If I Could Buy Only One – October 19th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the October 19th release, which one would it be and why?”

Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna Rosso 2021, Sicily, Italy
$37.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines
David Lawrason – Being fan of light reds and wanting to spread my budget around, I would purchase a few bottles of this organic dazzler from the slopes of Mt Etna. It launches with a bright aromatic display of cranberry, botanicals, nutmeg-like spice. It is medium weight, intense and juicy with fresh acidity, warmth and all-round great energy. Tannins are gritty and firm but in a constructive way. Should age nicely for three years, but it would never last that long at my place.

San Polo Rubio 2021, Tuscany, Italy
$24.95, Profile Wine Group (Vin Vino)
John Szabo – My only one this week ticks a number of boxes, not least of which is utter deliciousness: San Polo’s 2021 Rubio IGT Toscana from the estate’s vineyards in Montalcino. The winery has a genuine commitment to sustainability, with certified organic vineyards that go well beyond the minimum requirements, while the production facility is the first winery in Tuscany to be certified.CasaClima, an organization widely recognised as a point of reference for energy efficient and sustainable construction, one of the leading names in energy in Europe. And the one? It’s composed of sangiovese with 10% merlot and 5% cabernet franc, and is terrifically honest and forthright, comfortably balanced and elegant, a sheer delight to sip. This would be at ease on the table with many Tuscan wines at twice the price. Drink or hold up to 5 years.”

Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2021, Mosel, Germany
$39.95, Select Wine Merchants
Michael Godel – WineAlign’s “Only One” concept defines wines that are top quality regional, typically geographical and/or appellative examples that are not always available or easy to find. Especially at the LCBO where you are afforded the possibility to purchase just one bottle. Auslese-level riesling is exactly that kind of category and Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2021 is certainly from one of the Mosel’s most famous vineyards and in the hands of experience for a half bottle of dessert level, late harvest riesling to pair with a serious piece of cheese. A demure nose but one that slowly, effortlessly and gracefully begins to emerge. So young and so far from getting to its first important developmental milestone which means when you purchase this benchmark wine you need to be patient and give some time before opening the first bottle. For now the push-pull between fruit and acidity is a mellow affair, well ahead of what is to come for what will be a trenchant, fervent and incisive example. The balance is clearly a matter of stride for stride connectivity and the future is wide open.

Courtois La Grange Vinsobres 2022, Rhône, France
$19.95, VinoLuna
Sara d’Amato – This week I have my eye on a Cru from the Rhône Valley priced remarkably well at under $20. From historic parcels in the heights of Vinsobres owned by the Courtois family, this grenache-syrah blend is marked with notes of spicy pink peppercorn, lavender, mint, fig, cherry, and plum. Fleshy with voluminous, ripened tannins yet the alcohol remains below 14% (just shy of chestwarming) which is not uncommon for this northern, higher altitude appellation. – This week I have my eye on a Cru from the Rhône Valley priced remarkably well at under $20. From historic parcels in the heights of Vinsobres owned by the Courtois family, this grenache-syrah blend is marked with notes of spicy pink peppercorn, lavender, mint, fig, cherry, and plum. Fleshy with voluminous, ripened tannins yet the alcohol remains below 14% (just shy of chestwarming) which is not uncommon for this northern, higher altitude appellation.

Use these quick links for access to all of our October 19th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-Premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – October 19th
Michael’s Mix – October 19th
Sara’s Selections – October 19th
Szabo’s Smart Buys – October 19th