Results For Date Search ( 2010-06-29 to 2010-07-29 )
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86/100 Fess Parker Viognier 2008 Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United States
Barrel fermented nose with lees, vanilla, coconut, canned pineapple, honey, candied ginger nose. Fat, round, soft, somewhat sweet entry with vanilla cream, honey, butter, tropical, canned fruit flavours. Very heavy and sweet controversial wine style. Some will love it; others will be less than thrilled.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $30.00 (750 ml)
UPC: 718038555781
Producer: Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
85/100 Cycles Gladiator Syrah 2008 Central Coast, California, United States
Tobacco leaf, rooty, menthol, cola, blackberry, blueberry and barnyard aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with fresh acidity but very suave. Herbal, coffee, vanilla, resin, leather, blueberry flavours. Warm and leafy but smooth and glodsy in the backend.
87/100 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Granges de Mirabel Viognier de l’Ardèche 2008 Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, South of France, France
Honey butter, five spice, orange, ginger, sausage, butter, mineral aromas. Round, ripe, slightly fat entry with a bit of sweetness. Ginger, honey, butter, mineral, sausage, cooked peach and orange flavours. Solid fruit but a bit too heavy and fat.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
UPC: 03391182340839
Producer: M. Chapoutier Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
86/100 Inycon Estate Fiano 2009 Sicily, Italy
Orange, floral, spicy, honey, pear and quince aromas, very attractive fresh fruit aromas. Ripe, round, rich, slightly sweet entry with honey, orange, mineral, butter, citrus rind, baked pear flavours. Good intensity and ripeness if a sweet and heavy. The synthetic cork has to go.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 169946; UPC: 008000254001749
Producer: Domaine Inycon Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing
88/100 Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Good fresh nectarine skin, baked orange, ginger, honey, light butter and mango aromas. Rich, round, off dry, slightly austere palate with buttery, orange, honey, mango, marmalade flavours. Rich and warm with good fruit but a bit heavy. Back to solid form along with a very smart new looking package.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $18.00 (750 ml); ON $14.95 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $17.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml); YK $18.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 624502; UPC: 9311789475974
Producer: Yalumba Wine Company Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Negociants International
87/100 San Lorenzo Chenin Blanc Chardonnay & Colombard 2009 Mexico
Nutty lees, spicy, honey, butter, baked pear, orange and peach skin aromas. Round, fresh, off dry, full with ripe pear, red apple, honey, nutty, butter, creamy, waxy, lemon flavours. Good overall intensity for chicken or seafood. A big improvement here in Mexican whites.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Ramirez Investment Group
CSPC: 123927; UPC: 007503002087251
Producer: Casa Madero Distributor: Ramirez Investment Group
93/100 Mission Hill S.L.C. Riesling Icewine 2005 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Recently retasted and still fabulous. Pear, light apricot, orange, butter, and green apple aromas in an elegant, crisp, fresh icewine that is sweet but not cloying. The palate is awash orange, lime, apricot, butter and peach skin flavours. Finesse and elegance in a super-rich package and ageing well.
Tasted: 2010-07-26 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $80.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $80.00 (375 ml) specialty listing; ON $80.00 (375 ml) private order - Mark Anthony; QC $80.00 (375 ml)
CSPC: 444794; UPC: 776545995650
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery
90/100 Beringer Chardonnay 2008 Napa Valley, California, United States
The last time I tasted this wine (the 2005) I called it “Ed Lite” in homage of Ed Sbragia and the fine work and style transformation going on at Beringer under winemaker Laurie Hook’s watch. The ’08 is even better playing all the right leesy, nutty, green apple notes with bits of pear and peach and creamy, spicy textures. The finish is equally balanced with some exotic orange flecks. Make no mistake this is Napa chardonnay but all dressed up and ready for prime time. love the new 'bargain' price too.
Tasted: 2010-07-26 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $35.00 (750 ml); NF $30.00 (750 ml); ON $25.00 (750 ml); QC $27.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 348342; UPC: 00089819072965
Producer: Beringer Napa Valley Vineyards Distributor: Beringer Blass Wines Estates; Foster's Wine Estates
It is year five for this muscular, 100 per cent tempranillo, owned by Vega Sicilia but grown in the warmer climes of Toro. Big and rich on entry this heady red comes with a palate full of black fruit, chocolate and vanilla. Still smothered under young and somewhat obvious oak flavours you could drink it now with a steak or even roast lamb, otherwise lay this down for another five years minimum.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $185.00 (1500 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; ON $65.00 (750 ml); ON $169.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 675306; UPC: 008436028610297
Producer: Bodegas Vega Sicilia Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Campo Viejo Reserva 2005 Rioja, Spain
A selection of vineyard lots, the ‘reserva’ contains all three Rioja grapes tempranillo, mazuelo and graciano. The entry is almost sweet with ripe cherries, bits of vanilla, toasted oak, spice and mushroom. The finish is warm and slightly acidic but with some polish. Beef and rice would be a good match. The wine is aged 18 months in oak and 18 months in bottle. Ready to drink.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $20.00 (750 ml); NB $20.50 (750 ml); NF $21.50 (750 ml); NS $22.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 190629; UPC: 8410302106300
Producer: Campo Viejo Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
85/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Marechal Foch 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
No big surprises here. Look for a smoky, grapey, meaty, coffee aromas with a hint of tomato leaf. The attack is rich and smooth with aggressive meaty, smoky, tobacco, black cherry, and black olive flavours. Will have appeal for foch fans. Best with hearty stew dishes or cassoulet southern France style.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 462507; UPC: 625259206074
Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard
85/100 Oak Bay Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2008 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Aromatic herbal, spicy, compost nose with a bit of black cherry and celery salt. The entry is lean and sharp with leafy black cherry fruit, pomegranate and black olives. Try this with grilled chicken or mushroom risotto.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 436766; UPC: 625259208085
Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard
89/100 Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2007 Puemo, Valle del Cachapoal, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Open warm, minty nose with chocolate, cherry and dried herbs. Almost identical entry with sweet soft round red fruit with a peppery savoury dried herb mid-palate and chocolate cherry cinnamon finish. Good length and gloss and fine extract. A riper cleaner version than we have seen in years. Very attractive and ready to drink. Perfect for roast beef. Love the value here.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants; NF $22.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 706747; UPC: 07804320253480
Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
88/100 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2008 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Kudos to Peter Gago and crew for resurrecting this brand over the years. He should be running Fosters and making the beer too. Love the pure fruit here and the spicy liquorice, black cherry, cassis notes. Expect a solid red blend that will perform well with myriad food possibilities.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); NB $18.50 (750 ml); NF $17.50 (750 ml); NS $18.00 (750 ml); ON $16.50 (750 ml); PEI $12.50 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml); SK $18.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 285544; UPC: 012354071445
Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada
88/100 Skillogalee Basket Pressed Shiraz 2006 Clare, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia
Hand-picked, dry-farmed, basket-pressed the fruit comes off vineyards at 450m above sea level. Expect a soft, dark, peppery, cedar-y fruit with a spicy minty streak thorough out. This is warm shiraz with a long spicy finish and a just a tweek of acidity poking through. Best with grilled lamb.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $28.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro
CSPC: 112557; UPC: 09331634000878
Producer: Skillogalee Wines Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
87/100 Morandé Pionero Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
A bright mix of sweet tropical fruit with green fruit streaks and a dash of pepper on the nose. The palate is similar with aromatic fruit flavours of citrus and lime with gooseberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Typical fresh, Casablanca, cool fruit style perfect for grilled scallops or lemon chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines
CSPC: 074088; UPC: 7804449104038
Producer: Viña Morandé Distributor: Los Vinos Merchants Ltd. / Stile Wines
84/100 Vina Maipo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Dry grassy citrus aromas and flavours that lack any serious fruity character. The palate has feint hints of gooseberry but the dryness and the grass overtake the palate in the finish. Simple sauvignon that lacks real character. The price is fair but for anther dollar or tow you have myriad choices from South Africa, New Zealand and Chile.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 097634; UPC: 007804320064949
Producer: Vina Maipo Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
87/100 Nederburg Twenty Ten Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
From a multitude of sources and grapes planted as early as 1969 and as late as 1998. The grapes are picked at a fresh 21 to 22 brix and fermented in all stainless steel with yeast contact. Look for a fresh yellow green colour with a bright grassy citrus nose and clean tropical fruit flavours with a dry grassy finish. Great with goat cheese summer pasta salads and grilled chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG
Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.99 (750 ml); ON $15.99 (750 ml)
UPC: 06001108049780
Producer: Nederburg Wines (Pty) Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
88/100 1884 Reservado Malbec 2009 Mendoza, Argentina
A wine list stalwart in Vancouver the 1884 is classic malbec with its intense colour, peppery savoury fruit and plush character. I’m happy to report this version is drier than previous efforts making it easier to get through the bottle. Crazy value at $18 and works well the most anything on the barbecue. Still young and fresh with some gritty tannins but they will dissipate going forward.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 770925; UPC: 00722358070008
Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.
