Results For Date Search ( 2003-11-25 to 2003-12-25 )

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89/100 Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc 2001 Napa Valley, California, United States
Barrel fermentation and aging contribute to the rich, creamy textures of this elegant, all fumé sauvignon with its soft edges and lemon/citrus, mineral aromas and flavours. There’s more smoky, vanilla, lees flavours in the finish along with creamy grapefruit and smoke. Very crisp. Bring on the shellfish.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG-ST Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $29.99 (750 ml) Specialty; NS $35.65 (750 ml); ON $29.75 (750 ml); QC $29.20 (750 ml) CSPC: 221887;   UPC: 086003351868 Producer: Robert Mondavi Winery Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Caliterra Merlot 2000 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Most of the fruit is hand-picked and fermented in stainless steel before some 60 per cent is aged in French and American oak for six months. Look for spicy, smoky prune aromas with streaks of leafy, tobacco in what is a soft and seductive red that contains about 7 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Dried cherry flavours fade into a smoky, vanilla mocha chocolate finish which belies its price. Good merlot character.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG Prices: AB $10.35 (750 ml); BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty; MB $9.90 (750 ml); ON $10.45 (750 ml); QB $11.90 (750 ml); SK $12.60 (750 ml) CSPC: 466482;   UPC: 610444015036 Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

85/100 Caliterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Open spicy, cassis and mint aromas streaked with dank compost components. Much better balance and flavours on the palate even showing a bit of grip. The finish is firm with a touch of dry tannin and sawdust. Simple, inexpensive cabernet for summer sipping around the patio.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG Prices: AB $11.25 (750 ml); BC $11.99 (750 ml) General; MB $13.15 (750 ml); NS $12.25 (750 ml); ON $9.90 (750 ml) UPC: 610444011038 Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

86/100 Caliterra Chardonnay 2002 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Bright citrus green apple skin and mineral nose with a touch of vanilla lees. Fresh mineral citrus skin flavours with a dry grapefruit aftertaste. Clean crisp easy drinking. Cool down and serve all summer with simple salads or shell fish. Consistently good value.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG Prices: AB $10.95 (750 ml); BC $9.99 (750 ml) General; NS $12.25 (750 ml); ON $9.90 (750 ml) CSPC: 257147;   UPC: 610444012035 Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

84/100 Gallo Sierra Series Merlot 2002 California, United States
Soft sweet commercial style merlot with leafy, herbal undertones. The flavours mirror the nose with more earthy leafy peppery fruit and soft simple styling. It’s the new spaghetti red at a price that’s hard to beat.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG-ST Prices: AB $8.99 (750 ml); BC $8.99 (750 ml) General; MB $8.59 (750 ml); NB $8.99 (750 ml); NF $9.95 (750 ml); NS $8.98 (750 ml); ON $8.95 (750 ml); PEI $10.95 (750 ml); QC $10.45 (750 ml); SK $8.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 506725;   UPC: 085000009840 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

86/100 Frei Brothers Redwood Creek Merlot 2002 California, United States
The Redwood Creek merlot is an entry level California varietal with a fine fruit character. Soft round and juicy it mixes hints of black cherry and blueberry fruit in a smooth package. Simple, well made and ready to drink.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 060970;   UPC: 085000010464 Producer: Frei Brothers Winery Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

87/100 Sterling Vineyards Merlot Vintner's Collection 2001 Central Coast, California, United States
The Sterling-owned 1,300-acre Paris Valley Ranch Vineyard lies just off Monterey Bay in the San Lucas appellation of southern Monterey and is home to most of the Vintner's Collection "Central Coast" fruit. It’s a cool site which allows for extended hang time and increased fruit flavours. Look for black cherry, mocha plum jam flavours with a savoury streak of cedar bark. The finish is smooth with light tannins. Solid and affordable.
Tasted: 2003-12-24 by AG Prices: BC $19.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 643882;   UPC: 5010103913249 Producer: Sterling Vineyards Distributor: Diageo Canada Inc.

86/100 Sumac Ridge Merlot Cellar Selection 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The '01 White Label merlot is the soft sip-able version of Sumac's red wine line-up. The textures are round the flavours sweetish but with a twist of chocolate licorice and black fruit. A simple, ready-to-go red from South Okanagan.
Tasted: 2003-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores CSPC: 593079;   UPC: 778876030796 Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Bach Merlot 2000 Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
Dry leafy aromas mark the nose of this merlot that spends twelve months in American oak. On the palate the wine is light and cedar-y with a streak of blueberry and pepper in the finish. Simple straight up merlot with a Euro bent.
Tasted: 2003-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Speculative - Grady Wine Marketing CSPC: 587642;   UPC: 8410013991189 Producer: Masia Bach Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

88/100 Lincoln Merlot Winemaker Series 2001 Gisborne - Poverty Bay, North Island, New Zealand
After a corked wine episode a second bottle, complete with a synthetic cork, proved to be a big improvement. The Lincoln winemaker series is one hundred per cent merlot and it sees no oak. The plummy fruit is fresh and vibrant with a soft sheen and a fine undercurrent of fresh herbs and tannin in the finish. Solid effort that should improve in the bottle for another two to four years.
Tasted: 2003-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Delf Group CSPC: 633024;   UPC: 9415611017896 Producer: Lincoln Vineyards Ltd. Distributor: The Delf Group

89/100 Stag’s Hollow Merlot Renaissance 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The winery attributes unusually small berries and a high ratio of skins to juice to the big time extraction and concentration in this excellent '01. Plenty of silky plummy fruit, streaked with pepper and a silky smooth finish make this a winner. Stylish and built well enough to age through 2006. Bring on the lamb.
Tasted: 2003-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.90 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 540757;   UPC: 626990025962 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 Stag’s Hollow Simply Merlot 2002 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
"Simply" merlot is the entry level for this varietal at Stag's Hollow. It's aged 16 months in mix of American and French oak which helps to mellow the edges. Look for a soft red with fresh lifted berry fruit flavours a touch of mocha/chocolate in the finish. Good effort.
Tasted: 2003-12-23 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.95 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 937771;   UPC: 626990025948 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Finca Flichman Reserva Syrah 2000 Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Smoky, gamey, saddle leather, blackberry jam and roasted bell pepper nose. Very Maipu and very syrah. Round entry with light, dry tannins. The flavours are dry, peppery and spicy with resiny, shoe leather notes mixed with blackberry and black licorice. A bit dry and lean at the end calling for lamb shank or roast beef.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 564799;   UPC: 7790470080208 Producer: Finca Flichman Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Finca Flichman Syrah 2001 Mendoza, Argentina
Earthy, gamey, smoky, grilled mushroom nose with a big streak of blackberry jam. Ripe, round and soft with lots of smoky, peppery, blackberry jam flavours and a spicy, licorice root boysenberry finish. Read to go and full of flavour. Very good value.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 713305;   UPC: 7790470006513 Producer: Finca Flichman Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

88/100 Château de Nages Rouge 2001 Costières de Nîmes, Languedoc, South of France, France
Meaty, peppery, licorice and black raspberry jam nose with streaks of cardamom and smoky leather. Intense spicy, cardamom, peppery, licorice flavours with minty, black raspberry and blackberry fruit. The finish is dry with a touch of acidity but will be excellent with foods like rabbit, cassoulet or lamb.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml); BC $17.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 427617;   UPC: 690604000072 Producer: Vignobles Michel Gassier Distributor: AltoVin International

80/100 The Fort Wine Co. Cranberry N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very pale rose colour. Very earthy, mineral, sweaty game nose with cooked fruit, soapy perfume streaks, very bizarre. Round and sweet with canned cranberry, metallic spicy flavours. Balance is fine but the aromas seem out of synch with cranberry.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 729731;   UPC: 012345678912 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

83/100 The Fort Wine Co. Valley Girl Blueberries 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light red purple colour. Minty, leafy, metallic, cooked blueberry nose with some fresh fruit highlights. Light, dry entry with leafy, canned, minty, spicy flavours with a slightly acidic edge. Appealing but needs a bit more fresh fruit intensity to sing out.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 731141;   UPC: 00626990014461 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

83/100 The Fort Wine Co. Strawberry N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Amber-rose colour. Fresh crushed and cooked strawberry aromas with good intensity. Dry entry with metallic, mineral, cooked strawberry and herbal flavours and a slightly sweet finish. A good bet if you like strawberries and fruit wine.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 007021;   UPC: 626990017042 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 The Fort Wine Co. Blackberry N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pale raspberry colour. Tea leaf, minty, cooked black berry and fresh fruit aromas. Fresh berry, minty, jammy flavours with good acidity balance. A bit metallic on the finish but pretty solid fruit wine style. Best of the bunch.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 731000;   UPC: 626990011071 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

