LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2023

AN INFORMAL INTRODUCTION Paul Mas Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO 30749, $14.95

The grape ripens reliably in the South of France. Here, the elements of its personality are lined up with a disciplined sense of balance. Dry and refreshing, with cassis, cherry, cedar and a hint of oaky spice all present and correct, it’s a fine match for a lamb burger. DOWN UNDER— ABOVE AND BEYOND Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO 251876, $19.95 A big mouthful of black currants and purple plums with a touch of coffee, oaky spice and just a soupçon of green pepper in the after taste—that’s the profile for this full-bodied Australian, a consistent best-seller. Great for a steak night or winter barbecue. TAKE IT TO THE PARTY! Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO 295105, $17.95 Owned by the revered Catena family, Alamos offers fine value with this dry, mid-weight Argentinian Cab, layering black fruit over a solid tannic structure with hints of oaky vanilla and pepper. Enjoy the lingering finish!

Cabernet Sauvignon

For Very Special Occasions Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 996405, $79.95 It’s the Napa Valley wine that vanquished Bordeaux grand crus in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris, instantly shining a global spotlight on Californian Cab. Decant to drink now or cellar for a few more years, and revel in the seamless braid of dense cassis and blackberry, firm tannins and oak.

SIP AND SAVOUR Errazuriz Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon LCBO 335174, $19.95

Born in Bordeaux during the 17th century from an accidental crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Sauv is now the most widely planted grape in the world—which leads some to grumble that its popularity has displaced indigenous varieties. One response is to blend it with softer, fruitier local grapes—Cab famously plays well with others. In cool climates, where ripeness is an issue, it can show notes of green bell pepper. In very hot locations, wines can taste like blackcurrant jam. That said, today’s growers and winemakers have ways to compensate for such extremes. Tannic and intense, with a sturdy acidity, some Bordeaux and Californian Cabs are made to be aged for years before drinking; most are aimed at more impatient customers.

Chile’s Aconcagua Valley is renowned for ripe, dense Cabs. Expect complex depths here, with smoky oak, dark chocolate and cedar woven into the cassis and black fruit flavours. A fulsome red, but beautifully balanced, it will delight the wine lover.

138 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2023