Sun-loving Shiraz is thriving in the vineyards of BC and this award-winning wine from Jackson-Triggs' Okanagan Estate is a prime example. Hand-picked from the Osoyoos Lake Bench vineyards, this wine combines the best of the northern Rhône and New World styles with its spicy bouquet and its lush cherry and black currant fruit flavours. This BC beauty won Gold at Montreal's Sélections Mondiales 2004.
33241    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95    

Now in its third vintage, this ultra-premium Meritage uses all five classic Bordeaux varieties to create a wine that has size and power but also style, elegance and complexity. Rich and intense, it should be decanted in its youth, but will truly reward 5+ years in a cellar to soften and mature the wine.
626325    (XD)            750 mL    $39.95    

Everything but the kitchen sink. This fascinating off-dry wonder brilliantly blends together Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli. The amazing thing about this wine is that you can actually experience every grape they use. A wide array of aromas and flavours such as melons, oranges, pears, vanilla, grass and more intertwine in this multi-layered and well-balanced white. This wine is a delightful match for spicy Asian dishes such as Thai green curry chicken or even fiery jerk chicken.
694653    (MD)            750 mL    $28.95   

This clean and refreshing Chardonnay would be perfect with freshly-caught trout grilled with a squeeze of lemon. Crisp and dry, this medium-bodied wine sports lots of apple, light spice and cool mineral characteristics.
34736    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

The Frei Brothers winery was established in the late 19th century. Except for a break during the Prohibition years, they have been producing crowd-pleasing, fruit-forward, balanced wines for over 100 years. This 2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauviginon is no exception. With its full-throttle cassis, cocoa, raspberry and vanilla aromas, it is a natural for barbecued steaks and ribs.
38075    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

As one of the winemaking pioneers in Sonoma, the late great Rodney Strong would be proud of this stylish Cabernet. Try it with game meats, grilled lamb or roast beef.

Robert Parker includes Storybook Mountain Vineyards on his short list of California's best Zinfandel producers. The winery was also named 'Artisan Winery of the Year' in 2006 by Wine & Spirits magazine. The Maycamas Range Zin has complex layers of raspberries, strawberries, mineral and toasty oak with a luscious mouth-feel and a seam of balancing acidity. This is a must-have for Zin fans.
682989    (XD)            750 mL    $43.95   

A phenomenal value, this Cab comes from Argentina's Uco Valley where the vineyards are planted at very high elevations. The daytime sun exposure and cool evening temperatures foster the creation of wines with impeccable balance. This deeply coloured red delivers aromas of cassis, blackberry, toast, mint and wet stones. It is dry, medium full-bodied with a nice core of acid and ripening tannins to provide structure. Match with grilled steaks.
32094    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95   

Throw a thick, juicy steak on the barbecue and serve up this fruit-packed Cab packed with loads of blackberry and cassis as well as sweet notes of chocolate and vanilla. It's a solid wine to enjoy throughout the summer.
723288    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95   

The Arboleda line of wines were created in 2001 by Viña Errazuriz and Robert Mondavi Winery. Each varietal is grown in regions best suited to the style of wines they wish to make, in this case, a bright, fresh, balanced Chardonnay from cool-climate Casablanca Valley. Recommended with seafood lasagna. Visit www.caliterra.com for the recipe.
606772    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

The fruit here was sourced from Concha y Toro's Lo Ovalle vineyard, which is in the lowest and coolest growing area of the Casablanca Valley. Bursting with flavours of lime, mineral and freshly cut grass, this white's balanced acidity gives it a crisp mouthfeel. Check out its companion red (030957, below) for a great barbecue one-two combination.
30932    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

Craneford's Allyson Parsons Semillon is an excellent alternative for lovers of Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. The palette shows flavours of fresh cut flowers and citrus. The balance between the wine's rich mouthfeel and crisp, clean finish, makes it an excellent choice to pair with dishes featuring cream or beurre blanc sauces.
651174    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

This classic blend is comprised of 34% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 33% Mourvèdre. It boasts aromas of maraschino cherries, toast and blueberries. Aged for 12 months in both French and American oak, this beautifully structured wine is smooth and flavourful with a note of peppery spice and a lingering finish. Enjoy with a gourmet pizza loaded with toppings or a juicy barbecued chicken.
650028    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Barossa Valley Estate was formed by a group of Barossa grape growers in 1985 and has since grown in reputation to become one of the finest producers in the region. Named for a village in the Barossa Valley, the Moculta is styled to be fruit-forward and approachable. Dry and medium full-bodied, it offers loads of dark plum, black cherry, liquorice and eucalyptus flavours with a lingering finish. Enjoy over the next three years with grilled lamb or game.
536383    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

Established formally in 1999, Western Australia's Geographe region is located just north-east of the well-known Margaret River. The very warm summer temperatures are modified by sea breezes from the Indian Ocean and generous rainfall.

