Vintages Release: December 8, 2012

Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine Estate Carte Blanche’ Blanc de Blanc 2007
VQA Short Hills Bench $44.95 (315200) 12.5% alcohol
Recently disgorged—after spending 5 years on the lees—this measures up to Champagne or sparkling wine from anywhere on the planet. There’s brioche, citrus and nutty aromas while the palate’s showered with spin-tingling acidity moderated by ripe pit fruit and mineral notes. It’s full-blown delicious with fine-bead mousse, creamy mouth feel, deft balance and a crisp, clean attack on the palate and mouth-watering finish. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: February, 2013

Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico ‘Reserva Familia Zingarelli’ 2008
DOCG Chianti Classico, Italy $21.95 (930996) 14.5% alcohol
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot add complexity to the aromas—warm ripe fruit, subtle herbs, spice and hints of tobacco and cedar. Herbal notes, spice, a certain earthiness layer on red cherry and black currant, all framed by fine subtle structure. A notion of minerality drifts across the palate of this dry, mid-full weight wine while hints of coffee bean linger on a dry, lengthy finish. Serve with herbed leg of lamb or cellar medium term. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: March 2, 2013

Ca’ dei Mandorli Moscato d’Asti dei Giari 2011
DOCG Moscato d’Asti, Italy $16.50 (179259) 5.0% alcohol
Lovely light herbal notes, aromas of ripe grapes and honeyed stone fruit entice. Off-dry, light bodied, this is a delightful wine with a fine, frothy effervescence and flavours of honeydew melon and lime-tinged stone fruit. Nicely balanced, it’s flavourful and sweetly fruity to the finish. Enjoy as dessert or with fruit flan, lemon chiffon pie or a white chocolate tart. (Susan Desjardins)

Vintages Release: Spring 2013

Castello Banfi ‘Alta Langa’ ‘Cuvée Aurora’ Sparkling Rosé 2009
DOCG Piemonte, Italy $24.95 12.0% alcohol
Produced in the traditional method using Pinot Noir harvested from a hilltop estate vineyard in Piemonte, this salmon-hued sparkling wine offers subtle aromas of red fruits, apples and a hint of citrus. Dry, clean and crisp, the silky, persistent mousse carries delicate flavours of red fruit, a hint of peach and a touch of pithy citrus through a very attractive lively finish. Enjoy with smoked salmon appetizers or quiche or with a medley of roasted root vegetables. (Susan Desjardins)