Wines Not Bottled With Natural Cork

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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; Maxxium Canada (Vancouver)

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

87/100 Villa Maria Pinot Noir Private Bin 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Dried herbs, cherry, strawberry jam, orange, carrot, tobacco, barnyard and pepper aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with crisp acidity. Spicy, tobacco, caraway, thyme, strawberry, celery and liquorice flavours. Good solid fruit but somewhat hot and tart on the finish. Best with food.
Tasted: 2010-01-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml) LCBO CSPC: 728210;   UPC: 009414416508158 Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

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; Maxxium Canada (Vancouver)

89/100 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Semillon 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grapefruit, light artichoke, goosebery, 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: BC $17.99 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 093452402829 Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Maxxium Canada (Vancouver)

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 $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml) 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

88/100 James Oatley Tic Tok Pinot Grigio 2009 Adelaide (including Mt Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu and Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Just a hint of colour reassures its gris roots. The nose is bright and fresh its cool Adelaide Hills fruit district offering up tropical earthy aromas. It’s mostly stainless steel fermented with a small amount getting some oxidation in older oak to bolster the mouthfeel and textures. The result is a fresh northern Italian style that is best of all food friendly. Good value here for Adelaide Hills.
Tasted: 2010-01-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vintage West Wine Marketing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml) Producer: Robert Oatley Vineyards Distributor: Vintage West Wine Marketing

86/100 James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Pemberton - Frankland River - Mudgee, Australia
Open limey, bright tropical fruit nose with tart screamingly fresh style lean style. It is all stainless steel fermented and finishes with grassy herbal grapefruit notes. Super fresh and clean. Perfect for shellfish.
Tasted: 2010-01-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vintage West Wine Marketing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml) Producer: Robert Oatley Vineyards Distributor: Vintage West Wine Marketing

86/100 James Oatley Tic Tok Chardonnay 2008 Mudgee - Pemberton, Australia
This is fun juicy fresh modern Oz chardonnay where melon and tropical flavours meet orange flecks. The textures are soft, maybe too soft, but the creamy, vanilla notes will attract those who like that style. A sophisticated mix of tank and barrel ferment, French oak maturation and partial, secondary, malolactic fermentation all which seems to keep it interesting.
Tasted: 2010-01-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vintage West Wine Marketing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml) Producer: Robert Oatley Vineyards Distributor: Vintage West Wine Marketing

87/100 James Oatley Tic Tok Shiraz 2008 Franklin River - Mudgee - McLaren Vale, Australia
Look for a spicy fruity red with white pepper undercurrents and fine acidity. The goal here it to reveal a cooler, savoury, herbal shiraz character with spicy notes and they have done it. The finish is dry and warm. Most of the wine is matured in one and two year old French oak with a small portion left in stainless steel to pump up the fruit. An introductory style shiraz for pizza and burgers
Tasted: 2010-01-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vintage West Wine Marketing; MB $18.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml) Producer: Robert Oatley Vineyards Distributor: Vintage West Wine Marketing

86/100 James Oatley Tic Tok Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mudgee - Franklin River, Australia
Another cross-continent blend of mixing Mudgee NSW (60%) and Frankland WA (40%) fermented cool. The result is a soft easy sipping cabernet with a cassis herbal leafy character. The herbaceous style is deliberate I guess the only question is will consumers be equally deliberate in embracing it.
Tasted: 2010-01-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vintage West Wine Marketing; MB $18.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml) Producer: Robert Oatley Vineyards Distributor: Vintage West Wine Marketing

85/100 Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2005 Catalunya, Spain
Peppery, spicy, earthy, meaty, black cherry, carrot top, leafy aromas. Soft, supple, round, fresh palate with earthy, gamey, black cherry, peppery, leather, spicy, licorice flavours. Warm and full for any food. Simple and solid value once again.
Tasted: 2010-01-05 by AG Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $13.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 029728;   UPC: 8410113003089 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

84/100 Therapy Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, worsteshire, cherry, smoked tea, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, floral aromas. Dry, somewhat light, tart but elegant palate with floral, sour cherry, rhubarb, worsteshire, smoky tea, coffee flavours. Somewhat disjointed with green tea-like tannins on the finish.
Tasted: 2010-01-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 775716;   UPC: 00854505001488 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2008 Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Very floral, spicy, chalky, mineral, quince, pear, lemon, slate aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, simple palate but balanced with spicy, pear skin, slate, lemon, floral, chalky, peach skin flavours. Good solid value for current drinking white and representative of the region.
Tasted: 2010-01-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $11.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 589432;   UPC: 604174000974 Producer: Louis Bernard Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Longue-Dog Grenache Syrah 2008 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Another hit from Paul Boutinot of Chat-en-Oeuf fame. Look for a big meaty, peppery, black raspberry, peppery, floral nose with a round, supple palate. Love the full black cherry, raspberry, meaty, leather, spicy, floral flavours and the overall balance and finish. Simple, fresh, fruity style at a very affordable price.
Tasted: 2010-01-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 737148;   UPC: 3430560002447 Producer: Paul Boutinot Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

86/100 Dunham Froese Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Tobacco leaf, forest floor, rhubarb, carrot top, rhubarb, strawberry, herbal aromas. Round, dry, elegant palate with good acidity. Smoky, resin, coffee, carrot top, strawberry rhubarb, mineral, herbal flavours. Simple, fresh, easy-sipping style pinot that could use a little less of the dried herbs and oak and a touch more sweet pinot fruit.
Tasted: 2010-01-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 175687 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

85/100 Robin Ridge Pinot Noir 2007 Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Fresh rhubarb, herbal, spicy, tobacco leaf, floral, rooty nose. Dry, light, elegant style with rhubarb, sour cherry, spicy, floral, coffee, rooty flavours. Simple, easy drinking style for current consumption. Much cleaner version that is headed in the right direction.
Tasted: 2010-01-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.90 (750 ml) CSPC: 843508;   UPC: 0626990068198 Producer: Robin Ridge Winery Distributor: FarmGate Quality Wines; Winery Direct

83/100 Luis Felipe Edwards Carmenere 2008 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Somewhat reduced nose with candied cherry, menthol, tobacco leaf, rubber, rooty aromas. Soft, round, easy palate but very dry with smoky, dried herb, menthol, tobacco leaf, earthy flavours. Lacks fruit and some finesse.
Tasted: 2010-01-04 by AG-ST Prices: PEI $13.50 (750 ml) UPC: 007804414000167 Producer: Vina Luis Felipe Edwards Distributor: Terrarosa Imports

86/100 Luis Felipe Edwards Shiraz Reserva 2008 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Liquorice root, coffee, meaty, cherry jam aromas. Soft, round, simple style with menthol, bay leaf, peppery, black cherry, meaty, coffee flavours. Good solid fruit if a bit reduced under screwcap. Well balanced and solid value.
Tasted: 2010-01-04 by AG-ST Prices: QC $13.00 (750 ml) UPC: 007804414000167 Producer: Vina Luis Felipe Edwards Distributor: Terrarosa Imports

88/100 Moncellier Pinot Gris 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
The first gris from former Matua winemaker Greg Rowdon and former Matua owner Bill Spence. The Moncellier gris is a single vineyard wine made with fruit grown on the edge of the Wairau river. The style is soft and ripe with sweet honeyed, baked apple fruit and gentle spices. Good quality but pricey given the local BC competition.
Tasted: 2010-01-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Seacove Group CSPC: 497966;   UPC: 009421901602017 Producer: Moncellier Wines Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.

88/100 Moncellier Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
This is a classic interpretation of Marlborough sauvignon: crisp, jalapeno, citrus. The fruit comes from two sites - one in the Awatere Valley and the other from the Omaka Valley. No mysteries here. Simple straight-ahead winemaking and quick bottling. Look for an intense sauvignon flavours (grapefruit and passion fruit) but perhaps not as aggressive as some of its fellow labels. A perfect shell fish wine.
Tasted: 2010-01-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Seacove Group CSPC: 498675;   UPC: 009421901602000 Producer: Moncellier Wines Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.

88/100 McWilliam's Hanwood Pinot Grigio 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
McWilliams has worked some magic hear capturing all the fruit and eschewing the phenolics. Fresh and clean under screwcap this is frankly, a delicious style. Love the stone fruit, pear nectarine flavours and orange notes in the back end. Love the balance and length and it is food friendly. Wine like this could lead Oz n=back out of the darkness
Tasted: 2010-01-02 by AG Prices: MB $17.00 (750 ml); NS $14.00 (750 ml) UPC: 085000017029 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

86/100 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A slightly richer version of last year’ with spicy, rhubarb, black fruit nose. The entry is round and dry with more spicy strawberry and tobacco, compost, barnyard flavours. As is the style this is simple pinot for current drinking.
Tasted: 2010-01-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing, vqa and private wine shops UPC: 624802981048 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2008 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
The latest ‘08 builds on the tradition of soft easy sipping pinot-flavoured fruit with spicy, liquorice root and black cherry flecks. Good mid-palate sweetens and with and earthy forest floor finish. Roast chicken, turkey or soft cheeses will pair well with this. As usual it is very good value pinot.
Tasted: 2010-01-01 by AG Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $11.49 (750 ml) general listing; NS $11.99 (750 ml); ON $10.45 (750 ml) CSPC: 341602;   UPC: 7804320753454 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Undurraga Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva Especial 2008 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
A cleaner brighter version of the ’07 with a cherry raspberry nose. The palate is supple with spicy black fruit, bits of liquorice, sour cherry, tea, vanilla and a touch of dried herbs. Well-balanced and with light tannins. Try with rabbit, duck or pheasant dishes. Good value in pinot noir.
Tasted: 2010-01-01 by AG Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 761205;   UPC: 7804315002024 Producer: Vina Undurraga Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

87/100 Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Open soft sweet fruit nose with a touch of forest floor. The flavours are a mix of raspberries, sour cherries and dried herbs all aged in 50 per cent new and used oak. It’s a richer version of the entry-level pinot but it needs a little more finesse and mouth-filling sweet pinot character to be at its best.
Tasted: 2010-01-01 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 077644;   UPC: 7804320227382 Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Church & State Pinot Gris 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This is a well-made pinot gris. The nose is bright and fresh with earthy, honeyed aromas with ripe pear fruit flavours with a citrus undercurrent and cleans crisp finish. Classic crisp, British Columbia gris that will match a wide variety of foods.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 813964;   UPC: 840098118603 Producer: Church & State Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.; Winery Direct

86/100 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2008 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Slightly reductive with cassis, rooty, peppery, sausage, cedar and tobacco aromas. Round, fresh, soft palate with chocolate, menthol, cherry, sappy, spicy flavours with some light, cedar-y tannins on the finish. Simple but full for grilled meats. Good value for cabernet drinkers.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 257329;   UPC: 00610444011038 Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

86/100 Rosemount Pinot Grigio 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
This is straight up, unremarkable, commercial pinot grigio with the dryness and crispness of the grigio or Italian style with the tropical melon fruit notes of Oz. Ready to drink. Should be fine with creamy pasta dishes.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 117523;   UPC: 012894101039 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

86/100 Cooralook Chardonnay 2008 Victoria, Australia
Canned grapefruit, honey, butter, candied apple aromas. Round, fresh, slightly sweet palate with good acidity. Light weight palate with citrus rind, green apple, honey, buttery lees flavours. Simple, clean, straight up white.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 878389;   UPC: 009325301000193 Producer: Yabby Lake International Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Van Westen Vineyards Vino Grigio 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Similar to the 07 with bright floral lifted mineral, green apple skin and spicy honey/melon aromas. The entry is crisp and dry with an oily/gewürztraminer-like character. The palate is clean with more grassy, grapefruit, green apple, honey flavours and a touch of citrus rind in the finish. Solid and should be fine with mussels, or Thai dishes.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops UPC: 006269900055273 Producer: Van Westen Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2003 Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Peppery, grapey, liquorice, black plum, spicy, black tea, floral aromas. Round, moderately rich, elegant style with light tannins and good acidity sweetness but hot. Very spicy, peppery, licorice, chocolate, cherry jam, pruny, minty, tea flavours. Good finesse with some potential to improve but a lighter style for near term drinking.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $27.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $18.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $21.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 191239;   UPC: 05010867400092 Producer: W. & J. Graham & Co. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

84/100 Deinhard Pinot Grigio Fine Wine 2008 Baden, Germany
Lightly aromatic grigio with an earthy, spicy citrus fruit aromas and flavour. Simple but much cleaner than previous versions. No bargain at this price but useful enough for simple seafood dishes and charcuterie dishes.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 473595;   UPC: 4003310652606 Producer: Deinhard KG Koblenz Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2009 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Consistently fresh style here with green apple skin citrus and pear notes. The palate is dry with more citrus, nectarine and green apple fruit and a slightly fuzzy,dry finish. Simple, well-made affordable picnic white for light sandwiches and or seafood spreads.
Tasted: 2009-12-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.50 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.50 (750 ml); NB $13.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml); SK $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 220459;   UPC: 012354087828 Producer: Lindemans Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

94/100 Sandeman Tawny Porto 20 Years Old N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Pale amber brick colour. Nutty, toffee, tea leaf, spicy, licorice root, tobacco ash, dried citrus peel, dried fig, rancio aromas. Full, round, elegant, warm palate with good acidity and sugar balance - not too sweet. Balck tea, toffee, nutty, dried fig, cherry compote, creme brulee, licorice, spicy, peppery, ginger flavours. Very fine structure and finesse with a long, rancio finish. Superb. Try with pecan tarts.
Tasted: 2009-12-29 by AG-ST Prices: BC $65.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 821702;   UPC: 005601083001639 Producer: Sandeman Distributor: Charton-Hobbs; Corby Distilleries Limited

86/100 Tormaresca Paiara 2007 Apulia, Italy
Peppery, resin, licorice root, cassis, black cherry, meaty, tobacco, smoky olive nose. Round, fresh, smooth palate with a touch of sweetness on entry. Resin, licorice root, black cherry, earthy, meaty, dried herb and tobacco flavours. Solid consumer wine for meat and pizza. Fresh jammy fruit on the finish. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-12-29 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.00 (750 ml); NS $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 378182;   UPC: 8026530000336 Producer: Tormaresca Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

84/100 McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Buttery, toasty lees, nutty, melon, peach, diacetyl nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with red apple, citrus, buttery, leesy, toasty, candied peach flavours. Standard stuff that is a bit too sweet.
Tasted: 2009-12-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml); BC $14.99 (750 ml) general listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); NS $14.99 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) general listing; SK $14.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 557934;   UPC: 085000010075 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

