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Tastings: January 2016
28 January 2016
90PTS
Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Grand Reserve 2014
Monterey - Santa Barbara, California, United StatesThe ’14 GR is a 51/49 Santa Barbara Monterey County fruit selection with some 70 percent coming in off the same blocks most years. Interestingly it represents only about five percent of total chardonnay harvested off all Jackson estates. The old vine Santa Maria benchland vineyards in Santa Barbara County are the building blocks here for structure and richness while the zippy, mineral fresh flavours are form the Monterey component. This is another California chardonnay that is slowly, some might say ever so slowly, getting slimmer and crisper on the palate. Expect a freshness and Citrus note from the cooler Monterey fruit and a more exotic, tropical pineapple flavour form the Santa Barbara side. A solid vintage. Drink with crab.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| US | $24.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Rodney Strong Brothers Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Brothers Ridge vineyard is 141 acres are planted to mostly cabernet sauvignon with small blocks of merlot and malbec is located just east of Cloverdale. Loamy sandstone, fractured shale and ancient greenstone at near 1,000 feet face west for maximum afternoon sun. The 2012 vintage was pretty much perfect from start to finish. This is a big, blockbuster style cabernet with that generosity you get in the Alexander Valley. Dark blackberry/blueberry fruit flavours with chocolate and tobacco persistent from the front to the back of the palate. Plenty youthful this will cellar easily for a decade if not more. Prime rib or New York steaks are required now. Very impressive. Block 1B gently slopes to the east at an elevation of 450 feet and was picked on October 4. Block 8A, at about 850 feet elevation was picked October 10 and blocks 5 mid and 5 North are on a steep hillside ranging from 700-800 feet elevation came in on October 11.Prices:| BC | $99.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
| US | $75.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mt. Brave Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, United StatesThe Mt Brave moniker is a nod to high elevation, thin, rocky soils that present many winegrowing challenges. Four cabernet clones (191, 4, 8, and 337) and three rootstocks (3309C, 101-14, and 1103P) neutralise some of the issues in what is slow moving growing season. Look for an intense nose mixing smoky, savoury, black pepper, licorice notes flecked with black berry jam, cassis, vanilla and coffee aromas. The attack is full, round, dry and juicy with good concentration and fine grainy tannins. Coffee, black berry jam, black olive, cassis jam, cedar, cocoa, vanilla flavours with a touch of clove, beet and tobacco leaf on the finish. Fine fruit intensity and drinkable now but could use two to four more years in bottle to fully integrate. The 2012 growing season was near perfect with warm days and cool nights long into the fall. The blend is 88/5/4/3/ cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec that spends nineteen months in 81% new French oak.Prices:| BC | $94.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $80.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaAustralian winemaker Charlie Seppelt and American Chris Carpenter have combined their talents at Hickinbotham to produce what they term is the pinnacle of Clarendon cabernet. Elegance and intensity is the hallmark of this deliciously style red with perfectly crafted tannins to bring structure and frame but with no toughness or dryness. The fruit is a generous mix of bright black fruit flavours with a fleshy mid-palate and perfect acidity. Hand-picked from Clarendon high country at 220 metres the berries were on skins was eighteen days then basket pressed mixing free run and lightly pressed juiced. Three rack-and-returns over eighteen months fed the ageing in Bordeaux-coopered French barrels. At 13.5 percent alcohol this wine makes a serious statement for the New Australia. Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard was first planted by Alan Hickinbotham in 1971 in McLaren Vale, and over the years has been the source of fruit for some of Australia’s finest wines including Penfolds Grange and Hardy’s Eileen Hardy. it was purchased and refurbished by Jackson Family Farms beginning in 2000.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Lake Sonoma Chardonnay 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThere is a fresher look to this wine when compare to 2012. Still spicy with lemon, honey and toasted nuts. The palate is similar with more lemon, vanilla and honey with bits of mango and orange and creamy lees. It could be a touch leaner but its perfect now for Dungeness crab or even east coast lobster.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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93PTS
Stonestreet Upper Barn Chardonnay Alexander Mountain Estate 2013
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Hyde Wente clone planted over multiple years since 1982 at 1600 feet is behind this Alexander Valley, Sonoma County Mayacamas Mountains. The pinnacle chardonnay at Stonestreet is 100 percent barrel fermented with native yeast. It spends over 11 months in French oak barrels 50 percent of which are new. Expect an intoxicating mix of floral, peachy tropical fruit aromas and flavours with a rich creamy, leesy, citrus mineral undercurrent. The finish is long with spice, dried herbs and more floral stony notes. Just under control in the back end to keep it all together. Best with rich sea food and white meats. Impressive New World chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $110.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $85.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Reserve 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe RS reserve comes off ‘meticulously farmed sections of some of the very best vineyards in Russian River Valley. The fruit was picked on September 20th at an average of 24.2 brix. Look for an inviting spicy floral, honey, citrus, nutty nose with vanilla, creamy, baked apple and pear aromas. The mid-palate is juicy with fine acidity and more creamy, nutty, nectarine, citrus, salt and vanilla flavours on the palate. Bright, cool fruit that is fun to drink. The winery suggest you serve it with grilled veal chops and mushrooms, pan-seared scallops or spaghetti carbonara.Prices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
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27 January 2016
88PTS
Rocca delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011
Florence, Tuscany, ItalySoft and supple, with a blanket of black cherries, red currant jam, young leather, dried flowers and downy spice. Tannins are ripe and sueded, while acidity is moderate and gentle. A wave of stoniness provides some flow through to a medicinal cherry finish. Prime for drinking now, or over the next year or two.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2013
Tuscany, ItalyMeaty, savoury, cedar, tobacco, resin, cherry and herb aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh but light palate with sour cherry, light coffee, peppery, cedar bark, tobacco, meaty, herb flavours. Light, fresh style for food. A 95/5 mix of sangiovese/merlot that’s aged for in Slavonian or French oak barrels for a period of 6 to 10 months and refined further in the bottle.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Famiglia Zingarelli Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2011
Florence, Tuscany, ItalySmoky, savoury, curry spice, peppery, tobacco, cherry and game aromas with a touch of olive and cassis. Fresh, round, dry, elegant and juicy palate with light tannins. Cedar, vanilla, peppery, black olive, smoky, gamey, cassis, tobacco, plum and licorice flavours. Good solid intensity in a more modern style for drinking now - 2 years.Prices:| BC | $33.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2013
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyBlack cherry, smoky, spicy, gamey, light leather and licorice root aromas. Dry, elegant, fresh palate but a bit lean with light, tight tannins. Savoury, peppery, sausage meat, menthol, black cherry and cedar flavours. Tight structure but fruit, drink now with roast meat. The fruit is estate grown it’s aged in wood (2nd and 3rd fills) for 12 months. The blend is 90/10 sangiovese with undisclosed varieties.Prices:| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $29.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $24.49 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Avignonesi Vino Nobile de Montepulciano 2011
