Laughing Stock Vineyards 'Portfolio' 2005
VQA Okanagan Valley $54.95 (71464)
This lovely red 'Bordeaux blend', a Gold Medal winner from the Okanagan's Naramata Bench, vaulted Laughing Stock to near cult status; here's what's causing the stir. It opens with a lifted nose of dark black berry fruit followed by a deliciously smooth mouthful of spice, ripe Bing cherry and black currant flavours. There's a firm structure from ripe fine-grained tannin, deft balance in the fruit/tannin/acidity mix, and a wonderful stream of fruit flavours, especially in the mid-palate and on the warm and lengthy finish. (VH)



L de Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Sonoma County, California $16.95 (61028)
A fine wine at a favourable price; you would do well to pick up a few for BBQ season. Mint and red berry fruit aromas mingle with hints of cedar and coffee on the involved nose. Oodles of well balanced flavours—boysenberry, cassis and spiced black plum to the fore—that are delivered on a creamy smooth texture bolstered by a ripe tannin structure. Pair this with a generous slab of rib eye steak grilled medium rare. (VH)


Loredona Riesling 2006
Monterey County, California $16.95
This is a gorgeous wine in the genre of an Alsace Grand Cru or fine German Spätlese for a fraction the price. Mineral and flint on the nose; it explodes on the palate with wave after delectable wave of sweet ripe peach, alluring spice, ripe pear and citrus flavours. Delivering that wonderful yin and yang, sweet and tang; it's divine on its own or paired with spicy Asian; try Peking Duck or a simple Thai noodle dish. A (2) on the sweetness scale, you won't notice as it's perfectly balanced. (VH)



De Bortoli 'dB Selection' Petite Sirah 2006
South Eastern Australia $14.95 (694802)
Petite Sirah (a.k.a. Durif) is not 'little Syrah' although Syrah is one of its parents. The lifted nose emits alluring spice box and ripe mulberry aromas. There's a big gusher of dense ripe fruit flavours—dark berry, spiced black plum and tangy red cherry—that drench the palate. It's full bodied and incredibly well balanced. Dusty tannins add structure and longevity; drink 2010 to 2017 or after a couple of hours in a carafe. The lengthy finish is fruit forward. Pick up an armful. (VH)



Irony Chardonnay 2005
Napa Valley, California $19.95 (27409)

Cloves, exotic spice and leesy notes waft off the glass of this phenomenally expressive Chard. Fully textured and medium to full bodied, you should expect a creamy-smooth mouthful of peach, nectarine, white grapefruit and spices, predominantly nutmeg and clove. Complex and elegant, the expansive fruit-driven finish lingers. Pair with steamed lobster, pan-seared trout or all manner of veal and poultry. (VH)



Gnarlier Head 'Sommers Vineyard' Old Vine Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California $27.95 (67785)

Dry Creek Valley is Mecca for Zinfandel aficionados. Opaque in the glass, aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and spiced black plum rip from this fully textured, full-bodied and complex Zin. Flavours of Bing cherry, spice box and sweet briary berry are deftly juxtaposed with a good spine of zest and well integrated oak. Great fruit and equally great winemaking coalesced to make this stunning wine. It was difficult to spit. (VH)



Clos La Chance 'Glittering-Throated Emerald' Chardonnay 2005
Central Coast, California $17.95
Unoaked Chardonnay has never been so good. Expect a fully textured, almost creamy stream of wonderful tropical fruit and Granny Smith apple flavours. Medium to full bodied with no malolactic fermentation, this is pure fruit-driven joy. There's good tang for balance and a moderately lengthy finish. The price to quality balance is tipped well in your favour. (VH)