Wine Tasting in Niagara

Hello Niagara Wineries,

We're headed your way to learn more about the fantastic wines of the Niagara Peninsula. Our goal is to significantly increase our Ontario/Niagara content on our main IconWines.ca site as well as our wine review site Icon Scores. We've scheduled two days of wine tasting and then will be heading up to cottage country to relax and enjoy many fabulous Ontario wines. Our schedule thus far:

Sunday, August 1st:
Coyote's Run Estate Winery
Lailey Vineyards
Stratus Vineyards
Hillebrand Winery
Niagara College Teaching Winery

Tuesday, August 3rd:
Chateau Des Charmes
Fielding Estate Winery
Thirty Bench
Hidden Bench Vineyards and Winery
Kacaba Vineyards
Vineland Estates Winery
and hopefully more if time permits

To contact us to book an appointment please email Liam at iconwines@shaw.ca We look forward to meeting you and trying your wines.

Best of BC: Cabernet

In a 2009 summary of their annual wine awards, Wine Access Magazine pondered if Cabernet Sauvignon should be grown in Canada suggesting that producer's efforts could be better spent elsewhere. In some cases they may be right. Cabernet Sauvignon is notoriously hard to ripen and many examples in Canada exhibit a green tannin character that no amount of aging will mellow or ripen. However, to say that we can't grow Cabernet Sauvignon as a nation, at all, is simply wrong. Producers are working hard to discover the best plots in their regions where the right clones of Cabernet Sauvignon will ripen beautifully producing fantastic wines. Below are some of our favourite examples from BC.

In an acknowledgement that the list of high quality Cabernet Sauvignons in BC is short, we've combined this list with our favourite Cabernet Francs.

Cabernet Franc is red grape that, along with Syrah, may prove to be one of BC's signature grapes in the near future. Producers are discovering that when properly ripened, the Cabernet Franc grape can produce charming and unique wines on its own without the need of blending (or much blending).

$20 and below:

Tinhorn Creek 2009 Cabernet Franc - $20
Perhaps it was the hotter than average vintage, or the fact the vines are now over 15+ years old, or the tried and tested winemaking techniques of Sandra Oldfield (or all of the above?). Whatever the case, Tinhorn have a real winner on their hands with this one. And it's only $20! Where to buy: BCLDB, VQA stores and direct from winery.
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Neck of the Woods Winery 2010 Backyard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - $20
a good balance between sweet dark fruit and savoury oak and vegetal characters resulting in a wine that delivers the structure you want from a Cabernet Sauvignon without the lofty price point and without resorting to added sugar to boost-up the body. Where to buy: VQA stores and direct from winery.
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$30 and below:

Gold Hill Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - $25
This gorgeous wine exemplifies what Cabernet Franc can achieve at the southern end of the Okanagan Valley when planted in the right places. Rightfully so, this Franc has been reaping in the awards for Gold Hill since its release last year and shows excellent potential as the signature red wine for their Golden Mile Bench vineyard. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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River Stone Estate Winery 2010 Cabernet Franc - $26
The winemaking team at River Stone Estate Winery certainly prove with the release of this tasty Cabernet Franc that they are adept at producing a rich and complex dry red wine with lower alcohol (13.6%). Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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La Frenz Winery 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon - $27
Big winner at the 2010 All Canadian Wine Competition winning the "Best Cabernet Sauvignon over $25" category. We recommend cellaring this beauty for two years before opening it. however, if you can't wait, you'll get ripe, round tannins and big dark berry flavours. Where to buy: Direct from winery. Select restaurants.
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Fairview Cellars 2010 Cabernet Franc - $27
A cool, but long 2010 growing season has given birth to a low alcohol and nuanced Cabernet Franc that offers a warm, feminine nose of violets, mandarin peel, ripe blackberry, boysenberry and soft oak aromas. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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$40 and below:

