This is a list of readily available wines that Rod considers to be good to excellent value.
Most are available at the LCBO, but a few are Vintages 'Essentials' (permanently in stock) or available from the dozen private retail stores in Ottawa that are operated by Ontario wineries. Locations are noted only if the wine is not available at the LCBO.
Each wine is rated as follows:
| ***** | Excellent value |
| **** | Very good value |
| *** | Good value |
There are too many good-to-excellent value wines to bother about the mediocre and poor value ones, which would be rated ** or *.
- 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 often fluctuate, and new vintages replace old. Moreover, wines are constantly removed from, and added to, the LCBO list.
- Because selections vary amoung 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 lcbo.com or call toll-free 1-800-668-5226.
SPARKLING WINES
Freixenet Brut de Noirs Cava (Non-Vintage – Spain) *** 352369 $12.05
Made by the traditional method, this sparkler delivers good red berry flavours, crisp texture and a soft mousse. Ideal as a pre-dinner palate-rouser or with spicy seafood.
Seaview Sparkling Shiraz (Non-Vintage – Australia) *** 644054 $13.95
This has ripe, almost jammy black fruit flavours, but the potential sweetness is cut by the bubbles and some crispness. Sip it or try it with not-too-sweet dark berry pie.
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava 2003 (Spain) *** 158493 $14
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.
Hillebrand Trius Brut (Non-vintage – Ontario) **** 451641 $24.95
A traditional method sparkling wine with welldefined fruit (pear, apple, citrus) and classic nutty, brioche notes. Serve it with salty or smoky-flavoured appetizers.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut Champagne (Non-Vintage – France ) **** 158550 $79.95
Rosé Champagne is on a roll, and this is a classic. It has soft red berry and citrus flavours with a crisp texture and fine mousse. Pair it with well-seasoned grilled Cornish hen or lamb.
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Champagne (Non-Vintage – France) **** 563338 $60.65
Look for 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.
Astoria Prosecco Robina Extra Dry (Non-Vintage – Italy) *** 593855 $11
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.
AROMATIC WHITE WINES
Baden Cellars Gewürztraminer 2004 (Germany) *** 336735 $10.05
Fairly fat (low acid) with classic musky aromas and full-on spicy flavours of peach, apricot and pear. It’s off-dry and pairs well with quite spicy Thai dishes.
Konzelmann “Golden Vintage” Vidal 2003 (Ontario) **** 203836 $8.95
An off-dry Vidal with good complexity (dried apricot, mandarin peel, sweet pear) that goes very well with spicy (as in Thai) pork and chicken dishes.
Moselland “Divinum” Riesling Spätlese 2004 (Germany) *** 619676 $11.95
On the sweet side of off-dry, this delivers flavours in the peach-tropical zones. There’s enough acidity to hold them up and this works well with tangy Asian cuisine.
Cave Spring Cellars Off-Dry Riesling 2005 (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.
Kressmann “Solo” Viognier 2005 (France) *** 619304 $11.15
A well-made Viognier with aromas and soft flavours of peach and apricot with subtle spicy notes. It’s food-friendly and goes well with lightly-spiced Asian dishes.
Franz Reh Gewürztraminer 2005 (Germany) *** 622027 $11.55
Hints of spice with ripe apricot, peach, red grapefruit and a quite-crisp texture make this a versatile food wine. Pair it with smoked salmon or spicy chicken or seafood dishes.
Strewn “Two Vines” Riesling-Gewürztraminer 2005 (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.
Pierre Sparr Gewürztraminer 2005 (France) **** 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- AND MEDIUM-BODY WHITE WINES
Château Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2005 (France) **** 083709 $12.95
The Sauvignon Blanc sets the pace for well-defined citrus fruit with mineral tones. It has crisp acidity and pairs very well with simply prepared fish and chicken dishes.
Coopers Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (New Zealand) Vintages Essential *** 957407 $16.95
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.
Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2005 (Italy) *** 024422 $10.90
Delicately flavoured with citrus and apple flavours, mineral notes and good acidity. From a coastal region, it’s a natural match for lighterflavoured fish in a cream sauce.
MEDIUM- AND FULL-BODY WHITE WINES
Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio 2005 (Australia) *** 668947 $10.95
A crisp Pinot Grigio with attractive flavours of white peach and apricot accented with a little spiciness. It goes very well with chicken with a light barbecue sauce.
Goundrey “Homestead” Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2004 (Australia) *** 621631 $11.95
This offers an attractive balance of rich tropical and green fruit with a rich, zesty citrus texture. It pairs very well with fish and seafood with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Babich Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (New Zealand) **** 620054 $15.95
A lovely, pungent Sauvignon Blanc that delivers ripe gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours and a crisp texture. Pair it with lemon chicken or grilled seafood.
Léon Beyer Tokay Pinot Gris 2004 (France) *** 165241 $16.20
Solid flavours of pear and apple with hints of peach, apricot and spice. Medium-bodied with good acidity, it goes well with lightly spiced seafood and pork dishes.
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay 2003 Australia) **** 321943 $13.95
A quite delicious, almost elegant Chardonnay with ripe fruit flavours (peach, pear, apple), excellent balance, and an attractive texture. Pair it with grilled salmon or pork.
Red Bicyclette Chardonnay 2004 (France) *** 621789 $14.95
A rich, fruit-forward Chard 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 2005 (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.
Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2006 (Chile) **** 275677 $12.65
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 lemon.
Rosemount Estate Chardonnay 2005 (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 2004 (France) *** 89292 $13.80
Look for quite intense, complex fruity flavours of apple, ripe pear, peach), good balance and a good, clean finish. It’s an excellent partner for grilled herbed white fish.
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2005 (New Zealand) *** 426601 $16.15
Rich, pungent green and tropical fruit (passion fruit, gooseberries, lime-lemon) with crisp acidity. It’s goes very well with ripe goat cheese or with lemony fish dishes.
Château de Sancerre 2004 (France) *** 340893 $24.65
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 2005 (Australia) **** 588863 $15
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 Rawson’s Retreat Chardonnay 2004 (Australia) *** 611202 $10.95
A quite attractive Chardonnay with good, rich peach and tropical fruit flavours, smooth texture and nice balance. It works well with roast chicken or pork tenderloin.
Lurton Pinot Gris 2006 (Argentina) ***** 556746 $11.20
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.
Hillebrand Estates “Trius” Dry Riesling 2004 (Ontario) *** 303792 $14.95
An attractive Riesling with solid fruit flavours (peach, pear, citrus) and mineral notes. The crisp, clean texture makes it perfect for creambased fish or chicken dishes.
MezzaCorona Pinot Grigio 2005 (Italy) *** 302380 $13
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 2005 (Ontario) **** 291211 $12.95
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 $10.80
Fruit-driven with concentrated tropical fruit flavours, it’s well-balanced with a good finish. A great match for pork tenderloin with a fruit salsa.
ROSÉ WINES
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.
Peninsula Ridge “Beal Vineyard” Cabernet Rosé 2005 (Ontario) *** 008581 $14.95
A dry rosé with quite rich flavours of red plum and berries. This is a well-structured and well-balanced rosé with the heft to handle a steak salad.
LIGHTBODY RED WINES
Noémie Vernaux Pisse-Dru Brouilly 2004 (France) *** 614024 $16.95
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 2005 (France) *** 212480 $11.85
Almost 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
Fairview Goats do Roam 2005 (South Africa) **** 718940 $12.95
A stylish blend that delivers delicious, complex berry and plum fruit flavours with good spicy notes. It’s a natural for well-seasoned grilled lamb.
