Results For Date Search ( 2010-07-24 to 2010-07-31 )
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88/100 Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2007 Limari Valley, Chile
Butterscotch baked green apple, honey, spicy, garlic, nutty, anise aromas with a grassy and tropical streak. Rich, round, crisp but dry with salty garlic, buttery, baked pear, apple skin, honey, grapefruit and lime flavours with some vanilla on the finish. Good complexity for the money all it needs is a bit more texture and extract to really excel. Fine value.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $20.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $22.00 (750 ml); NS $24.50 (750 ml)
CSPC: 342857; UPC: 07804320411149
Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
87/100 Marques de Caceres Vendimia Seleccionada Crianza 2005 Rioja, Spain
Dry meaty, peppery, cherry nose with earthy, barnyard undercurrents. Round, dry, soft, supple palate with cherry jam, spicy, meaty, rooty, tobacco flavours. Approachable, simple style tempranillo with some rustic edges. Pair this with grill lamb.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $22.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $20.00 (750 ml); ON $21.00 (750 ml); QC $19.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 345108; UPC: 08410406311006
Producer: Marqués de Cáceres Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing; The Bacchus Group Inc.
88/100 Marques de Caceres Reserva 2002 Rioja, Spain
Open spicy, meaty, cedar nose with bits of black cherry, prune and floral aromas along with some vanilla, leather and coconut. Dry, fresh, round and slightly tannic on entry with fine acidity. While on the palate it is peppery, tobacco, cedar, cherry, orange and prune with bits if barnyard and leather flavours. Solid tempranillo with elegance.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG
Prices: BC $35.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 341651; UPC: 008410406211054
Producer: Marqués de Cáceres Distributor: Grady Wine Marketing; The Bacchus Group Inc.
86/100 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2007 South Eastern Australia, Australia
Buttery, spicy, baked green apple, floral, citrus aromas with a bit of roast garlic lees. Round, fresh, elegant palate with buttery, pear, citrus rind, mineral, salty garlic and vanilla flavours. Solid all round white.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $15.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NB $15.30 (750 ml); NF $15.50 (750 ml); NS $14.00 (750 ml); ON $15.00 (750 ml); QC $16.00 (750 ml); SK $16.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 321943; UPC: 012354071339
Producer: Penfolds Distributor: Foster's Wine Estates; Southcorp Wines Canada
86/100 WhiteWire 2008 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports
CSPC: 888354; UPC: 009421022607007
Producer: Mount George Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
85/100 Stone Paddock Chardonnay 2008 Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Nutty, light garlic, green apple, pear, salty mineral, peach aromas. Soft but somewhat austere palate with a hint of sweetness and oiliness. Lean apple, honey, garlic, nutty, cooked peach, citrus and butter flavours. Very dry, buttery, popcorn finish. Solid but a strange amalgam of styles.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $20.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Vino Allegro Wine Imports
CSPC: 916585; UPC: 009421022600091
Producer: Paritua Vineyards Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
Black cherry, peppery, tobacco leaf, smoky, licorice root, meaty, incense aromas. Fresh, somewhat tart acidity and warm with light tannins. Cherry kirsch, orange, blueberry jam, tobacco, licorice flavours. Tart, hot and hard, a replica of Oz wines but made in Spain.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 922120; UPC: 008437006190602
Producer: Bardosa Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
83/100 Ciao Chardonnay Organic (Grapes) Tetra Pak N/V Apulia, Italy
Marzipan, peach skin, floral, apple skin aromas. Fresh, somewhat light and austere palate with pear, mineral, peach skin, floral, bitter grassy flavours.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $0.00 (1000 ml) speculative listing - Stile Wines
UPC: 008033116400145
Producer: Cantine Sgarzi Luigi Distributor: Stile Enterprises Ltd.
85/100 Line Shack Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 San Antonio Valley, Monterey County, Central Coast, California, United States
Toasted coconut, smoky liquorice, vanilla, coffee, leather nose with bits of barnyard, black cherry jam aromas. Round, tart, sweet and somewhat astringent on entry with more coffee, coconut, tobacco leaf, black olive, cassis, herbal meaty flavours. Hot, sweet and tart finish; never a good combination at this price.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 262185; UPC: 00189582000087
Producer: Line Shack Winery Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
87/100 Domaine de Mayrac Blanquette de Limoux Demi-Sec Organic N/V Limoux, Languedoc, South of France, France
Lots of white, foamy mousse but fairly fine bubbles. Light grapefruit, nutty, pear, green apple, lemon zest, leesy, garlic aromas. Fresh, crisp, foamy mousse palate with some good acidity to balance the light sweetness. Baked green apple, light garlic, pear, honey, nutty, lemon flavours. Fresh, easy style for any occasion.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $27.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 212274; UPC: 003760050550258
Producer: Domaine de Mayrac Distributor: Vino Allegro Wine Imports Inc.
