Australia

Lindemans ‘Bin 85’ Pinot Grigio 2009
South Eastern Australia $10.95 (668947) 11.0% alcohol
Fresh aromas of floral notes, honeyed pear and buckwheat roll from this mid-weight nicely textured white. Delicate flavours of lime, green apple and white grapefruit bathe the palate. It finishes clean and crisp with hints of white peach. It’s the perfect foil to pan-seared scallops over a bed of arugula. (Vic Harradine)


Lindemans ‘Bin 95’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
South Eastern Australia $10.95 (181388) 10.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews in your favour. The expressive aromas capture the essence of this popular varietal with herbaceous grassy notes entwined with hints of savoury herb and hints of tropical fruit. Balanced with a good mouth feel, it provides a gusher of crisp refreshing flavours with lemon-lime citrus and rangy red currant to the fore. The finish lingers with a lengthy clean aftertaste. Refreshing on its own, it pairs particularly well with pan-fried garlic shrimp and pan-seared tilapia. (Vic Harradine)


McWilliam’s Wines ‘Hanwood Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (214577) 13.5% alcohol
Expressive aromas of black licorice, spiced cherry and earthy tones rip from the glass of this balanced full-flavoured red. Sweet red cherry, spiced black plum and tangy tart red berry fruit flavour washes over the palate and the lingering well-balanced finish. Everything’s in harmony and it punches well above the price. Smooth and silky sipped on its own; it has the character to pair well with grilled red meat, roast pork or chicken. (Vic Harradine)


McWilliam’s Wines ‘Hanwood Estate’ Chardonnay 2007
South Eastern Australia $13.95 (557934) 14.0% alcohol
Caramel apple, tree fruit and hints of toasty oak aromas waft from this medium- to full-bodied, beautifully textured gem. It's refreshing and full of flavour with ripe citrus, Granny Smith apple and spiced tropical fruit throughout. The lengthy finish adds nuances of well-integrated oak and savoury herb and spice. A very nice drop that’s well sculpted and fairly priced. (Vic Harradine)

California

Barefoot Cellars Pinot Grigio Bubbly Non-Vintage
California $12.95 (106088) 12.5% alcohol
A well-priced sparkler, this off-dry wine has a sweet nose of tree fruits matched with notes of biscuit and toast. The ample mousse carries sweet flavors of apple and candied lemon onto the palate that are handily balanced by refined acidity. The crisp finish has a slight lingering pithiness. A versatile wine for an informal gathering, drunk as an aperitif, paired with prosciutto and melon or with spicy Asian food. (Susan Desjardins)


Barefoot Cellars Chardonnay Non-Vintage
California $9.95 (97121) 13.5% alcohol
A bright pale gold, this uncomplicated Chardonnay has a honeyed nose of freshly harvested tree fruits—think peach pie and poached pears. The palate is soft and inviting, with sweet notes of ripe apple and a hint of citrus. An easy-sipping, crowd-pleasing wine, you can offer this as a patio sipper, with a cheese platter or simple roast chicken. (Susan Desjardins)


Barefoot Cellars Shiraz Non-Vintage
California $9.95 (54015) 13.0% alcohol
The bright purple hues of this down-to-earth Shiraz are an invitation to enjoy the aromas of blackberries and black grapes wafting from the glass. Soft and fruity, with mellow acidity and imperceptible tannins, this is a cheerful, smooth bistro-styled wine. The finish is fresh and fruity with a hint of cocoa. Enjoy with a quick meal of pizza or a tomato-based pasta dish. (Susan Desjardins)


Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $13.95 (606798) 13.0% alcohol
Ripe dark berry fruit and spice on the nose, there is a cornucopia of tangy flavours that wash over the palate in waves—Bing cherry, pomegranate and spiced Damson plum among them. It’s approachable, nicely balanced with a mid weight and medium texture. It finishes well balanced and zesty. Perfect with lasagna or chili. (Vic Harradine)


Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Chardonnay 2008
California $13.85 (606806) 13.5% alcohol
Pleasing aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla and caramel waft from this mid-weight, nicely textured easy-drinking Chard. There’s a persistent wash of green apple, citrus and ripe nectarine followed by a crisp refreshing finish that layers on hints of melon mingling with spice. It’s balanced and sure to please when sipped on its own or served alongside roast chicken, pan-seared fish or pork roast. (Vic Harradine)


Beringer ‘Stone Cellars’ Merlot 2007
California $13.85 (462473) 13.5% alcohol
Spice box, dark bramble berry and wisps of fennel form the lifted nose. The palate’s treated to a lovely wave of balanced tangy flavours with pomegranate and cranberry supporting the ripe dark cherry flavour. This dances light on its feet with a nice mouth feel and enough ripe tannin for structure and interest. Pair this up with pizza or pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
California $7.95 (223552) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark berry fruit, fennel and spice segue a mouthful of flavour—black currant, mocha and ripe succulent Bing cherry. There's a firm tannin underpinning, nice balance and texture with a lingering lip-smacking finish. Earning its final 1/2 star on value, this punches well above the sticker price. It sips comfortably on its own and pairs well with grilled red meat, burgers and pizza. (Vic Harradine)


E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Pinot Grigio 2008
California $7.95 (82594) 13.0% alcohol
You'll look long, hard and unsuccessfully to find a better value Pinot Grigio! On the nose it's honeyed pear with a dusting of spice. Glorious flavours present on the palate with musk melon, yellow plum and ripe nectarine mingling with sprigs of mixed spice. It's medium bodied, nicely textured sporting a well-balanced and crisp refreshing finish. Pair with seafood, chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)


E & J Gallo ‘Family Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc 2007
California $7.95 (9373) 13.0% alcohol
Expressive aromas of floral and tropical fruit open this crisp and refreshing value-packed wine. Zesty flavours of white grapefruit, white peach and lemon-lime persist throughout. It’s light bodied, medium textured and delivers a mouth-watering finish. Pair with pan-seared scallops under a generous squirt of freshly squeezed lemon. (Vic Harradine)

France

Ogier Côtes du Ventoux 2007 

AOC Côtes du Ventoux $11.95 (569095) 14.5% alcohol
Interesting and lifted aromas of forest floor and spiced black plum roll form the glass of this tangy light-on-its-feet red. Supported by bright red fruit flavours of cranberry, red currant and pie cherry, a bracing spine of minty acidity runs throughout. It’s medium weight and fairly textured, finishing with good tang and zest on the aftertaste. Give this a go with spaghetti Bolognese. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario

Château des Charmes Brut Methode Traditionelle Non-Vintage
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (145409) 12.0% alcohol
This 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is made in the classic fashion of Champagne delivering a fine bead of glorious bubbles and a delightful way to begin an evening meal. Aromas of honeyed apple and freshly baked bread segue a crisp and refreshing attack on the palate with green apple and spiced yellow plum to the fore. It’s complex, well balanced and a top notch sparkler from Niagara. (Vic Harradine)

Washington State

Red Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Washington State $14.95 (144022) 13.5% alcohol
An opaque ruby red, this wine will draw you in with lovely aromas of forest floor, autumn leaves and mixed field berries while faint floral notes hover in the background. Medium bodied, the wine is well structured with a generous texture, tart acidity and fine-grained perceptible tannins. The flavors have depth and richness along with wonderful notes of ripe red fruit and mocha. Well balanced, it has a complex lingering finish with a hint of sweet cassis. While drinking well now, it could cellar for 5-7 years. Great value! (Susan Desjardins)