Domaine de Grand Pré Vintner's Reserve Castel 2013, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, Canada: Full-bodied with tart cherry and cranberry. Lots of mocha, carraway and dark chocolate notes from generous oak aging. Pierre Castel bred this grape by crossing the century-old French grape Cinsault with a native North American from the Vitus Rupestris family. Castel is little known because of its early bud break and is susceptible to late spring frosts. It also ripens early to mid-season and develops a deep purple colour. Drink: 2014-2017. 1005894 12.50% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 87/100. June 18, 2014 Full Review

Benjamin Bridge Méthode Classique Brut 2008, Nova Scotia, Canada: The 2008 vintage of the Benjamin Bridge Brut is the best I've tasted yet from this winery, which is among Canada's best producers of sparkling wine. You're drinking the stars here. This bubbly is made using the traditional method of the second fermentation in the bottle, just as they do in the Champagne region of France. They also use two of the grapes, Pinot Noir (10%) and Chardonnay (8%), used in France in their blend, together with L'Acadie (42%) and Seyval (40%) to give a decidedly (and deliciously) Nova Scotia signature to the cuvee. All grapes are estate grown and hand-harvested in October 2008 at 17.9 brix and bottled in June 2009 after spending 5 years on the lees to add richness, creaminess and depth. The 2008 vintage had the ideal conditions of sustained cool weather moderated by the Bay of Fundy which allowed for slow and complex ripening of the grapes. Lovely aromas of lime citrus, fresh mint, and lemon brightness on the nose and palate with great replays of flavour. A long, toasty finish leaves you at the shoreline of this Atlantic bubbly longing for more. This wine dances in the glass like sunlight on the ocean, with just as much refreshing sea spray on the palate and senses. Pair with Atlantic lobster in melted butter and dockside daydreams. 415983 11.50% XD 750 mL  $45.00 Score: 93/100. February 1, 2015 Top Rated Sparkling Wine. Sensational Shellfish Wine Full Review