Inniskillin ‘East West Series’ Cabernet - Shiraz 2008
Niagara, Ontario and Okanagan, British Columbia Vineyards $17.95 14.5% alcohol
Glorious aromas of black licorice, dark toast and mocha waft freely from this medium-full-bodied, balanced blend—Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from the west and Cabernet Franc from Niagara. Sweet succulent flavours—dark berry fruit and black plum—mingle with hints of vanilla, savoury herb and perceptible tannin. Decant for two hours pouring with grilled rack of lamb. Now available at Inniskillin’s 162 Wine Rack stores across Ontario. (Vic Harradine)


Inniskillin ‘East West Series’ Merlot - Cabernet 2008
Niagara, Ontario and Okanagan, British Columbia Vineyards $17.95 14.0% alcohol
It’s a bit taut now, drink 2012 – 2016. Quiet aromas of herb, spice and berry fruit introduce a medium-bodied, nicely textured blend—61% B.C with the balance, Ontario. Delicate flavours of red and dark berry fruit and black Damson plum ride a refreshing spine of acidity throughout. The mid-length, savoury aftertaste is bolstered by a solid tannin underpinning. It’ll be perfectly paired with meat-laden pizza and pasta in tomato-based sauce. Now available at Inniskillin’s 162 Wine Rack stores across Ontario. (Vic Harradine)


Inniskillin ‘East West Series’ Riesling - Gewürztraminer 2009
Niagara, Ontario and Okanagan, British Columbia Vineyards $16.95 12.5% alcohol
Individually, these are candidates for VQA status. However, VQA has no allowance for inter-provincial blending. Lifted aromas of exotic spice, rosewater, Turkish delight with hints of minerality provide segue for a deftly balanced, delectable wash of flavour—white peach, crisp apple and ripe pear. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with an aftertaste of refreshing citrus and ripe pineapple. Lovely on its own, it pours well with spicy Asian food. Now available at Inniskillin’s 162 Wine Rack stores across Ontario. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Wines ‘brickyard’ Chardonnay 2009
VQA Niagara River $30.20 12.5% alcohol
Lively and lifted aromas dance from this delicately textured, mid-weight Chardonnay—toast, exotic spice and mineral notes. There’s great purity of flavour with a steady stream of apple, pear and white grapefruit mingling with nuances of mineral and lime. It’s underpinned with a good spine of crisp refreshing tang and finishes mouth-watering and balanced. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Wines Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Niagara Peninsula $25.20 12.5% alcohol
The price and Niagara Peninsula appellation suggest ‘entry level’, the tasting suggests otherwise—it’s a crowd-pleaser with the price-quality balance tipped wildly in your favour. Lifted aromas jump from the glass with oodles of cinnamon, cloves and mixed dark berry fruit. It’s an amalgam of mouth-watering flavours—ripe cranberry and pomegranate mingling with spice, strawberry and cherry. It’s medium bodied, generously textured with a lengthy aftertaste of sweet, succulent cherry/berry flavour. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Wines ‘canadian oak’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Niagara River $35.20 12.5% alcohol
The lifted aromas of mixed spice—cinnamon and cloves—and berry fruit jump from the glass. There’s a racy rush of tangy pie cherry and spice-infused red berry fruit on the palate with perceptible, acceptable, supple tannin. It’s light-medium bodied, nicely textured and dry and spicy on the mid-length aftertaste. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)


Lailey Vineyard Wines ‘Old Vines’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Niagara River $45.20 12.5% alcohol
This 170 case small-production Pinot delivers a well-structured wash of spice, juicy fruit and sports a generous mouth feel. Delicate aromas of spice, mocha and leather provide segue for a persistent stream of boysenberry and black currant flavour mingling with cranberry and sprigs of herb and spice. It’s mid weight with a dry and tangy finish. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Lailey. (Vic Harradine)