HOLIDAY WINES
The experts have sipped and spoken. Just in time for the entertaining (and gift-giving) season, David Lawrason showcases the medal winners from November’s Ottawa Wine and Food Show
As the holidays approach, it’s time to consider wines for entertaining and gift-giving. This year avoid shopping piecemeal as each dinner invitation and gift idea pops up. Instead, shop in bulk for some of the classiest wines at the LCBO. This selection consists of some very fine wines — none priced to break the bank, but not bargain-basement either. The selection is also diverse, providing styles for every occasion as well as a few bottles perfect for drinking now and others that make thoughtful cellaring gifts. This selection does not consist of just my personal favourites. The ratings and tasting notes are mine, but the bottles were selected because all were gold- or silver-medal winners at the 2010 Ottawa Wine Challenge, wines that rose to the top in blind tastings among top Ottawa sommeliers and wine critics from Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. The challenge was held in Ottawa in early October, with the results announced and the wines poured at the Ottawa Wine and Food Show. Enjoy giving them and drinking them!