Wines Not Bottled With Natural Cork

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85/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
No big surprises here. Look for a smoky, grapey, meaty, coffee aromas with a hint of tomato leaf. The attack is rich and smooth with aggressive meaty, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, and black olive flavours. Will have appeal for foch fans. Best with hearty stew dishes or cassoulet southern France style.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 462507;   UPC: 625259206074 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

85/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2008 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Aromatic herbal, spicy, compost nose with a bit of black cherry and celery salt. The entry is lean and sharp with leafy black cherry fruit, pomegranate and black olives. Try this with grilled chicken or mushroom risotto.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 436766;   UPC: 625259208085 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

88/100 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Kudos to Peter Gago and crew for resurrecting this brand over the years. He should be running Fosters and making the beer too. Love the pure fruit here and the spicy liquorice, black cherry, cassis notes. Expect a solid red blend that will perform well with myriad food possibilities.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); NB $18.50 (750 ml); NF $17.50 (750 ml); NS $18.00 (750 ml); ON $16.50 (750 ml); PEI $12.50 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 285544;   UPC: 012354071445 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

88/100 Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2006 Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Hand-picked, dry-farmed, basket-pressed the fruit comes off vineyards at 450m above sea level. Expect a soft, dark, peppery, cedar-y fruit with a spicy minty streak thorough out. This is warm shiraz with a long spicy finish and a just a tweek of acidity poking through. Best with grilled lamb.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 112557;   UPC: 09331634000878 Producer: Skillogalee Wines Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

87/100 Morandé Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
A bright mix of sweet tropical fruit with green fruit streaks and a dash of pepper on the nose. The palate is similar with aromatic fruit flavours of citrus and lime with gooseberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Typical fresh, Casablanca, cool fruit style perfect for grilled scallops or lemon chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines CSPC: 074088;   UPC: 7804449104038 Producer: Viña Morandé Distributor: Los Vinos Merchants Ltd. / Stile Wines

84/100 Vina Maipo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Dry grassy citrus aromas and flavours that lack any serious fruity character. The palate has feint hints of gooseberry but the dryness and the grass overtake the palate in the finish. Simple sauvignon that lacks real character. The price is fair but for anther dollar or tow you have myriad choices from South Africa, New Zealand and Chile.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 097634;   UPC: 007804320064949 Producer: Vina Maipo Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Nederburg Twenty Ten Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
From a multitude of sources and grapes planted as early as 1969 and as late as 1998. The grapes are picked at a fresh 21 to 22 brix and fermented in all stainless steel with yeast contact. Look for a fresh yellow green colour with a bright grassy citrus nose and clean tropical fruit flavours with a dry grassy finish. Great with goat cheese summer pasta salads and grilled chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.99 (750 ml); ON $15.99 (750 ml) UPC: 06001108049780 Producer: Nederburg Wines (Pty) Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Marlborough or Mendoza? It is priced like Mendoza but tastes like New Zealand. Bright yellow grapefruit, intense gooseberry and light mineral, bell pepper aromas. Fresh juicy entry with nettle, grassy gooseberry fruit and just a squeeze of citrus and asparagus. Grilled chicken anyone. White wine for wine drinkers.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 026161;   UPC: 00836950000087 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Classic nettle, passion fruit, lime rind and with a dash of ripe red apple. The entry is round with a touch of sweetness followed by citrus, passion fruit, nettle, honey grassy flavours. The finish is crisp and juicy with a touch of dryness in the end. Think light seafood dishes or shellfish. Fine value in what is essentially a single appellation label from Chile. Take that all you commercial blends.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.45 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $11.75 (750 ml) CSPC: 275909;   UPC: 00610444017030 Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

87/100 Montalto Nero d'Avola Organic 2008 Sicily, Italy
It is no surprise Montalto is a family-run winery. Located in the west of Sicily most of what they produce hits the mark for quality and value. This néro is made with organically grown grapes sitting on average 300 meters above sea level. Hand harvest the wine has a wholesome quality with ripe almost sweet red fruit flavours a whack of liquorice and a smooth glossy textured finish. A versatile summer barbecue wine or winter fireplace red.
Tasted: 2010-07-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 029645;   UPC: 008030423002192 Producer: Barone Montalto Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Martin's Lane Riesling 2009 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
An initial release based on collaboration between Mission Hill's owner and winemaker Anthony von Mandl and John Simes and well known Pfalz winery owner and winemaker Fritz Hasselbach. Expect a mineral, sea breeze, oyster shell nose with quite a soft-friendly palate with plenty of red apple/peach fruit flavours streaked with bits of orange and mineral. Solid, if a bit safe, for the first release.
Tasted: 2010-07-24 by AG Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 776545995858 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

86/100 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
I’ve said it before and I will say it again South Africa has a flair for sauvignon and you can see it even in the bargain bottles. Two Oceans over delivers from its blend of vineyards and fruits across the Cape. Fresh, bright green fruit nose with bits of honey and an undercurrent of grass. Love the balance and fruit not to sweet not to bitter and the light passion fruit finish. Delicious easy drinking introductory sauvignon that over delivers for the price.
Tasted: 2010-07-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 340380;   UPC: 6001497600616 Producer: Bergkelder, The (Distillers Corporation) Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

87/100 Fairview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grassy fresh, sea breeze, honey nose with bits of vanilla. The entry is round and soft with sweet lime fruit, butter, melon, ripe grapefruit flavours. Still a bit too woody for oysters but this is g but Good solid fruit core and balance if a touch oaky on the finish. Good stuff. Love to see it a bit drier and more austere.
Tasted: 2010-07-23 by AG Prices: BC $19.90 (750 ml) winery direct, restaurants CSPC: 188037;   UPC: 00850104000785 Producer: Fairview Cellars Distributor: Red Dog

87/100 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Classic passion fruit, oyster liqueur with bits of jalapeno and capsicum. Round, delicate and fresh on entry with kiwi, tinned asparagus, passion fruit and jalapeno flavours. Classic citrus herbaceous style that is made for mussels.
Tasted: 2010-07-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 342350;   UPC: 009414416305528 Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

89/100 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Dry QBA 2008 Rheingau, Germany
Fairly tight skinny fresh, floral, green apple aromas with bits of lime and peach pit notes. The palate is super dry and crisp with delicate citrus and green apple skin flavours flecked with chalk and mineral and green fruits. Fine balance and intensity that will work well with a variety of foods.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 219147;   UPC: 004005055007819 Producer: Weingut Schloss Reinhartshausen Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Chile
Simple straight-up grassy grapefruit nose with bits of nettle and citrus. Green fruits and just a hint of sweetness dot the palate with refreshing acidity in the back end. Pretty solid value for the price and available in 1500 ml screwcap bottles for under $16.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (1500 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wines & Spirits; ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 306472;   UPC: 007804320355054 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Chardonnay 2009 Chile
Simple fresh commercial well made chardonnay with soft apple/melon tropical fruits with a pinch of butter in the aftertaste. A party pleaser for the casual wine drinker. Serve with creamy pasta dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 376855;   UPC: 007804320357058 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

84/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Shiraz 2009 Chile
Simple, commercial red blend of cabernet and shiraz that slightly fatter and richer than its sister merlot blend. Think of this as the ultra-affordable hamburger red that can serve a crowd.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 154617;   UPC: 007804320148960 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Merlot 2009 Chile
At $15.50 a magnum, or $7.25 a bottle, I guess all you can hope for is the wine doesn’t hurt you. In this case the earthy bell peppers, cassis and dried herbs are rustic but ready for anything coming off the grill. Lamb sausages are the tickets and pizza. Simple straight-up inexpensive red wine.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 257170;   UPC: 007804320345055 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Claar Cellars White Bluffs Riesling 2008 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Straight up, old-style, off-dry riesling with a candied, floral, citrus nose and a relatively flat texture. On the palate the attack is sweet with ripe, honeyed fruit flavours with bits of peach, pineapple and sweet melon. Serve it well chilled to combat the sugar or use it with spicy Pan Asian food stop tone down the heat.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports CSPC: 232421;   UPC: 635552110176 Producer: Claar Cellars Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

87/100 Villa Maria Riesling Private Bin 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
A blend of fruit from Marlborough’s higher plains of the Awatere Valley and the old river bed of the Wairau Valley. Floral limey citrus aromas mixed with similar flavours with a dose of petrol and peach pit in the finish. Fresh, crisp and moderately dry serve this with a range of Pan Asian dishes or tries it with your favourite cheese.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 067736;   UPC: 009414416216015 Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

86/100 Intrigue Nine (9) 2009 Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Nine named after the vintage “’2009,” Nine is a blend of riesling, gewürztraminer and a touch of sémillon. Expect a high toned floral aroma with floral litchi, citrus fruit with a pinch of tropical fruit in the finish. Bright summery fresh and ready to drink. Try this with pork kebabs.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA stores, private wine shops CSPC: 585364;   UPC: 627843005742 Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct

90/100 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2008 Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lovely zesty white fruit aromas with mineral, peach and apricot notes. The palate is lively and elegant and still quite youthful with red apple, lime, mineral, nectarine flavours that finish long. Amazing wines that speak to the 8 generations of knowledge gathered by this family.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 328013;   UPC: 62699002070 Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants; Quaff Wine and Spirits

91/100 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling Classic 2009 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Made from 20-plus year old vines, this classic style riesling has 9 per cent residual sugar but you barley detect it with the acidity so bright and fresh. Crisp crunchy citrus fruit with a dash of red apples this is a wine with endless food possibilities. A B.C. riesling for grownups. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 626990102069 Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants; Quaff Wine and Spirits

86/100 Arrogant Frog Ribet White Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
A lean dry crisp, grassy citrus nose previews a similar palate of passion fruit, citrus, lime rind and mineral. Super crisp and dry it would be perfect with most shellfish, particularly oysters. Finished under screwcap. A solid backyard white for the summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml) consignment - The Yorkville Wine Company; QC $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 914002;   UPC: 3760040425009 Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 JoieFarm Riesling iv 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral litchi, green apple skin, candied nose. The palate is fresh and soft with a sweet entry and mid-palate and fairly pronounced acidity and slightly sour finish. The flavours are a mix of peach/melon/grapefruit and ginger with a touch of oiliness in the finish. A simple, tasty style for summer sipping or try with spicy Pan Asian cuisine.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) restaurants, private wine shops CSPC: 071233 Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm

88/100 CedarCreek Riesling 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, red apple, lanolin, honey, peach, citrus aromas. Fresh, round, easy style with a bit of sweetness. Good spicy, nectarine, lime, grapefruit, honey flavours with a bit of petrol and slate. Good intensity and fruity, juicy style but a bit too sweet and warm on the finish. Friendly for all.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 217166;   UPC: 778913029028 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Selbach S Riesling 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
A carbon copy of last year featuring green and nectarine skin with bits of peach, slate and honey. If anything this version is cleaner with creamy bright acidity and just a hint of sweetness and delicious peachy red apple and pear fruit flavours with a slice of lemon squeezed over it. Perfect for most summer salads.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 023242;   UPC: 00717215002582 Producer: J & H Selbach Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

85/100 Bree Riesling 2008 Pfalz, Germany
You can’t miss the Bree bottle that looks more like a modern spirits container. This is modern cheap riesling that just a bit too sweet for its structure. Bubble gum and candy mix with sour fruit and a touch of lemonade. Chill this one right down and serve it on the patio before dinner.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 210807;   UPC: 084279979816 Producer: Peter Mertes Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Old Vines Garnacha de Fuego 2008 Calatayud, Aragon, Spain
Black cherry jam, liquorice, chocolate, smoky, menthol, peppery, slightly reduced nose. Round, ripe, supple and fresh palate with black cherry, black plum, peppery, orange spice, clove flavours with a licorice and tobacco finish. Fresh and plush with fruit to go. Serve with pork or poultry dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-16 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 255745;   UPC: 08437005068131 Producer: Bodegas Ateca Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

86/100 Chook Shed Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
All Barossa fruit is the attraction here along with its dark, inky colour code. Expect a ripe raspberry, black cherry nose with blueberries underneath and plenty of liquorice and spice. The finish is warm and oaky with more spicy, jammy fruit. Try this with pulled pork or other barbecued meats.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 011114;   UPC: 009335173000016 Producer: Rosedale Winery Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

86/100 LoTengo Malbec 2009 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Typical Lo Tengo: medium bodied, fresh, savoury smoky red with a touch of sweet, spicy, red fruit underneath. The textures are soft, the style approachable if predictable. Try this with beef or lamb sausages grilled on the barbecue.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 080986;   UPC: 07792319676269 Producer: Bodega Norton Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

85/100 Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2009 Verona, Veneto, Italy
Pear, floral, nutty, citrus nose with a honeyed note. Fresh, round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with candied pear, floral, grapefruit, red apple flavours. Simple, easy patio style for the summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.50 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $13.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml); PEI $15.00 (750 ml); QC $13.00 (750 ml); SK $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 564674;   UPC: 008002062001560 Producer: Masi Agricola Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Xanadu Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Nutty, grassy, hay, grapefruit rind, sweaty, herbal, jalapeno, nettle aromas. Crisp, tart entry with just a hint of sweetness. Lemon, lime, grassy, nettle, jalapeno, mineral, leafy, passion fruit flavours. On the cool, tart, austere side but has some good intensity.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants UPC: 009336957000529 Producer: Xanadu Wines Pty Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 J. Lohr Cypress Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Central Coast, California, United States
Spicy, cassis jam, prune, coffee, dried herb, roasted pepper aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with a sweet, warm edge. Fresh with berry jam, coffee, rooty, olive, tobacco, milk chocolate flavours. A very consumer-friendly wine on the sweetish side.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 334466;   UPC: 089121148426 Producer: J. Lohr Winery Distributor: Landmark Selections

84/100 Voga Quattro 2008 Veneto, Italy
Peppery, spicy, meaty, rooty, cherry jam, prune, tobacco, savoury nose. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet and sour palate with light tannins and cassis, black cherry, rooty, tobacco, coffee, resin flavours. Warm and tart and simple.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.99 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 115550;   UPC: 021893795385 Producer: Enoitalia Spa Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc 2009 Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, South of France, France
Rose petal, spicy, lemon grass, grapefruit, pear, quince and ginger aromas. Round, soft, fresh, delicate palate with a hint of sweetness. Floral, pear, honey, lemon, butter, nutty, grapefruit flavours. Good intensity for the money, an all-round white for summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $11.66 (750 ml); ON $11.30 (750 ml); QC $13.30 (750 ml) CSPC: 298505;   UPC: 631470000049 Producer: Perrin et Fils Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

86/100 Si Soave Italia 2008 Soave, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Lemon, chalky, mineral, nutty, spicy, pear skin aromas. Fresh, round, off dry palate with nutty, grassy, lemon, earthy, spicy, baked pear flavours. Simple and fresh for summer seafood.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchant CSPC: 880048;   UPC: 892339002172 Producer: Si Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Viña Chocalán Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Casablanca - Curico, Chile
Grassy, jalapeno, grapefruit, gooseberry, smoky nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate palate with a touch of austerity but juicy acidity. Gooseberry, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, light artichoke flavours with a bit of lemon grass on the finish. Very solid, fresh style for clams and squid. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli CSPC: 874685;   UPC: 007804603660752 Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

90/100 Radford Dale Viognier 2008 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
A single-vineyard viognier from the home property on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. A textbook vintage has produced a delicate, barrel-fermented viognier matured in mostly 2nd and 3rd fill oak barrels. Expect a peachy apricot nose with plenty of fresh mineral/leesy dusted fruit. The textures are plush and mouth filling but not overbearing. Definitely leaning toward the northern Rhone but at a bargain price.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liberty Merchant Company Producer: The Winery of Good Hope Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company

