, especially when you consider the fresh shellfish available to us here on the West Coast. It's fresh, mineral driven and awash in citrus flecked with honey, ginger, and quince. And it's on sale all month.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Bianco 2020
Etna, Sicily, ItalyFrank Cornelissen became part of a growing movement of naturalist Sicilian wines, and now is a reference producer. This intense orange is a split of certified organic Grecanico dorado and carricante from 30+ year old vines growing on the profound volcanic soils of Mt. Etna. After destemming and light crushing, this spent 3 days on skins before a native ferment and aging in epoxy tanks of varying sizes for 16 months. It was bottling without fining and with minimal filtration and low SO2. Pouring a golden hue, this streaks across the palate, leaving a wake of tangerine pith, chamomile, bergamot, burnished stones, and a kiss of honeycomb, fresh ginger, and orange pekoe tea in its wake. Finished with an ardeaseal cork, so you needn't ever worry about TCA or forgery.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wild Goose Autumn Gold Cascadia 2024
United StatesThis Cascadia Blend of gew, riesling, and pinot blanc comes from the US, but no mention of the grapes' location is to be found. White peach, pear, soap, bitter grapefruit rules this simple aromatic white blend, finishing with a bitter stone fruit twist.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Bianco 2020
Etna, Sicily, ItalyThe Munjebel Bianco is an esteemed Etna orange wine produced from a blend of Grecanico and Carricante grapes. Sourced from vines exceeding 40 years in age and rooted in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, this wine undergoes a four day skin maceration during the vinification process. This method imparts a complex aromatic profile featuring ripe yellow fruit, ginger, and arid underbrush. The palate reveals pronounced minerality within its deep yellow hue, complemented by layered flavours of yellow fruits, floral spices, and phenolic nuances derived from skin contact. Notable for its substantial structure and extended finish, the Munjebel Bianco is a gastronomic wine suitable for immediate enjoyment or cellaring through 2027.Prices:| BC | $85.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Villota Selvanevada Rioja Alevesa Bianco 2021
Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, SpainThis Rioja Blanco is a magical blend of 85% viura, 11% white garnacha, 2% malvasia, 2% white tempranillo. The pale gold colour is accompanied by an expressive nose of tropical fruit, including pineapple and lemon, with underlying floral notes, spice, and vanilla. It spends 6 months in French oak aging on its lees, creating a creamy, rich textured palate that hums with minerality, dried apricots, and hazelnuts. Honestly, this is so delicious that it doesn't need any accompaniment. However, in Spain, it's customary to pair it with roasted chicken or pork, cured Spanish ham, herbaceous soups, or rice dishes like paella, made with saffron. The Pérez Villota family has managed the San Rafael estate in the Alavesa region of La Rioja since the 1930s. For five decades, they sold their grapes to a winery collective known as CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España). They participated in a partnership with CVNE to co-create Contino in the 1970s, but beginning in 2013, the family chose to bottle their wine independently at their winery, Villota.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Salvajes de Gredos Marino Albillo Real 2023
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThe Albillo grape has historical records dating back to the fifteenth century, noted at that time for producing "a clear wine, gentle in taste and colour." It is cultivated in north-central Spain, where it benefits from hot days and cool nights at an elevation of around 600 metres. These temperature variations help Albillo grapes reach ripeness while maintaining acidity, which contributes to wines with aging capacity. Marino Albillo '23 is produced from Albillo Real sourced from a 75 year old vineyard in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, in the Gredos Mountains near Madrid. The vines grow in sandy soil over granite with low organic matter content. The vineyard is managed organically (though not certified), without the application of herbicides or insecticides, and all work is done using horses rather than machinery. The approach emphasizes minimal intervention in both the vineyard and winery, and the results are delicious. A ,lively white with grapefruit acidity, fresh lemon, nectarine and dried herbs. If you only hunt down one wine this year in a private wine shop, this should be it.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Marcel Deiss Complantation Nature 2022
Alsace, FranceFrom Marcel Deiss’ biodynamically farmed vineyards, this is a cofermented field blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Muscat à petits grains, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Beurot, Muscat Blanc, Rose d’Alsace, Traminer, plus others. This was native fermented in foudre, where it rested for one year on lees, with zero inputs throughout, including sulphur. The striking bottle, label, and name preview the wine inside: a contemplative and intellectual (yet delish) field blend. Rosewater, ginger, and crushed florals lead and carry through the fragrant pear, perfumed quince, apricot woven throughout the medium bodied palate, lined with a gentle cushion of lees, and finishing with humming salinity. Great cohesion and completeness in this harmonious blend.Prices:| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Featherstone Four Feathers 2024
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaFrom Niagara Peninsula, Four Feathers is an aromatic white blend of riesling, pinot grigio, chardonnay, and gewürztraminer. Fragrant peach, lime blossom, and lemongrass is bright with tart acidity, though balanced with a bump of RS, keeping this friendly and easy to sip on a sunny patio.Prices:| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Riverview Cellars La Gatta 2021
Ontario, CanadaThis Ontario appellated white blend is 63% vidal, 25% riesling, and 12% gewürztraminer. Pouring a deeper yellow hue, this 2021 opens with soap and lime blossoms before a slightly honeyed palate, with honeydew and white peach. The finish is brief, kissed with lime. While acidity is still high, the wine is tasting a bit clipped, and would be best used to partner with Southeast Asian curries.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Amalaya Torrontes Riesling 2024
Calchaqui Valley, Salta, North, ArgentinaSeeing riesling in a blend – with torrontes, no less – gives the impression of a simple white blend. Well, don't judge a wine by its blend. This shows pure torrontes aromatics – orange blossom and bright lemon balm citrus – with the crisp acidity provided by riesling. Sometimes riesling can overwhelm a blend, but this is still very much torrontes at its core. (And most wineries would just label it as such at 85 percent.) Another winner from the Amalaya label, which continues to deliver excellent value.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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13 August 2025
91PTS
Cinco Leguas Rompecepas Garnacha 2022
Madrid, SpainCinco Leguas is a new project from winemaker Marc Isart, Miguel Santiago, and their Irish importers Vinos Tito. Rompecepas Garnacha comes from organic vines in San Martín, Gredos, planted at 830m in sandy soils. This was destemmed with a short 5 day maceration in concrete before aging 9 months in 500L barrels and 700L tinajas. This lighter red charms with perfumed wild cherries, raspberries, and crushed wildflowers, seasoned with scrubby resinous herbs, and wrapped with fine, lightly sticky tannins to the pink peppercorn dusted finish. A lovely lighter lens for the grape, elevated by altitude and a thankful knowledgeable touch. 3700 bottles produced.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Las Moradas de San Martin Libro Once Las Luces 2011
