Ruffino 'Il Ducale' 2003
IGT Toscana $19.95 (27797)
This is the first vintage of 'Il Ducale', a blend (this year) of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% "other varieties." It's packed with rich, sweet, dark fruit and berries (plum, cherry, blackberries are dominant) with lots of spiciness and a decent tannic grip. It owes some of its intensity to the very hot 2003 vintage, and it'll be interesting to see how the following vintages compare. In the meantime, this is a delicious drop that goes great with red meat from your barbecue. (RP)


Twin Fin Chardonnay 2005
California $13.95 (38315)
This opens with a fragrant nose of tropical fruit, vanilla and spice. It's medium-bodied and zesty. Expect a mélange of fruit flavours-citrus, peach and apple to the fore. It's all nicely balanced, nothing overdone, and finishes fruit-forward and refreshing. This matches up well with roast chicken, or chicken grilled on the bar b que. A well-priced offering. (VH)


Twin Fin Pinot Grigio 2005
California $13.95 (38323)
You may have tried the reds from this hip and happening label, and now there's a couple of whites that have been added to their listings in the LCBO. This one is light bodied with delicate aromas of floral and spicy apple and flavours in the citrus and green apple zones. It's dry and crisp and looking for a cuisine partner. Try it with grilled tuna that has been generously showered with freshly-squeezed lemon. (VH)