84/100 Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008 California, United States
Gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit, red apple, floral, candied ginger nose. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet style with canned grapefruit, peach, grassy, fruit cocktail flavours. An easy drinker.
Tasted: 2009-12-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $10.00 (750 ml) pending listing; MB $10.00 (750 ml); NS $9.00 (750 ml); ON $9.00 (750 ml); SK $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 749754;   UPC: 00850000016626 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

85/100 Farnese Primitivo 2007 Apulia, Italy
Black plum jam, licorice, spicy, peppery, floral, candied cherry nose. Round, supple, fresh palate with a bit of sweetness and very light tannins. Rooty, licorice, black cherry, plum, floral flavours. Simple, slightly tart finish but clean and fruity consumer wine. Solid value.
Tasted: 2009-12-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 619163;   UPC: 8019873924100 Producer: Farnese Vini Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Hellbent Shiraz Cabernet 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Peppery, blueberry smoky nose with bits of bacon, cedar, dried herbs and liquorice root nose. Fresh warm palate with a plenty of acidity and tannins poking through the earthy black cherry cola finish.
Tasted: 2009-12-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 441766;   UPC: 00621926400011 Producer: Kangarilla Road Distributor: Whitefish Group

85/100 Johnny Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 South Eastern Australia, Australia
A formulaic, simple, easy-drinking South Eastern Australia cabernet sauvignon. Look for dried herbs and black fruit with lifted aromas of cassis and the ever-present acidity poking through the back end. Best now with barbecued meats to help tame down the acidity and the dryness in the finish.
Tasted: 2009-12-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 513655;   UPC: 009337739000171 Producer: Quarisa Distributor: Whitefish Group

84/100 Oxford Landing Merlot 2008 South Australia, Australia
Merlot has never been an Australian strong suit and this label is no exception. Look for a lifted cedar-y nose with dark fruit, black raspberries and liquorice flavours. The textures are soft; the finish smooth and spicy but with elevated acid. Simple straight up hamburger red.
Tasted: 2009-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.99 (750 ml); CDN $15.00 (750 ml) estimated retail; MB $12.99 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops; NS $13.99 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops; ON $10.70 (750 ml) Consignment - Mark Anthony Wine Merchants CSPC: 373720;   UPC: 089208900121 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

83/100 Twisted Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California, United States
This ‘California’ appellation cabernet features candied raspberry and cherry aromas with a dollop of sweet vanilla. Sub-standard stuff with green, herbal, candied black fruit flavours, elevated acidity and a smooth spicy finish. Another hamburger red in the Oz/Yellow Tail style. Is there really a market for this stuff?
Tasted: 2009-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 185751;   UPC: 0822422330435 Producer: Twisted Wine Cellars Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 The Lucky Country Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley / McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
The Lucky Country label is de-classified Two Hands fruit and a pleasant surprise on the nose thanks to its authentic shiraz aromas. Interestingly it is aged 16 months in mostly older French and American oak, then 6 months in new French oak. Look for typical blueberries and spice mixed with Christmas pudding notes with bits of plum, dried herbs, white pepper and mocha. The finish is soft with some acidity poking through reassuring you its Australian. Best with grilled lamb chops.
Tasted: 2009-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 170555;   UPC: 009331727010388 Producer: The Lucky Country Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

86/100 Lulu B Chardonnay 2007 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Limoux sits along the western edge of the Languedoc and is the source of fruit in the Lulu B chard. Some 85 percent of this white is stainless steel fermented resulting in a nutty mineral peachy scented chardonnay that tastes like it smells. Honey and citrus butter streak its creamy finish. Good value and it is sealed under screwcap.
Tasted: 2009-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 389049;   UPC: 604174001704 Producer: Raymond Tournier Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

86/100 Lulu B Shiraz 2006 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Cleaner on the nose than previous versions with ripe, dry, peppery syrah. A firmer mid-palate this time out with dense, dry fruit flecked with plum flavours. Simple, well made and more Euro now which is a good thing. Keep this handy around the barbecue.
Tasted: 2009-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 389155;   UPC: 604174001711 Producer: Raymond Tournier Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

86/100 Finca Los Primos Chardonnay 2008 San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Still good value the Los Primos focuses in on green apple skin aromas and cool fruit with bits of peach and orange. On the palate, there is a touch of lees with more pear peach and sweet orange fruit with a fairly well balanced back end. Fresh and affordable drink all summer on the patio.
Tasted: 2009-12-22 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $11.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 056382;   UPC: 07790703007606 Producer: Bodegas y Vinedos Valentín Bianchi S.A. Distributor: The Delf Group

86/100 MezzaCorona Pinot Noir 2007 Trentino- Alto-Adige, Italy
If there is such a thing as pretty good cheap pinot this it. The all-Trentino fruit is sweet on entry with just a hint of earth and cedar bark. Soft round quaffable style perfect for light fare such as any number of pizza toppings.
Tasted: 2009-12-21 by AG Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 148916;   UPC: 008004305000057 Producer: Cantine MezzaCorona Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

88/100 The Winery of Good Hope Pinot Noir 2008 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Surprising quality here in what is a mix of Stellenbosch fruit, richer denser and Elgin fruit cooler more finesse with some minerality. There is lot going on for the price including French oak but hardly any new barrels. It’s quit=e fragrant and clean on the nose with an earthy farmyard note and some black cherry. Bravo. Look out Cono Sur.
Tasted: 2009-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private order; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 00854954000209 Producer: The Winery of Good Hope Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company

85/100 Golden Kaan Winemakers' Edition Shiraz 2004 Western Cape, South Africa
Mature to say the least with typical red fruits, blueberries mixed with burnt rubber and resin notes. The mid-palate is meaty with plenty of acid poking through into the leathery dry finish. Warm and friendly but the flavour profile is an acquired taste. Serve with barbecued meats.
Tasted: 2009-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 612937;   UPC: 006002323003014 Producer: Golden Kaan Distributor: Vinterra Wine Merchants

88/100 Cusumano Syrah 2007 Sicily, Italy
Not much changes here except for the nifty new glass Vino-lok stopper that assures the wine will never be corked. Expect a peppery, liquorice minty black fruit nose spiked with meaty coffee notes. Soft and fleshy fruit coats the palate, with more minty menthol peppery blueberry fruit. This will improve in the bottle but you can enjoy it now with roasted meats.
Tasted: 2009-12-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 015479;   UPC: 8028262000158 Producer: Cusumano Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

84/100 Sonovino Pinot Grigio Cataratto 2008 Sicily, Italy
Fresh ultra-dry white with light pear and mineral fruit flavours on the mid-palate and then a super dry, cardboard-flavoured finish. This is simple stuff that might be a bit to dry and stringent for the audience. Try it with pasta in a cream sauce.
Tasted: 2009-12-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 645176;   UPC: 008033765180313 Producer: MGM Mondo del Vino s.r.l. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Voga Pinot Grigio 2008 Veneto, Italy
Light fresh nose of almonds and lemon with a bit of honey and mineral. The entry is soft and round with fresh grapefruit and honey notes on the mid-palate with more bits of bitter almond and a touch of earth. A friendly grigio that would be perfect with veal cutlets.
Tasted: 2009-12-19 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NS $16.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 248518;   UPC: 00021893795088 Producer: Enoitalia Spa Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

88/100 Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The “old vines’ are 30-plus but the wine is fresh and young. Look for bright citrus, peach and melon fruit with fruit and a fairly dry mid-palate and ripe citrus finish. A clean tasty version of this variety with just a hint of dryness in the backend.
Tasted: 2009-12-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art CSPC: 071076;   UPC: 0094922087430 Producer: Sperling Vineyards Distributor: Calibrium International

89/100 Sperling Vineyards Pinot Gris 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Anne Sperling describes here restrained pinot gris style as pears and stones. The fruit comes off two very different benches on the home property in Kelowna’s Mission District. It’s essentially bone dry on the palate, light and fragrant all aged in old barrels for no wood influence. Lees stirring gives it a pleasing texture and protects tis dry citrus flavours. Less fruit more site expression is the goal. Food friendly.
Tasted: 2009-12-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art CSPC: 799361;   UPC: 0094922084743 Producer: Sperling Vineyards Distributor: Calibrium International

87/100 Sperling Vineyards Market White 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Market White is an intriguing 60/32/8 blend of pinot gris, gewürztraminer and riesling, in the vein of the old Alsace Edelzwicker. The lots are separated but it is all made in stainless steel to retain maximum freshness. The palate is fresh and clean with tropical litchi notes and an off-dry finish. What it lacks in exuberance it makes ups up for in texture and price. Try with mild Asian dishes or sip solo on the patio.
Tasted: 2009-12-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art CSPC: 112169;   UPC: 0094922086273 Producer: Sperling Vineyards Distributor: Calibrium International

86/100 Sperling Vineyards Old Vines Foch 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The “old vine” foch comes off 40-something year old plants grown over a gravelly part of the vineyard. Love the texture and the balance here it almost makes the funky smoky sweaty red fruit worth drinking. I’m sure foch fans will rejoice but it is more a curiosity. A stylish foch that at the end of the day is still a foch. Rich meats and barbecued beef are likely matches.
Tasted: 2009-12-18 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art CSPC: 345850;   UPC: 0094922083623 Producer: Sperling Vineyards Distributor: Calibrium International

85/100 Milton Park Shiraz 2007 South Australia, Australia
Lifted blueberry notes with strong spicy leathery cedar-y notes. The entry is a mix of chocolate intense spice and soupy cedar-y blueberry fruit with a fair bit of mid-palate acidity. The finish is warm and spicy with an acidic edge.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 832022;   UPC: 853065000689 Producer: Barossa Vintage Ltd. Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

78/100 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Star Galaxy Red 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big barnyard, compost, shoe polish, gamey, sweaty, Band-Aid, cooked aromas. Dry, round, light, slightly lean palate with herbal, cooked prune, barnyard, stewed veggies, and compost, gamey. Unclean. Not a lot of appeal here.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.95 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 128777;   UPC: 779000122547 Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

88/100 Hillebrand Showcase Riesling Ghost Creek Vineyard 2008 Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Lemon, green apple, floral, mineral, grapefruit aromas with a touch of matchstick. Crisp, fresh, delicate, round palate with lemon, granny smith, nectarine, honey, orange and mineral flavours. A bit of sweetness on the fine, delicate, crisp finish. Will have broad appeal. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: ON $25.00 (750 ml) winery only UPC: 048162011670 Producer: Hillebrand Estates Winery Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

88/100 Dunham Froese Amicitia Red 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, spicy, cedar bark, rooty, barnyard, coffee, prune and black cherry nose. Round, soft, supple palate with light tannins and fine balance. More peppery, prune, coffee, cherry, dried herbs flavours with bits of compost, carrot top and cassis. Well balanced if a bit lean on the finish but it should be ready to drink by 2010.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 103689;   UPC: 00628374070018 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

86/100 Dunham Froese Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, meaty, barnyard, black cherry, tobacco, saddle leather, floral, dried herb and olive aromas. Soft, round, fresh palate with light cedar-y tannins. Cool cherry, mocha, black tea, prune, herbal, olive flavours with a meaty, coffee, finish. Best served now with a piece of meat or give it another year of bottle age. A good start but needs more mid-palate charm.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 662247;   UPC: 00628374080048 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

88/100 Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Wood Post Vineyard 2008 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Floral, lemon, slate, green apple skin, petrol, leesy, bread dough, warm marzipan aromas. Fresh, crisp, round, delicate palate with slate, petrol, lemon curd, marzipan, peach skin, granny smith flavours. Crisp, snappy finish.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: ON $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 048162011298 Producer: Thirty Bench Wine Makers Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

89/100 Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vineyard 2008 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Clean lemon, floral, nectarine, orange, mineral, waxy, light petrol aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate, slightly sweet palate with lemon, petrol, nectarine, orange, mineral, granny smith flavours. A focussed, zippier style with some good fruit.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: ON $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 048162011274 Producer: Thirty Bench Wine Makers Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

87/100 Thirty Bench Riesling 2008 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Light petrol, lemon, waxy, lees, green apple skin, slate aromas. Off dry, fresh, crisp and round palate. Granny smith apple skin, petrol, marzipan, grapefruit, mineral flavours. Good zippy style for food.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: ON $18.50 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 048162011267 Producer: Thirty Bench Wine Makers Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

87/100 Joel Gott Chardonnay 2007 Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United States
Pear, citrus, butter, light lees, floral, honey, peach aromas. Fresh, crisp, easy entry with green apple, citrus, honey, butter, peach skin, pink grapefruit flavours. Simple, fresh style with a bit of butter and sweetness on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Philippe Dandurand Wines UPC: 00188985000038 Producer: Joel Gott Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

84/100 Ganton & Larson Prospect Winery Larch Tree Hill Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Fresh floral, peach skin, red apple, candied citrus, matchstick aromas. Round, fresh, somewhat soft and sweet palate with grapefruit rind, green apple, honey, butter, floral flavours. Finish is tart and rind-y with a floral edge. Not up to excellent bottling made last year.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $17.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 035550;   UPC: 00776545400055 Producer: Ganton & Larsen Prospect Winery Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Moselland Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett 2007 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Matchstick, petrol, candied apple, floral, peach skin aromas. Fresh, somewhat sweet, round palate with red apple, honey, orange, sulphur, light lees flavours. Simple, easy, fruity style.
Tasted: 2009-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 288670;   UPC: 084756123169 Producer: Moselland eG Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

84/100 Redbank Long Paddock Shiraz Victoria 2007 Victoria, Australia
Very fruit forward nose with cherry, blueberry, spicy, floral, rooty aromas but on the palate the flavours are dry and tart with herbal, spicy, cherry, chocolate, tobacco leaf flavours. Not much body or balance and very tart in the finish. Disappointing.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 556811;   UPC: 9311789001456 Producer: Redbank Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs; Negociants International

87/100 Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2009 Valle de Leyda, Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Zesty grapefruit, jalapeno, lemon, nettle, light lees nose with a hint of passion fruit. Fresh, round, juicy palate with a touch of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, lemon grass, granny smith, smoky jalapeno flavours. Full with good intensity, good value too. A very bright light for Santa Carolina and Chile delivering a modern, important single appellation wine at an incredible price.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG Prices: AB $11.75 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.26 (750 ml); NF $11.11 (750 ml); ON $11.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 741272;   UPC: 7804350596366 Producer: Vina Santa Carolina Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

