Château des Charmes ‘Rotary 1951’ Unoaked Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $13.95 (393959) 12.0% alcohol
For every bottle purchased, the winery donates $1 to their local Rotary Club who create positive and lasting change to our communities and those around the world. Spiced ripe apple and nutty notes on the nose precede a delightful wash of tangy lemon citrus and lime cordial streaking across the palate and replaying on the crisp, refreshing finish. It’s mid weight and nicely textured—a lovely wine from an outstanding vintage. (Vic Harradine)

   
Château des Charmes ‘Rotary 1951’ Cabernet-Merlot 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $14.95 (393967) 13.5% alcohol
Here’s a taste-good, feel-good blend of the Cabernets and Merlot that was bottled by the Bosc family in support of their local Rotary Club foundation—$1 of the purchase price goes to the Rotary foundation. It showcases attractive notes of red plum and berry, spice and vanilla, a nice fresh texture, ripe tannin and a tasty spiced finish. Enjoy this approachable wine with burgers, meat lasagna or pizza. (Susan Desjardins)

   
Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Grigio 2013
Chile $9.90 (366344) 14.0% alcohol
This is a step above the ordinary at an extraordinary price Alluring aromas of floral, spice and notions of lychee and honey waft readily from this easy-drinking, tangy gem. It rolls over the palate with oodles of flavour—yellow plum, lemony tang and peach interwoven with white grapefruit and minerality. It’s light-medium weight with lovely texture and a lengthy finish that’s crisp and refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

   
Cono Sur Sparkling Rosé Non-vintage
Bio-Bio Valley, Chile $13.90 (365205) 12.0% alcohol
100% Pinot Noir and fashioned in the Charmat/Cuvée Close method, this offers delicate aromas of red fruit—strawberries and watermelon—interlaced with floral notes and exotic spice. A great profusion of bubbles carries oodles of flavour, nicely balanced, crisp and refreshing—red cherry, strawberry and tangy blood orange. There’s a hint of red grapefruit on the finish and oodles of reasons to pick up a couple to be poured as an aperitif or with smoked salmon on a cream cheese-smeared bagel. (Vic Harradine)