14 Hands ‘Hot to Trot’ White Blend 2011 
Washington State $15.45 (280859) 13.0% alcohol 
Honeysuckle, musk melon and buttery notes on the nose, it bursts on the palate with lemony tang, Granny Smith apple and notions of ripe melon and mango. Medium bodied, nicely textured and well balanced, it finishes wrapped in mouth-watering, lemony tang and hints of pear. Pour on its own or pair with chicken, veal or sea food—good value. (Vic Harradine)


J. Bouchon Sauvignon Blanc 2013 
Maule Valley, Chile $10.40 (531749) 13.0% alcohol 
Ripe kiwi fruit, pineapple and spice aromas herald a light-medium weight, nicely textured river of passion fruit, gooseberry and honeydew melon decorated with lemon citrus and wisps of lime. It’s crisp and refreshing with mouth-watering citrus tang on the medium-length finish. This is a value-packed wine to sip or pour with lighter-styled appetizers or sea food. (Vic Harradine) 


Fielding Estate ‘Red Conception 2012 
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (189183) 13.0% alcohol 
Aromas of dark briary berry, pipe tobacco and graphite open a gorgeous, concentrated river of lively red and black berry fruit, tangy red cherry and rich, black plum compote, coating the palate in grainy-textured waves. It’s medium bodied with a solid tannin underpinning, good balance and structure. This vintage’s blend is 68% Cab Franc, 18% Cab Sauv, 8% Syrah and 6% Petit Verdot. Aerate for two-hours before pouring. It provides excellent value. (Vic Harradine) 


Fielding Estate ‘White Conception 2012 
VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 (203737) 13.0% 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. Earn 6 AIR MILES® reward miles until May 24, 2014. (Vic Harradine) 


Fresobaldi Rèmole 2012 
IGT Toscana, Italy $12.95 (105429) 12.5% alcohol 
Piquant spice, red berry fruit and mocha aromas provide a greeting for a river of flavour bathing the palate—spiced red cherry and sweet ripe mulberry interweave with black ripe cherry and notions of charred toast on the fruit-filled, nicely balanced, almost sweet, finish. This is a wonderful wine for grilled red meat, beef fajitas, meat-laden pizza, meat-sauce pasta at a perfect price for large gatherings, especially when you’re footing the bill. (Vic Harradine) 


Kacaba ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2013 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 12.1% alcohol  
Ripe, apple and pear meld with wisps of floral notes on the nose presaging a creamy-textured wave of lip-smacking citrus, white peach and grilled pineapple. It’s well paced and focused with loads of charm and ripe, sweet fruit. Mid weight, good value and very well balanced, the mid-length finish puts ribbon and bow on a delightful package. Pour with pan-seared fish, grilled prawns or calamari rings. (Vic Harradine) 


Konzelmann Gewürztraminer 2011 

VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (392357) 14.0% alcohol 

It’s perfumed and complex with aromas of cinnamon, rosewater, quince and jasmine rushing from the glass. Off dry, lusciously spicy, it blossoms on the palate, fruity and creamy with a lovely replay of quince jelly. Intensely flavourful with a long finish that offers a hint of pith, it’s impressive. Sip for pleasure or pair with slightly spicy foods. (Susan Desjardins) 


Konzelmann ‘Canada White’ Riesling 2011

VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (125278) 11.5% alcohol

Honeyed pit fruit and floral notes on the nose, it sports a slightly off-dry wash of lime zest, ripe pineapple and lemon rind flowing over the palate echoing on the lingering racy finish. It’s mid weight with generous mouth feel and hints of spiced yellow plum on the aftertaste. Pours well on its own or alongside spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine) 


Konzelmann Shiraz 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.80 (144857) 13.5% alcohol 
Lively, fresh aromas of black plum, spice and dark field berry fruit abound. Ripe, luscious flavours of cassis, dark briary berry and red cherry wash over the palate, infusing the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste. It’s medium bodied with creamy smooth mouth feel and oodles of charm—don’t linger too long, pick up a couple. (Vic Harradine) 


Montes ‘Limited Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère 2011 
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $14.90 (292169) 14.5% alcohol 
Exotic spice, herbs and floral notes presage a succulent, savory mouthful of red and dark berry fruit, tang-infused red cherry and wisps of fine-grained tannin. It’s medium bodied with good structure, nice texture and a smoky lip-smacking aftertaste. Pour with burgers, pizza or beef fajitas. (Vic Harradine) 


Montes ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $13.50 (157883) 14.0% alcohol 
Charred toast, aromatic bitters and dark berry fruit on the nose, this bursts on the palate with full-bore, magical flavours of bramble berry, black, juicy Bing cherry wreathed in dark chocolate. It’s medium bodied, well balanced, creamy smooth and absolutely delicious. The finish replays those wonderful palate flavours on the long, dry aftertaste. (Vic Harradine) 


Shingleback ‘Red Knot’ Shiraz 2012 
McLaren Vale, Australia $17.95 (619395) 14.0% alcohol 
Here’s a classy red from a top-notch producer that’s loaded with flavour and just plain delicious. Rich, ripe mulberry and dark, juicy cherry coat the palate decorated with baking spice and dark chocolate flavour. There’s medium-full weight and silky smooth mouth feel augmented by pin-point balance and a lengthy lip-smacking finish. Gorgeous on its own, it pours well with grilled lamb or beef. (Vic Harradine) 


Château de Vaugelas 2011 
AOC Corbières-Le Prieurè, France $13.70 (361691) 13.5% alcohol 
Earthy tones, dark briary berry and mocha on the nose, this dishes up a medium-weight, tangy wash of red currant and sour cherry robed in mixed spice and sprigs of herbs. It finishes dry and crisp with a lively finish of red berry fruit and black plum compote. Pour alongside spaghetti Bolognese or pasta puttanesca. (Vic Harradine)