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Tastings: November 2025
17 November 2025
91PTS
Tenuta Boccarossa Sciara 1911 Etna Bianco 2022
Etna, Sicily, ItalyThe Calabretta family's project, this single vineyard carricante is planted at 650m, on an old lava bed from a volcano that erupted in 1911 (hence the name). It is located on the north slope of Etna, in the Pontalli Plain contrast. This was whole bunch pressed, fermented cool, and rested in stainless, on lees. Crystalline lemon, pear skin, green apple, and crushed stones streak across the sleek palate, with ample stony salinity to texture, and linger on the finish. This is not about fruit at all, and certainly a singular wine of place.Prices:Read Full Note
88PTS
Wending Home Smith Vineyards Viognier 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWending Home is a new Niagara family winery owned by Ying Feng and her husband, partnered with veteran Niagara winemaker and educator Ron Giesbrecht. Wending refers to the slow route to home, with added meaning in Cantonese (Wēn 问, Dīng 鼎) as illustrated by their traditional stamp. From 20 year old vines on Rick Smith's Niagara Lakeshore vineyard, this was fermented and aged in used 228L and 500L French barrels. This fuller white shows white peach, apricot, and pear blossom atop a creamy lees bed, with subtle wood spice seasoning and a bitter white blossom finish. Viognier's inherent lushness is tamped down some here, which may appeal to those who shy away from more exuberant models. While I appreciate the restraint, I'm missing some of the viognier-ness here. Try with citrus dressed shellfish or nectarine salads for best results.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wending Home Gewütztraminer 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWending Home is a new Niagara family winery owned by Ying Feng and her husband, partnered with veteran Niagara winemaker and educator Ron Giesbrecht. Wending refers to the slow route to home, with added meaning in Cantonese (Wēn 问, Dīng 鼎) as illustrated by their traditional stamp. This estate gew was entirely fermented in stainless to preserve the grape's inherent aromatics. Honeysuckle, ripe peach, soap bubbles, and lime leaf are bedded with a layer of lees, and dusted with a sprinkling of ginger. The finish is brief, ending with a grapefruit twist. They've held the grape's flamboyance at bay, perhaps too much. Best taken with lightly spiced Japanese or Indian curries.Prices:| ON | $27.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Wending Home Ehrenfelser 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWending Home is a new Niagara family winery owned by Ying Feng and her husband, partnered with veteran Niagara winemaker and educator Ron Giesbrecht. Wending refers to the slow route to home, with added meaning in Cantonese (Wēn 问, Dīng 鼎) as illustrated by their traditional stamp. This estate Ehrenfelser is tipped with 15% riesling, resulting in a slight 11% white with perfumed pear blossoms, gooseberry, juicy lime, and subtle spice. Fresh and delicate, this elegant white would be well suited to equally fragrant Thai or Vietnamese dishes.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Wending Home Auxerrois 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWending Home is a new Niagara family winery owned by Ying Feng and her husband, partnered with veteran Niagara winemaker and educator Ron Giesbrecht. Wending refers to the slow route to home, with added meaning in Cantonese (Wēn 问, Dīng 鼎) as illustrated by their traditional stamp. This estate Auxerrois comes is tipped with 7% riesling and 7% gewürztraminer. Unfortunately the auxerrois, planted in the mid-90s, suffered too much from winter damage over the years, so this release is the first and last for this grape. Perfumed lychee, elderflower, white blossoms sail through this slight, fresh wine, with a subtle buzzy hum on the finish. Delicate and pretty, and a natural for gently spiced ceviche or poke.Prices:| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Divergence Bock Vineyard Viognier 2023
St David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaJeff Moote is the founder and winemaker at Divergence Wines, a small winery sourcing grapes from great sites around Niagara. From St. David's Bench's Bock Vineyard, and its loamy clay soils, this viognier was whole cluster pressed, cool settled, and racked into French barrels of various sizes (30% new) for fermentation and 10 months' rest. Fragrant white peach and subtle jasmine lead to a creamy, lactic palate, with lees, and coconut oil overriding the pear, peach and green vegetables hiding underneath. The finish is a bit wood clipped, and warming. Disjointed at this point, though a tricky grape to work with in Niagara, to be sure.Prices:| ON | $71.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Cantine Madonna Delle Grazie Leucònoe Bianco 2024
Basilicata, ItalyCantine Madonna della Grazie is a small organic / biodynamic winery in Venosa, in the heart of Vulture. This is a special white made of the red grape Aglianico, from Montalbo vineyard. After whole bunch pressing and racking, this was fermented long and cool on fine lees. This does not lack for acidity, with a racy streak of lemon lightning across the palate, leaving subtle lees, white grapefruit, lemon blossom, and crushed stones in its wake. A geek-worthy wine to be sure.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Fontanafredda Derthona 2023
Piedmont, ItalyDerthona is the ancient Roman name for Tortona. Timorasso is a native grape to the Colli Tortonesi DOC, a stretch of hills (colli) flanking the town of Tortona, 60 miles east of Barolo and the Langhe hills. In 2000, the Consorzio of Timorasso trademarked Derthona as their Timorasso, paying homage to its historic territory of origin for this grape variety. Many locals considered it to be the white wine of Barolo due to its exceptional aging potential. I liken it a bit to sémillon, not by taste, but rather its ability to entice when young, and with extended bottle age. Look for a deep, straw-yellow colour, an aromatic, exotic fruit nose that persists through the palate with a nutty, mineral finish. As it ages, it will undoubtedly gain weight and complexity, necessitating richer menu items. Delicious stuff for the price.Prices:| BC | $39.99 | 750ml |