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainLas Moradas de San Martín is a Spanish jewel. The winery sits at a height of 870m above sea level, on the fringes of the Sierra de Gredos, among the unique landscape of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, south-east of Madrid. In all, 21 hectares of old vine vineyards surround the winery, where most of the garnacha is over 100 years old. The 900 meter slope is very windy, and all the fruit is grown organically. Winemaker Isabel Galindo tries to do little to interfere with what she is getting from this remarkable site. The 3.5 hectare La Centenera plot is the source of this wine, where the garnacha is grown on granitic sandy soils. Native fermented in new 500L French oak, it is aged 18 months before being bottled sans fining or filtration. It's only made in the finest years. Look for an opaque appearance in the glass and a mix of lifted savoury notes with rich dried cherry, black plum, dried tobacco, and desert brush. The palate is more of the same with striking acidity, firm, dense tannins and black fruit poking through. It's mature enough to drink at 14 years of age, but you could hold this through 2028 and beyond.Prices:| BC | $85.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $66.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Salvajes de Gredos Marino Tinto 2023
Vinos de Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, SpainThe Marino Tinto 2023 is produced exclusively from garnacha sourced from two distinct sites. The vines, aged between 60 and 85 years, are grown on poor sand and granite soils and are managed using non-certified organic methods, eschewing herbicides and insecticides in favour of sulphur powder to prevent fungal diseases. Horses are employed for vineyard work. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel vats, with a 10 day maceration period conducted without the addition of stems. The wine matures for eight months in 500 litre used French oak barrels. In the glass, it opens with some volatile notes that lift the wild forest berries and black cherry that defines the nose and palate. The mid palate is intense with more spicy black fruit and Mediterranean garrigue. The texture is grenache smooth with fine grained tannins, complemented by a strong mineral finish. A good wine that struggles with some upfront volatile notes, though grilled lamb would be the match to calm things down. Marc Isart, together with his esteemed colleague Miquel Santiago Carrillo, is recognized as one of the Salvajes or saviours of Gredos. Their highly complementary collaboration sees Miquel cultivate some of the region's most distinguished vineyards, while Marc brings exceptional expertise as a winemaker. Their wines are organized according to a Burgundian hierarchy, beginning with regional Marino wines at the base, followed by village wines from Cadalso and San Martin, and culminating in single vineyard selections at the top.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha 2022
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSteve Pannell's idea for a low sulphur, unfiltered, unfined grenache had been in the works for a few years until access to the right fruit from an old dry grown vineyard in 2017 sparked the Basso project. Basso, from the Latin Bassus, means low, in reference to the minimalist approach to this pure wine. From Blewitt Spring's Little Branch vineyard, this was crushed with a small amount of whole bunches left in the bottom of the tank and fermented over 2 weeks before pressing off into large old French vats for MLF and aging. Dusky perfumed plum, black raspberry, and crushed violets teem through this fuller, muscular wine, the juicy palate clad in chewy tannins, and trailing with spice box and more crushed florals. There's a well placed easy freshness to counter any weight here, making this an ideal partner to sauced ribs / lamb kabobs. Fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Alkina Grenache 2024
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaAlkina is a certified organic and biodynamic Barossa farm on the traditional lands of the Ngadjuri people. The founders honour and learn from the land’s Indigenous history (Alkina is an indigenous girl's name meaning 'moon') through their 43 hectares of vines, with the eldest planted in the 1950s. Kin Grenache came from 3 estate blocks, and a mix of schist and limestone soils. Each block was fermented in concrete tulip with 80% whole bunches for around 1 month before being basket pressed to concrete where they rested until the following spring's blending. Pouring a light crimson hue, this opens with fragrant cherry blossoms, perfumed wild strawberry, and scrubby herbs along a slender palate, with finely sticky tannins pinning in the sides. The finish is studded with white pepper. Quite a smart, pure example of place and grape.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Ochota Barrels The Green Room Grenache 2024
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaFrom McLaren Vale's Onkaparinga Hills, this organic grenache comes off a vineyard planted in 1946 on limestone and schist soils. This was native fermented with 65% whole bunch, with up to 12 days on skins before being basket pressed to older French barriques for a couple of months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with a wee tip of sulphur. Pouring a very light crimson hue, this gracefully wild grenache weaves botanical herbs, wild raspberry, morello cherry, ferrous kisses along the slender palate, lit with a buzzy acidity, and wrapped in a whisper of tannins. The finish fades out into bergamot and sarsaparilla. A perennial charmer, and one you can enjoy with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml |
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12 August 2025
88PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio 2024
Veneto, ItalyThis opens with a sweet floral nose leading to a just off dry palate of ripe pears, sweet apples, and pink grapefruit, with a faint hint of lees adding some texture and creaminess to the wine. Friendly, soft, and easy sipping with just enough minerality to keep it interesting. Anything from the sea works here, especially if it has a bit of spice.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $15.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.33 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.60 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Plume Pinot Gris 2024
Van Duzer Corridor, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesPlume is a Quails' Gate label that originated in Sonoma but has morphed into a brand that represents wine made anywhere outside of the Okanagan Valley. In this case, it is a pinot gris sourced in Oregon's Willamette Valley, namely in the Van Duzer Gap. It is open to the cool Pacific Ocean, giving the wine a similar demeanour with a mineral undercurrent. It's not a skinny wine, as the palate is weighty with white fruits, a touch of lees, phenolics, citrus and wet stones.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Township 7 Interlude Pinot Gris 2024
