14 Hands ‘Hot to Trot’ White Blend 2010
Washington State $14.95 (280859) 13.0% alcohol
This chardonnay-Pinot Gris blend delivers a bouquet of aromas—tropical fruit, nectarine and spiced ripe apple. The palate’s coated with beautifully textured waves of crisp green apple and lemony citrus interlaced with spice-infused honeydew melon. It’s medium bodied with a lengthy, balanced finish of lip-smacking lemon yoghurt and ripe, juicy pear. Well paced, well priced and delicious. Pick up enough for that Thanksgiving bird. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann Chardonnay 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $11.95 (200535) 11.5% alcohol
Vanilla, kitchen spice and ripe, sweet apple on the nose, it’s balanced and beautiful brimming with crisp green apple, ripe pineapple and snappy lemon tang. Mid weight and nicely textured, the gorgeous aftertaste showers a lip-smacking wash of tangy, racy citrus mingling with ripe, luscious pear. What’s not to like? Pick up an armful for sipping or pouring with roast chicken, for instance. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann ‘Canada Red’ Zweigelt-Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (125260) 13.0% alcohol
Dark berry and spice aromas provide segue to a sweet, silky-smooth river of black currant and raspberry washing over the palate in waves interwoven with earthiness and toasty notes. It’s mid weight and nicely textured throughout dishing up a rustic aftertaste of tangy berry fruit, spice-infused black plum and tobacco. Good to go now with grilled meat, burgers or meat-laden pizza. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann ‘Canada White’ Riesling 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (125278) 11.5% alcohol
Honeyed pit fruit and floral notes on the nose, it sports a slightly off-dry wash of lime zest, ripe pineapple and lemon rind flowing over the palate echoing on the lingering racy finish. It’s mid weight with generous mouth feel and hints of spiced yellow plum on the aftertaste. Pours well on its own or alongside spicy Asian cuisine. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann Shiraz 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 (144857) 13.0% alcohol
Mixed field berry fruit and wood smoke aromas intro this fruit-filled, tangy Shiraz. Ripe, juicy black cherry, red currant and spiced black plum wash over the palate and through the lengthy, dry finish. It’s medium bodied with good texture and an aftertaste of dark toast and tangy red cherry. Poured and paired perfectly with grilled, smoked back ribs slathered in spicy, BBQ sauce. (Vic Harradine)


Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Sonoma County, California $18.95 (292151) 13.5% alcohol
Luscious, rich aromas flow freely—cassis, sandalwood and tobacco. It’s medium-full bodied with generous mouth feel and a persistent river of sweet, succulent mulberry, kirsch liqueur and black plum compote. The dry aftertaste layers on good moderating acidity underpinned by ripe, supple tannin. Aerate/decant two hours before serving. Good value for a Cab from this upscale neighbourhood. (Vic Harradine)


J.P. ‘Azeitão Red’ 2010
Regional Península de Setúbal, Portugal $8.95 (286195) 13.5% alcohol
This lively red blend introduces itself with aromas of exotic spice and racy red berry fruit. A rush of red and dark berry fruit and spice bathe the palate. It’s balanced and mid-full weight sporting a finish of racy black currant, good moderating acidity and a lick of tannin. There’s ripe dark cherry on the aftertaste. Let it breathe a couple of hours serving with pizza, pasta in tomato sauce, burgers or grilled gourmet sausage. (Vic Harradine)


Strewn ‘Terroir’ Gewürztraminer 2011
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $12.95 (065359) 12.7% alcohol
Strewn lifted their game with the 2011 ‘Terroir’ whites; they’re value-packed and brimming with flavour. Aromas of exotic spice, rosewater and floral notes fill the air. Robust and heavily perfumed on the palate, spice-infused flavours abound with lychee, pineapple and racy lemon to the fore. It has good weight and silky texture with a lovely Gewürzt bite of lemon pith on the aftertaste. (Vic Harradine)