Tastings: March 2024
18 March 2024
89PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Malbec 2019
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis floral, pure-fruited malbec shows a combination of black raspberry and blackberry, lifted by dried violets and toasted anise-like spices. After 22 months in French oak barriques, the tannins are soft and silky, and the wine retains good freshness thanks to the moderate 2019 growing season. This is another wine that shows BC malbec continues to be underrated.Prices:BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Corcelettes Malbec Micro Lot Series 2021
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPart of their Micro Lot series, only 165 cases of this Similkameen malbec was made, from the stemwinder soils off their 2007 and 2018 estate plantings. After resting in oak, this was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Wild and powerful, this is lashed and shaped by the savoury, windy Similkameen. Fragrant and resinous desert scrub, cracked peppercorn, dusky violets, perfumed wild blueberry and thorny blackberry is woven throughout the cushioned, medium+ palate, housed with grippy and structural tannins, finishing with a bitter black cherry twist. The Diam10 cork suggests the winery thinks this has solid aging potential, and I agree.Prices:BC | $33.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Malbec 2020
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe malbec comes off two Golden Mile vineyards Arise & Stan’s Benches. After fermenting, it spends 16 months in all French oak, with 30% new and 70% used one- and two-year-old barrels. The attack is fragrant and savoury, with bright acidity and well-integrated tannins. This year, the palate is more red fruit mixed with licorice, tea and mineral notes. The winery has always worked hard with food and wine pairings. In 2020, they suggest black pepper, malbec-braised pork shoulder, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Manchego. The fruit set was low in 2020, leading to below-average yields, but the resulting grape quality was high. Drink or cellar through 2028.Prices:BC | $42.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Catena Alta Malbec 2020
Mendoza, ArgentinaCatena Alta is always a mix of grapes from rows deemed historic within the family's estate vineyards, scattered from Lujan de Cuyo to the southern Uco Valley. The winemaking is impeccable, with individual lots picked at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels (13.8%). It is all wild fermented, resulting in enticing savoury florals. Look for full-bodied black plum and blackberry streaked with licorice and mineral undertones and dense, rich, silky tannins. A perfect wine for steak or a decadent vegetable dish that should age effortlessly through 2027. It is aged 12-18 months in French oak.Prices:BC | $55.99 | 750ml |
AB | $58.50 | 750ml |
SK | $55.99 | 750ml |
MB | $55.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Painted Rock Malbec 2021
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Skinners' teeny 1.15 acres of Skaha Bench malbec, this was aged in oak barrels (30% new) for 18 months before being bottled unfiltered. Smouldering black plum, dense black cherry is kissed with charcoal, and perfumed with dusky violets across the full body. Black tea tannins keep the 14.6% heft well-pinned in, with a charming easy acidity to lift through the finish. Open in advance and enjoy now, or let sleep a bit in your cellar before you enjoy with lamb.Prices:BC | $59.99 | 750ml |
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15 March 2024
90PTS
Gérard Bertrand An 806 2019
Corbières, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceOne of the organic / biodynamic leaders of not only France, but the wine world, Gérard Bertrand's An 806 is a grenache, syrah, mourvèdre blend from Corbières' schist, limestone and pebbles. The syrah was fermented carbonically, while the remainder was vinified traditionally. Post MLF, all were blended and aged in 225L French barrels for 8 months. Soft and plumped with the Southern French sunshine, but held to attention by the profound soils, this courses with wild raspberry, wild cherry, and scrubby garrigue. A bright acidity easily carries the 14% weight to a white peppercorn finish. Quite charming, and a lovely choice for the dinner table (think lamb or mushroom kabobs, or steak frites).Prices:BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Chateau Maris L'Autan Minervois 2021
Minervois, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau Maris is a 79 acre estate divided into a multitude of small vineyards on the hillside above the village of La Livinière, the first Cru Village of the Minervois in the Languedoc region. Château Maris practices both organic and biodynamic viticulture, and this syrah / grenache was raised entirely in stainless. Sun-ripened cherry, raspberry jam is framed with softly sticky tannins, and brightened with a tart acidity which takes this to a short finish. An easy red, best suited to stews / braises.Prices:QC | $15.65 | 750ml |