87/100 Doña Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Tupungato, Central Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Marlborough or Mendoza? It is priced like Mendoza but tastes like New Zealand. Bright yellow grapefruit, intense gooseberry and light mineral, bell pepper aromas. Fresh juicy entry with nettle, grassy gooseberry fruit and just a squeeze of citrus and asparagus. Grilled chicken anyone. White wine for wine drinkers.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NF $15.00 (750 ml); NS $15.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 026161; UPC: 00836950000087
Producer: Doña Paula Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Caliterra Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2008 Valle de Casablanca, Region de Aconcagua, Chile
Classic nettle, passion fruit, lime rind and with a dash of ripe red apple. The entry is round with a touch of sweetness followed by citrus, passion fruit, nettle, honey grassy flavours. The finish is crisp and juicy with a touch of dryness in the end. Think light seafood dishes or shellfish. Fine value in what is essentially a single appellation label from Chile. Take that all you commercial blends.
Tasted: 2010-07-25 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $12.45 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $11.75 (750 ml)
CSPC: 275909; UPC: 00610444017030
Producer: Vina Caliterra Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.
It is no surprise Montalto is a family-run winery. Located in the west of Sicily most of what they produce hits the mark for quality and value. This néro is made with organically grown grapes sitting on average 300 meters above sea level. Hand harvest the wine has a wholesome quality with ripe almost sweet red fruit flavours a whack of liquorice and a smooth glossy textured finish. A versatile summer barbecue wine or winter fireplace red.
83/100 Veo Grande Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Valle del Lontué, Valle del Maule, Region del Valle Central, Chile
A simple soft style sauvignon that lacks varietal character. Warm dry grassy entry and similar grassy warm notes on the palate. Simple dry finish. Lacks fruit and sauvignon definition.
Tasted: 2010-07-24 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 833897; UPC: 00084279976723
Producer: Vinedos Errazuriz Ovalle Distributor: Whitefish Group
88/100 Martin's Lane Riesling 2009 East Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
An initial release based on collaboration between Mission Hill's owner and winemaker Anthony von Mandl and John Simes and well known Pfalz winery owner and winemaker Fritz Hasselbach. Expect a mineral, sea breeze, oyster shell nose with quite a soft-friendly palate with plenty of red apple/peach fruit flavours streaked with bits of orange and mineral. Solid, if a bit safe, for the first release.
Tasted: 2010-07-24 by AG
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct
UPC: 776545995858
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery
86/100 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Western Cape, South Africa
I’ve said it before and I will say it again South Africa has a flair for sauvignon and you can see it even in the bargain bottles. Two Oceans over delivers from its blend of vineyards and fruits across the Cape. Fresh, bright green fruit nose with bits of honey and an undercurrent of grass. Love the balance and fruit not to sweet not to bitter and the light passion fruit finish. Delicious easy drinking introductory sauvignon that over delivers for the price.
Tasted: 2010-07-23 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $10.50 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 340380; UPC: 6001497600616
Producer: Bergkelder, The (Distillers Corporation) Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
87/100 Fairview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Grassy fresh, sea breeze, honey nose with bits of vanilla. The entry is round and soft with sweet lime fruit, butter, melon, ripe grapefruit flavours. Still a bit too woody for oysters but this is g but Good solid fruit core and balance if a touch oaky on the finish. Good stuff. Love to see it a bit drier and more austere.
Tasted: 2010-07-23 by AG
Prices: BC $19.90 (750 ml) winery direct, restaurants
CSPC: 188037; UPC: 00850104000785
Producer: Fairview Cellars Distributor: Red Dog
87/100 Trivento Reserve Syrah 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Another home run for Trivento. Rich almost dense meaty peppery, fruit with a full twist of liquorice and spice. Warm rustic, round and affordable this will tame most steaks and almost anything else grilled on the barbecue.
Tasted: 2010-07-21 by AG
Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $15.95 (750 ml)
CSPC: 051219; UPC: 07798039590434
Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
88/100 Trivento Cabernet Malbec Reserve 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
This wine seems to always over deliver beginning with its white pepper nose and fresh black berry jam aromas. Soft fat savoury fruit with bits of mocha, liquorice and black cherry jam and a dry peppery finish. Bring on the ribs and the hamburgers. Crazy value.
Tasted: 2010-07-21 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $12.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NF $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 50948; UPC: 7798039590137
Producer: Trivento Bodegas y Vinedos S.A Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
Fresh kiwi, melon, and grassy mineral nose that is equally fresh and clean on the palate. Fresh, soft and round on entry with more melon, grapefruit, mineral and grassy flavours and a dry finish. Simple well-made affordable sauvignon blanc.
Tasted: 2010-07-21 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) exclusive to Liquor Depot; BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml) LCBO; QC $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 135897; UPC: 00718742001901
Producer: Pascual Toso Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
87/100 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin 2009 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
Classic passion fruit, oyster liqueur with bits of jalapeno and capsicum. Round, delicate and fresh on entry with kiwi, tinned asparagus, passion fruit and jalapeno flavours. Classic citrus herbaceous style that is made for mussels.
Tasted: 2010-07-21 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 342350; UPC: 009414416305528
Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
89/100 Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinas Vineyard 2008 Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
I’m always impressed with most Argentine cabernet sauvignon and the Decero is equally beguiling. The Remolinos (little whirlwinds) vineyard is 3500 feet above sea level. Love the spicy, pure mineral, floral, plummy/black cherry fruit flavours here. A lovely ripe style of cabernet with fine structure, bright acidity and lovely depth. Impressive red wine for the price.
