Vintage after vintage, Château des Charmes proves it is one of the finest producers of Gewürztraminer in Ontario. They always achieve the perfect balance between Gewürz's 'orchid aroma' tendencies and fresh fruitiness. The 2006 also features lychee, musqué, and bright citrus fruit. It's off-dry, full-bodied with a round texture and a long finish. Pair it with spicy Thai dishes.

This wine consistently offers terrific value. In this crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay, expect a melange of fruit flavours including golden delicious apple, pear and melon and hints of subtle oak. Enjoy with crab cakes or pasta in a cream sauce.

651232    (D)            750 mL    $15.95   

A perennial favourite with Vintages customers, K-J's Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon seems to get better with every vintage. The 2004 is elegant and soft with plump cherry, cassis and cocoa flavours as well as a vanilla note. It's dry and medium-bodied with fresh fruit flavours balanced by ripe tannins. A delicious selection for braised lamb shanks, grilled steak or beef kebabs.

331603    (XD)            750 mL    $22.95   

In this case, the definition for rabid is passionate, fervent, uncompromising and zealous, especially when it comes to red wine. Definitely aimed at the non-stuffy wine lover, this fruit-driven blend of Petite Sirah (42%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (43%) also has small amounts of Merlot (8%) and Syrah (7%) in supporting roles. An excellent value, this tasty mongrel is ready to drink with loads of delicious red cherry and blackberry, spice and mocha characteristics. This full-bodied red is delicious and pure with surprisingly good breeding!

This delicious young Cab is sourced from some of the Napa Valley's finest vineyards including the Corbett and Krupp vineyards. It's dry and full-bodied with layers of concentrated blackberries, cherries and raspberries as well as notes of coffee and spice surrounded by firm tannins. Elegantly balanced, it should continue to develop over the next 4-5 years. It's worth noting that the fine folks at www.justwinepoints.com (also known as Wine X) awarded this wine 93 points. There's no written review since as their website name and slogan states, "nothing else matters." ( Score - 93. www.justwinepoints.com)

060525    (XD)            750 mL    $34.95   

This release gives you the opportunity to compare Malbec from three distinct regions of Argentina without breaking the budget. This little wonder is from the cool climate region of Patagonia in the south. Del Fin Del Mundo literally means the end of the world which is basically where this wine hails from. Compare this vibrant, ripe and intensely concentrated Malbec with its cousins from the more central Mendoza region (057943) and the Cafayate Valley in the far north (064998). Judge for yourself what part the region plays in the final character of Malbec.

Michel Torino has built a solid reputation for producing consistently high quality Malbec in the Cafayate region in northern Argentina. Some of this up-and-coming region's vineyards are planted at the highest elevations in the world. In fact, the label of the Don David Reserve proudly states that the fruit is sourced from vineyards at 1700 metres above sea level. This juicy Malbec is bursting with blackberry and other ripe dark fruits balanced by toasty oak, ripe acidity and friendly tannins. Should drink well over the next 3 years.

Using only handpicked fruit from the estate's vineyards, this blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 8 months in a combination of both American and French oak barrels. Offering impressive depth, this fruit-forward wine features concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit flavours, a touch of spice, smoke and sweet oak on the lingering finish. Match it with braised beef.

This Merlot is made from hand-harvested grapes sourced from the lofty heights of the Uco Valley where the vineyards are planted at over 1000 metres above sea level. Ripe and round, this medium full-bodied wine shows attractive cassis, chocolate and smoky oak aromas and flavours. Serve with pasta in a spicy beef and tomato sauce or grilled lamb chops.

This award-winning wine from Concha y Toro's Argentine property is a robust and spicy blend that offers smoked meat, concentrated blackberries, flowers, pepper and oak aromas and flavours. It's dry, medium full-bodied, well structured and punching well above its weight class. It's worth getting a case to keep on hand for summer barbecues.

This impressive and bold Syrah is a steal! It's full-bodied with layers of cherry and plum fruit, forest floor and smoky oak notes all wrapped in medium tannins. A ripe and rustic red to pair with smoked wild boar sausages or gourmet burgers.

Going strong for the past decade, Viña MontGras' Ninquén Project was born of an appreciation for the terroir of Ninquén Mountain in the Colchagua Valley. Ninqén literally means 'plateau on a mountain' in the local dialect and with 90 hectares of prime vineyards planted atop its namesake, the winery has staked its claim for producing premium red wines with a unique character. Aged in French and American Oak (80% new, 20% second use), this full-bodied blend of Cab and Carmenère is quite muscular with aromas and flavours of ripe black cherries and cassis with elegant smoke and mineral notes.

