Results For Date Search ( 2009-04-05 to 2009-05-05 )

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84/100 Stone Cellars Merlot 2006 California, United States
Basic stuff here. Smoky leafy cherry nose with bits of earth and spice. Dry fruit flavours of sour cherries and strawberries mark the palate with dry earthy, soft spicy finish. A hamburger wine nothing more; nothing less.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $14.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 606814;   UPC: 089819117345 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 California, United States
Fairly intense cabernet notes on the nose with peppery, spicy, fruit. The entry is soft with bright berry flavours and touch of acidity balancing off the finish. Bits of cedar and leather mark the short finish. Simple red that is probably best served with grilled meats.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; NB $14.29 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $12.65 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); QC $14.80 (750 ml); SK $14.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 606798;   UPC: 0089819117284 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

90/100 Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Hawkes Bay sauvignon is always a bit riper than its southern brethren and it is the case here. Lemon and grapefruit aromas and flavours mix with bright, fresh acidity and minerality. Well balanced and perfectly able to work with a variety of shellfish and seafood pasta dishes. It’s also fun to sip with an heirloom tomato dish.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Great Legs International CSPC: 660860;   UPC: 009421901048051 Producer: Elephant Hill Estate and Winery Distributor: Great Legs International Wines Inc.

85/100 Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Western Cape, South Africa
I’m normally a big fan of the Cathedral Cellar range but this ’08 sauvignon misses the mark. It’s fresh enough but just a bit too skinny and lean to hold my interest. The fruit is muted; the finish dry. It needs food to carry the day. A screwcap might better aid in preserving its fruit.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG Prices: NS $15.00 (750 ml); ON $12.00 (750 ml) LCBO UPC: 00748294066127 Producer: KWV International Distributor:

89/100 Composite Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Ara is a new, cool sub-region within Marlborough. Capsicum and a citrus peach skin mark the nose and flavours. On the palate more grapefruit, nettle and stone fruit characters dominate with bits of mineral and salt. Fresh dry and lip smacking character that makes it so capable with a wide variety of white meats and seafood.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 826180;   UPC: 00626990078036 Producer: Winegrowers of Ara Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

94/100 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve 2004 Napa Valley, California, United States
Mature wine drinkers will know the long history of Beringer’s PR cabernet and its mix source of sites including Steinhauer Ranch (42%), St. Helena Home Ranch (18%), Bancroft Ranch (15%), Marston Vineyard (11%), Chabot (3%), Rancho del Oso (3%) and Lampyridae (2%). It also contains six per cent cabernet franc from Bancroft Ranch. The ’04 is super rich and as always unctuous in style with its big black cassis fruit and spicy, jammy blackberry flavours. Glossy and slippery best describes its texture that precedes a long finish marked with more cassis and cocoa. A very fine bottle with a medium to long future. Try by 2012.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $140.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $159.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $149.00 (750 ml); US $112.00 (750 ml) retail CSPC: 189779;   UPC: 0089819777310 Producer: Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates

88/100 No. 8 Wire Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Typically intense classic Marlborough sauvignon style that opens with a big aromatic nose of capsicum, tinned asparagus, passion fruit and melons. The palate is similarly charged with bits of gooseberry and citrus and nettle notes lingering in the finish. Fresh crisp belligerent New Zealand sauvignon best served with a plate of steaming fresh mussels.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 768002;   UPC: 00621926300014 Producer: Allan Scott Wines & Estate Distributor: Whitefish Group

87/100 Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Robertson, Breede River Valley, South Africa
A cooler year contributed to the success of this modest white wine. Bright tropical fruit flavours mark the nose and palate including the ripe: bits of candied pineapple and the cool bits of green apple skin. Balanced refreshing juicy and affordable this one over delivers. Buy it by the case.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG Prices: BC $9.99 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 444968;   UPC: 746925000977 Producer: Robertson Co-operative Winery Distributor: Churchill Cellars; The Bacchus Group Inc.

86/100 Stone Cellars Chardonnay 2007 California, United States
Stone Cellars is a fresh, modern look at inexpensive California chardonnay. The nose is a mix of tropical fruit notes with a touch of minerality and bright acidity. A simple patio wine you can sip with or without food. Try it with a grilled chicken salad.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); ON $13.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 606806;   UPC: 89819117468 Producer: Stone Cellars By Beringer Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

0/100 Hillside Estate Pinotage 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Corked. Try another.
Tasted: 2009-05-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Christopher Stewart Wines CSPC: 482232;   UPC: 00626990070122 Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Hester Creek Pinot Blanc 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Impressive fresh nose and entry with a classic buttery mid-palate and fruity finish. There's a touch of lees mixed with ripe apple and nectarine skin fruit with dash of acidity. A solid seafood wine for the price. Well made.
Tasted: 2009-05-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 467316;   UPC: 626990057550 Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

88/100 Hester Creek Pinot Gris 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
One of the better pinot gris at this price with its fresh, apple/ pear nose and a touch of honey in the background. The flavours are similar with a touch of nectarine and plenty of citrus in its fresh mouth-watering finish. With a new winery I expect future edition of this wine will improve even further in the coming years.
Tasted: 2009-05-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 560037;   UPC: 00626037002017 Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

85/100 Hester Creek Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Typical Okanagan merlot on the nose with its herbaceous, spicy earthy undertones. The textures are soft and the mid-palate is sweet with blackberry, black cherry, chocolate fruit flavours. The finish is similarly sweet, almost Yellow tail-like. Best for solo sipping unless you like your red wine sweet.
Tasted: 2009-05-04 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 467324;   UPC: 626037001140 Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

88/100 Faustino V Reserva Rioja Crianza 2004 Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Spain
The Faustino Reserva is made with 100 per cent tempranillo grown in the upper Rioja Alavesa. The nose opens with a touch of Brett mixed with leather, pepper and cinnamon and cedar. The palate is soft with a warm round entry and a touch of acidity underneath. The finish is long and smooth. Best to drink now with port or lamb chops.
Tasted: 2009-05-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $29.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 331801;   UPC: 008410441412065 Producer: Bodegas Faustino Distributor: Opimian Society; Select Wine Merchants

86/100 Ecco Marqués de Vitoria Rioja (Organic) 2007 Rioja Alavesa, Rioja, Spain
Ecco is made with one hundred per cent tempranillo grown organically. The nose is a touch rustic with barnyard notes bits of black fruit and cedar boughs. The palate is similar in design with raspberry, mushrooms, earth, liquorice and spice. Needs a good 30 minutes of air before serving.
Tasted: 2009-05-03 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 298521;   UPC: 008432292992756 Producer: Marqués de Vitoria Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Burrowing Owl Meritage 2006 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, mocha, peppery, spicy, clove, vanilla, tobacco leaf, black olive, saddle leather and savoury aromas. Dry, tight, elegant palate but somewhat lean with dry tannins. Smoky, coffee, mocha, vanilla, cedar, tobacco leaf, riparian, sappy cassis, herbal, savoury flavours. Very dry, warm finish with somewhat hard, black tea tannins. Needs time to round out.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 020073;   UPC: 808755007067 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

86/100 Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, vanilla, clove, smoky oak with peppery, tobacco leaf, saddle leather, savoury aromas. Dry, elegant, tight palate with chalky, slightly hard green tannins. Smoky oak, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, herbal, tobacco, resiny flavours with stewed tea tannins on the finish. Solid but needs to soften.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $38.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 508200;   UPC: 626990006060 Producer: Burrowing Owl Vineyards Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing

80/100 Caminos by Terra Andina Cabernet Merlot 2008 Region del Valle Central, Chile
Smoky, cherry, cedar, herbal, leafy, cologne aromas. Round, sweet entry with a sour edge and light tannins. Tobacco leaf, sappy cassis, cedar, herbal, resin, coffee bean flavours. Extremely basic red wine.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG Prices: BC $9.50 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $12.75 (750 ml) CSPC: 626275;   UPC: 00830212000075 Producer: Sur Andino S.A. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

80/100 Two Jokers Cabernet Merlot 2006 South Australia, Australia
Cedar, black olive, resin, riparian, cooked cherry, wet tobacco aromas. Sweet, slightly tart, somewhat tannic and edgy entry with tobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, resiny, earthy flavours. Thin, tart finish with little attraction.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants UPC: 00853065000849 Producer: Barossa Vintage Ltd. Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

90/100 Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United States
Coffee, mocha, cedar, vanilla, stewed plum, blackberry, barnyard, saddle leather aromas. Rich, ripe, round, dry and suave palate with some dry, grainy tannins. Cedar bark, peppery, savoury, smoky, vanilla, clove, tobacco leaf, black olive, resin, rooty flavours. Dry, tight finish with good finesse if a touch herbal in the finish.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $75.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 407106;   UPC: 00626990074830 Producer: Star Lane Vineyard Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

82/100 Mission Hill Five Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Wet tobacco, earthy, black olive, peppery aromas. Dry, round, smooth entry but tart and light. Tobacco leaf, peppery, resin, green cassis, coffee flavours with a tart, somewhat dried out, lean oaky finish. Lacks fruit and ripeness.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $17.00 (750 ml); NF $19.00 (750 ml); NS $19.00 (750 ml); QC $17.70 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml); YK $20.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 257816;   UPC: 00776545985507 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

83/100 Mission Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Cassis, saddle leather, tobacco, earthy, peppery, spicy, herbal aromas. Dry, tart, lean palate with leafy tannins. Mocha, coffee, herbal, green olive, resin, tobacco leaf. Very tart, oaky, lean finish. Lacks fruit and charm at this point.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 553321;   UPC: 00776545995100 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

82/100 Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Ripe black berry, riparian, tobacco, resin, vanilla bean, liquorice aromas. Somewhat sweet, round, tart palate with light tannins. Green tobacco, herbal, cassis, cedar bark, vanilla bean, burnt coffee flavours. The finish is too tart and hard for the Yellow Tail style.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: AB $11.00 (750 ml); BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.50 (750 ml); ON $12.00 (750 ml); SK $13.50 (750 ml) CSPC: 056473;   UPC: 00839743000134 Producer: Casella Estate Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; The Kirkwood Group

