If I Could Buy Only One – November 4 VINTAGES Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”

($34.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.)
Michael Godel – There’s just something special and comforting about truly traditional, old world wines when they are expressive of heritage and culture in the cleanest of modern ways. This is the reason the Barón De Ley Gran Reserva 2016 is a must buy for drinking now, but also over the coming five to ten years. A somewhat lighter, more restrained Gran Reserva from 2016, of fineness and grace. Not the baddest or boldest vintage but instead a Rioja of less forceful wood, tannin, austerity and power. Less concentration and structure means less wood influence and while this may not age forever it will make its graceful and quiet descent over a good 10 year’s time. A lovely Rioja from the Baron and one very much appreciated for its finesse.

($46.95, Sylvestre Wines & Spirits Inc.)
John Szabo – If there’s anytime of year to enjoy fortified wines, this is it. And my only one this week is the magnificent single quinta Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Port 2001. Taylor’s celebrated Vargellas vineyard is one of the company’s, and region’s finest, in the portfolio since 1893. The 2001 is evolving marvellously now, in fine drinking form, showing a classically rich and complex amalgam of red and black fruit, caramelized nuts and scorched orange zest, wild flowers and pot pourri, and much more. It’s a model of balance, sweet but not overly so, with such presence and staying power, a terrific value overall in the vintage port context. The half bottle is enough for four healthy, three-ounce pours, alongside the cheese board (blue cheese is the classic pairing, though fig tart would be memorable), or sipping solo by the fire.

Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Port 2001. As the weather turns chillier, a warm, supple, and decadent port seems especially appealing. Moreover, for those who celebrate Diwali, this could make for a delicious addition to your meal, perhaps paired with a selection of Diwali sweets. Sourced from a single vineyard, Vargellas, it is beautifully evolved now, with intricately integrated, concentrated flavours, including a wide array of dried fruit, candied orange peel, burnt caramel, and dried flowers. The palate is consummately balanced, sweet but never cloying, and the finish is remarkably enduring.

($39.95, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited)
Sara d’Amato – GSM blends (grenache – syrah – mataro) are a cool weather favourite of mine and here’s one with more freshness and elegance than the norm. Red-fruited grenache takes the lead in this assemblage that boasts the inclusion of centenarian vines. From the very successful vintage of 2021, this St. Hugo Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2021 features pungent aromatic botanicals and spices as well as a satisfying salinity to the palate.

Use these quick links for access to all of our Top Picks in the New Release. Non-Premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.

Szabo’s Smart Buys
Sara’s Selections
Megha’s Picks
Michael’s Mix