Tuscany, ItalyVino Nobile de Montepulciano still struggles in Canada likely because drinkers confuse the label with the much simpler Montepulciano d ‘Abruzzo. This comes from the vineyards surrounding the town of Montepulciano and is primarily from sangiovese (known locally as prugnolo gentile), blended with canaiolo nero and small amounts of other local varieties such as mammolo. This house has been biodynamically farmed since this 2011 vintage. Deep, brooding dark cherry, black plum, ink and mulberry notes carry through to the velveteen palate. Mouth filling ripe and concentrated fruit is well supported by firm, structured tannins. Sweet spices, medicinal black cherry and kirsch linger on the long finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now, especially with decanting, and suitable for chateaubriand or filet mignon.Prices:| AB | $39.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $32.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $39.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico Riserva 2009
Tuscany, ItalyThe ’12 classico is an 80/20 mix of sangiovese and merlot that spends 10 months in French oak. The nose is lifted with a hint of volatility and floral spicy notes. The attack is fresh with floral, black raspberry, licorice, meaty notes and rounded tannins. A touch richer than you might expect. Best with pappardelle and wild boar or piece of aged pecorino.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Tenuta di Arceno Chianti Classico 2012
Tuscany, ItalyCorked try anotherPrices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $40.75 | 750ml |
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26 January 2016
92PTS
Hartford Court Pinot Noir Land's Edge Vineyard 2013
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesA classic introduction to the Hartford style with a cooler edge. The nose is open and full of black cherries and spicy, savoury, rooty red fruit notes. The palate is warm, rich and spicy with more dark plum fruit with a cool licorice undercurrent and bits of floral minerality. Hefty but still within itself. Best with richer dishes such as whole-roasted chicken or duck.Prices:| BC | $53.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $54.00 | 750ml |
| US | $55.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Clos des Fous Grillos Cantores Alto Cachapoal Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
ChileThis is an exciting bottle from its red-fruited nose thorough its almost electric minerality. Cran/cherry, black cherry fruit splash across the palate with a dusting of pepper. The textures are smooth and elegant with almost zero ‘boldo’ or bay leaf character to contend with in the back end. Perfect acidity and weight makes for an elegant finish. There is no oak ageing. An absolute steal in Ontario; for the ‘thinking’ cabernet drinker. The Grillos Cantores vineyard is located in the extreme Alto Cachapoal D.O. among the ‘piedmont’ of the Andes where cool nights and a gravelly mix of granite and volcanic rocks mixed with the holy grail – limestones. An extreme in viticulture, organic and biodynamic farming and non-interventionist winemaking and it doesn’t get much better. Clos des Fous is the New Chile “with old-vine heritage varieties (including malbec, pais, carignan, and cinsault) from an incredible range of unknown terroirs, from Itata and Malleco to Cauquenas and Alto Cachapoal.”Prices:| BC | $26.25 | 750ml |
| AB | $27.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Te Mata Gamay Noir 2013
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandTe Mata is New Zealand’s oldest winery, dating from the early 1890’s. They were also responsible for introducing a superior clone of Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc to New Zealand in 1995, planting this on the north facing, terraced, Woodthorpe Vineyard. This cult wine sells out every year, a coveted and rare NZ gamay (less than ten HA are planted in the country). It's easy to see its appeal - juicy, youthful and perfumed cherry, plum and raspberry with a slick of grip on the light bodied palate. Two thirds is carbonically macerated, before being reunited with the traditionally fermented red and a short stint in older French oak. A subtle forest undergrowth and rasped white pepper lingers on the finish. An easy quaffer, appealing in its balanced simplicity. #GoGamayGo.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesIn short 2013 was an ideal vintage, a dry, frost-free spring, a warm summer without heat spikes, and a warm, rain free autumn. The nose is tropical and bright and that’s with 60 percent of the wine spending 10 months in barrel (85 percent of which is new French oak). The attack is fresh with intense red apple/pineapple flavours with creamy textures and stony, leesy mineral bits in the aftertaste. A terrific style for Rodney Strong that could be even leaner. Perfect with chicken pesto pasta. The Sonoma Coast sits at southern and western end of Sonoma County - a distinct region that is directly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. The Petaluma Gap channels coastal fog and sea breezes to the vineyard every late afternoon, where cool nights and warm days of filtered sunlight bring out the very best in chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Citra Pecorino 2014
Abruzzo, ItalyCrisp, bright and juicy, this orchard-fruit driven pecorino is an excellent introduction to the grape. Stainless steel preserves the tight Asian pear and lemon notes, while a medium cushion of white peach, white flower and light almond adds support. Accessible and interesting, and an amazing price, pour liberally with, yes, pecorino cheese.Prices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml |
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25 January 2016
90PTS
Nielson by Byron Chardonnay 2014
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThis was a delicious crisp tropical style chardonnay with ripe orange, mineral, apple skin, spicy lees nose followed by full intense flavours of peaches, fig, honey and brown spice all with a twist of citrus and minerality. Creamy round with some toasted lees notes this is a showy pre-dinner sipper. Nielson by Byron is the next iteration of Byron Wines. To honour the area’s first true pioneer Uriel Nielson who planted the first commercial vineyard in 1964. Most of the Byron wines will now be created under the Nielson label. The new Byron Winery will focus on small-lot single-vineyard pinot noir and chardonnay from top vineyards including Rita’s Crown, Bien Nacido and La Encantada.Prices:| BC | $28.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2013
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesThe La Crema pinot Monterey version is one hundred percent pinot noir and about 15 percent sees new French oak for seven months. The nose bright and juicy with intense plum fruit. The textures are super soft and easy to sip with solid acidity and more stony, cool, juicy red fruit spikes with orange tea notes. The rocky, windswept sight is a true hoe for cool-climate pinot. The 2013 vintage was excellent characterized by the daily cooling winds arriving later in the day, allowing for even more ripeness. Duck confit, grilled salmon and soft cheeses all work here.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom the original name La Crema Vinera, or ‘best of the vine,’ this brand celebrates over 35 years of cool-climate winemaking. Like the terrific 2012 season the 2013 was near-perfect. Cool weather late in the season allowed for deep flavour development on the vine. The ferment is open top with multiple daily, hand punch downs. The finish wine spends seven and a half months in 100% French oak barrels. All of the silky fruit comes from within 30 miles of the ocean. The different lots were kept separate and blended to balance flavour and textures with lots from extreme Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Los Carneros and Green Valley. Expect a fresh lively entry of mixed red fruits: cherries cranberries and wild raspberries with a spicy undercurrent. The textures are supple and slippery the finish long and almost sweet with bits of orange and tea leaves. Serve with salmon, roasted birds or soft cheeses.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $31.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Yalumba the Strapper Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2013
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaThis medium bodied GSM charms with dark berry fruit, black plum, subtle medicinal cherry and herbal mustard seed. Ripe tannins are scuffed with enough grippy, woodgrain texture to crack alongside hearty pork chops, but not too much to overwhelm - a nice chord. Grenache, shiraz and mataro spend nine months in new French oak puncheons and barriques and Hungarian oak hogsheads with the balance in older large format wood. Still in the flush of youth, a little warm on the finish (you can feel that fourteen percent) and ready to crack tonight or over the next three years.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| MB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown Single Vineyard 2012