88/100 Xanadu Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Light butter, baked green apple, pear, spicy lees, nutty, garlic and peach aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with juicy green apple, citrus, butter, nutty lees, spicy, salty pear flavours. A fresher, somewhat leaner style with a touch of heat on the finish. Halibut would be a fine match.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) VPIWF UPC: 009336957000024 Producer: Xanadu Wines Pty Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Tyrrell’s Lost Block Chardonnay 2008 Australia
This is an easy chardonnay to like with its modern/Hunter styling led by a firmer tighter citrus entry with bits of yeast and a peachy/pear, nutty component underneath. The oak is well managed and the finish clean and crisp. A solid modern day white you can serve with seafood and chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 426452;   UPC: 093452020016 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 CedarCreek Estate Cabernet Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The label says its cabernet/merlot but that 47/28 blend also has 22 cabernet franc, 1.4% pinot noir, 0.5% malbec, 0.4% syrah and 0.3% petit verdot. The fruit comes off eight sites stretching from Kelowna to Osoyoos and includes Naramata. The nose has a floral red fruity component while the palate is awash in spicy oak and pronounced acidity. Youthful and a bit rambunctious it will need time to settle down. We hesitate to say it’s a bit too serious for the price so grilled some steaks and drink it now.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 163303;   UPC: 00778913037542 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Yering Station Chardonnay 2006 Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
At Yering Station the chardonnay is picked earlier producing tighter flavours of nectarine skin, citrus and green melon all fermented in oak, 25% of which is new. Despite its age going on five years it is remarkably fresh and together with a fine mineral/flinty undertone. A dry, fresh, elegant style. Try this with shellfish. Bring on the new vintage.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants UPC: 09316562001067 Producer: Yering Station Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

91/100 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2006 Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Look for the typical earthy, cedar, cigar box (Coonawarra) black fruit nose. The entry soft with a mixture of pure black fruits spiked with liquorice and red fruit that carries through to its chalky, slightly grainy tannin finish. A true cabernet and one of the best we have had from Wynns in years. Try this with lamb chops of a slab of beef.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $23.00 (750 ml); NF $20.00 (750 ml); ON $25.00 (750 ml); SK $22.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 502039;   UPC: 930620006897 Producer: Wynns Coonawarra Estate Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

87/100 Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2007 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The mix is 72/15/13 merlot/cabernet franc and malbec. Expect an intense black cherry and earthy nose with a touch of Brett underneath. The palate is full-bodied with ripe plummy fruit flecked with vanilla and all in balance. The finish is smooth and long. Not cheap at $33+ but the style is promising and it should age further.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $33.40 (750 ml) private wine shops CSPC: 370775;   UPC: 00626990088851 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Chapel Hill The Parson's Nose Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Open round warm nose of black fruit and blueberries with a rich spicy undertone. The palate is awash in dark plums and sweet oak with a lot of spice and dried herbs underneath. This needs a bit more time to settle down or serve now with a large slab of meat. If you are a fan of Oz shiraz this will not disappoint.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 009315006000314 Producer: Chapel Hill Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

89/100 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Everything is big about this wine beginning with its briary blackcurrant and cassis aromas and flavours. Youthful and plump with tannin it will need considerable time to soften up and deliver its full payload. Look for rich spicy fruit red awash in mint, cassis and liquorice with spice throughout. Slightly dry cabernet finish calling for grilled meat.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 009315006000048 Producer: Chapel Hill Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

86/100 Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The '08 Sin Cera a mix of mostly merlot with cabernet franc and malbec is slightly more structured then the ‘07. The fruit is fresher and cleaner and a bit more cherry-berry, almost Zinfandel-like, but the tannins are bigger and more grippy with some acidity poking through the back end. This will need time to settle down. Try it now with a big steak or cut of prime rib.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $33.00 (750 ml) private wine shops CSPC: 370775;   UPC: 00626990088851 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2009 Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Again and again, Perrin over delivers with this perfect summer rosé. The nose is bright and fresh, the palate medium dry with citrus/mineral and red fruit notes. The palate is sweet and covered in mineral, raspberry, floral fruit and a clean finish. All under screwcap. Summer in a bottle. Great value.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $13.50 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml) general listing; QC $13.90 (750 ml) CSPC: 559393;   UPC: 00631470000124 Producer: Perrin et Fils Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Emiliana Adobe Syrah Rosé Reserva Orgánico 2009 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Rosé made from organically grown grapes works if the wine is fresh and clean and with Adobe you get both. Look for a dry entry with an off-dry, citrus red fruit palate of strawberry/cranberry fruit. Balanced and fresh. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 248781;   UPC: 7804320268170 Producer: Vinedos Emiliana Distributor: Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2009 Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Another hit from its appealing, eye of the partridge colour to the floral fruity nose. The entry is dry with fine acidity and citrus strawberry fruits all with a crisp clean finish. Try this with your favourite summer meal out-of-doors or fresh, cracked Dungeness crab. Delightful.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 823229;   UPC: 03430560001693 Producer: Paul Boutinot Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

86/100 Marqués de Cáceres Rosado 2009 Rioja, Spain
An 80/20 blend of tempranillo and grenache. The nose is as always a mix of candied fruits with bits of florality. The palate is soft with candied cherry flavours and bits of caramel and a touch dirty in the finish. A richer, drier style best suited to food.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 361188;   UPC: 8410406611007 Producer: Marqués de Cáceres Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing; The Bacchus Group Inc.

88/100 Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The style is fixed and we happy. Bright fresh lifted fruit flecked with strawberry, citrus, watermelon with like last year a dusting of minerality. Chill this wine down and sip it freely or try it with light spicy dishes. A lovely fresh style with just the right amount of sugar.
Tasted: 2010-07-09 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 601161;   UPC: 00776545995872 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

87/100 Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2009 Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Expect a spot on Provence in colour, pink/orange and a fresh nose of citrus and strawberry. The entry is dry and fresh with lemony citrus notes and bits of candied cherries. The finish is clean and dry. A terrific rosé for food.
Tasted: 2010-07-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Red Dog CSPC: 032011;   UPC: 00626990024057 Producer: Garry Oaks Winery Distributor: Red Dog

88/100 Layer Cake Primitivo 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Typically rustic primitivo’s appeal is similar to zinfandel. Look for rich, black, soft, juicy fruit flecked with liquorice and oak that is easy to like. The palate is sweetish with more vanilla, black fruits and oak throughout. The warm finish is similarly rustic with a twist of dried herbs and acid and plenty of earthy pepper notes. A pricey spaghetti red.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00896599002002 Producer: Pure Love Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Ochoa Rosado de Lágrima Single Vineyard 2009 Navarra and Basque Country, Spain
The small region of Navarra just a bit northeast of Rioja is home to the Ochoa Rosado. The mix is garnacha and cabernet sauvignon run off the skins early to offer the perfect pale red orange colour and a delicious juicy, citrus, fruit flavoured pink with just a twist of spice and black cherries in the finish. Slightly more robust and alcoholic suggesting it will stand up to bigger dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 766436;   UPC: 08414167010123 Producer: Bodegas Ochoa Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

87/100 Torres De Casta Rosé 2009 Catalunya, Spain
Torres rosé is a garnacha/cariñena blend that is a testament to the ups and downs of the rosé fad – De Casta has seen many as it prepares to celebrate its 70th birthday in 2011. The nose is fresh and crisp packed with earthy, black cherry and fresh raspberry fruit nuances. On the palate it is remains equally fresh and round with sweet fruit flavours supported by an underlying note of floral/minerality. Think salade Niçoise, corn on the cob, or a summer style charcuterie lunch.
Tasted: 2010-07-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; US $10.00 (750 ml) retail CSPC: 383927;   UPC: 08410113002020 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

85/100 Nederburg Twenty Ten Dry Rose 2007 Western Cape, South Africa
Medium strawberry colour with a fresh citrus cherry berry nose. The plate is clean and light with citrus strawberry, mineral leafy earthy notes on the palate and a tight skinny finish. Juicy earthy simple style for light appetizers.
Tasted: 2010-07-01 by AG Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.99 (750 ml); ON $15.99 (750 ml) UPC: 06001108049773 Producer: Nederburg Wines (Pty) Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Dunham Froese Rosé 2009 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Much like the previous edition the nose and palate are flat. Round caramel/strawberry flavours coat the palate but there is no nervous tension or excitement. Its cleaner than the previous edition but it needs more acidity to really sing. The five percent syrah may darken the blend but it looks as if it weighs the whole wine down.
Tasted: 2010-07-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 467365;   UPC: 00628374100076 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

85/100 Seven Stones Speaking Rock Pinot Rosé 2009 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Seven Stones model is Provence and they have nailed the colour but the nose sports a bit too much rubber so give it plenty of air. The flavours are fresh with bits of mineral, lemon and strawberry the finish is lively and fun. Lets hope the nose cleans up over time in the bottle.
Tasted: 2010-07-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saffire Wines CSPC: 869677;   UPC: 00626990102533 Producer: Seven Stones Winery Distributor: Saffire Wines

87/100 Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Coastal Region, South Africa
The grapes are sourced from both cool and warm sites in what was a cool year giving the wine a sense of freshness and intense tropical fruit aromas. The palate is awash in limey, grapefruit and melon flavours form start to finish. A terrific summer style white for seafood and pasta salads.
Tasted: 2010-06-27 by AG Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine stores UPC: 6001495000449 Producer: Durbanville Hills Winery Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

85/100 The Beach House 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
Gooseberry, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, melon rind aromas jump from the glass of this 80/20 mix of sauvignon/semillon. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet and sour palate with grapefruit, gooseberry, baked pear, nettle and lemon rind flavours. Simple, easy summer deck style.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 120972;   UPC: 6001506900355 Producer: Douglas Green Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

87/100 Arrowleaf Solstice Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Celery salt, rooty, dried herb, spicy, savoury, menthol, barnyard rhubarb and strawberry aromas. Round, dry, supple but tart palate. Rhubarb, strawberry, carrot top, celery root, tobacco leaf and resin flavours with some coffee and herb notes on the finish. Offers solid fruit and balance in a more delicate pinot style for current drinking.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 147264;   UPC: 626990034261 Producer: Arrowleaf Cellars Distributor: New World Wines Incorporated; Winery Direct

87/100 Conundrum 2008 California, United States
Big floral, spicy, ginger, nectarine, honey, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, round, rich, somewhat sweet fresh palate with lychee, ginger, nectarine, honey, floral, spicy grapefruit flavours. Fun, fruity, and well-balanced but on the sweet side.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $29.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $24.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials; QC $25.00 (750 ml); SK $25.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 390831;   UPC: 017224702139 Producer: Caymus Vineyards Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

89/100 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Meiomi 2008 California, United States
A blend of Sonoma, Monterrey and Santa Barbara Counties, this offers a spicy, liquorice, celery, cherry, strawberries, orange peel and compost nose. Round, fresh, elegant and juicy on the palate with good acidity. Coffee, spicy, vanilla, strawberry jam, cherry, celery, orange and tobacco flavours. A bit oaky but has lots of good fruit and textures for current consumption. Solid value here.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $32.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $30.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $25.00 (750 ml) consignment - Grady Wine Marketing; QC $31.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 278937;   UPC: 00855622000231 Producer: Belle Glos Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

88/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Grassy, grapefruit, nettle, floral, melon, canned jalapeno aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, juicy style with passion fruit, lime, grapefruit, jalapeno and gooseberry flavours. Good viscosity with a creamy note and fresh. Made from two clones picked at different maturities.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

88/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Chardonnay 2008 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Butter, green apple, melon, peach, floral aromas. Round, full, elegant, fresh creamy palate with delicious baked green apple, nectarine, butter, vanilla, spicy, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Good finesse, very solid food style and the price is fair.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

88/100 Viña Chocalán Viognier Reserva 2009 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Honey, ginger, nectarine, floral, orange, mineral, light vanilla and spicy lees aromas with a touch of green apple. Round, fresh, rich, elegant but warm palate. Juicy with ginger, lemon, papaya, orange, creamy vanilla, honey, pear skin and green apple flavours. A bit rindy but very good concentration and finesse.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

89/100 Cono Sur Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Once in a while you find something truly exciting at a killer price and this is it. Very aromatic nose with grapefruit, melon, peach, canned jalapeno, lime, floral, green apple aromas. Ripe, round, juicy and vibrant palate with sweet ripe fruit of melon with lime, grapefruit, smoky jalapeno, passion fruit and orange flavours. Good concentration, finesse and viscosity for sauvignon blanc at a killer price from cool, coastal vineyards. A blend of three pickings and three Sancerre clones. Green never tasted so good.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative - Authentic Wine and Spirits Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Staete Landt Map Maker Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Grassy, grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon nettle aromas. Dry, crisp, fresh palate, quite zippy. Grapefruit, butter, gooseberry, lemon lime and green apple flavours with a touch of asparagus. Good finesse in a somewhat austere style that is matched for seafood. Made from purchased and estate fruit.
Tasted: 2010-06-23 by ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 889444 Producer: Staete Landt Vineyards Ltd. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Lifford Wine Agency

86/100 Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Blanc 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pear, grapefruit, peach pit, light butter aromas. Fresh, creamy, soft palate with light pear, red apple, chalk, peach skin flavours. Clean well made simple style white for lunch or picnics.
Tasted: 2010-06-22 by AG Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml); BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 626432;   UPC: 836909000045 Producer: Nk’Mip Cellars Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Tinhorn Creek Chardonnay 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Another quality leap at Tinhorn. Look for light honey, green apple, grapefruit, and spicy lees aromas with a touch of vanilla cream. Fresh, juicy, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, baked apple, lime rind, butter and vanilla flavours. Tasty, fresh, affordable. Stock up.
Tasted: 2010-06-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing, vqa and private wine shops CSPC: 5301691;   UPC: 624802981017 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Intrigue Gewurztraminer 2009 Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral soapy, light sausage, green apple skin, lees, mineral aromas. Ripe, round, soft, slightly sweet entry with lees, sausage, honey, floral, soapy, peach skin flavours. Finish is a bit rindy and warm but has good acidity freshness. Light and a bit leesy in the back end but should be fine with Thai or Indian dishes.
Tasted: 2010-06-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA stores, private wine shops CSPC: 811521;   UPC: 627843005759 Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Graham Beck Shiraz Viognier 2007 Coastal Region, South Africa
Spicy, meaty, floral, peppery, liquorice, leather, ginger, rooty aromas. Round, supple, somewhat sweet palate with fresh acidity. Very smoky, leather, black cherry jam, meaty, peppery, rooty, tobacco flavours with bits of rubber. Good fruit if a bit sweet and sour, not quite as fine as the previous edition.
Tasted: 2010-06-22 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 656629;   UPC: 699446000455 Producer: Graham Beck Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Gray Monk Ehrenfelser 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Dependable floral, peach skin, spicy, light ginger, passion fruit, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, juicy, somewhat sweet palate with orange, grapefruit rind, peach, lime skin and slate flavours. Similar in style to last year, a fun drink for the summer or perhaps spicy seafood.
Tasted: 2010-06-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 136986;   UPC: 778829119042 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Cono Sur Organic Chardonnay 2009 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
New, organic un-oaked chardonnay under screwcap that is ridiculously tasty for the price. Look for gooseberry, and spicy aromas. The entry is fresh, crisp and just off-dry with nettle, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit flavours and a touch of grass. Love the juicy mineral, green guava finish. Buy this one buy the truckload.
Tasted: 2010-06-10 by ST Prices: BC $14.50 (750 ml) retail CSPC: 471367;   UPC: 7804320242699 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

88/100 8th Generation Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rose 2009 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Another well-made delicious wine from 8th Generation. Love the bright citrus fruit character and the light red berry fruit you get on the nose and palate with just a dash of sweetness in the finish. So fresh and bright so appealing this is a terrific bottle of rosé.
Tasted: 2010-06-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 6269900102045 Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants; Quaff Wine and Spirits

86/100 Stag’s Hollow Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, passion fruit, grapefruit, floral, lemon, nettle aromas with a touch of grass. Fresh, off dry, round but slightly austere palate with gooseberry, grapefruit rind, passion fruit, pear, apple skin flavours with a somewhat rind-y finish.
Tasted: 2010-06-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa wine stores CSPC: 691717;   UPC: 00626990104612 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 Joie Chardonnay Un-Oaked (ii) 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very grassy, grapefruit rind, leesy, ginger, green apple skin aromas. Round, slightly oily texture with a sweet and sour palate. Lees, ginger, grapefruit, light honey and butter flavours. Finish is dry and somewhat tart with bitter citrus notes. Disappointing for the price.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 146456 Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm

87/100 CedarCreek Estate Chardonnay 2008 British Columbia, Canada
Big leesy nose with celery, grassy, waxy, vanilla, nutty, buttery aromas. Round, slightly lean entry with grapefruit, nutty, garlic, spicy, butter, honey, mineral, apple skin flavours. It finishes on the tart side with a touch of garlic lees lending it some complexity. Drink now or through the next year.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 237974;   UPC: 778913028045 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Nutty lees, grapefruit, green apple skin, light honey and butter with a waxy, grassy note. Round, slightly sweet entry, soft, easy palate with hazelnut, honey, butter, orange, grapefruit rind and apple skin flavours. Delicate, juicy finish with some length.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 377770;   UPC: 778856208016 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

90/100 Quails’ Gate Chardonnay Family Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, nutty, spicy, garlic, vanilla cream, baked apple, grapefruit, dried herb aromas. Round, delicate, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Vanilla, grassy, creamy, nutty lees, garlic, grapefruit, passion fruit, mineral, waxy, melon flavours. Good complexity and texture but a bit flat on the finish. Attractive style for current consumption.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa wine stores CSPC: 639641;   UPC: 778856208016 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

84/100 Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery The Townsend Jack Unoaked Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grassy, floral, grapefruit, green apple skin, honey aromas. Fresh, somewhat sweet, round palate with honey, butter, grapefruit, apple skin and mineral flavours. Simple summer sipper.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands CSPC: 847137;   UPC: 00776545400031 Producer: Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Robin Ridge Chardonnay 2008 Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, leesy, bacon, honey, waxy, orange aromas. Round, fat, soft, somewhat sweet palate with nutty, buttery lees, honey, baked apple and citrus flavours. Good textures if a bit over-worked on the lees side.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 072637;   UPC: 0626990095330 Producer: Robin Ridge Winery Distributor: FarmGate Quality Wines; Winery Direct

87/100 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Chardonnay 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Fresh red apple, grassy, grapefruit, peach, almond aromas. Ripe, round, off dry palate with honey, grapefruit, nutty, waxy, lemon and guava flavours. An un-oaked version that offers solid fruit and balance for the money. The Mt. Boucherie Collection Chardonnay is made with a mix of Similkameen Vineyard in Cawston and Sunrise Vineyard in Okanagan Falls.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 601102;   UPC: 00812289000424 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

85/100 Intrigue Riesling 2009 Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Appealing green apple, floral, slate nose with a hint of matchstick and some leesy, earthy notes. Light, soft, somewhat sweet entry but fresh with fruit salad, honey, orange, baked peach flavours. Simple, summer sipper style with a juicy, warm finish.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA stores, private wine shops CSPC: 881698;   UPC: 627843005728 Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Black Hills Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light nutty, citrus, lees, spicy, waxy, vanilla aromas with a touch of baked pear and apple. Round, dry, juicy, slightly salty palate with citrus, green apple, grassy, nutty, vanilla, honey and garlic flavours. Finish is elegant with light garlic, smoky note. Serve with simply prepared seafood or chicken dishes.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops UPC: 062990061526 Producer: Black Hills Estate Winery Distributor: Black Hills Estate Winery; Landmark Selections

87/100 Quails’ Gate Dry Riesling 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Fun floral, red apple, peach, light matchstick and light lees aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with peach, lime, grapefruit, floral, red apple flavours. Crisp, juicy finish. Refreshing and fruity all in a well-balanced style.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml); BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 308312;   UPC: 778856109023 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Calliope Sauvignon Blanc 2009 British Columbia, Canada
A new venture for Burrowing Owl blending fruit from estates outside of the original BOV sites in Oliver. Floral, waxy, cooked grapefruit, passion fruit aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet and soft palate with passion fruit, grapefruit, mineral, apple skin flavours. Simple, easy-sipping style on the more ripe side.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $34.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 133215;   UPC: 688229100093 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

88/100 Sandhill Pinot Gris King Family Vineyard 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Over the years, this wine has settled into its fresh, juicy persona offering up bits of pear and tropical fruit with a touch of Okanagan peach. Expect a medium-bodied style white with bright acidity and fresh juicy melon and green apple fruit flavours. Try it with spicy wraps and or crab cakes.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 626002;   UPC: 00058976500437 Producer: Sandhill Wines Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

87/100 Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Always fresh and clean in style the 09 is a particularly bright blend of riesling, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, viognier and muscat all fermented in stainless steel. Look for a spicy, mineral, citrus r and nectarine skin nose and flavours with hints of ginger in the aftertaste. A delicious summer sipper.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Whitefish Group CSPC: 918946;   UPC: 00854505001433 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Arrowleaf Pinot Gris 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The grapes for the gris are grown at Suncrest Vineyard in Okanagan Centre and Wendell Orchards in Carr's Landing. Look for ripe apple, spicy, pear, melon aromas with floral mineral undertones. The palate is fresh with peach and rear fruit flavours. Good complexity for the price and delicious.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 037770;   UPC: 626990024255 Producer: Arrowleaf Cellars Distributor: New World Wines Incorporated; Winery Direct

90/100 See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut N/V Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Look for a bright, floral, complex brioche nose with bits of fruit and nutty lees. The entry is clean a crisp with more baked pea and yeasty notes over a dried peach and pear finish. This bubble has jumped another notch up the sparkling scale. Very fine quality. Bravo BC.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.99 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops CSPC: 075648;   UPC: 624738011048 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Township 7 '7 Blanc' 2009 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
7 – Blanc is an aromatic blend of Naramata pinot gris, gewürztraminer and a bit of muscat. Look for an off-dry palate mixing grapefruit, honey mango and red apple notes with bits of cherries and spice. Classic style summer sipper that will pair with a variety of foods.
Tasted: 2010-06-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA stores, private wine shops CSPC: 114553;   UPC: 626990099567 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Road 13 Stemwinder 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light butter, lees, spicy, peach, guava, muscat, grapefruit, and passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, slightly sweet entry with minty, spicy, nutty, butter, honey, popcorn, grassy, grapefruit flavours. Finish is crisp with lots of citrus rind. Good solid summer sipper style.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 164681;   UPC: 626990081371 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

88/100 Howling Bluff Pinot Noir 2007 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, sour cherry, rhubarb nose with bits of mineral, cola and cool compost/forest floor aromas. The entry is dry, round and supple with cherry/cola, coffee, spicy, herbal, tobacco, beef and rhubarb flavours. A bit light yet with fine pinot textures and balance for current drinking. Good effort.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) private wine shops CSPC: 164350 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Thelema Mountain Red 2006 Western Cape, South Africa
A multi-varietal blend featuring a smoky, leather, tobacco, rooty, earthy, black olive nose. A supple, fresh palate with a touch of sweetness and flavours of a coffee, earthy, tobacco, cassis, ash and grilled meat. Very warm leafy, oaky finish. A better, more modern remake of the SA style.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 487967;   UPC: 00859982000078 Producer: Thelema Winery Distributor: Lone Tree Cellars

83/100 Sebeka Cabernet Pinotage 2007 Western Cape, South Africa
Blueberry, barnyard and tobacco leaf notes mixed with olives, dried herbs and coffee aromas. Sweet, soft, round palate with coffee, herbal, blueberry, resin, leafy flavours. Finish is quite tart and herbal. Ordinary wine at an ordinary price.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 793076;   UPC: 00085000015599 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

88/100 Joie A Noble Blend 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very spicy, ginger, perfumed, minty, mineral, canned grapefruit, grassy, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with strong grapefruit rind, grassy, peach pit, green apple, light lychee, spicy, mineral flavours. Very dry, rind-y finish to go with most Asian food and summer salads.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 882027 Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm

88/100 Road 13 Home Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big floral, pink grapefruit, citrus rind, honey, bubble gum nose with a touch of ginger and gooseberry. Ripe, round, crisp, somewhat sweet entry with candied pink grapefruit, red apple, honey, light lees, mineral, gooseberry and guava flavours. Good balance and intensity if a tad sweet and sour in the finish. There is 6% riesling in the final blend to lift the fruit.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 450890;   UPC: 626990062745 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

88/100 CedarCreek Estate Ehrenfelser 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, spicy, tangerine, ripe apple, nectarine, canned pink grapefruit aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, slightly sweet entry with tangerine, melon rind, gooseberry, spicy, granny smith, light butter and peach flavours. Good juicy, fun style for food and summer.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 306337;   UPC: 778913029066 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lean carrot top, brine, herbal, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, mineral, resin aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with fine freshness. Rhubarb, resin, celery salt, carrot top, tobacco leaf, nettle and soy flavours mark the palate. A lean tight cool version of pinot that is best served with fatty dishes at this point. A touch more fruit and texture would elevate this wine in the glass considerably.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml); NB $30.00 (750 ml) UPC: 778856108200 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Howling Bluff Pinot Noir 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Expect a cool nose of celery, carrot top, rhubarb, worsteshire and raspberry/floral aromas. Soft, round, dry, light palate with strawberry rhubarb, cola, carrot, tobacco leaf and light compost flavours. The finish is a bit tart but there is texture and balance that suggest it will improve in bottle.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $32.00 (750 ml) private wine shops CSPC: 164350;   UPC: 00626990088868 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The 09 2Bench has shown well since its release. Love the spicy, floral, guava, peach, green apple nose flecked with light lees, lychee and sausage aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry but fresh and clean on the palate. A fine mix of flavours including roses, grapefruit, red apple, honey, butter, mineral, lychee, grass and melon rind. Indian food anyone?
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 307157;   UPC: 00624802971209 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

88/100 Tinhorn Creek Gewürztraminer 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light lychee, sausage, lees, butter, green apple, spicy, citrus rind aromas. Fresh, light, elegant palate with a juicy note and a touch of sweetness. Green apple, nectarine, spicy, ginger, light sausage and mineral flavours. Well made tasty gewürztraminer.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 530675;   UPC: 624802981031 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Mission Hill Pinot Blanc Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Buttery, light nutty lees, vanilla, baked pear, red apple skin aromas. Round, fresh, juicy, creamy palate with butter, vanilla, mineral, grapefruit rind, and gooseberry, pear and granny smith flavours. Finish is quite tart and a bit austere at this stage but we expect this will age gracefully under screwcap.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 314013;   UPC: 776545991188 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

88/100 Mission Hill Reserve Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lime, grapefruit, butter, mineral, green apple skin, light petrol aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with green apple, lime, chalky, nectarine skin, slate flavours. Good finesse and freshness if a tad austere. Try with cold smoked salmon or mussels.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 776545995858 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

89/100 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris +23/9 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, grassy, green apple, butter, peach skin, citrus aromas. Ripe, round, fresh with a touch of sweetness. Buttery, peach skin, chalky, honey, nutty, earthy flavours. Finish is crisp and a bit on the austere side yet offers fine flavour intensity throughout. An impressive bottle of pinot gris.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 197988;   UPC: 850451001299 Producer: Laughing Stock Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Arrowleaf Solstice Gewurztraminer 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very strong, clean varietal nose with lychee, sausage, orange, rose petal, ginger, peach skin aromas. Fresh, round, elegant style with just a touch of sweetness but good acidity. Rose petal, honey, peach fuzz, sausage, and light lychee, citrus and mineral flavours. Well balanced, elegant style with good varietal character.
Tasted: 2010-06-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops UPC: 626990092049 Producer: Arrowleaf Cellars Distributor: New World Wines Incorporated; Winery Direct

86/100 Barista Pinotage 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
If you love the smell of coffee Barista Pinotage 2009 may be for you. The nose has intense smoky, roasted coffee notes mixed with cassis, chocolate and meaty aromas. The palate is very fresh acidity and some sweetness with more cherry/coffee/chocolate with vanilla, menthol, tobacco leaf flavours. The winery recommends a pairing with a blue cheese filled brandy snap, Belgium chocolate and roasted coffee beans.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Bacchus Group CSPC: 011106;   UPC: 00746925001547 Producer: Val di Vie Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

88/100 Teddy Hall Chenin Blanc Summer Moments 2009 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Summer Moments 2009 comes with a more classic nutty, grassy, green apple nose flecked with honey, gooseberry, and spicy aromas. The entry is fresh, crisp and just off-dry entry with nettle, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit flavours and a touch of grass. Love the juicy mineral, green guava finish. Solid value.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 260133;   UPC: 6005357000905 Producer: Teddy Hall Distributor: Whitefish Group

87/100 Excelsior Shiraz 2007 Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
The new release of the Excelsior Shiraz 2007 from Robertson pleases with its smoky, black plum, meaty, spicy aromas. Ripe, round and fresh on the palate the tannins are light with a touch of sweetness and fine flavours of cherry, coffee, peppery, liquorice and smoky, leather notes. A fun barbecued ribs red.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 183996;   UPC: 6004470000144 Producer: Excelsior Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 Spier Chenin Blanc 2009 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
The Spier chenin blanc from Stellenbosch has a fresh green apple nose with bits of honey, mineral, grapefruit and floral notes. The palate is fresh with slightly sweet grapefruit, grassy, nettle, honey, green apple and anise flavours. A crisp, juicy style made for most seafood. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private order; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 659037;   UPC: 00606655000299 Producer: Spier Distributor: Whitehall Agencies Inc.

89/100 Mission Hill Viognier Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big spicy, ginger, creamsicle, honey, mineral, nectarine skin, tangerine aromas with a touch of nutty lees. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly sweet entry with ginger, mineral, lemon peel, tangerine, honey, nectarine skin and five spice flavours. Good fresh, crisp finish to accompany most Asian foods. Solid value for BC.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 127670;   UPC: 776545993014 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

88/100 Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
Peppery, spicy, meaty, black cherry, floral, orange, chocolate, liquorice aromas. Round, supple, fresh, elegant palate with smoky, spicy, black cherry, plum, coffee, liquorice, chocolate flavours with a touch of sweetness and grilled meat on the finish. Good solid style for meats and tomato sauces or mole.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NF $14.00 (750 ml); NS $14.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 138479;   UPC: 746925000564 Producer: Boekenhoutskloof Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

87/100 Laughing Stock Vineyards Viognier +1/10 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A first viognier from Laughing Stock is has a buttery, candied ginger, leesy, orange, honey, mineral, slightly floral nose. Round, rich, warm, slightly sweet entry with fresh acidity and more honey, candied orange peel, ginger, buttery, vanilla, anise, floral flavours. Finish is very warm and somewhat sweet with a bit of butterscotch and buttered popcorn. A fun sipping style that should be leaned out going forward to make it more food friendly. That said Thai or Indian dishes would work here.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 123661;   UPC: 850451001329 Producer: Laughing Stock Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Black Hills Alibi 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pink grapefruit, passion fruit, nettle, lemon, light floral aromas with a touch of honey. Round, fresh, elegant, cool style with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit, gooseberry, lemon thyme, mineral, ginger, chalky flavours. Alibi is fashioned after the sauvignon blanc sémillon blends of the Loire Valley and works well with seafood dishes.
Tasted: 2010-06-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops UPC: 626990061564 Producer: Black Hills Estate Winery Distributor: Black Hills Estate Winery; Landmark Selections

89/100 Paul Mas Viognier 2008 l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Jean Claude Mas blends viognier fruit from cool and warm sites using young and old vines and relatively low yields at 52hl/ha. Look for a fresh aromatic floral nose that mixes nectarines and dried fruits. On the palate, peach and honey mix effortlessly with a creamy lees character. Very serious value here.A small percentage is barrel fermented in new oak but the bulk is aged only in stainless steel tanks to retain maximum freshness and finesse.
Tasted: 2010-05-31 by AG Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 151100;   UPC: 3760040420127 Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

86/100 Santa Julia Viognier 2009 Mendoza, Argentina
A drier version of this grape than the market leader from Chilean producer Cono Sur but it isn’t without its charm. More apricot and honey are in play here with a flatter, perhaps oilier mouth. A perfect mid-week white for chicken or creamy pastas dishes. Fine value.
Tasted: 2010-05-31 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 612317;   UPC: 07791728000320 Producer: Familia Zuccardi Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

