Gérard Bertrand ‘Arte de Vivre’ - Réserve Spéciale’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
IGP Pays d’Oc, France $11.95 (234815) 13.5% alcohol
This knock-your-socks-off Cab sports a fruit-filled mouthful of delicious flavour and a world of value. Aromas of spice, currants, toast and cigar box presage a river of bramble berry, black cherry and spice washing over the palate, infusing the lengthy lip-smacking finish. Medium bodied with silky-smooth mouth feel, the aftertaste layers on spiced dark plum and oodles of fruity flavour. Sips well on its own and pours well with grilled steaks, lasagne or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)


Ghost Pines Chardonnay 2010
Sonoma/Monterrey/Napa, California $19.95 (308122) 13.5% alcohol
This regional blend opens with perfumed aromas of hazelnut, toasty notes and tropical fruit—pineapple and melon to the fore. It dishes up a delectable tapestry of succulent, white peach and tropical fruit embroidered by cinnamon, nutmeg and tangy, citrus acidity. It’s well balanced, medium bodied with silky-smooth mouth feel and a lingering aftertaste wreathed in charm and complexity. Good value. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $11.95 (200535) 13.0% alcohol
Enjoy the lovely aromas of sweet stone and orchard fruit touched by an elusive spiced note. Dry, on the light side of medium bodied, this is a clean, crisp wine with a fine backbone of acidity supporting a smooth, round texture offering tasty flavours of pear, nectarine and apple. There’s a touch of white pepper extending through the tangy, tasty finish. (Susan Desjardins)