My future mother-in-law (I’m speculating here) threw a birthday party for me the other week with all of my favorite foods from canapés to dessert. As is custom in polite society, you never show up for dinner without a host/hostess gift- preferably wine.

Now, I know her tastes in wine- I can call her first choice on any given wine list. On this occasion however, I wanted to bring a wine, outside of her regular repertoire, that would provide her with something new and exciting while simultaneously providing the high quality & comfort that her chosen reds regularly provide.

My choice, J. Lohr’s  Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (currently a 2011 harvest released in April of this year)- A personal favorite and staple in my ‘wine diet.’ It is consistently the most popular wine in the LCBO’s Vintages Essentials collection and when you taste it, you will understand why. This Californian red is full bodied and full of ripe fruit like black plum and cherry. 2011 was a cool vintage in California, making this wine mature & flavorful with a soft finish. Give it a swish to get a whiff of vanilla & cedar and let this red linger in your mouth to really enjoy its redolent flavor.

Some say that this wine works best with grilled steaks and dark truffles but I enjoy just sipping this beauty both before and during dinner. (It complimented my homemade birthday lasagna perfectly.)

And the verdict? My fabulous hostess loved it too and needless to say, will be picking up a bottle or two for her own wine rack!

J. Lohr’s Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect gifting wine for house warming’s or for the host at this year’s holiday dinners. Pick up a bottle at in the LCBO’s Vintages section for a cool $21.95.

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