We can all agree that a wine that is well paired to the dish we are enjoying is always a good choice. But, most of us also have a few favourites that pair with our mood, rather than our food. Here are a few of our go-to choices when we’re feeling the need for a soul-comforting, wrap-you-in-warmth kind of wine.

Post House Blueish Black Blend 2010

Reviewed by: Tony Aspler
Editor Rating: Very Good
$15
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Review Summary:
Deep purple-black in colour; spicy, peppery, floral, blackberry nose with an oaky note; lovely mouthfeel, elegant and muscular with a firm finish. Great value.

Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2008

Reviewed by: Tony Aspler
Editor Rating: Very Good
$16
Rioja, Spain

Review Summary:
Alvaro Palacios is one of the most exciting young winemakers in Spain. This is a rich Tempranillo wine with a nose of blackberries, blackcurrants and pencil lead with a floral note.

Project Paso Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Reviewed by: Evan Saviolidis
Editor Rating: Very Good
$18
Paso Robles, California

Review Summary:
The Project Paso is a fruit-driven and immediately accessible wine from the warm Paso Robles AVA. Medium-bodied and smooth, it churns out black cherry, dark plum, toast and cinnamon on the lengthy finale.

Domaine de St-Siffrein Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010

Reviewed by: Tony Aspler
Editor Rating: Excellent
$40
Rhône, France

Review Summary:
This is really cellar-worthy. Dense purple in colour, it offers a nose of cedar, blackberry and toasted herbs. Full-bodied on the palate with dry, savoury, blackberry flavour, firmly structured with an earthy finish.

Road 13 Syrah-Malbec 2011

Reviewed by: Gurvinder Bhatia
Editor Rating: Very Good
$42
Okanagan, Canada

Review Summary:
Dark and silky in texture with layers of blackberry, black cherry, liquorice, sweet leather and fresh herbs; soft tannins and a long, fresh finish.