87/100 Carmen Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Sappy cassis, bay, thyme, tobacco, black olive, vanilla, chocolate aromas with a smoky edge. Smooth, full entry with light, tight tannins. Green tobacco, herbal, cassis, sappy, coffee, vanilla, orange peel flavours. Solid but tannins are somewhat green and chewy. Needs a steak.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $19.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 358309;   UPC: 00083300097512 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

85/100 Edge Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley, California, United States
Surprisingly floral, green herbal, cassis notes with a touch of barnyard. Dry, lean, tart palate with green, firm tannins. Cassis, coffee, herbal, cedar bark, tobacco and sour cherry flavours mark the finish. Very tart, lean style without much generosity or fruit. Disappointing vintage.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $34.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 080374;   UPC: 752183270212 Producer: Edge Wines Distributor: Seacove California Selections

91/100 Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown 2007 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Passion fruit, floral, lees, grapefruit, smoky jalapeno, melon, nettle aromas. Round, dry, rich, fresh, elegant palate with creamy acidity. Granny smith, lemon, passion fruit, lime, nettle, smoky jalapeno and gooseberry flavours. Very good intensity and acidity, will continue to age well for 2-4 years. Fine length. Excellent quality here.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 638403;   UPC: 839156000028 Producer: Staete Landt Vineyards Ltd. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Lifford Wine Agency

90/100 Staete Landt Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2006 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Spicy, rooty, black raspberry, rhubarb, tobacco leaf, cherry, floral and resin aromas with a touch of caraway and dried herbs. Round, dry, supple but slightly tight palate with fresh acidity. Smoky, herbal, rhubarb, cherry, orange compote, vanilla, tobacco leaf and caraway flavours with a hint of dill. Good finesse if a bit tart on the finish. Will improve over the next 2-4 years.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by ST Prices: BC $38.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 401547;   UPC: 839156000103 Producer: Staete Landt Vineyards Ltd. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Lifford Wine Agency

86/100 Road 13 Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light biscuit, toasty, green apple skin, mineral aromas. Crisp, fresh, dry, tart palate with light but fine mousse. More green apple skin mixed with nutty, honey, herbal, grapefruit rind flavours mark the palate. An interesting first effort but on the austere, tight and dry style. Best with food.
Tasted: 2009-05-02 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) winery only CSPC: 820696;   UPC: 626990081333 Producer: Golden Mile Cellars Distributor: The Delf Group

85/100 Carmen Syrah 2006 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Spicy, orange peel, tobacco, white pepper, black cherry, curry and cedar bark aromas with a touch of dried herbs. Round, dry, supple palate with medium light body. Tobacco leaf, dried dill, peppery, sappy cassis, licorice root, resin and smoky sausage flavours. Easy going barbeque style.
Tasted: 2009-04-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $12.60 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International CSPC: 258301;   UPC: 00677758901684 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

88/100 Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Big canned asparagus, jalapeno, passion fruit, canned grapefruit, nettle aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, crisp, creamy palate with a bit of residual sugar. Passion fruit, grapefruit, asparagus, smoky jalapeno, grassy, lemon herb flavours. Good solid style on the more aggressive side.
Tasted: 2009-04-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International; MB $18.00 (750 ml); NB $19.00 (750 ml); ON $17.00 (750 ml); QC $19.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 574848;   UPC: 009421025020025 Producer: Yealands Estate Distributor: Calibrium International

90/100 Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Expect typically intense NZ character with big mineral and dried herbs notes mixed with nettle and lemongrass. On the palate there is more mineral, passion fruit with a touch of lemon thyme. The finish is dry crisp and fresh. Bring on the mussels.
Tasted: 2009-04-30 by AG-ST Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International; NB $22.00 (750 ml); ON $20.00 (750 ml); QC $22.00 (750 ml) UPC: 009421025020216 Producer: Yealands Estate Distributor: Calibrium International

87/100 Maycas del Limari Syrah Reserva Especial 2005 Limari Valley, Chile
Smoky, black pepper, licorice, vanilla, black cherry, saddle leather, sausage, garrigue and resin aromas with a touch of tobacco. Ripe, round, supple, full palate with gamey, peppery, licorice, smoky, rosemary, black cherry, black berry and resin flavours. Good finesse and fruit with balanced acidity, ready now. Expensive for what you get.
Tasted: 2009-04-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 697631;   UPC: 007804320291628 Producer: Maycas del Limari Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Shot in the Dark Shiraz Petite Sirah 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
A big friendly red from Oz that dials down the acidity and revs up the rich, smoky, ripe fruit flavours. Round warm, glossy and a touch on the sweet New world side it will resonate with steak eaters and those who like the big reds. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-04-30 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 807115;   UPC: 009337739000287 Producer: Quarisa Distributor: Whitefish Group

89/100 Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 California, United States
Love the fresh Mendocino fruit in this blend that is beefed out by 25 per cent Napa Valley juice and 30 per cent Lake County cabernet sauvignon. The entry is soft and round with a silky, plummy, black cherry fruit that fills the mid-palate and finishes with just a dusting of vanilla and tannin. Perfect for barbecued steak now or age for another three years.
Tasted: 2009-04-28 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 335794;   UPC: 717888510025 Producer: The Hess Collection Winery Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

88/100 CedarCreek Gewürztraminer 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
CedarCreek continues to exhibit a deft hand in fruit handling and wine making exploring the fresh easy sipping style of this variety. Look for a fresh style with bits of litchi lime and peach on the nose with just a dusting of floral notes. On the palate, the entry is soft with a touch of mid-palate sugar over an herbal, lemon, ginger, sausage meat finish. Drink on the patio all summer or try it lighter sushi dishes.
Tasted: 2009-04-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 240978;   UPC: 778913028052 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

91/100 CedarCreek Cabernet Sauvignon Platinum Reserve 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This has about as elegant styling as you will find in any cabernet with cedar, spiced tobacco and smoky vanilla, black cherry aromas. The entry is supple with fine-grained tannins, cocoa black cherries coffee and cedar. Youthful vanilla and some glossy oak mark the finish but with balance and finesse. You can lay this one away from four to eight years and let it reach its maximum quality. New World Bordeaux.
Tasted: 2009-04-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 607234;   UPC: 778913066566 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

90/100 CedarCreek Estate Select Meritage 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Soft open, vanilla, cocoa and black fruit flavours. Lovely restraint on the mid-palate with fine wood integration and toast. Lively vibrant acidity with fresh cranberry, liquorice and black fruit flavours. Typically this wine comes with a lean frame that pervades from back to front in essence working the finesse angle as opposed to so many south Okanagan reds that work the fat, smoky fruit and oak angle. Should be even better in five years. Well done. Serve with roast lamb or beef.
Tasted: 2009-04-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 077453;   UPC: 778913056567 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 CedarCreek Pinot Gris Classic 2008 British Columbia, Canada
The CedarCreek gris is always a cool version with bright acidity. The entry is tight, mixing nectarine skin, green apples and lemon lime notes with a mineral citrus, salty finish. Lip smacking and ready for almost any creamy seafood pasta dish or chicken or serve with local oysters.
Tasted: 2009-04-27 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 561175;   UPC: 778913028090 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 Tarapaca Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Much like previous version this is a middle of the road sauvignon with grassy grapefruit and nettle notes on the nose with a touch of residual sugar. The fruit is ripe and round with melon, apple pear notes and bits of minerality. A gentle version of the aggressive New Zealand style. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-04-25 by AG Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 414185;   UPC: 00633567909549 Producer: Viña Tarapaca Ex Zavala Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

87/100 Water Wheel Memsie Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2007 Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
The Memsie is a blend of shiraz (70), cabernet sauvignon (16), malbec (6) and petit verdot (6) planted on clay and limestone. Its mix of micro-oxygenated fruit and fruit aged in American oak. Smoky herbal black currant fruit with bits of raspberry dominate the nose while the palate is rich in licorice and savoury dark flavour. Like most of its kin the wine is warm and showing some acid poking through the back end. It really needs to be served with grilled meat – lamb chops, or spaghetti Bolognese.
Tasted: 2009-04-25 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $16.00 (750 ml); NS $17.50 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 482505;   UPC: 09316378218000 Producer: Water Wheel Vineyards Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

89/100 CedarCreek Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Has winemaker Tom Di Bello been drinking Tantalus Riesling in his spare time? His latest riesling is super fresh with lots of bright acidity upfront and throughout a la Tantalus. Much like last year it is packed full of zippy fruit, crunchy fruit flavours of and plenty of minerality. Now under screwcap the peachy pineapple flavours streaked with orange jump from the bottle. Thai food anyone.
Tasted: 2009-04-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops CSPC: 217166;   UPC: 778913028021 Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Stoneboat Vineyards Chorus 2008 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Martiniuk family seem to understand the market better than most new wineries. Chorus is an attractive, aromatic, affordable, summer sipper that hits all the right notes for the price. Look for clean fresh mineral notes and bright citrus grapefruit lime rind flavours. The blend is a mix of pinot gris, pinot blanc, viognier, chardonnay, kerner and müller-thurgau.
Tasted: 2009-04-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops UPC: 626990094104 Producer: Stoneboat Vineyards Distributor: Foremost Wine Domaines Inc.; Winery Direct

89/100 Tinhorn Creek 2Bench Oldfield Collection 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
2Bench mixes sémillon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier and muscat (some of which are co-fermented) to better meld fruit flavours, says winemaker Sandra Oldfield. The wine is fresh and bright and should stay that way under screwcap for years. Look for aromatic notes on the nose with tropical fruit flavours supported by bright acidity underneath. Just a baby that will further improve but should be a summer seafood favourite.
Tasted: 2009-04-21 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 307157;   UPC: 00624802971209 Producer: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

87/100 Hester Creek Trebbiano 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
From vines now over 30 years old winemaker Rob Summers does a fine job of capturing the fruity aspects of this rare North American planting. The wine is fresh and bright on the palate with tropical fruit notes. Melons, white peach, apricots and passion fruit and lime rind dance across the palate. A versatile wine you can serve solo as an apéritif or with classic summer chicken dishes. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-04-20 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 733774;   UPC: 00626990057567 Producer: Hester Creek Estate Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

