Closson Chase ‘Closson Chase Vineyard’ 2011
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 13.1% alcohol
This is breath-taking and complex—fashioned by iconoclast winemaker and vigneron, Deborah Paskus. Toasty oak, caramel and orange zest aromas on the nose, it’s bold on the palate with layered, buttery smooth, apple, white peach and grilled pineapple melding with wisps of toast, nutmeg and tangy lemon curd. Unfiltered, full bodied and fully flavoured, the complex, lingering finish is stunning; it should improve in bottle. Order by the case for delivery to home, office or licensee from Closson Chase. (Vic Harradine)


Closson Chase ‘Closson Chase Vineyard – South Clos’ 2011
VQA Prince Edward County $39.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of smoky-oaky notes, nutmeg and warm spice herald an intense wash of tangy blood orange and mineral-laced lemony citrus interweaving with peach yoghurt and wisps of sandalwood. It’s structured and full in the mouth with good weight, and length in the finish. There’s minerality and oak on the aftertaste along with notions of pit fruit. Good now, better after a further eighteen months in bottle. Order by the case for delivery to home, office or licensee from Closson Chase. (Vic Harradine)

Kacaba ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (326975) 13.0% alcohol
Winemaker, John Tummon, over-delivers here—Bravo. Tropical fruit, yellow peach and ripe, juicy pear aromas on the nose, this blankets the palate with a generously textured, creamy-smooth gusher of liquid sunshine—honeyed nectarine, apricot and racy lemon pie filling. It’s balanced and beautiful with good weight and a crisp, refreshing, mouth-watering aftertaste. This is versatile at the table—seafood, chicken, pork. Order by the case for daily home, office or licensee delivery from Kacaba. (Vic Harradine)


Kacaba ‘Rebecca Rosé’ 2012
VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 (227025) 13.0% alcohol
Ripe and robust aromas of strawberry, cherry and notions of red berry jam abound. A wash of sweet cherry/berry flavour garnished with piquant spice and hints of ruby red grapefruit bathe the palate persisting through the tantalizingly sweet, lingering finish. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or with spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)


Reif Estate ‘Fortune’ Cabernet Rosé 2012
VQA Niagara River $12.95 12.5% alcohol
Aromas of honey, strawberry and savory herbs provide segue to a balanced and flavourful wash of light-mid weight, nicely textured fruit. It bathes the palate with racy red currant, tangy cranberry and fresh strawberry, infusing the dry, tangy, mid-length finish. There’s plenty to like here and it’s versatile with food—white pizza, deli board or mesclun salad drizzled with verjus under crumbled chèvre all work well. Order by the case for daily home, office or licensee delivery from Reif. (Vic Harradine)