Marcus James Malbec 2007
Mendoza $9.25 (518431)
Deep, dark and purple-hued in the glass, the aromas are heady spice box with perfumed red berry and earthy notes. It’s gutsy on the palate with a consistent rush of black cherry and cassis flavours captured within a well structured frame of grainy, but acceptable tannin and wonderful moderating acidity. The finish is warm and nicely balanced. How do they manage delivering so much wine for so little price? It earned its final half star on its terrific value. (VH)


Marcus James Merlot 2007
Mendoza $9.30 (336008)
There are mixed spice, black plum and tarry aromas that segue smooth and plush flavours of black currant and ripe juicy black cherry. It’s medium in weight and texture with pleasing fruit flavours that carry through the balanced finish. It’s a lovely quaffing wine with the oomph and stuffing to pair with burgers, pizza, gourmet sausages and the like. Bistro-styled and uncomplicated, it warrants a buy given the attractive price-quality ratio. (VH)



Pillitteri Estates Winery 'Fusion' Gewürztraminer Riesling 2007
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $12.95 (349126)
Aromas of lychee fruit, ginger-infused citrus and mixed spices roll off the highly perfumed nose of this easy-to-drink quaffer. You'll experience an amazing rush of ripe sweet tropical fruit flavours—pineapple and guava—melding with bracing citrus acidity and spice. An excellent wine to be served as an aperitif with spicy canapes, it also has the oomph to pair perfectly with dishes like Pad Thai and Birhyani chicken. You should find this in your local LCBO retail store, if not, ask them to stock it, it's a popular item. (VH)