86/100 Kenwood Zinfandel 2006 Sonoma County, California, United States
Blackberry, riparian, tobacco, barnyard, leather, peppery, gamey aromas. Dry, warm, round palate but a bit tight and lean. Prune, soy, blackberry, licorice root, tobacco, leather and coffee flavours. Finish is solid but pretty dry and warm.
Tasted: 2009-04-19 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $24.00 (750 ml); ON $17.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 403345;   UPC: 10986003032 Producer: Kenwood Vineyards Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Heck Estates

87/100 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Spicy, floral, meaty, peppery, blueberry, black cherry aromas with some tobacco and barnyard. Round, smooth, warm and slightly tart palate with sausage, licorice, blueberry, cola, chocolate and tobacco leaf flavours. Finish is warm and fresh but fruity. Best with food.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 098327;   UPC: 00853065000511 Producer: Thorn-Clarke Wines Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Marrenon Premices Organic Cotes du Luberon 2007 Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, South of France, France
Floral, rooty, tobacco, black cherry, licorice, saddle leather and savoury aromas. Round, dry, elegant but somewhat light palate. Peppery, black cherry, leather, tobacco, cedar, mineral flavours with a tart plum and chocolate finish. Good solid barbecue and chicken wine.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 598045;   UPC: 003256811111962 Producer: Cellier de Marrenon Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

86/100 Two Jokers Chardonnay 2007 South Australia, Australia
Peach, melon, butter, baked apple and candied citrus nose. Round, fresh, elegant palate with good acidity and some sweetness. Buttery, citrus, green apple, melon, peach pit flavours. Simple, fresh, easy style for the general consumer. Solid value.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG Prices: BC $11.99 (750 ml) specialty listing UPC: 00853065000856 Producer: Barossa Vintage Ltd. Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

86/100 Carmen Chardonnay 2007 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Look for bright floral, green apple skin, grapefruit rind, and pear aromas. Round, fresh, elegant, slightly sweet palate with fresh acidity. Light butter, grapefruit, lime, baked green apple and pear flavours with a touch of spice. Fresh, easy drinking style for any occasion. Solid value here. We are still waiting on a screw cap closure. Great value.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NF $12.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml); QC $12.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 235663;   UPC: 83300097659 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

86/100 Mission Hill Five Vineyards Chardonnay 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Light lees, green apple skin, citrus, nectarine and vanilla aromas. Round, fresh, off-dry palate with butter, green peach, canned grapefruit, apple skin and honey flavours. Solid, fresh style for food and sipping but ready to drink.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $17.00 (750 ml); SK $16.00 (750 ml); YK $18.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 518530;   UPC: 00776545995148 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

86/100 Mission Hill Shiraz Reserve 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, meaty, rooty, resin, black cherry, savoury nose with a touch of vanilla. Round, dry, elegant but slightly lean palate. Sausage meat, spicy, peppery, tobacco leaf, herbal, smoky flavours. Simple, slightly tart finish but elegant for near term consumption.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $22.00 (750 ml); ON $22.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $25.45 (750 ml) CSPC: 761569;   UPC: 00776545995124 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

87/100 Maycas del Limari Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial 2005 Limari Valley, Chile
Peppery, eucalyptus, sappy cassis, dill, tobacco leaf, black berry, saddle leather and black olive aromas mixed with coffee and vanilla. Soft, round, dry, supple palate with cedar, rooty, peppery, coffee, vanilla, chocolate, resin, tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive flavours. Finish is round and balanced. It is ready to drink now.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 673327;   UPC: 007804320291635 Producer: Maycas del Limari Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

88/100 Carmen Reserva Chardonnay 2007 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Mineral, vanilla, cream, lime, melon and butter aromas with a touch of nectarine. Round, dry, full palate but a bit soft and warm. Citrus, baked green apple, quince, honey, butter and vanilla flavours. Finish is a bit nutty with a grapefruit rind note. Solid intensity and balance for the money, try with halibut or squid and a touch of butter.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $16.00 (750 ml); QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 415612;   UPC: 083300097666 Producer: Vina Carmen Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

82/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Gamay Noir 2007 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, spicy, rooty, meaty, riparian, cherry nose. Dry, tart, somewhat warm and thin palate with bitter chocolate, peppery, herbal, tobacco leaf, sour cherry, sour black berry flavours. Lacks ripeness despite the warm alcohol.
Tasted: 2009-04-16 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 462515;   UPC: 625259207071 Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard

88/100 Francis Ford Coppola Presents Director's Cut Zinfandel 2007 Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States
Rooty, floral, cedar bark, cola, leather, blackberry, licorice, vanilla aromas. Rich, round, warm, supple palate with a touch of acidity. Candied black cherry, black berry, licorice, coffee, cola, vanilla, peppery, floral flavours with a touch of cedar bark and prune on the finish. Very warm, solid style for stewed lamb.
Tasted: 2009-04-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International; NS $40.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 843599;   UPC: 00739958057308 Producer: Francis Ford Coppola Presents Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

82/100 Desert Hills Gamay 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Tobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, sausage, mineral, rooty aromas. Round, full, slightly tannic and tart palate with stewed tea, cranberry, herbal, green tobacco leaf, and peppery resin flavours. Tart finish and somewhat green.
Tasted: 2009-04-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 074815;   UPC: 892499000032 Producer: Desert Hills Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2007 Sonoma County, California, United States
Raspberry jam, pruny, peppery, spicy, cedar bark aromas. Round, warm, dry, tart palate with cedar-y tannins. Peppery, earthy, spicy, cedar bark, raspberry jam and tobacco leaf flavours. It has fruit but the acidity and cedar bark notes detract.
Tasted: 2009-04-15 by AG Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $14.00 (750 ml); ON $12.00 (750 ml) LCBO; PEI $14.00 (750 ml); QC $14.00 (750 ml); SK $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 131623;   UPC: 00085000010181 Producer: Rancho Zabaco Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

86/100 Paul Mas Grenache Noir 2007 South of France, France
Dried herb, tobacco, raspberry leaf mixes with rooty, minty, peppery notes and a touch of black cherry. The entry is dry with a dusting of tannins and more mineral, black cherry, tobacco, raspberry leaf, herbal flavours. Should be perfect around the barbecue all summer and we like the price.
Tasted: 2009-04-15 by AG Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 154751;   UPC: 03760040423517 Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

90/100 Sbragia Family Vineyards Zinfandel Gino's Vineyard 2006 Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States
Big spicy, chocolate, vanilla, blackberry jam, licorice, barnyard, tobacco nose with a touch of prune plum and garrigue. Dry, round, elegant palate with light tannins. Fresh with vanilla, toasty oak, walnut, chocolate, coffee, peppery, black raspberry jam, licorice and dried herb flavours. Good finesse if a tad oaky and tart on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-15 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) Producer: Sbragia Family Vineyards Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

87/100 Francis Ford Coppola Presents Director's Cut Chardonnay 2007 Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United States
Butter, pear, citrus, baked green apple, flora, perfumed, nettle aromas. Round, fresh, elegant palate with pear skin, butter, canned grapefruit, spicy lees and herbal flavours. Finish is dry and a bit warm with some buttered popcorn. Elegant, consumer style for lighter seafood.
Tasted: 2009-04-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Pacific Wine & Spirits; NS $36.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 897561;   UPC: 00739958057100 Producer: Francis Ford Coppola Presents Distributor: Lifford Wine Agency; Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

88/100 Elephant Hill Viognier 2007 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Spicy, ginger, grapefruit, dried apricot, light lees, mineral and green apple aromas. Round, slightly viscous and fresh palate with a touch of sweetness. Green apple, grapefruit, butter, honey, apricot, pear and tinned lychee flavours. A touch rind-y on the finish but has good concentration and balance for food. Well done.
Tasted: 2009-04-14 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Great Legs International CSPC: 251967;   UPC: 009421901048044 Producer: Elephant Hill Estate and Winery Distributor: Great Legs International Wines Inc.

87/100 Gallo Family Vineyards Chardonnay Laguna Vineyard 2005 Russian River, Sonoma County, California, United States
Spicy lees, garlic, lanolin, nutty, baked pear and vanilla aromas. Round, dry, crisp, somewhat fat and warm palate. Very nutty, spicy lees, mineral, lime, green apple skin, smoky butter flavours. The finish is somewhat warm and austere with a bitter rind edge. Best with food. Now mature, needs drinking.
Tasted: 2009-04-14 by AG-ST Prices: AB $27.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - E&J Gallo Canada; MB $39.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $30.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 555607;   UPC: 00085000253090 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

91/100 Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir Estate Grown 2006 Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States
Barnyard, tobacco leaf, soy, pruny, cherry jam, cooked carrot, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, full, warm, supple palate with cedar, tobacco leaf, peppery, resin, barnyard, soy, cherry, rooty, Oxo, carrot top flavours with a touch of orange peel on the finish with some light stewed green tea tannins. Solid California pinot in a somewhat older style. Needs 2-3 years to peak.
Tasted: 2009-04-14 by AG-ST Prices: ON $75.00 (750 ml); US $90.00 (750 ml) srp Producer: Etude Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

0/100 Township 7 Merlot 2005 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Corked, try another
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 726596;   UPC: 626990024583 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône 2006 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Meaty, peppery, floral, licorice root, resin, cedar aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with cedar, earthy, peppery, resin, smoky, meaty flavours. Warm, dry, lean and slightly bitter finish. Simple Rhone red.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.49 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 476846;   UPC: 03391181110631 Producer: M. Chapoutier Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

87/100 M. Chapoutier Rasteau Côtes du Rhône Villages 2006 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Meaty, peppery, rooty, resin, barnyard, black cherry aromas. Ripe, round, smooth and warm palate with black cherry jam, licorice root, resin, smoky, spicy, savoury flavours. Good fruit and some structure to go with roast lamb.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 443671;   UPC: 03391181120630 Producer: M. Chapoutier Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

