Canadian Highlights
--  If it is not good enough for my dinner guests, you won't find it here.  --
	Chateau des Charmes, Aligoté 2012 Dry, mineral driven with sensations of green apple and spiced pear, Aligoté is most famous as the white grape grown throughout Burgundy where the Chardonnay will not flourish. Chateau des Charmes has pioneered the only example (that I know of) here in Canada. Tasty on its own, but even better paired with seafood or salads or both - and to make peoples' head spin, try mixing Aligoté 5:1 with crème de casis to create the traditional drink of Dijon known as Kir -- I'll bet you'll be back for more! $13.95  LCBO #296848 88pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Cave Spring, Estate Riesling 2011 - Beamsville/Niagara, Ontario Firstly, this is NOT a sweet Riesling - so get that stereotype out of your head ;)  Secondly, it has body, verve, style, and maybe just a touch of attitude; only slightly 'off dry' with noticeable weight on the palate showing ripe apple, pear, lemon creamsicle, and enticing petrol notes through to the finish.  Easily enjoyable on it's own or with seafood appetizers and/or baked ham.  $17.95  LCBO #286377 90pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Rosewood Estates, Süssreserve Riesling 2013 - Beamsville/Niagara, Canada The addition of unfermented grape juice aka. süssreserve, acts to 'sweeten the pot' of this exceptional Ontario effort.  Expect a balance of minerality, sweetness, and acidity with notes of ripe apple, lime, and a slight floral accent.  This wine will match the intensity of many rich or spicy food styles. $14.95  LCBO #258806 90pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Lighthall Vineyard, 2011 Reserve Chardonnay - Prince Edward County, Canada Think high-end Chablis, only from our own backyard.  Minerals combine with creamy notes in the most vibrantly uplifting way.  Exceptional Ontario Chardonnay -- and for half the price of comparable Burgundy!  $25.00  LCBO #278226 92pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Muskoka Lakes Winery, Red Maple - Muskoka, Ontario I enjoyed this so much at our Thanksgiving feast that I wrote Muskoka Lakes a letter praising their effort. A blend of cranberries and maple syrup - though surprisingly not a sweet as you might expect. Cranberry prevails with and underlying smoothness from the maple – outstanding alongside the Turkey or as an accent with dessert.  Those who find it a bit too intense might try adding tonic water to create an aperitif style wine... but I love it just the way it is. $23.95  LCBO #50039 89pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Flat Rock Cellars, Twisted - Niagara, Canada The ultimate patio wine and all around crowd pleaser.  The curious blend changes annually and there is no indication on the label as to what went in the pot that year (details are available on Flat Rock's website).  Expect a tongue twisting array of citrus on both the nose and palate - a high quality wine for those focused on the company and conversation rather than all the cork-dork stuff. $16.95  LCBO #1578 88pts www.tylerphilp.com
	Organized Crime, 2010 Cabernet Franc - Beamsville/Niagara, Canada Whoa - that's friggin' amazing! It costs 30 something, I really can't remember - but who cares, this is Cab Franc at its absolute best and nowhere near as herbal as those who avoid the variety might expect.  Available at the winery in Beamsville, on the way to Niagara.  Go get it!! 93pts www.tylerphilp.com