If I Could Buy Only One – November 16th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the November 16th release, which one would it be and why?”
Le Ragose Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2012, Veneto, Italy
$92.95, Carpe Vinum International
David Lawrason – I am rarely excited by Amarones, largely because I find them overblown. But when one comes along that balances its alcohol (16% here) to the point it seems to disappear, then I am impressed. Add the dimension of maturity and things get really interesting. Great walking-in-the-woods fragrance here with very ripe dried fig/kalamata olive fruit, dried leaves, leather, sage and fine wood spice. It is medium-full bodied, very elegant, warm and so well balanced, with outstanding length. An ideal Holidays treat to give or receive.
Elsa Macdonald, MW – The winter is coming and that means holiday celebration evenings that culminate by the fire with your closest family and friends. It is a time for wines of contemplation; those rich in flavour depth, breadth, and length and that foster conversations around the past, present and future. Figs, prunes, raisins, roasted nuts, and plums like a classic English pudding. Linger over it with hard cheeses and toasted nuts. 14 years since harvest, this wine offers an elegant integration of flavours yet plenty of concentration and succulence. Timeless elegance; evolved, vibrant, nuanced.
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2020, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
$52.00, Arterra Wines Canada
Michael Godel – When a well-structured wine enters the zone it is surely worth sounding the Only One alert. Such is the case for Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2020 which has now fully come around the latest curve, continuing to gather speed but also accumulating terroir. Grand indeed, à point for LCJ, the efforts and passion of Thomas Bachelder and a terrific Niagara growing season. A full chewy mouthful of varietal fruit, persistent in its freshness and a whole whack of low-ish pH sapidity to create a true savoury sensation. Showing at peak right here, at this moment, right now.
Palliser Estate Chardonnay 2022, Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand
$34.95, Family Wine Merchants
Sara d’Amato – A small splurge for a premium, gift-worthy white of notable value. Stylish and salty, this lemony, caramel-flecked chardonnay of mixed clonal heritage is both refreshing and comforting. Finely crafted with great attention to detail, the palate is marked by notes of lime leaf, thyme, laurel, stone fruit, and passion fruit, with toasted macadamia adding richness. Strikes a mouthwatering balance with notable length. Complex, widely appealing, and its origins are just curio enough to spark conversation.
Stratus Riesling Icewine 2023, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Ontario (200ml)
$44.95, Stratus Vineyards
Megha Jandhyala – Sweet wines seem to have fallen out of favour in recent times but I think the best examples can be just the sort of indulgence, in small measure, that we need to brighten up any day and especially any get-together. If I had to choose just one wine to buy from the LCBO’s latest Vintages release, Stratus’s melodious and resonant riesling-based ice wine would undoubtedly be what I gravitate towards. I find its dulcet tones of wildflower honey, apricot reduction, candied and spiced orange peel, and preserved lemon bewitching. Radiant acids and a refreshingly bitter, pithy finish complement sweetness on the palate and there is so much concentration, complexity, and length in this wine! I think it would pair beautifully with rich, creamy cheeses like goat brie or camembert should you choose to serve it or savour it over the holidays.
Use these quick links for access to all of our November 16th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – November 16th
Megha’s Picks – November 16th
Sara’s Selections – November 16th