82/100 The Fort Wine Co. Peach Apricot N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light gold colour. Big canned peach and apricot nose with some mineral, honey notes. Round, oily entry with mineral, metallic, canned apricot flavours. Slightly sweet on the finish, could use some fresher fruit characters.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 732016;   UPC: 626990011156 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Domaine Chiroulet Les Terres Blanches 2002 Gascony, France
Green melon, grapefruit, mineral, pear and floral aromas. Rich, round and dry with a slightly oily texture but good acidity. Lots of mineral, grapefruit rind, quince, lemon oil and green apple flavours. Crisp, warm finish with good intensity. A good alternative to pure sauvignon blanc with some weight.
Tasted: 2003-12-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 636530;   UPC: 3439901100002 Producer: Domaine Chiroulet Distributor: Liquid Art Fine Wines

94/100 Rosemount Old Benson Fine Old Tawny Port N/V South Eastern Australia, Australia
Look for a big inviting spicy, vanilla, dried-cherry nose with hints of rancio, tea, licorice and roasted pecan/ cashew notes. Somewhat sweet style but rich, round and long with good acidity. Huge vanilla, rancio, (it's solera aged) butter, walnut, dried plum, tea and licorice root flavours. Intense and long and very elegant. Quite delicious.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG Prices: BC $38.99 (500 ml) Specialty CSPC: 626655;   UPC: 12894009014 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

89/100 Gehringer Brothers Schönburger Gewürztraminer Classic 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Intense spicy, muscaty/floral, lychee, lemon rind, mineral and cardamom nose – a real pleasure to nose. Round, elegant, fresh palate with great lychee, spicy, citrus rind, mineral, green apple floral flavours. Soft but with a fine combination of fruit; a great wine for Thai or Indian food. Drink all summer.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 586123;   UPC: 623871010161 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

88/100 Gehringer Brothers Riesling Private Reserve 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lovely ripe nose with peach, mineral, lime, citrus rind and melon aromas. Quite dry but nicely balanced with more citrus, peach, green apple and honeyed mineral flavours. It has a fine crisp finish with plenty of fruit intensity. This is a winner for riesling from the Okanagan and should be a star with spicy south-east Asian food. It reminds us of an Auslese-style German wine. Great value.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 347492;   UPC: 623871020009 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

93/100 Cockburn's Tawny Porto (20 Years Matured in Wood) N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Cockburn’s 20 Years Old is blended from older, mature wines aged in cask and then refreshed by the addition of younger wines. The "indicated age" is the average age of the wines in the blend. Look for an open spicy, buttery, spirity, creamy nose streaked with roasted walnut, mineral and peppery tea notes. Rich, round and somewhat fiery but nice acidity with medium sweetness. Intense walnut, pecan, buttery, spicy, tea, rancio flavours. Fine balance and intensity and a bit sweeter than the 10 year old with a super long nutty, cedar, caramel aftertaste. Good value especially if you sip over time by the glass.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.95 (750 ml) Specialty UPC: 633438190755 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

89/100 Cockburn's Tawny Porto (10 Years Matured in Wood) N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
The crispness and "grip" that is the hallmark of Cockburn's tawny come from the judicious blending and the continuous refreshing of these wood-aged wines. Look for a nutty, rancio, cedar, earthy nose with hints of licorice, tea and raisins. Fiery, warm entry with intense earthy rancio, licorice, tea and nutty, butter with dried berry flavours. Elegant and not too sweet but definitely on the hot and fiery side.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 156844;   UPC: 5010278026164 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

90/100 Cockburn's Quinta Dos Canais Vintage Port 2000 Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Originally five separate quintas, Canais was combined into a single large property around the turn of the century. Its abundant water supply, conserved from run off and channelled around the upper elevations, gave the property its name; canais is the Portuguese word for canals. Varietal blocks are being planted, a practice pioneered by Cockburn’s in the region. Look for intense dark black cherry colour, black plum jam and grapey, black licorice, peppery, spicy, earthy nose with some chocolate notes. Rich, concentrated style but not too sweet with fiery entry. Noticeable tannins with good acidity. Dryer entry with earthy, very peppery, spicy, black plum jam, cherry, floral, licorice flavours. A bit more elegant than the strict Cockburn bottling but definitely another winner from the 2000 vintage. Try in ten years or so.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $65.00 (750 ml) Estimated Canadian Retail UPC: 633438408348 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

86/100 Lotusland Gewurztraminer Stone's Throw Vines 2002 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Strong, typical spicy sausage meaty aromas mixed with lychee fruit, peach nose and earthy, mineral, floral streaks. Quite dry and a bit warm on the palate with big mineral, spicy, sausage, dried lychee and citrus rind flavours. Quite crisp and dry on the finish. Of the two gewürztraminer produces at Lotusland this is more food-friendly one. Good effort.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 86355;   UPC: 626990029137 Producer: Lotusland Vineyards Distributor: Lotusland Vineyards

86/100 Lotusland Gewurztraminer River Rock Terrace 2002 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Perfumed, yeasty/bread dough aromas and a touch of burnt matchstick with mineral, sausage meat, and lychee highlights. Light bodied with slightly sweet entry. Very floral, citrus, spicy sausage flavours with floral undertones. A well balanced sweeter sipping style gewürztraminer for summer.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 86363;   UPC: 626990029144 Producer: Lotusland Vineyards Distributor: Lotusland Vineyards

86/100 Torres Vina Esmeralda 2002 Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
Intense mineral, lemon oil, spicy, nectarine skin nose. Very dry, round and elegant with spicy fruit cocktail, citrus rind, and mineral green apple flavours. Delicate style but fresh with big citrus rind finish. Try with calamari or mussels. The blend is 85/15 moscatel/gewürztraminer.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 165316;   UPC: 8410113001122 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

84/100 Rosemount Jigsaw Chardonnay Verdelho Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Australia
Pear, mineral, grapefruit aromas with a touch of butter. Round, slightly sweet with very crisp acidity on the finish. Grapefruit, mineral, baked apple and pear flavours in a warm but balanced package.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops UPC: 012894968113 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

86/100 Garry Oaks Gewurztraminer 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Meaty, spicy, floral, soapy aromas with some citrus, honey notes. Dry, elegant style with honey, mineral, earthy, peach skin and citrus flavours. Slightly oily texture; quite Alsace like. Just a touch flat and light on the finish but well made.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.95 (750 ml) Winery UPC: 626990024064 Producer: Garry Oaks Winery Distributor: Red Dog

84/100 Vitare Red Grape Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) N/V Canada
Vitare is a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice made in Canada with grapes from the Niagara region. The red has an intense raspberry, cherry, cough drop nose, very fruit. Crisp, fresh and foamy with big raspberry, cherry minty flavours. Great sparkling fruit juice.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: Canada $3.99 (750 ml) UPC: 056036002105 Producer: Diarmid Distributor:

82/100 Vitare White Grape Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic) N/V Canada
Vitare is a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice made in Canada with grapes from the Niagara region. Foxy, spicy, meaty, leesy nose. Crisp and slightly sweet with peach, muscat/apple, creamy flavours. Lots of fine mousse in the mouth to keep it fresh.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: Canada $3.99 (750 ml) UPC: 056036001108 Producer: Diarmid Distributor:

87/100 Carmel Road Chardonnay 2001 Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United States
Bright citrus, green apple, mineral, honey, floral nose with a bit of matchstick. Very rich, oily entry with big buttery, vanilla, citrus, leesy flavours. Very warm, butterscotch finish with some acidity showing. The fruit was good but there's too much butterscotch oak for its cool Monterey character.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) Estimated Canadian Retail Producer: Carmel Road Winery Distributor:

86/100 Finca Los Primos Chardonnay 2002 San Rafael, General Alvear, Southern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Nectarine, mineral, green apple citrus aromas. Round, fresh, dry structure with light vanilla, citrus rind, buttery, baked apple flavours. Nice cool climate fruit with a dry finish. Will match well with lightly grilled seafood. Good value and stylish.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 056382;   UPC: 7790703007606 Producer: Bodegas y Vinedos Valentín Bianchi S.A. Distributor: The Delf Group

87/100 Stag’s Hollow Chardonnay 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Buttered popcorn, mineral, spicy lees nose with some honey and vanilla. Round, rich entry but quickly dries out. Very oaky buttery, vanilla, citrus, mineral, leesy flavours. Quite intense with an oily, crisp acid finish. Should improve over the next year or so as the oak integrates.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.95 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 037473;   UPC: 626990025894 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 Stag’s Hollow Simply Chardonnay 2002 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Leesy, anise, roasted garlic aromas with a touch of matchstick. Mineral, leesy, bready, grapefruit rind and green apple flavours with a buttery, vanilla finish. Slightly alcoholic with some sweetness and crisp acidity.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.95 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 937490;   UPC: 626990025887 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Stag’s Hollow Chardonnay Renaissance 2002 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, creamy lees, citrus, buttery baked apple aromas with vanilla and peach notes. Ripe, round and elegant with a dry entry. Honey, buttery vanilla, spicy, nutty lees flavours with mineral, warm butterscotch finish. Soft but well made. Try over the next year or so.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.90 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 037507;   UPC: 626990025900 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 Carpe Diem Chardonnay Grand Reserve 1999 Itata Valley, Chile
Butterscotch, canned artichoke, mineral, leesy bruised apple aromas. Dry, round and soft with very leesy, honey, buttery, citrus, oaky, toasty flavours and a slightly herbal edge. Oaky style but tired and probably a bit past its prime.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.03 (750 ml) CSPC: 044362;   UPC: 673430000140 Producer: Vinos del Sur Distributor: Copper Ridge Wines

