2008 Evans & Tate Chardonnay

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He says: At $20, it’s hard to find a better value and even creeps up to a 4-star rating for me.

She says: A fresh and balanced wine at a great price.

2008 Maison des Bulliats Régnié

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She says: This was a good value wine and easily the best out of the three.

He says: For $16, I think it’s a bargain and worth a try, especially if you’re looking for an alternative to a budget bottle of Pinot Noir which keeps on disappointing you.

2009 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Gris

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She says: In a valley full of Pinot Gris, this is a favourite of mine time and again.

He says: For me, this is one of the standout white wines of the Okanagan, purely because of its distinctiveness.

2009 Arrowleaf Cellars Pinot Gris

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She says: You cannot go wrong at $16 a bottle and it needs no companion… this is an easy wine to drink all on it’s own.

He says: They could charge a few more dollars for this wine, but instead it’s a bargain for us at only $16/bottle.

2008 Haras de Pirque Carménère Equus

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She says: This wasn’t bad but I’d still prefer to drink a Cab Sauv if I had to drink a $20 Chilean red.

He says: It’s not quite there yet, and needs more time in the bottle to settle down, lose some oak, and tame the stewed fruit.

2008 Viña Cono Sur Carménère Visión

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She says: This tasting left me uninspired by Carménère.

He says: I hate cork teases.

Had a Glass: 2008 Bodegas Luzon Jumilla Alaja

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She says: Ripe baked black oaky fruit bomb!

He says: Overly sweet and way too much oak.

Wine truths

“Beer is made by men, wine by God!”
by Martin Luther

Wine Ratings

★☆☆☆☆ - Poor quality. Avoid. Save your money. Between 80-84 points.

★★☆☆☆ - Average quality or poor value. Between 84-88 points. Some expensive wines are downgraded for bad value.

★★★☆☆ - Good. Between 88-92 points. Or a good value on the lower end of the point scale.

★★★☆☆ - Excellent quality. Between 92-96 points. Or a cheap yet good quality wine which is excellent value.

★★★☆☆ - Outstanding, best examples in the world. Between 96 and 100 points. A perfect wine.