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2009 Cabernet Franc - $33
Concentrated red fruit, sweet oak and mild, persistent spice follows on the elegant palate with well balanced levels of tannin and acid. The finish lingers lovingly in your mouth. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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Fairview Cellars 2009 Premier Series Cabernet Sauvignon - $40
was a great year for the Fairview Cabernet wines. The hotter than average vintage ripened the thick skinned grape perfectly creating a dense, powerful and layered cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon bursting with dark blue fruits and savoury black licorice on the seductive nose and intense palate. Where to buy: Direct from winery and select private wine shops.
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Painted Rock Estate Winery 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - $40
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Painted Rock Estate Winery presents the fabled Bordeaux varietal in its near-ideal, cool-climate form: fully ripe tannins and expressive dark fruit characters that benefit greatly from the élevage program of 100% new French oak resulting in a cool, refined and complex wine of distinction. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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Rollingdale Winery 2007 "La Gauche" Cabernet Sauvignon - $40
Intense aromas of mocha espresso, cherry nibs, dark berries, cassis and licorice on the nose are followed by meaty flavours of leather, oak, earthy minerality and vanilla with a touch of dark fruits on the palate. Moderate alcohol, high acidity and integrated tannins contribute to a medium-bodied palate. Where to buy: Direct from winery.
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IconWines.ca Turns 1 Year Old

Yeah us! July 17th will mark the date that IconWines.ca went live one year ago. To mark the occasion we're celebrating by diving into our cellars and pulling out a couple special wines.

We have a lot to celebrate. In our first year we managed to establish some excellent relationships in the Canadian wine industry and are well on our way to becoming a solid brand for honest, impartial and informative critique of the wines we review. Building a household brand name is the goal and we are miles from that, but we're very proud of the ground we covered in our first year. We will quietly raise a glass to our successes and plot the future we will strive to achieve. Cheers!

A few stats:

250+ wine reviews, 100+ blog posts, 4 wine regions visited, 4500 Facebook friends, 2900 Twitter tweeps, 13,000+ unique visitors and 25,000+ page views.

Liam's wine: Joseph Drouhin 2001 Beaune Premier Cru
Region: Burgundy
Notes: A blend of the negociant's Premier Cru vineyards in the sub-appellation of Beaune on the Cote d'Or. Barnyard, cigar box, mint, oak and raspberry aromas form the base of the explosive bouquet that filled the room. Great concentration of raspberry and earthy flavours on the silky palate. The nose evolves to reveal more fruit over time. 93pts http://www.drouhin.com/

Hugh's wine: Bergström Wines 2007 Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Notes: A blend of 15 contract vineyard holdings (70% Shea Vineyard). Terroir shines through in the form or steely, metallic earthy notes on the nose with youthful aromas of orange zest, vanilla, raspberry, pine and baking spice. Great continuity from the nose to the palate with added flavours of blueberry, fruit leather, minerals and oak spice. Young with room to develop. Contrasted beautifully with the Old World Beaune. 91+pts http://www.bergstromwines.com/home.html

Thank you to everyone who have visited our site over the past year. We hope you will continue to use Icon Wines and Icon Scores as your reference for all wines made and sold in Canada (and tell your friends). Keep an eye out for an iPhone/Android app sometime this year.

Best regards,
Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter

BC Wine Deal: July 13th, 2010

The following wines have been reduced in price at participating VQA wine shops like The Wine Emporium in Langley. Some reductions are due to new vintages being released and others simply to move stock.

8th. Generation Pinot Gris was $20.94 is now $19.99

Calona Pinot Blanc Artist Series was $9.79 is now $8.99
Calona Pinot Gris Artist Series was $13.99 is now $12.99
Calona Sovereign Opal Artist Series was $12.99 is now $11.99
Gehringer Dry Riesling was $13.99 is now $12.99
Gehringer Auxerrois was $13.99 is now $12.99
Jackson Triggs White Meritage was $20.00 is now $17.99
La Stella Allegretto was $38.03 is now $26.60
Okanagan Vineyards Merlot was $12.99 is now $9.09
Okanagan Vineyards Chardonnay was $9.99 is now $8.49
Okanagan Vineyards Gewurztraminer was $11.99 is now $8.49
Paradise Whistler Chardonnay Ice-Wine 375ml. was $44.99 is now $34.99
Soaring Eagle Pinot Gris was $21.90 is now $15.90
Soaring Eagle Chardonnay was $17.90 is now $15.90
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Private Reserve was $13.99 is now $12.99
Sumac Ridge Pinot Blanc Private Reserve was $12.99 is now $11.99
Sumac Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve was $13.99 is now $12.99
Tinhorn Creek Merlot was $17.99 is now $16.99

WCOW: Spain VS. The Netherlands

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet. However, the final features only one wine powerhouse, Spain. Therefore, the theme is Beer.


