Barefoot
Shiraz – 13% alc/vol [California]
A big jammy fruit cup up in front mixed with some black pepper and star anise. Some sharp heat on the tongue of this wine. Earthy flavours – wood planks, spearmint and prunes. This wine has a dry finish with simple smooth tannins. 84/100 $9.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (April 20,2011)
Bear
Flad Red Wine Blend #1 – 13.0% alc/vol [California]
A nice full nose, that gives me the sense of lots of zinfandel in the blend. Fresh strawberry and blackberry jam scents with a bit of spice, kind of clovey and black pepper. A nice wine to drink, a bit of heat, but a strong oaked strawberry taste. 88/100 $12.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (June 6, 2010)
Full
Press Vineyards Merlot – 12.5% alc/vol
A nice nose with a pleasant aroma of earthy green pepper, savoury herb and raspberry jam notes. The flavours are gentle and enjoyable – a subtle sweetness upfront with blueberry and pomegranate fruit, with an oaky black pepper finish that shows off the mild tannins. 87/100 [BC Liquor Stores] (May 12, 2011)
Full
Press Vineyards Shiraz – 13% alc/vol
Burnt wood, fresh green pepper with plums and prunes on the nose. A pleasant fruit kick next to a rich velvety body. A nice full wine with medium tannins and flavours of blueberry juice, black pepper and pomegranate. An interesting wine that is actually a blend of Canadian and International grapes. 92/100 $11.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (December 6, 2010)
Painted
Turtle Cabernet Sauvignon – 12.5% alc/vol [BC]
Sweet raspberry puree jumps out of the nose alongside a nice field breeze and something that reminds me of strawberry Kool-Aid. Some dry candy flavours that don’t show as sweet, but more woody. Simple flavours with a bit of dryness. Perfect anytime wine and uber-affordable. 85/100 $9.49 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 13th, 2011)
Painted
Turtle Merlot – 12.5% alc/vol [British Columbia]
A simple nose with only one layer – dusty fruit the palate is more favourable with a very light body, low tannins and clean flavours of light earth and oak. 85/100 $9.49 [BC Liquor Stores] (March 24, 2011)
Sawmill
Creek Barrel Select Merlot – 12.5% alc/vol [Canada]
Young oak and blueberry jam on the nose and some extra sweetness that smells like candy. Rich with ripe fruit and jam flavours and a light body with a little dryness. Very affordable, very nice to drink. 90/100 $8.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (January 21st, 2011)
Sawmill
Creek Dry Red – 12.0% alc/vol [Canada]
A mild nose with mixed fruit and spice. A light body with the flavours of tart under-ripe fruit, a bit of dryness to match nicely with rare meats or pasta sauces. A reliable value wine. 72/100 (August 7, 2010) $7.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Sonora
Desert Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – 12.5% alc/vol
A hot berry nose with a bit of menthol and black pepper. A nice, easy drinking style with a bit of dryness. Some nice oaked raspberry and rhubarb sweetness. A great value wine made up of a blend of domestic and international wines. 89/100 $9.49 [BC Liquor Stores] (March 29th, 2011)
Black
Swan Shiraz 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [South Eastern Australia]
A bit of earthiness and some smokey cherries on the nose. The nice warm feeling of a shiraz on the palate with fruit forward flavour and some easy spice. I had this with homemade hamburgers made with a good amount of Worcestershire sauce – it worked out pretty well. This wine needs a dish with some flavour and punch to compete. 79/100 (June 24, 2010) $9.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Cono
Sur Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 13% alc/vol [Chile]
Blueberry juice and smokey wood chips round out the bouquet of this wine. Pleasant flavours of pomegranate and green pepper. There is some tangy acidity and mild tannins. Very good with cheeses and hearty pasta sauces. 87/100 $10.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (April 21, 2011)
Cupcake
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [California]
A nice bright nose of fresh scents with an earthy backbone coupled with red licorice and pine needles. Good fruit flavours with dark cherries, mild tannins and a light drinking style. Great with cheeses and chocolate cake. 90/100 $14.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (April 29, 2011)
Farnese
Sangiovese 2009 – 12.5% alc/vol [Italy]
A warm earthy scent followed by barbequed meats and strawberry. Initially this wine starts off a little sweet but quickly switches to a dry palate cleanser with mild tannins. The flavour profile is rather flat with a single note of toasted wood chips. 83/100 (April 26, 2011)
Fuzion
Shiraz / Malbec 2009 – 13% alc/vol [Mendoza, Argentina]
A nice ruby colour on this wine. Black cherry, spice and cool menthol pour out of this wine. Woody flavours with a bit of sweet earth. A great match for lamb in a cherry glaze or bbq back ribs. A wonderful value wine that is a real crowd pleaser. 92/100 $8.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (January 27th, 2011)
Gray
Fox Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 12.5% alc/vol [U.S.A.]
