Natalie McLean, Homefront's wine expert is Canada's most quoted wine writer and editor of the country's largest wine review website. Here is a sample from her recent choices for us.

hf-unwined1

By Natalie MacLean

With the holiday season fast approaching, get into the festive spirit with these great wines for gift- giving and entertaining.

 

hf-unwined6

 

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.

 

 

hf-unwined3

 

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.

 

 

hf-unwined5

 

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.

 

 

hf-unwined4

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Liquid Assets

Only Vik Chile Come to the Millahue Valley for the wine and stay for the master suite bathtubs with far reaching views of the mountains and vines. vikwine.com Cool, calm and collected Formulated with a high amount of CBD, small

Overheard

Parades, cakes and costumes With origins from ancient times, Mardis Gras also known as Shove or Fat Tuesday and Pancake Day. It falls before Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance that ushers in Lent. Parade floats are organized by tight-knit

And then there were two! 

In big sister- little sister style, White Elephant Nantucket and White Elephant Palm Beach are, joined at the hip, when it comes to their fresh, laid back, summer holiday style.  Just two of a kind, the siblings share museum worthy

Spring luncheon

By Sheila Centner @sebandsheila @sheilacentner @eatertainment  Spring brings not just warmer weather, but the joy of outdoor gatherings on the horizon. With the cold months behind us, it’s time to reunite with friends in backyards or lakeside settings. As blooms

Liquid Assets

Only Vik Chile Come to the Millahue Valley for the wine and stay for the master suite bathtubs with far reaching views of the mountains and vines. vikwine.com Cool, calm and collected Formulated with a high amount of CBD, small

Overheard

Parades, cakes and costumes With origins from ancient times, Mardis Gras also known as Shove or Fat Tuesday and Pancake Day. It falls before Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance that ushers in Lent. Parade floats are organized by tight-knit