A Bottle for All Reasons: because every holiday event goes better with wine
By David Lawrason
| December 2, 2014
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(Photograph of Buena Vista by Carlo Mendoza)
The Holiday MealBuena Vista 2011 Pinot Noir | $24.95 | 91 points
The riot of scents and flavours in a traditional holiday meal can drown out complicated and refined wines. A tart, full-flavoured pinot noir is the answer. Buena Vista has enough edge to slake, plus the flavour wattage and textural weight to drink with turkey, duck, pork tenderloin, rare roasts and even baked salmon.
For Sunday BrunchHenry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut | $29.95 | 90 points
No wine cuts the richness of brunch (all that egg, ham and smoked salmon) like a fruity sparkler. This one from Niagara is as pink as the dawn, and offers delicate flavours of raspberry and bread. It’ll launch your day.
Après TobagganingDry Oloroso Sherry | $14.25 | 93 points
An invigorating day outdoors heightens the senses. So flood them with a complex, heady, long-aged sherry. Osborne’s is medium-full-bodied with a hint of sweetness, but essentially dry, edgy and warming.
Post-Shopping BlitzPiper-Heidsieck Brut | $54.95 | 91 points
Rough day at the mall? This bright red label is among the raciest, most refreshing and best-priced champagnes on the shelf. It’s got piercing, flinty minerality, and subtle dried apple, lemon loaf and brioche flavours. It pairs well with fancy pastries.
For Power WrappingTaylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old Port | $68.95 | 93 points
This sweet oldster has uplifting aromas of dried fig and plum, maple walnut ice cream, and gentle wood smoke. It’s silky-smooth and soft, and will induce instant serenity in the seasonally stressed.
For a Host GiftMalivoire 2012 Gamay | $17.95 | 90 points
Malivoire’s light and fruity wine is a winner for its versatility and mass appeal. It’s tart and fresh enough to serve chilled like a white, yet complex, peppery and woodsy enough to match with spicy fish, poultry and pork dishes.
While Cooking All DayVilla Maria 2013 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc | $16.95 | 89 points
There are recipes to read, ingredients to portion and timers to track, which calls for a nifty wine that’ll refresh and keep you on pace. This bottle is slim and bright, with scents of passion fruit, nettle and lime.
With a SandwichErrazuriz 2012 Merlot | $13.95 | 87 points
A heaping leftover turkey sandwich, eaten late at night in the glow of your open fridge door, has no better mate than a fresh red. This merlot, served lightly chilled, is ripe, soft, plummy and fleshy—and somehow more perfect drunk from a juice glass.
For a Netflix BingeChateau St. Jean 2012 Chardonnay | $18.95 | 88 points
Popcorn and chard are a classic pairing. This one is fruity and creamy—and will take you through a season of Downton Abbey, Sherlock or House of Cards. Let it warm up a little to release those buttery flavours.
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