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe Alexander Valley AVA is 22 miles long, ranging in elevation from 150 to 1,500 feet above sea level, and is home to all three RS single vineyard cabs the best blocks situated just below the ridge tops with a western facing aspect. Alexander’s Crown 63-acre vineyard, with average temperatures of 59 F yields more delicate style cabernet since its inception in 1971. Today only Block 1, the top 15 acres sitting on well drained red volcanic soil goes in the Crown. The 2012 is super ripe with soft round spicy plum fruit streaked with dark cherry and milk chocolate. There is a floral aspect on the nose but at this point the mocha dominates. This should age through 2020 easily. Serve with grilled meats.Prices:| BC | $94.97 | 750ml |
| NS | $86.30 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesA perfect harvest is the base for the 2013 RSCS a mix of fruit from Jimtown to Geyserville and then all the way north to Cloverdale planted to well-drained alluvial, volcanic, and uplifted shale/sandstone soils. There was an initial reductive note that dissipated with time into black cherry, smoky cedar, plum notes. The palate is a dense mix of blackberry, vanilla and coffee/cocoa with a warm cedar/mocha finish. Best with grilled meats. The wine spends 15 months in mostly American oak 80/20 and French oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $27.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Masseria Altemura Rosamaro Spumante Brut Negroamaro NV
Salento, Puglia, ItalyLight and soft, this sparkling negroamaro from Puglia carries red currant, raspberry and floral notes along a frothy, lighter body. A light riff of tannins and spike of acidity balances out the residual sugar here, resulting in pithy relative dryness. Great for canapés, especially charcuterie.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Feudo Maccari Nero d'Avola 2013
Sicily, ItalyA savoury, red-fruited nose, springs from 12 to 34-year-old bush vines growing a little more than a kilometre from the sea. The attack is smooth, fresh and elegant with meaty, cherry, resin, liquorice and dried herb flavours with perfect acidity. The finish is juicy and fresh. Best with some lamb stew or a favourite pork dish. The dark colour stems from a 15-day maceration at 25°C before fermentation with regular punching down.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $15.92 | 750ml |
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22 January 2016
90PTS
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013
Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesImpressive from the get go with its deep colour and fragrant, spicy, black fruit and chocolate aromas. The attack is similar with lifted black cherry fruit with cassis jam, chocolate, espresso, blackberry, smoky vanilla and savoury herb flavours. New world style but with a fine acid adjustment leaving it elegant and fresh. It’s an easy-sipping forward style for current drinking to mid-term drinking. Good value.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $28.00 | 750ml |
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94PTS
Hickinbotham Clarendon Vintners The Revivalist Merlot 2013
McLaren Vale, South Australia, AustraliaThe Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard covers a steep cut of country from the ridgetops above the village of Clarendon to the Onkaparinga River in the gorge below. Planted since 1971 it is now owned by Jackson Family Farms and the wines are made by Australian Charlie Seppelt and American Chris Carpenter. The revivalist is crazy good merlot with intense Bing cherry aromas and dried figs. The attack is smooth and rich with more ripe cherry/fig flavour and a long savoury fruity finish. Elegance and class of which you rarely see in Australian reds. Three rack-and-returns were conducted over eighteen months as the wine seasoned in a mixture of Bordeaux-coopered barrels. Impressive New World merlot that ranks with best.Prices:| BC | $79.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $30.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $29.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Binner Vignoble D’Ammerschwihr Riesling 2012
Alsace, FrancePure, unadulterated Alsatian riesling, from a family who has been making wines from this terroir since 1770 (so you have to trust they know what they're doing). Naturally produced (no additives), this biodynamically farmed wine is with old vines from granitic slopes, vinified in large wooden barrels and left on the lees until bottling without fining or filtration. The minimalist approach is evident in the narrow, concentrated style, with honeysuckle, elderflower and subtle white fruit, pulled taut with a mineral grippiness and moderate acidity. Flirts with botrytis throughout, especially evident in the dry, honeyed finish. Enjoy this as it warms up and reveals itself over time in the glass.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve 2013
Sonoma County, California, United StatesI’m a fan of 2013 Sonoma cabernet and in a warm year you get the best of this all mountain and hillside fruit a legacy of Jesse Jackson’s land-buying strategy. The nose is rich with blueberry and black currant aromas the attack equally dense and appealing with rich black fruit flavours, licorice and savoury spicy even mineral floral notes. The tannins are refined and well rich they are slippery. The finish is long and dry with earthy, black olive, chocolate and dried herbs. T-bone steaks would be our food match.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $36.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
August Kessler R Riesling Kabinett 2013
Pfalz, GermanyFresh, ripe juicy riesling with a twist C02. The palate is a zingy mix of apples and tangerines with a sweetness easily balanced its acidity. The finish offers a touch of stony minerality to better match most foods. A delicate (10 percent alcohol) white wine that pairs well with spicy sushi dishes, chicken or most any summer salad.Prices:| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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21 January 2016
88PTS
Cloudline Pinot Noir 2014
Willamette Valley, Oregon, United StatesConsistently the best value Willamette pinot noir on our market (that actually tastes like Willamette pinot noir), this silken smooth, lighter red charms with perfumed strawberry and raspberry, subtle forest and finely rasped spices. Chic in form even in the flush of youth, a gentle tug of tannins provides the structure this pretty pinot needs. From the family at Domaine Drouhin Oregon - one that has certainly earned their pinot noir credibility.Prices:| BC | $26.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Torres Altos Ibéricos Rioja 2012
Rioja, SpainThis earthy, herbal imbued tempranillo carries abundant black cherry, tobacco, wild blackberry and thorns. Bitter anise acidity pierces the medium bodied palate, one pleasantly rustic with grippy, dusty tannins and structured with one year in oak and finishing with bitter dark cocoa. Pour now with grilled lamb or sausages.Prices:| BC | $19.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Sonoma Zinfandel 2012
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United StatesFrom a better than average region for zinfandel this wine presents with classic spice and big, juicy bramble berry fruit aromas and flavours. There's some acid poking through and some rustic edges but nothing a little barbecued beef can't handle. Drink now or through 2018.Prices:| BC | $22.49 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $24.75 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.50 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Davis Bynum Pinot Noir Jane's Vineyard 2014
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe vines at Jane’s Vineyard are mostly self-regulating when it comes to yield thanks to nutrient poor, gravelly loam soils. The fruit was picked at six different times from the end of August to mid-September in what was the warmest growing season in many years. Its hand-picked in the early morning hours, de-stemmed to stainless steel tanks for cold soaking, followed by fermentation with native yeasts. All French oak with only 31 percent new barrels. Look for an appealing sweet cherry, earthy, tea leaves nose. The attack is warm and spicy with more red and dark fruits, vanilla and a long warm, smooth, powerful finish. Perfect for grilled chicken or soft cheeses or duck pate.Prices:| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Nielson by Byron Pinot Noir 2013
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFrom the Nielson Vineyard located in the eastern foothills of the Santa Maria Valley, planted in 1964 this vineyard lies just south of the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard and has mature vines with carefully selected clones of Pinot Noir planted by Uriel Nielson. Now owned by Jackson Family Estates the 2013 comes off a seriously good vintage. The wine is aged 16 months in French oak with some 40 percent of that new. The colour is light but the flavours are big with rich spicy, barnyard strawberry/black cherry aromas. The palate is silky smooth with sweet, delicate, caramelized red and black fruit. A delicious drinking pinot for mid-term consumption. Drink now through 2020.Prices:| BC | $69.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Barone di Valforte Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyThe Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th Century, and now brother Guido and Francesco Sorricchio oversee the 42 hectares of vineyards in these hills (3-400m) around Città Sant’Angelo, approximately 6 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. Deep, wild black plum and cherry, herbs, branch and charred meats are tempered with a bright, crisp vein of bright acidity. Steeping on the skins for two weeks lends a riff of textured intensity and light tannins to this juicy red.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fattoria di Magliano Heba 2012