87/100 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
With 15% tempranillo thrown in the nose is full of tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive, cassis, meaty, leather, coffee aromas with a touch of black cherry and smoke. The palate is fresh with light, chalky tannins. Black olive, peppery, spicy, cherry, tobacco leaf, dried herb, chocolate, barnyard and leather flavours. Finish is a bit tart and tight but will go well with grilled steak.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $18.95 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials; US $20.00 (750 ml) retail CSPC: 036483;   UPC: 08410113003119 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

84/100 Mt. Boucherie Summit Reserve Merlot 2005 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, dill, green olive brine, tobacco leaf, chocolate aromas. Dry, fresh, supple palate with coffee, spicy, dill, tobacco leaf, green olives, resin, herbal flavours. Finish is warm and tart and a bit soupy. Lacks ripeness could be an Okanagan theme.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Pacific Wine & Spirits CSPC: 723759;   UPC: 812289000370 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 Wild Goose Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, gamey, savoury, barnyard, tobacco leaf, resin, cedar bark aromas. Dry, round, full, slightly tannic palate with cedar bark, resin, licorice, rooty, coffee, tobacco leaf, sour cherry flavours. Warm, tart finish with cedar-y tannins. On the green side.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores CSPC: 497305;   UPC: 626990007364 Producer: Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

85/100 Wild Goose Merlot Reserve 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, cedar, tobacco leaf, rooty, cologne, black olive, resin, earthy nose. Round, smooth, supple palate with earthy, tobacco, resin, herbal, coffee, spicy, cedar bark, rooty, black cherry and vanilla flavours. Warm and herbal on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 623207;   UPC: 626990012320 Producer: Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

87/100 Wild Goose Autumn Gold 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big spicy, ginger, nectarine skin, green apple, floral aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, slightly sweet palate with green apple, nectarine, minty, floral, pear skin, citrus flavours. Good solid summer sipper or try with Chinese food. Fun to drink and not too sweet. Getting pricey.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.95 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 414755;   UPC: 626990007296 Producer: Wild Goose Vineyards and Winery Distributor: Continental Peacock and Martin; Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

86/100 Blasted Church Revered Series Malbec Shiraz 2007 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Meaty, barnyard, cherry jam, olive, tobacco leaf, spicy, peppery, coffee, malty, dried herb aromas. Dry, round, fresh palate with light tannins but somewhat lean. Peppery, herbal, smoky, resin, dried herbs, coffee, cranberry, cherry, tobacco leaf, green olive flavours. Finish is quite oaky and warm with a saddle leather and wet earth note. Best to decant for 20 minutes.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa and private wine stores UPC: 626990075585 Producer: Blasted Church Vineyards Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.; Winery Direct

80/100 Summerhill Platinum Series Baco Noir 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Herbal, peppery, resin, green tobacco, meaty, smoky, wet earth aromas. Dry, tart, round palate with iodine, sour cherry, peppery, roasted tomato, tobacco, herbal, resin, cranberry flavours. Somewhat tannic, stewed tea finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 463679;   UPC: 00779000126026 Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

82/100 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Platinum Series Cabernet Franc 2004 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Cranberry, tobacco leaf, stewed tomato, smoky green olive, resin, herbal aromas. Dry, round, somewhat tight palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Soy, wet tobacco leaf, earthy, olive, resin, sour cherry, bitter green herbal and smoke flavours. Not much extract here but lots of green stuff.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 632794;   UPC: 00779000124473 Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.

81/100 Twisted Tree Tempranillo 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Meaty, savoury, barnyard, toasty oak, cedar, tobacco, rubbery aromas. Dry, tight, round, somewhat lean palate with rubbery, meaty, barnyard, tobacco, smoky oak, resiny, olive flavours. Somewhat tart, hot and unripe and stewed.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 931006;   UPC: 00626990069911 Producer: Twisted Tree Vineyards & Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Winery Direct

83/100 Second Crossing Merlot 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Green tobacco leaf, smoky, peppery, olive, resin, cedar aromas. Soft, round, smooth, slightly sweet palate with resin, smoky, oaky, coffee, bitter chocolate, cooked olive and tobacco leaf flavours. Warm, smoky sweet and sour finish. Suave and green.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 944348;   UPC: 00626990069898 Producer: Twisted Tree Vineyards & Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Winery Direct

84/100 Second Crossing Pinot Gris - Chardonnay 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Buttery, nutty, leesy, citrus, apple skin, matchstick, melon aromas. Fat, round, easy palate with an oily texture. Garlic lees, nutty, herbal, melon, buttery, citrus, baked pear flavours. Basic white.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 944348;   UPC: 00626990069898 Producer: Twisted Tree Vineyards & Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Winery Direct

83/100 Township 7 Merlot 2006 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Espresso, resin, peppery, rooty, cedar, stewed cherry, cologne, barnyard, wet tobacco aromas. Dry, tart, somewhat lean palate with cedar-y tannins. Peppery, coffee, vanilla, resin, rooty, sour cherry, tobacco leaf, stewed tomato flavours. Tart and unbalanced finish with some tannins to shed.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 726596;   UPC: 626990024583 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries Distributor: Winery Direct

89/100 Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2007 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
A bright straw yellow colour suggest this wine is not your regular southern Rhone white and the addition of 50 per cent viognier seals the deal. The entry is broad but fresh with a delicious bright citrus herbal and mineral flavouring perhaps reflecting the rest of the blend containing roussanne, marsanne, clairette, and bourboulenc. A great wine for seafood, veal and chicken dish.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $19.00 (750 ml); QC $19.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 523795;   UPC: 003536650591003 Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

90/100 Guigal Condrieu 2007 Condrieu, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Lovely open, floral, mineral nose with an exotic note in the back end. This is an elegant totally dry viognier that isn’t covered up with oak and make-up. The palate is rich and dry yet awash in apricot and peach flavours that the steep hillside fruit delivers. Only one third of the wine sees one third new French oak sp it stays fresh. Guigal takes his position in Condrieu seriously because he bottles 40 per cent of the entire production. Fine quality.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: BC $63.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $53.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 559708;   UPC: 003536650000130 Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

94/100 Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2007 Condrieu, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
La Doriane is aged in 100 per cent new French oak yet the bouquet is as intense and bright as any thanks to its three vineyard blend that brings power structure and finesse. Look for an expressive tasted oak nose with bits of orange cinnamon and tangerine. Its persistent flavours are a rich, mix of white peaches, apricots with a nutty undertone. A seductive style of viognier you can drink now or hold for five to seven years.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: BC $110.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $93.00 (750 ml) Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

88/100 Guigal Côtes du Rhone 2005 Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
The CdR may not be the flagship wine at Guigal but it’s the money-maker. The 50/50 blend of syrah/grenache comes in a full-bodied package. Winemaker Philippe Guigal is really trying to fine tune this stylish red that mixes dry red floral fruit with pepper, smoked meat and just a hint of chocolate. It finishes long with both power and soft tannins. Definitely pricey but from an excellent vintage. Think grilled meat entrees.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $23.99 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $19.00 (750 ml); QC $19.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 259721;   UPC: 03536650501002 Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

90/100 Guigal Gigondas 2005 Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
The ’05 is deeply coloured. The blend a 60/30/10 grenache/mourvedre/syrah mix. The nose is a savoury mix of minerals, dried herbs and smoky black fruit. There is spice throughout this medium weight red with a slightly rustic earthy finish. The perfect roasted chicken wine.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wine Marketing Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

89/100 Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
The ’04 is charming vintage and you sense it right away on the nose. There is a welcoming warm mineral stony aromatic aroma that pervades what is essentially an approachable fleshy red with peppery spicy fruit flecked with licorice, smoked meats and red fruits. The mix is 80/10/5/5/ grenache/syrah/mourvèdre and other red varietals. A slightly rustic, pleasing, ready-to-drink red.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: AB $45.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $60.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $44.00 (750 ml); QC $50.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 349498 Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

89/100 Guigal Saint Joseph 2005 Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Made from 100 per cent syrah fruit, both owned and purchased, from vines that are 20 to 50 years old grown over limestone, sand and pebbles. The wine is aged 16 months in second year oak. The nose is open and rich with an intense red fruit nose. The palate is bright with firm acidity and mineral floral notes. The fruit mixes raspberry and earth notes into along dry savoury finish. Philippe Guigal is passionate about St. Joseph and is determined to make something of the this under recognised appellation.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $39.95 (750 ml) specialty Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

93/100 Guigal Hermitage 2003 Hermitage, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Philippe Guigal uses 50 per cent new oak with 50 per cent one-year-old wood. Look for a huge vanilla nose overtop of some rich plummy fruit. This is a classical vintage with big structure and phenolics but a reasonable 13 per cent alcohol. The crop size was only 60 per cent of normal leading to dense concentrated fruit flavours with smoke and liquorice undercurrents and touch of smoked meat. Fine bright fresh mineral finish. Needs time but will be a great bottle.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG Prices: BC $110.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wine Marketing Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

93/100 Guigal Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice 2005 Saint Joseph, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Vin de L’ Hospice is a big step up from the regular Saint Joseph sp much more intense and with very fine concentration. Big spicy black fruit with bits of roasted meat and animal with spice, mineral and floral notes everywhere. The wine spends 13 months in 100 per cent new French oak seemingly easy to absorb in this n=benchmark vintage. A super rich wine that sets a new standard for me with Saint-Joseph.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $110.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wine Marketing Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

91/100 Guigal Côte Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Côte Rôtie, Northern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Love the rich peppery intellectual nose of bright red fruits and spice. The entry is dense yet silky with incredible fruit power mixed with liquorice, pepper, black cherries mineral notes with bits of mocha and blueberries. Complex long sexy finish. Plenty of life to live here. Cellar seven to ten years.
Tasted: 2009-04-13 by AG-ST Prices: BC $83.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Grady Wine Marketing Producer: E. Guigal Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing

86/100 Argento Reserva Malbec 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Argento is a friendly, fruit-driven style of malbec with an intense black cherry/plum nose. The flavours are similar with bits of chocolate and liquorice and just a touch of acidity poking through the back end. Solid, everyday Argentine red at a reasonable price that i sbest served with hamburgers or other grilled meats.
Tasted: 2009-04-12 by AG Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Calibrium International; MB $14.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 007071;   UPC: 007794450088291 Producer: Bodegas Esmeralda Distributor: Barrique Imports; Calibrium International