86/100 Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2002 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy lees, green apple, citrus, fruit cocktail aromas with a touch of butter, fresh. Round, slightly oily, soft structure with slightly salty, nutty lees, buttery, baked apple flavours. Very solid everyday consumer friendly chardonnay that is perfect for an inexpensive by-the-glass- program. Consistent performer.
Tasted: 2003-12-20 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.00 (750 ml); AB $21.00 (1500 ml); BC $10.99 (750 ml) General Listing; BC $20.99 (1500 ml) Specialty; MB $10.99 (750 ml); MB $19.99 (1500 ml); NF $11.98 (750 ml); NF $22.99 (1500 ml); NS $11.99 (750 ml); ON $18.99 (1500 ml); ON $10.99 (750 ml); PEI $14.95 (750 ml); QC $12.45 (750 ml); SK $11.97 (750 ml) CSPC: 142117;   UPC: 012354081840 Producer: Lindemans Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

84/100 Nederburg Shiraz 2001 Western Cape, South Africa
Look for a slight touch of animal in the nose along with smoky, savoury fruit nose. The entry is soft but the flavours are sour followed by spice and vanilla. Thin light, acidic and not all that impressive for a variety that is showing promise in the Cape.
Tasted: 2003-12-17 by AG Prices: AB $11.86 (750 ml); BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty; ON $12.50 (750 ml) Consignment - Mark Anthony CSPC: 056457;   UPC: 6001452371506 Producer: Nederburg Wines (Pty) Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Latitude 50 - White 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Look for a floral, mineral, peach, spicy earth aromas. Delicate, round palate with light sweetness. Citrus, peach, baked apple creamy flavours in a nicely balanced package - fresh, fruity and ready for any casual circumstance.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.45 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321646;   UPC: 778829000036 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

83/100 Latitude 50 - Rosé 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pleasing light raspberry colour. Earthy, mineral, candied cherry aromas with some rubbery, lees notes. Soft, slightly sweet and light bodied with very mineral, earthy, strawberry jam citrus flavours. A touch bitter and acidic on the finish but fine if well chilled at the picnic.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 788290;   UPC: 778829000555 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

84/100 Latitude 50 - Red 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, earthy, minty, gamey cherry aromas with some leafy, herbal notes. Dry, round and soft textured with spicy, peppery, cedar bark flavours with light sour cherry finish. Perfect for the summer barbeque or picnic. Serve lightly chilled.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 590844;   UPC: 778829000357 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

83/100 Gray Monk Rotbeger 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Earthy, mineral, red licorice and candied berry aromas with some rubbery streaks. Sweet, soft and round with papery, mineral, cherry, strawberry flavours and a slightly acidic finish. Like white zinfandel with colour.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321620;   UPC: 778829000173 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

85/100 Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Dry Classic 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, grapefruit, floral, perfumed peach aromas. Soft, forward style with some sweetness and low acidity. Perfumed floral, apple apricot flavours with a slightly bitter, mineral, honey finish. Solid.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 391151;   UPC: 623871010024 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

85/100 Gehringer Brothers Desert Sun 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Apple skin, wool, peach aromas with mineral and floral streaks. Big mineral, canned pink grapefruit, green apple floral flavours. Crisp acidity with light sweetness on the finish. Solid summer sipper or serve with Chinese food.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG Prices: BC $9.99 (750 ml) VQA Wine Shops CSPC: 398107;   UPC: 623871010055 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

86/100 Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Coastal Region, South Africa
Smoky, peppery, saddle leather, coffee black olive aromas. Soft, dry, round structure with peppery, spicy, smoky licorice flavours and a gamey, leather finish. Fine balance but the flavours are pretty old style. Solid rib or chicken wine.
Tasted: 2003-12-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.95 (750 ml) Speculative - The Bacchus Group CSPC: 573717;   UPC: 746925000854 Producer: Boekenhoutskloof Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

85/100 Gray Monk Ehrenfelser Icewine 1999 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, mineral, bruised apple, raisin nose, a bit old and tired. Light, round and somewhat lean with high acidity. Leafy, mineral, bruised apple, pear flavours. Past its prime. Drink up.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $49.99 (375 ml) Speculative - Charton-Hobbs CSPC: 397968;   UPC: 778829000234 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

90/100 Deutz Brut Classic N/V Champagne, France
Look for a fine mousse from this rich, leesy bubble made from a blend of 38/32/30 pinot noir/pinot meunier/chardonnay. Creamy, citrus, toasty, nutty mineral nose, very attractive. Rich but quite dry and firm with toasty, nutty, citrus, baked apple flavours with a dry, crisp, finish.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $52.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 056358 Producer: Champagne Deutz Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

91/100 Gehringer Brothers Cabernet Franc Ice Wine Signature Series 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Ripe apricot, mineral, tobacco leaf, spicy earthy nose. Rich, ripe, round and supple with spicy, crushed herbs, dried peach and apricot with a raspberry jam, mineral finish. Quite sweet but nicely balanced with good acidity. Fresh and attractive and unusual.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $46.99 (375 ml) VQA Wine Stores CSPC: 567016;   UPC: 623871030077 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

91/100 Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice Wine Signature Series 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, apple skin, apricot, honey nose but somewhat low in intensity. Round, juicy but soft with honey, apricot, mineral, baked apple flavours. Nice acidity, sweetness and balance but overall it lacks a bit of intensity. Good effort just the same.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $46.99 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 504860;   UPC: 623871030039 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

90/100 Gehringer Brothers Ehrenfelser Ice Wine Minus 9 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Open orange, floral, mineral, green apple aromas with a touch of plastic pail. Fat and smooth on entry with good acidity on the finish. Ripe pear, honey, mineral, perfume citrus flavours. Quite elegant and balanced, not cloying. Well made.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $44.99 (375 ml) Direct Order - International Cellars CSPC: 551739;   UPC: 623871030053 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

85/100 Gehringer Brothers Cabernet Franc Late Harvest 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, mineral, vinyl nose with leafy/tobacco cherry jam highlights. It is soft on entry with bitter almond, leafy, stewed prune and mineral flavours and a taffy apple finish. No doubt about the cabernet franc variety here but it seems better suited to ice wine than late harvest.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $14.99 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 733766;   UPC: 623871020177 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

86/100 Gehringer Brothers Riesling Late Harvest 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, bruised apple, minty, soapy, butterscotch nose. Round, crisp entry with some bitterness and astringency and a green apple skin, citrus, butter and mineral flavour profile. Oddly for Gehringer this wine shows little varietal character.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $14.99 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 624429;   UPC: 623871020160 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

88/100 See Ya Later Ranch Ehrenfelser Icewine 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Quite mineral, leafy, pear citrus perfumy nose. Light, soft, round with low acidity. Citrus, honey, apricot mineral flavours but quite low in concentration and acidity and not overly sweet. More like a late harvest wine than icewine.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $49.99 (375 ml) CSPC: 079467;   UPC: 624738011031 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 See Ya Later Ranch SYL Brut N/V Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, green apple skin, light toasty cream nose. Soft, round, elegant style with mineral, baked apple, creamy toasty flavours and a touch of bitterness. A bit of a sweeter brut style with lighter mousse. Solid B.C. bubble at a good price.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.99 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores UPC: 624738011048 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

94/100 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 1995 Champagne, France
The top of the line at Veuve Clicquot is La Grande Dame, an exquisite blend of 60-plus percent pinot noir and some 37 per cent chardonnay from eight Grand Cru vineyards. It is exceptionally well-balanced and elegant Champagne with a definite feminine floral side. The fruit is white peach and grapefruit with just a touch of vanilla. At Clicquot they recommend you serve this to kick off the evening sans appetizers. After you taste this smooth talking slow walking bubble you too will forget about food.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $177.95 (750 ml) Specialty (375 mL) CSPC: 354779;   UPC: 3049610599105 Producer: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

85/100 The Fort Wine Co. Wild Blue Yonder (Blueberry) N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The nose reminds one of picking wild berries in the woods with bears in the neighbourhood. Minty, spicy, blueberry jam, sweaty malt nose — quite bizarre. Hot, sweet, spicy, minty, mineral over the top style with jammy notes and soapy finish. Not up to the quality of the other products.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (375 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 640367;   UPC: 626990014454 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 The Fort Wine Co. Gold Rush (Peach Apricot) N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big canned peach, apricot, mineral nose. Soft, round and warm with candied, canned peach and apricot flavours. Reasonable balance with a high acid finish. Simple straight-forward peachy fruit wine.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (375 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 733626;   UPC: 626990011149 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 The Fort Wine Co. Cranberry Klondike N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pale raspberry colour. Intense canned cherry, raspberry jam mineral nose. Rich, intense, sweet with high acidity and huge cranberry, cherry, raspberry jam flavours. Pretty crisp and intense but unique. Try as a sauce for your turkey or pork.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (375 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 731802;   UPC: 626990012597 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

