WINES OF THE WEEK

Top five values from the current Vintages release

GHIONE PICCOLE GIOIE 2010 MOSCATO D’ASTI $15.95 (ITALY) Save this frizzante (lightly bubbly) for early spring patio sipping. Floral honeysuckle and cling peach aromas and flavours are absolutely delicious. A low alcohol (5 per cent) sweetie for Valentines.

LCBO # 192443

Food suggestion: A platter of cheeses.

Rating: 90 SEE YA LATER RANCH 2009 PINOT GRIS $18.95 (BRITISH COLUMBIA) Classic onion skin hue common to Gris. Aromas of clementines, pear and apple are bright and fresh. The mellow flavours show off peach, apple and orange zest with a dry spicy finish.

LCBO #263699 Food suggestion: Chinese orange chicken.

Rating: 90 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES 2007 MERLOT $15.95 (WASHINGTON STATE) This Washington winery often has fab value wines. Black cherry, vanilla and mocha aromas are enticing, with black cherry, blackberry, cassis and vanilla bean flavours. Very appealing.

LCBO #263418 Food suggestion: Chevre burgers.

Rating: 89+ MURATIE 2007 SHIRAZ $24.95 (SOUTH AFRICA) I was delightfully surprised with this South African red. Smoky black cherry and mahogany aromas precede black cherry, mocha and blackberry puree flavours. The smoky finish is lush and long.

LCBO #663278 Food suggestion: Sirloin steak kebabs.

Rating: 90+ MAETIERRA DOMINUM QUATRO PAGOS 2005 $19.95 (SPAIN) A tempranillo, garnacha and graciano blend, with blueberry, plum, cherry and vanilla aromas. The flavours dish up rich coffee bean, cacao powder, cassis and ripe plum. A sleek red.

LCBO #246660 Food suggestion: Osso bucco.

Rating: 90+