NB | $16.35 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Olivier Rivière Gabaxo 2020
Rioja, SpainGabaxo is Olivier’s only wine that blends fruit from a range of sites within Rioja. This is a 60/40 Garnacha / Graciano blend from Rioja Baja and Rioja Alta, fermented in stainless and then rested 9 months in 500L barrels. Gabaxo is a not completely flattering term for a French border jumper, a nickname that Bourgogne-born Olivier embraces with pride. Olivier considers Gabaxo to be his Côte de Nuits version of Rioja. Wild and stony, this fuller, fresher red teems with scrubby herbs, fragrant cherries, and ripe raspberries, all scented with cracked pink peppercorns, and framed with supple, lightly sticky tannins. Easy to enjoy this charmer, especially with herb-grilled veg / meats.Prices:ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
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11 March 2024
88PTS
Tavedo 2020
PortugalTavedo is named for 2 of the Douro's tributaries, the Távora and the Tedo, and blends touriga franca, tinta roriz, tinto cão, tinta barricade, and touriga nacional. Ample purple florals, plums, wild blackberries, and thorns work through the full palate, with soft tannins and a glossy underlay to support. A welcome 12.5% keeps this fresh and drinkable now, ideally with braised meats/root veg.Prices:Read Full Note
87PTS
Duorum Colheita Tinto 2019
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDuorum, Latin for “from two,” captures the spirit of this Portuguese winery, founded in 2007 by João Portugal Ramos and José Soares Franco, two of Portugal’s most renowned oenologists. This Colheita blends Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz from 2 parcels of schistous soils in 2 Douro sub-regions at two different altitudes. The grapes were fermented in stainless before aging in oak barrels for one year. This deep, full-bodied red has ripe and dense blackberry, medicinal cherry, and ample grippy/sticky tannins. Rustic and ready for hearty grilled fare.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Villa Vignamaggio Monna Lisa Gran Selezione 2017
Tuscany, ItalyNestled between forests and streams on the Chianti hills, Vignamaggio is an organic farm with a historic wine cellar that has been in operation since 1404. The estate sprawls over more than 400 hectares, with organic vineyards, vegetable and ornamental gardens. Vignamaggio’s Renaissance villa was created by the Gherardini family, whose fame is associated with the legendary Mona Lisa. Folklore and history become intertwined in the centuries that follow: Via Maggio in Florence (where Mona Lisa was born) could be confused with the similar-sounding Vignamaggio. This, along with the landscape depicted in Leonardo’s painting, had many wrongly believe that the woman in the painting had been born here. This is the reason why, even today, the Mona Lisa is associated with Vignamaggio. This Gran Selezione is only produced in the best years, with grapes from the farm’s prime vineyards: the Prato vineyards (west); Solatio (south-west); and Querceto (west/south-west). This sangiovese has 5% Cabernet Sauvignon tipped in. The wine is first aged in French oak barriques for 18–20 months and then in larger barrels, at least until 30 months has passed total. Fragrant black cherry, raspberry, and ferrous notes are woven throughout this seamless Gran Selezione, framed with fine, long tannins, and buoyed with a blood-orange acidity. The finish lingers with crushed florals and fine spices. Lovely balance here, drinking very well at present.Prices:Read Full Note
91PTS
Vignamaggio Gherardino Riserva 2018
Tuscany, ItalyNestled between forests and streams on the Chianti hills, Vignamaggio is an organic farm with a historic wine cellar that has been in operation since 1404. The estate sprawls over more than 400 hectares, with organic vineyards, vegetable and ornamental gardens. This Riserva is dedicated to Gherardino Gherardini, founder of the great house built at Vignamaggio in the 14th century. 80–90% sangiovese and 10–20% merlot is aged for 18–20 months in oak barrels and barriques. The grapes come from their estate Prato vineyard (west), Solatio (south-west) and the Querceto vineyard (west/south-west). Darkly perfumed, with dusky blackberries, black plums, wild mint and worn leather, housed with ample furry tannins, and carried with crunchy bright acidity through a lingering spiced and warming finish. Nice polish and energy here.Prices:Read Full Note
92PTS
Niepoort Vertente 2019
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalVertente means aspect or hillside, well named for the vineyards of the Douro. 50 to 80 year old vines are sourced from all of the vineyards Dirk works with, with a traditional blend of several grape varieties predominatnly based on Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Rufete, and Tinta Amarela. After a native ferment in stainless, this was aged in French oak for 22 months. Fragrant rockrose, scrubby herbs, wild blackberries, and black plum flood a juicy palate, with a fine, schistous, structural brace of tannins that guide this 13% red to a lingering stony finish. Still so much energy in this wine, and time ahead.Prices:BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
