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Tastings: October 2015
31 October 2015
90PTS
Lucien Crochet Pinot Rosé 2013
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceDelicate cherry and stone open this fluid Sancerre pinot noir rosé. Beauty intensity and concentration, carried with lightness and finesse - a treat. Juicy and mineral-rich, with stoney, fine lees, fine cherry, light wild strawberry pulled with with a grippy dryness riff of tannins. Sancerre's ringing calcium minerality closes out the lingering finish. Memorable.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Loxton Sparkling Brut NV
AustraliaThere are occasions where you need fizz, and there are occasions when not consuming alcohol is a benefit. Now with this Loxton Brut, you can achieve 2/2. Very frothy, with tart apple followed by a candied apple sweetness, light nuttiness and toasty spice. A fine substitute for those who want to toast without the alcohol.Prices:| BC | $6.69 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Loxton Moscato NV
AustraliaSometimes it suits the occasion to have a nonalcoholic wine on hand, and if you need an aromatic and mid-sweet pink, this value priced bottle will work perfectly. A deeply hued light pink, with apple-cranberry, floral blossoms and lime cordial on the finish. Drinks acceptably like the fruit juice that it is.Prices:| BC | $6.69 | 750ml |
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87PTS
CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAnother warm year has beefed up this wine that is long on florals, rose petals and weight but a bit short on acidity. The attack is warm and full-bodied with ginger spice, lime oil and fat round litchi fruit with sweet pears. Twenty percent ferment in French oak plumps up the full body and ample creaminess, which draw through to a spicy, gingery finish. This will have many fans and the sweetness will tame most spicy dishes but we want a bit more freshness in the long run.Prices:| BC | $15.59 | 750ml |
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30 October 2015
88PTS
DeMorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaWith a thirty year old vine age, you're getting quite a bit of complexity and interest for an amazing price. Pear skin, apple and fine lees lead this finessed chenin. Cool ocean breezes assist with keeping the acidity brisk, though the palate holds its ample orchard fruit cushion. We'd like more wines like this here in Canada please.Prices:| ON | $15.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $19.50 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Mullineux Wines Granite Chenin Blanc 2014
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaGranite Chenin Blanc is one of the top tier Single Terroir Range wines from Mullineux Family Wines. This comes from two vineyards in the Paardeberg, 38 and 42 years old, each with deep, decomposed granite soils. As with their other wines, winemaker intervention is minimal (wild yeast, low sulphur, no enzymes) allowing the terroir-transmission powers of chenin on granite in Swartland to shine. After whole bunch pressing and four weeks for the natural ferment this spends a year in older French oak before being bottled unfiltered. Give this singular wine some breathing room to air off a slight reductive note. With a bit of time to stretch its legs (I recommend decanting), alluring wild herbs, sea salt and broken stones emerge, backed with a concentrated and intense palate of pear, flint and a fine citrus peel. Very textured palate draws you through this powerful, finessed wine to a lengthy finish. Only 165 cases were made, so if you find some (or its cousin, Quartz Chenin Blanc), scoop and enjoy or cellar for the next decade.Prices:| South Africa | $41.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Mullineux White Blend 2013
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaThis white Swartland blend was built around old vine chenin blanc and complexed with clairette blanche and viognier. Wild ferment, low sulfur, early picking and eleven months in French oak (20 percent new) ups the complexities further. Meadow herbs and wax open the nose, continuing onto the creamy palate. Fine apricot spicing, ripe pear, light cream, subtle white flowers, minerality and textured lees are lifted with easy acidity and finish with a lingering and alluring saltiness.Prices:| AB | $31.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Kloof Street Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2014
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaKloof Street is a second label from Mullineux Wines, a tightly focused premium family winery in the Swartland. For this label, 30-35 year old chenin blanc from across the Swartland is sourced, picked early, with no added enzymes or yeast and low sulfur and then into a split of stainless steel and old wood. The result is a streamline and lean white expressing cream, wild flowers, lemon pith and a sheen of fine lees. Nimble acidity and fine stony minerality flow to a juicy finish. Quietly confident and authentic, this is a well priced example of Swartland chenin to seek out and drink liberally.Prices:| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Domaine Le Mont Bonnezeaux Cuvée Privilege 2002
Bonnezeaux, Anjou, Loire, FranceThis is botrytis in its noblest form: marmalade, golden citrus, honeycomb, whiffs of savoury stone and lengthy, lingering candied apricot and perfumed nougat notes. Heady concentration and richness is carried with focused, driving acidity and exceptional vitality. Domaine Le Mont has been farmed by the Robin family for three generations. The 26 hectare estate is located in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon.Prices:| BC | $59.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2014
Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyNow consistently fresh and clean under screw cap this Trentino Alto Adige pinot grigio is solid. Flecks of floral and citrus mix with pears and an appealing slate mineral undercurrent, finishing crisp and tight. Light, fresh and dry, a good northern Italian white, perfect with calamari. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $14.79 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.02 | 750ml |
| PEI | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $15.00 | 750ml |
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29 October 2015
88PTS
Domaine du Clos du Bourg Chenin Blanc Demi-Sec 2010
Touraine, Loire, FranceIf you’re afraid of ‘sweet’ wines, try this lovely demi-sec, so acutely balanced with ripping acidity that you won’t even notice the honeyed succulence and you’ll ask for a second helping of the rabbit rillette or pork and apricot tangine. Honey, eraser, baked red apple, rock sugared pear and perfumed quince, with a shimmery acidity and waxy palate.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Domaine Baumard Clos Saint-Yves Savennières 2009
Savennieres, Anjou, Loire, FranceThis is a stunning terroir-driven wine, transmitting the schist soiled monopole Clos de Saint Yves vineyard. Bone dry and expressive with struck stone, savoury sea salt, tight pear, wild honey, lanolin and fragrant chamomile. Precise and focused, with a pulsing, surging palate and exceptional length. Cellar for 10+ years.Prices:| BC | $30.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Spier Chenin Blanc 2013
Western Cape, South AfricaThis steen from Stellenbosch is a steal at $14. Meadow, greengage and white grapefruit in a sauvignon blanc vein, but with the perfumed gooseberry, white honey, youthful white flowers and ripe pear weight of chenin. No oak influence, allowing the youthful fruit to shine.Prices:| BC | $12.69 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2013
Lodi, Central Valley, California, United StatesBig, bold, juicy, ripe, and rich and well you name it, there isn’t anything very wimpy about this 14.5 percent zinfandel. A smoky chocolate, cherry-berry affair this is an easy-sipping zin made for barbecued meats or pizza. The fruit is all Lodi with a good dollop of petite sirah to bolster the back end. Ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $20.79 | 750ml |
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28 October 2015
89PTS
Stag's Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlluring dark cherry, dark cocoa, wild bramble and walnuts lead the nose of this savoury Okanagan Falls cabernet sauvignon (plumped with 15 percent merlot), carrying on through to the spiced palate. Worn wood, earth, forest floor, cedar spicing join on the medium body, pinned in with slightly grippy tannins and fine nutmeg kissed spicing lingering. The winery has done the cellaring for you, with 2011 being the current release. Drink now, especially with pork tenderloin or ribs.Prices:| BC | $21.25 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Fort Berens Meritage 2013
