Ben scored this wine: 96/100

John Skinner, Bordeaux-based consultant Alain Sutre, and Michael Bartier have come together to produce exceptional wines on the Skaha Bench, which I believe to be the best terroir in Canada. Red Icon has the unique superior balance of top notch Bordeaux, while showing exactly what Canadian terroir is capable of — cult status. You’ll find flavours of dreamy cassis and plum, seductive firm flesh, and a touch of smoke.

Ben scored this wine: 90/100

This deep ruby Australian Cabernet Sauvignon has an amazing lasting finish. It’s dry with medium ripe tannin and full body. Enjoy notes of black cherry, cassis, vanilla, raspberry, and an evolution of woodsy flavours including eucalyptus, cedar and mint. Rather than food, I suggest this wine as accompaniment to C. L. R. James’ memoir on cricket, Beyond a Boundary. It's an excellent read, and an excellent wine for deep contemplation.

Ben scored this wine: 89/100

This Jolie-Pitt & Perrin Rosé from Château Miraval is an accessible and relatively complex wine. I recommend it for spring sipping with quiche, scallops or roast chicken. The nose offers strawberry, honeydew melon, yogurt, and nectarine. The palate adds underripe pineapple, burnt toast and citrus blossom. If you were lucky enough to nab a bottle or two, I wouldn’t wait much longer. Open it on a nice warm evening.

Ben scored this wine: 88/100

I always suggest this as the red wine for beginners, and remind seasoned drinkers of its simple pleasures. As a single varietal wine, it is fun to pick out classic Garnacha notes like ripe black cherry, juicy plum, and gentle spices like cinnamon. A round delicious value wine that does go exceptionally well with childhood favourites - chicken fingers, burgers, and pizza.