This terrific Cabernet is sourced from the 30+ year-old vines of Grant Burge's Cameron Vale vineyard. The maturity of the vines is evident in this intensely flavoured wine. It has complex layers of dark berries, cassis, earth, chocolate and mint notes. Aged in French oak (35% new), it's an excellent value from one of the Barossa's top producers. Enjoy this elegant wine with roasted lamb or New York strip loin.
937276    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

This 'second label' from Juniper Estate is comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. The blend includes up to 30% old-vine fruit which gives lift and structure to the wine. Enjoy this vibrant, balanced, New-World-meets-Old-World wine with roast beef or grilled lamb.
684019    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in the Redwood Valley, which also happens to be home to some of the finest Brown Trout fishing in the world. Not surprisingly, the apricot, red apple and citrus flavours in this off-dry Riesling perfectly complement grilled trout with a hint of lemon.
32300    (MD)            750 mL    $18.95   

This single-vineyard Pinot was fermented in stainless steel and then matured in French oak for 12 months. Maturing nicely, it has subtle raspberry and earth characteristics. Give this medium-bodied red 15 minutes in the fridge and you have a great summer red to savour with grilled salmon or portobello mushrooms.
27441    (D)            750 mL    $32.95   

Alsace Willm was founded in 1896 and was the first Alsace producer to export its wines to North America. Pinot Gris with Riesling is a combination not often seen. Pinot Gris from Alsace can be rather full-bodied; Riesling adds just the right amount of zip. Enjoy with grilled freshwater fish.
30627    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

The Chardonnays of Montagny have become increasingly popular. Bouchard's version is flirtatious and full, filled with honey and fruit and revealing a light dusting of oak. This is a great summer wine and would go well with planked salmon.
653683    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

Modern winemaking technology has improved the wines from Canon-Fronsac. They now offer a reliable, affordable alternative to the famed wines from Pomerol and St-Émilion.

TASTING NOTE: This offers good fruit. Supple in the mouth and ready to drink now.  (Guide Hachette 2007).
722546    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

Château du Périer was founded by Comte Henri du Périer de Larsan, who was deputy of the Médoc from 1889 to 1906. It was purchased on its 100th anniversary by the Saintout family. This attractive wine displays dashes of cassis, raspberry and peppery in this ripe, fresh, structured and complex wine.
35634    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

The essential work that [winemaker] Guillaume [de Castelnau] has done here is to reverse many changes that have damaged Beaujolais over the past few decades, and to introduce many classic Burgundian techniques. ... The new Burgundian order of the day includes the introduction of hand-harvesting and careful grape selection in the field, and there is no bubblegummy carbonic maceration here, but cold soaking of grapes, fermentation with wild yeasts in open-top tanks, and long ageing in small oak barrels. It is fair to say that, between them, Jadot and Guillaume de Castelnau have brought about a revolution in Beaujolais. (Tom Cannavan, wine-pages.com, Jan. 2004).
700187    (D)            750 mL    $31.95   

This Parent Bourgogne offers a preview of the much heralded 2005 vintage. It is a well-balanced wine with flavours of raspberries and red cherries with ripe tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Try it with boneless breast of chicken served with a pan sauce lightly flavoured with cassis and fresh raspberries.
597971    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

Illustrating why Saumur-Champigny is so popular in France, this Cabernet Franc is versatile with food yet easy to drink. It is an ideal red wine to serve lightly chilled. Enjoy with bistro foods.
672618    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95   

Customers have discovered that wines from the Côtes-du-Roussillon are both delicious and easier on the pocketbook than those from better known parts of France. Château de Corneilla's Cuvée Prestige is fashioned from 30% Mourvedre, 30% Syrah, 30% old-vine Carignan and 10% Grenache. It features lots of fruity scents and flavours - blue and blackberries, raspberries, cherries - with hints of spices and anisette. Complex but open and friendly. Match it to roast beef with grilled potatoes.
627752    (XD)            750 mL    $15.95   

Corbières is the largest AC in the Languedoc. The stony soil of the region yields spicy, full-bodied wines, and this blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah is a perfect example. The Sichel family, well-known as owners and négociants in Bordeaux, runs Domaine du Trillol. This hearty red would go well with barbecued steak or cheeses such as cheddar or chèvre.
32995    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Allen and Marie-Laure Chevalier acquired the Constantin-Chevalier property in 1990 and immediately began a large replanting project. Today, the vineyards contain Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault for the red wines, and Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Vermentino (a.k.a., Rolle) and Roussanne for the whites. This red wine from the hot 2003 vintage has lovely ripe berry aromas and flavours. It is fairly full-bodied with a long, fruit-driven finish. An excellent choice for barbecued backribs.
23861    (D)            750 mL    $21.95   

Vintage after vintage, Grapillon d'Or's Gigondas has been a huge critical and consumer favourite. Expect more of the same from this 2004 vintage. A classic Rhône vintage, this wine combines tons of fruit with the balancing tones of ripe tannins creating a wine that is simulataneously easy-drinking and ageable (1-3 years). Enjoy it tonight with grilled steaks and mushrooms.
981787    750 mL    $29.95   

Povidis is a partnership established in 1999 between prominent wineries of the Côtes-du-Rhône, Midi and winemaker Xavier Vignon. Vignon consults with member wineries advising them on vineyard management, winemaking, blending and ageing practices. The wines under the Povidis imprimatur are recognized for possessing elegant balance and bright fruitiness. This organic Vacqueyras is made at Xavier Vignon's own property. The free sulphur reading for this organic product was not available at press time. Please go to www.vintages.com for the results.
17574    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95       

Madiran is an appellation just south of Bordeaux. Unlike its more famous neighbour, winemakers use the grape Tannat in the majority of their blends (with the Cabernets and Fer in support roles). Traditionally the wines required many years of cellaring, but modern technology has allowed winemakers to extract maximum flavours from the grapes without the harsh tannins. Black in colour with deep blackberries and a touch of tar on the palete, this Madiran is an excellent choice for matching with a spit-roasted leg of lamb.
30890    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

Château Haut-Monplaisir is in the commune of Lacapelle-Cabanac, west of Cahors. Wines from Cahors are known as 'black wines' as they are among the darkest coloured reds made. The vineyards here were first planted by the Romans, and popes, Tsars and emperors became fans over time. This inky Malbec displays aromas of cherry, herbs, fig, and peat. In the vanguard of quality for southwestern wines.
673590    (XD)            750 mL    $13.95