91/100 Finca Decero Mini Edicion Petit Verdot Remolinas Vineyard 2006 Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
A great vintage yields a small amount of hand made especially selected petit verdot that does not make it to the blend. Expect an inky dark colour in your glass. The entry has a strong mineral and cassis fruit character. The style is fresh and clean the tannins are rich but soft. Needs five years but you can drink it now with steak or roast lamb.
89/100 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Dry QBA 2008 Rheingau, Germany
Fairly tight skinny fresh, floral, green apple aromas with bits of lime and peach pit notes. The palate is super dry and crisp with delicate citrus and green apple skin flavours flecked with chalk and mineral and green fruits. Fine balance and intensity that will work well with a variety of foods.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 219147; UPC: 004005055007819
Producer: Weingut Schloss Reinhartshausen Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
92/100 Finca Decero Amano Remolinas Vineyard 2007 Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
The Amano Remolinos Vineyard is a 60/30/3/2/ malbec/cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and tannat and boasts the same fresh, mineral, floral highlights as the cabernet and even the petit verdot. Rich, sumptuous and mouth-filling plummy fruit that you can drink now with grilled meats or cellar for three to five years.
85/100 De Bortoli Emeri Pink Moscato N/V South Eastern Australia, Australia
Typically showy nose of floral fruit with hints of candied strawberry and ripe peach. The palate is similar with a persistent bead of mousse that helps to lighten the wine across the palate, but the finish is sweet. A fun aperitif style sparkler you can serve well chilled or that could double up with fresh fruit for dessert.
83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Chile
Simple straight-up grassy grapefruit nose with bits of nettle and citrus. Green fruits and just a hint of sweetness dot the palate with refreshing acidity in the back end. Pretty solid value for the price and available in 1500 ml screwcap bottles for under $16.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (1500 ml) speculative listing - Authentic Wines & Spirits; ON $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 306472; UPC: 007804320355054
Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants
83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Chardonnay 2009 Chile
Simple fresh commercial well made chardonnay with soft apple/melon tropical fruits with a pinch of butter in the aftertaste. A party pleaser for the casual wine drinker. Serve with creamy pasta dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 376855; UPC: 007804320357058
Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants
84/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Shiraz 2009 Chile
Simple, commercial red blend of cabernet and shiraz that slightly fatter and richer than its sister merlot blend. Think of this as the ultra-affordable hamburger red that can serve a crowd.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; ON $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 154617; UPC: 007804320148960
Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants
83/100 Cono Sur Tocornal Cabernet Merlot 2009 Chile
At $15.50 a magnum, or $7.25 a bottle, I guess all you can hope for is the wine doesn’t hurt you. In this case the earthy bell peppers, cassis and dried herbs are rustic but ready for anything coming off the grill. Lamb sausages are the tickets and pizza. Simple straight-up inexpensive red wine.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.50 (750 ml) general listing; MB $16.00 (750 ml); ON $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 257170; UPC: 007804320345055
Producer: Vina Cono Sur Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants; Select Wine Merchants
86/100 Claar Cellars White Bluffs Riesling 2008 Columbia Valley, Washington, United States
Straight up, old-style, off-dry riesling with a candied, floral, citrus nose and a relatively flat texture. On the palate the attack is sweet with ripe, honeyed fruit flavours with bits of peach, pineapple and sweet melon. Serve it well chilled to combat the sugar or use it with spicy Pan Asian food stop tone down the heat.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports
CSPC: 232421; UPC: 635552110176
Producer: Claar Cellars Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
87/100 Villa Maria Riesling Private Bin 2008 Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
A blend of fruit from Marlborough’s higher plains of the Awatere Valley and the old river bed of the Wairau Valley. Floral limey citrus aromas mixed with similar flavours with a dose of petrol and peach pit in the finish. Fresh, crisp and moderately dry serve this with a range of Pan Asian dishes or tries it with your favourite cheese.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 067736; UPC: 009414416216015
Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd. Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
86/100 Intrigue Nine (9) 2009 Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Nine named after the vintage “’2009,” Nine is a blend of riesling, gewürztraminer and a touch of sémillon. Expect a high toned floral aroma with floral litchi, citrus fruit with a pinch of tropical fruit in the finish. Bright summery fresh and ready to drink. Try this with pork kebabs.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA stores, private wine shops
CSPC: 585364; UPC: 627843005742
Producer: Intrigue Wines Ltd. Distributor: Winery Direct
90/100 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling 2008 Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Lovely zesty white fruit aromas with mineral, peach and apricot notes. The palate is lively and elegant and still quite youthful with red apple, lime, mineral, nectarine flavours that finish long. Amazing wines that speak to the 8 generations of knowledge gathered by this family.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct
CSPC: 328013; UPC: 62699002070
Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants; Quaff Wine and Spirits
91/100 8th Generation Vineyard Riesling Classic 2009 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Made from 20-plus year old vines, this classic style riesling has 9 per cent residual sugar but you barley detect it with the acidity so bright and fresh. Crisp crunchy citrus fruit with a dash of red apples this is a wine with endless food possibilities. A B.C. riesling for grownups. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct
UPC: 626990102069
Producer: 8th Generation Vineyard Distributor: Peacock and Martin Wine Merchants; Quaff Wine and Spirits
86/100 Arrogant Frog Ribet White Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
A lean dry crisp, grassy citrus nose previews a similar palate of passion fruit, citrus, lime rind and mineral. Super crisp and dry it would be perfect with most shellfish, particularly oysters. Finished under screwcap. A solid backyard white for the summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-20 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $13.00 (750 ml) consignment - The Yorkville Wine Company; QC $14.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 914002; UPC: 3760040425009
Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
Fine open, fruity nose with bits of earthy, toasty mineral, raspberry black cherry aromas. Expect a dry entry with fresh, citrus, mineral black raspberry flavours. Well-made, delicious style rose sparkler that will work well with turkey, and light meats.
89/100 Domaine Mersiol Riesling 2006 Alsace, France
Surprisingly cool restrained elegant Alsace riesling with plenty of citrus and mineral highlights on the nose and in the flavours. This wine is both balanced and well-structured and will be a fine accompaniment to both light meats and seafood dishes. The vines are a minimum 20 years old grown on decomposed granite.
Tasted: 2010-07-18 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml)
Producer: Domaine Mersiol Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company
87/100 JoieFarm Riesling iv 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral litchi, green apple skin, candied nose. The palate is fresh and soft with a sweet entry and mid-palate and fairly pronounced acidity and slightly sour finish. The flavours are a mix of peach/melon/grapefruit and ginger with a touch of oiliness in the finish. A simple, tasty style for summer sipping or try with spicy Pan Asian cuisine.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) restaurants, private wine shops
CSPC: 071233
Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm
88/100 CedarCreek Riesling 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, red apple, lanolin, honey, peach, citrus aromas. Fresh, round, easy style with a bit of sweetness. Good spicy, nectarine, lime, grapefruit, honey flavours with a bit of petrol and slate. Good intensity and fruity, juicy style but a bit too sweet and warm on the finish. Friendly for all.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA wine shops
CSPC: 217166; UPC: 778913029028
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
88/100 Selbach S Riesling 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
A carbon copy of last year featuring green and nectarine skin with bits of peach, slate and honey. If anything this version is cleaner with creamy bright acidity and just a hint of sweetness and delicious peachy red apple and pear fruit flavours with a slice of lemon squeezed over it. Perfect for most summer salads.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 023242; UPC: 00717215002582
Producer: J & H Selbach Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.