British Columbia, CanadaDeep, dark cassis, resin and brooding spice opens this Lillooet blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. Herbal notes, cedar spice, roasted coffee, a kiss of sweet spice and thorns join in on the full palate, one kept fresh with an upswell of black cherry acidity, but anchored by slightly grippy, ripe tannins and a kick of heat on the finish, courtesy of the 14.5 percent alcohol. Appealing rusticity, good depth of flavour, without being overdone.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Road 13 Seventy-Four K 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMerlot, syrah, viognier, malbec, cabernet franc and gamay noir from estate and leased vineyards in the Okanagan and Similkameen make up Seventy-Four K. Deep, brooding, highly extracted fruit nearly gets pulled down with sweetly spiced American and French oak, though is saved with a swell of tart acidity. Black cherry, blueberry, cassis jam and dark chocolate are supported by ripe, moderate tannins and finish with a lingering bitter espresso cut and the heat of alcohol. Best matched up with with saucy short ribs now or tame with a year in the cellar.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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26 October 2015
89PTS
Black Hills Viognier 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAlways lush and rich the 2014 is no different. The nose is suitably exotic with apricots, honey, star anise, baked pear and apples. The palate is equally rich and voluptuous with mandarin, quince, lemon, ginger and honeyed pear. Texture and length in the finessed finish with just a faint oiliness and lasting impression. A rich wine, belying its 13.3 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Alamos Chardonnay 2013
Mendoza, ArgentinaOpen butter, honeyed nose with bits of green apples mark the nose. The attack is soft with slightly sweet and sour baked apple and pear flavours that finishes warm and spicy. Finishes a bit sour and sharp, with muffled sweet wood and angular acids. Simple stuff for immediate drinking.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $16.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Punto Final Malbec 2014
ArgentinaResin, light medicinal, tobacco, coffee, prune and black cherry, cocoa aromas. Round, fresh, soft, easy, juicy palate with black pepper, savoury, tobacco, poultry spice, prune, black cherry and compost flavours. Simple, easy going style for current consumption.Prices:| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| QC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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23 October 2015
0PTS
Naia Verdejo Rueda Blanco 2011
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainOxidised. try anotherPrices:| BC | $19.19 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Pinot Noir 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo clones of pinot noir from Summerland and Naramata work together in this savoury, scented, stony red. Raspberry, cherry, and light smoke aromas continue on the medium bodied palate, where fine, grainy tannins carry the perfumed, spicy fruit while rhubarb tartness lifts it. Medium toast wood frames the whole, and finishes with fine, nutmeg laced spicing. Youthful, juicy and vibrantly robust, this is a natural to reach for when duck or wild mushrooms is on the menu.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Screaming Frenzy Pinot Noir 2013
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIsabelle’s Draw is the vineyard, Keremeos Bench in the Similkameen and the mix was age in twenty percent new oak. Expect a sweet open nose with cocoa powder and balsamic notes. The textures are smooth, the attack warm and the palate spicy with more sweet fruit flecked with light chocolate. Simple and ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Naramata Cider Company Dry Apple Cider Hard Cider Rest Easy NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaEffervescent with spicy, ginger, light floral, grassy, cooked apple aromas. Dry, light, fresh style with good bubbles. Flavours are light with green apple and grass with a bit of lees. Elegant but very simple without much flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.19 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Naramata Cider Company Dry Pear Cider Hard Cider Rest Easy NV
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots of fine bubbles with a peppery, ginger, canned pear aromas. Fresh, foamy, juicy palate with grassy, canned pear, spicy flavours. Light and delicate but not big on flavour intensity.Prices:| BC | $14.19 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Seven Terraces Pinot Noir 2013
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandPale brick red. Fresh floral rhubarb, strawberry dried herb nose with a light dusting of ginger. The palate and silky with more dried herbs, and a savoury, herbal, strawberry, carrot and compost flavours. Just needs a hint more fruit at this price point.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mistaken Identity Sanctuary 2013
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaSandalwood, worn wood, raspberries and light florals on the nose of this estate grown pinot noir. A silky, smooth palate draws wild raspberry, tart rhubarb and tangy cranberry along whisper fine tannins. Wood is evident via the light smoke and earthy notes lingering on the finish.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Pinot Noir 2011
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTinhorn has made some important texture strides in 2011 and combine with one of the coolest vintages in a decade this wine looks like a pinot noir. The nose is mix of cherries and cranberries with a dusting of cedar, classic south Okanagan sagebrush all with an exotic touch orange fruit. Soft, if a touch acidic this is drinkable now and can be served with a piece of salmon to best effect.Prices:| BC | $30.49 | 750ml |
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21 October 2015
92PTS
Joseph Mellot Cuvée Pierre Etienne Sancerre Blanc 2013
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe grapes for Cuvée Pierre Etienne come off the properties best flint-based slopes facing the River Loire. A touch of colour is your clue this sauvignon is fermented and aged in oak barrels, split evenly between one, two and three year old wood, for 26 months. You sense the wood in the richer, round mouthfeel but not to the detriment of freshness. The nose is a complex mix of minerals with pears and lemongrass. The palate is a mix of creamy, spicy, smoky fruit with a hint of orange. The finish is long and complex. This bottling honours founder Pierre Etienne Mellot (1513) and his myriad descendants. Production is limited to 250 cases. The label is a reproduction from the 1930s.Prices:| BC | $65.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $57.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Mellot La Chatellenie Sancerre 2014
Sancerre, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceSancerre, is there a better sauvignon blanc for the money. Flint-rich chalky clay soils are the story here with simple winemaking, low fermentation temperatures in stainless steel and ageing on the fine lees. The steep slopes of the La Chatellenie vineyard yield a fresh persistent white with ‘flinty’ nuances that support a piercing citrus, gooseberry, lime zest flavoured white with flecks of orange and equally balanced acidity. A fabulous wine for shellfish or even more complex fish dishes. Delicious. Take that Burgundy.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Joseph Mellot Le Tronsec Pouilly-Fume 2014
Pouilly-Fume, Upper Loire, Loire, FranceThe Mellot Pouilly Fume plot totals 9.5 hectares some planted to Kimmeridgian limestone marls and some in the village of Saint Laurent l ’Abbaye is planted over stones over clay. Simple winemaking: crushed, pressed and settled at low temperatures stainless steel tanks. The colour is pale, the nose a riot of white flowers, minerals, grapefruit and a hint of pepper. Delicate stylish but flavourful with enough weight to take on roast chicken. A super classic vintage.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Joseph Mellot Destinéa Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Loire, FranceThe Mellot family has been making wine since 1513. It is said that César Mellot was a wine advisor to Louis XIV. Destinéa is a simply made white, pressed and run into stainless steel tanks and aged ion its fine lees. The nose is fresh and bright, more floral than grassy with hints of white flowers and fresh lemon slices. The balance, right on the edge of nervy is perfect. West Coast shellfish or goat cheese either is a perfect match. Good value.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| SK | $12.98 | 750ml |
| MB | $16.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMedium clean, lemongrass, guava nose with bits of grapefruit. Similar citrus lime guava fruit with a flat mid-palate and a short, nettle–like finish. Cheap but not so cheerful. Drink up. Try it with chicken fingers.Prices:| BC | $13.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaExpressive fresh nose of gooseberries, green pepper, jalapeno and guava notes. Fresh, cool attack with a light blanket of oak (three months in old and new oak) shaping the textures. The flavours are grassy with herby, lemon/lime highlights. Ready to drink. Would be perfect with steamed mussels in a simple creamy tomato broth or with your favourite goat cheese dish.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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20 October 2015