85/100 The Bishop of Riesling 2007 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
The Bishop is a very consistent drop of wine that is easy to like given its attractive baked green apple and citrus nose. Always afresh and touch off-dry it makes for an elegant appetizer-style white or something you can serve with spicy dinner dishes. It’s also fine solo on the deck. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-04-12 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $12.00 (750 ml) general listing CSPC: 036111;   UPC: 4006542053654 Producer: Rudolf Muller Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

83/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, tobacco leaf, green olive, herbal, cedar bark, resiny aromas. Dry, round, supple, easy palate with very light tannins. Smoky coffee, resin, herbal, tobacco leaf, green olive, stewed green tea flavours. Your basic, greener style cab.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 749747;   UPC: 626990080015 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

85/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Floral, grapefruit rind, melon rind, slightly grassy nose. Round, soft, slightly flabby palate with grassy, lime rind, grapefruit skin, nettle flavours. Simple, easy style but clean.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 598540;   UPC: 626990080008 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

83/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Pearsuasion 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Buttery, nutty, floral with a touch of cooked pear. Dry, round, slightly flat entry with similar flavours. Unique but tough to tell it is pear fruit. Finish is a bit bitter and tired.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $21.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 489377;   UPC: 626990054221 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

83/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Cherysh Cherry Rosé 2008 British Columbia, Canada
Light orange, cherry colour. The nose is a bit like oxidized, canned cherry with a spicy, minty note. Round, light, easy palate in an off dry style. Canned cherry, mineral, slightly herbal flavours. Simple but not quite clean fruit expression.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 241067;   UPC: 626990060239 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Cerise d'Eve Cherry Port 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Minty, spicy, tobacco leaf, cedar, cooked cherry nose. Rich, round, somewhat sweet palate with cedar, tobacco, cherry jam, licorice root, and menthol flavours. Good intensity but very unusual.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 396283;   UPC: 626990043997 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

81/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Ice Lady Mistelle Fortified Apple Wine N/V British Columbia, Canada
Butter, spicy, cooked apple, minty, mineral, tin aromas. Sweet, fat, round, warm palate with caramel, plastic sheet, cooked apple, spicy, herbal flavours. Baked, hot, bitter sweet finish. Odd and cloying.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 609388;   UPC: 626990054238 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Impearfection Fortified Asian Pear Wine 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Floral, lemon oil, cooked pear, nutty, mineral aromas. Fresh, crisp, round palate with a slightly sweet palate. Spicy, cooked pear, floral, lemon skin, mineral flavours. Finish is a touch bitter and nutty but very solid.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 396242;   UPC: 626990043973 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

86/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Caught Apricot Mistelle N/V British Columbia, Canada
Big floral, spicy, apricot skin, dried apricot, liqueur like nose. Sweet, round, warm palate with spicy, floral, cooked apricot skin, sweaty, minty flavours with a touch of heat and bitterness on the finish. Dessert style.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 766980;   UPC: 626990060222 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Pomme Desiree iced Apple Dessert Wine 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Canned apple, mineral, nalgene, floral, minty aromas. Sweet, rich, round, slightly soft palate with spicy, cooked red apple, mineral, minty flavours. Good intensity if not quite fresh enough in fruit character.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $27.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 396275;   UPC: 626990043980 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

85/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Crush Innocence White Peach Dessert Wine 2007 British Columbia, Canada
Canned peach, spicy, mineral nose. Sweet, soft, round palate with similar flavours. It is a bit too fat and warm with a slightly bitter, cooked peach skin finish to really impress.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 396192;   UPC: 626990043966 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 Mission Hill Vidal Ice Wine Reserve 2005 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Marmalade, buttery, mineral, nalgene, baked apple skin aromas with a touch of dried apricot. Ripe, rich, round, elegant palate with balanced acidity and sweetness. Cooked apple, nalgene, mineral, apricot skin, orange peel flavours. Solid, balanced but a bit mature.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG Prices: BC $49.99 (750 ml) Winery, Mark Anthony Wine Marts, Private Wine Shops; SK $50.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 728731;   UPC: 776545995483 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

85/100 Mo Salinas Monastrell 2006 Alicante, Valencia and Murcia, Spain
Spicy, meaty, peppery, smoky, earthy, blackberry, resin aromas. Dry, rich, round, slightly tannic palate with meaty, chocolate, tobacco, earthy, black berry, pruny, leather flavours. A bit old style and rustic.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) UPC: 008437006641036 Producer: Bodegas Sierra Salinas Distributor: The Delf Group

83/100 Township 7 Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Leesy, artichoke, garlic, lemon oil, hay aromas. Round, soft, flabby palate with a touch of sweetness. Grassy, herbal, nettle, canned artichoke flavours. Basic white, short finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty store CSPC: 034355;   UPC: 626990024514 Producer: Township 7 Vineyards and Wineries Distributor: Winery Direct

87/100 Altrea Old Soul Red Wine 2004 Mendocino County, California, United States
Big floral, blueberry jam, blackberry, licorice, spicy, clove, iodine, peppery aromas. Rich, round, supple, soft palate with chewy, rustic tannins. Warm, full palate with pruny, cooked berry, blueberry, peppery, licorice, root, tobacco, resin flavours. Big warm, rustic finish but has good fruit. Needs ribs or pizza.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: US $23.00 (750 ml) srp Producer: Saracina Vineyards Distributor: The Delf Group

83/100 Rosemount Diamond Cellars Shiraz Cabernet 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Spicy, peppery, blueberry jam, black cherry, licorice, meaty nose. Ripe, round, fresh palate with light tannins and a touch of sweetness. Cooked blueberry, black berry, tobacco, cedar, rooty, pruny flavours with a warm, tart finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.50 (750 ml); NB $15.25 (750 ml); NF $14.50 (750 ml); NS $16.50 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); PEI $16.50 (750 ml); SK $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 214270;   UPC: 012894150020 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

83/100 Rosemount Diamond Cellars Grenache - Shiraz 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Tobacco, prune, earthy, licorice, meaty, barnyard nose. Warm, round, soft, slightly sweet entry. Cooked cherry, spicy, peppery, pruny, tobacco flavours with a slightly tart finish. Basic barbecue red.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.50 (750 ml); NB $15.29 (750 ml); NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $16.00 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml); QC $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 476838;   UPC: 012894150051 Producer: Rosemount Estate Wines Ltd. Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada

87/100 Mission Hill Reserve Late Harvest Riesling 2005 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Slate, nutty, toasty, green apple skin, mineral, pear aromas with a bit of petrol. Round, elegant, somewhat sweet palate with petrol, nutty, slate, baked green apple, citrus, pear flavours. Solid riesling expression with finesse but fully mature. Drink now.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG Prices: AB $26.00 (375 ml) private wine stores; BC $30.00 (375 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 724662;   UPC: 00776545995476 Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery

90/100 The Fort Wine Co. Finger Fruit Fortified Raspberry 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big spicy, minty, raspberry leaf, fresh raspberry and jam aromas. Ripe, fat, somewhat sweet palate with decent acidity, Spicy, minty, tobacco, raspberry jam, clove flavours. Good solid dessert style on a cake or with chocolate.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (375 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 733691;   UPC: 626990013280 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

88/100 The Fort Wine Co. Cold Snap Apples 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lots of mineral, spicy, floral, red apple skin aromas. Sweet, fresh, round palate with juicy red apple, mineral, spicy, floral, citrus flavours. Good intensity if a bit flat.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (375 ml) winery direct UPC: 626990011101 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

82/100 The Fort Wine Co. Sweet Nothings Blueberry 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, spicy, minty, earthy, canned blueberry nose but a touch dirty and barnyard. Fat, rich, round, warm palate with lots of sweetness. Barnyard, peppery, spicy, menthol, cooked blueberry and tinned flavours.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (375 ml) winery direct UPC: 626990014454 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

83/100 The Fort Wine Co. Isle Queen Blackberry 2007 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Tobacco, sweaty, pruny, horsey, spirity, cooked berry aromas. Round, off dry, slightly tannic palate with cedar, tobacco, leather, cooked berry, pruny, tinned flavours. Lacks blackberry freshness. Somewhat oxidized style like it has been in barrel.
Tasted: 2009-04-11 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (375 ml) winery direct UPC: 626990041504 Producer: The Fort Wine Company Distributor: Winery Direct

95/100 Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa Valley, California, United States
The long relatively cool growing season that was 2005 in Napa produced wines lower in alcohol and higher in acidity, in short more elegant, more interesting and capable of holding your attention for an entire bottle. Add that to the winemaking philosophy at Signorello and you have a fabulous cabernet. From the moment you smell the bouquet you are drawn to this very special bottle. The wineries 18 years old vines have clicked into overdrive and the wine shows it. Polished black fruit with specks of vanilla and spice captivate the nose and palate along with a vibrancy and tension that is rare in Napa. Love the finesse here, the tannin management the fruit and the acidity. One beautiful bottle for the price and this will only improve over the next decade.
Tasted: 2009-04-10 by AG Prices: BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; US $40.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 457747;   UPC: 00752183057769 Producer: Signorello Estate Distributor: Seacove California Selections

85/100 Saxenburg Guinea Fowl Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Typically SA with its smoky meaty nose with bits of shoe leather (Brett) and plums. On the palate the wine is fresh with acidity and smoky, resiny, meaty, black fruit flavours with a dusting of scorched earth and youthful tannins. Rustic at best and not for the timid.
Tasted: 2009-04-10 by AG-ST Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml); BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $20.00 (750 ml); QC $17.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 316992;   UPC: 6002461000302 Producer: Saxenburg Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.

