Vintages Release: June 23, 2012

Oyster Bay Sparkling Rosé Non-vintage
New Zealand $21.95 (280172) 12.0% alcohol
This attractive pink-hued sparkler, fashioned from 20% hand-harvested Pinot Noir and 80% low-yielding Chardonnay, was fermented in the Charmat a.k.a. Cuve Close method. It hustles from the bottle with an energetic mousse and aromas of red berry fruit and spice with hints of brioche. It delivers spirited and lively flavours of citrus and red currant interwoven with sweeter and riper cherry on the lip-smacking aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: July 7, 2012

Bastianich Friulano 2010
DOC Colli Orientali Del Friuli $18.95 (277467) 13.0% alcohol
Winery owners Joe and Lidia Bastianich are Michelin-starred restaurateurs while Joe is also an acclaimed wine author and Lidia a famous cookbook author, TV personality and chef. Honeysuckle, marmalade and citrus aromas announce a voluminous gusher of flavour with spiced apple, minerality and nutty notes interlaced with ripe Bosc pear and pineapple. These replay on the aftertaste of this medium-full-bodied, silky-smooth gem. It’s complex, balanced and beautiful. Sensational sipped on its own and no less so when paired with roast guinea fowl or ris de veaux. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: September 8, 2012

Lailey Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20.20 12.5% alcohol
Spearmint, fennel and citrus on the nose, this barrel-fermented, oak-aged gem sports generous mouth feel and a balanced, refreshing aftertaste. Lemon-lime sherbet melds with yellow plum and pear on the palate while the focused and refreshing aftertaste brims with pit-fruit flavour and mouth-watering tang. This is well balanced and versatile at the table; pour with grilled calamari rings or freshly shucked oysters. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: December 8, 2012

Tawse Vineyard ‘Quarry Road’ Pinot Noir 2009
VQA Vinemount Ridge $34.95 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of spice-laden plum, lilac and mineral notes dominate the nose. Gentle and silky smooth, the mid-weight wash of red cherry, ripe red currant, truffles and savory herbs caress in well-balanced waves over the palate. It’s nicely textured with good tang and acidity finishing dry and crisp with a solid core of red fruit and minerality. (Vic Harradine)