87/100 Joie Muscat 2009 Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Big intense floral, spicy, soapy, ginger, orange, nectarine skin aromas with a touch of lychee and grapefruit. Crisp, fresh, easy palate with light intensity. Ginger, soapy, floral, grapefruit, mineral, lime flavours. The finish is surprisingly light and slightly tart given the intensity and upfront flavours. Enjoy this on the patio.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops
CSPC: 167239
Producer: JoieFarm Distributor: JoieFarm
84/100 Arrogant Frog Ribet Red 2008 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Incense, somewhat reduced nose with tobacco leaf, cedar bark, sappy cassis, herbal aromas. Dry, lean entry with herbal, black olive, savoury, cassis, earthy, tobacco leaf flavours and a touch of dry tannin in the finish. A rustic, country style for grilled meats or cheese.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 384628; UPC: 03760040421377
Producer: Domaines Paul Mas Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
83/100 Veo Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Sappy cassis, cedar bark, menthol, herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty aromas, more like carmenère than cab. Round, tart, somewhat lean palate with light tannins. Olive, resin, peppery, menthol, cedar bark, cassis, meaty, salty leather flavours. Very rustic and herbaceous style.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 885772; UPC: 00084279975122
Producer: Vinedos Errazuriz Ovalle Distributor: Whitefish Group
84/100 Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic Grapes) 2008 Mendoza, Argentina
Somewhat herbaceous, volatile nose with meaty, barnyard, olive, cassis, sweaty saddle, tobacco, chocolate aromas. Round, soft, somewhat sweet and sour entry with coffee, meaty, leather, licorice, Band-Aid, cassis and cherry flavours. Very commercial, sweet finish.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 233502; UPC: 00879716000037
Producer: Domaine Jean Bousquet Distributor: Landmark Selections
82/100 Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2009 Valle del Colchagua, Valle del Rapel, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Reduced nose with tobacco leaf, herbal, black olive, green bean, meaty, cedar bark, resin, rubber aromas. Dry, round, supple but slightly lean with herbal, tobacco leaf, meaty, animal, cassis, menthol, coffee, barnyard and leather flavours. Unusual effort for this winery bets to wait for the next vintage.
85/100 Stag’s Hollow Estate Merlot 2006 Okanagan Falls, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, plum jam, cedar, tobacco leaf, incense, herbal aromas. Dry, somewhat austere palate with dry tannins. Cedar, coffee, peppery, plum, meaty, tobacco, rooty flavours with some leather and vanilla. A bit too severe at this point but perhaps it will soften out in a few years.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct
CSPC: 550087; UPC: 626990032823
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
87/100 Stag’s Hollow Merlot Renaissance 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Peppery, meaty, rooty, coffee, vanilla, tobacco, black cherry, olive aromas. Rich, full, somewhat lean and tart entry with dry, hard tannins. Coffee, tobacco leaf, black olive, resin, meaty, leather, vanilla, black cherry flavours. Finish is very warm with some tea tannins to shed. Good potential here if they can eliminate the last of the green tannins.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops
CSPC: 540757; UPC: 626990025962
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
88/100 Stag’s Hollow Merlot Renaissance 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, spicy, mocha, vanilla, black cherry, savoury, liquorice, incense, tapenade, meaty aromas. Ripe, round, dry, slightly austere style but good finesse. Cedar, tobacco, coffee, smoked meat, peppery, vanilla, black cherry, licorice, savoury flavours. A bit warm and oaky with some green tea tannins but has solid core of fruit and the ability to improve over the next 2-4 years in bottle. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $30.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops
CSPC: 540757; UPC: 626990025962
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
84/100 Stag’s Hollow Heritage Block 1 Cabernet Merlot 2006 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Coffee, resin, cedar, tobacco, meaty, black cherry, green olive, herbal, savoury, medicinal nose. Dry, somewhat lean and tart palate with light, cedar-y tannins. Peppery, meaty, barnyard, leather, Band-Aid, earthy, saddle leather flavours. Solid but very rustic and Bretty.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) winery direct and private wine shops
CSPC: 115972; UPC: 626990083122
Producer: Stag's Hollow Winery and Vineyard Distributor: Free House Wine & Spirits Ltd.