84/100 Antares Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Flinty, lees, grapefruit rind, dried herb and sulphur aromas. Round, dry, slightly austere style with lees, butter, herbal, grassy, grapefruit rind flavours. Fairly basic white wine but will do where cost is a big factor.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG Prices: BC $9.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Charton-Hobbs; NF $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 833285;   UPC: 7804350701616 Producer: Vina Santa Carolina Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Nettle, lemon grass, grapefruit, passion fruit, ripe apple aromas. Round, fresh, easy style with a bit of sweetness. Lemon, grapefruit, honey, passion fruit, nettle, grassy flavours. Crisp, juicy finish to go with most seafood. Good value and another, attractive, single appellation white from Chile with style.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 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 Carmen Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Much like the previous year look for plenty of grapefruit rind, passion fruit, grassy, lemon, herbal aromas. Crisp, round, fresh palate with a hint of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, grassy, lemon, nettle flavours with a touch of passion fruit on the finish. Solid, consistent style.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $12.99 (750 ml); NF $12.00 (750 ml); NS $11.50 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); PEI $12.98 (750 ml) CSPC: 415604;   UPC: 0083300097604 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Yabby Lake Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
Spicy, meaty, cherry jam, strawberry, tobacco, light vanilla, coffee, herbal aromas. Warm, dry, round, elegant palate with juicy acidity. Barnyard, earthy, strawberry, cherry, cedar, rooty, orange peel, vanilla flavours. Finish has good fruit but a bit austere and hot. On the right track. Best with food like duck or turkey.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $46.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $51.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants CSPC: 669994;   UPC: 009325301000056 Producer: Yabby Lake International Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Burrowing Owl Syrah 2007 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Savoury, peppery, rubber, liquorice root, vanilla, coffee, sausage meat, leather, lees aromas. Dry, light, warm, slightly tart palate with very light tannins. Vanilla, coffee, cedar, tobacco, licorice, resin, savoury, sausage meat, dried herb flavours. A bit lean and bitter on the finish with some oak showing but may improve over the next year or two.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $41.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $38.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 608828;   UPC: 00688229004070 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

86/100 Fetzer Sauvignon Blanc Valley Oaks 2007 California, United States
Citrus, floral, honey, grapefruit, light bell pepper, passion fruit nose. Fresh, crisp, round, easy style with grapefruit, honey, floral, cooked kiwi, light jalapeno, grassy flavours. Good solid, clean seafood white for the money.
Tasted: 2009-12-11 by AG Prices: AB $14.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) general listing; ON $12.45 (750 ml) CSPC: 477265;   UPC: 082896064786 Producer: Fetzer Vineyards Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

85/100 The Bend in the River 2007 Pfalz, Germany
You can’t miss the long neck, wide bottomed frosted bottle but can you fit it in your fridge on its side? Expect a sweet fruit entry with a peachy, apricot, honey undertones and the richness and acidity of the 07 a harvest. Not a lot of complexity or length but this is solid stuff for the price and would be perfect with a little East Indian fare. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $11.35 (750 ml) CSPC: 501080;   UPC: 785859690823 Producer: Reh-Kendermann Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited

87/100 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2008 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
The 08 CdR is showing bit more acidity than the 07 but it is still a seriously good value. Love the peppery, smoky, liquorice nose with bits of black fruit and the smooth-ish if a bit piquant mid-palate. Fine flavour concentration and weight for the money. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $12.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 581645;   UPC: 00604174000639 Producer: Louis Bernard Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

88/100 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge 2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
The CDR 'Villages' rouge is a slightly slicker, warmer version of the regular showing the class of the 07 harvest. Look for pepper, black cherry, liquorice and underbrush notes to mark the nose and palate. The grenache lends it a soft fleshy texture that leaves the finish long and smooth. We love the core fruit Bernard is getting into the bottle. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 391458;   UPC: 604174000271 Producer: Louis Bernard Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Chat-en-Oeuf Côtes du Ventoux 2007 Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
An exceptional harvest benefits all the wines of the region and the latest “Chat” is no exception. The nose is fresh and open with floral, mineral, red fruit notes flecked with pepper and liquorice. The palate is soft and round with more ripe raspberry, liquorice and mineral. A solid, affordable everyday red for mushroom pasta dishes or short ribs. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-12-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 540765;   UPC: 3430560001419 Producer: Paul Boutinot Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

86/100 Bishop's Selection Côtes du Rhone Villages 2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
A southern Rhone blend the 07 Bishop is clean and bright with a cedar-y, spicy berry nose and a similar palate. Like the previous version there is some obvious mid-palate acidity poking through which tends to enhance the dry leather notes in the finish. Still quite a good deal for the price and a piece of cheese or grilled meat will smooth out that acidity. Ready-to-drink.
Tasted: 2009-12-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 881664;   UPC: 3430560001419 Producer: Paul Boutinot Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

85/100 Les Combelles Côtes du Rhône Grenache Syrah 2006 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Another inexpensive grenache/syrah blend with a peppery, leather and black fruit nose. The palate is dry, with warm peppery tannins and a mix of dried plums and cassis flavours. Simple straight up Côtes du Rhône red for the barbecue.
Tasted: 2009-12-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 759233;   UPC: 003263810133581 Producer: Les Compagnie Rhodanienne Distributor: The Delf Group

86/100 Casa de Campo Reserve Malbec Shiraz 2007 Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Ripe black cherry, savoury, chocolate, peppery, spicy, rooty, olive aromas. Round, dry, supple, full palate with olive, black cherry, resin, savoury, coffee, licorice, vanilla, tobacco flavours. Finish is a bit rustic, warm and tart but good solid effort.
Tasted: 2009-11-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 096966;   UPC: 07790762050100 Producer: Bodegas Santa Ana Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

89/100 Laurenz V. Und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner 2007 Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
The Singing Grüner Veltliner grapes are mostly located in Kremstal on loess and gravel soils with a small amount from Weinviertel contributing a spicy, white pepper character. Laurenz und Sophie is said to sing on the palate with its big, fresh, mineral, creamy notes and screamingly fresh acidity. Look for plenty of floral and honey and lemon oil aromas. Elegant and succulent it has a delicious peppery, crunchy fruit aspect with a honey-lemon, aftertaste all with delicacy, finesse and balance. A super oyster wine or try it with Pan Asian cuisine. Stainless steel only.
Tasted: 2009-11-30 by AG-ST Prices: 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

90/100 Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner 2007 Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, Austria
The Lenz Moser family is behind the Laurenz V wines made in the Kamptal and Kremstal areas of Austria. the sites allow for crisp white wine production with a purity seldom experienced at most daily wine tasting. The “Charming” is Kamptal based mixing apples and spice “and everything nice, just kidding, but it is pretty delicious. Who knew grüner could be so juicy and charming and yet super food friendly. It’s a shame to think there are only six grüners in all of BC.
Tasted: 2009-11-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $36.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wines and Spirits CSPC: 457960;   UPC: 9120022320014 Producer: Laurenz Five Fine Wine GmbH Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

85/100 Fuzion Shiraz-Malbec 2009 Mendoza, Argentina
I was hoping not to like this wine too much given its already large following because and these inexpensive cult brands have a way of destroying the vibrant wine category that gave birth to it with so many copycat, me-too-labels but this particular Fuzion blend, (shiraz/malbec) gets the job done for very little money. Spicy, peppery, strawberry, cherry, rooty chocolate aromas. Soft, round, easy style with spicy, herbal, cherry, strawberry, tobacco and coffee flavours. The finish is just off dry but all in an easy-sipping fun red wine.
Tasted: 2009-11-29 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $9.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $8.49 (750 ml); ON $7.45 (750 ml); QC $8.20 (750 ml) CSPC: 065177;   UPC: 07791728018141 Producer: Familia Zuccardi Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

85/100 Yellow Tail Bubbles N/V South Eastern Australia, Australia
Yellow tail has always been about fun and while some wines have been less than impressive of late, the whites and this sparkler ffor the price have impressed this writer. Bubbles is tank-fermented, hence the affordable price but its creamy fresh tropical fruit flavours with bits of peach, baked apple and honey get the job done. If you are going to dump orange juice into any sparkler for breakfast this is it.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); NB $15.00 (750 ml); NF $14.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); PEI $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 667089;   UPC: 00839743000462 Producer: Casella Estate Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

82/100 Blasted Church Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Dirty, reduced nose with meaty, leesy, herbal, medicinal aromas. Round, lean, flat palate with cedary tannins. Herbal, meaty, leesy, mercaptan, rubbery, resin, leafy flavours. Bitter and lean. Not much pinot character.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 037531;   UPC: 00626990075578 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

87/100 Blasted Church Pinot Gris 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Blasted Church gris is definitely aromatic with bright notes of pineapple, grape fruit rind and nectarine skin. The entry is soft and a touch sweet with warm honey, vanilla flavours mixed with some green apple notes. The finish is soft with butter, canned grapefruit and mineral flavours. The addition of five percent viognier has given the gris a bit of extra weight and mid-palate fat. Ready-to-drink. Try it with turkey.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $26.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 35683;   UPC: 626990075516 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

86/100 Blasted Church Hatfield's Fuse 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, floral, rose water, lychee, sausage, dried citrus, passion fruit nose. Round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with rose, slate, apple skin, peach and lychee flavours. Simple patio sipper or serve with spicy Indian dishes. Quintessential BC aromatic white blend.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 734475;   UPC: 0062990090885 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

88/100 Blasted Church Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
There are many reasons to like the latest Blasted Church sauvignon not the least of which it is clean and fresh. Something that easy to say but much harder to do. The colour is correct with green hues; the nose is blast of tropical fruit grass and gooseberry fruit. The finish is medium long with grassy, peppery, citrus notes and atouch dry inthe back end. Well done and can be served with a variety of foods from pork to sushi.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 281568;   UPC: 626990075615 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

88/100 Blasted Church Syrah 2007 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, boysenberry, black cherry white pepper liquorice root, gamey, chocolate coffee and dried herbs on the nose. Round, supple, fresh, elegant style with very light tannins. Tobacco, herbal, cherry, coffee, spicy, menthol, sage, carrot top, mineral and liquorice flavours. A bit tart on the finish but has good finesse to go with food. Should improve over the next year or so. Excellent progress here.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 035881;   UPC: 626990090847 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

87/100 Blasted Church Gewurztraminer 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light floral, grapefruit rind with green apple skin and rosewater aromas. Round, soft entry with bits of citrus oil, litchi, fresh grapefruit rind and grated ginger. Just a hint of meatiness in a lightweight version of the varietal. Sip solo or with spicy cuisine. This has improved a lot in the bottle over the last few months.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 711200;   UPC: 00626990075646 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

86/100 Blasted Church Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2007 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, cassis, black cherry, coffee, black olive, green bean aromas. Round, dry, slightly fresh acidity with some light, cedary tannin. Peppery, black olive, savoury green pepper, chocolate, cedar bark, liquorice vanilla, coffee flavours. Clean and balanced and ready to drink.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 734541;   UPC: 00626990090854 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

88/100 Blasted Church Chardonnay Musqué 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, green apple, citrus, mineral nose with a spicy lees and streak. The entry is fresh and crisp with nectarine, lime, muscat, mineral and floral flavours. Delicious, well-made Unoaked, chardonnay under screw cap. Versatile food wine. Try with pan Asian cuisine.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 734756;   UPC: 626990063209 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

88/100 Blasted Church The Dam Flood 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The unusual lemberger/merlot blend seems to work in 08 with a fresh spicy chocolate aroma mixed with floral meaty notes. The palate is as mix of pepper, chocolate, cassis and more earthy, meaty notes with a clean fresh finish. Should be perfect with grilled meats off the barbecue. Solid winemaking.
Tasted: 2009-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 734400;   UPC: 626990075554 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

83/100 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Gamay Noir 2008 Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Herbal, leafy \compost nose with slightly reduced, rubbery notes. Round, soft, dry, slightly tart palate with herbal, rooty, cooked tomato, tobacco leaf, resin flavours. Easy style but with green, reduced notes. Give it plenty of air.
Tasted: 2009-11-26 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 634437;   UPC: 00812289000387 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

85/100 Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Spicy, sappy, fresh cassis nose with some rooty, peppery, herbal, tobacco aromas. Fresh, round, easy palate with cassis, coffee, peppery, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, rooty, cedar bark flavours. Simple, fresh, meat red.
Tasted: 2009-11-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $11.99 (750 ml); NB $12.99 (750 ml); NF $12.98 (750 ml); NS $10.99 (750 ml); QC $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 415596;   UPC: 00083300097505 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

86/100 Carmen Merlot 2007 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Spicy, peppery, black olive, cassis, cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf aromas. Soft, supple, round, fresh palate with black olive, cherry, cedar, rooty, earthy, peppery, tobacco, cedar bark flavours. Solid if a bit herbal but has good texture.
Tasted: 2009-11-26 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.50 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $12.98 (750 ml); NS $12.00 (750 ml); ON $11.00 (750 ml); PEI $13.98 (750 ml); QC $13.20 (750 ml); SK $12.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 415588;   UPC: 0083300097550 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

86/100 Sabor Real Tempranillo 2006 Toro, Castilla-Leon, Spain
Peppery, meaty, Oxo, licorice, black cherry, licorice, vanilla, tobacco, orange aromas. Rich, ripe, round, fresh and very warm with lots of smoky, meaty, spicy, peppery, black cherry, floral, orange peel and licorice flavours. Finish is warm and fresh but has lots of ripe fruit to go with most meats.
Tasted: 2009-11-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 144485;   UPC: 08437009707500 Producer: Campina de Toro Distributor: Landmark Selections; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

82/100 Gallo Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008 California, United States
Spicy, carrot top, compost, tobacco leaf, light cherry, rooty nose. Dry, round, tart, slightly lean palate with resiny, compost, herbal, sour cherry, mineral, cedar bark flavours. Lacks fruit overall and lean.
Tasted: 2009-11-26 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.

