Domaine D’en Ségur Cuvée Germain 2022

IGP Côtes du Tarn, France $24.95 14.5% alcohol

Merlot and syrah team-up here to offer deep color and aromas of plum, dark cherry, slate and very little oaky character despite a 12 month stay in barrels. The palate is velvety with juicy and ripe black and red stone fruit flavours, savoury dry herb and a nice peppery dry finish with soft chalky tannins. Excellent alcohol integration here and a very good partner to lamb chops on the grill or stuffed and grilled portobello mushrooms. (Louise Boutin)

Black Bank Hill ’Runway White’ 2021

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario $25.00 13.0% alcohol

This is an uncommon blend of barrel fermented viognier and chardonnay combined with stainless-steel fermented gewürztraminer and chenin blanc surprisingly getting along pretty well. While the French oak barrels were pre-used, they still convey quite a bit of nice wood character noticeable on the first nose—vanilla, caramel, spices—requiring extra swirling for the peach and citrus aromas to emerge. The palate is concentrated and rich with stone fruit flavours, salted butter character lifted with bright citrus acidity and kicks of spicy ginger lingering in the finish and aftertaste. Definitely an intriguing medium-full-bodied white to discover. Baked ham with cauliflower au gratin or butternut squash ravioli would make excellent pairings. (Louise Boutin)

Karla Estates Chardonnay 2021

VQA Ontario, $39.00 12.5% alcohol

This wines has been produced with a mix of barrel (60% French oak) and stainless steel (40%) fermentation. The result is wine with very subtle hints of oak underpinning a nose dominated by notes of fresh cut apples and buttered popcorn. It is medium bodied on the palate, with flavours of apple and grapefruit and a nice acidic zip. The finish is long and reminiscent of honeycrisp apples. Pairs well slices of turkey breast topped with roasted parsnips. (Dave Isaacs)