Château des Charmes ‘Estate Bottled’ Cabernet – Merlot 2009 

VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake $12.95 (454991) 12.5% alcohol 

This has really come around since last tasted. Wood smoke, cedar and toast aromas interweave with dark berry fruit and spice on the interesting nose. Good weight and mouth feel support a persistent wash of ripe bramble berry and notions of red cherry. Well-integrated oak, red and black cherry mingle with wisps of tannin and good moderating acidity on the finish. Their top red wasn’t produced in 2009 with that fruit making its way here. Purchase by the case for daily home or office delivery from Château des Charmes. (Vic Harradine) 


Huff Estates ‘South Bay Vineyards’ Merlot 2010
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 13.0% alcohol
An involved nose of spice-infused black plum, dark berry fruit, cedar and pipe tobacco presage a rich and luscious river of sweet, ripe mulberry and dark juicy cherry interwoven with notions of mineral/slate and sprigs of herbs and spice. It’s medium-full bodied and nicely structured while underpinned with a solid tannin presence. Tame with a two-hour aeration/decant pouring alongside a slab of rare roast beef au jus and root veggies or with two more years in bottle. Purchase for daily office or home delivery, no minimum, free delivery for a case of 12 or more (single wine or mixed) from Huff Estates. (Vic Harradine)


Huff Estates ‘Cuvée Janine’ Sparkling Rosé 2010
VQA Prince Edward County $29.95 12.5% alcohol
100% Pinot Noir, it jumps from the glass with lifted aromas of cranberry, apple and leesy notes. It showers the palate with a profusion of bubbles carrying cherry cordial, cranberry and blood orange flavours infused with lively spice and good, moderating acidity. There’s deft balance and a crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Pairs well with prawn ceviche or pan-seared salmon. Purchase for daily office or home delivery, no minimum, free delivery for a case of 12 or more (single wine or mixed) from Huff Estates. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann ‘Family Reserve’ Cabernet/Merlot 2010
VQA Niagara Peninsula $49.20 14.0% alcohol
Produced from hand-sorted fruit from low-yielding vines, this opaque, ruby beauty is round, mellow and complex, offering wonderful aromas of menthol, pipe tobacco, cedar, cocoa and rich, ripe dark fruit. A gold-medal winner at Intervin, it’s dry, full bodied with satin-like texture lusciously concentrating flavours of plum and blackberry garnished with notes of exotic spice, vanilla and dark chocolate. Subtly structured and harmonious, it finishes long and rich. In one word, say Vic and I, ‘Fabulous!’ Order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)


Konzelmann Gewürztraminer 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $17.20 (392357) 14.0% alcohol
Vic and I both loved this Alsatian-style gem. It’s perfumed and complex with aromas of cinnamon, rosewater, quince and jasmine rushing from the glass. Off dry, lusciously spicy, it blossoms on the palate, fruity and creamy with a lovely replay of quince jelly. Intensely flavourful with a long finish that offers a hint of pith, it’s impressive. Sip for pleasure or pair with slightly spicy foods. Order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)


Konzelmann Pinot Grigio 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 14.5% alcohol
Susan loved this, as well. Honeyed pit fruit—yellow plum, white nectarine—interweave with tropical fruit aromas from this gorgeous, Pinot Grigio—close your eyes and you’re in Alsace with a delectable Grand Cru. It’s medium-full bodied and generously textured with a tsunami wave of ripe peach, honeyed yellow plum, and Meyer lemon on the palate, persisting through the lingering finish. It’s balanced, bold and beautiful, full of charm and impressive flavour. Pour with soft, smelly cheese like Époisses or Stilton. Order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Vic Harradine)


Konzelmann Sauvignon Blanc ‘Winemaster’s Collection Reserve’ 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.95 13.0% alcohol
Displaying an expressive nose, this offers aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, mineral and herbaceous notes. Just off dry and mid weight, the satiny texture wraps around flavours of crisp green apple, passion fruit and lemon marmalade. Well balanced and tangy, it finishes long, fresh and fruity. A great value that’ll pair well with chicken and pasta in cream sauce. Order by the case for delivery to your home or office from Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Susan Desjardins)


Rosewood Estates ‘Mima’s Block’ Riesling 2011

VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $18.20 12.0% alcohol
Pale yellow-green, this first offering from Mima’s Block displays intriguing complexity of aromas—mineral, a whiff of sweet citrus, beeswax (you might have guessed!), floral notes and white peach. Just off dry, light-medium bodied, there’s elegant balance of delicious, ripe fruit and lively backbone of acidity. Notes of mineral, citrus, ginger and lemon marmalade mingle on the extended finish. Enjoy it now with corn and blueberry salad. Order by the case of 6 or 12 for daily home or office delivery from Rosewood Estates. (Susan Desjardins)