A very simple nose with fresh picked peppers alongside ripe berries. Very easy drinking with some charred oak and nice round jam flavours. A little bit of dryness on the finish. Perfect for a day at sea, catching crabs and feeding eagles. 89/100 $8.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (January 31st, 2011)
J.P.
Chenet Merlot-Cabernet 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [France]
A beautifully inviting ruby colour pours out of the bottle. A nose of old barn wood, apples and some field fruits. A good balance of earth and fruit flavours with a dusty green pepper finish. 89/100 $12.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (March 30th, 2011)
Marcus
James Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [Mendoza, Argentina]
Red berry fruits with some green herbaceous qualities. Very easy drinking with a bit of tannin and agreeable berry flavours. 80/100 $8.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (January 29th, 2011)
Montgras
Soleus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 12.5% alc/vol [Chile]
An organic wine with a big berry nose upfront with a bit of black pepper spice. A dry palate with very oaky flavours. No berries on the mouth, just earth and smoke. 84/100 $13.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 10th, 2011)
Obikwa
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [South Africa]
Stewed fruit with a bit of black pepper and fresh green peppers. A bit of tannin and dryness on this wine with some smokey flavours and berry seeds. Easy drinking style that would pair nicely with a simple Italian meal. 86/100 $9.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 7th, 2011)
Sebeka
Cabernet Pinotage 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [Western Cape, South Africa]
A round, pleasant nose that fills with black pepper, sweet raspberry and cranberry. The flavours are not too complex, a nice dryness that shows alongside the tastes of fresh field berries and peppery oak. 92/100 $12.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (June 16th, 2011)
Two
Oceans Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [Western Cape, South
Africa]
Muted anise, spice garden and strawberry rhubarb pie. A bit of cherry fruit, dry earth and spice on the tounge. Reasonably nice considering the price. 84/100 $9.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (April 2nd, 2011)
Yellowtail
Shiraz 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [Australia]
Eucalyptus and a big nose of fresh deli sandwiches – very tasty smells altogether. Nice dry flavours with a backbone of fruit that doesn’t overpower with too much sweetness. A nice vintage and example of the brand. 88/100 $12.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (April 3rd, 2011)
Clean scents of blackberry and strawberry. A very gentle and easy drinking wine with fruit forward flavours of currant jam and juicy cherries. Lovely to drink all on its own. 81/100 (August 10, 2010) $12.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Yellowtail
Shiraz-Cabernet 2009 – 13.5% alc/vol [Australia]
Some notes of berry jam with some earthy green peppers. A nice mouth of raspberry jam with a bit of dryness and spice. A nice burger wine that can compete with bold flavours. 82/100 (August 10, 2010) $12.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Banrock
Station Merlot 2008 – [Australia]
A sweet fruity nose with cherry liquorice and strawberry seeds. Very easy drinking with low tannins and muted flavours of earth jam and black pepper. 86/100 $9.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 27th, 2011)
Casillero
del Diablo Carmenere 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Chile]
The smells of cherries and smoke with a bit of something that reminds me of strawberries dipped in chocolate. A very nice flavour on this wine with a drying effect stemming from the medium amount of tannins. Fruit forward tastes with a bit of blueberry and currant. 86/100 (September 2, 2010) $12.99 BC Liquor Stores
De Bortoli
Petite Sirah 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Australia]
