Vintages Release: May 25, 2019

88 
Gérard Bertrand Fitou Grenache/Carignan 2017
AOP Fitou, France $16.95 (403683) 13.0% alcohol
A shy nose of red and dark berry fruit, spice and herb aromas set the table for a medium-bodied, creamy smooth flow of tangy red currant and pie cherry nicely interlaced with sweet black plum and a hint of mixed herbs. This is light on its feet with sense of purpose, good balance and food-friendly characteristics. Give this a go with burritos, wings, doner kebabs, pizza or burgers. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2015 Waterkloof ‘Circle of Life’ is a blend of 72% sauvignon blanc/28% chenin blanc that was hand harvested, hand sorted and sourced from organic/biodynamic vineyards before being whole-bunch pressed and co-fermented in large oak barrels. It underwent a six-month fermentation and lengthy bottle maturation before release. No acids or enzymes were added.

93 
Waterkloof ‘Circle of Life’ 2015
WO Stellenbosch, South Africa $19.95 (284588) 13.5% alcohol 
Alluring aromas of lime, herbal notes and honeydew melon abound. A medium-bodied, silky-smooth textured river of balanced-on-a-pin flavours blanket the palate with blood orange, lemon curd and lip-smacking minerality. This showcases good depth and complexity, persistent purity of fruit, a lengthy finish and a double helping of flavourful charm and pizzazz. Sip on its own or alongside sole meuniere. (Vic Harradine)

90   
Henry of Pelham ‘Family Tree – Red’ 2016
VQA Ontario $18.95 (247882) 13.5% alcohol
This eclectic red blend—32% syrah/30% merlot/18% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 5% baco noir—gives up aromas of charred toast and smoke, mixed spice and flecks of dark cherry/berry fruit, It glides over the palate with great aplomb showcasing delicious palate flavours of black briary berry and blueberry intertwined with excellent tang and a lip-smacking aftertaste. This sips nicely on its own and pours exceptionally well with grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Robert Mondavi ‘Fumé Blanc’ is an 85% sauvignon blanc/15% sémillon, barrel-fermented and barrel-aged blend that’s a value-laden touchstone white wine from the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery.

91 
Robert Mondavi ‘Fumé Blanc’ 2017
Napa Valley $22.95 (221887) 14.5% alcohol
This rips from the glass with smoky, flinty/mineral and herbal aromas before blanketing the palate with a tang-infused gusher of lemon-lime citrus, grilled pineapple and a mélange of tropical fruit. This is medium bodied with deft balance, good mouthfeel and purity of fruit throughout while finishing lengthy and lip-smacking good with wisps of mineral notes. Pour with all manner of seafood or a three-cheese white pizza. (Vic Harradine)

90   
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Twisted - White’ 2017
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.95 (1578) 11.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. Rosewater, mixed spice, green apple and lime aromas abound on the nose of this gorgeous riesling/gewürztraminer/chardonnay blend. It bathes the palate medium bodied, creamy textured with a flavour-packed mouthful of grilled pineapple, Key lime pie and lemon curd. Palate replays dominate the lingering dry and crisp, lip-smacking finish. Sip on its own or pour with an array of dishes—roast chicken, spicy Asian or white pizza and more. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release June 8, 2019

87 
Conundrum Rosé 2017
California $21.95 (557595) 13.4% alcohol
This refreshing rosé is made from a blend of fruit grown in the coastal regions of California, including the rarely encountered ‘napa gamay’—which isn't gamay, but is valdiguié, a variety usually seen in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. This has a salmon and peach hue with a nose dominated by aromas of strawberry. It’s medium bodied with lively acidity and red berry flavours on the palate. The finish is pleasantly tangy. Pour with smoked salmon served on a baguette smeared with cream cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following 2016 Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot red blend—49% merlot/37% cabernet sauvignon/14% cabernet franc—was sourced from estate-owned older vines—the cabernet sauvignon from a 1988 planting and merlot and cabernet franc that were both planted in 1999. This matured 18 months in small barrels of American and French oak, 40% new.

92  
Henry of Pelham ‘Speck Family Reserve’ Cabernet-Merlot 2016
VQA Short Hills Bench $39.95 13.5% alcohol
This divine red opens with a cornucopia of aromas—dark berry fruit, cassis, baking spice, sweet vanilla and pipe tobacco. It washes over the palate with a tang-laden, soft tannin-infused stream of pie cherry and red currant nicely balanced with black currant and hints of savoury herbs and peppery spice. It’s full bodied and fully textured with persistent purity of fruit, good balance and firm structure. The spice and fruit holds and the tannin builds slightly on the lengthy, lip-smacking finish. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside medium-rare grilled beef tenderloin with a side of grilled Portobello or cremini mushrooms. This will get even better with two additional years of careful cellaring. (Vic Harradine)

91   
Flat Rock Cellars ‘Unplugged’ Chardonnay 2018
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $17.95 (68015) 12.0% alcohol
The price-quality balance skews wildly in your favour here. Fresh, lively aromas of lemongrass, green apple and floral notes leap from the glass. It captures the palate with a torrent of tang-laden flavour with racy lemon and grapefruit nicely balanced and juxtaposed with ripe orchard fruit—clementine and Mirabelle plum. This is medium weight, well textured and brimming with flavour, deft balance and charm. Pick up a few and pour on its own or alongside pan-seared trout or salmon, roast chicken or breaded pork cutlets. (Vic Harradine)

90 
Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2017
Napa Valley $25.95 (136382) 13.5% alcohol
Fermenting and ageing in a combination of stainless steel and French and American oak barrels has resulted in a wine with a lot of variety in its character. It has a brilliant yellow appearance, and a nose with aromas of lemon, slate and a touch of toasted oak. The wine has a creamy texture, cut through with a great zip of acidity and lemon-lime palate flavours. There’s a lot of mineral notes in the finish along with hints of slightly toasted meringue. This is well paired with baked cod in a creamy lemon sauce. (Dave Isaacs)

Vintages Release: July 6, 2019

90 
Meiomi Rosé 2017
Monterey/Sonoma/Santa Barbara, California $23.75 (557611) 13.0% alcohol
The alluring nose showcases lifted aromas of floral notes, citrus and freshly picked strawberry. It streaks over the palate with great élan and a laser-like stream of flavour—racy blood orange, ripe watermelon and sharp minerality. This is crisp, dry and refreshing with a lingering mouth-watering finish that sports excellent tang. A wonderful sipper on its own, it’s quite versatile at the table; pour alongside pan-seared salmon, lighter-styled appetizers, charcuterie or a deli platter. (Vic Harradine)