René Barbier Tempranillo-Merlot 2004 (Spain) *** 640193 $9.05
There’s a core of sweet red and dark fruit at the centre of this blend, which offers flavours of plum, raspberry and cherry. The tangy texture goes well with game (venison, wild boar) sausages.
La Vieille Ferme “Lasira” 2004 (France) *** 669184 $10.95
A blend of Syrah and Grenache that delivers ripe, concentrated dark fruit flavours with spicy notes and a tangy texture. Try it with hamburgers with a slice of beet.
Vila Regia Reserva 2001 (Portugal) ***** 613950 $12
Made from grape varieties used in Port, this delivers rich flavours of dark fruit (plum, cherry, berries) with spicy accents and a tangy texture. Pour it with grilled red meat.
Finca Antigua Tempranillo 2002 (Spain) **** 613042 $13
A delicious Tempranillo delivering sweet dark fruit (cherries, berries) with spicy vanilla notes and a tangy texture. Pair it with grilled lamb or veal chops.
Henry of Pelham Meritage Cabernet-Merlot 2004 (Ontario) *** 504241 $14.95
Dry and complex with red and dark fruit flavours (plum, cherry, berries) and light tannins. Try it with rich chicken dishes like coq au vin.
M. Chapoutier Rasteau Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages 2004 (France) *** 321539 $17.10
With flavourful red and dark fruit from start to finish, complex flavours, foodfriendly balance and soft tannins, this pairs well with grilled red meats and fullflavoured chicken.
Casillero del Diablo Carmenère 2005 (Chile) **** 620666 $12.05
A big, juicy example of Chile’s signature variety. Ripe plum flavours dominate; look for spicy notes and soft tannins. Pair it with spicy red meat dishes.
French Roots 2004 (France) *** 665414 $13.90
A Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Bordeaux with concentrated flavours of plum, cherry and berries, with notes of spice and pepper. Enjoy it with grilled steak.
Dog House “Maxie’s Merlot” 2004 (California) *** 614156 $14.95
From Kendall-Jackson (or is that Kennel-Jackson?), this has solid dark fruit (plum to the fore) throughout with attractive spicy notes. Lap it up with a bowl of grilled red meat.
Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2003 (Chile) ***** 694208 $14.95 Vintages Essential
This features concentrated, ripe (but not jammy) flavours of dark fruit and berries with notes of spice and coffee and medium tannic grip. It’s a natural for gourmet burgers.
Robertson Winery Shiraz 2005 (South Africa) **** 610949 $12.05
Look for intense aromas and flavours in the glass, notably spicy dark cherry and plum. With soft tannins and a tangy texture, it’s great with rich red meat dishes.
Cline Syrah 2004 (California) **** 733758 $17.95
Vintages Essential This is a classic Sonoma Syrah, with rich flavours of black cherry, pepper and spice, medium-plus body and good tannic structure. Open this with grilled lamb or veal chops.
Fontanafredda Barbera d’Alba 2004 (Italy) *** 038174 $10.95
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 dishes.
Montalto Nero d’Avola-Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Italy) ***** 621151 $8.95
Serious value in a rich, quite complex and textured blend that delivers loads of dark fruit and spicy complexity. Pair it with flavoursome red meat dishes like beef stew.
Masi Paso Doble 2004 (Argentina) **** 620880 $15
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 $14.05
Nine 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.
Château des Charmes Gamay Noir Droit 2004 (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 2006 (Chile) **** 341602 $10.05
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 Pinot Noir 2003 (Ontario) **** 13904 $16.95
A well-made Pinot that delivers solid fruit flavours (cherry dominant) from front to back with nice layers of spiciness. Open it with a well-seasoned rack of lamb, grilled medium-rare.
Château des Laurets 2004 (France) **** 371401 $17.70
From Puisseguin St. Emilion, this is a wellmade Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend with complex dark fruit flavours, great balance and fine tannins. Pair it with wellseasoned red meat dishes.
