Eight exciting wines that announce the onset of the festive season

Catena's chardonnay blend is made from grapes grown in four high-elevation vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina.Catena Zapata/Supplied

The festive onslaught seems premature this year, with an early start for Hallmark holiday programming and surprise sightings of seasonal gift packs in liquor stores this week. Ready or not, the countdown is on.

The good news for wine lovers is a marked increase in the availability of interesting wines, including some of the most sought-after bottles from around the world.

You don’t have to be in the market for splurge-worthy Italian labels, such as the recent releases of Antinori Guado al Tasso 2022 or Sassicaia 2022, to benefit. Winemakers across the globe are becoming more sophisticated.

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This week’s recommendations include wines with established reputations such as Rocca delle Macie Riserva Chianti Classico and Torres Salmos, as well as emerging labels. Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay and Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc continue to evolve into becoming standouts in their respective countries, while Ringbolt Chardonnay joins a brand that’s focused on showcasing the quality of wines coming out of vineyards in Australia’s Margaret River region.

I’m not inclined to deck the halls until after Remembrance Day, but I’ll be looking to get a head start on stocking the cellar.

Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay 2023 (Argentina), $20.95

Rating: 90

A blend of chardonnay grown in four high-elevation vineyards in Mendoza owned by the Catena family, this expressive white wine delivers an invigorating mix of ripe peach and pear with zesty citrus flavours that gain complexity from toasty and nutty notes. The style is bright, juicy and focused, which makes this an appealing wine to drink now and over the next five years. This has 14-per-cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $24.99 in Manitoba, $21.95 in Quebec, $27.99 in Nova Scotia.

Château Bouscassé 2019 (France), $23.95

Rating: 93

Made by Alain Brumont and Antoine Veiry, this tannat and cabernet blend continues to attract international attention to the Madiran region in southwest France. It’s a powerful red wine that delivers a lot of layers and character for its price. The fragrance and flavours suggest a compelling mix of dark fruit, smoky and floral notes, with structure and balance that provide tremendous aging potential. This is still showing fresh and youthful primary and secondary notes with the promise of more complexity to come. This has 13.4-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2035. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $23.10 in Quebec, $34.79 in Newfoundland.

Errazuriz Max Carmenère 2022 (Chile), $19.95

Rating: 91

One of Chile’s leading wineries, Errazuriz is well-known for the quality of wines produced in the Aconcagua Valley, especially its flagship red wine, Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve. The Max label is a good value range of popular grapes varieties, including carmenère. Working with grapes grown in different parts of the region, this presents sweet berry and cherry fruit flavours with subtle oak and herbal accents. It’s juicy and dense with polished tannins that contribute to a polished, pleasing texture. This has 13.5-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2032. Available at the above price in Ontario, $20.98 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $23.99 in Saskatchewan, $21.99 in Manitoba, $23.76 in Nova Scotia.

Mouton Cadet Cuvée Héritage 2020 (France), $24.95

Rating: 90

It’s reassuring to see tried and trusted Mouton Cadet offer instantly recognizable red Bordeaux that’s savoury, spicy and gripping. The Héritage label is a step-up from the classic label and rewards with more concentrated tart fruit flavours and more tannin resulting in a fresh, substantial red that’s best enjoyed with a meal. This has 13-per- cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $24.95 in Quebec.

Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2023 (South Africa), $19.95

Rating: 92

Here’s a terrific chenin blanc that hails from the Stellenbosch and makes an impressive first impression with alluring aromas suggesting pear, apricot and honey. On the palate, rich and ripe flavours are broadcast as part of a balanced medium-bodied style that finishes with a clean sweep of acidity. A complete wine that’s great value for the price. This has 12.5-per-cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.

Ringbolt Chardonnay 2023 (Australia), $22.95

Rating: 91

This is the debut chardonnay from the Hill Smith family’s Margaret River brand, Ringbolt. Like the cabernet sauvignon, which has been produced since 2006, this is made to be a benchmark example of the complex and concentrated style of the Western Australia’s region. It’s a welcome addition that shows ripe peach, pear and melon fruit as part of its medium-bodied, balanced and refreshing character. I’m interested to see how this develops in the cellar. This has 13.5-per-cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Vegan. Drink now to 2030. Available in Ontario.

Rocca delle Macie Riserva Chianti Classico 2022 (Italy), $26.95

Rating: 91

Rocca delle Macie’s rewarding reserve wine blends sangiovese, cabernet and merlot to offer a mix of ripe cherry and plum fruit with savoury and earthy notes. Supple texture, approachable flavours and a fresh finish make it a satisfying red to enjoy with or without a meal. This has 14.5-per-cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2036. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $25.60 in Quebec.

Torres Salmos 2021 (Spain), $39.95

Rating: 93

Salmos is a red wine made by the Torres family in Priorat, a historic wine region that was revitalized in the 1990s. A blend of carignan and grenache, this makes the most of its core of red and dark fruit flavours with earthy and smoky notes that carry through to a lingering finish. The full-bodied style is powerful with a smooth texture and refreshing aftertaste. This has 14.5-per-cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2035. Available at the above price in Ontario, $54.98 in British Columbia (Everything Wine), $55.99 in Manitoba, $40.75 in Quebec, $51.50 in New Brunswick.