WINES OF THE WEEK

Aliança Foral Duoro 2015 Douro, Portugal ★★★1/2

$9.30 (LCBO 239046) This classic Douro blend is decidedly dry, with attractive juicy fruit and floral notes. Appealing red fruit and spice notes mark the nose and palate, while soft tannins, bright acidity and supple texture make it an easygoing wine that’s ready to drink.

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2016 Western Cape, South Africa ★★★★

$15.80 (LCBO 367698) This smart Chardonnay continues to be one of the best values on the South Africa shelves. A mix of barrel fermented (70 per cent of the blend) and stainless steel fermented Chardonnay makes for a flavourful expression that’s drinking nicely now.

Eugenio Collavini Viticoltori Villa Canlungo Merlot 2015 Venezia Giulia, Italy ★★★

$11.95 (539445) This attractive Merlot from Northern Italy is built for summertime. Refreshingly dry, with juicy red fruit flavours and a smooth texture, this is delivers a lot of charm for the price.

Yalumba The Y Series Viognier 2017 South Australia ★★★★

$14.25 (470062)

One of the world’s biggest champions of Viognier, Yalumba’s winemaking team is always looking to maximize the exotic character of this fragrant grape to produce refreshing and enjoyable white wines. The 2017 vintage is pretty and perfumed, with rich texture, bright acidity and a long, lingering finish.