90/100 The Fort Wine Co. Raspberry Portage N/V Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Attractive intense fresh raspberry, mineral, jammy nose. Rich, round and sweet with good acidity and lots of raspberry jam, mineral, minty flavours. Excellent raspberry character, drink straight up, on ice cream or put a dash in your sparkling wine.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (375 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 733691;   UPC: 626990013280 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Saint Vincent Chardonnay Icewine Private Reserve 2000 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Made from 30-year old vines. Butter, lees, cigar, honey, marmalade nose, pretty unusual combination. Rich, intense and fairly sweet with mineral, honey, bruised apple, raisin, leafy flavours. Quite high acidity on the finish. Perhaps a bit tired but lots of stuffing.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $74.90 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 624387;   UPC: 6640303200004 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

89/100 Lineage Gamay Icewine 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very pale gold rose colour. Big mineral, spicy, quince and apricot nose with some vinyl hints. Soft, round, earthy, mineral, stewed apricot and spicy strawberry flavours. Not super sweet or high acid but reasonably well balanced if a bit alcoholic.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.90 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 638189;   UPC: 664030012817 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

97/100 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Reserve 1996 Champagne, France
Described at Clicquot as the most mature fruit ever harvested with the most acid too 1996 is one very fine vintage. The blend or cépage is dominated 59 per cent pinot noir fruit which gives the wine its structure and power and all of the fruit is from a blend of some twenty Premiers and Grands Crus designated vineyards. Big full and rich on the palate it has a citrus and stone fruit mid-palate with a nutty finish. Superb styling and built for the long haul. One of the best young Champagnes I have tasted and it's a dream Champagne vintage for collectors. Drink or hold for 15 to 20 years.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $84.30 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $84.95 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials CSPC: 508614;   UPC: 03049610525104 Producer: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

92/100 Veuve Clicquot Rosé Reserve 1996 Champagne, France
Veuve's '96 Rosé Reserve is part of a fine '96 trilogy from Veuve that includes La Grande Dame and Vintage Reserve. The best wines of the Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims combine with some 15 per cent of red wine from Bouzy to create an attractive spicy rosé. Rich firm and mouth filling, with style and finesse as intense as its red fruits flavour. The Champenois call it a gastronomy wine - in short it’s made for food. It's capable of ageing gracefully for 10 to 15 years. Excellent quality.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $79.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 325688;   UPC: 3049610399101 Producer: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

85/100 Seaview Brut Sparkling Wine 2000 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Lots of mousse here with toasty, mineral, baked pear and apple aromas. Round, soft, forward style with very leesy, baked pear, dry apple skin and citrus flavours. Quite foamy and a touch bitter but will be fine as a mixer with orange juice or with crème de cassis.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) General CSPC: 216333;   UPC: 0123450430008 Producer: Seaview Winery Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

90/100 Pol Roger White Foil Cuvée de Reserve Brut N/V Champagne, France
Fine, continuous mousse. Floral, citrus, toasty, baked apple mineral nose, quite delicate but fine. Rich, round, balanced style but a touch soft with fine effervescence. Baked apple, citrus, creamy, mineral, quince flavours with a crisp, biscuity, apple finish. An excellent all round NV for current consumption for beginners or connoisseurs.
Tasted: 2003-12-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $49.95 (750 ml) Specialty; BC $27.99 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 051953;   UPC: 897441424508 Producer: Champagne Pol Roger Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

86/100 Gray Monk Gewürztraminer Alsace Clone 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Open mineral, slate, floral nose with light perfume aromas and some meaty, sausage notes. Round, elegant, fairly dry style on the palate with slate-y, citrus, nutty, spicy, meaty lees flavours and a touch of lychee. Quite restrained and crisp but attractive for food. Good effort for the vintage.
Tasted: 2003-12-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321596;   UPC: 778829000135 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Gray Monk Riesling 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lime rind, apple, peach, mineral aromas with some high floral notes. Round, slightly soft and slightly sweet entry but with balanced fresh acidity. Good intensity of citrus, peach, green apple flavours with a crisp, citrus rind finish. Nicely done; ready for solo sipping or serve with prosciutto and melon. Certainly the best yet from Gray Monk.
Tasted: 2003-12-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321604;   UPC: 778829000104 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

87/100 Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pleasant ripe peach, spicy, floral, mineral aromas with a touch of cream, lees and sausage meat. Round, soft forward style with some sweetness. Nice spicy, meaty, mineral, perfume flavours with a light lychee, apple skin finish. Try with turkey or as an apéritif wine for sipping.
Tasted: 2003-12-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321588;   UPC: 778829000081 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

83/100 Gray Monk Pinot Blanc 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Ripe apple, pear, mineral, sweaty lees, grapefruit rind aromas. Soft, round and very sweet with plenty of pear, canned grapefruit and mineral flavours. A commercial quaffer with a requisite residual sugar level for those who like their white wine off-dry.
Tasted: 2003-12-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 321612;   UPC: 778829000128 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

84/100 Gray Monk Pinot Auxerrois 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Apple, mineral, leesy, canned grapefruit and citrus rind nose. Round, fresh, crisp entry but sweet with baked apple, citrus rind, grapefruit and melon flavours. Simple, fresh wine for the summer deck.
Tasted: 2003-12-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 096222;   UPC: 778829000166 Producer: Gray Monk Estate Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

88/100 See Ya Later Ranch Chardonnay 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big toasted oak and vanilla nose with creamy, honey, peach notes that are amazingly similar in style to the Sumac Ridge Chardonnay. On the palate it is dry and round with soft edges and a very buttery, vanilla, oaky style streaked with honey and mineral. Slightly more austere style with lots of buttery oak and some citrus on the finish. Good effort and we like the price.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.99 (750 ml) UPC: 624738011062 Producer: See You Later Ranch Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Shaw and Smith Chardonnay M3 Vineyard 2001 Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide (including Mt Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu and Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Very mineral, wool, green apple skin, leesy aromas. Dry, round, elegant style but not a lot of fruit. Somewhat bruised apple, oxidative flavours spiked with leesy, vanilla, mineral notes. Dry and somewhat acidic in the finish.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: AB $36.95 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $39.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 068338;   UPC: 9316770010127 Producer: Shaw & Smith Distributor: AltoVin International; Lifford Wine Agency

89/100 Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Black Sage Vineyard 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Toasted oak vanilla and peach fruit nose with heady cocktail, butter and floral fruit notes. Round, soft, ripe and slightly sweet with big oily, smoky vanilla, butter, honey and peach flavours with a warm, butterscotch finish. Ripe and ready to go. Serve with fresh crab or prawns for excellent results.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 393710;   UPC: 778876137105 Producer: Sumac Ridge Estate Winery Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

83/100 Benchland Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2000 Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Musky, artificial fruit, slightly skunky, green apple nose with some bread dough notes. Raw, green, citrus, mineral flavours with no fruit. No real varietal character here.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores CSPC: 727016;   UPC: 626990009870 Producer: Benchland Vineyards Distributor: Burrows and Luongo & Associates Inc.

91/100 Artesa Chardonnay 2001 Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United States
Creamy, nutty, spicy lees with honey, buttery apple aromas and a touch of citrus rind. Rich, ripe, creamy oily textures with mineral, butterscotch, lees, honey/nut/pear flavours. A touch austere on entry but very long in the finish. Less new oak could lead to an even better wine brimming with bright Carneros fruit.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 45005;   UPC: 734489200032 Producer: Artesa Winery Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

89/100 Vajo Rosso 2000 Verona, Veneto, Italy
Vajo is super-Venetian blend of 60/25/15 corvina/merlot/cabernet Sauvignon. Look for a pruny, spicy, vanilla, tea, nutty licorice aromas with some port-like, black cherry notes. Rich, round, dry and somewhat creamy with ripe, dry tannins. Very spicy, peppery, cardamom, clove vanilla black cherry jam flavours. Nice intensity and balance, very spicy clove finish. A bit short and acidic on the finish. Perhaps will fill out with a few years of aging.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $38.00 (750 ml) Speculative - WineQuest Wine and Spirit Brokers Inc. Producer: A.V. Fratelli Fabiano Distributor: WineQuest Wine and Spirit Brokers

89/100 Thomas Hyland Chardonnay 2003 South Australia, Australia
The '03 Hyland Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the Adelaide Hills, with components from other premium, cool-climate, viticultural regions such as The Eden Valley and Robe. Bright lime, citrus rind, floral, mineral, buttery lees nose. Dry, round, elegant and fresh with mineral, citrus, green apple, buttery spicy lees flavours. Fresh and appealing with good mouth feel. Drink while young and available.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $19.99 (750 ml) Specialty; MB $17.99 (750 ml); ON $18.95 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials CSPC: 611228;   UPC: 012354071940 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

88/100 Saint Vincent Chardonnay Private Reserve 1998 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, dry lees, nutty, slight vanilla, quince aromas. Dry, round, elegant style with creamy, leesy, spicy, garlic citrus flavours. Well balanced if not overly varietal but in very good shape for a 1998.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 585786;   UPC: 664030019984 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

