Results For Date Search ( 2010-07-22 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.
Tasted: 2010-07-29 by AG-ST Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $15.00 (750 ml) CSPC: 197483;   UPC: 086788333578 Producer: Cycles Winery Distributor: Landmark Selections

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

92/100 Pintia Toro 2005 Toro, Castilla-Leon, Spain
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.

87/100 Montalto Nero d'Avola Organic 2008 Sicily, Italy
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.
Tasted: 2010-07-24 by AG-ST Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing CSPC: 029645;   UPC: 008030423002192 Producer: Barone Montalto Distributor: Select Wine Merchants

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

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