ON | $34.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2022
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Rosso remains one of my favourite little gems, almost always overdelivering quality wine for price. That's especially true with a legendary producer like G.D. Vajra. Varja's Langhe Rosso is a blend of younger vine nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, fresia, albarossa, and pinot noir, meant to give an overview of the region. This is sourced from various vineyards, each variety vinified separately, fermented in stainless, and then into French barrels from new to 3 years in age, for 2 years. Raspberry leather, cherry blossoms, scrubby thorns are woven throughout this medium bodied red, with fine, toothsome tannins pinning in the sides through a lifted pink peppercorn finish. Great energy and charm in this humble Rosso, one that will be welcome at most any dinner table.Prices:BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
QC | $23.20 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2020
Tuscany, ItalyTommasi has 110 years experience growing cabernet sauvignon in Toscana. The tradition continues here in Maremma, in Toscana's southwest corner. This 60/40 mix of sangiovese / cabernet sauvignon comes off the Pitigliano estate, with soils rich in calcium carbonate tufa. The wine is stainless fermented and aged 1 year in large 65hL Slavonian casks. Ample sticky and blocky tannins frame ripe cherry, sarsaparilla, and perfumed raspberry across the medium bodied palate. Rustic-hewn, this would be best with braised meats / root veg.Prices:BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
G. D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2020
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyLanghe Rosso is the stepping stone to Barbaresco and Barolo, and an increased focus on this wine style is paying dividends across Piemonte. Its price and quality ratio is hard to beat, as exemplified by the delicious drinking Varja. It is a mix of younger vines, including Nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, freesia, albatross, and pinot noir, from a solid vintage that speaks Piemonte. Cherries and plums and floral rose notes with only a modicum of tannin that runs throughout a mineral, light sea salt finish—a classy wine for lunch or mid-week dinner pick.Prices:BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
QC | $23.20 | 750ml |
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91PTS
De Martino Las Olvidadas Red Blend 2019
Itata Valley, ChileA unique field blend of pais (80%) and san francisco (20%) from vines planted potentially before 1905. Pais, also known as mission, is undergoing a renaissance in Chile, benefiting from a swarth of old vines in the Itata Valley. San francisco is less common (it can't even be found in Jancis Robinson et al's Wine Grapes) but alongside pais, accounted for the original plantings in Chile. This shows an attractive, juicy nose with an underlying sauvage character, showing sappy wild berries accented by stemmy herbs, dried florals, graphite, and a dusting of brown sugar. It's a distinctive wine and a worthwhile discovery.Prices:BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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08 March 2024
92PTS
Oceano Pinot Noir 2021
San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesOceano Wines is a boutique winery founded in 2016 in San Luis Obispo Coast, the newly designated AVA highlighting this cool climate wine region. This comes off the Spanish Springs Vineyard, the westernmost vineyard in the US, 1.5 miles from the Pacific, on a mix of marine shale, limestone, sandstone. This Pinot Noir is a mix of Swan, 828, 667, and 777, fermented in tank and then moved to 228L French barrels for 8 months' aging. Fragrant raspberries, wild strawberries, cherry blossoms waft from the glass and continue throughout the silken palate. Acidity feels effortless and easy here, with the marine freshness buoying this, and fine, supple tannins framing. The finish lingers with salinity, easily encouraging another glass. The best pinot I've tasted from Oceano, this is singing now.Prices:ON | $87.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2021