86PTS
Mistaken Identity Intensity 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen spicy soy, balsamic and violet nose with bits of leaf and cocoa. Sourced from the southern Okanagan, it leads into a soft sweet round attack with very silky tannins, wild blackberry and cherry chocolate flavours, finishing in toasted wood and with a stickiness. Simple, if a bit on the sweet side, but easy to sip. Ready to drink, particularly with pork burgers.Prices:| BC | $30.35 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Stag's Hollow Cabernet Franc 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA cool, aromatic nose with classic dried leaf notes mixed with resin and smoky black cherry aromas. Similar notes mark the attack with a smoky meaty cherry palate with a spicy, fresh finish. A solid effort in a good year that will no doubt improve with time in the bottle. Drink now with a grilled steak or a sausages pasta dish.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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19 October 2015
93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Queen Taken Chardonnay 2013
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit for the 2013 Queen Taken Chardonnay comes off the Heritage Vineyard on the Golden Mile Bench, beneath Mt. Kobau and the Thompson Plateau. The vines are 35 years old and the earth a complex mix of Stemwinder, Ponderosa and Ratnip soils. Queen Taken is a very different chardonnay; the aromatics are floral but there is a richer, peachy underpinning, perhaps as a result of the 35-year old vines. The 2013 was picked October 3rd and 15th almost a full month after Capture and no doubt benefiting from the cooler, late afternoon shadows of Mt. Kobau. The picks were kept separate as they went through ferment in French oak barrels and a 100 percent malolactic regime. The wine is more floral, less wild then the Capture with wet stone and exotic flecks of ginger. Citrus marks the flavours with apricot, melon and a touch of brioche in the creamy finish. Bigger and rounder than the Capture it’s also longer and more complex. It’s just beginning to show its stuff. 200 cases. A nice statement for Golden Mile Bench.Prices:| BC | $125.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Reserve 2012
Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United StatesRich, ripe and polished, this full bodied Carneros chardonnay opens with subtle toast, lemon curd, cream and pear butter. The creamy palate expands to fill the mouth, with ample toast, lemon, heavy cream, hazelnut, lees and lemon pith piquancy to balance the heady fruit. Generous and quite lengthy, though the barrel use overpowers fruit at present, and the heat burns a bit more than 13.5 percent alcohol suggests. I would put down for two more years for maximum seamlessness, but drinking beautifully now with lobster or buttery crab dishes.Prices:| BC | $43.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Howard Park Flint Rock Chardonnay 2013
Mt. Barker, Great Southern, Western Australia, AustraliaFlint Rock lives up to its name on first whiff, with a stony, salty savoury reductive note and a little dried sage lurking underneath. The creamy, lees-led palate carries the same stoniness, along with tight green apple, ample lemon pith, white grapefruit, lemon curd and spent pencil eraser. Low yields and wild yeast ups the earthy, savoury complexities, while a cool ferment has preserved the zippy fruit. The finish is textured with wood hewn spice. A bit disjointed, but comes together when paired with richer, lemon kissed sablefish.Prices:| BC | $26.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Attack Chardonnay Barn Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2013 Attack Chardonnay's final release is made from 100 percent Barn Vineyard fruit from Oliver's Black Sage Bench. Attack is a single vineyard wine with a twist – It is fermented and aged sur lie in a 100 percent new French oak foudre or large oval cask. The effect is quite a spicy nose with flinty stony, mineral notes. Three different clones combine to shape its flavours, citrus and sea salt, with bright acidity and muted tropical fruit notes. I like this wine, the integration is amazing between the oak and fruit, and I expect the next edition in the one-year-old vat will be even better as the oak moves into the background.Prices:| BC | $115.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Fool's Mate Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe only 'blend' of the initial quintuple Checkmate release is the 2013 Fool's Mate Chardonnay. In this case, winemaker McGahan decided to mix three different climates that form what the Checkmate team calls the golden triangle south of McIntyre Bluff, a prominent geological feature long thought to separate the southern Okanagan Valley from the north. Fool's Mate is an 11/64/25 amalgam of Heritage Vineyard, Golden Mile Bench; the Barn Vineyard, Black Sage Bench; and the Border Vineyard in south Osoyoos. The most complex of the releases has a bit of all three vineyards, mostly different lots from the single vineyard releases, but it is more luxurious than the sum of its parts like most blends. McGahan says you lose some of the site's specificity, but you can get more of the true expression of the south Okanagan. The nose is a pleasant mix of brioche and spice with hints of sagebrush. The palate is creamy with good acidity and peach/pear, hazelnut notes and a long creamy, leesy, textured finish: power and elegance. The fruit was night picked by hand on the 11, 17, 18 and 19 of September. Some fifteen percent is wild fermented before all the wine was aged 17 to 18 months in French oak, half of which was new — a great start.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Little Pawn Chardonnay Barn Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLabel three, the 2013 Little Pawn Chardonnay, comes from the Barn Vineyard, planted in 1999 and situated on Oliver's west-facing Black Sage Bench. It's a solitary micro‐terroir of fine‐grained sands with a deficient capacity to hold moisture. The yields are low, the clusters small, but the fruit beautiful. Little Pawn is a very feminine version of chardonnay with tightly wound floral notes and a lot of minerality. The fruit is a green apple with perfectly supporting oak. The wine spends 18 months in French barrels, of which 57 percent are new. Elegance and restraint is the watchword. The site trumps the clones here. It's only been in the bottle for a couple of months, so I expect even more fr0m this label as it acquires some bottle age. Perfect for delicate fish dishes.ch barrels of which 57 percent are new. Elegance and restraint is the watchword. Again, the site trumps the clones here. It's only been in the bottle for a couple of months, so I expect even more fr0m this label as it acquires some bottle age. Perfect for delicate fish dishes.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
CheckMate Artisanal Winery Capture Chardonnay Border Vista Vineyard 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe fruit is grown at the Border Vista Vineyard, a single block planted in 1997 to the Dijon clone 76, in Osoyoos, not all that far from the Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay block. The final blend comes from a 50/50 mix of two-barrel lots; one is fermented naturally, the other via inoculation with selected yeast. One hundred percent goes through malolactic fermentation with battonage. McGahan describes the style as "Running on the edge, it is not a safe wine, but it encapsulates what we are trying to do." The nose is lightly aromatic, the palate is spare and lean but with a fine citrus theme and minerality and just enough orange rind to suggest it might be richer than you think. The finish is long and persistent but understated. It's barely showing its real face but will blossom in time in the bottle. It reminds me a bit of the Perpetua style. Captured has a double meaning here; it's not just the chess. It speaks to the vineyard tucked up against the border – it can't go anywhere. The wine is aged 18 months in oak (53 percent new) but is bottled unfiltered and unfined to keep it fresh. 190 cases.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay Couvent des Jacobins 2014
Burgundy, FranceWhen you think of Burgundy you typically don't immediately think of value, but this Bourgogne blanc ticks all the boxes and rings up for under $30. Sourced from the Cote Chalonnaise, the Mâconnais and the Hautes-Cotes de Beaune. Moderate toast, baked apple, pear aromas carry through to the firm palate. Green apple acidity and sharp lemon pith leaps out from the toast and cream of the full bodied palate. Partial ferment and aging on the lees in oak casks plumps up the palate. The finish is biting, ending with a bitter wood and tart citrus note, making for a clumsy lasting impression. Pair with lemon dressed white fish for best results.Prices:| BC | $26.29 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Hess Select Chardonnay 2013
