'Unplugged' is Flat Rock's unoaked Chardonnay. The 2007 vintage was recently awarded Double Gold and ranked the best wine in its category at the International Eastern Wine Competition 2009. Aged in stainless steel, this is a sumptuous, medium full-bodied Chardonnay with ripe apple and juicy citrus fruit flavours balanced by refreshing acidity, leading to a lengthy crisp finish. Serve it with an asparagus-and-shrimp risotto, or broiled scallops.

After achieving much success crafting wine in the Okanagan Valley, Bruce Nicholson returned to Niagara to take the reins as Inniskillin's Senior Winemaker in 2007. The storied winery is thriving under his leadership recently capturing the top award at Vinitaly (the annual international wine competition in Venice), and the award for best producer at the 16th Annual Sélections Mondiales in Quebec City. The Montague Vineyard is a well-known source for exceptional Chardonnay. Aged in French oak for 8 months, the 2007 is rich and creamy, with ripe tropical fruit, toasty cedar and vanilla character, and a long finish. Delicious now, but should evolve over the next 3-5 years.

Thirty Bench is a Riesling specialist. The 2007 vintage of this wine won a Gold Medal for Best Dry Riesling at the 2009 Ontario Wine Awards.

TASTING NOTE: This is the entry level Riesling from the estate, a blend from the vineyards, in a house style. An attractive nose of lime-citrus and subtle mineral notes. It has zippy acidity on the palate to go with refreshing citrus fruits in a dry style. Score - 3 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rick VanSickle, www.stcatharinesstandard.ca, June 18, 2009) 

24133    (D)            750 mL    $18.70     

Inniskillin's Discovery Series is designed to give winemaker Sandor Mayer the chance to experiment with unusual grape varieties in the Okanagan context. He's able to explore a grape variety's potential using small lots before deciding whether to give it more real estate in the vineyards. If this experiment is anything to go by, Malbec does indeed have a future in BC. This dry, fruity Malbec is nicely supported by ripe tannins and is full of lovely cherry, plum, vanilla and mocha aromas and flavours.

Winner of a Silver Medal at the All-Canadian Wine Championships in 2009.

TASTING NOTE: Dense aromas of black cherries and currents, bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee beans with undertones of green bell pepper - savoury and earthy. Balanced on the palate with smooth tannins - ripe cherry plummy fruits, mocha and char flavours with spiced cocoa lingering on the finish. (Daenna Van Mulligen, www.winediva.ca, May 25, 2009) 

143784    (D)            750 mL    $23.95     

Back by popular demand and just in time for your Thanksgiving feast is the 2008 Ladybug Rosé. Beyond the turkey dinner, it is also a fine match for grilled salmon.

TASTING NOTE: Wine Style: Rosé Medium-bodied. Appearance: Pink. Nose: Big raspberry and cherry. Taste: Big cherry. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Tony Aspler, www.tonyaspler.com, March 19, 2009) 

559088    (D)            750 mL    $15.95     

This proprietary white earned Gold Medals at the 2009 California Mid-State Fair and the 2009 Riverside International Wine Competition. The 2008 is comprised of 22% Viognier, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Grenache Blanc, 16% Roussanne, 6% Chardonnay, 5% Chenin Blanc, and 16% Princess. Princess is a cross between Muscat and Thompson seedless grapes. Originally designed as a table grape, it is now being experimented with as a winemaking variety. Clayhouse may be on to something with this floral-scented, full-bodied wine packed with red apple, pear and peach fruit flavours.

Sourced from cool vineyard sites throughout California, this is a delightful and refreshing wine with plenty of peach, citrus and mineral notes balanced by vibrant acidity. It's a lovely sipper for an autumn afternoon, or serve it alongside light appetizers.

"When I first spoke with [Kenwood's senior winemaker] Pat [Henderson], he was evaluating the components of his final 2008 blend for Kenwood Vineyards' flagship Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc. (This has been Kenwood's most popular wine, he tells me, for 28 years. Not bad for a widely ignored white varietal that otherwise lags far behind Chardonnay in the marketplace!) Although the wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it shows tremendous complexity, owing to its many and diverse vineyard sources throughout Sonoma County." (Rosina T. Wilson, wine.appellationamerica.com, March 26, 2009)

"Clear Lake is a relatively new winegrowing area within the Lake County AVA American Viticultural Area. Our Clear Mountain property was one of [vineyard manager Bob Steinhauer's] best discoveries, although his stories of planting it are scary because it's right in the middle of rattlesnake country. Bob says he thinks the rattlesnakes add zing to our zin." (Laura Hooks, winemaker, Beringer) Try this rattlingly good Zin with barbecued back ribs or grilled steaks.

