**** drink or cellar
Rosewood Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Escarpment $22.20 13.5% alcohol
Ruby violet, this enchanting red offers beguiling aromas of black fruit, spice, chocolate-coated roasted nuts and a whiff of smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied and quite plush, the texture is smooth and fresh, the tannin ripe and pliant while the rich dark fruit’s paired perfectly with spice and tangy pepper. There’s subtle earthiness and a hint of peppery warmth on the toasty finish. Give it time to further integrate, then match to grilled beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce. Available to purchase or for home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates. (Susan Desjardins)

****1/2 drink or cellar
Rosewood ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay 2009
VQA Beamsville Bench $28.20 14.0% alcohol
Winner of a silver medal at Intervin, this pale-golden Chardonnay was hand harvested, naturally fermented and aged 12 months in French oak. Buttery, toasty, nutty aromas waft over ripe orchard fruit, pineapple and vanilla. There’s a masterful balance of fruit, oak and fresh acidity, a creamy, fresh texture and great mélange of concentrated stone and orchard fruit with well-integrated savoury toasty oak and a lingering hint of caramel on the finish. Pair with creamy pasta with grilled chicken or cellar 2-4 more years Available to purchase or for home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates. (Susan Desjardins)

**** drink now
Rosewood Mead ‘Royale’ 2008
Product of Canada $18.20 12.5% alcohol
Straw hued, the subtle aromas of this slightly sweeter mead include savoury, slightly pungent notes, honey and a floral note reminiscent of summer clover. Lush and silky in texture, the palate is elegantly restrained—preserved apricot, herbal notes and subtle honey flavours dominate. An intriguing marriage of a dry texture and sweet, tangy flavours, it works well between courses or after dinner with Canadian cheddar. Available to purchase or for home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates. (Susan Desjardins)