Cottage Block Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (303149) 12.2% alcohol
This straightforward wine offers aromas of candied fruit and sweet spice combining with hints of vanilla and spice. Light-medium bodied, dry and fresh, the flavours replay juicy ripe red fruit spice and herbs framed by a fresh tangy texture. With its clean, refreshing aftertaste, this is a friendly, approachable quaffer. (Susan Desjardins)


Cottage Block Riesling 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (346601) 11.2% alcohol
This opens with notes of minerality interweaving with juicy citrus and wisps of lychee and Asian spice. A mouth-watering wave of flavour streaks across the palate—bracing lemon citrus notes and crisp, green apple—infusing the nicely textured, delicious finish and aftertaste. Pour on its own or alongside grilled or pan-seared fish and seafood. (Vic Harradine)

(The following wine is at a special price - $11.95 - now to Sept. 15)


Primal Roots ‘White Blend’ 2011
California, $12.95 (321497) $12.95
This white blend—Viognier, Colombard, Riesling, Gewürztraminer—is drop-dead gorgeous and a true crowd pleaser. Alluring aromas of honeysuckle, rosewater, tangy citrus and spice herald a generously textured, medium-bodied wash of ripe pear, grilled pineapple and lemon curd. This is balanced and beautiful with a dazzling finish that’s refreshing and lip-smacking delectable. It won’t be on shelves for too long, pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)


Strewn ‘Two Vines’ Cabernet-Merlot’ 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (590109) 13.3% alcohol
Overall, this is a well-balanced, focused wine that may be enjoyed now with seasoned grilled meats and will reward 6-12 months of further bottle age. Great value! There’s some evolution on the nose, a bowl of dark berry fruit beckons, wisps of underbrush and dill adding an earthy character. Dry, medium-full bodied, bell pepper, herbs, charry wood smoke and red fruit are underpinned by a firm structure. (Susan Desjardins)