Château des Arroucats 2010
AOC Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, France $16.95 (332593) 13.0% alcohol
An alluring nose of honeyed mango and nectarine herald a gorgeous mouthful of palate-bathing flavours with poached pear, marzipan and honey-dipped, ripe pear slices. It’s mid weight with lovely mouth feel and a balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. This is incredibly versatile at the table—pair with blue cheese, fruit flan, foie gras pâtè or simply sip before or after a meal, dee-licious! (Vic Harradine)


Domaine du Rey Colombard – Sauvignon 2011
IGP Côtes de Gascogne, France $13.95 (335372) 11.5% alcohol
This 70% Colombard, 30% Sauvignon Blanc blend dishes up a nice mouthful of ripe fruit supported by good moderating acidity and lengthy crisp, mouth-watering aftertaste. Aromas of pear, mint and citrus herald a mid-weight, well-textured wash of apple and ripe pear interweaving with pineapple and tangy lemon zest on the palate and refreshing finish. Zippy and clean on its own, it pairs well with sea food or arugula dressed with verjus and crumbled chèvre. (Vic Harradine)


Château des Charmes Sparkling Brut Non-vintage 

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $22.95 (224766) 13.0% alcohol 

Recently disgorged, it’s as fresh as morning dew with trivial differences between this and Champagne other than one—it’s 1/3rd the price. It’s made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the traditional method and spent almost 3 years in bottle on its lees. The fine-bead bubbles are persistent with the mouth-watering aftertaste flavour-laden, crisp and refreshing. The nose and palate are treated to a gorgeous attack of lemon-grapefruit citrus, baking brioche, mineral notes and succulent white peach. (Vic Harradine)