Morellino di Scansano, Maremma, Tuscany, ItalyThe label and the name of this wine looks back to Etruscan times, when Magliano was known as Heba. Here, sangiovese is expressed through dusty, worn leather, black cherry, black plum, wildflowers, and sweet, scrubby spices. Acidity is pomegranate bright while finely structured tannins carry quite the grip.Prices:| BC | $17.39 | 750ml |
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20 January 2016
90PTS
Franc Arman Jano Malvasia 2012
Istria (Hrvatska Istra), Coastal Croatia, CroatiaAmple dried herbs, thyme, anise and meadow flowers stream through this malvasia istriana, a grape indigenous to the Istria Peninsula. This family winery has been farming here since 1850, with Franc and Oliver Arman currently carrying on the lineage and tradition. Linear and driving, with textured stones, salty minerality, lemon, elderflower blossoms and clover honey on the lengthy finish. Light bodied with ample concentration, pour this with fresh oysters or sashimi.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesAlways fresh this wine has leaned out over the years making it more and more interesting to food lovers. The nose is highly expressive showing ripe grapefruit, guava, nectarine with lemon thyme and assorted dried herbs. Some of the wine is fermented in neutral oak to add texture. Some sémillon and a musque clone of SB heightens the floral notes. The palate is dry and crisp the finish medium long and zesty with a touch of complex in bitters. It was a perfect wine for our barbecue chicken but goat cheese and assorted grilled fish work here too.Prices:| BC | $39.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2014
Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United StatesFresh honey, guava nose flecked with peach and floral buttery aromas. The attack is silky with mineral spicy undercurrent and more honeyed apple fruit, nutty lees and soft creamy textures. We like the finesse here and the cooler aspects of Monterey fruit that come through the finish. Crab cakes and creamy seafood dishes are a great match.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $36.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Lake Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United StatesExpect a grassy nettle mineral nose with bits of crystalline lemon and that California sweetness (ripeness) you get in California sauvignon blanc. The palate is reasonably fresh on entry with sweet lemon, a touch of gooseberry and white peach flavors. Soft with some sweetness in the finish. This would pair well with spicier appetizers or fish dishes. Chill well for best effects.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte's Home 2014
Northern Sonoma, Sonoma County, California, United StatesSimilar to 2013 this year boasts a ripe pineapple/tangerine nose with bits of grapefruit and lemon. The Alexander Valley fruit is richer and rounder while the cooler Russian River grapes acidity and freshness to the mix. Expect a generous New World style with pineapple lemon/lime flavours and enough sweetness to take on spicier dishes. We recommend a spicy tuna or a creamy, peppery seafood pasta. Thankfully bottled under screwcap.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $18.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $18.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2014
Sonoma County, California, United StatesThe regular Sonoma chardonnay is 60 percent barrel fermented and aged in barrel for six months the remainder is cold fermented in stainless steel. The style is ripe and buttery but with some restraint including a gentle touch of lees and toasted oak. The fruit is a peachy pear and red apple affair with a pinch of pineapple and enough underlying acidity to keep it juicy. A fresher style that could be dryer but otherwise a very pleasant sipping style chardonnay.Prices:| BC | $19.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $22.99 | 750ml |
| MB | $19.99 | 750ml |
| NB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| YK | $26.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $26.00 | 750ml |
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19 January 2016
88PTS
The Hatch Octobubble Brut Rosé NV
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaI love where this fizz is going. New to BC, The Hatch came out of the gate with a bang due to their memorable and idiosyncratic labels. Crispy bright (swallowing up the 12 g/l RS), this brut rosé gamay from gloried Secrest Mountain Vineyard has spent twenty months on the lees. Light strawberry, cherry, red apple and meadow flowers though to the crisp and snappy finish.Prices:| BC | $27.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Vin Perdu Gamay Noir 2014
British Columbia, CanadaThe Coulombe family has been growing grapes and selling them for nearly two decades from their Oliver estate before deciding to produce their own wines in 2013. Ripe, sun-lit cherries, raspberries, strawberry jam and herbal red currants are tinged with smoked meat and sweet tobacco - remnants of four months in French oak. Both acidity and tannins are slight, carrying to a finish of finely rasped nutmeg. Lovely fruit, though would prefer to see it clearer, brighter without the oak cloak.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Samantha Gamay 2014
British Columbia, CanadaBuilding on its Okanagan Crush Pad Campus Series wine, Samantha Syrah, OCP decided to produce two follow up wines: this gamay and a chardonnay. The gamay is perfectly ripe with plums, red cherries and a dollop of strawberry jam all tempered to a gentle texture through time in concrete. There’s enough acidity to keep it all fresh while soft tannins and cinnamon spicing aid in gulpability. A deeper, generous gamay, suitable for Angus sliders or roasted root vegetables. Well done.Prices:| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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18 January 2016
91PTS
Aurora Fiobbo Offida Pecorino 2013
Marche, ItalyIn 1979, five partners set up this organic idyll farm in the Marche, and it remains a benchmark of natural, healthy viticulture today. This characterful pecorino is one third fermented and matured in barrique, lending impressive creaminess to the orchard fruit cushioned palate. Hay, earthy lees, toasted pine nuts, dried herb aromas carry seamless through to the lingering flake salt finish, the savoury notes bound by a tense citrus acidity and striking broken stone minerality. Ever changing in the glass, plot to enjoy this bottle over time and temperature.Prices:| BC | $27.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Anselmi San Vincenzo 2014
Veneto, ItalyI love northern Italian whites, and Anselmi is one of the forerunners of quality whites from the Soave region (though he uses IGT Veneto rather than DOC Soave). Founded in 1948, the winery has 70 HA of vineyards in Monteforte d'Alpone, high in the hills between Soave and Monteforte, near Verona. This expressive garganega/chardonnay/sauvignon blanc blend carries almonds, wild herbs, honeysuckle and tropical orange along a waxy palate, one finely textured with broken stones. Nimble acidity keeps this light for all its concentration. Excellent value.Prices:| BC | $17.40 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Kris Pinot Grigio 2014
Veneto, ItalyAlpine herbs, peach blossom, anise and dried apple opens this north eastern Italian white, and continue to the palate, where crunchy acidity plays against a honeyed cushion of white peach, acacia, almond and citrus. This fresh wine is best enjoyed at cellar temperature when the flavours can open up and shine. Pour with grilled squid or spot prawns.Prices:| AB | $19.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $17.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poderi dal Nespoli Dogheria Bianco 2011
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThis pinot bianco from Emilia Romagna is splashed with 10 percent sauvignon blanc, producing a crisp, citrus-laced white, one coloured with oxidative hues. Almond, river stone, tight pear, green apple and subtle honey flows on the medium-bodied palate. A gentle cushion of pear / Asian pear supports the crisp fruit. Pour with shellfish. Dogheria takes its name from a small village in the Bidente Valley home to some of the vineyards used in the wine.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Poderi dal Nespoli Bianco 2014
