The bright peachy colour and overall vibrancy of this wine will impress you.
Juicy aromas of ripe pear and peach and a hint of apple peel. The palate is fresh with a slightly creamy texture and nice rich apricot and pear flavours securely coupled with a snappy lemon-lime finish.
Pair with seafood salads or mildly spiced noodles.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 11th, 2010

Always a very good value, this German bubbly is bright and mousse-y with aromas of marmalade and green apple, peaches and spring blossoms, a hint of talc and slate. The palate is vibrant and juicy with mouth-filling bubbles and sweet fruit and citrus peel. It is off-dry with a decently long and crisp finish.
Great as an aperitif or in coctails.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 25th, 2010

Expect an affordable bubbly with toasted hints with plenty of fruity notes - apple and apricot hints with some honey and citrus blossoms. The palate is smooth and mousse-y, it is unapologetically off-dry and bright with plenty of apricot jam and citrus with some chalky or talc flavours and a long, pleasant finish.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 10th, 2010

Don't let the "dry" on the label confuse you, this Henkell is more sweet than dry, but that shouldn't be a deterrent.
Ripe apricots, honey and citrus blossom aromas, mouth-filling mousse and loads of sweet fruit with grapefruit flavours on the finish.
Will pair well with spiced dishes or use in your brunch mimosas.
©copyright 2009 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 10th, 2009

The Ress Rheingau provides exceptional value in a bright, vibrant German Riesling.
Expect peach and crisp green apple aromas, lemon drops and honey blossoms. The palate bursts forth with juicy orchard fruits, it is lemony and shows hints of slate/mineral flavours. A fresh, floral and bright sipper with a kiss of sweetness and flavours of citrus peel on the finish.
Pair with spicy foods or dishes with rich, creamy sauces.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 12th, 2010

A fresh, balanced Chardonnay with plenty of citrus and tree fruit flavours rounded out with oak spice and vanilla. The palate is crisp, the oak flavours don't overwhelm, soft fruit, citrus and fine spice dominate with nutty hints. A simple, easy-drinking weekday white to pair with creamy pasta or chicken salad.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 23rd, 2010

If you have not already explored Argentina's indigenous aromatic white variety, I ask, "why not"?.
You can expect spiced stone fruit aromas to jump out of the glass followed by exotic floral notes with hints of honey and marzipan. It's a nicely weighted white with a lush texture and plenty of rich fruit but the acidity is there for support and plenty of zippy citrus flavours pop up on the finish.
Pair with mildly spiced dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

This Viognier is an energetic bottle of fun that releases pretty aromas of peaches and Asian pear, soft floral notes and very subtle spice. The palate is juicy (with impressive concentration for the price) and flavours of tart citrus and stone fruit. It has a long, solid and spicy finish. Pair with fish in mildly spiced sauces or light curries.
This very affordable go-to white is fantastic for sipping or mid-week meals and it promises to be a crowd pleaser at parties.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

The Dunham Froese Pinot Blanc is always a solid choice for a fragrant white with a dry, crisp palate.
The 2008 vintage features aromas of wild clover honey and white peaches, sunwarmed pears and pretty citrus blossom notes. the palate is snappy and clean with a creamy vanilla finish.
A refreshing wine perfect for fresh salads and soft cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 20th, 2010

An appealing golden shade, this nicely priced and very refreshing Chardonnay has aromas of ripe pear and hints of brulee, crisp apple and citric aromas. The palate is nicely balanced with the requisite oakspice and caramel offset by bright acidity, tangy fruit and citrus peel flavours. It has a rounded texture with a creamy edge and a nicely spiced finish spiked with clove and zest.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

This is a simple, fresh white with a price tag that will make you giggle.
The aromas are a fruitcup of peaches, pears and apricots with plenty of fresh floral an honey notes. The palate reflects those sweet orchard fruits with citrus to brighten it up - it's very quaffable and light-bodied making it a perfect patio sipper or hot tub wine...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 22nd, 2010

A bright, juicy Chardonnay with abundant creamy pear, stone fruit and pineapple in vanilla syrup, talc and orange blossom aromas. The plate is vibrant - sweet and spicy with plenty of orange water and exotic spice anchored with stone fruit and lingering citrus flavours.
A quaffable, fragrant patio wine...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

Another great value from the Ganton & Larsen project, this aromatic Pinot Blanc is oozing sweet pear and peach compote aromas, marmalade and citrus blossoms with just a pinch of ginger. Snappy and crisp, a sweet fruit forward palate and a zesty citrus finish.
Buy it by the case!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 13th, 2010

