Carmella Estates Winery 'Terroir Twist' 2005
VQA Ontario $17.95
This is from100% Estate grown, Prince Edward County fruit from one of the most respected wineries in this burgeoning wine region. You can catch an early wave by trying this now as they are not far off gaining their own appellation. 73% Riesling, 17% Pinot Gris and 10% Chardonnay, this offers mineral and citrus aromas on the nose and lovely clean green apple, pear and more citrus on the well balanced finish. Match up to grilled white fish with a drizzle of freshly-squeezed lemon. Order from their website, in cases of six, at www.carmelaestates.ca.

Konzelmann Riesling Ice Wine 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula 375 ml $53.95
A stunning wine producing a fabulous wine-tasting experience. The perfumed aromas are redolent of marmalade peel and ultra-ripe nectarines. The unctuous and palate-drenching flavours are an amalgam of tropical fruits and citrus peel with perfect balance in acidity to keep it laser-like clean on the finish. Serve well chilled, as dessert or with fruit flan. Winner of Gold and Best of Show Sweet White at 2006 Ottawa Wine and Food show. Order via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it (VH)


Lailey Vineyard Vidal 2005
VQA Ontario $11.95
Wine maker Derek Barnett works wonders with this grape every vintage. Winner of yet another gold at the Ottawa Wine and Food Show, this offers gobs of bold flavours, citrus and tropical fruit salad, along with copious amounts of zesty tang and balancing sweetness on its medium-bodied frame. Versatile as a welcoming wine or paired to seafood drizzled with freshly squeezed lemon. Good value. Order direct from Lailey www.laileyvineyard.com . (VH)


Lailey Vineyard Cabernet 2004
VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc and 13% Merlot, this classic Bordeaux blend opens with a nose redolent of black plums with some spice and savoury aromas. It drips with juicy black berry fruit and on a plush, medium-bodied frame. Expect a fruity well-balanced, warm and tangy finish that adds ripe tannins and an interesting vanilla note. Pour alongside grilled strip loin, done rare to medium-rare. Order direct from Lailey www.laileyvineyard.com. (VH)


Lailey Vineyards Select Late Harvest Vidal 2005
VQA Ontario $14.95 375 ml
This opens with a highly-perfumed nose of sweet ripe pineapple and other tropical fruit aromas. The mouth feel is simply glorious offering a creamy texture that is balanced off with tangy fruit flavours, nectarine and peach to the fore. The luxuriously sweet finish also offers caramel and melon. Stunning on its own, would pair well to fruit flans. Order direct from Lailey www.laileyvineyard.com. (VH)

Mountain Road Winery Company Cabernet Franc Reserve 2002
VQA Beamsville Bench $27.95
A Gold Medal winner in the All Canadian Wine Championship, this delivers smoky toast and oak aromas. It rips into high gear on the palate with richly concentrated, juicy cherry and back berry flavours. This is full-bodied and tannic, begging for time in the cellar. It will be nothing short of stunning 2009 to 2014. From a medium-sized, premium Niagara winery garnering considerable praise from oenophiles and the general public, alike. (VH)