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyThis fresh, bright trebbiano/chardonnay impresses with its honest charm. Gentle white flowers, a cushion of juicy orchard fruits, soft lemon to close out the finish. Simple, honest, food-friendly; as it should be. Fantastic price stock up.Prices:| BC | $9.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Poderi dal Nespoli Pagadebit 2014
Emilia-Romagna, ItalyPagadebit a grape that ripens even in cool years gives its name the ‘debt payer’ to this delicious, perfumed floral Emilia Romagna white blend. Look for a crisp and juicy blend of bombino bianco/sauvignon blanc with a vein of citrus that streams through the bitter almonds, mandarin, white florals and pear skin notes. Lean, fresh and bright, a match for prawns or sushi.Prices:| BC | $13.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Rocca delle Macie Moonlite 2013
Tuscany, ItalyYou may not be expecting an internationally-styled blend of 30/20/15/5/ vermentino, pinot grigio, trebbiano and chardonnay sourced from two Maremma estates: Campomaccione and Casa Maria but that is the story. Round and wax coated, led by ripe pear, ripe yellow apple, perfumed white florals and a sweep of lime pith, with background whiffs of grass and tarragon. Best well chilled you could serve it with tapas-like bites before dinner.Prices:| BC | $21.66 | 750ml |
| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Citra Palio Pecorino 2013
Abruzzo, ItalyA case study in successful co-ops, Citra has been around since 1973 and now is comprised of 5000 growers and over 8000 HA across Abruzzo. This pecorino brings bright and crisp crystalline citrus, subtle florals, Asian pear and apricot in a lean, shell-laced white. A gentle cushion of pear and mouth-watering acidity makes this a versatile beauty for food pairing - think shellfish and sushi/sashimi.Prices:| BC | $18.49 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Villa Locatelli Friulano 2014
Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ItalyFragrant wildflowers, honeysuckle, nectarine and fennel are drawn across the waxy palate in this Friulano from DOC Isonzo del Friuli. Earthy and herbal, medium weight white brightened and textured with candied citrus and green apple with notes of wildflowers and pear skin. Though alcohol is moderate at 12.5 percent the heady mouthfeel allows for richer dishes. Think moules with a cream sauce or Moroccan spiced spot prawn pilaf.Prices:| BC | $17.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay 2013
Umbria, ItalyOpen peach, green apple, light vanilla nose flecked with cinnamon, butter, honey and spicy lees with quince and pear aromas. Dry, fresh, crisp, juicy palate with verve. Green apple, lemon, pear, lees and butter flavours with a bit of toasty oak. Cooler, leaner style with good structure but intensity. Should be good for aging 2-4 years. Excellent food wine you can serve with poultry or fish.Prices:| BC | $34.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $22.00 | 750ml |
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16 January 2016
86PTS
Villa Teresa Chardonnay Vino Frizzante Organic NV
ItalyRipe apple and lemon pith sit on a creamy, frothy palate, plumped further with a gentle hint of honeyed sweetness. Baked apples are textured with a fine stony dust and bitter earthiness. Chilled down, this organic fizz will suit a busy brunch or tea.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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15 January 2016
0PTS
Blue Mountain Gamay Noir 2014
Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canadacorked. Will try another.Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $25.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
JoieFarm Gamay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaJoie has a fine handle on this variety expressing its mid-valley well-formed fruit and flavours perfectly. Look for ripe cherry fruit, perfumed raspberries and a fresh acidity that lifts mid-palate and lengthens the finish. Tannins slightly grainy, lending a welcome texture to the generous fruit. Very food friendly. Highly gulpable now and over the next two years.Prices:| BC | $20.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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13 January 2016
86PTS
The Hatch Gamay Secrest Mountain Vineyard 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom stunning Secrest Mountain Vineyard, this gamay has seen time in barrel (15 percent new) which is evident from the strong toastiness and cedar slats of structure here. Ripe cherry, red currant and smoked branch dominate this juicy, medium-bodied red - one with moderate, furry tannins. I'd love to see this with much less wood, allowing the beautiful Secrest gamay to shine and charm.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Hatch Dynasty White 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaLots going on here, one small part of which is the idiosyncratic label and squat bottle. Chardonnay, viognier and pinot gris are barrel fermented separately, then blended, and put in stainless steel before being left on the lees, without stirring, for sixteen months. The result is a full bodied, creamy white, one with oak upfront before a garden of heady florals, fleshy peach and jasmine spicing, finishing with generous lashes of vanilla. The elements are all here, but have not knit together. Drink this punchy white with something equally powerful and rich like crab chowder.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2015
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileThe bicicleta on the label references both the omnipresent bicycles around the vineyards and the winery’s commitment to sustainability. This wine is a value variety viognier: cold cream and guava lead onto bright pear, lime oil and apricot, with a nuzzle of peach fuzz on the medium bodied, creamy palate. Pour with Chinese-styled seafood hot pot or pad Thai.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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12 January 2016
89PTS
Bodegas Ordonez Zerran Montsant 2011
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainZerran Tinto is imported by and bottled for innovative Spanish importer Jorge Ordoñez, responsible for introducing many characterful and regional Spanish wines to the USA. This savoury Montsant is mostly very old vine garnacha and mazuelo (aka carignan) with a splash of syrah. Big and concentrated, with dense black fruit, crushed stone, black flowers, kirsch, anise and cracked pepper covering a firm, muscular structure. Fantastic value for this Priorat neighbour.Prices:| BC | $25.79 | 750ml |
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81PTS
The Hatch Muscat Stones Throw Vineyard 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSweet, and sour, and then sweet again, this muscat suffers from an identity crisis, though remains idiosyncratic throughout (down to its label). Perfumed key lime, flat hops, meadow are coloured with a bruised fruit, bruised floral hue, and spiced with a tired ginger ale. I appreciate the dryer, leaner bent - and hope for more success in future.Prices:| BC | $21.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
The Hatch B Yanco 2014
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaPinot blanc is splashed with viognier in this Okanagan Valley spanning (grapes from West Kelowna and Osoyoos) off-dry white. Herbal white florals, subtle yellow apple and a ripe, soft and cushy mouthfeel are cut by a swath of brisk, pithy lime, finishing on a bitter, apple skin note. A bit clunky, best enjoyed chilled right down and up against avocado dishes or yam tempura.Prices:| BC | $15.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bodegas Ordonez Zerran Montsant 2011
Montsant, Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainThe Zerran Tinto is a 50/40/10 mix of Montsant garnacha (old vines) carignan also know as mazuelo and syrah. The vineyard sits at some 500-600 meters above sea level and is protected by a series of mountains. The soils are Priorat-like with Montsant said to be a bit more complex with a mixture of slate (llicorella), sandy clay, and chalk. The nose is a mix of stony mineral notes that preview a soft, juicy, red with floral, dark fruit flavours. Round supple and ready to drink. The wine is aged for 10 months in second and third use French oak barrels. Fair value.Prices:| BC | $25.79 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Haywire Switchback Wild Ferment Organic Vineyard 2014
Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada"Natural" winemaking makes up a small percentage of winemaking in the province, but it is mighty, and it is meaningful. This wine is an apt example: organically farmed, wild yeast, no additives (including sulphur). The pinot gris fermented and rested in an amphora on the skins for eight months before being pressed off and then left for two more months prior to bottling. The result is as pure an expression of site, and grape, that one could hope for: a peach hued, grippy white, savoury with wild herbs, sea salts, gentle pear and subtle wild redcurrant notes. Finish is lingering with bitter pear skin and savoury salts. This isn't your typical pinot gris (thankfully) but it is interesting and a welcome movement in winemaking / wine drinking for an adventurous palate. Serve at cellar temperature (not fully chilled).Prices:| BC | $23.00 | 750ml |
