WINE PICKS OF THE WEEK

Sumac Ridge Pinot Grigio Private Reserve 2013, Okanagan Valley Price: $14 (specialty listing) | Score: 86/100 UPC: 063657031728

A solid effort here in what is an all-stainless-steel-fermented Gris that sees no oak. The style is bright and straightforward with crisp green apple aromas and more green apple and pear notes on the palate. Serve this with your favourite chicken or fish salad. Good value.

Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Hawke’s Bay, North Island, New Zealand Price: $17 (specialty listing) | Score: 88/100 UPC: 9415305120994

This regional Sauvignon Blanc always delivers classic passion fruit, dried herbs and floral aromas. Crisp, elegant and mouth-watering — expect a whack of tropical fruit led by pineapple with nectarine and jalapeno notes. Fresh and juicy and ready to drink.

M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Blanc 2013, Cotes du Roussillon, France Price: $18 (specialty listing) | Score: 89/100 UPC: 3391182411331

A Chapoutier hallmark is to make affordable wines with the same precision as his Northern Rhone labels. It is certainly the case with Bila-Haut Blanc, grown on stony terraces with black and brown schist, gneiss, limestone and chalk in southern France.

Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir 2013, Valle de Casablanca, Chile Price: $14 (specialty listing) | Score: 87/100 UPC: 7804350599626

One of the best yet combining spice, ripe fruit and soft textures that will have broad appeal at this price point. The fruit comes off the hillsides of the Coastal Mountain Range and one-quarter is fermented in open vats. Friendly, affordable Pinot.

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina Price: $23 (specialty listing) | Score: 90/100 UPC: 7798039590625

Truly hedonistic, the Golden Reserve is rich and savoury with dense, lush black fruit flavours with just enough freshness to keep it interesting throughout. This wine over-delivers most years, and 2013 is no exception. You can cellar this wine for five years or consider serving it now.