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Tastings: February 2015
28 February 2015
87PTS
Nugan Estate Matriarch Shiraz 2006
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis was the inaugural Matriarch Shiraz, the Nugan family's benchmark McLaren Vale Shiraz. Grapes from the family's estate vineyard rested in wood for 24 months, and their top barrels (French and American mix) were selected for the final blend. Super ripe plum, sweet blackberry and minted blueberry jam on the nose. The supple, plush palate carries the same black/blue fruit, along with tart black cherry, dark chocolate, balsamic reduction and finishing with black liquorice and wood shavings on the end. Older school style with oak prominent, tannins soft, and acid adjusted to match. Drink now, with an equally plush piece of red meat.Prices:| BC | $117.00 | 750ml |
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27 February 2015
86PTS
Fort Berens Pinot Noir Rosé 2013
British Columbia, CanadaFrom the eastern wine out backs of Lillooet comes this bold and bright, bone dry, pinot noir rosé. Deep coral in hue, the wine opens with candied strawberry and pressed raspberry notes, and moves into punchy flavours of raspberry jellies, pink grapefruit and crisp apple. Try with your turkey and cranberry sandwich.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
CedarCreek Rosé Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWild ferment pinot noir fermented long and cool in stainless steel preserves the alluring delicate fruit and hue. Savoury wild strawberries on the nose, with raspberry blossoms, spice, light earth and a touch of herbed cracker on the silky, concentrated, pure fruited palate. Off dry with persistent spice lingering on the finish. Polished and elegant enough to pair with your poached salmon.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
C.C. Jentsch The Dance Rosé 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSmall portions of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot were bled off to create this deep and full pink coloured rosé. Assertive and heady, with smoked strawberry, black plum, stone and spice notes. Bold and gutsy and proud of it, and ready to take on spicy tuna tataki or salmon sushi.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bench 1775 Glow 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely orange kissed pink hue, with candied strawberry, zesty rhubarb and pear on the nose, and a generous fruit salad of raspberry, strawberry and melon on the palate. Light riff of bitter raspberry seed spice on the finish. Orange kissed strawberry/spinach salad or prosciutto wrapped melon, meet your match.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Arrowleaf First Crush Rosé 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis delicate pink hued rose is fantastic value. Pinot noir and zweigelt yield fresh and bright wild strawberries, raspberry seeds, dried rose petals and earthy desert herbs, with a barely there kiss of summer berry sweetness to round out. Lox and cheese anyone?Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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26 February 2015
89PTS
Nk'Mip Cellars Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2010
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn the premium Q2 syrah, toasted red cedar, cherry and twine aromas lead off before a juicy and generous palate, dense with medicinal cherry fruit, structured, finely rasped tannins and fresh, ripe cassis and blackberry seed. Great spiciness and freshness throughout this confident, powerful wine. Pour with herbed lamb.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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24 February 2015
86PTS
40 Knots Spindrift Soleil Rosé Brut 2011
Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaSpindrift Soleil Rosé has that appealing eye of the partridge colour that stems from using maréchal foch to tint the colour pink. The wine itself mixes pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot gris in a super dry style punctuated by light strawberry, toast and fresh cut green apples. Like the Brut its tart and food is what it really needs to shine. A raw seafood would be just the ticket. Here. It can be foamy upon opening.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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20 February 2015
88PTS
Barone di Valforte Pecorino 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyPear, apricot, light lees, quince aromas with a touch of garlic and guava. Dry, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with apricot, honey, lemon, guava, spicy lees and pear skin flavours. Good fruit and delicacy with some intensity for current drinking.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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19 February 2015
87PTS
Quails' Gate Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWhere other BC wineries have selected a proprietary name for their aromatic white blend, Quails' Gate proudly labels theirs by the trio of grapes, however unfashionable (or obscure?) they might be. As in previous years, this is a consistent patio wine, simple and pure but not complacent. Light pear and cherries on the nose before a juicy, light palate of stone fruit, green and yellow apples, anise herbs and lime oil on the finish. Just a lick of sweetness for balance. Pair with tuna or chicken salad.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $20.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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18 February 2015
87PTS