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89PTS
San Felice Vermentino 2024
Tuscany, ItalyLimestone, small gravel, and pebbles contribute to the vibrant character of this refined Tuscan white. The aroma is reminiscent of sauvignon blanc, offering notes of grapefruit, citrus and a hint of fresh-cut grass. On the palate, the wine displays a freshness and a roundness balanced by a dry, savoury mineral quality. It is a perfect aperitif wine for the holidays or something you can serve with B.C. seafood dishes from tuna hamachi to Dungeness crab.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Nestor Fileri 2023
Messinia, Peloponnese, GreeceFrom Greece's peninsular Peloponnese, and the Messinia home of the Nestor Wines co.op, this is a varietal fileri (moschofilero's modestly aromatic clone). From sandy clays at 300-450m, this was fermented and aged briefly in stainless. Pouring a shining lemon hue, this slight white charms with pine nut, bergamot, white grapefruit, subtle honeysuckle, and licks of flinty goodness on the saline finish.Prices:| BC | $29.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Longaví GLUP Chenin Blanc 2024
Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, ChileLongaví is a cross cultural collab between Chilean winemaker Julio Bouchon and South African winemaker David Nieuwoudt. This chenin (the only one in Chile?) comes from vineyards in Maule's Valle del Lontué. It was native fermented in concrete with skins over 2 months, and then spent 5 more months in contact with lees. Tangerine, grapefruit, lemon verbena glides along a gently textured palate, tightened with a grapefruit rinse, and finishing with crushed stones. Quite smart, and certainly unique (take this to a blind tasting!)Prices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier Reserva 2024
Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, ChileMedium straw in the glass, this viognier leads with honeysuckle, yellow peach, ripe Bartlett pear and a hint of quince. It feels a bit more evolved than expected, but still holds its shape. Medium bodied with refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness, it comes across as easygoing and nicely balanced. Cono Sur once again delivers a reliable viognier at standout value.Prices:| BC | $10.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Hajszan-Neumann Grüner Veltliner Natural 2023
Wien (Vienna), AustriaNATURAL is Fritz Wieninger's experimental range of wines, still biodynamic, as is his family's Weingut Wieninger. This is the only NATURAL wine done in stainless, and here it spends 3.5 months on skins prior to bottling without fining, filtration, or sulphur. This Grüner Veltliner comes from an old vineyard in Ried Gabrissen on Vienna's Bisamberg, a sunny south-facing location on loess, with high lime content and a prominent gravel band in the higher part of the vineyard. Juicy and bright with white grapefruit, crunchy yellow and green apple, white melon, and crystalline lemon that lingers on the saline and white pepper finish. Lovely purity and energy in this slender white.Prices:| ON | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner Loibner 2023
Wachau, Niederösterreich, Weinland Österreich, AustriaFounded in Oberloiben in 1898, the Pichler estate has developed a reputation as a Grüner Veltliner specialist since Franz Pichler Sr began selecting his own clones in 1928. His grandson son Lucas joined the winery team in 1996, taking over winemaking at the estate in 1999 and assuming management of the whole estate in 2009. Lucas manages the winery together with his wife Johanna, representing the 5th generation to farm these lands. The name LOIBEN (for the area of the cadastral communities Oberloiben and Unterloiben) is the designation of origin of this Wachau DAC village wine. The organic vineyards are situated on the plains of the Loibner basin, with light and warm soils made of alluvial Danube sand and gravel. Perfumed pear, Asian pear, gooseberry run the sleek palate, with lingering stones on the lemony, saline finish. Super smart, with great energy.Prices:| ON | $47.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Moraine Viognier 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSlightly muted on the nose, this viognier leans toward green fruit and lemony citrus with a hint of sage. It lacks classic varietal lift aromatically, but the palate offers just-ripe stone fruit and bright citrus supported by crisp acidity and a light body. Overall it lands on the neutral side, but remains refreshing.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Testalonga Bandits Kloof Daisy's Pond 2021
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaOne of the stars of South Africa's New Wave wine renaissance, Testalonga is Craig and Carla Hawkins' personal project, dedicated to experimental wines and rescued grapes, often from old vineyards. They were the first of the Swartland Revolution collective to start their own vineyard project, back in 2015, when they moved to a farm in the northern reaches of the Swartland, nestled into the Olifantsberg mountain, called Bandits Kloof. This is the first release from the vines they planted there in 2018, an organic grenache blanc from head pruned (high bush vines) young vines in decomposed sandstone and shale, at 380m. It was whole bunch pressed into 2 old 400L French barrels, where it took a full year to complete MLF. In all, it remained on full lees 21 months before racking the day prior to bottling, unfined and unfiltered. A waxy sheen underlay supports crystalline quince, verbena, meadow grass, elderflower, pine nut, and brightly shining lemon pith and peel that linger on the stony, saline finish. Ample tangy acidity and youthful energy in this slight (11.11%) white, which needs time in the glass to open and unfurl itself.Prices:| BC | $66.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022