The Candor winery concept was born from a desire to create straightforward wines that express true varietal character. This wine's blend of at least two vintages shows both fresh youthful fruit and a touch of developing maturity. Each version is identified by lot numbers - in this case, Lot 1 - rather than vintages.

TASTING NOTE: Displays classic plummy, dark stone fruit, spice and a hint of smoke, with just enough grip on the finish to round out the package.
Score - Best Red Wine. (Central Coast Wine Competition, California Mid-Sta, 2009) 

135392    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

Just in time for your first fall barbecue is this fruity, ripe and round Cabernet from California. A perfect partner for barbecued back ribs, steaks, gourmet sausages or, heck, even when you're in the mood for 'franks and beans'.

A terrific value, this bright and fruity Merlot is extremely well-balanced and very food-friendly. It's dry, medium-bodied, soft textured with clean plum and cherry flavours plus notes of licorice and vanilla. Enjoy with roasted pork, veal chops, or a medium-rare steak.

An exceedingly good value, this ripe and juicy Cab earned a Gold Medal, with a score of 94 points, from the judges at the 2009 California State Fair Wine Competition. It's packed with black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, Christmas cake, cedar and hints of cocoa. This full-bodied Cab has velvety soft tannins, which make it perfect to enjoy tonight with everything from roasted game with rosemary potatoes, to a thick and juicy Angus burger topped with white cheddar.

This wine won a Gold Medal and was Best in Class at the 2009 Pacific Rim International Wine Competition.

TASTING NOTE: Perfect for fall feasts and autumn's comfort foods, this Cab is deep ruby in colour with aromas suggesting blueberry preserves, plum, black cherry, graphite and a hint of underbrush. It's dry with a creamy texture and plump black fruit flavours as well as notes of vanilla, espresso and baking spices on the long finish. Quite well-balanced and structured with vibrant medium acidity and ripe, moderate tannins. Serve over the next 3 years with pot roast, lamb chops, beef stew or meat loaf. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2009) 

226944    (D)            750 mL    $22.95   

'Toasted Head' refers to the process of toasting the tops and bottoms (plus the staves) of the oak barrels, which imparts a mellow oak character to this wine. Typically aged for 18-20 months in a mix of French and American oak, this delicious Cab features toasty vanilla, rich black fruit flavours and a lingering finish. Ideal for leisurely enjoyment.

Santa Carolina, the popular Chilean producer, moves into the Argentine market with these wines.

TASTING NOTE: Intense colour. Pronounced Cabernet nose. Palate of juicy black fruit with crisp acidity and good length. Score - Silver Medal. (International Wine Challenge, 2009) 

128991    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2009 Wines of Chile Awards.

TASTING NOTE: Cabernet Sauvignon has been Chile's strongest suit for years, typically melding New World ripe fruit with Old World structure and herbaceousness ... The 2007 Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon Aconcagua Valley is young and tannic, yet some time in bottle should soften the edges, allowing the succulent cassis and spice and leather notes to shine. (Linda Murphy, www.winereviewonline.com, Feb. 3, 2009) 

606764    (XD)            750 mL    $17.95   

A fantastic value and a VINTAGES' customer favourite, this full-bodied Carmenère is sourced from selected vineyard sites in the Rapel Valley and aged in French oak for 12 months. It's packed with blackberry and black cherry fruit as well as notes of tobacco and spice. Savour this hearty and crowd-pleasing wine with meat stews.

Winner of a Gold Medal at the Royal Perth Wine Show in 2008.

TASTING NOTE: Delivers immediate intensity from the first sip, blackberry fruit enhanced by nuances of licorice; has tremendous vitality and thrust to the long palate and finish. Drink [until] 2026. Score - 96. (James Halliday, www.winecompanion.com.au, March 2008) 

535104    (D)            750 mL    $29.95   

Try this one with grilled prawn with a moderately spicy sauce.

TASTING NOTE: [This] wine is finely balanced for easy drinking. The 2008 vintage is smooth, with ripe tropical-fruit flavours, fresh, vibrant and already enjoyable. Score - 3 Stars (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2009) 

903625    (XD)            750 mL    $14.95   

Established in 1851, Mission Estate is New Zealand's oldest winery. This Cab includes fruit sourced from the renowned Gimblett Gravels sub-region in Hawkes Bay.

TASTING NOTE: In favourable vintages, this red offers good value. The 2007 includes 10 per cent Cabernet Franc and 5 per cent Malbec. Deeply coloured, it has very good depth of berry and green-olive flavours, tinged with sweet oak, and silky tannins. Score - 3 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Michael Cooper, Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines, 2009) 

132159    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Hawkes Bay is not known for Pinot Noir production, but the wines made from vineyards grown on the inland plateau at Maraekakaho are always of a very high and consistent quality. Though not reviewed at press time, this 2008 Pinot from Sileni is another fine ambassador for the plateau. Look for lots of cherry and other dark fruit aromas backed by smooth tannins and a substantial finish. Enjoy it with planked salmon.