Match 8 The Final. Spain takes on The Netherlands in a battle of lager. For the first time we'll make tasting notes on beer:

Spain's Beer: Estrella Damm
Cost: $2.25 (500ml can)
Alcohol: 4.6%
Notes: Light straw in colour. Light nose of hops, light texture with a touch of tangerine and lemon citrus flavours.

Holland's Beer: Grolsch Premium Lager
Cost: $2.25 (500ml can)
Alcohol: 5%
Notes: Medium intense nose. Bit of a bitter bite on the palate. Peat and forest floor flavours.

The Conclusion: (other than we're more beer drinkers than beer reviewers)

Complexity (Nose): Grolsch
Complexity (Palate): Estrella
Food Friendly: Grolsch
Concentration: Estrella
Expression of Terroir: Toss-up
Value: Toss-up
Winner: Estrella

The Estrella wins, edging out the Dutch Grolsch completely based on personal taste - sorry, we aren't beer reviewers. The Estrella is a nice, light beer that should match well with a wide variety of game time snacks. But who will win the game?
- Liam Carrier

Canadian Wines Win Big in San Francisco

The results of the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition are in and Canadian wines have done extremely well. Below is a highlight of some of our BC and Niagara winners. For the full list of winners (warning, it's very long) visit the SFIWC website: http://www.sfwinecomp.com/subresults.html


Chardonnay
Best Chardonnay, Double Gold
Church and State Wines 2008 Gravelbourg Vineyard - $25

Gold
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Sunrock Vineyard - $26

Silver
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2008 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve - $18
Mission Hill Family Estate 2007 Reserve - $18
Mission Hill Family Estate 2008 Five Vineyards - $13
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Chardonnay - $16
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2008 Chardonnay - $20
Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2008 Stewart Family Reserve - $30
Sandhill Wines 2008 Chardonnay - $18

Bronze
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2008 Chardonnay - $25
Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay - $10
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2008 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve - $20
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay - $25
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - $16

Sauvignon Blanc
Silver
Mission Hill Family Estate 2008 Reserve - $18

Bronze
Sonora Ranch Winery 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - $9
White Bear 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - $12

Pinot Blanc
Gold
Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery 2008 Pinot Blanc - $12

Silver
White Bear 2008 Pinot Blanc - $12

Bronze
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Blanc - $16
Peller Estates Winery 2009 Family Series - $13

Riesling
Gold
See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Riesling - $16

Silver
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2008 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve - $19
Quails' Gate Estate Winery 2009 Riesling - $17

Bronze
Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery 2008 Riesling - $12
Inniskillin Niagara 2009 Riesling - $18
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2007 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve - $20.
Red Rooster Winery 2009 Riesling - $16

Gewürztraminer
Silver
Arrowleaf Cellars 2009 Solstice - $20
Calona Vineyards 2009 Artist Series - $14

Bronze
Red Rooster Winery 2009 Gewürztraminer - $16

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio
Double Gold
Inniskillin Niagara 2009 Barrel-Aged Pinot Gris - $20

Gold
Inniskillin Niagara 2009 Pinot Grigio - $13
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2008 Pinot Grigio - $18

Silver
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Gris - $20
Laughing Stock Vineyards 2009 Pinot Gris - $20
Red Rooster Winery 2009 Pinot Gris - $18
See Ya Later Ranch 2008 Pinot Gris - $19

Bronze
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Pinot Gris - $17
Red Rooster Winery 2009 Reserve Pinot Gris - $20

Cabernet Sauvignon
Double Gold
Church and State Wines 2007 Coyote Bowl - $35

Silver
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - $38

Bronze
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2006 Sunrock Vineyard - $35
Nk'Mip Cellars 2006 Qwam Qwmt - $30
Peller Estates Winery 2008 Private Reserve - $20
Pillitteri Estates Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - $20