85/100 Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Slightly reduced nose with light compost, rhubarb, cherry, cola, light vanilla, resin aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but light extract. Rhubarb, resin, cola, sour cherry, floral, carrot top flavours. Finish is a bit short and lean with a cooked note.
Tasted: 2010-05-31 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery / private wine shops CSPC: 626424;   UPC: 836909000014 Producer: Nk’Mip Cellars Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Noir +10/24 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light colour with a brick edge. Perfumed coffee, mocha, vanilla, candied cherry, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas mark the nose of this project in pinot. Dry, light, elegant palate with spicy, coffee, mocha, resin, rhubarb, herbal flavours with some tea leaf notes. Finish is just a bit too lean with some lingering leafy tannins. The grapes were sourced from Cawston in the Similkameen Valley.
Tasted: 2010-05-31 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.10 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 250993;   UPC: 850451001053 Producer: Laughing Stock Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Barahonda Monastrell 2005 Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, Spain
Soft black round, juicy plummy/pruny fruit made from 100 per cent monastrell grown in the Yecla region. The finish is dry and similarly soft with bits of mineral and red berry fruit flavours. Simple affordable, easy-sipping red that is fully ready to drink now.
Tasted: 2010-05-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Christopher Stewart Selections CSPC: 438713;   UPC: 008437006931014 Producer: Senario de Bodegas Barahonda Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

85/100 Layer Cake Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Leafy, coffee, meaty, milk chocolate, green tobacco, savoury root aromas. Round, warm, sweet, tart, supple entry with green tobacco, blueberry, herbal, smoky, candied blueberry, milk chocolate flavours. Very warm, soupy, hollow finish. What’s gone wrong in Oz?
Tasted: 2010-05-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 761742;   UPC: 00896599002026 Producer: Pure Love Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 St. Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Big coffee, vanilla, peppery, pencil lead, cedar nose flecked with mocha, liquorice, earthy, blackberry jam aromas. Rich, fat, somewhat sweet and tannic entry with fresh acidity. Cedar, blueberry, blackberry jam, smoky espresso, vanilla, peppery, licorice, hot resin flavours. Very coarse, oaky, tannic finish with tobacco and tea leaf tannins.
Tasted: 2010-05-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $30.00 (750 ml); BC $36.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $30.00 (750 ml); ON $30.00 (750 ml); QC $30.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 535104;   UPC: 9316920000053 Producer: St. Hallet Wines Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Tyrrell’s Lost Block Shiraz 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Reduced nose with peppery, tobacco leaf, herbal, blueberry, rubbery aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat lean entry with smoky, coffee, resin, rubbery, blueberry, tobacco leaf, green herbal flavours. Tart candied blueberry finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 426460;   UPC: 093452430020 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2009 Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Pear skin, mineral, earthy, floral, nectarine skin, smoky aromas. Fresh, round, juicy style with good acidity and a bit of sweetness. Citrus, slate, nectarine, pear, chalky flavours. Good solid styling with a clean, somewhat austere finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 556746;   UPC: 00635335320211 Producer: Francois Lurton S.A Distributor: Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Ltd.

86/100 CedarCreek Estate Syrah 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, plummy, tobacco leaf, peppery, spicy, savoury, dried herb and meat aromas. Round, dry, supple, somewhat tart entry with floral, plum, savoury, herbal, roasted meat, vanilla, coffee flavours. Has fruit and enticing florality but the balance is somewhat hard due to the acidity. Not quite as generous as the first edition.
Tasted: 2010-05-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 417949;   UPC: 778913027598 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 CedarCreek Pinot Gris 2009 British Columbia, Canada
Seven vineyards make up the CedarCreek blend which contains is 83 per cent stainless steel fermented juice. The other 17 per cent is briefly barrel fermented for 60 days to add some creamy textures and mouthfeel. Look for bright fruit notes of spiced peach and honey with some underlying mineral and citrus notes with a slightly warm finish. Try this with barbecued vegetable and pork kebabs.
Tasted: 2010-05-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 561175;   UPC: 778913029097 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

89/100 Herder Pinot Gris 2009 British Columbia, Canada
The Herder gris is 100 per cent tank fermented and sees no oak throughout the ageing process. Winemaker Lawrence Herder is rightfully seeking to reveal the crisp minerality and cool citrus fruits of the Similkameen to offset the peachy tones of the Okanagan Valley fruit. The finish is ripe with just the right amount of honey and creamy lees to balance the wine. Very modern stylish gris that is textbook BC. Bring on the calamari.
Tasted: 2010-05-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 94201;   UPC: 814372000304 Producer: Herder Winery & Vineyards Distributor: Landmark Selections; Winery Direct

87/100 Road 13 Rockpile 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Rockpile is a supple, tasty blend of red fruit grown in the South Okanagan. In all 13 vineyard blocks contributed eight varieties of grapes to the blend from both Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile Bench. Look for a cedar-y dried herb aroma and a similar spicy, savoury, cedar-y black fruit palate flecked with dried herbs. Drinkable now but should improve over the next two years under screwcap.
Tasted: 2010-05-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 078915;   UPC: 626990081388 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

89/100 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Sandra Oldfield has hit all the right notes in '09 producing a much fresher, much cleaner version of this grape that is really excelling under screwcap. Lemons, apples and honey with a subtle herbal edge, it is all you can ask for at $17. The fruit is 50/50 Black Sage Bench and Golden Mile Bench. Love the winery food picks: Thai curries, quesadillas, and fish tacos.
Tasted: 2010-05-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 530683;   UPC: 624802981024 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Nk'Mip Cellars Riesling 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Randy Picton continues to defy the odds making very solid riesling in the warm south Okanagan. The latest is nicely dried out playing up green apple, peachy, nectarine notes with just a touch of sweetness and minerality in the back end. The perfect summer sipper that will surprise you with the number of dishes it can enliven.
Tasted: 2010-05-11 by AG Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa wine stores CSPC: 138297;   UPC: 836909010532 Producer: Nk’Mip Cellars Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2008 Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Big petrol, slate, lime rind, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry, slightly austere style with a touch of spritz. Juicy green apple, petrol, lime, slate, spicy, nectarine skin flavours. Very fresh, austere style but good flavours. Best with smoked salmon or mussels.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NB $19.00 (750 ml); ON $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 528216;   UPC: 012354052109 Producer: Wynns Coonawarra Estate Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

82/100 Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Leesy, bready, grassy, herbal, nettle aromas mark a slightly dirty nose. Odd metallic, sweet and sour entry with grassy, herbal, lemon, leesy, resin flavours. Very tart with a hard, raw, acidic finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) private wine shops UPC: 00626990088875 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Loron & Fils Bourgogne Blanc Montvallon Chardonnay 2009 Burgundy, France
Clean green apple, citrus, floral, mineral aromas. Fresh, round, light and delicate palate with green apple, grassy, light waxy, floral, pear skin flavours. Food friendly, lighter tight style from France now under Stelvin.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 525733;   UPC: 003298660024741 Producer: Loron & Fils Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Montalto Catarratto Organic 2008 Sicily, Italy
Grapefruit, nettle, gooseberry, slate, earthy aromas. Round, dry, fresh, delicate, juicy palate but a bit austere. Petrol, slate, gooseberry, grapefruit, mineral, lemon flavours. A tasty seafood white for summer.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants CSPC: 408138;   UPC: 008030423002413 Producer: Barone Montalto Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Council's Punch Bowl Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, passion fruit, candied grapefruit rind, lemon peel aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry with canned grapefruit, green apple, floral, fruit cocktail flavours. A bit on the sweet and sour side but simple and fresh with a rind-y finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands CSPC: 728242;   UPC: 00776545400048 Producer: Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

89/100 Mud House Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Another delicious aromatic pinot from Central Otago. The fruit grown at Bendigo is bright and soft mixing sweet Bing cherries and plums with a subtle dusting of spicy, savoury dried herbs. The finish is silky smooth but not overly warm. Sensibly, parts of the wine were aged in new and used French oak while other bits remain in stainless steel tanks prior to blending. Terrific value.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 9421018070631 Producer: Mud House Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

84/100 Howling Bluff Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, bready, leesy, candied lime nose with metallic, waxy, passion fruit aromas. Very tart, somewhat acidic entry with grassy, passion fruit, herbal, artichoke, lime, winter mint flavours. Finish is very brisk and austere. Needs a year or so in bottle to settle down.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) private wine shops UPC: 00626990088875 Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Stag’s Hollow Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Butter, waxy, passion fruit, grapefruit, kiwi, floral, spicy lees aromas with a bit of nettle. Round, fresh, dry, slightly austere palate with butter, lemon, and mineral, canned grapefruit, passion fruit, and vanilla, waxy, lees flavours. Good solid effort in a somewhat more Euro style to accompany food. Starting to age a bit.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops CSPC: 862698;   UPC: 00626990105538 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 Mont Tauch Fitou Growers Reserve 2008 Fitou, Languedoc, South of France, France
Meaty, peppery, warm prune plum, resin, savoury, spicy, leather and cherry aromas. Dry, warm, slightly tannic palate with cherry, spicy, licorice, meaty, leather, tobacco, orange and five spice flavours. Fresh finish with some tannin to go with your barbecue.
Tasted: 2010-05-08 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 402040;   UPC: 003288841029504 Producer: Les Producteurs du Mont Tauch Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

84/100 St. Hubertus Frizzante Rosé 2009 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The current edition nails the colour (cranberry/pink) and it’s cleaner on the nose if on the sweet side. The frizzante or slight prickle on the palate helps to carry the ripe strawberry, candied caramel and spiced fruit. Best served picnic style cold.
Tasted: 2010-05-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 507038;   UPC: 625259105087 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

86/100 Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Michael Bartier is on the right track with his pink. Look for a fruity nose of strawberries and cranberries with a medium dry mid-palate and a candied/citrus flavoured finish. Think cold chicken and potato salad or perhaps spicy, sushi-style appetizers. Serve well chilled.
Tasted: 2010-05-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 357327;   UPC: 00626990081340 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Quails’ Gate Rosé 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The QQ pink is 100 per cent gamay all grown on the Boucherie Bench. It is important to know the wine is technically dry because the fruit appears so sweet and round. The palate is a mix of sweaty, grapefruit and strawberries with a twist of rhubarb that finishes crisp and dry. Serve well-chilled all over the barbecue. Good value here.
Tasted: 2010-05-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 170316;   UPC: 778856109245 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Villa Teresa Rose Veneto Vino Frizzante N/V Veneto, Italy
Pale salmon colour. Fresh fruity red fruit nose. On the palate you taste soft, candied cherry fruit flavours bolstered by the frizzante or spritz that keeps it light and fresh. Simple playful pink for a summer afternoon or evening al fresco meal.
Tasted: 2010-05-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 826875;   UPC: 08007615000076 Producer: Vini Tonon s.r.l. Distributor: The Delf Group

84/100 Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake N/V Japan
Light floral, yeasty, apple, canned pear aromas. Fresh, somewhat foamy sparkling palate with fresh acidity but quite sweet entry. Similar flavours, this is a soda like style with a perfumed Popsicle note. Try it with spicy food.
Tasted: 2010-05-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.25 (750 ml) CSPC: 650960;   UPC: 083089220002 Producer: Gekkeikan Sake Company Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Layer Cake Malbec 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Open warm peppery, black cherry kirsch nose with orange marmalade, tobacco leaf and roasted mushroom aromas. The entry is round and velvety but somewhat sweet and sour with some light tannins. The palate is awash in warm, savoury, peppery, black cherry fruit flavours with bits of mocha, marmalade, cedar bark and tobacco. Big rich warm over top red with a hot, tart finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00896599002033 Producer: Pure Love Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Chateau Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection Malbec 2008 Coteaux du Languedoc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Very peppery, resin, tobacco leaf, cedar, rooty, smoky, black cherry, black olive, savour nose. Round, dry, supple palate with good textures. Mushroom, peppery, smoky, tobacco leaf, black cherry, rooty, resin, cedar flavours. A solid, modern Euro version of malbec with a bit more dryness and less of the generous sweet tannins of Mendoza.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 644336;   UPC: 3760040422954 Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

83/100 Twisted Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 California, United States
Blackberry jam, cedar bark, tobacco, licorice, meaty nose. Round, light, fresh and slightly sweet with little extract. Light berry, weedy, cedar bark, mocha, coffee flavours with a warm, acidic finish. A super commercial version of zinfandel.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 802306;   UPC: 0822422334938 Producer: Twisted Wine Cellars Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

89/100 Salomon Undhof Wieden & Berg Tradition Gruner Veltliner Loess 2008 Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
Fresh spicy, floral, light honey, grassy, lime, waxy, nettle aromas. Ripe, round, full, fresh and juicy palate with good finesse and concentration. Waxy, spicy, lees, nectarine, slate, earthy, green apple skin, and honey flavours. Fresh, creamy, citrus, spicy slate finish. Fine effort to drink with any seafood.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 843045;   UPC: 009004668000113 Producer: Weingut Salomon - Undhof Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

84/100 Georges Vigouroux Pigmentum Malbec 2005 Cahors, Sud-Ouest, France
Cedar bark, smoky, meaty, prune, spicy, incense, coffee aromas with a lifted, leafy note. Somewhat, dry, rustic tannin entry with smoky, resin, rooty, meaty, peppery, cedar bark, tobacco leaf flavours. A bit too much of an old style Cahors.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 690917;   UPC: 003275844003020 Producer: Georges Vigouroux Distributor:

88/100 Stift Goettweig Gruner Veltliner Trocken Messwein 2008 Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
Very floral, perfumed, citrus, grassy, nettle, lees aromas. Ripe, round, rich, fresh, juicy palate. Grapefruit, grassy, spicy, peppery, honey, floral flavours with a touch of oily, lemon grass on the finish. Attractive weight and finesse for most seafood without the influence of oak. Solid value here.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 442939;   UPC: 009006882100194 Producer: Stift Goettweig Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

85/100 Rigal The Original Malbec 2008 Cahors, Sud-Ouest, France
Very dark colour. Big leafy, cedar, peppery, meaty, lees, minty, cherry aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with cedar bark, peppery, earthy, resin, rooty, cherry and olive flavours. Good texture but somewhat on the leafy green side with some acidity on the finish.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants UPC: 003180611021506 Producer: Rigal Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Trivento Tribu Viognier 2009 Mendoza, Argentina
Orange, ginger, leesy, floral, spicy sausage aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, dry palate with orange creamsicle, ginger, melon rind, lees and nectarine flavours. Crisp, fresh, fruity without being heavy, offers great value for summer or seafood.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants UPC: 007798039590151 Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Excelsior Paddock Viognier 2009 Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
Another fine effort. Love the freshness and the bright nectarine, lemon, orange, ginger, spicy mineral aromas. Crisp, round, elegant, slightly sweet but juicy palate. Orange peel, ginger, apple skin, honey, slate and light sausage flavours. Good intensity and juiciness for the money. Great value.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 662171;   UPC: 06004470000083 Producer: Excelsior Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

85/100 Mont Tauch Fitou 2006 Fitou, Languedoc, South of France, France
Earthy, meaty, black cherry kirsch, rooty, leather aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate with fresh acidity. Smoky, licorice, meaty, cedar, peppery, black cherry flavours. Somewhat austere, hot style for grilled meats.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 402040;   UPC: 003288841029504 Producer: Les Producteurs du Mont Tauch Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Grooner Gruner Veltliner 2008 Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
Smoky, slate, spicy, lees, lime aromas. Round, fresh, crisp but slightly oily texture with a touch of sweetness. Lime, lees, slate, honey, grassy, green apple flavours. Good solid seafood wine with a bit of citrus rind bitterness. Attractive styling. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 00089744754547 Producer: Meinhard Forstreiter Distributor: Whitefish Group