84/100 Domaine Combret Check Mate Blanc de Noir 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Made from quickly pressed pinot noir. Perfumy, floral, mineral nose. Round, soft, spicy, sausage mineral, papery flavours. Simple, non-descript, everyday sipper.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 044115;   UPC: 664030120024 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

87/100 Nadaria Syrah 2001 Sicily, Italy
Unusual stewed prune, tea, black cherry and smoky leather aromas. Rich and round on the palate with smooth tannins on the back end. Plenty of cooked black cherry, licorice, gamey, almond and pepper flavours with some stewed rhubarb. Well balanced with savoury fruit and warm alcoholic finish. A fun, well-priced red.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 015479;   UPC: 8028262000028 Producer: Cusumano Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

88/100 Benuara Nero d'Avola - Syrah 2001 Sicily, Italy
Benuara takes its name from the small Mediterranean flower that grows wildly around the town of Pachino. The wine is a 70/30 blend of nero d’Avola and syrah. Look for a peppery, celery salt, savoury, black cherry, licorice nose with a stewed smoky plum fruit nose. Rich, ripe, smooth and intense with good acidity. Big black cherry, licorice, smoked tea, gamey, peppery almond flavours. Well balanced and quite intense, try with slow cooked lamb leg and couscous.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.99 (750 ml) Specialty; ON $22.95 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 015289;   UPC: 8028262000073 Producer: Cusumano Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

89/100 Sàgana Nero d'Avola 2001 Sicily, Italy
They say the best néro d’Avola grapes are harvested from 15-year old, south facing, vines located in Central and Southern Sicily at the beginning of September. Look for a peppery, spicy, savoury, black cherry, licorice, almond, vanilla/cherry cola nose. Intense rich ripe fruit with smooth, slightly grainy tannins. Big black cherry jam, peppery, spicy, cola and gamey flavours with a touch of acidity. Good now but will improve over the next few years.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 640862;   UPC: 8028262000103 Producer: Cusumano Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

87/100 Dopff & Irion Pinot Blanc 2001 Alsace, France
Baked pear, melon mineral nose with a perfumed scent too. Dry, ripe and round with spicy, mineral, quince, floral pear flavours. Ready to drink with nice crispness and body. Good value. Fine turkey wine.
Tasted: 2003-12-12 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 265124;   UPC: 3039123200018 Producer: Dopff & Irion Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

89/100 Artesa Pinot Noir 2001 Carneros, Sonoma County, California, United States
Spicy, peppery, black cherry, rhubarb, compost aromas with some orange rind and confiture. Soft, round and elegant with light, dry tannins. Vanilla, cherry jam, strawberry, spicy, smoky orange flavours. Quite delicate and balanced for near term consumption or over the next year or so.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) Estimated Canadian Retail UPC: 734489500033 Producer: Artesa Winery Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

84/100 Trapiche Pinot Noir 2002 Mendoza, Argentina
Smoky, meaty, cherry jam aromas with a whiff of compost. Dry and somewhat lean on the palate with stewed plum and black fruit flavours streaked with earthy, rootsy notes. Very ordinary pinot with a bit of acidity showing through.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.25 (750 ml) CSPC: 322487;   UPC: 7790240017038 Producer: Bodegas Trapiche Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

85/100 Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Clean black cherry, spicy, cedar nose with flecks of orange peel. Soft, dry and round with good pinot character, elegance and balance. The taste is spicy with resiny, cherry chocolate flavours and a touch of cedar. Solid, unassuming, affordable pinot noir.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 430306;   UPC: 623871020030 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

83/100 Benchland Vineyards Pinot Noir 2000 Penticton Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Compost, barnyard, strawberry jam aromas with a bit of cedar bark. Light, elegant and very dry with cedar, compost, pruny strawberry flavours and a slightly acidic, earthy finish. Shows some pinot character but is just a bit too thin and acidic.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores CSPC: 726877;   UPC: 626990009856 Producer: Benchland Vineyards Distributor: Burrows and Luongo & Associates Inc.

90/100 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Reserve Jane's Vineyard 2001 Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United States
Attractive inviting smoky, vanilla, black cherry and pepper nose. Round and voluptuous in the mouth with light tannins. Spicy, black cherry, strawberry jam nose with sweet vanilla and cedar flavours. It’s a touch warm in the finish but it is well balanced and there is fine intensity here. It will need a year or so to tame the oak and reveal more of that spicy Russian River pinot fruit.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $38.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $49.99 (750 ml) Mark Anthony Wine Stores; ON $47.95 (750 ml) UPC: 087512075313 Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

83/100 Lotusland Pinot Noir 2001 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, cedar, olive nose with streaks of rhubarb and resin that is surprisingly pinot like. In the mouth it is dry and somewhat acidic with very oaky, resiny, spicy, rhubarb flavours. Too much wood overpowers the wine fruit and spoils what was a promising start.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (750 ml) Winery Only CSPC: 86504;   UPC: 626990029205 Producer: Lotusland Vineyards Distributor: Lotusland Vineyards

84/100 Garry Oaks Pinot Noir 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Barnyard, compost, stewed plum, cedar aromas. Light and elegant but very dry and somewhat lean with cedar, earthy, resiny, and cherry jam flavours and a touch of bitterness on the finish. Still some work to be done here.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.95 (750 ml) Winery UPC: 626990024026 Producer: Garry Oaks Winery Distributor: Red Dog

83/100 Lineage Pinot Noir 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Cedar, floral, compost, barnyard cherry aromas with some dry earthy notes. Very dry, acidic, lean style with some tannin. Earthy, black cherry, resiny, rootsy flavours. Out of balance and far too dry to be enjoyable.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 075150;   UPC: 664030200221 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

84/100 Saint Vincent Pinot Noir Private Reserve 2000 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Minty, gamey, sweaty leather nose with black cherry mineral aromas. On the palate it is dry, round and moderately soft with peppery, cedar, herbal, spicy black cherry flavours and some vanilla and resin. Quite dry with light tannins in the finish. Will need another year or two to come around – let’s hope the fruit holds.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 624742;   UPC: 664030220007 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

83/100 Saint Vincent Gamay Noir Private Reserve 2000 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Rootsy, earthy, shoe leather, black cherry aromas. Very dry, lean and tight with high acidity. Very earthy, rootsy, pruny cedar flavours with a touch of oxidation. Lacks balance and definitely needs food.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 624585;   UPC: 664030120000 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

84/100 Lineage Gamay 1998 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, black cherry, earthy spice aromas. Dry, soft and round with elevated acidity. Good gamay cherry, earthy, peppery, rootsy, cedar bark flavours. Finish is very dry and somewhat lean but has reasonable balance.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 555946;   UPC: 664030199860 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

85/100 Beringer Valdiguié 2001 California, United States
Gamey, spicy, cherry jam nose streaked with earthy, barnyard notes. Round and soft with some sweetness and a touch of acidity. Cooked cherry, spicy, rootsy peppery flavours. Soft and drinkable.
Tasted: 2003-12-11 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.35 (750 ml); BC $16.99 (750 ml); ON $14.50 (750 ml); SK $18.25 (750 ml) CSPC: 296079;   UPC: 89819010608 Producer: Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates

89/100 Codorníu Cuvée Raventos Brut N/V Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
Spicy baked apple and nut aromas. Much finer mousse in the mouth than most wines at this price. Look for an elegant, nutty, toasted floral character and a wine that is wound up tighter than its non-chardonnay competitors. That said it still has Cava written all over it. Great value and sure to be a hit before most any dinner party.
Tasted: 2003-12-09 by AG Prices: BC $18.99 (750 ml) General Listing CSPC: 521773;   UPC: 8410013990571 Producer: Codorníu Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

88/100 Cockburn's Special Reserve Porto N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Cockburn’s Special Reserve is matured before release and as a "vintage character" port it is intended to reflect the Cockburn style. There’s fine richness here with more body than the Ruby and better length. Special Reserve fruit is picked at the peak of ripeness from single varietal vineyards in the finest vineyard areas and a slightly longer fermentation produces a less sweet finish with more "grip." Look for a spirity cedar leather aftertaste.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.45 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 63180;   UPC: 5010278021169 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

90/100 Cockburn's Anno Late Bottled Vintage Porto 1996 Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Cockburn's Anno is sourced from the estate vineyards in the Upper Douro, as well as from selected growers in the region. The wine is a blend of touriga nacional, tinta barroca, tinta roriz, touriga francesa and tinto cao and it is all aged 5 years in 10-year-old, 160-gallon barrels. The 1996 Anno has a fresh spicy raisin/plum fruit nose with a fine balance between sweetness and and acidity. Drink now.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 156851;   UPC: 5010278026096 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

87/100 Cockburn's Fine Ruby Porto N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Cockburn’s Fine Ruby is a blend of young wines from various years, aged for three years in wood and bottled after filtration. The flavours are a light-ish mix of raspberry, plum and cedar spice with a short medium-sweet finish. Ready-to-drink and will pair well with blue cheese, rich chocolate desserts especially with raspberry sauce and or a plate of toasted walnuts.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG-ST Prices: UPC: 633438191912 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

91/100 Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Port 1996 Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
The grapes for Dow’s Late Bottle Vintage Port come from some of the same vineyards used to produce its Vintage Port. The wine is aged in oak casks for 4-6 years before it's bottled. The style of Dow’s Ports is more structured and less sweet than most other houses and you detect it immediately on the palate. Drier firmer and with fine acidity it offers the plate a delicious mix of dark fruit flavours and spirit.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 444786;   UPC: 5010867200159 Producer: Dow's Port Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.