Lake Chelan, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis single vineyard gris was sourced from Clos Chevalle, a sustainably farmed vineyard that sits above Lake Chelan in Washington. It opens with ripe yellow fruits with a dusting of honey. The mid-palate is awash in more orchard fruit and a smooth, soft finish. It was fermented in stainless steel to preserve as much fruit as possible, save for a single French barrique. It is a ripe everyday version of the grape you can serve with spicy grilled chicken or vegetable kabobs.Prices:| BC | $26.97 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge Vilicus Pinot Grigio 2024
Washington, United StatesThe Vilicus grigio reflects a bit of the attractive and better northern versions made in Italy. Expect zippy lemon zest with an intense core that is wound up in a fresh expression of orchard fruits, and a clean, dry finish. Well made. Shellfish, anyone?Prices:| BC | $21.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Blasted Church Pinot Gris Grown in Washington State 2024
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThese gris grapes are certified sustainable and grown at Andrews Family Vineyards in the Columbia Valley Horse Heaven Hills AVA. After a brief cold soak, the juice was pressed into the tank and trucked to Blasted Curch on the Skaha Bench. The quiet nose led to a lively palate of apricots, melon, and a dusting of honey and baking spices. It's drier than many of its compatriots but also softer. I'm thinking spaghetti vongole.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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11 August 2025
92PTS
Jean Collet et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceI tasted this in March, and it is every bit as good today. It is Premier Cru with a bit of Grand Cru exterior. The nose is a mix of white fruits with a light dusting of pepper. On the palate, layers of ripe citrus and saline/oyster liqueur, with an excellent mid-weight palate with a stony, flinty underside. Warm weather has enlarged this wine. It still has the intensity and structure you want, but is more hedonistic than complex. Perfect for restaurants, and you can find this on the Reserve list at Earls. Collet operates with certified organic grapes that are hand harvested and fermented wild in 95% stainless steel, 5% wood. All the wines go through malolactic fermentation and are aged 1/3 in stainless steel vats, 1/3 in 80 hl oak barrels, and 1/3 in Burgundy barrels.Prices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $52.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Maison Perron de Mypont Bourgogne Blanc 2022
Burgundy, FrancePerron de Mypont is crafted from select vineyard parcels of chardonnay in the Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Chablis. The wine is matured for 9 months in used French oak barriques and 600 litre demi-muids to develop its texture and complexity while preserving freshness. This results in a balanced chardonnay with white fruits and subtle florals, followed by a palate that shows lees, citrus, and apples, with persistent length and texture. Maison Perron de Mypont is an estate situated in the village of Puligny-Montrachet, currently managed by German winemaker Ernst Loosen, and Manoël Bouchet, a Burgundy wine professional and collaborator. Their approach aims to honour the heritage and culture of region while incorporating modern winemaking techniques to produce high quality wines and deliver value.Prices:| BC | $46.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
1 Mill Road Chardonnay 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is an elegant, dry, and refined chardonnay that exemplifies the promising future of British Columbia chardonnay. The fruit comes off a small vineyard on the Naramata Bench, and it is sensational. Winemaker Ben Bryant says no one has any idea what the clone is, or when it was planted. It's likely one of the earliest planted chardonnays on the bench, grown in the late 80s and early 90s, and it's not a muscat clone. It is meticulously farmed. It is barrel fermented in a combination of puncheon and barrique, with no malo, and lees work is done with low sulphur for about eight months. Flinty, with subtle oatmeal, fine toast, and lemon zest that runs from front to back. The nose is a delightful mix of light brioche and flinty/stony mineral. The palate is creamy with a faint hint of vanilla, pastry, peach and salinity. Elegant, long, and sophisticated, this is the real thing. Bryant has made the best of a warm year and a low crop level where others have failed. Expect a first class wine.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Capture Chardonnay Border Vista Vineyard 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOver the years, Capture has been one of the best Checkmate labels. Always opening with a flinty, seawater, mineral note, this wine comes from a section of 8 rows within their warmest vineyard. Border Vista Vineyard is located on the Osoyoos East Bench, at 339 to 354 metres, planted to Dijon 76 and 809, which are wild fermented and aged for 14 months in French oak (47% new). The lean, sandy soils yield naturally low crops and produce highly concentrated fruit. The palate combines peaches, honey, and a creamy, mineral texture. Border Vista Vineyard takes you as far south as possible in the Okanagan on the Osoyoos East Bench, just north of the US border. There is plenty of power here, but its sparse soil helps to restrain its overall structure, especially when combined with organic growing, contributing to a modest 13.5%.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 6000ml |
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92PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Little Pawn Chardonnay Jagged Rock Vineyard 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLittle Pawn has always been among the most reductive Checkmate chardonnay, and it's no different in 2022. It is grown on the sands of the highly acclaimed Jagged Rock Vineyard on the Black Sage Bench, 378 meters above sea level, southeast of the town of Oliver. Dijon 76, with its joyous stone fruit, makes up more than half the blend, joined by the Dekleva clone planted by John Simes in the late 1990s. The 22 is 75% wild fermented, and 90% of the wine is barrel aged in new French oak for 16 months with an addition of 10% aged in concrete. Certified organic, the alcohol checks in at 13.4%. Precision agriculture has led to no-maintenance vines with self-limiting yields, intensifying their vibrant floral and melon. On the palate, citrus and peach are accompanied by mineral salinity. Fresh and elegant, it's Next World chardonnay. Checkmate continues to tweak these labels, tightening up the fruit and consolidating the labels to maintain a high standard of quality.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $250.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $620.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1300.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe current Fool's Mate continues down the road to complexity, leading with subtle yet intoxicating orchard fruit. On the palate, pears and apricots mix with citrus and minerals, complemented by fresh acidity that tightens the wine from within. The finish is long and persistent with early morning bakery notes. Fool's Mate is the only multi-vineyard blended chardonnay made at Checkmate, involving four individual sites. In 2022, a largely lauded vintage, the breakdown was 32% Dekelva-Combret Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench, with the remaining 68% distributed among 31% Sunset Vineyard, 30% Jagged Rock Vineyard, and 7% Border Vista Vineyard, which is located on the east side of the Valley. Those sites include a mix of chardonnay clones, including Dijon 76 and 95, Hyde-Wente 548, and 1066, grown at varying elevations between 315 and 400 metres. Only 18% of the fruit is fermented wild. 66% was aged in French oak barriques, of which half were new, while 34% went into larger foudres.Prices:| BC | $100.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $200.00 | 1500ml |
