Peninsula Ridge's Jean-Pierre Colas was recently crowned 'Winemaker of the Year' at the 2006 Ontario Wine Awards. Colas famously joined Peninsula Ridge after a very successful stint at Domaine Laroche in Chablis. In this unoaked Chardonnay, expect fresh fruit aromas and flavours of ripe peach, pineapple, and lemon, bright acidity and a long finish from this well-priced wonder.

007328    (D)   750 mL    $19.95    

686162    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95    

A fantastic value, this multi-region Chardonnay is very food-friendly. Look for ripe apple, pear and tropical fruit as well as a judicious use of oak in this dry, medium full-bodied effort. Serve with roast chicken and buttery corn on the cob.

685818    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

Expect a crowd-pleasing, fruit-forward Chardonnay packed with peach and pineapple flavours as well as toasty, vanilla oak notes. Enjoy with grilled prawns or grilled chicken.

330233    (D)   750 mL    $24.95   

606327    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

This wine is consistently among the best value wines out of the Golden State. Expect juicy black cherry, plum and raspberry flavours along with spicy chocolate notes and hints of toasty oak. This plush wine will be a hit with all the lords and lasses at your next kingly feast of barbecued spare ribs or pork roast.

658070    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

Winemaker John Pedroncelli Jr. is Dry Creek Valley's most experienced winemaker with more than 40 vintages under his belt. He is one of a growing number of Californian winemakers that are gaining a cult following for their Petite Sirah. Expect a deep, dense wine with rich 'bumbleberry' fruit flavours and hints of briar, black pepper and earth. It's the wine equivalent of meeting a 300-pound biker named 'Tiny'.

686691    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

Rosenblum sources grapes from a number of appellations and vineyard sites to craft their 'Vintner's Cuvee'. This mammoth house-style Syrah offers terrific value. Expect aromas of blackberry, mocha and vanilla leading to a palate that features mouthfilling berry and spice flavours, chewy tannins and a long dry finish. Match with rare steak to tame the tannins.

686535    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

The fruit for this expressive Chardonnay is sourced from three high altitude vineyard sites: the Uxmal, Domingo and Adrianna. Each vineyard brings a different element to the final blend. Expect layers of peach, melon, apple, ripe tropical fruit and a nice balance of toasty oak in this deliciously fresh white. Enjoy with smoked turkey breast or grilled tuna steaks.

918805    (D)   750 mL    $19.95   

The combination of a long family tradition of quality winemaking and a new state-of-the-art winery makes Nicolás Catena's wines some of the most sought after. Expect plenty of concentrated black fruit, coffee and smoke characteristics in this well-balanced, medium full-bodied Cab.

985002    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

This Malbec is superbly crafted by Bodega Catena Zapata to be a rich, round and balanced wine with layered aromas of spice, black cherry, cassis, mocha and pepper. It's rich in black fruit flavours with a long smooth finish and would be well-suited to roast beef.

478727    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

622571    (XD)   750 mL    $23.95   

655209    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

This fresh and lively blend always boasts a bouquet that 'jumps' out of the glass. Look for floral, citrus, gooseberry and mineral notes. The 2005 vintage is comprised of 63% Riesling, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Marsanne and 7% Roussanne thrown in for kicks. It's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or enjoy with lighter dishes.

922203    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

965830    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

Here's a really excellent quaffer from d'Arenberg. What sets it apart from other 'value wines' is that, rather than being a simple affair, it's rich, savoury and brimming with flavour. Look for ripe plum and berry fruit, spice and vanilla flavours. The 2005 blend is comprised of 46% Grenache, 34% Shiraz and 20% Mourvèdre.

606236    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

686865    (XD)   750 mL    $17.95   

718528    (XD)   750 mL    $29.95   

As this wine is unfined and unfiltered; we recommend you decant before serving.

Tasting Note: . [Pillar Box] boasts luscious black currant fruit intermixed with smoke, herbs, and cedar. Richly fruity, opulent, and medium to full-bodied, it is one of the great wine bargains of the world. Consume it over the next 2-3 years.  Score - 90.  (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2005)

685941    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

700815    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

912329    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

975672    (XD)   750 mL    $19.95   

685776    (XD)   750 mL    $18.95   

683045    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

Auntsfield Estate was the home of the first colonial vineyard and winery in Marlborough. Founded in 1873, it enjoyed a reputation for its fine wines for 50 years. Filmmaker Graeme Cowley and his wife Linda recently revived the property. Their winemaking venture began as a sideline to their family's film business but they have since sold their film production facilities to concentrate on full-time winemaking. With the second vintage of this Pinot, expect a dry, well-structured wine featuring plum, cherry and spice characteristics.