A rich purple hue makes for an inviting colour. Black cherry fruit and black berry jam on the nose. Easy drinking with low tannins and a medium fruity finish. 82/100 $11.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (March 4th, 2011)
De Bortoli
Vat 8 Shiraz 2008 – 14% alc/vol [Australia]
A nice bouquet of eucalyptus, cool menthol and black licorice. A mouth of young plum and a sting of chile infused jam. Lovely drinking. A high alcohol wine that leaves lovely legs on the glass. 85/100 $13.49 [BC Liquor Stores] (March 2nd, 2011)
Finca Flichman Malbec Oak Aged 2008 – 13% alc/vol [Mendoza, Argentina]
Ripe fruits on the nose and some perfumey notes that elevate the cherry and raspberry. The oak is more pronounced on the palate, a bit of jam, a hint of smoke, and a nice warm hug from each sip of this wine. $10.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 85/100 (May 2, 2010)
Finca
Los Primos Malbec 2008 – 14% alc/vol [Argentina]
A hint of smoke can be found underneath a hot jammy nose of blackberries. The dry puckering fruit reminds me of cool climate reds. A drink now wine that would pair well with a game entree. Light bodied with a tart short aftertaste, best served in large bowled glasses to get the most concentrated nose. $9.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 61/100 (Mar. 8, 2010)
Gemtree
Vineyards Bloodstone Shiraz/Viognier 2008 – 14.5% alc/vol [McLaren Vale,
Australia]
A lovely nose of black pepper, turned earth and strawberries – a nice perfumey nose that also shows hints of violets. Nice fruit forward flavours, a bit of heat, raspberries, strawberries and some peppermint flavours. A deep rich colour with a medium body. 83/100 $18.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (October 23, 2010)
Gray
Fox Vineyards Merlot 2008 – 12.5% alc/vol [California]
The smell of smokey juice berries that is clean and pleasant. A nice palate of red fruit with a bit of residual sugar. Easy drinking, affordable and a great value. 88/100 (October 8, 2010) $7.99 BC Liquor Stores
La
Casona Monastrell Old Vines 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Argentina]
A very muted nose, probably why an old vine import wine is priced so low. Still, this wine does offer a dry finish with medium to high tannins to pair with the right dish. Think prime rib au jus or a sweeter style Italian tomato sauce pasta with chicken. The fresh oak and sweet smoke that dominate this wine are very agreeable. $9.99 (Cow Bay Spirits) 64/100 (Apr. 1, 2010)
Man
Vintners Shiraz 2008 – 14.0% alc/vol [Coastal South Africa]
A meaty nose with cherry notes and some dusty earth. The flavours are dominated with smoke and spice. There is a light texture with a little bit of tannin that gives some dryness. A cute wine with an interesting story. 77/100 (August 11, 2010) $12.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Mapu
Cabernet Sauvignon – Carmenere 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Chile]
A refreshing, rich nose with some plum fruits, green pepper and cracked black peppercorns. There is just something that makes you go back for more. A really gentle taste that has some cranberry and fruit soaked pie crust flavours. A light thin body with modest tannins. 89/100 (August 26, 2010) $9.99 BC Liquor Stores
Marcus
James Merlot 2008 – 13% alc/vol [Argentina]
Surprisingly nice with Asian foods. Subtle berry flavours that show on the nose and the palate. This wine lack a bit of polish that would make it difficult to drink alone. Perfect for dinner in and racy conversations. 87/100 $8.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 26th, 2011)
McLaren
Vale Razor’s Edge Shiraz 2008 – 14.5% alc/vol [Australia]
Off the bat there is a bit of licorice, plum and strawberry jam. There are nice fruity flavours of raspberry and minty earth. A heavy wine with balance and the ability to stand up against big bold flavours. Great with steaks, roasts and game meats. 88/100 $14.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (January 3rd, 2011)
Mission
Hill 5 Vineyards Cabernet Merlot 2008 – 13.5%alc/vol [VQA Okanagan Valley]
A simple nose with a blend of light spice and heavy red berries all stewed together. Berry fruits on the tongue with light tannins that leave a dry, smoky aftertaste. 83/100 $24 [Curling Club]
