By Chadsey's Cairns Pinot Noir 2004
VQA Ontario $24.00
Made exclusively from grapes grown on the estate in Prince Edward County, this wine is all the more impressive in that the vines date back only to 2001 and 2002. Give them a few more years, and they'll perform really well. As it is, this Pinot delivers a very attractive range of cherry flavours (I detected red, black, sweet, sour) with appealing herbal notes and a hint of black pepper. It's medium weight with a solid dry texture, and pairs well with roast veal chop. Order at www.bychadseyscairns.com. (RP)


By Chadsey's Cairns Cabernet Franc 2004
VQA Ontario $20.00
The grapes for this were sourced from Guy Plamondon's vineyard at Consecon, not far from By Chadsey's Cairns. The wine shows good Cab Franc character, with solid red fruit flavours, some spiciness and a nice note of tobacco leaf. It's medium bodied and will go well with roast turkey, sage stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Order from www.bychadseyscairns.com. (RP)


Jackson-Triggs "Proprietors' Grand Reserve" Meritage 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $24.95 (594002)
Jackson-Triggs is doing everything right in their upper-tier wines, and the "Proprietors' Grand Reserve" series is excellent across the board. This blend of 42% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc delivers lush, rich dark fruit with lovely accents of spice, pepper, coffee and cedar. The texture is big and full, and the tannins are firm but allow easy drinking now. You'll want a piece of red meat with this. It's available in Wine Rack stores and in some Vintages stores, too. (RP)