Charles Baker – Charles is Sales and Marketing Director at Stratus, producing only one wine under his own name. It’s a Riesling from a small vineyard owned by Chef Mark Picone high on the Vinemount Ridge and this ’08 is the fourth vintage—and for my money the best yet. Low yields, meticulous vine management and exquisite terroir coalesce with J-L Groulx’s winemaking expertise—he’s wine maker at Stratus—and Charles’ relentless passion to fashion what may be Niagara’s top Riesling.


Charles Baker ‘Stratus – Picone Vineyard’ Riesling 2008
VQA Vinemount Ridge $35.00 10.5% alcohol
Highly perfumed aromas of diesel, slate and lemon zest dance from the glass of this dazzling expression of Riesling at its finest. The third vintage tasted—all 5 stars—and this the best to date; it showcases a slightly oily texture with a persistent wash of focused, racy citrus and kiwi fruit along with streaks of mineral. The tension, nerve and verve on the palate is palpable, delivering a mouth-watering shower and lip-smacking, lingering finish of bracing, balanced ambrosia. Drink 2012 to 2020. Free delivery to home or office for cases of 12 bottles or more from Stratus. (Vic Harradine)

Riverview Cellars Winery – It’s difficult to keep up with the 100+ wineries in Niagara, but here’s a family-owned concern —Pillitteri family, closely related to Pillitteri Estate Winery—you’ll want to make note of. As you’ll see below they’re making quality wine that’s fairly priced and shipping free to home or office with a liberal, mixed-case policy. Vinified from primarily estate-grown fruit, the CCOVI-trained winemaker, Angela Kasimos, is fashioning award-winning wine showcasing balance, versatility with food and a strong aromatic profile.


Riverview Cellars ‘Salvatore’s Reserve’ Cabernet 2008
VQA Niagara River $20.95 12.8% alcohol
This is special, don’t miss out—the price quality balance tips well in your favour. Tantalizing aromas—vanilla, dark berry fruit and spice—presage a delectable array of complex, ripe, succulent flavour with ripe, black, Bing cherry, juicy mulberry and hints of mint to the fore. It’s 2/3 Cab Franc and 1/3 Cab Sauvignon with 12 months in American oak. Full-bodied with a silky smooth texture, it’s perfectly balanced with a lingering aftertaste showing off fine-grained sweet tannin and more delicious fruit. Available by the mixed case for daily home or office delivery (free for case of 12 or 3 of icewine) from Riverview Cellars. (Vic Harradine)


Riverview Cellars Cabernet Franc 2007
VQA Niagara River $19.95 12.5% alcohol
Aged in seasoned French (primarily) and American oak, this purple-red wine has a delicate nose reminiscent of cherry cordial, cinnamon and vanilla. Dry, mid weight and intriguing, it has structure and impact, with bright red fruit flavours—cherry, raspberry and cranberry—supported by firm tannin and lively acidity. The finish lingers with elusive notes of grilled herbs, toast and white pepper. Serve it with tomato-based dishes or cellar for 2-3 years. Available by the mixed case for daily home or office delivery (free for case of 12 or 3 of icewine) from Riverview Cellars. (Susan Desjardins)


Riverview Cellars Unoaked Chardonnay 2009
VQA Niagara River $13.95 12.4% alcohol
The lifted nose evokes flowers, stone fruit and citrus aromas. A lively tang on entry awakens the palate providing a segue to vibrant flavours of green apple, grapefruit and lemon. Mid-weight, taut with a zippy spine of acidity, the wine has a lengthy consistent finish. Try it with smoked salmon appetizers or with a seafood main course. Available by the mixed case for daily home or office delivery (free for case of 12 or 3 of icewine) from Riverview Cellars. (Susan Desjardins)