One constant question put to me is: “Gord, are there are any best buy Ontario reds?” Well, I've found two for you, 20 Bees Shiraz and Hat Trick Red, both fun wines and fine for weekday dining.
In whites, we have a brand new listing, the Malivoire Riesling which makes a nice party starter. And stepping up a notch are the Trius Pinot Grigio, and Flat Rock Chardonnay, both available at Vintages stores and corners.
So if you've been complaining about great Ontario wines costing you an arm and a leg, step up to these as a welcome change of pace. Cheers!
Malivoire 2011 Table Wine Riesling
$13.95 (#312736 Ontario, rating: 88+)
Here's a fresh new entry on general list from a master organic wine producer. Nice stone fruit, musk and a whiff of petrol in the aromas, with sweet edged apple sauce and cling peach flavours. A charmer for opening a social evening.
Trius 2011 Pinot Grigio
$15.95 (#316414 Ontario, rating: 99+)
This shows the classic onionskin hue of pinot grigio. It struts enticing spicy bin apple and lime aromas, with pear, citrus and white peach flavours. Not quite superb, but solid value, even for that elegant dinner. Or wedding!
Flat Rock Cellars 2009 Chardonnay
$16.95 (#286278 Ontario, rating: 90)
The oak aging is quite evident, with smoky tar and baked apple aromas. The flavours display yellow apple, crí¨me brí»lée and the finish has an additional wisp of smoke and butter revealing the oak stylings.
20 Bees 2010 Shiraz
$10.95 (#1146837 Ontario, rating: 88)
One of the best-buy Niagara reds on shelves. No, it's not elegance personified, but it does dish up decent smoky black cherry charm in both the aromas and flavours, with a seam of vanilla bean running through the layers of flavours.
Hat Trick 2011 NHL Alumni Red
$12.95 (#273854 Ontario, rating: 89)
This blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and Shiraz is a gutsy red, with plummy black cherry and vanilla aromas and flavours, and a hit of blueberry and spice on the ripe finish. Not a world-beater, but it certainly scores in the value department!