Ian Anderson scored this wine: 91/100

Lock your wine cabinet after you’ve stocked it by the barrel with this Niagara gem. OK so that didn’t work but this wine does and it really blew me away by how this old world style was so well done on this side of the pond. Winner of the best red wine at the All Canadian Wine Championships in 2014, Lock Stock & Barrel is a Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdota nd Malbec. Rosewood Lane is located in Beamsville and is also a beautiful winery to visit. Its first wines were produced in 2006 and they have quickly become a top quality producer. Sadly Malbec fared poorly in Niagara in 2014 so stock up on this vintage now as it should cellar 3-4 years easily. The 2011 was much more subtle but the 2012 leaps out of the glass with intensity and complexity. Because of the liberal use of new oak, the nose screams out cassis, red fruit, tobacco and even white pepper. The palate will be greeted by vanilla, ripe red berries, and cedar. Second sips (OK gleeful gulps!) brought out plums, chocolate and even mint. Good balance thanks to smooth tannins and along fruit finish. Try with Ontario lamb or a nice Alberta steak.

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 91/100

This was my favourite Pinot from the NZ wine fair (Ottawa 2016). Ripe cherry and cranberry burst out initially. Very intense bouquet with smoky, nutty, herbs, dates and even some cinnamon tones. Medium bodied, beautifully balanced, terrific drying acidity. Really subtle and integrated tannins allow for great structure and a long fruit finish. Typical of the elegance possible in Marlborough.

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 90/100

As with the great name, this wine leaves the taster squealing with pleasure. Ripe red fruit is there with a host of other aromas such as floral, vanilla, and earth. The heat of Central Otago replays in the 13.5% and some heat on the finish. While the nose hinted intensity, the palate really demonstrates that with white pepper and spice to match the fruit. The tannins are smooth but still give you that delightful grip on the finish.

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 90/100

30 year old vines with a 70/30 blend of Sauvignon and Semillon, this wine is aged on lees for 8 months and delivers rich and concentrated aromas and flavours. Delectable melon and passion fruit lingered with grassy, herbal tones. It almost had an effervescent quality. Some peppery notes later. It has a dry, crisp, weighty, fruit-driven finish.

Ian Anderson scored this wine: 89/100

Tried the 2014 vintage this week - paired very well with steak. Lovely ruby colour, balanced, medium-bodied, that lovely Aussie juicy spicy red combination. Plums and currants, starting red on the nose and ending black on the palate, vanilla, coffee, cedar. I found it very smooth and lingered beautifully like your dearest friends on a cold fall evening. Plus it's on sale right now!