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesMonterey chardonnay is really starting to make an impression. The convergence of ripe fruit and creamy textures with a slightly more acidic cooler style is very food friendly. Look for a warm mid-palate with bright tropical fruit and just enough alcohol and oak to keep you in California. A bitter lemon crunchy twist sticks out a bit mid-palate. Best with richer pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $17.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $21.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesLove the direction this wine is finally heading, so much brighter and fresher on the nose mixing lees and brioche with honey and flowers. Bits of citrus, stone fruits, mineral, hazelnuts and oak all come together on the mid-palate before a long, clean, fresh finish. Almost light on its feet despite 47 percent new French oak. Well done. Halibut anyone?Prices:| BC | $52.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $65.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $47.95 | 750ml |
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87PTS
The Furst ... Riesling 2013
Alsace, FranceSpicy, light honey, cement, petrol, smoky, baked apple aromas. Dry, fresh, elegant, juicy, slightly austere style with pear, green apple, slate, spicy, lemon oil and light petrol flavours. Solid intensity but requires food to balance some tart acidity on the finish.Prices:| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Reserve Chardonnay Musque 2014
Ontario, CanadaThis mid-sweet Charmat method chardonnay musque is led by fragrant orange blossom, light honeysuckle and perfumed garden. Ample apple butter, apricot jam, ripe peach, lavender and blossoms fill the frothy, sweet palate, finishing with a tight limey citrus snap. Crisp acidity keeps this fresh on the palate, even with all the sugared fruit. If you're looking for a sweeter fizz that holds its bright acidity, look no further.Prices:| BC | $17.95 | 750ml |
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16 October 2015
90PTS
Haywire The Bub Bottle Fermented & Aged 2013
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot noir and chardonnay from cooler sites in Summerland and Oliver were used in this crisp, bright, bone dry (brut zero) fizz. Light nuts, sea salt, subtle toast aromas. The palate races with green apple, salted lemon and ample tight minerality. Lively acidity and crisp, lingering finish, this is a lean bub that you should stock up on and pour liberally.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs NV
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainChardonnay is splashed with xarel-lo in this tighter, modern cava. White peach, citrus, pear skin aromas give way to crisp, racy green apple, almonds, grass, lemon pith and peel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Bright, lively, finessed 11.5 percent fizz all in a tidy all-white wrap package.Prices:| BC | $15.49 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.00 | 750ml |
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15 October 2015
89PTS
Pierre Amadieu Domaine Grand Reserve Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2012
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceDeep red colour previews a smart fresh, peppery, meaty nose. The mix is syrah, grown on gravelly soil with grenache grown over clay and limestone. It ferments in stainless before spending half a year in old foudres. Look for raspberry and blackcurrant aromas with more mineral, red fruit flavours. Fine concentration, village quality? Drink now or age over the two to four years.Prices:| BC | $21.90 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Pierre Amadieu Vinsobres Les Piallats 2013
Vinsobres, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceAmadieu’s Vinsobres comes off the northernmost and coolest vineyards in the Southern Rhône Valley. Les Piallats is a series of south facing slopes at some 380 metres on a mix of heavier sandy clay marl and lighter gravels. The blend is 60/40 grenache/syrah and it has a very fresh style not seen in most of the region. Red fruits and plums with a grind of pepper unleashed by old wood and concrete ageing mark the nose and palate of this delicious red. Think roast chicken.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Pierre Amadieu Domaine Grand Romane Gigondas 2013
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceThe 2013 crop was small but quality at the top end was fine. Deeply coloured the 2013 Domaine Grand is a 65/20/15 mix of grenache, mourvèdre and syrah grown close to 500 metres above sea level. The nose is pepper, savoury, smoky affair with bits of chocolate all of which move to the palate with ease. More garrigue with meaty, black cherry notes carry right through the finish. Well-made youthful will age gracefully for a decade. Anything off the barbecue or with mushrooms will work for now.Prices:| BC | $36.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Barry Bros by Jim Barry 2013
Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaPipe tobacco, wild blackberry, thorns opens the generous nose of this Clare Valley shiraz/cabernet sauvignon blend, named for Tom and Sam Barry. Bitter black cherry leads the palate, overtop of smoked meats, fine black pepper and ample gummy tannins. Bitter cocoa and espresso on the powdery, warmer finish, one that would be best sopped up with hearty beef cheek stew and crusty bread.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
A. A. Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend 2012
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaAuthentic South Africa from the characterful oracle of the movement himself, Adi Badenhorst. Shiraz, cinsault, tinta barocca, grenache and mourvèdre from the Badenhorst home farm Kalmoesfontein were foot trodden, wild yeast fermented and left in closed concrete on their skins for 6 months before pressing off to rest quietly in huge old casks for an additional 16 months. Savoury cherry, wild strawberry, brambles and fine stony dust lure and lead onto a fresh palate, one worn around the edges by time. Cherry continues to lead the show, joined with aged leather, scrubby medicinal-tinged herbs, wildflowers, broken stone and an undercurrent of cured meat and cracked black pepper. Tannins are fine, slightly grippy and confidently subtle, handily propping up the textured, gently ripe fruit. Medicinal herbs linger on the lengthy finish. All this complexity in a welcome 13% alcohol. Stock up and spread the word about this fantastic value.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $23.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nichol Vineyard Syrah Nate's Vineyard 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaYounger estate syrah vines, planted in 2010 on granite bedrock and glacial till, yields this new release from Nichol. Fresh and juicy, with lively black pepper, roasted meats and violets, up front and present. Cassis, red cherry thorns and fresh scrubby herbs join in on the bright palate, reined in with fine grained tannins. Unfined and unfiltered, with textured complexities underpinning the youthful, honest charm. Drinking very well now (too easily, really) but will cellar for another couple of years easy. Stock up, drink up.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaGreat colour and a nose of mint/eucalyptus with cloves and blueberries underneath. The attack is dense yet balanced and almost elegant with smoky, black licorice and blueberries in the finish. Stylish with just enough tannin and weight and not too much acidity to pair well with fall and winter fare. Gold Value 2015 World Wine Awards.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.25 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moraine Syrah 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf syrah can be feminine this is it. The nose is fresh and offering up a light meaty sausage peppery character. The attack is slippery soft with well-rounded red fruit flavours and bright mid-palate acidity wrapped in pepper and dried sage. Ready to drink under control, cool climate syrah. Lamb chops are the perfect match.Prices:| BC | $23.90 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah +04/10 2013
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA star at the Nationals the 2013 syrah really has it all. More in control than the massive 2012 the florals and the pretty red and peppery black fruit aromas are inviting. The attack is juicy awash in fresh blueberry fruit and spice. Dense, but nimble and seemingly in control with perfect balance this will have a long life. Don’t be fooled by the current delicious notes this will get better in bottle over the next three to five years. Lamb anyone?Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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14 October 2015
87PTS
Sea Star Encore 2013
