I'M not promising salvation for last-minute shoppers but my handy potpourri of global suggestions might help alleviate the pain of procrastination.
Buying a special bottle for the serious wine lover in your life can be a tricky thing. If they're fanatical about a specific region (ie. a Pinot-phile who just sniffs "Burgundy. That's all I drink!") then you might be better off re-thinking things (or giving them a gift card). On the other hand, a well chosen "Icon" wine (that actually lives up to its billing) brings much pleasure.
? The Splurge: Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2008 (Aconcagua)
The star of a vertical tasting this fall. Even though winemaker Francisco Baettig shies away from the term, "The word 'icon' is a bit tricky," he says, these wines really showed their aging potential. The '08 Founders is a blend of Cab Sauv (28 per cent), Carmenere (eight per cent), Syrah (five per cent) and Petit Verdot (three per cent) from 20-year-old vines in Chile's pristine Aconcagua Valley. It's still youthful with many years ahead, but drink it now (let it breathe) and you'll be impressed: aromas of red berries and cassis notes followed by a complex palate of luscious but balanced black fruit with integrated tannins, clove spice and dark chocolate with superb tension through the finish that promises to only develop more (93 pts BCLS $89.99)
? The Treat: Schug Pinot Noir 2010. (Carneros)
California is the theme region for the 2013 Vancouver International Wine Festival, so what better reason than to pick up a couple of bottles (one for them one for you) from this long established and most consistent of producers: cherry-and dark-fruit toned with elegant mouthfeel, complex layers of spice and silky tannins to a lingering finish. I'd drink it with cranberry sauce, no problem. Excellent value at BCLS $36.99, 92 points. Wrap it up with an early bird ticket to the international tasting room, from playhousewinefest.com.
? Turkey (a cut above): Wakefield Riesling 2011 (Clare Valley)
Good whites all too often get lost in the turkey trot shuffle. I can't think of a better way to celebrate a perfect bird than this crisp and cleanly crafted Riesling with a burst of lemon-lime and mineral, wrapped in keen acidity with lingering citrus zest notes (BCLS $20, 90 pts).
? The (B.C.) Treat: Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series 2 Bench Red 2009.(South Okanagan)
Tinhorn's top tier just keeps on getting better and better, as evidenced by this red-and-black fruit toned, full-bodied drop that shies away from being too extracted (it was a hot year) and has decent grip with solid tannins and food-friendly structure ($35 91 pts.). Also not to be missed, the Syrah (90) and Merlot (91).
? The Deal (and the tourtière standby): Las Moras Tannat 2010 (San Juan)
I hashtagged my trip to Argentina this fall #MorethanMalbec with good reason. This Tannat's as easy on the wallet as it is on the palate, with loads of black fruit, vanilla and cassis with good structure and a solid finish. Great value at BCLS $14.99, 89 pts.
? The carving bubble: Neck of the Woods Blanc de Noir Brut (Fraser Valley)
Everyone knows a hard working chef needs sustenance. This B.C. sparkler, with its pretty in pink look, plenty of bubbles, up-front fruitiness with hints of citrus and cherry makes for a perfect reception wine, and is just as comfortable in the kitchen! (BCLS $19.99 89 pts.)
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: rebelmouse.com/hiredbelly, on Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