Longview Nebbiolo 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaCherry, gamey, cedar bark, resin, black licorice, kirsch aromas. Fresh, round, dry, slightly tannic palate. Warm with orange peel, tobacco, cedar, tar, black pepper, coffee, prune and game flavours. Solid fruit and balance on the palate but has a hot and hollow structure. Perhaps will improve with 1-2 years in bottle.Prices:| BC | $35.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wave Series by Carmen Right Wave Pinot Noir 2013
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe Right Wave series references Leyda's coastal climate and the brighter, fresher wines that the marine influence typically yields. This screwcap pinot noir benefitted from generous air time in the glass, allowing the initial reductive notes to blow off and the tart cherry, earth, resin, cranberry flavours to come through. Smooth tannins make this an approachable pinot, particularly with a root vegetable, casserole or pasta.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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17 February 2015
84PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother spicy, tobacco, savoury red from this south Okanagan producer. The attack is dry and somewhat herbaceous with sour cherry, resin, coffee, smoked tomato flavours. A simple version you could juice up with a grilled hamburger.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
St. Hubertus Dry Riesling 2012
East Kelowna Slopes, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Gebert families have tended East Kelowna's original Hughes Vineyard for more than 25 years, serving as the most recent caretakers of the land which saw some of the first Okanagan grape plantings in 1928. The family farms sustainably and produces only wines from estate fruit under their St. Hubertus and Oak Bay labels. The grapes for this riesling were planted from 1978 to 2000. Buoyant lime, stone and juicy pear, with tight green apple, racy lemon acidity and a skiff of lees. A bit of residual sugar is the perfect foil to that lovely acidity.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Summerhill Pyramid Winery Riesling Organic 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you're looking for a vibrant, juicy, organic wine, look no further. This off-dry riesling opens with orange sherbet and sun-ripened peach before a full palate highlighting orchard fruits, tropical blossoms, apricot pith and juicy, spiking lime. Succulent and textured, with a quenching finish that urges another glass (and at 9 percent alcohol, why not?) Pour with fragrant Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Haywire Lunar New Year Red 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaHaywire’s annual release celebrates the Lunar New Year or in the case of 2015 – The Year of the Sheep. The mix is an odd combination of mostly gamay with a touch of syrah – a juicy, spicy affair with a dollop of sugar bound to keep its Asian audience happy. Look for a mix of cherry and strawberry notes on the nose and palate with an earthy peppery undercurrent. I tried it with a chicken hot pot and it worked.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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16 February 2015
89PTS
Haywire Sauvignon Blanc Raised in Concrete White Label 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaWith the trademarked tagline "raised in concrete" and a tasting note promising this was "mercifully spared oak" you can rightfully assume this is not your average sauvignon blanc. Indeed, this wine reflects the character of its place (Trout Creek Vineyard, Summerland) rather than the grape. Gardenia blossoms, honey and herbs open to a creamy and generous palate, textured with dried thyme, lemon thistle, nettle, stone and gooseberry and a white grapefruit pithy bitterness on the finish. Native ferment comes through via an earthy, dried thyme savoury element. Very intriguing and layered - kept me going back to the glass.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Haywire Lunar New Year White 2013
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother limited release to celebrate the Lunar (Chinese) New Year for 2015. Thankfully there is no sheep notes in the nose. The blend is an aromatic mix of gewürztraminer, chardonnay and viognier that as it happens pairs well with most Asian cuisine. The red label doesn’t hurt its chances either. Expect a fragrant lifted nose of rosewater, melons and pears with pungent Alsace, oily, yellow fruit flavours that definitely finish off-dry, which means somewhat sweet with a touch of resin. To cover of a wider food field we suggest you serve this with your favourite curry dish or at the very least a spicy one.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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15 February 2015
91PTS
Freemark Abbey Merlot 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA perfect growing season has contributed to a fresh juicy delicious style merlot with about twenty five percent cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec. It's aged 14 months in French and American oak (21% new). This is delicious stuff treading the fine line between ripe and savoury it opens with a fresh juicy black fruit attack grown across a variety of Napa sites. It's an elegant style that speaks to the potential of this variety and what can be done when fat and full isn't the game. This was perfect with lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Velvet Devil Merlot 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesOne wonders when they will head down the Masseto road in Washington State. It's hardly the path for Velvet Devil that brings cherries and milk chocolate to the mix on the nose and the palate but a touch of restraint and wild herbs would be a fine addition. The attack is smooth and round with a penetrating sweet black fruit entry and glossy, plummy, chocolate fruit flecked with cedar and tobacco. Try this with spicy barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Santa Rita Merlot Reserva 2011
