This is a list of 100 readily available wines that Ottawa Citizen wine columnist Rod Phillips considers good to excellent value.
Most are in the LCBO, but a few are Vintages 'Essentials' (permanently in stock), or available from the dozen private retail stores in Ottawa operated by Ontario wineries. Locations are noted only if wines are not in the LCBO.
Each wine is rated as follows:
***** Excellent value
**** Very good value
*** Good value
- Nearly all the wines listed here are dry, and any sweetness is noted in the description of the wine.
- Prices and vintages in this list might be different when you buy any of the wines: prices can fluctuate, and new vintages replace old. Moreover, wines are constantly removed from, and added to, the LCBO list.
- Because selections vary among LCBO outlets, you might have to visit more than one store to find a particular wine. To find the LCBO store nearest you that carries the wine you're looking for, use the website search engine at www.lcbo.com or call toll-free 1-800-668-5226.
Off-dry and semi-sweet white wines
Konzelmann 'Golden Vintage' Vidal 2003 (Ontario) **** 203836 $8.75
An off-dry Vidal with impressive complexity (dried apricot, mandarin peel, sweet pear) that goes very well with spicy (as in Thai) pork and chicken dishes.
Cave Spring Cellars Off-Dry Riesling 2004 (Ontario) **** 234583 $13.95
A perennial favourite, this has lovely fruit aromas and flavours (melon, tropical fruit) with zesty acidity and a little sweetness to take the edge off. Perfect for spicy, fruity Asian dishes.
Strewn 'Two Vines' Riesling-Gewürztraminer 2004 (Ontario) *** 467662 $10.95
Lovely floral and tropical flavours from the Gewürztraminer with well-balanced crispness from the Riesling. This goes very well with spicy chicken and pork dishes.
Gunderloch Riverside Riesling 2004 (Germany) *** 499814 $10.40
An off-dry Riesling with attractive tropical fruit, peach and grapefruit flavours, matched with zesty Riesling acidity. It goes very well with spicy Asian chicken and pork dishes.
Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer (France) 2004 **** 373373 $15.95
Look for focused aromas and flavours (peach, floral, apricot, Muscat), with a rich, mouth-filling weight and a hint of the typical bitter finish. Great with spicy Thai chicken dishes.
Light-Medium-Body White Wines
Château Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2004 (France) **** 083709 $12.90
The Sauvignon Blanc sets the pace here, for well-defined citrus fruit with mineral tones. It has crisp acidity and pairs very well with simply prepared fish and chicken dishes.
Domaine des Malandes Chablis 2004 (France) *** 136523 $19.55
Well-made and quite elegant with nice fruit (peach, apple, grapefruit) flavours and mineral notes. Crisp and clean, it pairs well with grilled white fish and a squeeze of lemon.
Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (New Zealand) *** 957407 $15.95
A classic N.Z. Sauvignon Blanc with pungent fruit (gooseberry, green apple, lemon-lime) and crisp texture. Perfect with raw oysters or other briny seafood appetizers. (Vintages Essential)
Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico (Italy) 2004 *** 024422 $10.70
Delicately flavoured with citrus and apple flavours, mineral notes and good acidity. From a coastal region, it's a natural match for lighter-flavoured fish in a cream sauce.
Medium- to Full-Body White Wines
Léon Beyer Tokay Pinot Gris 2003 (France) *** 165241 $15.60
Solid flavours of pear and apple with hints of peach, apricot and spice. Medium-body with good acidity, it goes well with lightly spiced seafood and pork dishes.
Yvon Mau Colombard Chardonnay 2004 (France) *** 627265 $8.45
Bargain-priced and flavourful, this is great as a sipper or with many lighter seafood dishes. Lots of fruit (peach, orange peel, citrus) in this lighter-style, well-balanced wine.
Franz Reh Gewürztraminer 2004 (Germany) *** 622027 $11.45
Hints of spice with ripe apricot, peach and red grapefruit, and a quite crisp texture make this a versatile food wine. Pair it with smoked salmon or spicy chicken or seafood dishes.
Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2003 (France) *** 621789 $16.95
A rich, fruit-forward Chardonnay with plenty of peach and tropical fruit flavour and light spicy notes. It's well-balanced with a smooth texture and pairs well with roast pork or chicken.