British Columbia, CanadaMerlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon from the southern Okanagan are sourced for this full bodied red, and spend 18 months in French barrel. Evident on the heady oak leading the nose and palate, supporting dense cassis, blackberry and black cherries, tobacco and dark cocoa. Tannins are supple and firm, and the finish lingers with sweet holiday spices and ash. A bruiser, and the heavyweight bottle even more so. I suppose the coastal winery would like a giant red to supplement its range of lively, fresh, marine-influenced whites, but it sticks out from the rest of their finessed portfolio. If you're looking for a rich, full and dense red for your lamb or roast beef dinner (14.4 percent), this would suit well.Prices:| BC | $23.39 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThis classically-styled McLaren cabernet sauvignon opens with fragrant cassis, black plum and leather aromas. Full and plush in the mouth, cab's firmness still frames the perfumed blackberry, floral plum and chewy black cherry fruit. Ripe tannins support the fruit, while roasted meats, bitter cassis and a swirl of charcoal close out the finish. A perfect pour with short ribs.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Penedès, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe 2011 version opens slightly reduced with meaty chocolate notes over blackcurrant, licorice and smoky toasted oak. The attack is rustic at this stage with black olive, resin, smoky, licorice and prune notes. Serve now with ribs or burgers or wait another two to the years until it settles down.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
| NS | $24.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $23.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $21.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Meritage Grand Reserve 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIt’s tough to get beyond the big cool, savoury, dried herbs nose that smells more like 2010 than 2012. The attack is astringent, resiny and spicy with a sour cherry, soya, black fruit undercarriage and medium black olive, licorice flavoured finish. This needs time but it may be too cool and over extracted to reach great heights.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Red Meritage 2012
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaBig aromatic herbaceous red fruit nose with smoky, coffee balsamic notes with a solid dose of oak. The is fresh and lean with more oak, blackberry, blueberry fruit with plenty of spice, dried herbs and soft dry tannins. Youthful and will need plenty of time to shed the oak. Best with grill beef at the moment.Prices:| BC | $24.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Blind Trust Red +04/10 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI like how this blend is getting less aggressive upfront showing more fruit and site with an amazing peppery undertone. The attack is fresh with bright acidity, ripe black olive, blackcurrant and dried dusty herbs with a pinch of mineral. This needs three to five years to really settle in and tell its story but it’s a fine start. If you must open it now try this with T-bone steak.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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13 October 2015
90PTS
Giacomo Ascheri Barolo 2010
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyDark, wild cherry, salt and an undercurrent of floral opens this alluring, elegant Barolo. Fine grained and expressive, with lightly smoked stone and grippy, structured tannins supporting dark cherry, subtle tar and wild herbs. The salty note picks up again on the lingering finish. Great value here.Prices:| ON | $31.65 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Gris Reserve 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaInniskillin Okanagan makes flavourful pinot gris and the 2014 is a great example. Big fresh floral honey orange blossom nose. The attack is round and full of red apple and honey fruit that finishes clean. Well-made and stylish. Perfect for fish tacos. Good value.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moraine Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMuch like last year this is well-made better than average gris grown on an ancient collapsed moraine known as Anastasia vineyard. The nose is a honeyed/apricot, mineral affair with a stony lemon undercurrent. The palate is clean and flavourful boasting orchard fruits, melons and perfect acidity. It was perfect with fishcakes, but would be fine with fowl too. Good value.Prices:| BC | $21.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Inniskillin Pinot Gris Reserve 2013
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaThe nose is fresh cut green apples with a touch of grass and almonds. The entry is round and fresh, if a touch sweet with red apple, honey, grassy, citrus, mineral fruit flavours. The finish is short and dry. Try this with grilled chicken. Time to bag the cork and drop the 'reserve.'Prices:| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +07/10 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA flatter effort his year showing some of the heat that bathed the valley as far north as Naramata. Look for a warm entry with rich honey and pity apple aromas and flavours with some nectarine skin bitterness in the finish. Big and rich it can take on a turkey with stuffing.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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12 October 2015
88PTS
Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine 2014
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaA consistent performer in the limited field of sparkling icewine. The theory is the bubbles enliven the rest of this icewine and keep it fresh from front to back. The nose is awash in big, spicy, baked orange fruit with that classic shower curtain undercurrent and that telltale spritz at the end. Ready to drink.Prices:| ON | $79.95 | 375ml |
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88PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vicicle 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaNot the cleanest icewine which is a rarity at Van Westen. Intense nose of petrol plastic and pear fruit that persists on the palate with some bitterness. Medium sweetness marks the palate with figs and baked pears and some lingering bitterness.Prices:| BC | $21.65 | 200ml |
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86PTS
Mistaken Identity Gratitude 2014
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaGratitude is a white aromatic blend of Comox Valley grown schoenberger / petite milo along with Salt Spring Island estate pinot gris / siegerrebe / reichensteiner / ortega / madeline sylvaner madeline angevine. Candied peach, pear and apple blossoms are the entry to an off-dry, floral and orchard fruit basket, light in body and shining in acidity. White blossoms and a bitter pith closes out the finish. The lower alcohol (11.5 percent) makes this a lovely pour for fragrant Thai dishes.Prices:| BC | $19.91 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Mistaken Identity Journey 2014
British Columbia, CanadaApricot, peach and apple blossoms flow from the nose to the juicy, off-dry palate of this island estate blend of pinot gris / ortega / siegerrebe / madeline angevine / madeline sylvaner / reichensteiner. Delicate and light, with ample perfumed white fruit and florals, this tastes like spring on Salt Spring Island, amidst the blossoms. Key lime twist on the finish leaves you wanting more. And you can - with a bonus 11.5 percent alcohol.Prices:| BC | $16.43 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Hands Up Red 2013
British Columbia, CanadaNot your usual blend of grapes picked over a almost 90 days: 49/20/10/8/8/5, frontenac noir, marquette, St. Croix, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sabrevois all aged in oak for five months. Expect a pleasant mix of red fruits with soft, supple red fruit flavour switch a pinch of spice. Solid for the price.Prices:| BC | $14.49 | 375ml |
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86PTS
Intrigue Social 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSocial is 70/27/3 riesling, gewürztraminer and muscat canelli. A sweet and sour and floral affair with bits of ginger. The attack mouth puckering with juicy, sweet, canned grapefruit and green apple flavours that finish a bit cloying. Best with a spicy curry dish.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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10 October 2015