91/100 Chateau Ste. Michelle Meritage Red 2005 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Rich peppery, spicy, floral cassis aromas with tobacco leaf, light bell pepper, barnyard, saddle leather, coffee, vanilla notes. Rich, smooth, supple, soft palate with light, grainy tannins. Big vanilla, cedar, tobacco, coffee, peppery, earthy, cassis, black cherry, mineral, licorice root flavours. Good intensity, still showing a lot of oak. Needs 2-4 years or try with a rib eye steak.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: US $55.00 (750 ml) srp UPC: 088586001215 Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Snoqualmie Naked Riesling 2007 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Floral, citrus peel, baked apple, peach skin aromas. Fresh, crispy acidity but has a fair bit of residual giving a sweet and sour palate with baked apple, citrus, slate, honey, pineapple flavours. Solid summer patio wine.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: US $12.00 (750 ml) UPC: 077190001407 Producer: Snoqualmie Vineyards Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Charton-Hobbs

91/100 J. Bookwalter Protagonist 2006 Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Tobacco, meaty, peppery, spicy, cherry jam, dried herbs, floral, cedar, licorice root and vanilla aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with smooth tannins. Vanilla, Christmas cake, coffee, peppery, blackberry, peppery, spicy, herbal, cedar flavours with a tobacco and game finish. A bit warm and youthful will be good with lamb or keep for 2-3 years.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: US $45.00 (750 ml) srp Producer: Bookwalter Winery LLC Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

86/100 Gemtree Vineyards Tatty Road Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Merlot Cabernet Franc 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Iodine, smoky, herbal, black cherry, peppery, coffee, black olive and floral notes. Soft, round, moderately dry and fresh palate with light tannins. Coffee, black olive, riparian, cassis, tobacco leaf, green olive, mineral, black tea flavours. Finish is a bit rustic, tart and astringent. Best with a grilled steak.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 362840;   UPC: 009326755000012 Producer: Gemtree Vineyards Pty Ltd Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

82/100 Mt. Boucherie Family Reserve Summit Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2004 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, roasted bell pepper, tobacco leaf, herbal, resin aromas. Dry, supple, round palate with smoky, resiny, tobacco, earthy, espresso, dill brine, bell pepper, nettle flavours. Finish is oaky, bitter and tart.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $50.00 (750 ml) winery direct CSPC: 130708;   UPC: 00812289000578 Producer: Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 Catamongst the Pigeons Cat Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Tobacco leaf, black olive, cassis, meaty, spicy aromas. Soft, round, supple, slightly sweet entry with cassis, smoky, olive, tobacco, meaty, vanilla, coffee flavours. Finish is slightly tart, hot and astringent. Needs a big grill meat dish to tame the acidty.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 227694;   UPC: 009335173000085 Producer: Catamongst The Pigeons Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

80/100 KWV Roodeberg 2006 Western Cape, South Africa
Much like the previous version and it suggest the red Roodeberg really needs an upgrade. Too much of that smoky burnt rubber character to enjoy much else. There a new regime at KWV and I expect this style of red wine will be banished immediately under the new chief winemaker Richard Rowe.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG Prices: BC $14.99 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.59 (750 ml); NB $14.95 (750 ml); NF $13.79 (750 ml); NS $15.85 (750 ml); ON $12.55 (750 ml); SK $15.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 7187;   UPC: 748294044149 Producer: KWV International Distributor:

88/100 The Winery of Good Hope Chenin Blanc 2008 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
Old bush vines in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch are responsible for this delightfully fresh and juicy chenin. Mineral based, decomposed granite soils are the secret here. No wood but lees stirring keeps it all interesting. If pears, limes and bright acidity appeal to you for summer this is the wine to drink.
Tasted: 2009-04-09 by AG-ST Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private order; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 792143;   UPC: 00854954000216 Producer: The Winery of Good Hope Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company

89/100 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells Vineyard 2005 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Liquorice peppery, meaty, cassis, tobacco, saddle leather, vanilla, cedar aromas. Ripe, round, elegant but dry palate with some grainy tannins to shed. Coffee, black berry, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, black olive, earthy, spicy vanilla flavours. Good solid cabernet that needs a few more years to round out.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: US $18.00 (750 ml) srp UPC: 088586001864 Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

87/100 Estampa Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Tobacco leaf, spicy, sappy cassis, dill, black olive, blackberry aromas. Dry, rich, round, supple palate with light tannins. Coffee, peppery, rooty, tobacco, blackberry, licorice, spicy meat flavours. Good intensity if a tad warm. Solid value here for barbecue steak.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits; ON $14.00 (750 ml) Consignment - Hobbs and Co. CSPC: 634576;   UPC: 00832847000031 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 Estampa Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2007 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Very pale orange pink. Spicy, floral, peppery, wild strawberry nose. Fresh, round, elegant palate with a touch of sweetness. Earthy, peppery, tobacco, raspberry flavours. Simple, easy, food style.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits CSPC: 926774;   UPC: 00832847000260 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

88/100 Estampa Reserve Assemblage Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2005 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Spicy, tobacco, cassis, black olive, meaty, pruny, blackberry jam aromas. Full, dense, round, supple palate but a bit chunky. Chocolate, cassis, coffee, licorice, peppery, prune plum, dried herbs and tobacco flavours. Rich and warm with lots of extract for the money.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits CSPC: 392993;   UPC: 00832847000062 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Estampa Reserve Assemblage Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Viognier 2006 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Gooseberry, passion fruit, grassy, honey, nettle aromas. Dry, round, elegant and slightly austere palate with nettle, passion fruit, grapefruit rind, honey, chalky flavours. Crisp, dry finish to go well with shellfish.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits; ON $14.00 (750 ml) consignment - Hobbs and Co. CSPC: 604041;   UPC: 00832847000185 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

0/100 Estampa Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Corked and oxidized, try another.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits; ON $15.00 (750 ml) consignment - Hobbs and Co. CSPC: 634576;   UPC: 00832847000031 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

87/100 Estampa Malbec Petite Syrah 2007 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Bright boysenberry, floral, licorice root, peppery, plum aromas. Ripe, round, dry, supple palate with light tannins. Big black cherry, boysenberry, chocolate, peppery, licorice flavours. A bit warm and rustic but very good fruit and good value.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Freehouse Wines & Spirits; ON $15.00 (750 ml) consignment - Hobbs and Co. CSPC: 645861;   UPC: 00832847000178 Producer: Vina y Bodega Estampa S.A. Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

86/100 La Bastide (Rouge) 2007 l'Hérault, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Spicy, meaty, peppery, black raspberry, rooty, tobacco aromas. Round, dry, somewhat lean palate but elegant with meaty, peppery, black cherry, resin, licorice, mineral, dried herb flavours. Solid value and a decent food wine for the barbecue and pasta.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 587196;   UPC: 003368680002293 Producer: Les Vignerons Des Trois Terroirs Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 Heartland Stickleback Red 2006 South Australia, Australia
Tobacco leaf, herbal, peppery, black olive, floral, rooty aromas. Fresh, round, slightly tannic palate with blueberry, tobacco, black olive, menthol, brine and herb flavours. A bit tart and warm but fine for the barbecue with the blueberry fruit at the end.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml); SK $14.95 (750 ml) CSPC: 293290;   UPC: 009331276000014 Producer: Heartland Wines Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 McWilliam's Hanwood Chardonnay 2006 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Butter, baked apple, cream, peach skin, light citrus nose. Fresh, round, elegant, easy style with just a touch of sweetness. Baked green apple, butter, popcorn, grapefruit, peach flavours. Simple, fresh, easy going style.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml); BC $14.99 (750 ml) general listing; MB $12.99 (750 ml); NS $14.99 (750 ml); ON $11.95 (750 ml) general listing; SK $14.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 557934;   UPC: 085000010075 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

85/100 McWilliam's Hanwood Merlot 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Menthol, tobacco, black olive, herbal, resin aromas with a touch of cherry. Soft, round, slightly sweet and tannic palate with tobacco, herbal, menthol, cherry, licorice and coffee flavours. Basic, easy red.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml); BC $14.99 (750 ml) General Listing CSPC: 092825;   UPC: 00085000011751 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

82/100 J. J. McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2006 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Herbal, spicy, candied cherry, menthol, tobacco, cologne aromas. Soft, round, slightly sweet and tannic with herbal, rooty, resin, tobacco, peppery flavours.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.99 (750 ml); BC $12.00 (750 ml) general listing; MB $11.99 (750 ml); NS $11.99 (750 ml); ON $10.05 (750 ml) general listing; SK $10.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 720497;   UPC: 085000013182 Producer: McWilliam’s Wines Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

80/100 Gallo Family Vineyards White Zinfandel 2007 California, United States
Candied apple, strawberry, floral aromas. Sweet, round, tart, somewhat cloying palate with candied strawberry, apple and sweet citrus.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $9.69 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $7.99 (750 ml) general listing; MB $8.49 (750 ml); NB $10.21 (750 ml); NS $10.21 (750 ml); PEI $10.21 (750 ml) CSPC: 285767;   UPC: 085000007839 Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards Distributor: E. & J. Gallo Winery Canada, Ltd.