82/100 Stag’s Hollow Cabernet Sauvignon Renaissance 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Green cassis, tobacco leaf, herbal, green olive, green bean, smoky, spicy, meaty aromas. Light, thin, tart palate with green, cedar-y tannins. Green olive, briny, sour cassis, meaty, leather, coffee flavours. Very green tannin, lean finish. Not much here.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 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 Chasselas - Pinot Blanc - Pinot Gris 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Green apple, pear, floral, buttery lees, mineral, citrus aromas. Fresh, round, somewhat sweet palate with floral, soapy, green apple, pear, grapefruit and honey flavours. Simple, fresh patio wine.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 585737; UPC: 77856108057
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company
88/100 Quails’ Gate Riesling Icewine 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Super crisp style with that bright almost piercing acidity that keeps the sweetness in check. The flavours are a mix of intense floral apricot, orange cut with ripe tropical fruit notes. The finish is bracingly acidic, some might say tart but it does make you want to keep sipping. Not for the faint of a heart. The winery suggests you pair it with citrus crème brûlée.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $35.00 (200 ml) fine wine shops; BC $35.00 (200 ml) specialty listing; MB $35.00 (200 ml); ON $35.00 (200 ml); SK $35.00 (200 ml)
CSPC: 851337; UPC: 778856308174
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company
87/100 Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2009 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, nutty, grapefruit rind, mineral, grassy aromas. Fresh, crisp, juicy, off dry palate with lots of grapefruit rind, gooseberry, chalky, mineral, pear flavours. A fresh, rind-y, juicy style for the summer.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $19.00 (750 ml); BC $19.00 (750 ml) winery direct, private wine shops; MB $19.00 (750 ml); ON $19.00 (750 ml); SK $19.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 391854; UPC: 778856108033
Producer: Quails' Gate Vineyards Estate Winery Distributor: Appellation Wine Marketing; Vincor Canada - A Constellation Company
87/100 Cuvée du Haut-Censy Muscadet Sevre et Main Sur Lie 2008 Muscadet, Pays Nantais, Loire, France
Floral, pear skin, granny smith, nutty, lemon aromas. Dry, fresh, delicate, juicy palate with a nutty, pear, grapefruit, lemon, granny smith and mineral flavours. Not big but more finesse for warm or cool seafood.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 635573; UPC: 5023438123498
Producer: Domaine du Haut-Censy Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
88/100 Domaine du Clos du Bourg Chenin Blanc Demi-Sec 2008 Touraine, Loire, France
Citrus, pear, read apple, chalky, floral mineral, honey aromas. Ripe, rich, fresh, succulent but somewhat sweet with good acidity. Honey, red apple, baked pear, lemon, green apple skin flavours with a leesy, bready finish. Good flavours and balance for spicy Chinese food or to accompany fruit. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 126508; UPC: 03481730002002
Producer: Domaine du Clos du Bourg Distributor: Red Dog
0/100 Sélection Delas Viognier 2008 Vin de Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, South of France, France
Oxidized, try another bottle.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG
Prices: AB $14.00 (750 ml); BC $17.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - David Herman
CSPC: 620492; UPC: 1232153400034
Producer: Delas Distributor: David Herman & Son Ltd.
89/100 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Granges de Mirabel Viognier de l’Ardèche 2009 Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, South of France, France
White peach, marmalade, ginger, honey, floral, sappy aromas. Ripe, round, full bodied but elegant with mineral, ginger, light sausage, butter, peach skin, honey and butter flavours. A bit on the austere side but has good intensity and will age another three to five years in bottle.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $23.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Pacific Wines & Spirits
UPC: 03391182340938
Producer: M. Chapoutier Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
Nutty, spicy, light lees, pear, apple skin aromas with a touch of maraschino cherry. Rich, round, fairly sweet entry with baked apple, lemon rind, honey, nutty, buttery flavours. Finish is warm and somewhat tart and rind-y. Simple summer wine.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Ramirez Investment Group
CSPC: 778290; UPC: 00656676010043
Producer: Monte Xanic Distributor: Ramirez Investment Group
88/100 Saumur Lieu-dit Les Pouches 2008 Saumur, Loire, France
Grapefruit, green apple, floral, light honey and slate aromas. Fresh, crisp, elegant, juicy and ripe palate with a hint of sweetness but good acidity. Green apple, pear, honey, grapefruit, spicy and chalk flavours. Good elegant and juicy wine for salmon. The price increase would be easier to take if the winery switched to screwcap ensuring the freshness of every bottle.