90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Two Barrels Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTwo barrels of pinot gris proved singular enough in 2014 that the winery decided to combine and bottle them separately, bottling it in a distinctive, frosted bottle. Lighter in hue than their classic pinot gris, the palate is brighter, tighter as well. Pear, green apple, subtle tangerine rests on a cushion of fine lees, finishing crisp and shining with fine, lingering spices. Savoury, broken stones linger on the finish, and deepen with time in the bottle (last tasted May 2016). Only forty cases made.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Nichol Vineyard Pinot Gris 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA striking salmon hue, this Naramata Village pinot gris spent 36 hours resting on the skins in open top fermenters before being pressed off to ferment in large format, open-top fermenters and neutral French barriques. Subtle orchard fruit, stone and delicate orange aromas carry through to the medium bodied, textured palate. Light, nimble acidity brightens a sheen of creamy lees, gentle marmalade, stone and pear. Grapefruit and apricot fuzz lingers on the lengthy finish. Depth and finesse.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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82PTS
Mistaken Identity Honour 2014
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, CanadaCabernet libre from Salt Spring and Comox Valley shows grassy, vegetative and wild blackberry aromas. Slick, high toned and tart black currant leads the palate, along with asparagus greenness and a firm, dusky whack of oak, finishing powdery and surprisingly heated, for its 11.9%.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Mistaken Identity Community 2013
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, CanadaYouthful and grapey aromas, this estate grown zweigelt/leon millet/maréchal foch/cabernet foch blend brings blackberry gummies and an earthy, thorn bush undergrowth. The palate shows the same - super juicy, primary candied black fruits and a stem/earthy bitter twist on the finish. I feel like chilling this and down and kicking back on a patio. Simple juice, just as intended.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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09 October 2015
86PTS
Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA mix of fruit from the Golden Mile and Black Sage benches off 17 to 26 year-old vines. Moss, wet forest and smoky tart cherry aromas. Bright, tart cranberry, raspberry, cherry cola and smoked cedar lead the palate along fine, slightly sticky tannins to a cinnamon candy finish. A sweet and sour effort you could pour with maple smoked salmon.Prices:| BC | $19.49 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Pedra Cancela Dão Selecção do Enólogo 2010
Dão, Northern Portugal, PortugalGreat package but the wine is less stellar. Fresh red fruits and floral notes with a meaty, reduced undercarriage. The attack is rustic with prominent acidity and earthy resiny notes mixed with small dark wild fruits. Not a lot of tannin suggests you can drink it now but it’s more of a mid-week hamburger, ribs wine.Prices:| BC | $16.79 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Barone di Valforte Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2012
Abruzzo, ItalyOpen smoky meaty nose with bits of tobacco and licorice root. The attack is dry and resiny with smoky dried herbs black licorice flavours with a threat of black cherry. A richer, fleshy, full palate style with a dry finish. Best with a mushroom pasta dish or barbecued ribs.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Di Majo Norante Ramitello Biferno Rosso 2011
Molise, ItalyWhen Italian wines are clean they are just so much more interesting as you see in this elegant, spicy blend of montepulciano and aglianico. Expect a silky elegant red with a spicy undertone and earthy red fruit flavours. Impressive bottle perfect for wine lists. Serve with grilled chicken or meats.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Colle Secco Rubino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2010
Abruzzo, ItalyThe 2010 shows marked improvement in winemaking and much cleaner style. The attack is soft and round very easy to sip with clean fresh red fruit with black cherries and licorice root flavours. Good length and a persistent smooth finish. A perfect pizza or pasta red. At fair price.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $9.05 | 750ml |
| YK | $19.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Mash Record Tour Red 2013
United StatesSpicy, raspberry, peppery, vanilla, cocoa, lees and tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with a bit of sweetness and tannins. Warm with raspberry, cocoa, cedar, chocolate, smoky, tobacco and coffee bean flavours. Easy going, somewhat artificial style.Prices:Read Full Note
08 October 2015
89PTS
Intersection Silica Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two very interesting merlots that exploit the complex mix of soils at Intersection Winery along Road 8 in Oliver. Silica is a single block merlot farmed and harvested using sustainable methods. Its aged in both French and American oak for twelve months and bottled unfiltered. Silica, also boasts the 181 merlot clone, the benchmark French merlot clone in Canada. The Silica block is completely different in soil structure offering sandy loam or the remains of beach deposits from an ancient glacial lake. It tends to warm up quickly in the sun and drains even quicker keeping yield slow but flavours intense. Slightly more generous in texture and weight but still with floral undertones there is a finesse and elegance that is surely where BC merlot must go.Prices:| BC | $28.69 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Intersection Alluvia Merlot 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of two interesting merlots that exploit the complex mix of soils at Intersection Winery along Road 8 in Oliver. Alluvia is a single block merlot farmed and harvested using sustainable methods. Its aged in both French and American oak for twelve months and bottled unfiltered. In this case the vines, clone 181, are grown over deep rock and silt dropped via landslides along the edge of one of the Golden Mile Bench alluvial fans. This is very pure, stony mineral style merlot with bright peppery red fruit and perfect acidity. Tannins are present but in check. Cellar three more years for optimum expression.Prices:| BC | $25.19 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Le Pas de l'Aigle Rouge 2011
Gigondas, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceLe Pas de l'Aigle is the ultimate expression of terroir at Amadieu. At 400 m of altitude, the yields are minuscule allowing for the rocky site to bring a maximum amount of complexity to the blend of old vines grenache and syrah. It's all aged in 100 hl oak vats for 24 months to add roundness; its bottled unfiltered. The nose is fresh and stony with a strong mineral notes. The attack is similar with spicy, black fruits a soft dollop of vanilla with flecks of dried herbs throughout. There plenty of tannin here but it is well managed and will support another five to seven years of ageing. Game dishes are an easy match or any number of truffle dishes.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $46.98 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
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07 October 2015
89PTS
Claus Preisinger Basic Red 2012
Savoury cured meats and smoked stone lurk beneath the surface of this zweigelt/blaufrankisch blend from from first whiff to fading memory, underpinning the bright, tart rhubarb and red currant fruit. Salted black plum, black cherry, dark florals and a potent, unwavering vein of minerality continue on the fresh, textured palate, reined in with finely grained, black-tea toned tannins. Characterful, intriguing, alive wine. Claus Preisinger is one of Austria's hottest winemakers, youthful, driven and innovative. This biodynamically-farmed red’s appeal starts with the label, striking in its stylized simplicity.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intersection Riesling 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis is a fun easy-sipping style fruity style riesling. The fruit is all estate grown in Oliver and handled gently by hand including employing a whole bunch pressed on the crush pad. The nose and plate are open with a floral, light mineral character followed by fresh, lemon lime flavours with just a whiff of peach. The style is dry and very food friendly. Simple but well-made and good value to boot.Prices:| BC | $16.39 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Viu Manent Malbec Reserva Estate Collection 2013
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileUh oh. Severely reduced. Onions growing in an outhouse. Forget this one. Next vintage please.Prices:| BC | $14.29 | 750ml |
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06 October 2015
88PTS
Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2014
South Australia, AustraliaYouthful and bright, with dark cherries, damson plums and soft spice on the nose. The soft, fluid palate carries the same perfumed black fruits and bumble berry fruits spiced with fresh black pepper spice. Concentrated and fruity with an espresso finish; we love the un-oak fruit. Perfect with grilled lamb chops.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache 2014