82/100 Cookoothama Chardonnay 2007 Murray - Darling, Australia
Grapefruit rind, buttery, leesy, cooked peach aromas. Sweet, round, commercial style with mineral, citrus, buttered popcorn, leesy flavours. Very leesy, buttery diacetyl finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $17.00 (750 ml); NS $21.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 624809;   UPC: 9329056000026 Producer: Nugan Estate Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

84/100 Cookoothama Shiraz 2007 Murray - Darling, Australia
Peppery, herbal, smoky, resin, menthol, rubbery, sausage meat aromas. Tart, slightly lean and tannic palate with bitter chocolate, herbal, menthol, tobacco, sour cherry, coffee, vanilla flavours. Finish is a bit bitter and tannic.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 608083;   UPC: 09329056000064 Producer: Nugan Estate Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies

83/100 Big Red Shiraz 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Peppery, cologne, meaty, pruny, dried rosemary aromas. Dry, slightly tart, somewhat lean palate with cooked plum, meaty, peppery, dried herb flavours. Basic red.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $10.00 (750 ml); BC $10.00 (750 ml); MB $12.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 104422;   UPC: 9313748010257 Producer: Fine Wines of Australia Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

83/100 Quails’ Gate Old Vines Foch 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big barnyard, tobacco, cooked tomato, meaty, Bandaid, herbal, toasted coffee nose. Rich, round, dry, supple palate with coffee, blueberry, resin, tobacco leaf, roasted tomato, vanilla, dried herb flavours. Palate is better than the nose but still somewhat green.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG Prices: AB $24.99 (750 ml) Private Wine Shops; BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; ON $24.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 639625;   UPC: 778856106213 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

86/100 Quails’ Gate O.V.F. Reserve Old Vines Foch 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky oak, coffee, roasted tomato, tobacco leaf, peppery, stewed plum, saddle leather, resin aromas with a touch of dried cherry. Rich, ripe, smooth, round palate with dried herbs, smoky coffee, resin, vanilla, roasted tomato, peppery, blackberry and olive flavours. Good textures but very oaky and a bit green.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 639666;   UPC: 778856203219 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

85/100 Quails' Gate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, light bell pepper, black olive, smoky, herbal, tobacco leaf, resin, cedar aromas. Dry, round, full, somewhat tannic palate with coffee, smoky resin, peppery, cedar, light bell pepper, black olive, smoked leather, dried herb flavours. Somewhat herbal and oaky, a simple style that needs a year or two to soften the stewed tea tannins.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $27.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; MB $15.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 639617;   UPC: 778856106220 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

87/100 Quails’ Gate Tawny Non Vintage N/V Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Very rancio, raisiny, maraschino licorice, chocolate, Christmas cake, cedar aromas, very unusual. Somewhat tart, austere palate with medium sweetness and light tannins. Cedar, walnut, tobacco, raisiny, dried cherry, herbal, coffee, candied citrus flavours. Lots of rancio tawny character, perhaps needs a few years yet to soften some tannins.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 639625;   UPC: 778856203103 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Forbidden Fruit Winery Plumiscuous Plum Mistelle 2008 British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, floral, cooked strawberry, plum aromas. Fresh, tart, somewhat sweet but balanced. Citrus, spicy, peppery, mineral, canned plum, strawberry flavours. Very tart, warm finish but has good fruit characters to have with dessert.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $30.00 (375 ml) winery direct CSPC: 436576;   UPC: 626990072676 Producer: Forbidden Fruit Winery Distributor: Winery Direct

84/100 JoieFarm Rosé 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grapefruit rind, spicy, tobacco leaf, quinine, strawberry, herb aromas. Sweet, fresh, round, slightly tart and rind-y palate with grapefruit rind, tobacco, earthy, leafy, mineral, raspberry leaf flavours. Awkward.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $18.90 (750 ml) winery direct, vqa wine stores CSPC: 426551 Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm

88/100 B.R.Cohn Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma County, California, United States
Green apple skin, floral, nectarine, mineral, light lees aromas. Round, elegant style that is just off dry. Butter, green apple, vanilla, pear, citrus flavours on the palate. The finish is a touch warm and soft but has good finesse for current drinking. A slightly cooler style.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00740216223069 Producer: B.R.Cohn Winery Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

90/100 Beringer Chardonnay Private Reserve 2006 Napa Valley, California, United States
Light lees, vanilla, green apple, orange, guava, nutty, honey aromas. Dry, rich, round, slightly fat palate but well balanced. Nutty lees, baked green apple, vanilla, spicy, guava, butterscotch flavours. A touch hot on the finish but with fine finesse.
Tasted: 2009-04-08 by AG-ST Prices: BC $45.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $43.00 (750 ml); QC $45.00 (750 ml); US $35.00 (750 ml) Winery CSPC: 393926;   UPC: 0089819003358 Producer: Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates

83/100 Copper Moon Sauvignon Blanc Moonlight Harvest N/V
Cooked grapefruit, tobacco, pine sol, herbal aromas. Round, somewhat sweet and sour palate with canned grapefruit, mineral, lemon, herbal, cedar flavours. Basic summer style.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $8.60 (750 ml) CSPC: 508135;   UPC: 00048162012462 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

82/100 Peller Estates Malbec Cabernet Proprietor's Reserve Selection N/V Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Cherry, stewed rhubarb, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Simple, soft, round, slightly sweet and tart entry with tobacco leaf, sour cherry, herbal, green olive flavours.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $9.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 224584;   UPC: 00048162012417 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

93/100 Col Solare Red Table Wine 2005 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
The latest Col Solare is a 71/25/4 mix of cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc. Look for a quiet almost Euro nose of black cherry, berry and black cherry jam with bits of coffee, pepper, liquorice and vanilla. Dry, rich, somewhat tight palate with grainy tannins and good acidity. Cassis, black cherry, floral coffee flavours flecked with vanilla, clove, cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, pepper and mineral notes round out the wine. It is a tad warm on the finish but has good acidity and fruit intensity with fine aromatics. Needs 3-5 years to fully soften.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $97.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; ON $89.00 (750 ml); QC $80.00 (750 ml); US $95.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 586024;   UPC: 088586000171 Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

84/100 Gemtree Vineyards Uncut Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Somewhat reduced nose with black cherry, smoky, bacon, rooty, tobacco, leather aromas. Soft, round, easy going style with smoky, black berry, liquorice, light vanilla and coffee flavours with a bit of tobacco. Finish is tart with a bit of overripe fruit notes.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 875096;   UPC: 009326755000050 Producer: Gemtree Vineyards Pty Ltd Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

87/100 J. Bookwalter Foreshadow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Big coffee, smoky, toasted oak, mocha, meaty, tobacco, barnyard, cedar aromas. Rich, round, full bodied palate with supple tannins. Cedar, tobacco, coffee, mocha, peppery, vanilla, smoky herb, black cherry flavours. Warm, very oaky style.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG Prices: BC $46.95 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vinterra Wines; BC $40.00 (750 ml) srp UPC: 080960000500 Producer: Bookwalter Winery LLC Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.

80/100 Le Coq Rue No 5 Merlot (Organic) 2005 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Black cherry, light barnyard, cedar bark, tobacco leaf, herbal aromas. Dry, thin, light, tart palate with cedary tannins. Flavours are green cedar, tobacco leaf, herbal, sour cherry. Lean and unbalanced.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) direct order - Christopher Stewart CSPC: 492744;   UPC: 00626990087144 Producer: Enotecca Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

85/100 Le Vieux Pin Époque Merlot Organic 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Barnyard, coffee, tobacco, stewed prune plum, cedar, iodine aromas. Dry, round, supple but slightly tight palate with some grainy tannins. Cedar bark, herbal, mineral, black cherry, coffee, tobacco, vanilla, meaty, slightly stemmy flavours. Tart, somewhat lean finish, lacks mid-palate concentration.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $38.00 (750 ml) direct order - Christopher Stewart CSPC: 910380 Producer: Le Vieux Pin Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

86/100 LaStella Allegretto Merlot 2006 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Tobacco leaf, Oxo-cube, prune, meaty, mercaptan, sweaty saddle leather, coffee aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with some grainy tannins. Very gamey, meaty, tobacco, resin, coffee, vanilla, barnyard, leather, dill, coriander flavours. Decent finesse but some dry tannins to shed.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $38.00 (750 ml) direct order - Christopher Stewart CSPC: 697417 Producer: LaStella Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

84/100 Stag’s Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Sappy cassis, tobacco leaf, pine, green olive, cooked bell pepper, meaty, vanilla aromas. Dry, round, elegant palate with grainy tannins but somewhat tart. Tart cassis, peppery, herbal, tobacco, smoky vanilla, coffee flavours. Finish is somewhat thin and a bit too tart.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops CSPC: 406033;   UPC: 626990083139 Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.

85/100 Quails’ Gate Merlot Limited Release 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Smoky, vanilla, tobacco leaf, licorice root, savoury, black cherry aromas with a touch of barnyard. Fresh, round, dry, slightly tart but juicy palate with light tannins. Cedar bark, dark cherry, coffee, smoky oak vanilla, tobacco leaf, slightly herbal and dill flavours. Finish is dry and somewhat tart with a salty, tobacco leaf edge.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: AB $19.99 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $27.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; MB $19.99 (750 ml); NS $19.99 (750 ml); ON $19.99 (750 ml); SK $19.99 (750 ml) CSPC: 639633;   UPC: 778856106237 Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company

88/100 Le Vieux Pin Apogée Merlot 2006 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, tobacco, cedar, light barnyard, black cherry, coffee, vanilla, soupy, Oxo-cube aromas. Rich, round, full bodied style with very dry, somewhat hard tannins. Big coffee, vanilla, toasty oak, tobacco, cedar, plum, black cherry, herbal, smoky flavours. Good intensity but somewhat hot with very dry tannins. Needs 2-5 years to soften but not sure about the fruit.
Tasted: 2009-04-07 by AG-ST Prices: BC $65.00 (750 ml) direct order - Christopher Stewart Producer: Le Vieux Pin Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

86/100 Torres Sangre de Toro 2006 Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
The latest edition under screwcap is better balance with no reductive characters. Look for a spicy nose of dark plums and earth with meaty, earthy, cherry orange peel flavours. Solid rustic style red that Torres suggest goes well with stews, game and mushroom dishes. Good value.
Tasted: 2009-04-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $12.30 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $12.50 (750 ml); ON $12.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 006585;   UPC: 008410113003294 Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.

87/100 Baglio di Pianetto Insolia 2007 Sicily, Italy
Almond, lemon, quince, pear, butter aromas with a touch of anise. Round, soft, elegant and fresh palate with lemon, mineral, chalky, quince, buttery pear skin flavours. A solid seafood wine with succulent acidity on the finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) Producer: Baglio di Pianetto Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

88/100 Baglio di Pianetto Syrah 2007 Sicily, Italy
Spicy, peppery, meaty, rooty, cola, dried herbs and chocolate aromas with a touch of leather and black cherry. Round, warm, supple, full palate with soft tannins and fresh acidity. Black cherry, peppery, meaty, chocolate, rooty, smoky herb and plum flavours. Finish is long but somewhat warm and tart. Good solid meat wine or for the barbeque.
Tasted: 2009-04-06 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) Producer: Baglio di Pianetto Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.

