DeLoach Vineyards ‘Heritage Reserve’ Pinot Noir 2011
California $15.45 (220434) 13.5% alcohol
Spice-laden aromas of red cherry, tobacco and dark toast precede a fully flavoured, beautifully textured wash of briary berry and spiced black plum. Well structured with poise and charm, it weds the concepts of new and old world with just the right amount of ripe fruit and precise amount of acidity for balance. The aftertaste lingers—fruity, tangy and delicious. Pour on its own or pair with spicy grilled wings, gourmet burger or roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)


Earth and Sky Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (343350) 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of lime cordial and pit fruit introduce a light-medium-bodied line of citrus and crisp, green apple streaking across the plate with plenty of nerve and verve infusing the crisp, refreshing finish. Look for more citrus flavour on the dry aftertaste garnished with notions of binned apple. Great sipped on its own, best poured with sashimi, ceviche or salad topped with crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)


Earth and Sky Pinot Noir 2010
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $15.95 (343368) 13.0% alcohol
Wood smoke and dark toast interlace with red and dark berry fruit aromas on the alluring nose. It’s delicious and lively on the palate delivering a mid-weight wash of red currant, spice-infused black plum and hints of dark briary berry. It’s balanced, dry and lip-smacking good. The warm vintage provides plenty to like on the juicy, fruit-filled aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)


Château Montcontour ‘Jovly’ Cabernet Franc 2010
AOC Chinon, France $13.35 (300665) 13.0% alcohol
Medium bodied with good mouth feel, it’s mellow, smooth and a sure-fire, crowd pleaser. Good to go now with burgers, sausage or pizza. Rich, ripe, dark berry fruit and spice mingle with black plum compote aromas. A luscious warm, gusher of sweet, ripe mulberry and charred toast coat the palate infusing the balanced, mid-length aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)


Palatine Hills Estate ‘1812’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $12.20 (305383) 13.0% alcohol
Good value here. Tropical fruit, wild flowers and orchard fruit aromas provide entry to richly flavoured river of sweet, ripe pit fruit, ripe apple and sweet yellow plum. This is fleshy in the mouth and mid weight with a lengthy finish of ripe peach and wisps of lemon citrus on the aftertaste. Serve well chilled with roast chicken or spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)


Palatine Hills Estate ‘1812’ Merlot-Cabernet 2012
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $13.20 (260448) 13.0% alcohol
Espresso roast, dark berry fruit and black plum aromas presage a juicy gusher of black currant and dark Bing cherry garnished with tangy red berry fruit and baking spice. It’s medium weight with a satin-smooth mouth feel and a lengthy, balanced and brimming with fruit finish. Bring over the gang and pour with burgers, gourmet sausage or grilled steak. Kudos to winemaker, Jeff Innes. (Vic Harradine)


Palatine Hills Estate ‘Quattro’ 2011
VQA Niagara Lakeshore $14.95 (305383)
Honeyed, floral notes mingling with spice aromas on the nose, this dishes up a racy, tangy wash of lemon curd, lime zest and Granny Smith apple. It’s medium weight with good mouth feel and finishes in a blaze of crisp, refreshing tang. A great summer quaffer, it has the goods to pair with lighter-styled appetizers of sea food, chicken or veal. (Vic Harradine)


Brickyard Riesling 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (346866) 10.0% alcohol
This is lively and lifted on the nose with lemongrass and lime cordial aromas heralding an off-dry, delightful mouthful of sweet and tang. It bathes the palate with lemon curd, key lime pie and grilled, sugared grapefruit. Mid weight with good mouth feel, the aftertaste is racy, tangy and lip-smacking delectable. Glorious on its own with the balance and complexity to pour with spicy Asian dishes—General Tso’s chicken, Pad Thai, or Moo Shou pork, and others. (Vic Harradine)