Henry of Pelham Vidal Icewine 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula (897470) $24.95 200 mL 9.5% alcohol
Alluring aromas of apricot preserve, honey-drizzled pear and baking spice dominate the nose. It delivers full-bodied, full-fruited peel marmalade, baked apple and grilled pineapple flavour persisting through the balanced and beautiful finish and aftertaste garnished with mango and treacle. This easily serves as dessert and also pours well alongside fruit flan or blue-veined cheese and water crackers. (Vic Harradine)

  
Redstone ‘Limestone Vineyard – South’ Riesling 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $19.20 (381251) 10.0% alcohol
This was organic/biodynamic-farmed and sourced from hand-picked, 14-year-old vines. Gunflint, wisps of petrol and piquant spice precede a tang-laden, barely off-dry river of lime cordial, lemon curd and apple skin streaking across the palate with great élan. It’s medium bodied with laser-like focus and persistent purity of fruit throughout. It finishes dry and drenched with white grapefruit and notions of chalky minerality. Pour with prawn or scallop ceviche. (Vic Harradine)

  
Redstone ‘Redstone Vineyard’ Merlot 2012
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore $39.95 $14.0% alcohol 
Black plum, pipe tobacco and mixed spice aromas provide segue to a tangy full-bodied, fully textured wave of dark cherry/berry fruit, black plum and dark bittersweet chocolate. It coats the palate with gusto, firm structure and a solid tannin underpinning. The finish lingers with good balance of ripe fruit and acidity. Pour 2018 to 2022; it’ll repay patience and careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)

  
Tawse Winery ‘Growers Blend’ Cabernet Franc 2013
VQA Niagara Peninsula $27.95 (284570) 13.5% alcohol
Dark plum and black berry fruit aromas reveal a spice-laden, palate-enveloping river of racy red currant and passionfruit interlaced with dark toast and notions of espresso roast. It’s medium-plus weight with good texture and a lengthy finish replete with excellent acidity, good structure and wisps of ripe tannin. Aerate/decant this organic/biodynamic-farmed Cab Franc for three hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

  
Tawse Winery ‘Van Bers Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc 2012
VQA Creek Shores $49.95 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas of sandalwood, exotic spice and bramble berry abound. A full-bodied, full-fruited wall of spice-infused black currant and dark cherry coat the palate entwined with balsamic and black plum compote. This creamy smooth flow replays on the drying finish and aftertaste robed in great structure, underpinned by still-evolving tannin and robed in mouth-watering acidity. Aerate/decant for three/four hours and pour with grilled beef tenderloin or pop corks 2017-2024— it should improve with age. (Vic Harradine)