Cattail Creek ‘Cat-astrophe Red’ 2009
VQA Four Mile Creek $13.95 (260356) 12.5% alcohol
This is a well-priced, racy, juicy red blend—Gamay Noir, Merlot and Cab Franc—that opens with aromas of berry fruit and spice. It dishes up good texture within a light-medium bodied frame and showcases tangy flavour with red currant, sour cherry and tart cranberry to the fore. This really shines served alongside lasagna, pasta in tomato-based sauce or Swiss steak. (Vic Harradine)


Cattail Creek ‘Cat-astrophe White’ 2008
VQA Four Mile Creek $13.95 (260349) 12.5% alcohol
Rich, ripe aromas of Asian spice, lively citrus and rosewater rip from this crisp and racy blend—Chardonnay Musqué, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. A tart river of lemon zest and pineapple wash over the palate and dominate the lip-smacking finish. A great fall and Indian Summer deck or patio sipper, it’s perfectly poured with shrimp ceviche or lemon chicken. (Vic Harradine)


Creekside Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (620724) 12.7% alcohol
Lively aromas of lime cordial and assorted citrus fruit abound on the nose. Generously textured and nicely balanced, there’s a delightfully crisp and refreshing splash of lemon zest and white peach on the palate. It’s mid weight with a tangy finish of grapefruit peel. Extremely well priced—gaining its final half star on value—and poured well with mussels steamed in white wine. (Vic Harradine)


Creekside Estate Shiraz 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (066654) 12.5% alcohol
Well paced, well priced and well… delicious. Lifted aromas of spice, berry fruit and cherry waft freely from this mid-weight nicely balanced Shiraz. There’s a delectable river of tangy cherry, red currant and sweet ripe bramble berry on the palate. It’s medium bodied with good mouth feel and a lengthy lip-smacking aftertaste. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree Red’ 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
Spice, ripe black plum and dark berry fruit aromas waft from this juicy, tangy red blend—Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. It’s medium bodied, nicely textured and brimming with savoury, racy red currant, cherry and black currant flavour. The finish lingers with good structure and underpinning. Versatile with a wide variety of cuisine, give it a go with steak, pizza, ribs or burgers. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree White’ 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (251116) 12.5% alcohol
This dishes up a world of value and loads of flavour. Aromas of exotic spice, lychee and soft citrus provide segue to glorious waves of ripe fruit-filled flavour with pineapple, tropical fruit and white peach to the fore. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a balanced aftertaste of lip-smacking lemon-lime tang. Crisp and refreshing on its own, it’s a natural with appetizers or mains of seafood, fish, veal or chicken. (Vic Harradine)