Château Ducla 2005
Bordeaux Supérieur $15.95 (162461)
The involved and expressive aromas include exotic herbs and spice, dark berry fruit, tar and black licorice This Cabernet / Merlot blend delivers sweet warm fruit flavours—black currant, Bing Cherry and black Damson plum—that are ably supported by a ripe and supple tannin structure. Medium in body and generously textured, it's ready to drink now and sports a lingering well-balanced finish. There's good value here. (VH)



Henry of Pelham Icewine Cabernet Franc 2007
VQA Short Hills Bench $39.95 (672402)
There are luscious aromas and flavours galore in this extremely well-balanced, estate-grown treasure. Predominantly strawberry, cranberry and raspberry, you'll also find lovely nuances of mixed spice and cherry clafoutie. The crisp acidity keeps this sweet dessert wine from becoming cloying, allowing the second glass to be as enjoyable as the first. The luscious nectar lingers on the finish for almost a minute. Serve well chilled at the end of the meal or as the winery suggests, pour a splash in a glass then fill with their sparkling wine for a 'Kir Catharine'. (VH)


Henry of Pelham 'Reserve' Cabernet / Merlot 2005
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (395855)
Spice box, dried dark berry and black currant aromas open this medium-weight nicely textured blend—50% Merlot with the balance Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. There's a firm structure of tannin along with a lovely expression of concentrated ripe fruit flavours in the dark sweet cherry and black raspberry zones. Grape yields were limited to two to three tones per acre. Best cellared and opened 2011 to 2017, it's so good you may not want to wait—aerate / decant for three hours then pour alongside a strip loin, barbecued rare to medium rare. This earned the final half star in recognition of its exceptional value. (VH)



Tawse Winery 'Vintners Reserve' Cabernet Franc 2006
VQA Niagara Peninsula $38.95 (55079)
This stunning red is rich and elegant, offering a cornucopia of aromas and flavours—mixed spice, roasting coffee, kirsch liqueur and dark juicy bramble berry fruit. It's absolutely full bodied, generously textured and delivers a glorious stream of moderating tang on the lingering finish. That backbone plus the ripe supple tannin make this a versatile and friendly food wine; pair it with grilled lamb tenderloin or deviled flank steak. (VH)



Henry of Pelham 'Speck Family Reserve' Riesling 2007
VQA Short Hills Bench $30.00
Magical '07 growing conditions and premium soil composition in this small sub-appellation coalesced allowing them to vinify this ultra-premium gem—only the third vintage produced. Dry and intense, it delivers aromas of mineral and slate with floral nuances. Well-focused and crisp flavours of lemon-lime and white peach abound. They're delivered on a very nicely textured bed of citrussy zest and tang. The finish lingers, clean and refreshing suggesting a pairing with pasta in a creamy white sauce with prawns or scallops. (VH)