89/100 Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2008 Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
Year to year Singing Grüner Veltliner continues to impress. So clean, so sharp, so mouth-watering so delicious it translates it terroir with ease. The story goes this wine sings on the palate and when you taste its fresh acidity, creamy flavours and blatant minerality you should agree. Look for a creamy palate with floral citrus, crunchy fruit and honey notes flecked with pepper and lemon oil. Delicate and dry but with finesse and staying power. Oysters, clams, poultry you name it, this is a versatile wine.
Tasted: 2010-04-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml) LCBO CSPC: 458034;   UPC: 00877397000391 Producer: Laurenz Five Fine Wine GmbH Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Southern Most Red 2009 San Patricio del Chanar, Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina
Referred to as the ‘end of the earth’ winery this simple tasting red blend is a bit of a mystery. It hails from Neuquén, Patagonia and is made by Bodega Del Fin de Mundo. After that there is little information available on the blend. The palate is warm and sweet with plenty of cedar-y black fruit and pepper and a soft smoky chocolate finish. Your basic hamburger red at a great price.
Tasted: 2010-04-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 476408;   UPC: 007798099598265 Producer: Bodega del Fin del Mundo Distributor: AltoVin International

85/100 Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 California, United States
Spicy, carrot top, compost, tobacco leaf, light cherry, strawberry jam, rooty nose. Dry, round, supple palate with rooty, compost, herbal, strawberry, coffee, raspberry leaf flavours. Simple, easy, clean style, better than the last bottling.
Tasted: 2010-04-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $9.00 (750 ml); MB $10.00 (750 ml); NS $9.00 (750 ml); ON $9.00 (750 ml); SK $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 309955;   UPC: 00850000015896 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

88/100 Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Open inviting dried herbs nose with flecks of cherry, strawberry jam, orange, barnyard and pepper aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with crisp acidity. On the palate look for delicious spicy, caraway, thyme, strawberry, liquorice flavours and solid fruit with acidity that finishes a touch warm Good value for pinot hunters.
Tasted: 2010-04-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml) LCBO CSPC: 254508;   UPC: 009414416508158 Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

88/100 No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Ripe passion fruit, melon, gooseberry, ripe kiwi aromas. Fresh, soft, moderately dry palate with grassy, lemon, nettle, canned asparagus, passion fruit, grapefruit flavours. Juicy, citrusy, smoky finish. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 768002;   UPC: 00621926300014 Producer: Allan Scott Wines & Estate Distributor: Whitefish Group

84/100 Stone Cellars Merlot 2007 California, United States
Tobacco, herbal, cherry, orange peel, olive aromas. Warm, slightly tart and tannic entry with a bit of sweetness. Cedar bark, tobacco, cherry, dried herb, olive and tea leaf flavours. Standard Central Valley fare here.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 606814;   UPC: 089819117345 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

88/100 The Lucky Country Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Very spicy, peppery, liquorice root, coffee, raspberry jam, tobacco, black cherry aromas. Round, fresh, slightly tannic and warm palate. Raspberry kirsch, orange, tobacco, chocolate, black pepper, rooty flavours. Good fruit but the finish is very warm and tart. Best with food. The Lucky Country label is made with declassified Two Hands fruit.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 170555;   UPC: 009331727010388 Producer: The Lucky Country Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

85/100 Diego Murillo Merlot 2008 Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina
Spicy, coffee, cherry jam, tobacco, plastic, meaty aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tight palate with cedar, cherry, orange, tobacco leaf, mineral, coffee, leather flavours. Finish is a bit tart and rustic but solid value here to have with the barbecue season.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) Vinterra Wines CSPC: 590851;   UPC: 604984200007 Producer: Establecimiento Humberto Canale Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

90/100 Matua Valley Paretai Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Big grapefruit and lime zest, asparagus, passion fruit, granny smith, melon rind, gooseberry aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy palate with good finesse. Green apple, lemon nettle, asparagus, green melon, gooseberry, grapefruit flavours with a smoky note. Good finesse and elegance with a very crisp, granny smith, jalapeno finish. Needs a bit of time to integrate but this is good stuff.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Foster's Wine Estate; NF $30.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 278556;   UPC: 9415305170036 Producer: Matua Valley Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

88/100 Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Ripe pear, earthy, melon rind, floral aromas. Ripe, round, rich, somewhat sweet entry with fresh acidity. Nettle, pear, honey, lees, butter, melon rind, earthy flavours. Good ripe style with intensity if a tad sweet.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 023820;   UPC: 9418165904605 Producer: Wither Hills Vineyards Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 CedarCreek Estate Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Somewhat reduced nose with coffee, chocolate, black cherry, tobacco, sausage meat, black olive and brine aromas. Dry, tart, lean entry with cedar, tobacco, sour cherry, coffee, herbal, peppery flavours. Finish is dry, somewhat tannic and austere. This needs time in the bottle and for the moment time in the decanter.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 408666;   UPC: 00778913037535 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Chateau de la Galiniere Rose 2009 Côtes du Provence, Provence, South of France, France
Very fresh, spicy, cherry, floral, rooty, red apple nose. Fresh, crisp, easy, simple palate with citrus, tobacco, earthy, cherry, mineral flavours. Juicy, fresh, dry finish to go with duck salad, barbecue pork or a spicy pasta salad. Fun to drink.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 28076;   UPC: 3357400399003 Producer: Chateau de la Galiniere Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

90/100 Wither Hills Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Rarangi 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Very intense canned jalapeno, asparagus, gooseberry, grapefruit rind, smoky, nettle aromas. Rich, round, textured palate with a touch of sweetness but juicy acidity. Grapefruit, passion fruit, jalapeno, melon, lees, grassy, nettle flavours. Good length and juicy acidity with a full finish.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 493619;   UPC: 9418165902618 Producer: Wither Hills Vineyards Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

90/100 Skillogalee Single Vineyard Riesling 2009 Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
This is the best Skillogalee (Celtic for a gruel served prisoners) we have tasted to date. The fruit is grown above 500 meters and the tonnage is low. We love the fresh peachy, lime aromas and bright acidity and the fresh crunchy mid-palate fruit. The finish is crisp and clean. Tried this with pork tenderloin and it was perfect. Serve all summer on the deck.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 579169;   UPC: 09331634000076 Producer: Skillogalee Wines Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

88/100 Paritua Syrah 2007 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Big meaty, tobacco, cola, licorice, black cherry, roasted pepper aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with peppery, sausage meat, cola, garrigue, smoky, black cherry, and coffee grind flavours. A very cool, meaty expression of syrah but has good mouth feel.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $44.00 (750 ml) UPC: 009421022605058 Producer: Paritua Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

86/100 RedWire 2008 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Spicy, peppery, rooty, reduced, cherry, tobacco, cedar nose. Round, supple, easy palate with earthy, spicy, cedar, black olive, tobacco, cherry, resin flavours. A bit tart but ready to go for grilled meats.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports CSPC: 057836;   UPC: 009421022607014 Producer: Mount George Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

87/100 Stone Paddock Scarlet 2007 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Cool style, fresh menthol, spicy, cassis, cherry nose with tobacco, cedar, black olive, licorice root notes. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with cherry, rooty, cedar, tobacco, tart cassis, cola, herbal, carrot flavours. Finish is suave but a bit tart.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports CSPC: 760850;   UPC: 009421022600121 Producer: Paritua Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

91/100 Ata Rangi Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
A fine alternative style to Marlborough. Look for a grassy, grapefruit, lemon grass, cooked gooseberry aromas with slightly nutty, smoky notes. Ripe, rich, juicy, dry palate with a spicy, passion fruit, gooseberry, lemon, floral, mango, grassy, jalapeno flavours. Good length and concentration with fresh acidity on the finish. Very classy and good value.
Tasted: 2010-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 679332;   UPC: 9421013421551 Producer: Ata Rangi Limited Distributor: Landmark Selections; Lifford Wine Agency

86/100 Fork in the Road Oliver Block 249 Red 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, peppery, cherry, tobacco, black olive, plum, savoury, rooty nose. Round, dry, warm, slightly tannic palate with chocolate, cedar, black olive, rooty, menthol, tobacco, cherry flavours with some light black tea tannins on the finish.
Tasted: 2010-04-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 121707;   UPC: 776545997081 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

86/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2008 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
The ’08 Los Cardos is an attractive mix of red and black fruit flavours that despite its low price boast fruit from key production regions in Ugarteche, Lujan de Cuyo, and smaller amounts from the high-altitude Uco Valley. The vineyards are a missal selection of the French "Cot" clone developed over decades in Mendoza. Soft fresh, spicy, black fruit flavours with a dash of dried herbs simply get the job done for the price.
Tasted: 2010-04-07 by AG Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml); SK $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 633628;   UPC: 836905000018 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

88/100 Langmeil Shiraz Grenache Mourvèdre Three Gardens 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Rich peppery, coffee, black cherry, plum, liquorice, tobacco, minty, meaty, barnyard aromas. Round, supple, fresh, warm palate with spicy, peppery, smoky, black cherry jam, plum, tobacco, minty, resin, liquorice, herbal tea flavours. Finish is a bit fresh and warm but there is fine fruit intensity. It’s new World Oz shiraz.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by ST Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $22.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 640821;   UPC: 66780067039 Producer: Langmeil Winery Distributor: AltoVin International

86/100 The Elegant Ocker Shiraz Cabernet 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
The Elegant Ocker is a joint venture between Kangarilla Road and Vancouver-based Whitefish Group. The blend is 75/25 shiraz cabernet, a reversal of the traditional cabernet sauvignon/shiraz blend all aged in French and American oak barriques. Big soft oaky dense fruit coats your palate with a sheen of acidity. Classic New Wave Oz with that sweet and sour tone throughout. Best with smoky barbecued beef.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 454587;   UPC: 09326637006088 Producer: Kangarilla Road Distributor: Whitefish Group

87/100 Glimmer of Hope Shiraz 2008 South Australia, Australia
This all McLaren Vale red is rich and dense looking with deep colour and a powerful nose of chocolate and red fruit. The palate is awash in blueberries, spice and chocolates with a pinch of acidity poking through. It does deliver the goods for the price and should be a hit with Oz shiraz fans.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 585208;   UPC: 00621926400028 Producer: Kangarilla Road Distributor: Whitefish Group

84/100 Oak Bay Northern Lights 2006 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Deep ruby rose colour with large mousse. Very earthy, leesy, toasty, tobacco, cherry, almond skin aromas. Foamy, somewhat off dry palate that is showing substantial maturity with buttery, vanilla, tobacco, earthy, oxidative, cooked cherry flavours.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops UPC: 00625259390063 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

88/100 Ara Pathway Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Big grapefruit, gooseberry, passion fruit, canned jalapeno, lemon nettle aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with good acidity and a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, gooseberry, canned jalapeno, asparagus, passion fruit, zesty flavours. Good intensity if a bit herbal but it is classic Marlborough. Bring on the mussels.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants UPC: 9421900742103 Producer: Winegrowers of Ara Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Accordini Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005 Veneto, Italy
Peppery, meaty, chocolate, tobacco nose with black cherry, black olive, rooty aromas. Round, dry, fresh and supple on the palate with very light tannins. Black cherry, cola, coffee, milk chocolate, vanilla, cedar bark, tobacco leaf. Looks more like an Oz wine than an Italian Valpolicella.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 540088;   UPC: 791836016050 Producer: Igino Accordini Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

88/100 CedarCreek Estate Gewürztraminer 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, grapefruit, orange, sausage meat, ginger, spicy nose. Fresh, juicy, slightly sweet palate with grapefruit, mineral, ginger, green apple, spicy, lychee flavours. Simple, fresh, citrusy style with good varietal character.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 240978;   UPC: 778913029059 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Dr. L Riesling 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Floral, red apple, citrus, matchstick, mango and slate aromas. Fresh, crisp, somewhat sweet but elegant and delicate. Slate, lime, mango, white peach, floral, red apple flavours. Good juicy finish with a touch of granny smith. Ready to drink.
Tasted: 2010-04-04 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $15.00 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 599274;   UPC: 00183103000013 Producer: Weingut Dr. Loosen Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Grown at 3300 feet the Cardos cabernet is mix of mint and cassis with a fairly pronounced tobacco character on the nose. Cranberry, raspberry fruit dominates the palate and it finishes with a touch of gripp-y tannins. Grilled burgers or ribs would be a perfect for this useful. Good, affordable, simple red wine.
Tasted: 2010-04-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 633636;   UPC: 00836950000025 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

84/100 Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California, United States
Stone Cellars is a big brand but in 07 it seems they are finally hitting the mark for $13. Think hamburger red with boysenberry, cassis and dried herbs. It’s sweeter than I’d like but likely what the audience wants. Drink now.
Tasted: 2010-04-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; NB $14.29 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $12.65 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $14.80 (750 ml); SK $14.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 606798;   UPC: 0089819117284 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

88/100 Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2008 Coastal Region, South Africa
Three vineyards sights Malmesbury, Wellington and specifically at Boekenhoutskloof are the source of this well made syrah. Eight months in French oak reduces the wild character and sets up a pleasant, floral nose with bits of liquorice. On the palate it is fresh, the tannins soft and the flavours a mix of meaty, spicy, savoury and black fruit with a twist of barnyard. Take it to the next barbecue and watch it disappear.
Tasted: 2010-03-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $17.99 (750 ml); ON $14.85 (750 ml) Vintages; SK $17.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 592873;   UPC: 746925000786 Producer: Boekenhoutskloof Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

86/100 Deinhard Sparkling Diamant N/V
Easily the coolest new product I’ve seen in wine in quite a while. At the equivalent of $19 a bottle this 200mL brushed aluminum bottle with a crown cap is ultra-cool looking and feels equally stylish in your hand. Best of all this “aerated semi-sparkling wine obtained by adding carbon dioxide: it says so on the side of the tin can, is bright and fresh on the nose with peachy/strawberry fruit and citrus. Try it with spicy Asian fare with a flute or with a straw.
Tasted: 2010-03-29 by AG-ST Prices: BC $4.75 (200 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 613596;   UPC: 4003310649101 Producer: Deinhard KG Koblenz Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Poggio Alla Badiola 2007 Tuscany, Italy
Badiola (vineyard) is a 70/30 blend of sangiovese and merlot that spends about nine months in barriques. Look for the classic earthy mushroom Tuscan nose with a small floral component, pepper, tobacco and cherry aromas. The palate is resoundingly dry and fresh with meaty peppery, licorice root flavours with sour cherries and more tobacco leaf flavours. This is a food wine in the good sense. Try with a mushroom dish or spaghetti Bolognese. Would love to see the artificial cork disappear.
Tasted: 2010-03-29 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $20.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $17.00 (750 ml) SAQ CSPC: 528596;   UPC: 008016118241053 Producer: Marchesi Mazzei S.P.A. Agricola Distributor: AltoVin International

85/100 Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2008 California, United States
Stone Cellars continues to evolve down the leaner, less oak road. The nose is fruity with bits of apple, spice and brown sugar. Creamy lees marks the mid-palate textures with more apple fruit and a bit of oak and vanilla in the back end. There is a touch of bitterness in an otherwise pleasant finish.
Tasted: 2010-03-29 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $15.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); PEI $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 606806;   UPC: 89819117468 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2008 California, United States
Big grapefruit rind, sweaty, gooseberry, jalapeno, green apple, nettle aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet entry with canned grapefruit, gooseberry, sweaty, grassy, lemon nettle flavours. Solid if a bit commercial.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Philippe Dandurand Wines UPC: 00188985000113 Producer: Joel Gott Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

83/100 Osborne Solaz Shiraz Tempranillo 2007 Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Spicy, peppery, blueberry, tobacco, dried herb, aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat tart palate but fruity with floral, cherry, blueberry, soapy, herbal, tobacco flavours. Chalky, slightly buttery finish. Simple barbecue red.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $10.95 (750 ml) LCBO; SK $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 389668;   UPC: 0022851804019 Producer: Osborne Internacional Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies; Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