Coastal Region, South AfricaNamed for Bellingham's founder, Bernard Podlashuk, this chenin comes from 3 Coastal Region vineyards (Agter-Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town), and bush vines over 35 years, thus all Certified Heritage Vineyards. The vineyards were each whole bunch pressed, and aged 1 year in French oak (50% new, 50% 2nd fill) with regular bâtonnage. Quite wood forward, with ample volume of lemon curd, patisserie, and peach butter filling the full palate, seasoned with toast and lingering with vanilla. Thankfully there's a wave of acidity to ride, keeping it food-friendly for richer dishes. Always a powerful, confident wine and the 2022 is no exception. It was native fermented in a mix of 32% new French oak, 30% second fill barrels, 30% foudre, and 8% in amphora.Prices:| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Alheit Vineyards Hereafter Here 2023
Western Cape, South AfricaChris Alheit is one of the leading saviours of old vines in South Africa, sourcing out small, oft-forgotten parcels across the Western Cape and rejuvenating them into storied wines. This cuvée comes off younger parcels of bush vine chenin, planted for the future (the next gen old vines) that the Alheits are nurturing in Malmesbury, the Upper Blaauwklippen, and Polkadraai. It's whole bunch pressed and native fermented over two months in older barrels of various sizes. It was kept on lees for 1 year, then rested in the tank on fine lees without fining for 6 months before bottling. Pouring a shining lemon hue, this streams across the palate with crystalline lemon, fresh pear and white peach, with a youthful energy propelling this forward over a fine lees bed, finishing with an alluring tangerine twist. Quite smart, and continues to impress.Prices:| BC | $50.00 | 750ml |
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87PTS
Wesbert Winery Gewürztraminer 2022
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaThis Okanagan gewürztraminer shows somewhat subdued varietal character, with a muted nose leaning toward bitter greens, chicory, dandelion, and a hint of orange peel. Off-dry at 11 g/L residual sugar and with relatively high alcohol at 14.3%, the palate feels slightly weighted, though the sweetness helps counter the bitterness. Best enjoyed with spicy dishes.Prices:| BC | $26.95 | 750ml |
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13 November 2025
87PTS
Moraine Malbec Anastatia Estate Vineyard 2022
Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaSurprisingly pale for malbec, this wine offers a restrained expression of the variety, with a slightly reductive nose. Aromas of red cherry and cranberry are blended with smoky undertones, hints of rubber, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate, tart red berries are accented by green acidity, while soft tannins and a lean body contribute to modest concentration.Prices:| BC | $35.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Mt. Boucherie Reserve Malbec 2022
Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, CanadaFrom Lazy River Vineyard in the Similkameen, this Malbec offers ripe plum and blueberry layered with violet perfume, subtle toasty oak, licorice, and a hint of mocha. Chalky tannins give the palate structure, while fresh acidity lifts the fruit, creating balance and vibrancy. Overall, it’s approachable yet layered, showing both fruit intensity and textural richness.Prices:| BC | $44.99 | 750ml |
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12 November 2025
87PTS
0-61 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Region del Valle Central, ChileThe Ö-61 cab is a generous red wine with a soft, sweet, smooth demeanour, not unlike many commercial California cabernet brands. Beyond the ripe blackcurrant and cassis, you will encounter chocolate, tobacco, roasted coffee beans, and little to no tannins to distract you. Ready to drink and best with some spicy pork ribs.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $24.95 | 750ml |
| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Santa Rita Cabernario No.3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileCabernario sounds a bit cheesy, but Santa Rita is hardly a cheesy cabernet producer. In fact, they are a Chilean superstar working in one of the best cabernet sauvignon terroirs, utilizing ungrafted vines in the Alto Maipo. No. 3, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and petite sirah, has a fresh red fruit nose of plums, cherries, and raspberries, with a streak of vanilla. The style is ripe but not sweet, the tannins are rich but not rustic, and the fruit is an easy sipping cherry and raspberry affair that would be well suited to turkey or slow cooked pork dishes.Prices:| BC | $24.99 | 750ml |
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11 November 2025
92PTS
Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe Campogiovanni Brunello has regularly given one of the richest, forward styled wines to come out of the Montalcino DOCG zone. The 12 hectare site sits on Hébier clay soils on the warm southern slopes of the hill of Montalcino, where attaining phenolic ripeness is easy, thus revealing its powerful underside. It spends 36 months aging in large Slavonian oak botti, followed by a further 12 months in bottle. In 2020, it opens with a plethora of rich, wild berry fruit, with hints of cedar, leather, and tobacco that weave a story of savoury richness, designed for a wild boar dinner menu.Prices:| BC | $135.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $149.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $149.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $149.75 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Il Grigio da San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva 2021
