California

Black Anvil Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $11.70 (45575) 13.5% alcohol
Red berry fruit and hints of spice drift off the nose of this extremely well-priced California Cab. There’s a solid stream of flavour that washes over the palate—succulent cherry, a bit of cassis and spiced mulberry—underpinned by ripe fine-grained tannin and moderating pie cherry. This is mid weight, has a nice mouth feel and sports a long and balanced finish. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)


Leaping Horse Vineyards Merlot 2007
California $11.70 (613265) 13.5% alcohol
Produced by Ironstone Vineyards, this is an easy-drinking crowd pleaser. True to the varietal, this wine has great aromas of dark sweet fruit along with toasty notes and a hint of char. It’s warm, plush and velvety on the palate with succulent flavors of candied red fruits and sweet herbs and spices. It’s well balanced with soft tannins, moderating acidity and sports a long spicy, fruity finish. (Susan Desjardins)


Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
California $14.95 (55517) 13.5% alcohol
Toast, oak and vanilla on the nose there’s a lovely stream of fruit flavour on the palate with ripe mulberry, dark bramble berry and cranberry predominant. There are loads of texture from firm tannin while it finishes well balanced and fruit forward. Delightful on its own, it also has the structure and oomph to pair well with grilled steak or a hearty stew. (Vic Harradine)


Wente ‘Southern Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Livermore Valley-San Francisco Bay $16.95 (301507) 13.5% alcohol
Spicy and floral with red field berry fruit aromas on the nose, this well-paced Cab has purity of fruit and good structure to offer. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and balanced flavours—spiced black cherry, ripe pomegranate and black currant galore. The fruity finish lingers. Pour alongside grilled rib eye or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)


Wente ‘Morning Fog’ Chardonnay 2008
Livermore Valley-San Francisco Bay $16.45 (175430) 13.5% alcohol
From grapes cooled by early morning fog, this showcases balance and complexity. Expressive aromas roll off the glass—vanilla, spiced pear and tropical fruit—while surging fruit flavours of nectarine, ripe citrus and delicious apple coat the palate. It’s mid weight, generously textured with seamlessly integrated oak and a lingering delectable finish This is an outstanding Chardonnay from the oldest-continuous-family-owned (5th generation) winery in the country. (Vic Harradine)

Chile

Concha y Toro ‘Casillero del Diablo Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
DO Central Valley $12.95 (278416) 13.5% alcohol
Dark and brooding in the glass, it billows forth with expressive aromas of dusty earthiness and black currant. There’s a solid stream of tangy flavour with red cherry, cranberry and red currant to the fore. It’s nicely textured and finishes with adornments of mint, espresso roast and perceptible tannin on the dry finish. Give it a go alongside marinated and grilled hangar steak. (Vic Harradine)


Concha y Toro ‘Casillero del Diablo Reserva’ Shiraz 2008
DO Central Valley $12.95 (568055) 13.5% alcohol
Aged in small oak barrels for 8 months, this wine has an expressive dark berry nose complemented by vanilla and spices. The smoky oak marries well with the sweet ripe berries—boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry. The rich mouthfeel is complemented by drying tannins and moderating acidity. Well balanced, it has a long mouthwatering finish with hints of cherry pie and sweet spices. Try it with ribs with a sweet spicy sauce. (Susan Desjardins)


Concha y Toro ‘Frontera’ Chardonnay 2009
Chile $14.95 (465849) 1500mL 13.0% alcohol
There’s big bang for your buck here; a magnum for under $15. The quiet aromas of floral and apple introduce this straightforward easy-sipping white. It’s lighter-styled, but doesn’t stint on the flavour—green apple spice and citrus—or overall tasting experience—it’s balanced, crisp and refreshing. A lovely aperitif, it also has the body and flavour to pair well with chicken or veal appetizers. (Vic Harradine)


Concha y Toro ‘Frontera’ Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Chile $13.95 (113019) 1500mL 13.0% alcohol
This uncomplicated table wine offers good value and arrives in a 1500 mL bottle ready for the holiday season neighborhood party or banquet. Delicate aromas of tropical fruit and light citrus tickle the nose. The palate is crisp and fresh, with a hint of minerality, sharp citrus and a pithy bite. The bright flavors and zesty acidity linger on the finish. It’ll complement pan-fried sole with lemon butter. (Susan Desjardins)

France

Ogier Côtes du Rhône ‘Heritages’ 2007
AOC Côtes du Ventoux $16.95 (535849) 14.0% alcohol
This wine grabs your attention with a lifted nose of rich dark fruit, vanilla and toast. It’s rich and concentrated on the palate with a soft texture and perceptible, but well-integrated tannins. Gorgeous flavours of dark berries and cherries, as well as sweet spices grace the palate. Medium bodied and well balanced, the wine has a warm succulent fruity finish. One bottle may not be enough! (Susan Desjardins)


Ogier Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2008
AOC Côtes du Ventoux $11.95 (134916) 13.3% alcohol
Produced from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, this rosé has a lovely salmon color inviting you to savour the expressive nose of sweet field berries. The aromas follow through on the palate delivering fresh acidity complemented by sweet red fruit. The wine is light bodied, well balanced and has a lingering finish with hints of red grapefruit and white pepper. It’s a great sipping wine or could be enjoyed with sautéed shrimp. (Susan Desjardins)