87/100 Pascual Toso Malbec 2008 Maipú, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Consistently well made is the story of Toso. Always rich and savoury it offers plenty of liquorice and sweet black fruit up front and a warm, minty, peppery, smooth back end. A crowd pleaser without a lot of complexity but plenty of long showy fruit. Steaks anyone. Great barbecue or party red.
Tasted: 2009-04-06 by AG-ST Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml); QC $14.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 129163;   UPC: 718742000058 Producer: Pascual Toso Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

84/100 Calona Vineyards Merlot Artist Series 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, cherry, rooty, tobacco leaf, spicy, olive aromas. Dry, light, elegant, soft but slightly tart edge. Sour cherry, smoky, coffee, peppery, black olive, tobacco leaf flavours. Simple, easy style that finishes a bit light and tart.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops CSPC: 458695;   UPC: 058976370207 Producer: Calona Vineyards Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited; Grady Wine Marketing

84/100 Calona Vineyards Cabernet Merlot Artist Series 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Soft sweet nose flecked with bits of leaf and black olive aromas. The entry is round, with a soft, sweet round fruit with candied black with vanilla and smoke undertones. Very commercial, introductory red wine style. Simple barbecue red.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 104851;   UPC: 058976500277 Producer: Calona Vineyards Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited; Grady Wine Marketing

83/100 Peller Estates Merlot Peller Family Series 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Spicy, tobacco leaf, ash, black cherry, olive aromas. Round, soft, dry palate with tobacco leaf, resin, earthy, spicy, black cherry, olive, coffee flavours. Warm, ash and espresso finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $14.50 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml); SK $12.50 (750 ml) CSPC: 617654;   UPC: 048162007130 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

86/100 Yalumba Chardonnay Y Series Unwooded 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Ripe bright tropical nose and palate with similarly styled fruit. Bits of red apple, peach and grassy grapefruit with fresh acidity mark the mid-palate and clean finish. Appears to be slightly drier and fresher than the previous version. Simple, well-made style that would work with clams.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; ON $16.00 (750 ml) private order - Mark Anthony; US $11.00 (750 ml) estimated retail UPC: 9311789000787 Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International

80/100 Copper Moon Chardonnay Moonlight Harvest N/V
I’ve learn to restrain my expectation when I taste this category of imported juice mixed with Canadian juice – and not likely our best or theirs. Marginally chardonnay with a sweet palate and a cloying finish.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $8.60 (750 ml) CSPC: 244087;   UPC: 00048162012431 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

80/100 Copper Moon Cabernet Sauvignon Mooonlight Harvest N/V
Soupy leafy herbal nose. Sweet and sour entry with a touch of volatility and plenty of alcohol poking through. Not very interesting for the average wine enthusiast.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $8.60 (750 ml) CSPC: 893289;   UPC: 00048162012455 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

81/100 Copper Moon Shiraz Moonlight Harvest N/V
Probably the best of the Copper Moon varietals although that’s not saying a lot. Slightly smoother and with better balance but still too green and herbal, (press wine?) for this palate. The finish is sweet and sour.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $8.60 (750 ml) CSPC: 874552;   UPC: 00048162012448 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

80/100 XOXO Merlot Cabernet N/V
Basic stuff here. Soft round black fruit with bits of cigarette ash and earth mix with a strong, herbal, leafy undercurrent that finishes sweet and sour. Very ordinary.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 811992;   UPC: 00048162010871 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

81/100 XOXO Shiraz Cabernet N/V
Strong sweet earthy aromas and flavours are the story here. On the palate the flavours continue with leafy black fruit mixed with a sweet, earthy, spicy finish. Soft round black fruit with bits of cigarette ash and earth mix with a strong, herbal, leafy undercurrent. Lacks ripeness and balance.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 200121;   UPC: 00048162010888 Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited

87/100 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Grand Estates 2007 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
The style of most American chardonnays continues to lag behind the current trend to the brighter, fresher style. Columbia Crest falls into this oaky, richer style because it still sells well. Look for a rich open nose of toasted oak and vanilla with creamy buttery fruit, flecked with honey and ripe mango in the finish. It’s fairly well balanced and that adds to its appeal.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: US $12.00 (750 ml) srp UPC: 088586498954 Producer: Columbia Crest Winery Distributor: Charton-Hobbs

89/100 Northstar Merlot 2005 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Spicy, clove, cinnamon, black berry, coffee, chocolate, waxy, saddle leather, tobacco aromas. Dry, round, supple, full bodied with some light grainy tannins. Warm with coffee, mocha, vanilla, cedar, vanilla, black cherry, clove, and poultry spice flavours. Warm finish but good acidity if an oaky style.Nortstar is a collaboration between long-time Washington winemaker Gordon Hill and acclaimed California winemaker Jed Steel.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: US $50.00 (750 ml) winery direct UPC: 088586000256 Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants

86/100 Ex Nihilo Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Black olive, dill, tobacco leaf, herbal, coffee, vanilla aromas. Dry, full, round palate with light cedar-y tannins. Peppery, coffee, rooty, smoky, herbal, olive, cedar, cherry jam and vanilla flavours. Finish is somewhat warm with black tea tannins, oak and cigar flavours.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $42.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops CSPC: 21832;   UPC: 626990070450 Producer: Ex Nihilo Vineyards Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants

87/100 Gemtree Vineyards Citrine Chardonnay 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Made with lively fruit oak in the background. Clean lemony, vibrant fruit with good acid. It’s a chardonnay you are not supposed to recognise. The alcohol is in check but it is still clearly Oz style finishing with a creamy, buttery aftertaste. Its big rich citrus aftertaste could be interesting with Dungeness crab. Ready to drink now.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Christopher Stewart Wines CSPC: 656900;   UPC: 009326755000029 Producer: Gemtree Vineyards Pty Ltd Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.

83/100 Fortius Valcarlos Navarra 2006 Navarra and Basque Country, Spain
Meaty, peppery, saddle leather, tobacco, rooty, cedar, savoury aromas. Dry, full, somewhat rustic palate with tobacco, herbal, riparian, vanilla, cedar, sausage meat, smoky flavours. Finish is chunky, dry and a bit tart. Needs food. A barbecue wine.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 923805;   UPC: 008437001838905 Producer: Bodegas Valcarlos Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

87/100 Castillo de Monséran Viura 2006 Cariñena, Aragon, Spain
Last year I suggested, when made correctly, Viura could be the poor man’s albariño. In fact this '06 albarino-like white is fresher and brighter and slightly more exotic than last years. Love the orange, melon and pear fruit on the mid-palate and the delicious acidity that brightens up the rear end. Simply a delightful summer sipper that works well with simple fish dishes or with light tapas. Great value. who knows how good this could be under screwcap. Lose the cork, please.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $10.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $9.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 605931;   UPC: 03378639007125 Producer: Castillo de Monséran Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants

85/100 Casa de Campo Malbec 2007 Argentina
Tobacco, savoury, plum, ash, roasted mushroom, meaty aromas. Dry, round, supple palate with fresh acidity. Cherry, blueberry, coffee, peppery, savoury, orange peel, resin, tobacco flavours. Very solid if a bit tart but has good stuffing for grilled meats.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $13.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 388603;   UPC: 07790762000778 Producer: Bodegas Santa Ana Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

86/100 Casa de Campo Eco Malbec 2008 Argentina
Spicy, floral, savoury, tobacco, cherry, sausage, licorice aromas. Soft, round, supple palate with light tannins. Tobacco, cherry, savoury, spicy, mineral, Oxo-cube, herbal, orange peel flavours. Finish is a bit tart has decent balance for food. Made from organic grapes.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 095331;   UPC: 07790762050629 Producer: Bodegas Santa Ana Distributor: International Cellars Inc.

85/100 Cortello Vinho Tinta 2006 Estremadura, Central and Southern Portugal, Portugal
Smoky, saddle leather, peppery, tobacco, sausage aromas. Dry, fresh, round palate with light grainy tannins. Peppery, spicy, black olive, smoky, sausage meat, licorice, black cherry, leather flavours. Rustic but has good balance, try with grilled lamb.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 030411;   UPC: 005604575000301 Producer: Dao Sul Distributor: Red Dog

88/100 Bollini Chardonnay Barricato 40 2006 Trentino- Alto-Adige, Italy
The Bollini brand is a stylish Italian set of wines under the direction of maestro Neil Empson and his artistically talented wife Maria. Only 40 per cent of this wine is barrel fermented to add some mid-palate texture and weight while the rest remains fresh and lively - hence the name "Barricato 40". Built for food this peach and mineral flavoured white would be great with roasted chicken, veal Marsala, lobster and or crab. Screwcap fresh.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG Prices: AB $16.75 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Christopher Stewart Wines; ON $13.95 (750 ml) Vintages CSPC: 158931;   UPC: 00726452000015 Producer: Empson and Company Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Empson Canada Inc.

90/100 Taz Goat Rock Syrah 2006 Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United States
Very ripe, open nose with blackberry, boysenberry, black licorice, saddle leather, tobacco, spicy, peppery, rooty aromas. Dry, round, elegant, slightly lean and tannic entry. Spicy, vanilla, coffee, black berry, licorice root, smoky, tobacco, meaty, chocolate flavours. Youthful with young tannins to shed but has some finesse. Try in 2-4 years.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: BC $0.00 (750 ml) UPC: 00089819799060 Producer: Taz Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

88/100 Etude Pinot Noir 2006 Carneros, Napa Valley, California, United States
Black cherry jam, smoky, licorice, tobacco, clove, spicy nose. Ripe, round, smooth, warm palate with light tannins. Smoky vanilla, spicy, black cherry kirsch, tobacco, saddle leather, herbal, clove flavours. Very ripe, warm style with some youthful oak and tea tannins showing.
Tasted: 2009-04-05 by AG-ST Prices: AB $30.00 (375 ml) fine wine shops; ON $60.00 (750 ml); QC $50.00 (750 ml); US $40.00 (750 ml) srp UPC: 0089819756001 Producer: Etude Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates

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