Featherstone ‘Black Sheep’ Riesling 2013 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 (80234) 9.5% alcohol 
Aromas of green apple, lemon grass, mineral notes and hints of white flowers precede palate-bathing, delicate and deftly balanced flavours of lime cordial, lemon curd and lightly honeyed pineapple. It’s structured, stylish and light on its feet, tripping across the palate with tang and pizzazz. It finishes in a blaze of lip-smacking ambrosia and is not to be missed. (Vic Harradine) 

• The following are Vintages Essentials wine, always available in select stores. 

Kim Crawford ‘East Coast’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2013

Marlborough/Hawkes Bay $18.95 (991950) 13.0% alcohol 
Delicate aromas of honeyed pit fruit mingle with wisps of toffee apple and nutty notes. Mid-full weight and nicely textured, it runs over the palate with flavours of pineapple yoghurt, lemon chiffon pie and lime cordial. It’s balanced and straightforward with a finish and aftertaste showcasing ripe peach and melon. Pour with chicken kebabs. (Vic Harradine) 


Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2013 

Marlborough, South Island $19.95 (35386) 12.5% alcohol 
Aromas of gooseberry, canned peas and piquant spices/herbs jump from the glass. It’s racy and tang-laden showcasing quintessential Marlborough flavours with passion fruit, citrus and tropical fruit interwoven on the palate persisting through the crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Mid weight with good mouth feel, pour alongside chèvre or sea food—mussels, fish or calamari. (Vic Harradine) 



Tawse ‘Sketches of Niagara’ Chardonnay 2012 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 (89037) 12.5% alcohol

Lively and lifted on the nose, aromas of ripe yellow plum and nectarine interlace with wisps of citrus. A crisp, refreshing, generously textured river of baked apple, vanilla and tangy lemon curd bathe the palate. It’s medium bodied with complexity, richness and charm. The finish adds wisps of minerality and toast with each sip as good or better than the previous—it’s also very good value. (Vic Harradine) 

• Order the following wine from ‘Vintages Direct’ 1-800 266-4764—they’ll ship one bottle or more to the LCBO retail store of your choice. 

Tawse ‘Growers Blend’ Meritage 2011 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (384958) 13.0% alcohol 
This is a lovely, savoury red blend—42% Cab Sauv, 40% Merlot, 18% Cab Franc—that opens with aromas of lively red fruit with cherry, currant and briary berry to the fore. It lights up the palate with flavours of red plum compote and red cherry interweaving with mocha and handfuls of savoury herbs. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel and a racy, dry finish garnished with notions of tomato leaf. Pour with slow-roast pork brushed with spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)