90/100 Yalumba Hand Picked Tempranillo + Grenache + Viognier 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Brigth floral, spicy, white pepper, tobacco, cedar, clove, rooty, black cherry aromas. Round, ripe, supple, elegant palate with pomegranate, black cherry, spicy, vanilla, peppery, meaty, licorice, chocolate. Fresh, easy finish with good fruit integration.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) specialty listing Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

89/100 Willunga Shiraz-Viognier 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Big meaty, spicy, peppery, licorice, smoky, smoked bacon, roasted earth, chocolate aromas. Round, full, smooth, light tannins but suave. Chocolate, black cherry kirsch, meaty, licorice, smoky bacon, resin flavours. A bit tart and warm but good fruit and good value.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) private wine stores CSPC: 785444;   UPC: 005060053960688 Producer: Willunga 100 Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.; Liberty Wines UK

88/100 Willunga Grenache 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Intense floral, raspberry jam, orange peel, licorice, white pepper and tobacco aromas. Round, fresh, supple, warm, velvety palate with orange peel, chocolate, peppery, black raspberry, peppery, tobacco, black olive flavours. A bit fresh on the finish but has very good fruit and suppleness for current drinking with duck or lamb. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - David Herman & Son CSPC: 471177;   UPC: 005060053960640 Producer: Willunga 100 Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.; Liberty Wines UK

85/100 Young & Wyse Collection Merlot 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A first release from the former BOV winemaker coames with a cedary, black olive, resin, tobacco, peppery nose and light cherry. Dry, light, fresh, tart palate with sour cherry, herbal, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Simple, light, tart style best served with grilled meats.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Landmark Wines CSPC: 120394 Producer: Young and Wyse Collection Distributor: Landmark Selections

87/100 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 2006 Calatayud, Aragon, Spain
Spicy, peppery, meaty, floral, black raspberry jam aromas. Round, fresh, soft, supple palate with chocolate, orange, black raspberry, licorice, mineral flavours. Finish is fresh with solid fruit. Good value once again.
Tasted: 2009-11-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 163568;   UPC: 805109270039 Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro (Eric Solomon European Selections) Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Ikella Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
Peppery, cassis, black cherry, tobacco, floral, rooty aromas. Round, dry, supple, slightly tannic palate. Smoky, peppery, cassis, black cherry, licorice, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, leather flavours. Good solid fruit for current drinking. Excellent value in cabernet.
Tasted: 2009-11-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 033944;   UPC: 00689076828307 Producer: Bodegas Melipal (Vinas Familia Aristi S.A.) Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

84/100 Road 13 Honest John's Red 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Green bean, green olive, tobacco leaf, dill, savoury, dried herbs, coffee, caraway aromas. Round, dry, fresh, supple palate with green olive, dill, herbal, tobacco leaf, peppery, cassis, sour cherry, compost, canned bell pepper and coffee flavours. Has some balance but the fruit is very cool and green.
Tasted: 2009-11-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 290684;   UPC: 626990062806 Producer: Road 13 Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Road 13 Pinot Noir 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Celery, liquorice, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, compost aromas. Round, dry, elegant, supple palate but light bodied and forward. Herbal, celery, carrot top, rhubarb, sour cherry, mineral, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost flavours. Simple, pinot with cool characters.
Tasted: 2009-11-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 753251;   UPC: 626990062783 Producer: Road 13 Distributor: The Delf Group

88/100 Yalumba Chardonnay Wild Ferment 2008 Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Light floral, waxy, spicy lees, baked apple, citrus aromas. Round, dry, fresh, elegant palate with juicy green apple, lime, light lees, butter, peach skin flavours. Good finesse and expression in a very affordable Oz chardonnay.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; ON $18.00 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 792011;   UPC: 00892084000058 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

87/100 The Magnificent Wine Company Riesling 2007 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Ripe peach, red apple, petrol, Vaseline, honey, light pineapple aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with moderate sweetness but balanced. Baked red apple, peach, honey, guava, lime, floral flavours. A bit sweet but with good fruit and acidity for general drinking or with Thai or Indian food.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.95 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 00857846101053 Producer: Magnificent Wine Company Distributor: Calibrium International

87/100 Scurati Nero d'Avola 2007 Sicily, Italy
Similar to the previous edition with black olive tapenade, licorice root, earthy, black cherry, peppery, herbal aromas. Round, dry, supple, fresh palate with cherry, herbal, tobacco, black olive, savoury flavours. A bit tart should be fine with grilled meat.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 183319;   UPC: 8032484870116 Producer: Azienda Agricola Ceuso s.r.l. Distributor: WineQuest Wine and Spirit Brokers

85/100 Jargon Pinot Noir 2006 California, United States
Floral, smoky, coffee, black cherry jam, celery salt, gamey, rooty aromas. Round, supple, light palate with fresh acidity. Cedar bark, black cherry, coffee, mocha, compost, carrot top flavours. A bit tart and warm but easy going.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 033472;   UPC: 0852200006007 Producer: Jargon Winery Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

88/100 Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Soft, round, supple, fresh palate with peppery, savoury bay leaf and mineral a nose with bits of licorice, mocha, tobacco, black cherry and plum flavours. Attractive supple mid-palate with a warm black raspberry finish. Bring on the grilled meat. Impressive for the price.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 455980;   UPC: 098709085602 Producer: Bodega Renacer Distributor: AltoVin International

88/100 Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Nice vanilla, spicy, nutty lees, hazelnut, citrus, baked apple, grassy, citrus aromas. Dry, fresh, slightly lean entry with crisp acidity. Very spicy, nutty, baked green apple, salty, buttery, lime rind, grapefruit, vanilla flavours. Good finesse in a cooler, leaner style.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG Prices: ON $25.00 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 036160;   UPC: 9315032001385 Producer: Vasse Felix Pty Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

89/100 Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay 2007 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
A selection of the best barrel fermentations using wild yeast. Spicy, nutty, floral, baked pear, green apple, honey, butter, lanolin, citrus aromas. Rich, round, dry, full palate with fresh acidity. Green apple, nutty, salty, spicy, butter, baked pear, lime, lemon, honey flavours. Good intensity and finesse with a cool, more linear streak.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands UPC: 9315032001477 Producer: Vasse Felix Pty Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

87/100 Artazuri Garnacha Rosado 2008 Navarra and Basque Country, Spain
Old vine garnacha from the saignée method of bleeding off juice after minimal skin contact. Rich and elegant with ripe strawberry fruit and thirst quenching citrus notes. Stylish tapas wine or serve on the patio all summer. Pair with crab, fish, chicken or burgers.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $19.00 (750 ml) private wine shops CSPC: 122572;   UPC: 831906002238 Producer: Artadi Grandes Viñedos Distributor: Liquid Art Fine Wines

89/100 Crios de Susanna Balbo Syrah-Bonarda 2008 Salta, North, Argentina
This wine impressed me in Argentina and now in Vancouver it looks even better. The unusual 50/50 blend of syrah and bonarda, aged for nine months in French and American oak, results in rich red of blueberry, plum, and black raspberry flavours. Soft supple juicy fun and uncomplicated. Grilled lamb chops are a great match.
Tasted: 2009-11-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $19.00 (750 ml) Everything Wine CSPC: 354951;   UPC: 7798068480362 Producer: Dominio del Plata Distributor: Rocky Mountain Wines Ltd.

85/100 Strut Red Over Heels Merlot 2007 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Liquorice, peppery, rooty, spicy, herbal, tobacco aromas with a floral, cherry jam note. Soft, round, fresh palate with a touch of tannin. Cedar, cherry, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, cassis, smoky, coffee flavours. Simple, easy, ready to go red with a hint of acidity to go with tomato sauces.
Tasted: 2009-11-20 by AG-ST Prices: ON $12.00 (750 ml) Wine Rack Stores CSPC: 988029;   UPC: 063657021903 Producer: Strut Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Spinelli Quartana Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007 Abruzzo, Italy
Peppery, meaty, black licorice, black cherry, tapenade aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with black cherry, meaty, smoky, spicy, black cherry, strawberry, mineral flavours. Fresh, easy finish for current drinking. Simple but good value pasta and pizza red.
Tasted: 2009-11-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) general listing CSPC: 454629;   UPC: 08004129075019 Producer: Cantine Spinelli SRL Distributor: The Thomas Robert Agency

88/100 Ikella Malbec 2007 Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Deep coloured, fragrant, peppery plum scented nose with bits of black fruit and grilled bread. Round supple soft fruit entry with plums, black fruit and dried herbs. Classic savoury malbec with soft easy sipping tannins. Drinking very well now, private wine shops only.
Tasted: 2009-11-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Waldorf Wine Group CSPC: 363051;   UPC: 007798116540086 Producer: Bodegas Melipal (Vinas Familia Aristi S.A.) Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

88/100 Ikella Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
Spicy, mocha, peppery, blackberry, tobacco, meaty, saddle leather aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied, red that is beginning to soften at edges. Peppery, smoky, mocha, cassis jam, black cherry, tobacco, black olive and licorice flavours. Lots of intensity if rustic. Will go well with rare beef. Solid high altitude cabernet.
Tasted: 2009-11-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 033944;   UPC: 7798116510123 Producer: Bodegas Melipal (Vinas Familia Aristi S.A.) Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

90/100 Melipal Malbec 2007 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Another inviting floral, black licorice, smoky, savoury malbec flecked with bits of cedar, plums and dark chocolate. The entry is dry and round with soft grainy tannins and fine intensity of fruit. Look for plummy black cherry jam with bits of orange rind, black liquorice, smoke and coffee flavours. A bit more generous than previous edition and that make sits more approachable which is great for the price. You can drink this now with flank steak or lamb or sausage pizza. Excellent value.
Tasted: 2009-11-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.45 (750 ml) speculative listing - Waldorf Wine Group CSPC: 348458;   UPC: 00689076825993 Producer: Bodegas Melipal (Vinas Familia Aristi S.A.) Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

85/100 The Fort Wine Co. Keremeos Fruit Stand Pear Apple 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Canned pear, canned apple, spicy, mineral, applesauce aromas. Round, off dry, full palate with baked pear, spicy, clove, mineral, canned flavours. Easy going fruit wine with some body.
Tasted: 2009-11-10 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery only CSPC: 199083;   UPC: 0094922109514 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 See Ya Later Ranch Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, rhubarb, sour cherry, coffee, compost and vanilla aroma. Soft, round, slightly sweet palate with light green tannins and some fresh acidity. Cooked cherry, rhubarb, rooty, compost, coffee, vanilla, worsteshire flavours. Very warm, slightly green tea and tobacco leaf finish. There is a bit too much wood for the fruit this time out.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 075267;   UPC: 624738011451 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Ugarteche District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Earthy, spicy, light cassis, rooty, tobacco aromas. Dry, tight, slightly tannic palate with minty, tobacco, dried herbs, floral, rooty, olive flavours. Finish is a bit rustic and tart, best with meat.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 633636;   UPC: 00836950000025 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Saint Ambroise Apricot Wheat Ale N/V Quebec, Canada
At five percent alcohol this has a dried and canned apricot nose mixed with floral, earthy, soapy notes. Good mousse, round and full with a moderately dry palate and soapy, floral, canned apricot flavours. This would be fine with food to match the fruit and bitter finish.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $1.85 (341 ml) CSPC: 613372 Producer: McAuslan Brewery Distributor:

88/100 Whistler Classic Pale Ale N/V British Columbia, Canada
Pale amber with light, creamy mousse. Spicy, earthy, malty, floral, pear, mace aromas. Dry, fresh, crisp, slightly bitter palate with malty, earthy, pear skin, soapy, apple flavours. Creamy palate, solid lighter style pale ale.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $2.00 (330 ml) CSPC: 488338;   UPC: 626990051176 Producer: Whistler Brewing Co. Distributor:

87/100 Whistler Premium Export Lager N/V British Columbia, Canada
Pure style lager with a slightly cloudy appearance and creamy mousse. Light malt, earthy, floral, apple flavours and aromas. Light bitterness on the finish. A fresh, creamy, easy mainstream style.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $2.00 (330 ml) CSPC: 488346;   UPC: 626990051169 Producer: Whistler Brewing Co. Distributor:

90/100 Granville Island Brockton IPA N/V British Columbia, Canada
A six percent pale ale with fine white mousse. Spicy, malty, floral, pear, earth aromas. Crisp, dry, slightly bitter palate with good creamy mousse. Malty, earthy, floral, pear skin, spicy flavours with a clean, bitter hops finish. Good all round IPA.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $1.93 (341 ml) CSPC: 818203;   UPC: 779446200045 Producer: Granville Island Brewery Distributor: Cascadia Brands

89/100 Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Miller Ranch 2008 Napa Valley, California, United States
Gooseberry, grapefruit, melon, floral, lime aromas with a touch of jalapeno, lees and grass. Crisp, fresh, round, elegant palate with a creamy texture. Passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, floral, spicy, herbal, nettle flavours. Good concentration and finesse, fresh and tasty for current consumption. Under Stelvin.
Tasted: 2009-11-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wine and Spirits; US $18.00 (750 ml) estimated retail Producer: Silverado Vineyards Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

88/100 Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008 Catalunya, Spain
Esmeralda has really elevated its game under screwcap. The Upper Penedès white blend of 85/15 gewürztraminer/moscatel jumps out of your glass with bright fresh aromatic fruit that is alive. Expect a zesty, bright super fruited wine with bits of lychee, green apple, lemon lime and tropical melons. You can serve it solo but it will really brighten up your sushi, Thai, or Indian dishes. It is a personal favourite with curry. Great value in most of Canada and a ridiculous buy in Ontario.
Tasted: 2009-11-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.49 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $11.95 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 165316;   UPC: 08410113001122 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

87/100 Peter Lehmann Clancy’s Legendary Red 2006 South Australia, Australia
Peppery, meaty, smoky, black cherry, herbal, tobacco, rooty, licorice, leafy aromas. Round, dry, tart, hot palate with orange, black cherry, peppery, tobacco, leather, cedar, rooty, herbal, coffee flavours. Good suppleness but finish is too hot and tart. Needs food.
Tasted: 2009-11-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml); BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $18.00 (750 ml); ON $18.00 (750 ml); PEI $22.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml); SK $22.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 611467;   UPC: 9311910102069 Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

82/100 Strut Cab Couture Cabernet Merlot 2007 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and merlot make up the blend in this sweet, herbal red that brings little to the party other than legs skinner than those on the label. Simple stuff for VQA.
Tasted: 2009-11-07 by AG-ST Prices: ON $12.00 (750 ml) Wine Rack Stores CSPC: 988028;   UPC: 063657021897 Producer: Strut Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon 2008 Gascony, France
The Grassa family reputation was built in Armagnac but how can you ignore this perfect little white wine. Under screwcap this refreshing stylish sauvignon is all but recession-proof bottle at $15. Love the big fresh nose of passion fruit, lemons and limes with a touch of asparagus and crisp acidity. I love this with oysters or chicken curries but you can serve it just about anywhere. Huge value in an inexpensive classy white wine.
Tasted: 2009-11-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 484139;   UPC: 3359880123314 Producer: Domaine du Tariquet Distributor: Dream Wines Corporation; Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Peter Lehmann Layers White 2009 Adelaide (including Mt Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu and Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Melon, grapefruit, floral, lime, spicy, peach skin aromas. Light, dry, crisp, elegant palate with spicy, floral, grapefruit, mineral, apple skin and pear flavours. Simple fresh style with a tart, rindy finish.
Tasted: 2009-11-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 109447;   UPC: 9311910102977 Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

87/100 Peter Lehmann Layers Red 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
A blend of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan and tempranillo and no oak. Smoky, spicy, savoury, black olive, licorice, black cherry, herbal, tobacco, floral aromas. Round, dry, fresh and supple palate. Spicy, peppery, black cherry, black raspberry, leather, olive and tobacco flavours. Solid fruit with a warm, somewhat tart finish.
Tasted: 2009-11-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 200261;   UPC: 9311910103103 Producer: Peter Lehmann Wines Limited Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

87/100 Montes Cherub Rose of Rosé 2008 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
This pink has a promising zippy start with bright acidity and just the right amount of sweet berry fruit. There is some mid-palate tension and tartness (yeah) with a dash of white pepper in the finish. Fun fruity, and yes a touch weighty this is eminently sip-able rosé on the patio or with a selection of tapas.
Tasted: 2009-11-04 by AG-ST Prices: ON $17.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00715126600040 Producer: Viña Montes S.A. Distributor: Whitehall Agencies Inc.