81/100 Osborne Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Cherry, cassis, peppery, candied green apple, floral aromas. Raw, somewhat tart and disjointed palate with herbal, leafy, tobacco, olive, cassis, tea leaf flavours. Tart, thin finish. No charm here.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.45 (750 ml); NB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $12.70 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml); PEI $14.00 (750 ml); QC $12.00 (750 ml); SK $13.40 (750 ml) CSPC: 610188;   UPC: 22851801018 Producer: Osborne Internacional Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies; Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

84/100 Rolling Shiraz 2007 Central Ranges, New South Wales, Australia
Spicy, coffee, cola, blueberry, resin, meaty, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, rich, somewhat sweet and sour palate with peppery, meaty, reduced, cola, resin, blueberry, tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is tart and slightly astringent.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 797886;   UPC: 9334463000125 Producer: Cumulus Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

83/100 Diego Murillo Malbec 2009 Alto Valle del Río Negro, Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina
Meaty, peppery, tobacco leaf, savoury, black cherry, cola, rooty aromas. Round, supple, dry but somewhat tart palate with light tannins. Chalky, herbal, savoury, peppery, tobacco leaf, meaty, reduced flavours. Regression of style unfortunately.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml); BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 527176;   UPC: 00604984111228 Producer: Establecimiento Humberto Canale Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Brut N/V Veneto, Italy
Very floral, peach skin, butter, candied red apple aromas. Fresh, zesty, somewhat foamy mousse with green apple, muscat-y, rose petal, peach skin flavours. Good juicy style with fresh acidity and only a touch of sweetness. A fun style.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 095711;   UPC: 8005829000646 Producer: Distributor:

80/100 Maipe Malbec 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Weird green apple, cherry, spicy, peppery, somewhat volatile nose. Round, tart, rustic palate with herbal, peppery, bruised apple flavours. Bizarre, commercial mix and unbalanced.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 513838;   UPC: 00784585008834 Producer: Proviva Srl Distributor: Landmark Selections

87/100 Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2009 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Much like last year this spicy, floral, fruit salad is swimming in rose petals, citrus and passion fruit aromas and flavours. The finish is soft and round with more citrus rind and peachy/lychee flavours. Try this one on the patio before dinner or with your favourite curry dish.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 734475;   UPC: 0062990090953 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

88/100 Bollini Pinot Grigio Trentino 2008 Volano, Trento, Trentino- Alto-Adige, Italy
Honey, nutty, floral, quince, pear, anise, mineral aromas. Round, fresh, easy style with a hint of sweetness. Pear, nutty, quince, lemon, floral, spicy, butter flavours. Good richness with a slightly austere, tart finish. Not quite as expansive as the previous year but still good.
Tasted: 2010-03-27 by AG Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $17.00 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 611723;   UPC: 00726452000039 Producer: Empson and Company Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Empson Canada Inc.

86/100 Pink Elephant Rosé 2008 Portugal
Light orange ruby colour. Spicy, licorice, floral, cherry, peppery, citrus aromas. Fresh, crisp, tart palate with pomegranate, rhubarb, raspberry, mineral, spicy flavours. Very crisp, simple style that will handle most foods. Solid value.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - David Herman & Son CSPC: 230573;   UPC: 005060137510013 Producer: DFJ Vinhos Lda Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

82/100 Villa Teresa Merlot (Organic) 2008 Veneto, Italy
Big dill, green olive, tobacco leaf, rooty aromas. Round, soft, sweet and sour palate with green olives, tobacco leaf, tomato, leafy, resin flavours. Disappointing and probably why the organic moniker is as much a detriment as it can be a benefit.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 549659;   UPC: 8007615000373 Producer: Vini Tonon s.r.l. Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Robin Ridge Merlot 2006 Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, cola, tobacco, peppery, cooked rhubarb, barnyard, leather and cedar aromas. Tart, slightly astringent palate with reduced, peppery, cola, coffee, sour cherry, resin, cedar and dried herbal flavours. The finish is soft but with a green undercurrent.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops UPC: 0626990068228 Producer: Robin Ridge Winery Distributor: FarmGate Quality Wines; Winery Direct

85/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, spicy, clove, vanilla, coffee, cassis, green olive, leather, smoky herb aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly tart palate with light tannins. Cedar, dusty, earth, coffee, leather, herbal, tart cassis, olive flavours. A bit oaky and tart but has cab character.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 597070;   UPC: 620654990078 Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Merlot Reserve 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, rooty, plum, tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, smoky, vanilla, coffee aromas. Round, supple, fresh palate with light tannins. Coffee, peppery, black olive, dill, cedar, tobacco, leather, prune flavours. Solid if a bit lean and green on the finish.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.99 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 76877;   UPC: 00620654011087 Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Kris Pinot Grigio 2008 Veneto, Italy
Fresh floral, spicy, green apple skin, lemon oil, mineral aromas. Soft, round, rich, slightly buttery palate with pear, nutty, butter, honey, mineral, apple skin flavours. Finish is round but crisp with good finesse but more austere for food.
Tasted: 2010-03-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 151860;   UPC: 098709436206 Producer: Franz Haas Distributor: AltoVin International

86/100 Van Westen Vineyards Vivacious 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, melon, green apple, spicy, peach aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with some sweetness. Honey, grassy, butter, melon rind, apple flavours. A simple, easy-sipping style or with appetizers. Vivacious is mostly pinot blanc with a small amount of pinot gris.
Tasted: 2010-03-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops UPC: 00626990055730 Producer: Van Westen Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

85/100 Fuzion Chenin-Torrontés 2009 Argentina
Spicy, floral, orange, nectarine, mango, ginger aromas. Crisp, fresh, just off dry palate but juicy with lime, ginger, green apple, lemon, sausage and floral flavours. A simple, delicate, fresh style for any seafood or summer occasion. Fun and great value - and under screwcap to boot.
Tasted: 2010-03-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $8.49 (750 ml) CSPC: 610550;   UPC: 07791728017342 Producer: Familia Zuccardi Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

87/100 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
The latest Veramonte blanc is a Kiwi Marlborough look-a-like with its herby, floral, gooseberry nose. On the palate the entry is clean, with tart, juicy gooseberry fruit flecked with dried herbs and bits of bitter citrus rind. A little less fruit forward this year but still solid.
Tasted: 2010-03-21 by AG Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.95 (750 ml); QC $14.25 (750 ml) CSPC: 602649;   UPC: 00083085611293 Producer: Veramonte Estate Distributor: Landmark Selections

86/100 Marquis Phillips Holly's Blend 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Round, light, slightly sweet and rindy palate with canned grapefruit, gooseberry, melon, grassy, lime and butter flavours. A forward, easy style with a blend of tropical and cool, grassy fruit characters. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-03-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - David Herman & Son CSPC: 775759;   UPC: 00811676000047 Producer: R-Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

86/100 Armonia Verdejo-Viura 2009 Rueda, Castilla-Leon, Spain
Floral, melon, butter, apple, grassy, lemon aromas. Round, fresh, light, elegant style with some sweetness on entry. Bright melon, nectarine, grapefruit, lemon flavours streaked with floral, honey flavours. A bit sweet on the finish but has good fruit intensity for the money. Drink all summer. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-03-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) UPC: 008437002249847 Producer: Cepas y Bodegas Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

89/100 Mount Riley Pinot Noir 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
The grapes are sourced from Marlborough and Nelson and the mix of clones used to add complexity to the blend include: UCD 5 and 6, 10/5 and Dijon clones 115, 118, 375 and 777. Look for floral, liquorice, spicy orange, nose with a touch of caraway and curry spice. The palate is dry, round and elegant with supple tannins. The flavours are a wild mix of tobacco leaf, caraway, carrot top, cherry, orange peel and strawberry flavours with a touch of tea leaf. Good finesse. $25
Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 802017;   UPC: 9419663017996 Producer: Mount Riley Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

85/100 Osborne Solaz Merlot Tempranillo 2007 Valdepeñas, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Floral, spicy, meaty, candied cherry, tobacco, dried herb aromas. Round, soft, fresh, slightly sweet entry with cherry, orange, tobacco, peppery, earthy flavours. Finish is fresh and fruity.
Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; MB $12.45 (750 ml); NF $12.70 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 074021;   UPC: 022851809014 Producer: Osborne Internacional Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies; Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

89/100 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2008 Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
Crimson may be the archetypal New World pinot noir, half Burgundy, the good half and half New World, again the best half. The nose and palate are in synch sharing a spicy, black fruit character and a long silky smooth texture from front to back with moderate tannins and a dry, earthy, savoury note throughout. Easy to drink now. More than an introductory wine. Good value. Should be on every restaurant list in the city.
Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 429563;   UPC: 9421013421650 Producer: Ata Rangi Limited Distributor: Landmark Selections; Lifford Wine Agency

88/100 Escarpment The Edge Pinot Noir 2008 Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
Another, introductory, baby brother label designed to get your foot into the market and an unfortunate necessity in Canada. The Edge is a delicious mix of red and black fruits, with just the right spicing and an undercurrent of French oak for support. Its attractive silky slippery flavours can distract you from the structure and fruit that is surprising for the price.
Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 824649;   UPC: 9421018436406 Producer: Escarpment Distributor: Cru Export Management Group

88/100 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough – As always there is intense varietal pinot fruit character on the nose with bits of spice and curry. The palate is silky smooth and packed full of sweet, round, plummy fruit that slides down easily. The finish is equally supple with dry savoury, earthy red fruit notes. Duck or chicken. Given the dollar and the production this wine would own the market at $19. At $25 it is probably a little less sustainable as an everyday pinot or wine list star.
Tasted: 2010-03-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $24.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $24.00 (750 ml); NB $27.00 (750 ml); NF $24.00 (750 ml); NS $30.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 111302;   UPC: 9415549809679 Producer: Delegat's Wine Estate Limited Distributor:

85/100 The Black Chook Shiraz Viognier 2007 South Australia, Australia
Somewhat reduced now with sausage meat, peppery, rooty, rubbery, blackberry aromas. Ripe, round, supple, full with tart acidity and light, tight tannins. Tobacco, peppery, blackberry, rooty, meaty, rubber, coffee flavours. Palate shows promise but the nose is too reductive with its meaty stinky notes.
Tasted: 2010-03-19 by AG-ST Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml); BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 171991;   UPC: 00872174000069 Producer: Penny’s Hill Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Fork in the Road Oliver Block 212 White 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, spicy, ginger, melon, butter, baked green apple, citrus aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a bit of sweetness. More bright green apple, butter, melon, orange, grapefruit flavours flecked with spicy ginger and grassy, mineral flavours. A simple, fresh, fruity style you can serve as an apéritif or try it with seafood Chinese style.
Tasted: 2010-03-19 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $18.00 (750 ml) private wines stores CSPC: 292839;   UPC: 776545997098 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

86/100 Marquis Phillips Shiraz 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Peppery, cherry jam, licorice, mocha, spicy, floral aromas. Round, ripe, fresh, juicy palate with licorice, cherry jam, mocha, peppery, blueberry flavours. A very fruity-tutti style with some acidity on the finish but no lack of fruit intensity.
Tasted: 2010-03-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 224634;   UPC: 00811676000016 Producer: R-Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

83/100 Marquis Phillips Sarah's Red Blend 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Blueberry jam, cassis, peppery, cedar, tobacco, coffee, resin, smoky aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat elegant palate with cassis, cherry, spicy, tobacco, black olive, confected fruit flavours. Finish is very fruity but has more than ample acidity for an unbalanced finish.
Tasted: 2010-03-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 775759;   UPC: 00811676000047 Producer: R-Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

84/100 Finca Los Primos Syrah 2008 San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Peppery, earthy, smoky black cherry nose with reduced notes. Full, warm, round, slightly tart and tannic palate. Simple black cherry, cedar, meaty, tobacco leaf flavours. There is decent richness for the price but he finish, at least this year, is very warm, somewhat tart. Serve with hamburgers.
Tasted: 2010-03-18 by AG Prices: BC $11.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 749051;   UPC: 7790703168000 Producer: Bodegas y Vinedos Valentín Bianchi S.A. Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Timbuktu Offshore Shiraz Grenache 2008 South Australia, Australia
Very spicy, raspberry confiture, cherry, floral, liquorice, meaty, savoury nose. Very ripe, warm, round, somewhat sweet entry with fresh acidity. Big raspberry jam, black cherry, peppery, spicy, orange peel, mocha flavours. Finish is very warm and tart with some sweetness but there is plenty of fruit that will appeal to the most drinkers.
Tasted: 2010-03-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 271296;   UPC: 009326215002686 Producer: Galvanized Wine Group Distributor: The Delf Group

86/100 Castano La Casona Monastrell 2007 Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, Spain
Okay here you go super cheap and tasty. Look for black cherry, pepper, floral, chocolate notes with savoury aromas. The entry is soft and supple with a pinch of rustic tannins but with good body. Chocolate, peppery, dried herbs, black cherry, fig and liquorice root flavours impress for the price. Good fruit and intensity makes this a great value and under screw cap means it every bottle will likely be as sound as this one. Believe it or not the wine is dry-farmed, (no irrigation and that keeps yields naturally low) and the vines are 40 to 60 years old. All for $9.50. Back up the truck and load up.
Tasted: 2010-03-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 400002;   UPC: 008422443002519 Producer: Bodegas Castaño Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Burrowing Owl Merlot 2007 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mocha, peppery, tobacco leaf, green olive nose with smoky, meaty, light barnyard aromas. Dry, somewhat tart, soupy palate with light tannins. Soft and round but with green olive, dill, resin and sour cherry flavours. Not the ripest expression in 2007.
Tasted: 2010-03-13 by AG-ST Prices: AB $31.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $30.00 (750 ml) VQA wine stores, winery direct CSPC: 509855;   UPC: 00688229003073 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

83/100 Jackson-Triggs Esprit Chardonnay 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very floral, candied peach, buttery, melon aromas. Round, ripe, somewhat sweet entry with butter, baked peach, candied apple, lees flavours. Simple, easy consumer style with a warm, somewhat sweet finish.
Tasted: 2010-03-13 by AG Prices: BC $11.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 160945;   UPC: 063657019047 Producer: Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

90/100 Wither Hills Wairu Valley Pinot Noir 2007 Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Savoury, carrot top, celery salt, barnyard, strawberry, meaty, raspberry aromas with a touch of tobacco. Fresh, round, dry, elegant palate with very light tannins. Juicy cherry, strawberry, celery, orange, vanilla, rhubarb, smoky, dried thyme and mineral flavours. The finish is rich and structured if a bit tart. Great for pork or duck dishes. Very good effort.
Tasted: 2010-03-13 by AG-ST Prices: AB $46.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $35.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants CSPC: 493619;   UPC: 9418165002608 Producer: Wither Hills Vineyards Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Johnny Q Shiraz Viognier 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Liquorice, floral, meaty, rooty, blackberry, tobacco, mocha aromas with a light jammy note. Round, full, soft, supple palate with a hint of sweetness. Big raspberry jam, tobacco leaf, bitter chocolate, licorice, rooty flavours. Finish is a bit warm and soupy but many will find this style attractive.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 340075;   UPC: 9337739000270 Producer: Quarisa Distributor: Whitefish Group

84/100 Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc N/V
Floral, melon rind, grassy, grapefruit, butter, cooked gooseberry aromas. Fresh, round, slightly sweet entry with grassy, nettle, gooseberry, sweet melon, mineral, jalapeno flavours. Simple, easy, somewhat warm with a rind-y finish. A bit too sweet and sour with a skinny edge.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 122259;   UPC: 0031259032351 Producer: Casella Estate Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

86/100 Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2007 Victoria, Australia
Pruny, cherry, barnyard, leather, peppery, chocolate. Round, soft, somewhat tart with light extract. Coffee, cherry chocolate, pruny, mint, cherry, dried herb, saddle leather, barnyard flavours. Fruity but soupy, warm, oaky and tart.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $23.40 (750 ml) private wine store UPC: 093453434028 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Burrowing Owl Meritage 2007 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Leafy, barnyard, tobacco nose with clove, black olive, meaty, peppery, vanilla, coffee aromas. The entry is dry and elegant if a bit skinny entry with fresh acidity to balance. On the palate herbal, smoky, coffee, mocha flavours mix with dried leather, resiny, roasted tomato, savoury flavours. Easy going somewhat herbal style but with soft tannins. Just off the mark.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $50.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $45.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 020073;   UPC: 00688229007071 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