89/100 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling Qualitatswein 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
This is always an elegant wine with crispy, crunchy fruit and that wonderful mix of acidity and smoky fruit that makes your mouth water. Bright fresh dry and succulent with a touch of slate in the background, it is a wine that will make you sing. Best of all it will pair well with a wide variety of foods.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $18.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 597997; UPC: 004013231000066
Producer: Weingut St. Urbans-Hof Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
85/100 Bree Riesling 2008 Pfalz, Germany
You can’t miss the Bree bottle that looks more like a modern spirits container. This is modern cheap riesling that just a bit too sweet for its structure. Bubble gum and candy mix with sour fruit and a touch of lemonade. Chill this one right down and serve it on the patio before dinner.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $16.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.50 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 210807; UPC: 084279979816
Producer: Peter Mertes Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
86/100 Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2008 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
The perfect introductory riesling for those wanting to move from the sweet version to off-dry and drier version. Expect the Mosel characters, freshness and fruit to dominate the palate along with citrus and lime with just a touch of mouth-watering sourness. Easy simple drinkable and fun all with lovey low alcohol. Try it with grilled asparagus and halibut. Great value in Ontario.
Tasted: 2010-07-17 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $15.00 (750 ml) Specialty; ON $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 008094; UPC: 4003310654914
Producer: Deinhard KG Koblenz Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
Smoky, saddle leather and prune aromas mix with vanilla, tobacco, earthy, coconut and Oxo aromas. Ripe, round, supple and warm palate with good concentration and acidity. More pruny, smoky leather, cherry jam, vanilla, coffee, tobacco and rooty flavours with a bit of olive and garrigue on the finish. A bit warm and oaky but has a solid core of fruit. Best with grilled lamb or rabbit.
Tasted: 2010-07-16 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml)
Producer: Señorío de P.Peciña Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.
87/100 Old Vines Garnacha de Fuego 2008 Calatayud, Aragon, Spain
Black cherry jam, liquorice, chocolate, smoky, menthol, peppery, slightly reduced nose. Round, ripe, supple and fresh palate with black cherry, black plum, peppery, orange spice, clove flavours with a licorice and tobacco finish. Fresh and plush with fruit to go. Serve with pork or poultry dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-16 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 255745; UPC: 08437005068131
Producer: Bodegas Ateca Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.
90/100 Atteca Old Vines Vieilles Vignes 2008 Calatayud, Aragon, Spain
Big black liquorice, smoky, garrigue, spicy, floral, black cherry jam, plum slate and black pepper aromas. Ripe, rich round and dry with a warm, fresh palate with light tannins. Smoky, garrigue, menthol, ash, peppery, black cherry jam, black plum, savoury flavours with an orange and spice finish. A bit young and warm at this stage but has good fruit and finesse. Drink now or over the next three years. Solid value here.
Tasted: 2010-07-16 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 815688; UPC: 08437005068230
Producer: Bodegas Ateca Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.
87/100 Vina Zaco Tempranillo 2006 Rioja, Spain
Tobacco, black pepper, cherry, leather, vanilla, smoky, Oxo, Band-Aid aromas. Round, fresh, supple palate with cherry jam, orange spice, black pepper, tobacco, meaty, barnyard flavours with a bit of coffee and leather. Warm but good fruit in a slightly rustic style.
Tasted: 2010-07-16 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 537399; UPC: 008411543115014
Producer: Bodegas Bilbainas Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing
86/100 Chook Shed Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
All Barossa fruit is the attraction here along with its dark, inky colour code. Expect a ripe raspberry, black cherry nose with blueberries underneath and plenty of liquorice and spice. The finish is warm and oaky with more spicy, jammy fruit. Try this with pulled pork or other barbecued meats.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 011114; UPC: 009335173000016
Producer: Rosedale Winery Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.
86/100 LoTengo Malbec 2009 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Typical Lo Tengo: medium bodied, fresh, savoury smoky red with a touch of sweet, spicy, red fruit underneath. The textures are soft, the style approachable if predictable. Try this with beef or lamb sausages grilled on the barbecue.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 080986; UPC: 07792319676269
Producer: Bodega Norton Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
87/100 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States
Intense cedar/cassis nose with elevated acidity and a tart, dry spicy mid-palate. Look for blueberries and spice with more acidity and skinny herbal finish. Ready to drink but lacking the richness and weight you expect in California cabernet. Be sure to serve it with a piece of meat for best results. Disappointing for the price.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $82.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $70.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $73.00 (750 ml); ON $68.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 365577; UPC: 00084444100045
Producer: Jordan Vineyard & Winery Distributor: Summit Fine Wines
85/100 Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2009 Verona, Veneto, Italy
Pear, floral, nutty, citrus nose with a honeyed note. Fresh, round, soft, somewhat sweet palate with candied pear, floral, grapefruit, red apple flavours. Simple, easy patio style for the summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $9.50 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $12.00 (750 ml); NB $14.00 (750 ml); NF $13.00 (750 ml); NS $13.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml); PEI $15.00 (750 ml); QC $13.00 (750 ml); SK $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 564674; UPC: 008002062001560
Producer: Masi Agricola Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
86/100 Xanadu Next of Kin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Nutty, grassy, hay, grapefruit rind, sweaty, herbal, jalapeno, nettle aromas. Crisp, tart entry with just a hint of sweetness. Lemon, lime, grassy, nettle, jalapeno, mineral, leafy, passion fruit flavours. On the cool, tart, austere side but has some good intensity.
85/100 J. Lohr Cypress Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Central Coast, California, United States
Spicy, cassis jam, prune, coffee, dried herb, roasted pepper aromas. Round, soft, supple palate with a sweet, warm edge. Fresh with berry jam, coffee, rooty, olive, tobacco, milk chocolate flavours. A very consumer-friendly wine on the sweetish side.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 334466; UPC: 089121148426
Producer: J. Lohr Winery Distributor: Landmark Selections
84/100 Voga Quattro 2008 Veneto, Italy
Peppery, spicy, meaty, rooty, cherry jam, prune, tobacco, savoury nose. Round, fresh, somewhat sweet and sour palate with light tannins and cassis, black cherry, rooty, tobacco, coffee, resin flavours. Warm and tart and simple.