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileBenign and merlot go together in Chile but they don't have to as demonstrated at Santa Rita. The reserva series has an injection of flavour and structure over the 120. In this case the soft textures of the 90 percent merlot are the perfect foil to its savoury black cherry bay leaf aromas and cassis, cedar, black cherry, tobacco flavours. Not as tart as previous edition and worked well with grilled steak. The wine is kept for 10-12 months in American and French oak barrels before blending and bottling.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Sterling Vineyards Merlot 2011
Napa Valley, California, United StatesStylish smooth polished red wine, as merlot should be, with medium structure and fairly generous plush, smoky, dusty, Napa fruit. Balance and fun to drink and with its mix of herbal, olive and savoury notes it was a perfect match with grilled lamb.Prices:| BC | $21.09 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Spierhead Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSpierhead has quietly moved into the BC pinot noir game working in the prime East Kelowna region where cooler temperatures play a significant role in keeping the fruit fresh and bright. The regular or entry level pinot sets the tone for the property with its silky tannins and spicy fruits. It does spend ten months in French oak and you feel a bit of that sitting on the wine along with some vanilla but overall it remains a pretty good effort that is tracking down the right path. Try this with a favourite salmon dish.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe warmest vintage since 2003 cooled in September before early rains hit the valley. As a result the picking was delayed, the Hangtime lengthened and the fruit intensified. Winemaker John Simes ferments about 25 per cent of this 100 percent sauvignon wine in French oak and its aged six months sur lie. The fruit come out of Osoyoos & Oliver giving it an unexpected ripeness and fullness of pink grapefruit and gooseberry still with a crisp underside. Lemongrass, nettle creamy lees finish with a touch of dried herbs. Solid shellfish wine.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kismet Estate Safed 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 Safed is a 60/22/18 mix of sauvignon blanc, sémillon and orange muscat and it's as you might expect floral, fruity and a bit soft. The attack is a touch sweaty, with citrus, green melon and orange aromas. It's made for your favourite curry.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kismet Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLovely clean fresh style sauvignon without that pungent asparagus kick. In fact it's more on the ripe side with peachy, melon tropical fruit flavours that finish with a dash of grass and dried herbs savoury note. Chill well and serve with appetizer bites.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Time Meritage White 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTime white Meritage combines sauvignon blanc and sémillon that is aged in barrel. The style is fresh with a mix of melon fruit and flecks of dried herbs and cedar bough. The palate is round and full with a limey pear finish. Try this with prawns or scallops.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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11 February 2015
85PTS
Cape Barren Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaBlack pepper, resin, cassis, light balsamic, black olive, green bean, cranberry, herb and vanilla aromas. Light, fresh, somewhat tart but elegant palate with a warm edge. Cedar, tobacco, espresso, resin, olive, cranberry, smoked tomato flavours. Elegant but showing green characters and tannins.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc 2013
Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceA Chapoutier hallmark is to make affordable wines with the same precision as his highly awarded Northern Rhone labels. It is certainly the case with Bila-Haut Blanc grown on stony terraces with black and brown schist, gneiss, limestone and chalk in the south of France. Expect a seamless mix of grenache blanc, grenache gris and macabeu that spills onto the palate with citrus, quince and pear notes marked with mineral, apricot dusted in garrigue. It hard not to like the juicy, limey flavoured finished either. The perfect seafood wine.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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10 February 2015
87PTS
Giusti Rosalia Prosecco NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyThis is a fun rendition of the now ubiquitous sparkling prosecco, seemingly sold everywhere. Rosalia's Extra Dry moniker means sweet-ish but thankfully the fruit and acidity in this Pieve sparkler are in perfect balance. The attack is elegant with small but persistent bubbles, fresh light, floral citrus aromas and Golden apple flavours. A fun appetizer-style bubble you can serve with assorted light bites.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Trigone No13 by Le Soula 2013
Roussillon, Sud de France, FranceA beguiling wine from the Roussillon. Rich but not opulent floral but not cloying. Look for yellow fruits, honeysuckle and tropical under tones but with a citrus/mineral core. A full figured spicy white with ageing potential. Try it with halibut. The rest of the story revolves around a complex mix of village fruit from the Pays des Côtes Catalanes Fenouillèdes region grown on decomposed granite that sits between 400 and 550 m above sea level. The blend is a 75/15/5/5 of macabeu, vermentino, sauvignon, grenache blanc and grenache gris, malvoisie du Roussillon, chardonnay, marsanne and roussanne all from 25 to 30 year old vineyards. It is also a mix of vintages: 2013 (45%) 2012 (30%) 2011(24%) and 2009 (1%) - 65 percent in tank and 30 percent in old 500-liter demi-muids and finally 5 percent in foudre.Prices:| BC | $31.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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09 February 2015