Mission Hill Cabernet-Merlot 2004 (British Columbia) *** 496109 $16.95
Well-structured with solid fruit (red and dark plum, cherry and berries) throughout, this has light tannins and pairs very well with a grilled veal chop and garlic mash.
Peter Lehmann Barossa Shiraz Grenache 2004 (Australia) **** 610725 $14.95
An elegant and flavourful wine that shows intense fruit, good complexity and food-friendly balance. It pairs really well with richly-flavoured pasta or grilled veal.
Kumala Merlot-Pinotage 2005 (South Africa) *** 572610 $9.05
A good fruity (plum, berries) red with slightly smoky notes from the Pinotage. It’s fairly simple and a tad rustic, but wellbalanced and a great match for barbecued spare ribs.
Campo Viejo Rioja Crianza 2003 (Spain) *** 620997 $14
Look for quite intense flavours of black plum and berries with spicy notes here. It’s well-structured and goes very well with richly flavoured red meat dishes.
E. Guigal Côtes-du-Rhône 2003 (France) **** 259972 $16.30
Quite intense and very ripe fruit (dark plum, cherry, blackberries) with peppery notes. It’s well-balanced with a smooth texture and pairs well with well-seasoned lamb.
Fuedo Arancio Syrah 2004 (Italy) *** 621730 $12
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 2005 (Ontario) *** 291112 $13.95
Vintages Essential Soft-textured with bright fruit (black cherry) and spice and a clean acid fruit finish. It has food friendly acidity and pairs well with barbecued chicken and many tomato-based pasta dishes.
José Maria da Fonseca Periquita 2004 (Portugal) *** 025262 $9.30
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 2004 (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.
Osborne Montecillo Rioja Crianza 2002 (Spain) **** 144493 $14.55
Concentrated, 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 2004 (Australia) *** 592766 $11.05
Very fruity and flavourful (plums, mulberries, spices) with smooth texture. It’s easydrinking and a good match for a wide range of dishes from steak to meat-based pasta.
Lou Black Shiraz 2003 (France) *** 597310 $11.95
Fruit-forward with rich red fruit flavours and spicy, smoky notes. With light-medium tannins and good balance, it goes well with grilled red meat with spicy barbecue sauce.
Stoney Ridge Bench Cabernet Franc 2004 (Ontario) **** 525691 $12.85
Dark fruit (plums, cherries) dominate the aromas and flavours with spice, smoky and cedar notes. It drinks very well with well-seasoned red meat dishes.
Fat Bastard Shiraz 2005 (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 2002 (Spain) **** 270363 $9.30
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 2003 (Ontario) *** 303800 $19.95 Vintages Essential
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.
Pelee Island Baco Noir 2005 (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.
Le Gaggiole “Fassati” Chianti 2004 (Italy) *** 620765 $13.15
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 tomatobased pasta dishes.
FULL-BODY RED WINES
Baron Philippe de Rothschild “Escudo Rojo” 2003 (Chile) ***** 613224 $16.95
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (California) ***** 738823 $18.95 Vintages Essential
This is a dense, concentrated Cab that’s chock full of delicious flavours like black cherry and plum, spices and herbs. Dry, well-structured and with firm tannins, it’s a steak wine par excellence.
Bellingham Shiraz 2004 (South Africa) *** 554360 $13.95
Full-on fruit flavours (dark plums, berries) balanced with food-friendly acidity and a warm feel in the mouth. Pair with hearty vegetarian (beans, mushrooms) or red meat dishes.
Tarapaca Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Chile) **** 249599 $9.55
Big, concentrated dark fruit flavours (plum, cherry, blackberries) here. It’s quite complex and has medium tannins. A great choice for hearty red meat dishes.
Marchesi di Montecristo Nerello del Bastardo 2000 (Italy) **** 588913 $12.60
Big-bodied with intense fruit flavours of dark plum, cherry with spicy and chocolate notes. The tannins are light, balance is good, and it pairs well with grilled steak.
