If I Could Buy Only One – November 2nd Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the November 2nd release, which one would it be and why?”
Morandé Vitis Única Carmenère 2021, Maipo Valley, Chile
$18.95, Majestic Wine Cellars
Sara d’Amato – If, like me, you favour reds with a more ethereal character, this impeccably balanced and distinctive carmenère provides exceptional value without the hefty price tag. Juicy and well-poised, the palate reveals a delicate interplay of salty and savory notes—full-bodied yet remarkably light, with a refined sense of restraint. With a gentle oak treatment and fine, chalky tannins, this stylish red should prove versatile with a wide range of dishes and would be especially at home on a festive table.
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2021, Ontario, Canada
$44.95, Stratus Vineyards
Michael Godel – The word “tannic” does not often first (second or third) come to mind when riesling is the subject but ’21 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2021, VQA Vinemount Ridge strikes that way from the first sip. This after a most unique aromatic begin, dried herbals for one thing and exotic spicing in a cumin-coriander masala way. Even more so fenugreek leaf and wait for it…maple syrup. Hard to say why ’21 emits this way but when these scents give way to the riesling’s body politic the effect is both exotic and promising. Baker himself says that the “2021 CB from Picone is true to form and represents the vintage properly. Elegant, refined, absorbs the richness with fine acidity. Long floral green toned finish. Will age beyond me.” Indeed this may just turn out to be Charles Baker’s longest lived of the Picones, right up there with the ’06, ’11 and ’16. Drink 2024-2036.
Falernia Titon Vineyard Syrah Reserva 2019, Elquí Valley, Chile
$22.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse)
John Szabo – My only one this week will be a bit more of a polarizing wine than usual, but consider it our opportunity to align (or not!). I was stopped in my tracks by the Falernia Titon Vineyard Syrah Reserva 2019 from the Elqui Valley in northern Chile. Titón was one of the first vineyards to be planted in this relatively newly discovered terroir, where the soils are more stones than dirt. I’ve visited this barren land, and it looks shockingly like the alluvial stones of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but the wine is far more northern Rhône in style – Côte-Rôtie or Hermitage – with an extreme amount of smoky, fresh road tar character on offer. As such, it will be a style that won’t appeal to everyone. But if you do like the style, you’ll want to buy it by the case.
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2021, California, USA
$72.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
David Lawrason – I have long been a not so secret admirer of top notch California pinot noir – not the goopy commercial bands, but true artisan editions that capture that certain “pinosity’ within California’s gentle ambiance. This is a case in point. What captivating, uplifted aromas – a literal bouquet of fruits and florals – cherry, raspberry, rose petal, fine herbs and barrel spices that are so well meshed. It is medium weight, supple and generous yet built on a fine mineral line. Tannins are a mere suggestion. Very focused with excellent to outstanding length.
Use these quick links for access to all of our November 2nd Top Picks in the New Release. Non-Premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – November 2nd
Michael’s Mix – November 2nd
Sara’s Selections – November 2nd
Szabo’s Smart Buys – November 2nd