The Little Penguin Chardonnay 2004 (Australia) *** 598904 $10.95
A full-fruit Chardonnay (peach, tropical fruit, vanilla notes) that's smooth textured and well-balanced. It pairs nicely with roast turkey or roast pork with apple sauce.
Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (New Zealand) **** 554444 $15.60
An impressive Sauvignon Blanc with concentrated fruit (gooseberry, passion fruit, lemon-lime) and zesty acidity. Pair it with fresh oysters or grilled seafood with a squeeze of lime.
Thorn-Clarke 'Terra Barossa' Pinot Grigio 2004 (Australia) *** 296996 $14.95
A delicious Pinot Grigio with intense, ripe fruit (apricot, peach, sweet pear) and well-balanced acidity. Sip it as an aperitif or pair it with spicy chicken and seafood dishes.
Pierre Sparr 'Alsace One' 2003 (France) **** 649830 $14.95
A delicious blend of Alsace's permitted white grape varieties with beautiful fruit (peach, apricot, citrus) and a crisp, clean texture. Great with spicy chicken, seafood or pork.
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (New Zealand) *** 426601 $15.45
Rich, pungent green and tropical fruit (passion fruit, gooseberries, lime-lemon) with crisp acidity. It's great with dishes with ripe goat cheese or with lemony fish dishes.
Rosemount Estate Chardonnay 2004 (Australia) *** 265132 $13.95
Fruit-forward with luscious flavours of peach, melon and tropical fruit and a generous texture, but balanced and food friendly. Great with pork tenderloin with apricot compote.
Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2003 (France) *** 89292 $14.50
Look for quite intense, complex fruity flavours of apple, ripe pear, peach, good balance and a clean finish. It goes well with grilled herbed white fish.
Château de Sancerre 2004 (France) *** 340893 $24.55
A well-made classic Sauvignon Blanc with green apple, gooseberry and grassy flavours and crisp texture. Pair it with grilled white fish or seafood and a squeeze of lemon.
Madfish Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon 2004 (Australia) **** 588863 $14.95
A delicious, crisp blend that delivers Sauvignon's vibrant flavours and Semillon's floral notes and fuller texture. It partners well with grilled seafood with a squeeze of lemon.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2004 (Australia) *** 321943 $12.95
A nicely pitched Chardonnay with good, rich peach and tropical fruit, smooth texture and great balance. It's a nice match for roast chicken and roasted root vegetables.
Lurton Pinot Gris 2005 (Argentina) ***** 556746 $9.85
Look for quite intense aromas and flavours of peach, apricot, pear and red apple, and a warm, spicy texture. It's well-balanced and makes a great wine for spicy seafood dishes.
Mission Hill 'Five Vineyards' Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (British Columbia) **** 118893 $15.95
Made in a style resembling New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this has intense fruit (passionfruit, green apple) and a crisp texture. It's great with a warm goat cheese salad.
Hillebrand Estates 'Trius' Dry Riesling 2004 (Ontario) *** 303792 $13.95
An attractive Riesling with solid fruit flavours (peach, pear, citrus) and mineral notes. The crisp, clean texture makes it perfect for cream-based fish or chicken dishes.
Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio 2004 (Italy) *** 302380 $12.95
Quite fruity (peaches, apricot, sweet apple) but nicely balanced. It's easy drinking, good for sipping, and goes very well with not-too-hot, spicy seafood or chicken appetizers.
Henry of Pelham Non-Oaked Chardonnay 2004 (Ontario) **** 291211 $11.95
An unoaked Chardonnay that allows the primary fruit flavours (peach, apple) to shine through. With good balance and clean texture, it's ideal for delicate fish and seafood dishes.
Bodega Norton Chardonnay 2004 (Argentina) *** 589531 $10.70
Fruit-driven, with concentrated tropical fruit flavours, it's well-balanced with a good finish. This is a great match for pork tenderloin with a fruit salsa.
Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2003 (Australia) *** 468728 $14.95
Look for solid fruit flavours (peach, tropical) with subtle toasty oak notes, smooth texture, and good balance. Try this with roast turkey or chicken with a sausage and raisin stuffing.
Rosé Wine
Jeanjean Arabesque Syrah Rosé 2004 (France) *** 355347 $9.70
A dry rosé with vibrant flavours of fresh berries (strawberries, cranberries) and a crisp texture. It pairs well with sweet/tart dishes like roast turkey and cranberry sauce.
