Boschendal ‘The Pavillion’ Chenin Blanc Viognier 2013

South Africa  $10.95 (281311) 13.5% alcohol

Unoaked, offering lifted aromas of ripe fruit—kiwi, melon, peach—and a whiff of spice, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine with an almost spritzy texture. The richness of ripe stone fruit shines on the palate, mingling with exotic spice and a touch of citrus pith. Clean and tangy on the finish, it's a match for grilled chicken or fish. (Susan Desjardins)



Boschendal ‘The Pavillion’ Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

South Africa $12.00 (222299) 14.0% alcohol

Intense purple, the limited oak aging of this wine creates a subtle frame for waves of ripe fruit and spice. Black fruits, cassis, peppery notes and a whiff of vanilla create a lovely bouquet. The ripe black fruit is lifted by a rush of spice and pepper framed by subtle tannins and fine acidity. Fruity, but dry, there's a tang of red raspberry and lingering peppery notes on the finish. This is an approachable, well-made medium-bodied wine that's a match for veggie or lamb burgers. (Susan Desjardins) 


Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (370320) 13.5% alcohol 
Deep ruby, the fruit for this inaugural vintage was hand-sorted on the estate, aged 10 months in French oak. It showcases an alluring nose of bright red berries and ripe black cherry, cedar, mineral, dried herbs and spice. Dry, tangy and spicy, it’s medium-full bodied, blending a lively texture with ripe tannin, chocolate-coated coffee bean and a touch of vanilla mingling with cassis, black cherry and raspberry. Well structured, offering good complexity and balance, this wine finishes dry and long. It pairs well with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. (Susan Desjardins) 


Wolftrap Viognier Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc 2013

WO Western Cape $13.95 (292532) 13.5% alcohol

Lifted floral, tropical and stone fruit aromas mingle with sweet spice. Dry, medium bodied, the wine is round yet crisp, displaying a fine seam of acidity and a touch of tannins to complement delicious flavours of stone fruit, pineapple, tangerine, spice and white pepper. There's great balance to this wine, and a nice tangy finish. (Susan Desjardins)



Wolftrap Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier 2013

Western Cape $13.95 (292557) 14.0% alcohol

Deep-purple hued, this blend offers complex aromas of herbs, smoke, red rose, black fruits and spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, it has good structure of ripe tannins and fresh acidity, the texture round yet fresh. Loads of black fruit wash across the palate garnished with notes of spice, dried herbs and pepper. Well balanced and flavourful, it finishes with a touch of spicy warmth. This red twin of Wolftrap white blend is a party pleaser! (Susan Desjardins)