Piper-Heidsieck ‘Cuvée Brut’ Champagne Non-Vintage 

AOC Champagne $49.95 (462432) 12.0% alcohol

This is elegant and light on its feet with an expressive nose of white flowers, citrus and hints of baking bread. This Grande Marques house blend is 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 15% Chardonnay. It’s light bodied and nicely textured delivering a refreshing mouthful of froth. The flavours include lemon zest and green apple and they’re persistent through the medium-length finish. This is a perfect aperitif or it can be paired with seafood or chicken appetizers. The price is equally attractive as sipping this delightful bubbly. (Vic Harradine)


Pol Roger ‘Extra Cuvée de Réserve’ Champagne Non-Vintage
AOC Champagne $58.80 (51953) 12.5% alcohol
Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite, one mouthful and this could become your go-to bubbly for over the holidays—it’s certainly full value. Golden-straw coloured, it’s defined by rich flavour, a very small bead of bubbles and lip-smacking crispness without being acidic. Flavours of lemon biscuit, green apple and ripe succulent tree fruit abound carried throughout by generous texture into a balanced finish. Family-owned for generations, it’s one of the most highly regarded and respected Grande Marque houses. (Vic Harradine)

Germany

Gustav Adolf Schmitt Niersteiner Spâtlese ‘Late Harvest’ 2008
Prädikatswein Niersteiner Rheinhessen $10.95 (262337) 10.0% alcohol
A blend of Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Sylvaner, this late harvest wine was fermented in stainless. The bouquet is of sweet tree fruit—apricots, nectarines, peaches—with a hint of citrus. At first sip, tangy citrus and nectarine collide. Yet, there’s a wonderful balance of fruit and acidity. It has a full-bodied mouth feel, but it dances lightly on the palate. A great value, try it with spicy Asian cuisine. (Susan Desjardins)

Italy

The previous winecurrent review for this wine was from a bottle that was flawed, only discovered after tasting from another bottle at a later date. The first bottle was 'corked'. Not one of those stinky, musty 'corked' wines easily detected, but an insidious cork taint that strips some of the flavour and complexity from the wine, leaving you thinking, That's good, but not great.  The kind of cork taint  that drives wineries to screw cap. I've now tasted this three times; the following is what you can expect.

Masi ‘Costasera Amarone Classico’ 2006
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella $37.35 (317057) 15.0% alcohol
Brimming with aroma, flavour and complexity, this is a stunning wine from a fabulous vintage. Aromas of lilac, earthiness, toasty notes and dark berry fruit segue rich flavours that coat the palate with ripe Bing cherry, spiced black plum, black currant and hints of minerality. Medium bodied and nicely textured it dishes out a lingering well-structured finish with ripe tannin mingling with dark fruit and espresso roast. If you're a fan of Amarone and/or Masi, you simply must this give this a try. (Vic Harradine)

Barone Ricasoli ‘Campo Ceni’ 2007
IGT Toscana $12.95 (241844) 13.5% alcohol
Predominantly Sangiovese with a splash of Merlot, the price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. Earthy, dark berry fruit and toasty/oaky aromas—spent 6 months in barrel—segue rich concentrated and well-balanced flavours of juicy Bing cherry and pomegranate mingling with mixed spice in the background. It comes as a complete package—balanced, plush tannin, good mouth feel and a lingering mouth-watering finish. What more could you ask for? (Vic Harradine)


Santi ‘Sortesele’ Pinot Grigio 2008
IGT Delle Venezie $12.90 (637603) 12.5% alcohol
Delivering a gorgeous nose of floral and honeyed fruit aromas, this nicely textured white is fully flavoured and good value. Look for balanced flavours of crisp citrus and delectable tree fruit with apple and peach predominant. It has good weight and dishes out a lovely mouth-watering finish. Lovely sipped on it’s own as an aperitif, it also pairs well with seafood—mussels or pan-seared fresh water fish. (Vic Harradine)

Ontario

Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Aligoté 2008
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.45 (284950) 12.0%alcohol
For many, this is an undiscovered grape varietal—time to discover it! Tantalizing aromas jump from the glass with mineral notes and ripe Bosc pear. Expressing itself on the palate with tree fruit – Granny Smith apple, pear and citrus—there’s a persistent stream of crisp refreshing flavour through the lengthy well-balanced finish. Medium bodied and nicely textured, there’s a surge of nervy citrus on the aftertaste that’s looking for a cuisine match. Had mine with steamed mussels and it was divine. (Vic Harradine)


Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Cabernet-Merlot 2006
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (454991) 12.5%alcohol
With spiced black plum, earthy and toasty aromas on the nose, this delivers a gusher of bright ripe fruit with red cherry, cranberry and red currant galore. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with good verve and raciness throughout. The lengthy finish is adorned with ripe tannin and lip-smacking pomegranate and minty notes. Well paced and delicious on its own, it pairs well with pasta in tomato-based sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Pillitteri Estates Cabernet Merlot 2008
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (349191) 13.0% alcohol
From Pillitteri’s Australian winemaker, Dr. Marc Bradshaw, comes a lovely medium-bodied red blend that leads with Cabernet Franc supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The aromas are a combination of ripe red fruit and roasted red peppers, providing a great combination of fruit and earthiness. The wine is well structured, but supple with well-integrated tannins. Hints of coffee bean complement the plush fruit on the long smooth finish. Great value given the price! (Susan Desjardins)

South Africa

Robertson Winery Shiraz 2009
WO Robertson $11.90 (610949) 14.1% alcohol
Aged in a combination of French and American oak for 6 months, this well-priced Shiraz has an intense sweet fruity nose of dark berries with a hint of tapenade and pepper. It’s medium bodied with a fine seam of acidity that carries the luscious dark fruit throughout the palate. Well balanced with delicate vanilla notes, the wine has a medium-long fruity finish. (Susan Desjardins)