86/100 Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Mendoza, Argentina
Spicy, cedar, herbal, liquorice, resin, peppery, blackberry nose. Round, fresh, juicy but slightly sweet entry with soft tannins. Warm with cassis jam, blackberry, peppery, cedar, tobacco, licorice flavours. Easy-drinking consumer style for current consumption.
Tasted: 2009-11-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 233502;   UPC: 00879716000037 Producer: Domaine Jean Bousquet Distributor: Landmark Selections

83/100 Strut Well-Heeled White Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Fresh and aromatic on the nose as you might expect from a 70/30 riesling/gewürztraminer blend but the flavours are overtly sweet and candied. Despite the great legs on the label this is more like a wine for grandma. Try it with super spicy foods for best results.
Tasted: 2009-11-01 by AG-ST Prices: ON $12.00 (750 ml) Wine Rack Stores CSPC: 988027;   UPC: 063657021880 Producer: Strut Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

84/100 Mistaken Identity Abbondante Bianco Organic 2008 Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
A lot of white grapes explain the Abbondante Bianco moniker. Not near as attractive as the previous edition showing more oily notes and fairly severe acidity and dry palate with not much fruit to smooth it all out. The finish is dry with herbal undertones.
Tasted: 2009-11-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 170407;   UPC: 00626990094692 Producer: Mistaken Identity Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

86/100 Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This wine remains fairly consistent each year offering up a fresh, elegant floral style white wine with a spicy, mineral, ripe peach pit, meaty, citrus rind flavours all flecked with bits of ginger in the aftertaste. A simple straight-up white that would best with spicy Pan-Asian cuisine.
Tasted: 2009-11-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Whitefish Group CSPC: 918946;   UPC: 00854505001433 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Delicato California Unoaked Chardonnay/Viognier 2008 California, United States
This wine continues to impress for the price with its bright mineral, honeyed citrus nose with a streak of lees and its fresh creamy, citrus, buttery, baked apple and apricots flavours. An easy-drinking patio sipper or pour with pre-dinner appetizers.
Tasted: 2009-11-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 0822420019536 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 JoieFarm Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Reserve edition comes off a mix of vineyards in Naramata (Earlco Three Sisters) and Okanagan Falls (Schales). Honey and ripe apples mark the nose along with some fairly prevalent vanilla and oak. The palate is drier and more reserved than last year with plenty of buttery, pineapple notes both mid-palate and in the finish. The after taste is fat and round with traces of chalk in the finish. It needs a bit more complexity and finesse to live up to its price and moniker as a reserve wine.
Tasted: 2009-10-31 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 150862 Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm

86/100 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Mt Boucherie Collection Chardonnay is made with a mix of Similkameen Vineyard in Cawston and Sunrise Vineyard in Okanagan Falls. The nose is bright with fresh green apple and lemon highlights. The palate boast sweet ripe fruit with baked apple, caramel and citrus flavours. Tasty if a bit sweet but would be fine with spicy Thai dishes.
Tasted: 2009-10-31 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 601102;   UPC: 00812289000424 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

90/100 Schneider Weisse Original Hefe-Weizenbier N/V Württemberg, Germany
A wheat beer that is bottle conditioned. Pale amber colour with light, creamy head. Spicy, floral, earthy, toasty, pear, nutty nose. Crisp, dry, fresh, lightly bitter palate with nutty, toasted rice, spicy, citrus, earthy, yeasty flavours. Finish is dry with a bitter hops and soapy floral note. A richer style wheat beer with some finesse and intensity, contrary to most. Try this one with food.
Tasted: 2009-10-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $3.49 (500 ml) CSPC: 366070;   UPC: 737398016206 Producer: Georg Schneider & Sohn Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

88/100 Williams & Humbert Dry Sack N/V Sherry Jerez - Manzanilla, Spain
Inviting nutty, buttery, soy, rancio nose with smoky date streaks. A touch sweet but elegant with a slightly warm and dry finish. Walnut, spicy, mineral, buttery flavours. Well made, very nutty style with some weight. Serve fireside with some spice almonds.
Tasted: 2009-10-29 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 013566;   UPC: 8410028010905 Producer: Bodegas Williams & Humbert Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

89/100 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Even better than the fine ’04 version the ’06 offers up blueberry, cassis and red liquorice notes bits of peppery, meaty tobacco notes. The palate is rich and supple with cassis, plums blueberry, black olive flavours with some underlying small grained tannins. You can drink this now with grilled meats or hold it for two or three years for even better results. Well done Barossa.
Tasted: 2009-10-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $24.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $30.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $22.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 094433;   UPC: 853065000139 Producer: Thorn-Clarke Wines Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

90/100 Felton Road Chardonnay (Barrel Fermented) 2007 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Melon, light butter, floral, baked apple, spicy lees, and honey aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy and round palate with good elegance and creaminess. Very spicy lees, vanilla, green apple, pear, lime, mineral, floral, buttery flavours. Good minerality, texture and finesse. Should age well for 2-5 years but good now.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by ST Prices: AB $46.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $50.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art Fine Wines; ON $50.00 (750 ml) consignment - Lifford; QC $45.75 (750 ml) CSPC: 147363;   UPC: 9419593002505 Producer: Felton Road Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Liquid Art Fine Wines

90/100 Felton Road Pinot Noir 2007 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
A blend of three vineyards, this offers up spicy, rhubarb, strawberry, thyme, peppery, carrot top, smoky, compost and floral aromas. Round, dry, supple, delicate and juicy palate. Strawberry jam, cherry, rhubarb, vanilla, spicy, licorice, orange peel, thyme and herb flavours. Good acidity, delicacy and fruit for current drinking or keep 2-5 years. Delicious drinking pinot.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by ST Prices: AB $60.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $65.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art Fine Wines; ON $64.00 (750 ml) consignment - Lifford; QC $60.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 299859;   UPC: 9419593002604 Producer: Felton Road Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Liquid Art Fine Wines

93/100 Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3 2007 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Savoury, spicy, rubarb, smoky, celery, black cherry, orange, cedar, mint, tobacco, vanilla and tea aromas with a touch of barnyard, licorice and dried thyme. Rich, round, fresh, supple palate that is elegant, warm and a touch tart. Cherry jam, orange, smoky, green tea, tobacco, thyme, celery, vanilla, licorice and cedar flavours. A bit hotter, tighter with more tannins and more acidity showing than either Calvert or Cornish Point. Needs 2-5 years but has good concentration. Managed 100% organically and biodynamically. Felton Road is currently in the process of becoming certified biodynamic through Demeter.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by ST Prices: AB $87.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $95.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art Fine Wines; ON $93.00 (750 ml) consignment - Lifford; QC $89.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 092320;   UPC: 94119593002703 Producer: Felton Road Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Liquid Art Fine Wines

92/100 Felton Road Pinot Noir Cornish Point Vineyard 2007 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Smoky, savoury, spicy, tea, tobacco, barnyard, black cherry jam, vanilla, worsteshire, plum, orange peel, carrot top and thyme aromas. Rich, ripe, round, warm and full palate with supple tannins. Big black cherry, plum, smoky, savoury, vanilla, orange, thyme, black tea, mint and coffee flavours. A bit more oak showing with sweeter, darker fruit but more savoury than the Calvert and slightly more forward. The winery explains the site as: The vineyard started producing with the 2003 vintage, and has been developed by winery owner Nigel Greening to become a pinot noir laboratory. Twenty-four blocks are planted to 18 different combinations of pinot noir clones and rootstocks, each carefully matched to the subtle soil and aspect changes throughout the site. Rows are orientated to 345 degrees, so the vines receive an extra hour of morning sun and one less hour of hot afternoon sun. A row width of seven feet and vine spacing of four feet results in 1,635 vines per acre.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by ST Prices: AB $73.00 (750 ml); BC $82.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art Fine Wines; ON $75.00 (750 ml) consignment - Lifford; QC $75.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 129304;   UPC: 9419593102021 Producer: Felton Road Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Liquid Art Fine Wines

92/100 Felton Road Pinot Noir Calvert Vineyard 2007 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Peppery, spicy, black cherry, liquorice, thyme, light barnyard, menthol, tobacco leaf, compost, savoury nose. Rich, ripe, round, supple and full with good elegance and acidity but a tad warm. Black cherry, strawberry jam, tobacco, vanilla, carrot, thyme, liquorice, spicy, minty tea flavours. Long, good textures and length, very good now but will age. In accordance with Felton Road’s strict policy of not purchasing grapes, the winery leases and fully manages Calvert Vineyard that is planted with an excellent range of clones and rootstocks. Craggy Range and Pyramid Valley are also producing a Calvert Vineyard pinot from purchased grapes.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by ST Prices: AB $73.00 (750 ml); BC $82.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liquid Art Fine Wines; ON $75.00 (750 ml) consignment - Lifford; QC $75.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 129304;   UPC: 9419593102021 Producer: Felton Road Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Liquid Art Fine Wines

89/100 Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Peppery, pruny, dried cherry nose flecked with tobacco, spicy floral, black cherry aromas. Dry, round and very warm palate but supple. Small old oak is used here to expose the black cherry, black raspberry, and peppery fruit with liquorice, smoky, resin flavours. Very good fruit and smooth but very hot on the finish. The first SGM was made in 1992 although the grapes have been in the ground for decades. The wine was elevated to the Bin range in 1998: Penfolds Bin 138 all sourced from old, low-yielding Barossa Valley vines.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $35.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $35.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $38.00 (750 ml); NF $63.00 (750 ml); ON $35.00 (750 ml) Vintages October 25, 2008; SK $35.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 323766;   UPC: 012354071766 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

92/100 Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Coffee, vanilla, black berry jam, white pepper, floral, fruit cake, garrigue, tobacco, dried herb and plum aromas. Ripe, rich, round, full and supple palate if a bit warm but good balance. Black cherry jam, plum, vanilla, clove, peppery, floral, tobacco, cedar, coffee, rooty flavours. Warm but excellent fruit and intensity. Best in 7-15 years. A typically opulent flashy shiraz in contrast to its cousin Grange. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $135.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $132.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $135.00 (750 ml); NF $79.00 (750 ml); ON $118.00 (750 ml); QC $115.00 (750 ml); SK $121.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 564278;   UPC: 012354072602 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

87/100 Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy, liquorice, black cherry, floral, tobacco nose with cassis, olive aromas. Dry, round, warm palate with tart acidity and a bit chunky. Rooty, tobacco, licorice, earthy, resin, black cherry, and tapenade flavours. Solid style but flavours are a bit flat this year. The blend is 70/30 shiraz cabernet.
Tasted: 2009-10-27 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 $17.00 (750 ml); NF $17.00 (750 ml); NS $18.00 (750 ml); ON $16.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 285544;   UPC: 9310297010905 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

86/100 Delicato California Chardonnay 2008 California, United States
Spicy lees, honey, baked apple, citrus, vanilla cream aromas. Fresh, round, lighter style palate with creamy lees, butter, citrus, apple skin and pear flavours. Good solid, simple style if a bit flat but dry. Solid value.
Tasted: 2009-10-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.50 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) estimated retail; NF $14.50 (750 ml) UPC: 082242011037 Producer: Delicato Family Vineyards Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2008 Napa Valley, California, United States
Citrus, spicy lees, vanilla, toasty, nutty, honey, pineapple aromas. Round, soft, dry, easy style with buttery, spicy lees, nutty, citrus, honey, and pineapple flavours. Finish is short, buttery and light with little mid-palate weight or flavour.
Tasted: 2009-10-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $23.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 220277;   UPC: 00087712101232 Producer: Rutherford Ranch Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Round Hill Chardonnay 2008 California, United States
Honey, baked green apple, citrus, spicy, melon, light lees aromas. Round, soft, easy palate with spicy lees, clove, melon, baked peach, honey, vanilla flavours. A bit soft but very solid drink for consumers.
Tasted: 2009-10-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.35 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants CSPC: 311415;   UPC: 087712001235 Producer: Round Hill Vineyards & Cellars Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

85/100 Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Canned grapefruit, pear, apple sauce, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crisp, slightly tart palate with a bit of sweetness. Grapefruit rind, apple skin, grassy, canned pear, honey flavours. Warm finish with citrus rind and melon.
Tasted: 2009-10-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 321612;   UPC: 778829118199 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

83/100 Sibling Rivalry Red 2007 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Smoky, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, dill, herbal aromas. Round, supple, somewhat dry but flat palate with coffee, herbal, dill, green olive, tobacco, sour cherry flavours. Green and lacking fruit. Not near as successful as its white sibling.
Tasted: 2009-10-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 126144;   UPC: 00779376170913 Producer: Henry of Pelham Distributor: Pacific Wine Partners; Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

88/100 Chambar Ale N/V British Columbia, Canada
Made with organic malt. Pale amber colour with light, creamy white mousse. Floral, spicy, pear, malty, earthy, apple aromas with a touch of spice. Crisp, dry palate with earthy, pear skin, floral, soapy toasted flavours and bitter hops on the finish. Good solid ale for food that it is on the more bitter side.
Tasted: 2009-10-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) Producer: Russell Brewing Company Distributor:

88/100 Black Hills Chardonnay 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Fresh lees, vanilla, cooked peach, butter and green apple skin, slightly grassy, smoky edge. Fresh, crisp, round, slightly oily texture with a hint of sweetness. Green apple, pear, vanilla, light lees, garlic, butter, mineral, citrus flavours with a touch of nectarine skin and butterscotch. Warm, crisp finish, very solid. Fresh delicious light style that just lacks a bit of extract.
Tasted: 2009-10-20 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

86/100 Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2008 Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Open fresh, nose with floral raspberry undertones and a wisp of saddle leather. Soft round light juicy fruit with bits of cherries and violets. Simple light easy drinking medium-bodied red. Way too expensive in BC.
Tasted: 2009-10-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 560797;   UPC: 8004645304105 Producer: Tommasi Viticoltori Distributor: Calibrium International

87/100 Laughing Stock Vineyards Chardonnay 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light garlic, spicy lees, butter, vanilla, quince, baked peach, baked apple, nutty aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a touch of oiliness. Fruit cocktail, buttery-diacetyl, spicy lees, baked apple, peach skin, passion fruit, grassy, nutty flavours. Good solid expression if a bit buttery on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-10-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 738088;   UPC: 850451001138 Producer: Laughing Stock Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Coffee, tobacco, cedar, black olive, barnyard, cassis, meaty, rooty, herbal, spicy nose. Round, dry, warm and slightly tannic palate with some acidity showing. Coffee, black olive, green bean, peppery, savoury, garrigue, herbal, tobacco flavours. Finish is smoky with a tart, earthy edge. Try this with grilled meats.
Tasted: 2009-10-20 by ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 331884;   UPC: 009311789002019 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

86/100 Yellow Tail Shiraz The Reserve 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Consistently big and sweet over the last few vintages the latest version is no different with that minty, meaty, blueberry, cherry nose. The palate is supple with plenty of mid-palate acidity and sweet berry fruit that translates in to a dry cedar-y, warm, leathery finish.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml); BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $21.00 (750 ml); QC $18.70 (750 ml) CSPC: 366187;   UPC: 00839743000189 Producer: Casella Estate Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

89/100 Moncellier Pinot Noir 2008 Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
Bright ruby colour. Cherry, floral, spicy, raspberry, licorice, peppery, celery salt aromas with a touch of carbonic fruit. Soft, round, dry, elegant palate with fresh acidity. Light tobacco, black cherry, raspberry, celery, licorice, orange, herbal flavours. Finish is elegant and fresh with some carbonic notes. Ready to drink now but will hold or improve for 1-2 years.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Seacove Group CSPC: 820829;   UPC: 009421901602024 Producer: Moncellier Wines Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.

