Brickyard Riesling 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (346866) 10.0% alcohol
This delivers a lively nose of lime cordial, lemongrass and slate/mineral notes. It bathes the plate with a balanced and beautiful wash of lime yoghurt, lemon pie filling and lip-smacking tang. Mid weight and nicely textured, it replays flavours on the crisp refreshing finish and aftertaste. This is served well as an aperitif, though versatile at the table pairing with spicy Asian cuisine, all manner of seafood or mesclun/arugula salad with chèvre. (Vic Harradine)

• Limited Time Offer for Luis Felipe Edwards with $1.50 discount = $12.40 now to Nov. 10, 2013


Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Reserva’ Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
DO Colchagua, Chile $13.90 (308189) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s a crowd-pleasing red blend with lovely aromas, flavours and lots of charm. What’s not to like? Opaque purple in the glass, aromas of rich cherry cordial, aromatic bitters and red plum herald a rich and juicy wash of ripe black plum, sweet mulberry and a dollop of briary berry on the palate infusing the long, delicious finish and aftertaste. Comfortable at the table; it pours well with burgers, gourmet sausage, pizza or wings. (Vic Harradine)


Quinta do Encontro ‘Qdo E’ 2010
DOC Bairrada, Portugal $13.75 (320085) 13.5% alcohol
Rich dark fruit mingles with spice and tobacco aromas on the nose. There’s a nicely textured, rich and rustic river of dark berry fruit, excellent tang and acidity interwoven with kirsch liqueur and wisps of supple tannin. Pour with smoked, grilled ribs or red-wine-marinated, grilled chouriço. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (250217) 12.5% alcohol
Honeysuckle, orchard fruit and lemon citrus on the nose, it bathes the palate with a creamy smooth wash of crisp, green apple and juicy, ripe pear interweaving with excellent lemon and pineapple acidity. It’s balanced, with good weight and a lingering aftertaste of ripe peach and pear garnished with excellent moderating acidity. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)


Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine’ Rosé Brut Non Vintage 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (217505) 12.0% alcohol 

Lively aromas of strawberry, spice and floral notes provide segue for a delectable mouthful of pin-point bubbles and mouth-watering blood orange, red currant and ruby grapefruit adorned with brioche and juicy, ripe, dark cherry. This has lovely mouth feel and replays flavours on the lingering, crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Pours well as a welcoming wine and has the oomph for roast turkey dinner. (Vic Harradine)


Casa Planeta Syrah 2010
IGT Sicilia, Italy $11.95 (219857) 13.0% alcohol
Dark berry fruit, exotic incense and roasted herb aromas presage a delightful super-smooth river of sweet, ripe mulberry, cassis and tangy red cherry interweaving with mixed spice and espresso roast. It’s medium bodied and sports a balanced, fruit-forward finish and aftertaste. Pour with pizza, burgers, gourmet sausage, wings or tacos. (Vic Harradine)