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesWinemaker Steve Rogstad is a Carneros treasure, having worked at La Crema, Saintsbury, and Clos Pegase before taking over at Cuvaison over two decades ago. His mantra is seamlessness while ensuring the wines capture the essence of the AVA. The Cuvaison pinot site basks in the daily winds that sweep off San Pablo Bay, keeping the site cool. The nose is packed with red plums and sweet strawberries with a cranberry pinch that helps contain a California richness that can overwhelm other pinots. The palate is similar, with a savoury wild strawberry character underneath. Ready to drink, this works well with duck, turkey, or pork dishes.Prices:BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Leko Pinot Noir 2022
Piccadilly Valley, Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaLEKO Wine is an Adelaide Hills sister brand to Clare Valley's Koerner Wine. Damon Koerner and his wife Maddy bought a property in Lenswood in 2017, now home to this winery. The name LEKO represents Lenswood and Koerner while also giving a nod to Maddy’s maiden name, Lehmann. The 2022 Pinot blends organic fruit from Willsmore, Piccadilly, and Coulter Vineyards, in Lenswood, planted in 1998-2001 on sandy loams and limestone. This was 50% whole berry (no whole bunch) and native fermented in open fermenters over 2 weeks before heading to 2000L Slavonian foudres for 10 months, followed by a 6 months stint in steel prior to bottling without fining or filtration. Juicy black raspberry, boysenberry, plum, and peony sails along the sleek, medium palate, lit with a fine ferrous buzz. Tannins are long and slight, guiding this to a herbal kissed finish. Lovely finesse here.Prices:BC | $75.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Haut-Blanville Réserve Pinot Noir 2022
Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceChâteau Haut-Blanville is a family-owned Languedoc wine estate that was founded in 1997 by Béatrice & Bernard Nivollet. Their 70 ha of vineyards extend across The Grés de Montpellier AOP, stretching from the Hérault middle valley to the Vidourle, and from the Mediterranean in the south to the Pic Saint-Loup in the north. Wines are produced naturally, without the use of any additions except a minimal amount of sulphur upon bottling. This pinot noir comes from the limestone and basalt soils of Pézenas at 100-150m, on a cool, north-facing single vineyard. Downy plum, wild blueberry and perfumed cherry flood the medium palate, framed with fine, sticky tannins and brightened with easy acidity through a saline finish. Pretty smart PN for an amazing price.Prices:ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Alexana Revana Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesFrom the 55 acre home Revana Vineyard in Dundee Hills, this encompasses 10 clones of pinot, growing across a 300 foot elevation change. Each lot was native fermented whole berry, and barrel aged 11 months (27% new) before the final blend. Crunchy plum, perfumed raspberry, and morello cherry rule the medium-bodied, herbal edged palate, with bright acidity and fine, long and sticky tannins to frame. The end lingers with a bitter cherry twist. A solid pinot ready to handle any salmon and/or wild mushroom dishes.Prices:ON | $99.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kirkland Signature Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA new winemaker in town is turning out the Kirkland RRV Pinot, but it seems mostly unaffected in any major way. Russion River pinot can be over the top in flavour and alcohol, but this simplistic version paints a gentler picture, with pleasing round, red pinot fruit that is not overly spicy or hot. It finishes shorter than I might like, but then its price makes that eminently forgivable, and the vanilla and cola are held to a minimum, which is again another plus. America is awash in chicken, and this is the wine for that.Prices:US | $11.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Black Bank Hill Pinot Noir 2020
Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaEstablished by vintner Taylor Emerson in 2017, Black Bank Hill is focused on single vineyard wines from the Niagara Escarpment. This PN blends two vineyards : Glen Elgin and End of the Road Vineyard. This was destemmed and lightly crushed with a native ferment and 18 months' rest in neutral French barrels before blending and light filtration. Wild raspberry, perfumed cherry is framed with fine, long, black tea tannins which carry this elegant, finessed wine to a lengthy, stony finish. Really quite impressive, and a winery to watch.Prices:ON | $27.72 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Monte Creek Living Land Pinot Noir 2022
British Columbia, CanadaThis is an attractively lean, lifted, and sappy pinot noir that shows a combination of crunchy red berries accented by rose petals, earth, and integrated oak spice. Juicy and brisk on the palate with fine, supple tannins, this is drinking well on release, though will certainly benefit from another 2-3 years in bottle. Serve with a light chill.Prices:BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
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07 March 2024
92PTS
Selvapiana Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 2018
