Caymus ‘Conundrum’ 2006
Rutherford $26.95 (694653)
A quirky blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat, the exotic aromas are legendary—orange blossom, spice box, musk melon and honeyed tropical fruit, to name a few. It’s slightly off-dry and chockfull of soft uncomplicated flavours like citrus and ripe peach and yellow plum. There’s considerable tang, delivering the sweet and tang that pairs so well with spicy Asian cuisine; try butter chicken or Thai chicken curry. This is a ‘Vintages Essentials’ product—always available in selected LCBO stores. (VH)

Justin 'Isosceles' 2005
Paso Robles $73.95 (684282)
This hand-crafted 'Bordeaux blend'—78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot—is rich, complex and elegant. It was hand-harvested and aged in French oak, 65% new, for 24 months. Dark and brooding in the glass, the aromas include sweet mulberry, mint and kirsch liqueur. The dazzling array of persistent flavour includes cassis, espresso roast and black juicy Bing cherry. The supple ripe tannins and rich oak treatment are seamlessly integrated while the balance is perfect. The lingering fruity finish portends optimum drinking now to 2014. Connoisseurs, collectors and wine-lovers will want some of this. (VH)

Treana Winery ‘Liberty School’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
California $16.95 (738823)
This is a ‘Vintages Essentials’ product—always available in selected LCBO stores. Very expressive on the nose, look for aromas of dark plum, mint and earthy notes. There’s a rich gusher of sweet ripe dark berry fruit flavours that are nicely balanced with pie cherry zest and tang. This is well structured, nicely focused and lingers on the deftly balanced finish. It provides very good value. Pair with strip loin, bar-b-cued rare to medium rare. (VH)



Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Marlborough, South Island $16.95 (957407)
Lifted and pungent aromas of gooseberry, peach and nettles blast off this nicely sculpted, full-flavoured gem. There are oodles of ripe flavours with peach, guava and pineapple up front. It’s medium bodied, well balanced and generously textured with a tang-laden and lingering finish. Pair with breaded and deep-fried calamari alongside a garlic mayo dip. This is a ‘Vintages Essentials’ product—always available in selected LCBO stores. (VH)



Bodegas Muga ‘Reserva’ 2004
DOCa Rioja $24.95 (177345)
This is a gargantuan effort that will reward careful cellaring (cool and dark) by delivering a richly concentrated wine that will drink well 2011 to 2017. It’s a blend—70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and a 10% mix of Mazuelo and Graciano—that offers a lifted nose of smoky oak and dark berries. It’s richly textured and full of flavour with gobs of ripe briary berry and sweet warm (14% alcohol) cherry fruit. There’s excellent balance from moderating acidity and a grippy tannin structure. It offers good value for those with patience. This is a ‘Vintages Essentials’ product—always available in selected LCBO stores. (VH)