694877    (D)   750 mL    $23.95   

The grapes were sourced from Cottesbrook vineyards in two of the best Pinot Noir growing regions in New Zealand: Marlborough and Canterbury.

Tasting Note: . its savoury raspberry, plum, peppery prickle and delicious smokiness deliver in spades. From New Zealand, it's lightish, dry . [and] is delicious.  (Bill Clapperton, www.living.scotsman.com, April 21, 2006)

586040    (D)   750 mL    $17.95   

684498    (D)   750 mL    $21.95   

687913    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

Made by Swedish winemaker Lars Torstenson, the wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and the local Mavrud grape.

Tasting Note: This is not just a visually striking wine, the aromas suggest berry, plum, licorice, smoke and a hint of barnyard. It is dry, fairly intensely flavoured with good balance and a nice tannin backbone. Enjoy this medium full-bodied wine with grilled meats.  (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2006)

687152    (XD)   750 mL    $12.95   

Under their Uniquato label, Damianitza bottles small lots of unusual local varieties, such as this Melnik.

608844    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

The 'No Man's Land' in question is a five kilometre wide strip of land that acted as a buffer zone seperating Soviet-controlled Bulgaria from Greece and Turkey. The land remained untouched for decades, until the collapse of the Soviet Union when hectares of pristine land became available for viticulture. Sourced from vineyards within this former territory, this 70/30 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a strawberry-scented, velvety, structured wine that will match well with osso buco or even your favourite chili con carne recipe.

672949    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

004499    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

641597    (MD)   750 mL    $14.95   

525386    (XD)   750 mL    $26.95   

Muscadet is one of the perfect wines for the 'dog days' of summer. Its crisp refreshment and bright fruitiness makes it an excellent sipping wine or enjoy with steamed mussels or just-caught freshwater fish.

946467    (XD)   375 mL    $6.95   

948182    (XD)   750 mL    $12.95   

Made with Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, the warm summer days and the cool nights in this region help produce a fruity, aromatic, yet beautifully crisp wine. A great starter wine for your next barbecue party or try it with grilled chicken legs.

705079    (D)   750 mL    $15.45   

The Commanderie du Bontemps was first established in 1949 by a group of Médoc-based winegrowers and merchants who felt a Wine Order was needed to promote and celebrate the wines of the region. The Order now represents all the major Left Bank growing regions. This wine blend is chosen by a panel of Order members to be representational of the region in each vintage. With this 1998, expect aromas of currant, leather and sea shells. It is dry with ripe tannins supporting the fruit. It is ready to drink and will complement roast or satay beef.

687640    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Domaine des Sablons is one of the St-Amour region's finest single cru properties. The Gamay from this property is frequently reminiscent of well-made Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Enjoy this, lightly chilled, with grilled salmon or veal tenderloin.

002923    (D)   750 mL    $18.95   

979153    (XD)   750 mL    $49.95   

951665    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

531848    (D)   750 mL    $15.45   

910927    (XD)   750 mL    $25.95   

620344    (D)   750 mL    $15.95   

687855    (D)   750 mL    $19.95   

Saignée is considered the best method for making rosé wines; during the early maceration phase of what will become red wines, a portion of the juice, after a scant few hours on the skins, is pumped off and made into rosé. Wines made with this method are more intensely aromatic and complex than conventional rosés. The producer recommends enjoying this wine with hors-d'oeuvres, grilled meats, spicy Eastern European fare or summer salads.

684977    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

This attractive rosé is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect a fresh, vibrant, medium-bodied dry wine with aromas of red berries and violets and packed with fruit flavours. Enjoy with summer meals of salads and grilled freshwater fish.

685065    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

727032    (MD)   750 mL    $19.95   

DARTING RIESLING KABINETT  2004
QmP, Dürkheimer Michelsberg, Estate Btld.  

Please note that this product has been moved to the September 2nd release.