Light-Body Red Wines
Noémie Vernaux Pisse-Dru Brouilly 2003 *** 614024 $17.00
Fresh red plum and berry flavours, with food-friendly crispness and dry texture. Pair it with roast turkey or veal in a tomato-based sauce, or with spicy beef salad.
Duboeuf Beaujolais 2003 (France) *** 212480 $12.25
Almost as much an icon as a popular Beaujolais, this offers ripe berry flavours, crisp texture and good balance. It goes well with salads, roast turkey and chicken pasta with rosé sauce.
Medium-Body Red Wines
Bolla Rosso 2003 (Italy) **** 621128 $10.95
A blend of Syrah and Nero d'Avola from Sicily, it has concentrated dark fruit flavours, dry texture and firm tannins, and pairs well with well-seasoned red meat dishes.
Fontanafredda Barbera d'Alba 2003 (Italy) *** 038174 $11.90
A crisp red with aromas and flavours of spicy red fruit (plum, cherry, berries). It has a juicy, dry texture and pairs well with pizza and tomato-based pasta.
Castillo de Molina Reserva Merlot 2003 (Chile) **** 237818 $12.95
Intense dark fruit aromas and flavours with spicy, savoury accents. It's medium-bodied, soft-textured, and lightly tannic, and pairs well with spicy red meat dishes.
Masi Paso Doble 2004 (Argentina) **** 620880 $14.95
A flavourful red blend made in Argentina by an Italian winery. With complex flavours of fresh and dried fruit, good balance and firm tannins, it pairs well with rich red meat dishes.
Felix Solis 'Los Molinas' Gran Reserva 1997 (Spain) **** 620971 $13.95
Eight years on and going strong, this Tempranillo-based wine gives quite intense, complex fruit and spice flavours and soft tannins. Pair it with old cheddar cheese.
Creekside Cabernet 2002 (Ontario) *** 620708 $12.95
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, it's well-flavoured (plum, cherry, tobacco, pepper) and balanced, with light tannins. Try it with spicy meat and tomato-based pasta.
Château des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit 2003 (Ontario) *** 582353 $15.95
Flavourful, complex and concentrated from a clone of the classic Gamay variety discovered and cultivated at this winery. Lovely with well-herbed grilled lamb.
Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2005 (Chile) **** 341602 $9.90
From Chile's biggest producer of Pinot Noir, this has good flavours (sour cherry, red plum, spice) and nicely balanced Pinot acidity. It goes very well with grilled salmon or lamb.
Henry of Pelham Baco Noir 2003 (Ontario) **** 270926 $12.95
Citizen readers rated this four stars in a 2005 'Ottawa Tastes' sampling. It's full-flavoured (cherry, plum, beets, gamey notes) with firm tannins. Pair it with spicy-flavoured grilled red meat.
La Madonnina Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 (Italy) **** 418756 $21.10
A delicious and stylish Chianti with aromas and flavours of sweet cherry, plum and dried fruit, firm tannins, a fine balance and a good finish. Pair it with grilled lamb.
Colio Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Ontario) *** $13.95
A quite fruity Cabernet (dark fruit and berry with spicy notes) with good structure and light tannins that pairs well with grilled red meat. Available at the Colio store inside the Loeb supermarket, 4048 Carling Ave. at March Road.
Château des Laurets 2001 (France) **** 371401 $18.90
From Puisseguin St-Emilion, this is a well-made Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend with complex dark fruit flavours, great balance and fine tannins. Pair it with well-seasoned red meat dishes.
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz Grenache 2003 (Australia) **** 610725 $14.95
A juicy, flavourful wine with the depth of Shiraz and some of the texture (and alcohol) of Grenache. Intense fruit, good balance and great with richly flavoured pasta or grilled veal.
Kumala Merlot-Pinotage 2004 (South Africa) *** 572610 $9.15
A good fruity (plum, berries) red with slightly smoky notes from the Pinotage. It's fairly simple and a tad rustic, well-balanced and a great match for barbecue spare ribs.
Jackson-Triggs Proprietors' Reserve Merlot 2002 (Ontario) **** 543876 $12.95
Good flavours of ripe dark fruit, together with excellent balance, light tannins and good length, make this a natural for a veal chop in a red wine sauce.
Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja 2000 (Spain) **** 137810 $17.45
Look for sweet strawberries, dried fruit and vanilla in this classic style. It's elegant, nicely balanced, and has light tannins. Pair it with grilled veal chop, root vegetables and garlic mash.
E. Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône 2001 (France) **** 259972 $17.10
Good concentrated ripe fruit (dark plum, cherry, blackberries) with spicy, peppery notes. It's well-balanced with a nice texture, and pairs well with seasoned grilled lamb chops.
Fuedo Arancio Syrah 2002 (Italy) *** 621730 $11.95
Rich dark berry aromas and flavours with complex notes of spice, pepper and coffee beans. Pair it with rich red meat dishes with wild mushrooms.
Henry of Pelham Gamay 2003 (Ontario) *** 291112 $13.95
Soft-textured with bright fruit (black cherry) and spice and a clean acid fruit finish. It has food-friendly acidity and pairs well with barbecue chicken and many tomato-based pastas. (Vintages Essential)
José Maria da Fonseca Periquita 2002 (Portugal) *** 025262 $9.25
Look for good fruit flavours (red fruit and hints of dried fruit), dry texture and good acid balance. Pair it with well-seasoned red meat dishes like garlic and rosemary lamb.
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz 2002 (Australia) **** 572875 $19.95
Full-bore dark fruit flavours (plum, cherry) with notes of spice, pepper and mint. It's complex with good balance, and goes well with lightly seasoned lamb or game dishes.
Montecillo Rioja Crianza 2001 (Spain) **** 144493 $14.45
Concentrated and complex fruit flavours (red berries, plum) and a hint of vanilla are balanced with good acidity and light tannins. Pair it with hearty tomato-based dishes.
Angove's 'Bear Crossing' Cabernet Merlot 2003 (Australia) *** 592766 $11.95
Very fruity and flavourful (plums, mulberries, spices), with smooth texture. It's easy-drinking and a good match for a wide range of dishes, from steak to meat-based pasta.
Peninsula Ridge Cabernet 2002 (Ontario) *** 598748 $14.95
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, it has solid fruit (cherry, berry), good complexity, food-friendly acidity and light tannins. Pair it with lighter red meat dishes.
Bellingham Shiraz 2003 (South Africa) *** 554360 $13.15
Good dark fruit flavours (plums, berries) balanced with food-friendly acidity and a warm feel in the mouth. Pair it with hearty vegetarian or red meat dishes.
Lou Black Shiraz 2002 (France) *** 597310 $11.95
Fruit-forward with ripe, red fruit flavours and spicy, smoky notes. With light tannins and good balance, it goes well with grilled red meat with spicy barbecue sauce.
Stoney Ridge Bench Cabernet Franc 2004 (Ontario) **** 525691 $11.95
Dark fruit (plums, cherries) dominate the aromas and flavours, with spice, smoky and cedar notes. It drinks well with well-seasoned red meat dishes.
Château Montlabert 2002 (France) *** 179846 $22.00
A mainly Merlot Bordeaux with a core of complex dark fruit (cherries, blackberries), excellent balance and firm tannins. It pairs well with hearty red meat.
Fat Bastard Shiraz 2003 (France) *** 563122 $14.95
Juicy-textured and bursting with fruit (black cherry, plum), but with some complexity (nice peppery notes) and light tannins. Serve it with well-seasoned grilled lamb chops.
Castillo de Almansa Reserva 2001 (Spain) **** 270363 $10.05
Full-flavoured and complex (look for plums, dark berries, spice, coffee, mint) with good balance and light tannins. Great with stewed rabbit (or grilled pork) with prunes and apricots.
Hillebrand 'Trius' Red 2002 (Ontario) *** 303800 $20.10
Quite intense red fruit (plums, berries) and spicy aromas carry through to the flavours, where they're nicely balanced by acidity. Pair it with a grilled veal chop with a red wine reduction. (Vintages Essential)
Lungarotti Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Italy) *** 170811 $11.25
A well-made Cabernet with substantial fruit flavours (dark plum, cherry, berries) and spicy notes. It's well-balanced, has light tannins, and pairs well with grilled red meat dishes.
Pelee Island Baco Noir 2004 (Ontario) *** 485128 $9.95
Look for rich dark fruit (berries, cherries, plums) with some smoky spiciness, a tangy texture and good tannins. Pair it with rich meat stews, hamburgers or hearty meat pasta dishes.