| BC | $500.00 | 3000ml |
| BC | $1010.00 | 6000ml |
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91PTS
Chivite Colección 125 Gran Vino Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2021
Navarra and Basque Country, SpainThe Colección 125 Blanco is a selection of fruit from a 480m north facing plot of clay and loam known as Las Mercedes. The site allows for slow ripening and normal alcohol levels. Berries arrive intact at the winery, where they are sorted. The best free run juice is at the heart of this chardonnay, and its barrel fermented in 225 litre French oak barrels for 12 months with the lees in suspension. Some might consider it a bit old style with the honey, nutty notes threading through the citrus and oak, but it’s a gastronomique wine made for food. Try it with pasta carbonara.Prices:| BC | $99.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Domaine de l'enclos Chablis 2022
Chablis, Burgundy, FranceFourth generation vine growers, Romain and Damien Bouchard founded their winemaking estate in 2016 from their family's organic holdings in Chablis, and Chablis 1er and Grand Cru sites. For this, their classic Chablis, fruit comes from the villages of Chablis, La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, Beines, Fontenay, and Villy, and vines up to 50 years. After a native ferment in stainless, this remains there on fine lees for 9 months. Lemon blossom, light cream glides along a river stone base, trailing off with subtle lemon pith and stony spice. A pretty, sleek Chablis, ready for enjoying now.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is a touch of flinty reduction on what is primarily a fresh green apple nose. On the palate, there is a light perfume cut by a Burgundian citrus undercurrent and some lean sour apple. Fresh and clean, it delivers a lengthy, mineral balanced finish with a touch of spice.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Chardonnay Reserve 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe inaugural Tantalus Reserve Chardonnay debuted in 2018, with the 2022 vintage representing only the second release of this distinguished wine. The ambition behind this offering is to produce a refined expression of the estate vineyard situated in the East Kelowna Slopes GI. The Reserve is sourced exclusively from the oldest estate vines, planted in 1985 and 2006. Its golden hue evokes a classic Napa Chardonnay style, complemented by notes of sweet vanilla and baking spices. At the same time, lemon curd and pear, combined with vibrant, nutty acidity, contribute to a fresh and balanced profile of a more modern wine.Prices:| BC | $56.52 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Domaine Artema Chardonnay Cru 2023
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis chardonnay was fermented and aged primarily in French oak (89%) with a smaller portion in stainless steel (11%), with bâtonnage once a week for the first few months. It opens with ripe yellow apple, quince, and a hint of pineapple, layered with notes of toasted barley, butterscotch, and fresh cream. On the palate, it has soft acidity and a smooth, rounded texture. The finish is modest in length. Overall, it’s a ripe, generous, and approachable chardonnay with moderate complexity and emphasis on richness and toastiness.Prices:| BC | $54.90 | 750ml |
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08 August 2025
91PTS
1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Block 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThere is a fine core of fruit with depth that frames this pinot, and early on it dominates on the entry before the graphite, black tea, and spice intervene to balance the wine right through the finish. Quiet, complex, and inviting with savoury notes underneath and fine texture throughout, tt was fermented using 30% whole cluster and only 20 days on skins to contain the intensity and robustness of the '23 harvest. There is an outstanding balance of skilled winemaking and experience all wrapped up in this wine. Bright and fresh upfront, but that fades into a more moody pinot in the finish. Winemaker Ben Bryant excels at picking at the right time, often earlier than others, ensuring he never worries about getting enough acidity. He says in the Okanagan you achieve plenty of natural extracts if you take enough care at the winery, thus the balance we see here. It was aged in a mix of barrels and larger puncheons to enhance the balance.Prices:| BC | $65.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Privato Vineyard and Winery Woodward Collection Tesoro Pinot Noir 2021
Kaleden, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTesoro exhibits a cooler, more herbaceous profile compared to most of the 2022 pinots I have sampled. On the palate, it offers notes of sour cherry and a lean, acidic foundation. Nuances of cool, green forest floor integrate with hints of tea and mushrooms, leading to a soft, silky finish. The wine is straightforward and best served with a fatty protein such as a grilled sockeye salmon.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot a typical QG Reserve with such intense extraction that shows up under the wine. The wine has a certain elegance with black cherry, but the bitter chocolate invades the palate from underneath. I’m of two minds about where this wine is going, although I’m certain there is less fruit this year than in any other. Let’s see what happens three years down the road. It may blossom into something special, but at the moment it is a bit of a brute, and the jury is out.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $56.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $48.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $59.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Noble Ridge King's Ransom Pinot Noir 2020
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Reserve Pinot Noir is grown at the home vineyard in OK Falls, planted to a mix of pinot noir clones 113, 114, 115, and 777. It spends about 14 months in oak, of which very little is new. Similar to last year, the nose is a mix of cola and earthy cherries, mixed with spice and light tannins. The palate is full bodied for Pinot, but the texture is silky, giving it a slightly approachable character now. A solid wine you can enjoy now or through 2027. Pair with anything mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Tantalus Pinot Noir Reserve 2022
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith only 160 cases available, the Tantalus Reserve Pinot is as rare as the golden mask created by Tahltan-Tlingit artist Dempsey Bob that adorns the front label. The ’22 vintage has been widely lauded, and it was generous to boot, although excess production is never the friend of pinot noir. No matter at Tantalus, this is another exceptional wine and pinot noir that speaks to its place and the will of the people behind its production. The style is one of finesse and complexity, with delicious plum streaked with blackberries for added intensity, followed by a pleasingly dry finish with sweet tannins and silky textures. It involves parcels of Clone 115 from Block 2, and Clone 943 from Block 8, which were fermented with 41% and 30% whole bunches, respectively. The 667 was fermented with 50% whole bunches included, and the wine was foot trodden once a day to encourage finesse over extraction. After 15 months and a gentle racking, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered and spent another year in the bottle before release. Get it while you can.Prices:| BC | $65.22 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Spearhead Pinot Noir Cuvée 2023