87/100 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc 2009 Côtes du Lubéron, Provence, South of France, France
Rose petal, spicy, lemon grass, grapefruit, pear, quince and ginger aromas. Round, soft, fresh, delicate palate with a hint of sweetness. Floral, pear, honey, lemon, butter, nutty, grapefruit flavours. Good intensity for the money, an all-round white for summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NS $11.66 (750 ml); ON $11.30 (750 ml); QC $13.30 (750 ml)
CSPC: 298505; UPC: 631470000049
Producer: Perrin et Fils Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
Spicy, cherry, meaty, floral, tobacco, black olive, resin, dried herb aromas. Soft, round, supple, easy palate with cherry, prune, orange, earthy, spicy, meaty flavours with a bit of smoke and iron on the finish. Solid fruit for current drinking.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $24.99 (750 ml) Speculative Listing - The Seacove Group
CSPC: 362434; UPC: 8008642075112
Producer: Fattoria di Luiano Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
Meaty, sausage, floral, cherry jam, prune, tobacco, earthy, rooty, barnyard aromas with a touch of garrigue. Round, supple, elegant palate with light tannins. Cherry, smoky, peppery, prune, leather, tobacco, meaty, savoury flavours. A bit tart on the finish but ready now. A lighter style.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) Speculative Listing - The Seacove Group
CSPC: 362426
Producer: Fattoria di Luiano Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
86/100 Si Soave Italia 2008 Soave, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Lemon, chalky, mineral, nutty, spicy, pear skin aromas. Fresh, round, off dry palate with nutty, grassy, lemon, earthy, spicy, baked pear flavours. Simple and fresh for summer seafood.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchant
CSPC: 880048; UPC: 892339002172
Producer: Si Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
Grassy, jalapeno, grapefruit, gooseberry, smoky nettle aromas. Fresh, crisp, delicate palate with a touch of austerity but juicy acidity. Gooseberry, grapefruit, canned jalapeno, light artichoke flavours with a bit of lemon grass on the finish. Very solid, fresh style for clams and squid. Good value.
90/100 Radford Dale Viognier 2008 Stellenbosch, Coastal Region, South Africa
A single-vineyard viognier from the home property on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. A textbook vintage has produced a delicate, barrel-fermented viognier matured in mostly 2nd and 3rd fill oak barrels. Expect a peachy apricot nose with plenty of fresh mineral/leesy dusted fruit. The textures are plush and mouth filling but not overbearing. Definitely leaning toward the northern Rhone but at a bargain price.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Liberty Merchant Company
Producer: The Winery of Good Hope Distributor: Liberty Merchant Company
The ripe, round, dry, full palate of Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico 2007 suggest class and sophistication and the black pepper, black cherry, meaty, smoky, plummy fruit backs up the supposition. Expect fine acidity (great with food) and excellent concentration (to impress your guests). Peppoli makes that I know wine statement, quietly.
Tasted: 2010-07-15 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $18.00 (375 ml) specialty listing - Mark Anthony Group; BC $29.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $26.00 (750 ml); NB $30.00 (750 ml); NF $26.00 (750 ml); NS $31.00 (750 ml); ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $24.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 606541; UPC: 008001935001362
Producer: Marchesi Antinori Distributor: Halpern; Maison Maxxium Vins et Spiritueux; Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
90/100 Lanson Brut Rosé N/V Champagne, France
Pale pink raspberry hue with fine mousse. Nutty, cherry, creamy, mineral, baked pear aromas with a touch of citrus and biscuit. Fresh, just off dry, crisp and round with toasty, cherry, citrus, honey, mineral and baked pear flavours. Continued good finesse and length with fruit and good acidity balance.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $55.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $65.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; ON $65.00 (750 ml); QC $61.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 172130; UPC: 692743004089
Producer: Champagne Lanson Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Inniskillin Okanagan Discovery Series Sangiovese 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This wine continues to improve in bottle as it develops a round, dry, elegant palate. Look for a cedar-y dry/tart entry with savoury, earthy, peppery, spicy, mineral, rooty, licorice, coffee, chocolate flavours with a bit of sour plum and cherry. The finish is a bit dusty with some light, leafy tannins but otherwise agreeable and will be excellent with meats base dishes. Think spaghetti Bolognese.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery only
UPC: 063657019511
Producer: Inniskillin Okanagan Vineyards Inc. Distributor: Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company
88/100 Xanadu Chardonnay 2008 Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Light butter, baked green apple, pear, spicy lees, nutty, garlic and peach aromas. Round, soft, fresh palate with juicy green apple, citrus, butter, nutty lees, spicy, salty pear flavours. A fresher, somewhat leaner style with a touch of heat on the finish. Halibut would be a fine match.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) VPIWF
UPC: 009336957000024
Producer: Xanadu Wines Pty Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
88/100 Tedeschi Soave Classico 2008 Veneto, Italy
Made from late harvest grapes but not sweet in style. Floral, peach, butter, baked apple, spicy, melon aromas. Ripe, round, elegant, fresh and delicate palate. Nectarine, green apple, peach pit, celery and spicy flavours with a nutty note and a touch of warmth. Good fruit and style for food.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $16.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 580845; UPC: 8019171000216
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
Chocolate, licorice, peppery, spicy, orange peel, tobacco, cardamom aromas with a touch of almond and barnyard. Rich, round, supple very fresh palate with velvety tannins. Sweet fruit with big plum, cherry, tobacco, chocolate, black olive, peppery, anise, celery flavours. Good concentration and structure with good fruit and a slightly tannic finish. Can use 2-4 years but classis.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) Restricted; QC $22.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 299271
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
Peppery, black cherry, spicy, almond, leather, chocolate aromas with a hint of barnyard. Dry, fresh, somewhat tart palate with chocolate, tobacco, peppery, black cherry, almond and black olive flavours. A bit on the herbal side but solid balance and fruit for current drinking.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines
CSPC: 132019
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
93/100 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi 2004 Pedemonte Valpolicella, Verona, Veneto, Italy
Spicy, savoury, smoky, liquorice, chocolate, black cherry, plum, tobacco, coffee aromas with a touch of barnyard and roast meat. Rich, concentrated and ripe with smooth tannins and good acidity and a low level of sweetness. Big coffee, tobacco, bitter chocolate, peppery, savoury, prune, black cherry and licorice flavours. Good acid and power but has finesse. Best in 5-10 years. A fine, sweeter vintage full of fruit.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $85.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $99.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines; ON $92.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $78.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 308957
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
Savory, peppery, spicy, liquorice, plum, smoky, tobacco, black olive, chocolate, slightly raisined nose. Rich, ripe, round, and sweet but fresh and warm. Black cherry pudding, orange, tobacco, cigar, peppery, licorice, olive and smoky mint flavours with a dusting of tannin. Good finesse and fruit needs, 3-5 years but not too hot, an elegant style.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $45.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $60.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines; ON $40.00 (750 ml); QC $38.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 110312; UPC: 831906003532
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
89/100 Tedeschi Corasco Rosso Delle Venezie 2008 Veneto, Italy
A new wine from three different grapes. Spicy, peppery, black liquorice, olives, dried flowers, sausage, orange, chocolate aromas. Ripe, round, supple and full but elegant and fresh. Chocolate, plum, smoky, savoury, tobacco, cedar, rooty, plum and cassis flavours. Good finesse and fruit but fresh on the finish with supple tannins. Good value, only a 1,000 cases made.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
90/100 Poplar Grove Syrah 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Improving each year the latest Poplar Grove syrah has really up its quality quotient. The nose is surprisingly wild or feral with plenty of rich floral, black fruit and minerality. Underneath the wine remains fresh with fine acidity and more blueberry, spicy leather barnyard notes. The textures are smooth and glossy but not overbearing. Try this with your favourite lamb dish.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops
CSPC: 596668; UPC: 00626990076711
Producer: Poplar Grove Winery Distributor: Winery Direct
88/100 Clos du Chapitre Viré-Clessé 2008 Maconnais, Burgundy, France
Floral, green apple, pear skin, light citrus and butter aromas with a touch of melon. Dry, crisp, fresh and elegant palate but slightly austere. Green apple, lime, grapefruit, chalky, mineral, nectarine skin flavours with a nutty note. Attractive, fresher style to accompany seafood with some short term aging potential and finesse.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Seacove Group
CSPC: 635573; UPC: 3395940513671
Producer: Jacques Depagneaux Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
89/100 Le Volte 2008 Tuscany, Italy
A consistent wine that shows spicy, peppery, black olive, chocolate, cassis, black cherry, meaty, floral, garrigue and tobacco aromas. Soft, supple, velvety palate with light tannins. Lots of black cherry, cassis, meaty, peppery, black olive, tobacco, orange peel, smoky, dried herb flavours with a touch of leather on the finish. Good balance and intensity, try with grilled beef steak.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $28.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $34.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $30.00 (750 ml); ON $26.00 (750 ml); QC $30.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 431155; UPC: 08032732220359
Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
88/100 Gray Monk Odyssey White Brut 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Odyssey brut mixes riesling, and aromatic chardonnay clone musqué and a touch of pinot blanc to shape a super crisp clean fresh style sparkler that really calls for food. Ye wine spends 16 months on its lees to develop a pleasant yeasty bread dough character that offsets its subtle notes of citrus and nectarine skin. The finish is super crisp. Try with shellfish.