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11 January 2016
89PTS
Errazuriz Max Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Aconcagua Costa, Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileThe grapes for this Max Reserva Aconcagua Costa Sauvignon Blanc were sourced from the Manzanar Vineyard, less than 13 kilometres from the Pacific at some 300 metres of altitude. Careful handling preserves the fresh fruit character in this wine while three months on the lees increases its creamy, voluminous textures. Juicy, spiced lemon and stone lead to vibrant tropical fruit, pineapple flecked with medicinal herbs, fine lees and light smoke leaving a medium-bodied, mouth filling white that is hard to ignore. Brisk spicing closes out a snappy finish. Well done and listed at a great price.Prices:| BC | $16.49 | 750ml |
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0PTS
Rocca delle Macie Riserva di Fizzano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011
Florence, Tuscany, ItalyCorked, try anotherPrices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NB | $34.99 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo 2013
Langhe, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyThis PdB nebbiolo is made with fruit harvested from young vineyards – championing the fresh early drinking style. Varietally correct nebbiolo at this price is an amazing thing. Floral, rose thorns, cherries, and light tobacco smoke from start to finish, with moderately raspy tannins and a sandpaper finish. Youthful still, best served with hearty mushroom dishes, charcuterie or even osso buco. The label bears the Langhe DOC appellation but it is made exactly as if it were a Barbaresco. It was first released in 1978 and is owned by the Co-operative’s 52 members.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Casa E. di Mirafiore Barolo 2010
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyDried cherries, dried florals, subtle sea salt and an undercurrent of leather support this savoury Barolo. Subtle tar, wild herbs enter onto a giant, juicy palate, one still in youth with its firm, structured tannins. Drink now with roasted leg of lamb, but you will be rewarded with time in the cellar on this. The Mirafiore Barolo is assembled from a selection of nebbiolo vineyards within the commune of Serralunga d’Alba. The wine undergoes along long maceration and then spends 24 moths in medium and large sized oak barrels.Prices:| BC | $69.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $48.18 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2011
Piedmont, ItalyExpressive leather, kirsch and floral aromas are promising, though the palate is affected by a subtle wash of Brettanomyces, muting up the finish before its due. Even still, there is a solid core of cherry, raspberry, roses and fine, gritty tannins before it closes out. This should be ready to drink sooner than later we hope the leather ‘bretty’ notes remain in check.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga D'Alba 2010
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyPruny, ripe, black cherry and tar scents mark the opening of this Serralunga D'Alba nebbiolo. The attack is medium-bodied with smoked cherry, black tea, dried fig and earthy/branch notes, ripe fruit and somewhat blocky tannins. A pretty floral note charms at the salty finish. Decant, partner with sage-dusted pork chops now, or lay down for another couple of years to meld further. Solid.Prices:| BC | $41.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $40.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $49.99 | 750ml |
| NS | $45.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi 2014
Piedmont, ItalyThe problem of Fontanafredda in Canada is that it's been here so long that you project on it preconceived notions that has nothing to do with it here and now. That couldn't be further from the truth - this wine is as current and delicious now as it ever was. Almonds, herbed honey, citrus and cracked stone aromas carry through onto the lively palate, one cushioned with a light sheen of waxiness. More of cortese de gavi's lively quince, grapefruit and mineral energy rides the length of the lean body along to a salty, snappy finish. Shellfish dishes welcome here.Prices:| BC | $19.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Giovanni Rosso Del Commune di Serralunga d'Alba Barolo 2011
Serralunga, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyAlluring nose of iron, dried roses, cherries (classic Serralunga) carries through to the medium bodied palate, where tight, fine, grainy tannins frame its earthy fruits. Fresh, bright acidity lifts easily though to a lingering, stony finish. Finessed. Try with hard cheese or grilled meats. The Rosso family have been farming vineyards in the Serralunga d’Alba region for over a century. They have six vineyards planted to nebbiolo in 1947, 1959, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2008 over a mix of calcareous clay; limestone and sandy soils. The vinification is done in cement tanks, the ageing in 25 hectolitre French oak casks for 36 months.Prices:| BC | $61.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo Vigneto Starderi 2011
Piedmont, ItalyExpressive nose, with red liquorice, cherry, kirsch and alluring through to the palate. Grainy tannins and lifted acidity flows to a point, but this carries a fair dose of bret which closes out the finish far too soon (reflected in the store). Drink now.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
ReVersanti Barolo 2011
La Morra, Cuneo, Piedmont, ItalyReversanti Barolo is one hundred percent nebbiolo that comes off three distinct hillsides: Castiglione Falletto, Barolo and the village of La Morra. The blend is a third of each, the yields are low at 2.5 tons per acre. The wine is aged for three years, two in Slavonian oak, one in bottle. Cherry jam, red florals, tobacco leaf and light smoke open this up front and direct nebbiolo and carry on to the medium bodied palate. Gritty, firm black-tea tannins support the ripe fruit well, and provide an excellent back drop for veal chop. Solid but lacks a bit refinement at this stage.Prices:| BC | $34.79 | 750ml |
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10 January 2016
89PTS
Adami Bosco di Gica Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalyBosco di Gica is the ancient name of the area where the steep slope vineyards are situated facing south at 180 to 300 metres ABSL. The second fermentation “Metodo Italiano” is in stainless steel pressurized tanks. The nose is tight and restrained with a very fresh citrus over licorice and floral honey notes. Elegance and style mark the mid-palate with bright acidity green apples and a whiff of orchard fruits. Think shellfish or tapas.Prices:| BC | $22.59 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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08 January 2016
88PTS
Codorníu Cuvée 1872 Rosé Barcelona NV
Catalunya (Catalonia Cataluña), SpainNamed in honour of the year that Josep Raventós crafted the first bottle of cava, this rosé recalls traditional winemaking techniques like the capas system of fermentation, where fresh must was added to must already undergoing fermentation, lowering the temperature and affecting the texture. These musts spend time in oak, further amping-up the body before spending nine months on the lees. Full notes of cherry, raspberry, red currant jam and brioche on a creamy, expansive palate. Crisp, currant-laced acidity and barely off-dry, with ample fruit and body. This is one for the dinner table to pour alongside tomato sauced cannelloni or gentle curries.Prices:| BC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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07 January 2016
87PTS
Mission Hill Terroir Collection No.18 Sunset Ranch Chardonnay 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA light grassy, tropical, green apple nose with a bit of passion fruit and lemon. Dry, tight, somewhat light and lean palate. Buttered lemon, green apple skin, grapefruit, pear flavours on a somewhat skinny, tart finish. Try with creamy pasta dishes.Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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84PTS
Augey Bordeaux Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
FranceSmoky, sausage, earthy, light cassis and resin aromas. Fresh, elegant, easy drinking palate with light cassis, smoky, meaty, peppery, tobacco and herb flavours that finish with somewhat tart. Try this with some beef tacos. The blend is 75/25 merlot and cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $13.29 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Calliope Figure 8 Red 2013