Tasted: 2010-07-31 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 284968; UPC: 00185961000075
Producer: Alliance Loire Distributor: Waldorf Wine Group Inc.
88/100 La Face Cachée de la Pomme 2007 Quebec, Canada
Canned apple, touch of plasticene, spicy, mineral aromas. Ripe, rich, sweet entry but also very crisp with mineral, baked apple, cinnamon, light honey flavours. Fun iced-dessert style apple wine you can serve solo or with a variety of light fruity desserts.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 114512; UPC: 841125075074
Producer: La Face Cachée de la Pomme Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
88/100 Summerhill Pyramid Riesling Icewine 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Slightly tired nose of backed apricot, with smoky, mineral orange fruit flavours. Fine mid-palate acidity in what is a slightly tighter skinnier version than past efforts, which is probably a good thing. Good balance of sugar and acidity but this one needs drinking now. The grapes were estate grown at Summerhill's certified organic vineyard in East Kelowna.
87/100 Summerhill Pyramid Pinot Noir Icewine 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Rooty bizarre smoked bacon nose and flavours. Herby, sweet rhubarb and strawberry flavours with more smoky bacon highlights. Different is the best thing I can say about this wine that may be past its prime, at least in this bottle size. The price is crazy.
88/100 Boutari Santorini White 2009 Aegean Islands - Santorini, The Islands, Greece
Taste something different. Open nutty, chalky, floral, spicy, lemon and quince aromas with a grassy note. Dry and rich with a fresh, slightly oily and juicy palate. Lemon oil, butter, nutty quince and apricot flavours with a chalky, pear note. Similar to last vintage made in a rich and juicy style for seafood. Again, very unique style that is well worth investigating
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $17.00 (750 ml) private wine stores; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; MB $18.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 270017; UPC: 5201022565217
Producer: J. Boutari & Sons Wineries S.A. Distributor: The Bacchus Group Inc.
84/100 Serafino Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
At 14.5 percent this cabernet is both warm and skinny with a pronounced acidic and tart character on the palate and throughout the finish. Intense cedar, plum and smoky ash flavours with more acidity poking through the finish. Awkward, hollow, acidic, unpleasant cabernet.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $26.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Patagonia Imports
CSPC: 093575; UPC: 009329743003002
Producer: Serafino Wines Distributor: Burrows and Luongo & Associates Inc.
84/100 St. Hubertus Chasselas 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Floral, pear, leesy, lemon aromas. Soft, round, tart palate with leesy, citrus, green apple, soapy floral flavours. A basic, clean fresh summer sipper for light foods.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $16.00 (750 ml) winery direct, VQA and private wine shops
CSPC: 436717; UPC: 625259101072
Producer: St. Hubertus Estate Winery Distributor: Harvest Select Wines; St. Hubertus Vineyard
88/100 Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Puente Alto, Valle del Maipo, Region del Valle Central, Chile
Consistently rich and savoury with a pronounced thyme aroma streaked with coffee, liquorice, smoke and ash. The attack is warm and full with jammy black liquorice fruit and plenty of soft dry tannins in the back end. Ripe fleshy hedonistic style with balance and length. Good value cabernet that would be best with grilled meat now, or another two to three years in bottle. Great new lower price too.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $23.00 (750 ml) private wine shops; BC $20.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $24.00 (750 ml); NS $25.00 (750 ml); ON $20.00 (750 ml) Vintages Essentials
CSPC: 337238; UPC: 07804320333175
Producer: Vina Concha y Toro S.A. Distributor: Select Wine Merchants
87/100 Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006 Luján de Cuyo, Northern Region, Mendoza, Argentina
Warm open nose of ripe cabernet with ripe blackberry fruit, cassis and a touch of stewed strawberries. The palate is warm and soft with peppery liquorice red fruit flavours and just a dash of tannin. Decent value. Serve it with hamburgers and simple grilled meat dishes.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG
Prices: BC $19.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 201152; UPC: 007792319678003
Producer: Bodega Norton Distributor: Peter Mielzynski Agencies