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Cuvée takes me to New Zealand with its earthy, forest floor, clove demeanour. The palate is a spicy affair of plums and cherries with a subtle earth and mushroom finish, again lined with spice. Rich and mouthfilling, this needs something like duck confit to contain its exuberance. The Cuvée combines several pinot noir clones from Summerland and East Kelowna in a 30/25/25/20 mix of 115/114/943/777 aged 13 months in 40% new French oak.Prices:| BC | $52.90 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stag's Hollow Renaissance Pinot Noir 2022
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOnly the best lots at Stag's Hollow make it to the Renaissance labels, which have only been issued nine times in the last 25 years. The pinot comes from the Shuttleworth Creek property. Two-thirds of the wine involves clones 667 and 115, but according to winemaker Keira Lefranc, it is the Pommard clone that completes the wine and gives it its raison d'être. The colour is light, and the nose is slightly reduced with a whiff of barnyard and black cherries. The entry is elegant and juicy with mostly red fruit and a tiny bit of tannin. As we head toward October, this is a turkey wine for sure, and it will also embrace mushroom dishes.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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07 August 2025
90PTS
Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesFor their 2024 CIBC / replacement sauvignon blanc, fruit was sourced from Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills AVA. After picking, the fruit saw partial skin contact before transportation to their Osoyoos winery for fermentation in stainless, with 34% in neutral French oak barrels. Ripe gooseberry, fragrant orchard pear, and crunchy Asian pear rule the stony palate, gliding over a fine lees base, and lingering with humming tangerine pith. Super smart example, more French than American, but perennially LVP.Prices:| BC | $31.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm Sauvignon Blanc Pacific Northwest Edition 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Pacific Northwest Edition label is how JoieFarm chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. From Yakima Valley's Balcom & Moe Vineyard, the grapes were pressed whole berry, chilled in stainless, and transported to the Okanagan Valley winery. Fermentation continued in stainless and neutral French barrels. There's a lovely welcome lees bed to temper the grape's inherent pointed acidity, with more roundness from the 13.9% alcohol buffering the tart white grapefruit, gooseberry, and crunchy green apple. Quite a complete and smart example, and one well suited to numerous foodstuffs (think bright Thai or Vietnamese flavours).Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Clos du Soleil Washington Series Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis CIBC / replacement wine was sourced from Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills AVA, and received 4 hours of skin contact before fermentation in a mix of stainless and French puncheons. It remained there over 5 months on lees with weekly bâtonnage. Zesty white grapefruit and gooseberry ring through the zippy palate, joined by crunchy green apple and perfumed pear blossoms, finishing with a grapefruit twist. A fresh, fun savvy to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mayhem Anarchy Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis wine presents an elevated sauvignon expression compared to the typical 2024 label, offering pronounced white peach, sweet citrus, and green guava. The palate leans toward tropical flavours complemented by vibrant citrus, with a touch of oatmeal lees adding subtle complexity, yet tempering a lively conclusion. The winery recommends pairing this wine with fish tacos, avocado, and fresh cilantro, and I agree. Grapes are sourced from Rosebud Vineyard and Talcott Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington State, USA. The wine is aged for 7 months, utilizing 76% seasoned French oak barriques and 24% seasoned French oak puncheons.Prices:| BC | $25.32 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kim Crawford Illuminate 0% Sauvignon Blanc NV
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandIlluminate 0 is a new non-alcoholic label introduced by Kim Crawford, featuring zero percent alcohol. The wine presents appealing grapefruit, lemon zest, and green apple. On the mid palate, pronounced acidity emerges, lending a puckering sensation. Notably, the wine maintains its character beyond this point, revealing additional depth and texture that restore balance and lead to a vibrant, acidity driven finish. Crafted with care, this product will appeal to consumers seeking zero alcohol options that closely resemble a traditional wine experience. Illuminate 0 is anticipated to enter the market by late summer.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Kim Crawford Illuminate Éclairer Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandGrapes for this wine are individually harvested from KC vineyard blocks in subregions throughout Marlborough. Illuminate Éclairer uses the Spinning Cone technology to reduce the alcohol below 1% on approximately 60% of the final volume, with 40% of the base blended back to achieve a final alcohol level of 7%. The nose is one of the best I have ever encountered in the low alcohol field, excepting the magical Mosel offerings. Look for a mix of guava, lemons, and passionfruit with heightened acidity. The mid palate has enough weight to carry the acidity before the herby notes kick in across the finish. At 7% alcohol and 90 calories per 6.6 ounce pour, Iluminate Éclairer is going to build a significant following. This is a genuine option for those seeking lower alcohol content, especially if you're a fan of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.45 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandKim Crawford, the founder and winemaker, has long moved on to other endeavours, but this benchmark Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc continues to flourish under the current winemaker, Dave Edmonds. His attention to detail in the vineyards and at the winery, combined with a current focus on sustainable practices, vineyard block harvesting, and small lot fermentation, has kept the brand at the forefront among its fans. Its pale yellow colour belies its intense aromas of citrus and tropical fruit with a crushed herb underlay. Juicy, full flavoured, and bursting with passion fruit and melons, this is made for steamed mussels, fresh oysters, and summer salads.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesDirty Laundry is famous for producing quality wines that are fun to drink, and this replacement Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from Yakima Valley, WA, reflects that commitment. A selection of yeast strains was employed to generate multiple lots, each offering unique characteristics to enhance blending flexibility. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks at controlled cool temperatures, with daily lees stirring employed to enhance mouthfeel and complexity. The resulting style highlights tropical notes, featuring ripe yellow and green fruit complemented by grapefruit and passionfruit, yielding a harmonious and approachable wine. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Seven Terraces Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandThis Marlborough savvy is packed full of guava and jalapeño, gooseberries and grass, in a classic regional style. The creamy palate is cut with a lemongrass and white grapefruit acidity, which lingers on the finish. Fresh, punchy, and forward, for those who are looking for that showy style.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $34.99 | 2000ml |
