As cooler temperatures set in, we look to heartier fare and wines. Change your wine wardrobe with these cozy sippers.
By Natalie MacLean
Domaine Latour-Giraud Les Narvaux Chardonnay 2013, Meursault, Burgundy AC, France. (LCBO #12369, $74.00): I can see the road signs in Burgundy when I smell this wine. Love it! Classic chardonnay raised to the Platonic ideal of what this wine should be. Just enough toasty oak, green apple and rounded layers with an extra-long finish. Scrumptious seafood wine. Food pairings: Smoked salmon, seafood appetizers, pan-fried trout. Alcohol: 13%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2013–2019. Score: 95/100.
Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA (LCBO #731810, $99.95): Rich, round, full-bodied and balanced, with a chalky finish. Dark fruit aromas and flavours; nice layering of sensual pleasure. Food pairings: Hearty meat dishes, pepper steaks, smoky ribs, mushroom burgers. Alcohol: 14.2%. Sweetness: Extra dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2014–2022. Score: 90/100.
Speri Vigneto Monte Sant’urbano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2011, Veneto DOCG, Italy (LCBO #205294, $78.00): A gorgeous, seductive nose of fleshy black and purple plums that opens to an expansive, mouth-filling luscious textured palate of blackberry and smoke. Pair with brontosaurus burgers. Food pairings: Polenta dishes, pasta with a tomato sauce, roasted venison, beef stew. Alcohol: 15%. Sweetness: Dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2014–2022. Score: 95/100.
Rodney Strong Wine Estates Symmetry 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (LCBO #641142, $70.95): A towering and august wine of great depth and structure. Needs cellar time. Aromas of blackcurrant and cassis, with toasty oak. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Food pairings: Mushroom- and garlic-stuffed flank steak, prime rib roast, barbequed flat-iron steak. Alcohol: 15.3%. Sweetness: Extra dry. 750 ml. Drink: 2014–2020. Score: 90/100.
Natalie MacLean is the editor of Ontario’s largest wine review web site and mobile apps at nataliemaclean.com.