McWilliam’s Cabernet Merlot 2005 (Australia) *** 621599 $10.05
Mouth-filling and fruity (plum, raspberries, cherry) with vanilla and spice notes, drytextured and lightly tannic. Try it with grilled lamb or hamburgers.
Masi “Costasera” Amarone Classico 2001 (Italy) **** 317057 $35.05
Look for intense flavours of plum, cherry, spice and licorice in this complex and well-structured wine. It’s excellent with red meat-based dishes. Can be cellared five or more years.
Angus the Bull Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Australia) **** 602615 $18
Designed for beef, this is full-bodied 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 2004 (Chile) ***** 335174 $18.10
A great value, full-bodied 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 2004 (California) *** 359257 $19.95 Vintages Essential
A popular Zin that offers concentrated, ripe dark fruit flavours with substantial weight and a generous, mouth-filling texture. Pair with spicy red meat like a pepper steak.
King Fish Shiraz 2004 (California) **** 622845 $8.95
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.
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2004 (Chile) **** 253872 $13.15
Fruit-forward and intense with dark fruit and berry flavours with spice and pepper notes. It has good tannins and nice balance; it needs a pepper steak or something equally big.
Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2005 (Chile) **** 427088 $12.55
Really delicious and well-made, this has attractive rich, spicy, dark fruit and good balance with firm tannins. Pair it with mediumrare, well-seasoned grilled lamb chops.
Unity Cabernet-Merlot 2004 (Ontario/British Columbia) *** $24.95 in Wine Rack stores
A blend of wines from the two provinces that’s more than the sum of its parts. Well-flavoured right through, good structure, quite stylish, and ideal for grilled lamb chops.
Rosemount Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (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 2004 (California) *** 412296 $12.04
A well-made, affordable California Cab for the buck. With ripe dark fruit flavours and spicy notes, good balance and light tannins, it’s great with barbecued red meat dishes.
R.H. Phillips Shiraz 2004 (California) **** 576272 $14
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” Cabernet-Merlot 2004 (Ontario) **** $29.99 in Wine Rack stores
A rich, concentrated blend that gives loads of dark fruit, spice and sweet tannins. Well-balanced, it’s great with rich red meat dishes.
Yalumba “Y Series” Shiraz Viognier 2004 (Australia) **** 624494 $14
A classy Shiraz. Look for appealing flavours of cherry with marked pepper and spice, good complexity and balance. It goes very well with flavoursome dishes like lamb and rosemary.
Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (California) *** 336974 $12.95
An all-but-organic Cab with focused dark fruit flavours (cherry, plum), attractive spiciness and easy-going tannins. Pairs well with grilled veal chop and roasted vegetables.
Errazuriz Estate Shiraz 2005 (Chile) **** 604066 $14.15
Big-bodied and complex with intense dark fruit flavours and spicy complexity and the balance to pair with well-garlicked steak and mushrooms.
SHERRY AND SHERRY-STYLE
Osborne “Santa Maria” Cream Sherry (Spain) *** 31120 $11.05
A full-bodied, 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
Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000 (Portugal) **** 613927 $16.95
A delicious Port with rich, smooth texture, good balance and complex flavours of sweet black plum, dried fruit. It’s great with rich fruit cake or sharp blue cheese.
Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage 2001 (Portugal) **** 046946 $18
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 $27.90
A full-bodied Port with concentrated plum and dried fruit flavours and nutty notes. Rich but not over-sweet, it goes well with medium-strong cheeses and mixed nuts.
DESSERT AND SWEET WINES
Cave Spring “Indian Summer” Select Late Harvest Riesling (Ontario) **** 415901 $24.95 Vintages Essential
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.
Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2002 **** 430561 $54.95
A rich, luscious treat with intense flavours of mango, apricot and peach and a lovely balancing core of citrus acidity. Pair it with briny blue cheese or seared foie gras.