British Columbia, CanadaSpicy, cassis, black berry, tobacco, rooty, rubber and cedar aromas. Fresh, easy palate with light tannins and cedary, peppery, coffee, smoky herb, resiny, cherry flavours. Simple, light bodied style.Prices:| BC | $15.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $16.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $26.00 | 750ml |
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06 January 2016
84PTS
Adega on 45th Quarteto Tinto 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaGreen olive, leafy, peppery, meaty, prune, lifted sappy cassis aromas. Very dry, lean, somewhat acidic palate with smoky, vanilla, coffee bean, herbal, cassis, resin, prune and earth aromas. Not much fruit here.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Painted Rock Red Icon 2013
Skaha Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaTobacco, cranberry, ash, peppery nose with cassis, savoury, light vanilla, black olive and light meaty notes. The attack is fresh and round, the palate elegant and dry with well-managed rounded tannins. The flavours are spicy with a strong savoury, dried herb, tobacco leaf, cranberry, sour cherry notes mixed with smoky, vanilla and a hint of orange peel flavours. Finish is quite dry with a structured tannin Bordelais finish. This need another three to five years to fully integrate. The blend is a promising 33/29/21/12/5 mix of merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot malbec and cabernet sauvignon.Prices:| BC | $47.79 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Osoyoos Larose 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOne of the best young Osoyoos Larose we have tasted. The blend is 50/24/13/9/4 merlot, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec. Look for a peppery, cassis, vanilla, smoky, black cherry, light cedar, licorice and tobacco aromas with a meaty note. The attack is full and round with a fresh, elegant, well balanced palate with some youthful fine-grained tannins. Coffee, peppery, smoky, savoury, black olive, cassis, vanilla, cedar and cranberry flavours dominate the palate. A bigger, richer effort here with balanced tannins for aging over the next 5-7 years. Impressive.Prices:| BC | $42.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $45.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $45.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Pétales d'Osoyoos 2012
Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe second label of Osoyoos Larose is just that a second label. Light floral, cedar, sappy, spicy, tobacco, earthy aromas. Dry and fresh with a lean entry and showing some youthful tannins. Smoky, peppery, tobacco, vanilla, cedar, cassis, and sour cherry flavours sit over a savoury, black olive, dried herb finish. There are still some youthful tannins to dissipate, so give it two to four years or serve it now with grilled meat.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $25.00 | 750ml |
| SK | $27.00 | 750ml |
| NF | $30.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Meritage 2013
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMeaty, leather, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, black berry, prune aromas with a bit of tobacco leaf and cranberry. Dry, fresh, round, elegant palate with light, grainy tannins. Lots of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, oak toast flavours with some cranberry, cassis, black olive, orange peel flavours with a bit of leather and roast beef. Solid effort here if somewhat oaky and tart on the finish. A little less winemaking and little more terroir is all this wine needs.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Vanessa Vineyard Meritage 2012
Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen chocolate, vanilla, coffee, black berry, cassis, ash, tobacco, cranberry aromas. Round, rich, somewhat tannic and warm palate but intense. Cedar, tobacco, espresso, meaty, peppery, black olive, cranberry, black cherry and leather flavours. Style is a bit rustic and chunky with lots of oak but needs a few years to integrate.Prices:| BC | $36.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio +04/10 2013
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSavoury, smoky, cranberry, prune, wet tobacco, earthy, vanilla and light chocolate aromas. Fresh, juicy, elegant palate with light, grainy tannins. Coffee, chocolate, vanilla, dried herb, peppery, cassis, cranberry, licorice and bay leaf flavours. Finish has lots of chocolate and tea leaf with an orange peel and roast beef note. Rounder than last vintage with fine intensity but it’s youthful and will need another two to four years in bottle to settle in. The blend 41/30/18/8/3/ merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot aged in French oak barrels and puncheons for 19 months. The fruit is sourced from three Naramata Bench sites and from the Perfect Hedge Vineyard in Osoyoos.Prices:| BC | $45.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $53.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $53.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Stag's Hollow Cachet 04 Limited Edition 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCachet is made with the best fruit each year regardless of variety, in this case it is a 57/37/6 petit verdot, merlot and cabernet sauvignon blend. Look for black cherry, earthy, mushroom, tobacco, cranberry, smoky, peppery aromas with a light floral, plum note. Full, round, juicy, somewhat chunky palate with some young tannins but with fine concentration. Peppery, smoky, wet tobacco, savoury, cranberry, black cherry, vanilla, coffee flavours with a hint of tar, licorice and sage with some tea and herb on the finish. Should improve over the next 2-5 years. Excellent effort here.Prices:| BC | $60.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Culmina Family Estate Hypothesis 2012
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIn our brief experience with Hypothesis it is typically tight with a peppery, savoury, black olive/cassis nose with light black berry, roast bell pepper, cranberry and smoky resin aromas. It’s partly the style of Pascal Devon and partly the style of south Okanagan reds. They need time in bottle. Re-tasted six months later: The attack is dry, fresh and elegant but with still with somewhat austere if youthful tannins. Warm with black berry, cassis jam, coffee, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, black pepper, olive, light green bean, cranberry flavours with some tea and herb flavours on the finish. Good finesse and intensity but all in reserved style that will need some time to mature, maybe 2-5 years to tame the young tannins. A good follow up on the 2011.Prices:| BC | $38.00 | 750ml |
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05 January 2016
0PTS
Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva Barrancas Vineyards 2013
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaCorked, try another.Prices:| BC | $19.79 | 750ml |
| AB | $17.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Catena Alta Malbec Historic Rows 2012
Mendoza, ArgentinaAfter tasting all the pretenders it’s great to encounter the real thing. The Catena Alta is an elegant mix of single vineyards sites set at 3018, 3117 and 3593, and 4757 feet elevation at Lunlunta, Agrelo, La Consulta and Gualtallary. The fruit comes off individual rows that ‘historically’ produces the best fruit. The nose is awash in ripe, red and black berry fruits with alluring dusky floral undertones. The attack is juicy and refreshing, almost grapey, but with spice, sweet, round tannins and a long, smooth undercarriage. Love the complex mix of celery salt, tobacco, branch, licorice and poultry spice, all in an elegant style. Youthful now, but with great potential to cellar through 2020.Prices:| ON | $49.95 | 750ml |
| BC | $49.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $55.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $53.00 | 750ml |
| NS | $48.00 | 750ml |
| Mb | $59.99 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Adega on 45th Malbec 2012
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaOpen, lifted floral nose with a light bit of pepper and savoury sagebrush notes. The attack is soft and juicy with more ripe black fruit before the rustic tannins set in and the finish shuts down. Best with grilled beef now or wait another year. Typically ‘BC’ expensive for what it is.Prices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis wine is consistent favourite for Treve and I’ll admit it is one of the better south Okanagan bottles although most years the cabernet franc is better. The 2012 is big and deep structured with plenty of tobacco and dusty, savoury dried herbed classic southern Okanagan cabernet. Dark cherry, cassis and that dusty tobacco leaf fill this well-built wine, while figs, coffee, cinnamon bark and a whiff of cured meat linger in the finish. Still rich and while you can drink it now it will continue to knit with short term cellaring. Think beef.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
| AB | $41.00 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Escorihuela 1884 Malbec 2014
