WINES OF THE WEEK

CLOS DE NOUYS DEMI-SEC 2011 VOUVRAY $20.95 (LOIRE, FRANCE)

An off-dry style, with a slight hint of sweetness. Loads of peach and apricot in the aromas and flavours, with yellow apple, clementines, lemon essence and limestone chiming into the delivery. LCBO #322669 Food suggestion: Wok-seared scallops with tangerine sauce

Rating: 90

ERADUS 2011 SAUVIGNON BLANC $17 (NEW ZEALAND)

Classic gooseberry, limestone, papaya and pink grapefruit aromas, which carry forward into the flavours, which show ample lime and lemon peel and green apple nuances. Zesty. LCBO #225557 Food suggestion: Asparagus salad

Rating: 90

STALKING HORSE 2010 SHIRAZ $18.95 (AUSTRALIA)

A meaty red from McLaren Vale, this lacks complexity, mainly consisting of delicious black cherry, cedar and vanilla bean aromas and flavours. But it sure is friendly to the palate. LCBO #251215 Food suggestion: Beef manicotti

Rating: 90

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE 2011 CABERNET SAUVIGNON $19.95 (ARGENTINA)

Exotic ginger in the nose, with blackberry and cherry cola aromas. The flavours deliver tightly woven chocolate, black cherry, blueberry and plum. LCBO #260919 Food suggestion: Braised oxtails

Rating: 90

VICCHIOMAGGIO SAN JACOPO 2011 CHIANTI CLASSICO $19.95 (ITALY)

Fragrant smoke, licorice and black cherry aromas. The flavours show candied cherries, with licks of vanilla and raspberry. A velvet texture plays a big part in this red’s overall allure. LCBO #710194 Food suggestion: Spaghetti and lamb meatballs

Rating: 90