Strewn fashioned a stellar line-up of white wines for their super-premium ‘Terroir’ series in what was considered a challenging year—heat spikes in July—and an equally challenging 2011 harvest—heavy rains. Winecurrent recently tasted four, all rated highly, with three earning an exceptional-value rating. There’s a new winemaker, Dr. Marc Bradshaw—Aussie born, but no stranger to these parts, he was recently with another prominent, premium Niagara winery. Appears he’s continuing to work his magic. The three below are winery-only, a Gewürztraminer above is available at the LCBO; make certain it’s 2011.


Strewn ‘Terroir’ Pinot Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $15.15 11.6% alcohol
Honeyed nectarine and spice-infused apple aromas presage a persistent river of tangy citrus interwoven with green apple and ripe tropical fruit—pineapple and melon. It’s beautifully balanced and medium bodied with good texture and a lingering aftertaste of mouth-watering crisp citrus and ripe pit fruit. Perfectly paired and poured with white pizza. A top drop; order a few for daily home or office delivery by phone 905-468-1229 or on-line from Strewn Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Strewn ‘Terroir’ Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $17.15 11.2% alcohol
Strewn’s ‘Terroir’ series has never been better; they pop with lively flavour, deft balance and charm. Apple spice and honeysuckle aromas intro a delectable wash of racy lemon-lime and crisp Granny Smith apple interlaced with mineral tones on the palate. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a lengthy, dry, lip-smacking finish of citrus and pineapple. Order a few for daily home or office delivery by phone 905-468-1229 or on-line from Strewn Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Strewn ‘Terroir’ Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $18.15 12.9% alcohol
This is top-drawer Sauvignon Blanc with nerve, verve and a boatload of flavour. Alluring aromas of tropical fruit, peach and herbal notes provide segue for a river of palate-bathing flavours of tangy passion fruit, racy lime and slate/mineral notes. This bristles with lively acidity complemented by delectable fruit. The finish dishes up a lip-smacking experience. Dandy on its own, give it a go with mesclun under crumbled goat cheese. Order a few for daily home or office delivery by phone 905-468-1229 or on-line from Strewn Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Rosewood Estates ‘Mead Royale’ ‘Select Barrel Aged’ Honey Wine 2008 

Ontario $18.20 500 mL 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of buckwheat honey, piquant spice, floral notes and marmalade presage a wash of flavour bathing the palate with honeyed pit fruit, dried apricot and orange peel to the fore. It’s nicely balanced, light-mid weight with lemon pith and wisps of oak interlaced in the drying finish. A lovely aperitif or serve with aged white cheddar or Parmigiano Reggiano after dinner. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates. (Vic Harradine)