89/100 Barros Late Bottle Vintage Port 1997 Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
The Barros LBV offers a sweet black-licorice nose and a super silky texture. Earthy chocolate notes mark the flavour profile of this mellow fireside sipper. A fine introduction to late bottle vintage port.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 522904;   UPC: 5601194101969 Producer: Sogevinus/Barros Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

91/100 Warre's Warrior Special Reserve N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Warrior is the oldest mark of Port having been shipped continuously since the 1750s. The style has changed little over time. It’s aged in seasoned oak casks for 4 to 5 years before being drawn off and bottled following a light filtration. Warrior Special Reserve is ready for immediate drinking and like the Six Grapes does not require any decanting or ageing. Look for dark, intense fruit and a strong chocolate/mocha flavour. Not as sweet as the Warrior and not as dry as the Dow. A pleasing fireside sipper — break out the toasted walnuts.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG Prices: BC $19.99 (750 ml) Specialty; BC $11.99 (375 ml) Specialty CSPC: 152355;   UPC: 5010867100336 Producer: Warre & Ca Distributor: Summit Fine Wines

90/100 Graham Six Grapes Reserve Port N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
The "Six Grapes named derives from the Graham emblem that exhibits six grapes the highest quality designation used at the property to classify the best lots of wine. The Port is an unfiltered reserve produced from grapes primarily grown at Graham's Malvedos Vineyards. It's meant to be modern in style as in fresh and fruity and ready to drink but over the years the wine has gained grip and weight and is considered to be less ruby port and more late bottled. Sweet in the Graham style yet mellow and full of soft plummy fruit. It’s a fine youthful port that you can sip now. The winery recommends you serve Six Grapes with chocolate cake or a rich cheese.
Tasted: 2003-12-07 by AG Prices: BC $25.99 (750 ml) Specialty; BC $13.99 (375 ml) Specialty; BC $18.95 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 299727;   UPC: 5010867400481 Producer: W. & J. Graham & Co. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

86/100 Gehringer Brothers Harmony Optimum 1999 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, mineral, spicy muscat nose with some apple skin and quince. Rich, ripe and round with big mineral, spicy, soapy floral, pear and sausage flavours, very like a cross between viognier and gewürztraminer. Well balance, ready to go. Still holding well.
Tasted: 2003-12-06 by AG Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores; Private Wine Shops CSPC: 534917;   UPC: 623871020108 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

84/100 Gehringer Brothers Pinot Blanc Private Reserve 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, chalky, citrus, somewhat herbal aromas with a touch of lees. Fairly dry with light buttery, chalky, earthy, pear flavours and a touch of bitter apple skin. A bit lean and lacking in fruit overall. Look for the 2002.
Tasted: 2003-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.49 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 503748;   UPC: 623871010123 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

85/100 Gehringer Brothers Auxerrois Classic 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Mineral, pear, light peach aromas with some earthy floral notes. Soft, round, buttery, pear, mineral flavours with a touch of sweetness. Simple, ripe, sound white made for everyday consumption
Tasted: 2003-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 171496;   UPC: 623871010031 Producer: Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

84/100 Lineage Chardonnay Unoaked 1997 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Matchstick, mineral, floral, peach aromas preview a dry, lean style almost Chablis-like white with more mineral, lemon flavours and very high acidity. The tart acidic finish makes this a tough style to sell. Needs a touch of creamy lees to smooth out the palate.
Tasted: 2003-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.90 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 624734;   UPC: 664030019977 Producer: Domaine Combret Distributor:

86/100 Goundrey Homestead Chardonnay Unwooded 2003 Great Southern, Western Australia, Australia
Cool climate green apple, floral, spicy, peach aromas. Crisp and round with some sweetness. Baked apple, mineral, buttery peach flavours and a grapefruit rind finish. Could even be from BC.
Tasted: 2003-12-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.19 (750 ml); BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 060889;   UPC: 9316369013157 Producer: Goundrey Wines Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Domenico di Bertiol Prosecco di Conegliano N/V Veneto, Italy
By Italian law, Prosecco may be still, crackling or fully sparkling. This ancient Roman varietal can produce wines that are either sweet or dry. It's made almost entirely from the ancient prosecco grape with a touch of verdiso. Look for a peaches and cream nose with a hint of fresh bread. The textures are light and round with more mineral citrus nut flavours. Add peach syrup to make great Bellinis.
Tasted: 2003-12-05 by AG Prices: BC $17.75 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 507798;   UPC: 8003503000708 Producer: Domenico di Bertiol Distributor:

88/100 Pierre Sparr Riesling Reserve 2001 Alsace, France
Mineral, peach skin, green apple, baked pear and slate nose. Dry, round, elegant structure with slightly soft acidity but quite balanced. Green apple, citrus, earthy slate flavours up front with a crisp peach, lime rind finish. Very attractive, solid style and an improvement in fruit over the 2000 vintage. Worth trying.
Tasted: 2003-12-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 382283;   UPC: 3263530020413 Producer: Pierre Sparr et Ses Fils Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

89/100 Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut N/V Sonoma County, California, United States
The Sonoma Brut is a workhorse sparkler from GF made from over 40 separate selections of pinot noir and chardonnay grown on the 340 acre estate just north and west of San Pablo Bay. It’s a sophisticated blend of 87 per cent pinot noir and 13 per cent chardonnay made from 20 different base wines each fermented in stainless steel tank. Look for crisp, tangy, pear fruit flavours are fruit forward with just a hint of almonds in the background. There's none of the austerity that can plague so many Old World sparklers and there’s none of the sweet fruit flavours that are the bane of New World bubble. It doesn’t get much better than this for the price -- delicious stylish and fun to drink.
Tasted: 2003-12-04 by AG Prices: BC $29.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 192898;   UPC: 33293111009 Producer: Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves Distributor: Airen Imports; Clarus; Stile Enterprises Ltd.

86/100 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône 2001 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Spicy, gamey, cherry licorice nose with some candied floral notes. Soft, round, supple style with very peppery, spicy, black cherry mineral flavours and a slightly dry finish. Simple, easy going dinner wine that will suit most food.
Tasted: 2003-12-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.45 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 476846;   UPC: 3391181110136 Producer: M. Chapoutier Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

88/100 Woodbridge Portacinco 1995 Lodi, Central Valley, California, United States
The '95 Portacinco is a blend of five traditional Portuguese grape varieties planted around the winery at Woodbridge. It took three years to obtain enough budwood to graft onto rootstocks but the vineyard was completed in 1988 and is now one of the largest vineyards of these varieties in the state. Each variety is barrel-aged separately in small, French and American oak barrels for only two years to enhance the texture and emphasize fruit character. Look for spicy, nutty, rancio, blackberry, and steeped tea aromas. Rich and quite sweet with chocolate, caramel, raisin/walnut, rancio flavours and a smoky tea and tobacco on the finish. Slightly tannic with some grip. The wines are blended and bottled without fining or filtration and aged after bottling for an additional two years before release.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 CedarCreek Pinot Blanc 2002 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Winemaker Tom DiBello does a consistent job with pinot blanc working the apple/mineral components and adding a touch of vanilla butter. The round, easy sipping style comes with a green apple, peach and canned citrus flavoured finish. Sourced exclusively from Greata Ranch Vineyard.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.09 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 237966;   UPC: 778913022036 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 Rosemount Shiraz Orange Vineyard 1999 Orange, New South Wales, Australia
Big pruny, intense white pepper nose with leathery, smoky barnyard notes. Very dry and somewhat lean on the palate with nagging acidity showing through at the end. Smoky coffee oak and black cherry fruit with hints of pepper, earth and leather flavours. Cooler style and flavours but too lean and dry to be really enjoyable.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG Prices: BC $32.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 614818;   UPC: 012894974725 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

89/100 J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon Seven Oaks 2000 Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Central Coast, California, United States
Spicy, pepper, cassis jam nose with olive tobacco, leaf and bell pepper aromas. Rich, round, smooth on the palate with light, grainy tannins. Big minty, coffee, tobacco, black cherry and smoky cassis flavours finish a bit tight but with good flavour intensity. Well done and available in half-bottles for $13.95.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 313825;   UPC: 089121288122 Producer: J. Lohr Winery Distributor: Landmark Selections

86/100 Simon Gilbert Card Series Shiraz 2000 New South Wales, Australia
Menthol, pruny, sweaty saddle aromas with tobacco and cooler fruit notes. Dry, round, smooth with cherry, minty, spicy, black cherry flavours. Fine intensity but the finish is acidic and tight. Grilled lamb chops would help here.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 616904;   UPC: 736040010098 Producer: Simon Gilbert Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