Tuscany, ItalyWinemaker Leonardo Bellaccini, Siena-born and raised, refers to Il Grigio as the San Felice flagship wine based on its classic Chianti Classico characters and its seemingly innate complexity. The '21, like its predecessors, is a selection of the best sangiovese grapes from the San Felice Chianti Classico estate, vineyards that Bellaccini has been directly involved in restoring since 1994. There are inviting, earthy floral aromatics accompanied by a much more intense mid-palate that is full of vibrant red plummy fruit and tangy acidity. Cushy tannins and some minerality finish the picture of this delicious bottle. Locals enjoy this dish with roasted pigeon, though it would also be perfect paired with a rich Bolognese sauce.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $28.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $35.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
San Felice Chianti Classico 2022
Tuscany, ItalyLeonardo Bellaccini, Head Winemaker and Technical Director at San Felice, is all about revealing the story of each of his prized vineyard sites, and it is prominently displayed in his Chianti Classico, whose simplicity is as seductive as its taste. The earthy undercurrent and bright red sangiovese fruit are a compelling match, aided by a small amount of Pugnitello, an ancient native Tuscan variety the winery helped bring back into the fold of modern day Chianti grape mix. Real wine.Prices:| BC | $25.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $22.00 | 750ml |
| MB | $25.99 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Altesino Rosso di Montalcino 2023
Tuscany, Italy2023 was a mixed year for Brunello growers, marked by wet and hot weather spells and lower yields. However, the potential for high quality wines, especially those based on Nebbiolo, remains strong. The wines have elegance and softness that make them fun to drink, and in the case of this Rosso, a juicy character that is hard to resist. Altesino is the master of elegance, and it shows in their 2023. The alcohol content has been reduced to 13.7%, and the red fruit character is more pronounced, resulting in a much more vibrant style that is food friendly and, dare I say, more authentic Rosso than the warmer, heavier 2022s.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Le Ragnaie Rosso di Montalcino Cru 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyIn 2020, there was 1 single 25hL barrel that was supposed to go into the classic Rosso blend, but was showing so beautifully the winery decided to release it as a single Rosso Cru. Only 3,300 bottles were made. Unlike many Rosso di Montalcino that often is composed of the inferior barrels for Brunello, this is a site-specific bottling treated every step along the way like Riccardo's Brunello offerings. The Castelnuovo vineyard is situated in Castelnuovo dell'Abate on a steep hillside with Mastrojanni's Vigna Schiena d'Asino on one side and Poggio di Sotto on the other. This Cru is at 600m, on an ancient seabed, teeming with sandstone and limestone. After a long, cool natural fermentation in concrete, this was racked to a 25hL Slavonian vat where it rested quietly on lees for 24 months prior to bottling with no fining. Wild cherry, black raspberry, kirsch is threaded with ferrous notes and scented with balsam. Tannins are structural and somewhat sticky, well integrated into the density of fruit. The finish lingers alluringly with a limestone hum. You can see why this warranted a special one-off bottling.Prices:| ON | $78.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Le Ragnaie Troncone 2022
Tuscany, ItalyMontalcino has an altitude limit in Brunello, and not allowed to grow above 600m. This organically farmed sangiovese is grown from 620-655m altitude, hence it fell into the declassification of IGT Chianti Colli Senesi. In the 2014, the wine was too pale and wasn't even approved for that, so Riccardo Campinoti said BASTA and labelled the wines IGT Toscana Rosso. Troncone means stump, and was the nickname of Riccardo's grandfather. There is also a large stump in the sandstone, limestone and clay vineyard, giving this wine's name a double meaning. Ragnaie is the name of the vineyard, Etruscan for spiderweb, and reflecting the label and the netting that Etruscans would use to catch small birds. This younger vine sangiovese was native fermented and on skins for 2 weeks in concrete, before one year in older Slavonian oak casks. Wild raspberry, crunchy cherry is seasoned with crushed stones and lit with tart acidity that sails this through a snappy, saline finish. Tannins are finely sticky, welcoming partnering with mushroom or lamb ragu.Prices:| ON | $32.00 | 750ml |
| BC | $30.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Ciù Ciù Bacchus Piceno 2024
Ascoli Piceno, Marche, ItalyBacchus is equal parts organic Montepulciano and Sangiovese, grown in mixed clay soils 300m on the Marche hills surrounding the towns of Offida and Acquaviva Picena, in Ascoli Piceno province. This unoaked red is designed to be consumed in youth, with ample juicy ripe plum, blueberry and baking spice on the medium palate. Tannins are sticky, calling out for grilled sausages or lamb burgers.Prices:| ON | $21.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyFrom the organic Casato Prime Donne property, this Brunello comes from vineyards on the cooler northern side, around 225 m altitude, on soils rich in clay and silt. The native fermentation takes place in small stainless and bare concrete, after which it rests in older tonneaux and big barrels for at least 2 years, followed by a period of at least 6 months in bottles. Black cherry, fragrant raspberries and balsam are woven through this structural, polished wine, framed with long, firm, sticky but well-integrated tannins, and seasoned with light toast. Drinking well now, and will continue to do so over the short term (especially with wild boar ragu).Prices:| ON | $99.00 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Rosso di Montalcino 2022
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThis organic Sangiovese comes from three vineyards at Casato Prime Donne, situated on the cool northern area of Montalcino at about 225m, rooted in clays and sands. This was native fermented in stainless before aging 6 months in large tonneaux. Fragrant and ripe cherry, kirsch is worked with worn leather and cedar. Tannins are sinewy, finishing with baking spice. One of the meatier, more muscular Rosso di Montalcinos.Prices:| BC | $49.00 | 750ml |