Montalto
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – 14% alc/vol [Italy]
Ripe fruits with light notes of peppery earth. A really gentle taste with a bit of dryness. Nothing over the top or fancy about this wine, but it is showing good value. 84/100 (October 3, 2010) $11.99 BC Liquor Stores
Open
Merlot-Cabernet 2008 – 14.0% alc/vol [VQA Okanagan Valley]
A strong oak char with green peppers and strawberry tarts. The flavours are nicely balanced with a bit of vanilla, stewed berries and some earthy dryness that lingers in the end. 82/100 (August 19, 2010) $14.99 BC Liquor Stores
Palo
Alto Reserva 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [D.O. Maule Valley, Chile]
This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah. A bit of a squirrely nose that has heat, red licorice, pepper and cranberry scents. After a while there is also a noticeable menthol element that spills out of this wine. A dry, gritty texture that really plays with your palate. Earth and oak flavours are the most obvious – this wine has great ageing potential and may show more fruit characteristics after some time lying down. I like this wine! 95/100 (October 1, 2010) $14.99 BC Liquor Stores
Penfolds
Koonuga Hills Shiraz / Cabernet 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Australia]
A pleasant nose with nothing too distinguishable or unique. Fruit scents and flavours, nothing offensive or over the top. A great sturdy wine that could pair with almost anything. Jammy with a heavy fruit profile that makes this wine feel medium bodied. 85/100 (September 22, 2010) $16.99 BC Liquor Stores
Quinta
Do Crasto Douro 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [DOC Portugal, Douro]
A big jammy nose, with cooked blackberry and currant fruits. Light body with smokey tints on other flavours, red berries, young oak and green peppers. 82/100 (October 22, 2010)
Red
Truck 2008 California Red – 13.5% alc/vol [California]
A pungent nose that contains prunes, raisins and some nice woodsy raspberries. The nose is a little hot smelling, a combination of some minty notes as well as high alcohol. The flavours showcase the earthy elements nicely when paired with a flavourful beef dish. Easy drinking and very enjoyable – a great crowd pleaser. 91/100 $14.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (May 4, 2011)
Roberts
Rock Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2008 – 14% alc/vol [South Africa]
Bright fruit notes of sugared raspberries and cherry syrup – the warmth in my nose reminds me of cool menthol. Nice legs and a rich colour. Medium tannins with a short finish, dry with an earthy finish and a slightly burnt oak flavour. $8.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 78/100 (Mar. 24, 2010)
Rosemount
Shiraz Cabernet 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [South East Australia]
A rich, inviting smell of mulled wine and spices. A touch of heat on the nose suggests a high alcohol wine that has a bit of bite. The palate is smooth and balanced with a bit of tannin that helps to give a medium length aftertaste this wine shows more oak than fruit and has earthy flavours. $12.49 (BC Liquor Stores) 70/100 (Apr. 19, 2010)
Sandhill
Gamay Noir 2008 – 13.5% alc/vol [Okanagn Valley, VQA]
A very pretty nose of strawberry jam, freshly turned earth and a bit of bright oak. A very nice drinking style, fruit in the beginning and a tannic dry finish at the end. There are some tangy raspberry and spice flavours. Pairs nicely with fresh salmon. 86/100 (July 4, 2010) $19.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Terra
Andina Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot 2008 – 13% alc/vol [Central Valley, Chile]
A heavy fruit smell of stewed strawberries and cracked pepper. A bit of bright green pepper is also present. Easy drinking with soft tannins and a light body. Deep flavours with some coffee and smoky hints. Great pairing for grilled veggies and charred meats. 85/100 (August 23, 2010) $9.99 BC Liquor Stores
1884
Reservado Malbec 2007 – 13.7% alc/vol [Argentina]