88/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Passion fruit, smoky, jalapeno, asparagus, melon, nettle, slate aromas. Ripe, round, creamy, elegant and dry palate. Good mineral, grapefruit, passion fruit, canned asparagus, jalapeno and nettle flavours with a touch of melon rind. A tad soft but has good texture and finesse. A first release from young vines is very promising.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

89/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Chardonnay 2008 Valle de San Antonio, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Ripe peach, spicy, honey, citrus, floral, slate, mango aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with good finesse and texture but a bit soft. Green apple skin, citrus, lees, vanilla, nectarine, waxy flavours. Good delicacy in young vines.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 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 2008 Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Orange, ginger, creamsicle, spicy, honey, garlic, grassy, quince aromas. Fresh, round, elegant and crisp palate with ginger, honey, orange, creamy, slate, lime and mango flavours. Good delicacy and finesse, a solid food wine and solid value.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

89/100 Viña Chocalán Malvilla Pinot Noir 2008 Melipilla, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Peppery, licorice, barnyard, spicy, black cherry, strawberry, tobacco and orange aromas. Round, dry, supple, elegant but warm palate. Smoky, licorice, tobacco leaf, black cherry, vanilla, strawberry, orange and dried plum flavours. Smooth, long, good delicacy on the finish with fruit. Ready to drink.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Saverio Schiralli Producer: Viña Chocalán Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.

90/100 Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2008 Coastal Region, South Africa
Made from old, dry farmed, low yielding bush vines and matured in 50% new French oak. Big pear, grapefruit, vanilla, honey, green apple, floral, lees, spicy nose. Rich, round, fresh and elegant with crisp acidity but somewhat sweet but good textures. Vanilla, butter, creamy, baked green apple, orange, nutty, pear, honey and lime flavours. Very nice fruit and finesse but just a bit too sweet and oaky.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wines CSPC: 897710 Producer: Bellingham - DGB Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

85/100 Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy, floral, red apple, peach aromas. Round, fresh, sweet palate with lime rind, red apple, peach skin flavours with a bit of bitterness on the finish. Easy going, simple patio wine.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $9.99 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $10.49 (750 ml); NS $10.99 (750 ml); ON $9.60 (750 ml); PEI $12.49 (750 ml) CSPC: 448548;   UPC: 9311043006791 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

84/100 Hardys Stamp of Australia Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Leather, black olive, rooty, tobacco leaf, black cherry, smoky, herbal nose. Round, supple, dry, slightly tannic palate. Weedy, tobacco, peppery, black olive, leather, cedar bark, coffee, herbal flavours. Supple, easy, fresh style.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 338012;   UPC: 9311043007743 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Hardys Oomoo Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Black olive, savoury, spicy, earthy, barnyard, black cherry, licorice, meaty, plum and leather aromas with a touch of vanilla and coconut. Dry, fresh, slightly tannic palate. Black cherry, plum jam, tapenade, smoky, spicy, earthy, licorice flavours. A bit hot but has good fruit and decent finesse. Solid food style wine.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 166553;   UPC: 9311043009747 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

84/100 Hardys The Chronicles Butcher's Gold Shiraz Sangiovese 2007 South Australia, Australia
Cedar bark, olive, smoky, spicy, meaty, savoury, black cherry, tobacco leaf and dill aromas. Round, dry, tart and supple palate with a touch of heat. Cedar bark, black cherry, tobacco leaf, herbal, olive, spicy, plum jam flavours. Has good fruit but also very tart and a streak of herbaceousness.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 605188;   UPC: 9311043035197 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Hardys The Chronicles The Gamble Chardonnay Pinot Gris 2008 South Australia, Australia
Slate, mineral, matchstick, green apple, nectarine, buttery, pear aromas. Round, fresh, creamy palate with buttery, nutty, bitter lime rind, nectarine, pear skin and earthy flavours with a grapefruit rind finish. Good fruit if a bit bitter and rind-y.
Tasted: 2009-10-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 689455;   UPC: 9311043035180 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

89/100 Rodney Strong Sauvignon Blanc Charlotte’s Home Estate Vineyards 2008 Sonoma County, California, United States
What a difference two years make. Take a fresh, elegant grassy, lemon, spicy sauvignon blanc. Pout it under screwcap and you end up with a modern, delicious, elegant white wine with passion fruit and spicy gooseberry flavours to spare. A fresher, cleaner, version of what is usually a good wine, now under screwcap it is better and it will remain better in the bottle too.
Tasted: 2009-10-18 by AG-ST Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; MB $24.00 (750 ml); ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials CSPC: 545335;   UPC: 0087512943056 Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

89/100 Mitolo Jester Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
The Jester wines are designed to be enjoyed almost immediately after they are bottled. They refer to the shiraz as their “baby G.A.M” because it’s aged in the same two and three year old barrels used for previous G.A.M. vintages. The heavier soils of Willunga in the southern McLaren Vale are where the fruit, which is all purchased, is grown. Look for a blue black colour with lifted notes of cedar and blueberries and smooth flavours of coffee blueberries and black currants. The tannins are light and round with a pinch or acid poking through the back end.
Tasted: 2009-10-18 by AG-ST Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml); BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml); QC $25.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 086124;   UPC: 00836974000056 Producer: Mitolo Wines Distributor: Liquid Art Fine Wines

91/100 Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache Barossa 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Simply marvellous form the first sip. Look for savoury black raspberry and liquorice notes with earthy, peppery flecks throughout. Big and rich on the palate yet elegant with peppery, licorice, raspberry, clove flavours and a smoky, savoury spicy finish. Should be perfect with turkey.
Tasted: 2009-10-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $24.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 531228;   UPC: 009311789081847 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

85/100 Mistaken Identity Gewurztraminer 2008 Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Light soapy notes on the nose with bits of litchi and citrus. Similarly skinny and soapy on the palate with more citrus flavours before quite a dry finishing. A simple, sipping style gewürztraminer.
Tasted: 2009-10-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 742080;   UPC: 00626990094678 Producer: Mistaken Identity Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

89/100 Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Triangle Vineyard 2008 Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
A favourite of mine with its fresh mio9nerla slate scented nose flecked with green apple skin and citrus notes. The palate is crisp and lean with more lemon, petrol, green apple, peach pit flavours. Tightly wound but all in balance with excellent intensity. Very solid.
Tasted: 2009-10-11 by AG-ST Prices: ON $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 048162011281 Producer: Thirty Bench Wine Makers Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

83/100 Cassini Cellars Merlot 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Open meaty, Oxo-cube, black cherry, riparian nose with tobacco, cocoa, vegetal, herbal aromas. Dry, elegant, somewhat tight palate with black cherry, floral, soapy, cranberry, tobacco leaf, herbal, savoury meaty, coffee flavours. A bit herbal and funky needs to be cleaner.
Tasted: 2009-09-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 031780;   UPC: 00626990094500 Producer: Cassini Cellars Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Luna Argenta N/V Brut Prosseco N/V Treviso, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Lots of creamy, white mousse. Spicy, peach, floral, pear, licorice, anise aromas. Crisp, round, elegant, somewhat foamy mousse. Pear, floral, baked peach, mineral, creamy apple flavours. A drier style but well balanced food style.
Tasted: 2009-09-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 780338;   UPC: 008032610319182 Producer: MGM Mondo del Vino s.r.l. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Maurel Vedeau Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Big spicy, soft, peppery, warm, modern cabernet sauvignon. Pepper and licorice dominate the nose and palate with chunky rustic tannins that slide down in the back end. The good news is the cabernet is ripe but the rustic tannins call for something equally boisterous on the menu. Grilled lamb chops will do.
Tasted: 2009-09-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 023499;   UPC: 003377271113881 Producer: Maison Maurel Vedeau Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company

90/100 Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Mount Nelson is a different expression of sauvignon for Marlborough, in the sense that Lodovico and winemaker Helena Lindberg are seeking a more restrained "Sancerre" style. The goal is tropical citrus fruits without too much of the aggressive tinned asparagus notes. The ’08 hits most of the notes with bright fresh aromas of jalapeno, mineral, honey and grapefruit with just a wisp of gooseberry. Similar flavours mark the palate which is blanced and offers some complexity from seven months of lees ageing. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-09-23 by AG-ST Prices: AB $24.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $29.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - AltoVin CSPC: 379024;   UPC: 008032937312200 Producer: Mount Nelson Distributor: AltoVin International; Foremost Wine Domaines Inc.

84/100 Marques de Rojas Garnacha 2007 Almansa, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Open brassy, spicy, raspberry, barnyard nose a bit of volatility. Raw lifted black raspberry jam flavours with peppery, spicy, undertones. A bit warm and skinny this timeout lacking any attractive plush fruit textures. Ordinary.
Tasted: 2009-09-19 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $9.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 317008;   UPC: 8414837010552 Producer: Bodegas Piqueras Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

91/100 See Ya Later Ranch Rover 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This is one impressive syrah. A 95/5 blend of syrah and viognier it has a big white pepper nose flecked with anise, mint, pepper, roasted coffee, orange peel, ginger and meaty aromas. The entry is rich and concentrated with more meaty, savoury, roasted pepper, tobacco, vanilla, coffee flavours and plenty of tannin. Complex and ripe if just a bit too oaky at the moment. Let’s hope the price stay at this very attractive level. Stock up.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $27.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 0636570217774 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

92/100 Yalumba Viognier Virgilius 2008 Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Very spicy, floral, butter, honey, ginger, orange rind, grapefruit, nectarine skin aromas. Ripe, round, fresh, delicate but full palate. Grapefruit, ginger, floral, spicy, guava, honey, nutty lees flavours. A slightly lighter, cooler style of Virgilius than in past vintages but with fine elegance for current drinking.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $49.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $55.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; ON $51.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $51.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 591214;   UPC: 9311789001036 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

90/100 Yalumba Viognier Eden Valley 2008 Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Some 60 per cent of the fruit was gently pressed directly to barrels, the rest to a stainless steel tank. Enticing open honey, butter, guava, orange, creamy, grapefruit, ginger aromas. Very ripe, rich, round, soft palate with a touch of sweetness. Mango, ginger, butter, honey, orange creamsicle, floral flavours. love the cool finesse and delicacy. Friendly, delicious style. Drink now.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $24.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 034066;   UPC: 0008920830034 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

85/100 Dunham Froese Amicitia White 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Matchstick (sulphur) burn followed by honey, nectarine, grassy, grapefruit, butter, lees, cooked fig aromas. Round, fresh, slightly fat palate but crisp with a bit of sweetness. Citrus rind, butter, sulphury, grassy, melon, buttery lees flavours. A bit disjointed at this stage and unclean. Maybe with time.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 571810;   UPC: 00628374080017 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

85/100 Silkscarf Viognier 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very perfumy, floral, apple skin, honey, ginger aromas. Round, light, elegant, soft palate but juicy and a bit sweet. Spicy, ginger, leesy, honey, guava, floral flavours. Easy going, simple style that could use a bit more varietal intensity. A bit of a fruit salad style.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops UPC: 00626990076797 Producer: Silkscarf Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Mistaken Identity Pinot Gris Organic 2008 Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, waxy, almond, green apple skin, slate, herbal, grapefruit rind with a strong struck match sulphur burn. Dry, slightly lean entry with pear skin, grapefruit rind, lees, green peach flavours. More austere, leaner food style wine.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 675991;   UPC: 00626990094685 Producer: Mistaken Identity Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

86/100 Tinhorn Creek Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, cool caraway aromas. The entry is rich, warm but with some dry tannin. On the palate, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, roasted bell pepper and meaty flavours rule the day with a warm oaky finish. This will improve in bottle but the fruit component is low.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing, vqa and private wine shops CSPC: 530725;   UPC: 00624802971056 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

88/100 Cono Sur Viognier 2008 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Spicy, nectarine, honey, grapefruit, orange, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a touch of sweetness. Honey, spicy, floral, ginger, orange, juicy melon flavours. Elegant and fun with lots of fruit. Consistently fine and this is one of the best yet.
Tasted: 2009-09-17 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

88/100 Nk'Mip Cellars Pinot Noir 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, cherry, cola, carrot top, meaty cool pinot aromas. Dry, tight, slightly austere palate with more earthy, coffee, vanilla, stewed tea, cola, cherry, rhubarb flavours. A warm, herbal edgy north west pinot reminiscent of Oregon.
Tasted: 2009-09-16 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 Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, black olive, tobacco leaf, herbal, cool caraway aromas. The entry is rich, warm but with some dry tannin. On the palate, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, roasted bell pepper and meaty flavours rule the day with a warm oaky finish. This will improve in bottle but the fruit component is low.
Tasted: 2009-09-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa wine stores UPC: 624802011127 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Willunga100 Viognier 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Spicy, orange rind, matchstick, ginger, pear aromas. Round, soft, flat palate with ginger, butter, honey, spicy, grassy, mango flavours. Finish is warm and a touch sweet. Simple, easy drinking style.
Tasted: 2009-09-15 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - David Herman & Son CSPC: 847483;   UPC: 005060053961104 Producer: Willunga 100 Wines Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.; Liberty Wines UK

84/100 St. Hubertus Northern Summer 2007 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, peppery, clove, tobacco leaf, rooty, earthy, bell pepper, riparian nose with some rhubarb. Round, fresh, moderately dry palate with smoky, earthy, tobacco leaf, cranberry, rhubarb, bitter herb flavours. A bit too lean and earthy with low fruit.
Tasted: 2009-09-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.50 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 436774;   UPC: 00625259104073 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