Tuscany, ItalyRufina is the smallest sub-region of Chianti Classico, northeast of Florence, and prized for its elevation (up to 900m) and soils (galestro, chalk, and marl). The estate was originally built as a summer residence for Florentine bishops and boasts 240 hectares, 45 of which are planted to vine and 31 to olives. It was purchased in 1827 by Michele Giuntini Selvapiana, and since 1957, it has been run by the 5th generation Giuntini family member, Francesco Giuntini Antinori. Consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei has been at Selvapiana since 1978, and Bucerchiale, the flagship red is only made in the very best years. The 2018 is a formidable sangiovese full of meaty salumi mixed with bright cherry. The mid-palate is savoury with notes of fennel and oregano before the tannins kick in. This is not a wine for sippers. Bucerchiale is sourced from vineyards planted in 1968 and 1992. It is a rare sole sangiovese and spends 32 months in French barriques before release.Prices:BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fontanafredda Barolo 2018
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFontanafredda's Barolo can be considered an entry into Barolo. From clay-limestone soils, this was fermented in stainless at warm temperature before 2 years aging in Slavonian and French casks. Worn leather, crunchy cherry, and ripe raspberry is pinned with ragged, sticky tannins, and tart with a cranberry / tomato acidity, taking this to a pasty finish. Look for fresher vintages for drinking now.Prices:BC | $42.99 | 750ml |
ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
MB | $49.99 | 750ml |
NS | $45.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Vignamaggio Terre di Prenzano Chianti Classico 2020
Tuscany, ItalyNestled between forests and streams on the Chianti hills, Vignamaggio is an organic farm with a historic wine cellar that has been in operation since 1404. The estate sprawls over more than 400 hectares, with organic vineyards, vegetable and ornamental gardens. This sangiovese is rested for one year in 20-40 hectolitre oak. Fragrant cherries, raspberries, and subtle worked leather are woven throughout this lifted and tart Classico, with fine, long tannins pinning this into a ferrous, savoury end. Nice finesse here.Prices:Read Full Note
90PTS
Barberani Polvento 2019
Umbria, ItalyBarberani is one of Umbria’s most respected producers, famous for its clean, pure wines. The vineyards lie on hills overlooking Lake Corbara. Of the estate’s 80-odd hectares, 50 are dedicated to vineyards and olive groves. Advised by consultant oenologist Maurizio Castelli, the estate uses no chemical herbicides or pesticides in its vineyards. Fragrant and plush black plums, thorny wild blackberries, dark cherries, and darker chocolate course through the medium palate, brightened by Sangiovese's bright acidity, and framed with sticky, plumped tannins and finishing with dried bay leaves. A toothsome, darker-shaded sangio, primed for hearty red-sauced ragu.Prices:ON | $56.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tenuta il Palagio When We Dance Chianti 2021
Tuscany, ItalyTuscany's Villa Il Palagio has been a vine growing and wine making estate since the 16th century. For the last two decades it's been the summer home of Sting and Trudy Styler, who have transformed the estate into a vibrant organic farm and vineyard. Over that time, they've worked with consultants Alan York and Pedro Parra to design the vineyards and farming practices, and the wines are now under the control of Ettore Del Lupo. This sangiovese is splashed with canaiolo and colorino, and was fermented and aged in stainless for six months. Fragrant black cherries, black raspberries are scented with heady balsam, and framed with toothsome, sticky tannins. A heartier Chianti, and one to reach for with herb grilled pork and lamb.Prices:ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo 2021
Piedmont, ItalyBurgundy-trained winemaker Davide Rosso leads his family’s winery, based in Serralunga d’Alba. The plots are farmed organically and biodynamically, with minimal intervention in the cellar. This nebbiolo comes from the same vineyards used for their flagship Barolo, and vines planted from 1984 – 2008. It was native fermented in cement, and then aged in 50hl French casks for a few months until bottling, without filtration. Langhe Nebbiolo is such a joy to drink that it's become my go-to red, and this 2021 is a perfect example why. Crushed florals, wild raspberry, scrubby thorns is dusted with pink peppercorn, and framed by fine, firm tannins, guiding this finessed, lighter red to a taut, saline finish. Structure + lightness of being + drinkability now = success.Prices:BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos Fornelli Niellucciu 2021