92PTS
Campbells Rutherglen Topaque NV
Rutherglen, Victoria, AustraliaTopaque can be a revelation to many. For more than 150 years this wine was known as Rutherglen Tokay - with pioneering winemakers thinking they were using the same grape varieties in the famed dessert wines of Tokai in Hungary. It was not until 1976 when French ampelographer, Paul Truel visited the Rutherglen region and positively identified the variety as muscadelle - the important French variety used in the production of Sauternes. In 2005, Hungary claimed Intellectual Property rights to the name Tokay, and in 2010 Topaque was officially registered as the new name. Shining like a golden Topaz gemstone, this sticky was burnished brown gold in the glass, with intense burnt caramel, buttered popcorn, toffee, citrus and brown sugar. Crafted from raisinated grapes, this is lusciously sweet but still elegant, and an incredibly absurd value. Serve with flavourful cheeses, chestnuts.Prices:| Australia | $18.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Bress Harcourt Valley Riesling 2014
Bendigo, Victoria, AustraliaFrom their polyculture, biodynamically farmed estate in Harcourt Valley comes this vibrant riesling. Wild yeast, thirty year old vines on aged granitic soils yields scented lemon, pear skin aromas. Off dry and very juicy palate of lychee, perfumed pear blossom, zesty lemon pith acidity and delicately perfumed florals. Lovely stony concentration, drinking well now or hold 5+ years.Prices:| Australa | $27.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Curly Flat Pinot Noir 2012
Macedon, Victoria, AustraliaOne of Jancis Robinson's favourite wineries in Australia, and after spending time at this biodynamically farmed idyll with winemaker/owner Phillip Moraghan it's easy to see why. Uniquely lyre trained fruit. From the fantastic 2012 vintage comes this elegant pinot, with perfumed wild strawberry and fine spice aromas. Fresh and finely textured, the finessed palate carries perfumed cherries, red currant, subtle earth, savoury lamb, mineral and very fine grained tannins. Fruit is precise and pure, acidity is vibrant and the finish lingers with a stony minerality.Prices:| Australia | $50.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Kooyong Single Vineyard Selection Ferrous Pinot Noir 2012
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaAs the name suggests, there is a lot of ironstone in this vineyard. If you don't believe vines / wines can transmit minerality, I urge you to taste this wine. Wild yeast fermented in barrel and whole bunch press yields a very earthy, textured wine. Very savory/serious nose of iron, blood, fine black cherry. The firm, well knit palate carries worn iron, iodine, black cherry, subtle dark floral notes, blood orange, earth and gentle stony spice. Needs time to fully express itself, drink now with duck or hold for 5+ years. Prices:| QC | $79.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $80.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Moorooduc Estate Robinson Pinot Noir 2012
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, AustraliaKate McIntyre came back to her parents' Mornington Peninsula 20 acre wine estate in 2009 after a job at a bottle shop post-university and exposure to fine wines led to completion of her MW. Practicing lutte raisonnée, they utilize wild yeast, whole bunch press and natural MLF to translate the specifics of site. This site, Robinson Vineyard pinot shows perfumed black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry aromas which carry through to the finely textured, elegant palate. Pure-fruited with a gentle ripe cushioning, this has a beguiling floral rose prettiness throughout. Tannins are a touch gummy, finishing with black cherry perfume and finely rasped spice. Would be lovely with duck or cherry sauced pheasant.Prices:| Australia | $55.00 | 750ml |
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08 February 2015
92PTS
Tellurian Tranter Heathcote Shiraz 2012
Heathcote, Victoria, AustraliaVery gamey, smoky, savoury, tobacco, kirsch, black licorice, black berry jam, smoked pepper, vanilla and coffee aromas- fine aromatics. Rich, round, smooth, juicy palate with very fine tannins. Black berry jam, licorice, resin, smoky leather, meaty, tobacco, chocolate and vanilla with a roast red pepper note. Long finish with good complexity and light tannins to dissipate. Should improve with 3-7 years. A very fine effort.Prices:| Australia | $40.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Fowles Wine Ladies Who Shoot their Lunch Shiraz 2010
Strathbogie Ranges , Victoria, AustraliaBlack licorice, savoury, light garrigue, smoky, black berry jam, sausage, floral, orange peel and resin aromas. Ripe, round, elegant and smooth palate with juicy acidity. Black cherry jam, orange peel, coffee, tobacco, meaty, peppery, licorice root flavours with a blueberry, menthol note. Warm and fresh on the finish but very good fruit and ripeness. Could use a year or two more to fully develop. Worth cellaring.Prices:| AUS | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz Bin 389 2011
