Sunset Sips:
Elevate Your Outdoor Entertaining
Transform your outdoor gatherings with wines that promise to elevate any summer soirée
By Natalie MacLean
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc De Blancs 2017, Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. (LCBO: 315200, $$49.95). From the Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment wine region, Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Estate 2017 is a traditional method Blanc de Blanc with a creamy and rich mousse of ripe apple, pear, lemon cream, dried quince, with briny mineral flavours. It has an elegant, crisp and mouth-watering palate. Gorgeous! Produced from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay from the Short Hills Bench, this bubbly is fermented partially (20%) in barrel and then aged 54 months on its lees. Food pairings: Shellfish, field greens. Alcohol: 11.9%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2023–2028. Score: 96/100.
Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2022, Languedoc, Midi A.P., France. (LCBO: 373985, $19.95). From the south of France, this zesty Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah rosé with the emphasis on Grenache, which is ideal for rosé because it matures easily and quickly, has vibrant aromatics, yet keeps its zesty acidity for food. Elegant, dry, medium-bodied and very satisfying with wild strawberry, ripe red berry, rose petal, citrus zest and light herb flavours on the palate. The bottle for this rosé was created in a competition for students at design schools in Paris. There is actually a rose shape cut into the glass on the bottom, as well as an elegant glass stopper on the top. Makes for a great water picture when it’s empty. Food pairings: Seared tuna, sushi, seafood nebayaki udon. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2025. Score: 92/100.
Lanson Le Vintage Brut Champagne 2012, Champagne A.C., France. (LCBO: 29949, $99.95). Lanson Le Vintage 2012 Champagne is produced from grapes sourced from grand and premier cru vineyards. Produced from 52% Pinot Noir with the balance in Chardonnay, this beautiful bubble is zesty with a mouth-filling mousse of preserved lemon, almond nut, citrus zest and toasty, smoky flavours with a long minerally finish. Disgorged September 2020, this brut bubble is so good now! Chill and enjoy it with good friends over brunch. Food pairings: Seacuterie, creamy cheeses. Alcohol: 12.5%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2024–2030. Score: 97/100.
Westcott Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2021, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada. (LCBO: 424507, $29.95). From the Niagara Escarpment wine region, Westcott Estate 2021 Chardonnay is a medium-bodied, Burgundian-style Chardonnay aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 11 months. Youthful and fragrant with fresh yellow apple, stone fruit, lemon curd and toasty, spicy flavours with nicely balanced acidity on the palate.
Food pairings: Roast chicken dinner, steamed Mahi Mahi, pork tender-loin. Alcohol: 12.6%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2026. Score: 91/100.
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand. ($19.95). A crisp, mouth-watering alcohol-free Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Fresh notes of lemon and lime. Only 100 calories per bottle. Have several of these on hand for guests who don’t drink alcohol and for those who would like to pace themselves throughout the evening. Food pairings: Vegetarian dishes, herbed chicken. Score: 91/100. Available at www.psalcoholfree.com.
Conundrum Red 2021, California, United States. (LCBO: 294298, $24.95). A delicious, full-bodied Californian blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet grapes. Aromas of ripe dark berries, chocolate and smoke. Brought to us by the Wagner family who also produces the coveted Caymus wines. Food pairings: Mexican mole and grilled meats, curried beef dishes, rib steak, dark chocolate. Alcohol: 14%. Sweetness: Medium Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2027. Score: 90/100.
Seventh Heaven Classic London Dry Gin, Quebec, Canada. (LCBO: 30719, $37.50). This vibrant Canadian Dry Gin brings together seven different ingredients to create the final blend. Aromas of herbs, cedar, wild berries and citrus peel. This gin is smooth and easy-drinking on its own or in classic cocktails. Enjoy al fresco on the deck or dock with a platter of charcuterie. Score: 92/100.
7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zinfandel 2018, Lodi, California, United States. (LCBO: 59311, $24.95). A robust, blockbuster Californian Zinfandel with aromas of blackberry, black plum, dark spice and smoke. Supple and smooth. The winery farms their 750 acres of vineyards according to sustainable viticulture practices and since 2011 all of the Lodi grown fruit processed their winery was certified sustainable. Food pairings: Barbecued and grilled meats, aged cheddar, grilled lamb loin, grilled duck breast, Italian sausage burgers. Alcohol: 14.9%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2022–2025. Score: 91/100.
Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino 2018, Tuscany D.O.C.G., Italy. (LCBO: 25970, $72.95). Camigliano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is concentrated and smoky with bright cherry, vanilla, red currant, anise spice and flinty flavours with a lingering toasted coconut and chocolate finish. Tannins are dusty textured and this robust Tuscan red is built to age. Give it another year in bottle to begin to show its best and enjoy it with mature cheeses through 2033. Produced from 100% Sangiovese, the wine was aged two years in oak barrels with three years in bottle prior to its release. Food pairings: Rosemary lamb, New York striploin steak, roast pheasant. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Extra Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2025–2033. Score: 94/100.
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.
