Blackbird Arise Red 2008: (42% merlot, 38% cabernet sauvignon and 20% cabernet franc): Bright dark red. Floral aromas of cherry, licorice pastille and cocoa powder. Supple, intense and energetic, with lovely rose petal lift and restrained sweetness to its seamless red fruit flavors. This essentially gentle, Right Bank-style wine finishes with suave tannins and noteworthy aromatic persistence. Classy and light on its feet. A sentimental favorite in my recent tastings. Score - 92. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011)

Tags: Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Table Wines (Unnamed Blends), Red Wine, Wine

Blackwood Lane Vicua Roja 2008: The relatively new Blackwood Lane winery's facilities are located in the Fraser Valley, just outside of Vancouver. However, most of their vineyards, especially for their Vicuña Roja Bordeaux blend, are located in the warmer southern Okanagan. The wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 10% Malbec aged for 21 months in a combination of US and French barriques. Look for aromas of cherry, currant, vanilla, tobacco and a hint of bell pepper. Enjoyable now with grilled lamb, but will reward 2-3 years in a cellar.

Tags: Cabernet Franc Blend, Named Varietal Blends-Red, Red Wine, Wine

Blasted Church Merlot 2007: The label features caricatures of Robert Parker Jr. and Marvin Shanken (owner of Wine Spectator) dressed in 1920s garb.

Tags: Merlot, Red Wine, Wine

Blue Rock Baby Blue Proprietary Red 2008: The innovative 2008 blend called Baby Blue, made of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Syrah, and 6% Merlot, has a floral nose of red and black currants as well as spice box. Its seductive aromatics are followed by a silky textured, medium to full-bodied wine with loads of personality and soul. This is an interesting blend that seems to work very well and needs to be explored by more wineries. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011)

Tags: Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Red Table Wines (Unnamed Blends), Red Wine, Wine

Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Superieur: Ruby red colour; cherry and slightly jammy raspberry aromas; dry with light body; cherry flavour and a clean finish

Tags: Beaujolais, Gamay (Beaujolais), Red Wine, Wine

Brooks Amycas 2008: A blend of 30% Pinot Gris, 23% Pinot Blanc, 15% Gewurztraminer, 14% Chardonnay, 12% Muscat and 6% Riesling, this reads a little like a restaurant's white wine list and the expected complexity does not disappoint. Aromas of apple, toast, pear and yellow plum are prominent. The palate is a touch off-dry with lively and refreshing acidity balancing the hint of sweetness. There's a pleasing array of flavours, with a strong mineral note shining through on the mid-palate. Crisp, lip-smacking finish. Wow. Try with pan-seared sea scallops or any lighter fish or seafood. (VINTAGES panel, June 2011)

Tags: Blend - Other, Pinot Gris Blend, White Wine, Wine

C'Est La Vie! Pinot Noir Syrah: clear ruby with purple tint; fragrant nose of ripe cherries and raspberries; dry, medium body; ripe berry flavour with a touch of spice; balanced acidity

Tags: Blend, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Wine

Casa Lapostolle Carmenere: Deep ruby red colour; blackberry, plum and spice aromas; dry, full-body, rich with ripe black fruit and roasted pepper flavours; firm tannin in medium length finish.

Tags: Carmenère, Carmenere, Red Wine, Wine

Cassini Syrah 2009: TASTING NOTE: One of the best syrahs at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards, the nose is packed with rich black fruit, earthy character, cocoa, cherry, herb and wood aromas. The palate delivers spice, oak, dense black fruits and a surprisingly floral finish. Good to drink now or over the next 2 to 3 years. This wine won a gold medal at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards. Score: 90 (Tom Firth, wineaccess.ca, Oct. 18, 2011)

Tags: Named Varietal Blends-Red, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Wine