That bottle you take to a party is always a little thank-you for the invitation, a gift, of course. So choose something they’ll be excited to open when life finally hands them a quiet moment. Here are six great wines that do that beautifully at a range of price points. Each one feels considered, not grabbed on the way.
NV Pelee Island Cabernet Franc, VQA Ontario
(LCBO 433714, $13.95 till Nov. 30, reg. $14.95)
For a smart red under $15, this is the bottle to buy. It’s local, great value and the current bottling on shelf is just outstanding. Scents of black raspberry, cherry and cranberry muffin rise from the glass before a shiny, smooth wash of flavour floods in tasting bright, refreshing and utterly seamless. While it may not be the most complex expression, its balance and purity make it a delicious red. Just the kind of red to happily pour glass after glass. (12.5% alc. 7 g/L sugar)
2024 Bellingham The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc, Coast Region, South Africa
(Vintages 484055, $19.95)
From old bush vines grown at high altitudes on ancient granite soils near the ocean, this wine tastes of its place. The fragrance is vibrant and sunlit — pure, mineral-edged and vivid with a lemon-pear lift. It beams with cool, mouth-drenching generosity tasting more vinous than fruity. Then, it cascades with crushed seashells, blanched almonds, white apricot and lemon zest while retaining a brightly lit centre. The persistent, chalky-saline finish is characterful and quietly thrilling. Such value. And a style food lovers will adore. (13.5% alc., 2 g/L sugar)
NV J. de Villebois Crémant de Loire Collection 1180 Méthode Traditionnelle Brut, France
The sparkling blend of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, dressed in a handsome label, shines like sunlit straw in the glass. The nose is all lemon curd on toast, roasted chestnuts and stones after a rain — just immediately engaging. Then, the attack is bright and bracing yet creamy-nutty, too, giving real generosity to each sip. Flavours call to mind toasted almonds, vanilla bean, orange peel and sweet cream before receding. Long, poised, impressive bubbly that would be a pleasure to receive. (12.5% alc., 10 g/L sugar)
2022 Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha DO Campo de Borja, Spain
(Vintages Essential 273748, $21.95)
The latest vintage of this popular Garnacha drinks like a dream — especially for those who like big reds. The aroma is cherry-vanilla and raspberry jam on toast — pure and simple. Then it rolls in like liquid velvet, a ripe crush of sun-drenched fruit that feels hedonistic but still dignified. Flavours unfurl slowly with ripe berries, dark chocolate, gingerbread, cherries, pastry and cream. Despite all those sweet allusions, this red is bone dry, juicy, fresh, beautifully balanced and dangerously drinkable. A knockout that wildly overdelivers for the asking price. (15% alc., 3 g/L sugar)
2022 Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy
(Vintages 384552, $80.95)
This Gran Selezione — the highest designation for a Chianti Classico, made to stringent quality standards — is just gem. From Marchesi Antinori, a family-owned Tuscan producer making wine since 1385, there’s pedigree in every sip. The bouquet is more enchanting than arresting, drawing you in with layered, subtle complexity. On the palate, find grace, tension and character as it nods toward cherries and earth, olive and aniseed, iron and tobacco leaf. Enjoy now or cellar up to 10 years. This bottle will especially appeal to connoisseurs. (13.5% alc., 3 g/L sugar)
2023 La Dame de Montrose, AC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
This “second wine” of classed growth Château Montrose is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, beautifully woven and really blossoms with a decant. The perfume nods to blueberries and cocoa powder, dried currants, graphite and hazelnut. Then it slides in tasting stately—structured, precise and finely-tuned—as flavours echo the nose with a touch of spice and delicate floral lift. Tapers to a pronounced black tea finish. Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years.