Red Bordeaux Blend
Double Gold
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2007 Meritage - $45
See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Ping - $27

Gold
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Sunrock Vineyard Meritage - $35
Nk'Mip Cellars 2007 Meritage - $30

Silver
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2007 Proprietor’s Grand Reserve - $25
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve - $23
Laughing Stock Vineyards 2007 Portfolio - $40
Red Rooster Winery 2008 Cabernet-Merlot - $19

Bronze
Calona Vineyards 2008 Artist Series - $15
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet-Merlot - $16
Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2006 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon - $29
Red Rooster Winery 2007 Meritage - $25

Merlot
Silver
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate 2007 Delaine Vineyard - $27
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2006 Sunrock Vineyard - $30
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve - $24
Red Rooster Winery 2007 Reserve Merlot - $30
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2007 Merlot - $17

Bronze
CedarCreek Estate Winery 2007 Platinum Reserve - $30
Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery 2007 Merlot - $10
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Merlot - $17
Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 Reserve Merlot - $26
Inniskillin Niagara 2007 Two Vineyards Merlot - $23
Mission Hill Family Estate 2007 Reserve Merlot - $24
Nk'Mip Cellars 2007 Merlot - $20
Nk'Mip Cellars 2007 Qwam Qwmt - $27
Red Rooster Winery 2008 Merlot - $19

Syrah / Shiraz
Gold
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2006 Proprietors’ Grand Reserve - $24
See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Rover - $25

Silver
Burrowing Owl Estate Winery 2007 Syrah - $35
CedarCreek Estate Winery 2007 Platinum Reserve - $40
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Sunrock Vineyard - $35
Red Rooster Winery 2008 Syrah - $30
Sandhill Wines 2008 Syrah - $22

Bronze
Ganton and Larsen Prospect Winery 2007 Shiraz - $16
Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estates 2007 Proprietors’ Reserve - $18
Nk'Mip Cellars 2007 Syrah - $35
Summerhill Pyramid Winery 2007 Organic Syrah - $40

Pinot Noir
Silver
See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Pinot Noir - $22

Bronze
Foxtrot Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir - $48-55
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Qwam Qwmt - $30
Nk'Mip Cellars 2008 Pinot Noir - $20

WCOW: Spain VS. Germany

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.

Match 7 has Spain facing off against Germany in the semifinal to decide who will face Holland in the finals. The theme for the match is Budget White wines and both countries produce a wide selection. Germany's budget wines are often produced in a off-dry or even semi-sweet style and come from the Rheinhessen where yields are very high. Spain's budget whites are less easily typified and come from all over the country due to inexpensive land and labour (relatively speaking). The two wines we selected for the match-up at under $10 and offer good typicity for the theme.

Spain's Wine: Castillo de Monseran 2007 Carinena Viura
Region: Aragón
Cost: $8.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Dry, with citrus fruit, mineral, mediterranean fruit flavours. Moderately intense and refreshing. Excellent value. Pairs well with white fish.




Germany's Wine: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Region: Rheinhessen
Cost: $9.99
Alcohol: 9.5%
Notes: Off-dry, blend of Silvaner and Muller-Thurgau. Notoriously known as a cheap, pure quality wine, popular in the 70's. Modern example is well made with modern techniques. Simple, far from complex, but not the swill of old. Matches many dishes.

The Conclusion:

Complexity (Nose): Castillo de Monseran
Complexity (Palate): Castillo de Monseran
Food Friendly: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Concentration: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Expression of Terroir: Castillo de Monseran
Value: Castillo de Monseran
Winner: Castillo de Monseran

Despite the fact that the modern-day Blue Nun is miles better than the sweet, 70's export favourite, in this match-up is loses out to the Spanish Viura - an echo of Germany's performance on the pitch. The Spanish wine, for the price, offers excellent concentration and expression of the hot, arid terroir it comes from.
 - Liam Carrier

Next Match: We'll switch gears for the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 11th and have the Dutch face-off against the Spanish in a battle of beers. Stay tuned.