88/100 Peller Estates Private Reserve Riesling 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This whole cluster pressed riesling is grown in the South Okanagan. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its obvious fresh citrus, peach and lime rind. Crisp light refreshing and affordable. Try this with barbecued pork.
Tasted: 2010-07-14 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 186049; UPC: 00048162012523
Producer: Andrew Peller Limited Distributor: Andrew Peller Limited
89/100 Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2007 Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
Smoky, meaty, peppery, vanilla, black olive tapenade, tobacco, savoury nose with some leather and barnyard notes. Round, dry, supple, full palate with good acidity. Spicy, cedar, meaty, smoky, peppery, black cherry, tobacco, cassis and garrigue flavours. Good solid core of fruit and intensity with a rustic edge. Try with grilled meats or sauce Bolognese.
Tasted: 2010-07-13 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $30.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $35.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; NS $32.00 (750 ml); ON $30.00 (750 ml); QC $28.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 322248; UPC: 8001935002079
Producer: Tenuta Guado al Tasso Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Tyrrell’s Lost Block Chardonnay 2008 Australia
This is an easy chardonnay to like with its modern/Hunter styling led by a firmer tighter citrus entry with bits of yeast and a peachy/pear, nutty component underneath. The oak is well managed and the finish clean and crisp. A solid modern day white you can serve with seafood and chicken.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $18.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 426452; UPC: 093452020016
Producer: Tyrrell's Wines Pty., Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
86/100 2nd Crossing Long Creek Red 2007 Osoyoos, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Long Creek Red is a 50/17/17/16 mix of tannat, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and malbec made by the folks at Twisted Tree in Osoyoos. A foursquare red that packs quite punch with big smoky spicy liquorice fruit, plenty of plummy chocolate and all with a slight acidity in the finish. Will be best with grilled meats. A bit too wild for this writer.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Renaissance Wine Merchants
CSPC: 167478; UPC: 626990091769
Producer: Twisted Tree Vineyards & Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.; Winery Direct
86/100 CedarCreek Estate Cabernet Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The label says its cabernet/merlot but that 47/28 blend also has 22 cabernet franc, 1.4% pinot noir, 0.5% malbec, 0.4% syrah and 0.3% petit verdot. The fruit comes off eight sites stretching from Kelowna to Osoyoos and includes Naramata. The nose has a floral red fruity component while the palate is awash in spicy oak and pronounced acidity. Youthful and a bit rambunctious it will need time to settle down. We hesitate to say it’s a bit too serious for the price so grilled some steaks and drink it now.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 163303; UPC: 00778913037542
Producer: CedarCreek Estate Winery Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
88/100 Yering Station Chardonnay 2006 Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
At Yering Station the chardonnay is picked earlier producing tighter flavours of nectarine skin, citrus and green melon all fermented in oak, 25% of which is new. Despite its age going on five years it is remarkably fresh and together with a fine mineral/flinty undertone. A dry, fresh, elegant style. Try this with shellfish. Bring on the new vintage.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Select Wine Merchants
UPC: 09316562001067
Producer: Yering Station Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
90/100 Mission Hill S.L.C. Syrah 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Open intense spicy, vanilla, meaty sausage, floral nose streaked with black berry, boysenberry and smoky, liquorice nose. The entry is supple, the palate full with light, ripe tannins. More smoky, leather, vanilla, coffee, boysenberry, savoury, garrigue flavours with a touch of barnyard and sage. Good finesse and styling for near term drinking and certainly the best yet form MH.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $35.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $37.00 (750 ml) winery direct, Mark Anthony stores; MB $40.00 (750 ml); ON $37.00 (750 ml) consignment - Mark Anthony Brands
CSPC: 803650; UPC: 776545995742
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery
Spicy, tobacco, peppery, leather, black olive, cherry, almond, floral nose. Ripe, round, fresh and juicy palate with light tannins. Coffee, licorice, black olive, plum, black cherry, dried herb and mineral flavours. Good texture and balance if a bit tart. Drink now - years.
Tasted: 2010-07-12 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines; ON $18.00 (750 ml) Vintages; QC $18.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 132662
Producer: Tedeschi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
91/100 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2006 Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Look for the typical earthy, cedar, cigar box (Coonawarra) black fruit nose. The entry soft with a mixture of pure black fruits spiked with liquorice and red fruit that carries through to its chalky, slightly grainy tannin finish. A true cabernet and one of the best we have had from Wynns in years. Try this with lamb chops of a slab of beef.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $25.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $26.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $23.00 (750 ml); NF $20.00 (750 ml); ON $25.00 (750 ml); SK $22.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 502039; UPC: 930620006897
Producer: Wynns Coonawarra Estate Distributor: Southcorp Wines Canada
87/100 Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2007 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The mix is 72/15/13 merlot/cabernet franc and malbec. Expect an intense black cherry and earthy nose with a touch of Brett underneath. The palate is full-bodied with ripe plummy fruit flecked with vanilla and all in balance. The finish is smooth and long. Not cheap at $33+ but the style is promising and it should age further.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $33.40 (750 ml) private wine shops
CSPC: 370775; UPC: 00626990088851
Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct
89/100 Summerhill Pyramid Organic Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Deep dense colour and styling with Pomerol-like textures. The fruit is deep and dark with bits of plum, blueberries and wild blackberry on the palate. The finish is dense and long with sweet fruit and toasted oak notes. The fruit is organically grown at Kaleden.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
CSPC: 189225; UPC: 779000122318
Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
86/100 Summerhill Pyramid Baco Noir 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Typical big dense black baco colour and intense nose of soya, chocolate and spice. The palate is similarly decked out in black fruit, tobacco, oak with a dollop of saddle leather. A rustic style that has appeal for some but not all.