| BC | $34.99 | 2000ml |
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87PTS
Township 7 Interlude Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSourced from the historic Bacchus Vineyard in Wahluke Slope, Washington, planted in 1972 on sandy loam soils. It was hand-harvested, fermented cool in stainless steel, and mostly aged in stainless steel, except for a small portion that spent time in second-fill French barrels. The result is a tropical lemon lime nose and palate with some dryness pushing through the finish. The winery is suggesting pasta Primavera, or grilled halibut with asparagus.Prices:| BC | $26.97 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mayhem Sauvignon Blanc Columbia River Plateau 2024
Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesWinemaker Ajay Chavan has shaped a tasty, simple sauvignon with orange florals and a whiff of lemon-lime. The palate is more of the same with a dry citrus finish. This is a skinny sauvignon that would be fine with creamy dishes or freshly shucked oysters. It is a replacement wine sourced from Rosebud Vineyard and Talcott Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA in Washington State. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc fermented in stainless steel and then aged for 4 months in 89% stainless steel and 11% seasoned barriques.Prices:| BC | $21.83 | 750ml |
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06 August 2025
87PTS
Sagewood Hayward Vineyard Dernier Foch 2024
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThe Dernier Foch is produced from estate vineyard grapes harvested at a later stage, resulting in a noticeably sweeter profile both on the nose and palate compared to the standard Marechal Foch. The winery recommends serving this wine as a dessert option, as its notes of cherry, chocolate, and caramelised sugar dusted with cocoa powder support that suggestion. It pairs exceptionally well with a chocolate tart.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Sagewood Hayward Vineyard Marechal Foch 2024
Kamloops, British Columbia, CanadaThis bold red offers black fruit, black cherry, chocolate, and vanilla with a seamless, soft texture and hints of spice and warmth. Ideal with slow cooked or braised meats, it’s ready to drink now.Prices:| BC | $27.74 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir Bin 106 Lost Boys 2023
Ontario, CanadaTheir top baco, this comes from a single block planted in 1984 on silty clays. Fruit was destemmed and free run, basked pressed with the top barrels selected for this cuvée, aged in new and 1 year old American barriques (50% new oak) followed by aging in foudre over 1 year. Pouring an opaque purple hue, this teems with espresso, bitter cassis, dark chocolate across a tart palate, framed with sticky / pasty tannins, finishing clipped and oak-led. Best served with roast beef / game to fill out the edges.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe Speck Family Reserve Baco Noir comes off the family's oldest plantings on their estate, started in 1984 in silty clays. This aged in a combination of new and 1-2 years old American barriques, then partially finished in 5000L oak foudres for a combined 12 months. Baked mulberry, blackberry jam, espresso is met with a super tart cassis acidity, slicing the heft here, and finishing with toast and cracked pepper. Tannins are soft and plumped, making this wine ready to drink now. Partner with the BBQ.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2023
Ontario, CanadaFrom vineyards doing back to 1984, this baco was destemmed and free run, aged in new - 2 year American barriques, and partially finished in 5000L foudres over 12 months. Juicy boysenberry, mulberry, and plum is lit with a tart cassis acidity, and framed with long, plumped tannins to a peppery finish. Acidity is pronounced, and fruit is at the fore, making this a smart choice for grilled meats.Prices:| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2023
Ontario, CanadaFrom a range of vineyards planted from 1975 to 2015, own rooted, this was aged in American oak for 6+ months. Soft and plush, with wild blackberry, tart cassis, framed with sticky, powdery tannins, and scented with cracked pepper and toasted wood. Useful for rustic braises or grilled meats.Prices:| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Family Tree The Bootlegger Baco Noir 2023
Ontario, CanadaThis baco was fermented in 80% stainless, 20% American oak. Ripe blackberry, tart cassis, and toasted wood is framed with pasty tannins, and lifted with ample tart acidity. A simple, fuller red for grilled burgers this summer.Prices:| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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05 August 2025
90PTS
Lightning Rock Cabernet Franc Alvail Estate Vineyard 2023
Golden Mile Slopes, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlvail Estate Vineyard is located on the Golden Mile Slopes and is a new source of grapes at Lightning Rock. It’s fermented wild for 12 days before ageing 10 months in neutral oak barrels. It is a bright, youthful, juicy red wine with light tannins and plenty of spice. This earthy, peppery affair is crammed full of fresh cranberries and ripe plum, dusted in dried herbs. This will provide mid-term ageing potential, but you can drink it now. The winery suggests tomato-based dishes like a pappardelle al ragu or a ratatouille, or something like smoky BBQ ribs drizzled with tangy vinegar sauce and earthy black lentils. Tasty.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Rebil Cabernet Franc 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2022 vintage marks the emergence of the authentic Rebil, an exceptional year for red wines, particularly for this cabernet franc cultivated on a south-facing slope at the southernmost part of the Okanagan Valley. This wine offers pronounced spicy black fruit that carries through to the palate. Both red and black raspberries are prominent at the forefront, complemented by rich, dense, and sweet tannins. Despite its substantial structure, the wine retains a vibrant character and demonstrates significant aging potential. I recommend cellaring it over the next five years; however, those who prefer robust expressions of Cabernet Franc may also enjoy pairing it now with roasted lamb shoulder.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rebil Cabernet Franc 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Rebil Franc comes off a gently sloping west facing mountainside that enjoys late day sun to give it all the warmth it needs to ripen most years. The winemaking involves whole berry fermentation, extended maceration, and French oak ageing in barriques. It opens with a whiff of wildfire smoke that mixes with the sagebrush and spice. The palate is equally boisterous with black raspberry and plenty of spice and more smoke. A tough year for growers with wildfire smoke in the air, but I’m sure it will have some fans. Best with richer dishes like rosemary rubbed pork, stuffed mushrooms, or grilled beef.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pentâge Cabernet Franc 2022
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPentâge Winery is a family-owned boutique winery situated on 35 acres overlooking Skaha Lake. The property features two estate vineyards: Vista Ridge and Dirty Dozen. The 2022 vintage stands out as an excellent representation of the winery's potential for producing wines with notable power and longevity. This youthful release displays bright acidity, complemented by black fruit and spice notes that linger through the finish. Aging for 15 months in French oak barrels (25% new) the oak remains balanced, allowing the wine's fruit and acidity to shine. While this wine can be enjoyed now, it promises to evolve gracefully through 2030. For those choosing to enjoy it in its youth, pairing with lamb is recommended.Prices:| BC | $30.42 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2022