87/100 Katnook Founder's Block Cabernet Shiraz 2006 Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Coffee, peppery, black olive, cassis, tobacco leaf, cedar, slightly rubbery aromas. Dry, fresh, suave palate but a bit austere with cassis, coffee, peppery, leafy, tobacco, resin, cedar flavours. Solid effort for current consumption. Best with beef.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml); BC $20.00 (750 ml); NB $21.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 263830; UPC: 636662041220
Producer: Katnook Estate Pty Ltd Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
86/100 Katnook Founder's Block Shiraz 2006 Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Peppery, liquorice, leather, leafy, tobacco, blackberry aromas with a bit of olive and blueberry. Round, fresh, ripe palate but dry with coffee, tobacco, black cherry kirsch, vanilla, coconut, resin and sausage flavours. Finish is dry and a bit cedar-y with blueberry and light tannins.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $21.00 (750 ml); BC $20.00 (750 ml); NB $21.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; NF $21.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 274464; UPC: 636662042623
Producer: Katnook Estate Pty Ltd Distributor: Charton-Hobbs
92/100 Mission Hill Reserve Riesling Ice Wine 2008 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Whenever conditions are right MH seems to hit a home run with its riesling icewines. In this case a vibrant acidity sets off the creamy floral, nectarine aromas and flavours offering up a fresh elegant icewine that would be a delicious dessert in itself. Big sweet attention grabbing icewine with enough acidity to make you want more than just a glass. Well done.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: AB $60.00 (375 ml) private wine shops; BC $60.00 (375 ml) winery direct and private wine shops
CSPC: 240127; UPC: 776545995216
Producer: Mission Hill Family Estate Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants; Mission Hill Winery
Melon, floral, nutty, rose petal, lemon oil, honey and peach skin nose with a buttery note. Dry, fresh, elegant but somewhat austere style. Lemon oil, pear, nectarine skin, melon, rose and passion fruit flavours. Good solid dry white for any type of seafood. Good value.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $12.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - The Seacove Group
CSPC: 557348; UPC: 008437010128141
Producer: Bodegas Arúspide Distributor: The Seacove Group Inc.
88/100 Château Gaudrelle 2007 Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
Floral, cooked pear, spicy, red apple, honeyed nose. Fresh, crisp, juicy, creamy palate with some sweetness. Quince, honey, floral, orange, green apple, pear, peppery flavours. Good finesse and fruit for current consumption. Fun and fresh.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $25.00 (750 ml) specialty listing; ON $23.00 (750 ml) consignment - Hobbs & Co.
CSPC: 309567; UPC: 3466600710041
Producer: Château Gaudrelle Distributor: Hobbs & Co. Wine Merchants Inc.; The Seacove Group Inc.
88/100 Jean Leon Magnolia Chardonnay 2009 Penedès, Catalunya, Spain
Quince, citrus, floral, spicy, white peach, chalky, melon aromas. Round, fresh, crisp, juicy palate with spicy, floral, citrus, lemon oil, melon, and green apple flavours. Good fresh fruit and balance for seafood. Solid value here.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $18.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Pacific Wines & Spirits
UPC: 0008422864317056
Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
87/100 Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2008 Vinhos Verde, Northern Portugal, Portugal
Pear, chalky, melon rind, citrus, nutty aromas. Fresh, crisp, light palate with juicy acidity. Green melon, pear, quince, lemon, green apple, zesty flavours. Not big but very elegant with flavours matched to summer seafood. Solid value.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) Everything Wine; NF $12.00 (750 ml); NS $12.00 (750 ml); ON $10.00 (750 ml)
CSPC: 114223; UPC: 5601096227309
Producer: Quinta da Aveleda Distributor: Mark Anthony Wine Merchants
87/100 Canti Estate Gavi 2009 Piedmont, Italy
Fresh almond, citrus, floral, pear, nectarine skin with a touch of honey. Fresh, crisp, round, off dry entry with lemon, honey, grapefruit, nutty, mineral, quince and pear flavours. Good freshness and balance for current drinking. Good value here. One can only imagine how it would perform under Stelvin because making us pull a piece of tree bark out of the neck of this bottle seems incredibly old school.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG-ST
Prices: BC $15.00 (750 ml) specialty listing
CSPC: 861708; UPC: 008005415044191
Producer: Canti Estate Distributor: Authentic Wine and Spirits Merchants
0/100 Torres Mas Rabell 2006 Catalunya, Spain
Corked, try another but very mature vintage.
Tasted: 2010-07-30 by AG
Prices: BC $14.00 (750 ml) speculative listing - Pacific Wines & Spirits
CSPC: 252916; UPC: 8410113001337
Producer: Miguel Torres Spain Distributor: Pacific Wines & Spirits (1995) Ltd.
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