A beautiful deep purple hue, nice smooth flavours ad mouth feel. Medium dry with a touch of peppery spice surrounded with juicy blackberries and cherries. There is a touch of heat on the finish, a side effect of the high percentage of alcohol. The nose of the wine is inviting, oaky red fruits dominate with an inkling of anise to be found. This wine has excellent cellaring potential with this vintage bound to show well until 2013. 92/100 $16.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (May 9, 2010)
Dancing
Bull Zinfandel 2007 – 14.0% alc/vol [California]
Cloves, licorice and even a little blood (don’t worry, not as scary as it sounds). There is some nice jammy flavours that have a peppery heat on the finish. Could pair nicely with a peppercorn cream sauce. 80/100 $13.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (May 26, 2010)
Flaio
Primitivo 2007 – 13.5% alc/vol [Salento, Italy]
Nice jammy fruits with prominent smells of bacon, rhubarb, green peppers and blueberry juice; a bit of anise also shows in the heat of the nose. Rich fruit flavours with raspberries and some clean smokey flavours of charred oak and grilled berries. Very easy drinking and easily paired with tomato based dishes. 90/100 $12.94 [BC Liquor Stores] (October 22, 2010)
Fuzion
Shiraz Malbec 2007 – 13.5% alc/vol [Argentina]
Tight
flavours don’t provide much depth or flavour, but this well priced wine does
deliver an easy to swallow style that gives small hints of raspberry and clove
on the nose. A little bit of spice and
some pepper flavours can be found on the palate. I keep a few of these in the cellar at all
times for entertaining or everyday meals.
$8.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 85/100
Golden
Kaan Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 13.5% alc/vol [Western Cape, South Africa]
The wine has a slightly brown hue, hinting that it needs to be consumed now. The aromas are hot and pruney, with a little bit of bacon and sweet red cherry cough drops. This wine tastes a little hot too, with jammy menthol and little to no tannins. This wine gives a bit of under ripe tang on the finish. 76/100 (April 6, 2011)
Inniskillin
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 14.0% alc/vol [Okanagan Valley, B.C.]
A rich earthy nose with highlights of plump berries and green pepper. The nose is a little tight, typical of Canadian cabs. The palate is well balanced; fruit forward followed by a bit of tannic dryness. Very drinkable and showing well. 86/100 $16.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (May 28, 2010)
Green pepper and black peper with candied raspberries in the bouquet. The wine has a bit of dryness and mostly earthy flavours of oak, smoke and dried mushrooms. 74/100 $16.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (October 22, 2010)
Potts
Family Bleasdale, Langhorne Crossing 2007 – 14.0% alc/vol [Australia]
A warm jammy scent of mixed berries with a bit of licorice. The palate is gentle with red fruits and very light tannins that give a short finish would compliment red meats served alongside mushrooms. 80/100 $11.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (June 3, 2010)
Prospect
Winery Fats Johnson Pinot Noir 2007 – 13.0% alc/vol [B.C.]
Black cherries and fields of peppers, nice earthy notes. Flavours of licorice, rhubarb, strawberry and black pepper. A beautiful bbq wine. 83/100 (August 22, 2010) $19.99 BC Liquor Stores
Prospect
Winery Haynes Barn Merlot Cabernet 2007 – 13.5% alc/vol [B.C.]
A mild nose with fresh earth, anise and rosey floral hints. Tried this at a cool temperature to start, gritty tannins stuck around on the palate. A mixture of fruit and charred oak. At warmer temperatures the anise is much more pronounced and the palate is a bit more balanced. $14.99 (BC Liquor Stores). 72/100 (Mar. 4, 2010)
Reserve
Pampas Del Sur Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 14% alc/vol [Argentina]
A nice spicy nose of plums and black pepper – there is also a hint of cigarette smoke. Flavours are fruity with some red berries, watermelon candy and some dry beach wood. A very nice value wine that would do well with cellaring. 88/100 $13.98 [BC Liquor Stores] (February 24th, 2011)
Root 1
Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - 14.0% alc/vol [Chile]
A full
on nose and flavour of young leather.
