White Wine

***1/2 drink now Exceptional Value! 
TINI Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Italy $7.95 (361477) 12.0% alcohol
This shows pronounced characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc at a knock-out price. There are strong aromas of tinned asparagus, cat's pee, and lemon peel. It’s medium-to-full bodied on the palate with flavours of asparagus, grapefruit, and fresh spring lettuce. Enjoy it with an asparagus and snow pea salad on a bed of mixed field greens. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following Cesari Chardonnay is also available in a 1500 mL magnum for only $14.00.

***1/2 drink now Exceptional Value! 
Cesari ‘Adesso’ Chardonnay d’Italia 2015
Italy $7.95 (572461) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of ripe red apple, pineapple with hints of spice and a light floral note open this refreshing, medium-light bodied white. It’s dry with lively citrus and tropical fruit flavours and finishes with a mid-length, refreshing tang. It’s hard to pass by at this price. (Lisa Isabelle)

Red Wine

***1/2 drink or cellar Exceptional Value! 
Cesari Adesso Merlot ‘d’Italia’ 2015
Italy $7.95 (572453) 12.0% alcohol
Ripe plum and blackberry aromas interweave with vanilla and spice on the nose. Dry, medium-bodied, a delicate wash of spiced plum bathes the palate lasting through the smooth, mid-length, fruity finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following Sangiovese from TINI earns 10 bonus, blue AirMiles with every bottle purchased now to March 26, 2017.

***1/2 drink now Exceptional Value! 
TINI Sangiovese di Romagna 2015
DOC Romanga $7.75 (179432) 12% alcohol
Aromas of strawberry and earth introduce a surprisingly full-bodied, full flavoured surge of pie cherry and red berry jam underpinned by firm tannin structure. It's quite tart, leading to a long racy finish with a slightly bitter twist. If you’re looking to pair with your thin-crust pizza or pasta and tomato sauce, this is an interesting wine at a price that’s hard to beat. Aerate/decant two hours before serving. (Dave Isaacs)

**** drink or cellar Exceptional Value! 
Montes ‘Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Colchagua Valley, Chile $12.95 (157883) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon/15 % Merlot from the Colchagua Valley spent six months in French oak barrels before bottling. Pronounced aromas of blackberry and cassis are layered with herbal notes of tobacco, roasted red pepper and mint. Dry, medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, it showcases ripe blackberry and plum flavours with lingering hints of spice and dark chocolate. Enjoy this Cab with herb-encrusted grilled lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)

***1/2 drink now 
Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Vernaiolo 2015
DOCG Chianti $14.95 (269589) 13.0% alcohol
This is medium red in colour showing pink around the edges. It has a nose of red cherry, dried fruit, and plum. Light and dry on the palate, the tannins start small, gradually gain strength and complement the sour cherry flavour on the palate. Enjoy this with bruschetta topped with shaved parmesan. (Dave Isaacs)

***1/2 drink or cellar 
Fantini Casale Vecchio ‘Lot Twenty Three’ Montepulciano 2015
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $10.95 (612788) 13.0% alcohol
100% Montepulciano grapes were used to produce this compelling, good-value red. Its deep purple colour announces concentrated aromas of black berry fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and lavender. Dry, medium-full bodied with lush texture, the dark fruit and spice replay on the palate and through the medium-long finish. Pair with a hearty meat-based pasta dish. (Lisa Isabelle)

**** drink or cellar Exceptional Value! 
Fantini ‘Numero Uno’ Primitivo 2015
IGT Puglia $12.95 (442491) 13.5% alcohol
Fruity and savoury aromas of dark cherry, red currant, pipe tobacco, spice and vanilla engulf the nose while the palate offers a velvety smooth texture, supple tannins and balanced, lively acidity. Dry and medium-full bodied, a luscious wave of dark plum, prune and toast flows over the palate and through the long, juicy finish. (Lisa Isabelle)

**** drink or cellar 
Wakefield 'Promised Land' Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
South Australia $14.95 (358838) 13.5% alcohol
This deep purple, almost opaque, Aussie Cab has an inviting nose of cherry, chocolate, cigarette smoke, coffee and eucalyptus. It's full bodied on the palate with soft, ripe tannins and tangy flavours of sour cherry and mint. There’s harmonious balance of racy acidity and ripe fruit delivered on the balanced finish—there’s very good value here. (Dave Isaacs)
 
***1/2 drink or cellar 
Wakefield 'Promised Land' Shiraz 2015
South Australia $14.95 (441543) 13.5% alcohol
This tangy Shiraz opens with earthy aromas of mushrooms and moss on the nose. It's full bodied with flavours of sour cherry and sage that are nicely balanced by creamy smooth tannins and lively acidity. Enjoy with peppered steak and grilled mushrooms. (Dave Isaacs)
 
• The following Viognier from Yalumba—one of Australia’s oldest, and still family-owned wineries—was fermented by indigent yeasts from the vineyard and then left on lees for three months contributing to the creamy-smooth mouthfeel.

**** drink now Exceptional Value! 
Yalumba ‘The Y Series’ Viognier 2016
South Australia $13.95 (470062) 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews heavily in your favour in this delectable gem—back up the van and put in a case or two. Honeysuckle, floral and spice aromas pave the way for a palate-bathing wash of white peach, ripe apricot and peel marmalade cleaning up crisp and refreshing with lemony tang on the lip-smacking aftertaste. Sip on its own or pour with roast chicken, veal or pork. (Vic Harradine)

• You’ll receive 8 bonus AirMiles for every bottle of the following Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon purchased in the LCBO now to March 26, 2017.

**** drink or cellar 
Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 
Coonawarra $19.95 (460667) 14.0% alcohol
You’ll find very good value in this drink-me-now Cab from the famous Geographical Indication (GI) of Coonawarra. This dishes up a juicy stream of briary black berry and black currant intertwined with piquant spice and notions of mocha and earthy notes. It has good weight, oodles of texture and a long, long finish. Perfect for the grilled, red meats you pull off the barbecue and well priced for large or small gatherings of family or friends. (Vic Harradine)