Bella Terra Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023

VQA Niagara Peninsula $22.95 12.0% alcohol

The expressive tropical nose of this Ontario sauvignon blanc is very charming—pineapple, honeydew melon, lime and mineral notes. Fruit concentration is noticeable, bringing a nice medium-bodied weight. Palate flavours and nose are totally aligned with the addition of lemongrass and white pepper, showing in the crisp, refreshing and persistent finish. Totally enjoyable on its own, it is also an excellent partner to Vietnamese steamed mussels or fish taco with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. (Louise Boutin)

Black Bank Hill Estate Vineyard ‘Runway Red’ 2020

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario $30.00 12.8% alcohol

This superb blend of 60% merlot and the rest half and half cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc was matured 18 months in neutral French oak. It offers a clean and ripe fruit forward nose—blackcurrant, black cherry, blueberry—with an attractive backdrop of sweet tobacco, clove and violet. The palate is satin soft and cool with a black fruit flavour profile, complemented with minty notes, freshly cracked peppercorn, bright acidity and a good layer of ripe chewy tannins. Aerate/decant one hour and pour alongside gourmet lamb burgers on the grill or braised beef short ribs. (Louise Boutin)

Speck Brothers Family Tree 'The Merry Widow' Rosé 2022

VQA Niagara Peninsula, $16.95 (24972) 11.5% alcohol

Sustainably Grown and Accredited by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario. Living to the ripe old age of 44 years, 6 months and 22 days, Catherine out-lived her philandering husband Henry who had a secret love-child with Lady Snurr in the next village. Catherine forgave Henry, but we imagine her doing a little dance after his ‘sudden’ passing. (Vic Harradine)