Thomas & Vaughan Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve 2000
VQA Niagara Peninsula $26.95 
Thomas & Vaughan quickly established a reputation for stunning estate-grown Cabernet Franc, and this vintage shows why.  The 2000 Cabernet Franc shows a lot of varietal typicity, with flavours of spicy red fruit and subtle green notes that act as a brake on red ripeness rather than add unripe notes.  It's medium bodied with approachable tannins, and is ready to drink now and in the next four-five years.  It's great with a veal chop in a red wine reduction. Available only from the winery, which you can contact via the link at winecurrent.com (RP)


Henry of Pelham "Speck Family Reserve" Cabernet-Merlot 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $50 (616433)
This is one of a new series of super-premium wines from Henry of Pelham, already well-known for their Cab-Merlots, and it deserves all its advance billing.  The fruit is exceptionally well focused, and expresses the superlative growing conditions of 2002.  The fruit-acid-tannin balance is almost perfect, and the wine is stylistically elegant, with a long finish. Pair it with a dish that will bring out the best in both, like well-herbed rack of lamb, grilled medium-rare. Available only from the winery, so order yours using the link at winecurrent.com (RP)  


Henry of Pelham "Speck Family Reserve" Chardonnay 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $35.00 (616466)
This gives you an opulent mouthful of pure, ripe fruit. Peach, pear and tropical fruit are all there, but in a restrained, elegant style, not the in-your-face mode, and there are hints of caramel and smoke to add complex dimensions. The oak is well handled, and enhances the fruit qualities. With a smooth, creamy texture and a long finish, this successfully expresses the quality Henry of Pelham is known for. Order directly from the winery, using the link at winecurrent.com. (RP)


Henry of Pelham "Speck Family Reserve" Pinot Noir 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $40.00
A fine, elegant, Pinot Noir that confirms Henry of Pelham as one of Niagara's premier red wine producers, and Pinot Noir as one of Niagara's premier grape varieties. This is a medium-bodied Pinot with substantial fruit (sweet dark cherry and mulberry predominant) and spicy, earthy notes. The fruit flows right through the palate and there's a long, sweet fruit finish.  The tannins are supple. Pair this with well-seasoned grilled lamb chops. At winecurrent.com you'll find a link to the winery, where you can order this wine. (RP)


Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Reserve Merlot 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95
Another well-made Merlot from the stellar 2002 vintage. Look for ripe dark fruit, good acidity, light tannins and good length. It's well-priced for the quality, and is a natural for a veal chop in a red wine reduction. Available from the winery and in Wine Rack stores. (RP)