2007 Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio

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She says: Whilst this was my favourite wine of the tasting, it didn’t ‘wow’ me like it has on occasions past.

He says: There is depth and elegance to this wine, but it has yet to reach the complexity we find in Old World favorites, which is no surprise.

2007 Fairview Cellars The Bear

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She says: More of a teddy bear than a black bear.

He says: I’d love to try this in a few years to see what secondary characteristics develop.

2006 Bindella Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva

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He says: On first taste, I wasn’t that impressed, but after time, this wine really wowed me. Serves me right.

She says: This wine was typical Italian: cherry, earthy, with a rustic nature that evolved into elegance.

2006 Fattoria Nittardi Ad Astra Maremma Toscana IGT

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She says: This wine definitely had a more New World feel to it than a traditional Italian style.

He says: Think Tuscan farmer walking down Robson street – entertaining, but perhaps a bit out of place.

Had a Glass: Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva Heredad

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He says: It’s a solid bubbly, but sign me up for two of the cheaper Brut Reserva bottles rather than one of these.

She says: Rarely do I agree with my husband on every point, but I’d say he’s bang-on with that review.

Had a Glass: 2008 Mountadam Chardonnay High Eden

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He says: Nicely balanced with well-integrated oak showing as mellow toast notes, but by no means an oak monster.

She says: A little hot on the alcohol but overall a well-rounded, elegant Chardonnay.

2009 Black Hills Estate Alibi

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She says: Overall, this wine showed excellent balance with its high Sauvignon Blanc content providing refreshing acidity.

He says: Lived up to its reputation as one of the best white wines from the Okanagan.

Wine truths

“In vino veritas. (In wine there is truth.)”
by Pliny, Roman naturalist

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.