****1/2drink or cellar
Malivoire Gewürztraminer 2003
VQA Niagara Peninsula $20 (542522)

Textbook perfumed nose of rosewater and gingery spice. This oily, Alsatian-styled beauty has begun to flesh out with a well structured flavour profile of green tea and a mélange of spiced peel, but will really strut its stuff in 3 or 4 years. Try with Green Curry Chicken or fajitas. Superb value. Contact Rob at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to purchase by the case, or 2, or more! (VH)

***1/2
Malivoire “Levity” 2003
VQA Ontario $11

As the name suggests, this Vidal is light bodied, but is not to be taken lightly. It has a touch of floral on the nose coupled with green apples and brioche. This zippy white has citrus on the palate while finishing laser-like clean and fresh. It begs for Northern Indian, Szechuan or Thai cuisine. Contact Rob via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to purchase in case lots. (VH)

****1/2
Mitchell “Peppertree” Shiraz 2002
Clare Valley, Australia $24.95

This is serious Shiraz, worth seeking out. Cassis, black licorice and ripe plum aromatics drift enticingly from the pool of opaque nectar staining your glass. It has good grip, perfect balance and flavours of dark roasted coffee beans, bittersweet chocolate and currants. The finish is divine and the perfect foil would be grilled lamb tenderloin. Order by the case off the Lifford Agency site www.liffordwineagency.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (VH)

***1/2
Robertson Winery Chardonnay 2003
WO Roberston, South Africa $12.50

Red licorice, honeysuckle and lemon blossom aromatics force you to love this wine prior to tasting. It gets better with a honeyed texture, flavours of peaches and pears and deftly handled oak that burst upon the palate. Beautifully balanced and well constructed by one of SA’s premium wineries. Purchase through Rob at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for $150 per case. (VH)