Susana Balbo ‘Crios’ Torrontes 2014
Argentina $13.95 (1834) 14.0% alcohol
If you’ve never tried this varietal, you might want to start with this. It has a heady nose and a torrent of aromas reminiscent of Muscat or Moscato d’Asti—exotic spice, grapey, floral notes. It bathes the palate with a racy river of lime cordial and lemon curd garnished with a pineapple and grapefruit. It’s medium weight and nicely textured with a crisp, clean refreshing finish. Pour alongside ceviche, sashimi or white pizza with plenty of chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

  
Inniskillin ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 14.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips wildly in your favour. A lightly pink-tinged hue speaks to this hand-harvested Pinot Gris’ suspected heritage as mutant clone of Pinot Noir. Aromas of honey and floral notes interlace with yellow peach and apricot. A glorious, creamy-smooth tapestry of flavours surge over the palate with ripe pit fruit and tangy citrus intermingling with piquant spice and wisps of grapefruit pith persisting through the lengthy, balanced and beautiful aftertaste. It’s medium-plus bodied, nicely structured with good purity of fruit. Versatile at the table, pair with roast bird, pork roast, grilled fish or steamed mussels. Also available in Wine Rack stores and at the Niagara-on-the-Lake winery. (Vic Harradine)

    
Jackson-Triggs ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (58438) 13.0% alcohol
The harvest was triaged with fruit picked at various times to develop its full potential—it’s a great sipper at a terrific price. There are aromas of lime, piquant spice and notions of gooseberry on the nose. It washes over the palate with mellow and smooth flavours of lime cordial, herbs and hints of pomegranate, medium weight and nicely textured with a long, lip-smacking finish and aftertaste—all good. (Vic Harradine)

    
Lavau Côtes de Rhône Villages 2011
AOC Côtes de Rhône Villages $12.90 (421024) 13.5% alcohol
This hand-harvested red blend of Syrah and Grenache offers aromas of red and black berry fruit, garrigue—local wild herbs—and wisps of cola. It dishes up a tangy stream of sweet field berry fruit and black plum, medium weight with good texture and fruit-forward finish robed in piquant spice and notions of herbs. Good to go now with gourmet sausage, pizza or spicy wings. (Vic Harradine)

  
Wairau River ‘Riverlore’ Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Marlborough, New Zealand $15.90 (417600) 12.5% alcohol
Sharp aromas of green nettles and white pepper meld with herbal notes and wisps of struck flint. It smooths out nicely on the palate retaining some of the herbal and grassy notes along with a seamless interlace with citrus and lime-soaked guava. It’s medium bodied with good texture and deft balance on the palate and through the refreshing aftertaste. This is very good value and pours well with the usual suspects—fish and seafood, mild blue-veined cheese and chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

  
Robert Oatley ‘Wild Oats’ Pinot Grigio 2014
Mudgee, Australia $15.95 (399121) 12.5% alcohol
Bob Oatley was/is a feisty sailor gaining the nickname ‘Wild Oats’ from which he named his boat, Wild Oats Xl, winning the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht race in record-breaking time. The delicate aromas of honey, floral notes and soft pit fruit open the door to a flood of flavour with honeyed peach and tangy lemon interweaving with green apple and pear. It’s light-medium bodied with a balanced finish and aftertaste, finishing clean and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)