News: SOWA To Aid in Mudslide Relief

Courtesy or Leeann Froese:

Tug-o-war challenge to raise funds in landslide relief efforts

This June a mudslide tore through the Southern Okanagan Valley, destroying the homes and livelihoods of many of our neighbours. In answer to the disaster, The South Okanagan Winery Association is proud to announce its participation in the Mudslide Crisis Relief Committee’s fundraiser during Oliver Township’s “Sunshine Days” on July 17. We invite everyone to come down to the Oliver Community Centre around noon to enjoy the festivities, including: A beer (and cider!) tent, water slides, live music, and a once-in-a-lifetime raffle for some of the best wines the Southern Okanagan has to offer. Come for the fun and stay to watch the wineries beat the pants off of anyone who dares to accept their Tug-O-War challenge! Think you got what it takes? Sign up at Oliver Parks and Rec.

For more information on Sunshine Days and the Mudslide Crisis Relief contact: Deb at Oliver Parks & Rec: 250.498.4985 or deb@oliverrecreation.ca

For more information about the South Okanagan Winery Association visit their website: http://www.sowasite.com/

Value Wines: $10 and Below

Our Value Wines section is designed to be an on-going, ever-changing reference to the best valued wines available to purchasers in BC and Ontario. Many of the wines are available in the other Provinces and in the United States as well, but the "value" reflects the price one pays here.

The following wines are commonly available for $10 or less. Also see our $15 and Below and $20 and Below sections.

McGuigan Wines 2009 Black Label Shiraz - $9
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Notes: This is straight-forward, simple Shiraz with classic aromas of cherries, black pepper and blackberries. Flavours of red and dark fruit follow suit on the palate. Inky-purple in colour with a moderate, lingering spicy finish and none of the bitter aftertaste you often get with cheap wine.
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Fuzion 2010 Shiraz-Malbec - $9
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Notes: A tasty, fruit-forward, easy-drinking blend of Shiraz and Malbec that offers good value for the price. Pair with BBQ meats.

Cono Sur 2009 Viognier - $10
Region: Colchagua Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: Aromas of green apple, candied apricot and wet stone followed by a fruity palate of tropical fruit and cleansing acidity. Not overly complex with a slightly sharp, short finish, but a very easy-drinking white wine, perfect for the anything-but-Chardonnay crowd.
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Castillo De Monseran 2006 Carinena Garnacha - $10
Country: Spain
Notes: Old world Granache from Spain with intense smoky oak, red fruits and earthiness.

Morandé 2008 Pionero Pinot Noir - $10
Region: Casablanca Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: Pale plum in colour with a medium intense nose of raspberries, strawberries, plums and cedar chips with a hint of mineral notes. The medium-bodied palate offers medium-plus tannins and acidity that blend nicely with the red-fruit and savory-spice flavours.
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Value Wines: $15 and Below

Our Value Wines section is designed to be an on-going, ever-changing reference to the best valued wines available to purchasers in BC and Ontario. Many of the wines are available in the other Provinces and in the United States as well, but the "value" reflects the price one pays here.

The following wines are commonly available for $15 or less. Also see our $10 and Below and $20 and Below sections.

