Palatine Hills Gewurztraminer 2008 (Ontario)
($13.95, LCBO #101493)
I don't usually get excited about Gewurztraminer grown in Ontario, but recently I came across one that had such precise varietal character that it could have come from Alsace. That's high praise indeed. Palatine Hills Proprietor's Reserve Gewurztraminer 2008 has that characteristic nose of lychee and rose petals. It's off-dry and fragrant with great balance. It costs $13.95 at the LCBO. ****˝ (89)
Food match: Thai dishes; light curries

Masi Modello Bianco 2009 (Veneto)
($9.95, LCBO #564674)
For my palate Italy's best white wines are blends which really tests the skill and craftsmanship of the winemaker. For the 2009 vintage the Veneto producer Masi released a new white blend called Modello Bianco. It's a mix of Garganega, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco. It's a dry, light-bodied wine with aromas of tree fruit and flowers with a minerally note. The flavour of pear and green apple run through it. **** (87)
Food match: seafood; delicate white fish

Rafale Syrah 2008 (Roussillon)
($8.90, LCBO #157891)
The French province of Roussillon in the Pays d'Oc borders on Spain and you can find some real bargains in red wine here. New to the LCBO is Rafale Syrah 2008, produced by the local co-operative Vignerons Catalans en Roussillon. A very flavourful wine with an earthy, spicy, black cherry nose. The fruit is sweet and firmly structured. Good value for the price. Just the thing for the start of the BBQ season. ***˝ (86)
Food match: hamburgers; pizza