OTTAWA -- > Benziger Family Winery Sonoma County Merlot 2017

Sonoma County, California, United States

Benziger 2017 Merlot is so plummy on the nose and just as expressive on the palate with spiced plum, dark cherry, cocoa, meaty and spicy toasty oak flavours balanced with good acidity for food. Tannins are silky throughout. Nicely done! Pour with pork chops from the grill.

Alcohol: 14.4%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2021-2024
Plush Pork Wine
Price: $24.95
Score: 91/100
LCBO: 633156

Quails' Gate Estate Winery Merlot 2013

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia B.C. V.Q.A., Canada

Succulent, juicy and savoury with aromas and flavours of plush ripe black plums. A spectacular BC merlot with enticing aromas of fleshy dark fruit and smoke. Quail's Gate is what I'd call a merlot specialist, having elevated the whole varietal for the country. Love the cedar brush finish that leaves a wispy trail right back to the bottle. Superb craftsmanship. Pair with Angus steak, cheddar cheese, beef quesadillas.

Alcohol: 12%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2017-2021
Plush Pork Wine
Price: $26.95
Score: 92/100
LCBO: 639633

Château des Charmes Brut Sparkling White

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada

This non-vintage dated Niagara sparkling wine uses the traditional method of the second fermentation in the bottle and is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The wine rests sur lie (on its yeast) for at least two to three years. Notes of green apple, lime zest and freshly baked bread. Crisp and refreshing. Pair with seafood.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2019-2022
Sensational Shellfish Wine
Price: $25.95
Score: 87/100
LCBO: 224766

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Napa Valley, California, United States

Crisp and clean Californian white wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape by winemaker Jenny Wagner. Aromas of lime and lemongrass and chives. Pair with seafood.

Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
Drink: 2018-2021
Great Goat Cheese Wine
Price: $24.95
Score: 88/100
LCBO: 96016

Ruppertsberger Linsenbusch Gewürztraminer Spätlese 2017

Pfalz Prädikatswein, Germany

Rich honey and ripe apricot aromas on the nose with intense lychee, pink rose petals and cake spice flavours on the palate. Chill and pair with sweet or savoury dishes like ginger spice cake, or Asian-style sautéed pork tenderloin.

Alcohol: 10%
Sweetness: Sweet
Drink: 2019-2021
Divine Dessert Wine
Price: $18.95
Score: 92/100
LCBO: 320473