Mendoza, ArgentinaThis wine is getting sweeter and more candied as time goes on. The nose is still typically savoury with some pepper but with more candied strawberry notes. The attack is soft and sweet and sour with smoky/coffee chocolate flavours. If you like reds soft, sweet and simple this is it. Hamburgers are the match.Prices:| BC | $16.29 | 750ml |
| YK | $18.85 | 750ml |
| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
| AB | $19.99 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Violeta 2012
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaA malbec with a somewhat meaty reductive peppery nose upon opening that cleans up with time. We recommend splash decanting this if you are keen on opening it. The attack is soft and round a super juicy. Reminiscent of a big fruity zinfandel it has that spicy bramble beery flavours with some persistent, meaty reductive notes. It loses some of its intensity in the finish. Try this with barbecue chicken or ribs. It’s soft enough to enjoy now. This is the first release of Violeta a 100 percent malbec.Prices:| BC | $30.35 | 750ml |
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04 January 2016
88PTS
Yalumba Old Bush Vine Grenache Barossa 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaLow yielding gnarly old vine grenache from the Barossa shows its concentration and depth of fruit here through the mulberry, kirsch and menthol blackberry ripeness and fine, ample persistent peppery spice. French oak framing is now well absorbed into the dense fruit, with smoothed tannins providing a natural, easy structure to prop up all this richness. Lingering mustard seed and some heat on the finish. A full style showing well right now, especially so with long braised lamb or veal shank.Prices:| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $25.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $20.00 | 750ml |
| QC | $20.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Adami Col Credas Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Rive Farra di Soligo NV
Treviso, Verona, Veneto, ItalySerious Prosecco. Think single vineyard, steep sloped, 'cru' Prosecco, sustainably farmed old vines from 300-350 metres rooted in poor, dry clay soils. The Adami family have been farming these soils for three generations, more than 90 years of experience in the terroir of Valdobbiadene {say it with me: val-dough-bee-add-den-nay}. The dedication shows in dry, characterful wines like this one. Brut (only 4 g/l residual sugar, with tight green apple, light almond, faint white acacia, bitter citrus pith and stone. The nimble palate rips along with driving acidity, leaving just a bit of textured mineral stoniness in its fresh wake.Prices:| BC | $31.29 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2014
Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, FranceFrom one of the region's leading sustainable vignerons, this is organic, wild ferment Muscadet, aged sur lie in earthen vessels, buried in the ground to keep cool and rest (obviously no racking) until the following spring. Light pear, subtle earthy lees, river stone, white florals and a fine vein of saline-laced lemon. Juicy and fresh with lovely tension throughout, cushioned by a gentle pillow of creamy lees and driven by minerality. Would be a stunner with fresh oysters, and a Muscadet that is worth laying down for a couple of years.Prices:| BC | $20.50 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gayda Figure Libre Red Cabernet Franc 2013
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceFigure Libre, or free figure speaks to the Gayda concept of vineyard care and winemaking. There is no script or safety net; no intervention. The goal is to create biodiversity to help the fruit fully express their natural flavours and aromas. This cabernet franc, is certified organic and designated Pays d’Oc. Expect an enticing mix of soft floral spice scented fruit. The palate is soft with a fine mix of cedar, resin and black fruit all in balance. The tannins are fine-grained; the finish medium long. A perfect steak wine.Prices:| QC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Gayda Chemin de Moscou 2013
Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, Sud de France, FranceAn organic mix of 62/32/6 syrah, grenache and cinsault with an open pleasing nose of black cherries, and plums with a peppery undercurrent. The attack is equally peppery with slippery, bright pure fruit flavours and touch of meat that coats the palate in silk and spice. Its fresh lively ripe fruit carries through to a slightly short finish. The bulk of the fruit oak aged for 21 months comes from highly regarded Tautavel and La Livinière. The road leading to these vineyards is known as the ‘Chemin de Moscou’ or the Road to Moscow. The local villagers believe the Chemin de Moscou name originated from the place outside the village where meetings were held, under the L’arbre de Moscou or Moscow Tree. The tree was used as a navigation beacon by pioneers of the Aéropostale service flying out of Toulouse on their way to Perpignan, Spain, North Africa and eventually South America. Stories of these flights have been immortalised by Saint Exupéry in his many books about his exploits. The tree, an enormous pine, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground over 20 years ago.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 9 2013
South Australia, AustraliaThis is new from Penfolds and designated Bin 9. It follows the multi-regional philosophy sourcing cabernet from across South Australia including significant amounts from the ancient soils of McLaren Vale, plus Langhorne Creek, Wrattonbully, Barossa, Padthaway, Barossa Valley and Coonawarra. Look for a strong cassis blueberry blackberry nose with a savoury undercurrent. Cedar, dried herbs and meaty notes mark the flavours over dense sweet tannins a la chief winemaker Peter Gago’s hand. Tightly wound and structured to live through 2020 easily. Steak, lamb or venison will work here. Excellent value for cabernet fans.Prices:| BC | $24.39 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $23.95 | 750ml |
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01 January 2016
91PTS
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandA year of age in the bottle always helps this wine. The CBSB is intense and concentrated - think long hangtime. The nose is packed full of tropical notes lead by gooseberries and grapefruit lashed with jalapeno bits and lemon. The attack is as fresh and as full-bodied as sauvignon blanc gets with more grapefruit and kiwi with an undercurrent of stony/minerality and a chalky finish. One of the better Cloudy Bay bottles I have tasted since the inaugural 1985 vintage. Perfect for steamed west coast mussels.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $29.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $32.99 | 750ml |
| QC | $31.25 | 750ml |
| NB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay +20/10 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe LS chardonnay is a Small Cap wine: production is limited to 215 cases all aged in French oak barrels. Finesse is settling in at Laughing Stock, better oak, less oak, better managed oak, better lees, and better viticulture is all coming together at Laughing Stock. It not the most delicate vintage with more ripe pineapple, honey and butter this year but with clean enticing lees notes and creamy textures it works. The fruit is all Naramata Bench. Wait another year or serve now with halibut. Good value.Prices:| BC | $28.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2014
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThe 2014 brings a riper version of this blend. Still fresh with green apple fruit but with a touch of honeysuckle. The attack is a juicy with peach, and ripe pear fruit with a slightly oily/candied lemon finish. Vivacious is mostly pinot blanc mixed with a dash of pinot gris (which may explain its flatter profile this year) all home grown on the Home Lot Vineyard on the Naramata Bench. Try this with a Thai curry dish.Prices:| BC | $17.30 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Bartier Bros. Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2013
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaCool September weather lengthened the hangtime after a warm summer and brighten the white wines in 2013. The nose is pleasantly complex with notes of toasted, sanded wood, cream and apples. The attack is full bodied and fresh, the palate creamy - 50 percent of this whole cluster press juice spends one-year-old American thin stave barrels for fermentation. After 5 months sur lie, the wine was reunited with its stainless steel stored other half. The primary green apple, savoury, lemon curd punctuates the clove and vanilla spiced wood notes but a persistent orchard fruit brightness shines through to the stony, chalky finish. A big wine, with finesse ideal for pairing with cream sauced pastas or lobster. The fruit comes off the Cerqueira Vineyard on the Black Sage Gravel Bar.Prices:| BC | $23.49 | 750ml |
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February 2016