Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough $18.95 (316570) 13.0% alcohol
Refreshing on the palate, the lifted aromas and straw-green hue draw the nose to the glass. Intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit—papaya and pineapple—and notes of fresh asparagus abound. Light-medium bodied with a silky texture, it displays a tangy, lemon-lime acidity and a replay of aromas on the palate with flavours carrying through the persistent finish. A beautifully balanced white, it’s part of the Vintages Essentials collection and always available at select LCBO stores. Try with appetizers—polenta cakes with tomato jam and goat cheese, or with spinach-stuffed sole in a lemon/wine sauce. (Susan Desjardins)


Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2009
Marlborough $18.95 (326728) 13.0% alcohol
Pale gold, this wine has the subtle and enticing aromas of a basket of ripe, orchard fruit and vanilla custard. It’s lush, round, medium bodied and well textured with attractive flavours of pear, apple and yellow plum riding a wave of graceful, citrusy acidity. There’s a nice balance of fruit and oak, with some underlying smoky toast and notes of spiced vanilla becoming manifest on the mid-length finish. A lovely complement to roast chicken or pork, this wine is part of the Vintages Essentials collection and is always available at select LCBO stores. (Susan Desjardins)