Vendange Shiraz 2002 (California) *** 523423 $9.95
A well-priced Shiraz that's fruit-forward (ripe and spicy plum and cherry), well-balanced with very soft tannins. A good, everyday wine for moderately seasoned red meat dishes.
Le Gaggiole 'Fassati' Chianti 2003 (Italy) *** 620765 $12.95
Good complexity in the aromas and flavours: dried and sweet dark fruit, spices. Well-balanced with a good bite, it's great with spicy red meat or tomato-based pasta dishes.
Lurton 'Terra Sana' 2003 (France) **** 320580 $12.95
Certified organic and a big, fruity wine with sweet, spicy fruit flavours. With light tannins and good acidity, it pairs nicely with lamb stew in a tomato and red wine sauce
Full-body red wines
Marchesi di Montecristo Nerello del Bastardo 1999 (Italy) **** 588913 $13.10
Big body with intense fruit flavours of dark plum and cherry, with spicy and chocolate notes. The tannins are light, balance is good, and it pairs well with grilled steak.
McWilliam's Cabernet Merlot 2004 (Australia) *** 621599 $11.95
Mouth-filling and fruity (plum, raspberries, cherry) with vanilla and spice notes, dry-textured and lightly tannic. Try it with grilled lamb or hamburgers.
Bolla Amarone della Valpolicella 2001 (Italy) **** 352757 $34.95
Concentrated flavours (cherry, vanilla, spice, licorice), complex and very well-structured, this is excellent with red meat-based dishes. Drink now or cellar it for five or more years.
Angus the Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Australia) **** 602615 $17.95
Designed for beef, this is a full-body wine with concentrated flavours of dark tree and berry fruit, with moderate tannins. For beef, yes, but it goes with any rich red meat dish.
Errazuriz Max Reserva 2003 (Chile) ***** 335174 $17.90
A great value, full-body 100-per-cent Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated, complex dark fruit flavours. Finely balanced with sleek tannins, and ideal for flavoursome red meat.
Ravenswood 'Vintners Blend' Zinfandel 2003 (California) *** 359257 $19.95
A popular Zin that offers concentrated, ripe dark fruit flavours with substantial weight and a generous, mouth-filling texture. Pair it with spicy red meat, like a pepper steak. (Vintages Essential)
Delicato Shiraz 2003 (California) **** 585059 $11.95
Well-priced for this full-fruit Shiraz that gives you black plum, cherry and berry, with spice and pepper notes. Soft-textured and a good partner for hearty red meat dishes.
Colio Estate Cabernet Franc Reserve 2002 (Ontario) **** 432096 $19.95
A rich Cabernet Franc with very good typicity: bright fruit with spicy, pepper and green cedar notes. With firm tannins, it's best paired with rare red meat. Available at the Colio store in the Loeb supermarket, 4048 Carling Ave. at March Road.
King Fish Shiraz 2003 (California) **** 622845 $9.95
Rich and fruity, with intense flavours of black plum and berries, with spicy, vanilla notes and a smooth texture. Lightly tannic and perfect for mid-week pizza or ribs.
Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Australia) ***** 502039 $19.95
From a key Australian Cab region, this has concentrated dark fruit with notes of spice and mint. Well-balanced with soft tannins, it's perfect for full-body red-meat dishes.
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003 (Chile) **** 253872 $12.95
Fruit-forward and intense with dark fruit and berry flavours with spice and pepper notes. It has good tannins, nice balance and needs a pepper steak or something equally big.
Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2004 (Chile) **** 427088 $11.45
Really delicious and well made, this has attractive rich, spicy, dark fruit and good balance with firm tannins. Pair it with medium-rare, well-seasoned grilled lamb chops.
Rosemount Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Australia) **** 334870 $15.95
Quite a weighty wine, with intense black fruit aromas and attractive notes of spice, black pepper and mint. Generously fruity but well-structured, it goes well with hearty beef stew.
Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California) *** 412296 $11.95
A well-made, affordable California Cab that delivers ripe dark fruit flavours and spicy notes, good balance and light tannins, it's great with barbecue red-meat dishes.
R.H. Phillips Shiraz 2003 (California) **** 576272 $13.95
A finely made Shiraz with solid cherry and plum flavours and spicy notes. Complex and well-balanced, it's a good complement to well-seasoned roasted and grilled red meat dishes.