86/100 Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Bright gooseberry, nettle and light jalapeno nose with flecks of passion fruit. Round, fresh and elegant on entry with a slightly sweet palate of green apple and passion fruit flavours with interesting flecks of grass, asparagus, nettle and a lime rind finish. Solid fruit core but the finish is a bit sweet and sour. Try this with Thai food.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 843615;   UPC: 009421004799041 Producer: Konrad & Conrad Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

84/100 Domaine La Croix Belle Caringole 2008 Vins de Pays des Côtes de Thongue, Languedoc, South of France, France
Liquorice, tobacco leaf and dried herbs (garrigue mark the nose of this southern French red. The entry is fresh, the palate supple with black olive, herbal, tobacco leaf, and mineral, cherry, meaty, mineral flavours. Finish is warm and easy if a bit leafy. Simple workhorse red suited to cassoulets and stews.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 048595;   UPC: 003413870000099 Producer: Jacques y Francois Boyer Distributor: Enoteca Bacco

82/100 Bear Flag Red Wine Blend #1 N/V
Open floral, meaty, peppery nose with sweet smelling smoky, black cherry, orange, chocolate cherry aromas. Soft, round, warm, sweet palate with more chocolate, cherry, mocha, pepper and dried herb flavours. Soft round sweet red wine with few redeeming qualities.
Tasted: 2010-03-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 121186;   UPC: 085000016848 Producer: Bear Flag Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

88/100 Van Westen Vineyards Viognier 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Certainly the best we have tasted from Van Westen. Each year the vines get older, the wine better and the Van Westens seem to get a bit surer about where they are headed. The palate is rich but crisp with flecks of ginger honey and lemon oil mixed with a leesy/ nectarine finish. Well made and fun to drink.
Tasted: 2010-03-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops UPC: 626990066293 Producer: Van Westen Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Cono Sur Viognier 2009 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
If consistency is something you value the Cono Sur Viognier must be high on your list. A replica of the '08 it is fresh and clean with nectarine, honey, grapefruit, ginger, orange aromas and flavours. Light refreshing New World style with myriad food possibilities. Crazy value.
Tasted: 2010-03-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $11.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NS $12.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 566836;   UPC: 7804320405407 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Clay Station Viognier 2008 Lodi, Central Valley, California, United States
Attractive open nose of melons and orange blossoms. More orange on the palate that I soft and a little bit flat or lacking in acidity. The finish is similar with sweet honeysuckle and melon fruit. Treat this as a delicious pre-dinner sipper you can serve on the patio all summer (thanks to that screwcap) with appetizers. Pricey given the exchange rate.
Tasted: 2010-03-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $18.00 (750 ml); NB $22.00 (750 ml); NF $21.00 (750 ml); ON $18.99 (750 ml); SK $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 106401;   UPC: 5011932008632 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

92/100 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2007 Waipara Valley, South Island, New Zealand
Always a delicious version of the grape it comes with a bright, black cherry colour. The nose is open with spicy, smoky, rooty, cherry notes mixed with bits of compost, orange and strawberry jam. Beautifully polished silky tannins make this oh so sippable. A supple fruity delicious style pinot noir that sets a level denoting the best that come out of New Zealand. Attractive New World pinot that is every bit as exciting as top Burgundy.
Tasted: 2010-03-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $63.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 9419006100910 Producer: Donaldson Family Ltd. Distributor: Empson Canada Inc.

86/100 Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Another year another cabernet with peppery, leafy resiny notes on the nose. The entry is tight with dry, soupy, leafy, fruit and some acidity poking through the rear. Ordinary for the price and nowhere at the level of the fabulous cabernet franc.
Tasted: 2010-03-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $41.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $38.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 508200;   UPC: 00688229006074 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

91/100 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2008 Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
The 2008 is all about bright, floral strawberry/raspberry fruit aromas with a dusting of minerality and earth. The entry is delicate but silky and round with big bright red fruit flavours and smooth supple tannins that slip effortlessly along the palate. The finish is long and lingering. A very fine pinot. Made from a mix of clones but led by the Abel or Ata Rangi clone. Some blocks are about to turn 30 years old. This is the real thing at two–thirds the price of its Burgundy counterparts.
Tasted: 2010-03-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $65.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $68.00 (750 ml) Everything Wine; ON $70.00 (750 ml) Lifford Wine Agency UPC: 9421013421025 Producer: Ata Rangi Limited Distributor: Landmark Selections; Lifford Wine Agency

90/100 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2007 Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand
The ’07 Ata Rangi is a bigger more muscular wine with less fine edges and amore power on the nose and palate than the 2008. The palate is packed with plummy rich spicy pinot fruit with a strong savoury edge and a touch of mushroom and farmyard they refer to as the ‘Martinborough’ gamey, savoury signature. The yields were low although in this case I’m not sure it was benefit.
Tasted: 2010-03-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $80.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; NZ $60.00 (750 ml) Winery UPC: 9421013421025 Producer: Ata Rangi Limited Distributor: Landmark Selections; Lifford Wine Agency

88/100 Vasse Felix Heytesbury 2007 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Fresh spicy, cedar, juniper berry nose with leafy undercurrents. The palate is thin and hot with prominent acidity poking through the blackberry cranberry/cherry fruit flavours and spicy finish. Definitely needs some lamb chops to settle down the acidity and fairly thin edges.
Tasted: 2010-02-26 by AG Prices: BC $80.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands UPC: 9315032001699 Producer: Vasse Felix Pty Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

91/100 Heathcote Estate Shiraz 2006 Victoria, Australia
This is one big shiraz with a three percent dusting of grenache and plenty of alcohol. Look for a lifted nose with a whack of black and blue berry fruits with a strong undercurrent of raspberry cedar and mocha chocolate. Spice and more black fruit and a touch of dried herbs coat the palate along with some fine grained tannin. Rich and youthful, you can cellar it for five years or decant and serve with a roast lamb.
Tasted: 2010-02-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $39.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $43.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wine Marketing CSPC: 738518;   UPC: 009333677000013 Producer: Heathcote Estate Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

89/100 Tyrrell’s Shiraz Steven's Single Vineyard Hunter Shiraz 2006 Hunter, New South Wales, Australia
Light earthy, citrus nose with bits of leather and black fruit. On entry the wine shows its class and the age of its vines, some of which were planted in 1867 just as Canada was becoming a nation. Look for spicy cherry black fruit flavours with a riff of raspberry running through the wine. Still youthful and a touch dry but perfect with barbecued ribs.
Tasted: 2010-02-25 by AG Prices: AU $30.00 (750 ml) UPC: 0093452402867 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Road 13 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Intense leafy, capsicum nose with bits of black cherry and cassis. Soft glossy chocolate and cherry fruit notes on entry with plenty of savoury dried herbs, menthol and vanilla. Should be fine with beef but you have to like the intense herbal, cool-climate cabernet flavours. At least the tannins and the resulting textures are soft.
Tasted: 2010-02-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops CSPC: 897629;   UPC: 626990081272 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

86/100 Rosemount Shiraz 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Surprisingly the latest Rosemount is bit more like it was a decade ago. The nose is fresh with spicy, blueberry, cardamom aromas and a whiff of mocha. The entry is supple with rich, black cherry jam, coffee fruit flavours. A friendly mid-week barbecue red.
Tasted: 2010-02-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); NB $19.50 (750 ml); NF $18.00 (750 ml); NS $19.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 302349;   UPC: 012894855215 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

87/100 Milton Park Shiraz 2008 South Australia, Australia
Deep intense, aromatic, blueberry fruit nose in full bloom already. Soft plummy blueberry fruit entry and a long sweet spicy finish. Sweet ripe black fruit flavours persist in the finish. Serve now with grilled lamb chops.
Tasted: 2010-02-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 832022;   UPC: 00853065000689 Producer: Thorn-Clarke Wines Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

84/100 Casa Silva Doña Dominga Shiraz Single Vineyard El Rebaño 2007 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Herby minty, bay leaf, Chilean nose with bits of cedar cherry and pepper. The entry is smooth and dry with a fairly acidic mid-palate with flavours cedar and red fruits and a dry finish. No real varietal character in what is an ordinary red wine.
Tasted: 2010-02-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $13.25 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wines; MB $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 371161;   UPC: 688438000313 Producer: Vina Casa Silva Distributor: Churchill Cellars; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

88/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Pinot Noir 2008 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Black cherry, smoky, rhubarb, spicy, floral, Oxo, vanilla, tobacco leaf aromas. Round, supple, fresh, full palate. Celery, smoky, vanilla, black cherry, rhubarb and plum fruit with some peppery, spicy, savoury notes. Soft, fruity, forward style that's ready to drink.
Tasted: 2010-02-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

87/100 Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Open cherry raspberry nose spicy black fruit nose with spicy brambly undertones. The entry is soft and simple with fine underlying acidity and a juicy five-spice, black fruit finish. Solid effort at an affordable price. Definitely serve this with pinot friendly foods.
Tasted: 2010-02-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 554824;   UPC: 941530702982 Producer: Matua Valley Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

80/100 Woodhaven Zinfandel 2007 California, United States
Sweet, candied brambly, scented red that tastes just like it smells. Sorry but this tastes more like a fruit drink than wine. Too sweet, too candied, too soft and too syrupy. It’s impossible to suggest you can drink this with food.
Tasted: 2010-02-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 0082242944830 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 St. Hallett Faith Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Open lifted, vanilla, mocha fruit nose with cherry/blackberry jam notes. The palate is dry with juicy peppery blueberry fruit flecked with mocha, coffee, liquorice mint and tobacco leaf notes. The finish is smooth and warm with a bit of edgy acidity poking through. You can drink now or hold another 24 months.
Tasted: 2010-02-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $22.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 491175;   UPC: 93169220000084 Producer: St. Hallet Wines Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Deinhard Riesling Classic 2008 Rheinhessen, Germany
Not quite as terrific as the ’07 for the price but still well made, serviceable. Fairly tight limey citrus rind flavours with bits of red apple and citrus. Good value for a mid-week sipper.
Tasted: 2010-02-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $11.00 (750 ml); QC $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 060004;   UPC: 004003310652101 Producer: Deinhard KG Koblenz Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Mount Langi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz 2005 Victoria, Australia
The Billi Billi label is made with mostly purchased fruit that comes off 80 to 100-year old bush vines and a small amount of estate grown fruit. The style is soft and round the fruit plush and ripe with peppery, blueberry flavours and a spicy finish. This is a big, glossy, sweet Oz red that will appeal to those who like the shiraz at or over the edge of ripeness.
Tasted: 2010-02-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 091538;   UPC: 00813952000017 Producer: Mount Langi Ghiran Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Sonovino Primitivo Negroamaro 2007 Sicily, Italy
A mix of primitivo and negroamaro makes up this simple red wine blend from Puglia in southern Italy. Expect a soft, spicy blend with black cherry fruit, resin and liquorice and a bit of Oz-like acidity creeping in at the end. Simple barbecue red at best.
Tasted: 2010-02-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 052514;   UPC: 008033765180320 Producer: MGM Mondo del Vino s.r.l. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Always fresh and intense, the Matua Hawkes Bay sauvignon mixes grapefruit rind with minerals nectarines and a pinch of jalapeno pepper. The palate is crisp, with more mineral dried herbs and green melon notes a slightly less biting style than the Marlborough. Pair it with summer salads or fresh goat’s cheese.
Tasted: 2010-02-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $18.00 (750 ml); NF $20.00 (750 ml); QC $19.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 309575;   UPC: 941530120984 Producer: Matua Valley Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

86/100 LoTengo Malbec 2008 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Over the years LoTengo has always been good value if a little rustic and but at $12.50 a bottle you have to consider it well worth buying. Look for dark spicy red fruit with smoky undertones. The flavours are a mix of cedar, resin and cherries with good acidity and fine overall balance. It finishes dry and soft. Think barbecue ribs.
Tasted: 2010-02-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 080986;   UPC: 07792319676269 Producer: Bodega Norton Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

86/100 Therapy Vineyards Merlot 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Good colour but under screwcap the opening nose is reduced with slightly dirty notes. Underneath there is brighter plummy fruit with fairly taut acidity and plenty of vanilla and oak. The flavours are similar with chocolate plums and a touch of garlic. Definitely give this some air before serving perhaps as much as 45 minutes to an hour to blow off some the reduced character. On the bright side the textures are excellent offering fine varietal character.
Tasted: 2010-02-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 664938;   UPC: 00854505001501 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 Woodhaven Merlot 2007 California, United States
Expect the commercial stuff here. Soft round and sweetish with cedar and vanilla throughout and some acidity pushing through the back end al la Oz. Very simple stuff that finishes surprisingly dry and tart. This is the merlot the movie ‘Sideways’ railed against.
Tasted: 2010-02-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) estimated retail; NS $14.00 (750 ml) UPC: 082242947534 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

84/100 Therapy Vineyards Malbec 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This made be made with malbec but it looks like a pinot noir, not that colour is the final arbiter of quality suffice to say malbec fans expecting a big dense red will get a light to medium bodied version of the variety. The nose and flavours are a mix of resin, stewed tomato and sour cherries with a fairly acidic finish. Not much fun.
Tasted: 2010-02-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 810267;   UPC: 00854505001525 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Castaño Monastrell 2007 Yecla, Valencia and Murcia, Spain
Slightly reduced nose under screwcap that cleaned up with a few minutes air. Drier than last year (yeah) it’s a mix of earth, black cherry raspberry fruit with bits of liquorice and mocha. Soft easy sipping with a pinch of acidity in the finish. A solid barbecue red that I would highly recommend but nowhere near a 90 point experience some are claiming.
Tasted: 2010-02-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 731620;   UPC: 8422443001208 Producer: Bodegas Castaño Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Giesen Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand
Intense, sweaty, passion fruit nose flecked with pepper and minerals and pickled fruit. Crisp dry grassy mid-palate and long intense spicy, passion fruit/bell pepper flavours throughout the finish. A classic partner for steamed mussels.
Tasted: 2010-02-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 298679;   UPC: 009416040100012 Producer: Giesen Estate Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

87/100 Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc 120 2009 Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Consistently well made this easy-sipping sauvignon designed for food and fun hits all the right notes again on 2009. Maule and Casablanca are home to the stainless steel fermented fruit that offers up a wealth of grassy, herbal, citrus tones with bits of green fruit in the finish. Sushi, oysters, salads – all would work with is true best value.
Tasted: 2010-02-14 by AG Prices: AB $10.75 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.00 (750 ml) general listing; NF $13.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml); QC $11.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 275586;   UPC: 89419007091 Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

88/100 Quintay Clava Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
As the quality goes up the price goes down; a very rare occurrence in the wine world. Fresh and delicious this sauvignon packed full of grapefruit, dried herbs, passion fruit sitting over a peppery undercurrent is impossible to beat for the price. Drink all summer by the case. Incredible value at this price.
Tasted: 2010-02-14 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 386383;   UPC: 07804613410019 Producer: Vina Quintay Distributor: AltoVin International

86/100 Lindemans Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc 2009 South Eastern Australia, Australia
This bin has impressed for several vintages now for the price. Always consistently fresh this dry, grassy nettle-scented white flecked with bits of citrus, green apple and lemons. Made for the patio and summer sipping but it is similarly at home with oysters.
Tasted: 2010-02-12 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.50 (750 ml); NB $13.00 (750 ml); NF $13.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml); SK $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 181388;   UPC: 012354081826 Producer: Lindemans Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

85/100 J. Bouchon Carmenere Syrah Reserva 2008 Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Very spicy, sappy cassis, menthol, tobacco, meaty, roasted pepper, green olive nose. Round, full, supple palate with cassis, black cherry, cedar, menthol, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Finish is warm and a bit sweet and sour but balanced. The carmenère dominates at this point. Solid consumer wine.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.95 (750 ml) speculative listing - AnaRona Wines CSPC: 311977;   UPC: 7804444001240 Producer: J Bouchon Distributor: AnaRona Wines

