Sacred Hill ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ ‘Marlborough’ 2023

Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand, $22.95 (489112) 13.0% alcohol

Sacred Hill was founded in 1986 and sourced fruit from New Zealand’s premium wine-growing regions including their estate-owned home vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. This particular vintage is an intense and concentrated wine and their winemakers continue to excel with this 2023 version of their top-notch Sauvignon Blanc that are sourced from their vineyards in the lower Wairau Valley that attained a high Brix level at harvest. The suggested food partners for this dazzling Sauvignon Blanc are seafood, salads or goat cheese. (Vic Harradine)

Black Bank Hill Estate Vineyard Viognier 2021

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Ontario $40.00 13.4% alcohol

Ripe nectarine, mango, beeswax and subtle orange blossom aromas is what you’ll find in this splendid 100% hand-harvested viognier, aged in neutral French oak barrels, on lees for 18 months. It is opulent on the palate with generous ripe orchard and tropical fruit flavours, perfect acidity and a nice chalky mineral layer that brings everything together. The finish is lingering on ginger notes and a mild balancing almond bitterness totally delicious. This is Northern-Rhône Condrieu caliber expected from much older vines and I can’t wait to see and taste future vintages. Absolutely delicious on its own but why not amplify the enjoyment and pair this exquisite medium-full-bodied white with lemon butter baked cod and a mango salsa. (Louise Boutin)

Henry of Pelham Sparkling Wine

VQA Ontario, $17.95 (38965) 11.5% alcohol

From a special place in the valley of Short Hills Bench This is primarily sourced from a ‘Knock your socks off’ fabulous chardonnay along with a juicy pinot noir and a delectable fruit-forward gamay. This is the first wine that has been added to the Henry of Pelham wines since the Bin 106 ‘Lost Boys’ Baco Noir launched in 2018. Henry of Pelham is certified by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario and is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint in the vineyard and winery. This is critical for the long-term preservation of both Ontario’s Greenbelt and the Niagara Escarpment; a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The secondary Méthode Charmat fermentation was designed to produce elegant bubbles. Pair this everyday sparkling wine with smoked salmon, rich cheeses, or in a cocktail. (Vic Harradine)