South Australia, AustraliaOpen black berry jam, blueberry, floral, black licorice, black olive, vanilla, chocolate, and tobacco and resin aromas. Full, rich, ripe and intense palate with some smooth, grainy tannins. Coffee, licorice, resin, tobacco, cassis, black berry jam, savoury, peppery, vanilla and dried herb flavours. Long, smoky bacon, cassis and rosemary finish. Still youthful, needs 3-7 years. Very fine, rich, warm 389 with balance. One to keep.Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $38.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Yalumba The Octavius Barossa Old Vine Shiraz 2008
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaBig black berry jam, black cherry, coffee, chocolate, orange, licorice, smoky, vanilla, graphite and meat aromas with a hint of jasmine. Rich, ripe, smooth and juicy with fine concentration and tannins. Savoury, licorice, black pepper, black berry jam, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, rosemary and orange peel flavours with a chocolaty, plum finish. Long, warm, intense and rich finish with some oak showing. Drinkable now but will improve with 3-7 years. A rich, somewhat oakier style but with fine complexity and balance. Time in bottle will only add to this wines potential. Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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07 February 2015
87PTS
McGuigan Wines Bin 9000 Semillon 2014
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaThis was specifically crafted to be approachable and ready to drink now in its youth. The winery ferments at higher temperatures using pressure tanks (as is used for Charmat wines) to increase saturation of CO2, lower the pH and raise the acidity. Apricot and peach blossom aromas with a tempering peach pit bitterness. The juicy palate shows lime, green hedge, baby powder, light soap, lees and pink grapefruit tinged acidity. Finishes sweeter and muscat-y. A bit gangly in its youth, pour with Thai or Vietnamese dishes.Prices:| NB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington, United StatesSo consistent a fresh Kung Fu Girl shines in the Northwest. Expect a super fresh, pure, riesling nose with big floral notes mixed with apple aromas and nectarine skin. On the palate the minerality and acidity propel the fruit through wine. Fresh cut apples, pears and limes dominate with sweet fruit. Best with your favourite curry or assorted spicy sushi, even barbecue ribs.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2013
Pfalz, GermanyThis wine remains a terrific at $13 a bottle with its fresh floral fruity nose. The attack is similar with bright green apple fruit, fresh cut limes with a squeeze of orange and a twist of lime rind. A fun white for mixed sushi or for cheese appetizers.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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06 February 2015
93PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 2005
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaBeautiful to taste with nearly a decade of time, and from a very good vintage. Intent eraser and struck stone to open. Evolved, heady notes of honeycomb, chamomile, nuts, lime pith, biscuit and seashell stream through the intense palate. Acidity has focus, palate has breadth and the finish is long. Will hold and deepen for another 10+ years.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mount Pleasant Lovedale Hunter Valley Semillon 2007
Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaIt's been called the world's best semillon vineyard. This 7HA block of Semillon was planted in 1946, and the juice has been treated gently: gravity settled, only free run juice, resting on gross lees with no stirring, then racked and bottled. The residual sugar here is zero, with the low alcohol (11.5 percent) allowing yeast to ferment through to dryness. Lovely honey, meadow, herbs, bitter citrus, stone aromas. The pure-fruited palate pulses with lemon, lime sherbet, white grapefruit, stony minerality, a whiff of toast and honey and savoury phenolics. Nice concentration, very lengthy finish. Prices:| ON | $59.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2011
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaSpicy, smoky, gamey, coffee, licorice nose with tobacco and pepper highlights with a blueberry and blackberry streak. Full, round, suave, juicy palate with fine tannins. Black berry jam, graphite, vanilla, coffee, cola, licorice, tobacco and bacon flavours with a touch of gamey bacon on the finish. Good intensity and fruit with light tannins to drink now - 5 years. Best with grilled poultry.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2012
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, smoky, tobacco, black berry nose with cedar, floral, gamey aromas. Fresh, juicy, suave palate with black pepper, blueberry, black berry, cola, tobacco, game and prune flavours and a bit of coffee and vanilla on the finish. Forward, well balanced style with solid intensity. You can drink this now with lamb or beef or hold two to four years until its in full bloom.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $22.45 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2013
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaGreen apple, pear, light floral, butter, lees and grapefruit aromas. Fresh, creamy, dry and juicy palate with pear, honey, light lees, green apple, nectarine and butter flavours with a hint of vanilla. Not big or complex but nicely balanced in a cooler style. Food-friendly. Super value.Prices:| BC | $16.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $22.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Gables Cabernet Shiraz 2011