Generation Seven Wines 2009 Red - $14
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Country: Canada
Notes: No lengthy oak program needed for this fun and easy-drinking wine that offers a spectrum of aromas and flavours framed nicely by soft, smooth tannins and a strong acidic kick. Well balanced with a steady finish of lingering spice.
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Generation Seven Wines 2009 White - $14
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Country: Canada
Notes: Fresh, flavourful and fun. This white blend, a new release (and new brand) from Niagara-On-The-Lake producer Chateau des Charmes, packs a punch of crisp acidity with good concentration of fruit flavours and aromas.
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Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Chardonnay - $15
Region: Central Coast
Country: USA
Notes: A good value at $14.99 but not a Chardonnay for the ABC crowd with its ample oak influence on the palate and big MLF notes on the nose. The creamy texture could use more acidity and/or mineral characters to make a more harmonious balance.
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M. Chapoutier 2009 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut - $15
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Notes: A feminine wine that boasts of the hot Mediterranean coastal region terroir from where it originated.
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St. Hallett 2007 Gamekeepers Reserve - $15
Region: Barossa
Country: Australia
Notes: A Shiraz-Grenache blend. nose offered notes of coffee, raspberry, and black licorice. The palate was jammy and continued with raspberry, tar, and expresso. The finish was long and peppery. Overall this wine was smooth and bold, very fruit forward and very new world.
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Palo Alto 2008 Reserva - $15
Region: Maule Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: Named for the thorny flowering trees that are dotted all over the hillsides of the Maule Valley, this is a complex wine at a bargain price. A nose of cassis, leather and notes of tobacco. The palate shows dark fruits with firm yet balanced acidity and medium tannins.
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Xanadu Wines 2007 Next of Kin Cabernet Sauvignon - $15
Region: Margaret River
Country: Australia
Notes: A solid, cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River producer Xanadu Wines. Good concentration of cassis, dark cherry, vanilla and earth characters on the bright nose and well-balanced palate.
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Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat - $15
Region: San Juan
Country: Argentina
Notes: On the nose this inky-purple coloured wine offers youthful aromas of blueberries, white pepper, pencil shavings and toasted-oak notes. The high-minus bodied palate offers flavours of oak, white pepper, dark fruit and cooking spice notes.
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Undurraga 2008 Sibaris Pinot Noir - $15
Region: Maipo Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: Nice fruit intensity on the nose of wild berries , light cedar and a hint of spice. Red berries, ripe tannins, medium acidity, medium body and a decent finish greet you on the palate.
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Value Wines: $20 and Below

Our Value Wines section is designed to be an on-going, ever-changing reference to the best valued wines available to purchasers in BC and Ontario. Many of the wines are available in the other Provinces and in the United States as well, but the "value" reflects the price one pays here.

The following wines are commonly available for $20 or less. Also see our $10 and Below and $15 and Below sections.

Maison Calvet 2009 Reserve - $16
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Notes: A charming vein of sweetness runs through the nose of this pleasing Bargain Bordeaux. Ripe, dark fruits and black licorice candy aromas dominate the juicy and concentrated nose.
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Bodega Renacer 2008 Punta Final Malbec - $16
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Notes: A fruit-forward and food-friendly pleaser with just a touch of French oak aging added for complexity of aroma and flavour. Big, juicy dark fruits on the nose and on the medium+ bodied palate with a splash of Cabernet Franc aromatics.
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JL Giguiere 2006 Matchbook Syrah - $16
Region: California
Country: USA
Notes: The dry palate offers high acid, medium-plus tannins and flavours of raspberry, spice, tobacco, cassis and a touch of vanilla all. Easy-drinking with a super smooth mouth feel: if the texture were sheets, we'd be discussing 600 thread count.
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Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White - $17
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: The new vintage is lighter in body and posses a different flavour profile but continues the trend of well-balanced, refreshing white wines. Kind-of like taking a different, yet equally effective route home from work.
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Tinhorn Creek Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Off-dry and richly aromatic with mountains of spice on the medium intense nose and full palate. Stonefruit, citrus and peach fruit characters aplenty with a well-balanced, long finish.
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Lake Breeze Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Crisp, fruity and refreshing; a perfect wine for a hot patio or deck. Intense fruit aromas and flavours of grapefruit, orange blossoms, peach skins and ripe pears with tart citrus acidity and strong minerality.
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Van Westen Vineyards 2008 Vivacious - $19
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Excellent concentration of orchard fruits on the nose and palate with brawny mineral characters. Crisp, natural acidity helps balance out the wine and does not interrupt the long-ish finish.
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Loosen Bros 2008 Riesling "Dr L" - $19
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany
Notes: The nose offers aromas of stone fruit, lemon and mango with lively floral notes. The palate offers flavours of Newton apples, Asian pears and minerals with tangy citrus acidity balanced nicely by the sweetness from the concentrated fruit.
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SummerGate Winery 2009 Riesling Two - $20
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Harvested in late October, the extra hang-time on the vine contributes to the impressive concentration in this wine. The acid is handled well and never seems tart due to the excellent balance of stonefruit flavours.
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Haras de Pirque 2008 Equus Carmenere - $20
Region: Maipo Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: The nose presents fruity and spicy aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, vanilla and white pepper. The palate offers flavours of dark fruit, pepper, toasted oak, cooking spice and nibs that will please your mouth and culminates in a smooth and lingering finish.
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Summer Sippers

Out in BC it finally looks like we're going to have some prolonged sunny weather. Yeah! This calls for a list of Summer Sippers for: The Patio, The Cabin/Cottage and BBQs.