Upon graduating with an honours degree in oenology, winemaker Tim Burvill was snatched up by wine giant Southcorp. In the 1990s, his career enjoyed a meteoric rise up through the ranks and he eventually assumed the role of senior winemaker responsible for several super-premium wines. In 2001, he decided to branch out on his own and start Rockbare. His goal with Rockbare is "to make pure and intense wines, using only varieties that are suited to growing in the cool, maritime climate of South Australia's McLaren Vale". This elegant, medium full-bodied Chardonnay is produced in an intensely vibrant and refreshing style with lovely balancing acidity and bright tropical fruit flavours.

This wine won a Gold Medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2007.

TASTING NOTE: Straw gold in colour, this smooth, creamy and very stylish chardonnay is immediately appealing with its soft, ripe, rounded flavours. Barrel-ferment aromas and spicy oak flavours with a mealy nutty backbone, juicy white peach and citrus fruit, hints of butterscotch and a lovely mouth coating texture. The style we like to drink. (Sue Courtney, www.wineoftheweek.com, Nov. 7, 2007) 

991463    (D)            750 mL    $19.95   

This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2007 Concours Mondial in Brussells.

TASTING NOTE: Franschhoek Valley is east of Cape Town, and vines were first planted on this property over 250 years ago. This wine has a come-hither aspect to it with a beautifully dense of nose of black fruit, leather, oak and a whiff of pepper. Similar aspects are noticeable in the mouth, which has plenty of concentration. Drink up to 2013. Score - (out of 5). www.decanter.com, 2007) 

652685    (XD)            750 mL    $21.95   

The Montmorin vineyard is situated atop a limestone- laden hill that borders Mercurey. This wine is oak aged for 8 months and also spends this time on its lees. The location, soil type and ageing techniques have all led to the creation of a wine that is filled with attractive aromas of apple, toast, pear and vanilla. This dry, balanced, flavourful wine is an excellent cellar candidate (2-4 years) or try it tonight with grilled chicken breast.

This Puligny-Montrachet Chardonnay is made in the classic manner: vines are pruned to reduce yields and intensify flavours; grapes are all hand-picked to prevent fruit damage; and, after fermenting, the wines are allowed to age in new French barriques for many months before bottling. The resulting wine is filled with aromas and flavours of apple, toast, vanilla and mineral. On the palate, it is fresh and fruity with the toasty oak and crisp acidity adding excellent balance. A natural match for lobster or king crab.

The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc were grown on a single vineyard outside the town of Oisly, an area considered one of the finest for growing Savvy. Fresh and fruity, this is a classic Loire Sauvignon that would be an ideal match for pan-fried freshwater fish.

This classic Sauvignon Blanc is intense and vibrant with plenty of grassy aromas and intense grapefruit on the nose and palate. It's rich and full but with a pure seam of acidity keeping things fresh straight through the lingering, minerally finish. Squeeze some lemon onto grilled freshwater fish, served alongside steamed asparagus and you have a terrific match.

One of the top domaines in the Loire, Henri Bourgeois has been perfecting Sauvignon Blanc for 10 generations. Fresh thyme and sage, kiwi, green apple, gooseberry and grapefruit aromas are quite evident. Suggesting the New Zealand style, it is dry, fruit driven and well-structured with an excellent finish. Enjoy with goat cheese and crackers, cucumber salad or ceviche.

Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng are the grapes used to make this dessert wine. Petit Manseng's small berries and thick skin make it an ideal grape variety for late harvest wines. Gros Manseng, a grape that produces full-flavoured whites is rarely found in sweet wines, but it is used here to great advantage. The Petit brings the fruit and finesse, while the Gros contributes the acid and fuller flavour. Match this delicious wine with blueberry cheesecake or aged cheeses.

065839    (MS)            375 mL    $14.95   

In 1999, at the time of this wine's release, wine guru Robert Parker Jr. called the Lanessan a "sleeper of the vintage", stating that "this impressively-endowed, flavorful, well-structured wine should be at its finest between 2004-2016". Pull the cork on this sleeper tonight, give it an hour or so to fully awaken, and then sit back and let it enchant your guests.

A blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine's grapes are hand- harvested and the juice is carefully fermented at low temperatures. Only 20% is given oak contact, while the remainder is aged in stainless steel. This process helps retain the desired bright fruitiness, with the small amount in oak giving the wine some lovely back-end structure. Try this superb value with prime rib.

From the great 2005 vintage comes this fine Merlot-based wine featuring aromas and features of black cherry, mint, licorice and menthal. Dry with lots of fruit, this is balanced out by nice seam of acid and a firm streak of tannin. Age it for up to 10 years or enjoy it with prime rib.

