If I Could Buy Only One – May 25th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the May 25th release, which one would it be and why?”

Hart Of The Barossa Ye Brave Shiraz 2021, South Australia, Australia
$29.95, Insider Wine
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is the Hart of the Barossa Ye Brave Shiraz 2021. Of all the wines I tasted from the latest LCBO release, this was the most striking and memorable. From the longest-standing organic vineyard in the Barossa Valley, it is a potent, bewitching shiraz, saturated with lush, dark, succulent fruit, while distinctly herbal aromas of menthol and mint and finely integrated oak flavours add dimension. I also find it alluringly voluptuous, supported by fine-grained tannins, and firm acidity, while alcohol is well-integrated. There is such intensity here and yet, a sense of poise and self-possession. At under $30, I would buy a couple of bottles of this wine for my cellar! 

David Lawrason – Let’s not judge on style but quality. Aussie shiraz has become a villain of a style, which you can drink or not drink.  But I love the aromatics and textures here.  Hart of the Barossa, by the Hart family, is sourced from one of the oldest organically farmed sites in Barossa, est 1902. This is an elegantly rendered, very pure, smooth and almost beguiling shiraz with beautiful mulberry, plum and floral notes inlaid with fine oak and just a hint of menthol. It is medium-full bodied, almost creamy yet quite delicate with a very fine tannin weave. I really like the integration and balance of this wine. And the length is excellent, trailing some licorice and pepper. 

Gérard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul De Pinet 2022, Languedoc, France
$18.95, Family Wine Merchants
Sara d’Amato – Light and bright, a wine that will whisk you away to the French Mediterranean coast with its zesty salinity and aromas of herbs de Provence. A variety that is rarely seen grown outside of the south of France and Catalonia in Spain, although a smattering can be found in Australia, Sonoma, and Washington. Bertrand’s Picpoul consistently delivers excellent value and typicity. With a distinctive chalky minerality, fleshy peach, lime, and a touch of passion fruit, try pairing it with ceviche, raw oysters, or steamed white asparagus with thyme-infused butter this summer.  

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.

Lawrason’s Take
Megha’s Picks
Sara’s Selections