The Patio
If you're in need of some patio time and want to spend it enjoying a nice glass of wine then this is the section for you. Chances are, even if your patio (or deck) isn't drenched in sunlight you may still want a wine that makes you feel as though it is. Here are some refreshing patio sippers for summer:

Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2009 Honest John's White - $17
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: The dry palate has just a touch of residual sugar which contrasts nicely with the high acidity making this an excellent wine to refresh you (and your guests) on a hot summer day. Flavours of citrus fruits, ripe pears and tropical fruits dominate.
Full Review

Coyote's Run Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - $18
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Country: Canada
Notes: Pronounced, lemony acid, citrus and stonefruit flavours are complemented by subtle, green apple and sour pear aromas on the nose. Add a touch of off-dry residual sugar to the mix to balance the acidity and you have a recipe for a very refreshing drink on a hot summer's night in Ontario
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Lake Breeze Vineyards 2009 Pinot Blanc - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: A great example of BC Pinot Blanc at its most vibrant. Crisp, fruity and refreshing; a perfect wine for a hot patio or deck. Intense fruit aromas and flavours of grapefruit, orange blossoms, peach skins and ripe pears with tart citrus acidity and strong minerality.
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Loosen Bros 2008 Riesling "Dr L" -$19
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany
Notes: The palate offers flavours of Newton apples, Asian pears and minerals with tangy citrus acidity balanced nicely by the sweetness from the concentrated fruit. This is a good quality, medium-bodied wine with a persistent finish that shines when enjoyed with food.
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La Frenz Winery 2009 Riesling - $19
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: The 2009 vintage is an intriguing coupling of restraint and blazing concentration. The nose is aromatic and delicate offering aromas of lime rind, green apples, honeycomb and wet stone. The palate has concentrated fruit flavours of crab apple, grapefruit and peaches with slate and intense acidity off-set by just the right amount of residual sugar.
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Van Westen Vineyards 2008 Vino Grigio - $19
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: This is Pinot Gris made in an Italian Pinot Grigio style, which is to say un-oaked and full of fruit intensity. Aromas and flavours of melons, orchard fruits and river stones with tropical fruit characters and acidity.
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Fairview Cellars 2009 Sauvignon Blanc - $20
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Aromas and flavours of gooseberries, grapefruit, stone fruit, and freshly-cut grass. This Sauvignon Blanc has body and a corpulent, complex texture. Layers of flavours peak through tart tinges of citrus acidity and chalky, mineral flavours.
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JoieFarm 2009 Rosé - $21
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Solid fruit concentration on the palate with slightly effervescent citrus acidity makes for a bright, refreshing drinking experience. A touch of tannic astringency rounds out the texture and fills-out the body. This is refined sangria in a bottle, that will pair nicely with many foods.
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Tinhorn Creek 2009 Oldfield Series 2Bench White - $23
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Overall this wine is complex and refreshing with fantastic minerality as one might expect from an estate grown Chardonnay driven blend. There is a lot going on in this wine. A great pairing would be asian cuisine with shellfish. This will be on the regular play list for the summer.
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Black Hills Estate Winery 2009 Alibi - $30
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: The nose displays youthful fruity aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, pineapple, grass and lemon with strong mineral notes of slate and flint. The palate offers refreshing, citrus acidity and the flavours of grapefruit and stonefruit. There is a pleasant, cool, steeliness to the wine that makes it an excellent summer sipper.
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The Cabin/Cottage
Enjoying a bottle of wine at your own cabin/cottage or as a guest may include the following: sharing with people you don't know, sipping in darkness, fighting-off mosquitoes or sitting close to the fire for warmth. For this sort of situation you may want a rustic wine or something that evolves in the glass - as you may not have easy access to a refill. We suggest the following:

Delas 2007 Saint Esprit - $17
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Notes: The nose offers hardy aromas of smoke and oak that mingle well with lighter, fruit aromas of dark cherries and red fruits. The medium-plus bodied palate offers both elegant, dark fruits and masculine mineral flavours punctuated with a smooth and balanced finish. This wine is about texture and it delivers. Enjoy on its own or pair with red meat and roasted potatoes.
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Sileni 2008 Cellar Selection Pinot Noir - $20
Region: Hawkes Bay
Country: New Zealand
Notes: This pinot had a garnet appearance and the nose was complex with candied cherries, stewed berries, meatiness, and undertones of light barnyard (so new world pinot). The palate was smooth with prominent cherry, a touch of tannin, and medium acid. A medium plus finish that added some violet notes.
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Domaine Saint-Damien 2007 Côtes du Rhône - $21
Region: Rhône Valley
Country: France
Notes: Opening with a pungent and powerful nose of meaty, forest floor this fabulous Côtes du Rhône gem may overload the sense of some wine drinkers. However, those willing to to be patient with the wine to open up and then venture forth will be handsomely rewarded.
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BBQs
BBQ wines are a fickled bunch. They must be robust to pair with the burt piece of chicken your uncle John cooks up and be flexible to match with the mystery sausage of unknown origin on the grill. Big, bold reds are your best bets. Here are a few to choose from:


Undurraga 2008 Sibaris Carmenere - $14
Region: Colchagua Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: A fun and unpretentious wine from excellent Chilean producer Undurraga Wines. This Carmenere is inky-ruby in colour and full of spicy and cassis aromas and flavours. The high-minus acid makes it a perfect, if nontraditional, pairing for acidic foods like fresh tomato-based pasta sauces.
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Palo Alto 2008 Reserva - $15
Region: Maule Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: A nose of cassis, leather and notes of tobacco. The palate shows dark fruits with firm yet balanced acidity and medium tannins.This is a classic grilled meats wine that enjoys a long finish waiting for that next bite of smoky chicken or flank steak.
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Las Moras 2007 Reserve Tannat - $15
Region: San Juan
Country: Argentina
Notes: On the nose this inky-purple coloured wine offers youthful aromas of blueberries, white pepper, pencil shavings and toasted-oak notes. The high-minus bodied palate offers flavours of oak, white pepper, dark fruit and cooking spice notes.
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Bodega Renacer 2008 Punta Final Malbec - $16
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Notes: Easy-drinking and friendly with a velvety, soothing texture. A slightly shortened finish is very smooth and does leave your mouth with a lingering and tongue-tingling spice. This would be a great wine to match with smoky BBQ ribs.
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Stag's Hollow Winery 2009 Syrah Rosé - $18
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Dry, with just the right amount of residual sugar (4.2g/l) that balances beautifully with the cran-strawberry and sour-cherry flavours. This is a great food wine with crisp acidity to keep your palate refreshed.

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Haras de Pirque 2008 Equus Carmenere - $20
Region: Maipo Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: The nose presents fruity and spicy aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, vanilla and white pepper. The palate offers flavours of dark fruit, pepper, toasted oak, cooking spice and nibs that will please your mouth and culminates in a smooth and lingering finish.
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Ringbolt 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon - $22
Region: Margaret River
Country: Australia
Notes: Inky-ruby in colour, this wine offers youthful aromas of green pepper, dark chocolate and dark fruit with hints of vanilla from its oak-aging. On the full-bodied palate are flavours of cherry nibs, mocha chocolate, cassis and forest floor with high acid and well-structured tannins.
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See Ya Later Ranch 2007 Rover - $25
Region: Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: Intense, developing aromas of black berries, plums, ripe cherries, vanilla, cedar and peppercorns greet you on the nose. The smooth textured palate follows-up with flavours of big, bold berries and lots of spices: cooking spice, cardamom and pepper. A firm structure of high tannins frames the fruit on the palate nicely.
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