87/100 Pierre Sparr Crémant Brut Dynastie 2000 Alsace, France
Good fine, creamy mousse. Pear, almond, toasty, baked apple, butter, quince aromas. Crisp, off dry, moderately rich palate. Very nutty, toasty, citrus, garlic, peach, lemon, granny smith apple flavours. Fully mature, drier style with good acidity for food.
Tasted: 2009-09-14 by AG-ST Prices: ON $20.00 (750 ml) Producer: Pierre Sparr et Ses Fils Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

86/100 Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé N/V South Eastern Australia, Australia
Yellowtail often hits a home run when it sticks to its market. There’s nothing fancy here but the eye of the partridge colour is intriguing and its sweet, fruit-forward bubble slides down easily if it finishes a bit dry. This will be hit before any party when served well chilled with some grilled prawns. The blend is a mix of sémillon, traminer, shiraz and frontignac. Fair value.
Tasted: 2009-09-13 by AG Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 785469;   UPC: 00839743000547 Producer: Casella Estate Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

86/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir Family Barrel Reserve 2007 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, floral, rhubarb, rooty, peppery, compost aromas. Dry, round, slightly lean palate with smoky, rhubarb, cedar, compost, herbal flavours. A bit young and lean, needs a year or so in bottle to come around.
Tasted: 2009-09-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 318444;   UPC: 00625259330076 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

86/100 Blasted Church Mixed Blessings 2008 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lots of floral, spicy, peach, orange, fruit cocktail, honey aromas. Round, fresh, soft, somewhat sweet palate with canned grapefruit, peach, honey, floral, buttery, baked apple flavours. Simple, easy sipper for weddings or picnics.
Tasted: 2009-09-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 095455;   UPC: 00626990090878 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

86/100 Georges Duboeuf Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2006 Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Creamy, toasty, leesy, light garlic, floral, baked apple aromas. Soft, round, easy palate with baked apple, peach, leesy, spicy, nutty, lemon flavours. Simple, easy drinking white with a touch of sweetness on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-09-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 110122;   UPC: 003351650000115 Producer: Le Vins Georges Duboeuf Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

89/100 Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2008 Western Cape, South Africa
tasted twice this year and we must say this wine goes from strength to strength. Love the wild smoky meaty notes on the nose with plenty of ripe blackberry/blueberry fruit and spicy liquorice flavours. Outstanding value red wine that should stand up to a series of robust fall and winter menu items. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-09-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (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.

84/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, rhubarb, peppery, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, supple palate with tobacco, smoky, resin, herbal, carrot, rhubarb and compost flavours. A simple, earthy style for current consumption.
Tasted: 2009-09-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 588954;   UPC: 625259209075 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

84/100 Oyster Bay Merlot 2008 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Black olive, briny, resin, barnyard, leather, savoury, tobacco leaf and compost aromas, quite herbal. Round, soft, dry, easy palate with black olive, compost, resin, rooty, leather, barnyard flavours. Not much concentration or fruit but an easy-drinking herbal style. Try with lamb sausage.
Tasted: 2009-09-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $19.00 (750 ml); NF $20.00 (750 ml); ON $18.00 (750 ml); QC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 111310;   UPC: 09415549814635 Producer: Delegat's Wine Estate Limited Distributor: Maxxium Canada (Vancouver)

89/100 Resolute Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Nettle, lemon, grapefruit, gooseberry, jalapeno nose. Crisp, dry, round, somewhat juicy palate but also a bit austere in style. Gooseberry, lemon, nettle, grassy, granny smith, grapefruit rind flavours. Good concentration in a bit more herbaceous, austere style that may improve over the next year or two.
Tasted: 2009-09-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative - Great Legs International CSPC: 877514;   UPC: 626990078050 Producer: Winegrowers of Ara Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Chakana Syrah 2008 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
The Chakana estate is at Agrelo in the Luján de Cuyo district of Mendoza/ the wine is 100% syrah from young five-year-old vines. Only ten percent of the wine sees oak, which allows its strong black fruit flavours to pervade the wine. A rich, spicy, mineral-scented, exotic red with a long, ripe, warm finish. New World syrah The classic red: for beef grilled or roasted.
Tasted: 2009-09-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 438325;   UPC: 00872684000054 Producer: Chakana Distributor: Landmark Selections

85/100 Santa Rita Chardonnay 120 2008 Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Every year this wine gets a little leaner and fresher, and so it should. Almost oak free, except for a small amount of barrel fermented juice that is added for texture, the ’08 is fresh and clean with more mineral, peach pit and tropical fruit notes. Good value in a well-made, affordable chardonnay that will accompany a variety of pasta, seafood and salad dishes.
Tasted: 2009-09-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.75 (750 ml); BC $12.00 (750 ml) General; MB $9.90 (750 ml); ON $9.45 (750 ml); SK $11.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 315184;   UPC: 0089419007183 Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, carrot, herbal, rooty, tobacco leaf, rhubarb, cranberry aromas. Round, delicate, supple, dry palate but a tad lean. Rhubarb, resin, carrot, herbal, compost, soy, cranberry. Good texture and balance but finish is a bit too tart and herbal for what people are looking for in pinot at $25. An order of duck confit would be the answer here.
Tasted: 2009-09-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) UPC: 778856107203 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 CedarCreek Pinot Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, mocha, cherry, rhubarb, vanilla, dried oregano aromas. Round, dry, supple, tart palate with light tannins. Rhubarb, sour cherry, compost, vanilla, coffee, dried herb flavours. Solid fruit but finish is just a bit too edgy and dry.
Tasted: 2009-09-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, BC Liquor stores, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 567412;   UPC: 778913057526 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Parducci Petite Sirah 2006 California, United States
Licorice, black pepper, resin, black cherry, meaty, tobacco, leather and dried fig aromas. Rich, round, dry palate with grainy tannins and some warmth. Lots of black cherry, peppery, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and coffee flavours with a cedar, leather, and plum finsih. A bit warm and rustic but good food wine for steak. Solid value.
Tasted: 2009-09-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 445601;   UPC: 0086828000231 Producer: Parducci Winery Distributor: Calibrium International

85/100 Hardys Stamp Series Sémillon Chardonnay 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Another round, fresh, white wine from Oz. Look for a grassy, spicy, buttery, citrus aromas with an soft almost oily texture. The flavours are muted lemon, melon and mineral in taste all with a touch of sweetness in the finish. The screwcap glass closure allows you to chill and serve this wine anywhere.
Tasted: 2009-08-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $10.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 335638;   UPC: 09311043053351 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

82/100 Barefoot Bubbly Pinot Grigio N/V California, United States
Lots of bubbles with a ripe apple, nectarine, pear, buttery, floral nose. Crisp, foamy and somewhat sweet with butter, canned pear, canned grapefruit, apple flavours. Very buttery, canned citrus flavour. Simple, easy picnic stuff.
Tasted: 2009-08-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $15.00 (750 ml); NS $15.00 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml); PEI $16.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 924449 Producer: Barefoot Cellars Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

86/100 Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
You wouldn’t know by the price how good this little white is. Fresh and clean with grassy tropical fruit notes and big flavour. The palate is a mix of green apple fruit spiked with bits of mango and pineapple and just a touch of bitterness in the finish. A very suitable mid-week, go-to white for chicken, pastas, salads and light seafood dishes.
Tasted: 2009-08-27 by AG Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 444968;   UPC: 746925000977 Producer: Robertson Co-operative Winery Distributor: Churchill Cellars; The Bacchus Group Inc.

85/100 Baires Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2005 San Juan, Argentina
Tobacco, herbal, peppery, coffee, mocha, savoury, compost, black cherry aromas. Round, soft, slightly light bodied palate with smoky, herbal, peppery, savoury, vanilla, olive flavours with a touch of bitterness and herbal notes on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-08-26 by AG Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Patagonia Imports Ltd. CSPC: 027995;   UPC: 007798109890341 Producer: Bodega Don Domenico Distributor: Patagonia Imports Ltd.

86/100 Cerelia Pinot Gris 2008 Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Megan Mutch is just getting started but she has made a bright fresh clean pinot gris bit of citrus and fine flavour concentrations. It is a bit sweet in the finish but that will hardly hurt its appeal with most consumers. A perfect sushi wine. Good value too.
Tasted: 2009-08-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 303322;   UPC: 0062990094968 Producer: Cerelia Vineyards & Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Eau Vivre Pinot Noir 2007 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Expect a “pretty” red cherry nose and pinot character from grapes grown on a cool single vineyard site down by the river. In Similkameen and other grapes from the Okanagan. Bits of spicy strawberry fruit with some fine intensity and not too much oak (yeah) make this an interesting start. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-08-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct Producer: EauVivre Winery & Vineyards Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Robin Ridge Gamay 2007 Keremeos, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Similar to the previous year with its smoky, cherry, mineral, rooty notes, soft tannins and cedar-y, spicy, mocha, chocolate black cherry jam flavours. The finish is smooth and a touch warm with sweet vanilla oaky notes. Try this with local cheeses.
Tasted: 2009-08-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 067462;   UPC: 0626990068204 Producer: Robin Ridge Winery Distributor: FarmGate Quality Wines; Winery Direct

88/100 Tantalus Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Retasted three months after the first sample showed so much sulphur and struck matchstick - it may have been sent right off the bottling wine. This sample has reverted back to form with its lip smacking, tart fresh citrus and green apple flavours and dry finish. Very avante garde for North American riesling but the only way to go if BC is going to be taken seriously as a riesling producer. Try this with oysters or Indian food both will work.
Tasted: 2009-08-25 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 802280;   UPC: 626990067412 Producer: Tantalus Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Mission Hill Pinot Grigio Five Vineyards 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The latest 08 grigio is a delight from its price to its on palate delivery. It is the fresh lees and flinty honeyed, citrus/ pear fruit that grabs your attention and the long exuberantly fruity finish now devoid of that bitter lime rind character. This is a versatile wine for sushi or grilled fish. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-08-22 by AG Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 563981;   UPC: 776545995322 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

84/100 Mike Weir Cabernet Merlot 2006 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Disjointed volatile red with lifted raspberry fruit nose and fairly strong mid-palate acidity. All spice and oak with a thin hot spicy finish. No fruit or texture. A hamburger red at best.
Tasted: 2009-08-22 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.50 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 00819761005175 Producer: Mike Weir Estate Distributor: Diageo Canada Inc.

88/100 Composite Pinot Noir 2007 Ara, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Modern fresh NZ pinot with lots of sour cherry/raspberry/red fruits laced with cinnamon and rooty carroty notes all from Ara, a new sub-region of Marlborough. The palate is fresh with bright acidity and sappy, peppery red fruit. Duck confit or something fatty will smooth everything out here. Soft round New World style.
Tasted: 2009-08-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 302539;   UPC: 9421900742042 Producer: Winegrowers of Ara Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Road 13 Viognier Roussanne Marsanne 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, peach pit, honey, spicy, butter, melon, tangerine, grapefruit, slate nose. Round, fresh, elegant palate with a hint of sweetness. Grapefruit, honey, floral, spicy, nectarine, orange, mineral, butter and passion fruit flavours. A bit warm on the finish but has good fruit, delicacy and balance. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-08-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 848697;   UPC: 626990081364 Producer: Road 13 Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Gray Monk Kerner 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, peach, green apple skin, spicy nose. Round, fresh, delicate palate with good acidity but a bit sweet. Fresh green apple, citrus, floral, grassy, rose soap flavours. Simple, crisp, juicy style with a bit of fruit gum drop.
Tasted: 2009-08-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 509497;   UPC: 00778829118120 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Selbach-Oster Riesling Estate Kabinett 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Peach, floral, red apple skin, citrus, honey nose with a bit of matchstick. Delicate, fresh, crisp palate with some sweetness to balance. Green apple, citrus, peach pit, smoky, mineral flavours. A touch light on the finish but has fine fruit and delicacy.
Tasted: 2009-08-17 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 894741;   UPC: 00717215001110 Producer: Weingut Selbach-Oster Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

85/100 Hardys Stamp Series Shiraz – Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
The Stamps Series shiraz cabernet remains consistent no matter what the packaging. This 250-ml plastic bottle with the twist-off top that turns into a wine glass sports earthy, blueberry, licorice aromas. On the palate it is soft with a slightly sweet entry. More spicy, black cherry, liquorice and leather flavours follow with just a hint of acidity poking through the end.
Tasted: 2009-08-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 09311043007743 Producer: Hardys Wine Company Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

84/100 Dunham Froese Rosé 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The nose is flat with bits of berries but the fruit almost seems stunned by the synthetic cork. The palate is equally flat with vegetal, earthy fruit flavours and some candied citrus notes in the back ground. Awkward, as if it’s not sure what direction to head in. There’s work to be done. There is 5 per cent syrah in the mix.
Tasted: 2009-08-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 467365;   UPC: 00628374080024 Producer: Dunham & Froese Estate Winery. Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.; Winery Direct

87/100 Mistaken Identity Pinot Rosé 2008 Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Well done. The nose is fresh and lively with bits of strawberry/cranberry flavours and a big citrus finish. Dry and tart it grabs your palate and calls for food. Very promising Provence style and certainly on the right track. Where is the picnic. Try with cold meats, salads and pasta in cream sauces.
Tasted: 2009-08-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.90 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro CSPC: 320598;   UPC: 00626990094708 Producer: Mistaken Identity Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

80/100 Therapy Vineyards Pink Freud 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
There is quite vegetal, herbal, sulphur twang to this pink blend of pinot noir/merlot/shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The palate is crisp and dry but the sulphur persists killing the fruit. Disappointing.
Tasted: 2009-08-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 086429;   UPC: 00854505001426 Producer: Therapy Vineyards Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2007 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
A soft, silky, cedar-y blend of Maipo minty/bay leaf black fruits with a soft mid-palate. Look for bits of earth mushrooms spice and leather in the back end of this easy to drink red. A touch of French oak rounds out the palate. Serve with barbecue meats or hard cheese. Crazy value.
Tasted: 2009-08-13 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.75 (750 ml); BC $12.00 (750 ml) general listing; MB $10.19 (750 ml); ON $9.45 (750 ml); SK $11.94 (750 ml) CSPC: 218644;   UPC: 089419007114 Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

84/100 Silvertop Malbec 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Look for a raw spicy, peppery fruit nose and palate. Plenty of mid-palate spice and acidity mixes with resin and cran-cherry fruit. It finishes tart and dry from the elevated acidity. Not a great example of the variety but more of a cheap knockoff. A hamburger red at best.
Tasted: 2009-08-11 by AG-ST Prices: MB $10.00 (750 ml) UPC: 084279975894 Producer: I.P. Mendoza De Argentina Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

