Henry of Pelham “Speck Family Reserve” Riesling 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $30.00

Another in the new range of SFR wines, the Riesling reflects both the quality of the excellent 2002 Niagara vintage and the skill of Henry of Pelham winemaker Ron Giesbrecht. It’s a luscious Riesling with gorgeous fruit that’s a mélange of pear, melon and tropical fruit. There’s already a lovely petrol nuance in the aromas (more like an oily rag, but in the best sense!) and the flavours are in perfect harmony with the zesty acidity. This is great drinking now, but it’s a wine to cellar another five or more years. It’s a perfect foil for spicy seafood dishes, and you can order from the winery using the link at winecurrent.com. (RP)


Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (989277)

This is a great Pinot Noir, elegant and refined, and showing the quality that the Delaine Vineyard series is delivering across the board. It’s unmistakably Pinot, with tempting aromas of earth, sweet cherry and spice. Once you give in to the temptation (a struggle measured in seconds), your reward is a finely-tuned palate of cherry and spice with supple tannins and perfectly poised acidity. The finish is long and complex. You can drink this now (grilled lamb would be my choice) or hold it for another five, six, maybe eight years. Available at Wine Rack stores or from the winery. Contact them via the link at winecurrent.com (RP)