89 
Luigi Bosca ‘La Linda’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina $12.95 (11927) 14.0% alcohol
This is exceptional value and approachable now, smooth and mellow with no rough edges. Aromas of dark chocolate and red berry fruit mingle with mixed spice and incense. It coats the palate medium bodied and tang-infused exhibiting flavours of racy pie cherry and hints of juicy black plum. This is crowd friendly and mouth-watering good from twist top to last drop. It finishes with racy acidity and good fruit flavour. Pour with pasta in tomato sauce or pasta arrabiata. (Vic Harradine)

89 
Honoro Vera Rueda 2018
DO Rueda, Spain $12.00 (533224) 13.5% alcohol
In this wine, grape variety and appellation are both, ‘Rueda’. Honey–drizzled tropical fruit aromas abound on the noise. It rolls over the palate with replays of tropical fruit—melon and pineapple—intertwined with hints of lemon zest. This is medium-bodied with good mouthfeel and plenty to offer in the way of exceptional-value. Sip on its own before dinner or pour with pan-seared or grilled fish or seafood. (Vic Harradine)

88 
Humante Garnacha 2018
DO Navarra, Spain $12.65 (11705) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of mixed spice and red berry fruit introduce a light-medium bodied, light textured stream of palate flavours with ripe cherry and strawberry-flavoured Turkish delight confectionary to the fore. It’s light on its feet with a finish and aftertaste that’s redolent of cherry clafoutie. Pour with fruit flan or grilled ribs brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

89 
Honoro Vera Garnacha 2017
DO Calatayud, Spain $13.70 (440867) 14.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of red cherry, mocha and piquant spice provide segue to a balanced and beautiful wash of palate—bathing flavours—black bramble berry juicy black plum intertwined with savory notes, wisps of bittersweet chocolate and black licorice. This is medium weight with good mouthfeel and a lengthy finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside wings, burgers or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)

91  
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Semi-Dry’ Riesling 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (232033) 10.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips wildly in your favour. Aromas of lemon and lime mingle with wisps of honey and mineral notes on the nose of this balanced-on-a-pin, light-medium bodied gem. It bathes the palate with nerve and verve cresting on a river of flavour—Key lime and Meyer lemon infused with lip-smacking tang and acidity. This is nicely textured, divine sipped on its own and sublime when poured alongside spicy Asian cuisine like butter chicken or pad Thai. (Vic Harradine)

90  
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (669374) 12.0% alcohol
Delicate aromas of floral notes, honeydew melon and citrus provide segue to a medium-bodied river of palate flavour with ripe pear and yellow plum interwoven with and balanced by mouth-watering lemon curd. This has persistent purity of fruit, textured mouthfeel and deft balance that are all showcased on the palate and lengthy, luxurious finish and aftertaste. Pour with pan-seared or grilled fish or seafood, roast chicken or roast pork. (Vic Harradine)

90  
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (669374) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of musk melon and crème Brule waft easily from the glass. A gusher of medium-plus bodied, well-textured flavours capture the palate—honey-drizzled pear and lemon pie filling—then replay through the lengthy finish with an additional dollop of white grapefruit on the aftertaste. Give this a go with sushi or vegetable terrine. (Vic Harradine)

89  
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Game Changer – Weinbauren Und Winzer’ Red 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (457523) 12.5% alcohol
A portion of this red blend—71.3% cabernet franc, 28.7% merlot—matured 12 months in oak. Aromas of red berry fruit and grilled savoury herbs leap from the glass. It washes over the palate with peppery spice, racy acidity and tangy fruit flavour—red currant, pie cherry and cranberry. This is light-medium bodied, smooth and mellow with plenty of pizzazz. It finishes with a lengthy stream of palate replays. Pour with spaghetti Bolognese or spaghetti alla puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)

89  
Vineland Estates Winery ‘Kevin O’Leary’ Cabernet Merlot 2018
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (307744) 12.5% alcohol
This Bordeaux blend—38.8% cabernet franc/36.1% merlot/25.1% cabernet sauvignon—opens with aromas of wood smoke and grilled herbs. It washes over the palate with zingy acidity and a boatload of pizzazz underpinned by perceptible tannin decorated with red fruit flavour—pomegranate, currant and cherry. It finishes dry and fruity with plenty of charm. Pour with gourmet burgers, grilled steak or wings after a two-hour aeration/decant. (Vic Harradine)

88  
Vineland Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (594127) 12.5% alcohol
Tobacco, charred toast and forest floor aromas on the nose, it delivers a medium-weight, medium-textured wash of black bramble berry and oodles of tang and acidity racing over the palate with laser-like focus. The back palate, finish and aftertaste are flavourful and well balanced. This spent five-to-six months maturing in oak. Pour alongside your favourite pasta in mild tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)