| ON | $54.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe 2020
Montalcino, Siena, Tuscany, ItalyThe 8 doves on the label represent this groundbreaking female-led winery, while the dragon represents Donatella's beloved husband, Carlo. From Trequanda’s Fattoria del Colle, at 400m on hills of predominantly limestone and sandstone comes this organic Supertuscan blend of Sangiovese (60%), and equal parts Merlot, and Sagrantino. This was vinified in stainless before 18 months in large barrels and in 5-7 hl French oak tonneaux. Perfumed florals, sun-ripened cherry, and balsam are woven through this muscular red, with ample chewy tannins and warming baking spice on the finish. One to pour alongside roast lamb / root veg.Prices:| ON | $46.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Leone Rosso Orcia 2021
Orcia, Tuscany, ItalyDOC Orcia is produced in 13 municipalities between Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. This is 60/40 sangiovese/merlot from the historic estate, built by Donatella Cinelli Colombini's ancestors in 1592 (reflected by the red lion on the label). This organic younger vine red spends 6 months in medium / large oak. Baked cherry, plum is scented with balsam and gripped with gritty tannins, finishing with a warming kiss of kirsch. Partner this rustic red with winter stews and braises.Prices:| BC | $34.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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10 November 2025
90PTS
Wending Home Wending North 2020
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaWending Home is a new Niagara family winery owned by Ying Feng and her husband, partnered with veteran Niagara winemaker and educator Ron Giesbrecht. Wending refers to the slow route to home, with added meaning in Cantonese (Wēn 问, Dīng 鼎) as illustrated by their traditional stamp. This aromatic estate white blends ehrenfelser, auxerrois, pinot gris, riesling, gewürztraminer, and chardonnay, all the white grapes on their Creek Shores home. Each was fermented separately in stainless, and blended with lees, where it remained until the following May and bottling. Surprisingly complete, with lemon blossom, pear drop, tangerine along the sleek palate, layered and lingering with river stones and fine citrus pith. A smart wine, and well representative of their estate.Prices:| ON | $24.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
JC Wickens Oranje Blanje 2024
Swartland, Coastal Region, South AfricaSwerwer (Nomad / Wanderer) is Jasper Wickens project in the Swartland, and this Oranje Blanje (Orange of White) was initially developed for the Japanese Market, a side project to not compete with his well known Swerwer line of wines. This skin contact white is from chenin blanc and grenache blanc. The grenache blanc went into in 2500L oak foudre, with 80% free run juice removed. Fresh, early harvested chenin was added to the mix, and then the wine native fermented for 22 days on skins. After 10 months aging in older oak, it was bottled without fining or filtration. A glowing orange hue, this streams tangerine, crushed stones around a pure, fresh core, with a rinse of bergamot on the finish. Great energy and tension, with chenin's hallmark acidity still shining bright (a rarity with many orange wines). This complements Jasper's Rooi-Groen on the market.Prices:| ON | $35.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Therianthropy Mouflon Viognier Chardonnay Marsanne 2023
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaCofermented Viognier, Chardonnay and Marsanne from Bock Vineyard on St. David's Bench make up this orange wine. This was whole cluster, native fermented in two small plastic Apollo eggs, where it remained on skins and stems for 7 months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Pouring a hazy lemon hue, with wild tangerine, clementine saline, apricot pit on the finely humming palate. Great balance between aromatics and texture here.Prices:| ON | $32.95 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Divergence MRV 2023
St David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaJeff Moote is the founder and winemaker at Divergence Wines, a small winery sourcing grapes from great sites around Niagara. This was equal parts marsanne, roussanne, and viognier from St. David's Bench Bock vineyard, realized once roussanne was added to the list of VQA approved varieties. Each was whole cluster pressed, with the marsanne and roussanne cofermented, and racked into French barrels for fermentation and 10 months aging. Fragrant honeysuckle, apricot, pineapple, and white peach flood a juicy palate, with a waxy base layer, and dusting of jasmine spicing up top. There's a lovely restraint here, allowing the expressive grapes to show their character, but not overwhelm. Smart winemaking here. 85 cases.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Niepoort Niepoort NAT'Cool! Dourado 2024
Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, PortugalDirk Niepoort's NAT'Cool! range of wines were created to meet certain criteria : be made as naturally as possible, be low alcohol, be terroir-driven, use native grapes to the region, be affordable, and be so smashable that it's only sold in 1L bottles. Dourado is their brand new and inaugural NAT'Cool orange wine, a white blend from a schistous vineyard in the Provesende area. After 10 days skin contact and native ferment in granite lagares, this finished ferment in cement where it remained on fine lees over 1 year. It then settled in stainless for 2 months, and was bottled with light filtration. Pouring a light golden hue, this light, bright wine streams elderflower, tangerine, subtle honeysuckle, white pepper along the buoyant palate, with a lingering fine stony, saline buzz. Quite charming, and a lovely addition to the strong NAT'Cool portfolio.Prices:| ON | $29.00 | 1000ml |