86/100 Wyndham Estate Bin 515 Shiraz Viognier 2006 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Big black pepper, leather, licorice, rooty, spicy, garrigue, meaty, savoury, blackberry nose. Full, round, fresh, slightly warm and sweet with rosemary, resin, licorice, coffee, peppery, spicy, black plum, smoky leather flavours. The finish is very warm and slightly flat but there's lots of savoury aromatics and intensity to have with your grilled lamb or pork.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 139881;   UPC: 009300727099525 Producer: Wyndham Estate Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited

86/100 Man Vintners Shiraz 2007 Coastal Region, South Africa
Spicy, meaty, smoky, menthol, liquorice root, floral, black plum jam with a hint of tobacco and leather. Round, fresh, slightly warm and tart palate with blueberry, black berry jam, coffee, smoky, savoury, meaty, liquorice, vanilla cream flavours. Much more Oz in ripeness and styling and has solid fruit offering good value in the category.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 139915;   UPC: 06009669350444 Producer: MAN Vintners Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

85/100 De Bortoli dB Petite Sirah 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Peppery, boysenberry, black cherry, rooty, licorice, leafy, floral nose. Round, fresh palate with light, grainy tannins. Tobacco, boysenberry jam, black cherry, iodine, liquorice, coffee, earthy flavours. A bit sweet and sour on the finish but has good fruit and balance. Ready to drink.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 336750;   UPC: 679940000427 Producer: De Bortoli Wines Pty Limited Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

85/100 Deen De Bortoli Vat 8 Shiraz 2006 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Rooty, licorice, cola, meaty, peppery, tobacco, floral and blackberry jam aromas. Round, smooth, tart, slightly sweet palate with blackberry jam, plum, liquorice, coffee, vanilla, rooty, tobacco, floral flavours. Simple, easy, fruity tutti style with a crisp finish.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 010520;   UPC: 9300752010366 Producer: De Bortoli Wines Pty Limited Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

87/100 Little Yering Pinot Noir 2008 Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Strawberry, liquorice, smoky, black pepper, tobacco, celery root nose with a touch of barnyard. Soft, round, easy palate with juicy strawberry, spicy, licorice, orange, dried herb flavours. Solid, forward style with fruit for immediate appeal. A value proposition here.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $18.95 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 616110;   UPC: 09316562001739 Producer: Yering Station Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

89/100 Yering Station Pinot Noir 2005 Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Celery salt, spicy, tobacco, herbal, cherry, cedar, rooty, strawberry aromas with a touch of barnyard. Round, dry, supple palate with fresh juicy acidity and a velvety texture. Warm with rhubarb, raspberry, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, licorice, celery salt, cedar and leather flavours. Good intensity with a slightly warm, tart finish but has good finesse and delicacy. Good value in mature, ready to roll pinot from down under.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 795898;   UPC: 09316562001074 Producer: Yering Station Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Rosemount Chardonnay 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Butter, baked peach, floral, citrus, apple, leesy aromas. Round, fresh, easy palate with some sweetness. Grapefruit, butter, melon rind, red apple, light lees flavours. Simple, easy, clean easy sipping style for current consumption.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NB $17.50 (750 ml); NF $16.00 (750 ml); NS $15.49 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $15.00 (750 ml); SK $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 265132;   UPC: 012894862312 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

89/100 Cooralook Pinot Noir 2008 Victoria, Australia
An interesting blend of cool region fruit (Strathbogie [88] and Mornington Peninsula [12]) this offers a spicy, carrot top, cherry, strawberry, liquorice nose with bits of tobacco and rhubarb with a floral, meaty streak. The palate is dry and supple with juicy fruit flavours of strawberry jam and cherry and spicy, vanilla, tobacco, compost, liquorice and orange flecks. A bit warm on the finish but has good finesse and fruit with a pinch of tannins. Good now but will improve over the next 1-3 years. Very solid and fine value in pinot.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants CSPC: 004010;   UPC: 009325301000216 Producer: Yabby Lake International Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

89/100 Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Hunter Chardonnay 2007 Hunter, New South Wales, Australia
Green apple, lime, butter, nutty lees, melon, vanilla, spicy, pear, nectarine aromas. Round, crisp, fresh, slightly oily texture and slightly austere yet a touch of sweetness. Lots of citrus, green apple, pear, melon, nutty lees and butter flavours with a vanilla, waxy, peach skin finish. Good finesse and elegance, will age 2-5 years.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 0934522001473 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Chardonnay Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, floral, green apple, citrus, peach skin, honey, ginger and mineral aromas. Round, ripe, fresh, elegant palate with some sweetness and a touch of oiliness. Lemon, orange, honey, ginger, rose, spicy, baked peach, quince flavours. Good finesse and elegance, just finishes too sweet despite nice acidity balance. Similar to last vintage.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.60 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 558411;   UPC: 620654558414 Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Blanc Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grapefruit, grassy, passion fruit, slate, melon, floral, lemon oil aromas, very fresh. Crisp, juicy, fresh and round palate with green apple, grapefruit rind, passion fruit, butter and melon flavours. More sauvignon blanc in character but a solid seafood white.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 76125;   UPC: 00620654011070 Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Gooseberry, grapefruit, light asparagus, kiwi, green apple, passion fruit aromas but somewhat less intense. Round, crisp, elegant, dry, slightly austere style. Canned asparagus, gooseberry, nettle, grapefruit, grassy, green apple and butter flavours. Very solid but seems to lack a bit of concentration and viscosity this vintage.
Tasted: 2010-02-06 by ST Prices: AB $29.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $31.50 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $35.00 (750 ml); NB $35.00 (750 ml); ON $28.00 (750 ml); QUE $35.75 (750 ml) CSPC: 304469;   UPC: 9418408030214 Producer: Cloudy Bay Vineyards Limited Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Gunderloch Fritz's Riesling 2008 Rheinhessen, Germany
Year two for the ‘Fritz’ label comes with a snappy looking bright green screwcap that looks as fresh as the wine. The grapes are purchased from growers all with vineyards on the Roter Hang or famous red slate soils of the Rheinhessen. Again it is so eminently shippable and crammed full of juicy fresh peachy, apple fruit with a double hit of citrus and minerality. Perfect for Pan-Asian cuisine or even better with barbecued or pull pork dishes. It should keep well under screw cap all year and beyond. Great value and will be one of my go to wines all year.
Tasted: 2010-01-23 by AG Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine stores; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 320135;   UPC: 04022642000749 Producer: Weingut Gunderloch Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Tenuta Villanova Merlot 2007 Farra d’Isonzo, Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Big peppery, dried herb, tobacco leaf, meaty, rooty aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with light body. Earthy, coffee, resin, rooty, compost, tobacco, cherry, herbal flavours. A more herbal style but well balanced and would fine with roasted chicken dishes.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands CSPC: 018374;   UPC: 008026849002083 Producer: Tenuta Villanova Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

90/100 Tyrrell’s HVD Single Vineyard Hunter Semillon 2004 Pokolbin, Hunter, New South Wales, Australia
Nutty, grassy, grapefruit, quince, lemon, passion fruit, slate, nectarine skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate, round, slightly oily palate. Passion fruit, slate, grapefruit, nectarine, lime, nutty, lemon zest flavours. Fine delicacy and freshness with some bottle age with lanolin and cashew on the finish. A bit more texture than the young stuff.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG-ST Prices: Australia $30.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 093452051003 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

89/100 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Semillon 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grapefruit, light artichoke, gooseberry, grassy, nettle, passion fruit aromas. Ripe, round, elegant palate with pink grapefruit, passion fruit, grassy, nettle, asparagus, lemon, nutty flavours. Good fruit intensity and balance for seafood. Very impressive effort. Oysters anyone.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 110650;   UPC: 812289000400 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Strawberry, barnyard, compost, spicy, tobacco, carrot aromas. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate but slightly lean. Rooty, herbal, tobacco, rhubarb, strawberry, cola, and compost flavours. A simple, direct, food wine.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $23.00 (750 ml) Everything Wine; NF $24.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 656579;   UPC: 9414505394082 Producer: Stoneleigh Vineyards Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited

86/100 Mirassou California Pinot Noir 2008 California, United States
Spicy, cherry jam, barnyard, compost, chocolate, cola, orange peel aromas. Soft, warm, slightly fat palate with cola, vanilla, compost, cherry jam, carrot, chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, full, fatter style.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $13.87 (750 ml); SK $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 366880;   UPC: 085000012277 Producer: Mirassou Winery Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

85/100 Jackson-Triggs Esprit Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Deep dark colour. Very herbal, earthy, rooty, spicy, black cherry, barnyard, meaty, coffee, black olive, green bean aromas. Dry, somewhat lean, tight but full palate with green bean, black olive, rooty, herbal, coffee, smoky, resin, and liquorice flavours. Finish is tight with young, somewhat hard tannins and warm but solid. Simple bronze medal stuff.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG Prices: BC $11.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 063657019047 Producer: Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Tyrrell’s Lost Block Semillon 2009 Hunter, New South Wales, Australia
Floral, passion fruit, lemon zest, anise, nectarine skin, nutty aromas. Light, dry, elegant, round style in a juicy palate but not tart or lean. Pink grapefruit, lemon zest, floral, spicy, melon rind, nectarine, slate flavours. Delicate, juicy, citrusy finish with some polish. Designed for seafood and drinking. More consumer oriented fruit style. Delicious.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $17.99 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 117531;   UPC: 093452402829 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

83/100 J. P. Chenet Fresh and Fruity Rose N/V France
Light orange ruby colour with lots of moose. Floral, nutty, cherry, licorice, tobacco, candied apple aromas. Sweet, round, foamy palate with candied cherry, tobacco, herbal, Kool-Aid, earthy, spicy flavours. Sweet and sour style.
Tasted: 2010-01-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 580449;   UPC: 3500610034442 Producer: J. P. Chenet Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

85/100 Robin Ridge Chardonnay 2007 Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Butter, pear, citrus, matchstick, candied apple aromas with a touch of honey. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with spicy, butter, baked pear, peach skin and apple sauce flavours. Very simple, sweeter consumer style, a clone of the prior vintage.
Tasted: 2010-01-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 072637;   UPC: 0626990068181 Producer: Robin Ridge Winery Distributor: FarmGate Quality Wines; Winery Direct

84/100 Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 California, United States
Cola, rooty, resin, cassis, black pepper, cedar, tobacco nose. Round, slightly tannic, full with fresh acidity and a touch of sweetness. Cedar, licorice, cola, resin, tobacco leaf, cassis flavours. Simple, pasta and pizza wine.
Tasted: 2010-01-18 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $10.00 (750 ml); MB $10.00 (750 ml); NS $9.00 (750 ml); ON $9.00 (750 ml); SK $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 223552;   UPC: 85000005002 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

86/100 Le Vieux Pin Petit Blanc 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, spicy, peach, grassy, nectarine, grapefruit rind aromas. Round, slightly soft palate but warm, juicy and somewhat austere. Chalky, citrus rind, floral, grassy, nettle, granny smith, lees, quince and butter flavours. Finish is a bit warm and austere but will be good for lighter seafood like squid.
Tasted: 2010-01-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) Winery direct or Christopher Stewart UPC: 805755006007 Producer: Le Vieux Pin Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

88/100 Le Vieux Pin Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Passion fruit, melon, gooseberry, grapefruit, nettle, floral, canned asparagus aromas. Round, fresh, juicy but somewhat austere palate. Lemon, nettle, passion fruit, grassy, grapefruit rind, butter, lees and jalapeno flavours. Finish is long but a bit austere and tart with a hard edge and some green notes. Good solid expression but best with grilled fish.
Tasted: 2010-01-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) Winery Direct or Christopher Stewart UPC: 805755005390 Producer: Le Vieux Pin Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

87/100 La Stella Vivace Pinot Grigio 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, pear, canned grapefruit, peach, gooseberry, quince aromas. Fresh, crisp, dry, juicy palate. Grapefruit, gooseberry, granny smith, lemon, quince and light lees flavours. The finish is a bit tart, light and warm but clean with some bitter citrus rind notes. Very solid food style, try with mussels.
Tasted: 2010-01-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) Winery Direct or Christopher Stewart UPC: 808755005475 Producer: La Stella Winery Distributor: Chilean Wine House Ltd.; Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

85/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Pinot Noir Reserve 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Medium light ruby colour. Peppery, leafy, compost, rhubarb, gamey, celery salt, mocha, cola aromas. Round, supple, smooth but very dry palate, somewhat lean. Rooty, savoury, coffee, stewed rhubarb, peppery, compost, herbal, tea flavours. Simple, easy style but lacking in fruit elegance.
Tasted: 2010-01-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 624767;   UPC: 620654624768 Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Xanadu Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Spicy, tobacco, rooty, resin, cassis, black pepper, cedar bark, cola aromas. Round, dry, tart, warm palate with cassis, blackberry, resin, cola, cedar, tobacco and black olive flavours. A bit tart and warm on the finish but solid fruit for the money.
Tasted: 2010-01-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 181610;   UPC: 009336957000345 Producer: Xanadu Wines Pty Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

83/100 Delicato Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 California, United States
Cedar bark, cola, rooty, tobacco, earthy, saddle leather nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with cola, earthy, cedar bark, cherry, dried herb and leaf flavours. Finish is very cedar-y. A basic red.
Tasted: 2010-01-14 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 082242010436 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

83/100 McWilliam's Hanwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Peppery, resiny, smoky, herbal, vanilla, tobacco, blackberry, sappy cassis nose. Fresh, somewhat sweet entry with some light, cedar-y tannins. Cassis, cherry, vanilla cola, tobacco, herbal, cedar bark flavours. Finish is warm and somewhat sweet and sour. Very simple, commercial style.
Tasted: 2010-01-14 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $16.00 (750 ml) general listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); NS $14.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml) general listing; SK $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 214577;   UPC: 085000011782 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

87/100 Barrandica Estate Wine Selection 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
Spicy, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, cassis, saddle leather, roasted meat, lifted plum aromas. Round, dry, full, warm, supple palate with very light tannins. Smoked meat, blackberry, black cherry jam, resin, saddle leather, peppery, licorice, tobacco, menthol flavours. Good solid, somewhat rustic style for grilled meats.
Tasted: 2010-01-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $25.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 601864;   UPC: 007798119440093 Producer: Barrandica Vineyards Distributor: Dream Wines Corporation

85/100 Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Meaty, leather, coriander, cranberry, sweaty saddle, barnyard, floral, cherry aromas with some vanilla and compost. Round, slightly thin, slightly tannic and tart palate. Soapy floral, cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, smoky, leather, meaty, barnyard flavours. Very light style with a slightly tart, warm finish.
Tasted: 2010-01-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) vqa and private wine shops CSPC: 530717;   UPC: 624802971063 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Huge smoked, canned jalapeno nose with nettle, lemon, grapefruit rind, gooseberry aromas. Round, fresh, fleshy palate with gooseberry, canned jalapeno, grapefruit, melon, floral, grassy flavours. Good texture and flavours if a tad sweet and herbaceous on the finish. Good solid consumer style seafood drink.
Tasted: 2010-01-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 007804414001539 Producer: Vina Luis Felipe Edwards Distributor: Terrarosa Imports

86/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Struck matchstick, melon, grapefruit, gooseberry, light bell pepper aromas. Fresh, soft, round, slightly sweet entry with pink grapefruit, bubble-gum, melon, gooseberry, grassy, light asparagus flavours. Simple, straight up white for summer.
Tasted: 2010-01-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 026161;   UPC: 00836950000087 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Fetzer Valley Oaks Merlot 2007 California, United States
Open dry cedar, peppery, cherry spice, tobacco aromas with a touch of chocolate and saddle leather. The palate is soft, supple and fresh with cherry, spicy, clove, cedar and tobacco flavours with a touch of cardamom on the finish. Will appeal to most and fair value.
Tasted: 2010-01-07 by AG Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) general listing; MB $15.49 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 341131;   UPC: 082896700394 Producer: Fetzer Vineyards Distributor: Charton-Hobbs