WINE PICKS OF THE WEEK

Red Rooster Pinot Gris 2014, Okanagan Valley

$15.99 | 88/100

UPC: 681246800212

Fresh, off-dry palate with floral, grapefruit, baked apple, pear and earth flavours. Ripe with good intensity and juicy fruit mixed with bitter citrus, marzipan and floral notes. Try with a margherita pizza. Good value.

Laya Garnacha Monastrell Vieilles Vignes 2013, Almansa, Spain

$13.99 | 87/100

UPC: 8437005068889

A 70-30 blend of old-vine garnacha tintorera and monastrell, the 2013, like the ’09, overdelivers for the price. The nose is an intense blend of savoury dried herbs and red fruits. Try this with grilled meat for best results. A rustic red with curbside appeal.

Di Majo Norante Ramitello Biferno Rosso 2011, Molise, Italy

$21.99 | 88/100

UPC: 8011315000052

When Italian wines are clean they are just so much more interesting, as you see in this elegant, spicy blend of Montepulciano and aglianico. Expect a silky elegant red with a spicy undertone and earthy red fruit flavours. Impressive bottle perfect for wine lists. Serve with grilled chicken or meats.

Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2013, Oliver, Okanagan Valley

$23.29 | 88/100

UPC: 688229001130

Rich butter, vanilla, honey, baked pear, apple, popcorn and peach aromas. Finish is bright and elegant with light vanilla and lees touches. Well made — drink now and over the next two years. From halibut and chicken to cheese, it should all work.

Pierre Henri Morel Signargues Cotes du Rhone Villages 2012, Rhone Valley, France

$20.29 | 88/100

UPC: 3380651201238

Dry, fresh, juicy, slightly astringent palate with good intensity. Black licorice, peppery, black raspberry jam, coffee, savoury, orange peel and garrigue flavours with some tea notes on the finish. Good solid fruit and intensity, if a bit rustic at this point. Could use a year or two to soften out.