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90PTS
Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr Cerisier en Fleurs 2023
Alsace, FranceSparr is a very well known name in Alsace, with Charles Sparr the 12th generation vigneron, and his partner, Amelie, hailing from the highly regarded Barmès Buecher winemaking clan. They began their own domaine in 2017 with a few small biodynamic parcels. This blend of 50% gewürztraminer, 40% pinot blanc, and 10% riesling comes from parcels around the village of Wettolsheim, on primarily limestone soils. It was native fermented in stainless, where it remains until bottling, following the lunar calendar. Nimble and bright, this dry slight white skips across the palate with a trail of white peach, lemongrass, lime pith and peel, white grapefruit, and rose petal in its buzzy wake. This has all of the aromatic intrigue one admires in Alsace without all of the rich weight. Smart, fresh, and modern, 12 generations along.Prices:| BC | $32.00 | 750ml |
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91PTS
Terravista Figaro 2023
British Columbia, CanadaFigaro is traditionally a wine released later than most of its competitors, a late bloomer of sorts with the rest of the vintage. The current release, Figaro '23, took a left turn away from roussanne and viognier, mixing 89% chardonnay with 8% viognier and 3% marsanne, freshening the nose and palate. I love the core of apple, soaked in citrus, with a modest streak of orange and apricots poking through its creamy texture. The finish is grown up, dry, and perfectly balanced. Bravo.Prices:| BC | $33.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Mt. Boucherie Summit White 2023
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaMt Boucherie Summit White is the new bookend to the Summit Red label. Both wines are Bordeaux Blends that hold flagship status at the winery. The '23 White Blend is a stylish mix of 61% sémillon with sauvignon blanc and chardonnay that is a treat to sip. There is a nod to the Graves AOC, but there is more electricity in the cool-climate Okanagan version and a touch of wealth from the chardonnay. Smooth and sleek with a lemon custard base, it's a glass of class and more. I like it now, but it will age gracefully over the next 5-7 years. Lobster anyone?Prices:| BC | $70.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
JoieFarm A Noble Blend Pacific Northwest Edition 2024
Canada - USA, CanadaJoieFarm A Noble Blend 2024 (PNW Edition) combines gewurztraminer and riesling (49% each) with small portions of oraniensteiner and ehrenfelser, sourced from both Washington State and the Okanagan. Inspired by the Alsatian Edelzwicker tradition, it opens with the classic gewürztraminer fragrance of rose water and lychee, layered with sweet citrus and fresh green herbs and a touch of ginger spice. The palate shows ripe fruit richness without heaviness. Residual sugar at 7.33 g/L is discernible yet well balanced, making this an excellent match for spicy Asian dishes.Prices:| BC | $29.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Château d'Armajan des Ormes Sauternes 2020
Sauternes, Graves, Bordeaux, FrancePouring a deep golden hue, this half bottle Sauternes opens with a pronounced, slightly lifted nose of mango, dried apricot, and honeyed yuzu layered with subtle vanillin and candied ginger. The palate is luscious and unctuous in sweetness, lifted by tangy, citrus driven acidity that keeps it bright. A hint of tea leaf and cinnamon spice lingers on the finish. A solid, approachable Sauternes.Prices:| BC | $32.99 | 375ml |
| ON | $28.95 | 750ml |
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07 November 2025
88PTS
Therianthropy The Negotiant Cabernet Franc 2021
Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaTherianthropy is the mythical process of shapeshifting, which is another way to view turning nature into wine. This small collaborative project launched in late 2019, with an aim to source cool vineyard sites with organically farmed grapes (realized with the 2024 vintage). This came off Lincoln Lakeshore's Redfoot vineyard, and was native fermented with 75% whole clusters before resting 7 months in Bourgogne concrete eggs. Gravels, graphite, herbal plum, dark earth is tightened with a branchy, tart acidity. Tannins are downy and tacky, sticking to a brief finish. Drinking now.Prices:| ON | $31.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Château Penin Cabernet Franc Massale 2019
Pomerol, Libourne, Bordeaux, FranceThis family business was founded in 1855 by Louis Carteyron and his son Jacques. In 2022, Antoine and his brother Etienne became the sixth generation to run the estate, which has grown to 50 sustainably farmed hectares. This red comes from two parcels on deep gravels and clay limestone soils, with vines from a massale selection collected from a century-old vineyard in Pomerol. These old vines carry the authentic genetics and perfumed aromas of Cabernet Franc that clones cannot. The wine was fermented at low temperature in stainless tanks over 15 days, and aged in concrete with limited racking to preserve fruitiness. Perfumed violets, wild blueberries, juicy boysenberry is threaded with crushed stones and pink peppercorn, housed with fine, long, lightly grippy tannins. Light on its feet, but with structure to partner to roast pork or duck. A charmer.Prices:| ON | $25.00 | 750ml |
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06 November 2025
89PTS
Therianthropy Avabelle 2021