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA second look six months down the road, and this wine is developing nicely. I appreciate cabernet franc that doesn't try too hard, and that's what you get here: a blend of florals, spice, and ripe red fruits with a hint of sourness for balance. The palate is juicy with bright plum, structured yet smooth tannins, and a warm, spicy finish. You can enjoy it now or cellar it through 2026. This wine blends Loire freshness with California richness for a well balanced mix.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Monte Creek Cabernet Franc Ancient Waters Series 2022
British Columbia, CanadaI have said it before and will repeat it: Monte Creek will surprise many unfamiliar with the winery's vibrant, bright fruit style. In this case, the Ancient Waters Series Cab Franc is an excellent example of a lively red fruited franc with a tension and freshness that has your palate salivating after each sip. The nose is a red currant, clove, and licorice affair while the palate is more raspberry, plum, and white pepper. It's young and the finish is dry, but this wine has some polish and will be a winner in three to five years.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Narrative Cabernet Franc 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2019 CF (curious recent release to market) was sourced from vineyards stretching from Summerland to Osoyoos. This was native fermented and aged in concrete tanks for 11 months. Dusty red fruits, baked red currant, dried herbs, and suede lead the shorter palate, with furry tannins still quite present until a lightly smoked stone finish. This is feeling age, and I wish I could have tasted it in the vibrancy of youth.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
K - Little Vintners Cabernet Franc 2022
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA pleasant lifted cab franc nose with brambles and forest floor opens, before the juicy attack with blackberry, earth, and leafy herbal notes. The finish is dry and showing some sticky tannins yet to disperse. This is a fine rustic red at the moment, and you can serve it with barbecue ribs or chops. It is more of a drink now with food red. Sourced from vineyards on Oliver and Osoyoos.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hillside Heritage Series Cabernet Franc 2020
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Hillside Heritage Series Franc is a classy take on this variety that takes me toward St. Emilion thanks to the fine clay in its lake bottom lacustrine soils. Elegance and subtlety are missing in many cabinet French examples, but they are on display here along with juicy cherries and black raspberries. The acidity and tension provide a valuable foil to the final dusting of tannins. The fruit comes off Cinwick Vineyard below the Naramata Road, on the aforementioned heavier lacustrine soils. I like this with a mushroom risotto or a pappardelle dish. Drink or hold, there is no rush. Fine value too.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Narrative Cabernet Franc 2019
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThese cabernet franc grapes were sourced from a selection of vineyards stretching south from Summerland to Osoyoos and the border. This was fermented and aged in concrete tanks for 11 months. It’s nice to see a mature wine release with a full five years of bottle age. Look for earthy, spicy dark red fruit with a brush of bramble and smoke. The palate is full-bodied, but the tannins are a bit dry, suggesting perhaps it is time to drink up. Barbecue ribs or lamb chops would be a match for this wine that is ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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04 August 2025
90PTS
Bodegas Sentencia El Indulto Bobales Ancianas 2021
Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Murcia, SpainAlberto Pedrón comes from a long line of vine growers in Los Pedrones, a village of fewer than 200 inhabitants in the comarca of Utiel-Requena, Valencia. In 2006, a 6 hectare plantation that had been tended by Alberto’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather was scheduled to be scrubbed up, and he decided to take action. To save the vineyard and, by extension, a way of working and living, he resurrected the family bodega. This special organic Bobal comes from their oldest vineyards in red clay soils, and spent 9 months in used French barrels. Wild blueberry, boysenberry, scrubby resinous herbs flood a juicy, medium bodied palate, with earthy ferrous notes and pencil shavings woven throughout, and black tea tannins to frame through a spicy finish. Lovely freshness to this deeper wine, making it particular friendly with grilled meat / root veg.Prices:| ON | $36.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Viñas Serranas Ciclón Rufete 2022
Castilla-Leon, SpainFrom older vines rooted in granite and schist terraces around 650m, this Rufete was native fermented with 15% whole bunch in small tanks, with 3 weeks maceration. It was finished primarily in French barrels for 10 months. Perfumed cherry, crunchy plum, raspberries, are framed with fine downy / grippy tannins, wrapping around a juicy core, and finishing super saline. An earlier piece has kept alcohol low and bright (12.67%), encouraging taking this with a slight chill. 15,000 bottles produced.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Filipa Pato & William Wouters Dinamica DNMC Baga 2022
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis biodynamic Baga is sourced partially from Filipa and William’s estate vineyards in Ois do Bairro, and partially from other limestone soiled growers in various villages in Bairrada. There’s a mix of bush vines and trellised plants with an average age of 40 years. The younger vines have been propagated by massale selection from the old vines in an effort to maintain diversity and select the best plant material available. Handpicked, this is partial whole cluster and fermented and raised entirely in tank with a very gentle extraction and long (4 week) maceration, adding the fine, firm structure here. Perfumed wild plum, tayberry is scented with fragrant scrubby herbs and wildflowers, and boned with long, lithe tannins along the slender frame. The finish is long and saline, adding to the purity and finesse of this lighter red. A real charmer.Prices:| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Suertes del Marqués NAT'Cool! 2022
Tenerife, Canary Islands, SpainIn collaboration with Niepoort, another visionary winemaker, this is Suertes des Marqués’ version of NAT’Cool! All the NAT'Cool! range were created to meet certain criteria: be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. This Listán Negro came from vineyards with loamy clay soils, 420-460m. It was native fermented whole berry in concrete, where it rested 6 months. Opening with a swing of reduction, this moves into downy plum, wild cherry, persimmon, candle wax, with chewy/sticky black tea tannins to frame. Acidity is bright throughout, and marine laced. Enjoy with a slight chill and charcuterie platter.Prices:| ON | $37.00 | 1000ml |
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91PTS
Niepoort NAT'Cool! Tinto Bairrada 2023
