Collavini ‘Black Label - Villa Canlungo’ Pinot Grigio 2015
IGT Venezia Giulia, Italy $14.95 ((033340) 12.5% alcohol
In a world awash with watery Italian Pinot Grigio, this shines like a beacon. Honeyed pit fruit and wisps of citrus aromas open a mid-weight, nicely textured mouthful of tropical fruit and yellow peach nicely balanced with soft Meyer lemon acidity bathing the palate infusing a crisp, dry finish. This is good drinking and good value. (Vic Harradine)

  
Columbia Winery Chardonnay 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington State $17.95 (462804) 13.8% alcohol 
Aromas of dill, savory herbs and mixed spice make way for a mid-weight, textured stream of caramel, baking spice and honey-tinged peach, pear and apple bathing the palate garnished with racy citrus acidity. It’s crisp and dry on the finish along with oaky notes. Pour with grilled or pan-seared seafood under a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. (Vic Harradine)

  
Columbia Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Columbia Valley, Washington State $17.95 (460675) 13.7% alcohol 
Lifted aromas of black currant preserve and piquant spice set the table for medium-bodied, textured flow of tang-laden red and dark berry fruit, sharp spice and notions of tannin underpinning. Replays on the finish and aftertaste linger. Pour with lasagna, chile con carne or pastitsio. (Vic Harradine)

   
House Wine ‘Red’ Baco/Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
VQA Ontario $13.95 (279521) 13.0% alcohol
Alluring aromas, deep, rich, palate-coating fruit and oodles of charm will easily win you over to this crowd-friendly red blend. Espresso roast, dark plum compote and pipe tobacco on the nose, this barrels over the palate with a fully fruited, tang-laden gusher of red and dark fruit—black currant, cherry and plum interwoven with spice and toasty notes. It’s a bit on the wild side on the aftertaste that’s laced with Asian spice, dark coffee and tangy berry fruit. The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour. Give it a go at your next backyard barbecue. (Vic Harradine)

   
Henry of Pelham ‘Sibling Rivalry – Red’ Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.95 (126151) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s a fruity Bordeaux blend punching well above its price. Aromas of mixed field berry fruit and peppery spice open this medium-bodied nicely textured red. A balanced flow of red and dark cherry/berry fruit coats the palate and replays on the finish with excellent tang and notions of dark bittersweet chocolate and savory herbs . Pour with all manner of grilled red meat. (Vic Harradine)

  
Riverlore Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand $15.95 (417600) 13.0% alcohol
Pyrazine aromas—grass, nettles and tinned peas—dominate the nose of this mid-weight racy SB. It streaks over the palate with laser-like precision, full of nerve and verve, racy and tangy—sharp, lemon-lime zest, white grapefruit and passionfruit flavour galore. The aftertaste is crisp, fresh and mouth-watering. Pour with sushi, ceviche or oysters. (Vic Harradine)