Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2009, BC VQA Okanagan Valley $29
If you want to put your money where your mouth is in this precarious age, an investment in good wine pays dividends far faster than a musty stock certificate. But if you want to know exactly what's in the bottle, you have to put blind trust in winemaker David Enns, a former financial consultant, because each year he has carte blanche to change the blend. The 2009 is a meaty Bordeaux-style (mostly merlot) red that's affordable and dependable. It has rich colour, flavours of oak and commendable intensity. Enjoy with grilled or smoked meats and earthy wild mushroom dishes, especially ones with fresh herbs such as rosemary. Good aging potential. Available at BC and VQA Liquor Stores; also private wine shops.
Kasey Wilson is food editor of Wine Access magazine and editor of Best Places Vancouver.