Bairrada, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirk Niepoort's NAT'Cool! range of wines were created to meet certain criteria : be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. This lighter, shining red is 40-100 year old baga vines from the limestone laced, clay soils of Bairrada. This was native fermented and aged in stainless, to preserve the purity of fruit. Wild cherry, perfumed raspberry, crushed herbs teem throughout this lifted, fresh red, with fine, long tannins taking this through a saline finish. Such a charmer, and best enjoyed with a slight chill.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 1000ml |
| ON | $26.00 | 1000ml |
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89PTS
Anthony Buchanan Mourvèdre Pacific Northwest 2024
Rattlesnake Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSourced from the Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Yakima Valley, the grapes were destemmed before going to open top tanks, and then spent 14 days on the skins. It spent 5 months in 57% amphora and 43% third fill French oak. This begins with deep, rich prunes, red raspberry, and ripe black plums. There's rich, slippery red and black fruits, dried plum, very ripe cherry all coddled by soft tannins on the palate. It's well structured and appealing, ably borne by a supporting acidity.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Anthony Buchanan Petit Sirah Pacific Northwest 2024
Rattlesnake Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSourced from the Zillah Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills AVA, Yakima Valley, the grapes were fermented whole cluster, partially carbonic and then foot trodden. The juice was then pressed off after seven days to ferment in puncheon and amphora. It spent 5 months in 40% amphora, 40% puncheon, and 20% third fill Hungarian oak. Carbonic maceration tends to lower acidity and produce a noticeably lighter, softer texture on the palate. It is used most notably in some Beaujolais production. The wine is buoyant, light, smooth, and fruity, unlike, a typical California version. Simple, pleasing fresh blackberry, raspberry, loganberry fills the palate, and finishes with some blackberry skin tang. It would hold hands well with an all-the-fixins burger.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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01 August 2025
88PTS
Bartier Bros. Pristine Riesling 2024
Rattlesnake Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe Pristine label is how Bartier Bros chose to differentiate their Crafted in BC (CIBC) wines from the 2024 vintage. This riesling was sourced from Zillah vineyard, in Washington State's Rattlesnake Hills AVA. After destemming, crushing, and pressing on site, this was transported north to BB's Oliver winery. Bright and crisp, this bone dry riesling rings with spring green veg, subtle white flowers, and white grapefruit through a spritely finish. One for dry Riesling freaks to crack into this summer.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Confiscated Riesling 2024
Lake Chelan, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesI expected a greater number of replacement Rieslings, especially considering that Washington State has the second largest plantings of Riesling grapes globally. The 2024 Confiscated is sourced from Rocky Pond Estate Winery in Lake Chelan, Washington, located approximately two hours south of Moon Curser. Fermented and bottled in BC, this is a well made, harmonious riesling with pure apple and a bit of peach, and enough acidity to keep its 15 grams of residual sugar in balance. Perfect for a warm summer day on the patio with some grilled shrimp.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Loosen Bros Dr. L Riesling 2023
GermanyErnie Loosen is a driven winemaker, and Riesling is his passion. This label has always been of great value as an introduction to Mosel Riesling. Juicy and ripe, it's a mix of pear juice, yellow apples, and an intoxicating Mosel perfume with a hint of spice. You get all that and more at only 8.5%. It is easy to like and even easier to drink. Stock up.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.95 | 750ml |
| NFL | $21.16 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.05 | 750ml |
| MB | $18.39 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2022
Mosel, GermanyThe "spice garden" has long been a prized wine at Loosen, and when it is configured as a spätlese or late harvest, it is indeed special. Typically juicy and electric, its exotic fruit characters enthrall, while the bright acidity and spice complement its late harvest aspects. Richer than a kabinett and coming with more body, the spätlese is said to be the purest expression of the terroir. Weathered, red volcanic soil is unique to the Mosel and is said to be responsible for the spice and exotic character of this wine. I love the pineapple, orange, and melon, as well as the equally effusive lemon acidity. There's no hurry here, so drink or hold.Prices:| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Dirty Laundry Vineyard Riesling 2024
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThe '24 Dirty Laundry Riesling was sourced from Yakima Valley, Washington State. The style is just off-dry with ripe Granny Smith apple, honey, and lemon zest. The palate boasts fresh lemon, lime, and grapefruit, with some underlying minerality. I prefer this wine with food and a bit of spice. A pulled pork sandwich would be the match.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Hester Creek Riesling Columbia Valley Collection 2024
Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesA light mix of green apple, white peach and citrus opens, before a similar palate of sweet and sour fruit and a soft texture. Ready to drink, the winery suggests sweet and sour chicken with chilli-ginger vegetable skewers. The fruit was grown south of the border in the Ancient Lakes AVA of the Columbia Valley.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tightrope Winery Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard 2023
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe ’23 Riesling Fleet Road Vineyard is grown on the Naramata Bench from sustainably grown, hand picked estate grapes. The nose is fresh and the attack is crisp, accentuated by the dry nature of the wine. The palate is a mix of lime rind and starfruit with a spicy finish. This wine can take on some bigger menu items, such as a Kung Pao chicken dish or grilled salmon.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lightning Rock Riesling Arete Vineyard 2024
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesThis riesling from Washington State has an approachable, easy-drinking style. Sourced from Arete Vineyard in the Columbia Valley AVA near Othello, Washington, the grapes are organically farmed on vines planted in 1983 along a north-facing slope, which provides cooler growing conditions, enhancing freshness and acidity. The wine offers a blend of crisp green apple and tropical fruit, complemented by an off-dry palate balanced with just enough acidity. It is well suited for serving chilled alongside light appetizers.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Monte Creek Living Land Series Organic Riesling 2024
Thompson Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe style is lean and austere, with notes of crab apple to open before a mid-palate with a rush of tart lime with lemon and chamomile. Acid freaks will appreciate this taut and tight style, but for everyone else, it's best served with a creamy fish or pasta dish to complement the acidity. Fresh and clean, it just needs a touch of sugar to balance the project. The wine is certified organic.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
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