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaCassis, blueberry, black pepper, coffee, black olive, tobacco leaf, cedar and resin aromas. Fresh, smooth, elegant palate with floral, cassis, peppery, blueberry, smoky herb, tobacco leaf, green bean and olive flavours. Well balanced offering with both fruit and greener notes that should mature over the next few years. The Gables blend is a selection parcels made by winemaker Sue Hodder. Ready to drink but will hold three to five years.Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Clare Valley / Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaBright fresh red fruited nose with plenty of mint and briar. The attack is smooth at least up front with more spice, resin, black and red currants with a fair bit of acid pushing thorough the back end. The finish is dry and bitter with some twiggy notes. Best with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Wakefield Shiraz 2013
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPeppery, licorice root, black cherry, gamey, cedar and cola aromas. Dry, tight, juicy, slightly tart palate with black cherry, savoury, coffee, cola, game and tobacco flavours. A bit pruny and warm on the finish but would be fine for grilled meat dishes.Prices:| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rustic Roots Mulberry Pear 2012
British Columbia, CanadaThis Amarone/port style wine is made from farm grown organic mulberries and Bartlett pears. The Mulberries are picked and dried and then added to neutral grain alcohol to fortifying the blend to 18 percent alcohol before it is aged 18 months in old French oak barrels. Look for a spicy, peppery, menthol, leafy nose with cola, prune and dried pear aromas. Fresh, elegant, juicy, sweet palate with cola, peppery, minty, raspberry and medium fruity note of cooked pear and prune flavours. Serve with fruitcake.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 375ml |
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89PTS
Angove Family Crest Shiraz 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaGamey, black licorice, smoky, bacon, black berry jam, prune, coffee and jasmine aromas. Ripe, round, suave and juicy palate with coffee, peppery, cola, black licorice flavours flecked with kirsch and tobacco flavours with a vanilla and bacon finish. Warm and spicy but with very ripe fruit intensity. Try this with lamb.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Shiraz 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaEarthy, tobacco, resin, cherry, prune and herb aromas. Fresh, juicy, easy, slightly sweet and sour entry with cherry, cola, rooty, savoury, peppery, prune and tobacco flavours. Simple stuff that would work with burgers or ribs.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
J.J. McWilliam's Pinot Grigio 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLight earthy, floral, apple, matchstick, citrus and pear aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, slightly sweet palate with grapefruit, green apple, pear and butter flavours. Simple, clean, easy style that is good value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $10.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $10.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $10.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Serafino Bellissimo Fiano 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaClean fruity lemon zest, floral, spicy, pear, and gooseberry aromas. Fresh, slightly soft palate but dry with grassy, grapefruit, lemon, and herb flavours with a touch of quince. An impressive effort with such a foreign variety. Seafood-friendly.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2013
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaLight waxy, nutty lees, spicy, baked green apple, butter, vanilla and honey with a touch of orange. Dry, fresh, creamy and juicy palate with earthy, granny smith, ripe pear, grapefruit, green peach, toasty lees and vanilla flavours. Bright, crisp, leesy style with solid finesse and balance. Try with grilled scallops or sole. Impressive second label.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Semillon 2008
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaLime rind, lees, toasty cashew, asparagus and green apple aromas with a touch of matchstick and buttered quince. Fresh, delicate, creamy and dry, juicy palate with green apple, jalapeno, gooseberry, lime and nut flavours. A food oriented, greener style in this disastrous harvest for red wines in the Hunter. Fortunately the sémillon was picked before the rains. This will need a few more years to hit its stride.Prices:| US | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Wakefield St Andrews Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaA single vineyard Clare Valley cabernet planted on terra rossa over a limestone and this is a lot of fun to drink. Plenty of cedar and eucalyptus mark the nose along with sweet, black fruit fragrances. Ripe plums and blueberries spread across a super juicy with soft chalky tannins and just the right amount of acidity and mocha coffee finished. An impressive cabernet not to be missed. Serve this beauty with a T-Bone steak or wait a decade.Prices:| BC | $57.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Shot in the Dark Gewurztraminer Riesling 2013
AustraliaLemon oil, light spice, floral, green apple and peach aromas. Fresh, creamy palate but fairly sweet with honey, grapefruit rind, grassy, spicy, nectarine flavours. Summer sipper for picnics or try with spicy sushi dishes.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 407 2011
South Australia, AustraliaThis is a very good 407. You can trace a lot of that back to the fact that neither Bin 707 nor Bin 169 were produced in 2011 leaving the best of that juice, collected in McLaren Vale, Barossa, Robe and Coonawarra, for 407. It certainly explains the weight and density and the refined sweet tannins. Half the wine is aged in new oak - 30 French 20 American and it has easily embraced it. The attack is juicy with rich black, savoury fruits with a dusting of dried herbs and mint. Lamb chops would be a fine a pairing but it really needs five more years to settle into itself. Prices:| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.50 | 750ml |