There is a lack of fruit on the palate, the bitter notes dominate with
earthy undertones complementing. There
is even a gritty texture – this wine can stand for some decanting and an hour
or two to open up and let the heavy leather smell subside. This needs rare meats with jammy flavours. $14.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 88/100
Strut
Red Over Heels 2007 – 14.3% alc/vol [British Columbia]
Nice depth for a mid-range cool climate merlot. A good earthy base with a tart fruity finish on the nose – raspberry and rhubarb. Smooth tannins give an upfront berry flavour that has a longer dryer finish wih a charred oak note. $13.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 79/100 (Apr. 4, 2010)
The
Show Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 13.9% alc/vol [California]
A deep, rich ruby colour on this wine makes it look so scrumptious. The nose opens with young cedar and sweet vanilla with hints of pomegranate. Easy drinking with big jam sweetness to start and mellow fruit flavours with some smoke leading towards the dry finish. Great with roasts and gourmet burgers. 92/100 $ [BC Liquor Stores] (January 16th, 2011)
Wolf
Blass Yellow Label Shiraz 2007 – 13.5% alc/vol [South Australia]
A little smoke and cooked fruit; a touch of candy licorice in the background. The flavours are heavy: dry oak, June strawberries and a bit of pepper. A very consistent wine that continues to show well with each new vintage. 79/100 (October 8, 2010) $17.99 BC Liquor Stores
Wyndham
Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 14% alc/vol [Australia]
A very nice berry forward nose with smells of strap leather, raspberry juice and spiced blueberry jam. Great flavour that shows a bit of sweet pepper puree with some red berry juice and stale coffee. 92/100 $16.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (December 1, 2010)
Brazin
(B) Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2006 – 15.0% alc/vol [California]
The nose sneaks up on you, a bit of peppermint, a bit of spearmint, a cheeky combination of red fruits and earth. The palate shines on this wine, a sweet jammy sip reveals juicy plums, raspberry and a dry smoked oak finish. Truly a remarkable wine; I also like the bottle styling and believe this wine will appreciate nicely as a cellaring candidate. $29.99 (BC Liquor Stores) 83/100 (Apr. 27, 2010)
Greg
Norman Shiraz 2006 – 14.5% alc/vol [Limestone Coast, Australia]
A rich smell of plums and earth with a hint of licorice in the background. Flavours of smoke and berries shine through. A small amount of tannin to this wine that is very nicely balanced with the fruit and acidity. 93/100 (September 29, 2010) $16.90 Las Vegas Walmart
Inniskillin
Reserve Merlot 2006 – 14.0% alc/vol [VQA Okanagan Valley]
Very nice scents packed with cherry and blueberry. A bit of heat on the nose that is pronounced in the spice and is reminiscent of menthol. Tart flavours of charred cranberries and currants, there is lots of oak with a medium dry amount of tannins. I would pair this with a gamey meat so that the tart flavours can balance more smoothly. 82/100
Michael David Seven Deadly Zins 2006 - 14.5% alc/vol
More
than just a catchy title, this wine has great ageing potential for wine lovers
looking to make a modest investment.
Such a familiar nose, one whiff reminds me of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
where I first tried this wine a few years ago; cherries and cloves with a full
bodied jammy flavour. Serious heat and
spiciness on the finish will lessen over time improving the total experience;
cellar now for special occaMIsions in 2013.
