Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée (3 L), Domaine du Pégau 2007

"The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, still aging in foudres, was tasted from different lots. The most promising wine made here since the 2003, it is a full-bodied effort revealing dense, concentrated fruit, and high tannins that still need to be resolved. It will require some bottle age to round into drinking shape. The color is a dense plum/purple, and the wine shows considerable licorice, lavender, roasted herb, and meat juice characteristics, as well as a texture of beef blood – no doubt attributable to the old vines from which it is made. The fruit dominates, and the wine is intense, rich, and full-bodied. It will undoubtedly need 3-4 years of bottle age after its release, and should last 20-25 years based on the fact that their older vintages (i.e., 1979, 1981, 1983, and 1985) are all still in terrific condition."

94-96 points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate issue #185

Food Pairings

Casseroles and baked dishes incorporating lamb, beef, pork, duck, sausages, beans or lentils.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, Domaine du Pégau 2007

"The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee, still aging in foudres, was tasted from different lots. The most promising wine made here since the 2003, it is a full-bodied effort revealing dense, concentrated fruit, and high tannins that still need to be resolved. It will require some bottle age to round into drinking shape. The color is a dense plum/purple, and the wine shows considerable licorice, lavender, roasted herb, and meat juice characteristics, as well as a texture of beef blood - no doubt attributable to the old vines from which it is made. The fruit dominates, and the wine is intense, rich, and full-bodied. It will undoubtedly need 3-4 years of bottle age after its release, and should last 20-25 years based on the fact that their older vintages (i.e., 1979, 1981, 1983, and 1985) are all still in terrific condition."

94-96 points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate issue #185

Food Pairings

Casseroles and baked dishes incorporating lamb, beef, pork, duck, sausages, beans or lentils.

Pinot Noir, Speck Family Reserve VQA, Henry Of Pelham 2007

A refined New World Pinot Noir with a complexity of aromas, good structure, and a lengthy, concentrated finish. On the nose, this wine serves up a multitude of powerful aromas not easy to single out: plenty of jammy red and dark fruit notes with some smoke, earth, and a touch of alcohol. Medium to full on the palate with fine, mildly aggressive tannins, balanced acidity and generous fruit flavours. Finishes with excellent length and lingering flavours that beg another sip.

Bronze Medal, 2005 Canadian Wine Awards

Food Pairings

Mushrooms, pork liver pates, tuna, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, duck and other game birds.

Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Mario Olivero 2006

Garnet red coloured wine with orange reflections. Floral and spicy on the nose with a warm and well balance taste.

Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Samorëns White, Ferraton Pere & Fils 2008

"The Cotes du Rhone Samorens Blanc, a blend of white Grenache and Bourboulenc, exhibits terrific notes of nectarines and honeyed citrus in its fresh, medium-bodied, dry, fruit-driven, luscious personality."

89 points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate issue #179, Oct 2008 (2007 vintage)

Ique Malbec, Bodega Enrique Foster 2008

A fine example of Argentinean Malbec at an exceptional price. On the nose, you'll find heady aromas of spice and tobacco with a concentrated, yet focused undercurrent of blueberry, blackberry and plum. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and silky smooth with excellent structure, fine tannins, and balanced acidity. Great depth. Finishes with lingering dark and red fruit character.

Best Buy - Wine Enthusiast

Food Pairings

This wine pairs well with meats off the grill (especially burgers), pasta dishes or cheese.

Warren Classic Pinot Noir VQA, Stoney Ridge 2006

The aromas are Classic Pinot Noir, bright cherry and sweet spice notes. It's supple on the palate with cherries, raspberries, cedar and spice from 18 months in barrel. Tannins are soft with no bitterness on the finish.

Cheapskate Surly Chenin Blanc, Winesmith Wines 2005

The aromas on this wine evoke thoughts of late Spring: ripe lemon & lime, fresh grass and sugar snap peas. A fatty texture - from being aged sur lies - is in perfect balance with crisp acidity. The long finish is reminiscent of delectable pear, spring veggies, and watermelon rind.

Altas Cumbres Viognier, Bodega Lagarde 2009

Altas Cumbres wines are made with little or no oak, searching to highlight the natural qualities of each varietal and hoping to make an easy drinking wine. Intense ripe tropical fruits combined with some notes of wild flowers and dried apricots, rich and powerful. The Lagarde Estate is one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in Mendoza, family-run and offering premium quality at every price level.

Best Value Under $25 - Wine Access Canada (2007 Vintage)

Chardonnay, Estate Bottled VQA, Château Des Charmes 2007

"Sit down folks, because I'm about to extol the virtues of a Chardonnay. So when one strikes my palate and awakens my senses, I like to shout about it. Those who follow Ontario's growing seasons know that 2007 was a great year, but the always reliable Chardonnay did alright for itself. This beauty starts off with a great vanilla-caramel nose and pleasant white fruit smells - I like smelling (and tasting) fruit in my oaked Chardonnay … the fruit continues onto the palate with vanilla and a touch of spice - great acid balance gives this one a pleasant long finish ... and the more than reasonable price bumps this wine up to a five star rating. Outstanding. 5 / 5 stars."

Michael Pinkus - OntarioWineReview.com, June 2009