Gallo Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc  2005
Sierra Valley $10.05 (009373
Fresh and zingy, it begins with a lifted nose of gooseberry and nettles. There are outstanding fruit flavours (citrus, pineapple and peach) that gush from the glass and treat the palate to a beautifully textured taste and tangy treat. The lingering finish is clean and refreshing, just begging for grilled fish with a drizzle of lemon. An outstanding purchase to be made here. (VH)


Gallo "Turning Leaf" Chardonnay 2004
California $12.05 (409805)
The peach and tropical fruit flavours are very attractive, as is the smooth, round texture. This is simply a well-made Chardonnay that will pair well with many foods such as seared, roasted pork tenderloin with a fruit compote. (RP)


Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve Particuliere Multi-Vintage
AOC Champagne $40.55 (537605)
All yeasty and toasty on the nose, the steady stream of tiny bubbles signals character. This is followed by a wonderful attack of apple compote, nectarine and citrus flavours. All in all, it is zesty, refreshing and simply delightful. Has the charm to go it alone as an aperitif plus the body and structure to pair with light cuisine. Wonderful Non Vintage Champagne that you can serve proudly and that earned its final half star on price. (VH)

Lulu B. Pinot Noir 2005
Vin de Pays d'Oc $12.85 (669010)
This southern French Pinot delivers good value. It's dry with solid fruit (tart and sweet cherry) flavours, some complexity and very good balance. Drink it with grilled lamb chops. (RP)


Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2003
Vin de Pays d'Oc $14.95 (621789)
This offers quite intense and attractive aromas and flavours of peach and tropical fruit, smooth texture and good balance. Drink it with pork tenderloin or herbed chicken breast. (RP)

Drathen Piesporter Michelsbourg Riesling 2005
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Qba (042713) $9.05
Slate and a slight hint of petrol on the nose, there are sweet nectarine and other tropical fruit flavours on the light to medium-bodied frame. You can expect that wonderful sweet and sour, yin and yang tanginess that lingers on the finish and matches so well to food with some heat, like a spicy eggplant and ground veal dish. Good value. (VH)

Vic tasted the following wines with Sue-Ann Staff, internationally-acclaimed winemaker now with 20 Bees. One of the newest wineries in Niagara, exclusively VQA, it is owned and operated by 19 well known local growers (plus one winemaker) who have come together to provide premium grapes to this new venture. These '05s were made before Sue-Ann came on board. Given the forecasts for an excellent '06 harvest and Sue-Anne's winemaking magic, winecurrent.com can't wait to taste them. No need to wait for these as they have good distribution in the LCBO now.


Niagara Vintners 20 Bees Baco Noir 2005
VQA Ontario (6452) $12.95
Dark plum and brooding in the glass, it shows good typicity. The intriguing nose exhibits aromas of spice, leather and tobacco while the flavour profile offers spiced cherry and plum, good zest with a hint of those Baco tarry notes in the background. It is all nicely balanced on a medium-bodied frame and well priced. (VH)


Niagara Vintners 20 Bees Chardonnay 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula (4705) $12.95
This - as have all 20 Bees' wines - is wisely sealed under screwcap to ensure freshness. There are pleasant tropical fruit aromas that form a lovely segue to this light to medium-bodied white. You will taste good tropical fruit, along with apples and pears plus a generous dollop of citrussy zing. There is more citrus on the medium-length finish suggesting a perfect pairing to seared scallops with a drizzle of lemon. (VH)


Niagara Vintners 20 Bees Late Harvest Vidal 2005
VQA Ontario $18.95 (18499) 375 mL
A stunning wine. It was picked at 34 Brix, a hair under the regulation for ice wine. This helps explain the generous 12.8% alcohol. The aromatic nose is honeyed and beguiling. This medium to full-bodied dazzler offers caramel, toffee, raisins with desiccated nectarine and peach. Great balance and a lengthy luxurious finish make this tasting a special experience. The price to quality ratio is tipped heavily in your favour. Sip on its own, well chilled, with your best friend. (VH)

Sogrape Vila Regia Reserva 2001
DOC Douro $8.05 (464388)
Rod and I were amazed at this; one of the most outstanding buys in General List! Hand-picked grapes, fermented and aged in new French oak hogsheads for 18 months, it was then filtered, but not fined. We found sediment in our bottle, you may have to decant, or strain before serving. A red blend, it is made from 4 of the best Port grapes. The wine offers copious amounts of deep, sweet, rich flavours - cassis, black plum and juicy black cherry. There are ripe and supple tannins, excellent balancing zest and a wonderful earthy tone throughout. Stock up, drink now to 2009. (VH)