The following Boeschendal red is $2.00 off the price shown until November 8, 2014

*** drink now 
Boeschendal ‘The Pavillion’ Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Western Cape, South Africa $11.95 (222288) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of piquant spice, charred wood and dark cherry/berry introduce a flow of tar-scented dark berry fruit and wood smoke. Medium bodied, it rolls over the palate and finish fruit-forward with plenty of spice and oozing tarry, balsamic notes. Pour alongside smoked, grilled red meats with grilled root veggies. (Vic Harradine)

The following Borsao red will be $2.00 off the price shown November 30 – January 3, 2015.

**** drink now Exceptional Value! 
Borsao Garnacha 2012
DO Campo de Borja, Spain $11.95 (394577) 14.5% alcohol
This is a crowd-pleasing, easy-drinking red at a ridiculously low price. It’s fresh and lively on the nose with aromas of red cherry, spice and hints of blueberry. It bathes the palate with a smooth and mellow wash of kirsch liqueur and bramble berry pie that’s nicely balanced with red berry tang. It’s lovely sipped and terrific with food—burgers, steak, fajitas, pizza, wings, bring ‘em all on! (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now 
Fiol Prosecco Non-vintage
DOC Prosecco, Italy $15.60 (394577) 11.0% alcohol
You’ll not go wrong with a glass of this before dinner as an aperitif, under your arm as an invited guest, or on your table if hosting—pour with all manner of sit-down appetizers. This sparkling beauty froths over the palate with a long, tang-laced stream of lemon curd, mineral notes and lime cordial—clean, cool—as in hip ‘n happening—and über refreshing. (Vic Harradine)

The following Firestone Cab is $3.00 off the price shown until December 6, 2014

****1/2 drink or cellar Exceptional Value! 
Firestone Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Santa Ynez Valley, California $19.90 (292128) 14.2% alcohol
Sexy aromas of sandalwood, Asian spice, black Bing cherry and notions of rose petals precede a palate-coating river of spice-laden dark berry fruit, ripe mulberry and sweet vanilla garnished with hints of black cherries dipped in bittersweet chocolate. It’s medium-plus weight with good texture and a lengthy, balanced aftertaste. What’s not to like? (Vic Harradine)

**** drink or cellar 

Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 

Sonoma County $18.95 (292151) 14.0% alcohol 
A subtle attractive nose of dark berry fruit, sandalwood and spice sets the table for a tangy, mid-weight flow of red currant, blueberry and spice-infused red cherry over the palate, replaying on the fruit-filled, savory-tinged finish. There’s good mouth feel and plenty of charm. Give this a go with veal marsala or roast chicken. (Vic Harradine)

****1/2 drink or cellar 
Sebastiani Chardonnay 2012
Sonoma County, California $19.80 (364497) 13.5% alcohol 
Buttery, nutty aromas interweave with exotic spice and orchard fruit setting the table for a balanced and beautiful fruit bowl of flavours with baked apple and poached pear interlacing with lemon curd and grilled pineapple. It’s medium bodied with good texture and balanced aftertaste—fruity with wisps of toasty oak. There’s very good value here. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now 
tic tok pocketwatch Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Central Ranges, Australia $15.95 (187179) 13.5% alcohol
Rich, ripe aromas of blackcurrant, cedar and graphite open a fruit-laden river of fig, ripe mulberry and cherry clafoutie. Mid-full weight with creamy-smooth texture, it coats the palate and dominates the aftertaste with ripe, sweet dark fruit flavour. It’s good to go now and poured perfectly with back ribs grilled and mopped with spicy barbecue sauce. Good value here. (Vic Harradine)

**** drink now 
tic tok pocketwatch Chardonnay 2013 
Central Ranges, Australia $14.95 (187104) 12.5% alcohol
This is rock-solid 4 stars with the price-quality balance tipped well in your favour. Aromas of tropical fruit and nutty notes mingle with wisps of toasty oak on the nose of this fruity, well-balanced Aussie Chardonnay. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a delicious river of white peach, green apple and tangy citrus on the palate, persisting through the crisp refreshing finish. (Vic Harradine)

The following Villa Sandi Pinot Grigio earns 5 Bonus AirMiles until December 6, 2014

***1/2 drink now 
Villa Sandi Pinot Grigio 2013
IGT Veneto, Italy $10.95 (580324) 12.0% alcohol
Floral notes, piquant spice and fresh citrus aromas herald a racy, refreshing river of Meyer lemon, tangy lime and notions of white grapefruit permeating the palate, replaying with gusto on the mouth-watering finish. This is the perfect accompaniment to linguini in garlic-infused olive oil with steamed clams or mussels. (Vic Harradine)