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05 February 2015
92PTS
Mac Forbes Woori Yallock Pinot Noir 2013
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaMac Forbes is one of Yarra Valley's great winemakers and his winery is breeding ground for young, driven talent. His natural-bent, off-hands and innovative approach yields ethereal, exciting and alive wines, like this pinot noir, from a cooler, south facing site in the upper Yarra. Gentle aromatic black currant, black cherry, subtle clay weight to the nose. The finessed, elegant and precise palate carries tobacco, black florals and black cherry seamlessly across finely grained tannins. A gentle juiciness surrounds the savoury edged, stony structure, finishing long and gravelly spiced. Finessed and harmonious. Drink now (mushrooms, truffles, roast duck) or be rewarded with 5+ years wait. Prices:| AB | $78.00 | 750ml |
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04 February 2015
90PTS
Culmina Family Estate Unicus 2013
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCertainly one of the best BC white wines I have tasted in a while from the standpoint of I would like to drink the whole bottle. The inaugural release of Unicus joins a handful of wines made in Canada with grüner veltliner. Grown at 595m (Margaret's Bench) on minimal soils of mostly schist, the Triggs family has a winner with this spare, stony, spicy peppery white. The mint/sage garrigue of the south Okanagan permeates the back end which finishes crisp and fresh. This is a delicious food wine. Pascal Madevon keeps the winemaking simple using only a basket press, a stainless steel ferment and minimal lees contact before bottling at six months. Love the minerality and purity here.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Langmeil Shiraz Valley Floor 2011
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaNot a shy shiraz. Porty, ripe blackcurrant, prune and fine spice on the nose. The plush, brooding palate is full with boozy plums, vanilla, spice, blueberry compote and baking spices before a peppery finish. This is a ripe, big wine, so if you're in the mood for a chewy Barossa shiraz, this is it. Prices:| On | $30.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2012
Yarra Valley, Victoria, AustraliaEstablished in 1985 by well known Aussie wine expert James Halliday, Coldstream Hills is one of Yarra Valley's best known wineries. This pinot is sourced from grapes in the Lower and Upper Yarra, and is partial whole bunch before seeing time in new and aged oak. Warmed cherries and subtle cedar wood spice on the nose. the medium bodied, supple palate teems with sour cherry, ripe raspberry, nutmeg and five spice. Cedarwood and lightly smoked oak frame the fruit and dominate the finish. Best enjoyed with pork dishes. Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Brokenwood Semillon 2014
Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, AustraliaFrom the excellent 2014 vintage (best in the Hunter since 1965?) comes this striking semillon - still flush in its youth, but prepped to last decades. Beautiful perfumed lime blossom, lemongrass, gentle honeysuckle, light almond aromas - youthful and promising. The juicy, pure fruited palate flows with the same lime lifted fruits and citrus zest backbone, along with subtle straw, sweet pear and finishing with fine spice. Electric and elegant now, this will continue to deepen and honey for the next 15+ years. Pour today with oysters if you can't wait. Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.50 | 750ml |
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94PTS
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2009
New South Wales, AustraliaConcentrated, pure and persistent notes of eraser, honeycomb, beeswax, apricot paste, green fig, tangerine, candied lime peel and smoked stone. Rich and unctuous across the palate, with tactile layers of herbal syrup and honeyed intrigue. Length for days. One of the iconic sweet wines of the world. Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 375ml |
| AB | $38.00 | 375ml |
| ON | $32.00 | 375ml |
| QC | $27.00 | 375ml |
| NS | $33.00 | 375ml |
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03 February 2015
91PTS
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2012
Coonawarra, South Australia, AustraliaGo Sue Hodder. Black Label has been made since 1954 and is considered the classic Coonawarra red. Using only the top 20-25 percent of the cabernet fruit chief winemaker Sue Hodder has really put her stamp on this wine now sporting only 13.5 percent alcohol. Texture, texture, texture makes this almost drinkable now, as do vines that are now 35 years old. More red fruits than black give it a Bordeaux look before the savoury cool Coonawarra notes take over. Love the black cherry, earth and bramble notes and the glossy tannins. A more precocious 2010.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThe nose is floral with a mix of red and black fruit aromas that lead juicy, sweet fruit, jammy blackberry flavours that finish with light, grippy tannins. A solid commercial version of cabernet at a premium price in BC that is already approachable. Try it with barbecued ribs to best effect. Prices:| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaThis is an introductory cabernet sauvignon but we like the freshness and varietal character. Look for plenty of cassis with a dollop of chocolate and vanilla followed by a rush of firm if not slightly rustic tannins and a cedar-y finish. Hamburgers or beef kabobs would a solid match.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $14.