Cattail Creek ‘Creek Series’ Riesling 2012 

VQA Four Mile Creek $14.95 (241547) 11.5% alcohol 

This is balanced, generously textured and mouth-wateringly delicious. Planting Riesling vines 37 years ago, these folks and this wine deserve your attention. Aromas of honeysuckle and mineral herald a delightful river of yellow plum, grilled pineapple and racy lemon zest. The sweet and tang on the finish set this up as a gorgeous wine for sipping or pouring with pad Thai or tandoori chicken. (Vic Harradine) 


Cattail Creek ‘Creek Series’ Cabernet/Merlot 2010 

VQA Four Mile Creek $14.95 (344135) 12.5% alcohol 
Dark toast, cigar box and wisps of cassis precede a balanced wash of black currant, red cherry and notions of earthy truffle bathing the palate. Medium-full bodied and fully textured, the lingering finish and aftertaste suggest ripe dark berry fruit, a firm tannin structure and excellent moderating acidity. Aerate/decant for a couple of hours and pour with rare-grilled, seasoned hangar steak—great value here. (Vic Harradine)


Fielding Estate ‘Red Conception’ 2011

VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 12.5% alcohol
There’s very good value in this lovely red blend—Cab Franc, Merlot, Cab Sauv and Syrah—opening with aromas of roasted herbs, pipe tobacco and field berry fruit. Mid-weight, nicely textured waves of red currant and tart sour cherry interweave with juicy black currant and black plum. The lengthy, balanced finish of black cherry and mulberry is underpinned by supple tannin and oodles of charm. (Vic Harradine)   


Fielding Estate ‘White Conception’ 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 13.5% alcohol  

There’s terrific value here from the get go with alluring aromas of honeysuckle, fragrant herbs and tropical fruit aromas. It’s medium bodied with silky smooth mouth feel and a balanced and beautiful river of apple, pear and nectarine interweaving with zingy orange zest. The lengthy, mouth-watering finish invites sipping on its own or pairing with roast chicken, pork or seafood. (Vic Harradine)