Margaret Swaine’s Wine Picks: General list winners

Plan a party around these winners on the LCBO General List. Find them via WineAlign.com/MargaretsPicks.

Trapiche Sparkling Extra Brut
$11.95 (88 Points)
Trapiche, Argentina’s most well-known wine producer, has more than 120 years of history. This sparkling wine is a medium-bodied blend of mainly chardonnay with some semillon and malbec. There are apple and bread notes in the bouquet and fresh tropical fruit and toast flavours on the palate. Silky in the mouth with delicate bubbles, it’s a bargain-priced party wine.

Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2011
$15.95 (90 Points)
This delightful white from Marlborough, New Zealand, has a forward bouquet that’s full of pungent aromas of gooseberry, nettles, lemongrass and lime. Juicy and joyous on the palate, it’s flavour-packed with passion fruit, lime and tropical fruit tastes. A good acidity keeps it fresh and balanced. Have with ceviche, seafood salad or grilled chicken.

Hahn Pinot Noir 2010
$18.95 (90 Points)
From Monterey, Calif., this is a versatile pinot noir that would be great with wild mushroom risotto, grilled salmon or duck breast. The bouquet has earthy, sweet black cherry aromas. Tannins are soft and supple. On the palate there are spiced ripe berry and savoury flavours with nuances of toasted oak and clove.