This crisp, zippy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc releases obvious grassy and gooseberry aromas with citrus peel, a hint of passionfruit and flinty minerality. Tart fruit and herbal flavours lead the palate followed citrus and gooseberry. Fresh and snappy with a clean finish.
Pair with asparagus and goat cheese crostini or arugula and nettle salads.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 19th, 2010

Inniskillin Okanagan's fearless winemaker Sandor Mayer's 'Discovery Series' wines are smaller quantity, less common (to BC) varieties, some of which may forge a path for future plantings in BC's wine country.
The Chenin Blanc has aromas of baked apples in butter and vanilla cream, vibrant citrus and honey blossoms. The palate is snappy with bold acidity - the flavours echo the aromas with apple pie and vanilla, mixed white fruit and citrus. The finish is lemony and quite warm.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 13th, 2010

A Chardonnay for those who like it toasty...
Citrus and apple crisp notes with dominant smoky oak and spice aromas. The palate snaps back with mouth-watering citrus, apple and pear flavours layered with more spice and toast from the entry through to the finish. Nice acidity and a long bright, spicy finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 22nd, 2010

This fresh, simple sipper smells of orchard fruits, talc and spring blossoms. The palate reveals apples and creamy pear flavours flowers and Earl Grey tea with mineral tones - it is crisp with a lovely soft round texture and nice weight.
A hot tub sipper, or pair this wine with seafood or salads.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 5th, 2010

A blend of Okanagan VQA Gamay, Pinot Noir, Ehrenfelser and Schonberger, this brilliant cranberry-hued wine has aromas of wild berries and herbs, peppery spices and citrus. The palate is expectedly off-dry - but not cloyingly sweet - there is plenty of bright citrus and cran-rhubarb flavours.
A simple, fun and fresh rose sipper that pairs well with spicy Indian dishes.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 25th, 2010

This very approachable Tempranillo falls under the label of Crianza - which means by Spanish wine law it must be aged a minimum of two years, and one of those years must be aged in the barrel.
It presents significant red fruit and leather with exotic spices, cocoa, tobacco and ample peppery tones. The palate is bright led by smoky fruit and spice flavours. A very easy drinking and supple wine that will partner nicely with tapas or aged cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

A wine expressive enough to knock your socks off!
Expect a potpourri of aromas - crushed violet and rose petals, cedar chips and cinnamon wrapped around ripe blackberries and vanilla. The texture is smooth, the palate is juicy, oozing warm berry, vanilla, espresso, molten chocolate and spiced oak flavours.
This is a full-bodied wine with a creamy, spiced finish that is certain to be a crowd pleaser...
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

A very tasty Chianti made from organically produced grapes the Natio is oozing ripe cherries, violets and chocolate aromas with sweet vanilla, sandlewood and leathery undertones. Layers of juicy berries, cedar and spicebox flavours light up your palate. This medium-bodied red has bright acidity, powdery tannins and lingering spice that will play well with pasta, cheese or pizza!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

A very good value, this fresh Malbec oozes sweet red berries and mocha, dark earth and savoury herbs with a core of fruit cake.The palate echos the aromas - it's quite chewy and features layers of dried fruit, espresso, cocoa, spice and leathery/earthy flavours. The finish is impressive - lengthy, and the tannins from the mid-palate smooth and taper off at the end.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

Another great value Gallo Family wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon has bright aromas of sweet cherries and berries, vanilla, dried herbs and chocolate with significant cola spice notes. The palate follows suit with loads of berry fruit - blueberry and raspberry - plenty of vanilla and spice with a sprinkling of tobacco leaf.
Simple, smooth and easy sipping.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 31st, 2010

You cannot deny the price tag on the Gallo Family wines - they are easy drinking with at least some varietal character and the Pinot Noir is impressively tasty.
Black cherry and crushed purple floral aromas, cedar chips and fine spice with vanilla. The palate is simple juicy flavours of berry fruit, the texture is smooth with a slightly powdery edge and the finish carries flavours of roasted coffee bean, cedarbox and fine spices.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 25th, 2010

You can expect sweet youthful aromas on this affordable BC Merlot - juicy berries and red plums, fresh mocha and an earthy core. The palate has plenty of bright fruit, it is medium-bodied with a powdery texture - spicy tannins and toasted oak flavours linger on the finish.
Easy sipping or pair with rich, mildly spiced stews.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 3rd, 2010