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWhen treated with respect - especially in old vine examples like this - grenache can be quite outstanding. Mustard seed, wild herbs, heady cherry at first whiff, carrying through to the bright palate where joined with light medicinal raspberry, morello cherry, blood orange, bramble and a wave of kirsch. Nice lift of acidity, easily carrying the lightly sticky, grainy tannins of youth. Lovely start, will continue to smoothen out and knit together with time.Prices:| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $24.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Leyda Reserva Syrah 2012
Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, ChileRoasted stems, wild blackberries and grilled meats open this syrah from the Leyda Valley. Raspberries take over on the ripe palate, joined with leather, resin, peppery spice and red florals before a bitter cherry finish. Tannins are ripe and smoothed, and the whole is framed in with firm oak. Nice little compact syrah.Prices:| BC | $13.89 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Moon Curser Dead of the Night 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA 50/50 mix of syrah/tannat grown on the Osoyoos East bench area. The best syrah lots go into this substantial blend that is aged in 35 percent new French oak. Much fresher this year with dark cherry, floral violet notes that lead to a smoky/meaty blueberry and cherry jam fruit flavours. Give this three more years in bottle to really stretch its legs. Best with big fall dishes involving mushrooms.Prices:| BC | $42.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Moon Curser Syrah 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen fresh floral, pepper/chocolate/liquorice with some savoury notes. The attack is juicy but light with a skinny mid-palate and some acidity poking through. A simple style; for best results try this with burgers.Prices:| BC | $21.69 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Moon Curser Contraband Syrah 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe Contraband Syrah coms off the Bartsch Vineyard on the Osoyoos East Bench. Loamy-sand with a silica and granite composition gives the fruit texture and density to support the bright fruit age in wood with 30 percent new French oak. Look for a peppery nose with black pepper and black cherry fruit flavours flecked with licorice and smoked meat. Fine with rich game dishes or old cheese.Prices:| BC | $31.90 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Syrah 2014
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileExpect a meaty, peppery savoury, boldo nose with a cool demeanour. The palate is more red fruit than black with some lifted acidity and dried herbs mixed in to black cherry juice. Disjointed more than anything. Give it another year or two in bottle.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna Red 2011
Sardinia, ItalyLicorice, peppery, black cherry, meaty, spicy aromas with a floral and prune note. Full, round, dry, slightly tannic palate with juicy acidity, Pepper, smoky, savoury, black cherry, prune, roast meat and vanilla flavours with a bit of cigar and orange peel on the finish. A bit rustic but good intensity for grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $21.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Austin Hope Grenache 2012
Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United StatesLight grenache colour but with a very expressive nose of sweet cooked fruits, raisins and spice. The attack is warm and soft with flavours of cooked raspberries, all-spice and vanilla with a grind of cinnamon. Fat rich, spicy and warm on the palate it finishes similarly: long and warm and soft and glossy. Best with whole oven-roasted chicken.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $40.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $43.50 | 750ml |
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05 October 2015
85PTS
Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Grigio 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaDefinite gold fleck to the colour of this wine. The nose is fresher than expected offering baked fruit and honey. The attack is sweet with more honey and baked apple fruit flavours. Round soft and off-dry in the finish this is best with spicy appetizers.Prices:| BC | $11.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Raza Pinot Grigio 2013
La Rioja, ArgentinaBright, high altitude, cool scents with a mandarin orange undercurrent. A cleaner, fresher style with a citrus, grapefruit and orange blossom and yellow fruit scents. Fresh, bright and ready to drink good value.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino 2013
Volano, Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, ItalyNeil and Maria Empson’s signature white named after the famous Bollini drink ticks along, fresh and reliable under screwcap. The nose is fresh and clean the palate very similar in style with notes of pear, red apple and honey with bit of grass and quince. Made for west coast seafood dishes such as past and clams.Prices:| BC | $19.19 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2014
South Eastern Australia, AustraliaLight leaner fresher than ever a style that apes northern Italy and does a very good job. The nose is faintly aromatic with grapefruit, orange blossom citrus note. The attack is similar with soft citrus watery note perfect for light seafood dishes. Good value in a clean fresh white wine for only $11. Bravo. We wish we could do this in BC.Prices:| BC | $10.50 | 750ml |
| AB | $11.50 | 750ml |
| SK | $13.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $12.50 | 750ml |
| ON | $11.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $12.00 | 750ml |
| PEI | $14.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Di Lenardo Pinot Grigio Monovitigno 2014
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyQuiet floral, quince, baked pear nose with a touch of almonds. The attack is fresh with a bright acidity green, grassy, citrus, apple quince flavours with a light buttered nut undercurrent. Austere in a good way with a long clean persistent finish. Think calamari, clams, or even raw oysters.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Casal Thaulero Pinot Grigio Osco 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyVery northern Italian on the nose with its almond and yellow fruit scents and mineral undertones. The palate is fresh and light with grassy, green apple honey flavours and a sweet and sour finish. Simple, ready to drink.Prices:| BC | $11.29 | 750ml |
| ON | $6.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $10.10 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Intrigue Pinot Gris 2014
Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaColour is a pale raspberry. The nose is lemon rind, floral, spicy, ginger, lees, green apple and light matchstick aromas. Fresh, round, juicy, off dry palate with grapefruit, lemon, green apple, nettle, ginger and kiwi flavours. Richer, cooler style with fresh acidity. Solid value here.Prices:| BC | $17.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kismet Estate Pinot Grigio 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCitrus rind, matchstick, light lees, pear, ginger and green apple skin aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with baked apple, pear, light lees and floral flavours with a touch of lemon and herb on the finish. Solid if a bit leesy and warm.Prices:| BC | $14.99 | 750ml |
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04 October 2015
87PTS
Lini Lambrusco Rosso 910 NV
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyDry Lambrusco is gaining popularity, and with excellent reason: interesting red berry depth and tannin to tackle foods plus fresh and taut acidity to carry them. And bubbles! Here notes of plum, blueberry and cherry compote, juicy and lively in the mouth, reigned by cherry pit/chalky tannins. Pour with pizza and enjoy.Prices:| BC | $18.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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03 October 2015
87PTS
Parker Station Pinot Noir 2014
Central Coast, California, United StatesPinot noir from Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo are blended into this perfumed, easy pinot, packed with fragrant and ripe raspberry, strawberry and cherry. Sweet wood and light vanilla plumps up the palate, while a riff of light toasty tannins keeps everything in place. Black plum and sweet cinnamon spicing close out this easy sipper.Prices:| BC | $19.79 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Château Rauzan Ségla 2012
Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceJohn Kolasa (ex Latour) is working like a demon at Château Rauzan Ségla to up the quality and its happening. The blend is 55/44/1 cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot and in 2012 the nose is surprisingly fragrant with cassis and spice to the forefront with a touch oak. The palate is palate is dense with black fruits and licorice but still with some of that magical Margaux lightness. One of the better Médocs for the price. Hold for seven to ten years.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $123.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de Chevalier 2012
Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Bordeaux, FranceFragrant dried herbs mark the nose along with a sweet note of black fruits. The attack is firm and dry with fairly grippy tannins at this stage albeit in balance with the fruit. There is a fine purity of fruit mixed with licorice and lead pencil notes. The finish is long and elegant with a touch of tobacco, wet earth and tannin. Nothing five years won’t round out. It’s a fair price.Prices:| BC | $90.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $104.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château Léoville-Barton 2012
St. Julien, Haut-Médoc, Médoc, Bordeaux, FranceLéoville-Barton has always been a good value and it ages effortlessly. Look for a damp tobacco slightly meaty nose from this 83/15/2 mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Youthful tannins plump up the palate weaving in and out the savoury, black fruit and licorice flavours. Ten years is the minimum cellaring required. Fine potential.Prices:| ON | $169.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $135.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $138.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Chateau La Dominique 2012
Saint Émilion, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceThis friendly red is soft, round, pleasantly ripe and very St. Émilion. The style is fat and pleasing with rich opaque colored black fruits with round sweet tannin. Not quite as complex as la Conseillante but equally opulent and fun to drink even now. I can’t remember a better bottle since the 1970. Give this five years to settle in and ten to reach maturity. Good value.Prices:| BC | $68.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $162.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Chateau la Conseillante 2012
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceThis was the best wine of the pre-tasting once again making the case for more merlot in 2012. This wine was has all the attractive fleshy black fruit you expect from a Pomerol but with the poise and richness you should demand for $180. No need to open this for five years but if you do serve it with an oven roasted rare piece of beef. Excellent red. The finished blend is 80/20 merlot cabernet franc. A bargain compared to the 2010 at $329.Prices:| BC | $180.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $162.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Galerie Naissance Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Napa Valley, California, United StatesA surprisingly good wine, as in, it’s fresh and bright and very sauvignon blanc. The juice is fermented 50/50 in stainless steel tanks and neutral French oak. The nose is tropical with grapefruit and melon notes, good underlying acidity with grassy apricot flavours and a creamy textured finish. It’s New World but sophisticated.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Kismet Estate Karma 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaAffordable and drinkable is the story of this 39/2523/7/3/3 mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, syrah, malbec, petit verdot. The nose is open with black cherry and cassis notes and some vanilla too. The palate is soft and round with more ripe berry fruit, vanilla and spic e. Simple and ready to drink. Lamb chops would be a fine match.Prices:| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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02 October 2015
88PTS
Errazuriz Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileThis firm Maipo Valley cabernet carries graphite, cassis, black cherry across a savoury, structured frame. Stony black cherry and anise is lifted by bright freshness. Well done - great value.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $15.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $17.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Bisquertt Ecos de Rulo El Chequen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Valle de Marchigue, Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Ecos cabernet sauvignon is grown over a mix of alluvial and colluvial soils that mix clay and granite. It spends a year in French oak. The nose is aromatic with lifted red fruit, spice and tobacco notes. The attack is slightly raw, it needs time in the bottle with grilled bread notes and spice cranberry jam and tobacco flavours. Well balanced but youthful tannins mark the finish. The site is only 32 kilometers from the cold Pacific Ocean.Prices:| BC | $0.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileClassic Chilean cabernet with a strong bay leaf / dried herbs notes on the nose mixed with red fruit aromas. The attack is fresh with prominent acidity and dry underripe tannins that are mouth puckering. Best with hamburgers.Prices:| US | $16.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Caymus Zinfandel 2012
Napa Valley, California, United StatesThis follows the Caymus them opening with a big, spicy, sweet black liquorice nose with savoury, pepper aromas. The palate is rich and fat and sweet with black cherry jam, blueberries, figs and smoky, savoury vanilla flavours. Big warm and sweet this can take on most any food. Our match is barbecued back ribs. Massive fruit finish.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2010
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalThis LBV draws upon fruit from Taylor estates in Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. It’s as ready to drink as any young Taylor wine which means you could technically wait a year or two but there is enough fruit to buffer the inherent structure that marks the Taylor style. The nose is redolent with licorice and Christmas cake that spills onto the palate with a wisp of classic pipe tobacco. Good value and complex as it gets for LBV.Prices:| QC | $21.50 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NL | $21.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $23.59 | 750ml |
| NF | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $14.49 | 375ml |
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01 October 2015
88PTS
Chateau Sainte Roseline Prestige Rosé 2014
Côtes de Provence, Provence, Sud de France, FranceThis pale rosé throws a light orange hue, luring into subtly, salty, stones nose. Dry and crisp, with pink grapefruit pith, citrus rind, a light riff of lees and delicate strawberry. Lean and streamlined and delicious value. Try this with chicken or vegetarian dishes.Prices:| BC | $18.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards 2013
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThis wine continues to impress me illustrating just how different the West Sonoma Coast is from the rest of the county. The nose is full of floral, mineral, cool, seashore, citrus notes with a dash of lees and hazelnuts. The attack is fresh and creamy with more citrus, pear, lemon rind and honey. Impressive modern chardonnay that is effectively could be a squeeze of lemon on your lobster, or ravioli dish.Prices:| BC | $64.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Monte Creek Ranch Chardonnay 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom the Thompson Valley, a pioneering wine region for BC, comes this new chardonnay. Tinned peach, baked apple and sesame aromas. The palate falls a bit flat, with oxidized apple, bruised pear and a fine nut paste note. Short on the finish.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay 2012
Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide, South Australia, AustraliaWolf Blass makes many colours / tiers of wine, and Gold Label Chardonnay is one that you should remember on the spectrum. Proper cooler climate Adelaide Hills, with struck stone, green apple, pear and lemon expanding to include white peach and nectarine on the focused palate. A creamy cushion of orchard fruit and skeleton of stony spice frames this deftly, leaving a whiff of cloves and light smoke on the finish. Showing hints of nutty maturity, the 2012 is drinking very well now but still has 3-5 years to go.Prices:| MB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $24.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $23.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $20.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $23.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $26.50 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Torres Sangre de Toro Verdejo 2014
Rueda, Castilla-Leon, SpainFresh, green and meadow bright, this crisp verdejo from Rueda impresses with its lively citrus, green apple and green fig. Dry and lively, with a lean, tight body plumped with bits of fennel, meadow herbs and lime pith. Great value.Prices:| BC | $14.70 | 750ml |
| ON | $12.25 | 750ml |
| MB | $13.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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81PTS
Moon Curser Pinot Noir 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA mostly fruitless pinot noir with dusty, resiny fruit that finishes even more dry and bitter. Not one of their better efforts. Not sure this is wine that needs making at Moon Cursor.Prices:| BC | $24.90 | 750ml |
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November 2015