Vintages Release: July 21, 2012

Featherstone Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2011 

VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.95 (089011) 13.0% alcohol
Hints of honeyed orchard fruit, kiwi and lemongrass provide segue to a gorgeously textured, flavour-laden, off-dry gem. Hand picked, hand sorted and barrel fermented, it’s mid weight, mellow and creamy smooth dishing up a river of lemon yoghurt, tangy key lime and sweet pineapple. It finishes lip-smacking good with oodles of charm and appeal. Pour alone or with pan-seared scallops over mesclun with Gorgonzola. (Vic Harradine)


Fielding Estate Viognier 2010 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.95 13.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of nectarine, sweet spring flowers and spiced poached pear provide segue to a creamy-textured explosion of palate-coating flavours. This is concentrated and brimming with depth and complexity; honey-infused musk melon, apple crumble and marzipan run rampant over the palate and lingering aftertaste. Amidst this array of texture and charm, there’s balance and a refreshing finish. Winemaking wizard, Richie Roberts, waves his magic wand. (Vic Harradine)


Rutherglen Estates ‘Estate Grown’ Petit Sirah 2008
Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia $20.95 (179127) 14.5% alcohol
Petit Sirah’s known as Durif in this corner of Oz, with ancient vines adding grip and structure. Espresso roast, dark, ripe berry fruit and cedar on the nose, this dishes up a complex, chewy mouthful of black currant, briary berry and tangy cherry. It’s medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel and a lip-smacking aftertaste adorned with good grip and a core of tangy berry fruit. Pick up a bottle or two. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 4, 2012

Fielding Estate Cabernet Franc 2010 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 13.0% alcohol
Charming aromas of spice, tobacco and berry compote flow easily from this flavour-laden gem. Red cherry, spice, black plum and smoky, dark berry fruit wash in endless waves framed by moderating acidity, underpinned by ripe, supple tannin—simply lip-smacking good. It’s mid-full weight with good mouth feel, deft balance and loads of appeal. Pour now and for the next five years alongside grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: August 18, 2012

Calamus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $19.95 (285809) 12.5% alcohol
Earthy and toasty, aged 26 months in French and American oak, this wine marries aromas of herbs and roast peppers with black cherry and plum. Dry, medium bodied, with a crisp juicy texture and perceptible tannin, it offers flavours of red cherry and raspberry with a dash of pepper and a hint of spice. The lasting tangy finish makes it a match for barbequed sausages or veggies. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: to be determined

Fielding Estate Pinot Gris 2011 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 (251108) 12.0% alcohol
Complex, structured and brimming with finesse and charm, this is balanced, food friendly and mouth-watering. It’s slightly bronze/pink hued and nicely perfumed with sexy aromas of honeysuckle, musky spice and honeydew melon. Full flavoured, nicely balanced and silky smooth, a persistent wash of soft tropical fruit flavours, key lime and grapefruit pith ends crisp, tangy and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)