86/100 Hillside Estate Gewürztraminer 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Recently retasted. Fairly fresh nose with compared to original sample. Tart, rindy, grassy, grapefruit, ginger flavours akin to sauvignon with just a hint of the spicy gewürztraminer character. The finish is slightly off-dry with bits of floral honey grapefruit. Try with curry dishes.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 505206;   UPC: 00626990019138 Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

89/100 Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Elgin, Overberg, South Africa
Bright juicy melon style sauvignon with a delicious balance of fruit and acidity. Very cool fragrant styling with bits of gooseberry and honeysuckle. Very fresh juicy citrus tasty and clean. Would be great with all kinds of food. Impressive.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 015149;   UPC: 006003438000271 Producer: Thelema Winery Distributor: Lone Tree Cellars

89/100 Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2008 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Tasted twice in recent weeks and we have been impressed both times. As stated on many occasions if South Africa is going to gain respect for its wines in Canada this is the level of quality required to make an impression on serious wine drinkers. Made from mature grapes located on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch Region. The key to freshness is only five percent of the juice is barrel fermented yet all of the fruit is aged on its lees for texture and freshness. Both lively and fresh, you pick up a minerality and depth of ripe chenin fruit that can beguile. Bits of lime and honey with a floral, spicy undertone leaves you wanting more. Excellent quality Chenin blanc.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 206052;   UPC: 006005305001671 Producer: The Winery of Good Hope Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company

87/100 Viu Manent Malbec 2008 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Sweet spicy sappy red with intense black plums with bits of tobacco smoke and gamey notes. The entry is and smooth with spicy black pepper and plum fruit notes and a savoury licorice grilled mushrooms flavours. Smooth, silky peppery finish. Amazing quality for Chilean malbec and good value to boot.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 287326;   UPC: 007804314945094 Producer: Viu Manent y Compañía Limitada Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

85/100 Rigamarole Rosé 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Similar to the previous version it begins with a light cranberry orange colour with a candied fruit and floral nose. The entry is soft and juicy with herbal leafy candied citrus notes. Slightly drier than the previous version it tastes more food friendly with a clean fresh juicy strawberry citrus finish.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands UPC: 776545996046 Producer: Artisan Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Dunavár Pinot Gris 2008 Matraaljai, Hungary
The latest Dunavár is finished under screwcap which helps with its freshness quotient. Look for a light, citrus, watery-style gris of light to medium weight with a short finish. Clean, easy-drinking value white for summer sipping. Serve well chilled before dinner.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.50 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; SK $9.40 (750 ml) CSPC: 438119;   UPC: 004002301430322 Producer: Danubiana Borkereskedô és Termelô Bt Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

87/100 Devil's Rock Pfalz Riesling 2007 Pfalz, Germany
Clean fresh, bright, fruit nose with bits of petrol, green apple skin and fresh lemon. The entry is tart with dry citrus, mineral, slate, butter/lemon notes and a medium long finish. Zesty upbeat and finished under screwcap. This is a bargain you should purchase by the case. Serve whenever you want to have fun.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 149559;   UPC: 4002301436720 Producer: St. Ursula Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

87/100 Ketu Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand sauvignon blanc is delicious but expensive for what it is and given our dollar it’s time we had a wine like this. Ketu Bay is made by the folks at Konrad and while it may not be their finest juice it over delivers for $14 with its bits of passion fruit and melon and gobs of citrus. Fresh and drinkable bring on the prawns or the mussels or the clams or the oysters.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00752183180818 Producer: Konrad & Conrad Distributor: Marfful Consultants Limited; Stile Enterprises Ltd.

89/100 Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
By any standard this sauvignon has all the hallmarks of classic Marlborough. With both depth and intensity of flavour you are enveloped in its mineral lemon gooseberry fruit with just a whiff of asparagus juice. Fresh pungent and totally Marlborough this is the wine you want with mussels and other shellfish dishes. You also make a case for this with sushi.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 558015;   UPC: 00560053960848 Producer: TinPot Hut Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

89/100 Penfolds Riesling Bin 51 2008 Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia
Bin 51 is a member of the burgeoning Penfolds white wine program, that one day soon will be given it due reward. After a brief period in stainless steel, the wine goes to bottle. High altitude/cool climate fruit sourcing conspires to produce a wine that is not only complex but also one that will age. Intense bright apple and lime rind, oyster liqueur notes dominate the nose and palate with flecks of orange and passion fruit; all with tight firm acidity. You can enjoy it now with a variety of foods but it will live for decades. Closed under screwcap for maximum freshness and ageing potential.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $30.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $29.00 (750 ml); ON $25.00 (750 ml); SK $27.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 715201;   UPC: 012354072558 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

89/100 Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz - Mourvèdre - Grenache 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Penfolds had been growing mourvèdre since the 1950s but it wasn't until the 1992 vintage that the decision was made to make an old vine Barossa red the paid homage to the southern Rhone. By 1998, the shiraz/grenache/mourvèdre blend was upgraded to the bin range bearing the moniker Bin 138. Interestingly it’s one of the few Penfolds wines that isn’t blended until just before bottling. The ’06 mix is 39/32/29 shiraz/grenache/mourvèdre all matured in five year old French and American oak. The nose is bright and lifted floral, dried herbs and berry nuances. Glossy candied fruit with spicy, orange, mineral cedar and tobacco fill out its considerable but soft length. The oak is all perfectly integrated. You can drink this now but five to seven years will pay rewards.
Tasted: 2009-08-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $35.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $35.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $38.00 (750 ml); NF $63.00 (750 ml); ON $35.00 (750 ml) Vintages October 25, 2008; SK $35.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 323766;   UPC: 012354071766 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

85/100 Cassini Cellars Pinot Gris 2008 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light lees, green apple skin, pear, grapefruit aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with a bit of residual sugar. Nutty, lees, green apple, pear, citrus rind flavours. A simple patio sipping style.
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 031782;   UPC: 00626990094524 Producer: Cassini Cellars Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Road 13 Honest John's White 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, floral, peach skin, pear, grassy, grapefruit aromas. Fresh, round, elegant palate with grapefruit rind, gooseberry, floral, peach, butter, mineral flavours. Easy, fresh summer style wine for food or sipping.
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 601070;   UPC: 626990062721 Producer: Road 13 Distributor: The Delf Group

86/100 Road 13 Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, peach, baked apple, vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, crisp palate with a light oily edge. Lime, grapefruit, peach skin, lees and vanilla flavours. Solid with a touch of bitter peach fuzz and citrus rind on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 738813;   UPC: 626990062752 Producer: Road 13 Distributor: The Delf Group

83/100 Strut Chardonista Chardonnay 2008 Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Cheap sweet oaky chardonnay for the masses. A classic case of the packaging is far superior to the product. Introductory style international chardonnay that lacks provenance and verve. Sweet and bitter on entry, the palate and the finish. Ordinary at best.
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: ON $12.00 (750 ml) Wine Rack Stores CSPC: 988026;   UPC: 063657021873 Producer: Strut Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
This 100 percent sauvignon comes from the high altitude Tupungato area of Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Look for green hues in this otherwise pale white wine. The nose is an herbal leafy mix of gooseberry and grapefruit. On the palate the same them continues with more gooseberry nectarine skin and passion fruit flavours. Stark fresh and food friendly. This wine is getting better each harvest.
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NF $15.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00836950000087 Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

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: 2009-08-08 by AG Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 151100;   UPC: 3760040420127 Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 ZED Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Super crisp, lemon passion fruit nose that jumps from the glass. The flavours are similar with an interesting peppery, green fruit undercurrent all with long lime, herbal grassy aftertaste. Classic, if simple, Kiwi sauvignon. I like this wine but like many, many Kiwi sauvignon blancs the price is out of whack when you consider it is selling for the equivalent of 22 Kiwi dollars in BC!
Tasted: 2009-08-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 454314;   UPC: 00633438302042 Producer: Pernod Ricard New Zealand Distributor: Charton-Hobbs; Corby Distilleries Limited

87/100 Smoking Loon Viognier 2007 California, United States
The ’07 version sees a bit subdued, less exuberant fruit with a bit more oil and heat. The nose is a mix of honeysuckle and orange/pear fruit with a dash of rose oil. The entry is soft in texture with similar with a soft palate and a ripe melon, passion fruit and white peach notes. Should be fine with spicy dishes, chicken or pork.
Tasted: 2009-08-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $16.55 (750 ml); SK $17.50 (750 ml) CSPC: 128801;   UPC: 017444000749 Producer: Don Sebastiani & Sons Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Marotti Campi Luzano Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2007 Ancona, Marche, Italy
Verdicchio originated in the Marche and the Marotti Campi folks have been growing it since the 19th century. Look for floral - jasmine, green apple skin honey and lemon on the nose and similar flavours on the palate. The wine is oak free leaving the nutty honey characters to shine through the finish. Ravioli fungi would be a great match.
Tasted: 2009-08-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 024422;   UPC: 00632741102011 Producer: Marotti Campi Distributor: WineQuest Wine and Spirit Brokers

86/100 Trio Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Cedar bark, menthol, tobacco, barnyard, earthy, clove, leather, smoky herb nose. Round, dry, full but fresh palate. Big smoky leather, tobacco, earthy, resin, cedar bark, coffee, rooty, cassis flavours. Very strong, warm, smoky finish for grilled food.
Tasted: 2009-08-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); NB $14.80 (750 ml); NF $15.95 (750 ml); NS $15.71 (750 ml); ON $14.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 152975;   UPC: 07804320143958 Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand’s first certified organic sauvignon blanc comes from the Nelson region. The nose is a delicious mix of herbaceous fruit characters with gooseberry and jalapeno or capsicum notes. The palate is fresh and lemony with bits of asparagus and gooseberry. The finish is bright dry and clean throughout. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-08-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 756874;   UPC: 009419179900218 Producer: Richmond Plains Wines Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

85/100 Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon 120 2008 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Smoky, menthol, cassis, cedar, rooty, peppery nose. Round, soft, supple palate with cassis, cedar bark, menthol, coffee bean and tobacco flavours. Simple, easy going barbeque style red.
Tasted: 2009-08-04 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.75 (750 ml); BC $12.00 (750 ml) general listing; MB $10.19 (750 ml); ON $9.45 (750 ml); SK $11.94 (750 ml) CSPC: 218644;   UPC: 0089419007114 Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

87/100 Bodega Lurton Pinot Gris 2008 Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Floral, gooseberry, passion fruit, nutty, citrus nose. Round, fresh, slightly oily texture with a hint of sweetness. Passion fruit, gooseberry, grassy, grapefruit, butter flavours. A riper style but good for seafood. Year after year, this presents continued good value.
Tasted: 2009-08-04 by AG Prices: BC $12.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 556746;   UPC: 00635335320211 Producer: Francois Lurton S.A Distributor: Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Ltd.; Maxxium Canada (Vancouver)

93/100 Penfolds Yattarna Bin 144 Chardonnay 2006 Henty, Western Victoria, Victoria, Australia
The latest Yattarna has fruit from Tasmania 38, Adelaide 36 and Henty 26, mixed with 45 per cent new French oak. Yattarna is a fabulous addition to the Penfolds line up and globally is a bottle that should make white wine fans stand up and take notice. As close as it gets to Burgundy this marginal cool-climate chardonnay really over delivers. We love the oatmeal spicy nose, the creamy lees and distinct aromas of nectarines and limes and hazelnuts. Roasted nuts and intense white peach and quince cover the palate and finish long and complex. It barrel fermented and made oxidative yet it remains youthful and bright at three years. Impressive to say the least.
Tasted: 2009-08-04 by AG-ST Prices: AB $90.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $94.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $86.00 (750 ml); NF $90.00 (750 ml); ON $90.00 (750 ml); QC $90.00 (750 ml); SK $100.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 717512;   UPC: 12354072251 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

87/100 Summerhill Pyramid Ehrenfelser 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Bright dry mineral fresh nose with smoky perfumed orange blossom notes. The entry is dry and refreshing with peachy apricot skin and orange notes. It seems warmer or more alcoholic than its 12.8 designation so make sure you chill it down before serving. Try this with Indian food or barbecued meats or sip solo on the patio.
Tasted: 2009-08-03 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.25 (750 ml); BC $20.00 (750 ml) VQA Stores, Private Wine Shops CSPC: 440016;   UPC: 779000117116 Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

84/100 Citra Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007 Abruzzo, Italy
A fresh, pale coloured white with floral overtones and a dry, citrus-flavoured finished. Most people would call it skinny but in fact it is fine with a bit of food. It is also pretty good value at this price. Try it with pizza formaggi.
Tasted: 2009-07-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (1000 ml) general listing CSPC: 187724;   UPC: 08005493101250 Producer: Citra Vini di Carattere Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

86/100 Babich Pinot Gris 2007 East Coast, New Zealand
Simple straight herbaceous Marlborough “savvy” with bits of grass, gooseberry, honey and pepper in the nose and on the palate and a dry citrus finish. Pretty standard stuff and frankly getting pricey for what it is. Needs drinking too.
Tasted: 2009-07-29 by AG-ST Prices: QC $21.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 927244;   UPC: 9414603430026 Producer: Babich Wines Limited Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

83/100 Cassini Cellars Mama Mia Pinot Grigio 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Sweet candied nose with flecks of honey and grass. The entry is similarly sweet offering more very sweet candied cooked pineapple fruit flavours; nothing like a real Italian grigio from what we can discern. I can only assume we are to have this with spicy food because it wouldn’t work with much else. The finish is cloying to boot.
Tasted: 2009-07-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.50 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 031781;   UPC: 00626990094517 Producer: Cassini Cellars Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The ’08 gris is big on citrus and mineral characters on the nose and the palate. It is very fresh with bits of pear, apple earth and honey. An elegant pinot gris that that finishes with a dash of creamy lees. Pair it with a variety of seafood.
Tasted: 2009-07-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.50 (750 ml) VQA wine shops CSPC: 530683;   UPC: 624802981024 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

83/100 Folonari Pinot Grigio delle Venzie 2008 Sicily, Italy
Light leafy, reductive nose with a sweetish entry. Thin lean simple stuff that is pinot grigio in name but not much else. Expect some light mineral notes in an otherwise subdue fruit white.
Tasted: 2009-07-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $16.00 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 229542;   UPC: 0080001606325693 Producer: Folonari Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited; Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

89/100 Jermann Pinot Grigio 2007 Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Intense pear, anise, melon, light butter, earthy, floral aromas. Ripe, round, rich, full style but elegant and dry with good acidity. Butter, pear, green apple, lime, honey, slate flavours. Good intensity and balance with some nice palate texture. Finish is a touch warm and tight but will be great with seafood.
Tasted: 2009-07-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $44.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Christopher Stewart Wines CSPC: 085597;   UPC: 00726452001562 Producer: Jermann Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.