Bottles made for Winter nights
Winter calls for wines that wrap you in warmth like cashmere and candlelight. These bottles have the weight, texture, and aromatic depth that feel tailor-made for the season.
Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne. Champagne A.C., France. A benchmark non-vintage Champagne that balances richness and finesse. Expect aromas of poached pear, white blossom, lemon zest, and toasted hazelnut over a fine mineral backbone. The mousse is elegant and persistent, finishing with refreshing citrus and almond notes. Pair with: Lobster thermidor or butter-poached halibut. Alcohol: 12%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2020-2024. Score: 94/100. LCBO: 268771. Price: $99.95.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022. Rhône A.O.C., France. A sensuous Rhône red with layers of black raspberry, kirsch, and cracked pepper, accented by truffle and garrigue. Silky tannins and bright acidity carry a long, savoury finish. Pair with: Roast leg of lamb or duck à l’orange. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025-2035. Score: 94/100. LCBO: 735407. Price: $74.95.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024. Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand. New Zealand’s iconic white bursts with aromas of lime zest, honeydew, passionfruit, and lemongrass. Its crisp acidity and silky texture make for a mouth-watering, vibrant finish. Pair with: Crab cakes or citrus-glazed roast turkey. Alcohol: 13.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024-2026. Score: 95/100. LCBO: 304469. Price: $42.95.
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Merlot 2023. Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A. A plush yet powerful blend showing layers of blackcurrant, plum, graphite, and baking spice. The palate is structured yet supple, framed by firm tannins and integrated oak. Crafted from the estate’s oldest vines for exceptional concentration and length. Buy from henryofpelham.com. Pair with: Grilled ribeye or wild-mushroom risotto with truffle oil. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025-2039. Score: 93/100. LCBO: 616433. Price: $47.95.
Dival Cotel Cordier Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Champagne. Champagne A.O.C., France. A graceful and complex Blanc de Blancs with aromas of baked apple, lemon curd, and meringue, accented by hazelnut-praline richness. A satiny mousse glides across the palate, leading to a saline, mineral-driven finish that lingers beautifully. Pair with: Seared scallops or truffled mushroom tart. Alcohol: 12.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025-2030. Score: 98/100. LCBO: 45176. Price: $81.95.
Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2021. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. A refined, cool-climate Cabernet revealing aromas of cassis, blackberry, and pencil shavings. Firm yet graceful with balanced acidity and subtle spice, it shows Southbrook’s mastery of organic and biodynamic winemaking. Decant an hour before serving. Buy from southbrook.com. Pair with: Braised short ribs or roast beef tenderloin. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025-2028. Score: 92/100. LCBO: 193573. Price: $29.95.
Tommasi Amarone and Ripasso Valpolicella Classico 2020. Veneto, Italy. This refined duo showcases the depth and warmth of the Veneto. The Amarone layers dried cherry, cocoa, and fig with notes of espresso and cedar, while the Ripasso offers juicy red berries and savoury spice. Both wines finish long and velvety. Pair with: Braised beef or aged Asiago cheese. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. Drink: 2025-2030. Score: 95/100. LCBO: 27991. Price: $96.95.
Cornice Dolce & Gabbana & Donnafugata Trio 2021. Sicily, Italy. A stylish Sicilian trio blending Mediterranean sunshine with modern elegance. Expect aromas of red cherry, dried herbs, and spice, carried on a smooth, textural palate with bright minerality. Pair with: Veal marsala or grilled swordfish with capers. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Dry. 2250 ml. Drink: 2025-2028. Score: 92/100. LCBO: 33987. Price: $244.95.
Cune Blanco Reserva 2020. Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain. Cune’s 2020 Blanco Reserva marries creamy, spice-tinged oak with Viura’s citrus and dried-floral notes, its chalky texture and lively acidity keeping the palate clean and balanced. Pair with: Grilled sea bass, calamari, salmon patties, pork tenderloin. Alcohol: 13.5%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2027. LCBO: 22446. Score: 93/100. Price: $27.95.
Villa Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2024. Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand. Villa Maria Reserve 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably grown grapes. This dry, medium-bodied expression bursts with pristine passionfruit, juicy mango, tangy gooseberry and a twist of lemon-lime zest. Subtle grassy and herbal whispers add complexity, while vibrant acidity carries the fruit into a crisp, refreshing finish. Pair with: Seafood ravioli with Alfredo sauce, pan-fried panfish, lemon and herbed grilled chicken breast. Alcohol: 12.5%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2030. LCBO: 536201. Score: 95/100. Price: $24.95.
Phantom Creek Estates Kobau Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2022. Golden Mile Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia V.Q.A. A refined and expressive Cabernet Franc that captures the warmth of the southern Okanagan. Aromas of ripe red cherry, raspberry, and violet mingle with savoury notes of sage, graphite, and a hint of cedar. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and bright acidity that lift the vibrant fruit core, it finishes long with minerality and gentle spice. Decant for one hour to fully reveal its depth and elegance. Buy from phantomcreekestates.com. Pair with: Herb-crusted lamb loin or wild mushroom risotto with aged Gouda. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2032. Score: 94/100. Price: $72.
Natalie MacLean offers Ontario’s most popular online wine and food pairing courses, tasting classes, expert reviews and mobile apps at nataliemaclean.com.
Natalie is the author of the new, bestselling book, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much.
2025 Finalist for the International Wine and Spirits Competition Wine Communicator of the Year.