Corsica, Sud de France, FranceClos Fornelli is a family property of 45 hectares on the eastern coast of Corsica, 18 of which are planted to vines. Owner Josée Vanucci and her husband Fabrice Couloumère organically farm indigenous Coriscan varieties, such as this Niellucciu (sangiovese) with a kiss of Minustellu. From deep alluvial soils, this was native fermented in tank before aging in concrete up to 1 year. A firm, sticky brace of raspy tannins houses wild blackberry, black plum, and juicy boysenberry, painted with a backdrop of fragrant scrubby Mediterranean herbs and cracked pink peppercorn. Quite pure and wild, and one to pour alongside herb-grilled pork and/or veg.Prices:BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Gorghi Tondi Dumè Frappato 2022
Sicily, ItalyThis organic frappato comes from Sicily's southwest, and from the youngest vineyards of the estate, rooted in sandy limestone. It was fermented in stainless, where it remained for 7 months prior to bottling. This lighter red is fresh and bright, with crunchy plums, fragrant scrubby florals, and tart rhubarb acidity. Tannins are fine and sticky, hugging this to a pink peppercorn finish. A lovely charcuterie companion.Prices:BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stemmari Nero d'Avola 2021
Sicily, ItalyThis nero d'avola hails from Sambuca di Sicilia, in Agrigento, Sicily. It is fermented and aged for half a year in wood. Dark, round, and soft, this is an easy-sipping barbecue red pitching black plums, dark cherries, and a touch of baking spices. You can drink it now, and it will work with burgers, beef tacos, or spaghetti and meatballs.Prices:BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
AB | $16.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Cliff and Gorge Marechal Foch 2022
Lillooet, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a very different style from Marechal Foch. It is cooler, lighter, and brighter, with sweet, candied cherry and super soft textures. It is more like a simple fruity gamay than the smoky, meaty marchel foch wiens that dominate in BC. Fun and priced right, this is a wine to check out if you find yourself near the Lillooet winery. It was tasted from a half bottle under a screwcap.Prices:BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Clos Lentiscus Perill Noir Carinyena 2017
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainFrom old Carignan vines planted by Manel’s grandfather in the 1930s, this spent 25 days on skins in a mix of barrel, amphora, and foudre while fermenting native, prior to resting 18-24 months in the same vessels prior to bottling, without sulphur. Opening with a swing of reduction, this then moves into tart cherry, early raspberry, balsamic, and rhubarb, along a raw, lightly furry palate. Acidity is tart, and tannins are nubby along the sides, taking this to a snappy crimson finish. Very raw and natural look at carignan.Prices:ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Clos Lentiscus Perill Noir 2014
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainGive this wine, from 1939-planted Sumoll vines, time to breathe upon opening. This was native fermented and aged in both large old amphora and foudre, and saw no sulphur. Opening with ample funky reduction, this swings into tart plum, perfumed wild blackberry, with light spritz on a raw, furry, medium-bodied palate. Quite raw and natural.Prices:ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Assuli Lorlando Nero d'Avola 2020
Sicily, ItalyFrom northwestern Sicily's Mazara del Vallo, this organic Nero d'Avola grows on stony soils around 100-150m. After a month of maceration / fermentation in stainless, this remained there to rest for 3 months followed by 3 months more in bottle prior to release (with a new label). Dusky blackberry, plum, perfumed purple florals are threaded with scrubby wild herbs and tightened with a thorny greenness. Tannins are lightly furry / sticky via the Mediterranean sunshine, though this medium bodied wine is easily buoyed with a marine freshness through the stony finish. Drinking smartly now, ideally with grilled pork / Mediterranean veg.Prices:ON | $21.95 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Frind Estate Midnight 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMade with Marechal Foch grapes harvested from the Home Block Vineyard in West Kelowna. Foch is cold-hardy, which may sound more attractive this year, but the wine style is mostly disappointing. There’s a smoky dark fruit nose, previewing light earthy, bitter, smoky notes with bright acidity, and a short palate. It is aged in 30% French and 70% American oak barrels for 9 months.Prices:BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Frind Estate Regent 2022