Jackson-Triggs 'Delaine Vineyard' Merlot 2002 (Ontario) **** 922294 $24.95
A rich, concentrated, well-made Merlot that gives loads of dark fruit, spice and sweet tannins. Well-balanced, it's great with rich red meat dishes. Available at Wine Rack stores.
Yalumba 'Y Series' Merlot 2003 (Australia) **** 625111 $13.95
Very appealing spicy, dark fruit flavours (plum, cherry, blackberry) here. It's complex, well-balanced and goes very well with flavoursome dishes like roast lamb and rosemary.
Fetzer Zinfandel-Shiraz 2003 (California) *** 606335 $11.95
An all-but-organic red blend with spicy, robust dark fruit flavours (cherry, plum) and black pepper notes. Great with grilled veal chop and roasted root vegetables.
Errazuriz Estate Shiraz 2004 (Chile) **** 604066 $13.40
Big-bodied and complex with intense dark fruit flavours and spicy complexity and the balance to pair with well-garlicked steak and mushrooms.
Sparkling Wines
Seaview Sparkling Shiraz (Non-Vintage) (Australia) *** 644054 $12.95
This has ripe, almost jammy black fruit flavours, but the potential sweetness is reduced by the bubbles and some crispness. Sip it or try it with not-too-sweet dark berry pie.
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava 2002 (Spain) **** 158493 $13.95
Consistently well-made sparkling wine with tropical fruit flavours with toasty notes, set off by citrus acidity. Versatile enough to be a sipping sparkler or to pair with richly seasoned poultry.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Champagne (Non-Vintage) (France) **** 563338 $61
Dry texture with quite rich fruit and good complexity with nutty, toasty, bread dough notes. It's a fuller-bodied sparkling wine that will pair well with heavier dishes.
Prosecco Robina Extra Dry (Non-Vintage) (Italy) *** 593855 $11.50
A fruity, easy-drinking sparkling wine with flavours that hint of peach, pear and citrus. It's ideal for sipping before a meal or to pair with satay chicken appetizers.
Hillebrand Trius Brut (Non-vintage) (Ontario) **** 451641 $21.95
A "traditional method" sparkling wine with well-defined fruit (pear, apple, citrus) and classic nutty, brioche notes. Serve it with salty or smoky-flavoured appetizers.
Sherry and Sherry-Style Wines
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino Sherry (Spain) **** 242669 $15.95
Tio Pepe is the benchmark Fino sherry. It's bone-dry with fresh lemon, briny, herbal flavours and goes beautifully with Spanish tapas: olives, fried fish, octopus, salty cheese.
Osborne 'Santa Maria' Cream Sherry (Spain) *** 31120 $10.45
A full-body, rich, smooth-textured sherry with dried fruit (raisins, figs) flavours, with notes of toasted nuts. Pair it with fruit cake or blue cheese and roasted nuts.
Port and Port-style wines
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2000 (Portugal) **** 046946 $17.90
Complex flavours of dried fruit (raisins, figs, prunes) with notes of chocolate and plum. Sweet but with acid bite to make this a great pair with rich fruit cake or sharp blue cheese.
Grahams 10 Year Tawny Port (Portugal) **** 206508 $27.95
A full-body port with concentrated plum and dried fruit flavours and nutty notes. Rich without being over-sweet, it goes well with medium-strong cheeses and mixed nuts.
Dessert and Sweet Wines
Henry of Pelham Late Harvest Vidal (Ontario) (375 mL bottle) **** 395228 $19.95
Intense and slightly spicy peach, apricot and mango flavours are set off by good citrus acidity. Pair it with creamy blue cheese or seared foie gras.
Cave Spring 'Indian Summer' Select Late Harvest Riesling (Ontario) **** 415901 $24.95
Ever-popular with luscious tropical flavours like mango with peach and honey, it's medium-sweet and has a good level of acidity. Very good with rich fruit-based desserts. (Vintages Essential)
Pillitteri Select Late Harvest Vidal 2001 (Ontario) *** 524843 $10.00
With good, ripe peach, apricot and tropical flavours with spicy notes, this is sweet but balanced with clean acidity. Try it with fruit-based desserts or milder blue cheeses.