Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (430546) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of grass and gooseberries flow freely from this gorgeously textured gem. It washes over the palate with waves of flavour—melon, ripe pear and zesty lemon citrus. Refreshing and clean from the twist of the top to the lip-smacking, last drop, this over-delivers in the price-quality ratio; pick up a few for when friends drop in or when you’re pan-searing fish or prawns. (Vic Harradine)


James Oakley ‘Tic Tok’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Pemberton, Frankland River and Mudgee, Australia $14.95 (187039) 12.5% alcohol
Apple, pear and savoury herb aromas on the nose presage a lively wash of green apple, gooseberry and tangy citrus on the palate. It’s medium bodied with nice texture and balance throughout. It finishes clean and crisp with a shower of white grapefruit on the lip-smacking aftertaste. Well paced, well priced and well… darn good. (Vic Harradine)


Rosehall Run ‘Sullyzwicker’ White 2011
VQA Ontario $14.95 (214478) 11.5% alcohol
Yellow green, dry, mid-weight, this clean fresh blend—principally Riesling with a chorus of other white varietals—offers appealing floral, orchard fruit and citrus aromas. Zesty flavours of crisp apple, lemon-lime and the sweet tang of passionfruit are matched by a vibrant texture and a slightly pithy mid-length finish. Serve with seafood at casual gatherings. (Susan Desjardins)


Rosehall Run ‘Sullyzwicker’ Red 2011
VQA Ontario $14.95 (114686) 12.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent crimson, this quaffable blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Zweigelt wins you over with its pretty candy apple, cherry/berry and slightly earthy aromas. Dry, on the light end of mid-weight, the smooth texture carries juicy cherry/berry flavours and hints of spice. Nicely balanced with a tangy finish, it’s a good choice for pizza or burgers. (Susan Desjardins)


The People’s Pinot Grigio 2010
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand $16.95 (240978) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of anise and orchard fruit waft easily from this tangy, nicely balanced Pinot Gris. There’s good mouth feel, smooth texture and a mouth-watering, warm finish of lemon zest and grapefruit. Good sipped on its own, it pours well with pan-seared fish or grilled sea food. (Vic Harradine)


The People’s Pinot Noir 2010
Central Otago, New Zealand $16.95 (234526) 13.5% alcohol
Dark berry fruit, spice and cherry on the nose, it’s medium bodied delivering a persistent river of red fruit flavour—cranberry, currant and cherry. There’s good acidity and a solid underpinning of smooth, ripe tannin. It finishes balanced and fruit-laden. Good to go now with pizza, burgers or lasagna. (Vic Harradine)