These are certainly the bottles I returned to throughout the year.
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Another year of swirling, tasting, and sipping has come and gone. But before we fully launch into wining in 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on the year that was. One question I’m most often asked is, what is your favourite wine to drink? Of course there’s not one answer, too many evolving factors to consider: meal, mood, date, company. That said, upon reflection there are certainly bottles I returned to throughout the year. So with apologies to Spotify, here are the three wines comprising the 2024 Wine Guy Wrapped.
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Blue Mountain 2020 Brut Rosé, B.C.
($35, available through the winery and select private wine stores)
Back in February I was singing the praises of Blue Mountain’s Brut Rosé as an ideal bottle to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but the reality is that pink sparkling should be in the wine repertoire all year. To wit: “Clichés be darned—there’s good reason why pink bubbly is associated with romance. The seductive colour, the kiss of tingly bubbles on the lips — it’s a recipe made for pleasurable celebration. This fine sparkler is a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expressive aromas of red berry and citrus lead off, with a rich and robust entry, a touch of mineral and earth mid-palate, and a lip-smacking, dry yet punchy finish. Year in and year out Blue Mountain’s R.D. Brut Rosé is dependably delicious and elegant.”
Bottom line: A, Classy toast to anyone.
Domaine Beaufumé 2022 Chablis, France
($42.99 on sale until Jan. 25, 54893)
Last September I went back to wine school, which served as a reminder that numerous old school wine regions became classic for a reason. Let’s revisit: “Without a doubt, it’s fun exploring up-and-coming wine regions and tasting unconventional wine styles. But it’s also amazing to revisit the classics (which, let’s admit, are famed for a reason). Don’t think you’re a fan of Chardonnay? Well then try a bottle of Chablis. The northernmost region of Burgundy, Chablis is world-renowned for it’s lively, focused and elegant whites. The style is evident in Domaine Beaufumé’s Chablis, which has wonderful citrus and mineral notes with a smooth entry complemented by the tension of acidity before a balanced, lemony finish. And yes, it’s 100 per cent Chardonnay.”
Bottom line: A-, Pair with seafood or cream-based sauces.
Matilda Nieves 2021 Mencia, Spain
($25.99, #442106)
The red wines I return to on the regular tend to be lively with a lick of acidity. This Spanish Mencia was originally highlighted as a great all around pick for the holiday table, but in truth it’s fantastic any day of the year. “The Ribeira Sacra area of northwest Spain is certainly not the most well-known wine region, but there’s no need to look further if you want to surprise a wine fan or group of friends with a new tasty red. In Ribeira Sacra, Mencía is the red grape of note, and this bottle provides a great representation of both its prowess and elegance. Pouring a dullish garnet, it boasts an abundance of aromatics: flowers, red fruit, herbs, a touch of earth. It’s juicy and smooth, but also lithe and engaging.”
Bottom line: A, Fresh, elegant, complex.
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