88/100 Chapel Hill The Parson's Nose Shiraz 2008 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Open round warm nose of black fruit and blueberries with a rich spicy undertone. The palate is awash in dark plums and sweet oak with a lot of spice and dried herbs underneath. This needs a bit more time to settle down or serve now with a large slab of meat. If you are a fan of Oz shiraz this will not disappoint.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $16.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
UPC: 009315006000314
Producer: Chapel Hill Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing
89/100 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
Everything is big about this wine beginning with its briary blackcurrant and cassis aromas and flavours. Youthful and plump with tannin it will need considerable time to soften up and deliver its full payload. Look for rich spicy fruit red awash in mint, cassis and liquorice with spice throughout. Slightly dry cabernet finish calling for grilled meat.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $16.50 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
UPC: 009315006000048
Producer: Chapel Hill Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing
85/100 Summerhill Pyramid Winery Foch 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Typically dark and fresh this has a touch of elevated acidity on the mid-palate mixed with earthy, beet-y, black plum flavours flecked with spice and coffee. The fruit is organically grown by Hans Buchler near Okanagan Falls.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
CSPC: 338624; UPC: 779000126149
Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
87/100 Summerhill Pyramid Merlot Cellar Aged 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Pleasant minty open nose with vanilla, smoky cherry hints. The entry is dry and round with a touch of small grained tannins and more sweet cherry fruit with black olive, espresso notes. Drink now with grilled meat or cellar another two years.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
UPC: 779000126316
Producer: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Distributor: Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
86/100 Howling Bluff Sin Cera 2008 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The '08 Sin Cera a mix of mostly merlot with cabernet franc and malbec is slightly more structured then the ‘07. The fruit is fresher and cleaner and a bit more cherry-berry, almost Zinfandel-like, but the tannins are bigger and more grippy with some acidity poking through the back end. This will need time to settle down. Try it now with a big steak or cut of prime rib.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $33.00 (750 ml) private wine shops
CSPC: 370775; UPC: 00626990088851
Producer: Howling Bluff Estate Wines Distributor: Winery Direct
88/100 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2009 Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Again and again, Perrin over delivers with this perfect summer rosé. The nose is bright and fresh, the palate medium dry with citrus/mineral and red fruit notes. The palate is sweet and covered in mineral, raspberry, floral fruit and a clean finish. All under screwcap. Summer in a bottle. Great value.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $13.00 (750 ml); BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $13.50 (750 ml); ON $13.00 (750 ml) general listing; QC $13.90 (750 ml)
CSPC: 559393; UPC: 00631470000124
Producer: Perrin et Fils Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
87/100 Emiliana Adobe Syrah Rosé Reserva Orgánico 2009 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Rosé made from organically grown grapes works if the wine is fresh and clean and with Adobe you get both. Look for a dry entry with an off-dry, citrus red fruit palate of strawberry/cranberry fruit. Balanced and fresh. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 248781; UPC: 7804320268170
Producer: Vinedos Emiliana Distributor: Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Ltd.
86/100 Stoneboat Vineyards Faux Pas Rose 2009 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Definitely an improvement over last year. Less herbal but more pungent, sweaty armpit notes with bits of citrus and strawberries. The palate is fresh but quite sweet calling for a well-chilled glass or service with spicy Pan Asian dishes or barbecued meats.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct
CSPC: 422113; UPC: 00626990058960
Producer: Stoneboat Vineyards Distributor: Foremost Wine Domaines Inc.; Winery Direct
92/100 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2008 Sonoma County, California, United States
I’ve said it before and will say it again Chalk Hill is one of those Sonoma chardonnay that can restore your faith in the entire California chardonnay category. So fresh and creamy with bright citrus fruit and nutty flavours all with a hint of mineral, orange and nectarines. You can almost taste the chalky soils. Delicious modern California chardonnay.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG
Prices: AB $27.00 (750 ml) fine wine shops; BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) Vintages November 22, 2008; US $15.00 (750 ml) retail
CSPC: 275552; UPC: 087512923256
Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
90/100 Rodney Strong Chardonnay 2008 Sonoma County, California, United States
Another year, another perfect bottle from Rodney Strong. Thankfully a leaner version than most of its counterparts it has a liberal dose of hazelnuts mixed into its creamy lees, baked apple and peach flavours cut by just the right amount of citrus. So delicious and ripe with an intelligent creamy clean finish. Finally a steal $20. New age Sonoma chardonnay you should buy by the case.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $19.00 (750 ml); SK $22.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 226936; UPC: 087512913257
Producer: Rodney Strong Vineyards Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
88/100 Chat-en-Oeuf Dry Rosé 2009 Côtes-du-Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Another hit from its appealing, eye of the partridge colour to the floral fruity nose. The entry is dry with fine acidity and citrus strawberry fruits all with a crisp clean finish. Try this with your favourite summer meal out-of-doors or fresh, cracked Dungeness crab. Delightful.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 823229; UPC: 03430560001693
Producer: Paul Boutinot Distributor: Saverio Schiralli Agencies Ltd.
86/100 Marqués de Cáceres Rosado 2009 Rioja, Spain
An 80/20 blend of tempranillo and grenache. The nose is as always a mix of candied fruits with bits of florality. The palate is soft with candied cherry flavours and bits of caramel and a touch dirty in the finish. A richer, drier style best suited to food.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; QC $15.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 361188; UPC: 8410406611007
Producer: Marqués de Cáceres Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing; The Bacchus Group Inc.
87/100 Hijas Bonitas Rosa 2008 Summerland, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A crazy blend of merlot, gewürztraminer and a dash icewine turns out to be pretty interesting. Fresh sweet berry citrus fruit with touch of litchi. Try this with spicy summer salads or barbecue meats.
Tasted: 2010-07-10 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) winery direct
UPC: 626990093107
Producer: Bonitas Estate Winery Distributor: Higgins Sales and Marketing
86/100 Stag’s Hollow Syrah Rosé 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A new rosé from Stag’s Hollow with its eye of the partridge colour promises berries and orange blossom on the nose and deliver both on the palate with just a hint of sweetness. A bit on the bigger style with some alcohol it is best served with summer salads. The blend is 90 per cent syrah with 9 per cent viognier and one percent muscat.
Tasted: 2010-07-09 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops
CSPC: 055007; UPC: 00626990104476
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
88/100 Mission Hill Rosé Five Vineyards 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The style is fixed and we happy. Bright fresh lifted fruit flecked with strawberry, citrus, watermelon with like last year a dusting of minerality. Chill this wine down and sip it freely or try it with light spicy dishes. A lovely fresh style with just the right amount of sugar.
Tasted: 2010-07-09 by AG
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 601161; UPC: 00776545995872
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery
87/100 Garry Oaks Blanc de Noir 2009 Burgoyne Valley, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Expect a spot on Provence in colour, pink/orange and a fresh nose of citrus and strawberry. The entry is dry and fresh with lemony citrus notes and bits of candied cherries. The finish is clean and dry. A terrific rosé for food.