The fruit for this blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache was meticulously hand-picked. The wines were allowed to mature separately for approximately 10-12 months in new French barriques and then blended to show off the strengths of each variety. The resulting wine is filled with aromas of raspberry, cedar, vanilla and plum. Match this dry, ripe, balanced wine with mildly spiced beef dishes.

VMV Elite is a top-tier wine from Vignerons du Mont Ventoux. The cooler Ventoux AC allows the grapes in this blend (Grenache, Syrah) to age more slowly thereby developing thicker skins and intense flavours. The wines are aged in French barriques for several months to add additional layers of complexity. This hearty, concentrated wine is a good cellar candidate (3-5 years), or enjoy it now with rare Angus steaks.

Little known in the world market today, the dynamic Gaillac region has been a source of winemaking for over 2000 years. Over the last two decades, the number of planted vineyards has doubled in the area as producers discover its virtues. This wine is a blend of the local grapes Duras and Braucol with a dash of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a delightful, deeply coloured wine with intense aromas of plum, blackberry, underbrush and smoky bacon. Terrific with Cassoulet or grilled duck breast.

Made with Grenache and Syrah, this Rhône rosé makes an excellent palate refresher on a hot day. The berry fruit and cherry aromas and flavours are well complemented by a racy acidity. It can also be served with spring salads, grilled freshwater fish such as bass, or chicken satay with a light peanut sauce.

Tavel rosés are more robust and flavourful than those of Provence, making them excellent candidates for food matching. It pairs particularly well with herbed chicken dishes and grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini and red pepper).

Made with the indigenous Xinomavro grape. This great Greek variety shares Pinot Noir's temperament but when producers get it right, as with this Paranga, the results can be outstanding. Look for cherry, earth and raspberry aromas. The flavours are nicely balanced between the fruit, good acid and fine tannins. Delicious with lamb souvlaki.

062596    (D)            750 mL    $12.95   

From sunny Sicily comes the northern Rhône's great white wine, Viognier. Loaded with peach, apricot and pear aromas and flavours, this dry, fruity wine would be a great match for mildly spicy shrimp dishes.

Owner and winemaker Lionello Marchesi carefully selects the grape bunches to be used in his Brunello. To extract as much flavour and colour as possible, he macerates the juice on the skins for 12-14 days. He then ages the wines in new oak barriques for three years plus a further year in bottle. As a result, this Brunello is very palatable now with lamb or beef dishes but is also an excellent mid-term cellaring candidate (3-5 years).

Match this unique Tuscan blend with grilled bison burgers or lamb chops.

TASTING NOTE: Has very pretty plum, blackberry and floral aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, clean, silky finish. A tiny bit short. Best after 2008. Smart Buy. Score - 88. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2008) 

068510    (D)            750 mL    $17.95   

The sweet Port-like aromas of fruits and nuts here are very inviting. Dry, full-bodied, quite savoury with fig, currant, cherry, caramel, spice and tobacco notes. Ready to drink now with game casserole or root vegetable stew, but could be cellared for 3 to 4 years. This is the half bottle of our popular Essentials Collection product (433417, $44.95).

Chiaretto, an Italian term for rosé, literally means 'neither red nor white'. Made with the local Corvina, Rondinella and Dindarella grapes, the wines are allowed only a few hours on their skins to extract the pleasant pink colour. Serve this light and fruity wine with cold appetizers, cold cuts or pan-fried freshwater fish.

Made with the indigenous grapes Roupeiro, Fernão Pires and Arinto, this award-winning wine is fermented in new French and American barrels for 10 days and then allowed to age in the barrels on their lees for a month. This short-term oak and lees contact adds a pretty richness. The aromas suggest floral, tropical fruit and toast notes. Dry, smooth and full in the mouth, there is a real elegance here. Match it to grilled prawns or paella.

070045    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

This wine plays to Portugal's strength of blending its flavourful indigenous grapes with popular international varieties to create a wine experience that is both unique and familiar. In this case, the local Aragonês and Trinicadeira are blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This medium-full-bodied wine features cherries, dried spices, ripe plum and a touch of vanilla. Exquisite with roast leg of lamb.

Protected by the Serra da Estrela and Serra do Carmulo mountain ranges, Quinta do Corujão has been crafting high quality wines in Portugal's Dão region for generations. This blend of indigenous varieties includes Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, Jaen, and Alfrocheiro. It's full-bodied and packed with rich ripe black fruit, raisin and smoky oak aromas and flavours. Pair it with grilled sausages or smoky barbecued game.

067983    (XD)            750 mL    $24.95   

The producer probably sums up this crisp, bright and fresh wine better than we can: "Contrapunto is the harmonious agreement of opposed voices. In our Albariño each one of the sensory notes has its own melody and, all together, leave in the echo of aftertaste a polyphonic explosion". Terrific with a variety of shellfish including steamed mussels or clams.