$25.90 (BC liquor stores) 79/100
Villa
Antinori Toscana 2006 – 13.5% alc/vol [Italy]
Nice earthy nose that is very full – a bit of light smoke with cherries and raspberries. Fruity flavours with sweet cherry and pomegranate and a dry style. The wine is medium dry with light tannins. 91/100 $26.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (November 11, 2010)
XOXO Shiraz Cabernet 2006 - 13.0% alc/vol
I love
filling my cellar with great buys like this that I know from experience can
stand up to some cellaring. It’s not big
or bold, but this light unpretentious wine is great for an everyday bottle that
doesn’t make me or my wallet cringe to open; still showing well after 2 years
of cellaring. Mild raspberry with sweet
pepper on the nose, mild pepper and berry jam on the palate, perfect with red
sauce pastas, toasted tomato sandwiches and anything dressed in balsamic
vinegar. $9.99 (BC liquor stores) 89/100
Cypress
Vineyards Merlot 2005 – 13.5% alc/vol [Central Coast, California]
A bouquet of menthol, black candy licorice and wild cherries. A medium dry wine with some soft gritty tannins. It is very smooth and easy drinking. Expect some wine diamonds and other sediment from this bottle. 83/100 $14.99 [BC Liquor Stores] (October 21, 2010)
Don
Eugino Reserva Cabernet Malbec 2005 – 13.5% alc/vol [Uco Valley, Mendoza,
Argentina]
A
first nose of anise and cloves paves the way for fruity undertones. You will taste young red fruits – plums and
huckleberry. The wine has a decent
amount of tannins and they do dry the palate, it isn’t overwhelming but it is
still a good idea to serve this with meats cooked very gently. There are oaky features and great legs to this
wine, just lovely to drink. $13.99 (BC Liquor Stores) (Mar. 5, 2010)
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2005 - 12.9% alc/vol. [Niagara, Ontario]
This
relatively unknown varietal is an Ontario specialty, and Henry of Pelham Winery
is the primary producer of this grape in the Niagara region. A deep ruby red colour, this wine packs a bit
of punch with a peppery nose, raspberry jam flavours and a bit of heat. The 2005 season wasn’t particularly great for
Ontario, but this winter hearty varietal still shows well in spite. $15.00 (BC liquor stores) 78/100
Audacia Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - 13.5% alc/vol
This
beautiful South African wine is a limited release with beautiful depth and
character that is hard to come by. A big
bouquet of chocolate, figs, cinnamon and toasted vanilla spills out of this
wine. I recommend decanting the bottle and
letting it rest for about 30 minutes; this is initially smooth to drink, but
the extra time lets the flavours and sediment settle. Be sure to use big bowled glassware that
gives you lots of room to swirl and oxygenate the wine before sipping. Try this with fire charred steaks or a dark
chocolate ganache dessert. $19.99 (BC
liquor stores) 92/100
Greg Norman Coonawarra Cabernet-Merlot 2004 – 14%
alc/vol
A pioneer in the celebrity wine-making arena, Greg
Norman Estates has been expanding their vineyards throughout Australia and
California wine making regions since the 1990’s. This is a gorgeous, velvety wine with a
bouquet of leather, sweet smoke and humidor.
On the palate black cherry, blackberry and pink peppercorn round out the
silky tannins; even with a high percentage of alcohol there is very little
heat. This shows well with a rack of
lamb or a prime rib entree alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed
beets. A great candidate for cellaring,
for collectors who can show restraint and can save for nearly a decade – I had
the privilege of opening up 2000 Coonawarra Cab-Merlot at Christmas with family
in 2008, it was one of the most wonderful wines I have ever had. - $28.00
(BC liquor store) 91/100
Peller
Estates Private Reserve Merlot 2004 – 13.0 alc/vol [Niagara, Ontario]
A nice undercurrent of earth with some fruity notes of cranberry and currants. You might even get a toasty hint of chocolate. Light bodied with gentle tannins. A slight hint of brown colour means this wine is passing its prime; time to get into the newer vintages. Loads of wine diamonds and sediment in this wine – remember to decant your bottles. $20.10 (LCBO) 81/100 (Mar. 21, 2010)
The hue has a slight bit of brown suggesting that this wine has passed its peak. Green pepper and charred oak with a little bit of detectable red fruit in the background. As the wine sits and opens there are some delicate smells of chocolate, clove and chives. Flavours are nicely balanced with a punch of smoke with some nice earth and wild mushroom flavours. This is easy to pair with a variety of pork and chicken dishes. 90/100 (November 30, 2010)