Tasted: 2010-07-09 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Red Dog
CSPC: 032011; UPC: 00626990024057
Producer: Garry Oaks Winery Distributor: Red Dog
88/100 Layer Cake Primitivo 2007 Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
Typically rustic primitivo’s appeal is similar to zinfandel. Look for rich, black, soft, juicy fruit flecked with liquorice and oak that is easy to like. The palate is sweetish with more vanilla, black fruits and oak throughout. The warm finish is similarly rustic with a twist of dried herbs and acid and plenty of earthy pepper notes. A pricey spaghetti red.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $22.00 (750 ml) private wine shop; BC $28.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml)
UPC: 00896599002002
Producer: Pure Love Wines Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
85/100 Mapu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Chile
Fresh soft commercial style red with a mix of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and sweet red liquorice fruit flavours and a soft friendly finish. Spill this one around the barbecue.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 649442; UPC: 00812485000266
Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - Maipo Chile Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
86/100 Mapu Reserva Carmenere 2008 Chile
The Mouton machine is at work here trying to enhance Chile’s signature grape. Look for the signature leafy nose mixed with black fruit and cherry aromas and mostly similar flavours spiked with mocha notes on the palate. Medium bodied and ready to drink it needs grilled meat to smooth out the edges. Decant for best results.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 190645; UPC: 00812485000334
Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - Maipo Chile Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
89/100 Escudo Rojo 2008 Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
In 2008 Escudo Rojo is a blend of Rapel and Maipo fruit it is also a blend of cabernet sauvignon (40%), carmenère (37%), syrah (18%) and cabernet franc (5%). Medium dark with an intense nose of black raspberry flecked with bits of spice and tobacco. The latest vintage shows more elegance and style than previous years and no strong leafy characters. Ripe black cherries and toasted oak mark the long its mid-palate and finish. Roast lamb is the ticket here or serve with a favourite aged, hard cheese.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml); BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $20.00 (750 ml); NF $20.00 (750 ml); NS $18.00 (750 ml); ON $18.00 (750 ml); QC $18.00 (750 ml); SK $19.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 577155; UPC: 00812485000013
Producer: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - Maipo Chile Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
85/100 Hillside Estate Merlot Reserve 2006 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
A bit on the tart side with pronounced acidity and some horsey earthy scented red fruit notes. Soft entry with more acidity poking through the herby red fruit. Simple straight-up herby merlot for hamburgers.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
CSPC: 489245; UPC: 626990019275
Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
87/100 Hillside Estate Merlot 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
This is a solid effort and more what BC merlot is all about. Clean and round with fine red fruit aromas and flavours flecked with bits of dried herbs and a dash of mint and just a hint of acidty in the back end. Clean soft round long and ready to drink. Try this with a grilled steak.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) VQA Wine Stores
CSPC: 536839; UPC: 628694536836
Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
86/100 Hillside Estate Mosaic 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Like its name Mosaic this wine is a patchwork of varieties whose sum is greater than its parts. Hillsides signature blend mixes merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. This wine has improved over the years shedding green notes and rough tannins for riper fruit bits of Christmas cake and coffee. The ‘07 has some elevated acidity, a la Oz, which tends to lean out the finish. Best with grilled meat.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG
Prices: BC $40.00 (750 ml) winery direct
CSPC: 080036; UPC: 626990028932
Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
88/100 Hillside Estate Cabernet Franc 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Open expressive Okanagan nose of dried, crush leaf mixed with red fruits, tobacco and mocha coffee vanilla aromas. Similar flavours mark the palate of this medium weight red that is cleaner and fresher than previous versions. The tannins are soft and light. You can hold it for a year or two or drink it now with something grilled on the barbecue. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct
CSPC: 528935; UPC: 626990019237
Producer: Hillside Estate Winery Ltd. Distributor: Christopher Stewart Wines and Spirits Inc.; Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd.
87/100 Ochoa Rosado de Lágrima Single Vineyard 2009 Navarra and Basque Country, Spain
The small region of Navarra just a bit northeast of Rioja is home to the Ochoa Rosado. The mix is garnacha and cabernet sauvignon run off the skins early to offer the perfect pale red orange colour and a delicious juicy, citrus, fruit flavoured pink with just a twist of spice and black cherries in the finish. Slightly more robust and alcoholic suggesting it will stand up to bigger dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-08 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 766436; UPC: 08414167010123
Producer: Bodegas Ochoa Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.
87/100 Torres De Casta Rosé 2009 Catalunya, Spain
Torres rosé is a garnacha/cariñena blend that is a testament to the ups and downs of the rosé fad – De Casta has seen many as it prepares to celebrate its 70th birthday in 2011. The nose is fresh and crisp packed with earthy, black cherry and fresh raspberry fruit nuances. On the palate it is remains equally fresh and round with sweet fruit flavours supported by an underlying note of floral/minerality. Think salade Niçoise, corn on the cob, or a summer style charcuterie lunch.
Tasted: 2010-07-07 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $13.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; US $10.00 (750 ml) retail
CSPC: 383927; UPC: 08410113002020
Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
90/100 Lanson Black Label Brut N/V Champagne, France
Look for a medium fine mousse with a floral, toasty brioche nose flecked with baked pears, a touch of baked apple, butter and citrus. The palate is dry and crisp with a touch of sweetness. Juicy, lighter style with nutty, toasty, granny smith, citrus, pear, anise and butter flavours. An elegant style with good finesse and balance and just a hint of bitterness. ‘Black Label’ is a blend of 50 per cent pinot noir, 35 per cent chardonnay and 15 per cent pinot meunier. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-07-04 by AG
Prices: AB $59.00 (750 ml) fine wine boutiques; BC $60.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; BC $25.00 (375 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; BC $125.00 (1500 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; BC $281.00 (3000 ml) speculative listing - Mark Anthony Brands; MB $65.00 (750 ml); ON $57.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials; QC $55.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 041889; UPC: 692743002863
Producer: Champagne Lanson Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Domaine Lafond Tavel Roc-Epine 2009 Tavel, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, France
Similar to last year this bigger style rosé from the Tavel appellation has a candied soft cherry berry nose with bits of tobacco and earth in the finish. The attack is soft and forward with plenty of earth, tobacco, pepper and candied cherry fruit with a coating of butter in the back end. More intense than most rosé which allows it to stand up to bigger richer summer fare.
Tasted: 2010-07-01 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $24.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 110411; UPC: 785255000028
Producer: Domaine Lafond Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
85/100 Nederburg Twenty Ten Dry Rose 2007 Western Cape, South Africa
Medium strawberry colour with a fresh citrus cherry berry nose. The plate is clean and light with citrus strawberry, mineral leafy earthy notes on the palate and a tight skinny finish. Juicy earthy simple style for light appetizers.
Tasted: 2010-07-01 by AG
Prices: AB $14.99 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $14.99 (750 ml); ON $15.99 (750 ml)
UPC: 06001108049773
Producer: Nederburg Wines (Pty) Ltd. Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
86/100 Dunham Froese Rosé 2009 Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Much like the previous edition the nose and palate are flat. Round caramel/strawberry flavours coat the palate but there is no nervous tension or excitement. Its cleaner than the previous edition but it needs more acidity to really sing. The five percent syrah may darken the blend but it looks as if it weighs the whole wine down.
85/100 Seven Stones Speaking Rock Pinot Rosé 2009 Similkameen Valley, British Columbia, Canada
The Seven Stones model is Provence and they have nailed the colour but the nose sports a bit too much rubber so give it plenty of air. The flavours are fresh with bits of mineral, lemon and strawberry the finish is lively and fun. Lets hope the nose cleans up over time in the bottle.