Therianthropy is the mythical process of shapeshifting, which is another way to view turning nature into wine. This small collaborative project launched in late 2019, with an aim to work with interesting sites, and organic fruit when possible (2024 was entirely organic). From St. David's Bench's Bock Vineyard, this cabernet sauvignon was 30% whole cluster and native ferment before resting 8 months in Bourgogne concrete egg. Dark earth, tar, wild blackberry, and prunes are seasoned with peppery spice, tobacco, and dark cocoa in this medium bodied red. Tannins are fine and sticky, and the finish lingers with violet perfume. While not an old wine, this is certainly drinking now, ideally with autumnal stews.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, ChileForty-five minutes north of Santiago, Aconcagua is home to a warm, generous style of cabernet sauvignon. At Arboleda, the wine wafts out of the glass with deep cassis and black cherry, accompanied by a savoury undercurrent including vanilla and toast, after spending 14 months in French barriques (30% new). A solid, well made hamburger red that is on sale until November 22.Prices:| BC | $23.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| NS | $22.99 | 750ml |
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90PTS
De Martino Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, ChileDe Martino Winery was founded in 1934, and now has 4th generation brothers Marco and Sebastián at the helm. Refreshed with a new label, this organic cabernet sauvignon is still estate grown and bottled, as ever. From the family's alluvial terraced vineyards, this was destemmed and lightly crushed before moving to stainless for a cold maceration and native fermentation. After 10 days, half was racked off to older French barriques, while the remainder stayed in stainless for 6 months. Herbal cassis, thorny wild blackberry and resinous baldo seasoning are woven throughout the juicy palate, wrapped with fine grained tannins, and buoyed by stony acidity. The warming finish is kissed with dark cocoa, tobacco, and lingering bay leaf. An approachable, yet serious Maipo cab.Prices:| BC | $22.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Jim Barry Barry & Sons Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, AustraliaDeep purple in hue, this 2022 Clare Valley cabernet offers a surprisingly youthful nose of violet, dark plum, and blueberry layered with savoury bay leaf and herbal notes. Bright acidity gives the palate tension and focus, while moderate, ripe tannins accentuate the sweetness of the fruit. At 14% abv, it feels lighter and fresher than expected. A pure, fruity expression of the variety.Prices:| BC | $26.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $25.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $27.55 | 750ml |
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05 November 2025
88PTS
Divergence Red 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaJeff Moote is the founder and winemaker at Divergence Wines, a small winery sourcing grapes from great sites around Niagara. The 2022 Red blends syrah (46%), cabernet franc (36%), and merlot (18%), and the wine spends 20 months in new and used French barrels. Ripe raspberry, cherry, and sappy tree branch work their way through this juicy, tart red, with finely sticky tannins pinning in the sides, and a red current twist on the finish. A lighter wine to crack into with mushroom burgers.Prices:| ON | $33.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Foreign Affair Temptress 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaTemptress blends the best barrels of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and petit verdot with the apassimento technique, packaged in a heavyweight bottle. Baked blackberries, stewed plums, dark earth, and bitter cassis is framed with rustic, powdery tannins, and cut with a tart acidity to a clipped finish. Certainly needs an equally rustic stew to match.Prices:| ON | $50.00 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Foreign Affair Dream 2022
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaDream blends cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and petit verdot, with 15% of the grapes dried and concentrated, apassimento style. The wine rests 18 months in French and American oak (25% new), and the hefty weight of the bottle previews the wine inside. Tart black currant, thorny blackberry, and baked plum work through the compact palate, with powdery tannins sharpened with tangy acidity to a shortened finish. Quite disjointed at this stage.Prices:| ON | $29.95 | 750ml |
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85PTS
Riverview Cellars Rosso 2021
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaRosso is Riverview's house blend of 40% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Pinot Noir. Each was aged separately in a combination of American and French Oak barrels for 12 months of aging. Pouring a browning / bricking hue, this tart red is in the deep autumn of its life, with some tired cherry, rhubarb, and forest floor notes. Tannins are negligible, and the palate is smooth. Drink now.Prices:| ON | $16.95 | 750ml |
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86PTS
Sprucewood Shores Cabernet Merlot NV
Pelee Island, Ontario, CanadaSprucewood Shores is located along the shores of Lake Erie, in the Lake Erie North Shore appellation. They were selling their fruit to neighbouring wineries up until 2004, when they decided to start bottling their own label. This is a NV blend of 49% cabernet franc, 37% merlot, and 15% cabernet sauvignon, with a sizeable bump of RS. Ripe and juicy, albeit short with the RS snipping off the finish, you can expect a simple red of baked cherry, raspberry jam, and light baking spice, with finely sticky tannins, and a lick of mint on the finish.Prices:| ON | $15.95 | 750ml |
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90PTS
Divergence Cabernet 2023
St David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaJeff Moote is the founder and winemaker at Divergence Wines, a small winery sourcing grapes from great sites around Niagara. His Cabernet 2023 blends 75% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, and 10% petit verdot, from St. David's Bench's Bock Vineyard, and loam over clay soils. The PV was co-fermented with a portion of the cab sauv, and all components spent 18 months in new and used French oak before bottling. Perfumed cassis, fragrant plum, and black cherry are woven through this medium bodied red, with a hint of leather, and baking spices on the warming finish. Tannins are well integrated, and acidity is stony fresh, both welcoming pairing with autumnal pork / mushroom dishes. Quite smart.Prices:| ON | $38.00 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Ailm Connemara 2021
