BOTTLES TO GIVE

ROSEHALL RUN DEFIANT PINOT NOIR VQA

LCBO 307769, $18.95

Elegant and of an ethereally light weight, this Prince Edward County Pinot offers gratifyingly intense red cherry and berry fruitiness, overlaying a perfectly integrated pattern of spice and minerality. Definitely a wine that demands—and deserves—anyone’s full attention.

STAGS’ LEAP WINERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 996405, $55.95

This is a super example of a modern Californian Cabernet—no bruiser, but a smooth, wellbalanced wine of great character and complexity. Blackberry and blackcurrant emerge on the nose and palate with all sorts of cedar and spice notes following closely.