By Natalie MacLean
With the holiday season fast approaching, get into the festive spirit with these great wines for gift- giving and entertaining.
Ridge Monte Bello 2012, Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States (LCBO: 711085, $190.95): Menthol and fleshy voluptuous black fruit on the nose and palate. Super supple and satin smooth and full-bodied. Gorgeous length, depth and concentration yet sheer elegance. Pair with rare filet mignon.Alcohol: 13.8% Sweetness: Extra dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2015–2020. Score: 92/100.
2013 Kistler Vineyards Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley, California, United States (LCBO #183921, $98.95): Toasted almond on the nose with some butterscotch. Wakes up the senses on the palate with great acidity and green apple vibrancy. Most Kistler Chardonnays are sourced from a single vineyard but this is the winery’s only multi-vineyard site Chardonnay. Chardonnay food pairings: panko-crusted grilled chicken, salmon steaks. Alcohol: 14.1%. Sweetness: Extra dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2014–2019. Score: 92/100.
La Ferme Du Mont 2011, Chateauneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone, France (LCBO: 78857, $80.00): Incredible depth and concentration of black fruit, smoke and spice flavour on the nose and palate for this full-bodied French red wine. This wine is a blend of classic grapes including Grenache 80%, Syrah 10% and Mouvedre 10%. Long finish inflected with dried herbs and graphite. Pair with roast beef. Alcohol: 14.5% Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2016–2023. Score: 93/100.
2010 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, United States (LCBO #943472, $106.95): Elegant with great concentration and a high price tag. Is it worth it? Only you can decide. Aromas of black fruit and toasty oak. Complex. Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings: lamb Bolognese, grilled New York strip loin, barbecued ribs in sauce, hard cheese, braised pork shanks. Alcohol: 13.9%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2015–2019. Score: 90/100.