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, CanadaIf you know your Ogham or Early Medieval alphabet, used mainly to write in early Irish, you will have deciphered the word Neart that appears on the front of the Ailm Connemara label. It means strength in the Celtic language. It aptly describes the latest Connemara, which I can vouch for, having previously enjoyed earlier rich, full bodied versions sold under Quails' Gate. The newest rendition, now under the Ailm label, is a blend of 61% merlot and 39% cabernet sauvignon, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Again, retasting this wine a year down the road, it is pleasant to take in its enticing red and black fruit fragrance, and subtle but focused blackcurrant, black cherry and cedar, all supported by subtle savoury Okanagan desert notes that highlight the finish of fine-grained tannins. Whether you drink or hold this wine, you can't go wrong here. It is an ode to the Stewart family's immigrant grandfather, Richard Stewart Sr., who often said that Connemara, Ireland, was the most beautiful part of his home country.Prices:| BC | $80.00 | 750ml |
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89PTS
Château Penin Clairet 2024
Cotes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FranceThis family business was founded in 1855 by Louis Carteyron and his son Jacques. In 2022, Antoine and his brother Etienne became the sixth generation to run the estate, which has grown to 50 sustainably farmed hectares. This lighter red blends 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc from grapes grown on a limestone plateau at the top of the village. After a short maceration over 24-48 hours, this was lightly pressed and slowly fermented at low temperature over 20 days, with MLF done on roughly 50% of the vats. It was then matured 4 months on fine lees before bottling. This used to be the wine for the family and was not commercialized until Jacques started to sell it in the 80s. Pouring a light crimson hue, this is a slight, light red, with crushed wildflowers, wild raspberry, and finely lifted acidity framed with barely there tannins from the short maceration. The finish lingers with pink peppercorn. A charmer.Prices:| ON | $23.00 | 750ml |
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04 November 2025
87PTS
Riverview Cellars Salvatore's Reserve Malbec 2021
Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaPart of their elevated Reserve Series, this malbec is grown by a neighbour, with only 1 row planted. The grapes were macerated over 1 week before being pressed off into a new 500L French foudre, where it rested for 2 years. Perfumed cassis, inky blackberry, and blueberries are sharpened with a tart blackcurrant acidity, and hugged with powdery tannins to a shorter, baking spice finish. A rarity to try with winter stews.Prices:| ON | $34.95 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Finca La Linda Old Vines Malbec 2024
Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaMade with grapes from vineyards located in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, the La Linda vines average 50 to 60 years old, situated at an altitude of 800 meters. It is aged in second and third use French oak barrels. Expect pronounced floral and fresh red fruits with a pleasant level of spice. At this price point, it is a polished young malbec that's ready to drink now. Enjoy its juicy blackberry, cherry, and baking spice, along with moderate tannins. Serve it with barbecued meats, burgers, beef tacos, or Portobello mushroom burgers. Still decent value in an ever-pricy marketplace.Prices:| BC | $22.99 | 750ml |
| AB | $21.99 | 750ml |
| ON | $19.95 | 750ml |
| QC | $18.95 | 750ml |
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03 November 2025
80PTS
Dark Horse Estate Winery Unapologetically Sinful 2021
Ontario, CanadaConfusingly, the name of the winery is no where to be found on the wine label itself. From Lake Huron's Grand Bend region, this blends baco noir, marquette, and cabernet franc into a sweet red (11 g/L RS). Candied raspberry, red apple on the spritzy, juicy core has powdery tannins, and a tangy sour acidity. A curious wine.Prices:| ON | $14.95 | 750ml |
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92PTS
Thistle and Weed Nastergal 2020
Western Cape, South AfricaThistle and Weed is a collaboration between the Terblanche and Wiid families established in 2015, led by Etienne Terblanche (Viticulturist) and Stephanie Wiid (Winemaker). They seek out interesting vineyards of older vines around the Western Cape. This blend of Tempranillo 36%, Alicante Bouschet 24%, Touriga Nacional 18%, Pontac 8%, Souzao 7%, Touriga Franca 7% comes from Wellington's shale soils (Tempranillo), and Stellenbosh foothills' shale and sandstone (the others). Each were fermented separately with 10 days on skins before pressing off into primarily older French barrels for 1 year, prior to blending. Wild herbs, scrubby fynbos, balsam, mint, and thorns teem throughout this fuller red, based on juicy blackberry and fleshy black plum, and with sticky tannins framing through the warming, pink peppercorn studded finish. Nastergal is the Afrikaans word for the black nightshade plant. Lots to like here.Prices:| BC | $37.00 | 750ml |
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88PTS
Casa Relvas Segredos de São Miguel 2022
Alentejo, Central and Southern Portugal, PortugalThis blend of Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, and Trincadeira come from Alentejo's granite, clay, and schist soils. Primarily fermented and rested in stainless, 10% saw time in older 400L oak. Ripe and sun sweet with fleshy plum, black raspberry, and baking spice, held with sticky / pasty tannins to a warming finish. A lot of wine here for not a lot of money, and one to crack into with hearty fall / winter stews.Prices:| BC | $15.99 | 750ml |
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