Tasting Note: Ripe, round and rich for a Kabinett, with a plush feel and a great balance of fruit and acidity. The usual cast of characters for the Pfalz (peaches, apricots, pears) but also a decidedly spicy note of ginger and perhaps cinnamon. Nice minerality and overall balance.  Score - 7/10 (Great). (www.winegeeks.com, Aug. 8 2005)

950212    (MD)   750 mL    $14.95   

The Schönborn family has been making wine since 1349, so it's little wonder that they possess some of the top vineyard sites in the Rheingau. Look for bright apple fruit and petrol notes in this light and lively Riesling from the Pfaffenberg vineyard.

928184    (MD)   750 mL    $17.95   

724583    (D)   750 mL    $16.95   

Boutari makes this wine with the Xinomavro grape (which translates as 'acid black'). This is a great example of how Xinomavro benefits from long ageing in barrel which soften the acids and bring the fruit into focus. It was aged for four years in a combination of barrel and bottle before release. Expect a ripe raspberry scented and flavoured wine that will complement lamb souvlaki.

140111    (XD)   750 mL    $14.95   

951319    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Frascati is considered by many as THE bistro wine of Rome. Located near that city, the Frascati region is known for its brightly fruity, fresh wine made with a multitude of indigenous grapes (Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, Bombino, Ottonese and Cacchione).

686998    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

Who needs wine coolers when you have Moscato d'Asti! In the hot days at the end of August, there is nothing better than a white wine such as this. Lightly frizzante, a bit sweet and very low alcohol (5.5% alc./vol.), when well-chilled it makes an exceptional patio sipper or partner for jerk chicken or even barbecued backribs.

953703    (M)   750 mL    $16.95   

Fausto Maculan is one of northern Italy's finest producers. His wines are appreciated for their elegance and finesse. Enjoy this Pinot Grigio with flavourful fish dishes or pasta with a simple sauce and a few slivers of black truffle or a drizzle of truffle oil.

734921    (XD)   750 mL    $13.95   

Masi still eagerly embraces the Soave DOC after others have abandoned it. They have found ways, within the rules, to make wines of distinction and impact. They start with a superior single vineyard, Colbaraca. They macerate and ferment at cool temperatures in order to slowly and gently extract all the flavours, and then mature the wines for six months almost evenly between stainless steel and oak barrels. The final blend proves a crisp, flavourful wine can be made under Soave's DOC rules. Enjoy with hors d'oeuvres or mushroom risotto.

724161    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

An 'illuminating', crowd-pleasing wine with a fairly complex nose and flavour profile. Enjoy this spicy/fruity wine with flavourful risotto dishes or, around the barbecue, with backribs and your best homemade sauce.

328997    (D)   750 mL    $12.95   

748277    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

CANTINE LEO 'ORFEO' NEGROAMARO  2002
IGT Puglia  

Please note that this product has been moved to the September 2nd release.

Negroamaro has been called Puglia's most interesting native variety. It is the principal grape grown on the Salento peninsula - the heel of the boot - where Puglia's finest wines are produced. The wine is named for Orpheus, one of the heroes of Greek mythology, who attempted to rescue his wife from the underworld but failed. We suggest you enjoy this impactful, delicious, fruit-forward wine with the love of your life.

681734    (XD)   750 mL    $16.95   

977421    (XD)   750 mL    $21.95   

003020    (XD)   375 mL    $11.95   

650291    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

QUINTA DE S. FRANCISCO RED  2003
DOC Óbidos  
(Companhia Agric. Do Sanguinhal)

Please note that this product has been moved to the September 2nd release.

Tasting Note: This traditional blend of indigenous grapes consists mainly of Castelão, Aragonez and Touriga Nacional. It features complex aromas of cloves, plum, blackberry, humus and a leafy herbal note on the nose. It's ripe and generous with chunky fruit on the silky smooth palate. Dry, medium-bodied and supple, this is an unbelievable value.  (VINTAGES panel, March 2006)

657460    (D)   750 mL    $13.95   

315648    (XD)   750 mL    $15.95   

Made with 100% Tempranillo, this wine recently won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Challenge International du Vin. Perfect with grilled lamb or game, expect generous aromas of blackberry and spice, ripe fruit flavours, soft tannins and a long spicy finish.

958868    (D)   750 mL    $18.95