Always available in select stores. However, it’s important you check that each vintage date matches reviews below on each bottle you purchase as stores may have the past vintage or even the past vintage and the vintage reviewed. The reviews below pertain only to the indicated vintage—always advisable to phone the store before going to assure availability.

Champagne

  
Moët et Chandon ‘Cuvée Dom Perignon’ Brut 2006
AOC Champagne $231.95 (280461) 12.5% alcohol
Smoke, citrus, gunflint and wisps of nutty aromas on the nose set the table for a smorgasbord of discoveries in the glass. A profusion of fine-bead mousse carries a linear line of bracing acidity and mineral notes on entry. This is graced with notions of apricot and pear on the mid palate with replays of lip-smacking citrus acidity on the lengthy finish adorned by briny notes on the aftertaste. This is involved and alluring with good depth and complexity. There’s much more to be discovered through its long life; carefully cellar to 2027. (Vic Harradine)

  
Louis Roederer ‘Premier’ Brut Non-Vintage

AOC Champagne $72.95 (268771) 12.0% alcohol

Roederer is one of the top Grande Marque Champagne houses and this Non-Vintage bubbly is delicious. Brisk aromatics of leesy notes and baking bread interlace with nutty notes and red fruit on the nose. Tiny bubbles form a frothy mousse dishing up delightful flavours—racy lemon and peel marmalade with nuances of spiced green apple. It finishes crisp, refreshing and delectable with a mouth-watering aftertaste. This the perfect wine to welcome guests as well as to serve with all manner of appetizers. (Vic Harradine) 

  
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut 2008 
AOC Champagne $102.95 (508614) 12.0% alcohol
The mousse explodes on pouring, settling down to persistent streams of very fine bubbles preceding alluring aromas of leesy notes, spiced pear and green apple, along with oxidative notes. There’s good attack on the palate with lemon-lime, peach and grapefruit acidity all persisting through the lengthy finish and aftertaste. This blend of 61% pinot noir/34% chardonnay/5% pinot meunier showcases generous mouthfeel and good complexity with five percent aged in French oak casks. Drinking well now, careful cellaring for another five years should be well rewarded. (Vic Harradine)

Icewine

• The following 2015 Inniskillin Vidal Icewine is now on a limited time offer. The price shown below will be reduced by $5.00 per bottle from now until October 8, 2017.

  
Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $49.95 (388306) 375 mL 9.5% alcohol
This vidal icewine from Niagara expresses itself without reservation starting with lifted aromas of apricot, lemon and earthy notes. It blankets the palate with a textured wash of apricot tart, lime-soaked guava and orange marmalade. Lemon zest and grilled pineapple provide semblance balance on the finish and aftertaste. Serve well chilled on its own or paired with fruit flan or blue cheese. (Vic Harradine)

  
Lakeview Cellars Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $21.95 (522672) 200 mL 12.0% alcohol
This lighter-styled beauty keeps the final sip as fresh and lively as the first—it’s not cloying or over the top and that’s not a common occurrence for vidal icewine. A nicely balanced flow of palate-bathing apricot jam and white nectarine meet nirvana with a healthy dollop of lemon zest and racy blood orange on the palate and persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste. This pairs particularly well with Stilton on water crackers or pan-seared foie gras. (Vic Harradine)

  
Kittling Ridge Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Ontario $39.95 (563247) 375 mL 10.3% alcohol
Mango, melon, honey and apricot aromas dominate the nose of this über sweet, luscious icewine. A full-Monty tsunami wave of texture and flavour blankets the palate with baked apple, peach marmalade, ripe mango and wisps of lemon chiffon pie enveloping the palate with gusto. It finishes with replays, sweet and unctuous. This is dessert in a glass; serve on its own as the only course for dessert or pair with chunks of Stilton and water biscuits. (Vic Harradine)

Red Wine

  
Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (478727) 13.0% alcohol
Campfire smoke, pipe tobacco and black plum aromas billow from this Mendoza malbec from an iconic producer. It envelops the palate with a spice-infused river of ripe black currant and racy pie cherry melding in the company of friendly, soft tannins, excellent tang and mocha. It’s medium weight with good texture and finishes quite lengthy with a persistent line of racy passionfruit. Pour with red pizza, lasagna or pasta in tomato sauce. (Vic Harradine)