Kilikanoon ‘Killerman’s Run’ Shiraz 2008
South Australia $19.95 (925453) 14.5% alcohol
Powerful, bold and concentrated, this is a rich and luscious crowd pleaser. Aromas and flavours abound in this dark purple opaque Aussie red with mixed spice, black pepper and a gusher of dark berry fruit, minty black cherry and kirsch liqueur among them. It’s medium-full bodied with a generous mouth feel and a balanced, lingering aftertaste. It’s also a Vintages Essentials product, always available in select stores. (Vic Harradine)


Rodney Strong ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir 2008
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $24.95 (954834) 14.4% alcohol
From the premiere California Pinot Noir region, this reflects its provenance with pride. It’s well balanced, mouth-watering delicious and chockfull of flavour—savoury dark berry fruit, cassis and spice-infused cherry. Mid weight with a lovely mouth feel, the spicy aftertaste lingers. A Vintages Essentials wine, its mandate is to be ‘always available’ in select stores. (Vic Harradine)


Tawse Winery ‘Quarry Road Vineyard’ Riesling 2009
VQA Twenty Mile Creek $21.95 (198853) 10.5% alcohol
This is a must-taste for Riesling aficionados and wine lovers alike. It’s an intensely flavoured off-dry beauty with aromas of lime margarita, minerality and crisp pear. There’s a monster gusher of well-balanced flavour with racy lime, ripe pineapple and nuances of mineral and yellow plum while the minutes-long aftertaste is monumental. It’s versatile with a variety of foods—spicy Asian, pan-seared prawns and scallops, steamed mussels or lobster. Only available in 18 stores across the province, check www.lcbo.com for the store nearest you. (Vic Harradine)