If I Could Buy Only One – October 11th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the October 11th release, which one would it be and why?”
Volcanes De Chile Tectonia Syrah 2020, Limari Valley, Chile
$24.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
John Szabo – The Limarì Valley in northern Chile gets a slice of spotlight in the October 11 Vintages release, a region that stands out for its uncommon, active limestone soils and the regular cooling Camanchaca fog that rolls in every evening and burns off in the mornings. Wines of particular saltiness, pungent aromatics and humming energy result. Case in point is the characterful Volcanes De Chile Tectonia Syrah 2020. There are no volcanoes in the region, but you’ll nonetheless enjoy this savoury, smoky, flavourful, earthy and peppery syrah with ample palate presence. Plenty to admire here; drink or hold into the early 2030s.
Château D’Aquéria Tavel Rosé 2024, Rhône, France
$26.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Megha Jandhyala – My only one this week is the Château D’Aquéria’s 2024 Tavel. This is no pale, Provençal-style rosé of delicate constitution. The colour of a Mexican fire opal, this wine glitters with the lucence of perfectly ripe red fruit and flickers of garrigue, wet stones, and pepper. It is wonderfully engaging and multifaceted, its vivid flavours lending it the versatility to pair well with a wide variety of foods, including mildly spiced South-Asian cuisine, like tandoori salmon or egg biryani. This textbook Tavel has personality and presence, and though its price has been climbing up over the years, it still represents good value!
Ken Forrester Sparklehorse Cap Classique Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2022, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$29.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Sara d’Amato – Proof that fine sparkling wine doesn’t need a French passport, ‘Cap Classique’ is the South African term for traditional method fizz and this find spends even longer on the lees than is required for non-vintage French Champagne. Fuelled by old vine chenin blanc, it bubbles with personality—elegant and frothy, it is sure to charm with broad appeal, balancing a touch of sweet dosage with a racy, acidic wave.
Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$49.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
Michael Godel – Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Stellenbosch, South Africa is a cabernet sauvignon of the Helderberg, great mountain and focal point on the False Bay side of Stellenbosch. Generally picked late in April and here from 2022, a vintage warmer and riper than the average, of alcohol finishing at 14 percent. The season always goes long where fully south facing vines determine a wine out of rich clay-iron soils, all facing the ocean. The 2022 may just be the most complete cabernet sauvignon package made by the Mullineuxs under their Leeu Passant label. The structure is impeccable and the fruit serves its master well. Go long in your cellar with this purest of Western Cape varietal wines.
Vietti Castiglione Barolo 2020, Piedmont, Italy
$83.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits
David Lawrason – I am not a huge follower of Barolo, but I am a real fan of nebbiolo – especially of late enjoying vibrant, elegant, less expensive Langhe Nebbiolo. To the point where I understand Barolo better now, and really appreciate examples that layer complexity and add depth without masking nebbiolo’s basic charm. This is one such example – a grand yet somehow very refined and elegant Barolo that ticks all the boxes. From an estate with a winemaking heritage going back to 1800, yet a very modern ‘woke’ ethos today. The colour is pale, glowing ember garnet. The nose wafts a very fine weave of sour cherry, almond, leather, forest floor and wood spice with dried rosemary and other botanicals. It is medium bodied, warming, smooth and so well integrated. Lovely texture, managed tannins and excellent to outstanding length. A solid cellar acquisition and/or a wine to aerate and enjoy this autumn.
Use these quick links for access to all of our October 11th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – October 11th
Lawrason’s Take – October 11th
Michael’s Mix – October 11th
Megha’s Picks – October 11th
Sara’s Selections – October 11th
