County Cider Company Ice Cider 2006
Prince Edward County 375 mL $24.95
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it (The incorrect price appeared in the previous Winecurrent review) Like ice wine made from frozen grapes, this is made from frozen apples picked from the tree—only those varieties that do not fall when ripe are chosen—and pressed quickly. Cider-lovers will adore it; late harvest- and ice wine-lovers, will more than adore it. Gorgeous aromas of caramelized apple and peach pie waft from the glass while the sweet (but not cloying) flavours include crème caramel and baked apple. It's glorious on its own and stunning when paired with apple torte. Purchase at County Cider, County Road 8, RR 4 Picton, ON - contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (VH)


Coyote's Run Unoaked Chardonnay 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.00
A hint of sulphur on the nose dissipated fairly quickly, to leave aromas and bright, vibrant flavours of pear, apple and green melon, with a note of spiciness. It's medium bodied with a fairly taut texture, and the mineral acidity lifts the flavours nicely. Pair it with grilled herbed chicken breast. Order from the winery at www.coyotesrunwinery.com. (RP)


Coyote's Run Chardonnay 'Reserve' 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.00
This is a meticulously made wine deserving of your attention. Stunning aromatics drift off the glass of this medium-bodied, well-balanced Chard—spice (nutmeg and cloves) plus toasty notes and vanilla. The flavours are quite focused—apple and pear—while the texture is almost creamy and honeyed, yet the wine is dry and zingy. It finishes fruit forward, clean and refreshing. Pair it with herbed roast chicken. Order from the winery at www.coyotesrunwinery.com. (VH)


Coyote's Run 'Red Paw Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2006
VQA Four Mile Creek $24.00
This is a lighter-style of Pinot that delivers good depth of flavour. It's all about vibrant red cherry and berries with a real mouthful of herbs, peppery spiciness, and hints of toasty oak. The tannins are dry and firm and there's a prominent seam of acidity that makes you want to turn to turkey and cranberry sauce or grilled pork or chicken breast with a red berry compote. Order from the winery at www.coyotesrunwinery.com. (RP)


Coyotes Run Riesling Ice Wine 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $55.00
Lifted aromas, dazzling flavours and an unctuous texture coalesce to mark this a stunning wine. Honeyed mandarin orange and tropical fruit aromas perfume the air while the flavours drench the palate in waves of candied pineapple, citrus peel and caramelized apricot. Robust and viscous, it cleans up with a refreshing spine of moderating acidity. Serve chilled with a peach or apricot dessert and a generous crumble of Roquefort. Order from the winery at www.coyotesrunwinery.com. (VH)


Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95
This is a wonderfully complex Sauvignon Blanc. It runs well beyond the common flavour zones of gooseberry, green fruit, grass and citrus, and encompasses peach, apricot, tropical fruit, notes of honey and spice. There's some fullness to the texture that's nicely counterbalanced by an effective seam of clean acidity, and the overall experience is stylish, poised and refreshing. This will make a delicious accompaniment to grilled white fish and all manner of rich seafood dishes, from mussels to scallops. Order from the winery at www.creeksidewine.com. (RP)


Fielding Estate Sparkling Riesling 2006
VQA Ontario $28.00
Made in the charmat method, this is a flavour-filled sparkling wine with good, zesty acidity and solid flavours in the sweet apple and pear zones. It's slightly off-dry, and makes an excellent sparkler for Christmas and New Year parties. You can serve it on its own or pair it with spicy seafood or chicken appetizers. Order from the winery at www.fieldingwines.com. (RP)


Fielding Estate Viognier 2006
VQA Beamsville Bench $30.00
Made from Fielding's seven-year-old estate vines, this delivers quite luscious flavours of fresh apricot, peach and tropical fruit, with a hint of spiciness. It's quite plush and mouth-filling at mid-palate, and finishes leaner, crisp, and clean. It's a very good Viognier that pairs well with slightly spicy chicken and pork dishes. Order from the winery at www.fieldingwines.com. (RP)


Mountain Road Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay 2004
VQA Beamsville Bench $16.05
This is a gorgeous Chardonnay that delivers on flavour, texture and balance. The aromas are rich and seductive, all rich, ripe peach and tropical fruit with vanilla and oaky notes that make you want to linger and enjoy them but also make you impatient to see if the flavour matches them. It does. You'll find the same intense fruit flavours, with notes of butterscotch and citrus. The texture is full and refreshing and this makes a great partner for lobster or rich poultry and pork dishes. Order from www.mountainroadwine.com. (RP)


Mountain Road Wine Company Barrel Fermented Reserve Chardonnay 2004
VQA Beamsville Bench $26.05
The rather muted aromas of vanilla and tropical fruit hardly prepare one for the huge mouthful of gorgeous wine that waits in the glass. Highly- textured and medium to full bodied, it delivers a cornucopia of delicious flavours including melon, green apple, citrus and ripe pear. It remains taut and well-focused from its moderating acidity and excellent structure. This will continue to develop nicely until 2010 when it then should provide optimum drinking, probably gaining its final half star. Order from www.mountainroadwine.com. (VH)


Strewn Gewürztraminer 2006
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $12.75 (65359)
This is light and lovely with oodles of rosewater and spice aromas that follow through to the flavours. There are also hints of lychee fruit and cloves that meld beautifully with the nicely textured and citrussy finish. This sips well on its own and forms a lively partnership with Asian cuisine. Pair it with sashimi or spicy Thai seafood. Purchase by the case from www.strewnwinery.com. (VH)


Strewn 'Rogue's Lot' Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.75 (65342)
This approximate 50/50 blend offers earthy and black aromas then opens up to be a gorgeous medium-bodied blend that fairly explodes with flavour—spice, smoke, tar, cherry and dark berry included. It's very smooth, ready to drink now and offers a creamily-textured and fruit-forward finish. It also offers very good value. Purchase by the case from www.strewnwinery.com. (VH)