The 2007 vintage also scored four stars (out of 5) in John Platter's South African Wines 2009.

TASTING NOTE: Offers a nice plush texture, with juicy blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors laced with dark toast and fruitcake notes. Stays fresh on the finish. Syrah and Viognier. Drink now. Score - 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, June 30, 2009) 

943175    (XD)            750 mL    $19.95   

Though not indicated on the label, a portion of this wine is very likely made with the aromatic clone of Chardonnay called Chardonnay Musqué. The wine exhibits expressive aromas of mandarin orange, mango and peach. Light- to medium-bodied, fruit forward and expressive on the palate with balanced acidity, this wine would match well with scallops or your favourite shellfish.

733956    (D)            750 mL    $16.95   

Winner of a Silver Medal at the 2005 Concours Général Agricole Paris.

TASTING NOTE: Hitting its prime drinking window, this 2003 Bordeaux features aromas of bakery fruit, plum, cedar, vanilla and mocha. Dry with mature fruit and virtually resolved tannins, this delicious, well-priced claret is a great choice for roast beef with root vegetables. (VINTAGES panel, May 2009) 

138784    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

This wine won a Bronze Medal at the prestigious 2007 Concours de Bordeaux Vins de Aquitaine.

TASTING NOTE: Attractive, youthful, black fruits, new oak. Balanced palate, lush fruit. Crisp acidity, firm tannins. Fresh and mouthwatering. Drink 2011-16. Score - 3 Stars (out of 5). (www.decanter.com, Undated) 

138701    (XD)            750 mL    $23.95   

Winner of a Gold Medal at the Concours des Grands Vins de France 2008.

TASTING NOTE: A very generous Gamay with aromas of black cherry and plum. Dry and elegant, with a fine core of tannin that one expects to find in better cru Beaujolais such as this. The fruit comes on nicely on the finish. Enjoy it with stuffed veal or pork tenderloin. (VINTAGES panel, Feb. 2009) 

129791    (D)            750 mL    $18.95   

" ... [Alain Brumont] now makes at least five different Madirans, matching grape to terroir and technique. Blending it with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, he gives us Torus, a new-generation Madiran, which is supple, sensuous, and ready to drink." (Christina Burridge, Vancouver Magazine,
May 1, 2008)

TASTING NOTE: A hint of the barnyard vies with a hint of floral on the nose, with a solid core of earth, underbrush, black currant and black plum in both flavor and aroma. Full bodied and well structured; approachable, but better in a few years. (George Heritier, www.gangofpour.com, Feb. 2009) 

132407    (XD)            750 mL    $16.95   

The Schloss Reinhartshausen estate, in the heart of the Rheingau, overlooks the Rhine river. Wine has been cultivated on this historic 77 ha estate since 1337. This house Spätlese (or late harvest) Riesling, made with fruit from the Erbach and Hattenheim vineyards, is rich and supple with lovely lemon/lime, ripe grapefruit and mineral characteristics. It's medium-sweet, balanced with refreshing acidity leading to a long tangy finish. Serve it with spicy seafood, Thai cuisine, or cellar for 5 to 10 years.

Grillo matched with Chardonnay is an inspired blend. Both are full-bodied, but Grillo brings a full-flavour intensity, plus a unique aroma profile of lime, apricot and yellow plum. This impactful wine is a good partner for lobster or crab legs.

'Natura & Passione' have been Neil and Maria Empson's guiding principles since the creation of the 'Bollini' line of wines in 1979. The Empsons continue to strive to find the ultimate expression of the best fruit from the most suitable vineyards. They 'intrude' as little as possible to ensure that the final wine is a true reflection of the place where it was grown. This fresh, versatile, citrus- and melon-scented wine would complement a grilled prawn dish or a selection of hors d'œuvres.

With more than a thousand years of family winemaking tradition, current owner Princess Isabella Collato de Croÿ has a legacy to uphold with her estate's wines. This wine shows that the legacy is in very capable hands.

TASTING NOTE: Very pale straw in colour, this PG displays floral, lime, pear and yellow plum aromas. It's dry, medium-bodied with a soft texture and good depth of sweet citrus and orchard fruit flavours balanced by vibrant acidity. A shade more complex than most, this Grigio is refreshing on its own but would also pair well with a fish-based risotto. (VINTAGES panel, April 2009) 

135590    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

Match it to grilled baby back ribs.