Made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo this very affordable red is rustic and savoury. Expect aromas of spiced cherries, saddle leather, iodine, purple flowers and hints of dried fruit. The palate is supple with a typical dusty texture, flavours of spiced cocoa, roasted coffee beans and tobacco dominate, toast flavours linger on the finish.
A simple, juicy wine that will be a great weekday option with pastas in red sauce, tapas or strong cheeses.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 18th, 2010

Great value, this plush sipper has rich dark berry fruit, chocolate shavings and brewed coffee with a hint of purple flowers and dark earth. The palate is smooth, full and rounded with loads of dark berries and powdery cocoa flavours with a spicy linger.
Easy drinking and affordable.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 22nd, 2010

A Monday to Thursday spaghetti wine - sufficiently rustic with cherries, fine spice, floral and red plum aromas with a core of forest floor and saddle leather. The palate is simple and smooth presenting juicy red fruit - which will work nicely with red sauces - sunbaked earth and meaty hints before fnishing with spice and leathery flavours.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 22nd, 2010

Always a reliable Pinot Noir that provides some pretty amazing value, the Mirassou has a ripe California style with black cherry and raspberry aromas, cedar, violets and warm spice. The palate is smooth, it has sweet plush, berry flavours with allspice and lingering cigarbox and vanilla flavours on the finish.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 19th, 2010

Made by Cumulus Wines in New South Wales this easy drinking Shiraz has jammy aromas of black berry and ripe black cherry, vanilla and mocha laced with cola spices. Medium to full-bodied and juicy with plenty of berry and vanilla flavours, espresso and chocolate mint patties.
A crowd-pleasing Aussie red.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

This Mendoza Cabernet is a sweet and succulent version; its ripe raspberry and blueberry, menthol, spiced chocolate and ribena aromas are balanced with savoury tones of roasted red pepper, dried herbs and warm spice. The palate is juicy and very supple - velvety in fact - with layers of berry, sweet vanilla and licorice spice. The wine coates your toungue and lingers with more meaty, succulent flavours on the finish.
An intriguing wine.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 19th, 2010

The 120 series of Santa Rita's portfolio provides very affordable, consumer friendly wines. This one shows classic Merlot typicity - plush black cherry and plummy aromas with a heart of chocolate, dark earth and bay leaf. It flows smoothly across your palate, has a nice round texture and rich flavours of dark fruit, cocoa, vanilla and sweet spice. Spice flavours continue on the finish alongside a trace of dried herbs.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

This uniquely packaged blend of Primitivo with 30% Negroamaro is a fruity quaffer that hails from Puglia, in the heel of the Italian boot.
It has lush purple fruit, sweet vanilla, crushed flowers and sweet spices. It's a supple wine with simple forward fruit, mocha and grapey flavours with a powdery texture.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 8th, 2010

You may be surprised to see a common grape variety printed on an Italian wine label, but forget about it and move on to enjoying this well-priced and delicious Merlot.Tenuta Villanova was established in 1499, the grapes that go into this wine are estate grown and it offers very good value.

It is a very fragrant wine with an abundance of sweet plums and black raspberry aromas, cedarbox and violets with dry earth and grapey undertones. The palate is supple, round and spicy. Rich fruit, cocoa and roasted coffee bean flavours dominate followed by hints of tobacco and plenty of spice which lingers across the finish.
Very tasty - a real crowd pleaser!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

Always a very good value, this Chilean Pinot Noir has classic aromas of sweet raspberry, leather, fragrant violets and spicebox with a core of beet greens and forest floor. This impressive weekday red is chic and juicy, with red fruit and earthy flavours, the palate is spicy and powdery tannins cling to the finish. Medium-bodied and smooth, it's a wine that will pair nicely with creamy mushroom ravioli or duck.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 27th, 2010

This is a well-priced weekday pasta wine - simple and juicy with a bright ruby colour, cherry fruit aromas with leather, sunbaked earth and cocoa powder notes with a very savoury core of tomato leaf and dried herbs. The palate is juicy, loads of acidity and tart red fruit with more leather and spice following suit on the palate.
Pair with salami and cheese or pastas in red sauce.
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 25th, 2010

This simple, light-bodied Pinot Noir has delicate aromas - raspberry and cherry, soft violet notes and a core of leather, forest floor and smoke with fine spice notes. The palate is smoothly textured with juicy red fruit - cigarbox and spice flavours linger on the finish.
A fresh weekday Pinot with a very appealing price tag!
©copyright 2010 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - January 18th, 2010