CanadaRegent is a dark-skinned inter-specific hybrid grape variety. It has both European (Vitis vinifera) and American vine species in its pedigree and a broad resistance against most significant fungal diseases which affect grapes, such as downy mildew. It was created in 1967 by Professor Gerhardt Alleweldt at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding, and counts Diana, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau (Vitis vinifera) with the interspecific hybrid Chambourcin. Regent received varietal protection in 1994. It remains popular in German growing regions today. At Frind, the regent produces sweet black blueberries early in the season. In 2022, the grapes reached optimal ripeness before the frost and snow hit the vineyard. The nose is a mix of blackberry and black plums mixed with a bit of wild animal and fig. The attack is fresh with more black fruit and a super silky, almost tannin-less mid-palate. It is super light and fades away quickly through the finish. It is a fine accompaniment to a pulled pork sandwich.Prices:BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
E. Pira and Figli - Chiara Boschis Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2021
Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyFrom organic Mosconi, Ravera, and Gabutti vineyards in Monforte d’Alba and Serralunga, and a mix of clay lime marls around 350m, this was fermented in stainless, and aged 12 months in French barriques. Purple florals, blueberries and blackberries are carried with tart bright currant acidity, and framed with fine, softly plush tannins. Shining freshness throughout this young Barbera makes it feel far much lighter on its feet than the 14.5% would suggest. A charmer.Prices:ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Artemis Karamolegos Terra Nera Mandilaria Mavrotragano 2022
Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, GreeceArtemis Karamolegos is one of the most dynamic wineries on the unique island of Santorini. Led by his grandfather, who started making wine and cultivating vines as a hobby in the 1950s, Artemis founded the winery in 2004. They own just over 3ha of vineyards (some over 100 years old) across Pyrgos, Megalorchori, Exo Gonia, Akrotiri and Fira, and have long term contracts to farm another 5 hectares. This entry level red comes from older Mandilaria and Mavrotragano (60 years average) vines, with a short maceration before ferment in stainless for nine months, with a small proportion seeing time in oak. Bright and crunchy plum, sapid raspberry is threaded with scrubby thorns and lit with a lifted tart acidity. Tannins are slight and furry, and lead this volcanic red to a snappy, saline finish. A fresh, lighter red for your tuna tataki.Prices:ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone di Valforte Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2022
Abruzzo, ItalyThe Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th Century and their Tenute Barone di Valforte vineyards cover 42 hectares in various communes in the Teramo hills, a prized place for montepulciano. This was vinified in stainless before resting 10 months in French oak. Dusky plum, black raspberry, forest bark, and worked leather are woven throughout this medium bodied red, with toothsome, sticky tannins to frame. One for the dinner table (think tomato sauced pasta).Prices:BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
De Martino Alto de Piedras Carménère 2018
Isla de Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileFounded in 1934, the De Martino family has specialized, for four generations, in creating wines that are a faithful reflection of their origin, coming from selected parcels throughout Chile. Wines of great purity, with a sense of place and balance, are a consequence of sustainable agriculture and traditional fermentation techniques. They have been growing organically since 1998, and were the first Chilean winery to become carbon-neutral in 2009. From Maipo Valley's Isla, and the single Alto de Piedras vineyard, these 30 year old ungrafted carménère vines are rooted in gravelled alluvial terraces. After a stainless ferment, this rests in foudre for 2 years until bottling. Savoury and complexed, with grilled herbs, ample baldo and bay seasoning deep plum, thorny wild blackberries, and cracked peppercorn. Tannins are absorbed into the fleshy fruit, housing this to a smoked stone finish. Very complete, this is showing beautifully at present, and a must for anyone wanting to understand carménère.Prices:ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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04 March 2024
91PTS
Maçanita Letra A Touriga Nacional 2021
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThose familiar with the rigorous Port wine vineyard grading system will know that A grade vineyards are ranked the most superior. This is the siblings’ version of a letter A Douro wine, a category that is traditionally favoured for yielding the biggest, most alcoholic, powerful wines. This Touriga Nacional has the grace and power of prestige port wines, but with grace and lightness. After 1 month on skins and for a native ferment, this rested 14 months French barrel (10% new). Perfumed black plums, wild blackberry is stencilled with thorns and textured with a schistous grit. Tannins are firm, guiding this fresh, full bodied red through a crushed stone finish. Power and lightness, which is a really rare thing to achieve. 3875 bottles produced.Prices:ON | $62.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Azores Wine Company a Proibida 2018
