dog house 'Patches' Pinot Grigio 2006
California $13.95 (69203)
There's a lot of Pinot Grigio and attention-grabbing 'critter' labels as both are crowding retail wine shelves. This one's worth your attention given the value it provides. Zesty and refreshing; look for flavours of citrus and pineapple with hints of honeyed pear and spice on its light-bodied frame. The finish is nicely balanced and it pairs well with steamed mussels or clams and pan-seared freshwater fish under a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon. (VH)


Sonoma Vineyards Chardonnay 2006
Sonoma County, California $19.45 (60624)
Tropical fruit and mineral notes form the aromas of this medium- to full-bodied Chard. It delivers a velvety mouthful of pineapple, honeyed pear and melon flavours that replay on the lingering finish. It's fully textured, wisely sealed under screw cap (don't you just love the ease of opening?) and is a lovely wine sipped on its own or when paired with chicken or veal dishes that are lightly herbed or spiced. (VH)


Sonoma Vineyards Merlot 2004
Sonoma County, California $19.45 (60632)
There's good value here. Spiced red berry fruit on the nose, it's medium bodied and full of flavour. Look for a rush of warm (13.8% alcohol) cherry and spiced black plum flavours that wash over the palate in this nicely structured and well-balanced red. Fruit forward with a lovely moderating tang on the lengthy finish, it's a natural with smoked, herb-rubbed and grilled pork back ribs. (VH)


Twin Fin Pinot Grigio 2005
California $12.95 (38323)
The enticing nose shows spice, floral and tree fruit. Unlike many, it also delivers copious amounts of spice and flavour—tropical fruit and peach up front with a zesty bite of lemon zest on the finish. Medium bodied and well balanced; it's great bang for your buck. A friendly wine focused on the hip n' happening crowd, with its 50s convertible and surf-inspired label, it also delivers a pleasing and refreshing liquid treat in the bottle. Great for summer quaffing and for pairing with chicken, veal or fish and shellfish. (VH)



Patriarche Pinot Noir 2006
Vin de Pays d'Oc $9.95 (522649)
Earthy and underbrush aromas open this bistro-styled red—it's ready now for easy drinking with a variety of charcouterie fare. Try smoked meats, ham, soft rind cheeses and a baguette. This shows no hint of tannins; it's smooth and silky on the palate with a pleasant fruity finish, and with enough zest to provide good balance. Chill this slightly—twenty minutes in the refrigerator before serving. (VH)



Rosehall Run 'Sullyzwicker Red' 2006
VQA Prince Edward County $15.95 (69625)
Freshly picked and sliced strawberry aromas open up this built-for-fun red. Well balanced and medium bodied, it's straightforward and uncomplicated—spiced black plum and cherry flavours up front with no perceptible tannins and a food-friendly dollop of moderating acidity. Well-paced and well-priced, give it a go with burgers, pizza, or pasta in a tomato-based sauce. (VH)

Torres 'Coronas' Tempranillo 2005
DO Penedès, Spain $13.05 (29728)
Lots going on here; look for aromas of dark berry fruit and cedar along with rich flavours of black currant, mint and truffles. Only 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, but it certainly added body and structure—the tannins are ripe and supple and it's medium to full bodied. The oak has been deftly integrated (nine months of French and American) and the finish is fruit-driven and well-balanced. A step up from most reds at this price point. (VH)


Torres 'Sangre de Toro' 2006
DO Penedès, Spain $11.65 (6585)
Wisely sealed under screw cap, this popular blend (65% Garnacha / 35% Cariñena) is a certain crowd pleaser, very well priced and a versatile food wine. A lovely magenta in the glass, it provides round, ready and ripe juicy dark fruit flavours—briary berry, black plum and mulberry. It's medium bodied, supple in texture and sports a long fruity finish. This matches well to grilled burgers, pizza and pasta in a red sauce. (VH)