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $14.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $14.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $14.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $14.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Margaret River, Western Australia, AustraliaNot your average Margaret River cabernet. Its ripe, the nose is beautifully proportioned showing hints of oak and spice with plenty of black currant fruit. The attack is fresh with cedar, black fruits, coffee and vanilla but again all in proportion with just the right amount of savoury notes. Power and elegance is a very attractive trait to own. You could drink this now but I would wait three to five years and let it unfold into the serious red it is. Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bleasdale Mulberry Tree Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Langhorne Creek, South Australia, AustraliaAn old family farm Bleasdale has been making wine since 1850 in Langhorne Creek. The nose is mix of blue and black fruits with spicy undertones. There is a surprising amount of charm and softness for a cabernet sauvignon mixing floral, black cherries and chocolate. You can drink it now with any grille meat or pork dishes. Good value.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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02 February 2015
86PTS
Vina Chela Malbec Reserve 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaVina Chela Reserve is made with organic grapes grown at four highly regarded sub-regions of Mendoza at 3000-plus feet: Agrelo, La Consulta, Vistalba and Tupungato. Expect a dark, sweet, black-fruited wines with plenty of chocolate notes all aged in 50/50 French and American oak barrels. An accessible style with plenty of curb appeal if a bit sweet and simple. Serve this with spicy rib dishes.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Reservado Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaTypical savoury, peppery, vanilla nose with bits of black fruit and dried herbs. Soft juicy smoky fruit flavours spread across the palate with a hint of coffee chocolate and more savoury notes. Simple, smooth and ready to drink. Pair with grilled meats or chicken for best results.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaTruly hedonistic, the Golden Reserve is rich and savoury with dense, lush, black fruit flavours with just enough freshness to keep it interesting throughout. This wine over delivers most years and 2013 is no exception. You can cellar this wine for five years or consider serving it now with a lamb roast. A delicious New World red.Prices:| NF | $21.50 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $28.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Catena Malbec Mountain Vines 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaIt would be easy to miss the terroir subtleties in this wine, too polished, too soft, and too perfect for the price but give it some attention. The nose is a floral black fruit affair that draws you into a smooth polished red wine with very soft tannins. The palate is a mix of blackberries and blackcurrants with just enough oak to keep it all interesting. Grilled meat entrées are the match or mushrooms, or Osso Buco and or aged cheeses. Classy.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Paz de Finca Las Moras Malbec 2012
Pedernal Valley, San Juan, ArgentinaIntense lifted nose of black fruits with vanilla and spice throughout. The attack is full and ripe with rich blueberry black fruit with and dense sweet tannins and a slightly volatile back end. Fresh full and still with some tannins to shed. Best now with a grilled steak and 30 minutes in a decanter; or give it another year in bottle.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Famila Gascon Malbec 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaSimilar to previous years this label delivers a fresh open blueberry scented nose that attracts. Smoke and cola with a touch of reduction mark the mid-palate before it finishes dry and fresh. Hamburgers, beef kabobs, ribs, all would work.Prices:| BC | $14.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
The Show Malbec 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaAmericans Charles Bieler, Roger Scommegna and Joel Gott are the 3 Thieves Wine Company and the folks behind The Show Malbec made in Argentina. The fruit comes off a mix of high-altitude sites in the Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley and like last year they have gone for fruit balance and texture instead of just sweetness. Expect a dry savoury red fruit attack with fine acidity and structure that calls for food. Steak frites anyone? Good value.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Raza Malbec Reserva 2012
La Rioja, ArgentinaA cleaner, fresher nose this year. Soft, round fleshy ripe palate with sweet palate with flavours of black fruit and chocolate. A modern style red that offers reasonable value for its price. Hamburgers grilled chicken they all work here.Prices:| BC | $13.00 | 750ml |
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01 February 2015
87PTS
Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva Leyda Estate 2013
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileNew Zealand or Leyda? This is a lock and load label for sauvignon blanc fans. Fresh lively and full of grapefruit, canned jalapeno, melon and lemongrass aromas and flavours. We love the juicy, creamy textures and bright acidity. Extreme value warning. Serve with shellfish.Prices:| BC | $12.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $10.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.00 | 750ml |
| NF-LAB | $11.00 | 750ml |
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March 2015