91/100 Hazyblur Shiraz 2001 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Located in Barossa Valley, Hazyblur is a tiny winery owned and operated by Ross Trimboli. He purchased vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Barossa, and Baroota. The McLaren Vale Shiraz is made from 65-year old vines cropped at 2 tons of fruit per acre. Only 300 cases were produced - 120 bottles have been secured for western Canada. Look for spicy, ripe black berry jam, vanilla, and five-spice aromas mixed with smoky cola a touch of saddle leather. Rich, ripe and smooth with light, grainy tannins. Big black cherry jam, peppery, vanilla, smoky bacon flavours. Very smooth, rich style with good acidity. Will improve over the next few years.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: AB $47.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Winspeer; BC $53.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Winspeer Producer: Hazyblur Distributor: Liquid Art Fine Wines

89/100 Hazyblur Baroota Shiraz 2001 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Hazyblur "Baroota" Shiraz comes from the relatively new viticultural region north of Clare Valley, the most northerly wine producing area of South Australia. Minty, smoky vanilla, peppery, leather, bacon notes mix with black berry jam and five-spice. Rich, moderately elegant, smooth with a bit of grip on the finish. Big vanilla, smoky, bacon, cherry cola flavours and some peppery licorice notes on the finish. Needs a few years to round out but nice intensity. Only 350 cases were produced -- there are ten in Western Canada.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: AB $47.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Liquid Art Fine Wines; BC $53.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Liquid Art Fine Wines Producer: Hazyblur Distributor: Liquid Art Fine Wines

88/100 Cockburn's Fine Tawny Porto N/V Douro Valley, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Fine Tawny is aged for about the same amount of time as Cockburn’s Fine Ruby (about three years), but in smaller barrels to hasten the ageing process. We like the spicy, peppery, tea leaf, rancio nutty nose with a bit of spirit showing. On the palate it is smooth and elegant with fine acidity and sweetness all in balance. A bit fiery and warm but with a fine rancio, buttery, spicy, tea, licorice and dried citrus peel flavours.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: UPC: 633438191929 Producer: Cockburn Smithes & Ca Distributor:

84/100 Matilda Plains Cabernet Shiraz 2001 Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia
Minty, earthy, tobacco, spicy cassis nose. Dry, acidic, light bodied wine. Big leather, smoky, tobacco, minty flavours. Not much fruit or balance here.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.95 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops CSPC: 013011;   UPC: 9324141007010 Producer: Bremerton Vintners Pty Ltd. Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Eaglehawk Shiraz 2001 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Smoky, spicy, peppery, black cherry licorice nose. Soft, round, light bodied with some acidity and dryness. Gamey, smoky, licorice, black cherry jam flavours dominate. Elegant and flavourful but could use less acidity.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 68528;   UPC: 98137445542 Producer: Wolf Blass Pty Ltd Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates

85/100 Simon Gilbert Card Series Shiraz 2001 New South Wales, Australia
Smoky, coffee, cherry spicy aromas with a touch of sappy cassis. Soft, round and elegant with smooth, slightly dry tannins. Warm with cherry jam, smoky, coffee flavours and some sweetness on the finish. Solid party red.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.75 (750 ml); BC $14.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 616904;   UPC: 736040010098 Producer: Simon Gilbert Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

86/100 Rawson’s Retreat Shiraz Cabernet 2002 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy, leafy, coffee, minty leather aromas open into a soft, round, sweet entry and a smooth warm, sweet finish. More black cherry, coffee, minty, tobacco flavours. Sound, friendly, consumer friendly style. Ready-to-drink.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 419259;   UPC: 012354071049 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

86/100 Rosemount Jigsaw Shiraz Mataro Grenache 2002 Australia
Spicy, pruny, gamey, meaty aromas with some a smoky raspberry jam undertone. Smooth easy sipping red with lifted acidity and peppery, strawberry jam flavours. An attractive, simple everyday hamburger red at an attractive price.
Tasted: 2003-12-03 by AG Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops UPC: 012894898014 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

88/100 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 California, United States
The blend is 83 cabernet, 9 merlot, 4 malbec and 4 petite syrah. Look for a peppery, cola and spicy resin, saddle leather nose with cassis jam aromas and some blackberry, vanilla and waxy barnyard notes. There is fine complexity here in a soft, round and supple red. Cherry cola, vanilla and spicy, cassis jam mark its flavours along with a peppery, earthy blackberry finish. Attractive and well balanced and made for current consumption.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 335794;   UPC: 717888510025 Producer: The Hess Collection Winery Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

90/100 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Napa Valley, California, United States
This 90/10 cabernet /merlot blend comes with peppery, saddle leather, cassis jam and blackberry fruit nose with vanilla, barnyard and waxy streaks. It's quite a classy red with rich, ripe textures and supple, light, grainy tannins. Lots of chocolate, peppery cola, cassis and black cherry flavours finish with earthy vanilla notes. An enjoyable wine that should improve over the next few years.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) UPC: 013232750018 Producer: Ehlers Estate Winery Distributor: Vinterra Wine Merchants

90/100 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander's Crown 2000 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States
The 2000 vintage is the 26th Alexander's Crown a single vineyard that sits atop a rise in Alexander Valley. Quite an earthy/leathery aroma with prune, plum, chocolate and rootsy cassis notes. The styling is dry and round with slightly tight, grainy tannins. Not big but nice vanilla, coffee, cassis, cherry black olive flavours mixed with a touch of earthy, orange peel on the finish. Drinking nicely now but should improve for with 2-3 years aging. Solid effort for 2000.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $45.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 234286;   UPC: 087512922259 Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

91/100 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Alden Vineyards 1999 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States
Alden Vineyards, sits at 900 to 1100 feet above sea level where prolonged cooler temperatures combined with the overcast mornings in spring and early summer help the fruit to ripened slowly. Look for a rich vanilla, coffee, mocha, saddle leather and black pepper nose streaked with clove, cassis, black olive and smoky blackberry fruit. Elegant and round with similar cedar, pepper, black olive, cassis and smoky coffee flavours. Warm earthy, mocha cassis finish with light tannins. Well balanced for current consumption. Keep another one to three years.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) Special Order - Mark Anthony Wine Merchants UPC: 087512929913 Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

90/100 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1999 Sonoma County, California, United States
The RS Reserve Cabernet program is an on-going process that comprises the properties best Bordeaux varietals of the vintage. The wines are made in the vineyard from the finest mountaintop vines and winemaker Rick Sayre's personal selection of each and every barrel. The blend is 81/10/9 cabernet/merlot/cabernet franc aged 23 months in 52 per cent new and seasoned American oak barrels and 48 per cent new & seasoned French oak barrels. Look for a spicy, smoky coffee, cedar, black pepper and tobacco nose with cassis jam aromas and some vanilla, green bean and olive highlights. Moderately rich with good concentration and somewhat dry, tight tannins. Lots of black olive, smoky coffee, vanilla, black pepper flavours and a cedar, cassis finish. Definitely Bordelaise in style and as such will need another two to four years to round out.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: AB $50.00 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $65.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 382325;   UPC: 087512075283 Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Cabernet Sauvignon Red Dirt Ridge 2000 Lodi, Central Valley, California, United States
Spicy, green cedar, shoe leather with pruny peppery blackberry aromas. Very dry, warm palate with good extract but lean tannins. Big peppery, resiny, spicy, cedars bark flavours with some licorice root and earth notes. Somewhat bland with a strong cedar bark aftertaste and some herbal notes. Does not reflect the quality of cabernet coming out of Lodi these days.
Tasted: 2003-12-01 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.99 (750 ml) Speculative - Maxxium Canada UPC: 086003002396 Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2002 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy, smoky, cassis, blueberry, peppery aromas with a streak of green bean and roasted pepper. Round and rich with light, smooth tannins with chunky chocolatey, blackberry, cassis, peppery flavours and a smoky, vanilla finish. Very solid, ready to drink style with some balance.
Tasted: 2003-11-29 by AG Prices: AB $15.50 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $16.99 (750 ml) Specialty; MB $16.40 (750 ml); NF $16.10 (750 ml); NS $15.90 (750 ml); ON $15.45 (750 ml); QC $16.95 (750 ml); SK $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 285544;   UPC: 12354071445 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

88/100 Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon Max Reserva 2000 Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Tasted twice in the last six months and the latest edition appears to be softening up just a touch. The sappy/cassis and minty leather nose remains and in fact is very “Don Max,” but the wine lacks the total ripeness and richness you expect at this price point. The flavours are similarly streaked with tobacco, earth, chocolate and cassis flavours. Winemaker Ed Flaherty says the grapes are picked over a longer time a decade today allowing for block ripening as opposed to the entire vineyard. This is probably as good as it gets for an average harvest.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.95 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 287805;   UPC: 089046777336 Producer: Vina Errazuriz Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

