FIVE WINES TO STUFF ANY STOCKING
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I’m about to do just that by buying a case or two of truly thrilling vino to give to every wine lover on my list. When the time comes I’ll roll each bottle in gold or silver tissue paper, tie a pretty ribbon around the neck and call it a wrap. With that in mind, here are five wines I’m considering gifting this year — in case you want to follow suit. But shhhh! Don’t tell my family or friends.
2015 William Fèvre Champs Royaux Chablis, Burgundy, France (Vintages 461640 $24.95 in stores)
Made by one of the most reputable producers in Chablis, this entry-level wine from the outstanding 2015 vintage just sings. Chiselled yet classically restrained flavours of Granny Smith apple, ripe pear, kiwi, wet stones, gun powder and salt lead to a long salted grapefruit zest finish. Love how the delicately stitched complexity forms a well-balanced, seamless whole that feels silky and taut in the mouth, mid-weight but lifted. Such harmony. This is one of those bottles sure to appeal to new wine drinkers and seasoned imbibers alike. Score: 90+
2015 Zuccardi Q Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (Vintages 723478 $19.95 in stores)
Earlier this year, I wrote a column about Argentina stepping up its Malbec game with exhilarating bottles that taste more complex and elegant than the simple fruitbombs of yesteryear — and this new release is a fine example. Grown 1,350 metres above sea level, where intense sun thickens the grape skins and high altitude preserves the mouth-watering acidity, it offers a thunderclap hit of iron, stone, steel, blackberry and violet before fanning out with allusions of caramelized meat juices, salt, pepper, chalk and a whisper of dried herbs. Tasting like liquid tension with a long chalky finish, this red drinks like a $40 bottle, easily.
Score: 94
Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old NV Tawny Port, Portugal (LCBO 566174 $21.95 in stores and online)
There are two styles of Port: Ruby, which is aged in tank or bottle and retains its dark red colour, and Tawny, which is aged in wood and becomes light golden due to oxidation from years aged in barrel. For the money, this 10-year-old Tawny is gloriously good value with its lively flavours of cherry brandy, candied citrus, dried apricot and toffee that give way to more subtle notes of Brazil nut and brown baking spices. Aromatic and generous, this sweetie works as well as a by-the-fire drink as it does as a dessert wine or served with cheese. Great gift idea.
Score: 92+
2016 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California (Available through Halpern Enterprises, 416593-2662, $XX/12 bottle case incl. delivery anywhere in Ontario)
When I was out for lunch the other day, friends poured me a glass of this stunning white, and I immediately knew I had to tell you about it. Made by Cliff Lede (pronounced “lady”), the Canadian-turned-Napa-winery-owner famous for his cult Cabernet Sauvignon wines that sell for well more than $100 per bottle, this littleknown wonder flies under the radar. It definitely drinks more like a white Bordeaux than a New World Sauvignon Blanc and thrills with compact and sinuous flavours of Meyer lemon, lanolin, hot-from-the-oven croissant, mandarin orange and long lime zest finish. Total find.
Score: 92
NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier, Champagne (Vintages Essential 268771 $72.95 in stores and online)
Few things are more stylish than giving Champagne, right? But bottles range from fine tapestries of flavour threaded with tiny bubbles and mouth-watering freshness to tonguelashings of raw acidity. But this cuvee doesn’t disappoint with its cool, dry, almost-creamy flavours of lemon curd and baked apple gently layered with hints of toasted pastry, warm almond and crushed stones. Long and luxe, this wine is a trade favourite. Score: 94