PortugalThe proibida (prohibition) of this wine necessitating the red line crossing out words here because this is an old vine/vineyard blend of Isabella, a hybrid grape that is not allowed for quality wine in the EU, and certainly looked down upon in the Azores and Portugal. However, winemaker Antonio Macanita wanted to pay tribute to these old isabella vines, once in abundance and with 200 years history on this volcanic island, before phylloxera ravaged through. This was fermented and aged for a short time in stainless. Foxy, green and hybrid herbaceous, this weaves early raspberry, crunchy cherry, mint, and thorns across a brisk, bright palate, lightly framed with sticky tannins through a saline finish. Certainly unique.Prices:BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Herdade do Arrepiado Velho Tinto 2021
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis fuller Alentejo touriga nacional was native fermented in a mix of stainless and French barrels before resting for a few months in the same. Ripe and dense with baked cherry, sweet raspberry jam, perfumed roses across a muscular, chewy 15% palate, this reminds me of Amarone, with more structure. Tannins are sticky and ample, taking this to a rosemary and baking spice finish. If you're looking for a big, dense Portuguese red to partner with grilled lamb / pork, look here.Prices:ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fitapreta Palpite Reserva 2021
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalPalpite is Fitapreta's top wine that they make every year. This year's blends alicante bouschet, aragonez, castelão trincadeira, with 12% other indigenous varieties, all grown on Alentejo's yellow schists and granites and from vines 20-50 years. After a native ferment this aged 18 months in French oak prior to bottling. Full bodied and muscular, with chewy cassis, dusky black plums, pipe tobacco working through the fleshy palate. Acidity is tart, and tannins are ample and dense, framing this through the peppery finish. One for grilled steaks now, or to settle for a couple of years.Prices:ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Maçanita Tinto 2021
Cima Corga, Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalSiblings Antonio and Joana Maçinata work together on this Douro Valley project. This is a blend of touriga nacional, sousão (now renamed sezão) and a field blend of old vines, all from the Cima Corgo, and is native fermented with 25 days on skins in stainless, where it remains for one year. Black plum, tart cassis, and perfumed purple florals work their way through this lifted medium bodied red, bright with stony acidity, and framed with lightly sticky tannins. Drinking now, ideally with grilled sausages / lamb kabobs.Prices:ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Maçanita Vinhos Letra F Vinho de Mistura 2022
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalLetra F refers to the last letter in the grade for the categorization system for port grapes in the Douro, where Letra A is the best. Though the F grade were historically seen as the worst for Port wine, and thus neglected, these old vines are proving a treasure trove for showing wines of place today. Dedicated siblings António and Joana Maçanita seek these old, often abandoned vineyards out for this Letra series. From the Cima Corgo and 480m - 720m altitude, this is a blend of more than 20 red and white varieties, including many very old vines. After a cold soak, this was native fermented in small lagares, with 28 days on skins before ageing 1 year in stainless. Super fragrant, with wild plum, scrubby cassis, perfumed rockrose, and herbal thorns coursing through the medium (13%) palate. Tannins are long and fine, threaded with black tea, and carrying the stony, lifted red through a bergamot and pink peppercorn finish. Quite charming, and highly characterful.Prices:ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Azores Wine Co. Erupção Vulcânica NV
PortugalFrom the 2019 vintage (local laws don’t allow the vintage to be on the label for this rogue wine), this blends Malvarisco, Bastardo, Rufete, Saborinho, Agronómica, Aragonês, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, and others from the volcanic soils of Pico. This was 30% whole cluster, and native fermented for 1 month on skins before aging in a split of stainless and barrels for 30 months. Pouring a pale red, this lighter (11%) red teems with tart raspberry, baked rhubarb, wild strawberry, woven with a line of reduction, and lined with negligible tannins. Mouthwatering from first whiff, this juicy, bright, marine red finishes with a sprinkle of star anise and pink pepper. Quite characterful, and another inspired creation from António Maçanita. 6666 bottles produced.Prices:ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
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