89   
Speck Brothers ‘Sibling Rivalry - Pink’ Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (171033) 11.2% alcohol
Delicate aromas of mixed field berry fruit and floral notes precede a nicely balanced flow of ripe, soft berry fruit, palate flavours—raspberry and strawberry—decorated with excellent tang from pie cherry. It’s medium bodied with good mouthfeel and a lengthy delicious finish that’s balanced and brings you back for more. Drink up over the next 12 months with a deli platter or charcuterie board or mixed-cheese tray. (Vic Harradine)

87   
Long Weekend Rosé 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (576181) 11.8% alcohol
This is a cool rosé made for sipping alone or with friends and loved ones on warm, sunny days. Floral and berry fruit aromas introduce this tang-infused, crisp, refreshing blend—merlot/cabernet franc/viognier. This streaks across the palate with great élan—red currant, pie cherry and passionfruit—persisting through the long, mouth-watering finish. Pour on its own or with lighter-styled appetizers, especially seafood. (Vic Harradine)

88 
Babich ‘Black Label - Estate Grown’ Chardonnay 2017
Hawke’s Bay $19.95 (630558) 13.0% alcohol
This chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation. However, 6 months sitting on the lees has given it a toasty nose with hints of cream. It’s medium bodied on the palate and quite tangy along with flavours of lemon and Gala apple. The crisp finish has sensations of toasted bread with overtones that are reminiscent of oak. The will pair very nicely with butter-sautéed shrimp. (Dave Isaacs)

87  
Toro Bravo Tempranillo-Merlot 2017
DOP Valencia, Spain $7.95 (635755) 13.0% alcohol
One can’t argue with the price. Spice-infused aromas of red cherry and dark berry fruit open the door to a light-on-its-feet wash of soft, balanced flavours with ripe cherry and earthy notes to the fore. It’s an easy-drinking red blend that finishes abruptly on the aftertaste. Pour with lighter-styled comfort food—mac and cheese or a three-cheese white pizza. (Vic Harradine)

88  
Vignete Zabù ‘il passo verde’ Nero d’Avola 2017
DOC Sicilia, Italy $13.95 13.5% alcohol
Certified organic, this offers aromas of wood smoke, graphite and dark berry fruit. It captures the palate with rich, ripe, sweet-tinged flavours of blackberry jam, dark plum compote and cherry clafoutie. It’s medium-full bodied with good texture and plenty to offer when served with grilled back ribs mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. Pick up a few now for summer and fall—rinse and repeat. (Vic Harradine)