• Receive 10 Bonus AirMiles on purchase of the following until August 16, 2014

  
181 ‘Noble Vines’ Merlot 2012
Lodi, California $16.95 (226530) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of black plum, aromatic bitters and wood smoke interweave with exotic spice preceding a creamy smooth surge of hedonistic ambrosia. Spice-laden juicy Bing cherry and bramble berry garnished with sweet vanilla and dark coffee coat the palate. It’s medium-plus weight with good balance and excellent tang. The finish lingers, lip-smacking good. Pour with grilled, smoked back ribs slathered in spicy barbecue sauce. (Vic Harradine)

• Look for the next two value wines on LCBO shelves in September, 2014

  
Pillitteri ‘Canadian Gothic’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.00 13.0% alcohol
With a return to the ‘good old days’, this showcases an easy-drinking, uncomplicated, value-packed mouthful of ripe orchard fruit—ripe pear and apple with wisps of peach—ably balanced with lemony tang and a touch of white grapefruit on the finish. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with a mid-length aftertaste. Pours well on its own or with roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)

   
Pillitteri ‘Canadian Gothic’ Cabernet - Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.00 12.5% alcohol
Heady aromas of piquant spice, cherry, graphite and menthol lead the way to a mellow and creamy smooth river of red berry fruit and ripe, dark, juicy cherry on the palate. It’s medium bodied with good tang throughout and a fresh, mouth-watering finish with wisps of tannin adding structure and underpinning. Serve with the grilled red meat you pull off your Weber—the price-quality balance tips in your favour. (Vic Harradine)