92/100 Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 1998 Valle de Aconcagua, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
A 90/10 blend of cabernet sauvignon / cabernet franc. Very deep, cherry/purple color. Intense minty, super-cassis nose -- very much along the lines of Don Melchor, Casa Real and Montes M. Big, long and concentrated this is one of Chile’s best cabernets. Classic Bordeaux style. Age for five years.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $44.95 (750 ml) Specialty Producer: Vina Errazuriz Distributor: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd

87/100 Mission Hill Chardonnay Estate 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Attractive peach skin, green apple, citrus rind and fruit cocktail aromas with some honey and vanilla. On the palate it is dry and skinny with crisp mouth watering acidity. Lots of buttery, spicy, lees, mineral, citrus rind apple skin flavours. An austere style to say the least that can be countered with the right foods but we would prefer just a touch more body and suppleness at this price.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG Prices: AB $31.50 (750 ml) Fine Wine Boutiques; BC $29.90 (750 ml) Speculative - Mark Anthony Brands; NB $29.96 (750 ml) Special Order - Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; ON $28.00 (750 ml) Vintages; YK $29.90 (750 ml) Special Order - Mark Anthony Wine Merchants CSPC: 568725;   UPC: 776545993021 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

84/100 Alkoomi Southlands Cabernet Merlot 2002 Western Australia, Australia
Strong spicy, leafy nose with intense smoky jalapeno, asparagus bell pepper aromas and a touch of cherry. On the palate it has a smooth, round, elegant style but it’s quite acidic with smoky, peppery, vanilla, leafy cedar flavours. Disappointing for the price.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.99 (750 ml) UPC: 9317958990163 Producer: Alkoomi Wines Distributor: Lanigan & Edwards Wine Merchants(BC) Ltd

85/100 Norton Sangiovese 2000 Mendoza, Argentina
Ripe blackberry jammy, gamey nose laced with meaty spicy pudding notes and a touch of rubber. Soft, round and dry with a bit of heat but with jammy textures and prune plum peppery licorice flavours. As always a solid performer. Ready to drink now.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.49 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 496216;   UPC: 7792319065087 Producer: Bodega Norton Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

84/100 Lindemans Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Strong blueberry/cherry jam aromas with spicy pepper. A real fruit bomb. Sweet, soft, round style with light tannins and some acidity showing on the finish. Big blackberry, cassis jam cherry mocha flavours. Simple and juicy. Available in 1.5 L for $22.99
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.95 (750 ml) General CSPC: 119628;   UPC: 012354087705 Producer: Lindemans Wines Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

86/100 Chateau de Cabriac 2000 Corbières, Languedoc, South of France, France
Attractive smoky, spicy, gamey fruit with floral, raspberry jam aromas. Look for gamey, black raspberry, licorice, and spicy earth flavours with some smoky resin notes. A round, elegant style with a bit of a dry tannic finish. Quite classy, good for grilled meats or stews.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG Prices: BC $13.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 315119;   UPC: 33488822101152 Producer: Chateau de Cabriac Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

86/100 Watermark Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 Australia
Spicy, leather, compost barnyard, vanilla, tobacco aromas mark this cool style nose. A soft, round, dry style with some acidity yet still very elegant. Peppery, prune, tobacco, and cedar/cassis flavours. A solid wine that needs drinking.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.50 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops CSPC: 620104;   UPC: 636177000330 Producer: Saddlers Creek Winery Distributor: Purple Valley Imports Inc.

83/100 Mission Hill Cabernet - Merlot 2001 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, cassis, green bean and bell pepper with light vanilla. Soft entry with a very acidic finish. Dry cedar, vanilla, smoky, bell pepper, green bean flavours. Pretty herbaceous and acidic for the average consumer. Will be best with a juicy hamburger. Somewhat disappointing given previous efforts.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml); BC $13.95 (750 ml) General; MB $14.95 (750 ml); NB $15.75 (750 ml); NS $15.94 (750 ml); ON $13.45 (750 ml) General Listing; SK $14.75 (750 ml); YK $16.20 (750 ml) CSPC: 257816;   UPC: 776545985507 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

84/100 Mouton Cadet Rouge 2000 Bordeaux, France
Spicy, earthy, gamey, barnyard smoky minty green bean aromas. Dry, tight, lean structure with high acidity. Smoky, resiny, dried cedar and press wine flavours. Pretty ordinary and green considering it's made with fruit from the highly touted 2000 vintage. Half bottles will set you back $8.98.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) General; BC $8.96 (750 ml) 375 mL CSPC: 000943;   UPC: 0839601444014 Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - France Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

85/100 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Merlot 2001 France
Minty, spicy, barnyard, cherry aromas with some leafy notes. Dry, soft, round style with slight acidity. Cherry, prune, coffee, spicy mint flavours. Well balanced, simple red for everyday consumption. Pretty good value-for-money.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 407544;   UPC: 083960707707 Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - France Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

84/100 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2001 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Slightly weedy cassis, peppery, spicy leather aromas. Dry, somewhat tannic style with peppery, spicy, earthy, cassis leafy flavours. Finish is fairly tannic and acidic, needs tomato based foods.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 407551;   UPC: 083960707783 Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - France Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Stoneleigh Chardonnay 2000 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Honey, mineral, leesy, citrus peel, chestnut aromas with some cool apple, asparagus notes. Round, rich, elegant but with a touch of alcohol and sweetness. Slightly soft with leesy, spicy, vanilla, baked apple, honey flavours. Quite creamy and full on the finish, a nicely flavoured wine. Drink now, it won't last too long.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.49 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 904433;   UPC: 9414505990000 Producer: Stoneleigh Vineyards Distributor: Corby Distilleries Limited

84/100 Shaw and Smith Chardonnay Unoaked 2002 Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide (including Mt Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu and Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Matchstick, garlic, bready, yeasty nose with citrus peel aromas. Not very attractive. Soft, round, oily structure with very crisp acidity. Very leesy, mineral, nutty bready flavours and lots of citrus peel. Skinny finish and low aftertaste, not much here for the money.
Tasted: 2003-11-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.95 (750 ml) Speculative - Winspeer UPC: 9316770000111 Producer: Shaw & Smith Distributor: AltoVin International; Lifford Wine Agency

87/100 Simon Gilbert Chardonnay Card Series 2002 New South Wales, Australia
Fresh, cool fruit nose with floral, green apple skin, white peach aromas and a touch of butter. Round, crisp and elegant with a touch of sugar. Citrus rind, butter, apple and pear flavours dominate the mid-palate followed by mineral and some citrus rind bitterness in the finish. Fine freshness and balance at an affordable price.
Tasted: 2003-11-27 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.75 (750 ml); BC $14.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 616912;   UPC: 736040010081 Producer: Simon Gilbert Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.

87/100 Eaglehawk Chardonnay 2003 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Wolf Blass is wading into he low end of the market with Eaglehawk and a new fresh style. Big green apple skin, floral, citrus rind nose with an attractive spicy honey edge. Rich, round, elegant styling with nice weight and balance. Spicy lees, honey vanilla, butter, citrus, baked apple flavours. Elegant and flavourful, this is a perfect introduction to chardonnay with only a little oak showing.
Tasted: 2003-11-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 066472;   UPC: 98137334433 Producer: Wolf Blass Pty Ltd Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates

86/100 Rawson’s Retreat Chardonnay 2002 South Australia, Australia
Buttery, pear, yeasty spicy lees nose with fruity melon notes. Round, soft, slightly sweet with crisp acidity. Candied apple, buttery, honey, melon citrus flavours. Juicy baked red apple finish. Fresh, flavourful, inexpensive chardonnay. Good value here.
Tasted: 2003-11-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.99 (750 ml) Specialty CSPC: 611202;   UPC: 012354071070 Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada

91/100 Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Floresta Sauvignon represents the "Best of the Best." and a lot of solid vineyard work. Three clones (two French and one American) are at the heart of this intense, fresh, zingy, 100 per cent stainless steel fermented wine. Gooseberry capsicum and lemon sing Casablanca fruit and flavours. This is well made, very individual sauvignon that is worthy of its Floresta moniker.
Tasted: 2003-11-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.99 (750 ml) Speculative - Mark Anthony Brands Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

91/100 Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Merlot 2000 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
The only Floresta released in 2000 was the 70/30 cabernet merlot blend. Juicy ripe stylish elegant Bordelais -like red that spend one year in French oak. Winemaker Andres Ilabaca strives for concentration and quality tannins and he has achieved both in this delicious red made in a difficult year.
Tasted: 2003-11-26 by AG-ST Prices: BC $32.99 (750 ml) Speculative - Mark Anthony Brands Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

88/100 Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Medalla Real 2003 Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
The Medalla Real sauvignon is made from a special selection of fruit from the oldest French clone vines. Yields are an impressively low four tot five tonnes per hectare. The nose and flavours revolve around ripe gooseberry with spiced herbal citrus fruit. Intense New World sauvignon that calls for clams or mussels.
Tasted: 2003-11-26 by AG Prices: AB $16.90 (750 ml); BC $19.99 (750 ml) Speculative - Mark Anthony Brands; MB $16.39 (750 ml) CSPC: 211615;   UPC: 089419917109 Producer: Viña Santa Rita Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

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