If I Could Buy Only One – January 10th Vintages Release

We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the January 10th release, which one would it be and why?”

Lavau Côtes Du Rhône 2024, Rhône, France
$14.95, Connexion Oenophilia
John Szabo – My only one comes from a region long regarded as a source of excellent value wines, the kind you’ll always find on a Parisien bistro list (and everywhere else): the southern Rhône. What makes the region such a hotbed for value? Simple, really: good weather, lots of production and many multi-generational family estates, whose debts are paid. Case in point: Lavau 2024 Côtes du Rhône. The vinous story of the Lavau family begins in the 19th century, and today Maison Lavau owns 140 hectares of vineyards and has partnerships with some 350 winegrowers across virtually every appellation in the southern Rhône. This is a thoroughly delicious, plump and juicy, soft and velvety southern Rhône red brimming with fruit. Give it a light chill.

Kutjevo Grasevina 2024, Croatia
$19.95, Croatia Unpacked
Megha Jandhyala – I think the beginning of the year is a great time to try unfamiliar experiences that lie off-the-beaten track. My “only one” this week is therefore a gorgeously silky grašvina (also known as welschriesling in Austria) from the Slavonian region of Croatia. Its texture is what draws me in first and foremost: I really like its rich and glossy palate, supported by taut acidity. I also find its flavour profile charming, composed of crisp lines of crunchy orchard fruit and juicy lemons, with soft nuances of subtle toast – all of which fade gradually on the long finish. At under $20, it is everything I want from a January wine – interesting, delicious, and reasonably priced!

Basilica Cafaggio Single Estate Chianti Classico Docg 2022, Panzano, Tuscany, Italy
$19.95, Select Wine Merchants
Michael Godel – Everyone searching for a high quality affordable red to survive these next two and a half Ontario winter months should look no further. For the region’s 2022 vintage it is this Cafaggio Chianti Classico DOCG 2022, Panzano that represents perfectly fit and proper sangiovese with balance accorded and afforded all the way through. A wine of the Panzano UGA’s riches but also tannic austerity connected by the acidity made available and captured to strengthen the overall bond. A Cafaggio vintage that impresses with its mix of fortitude and charm. Drink 2026-2029. Tasted in Florence at The Chianti Classico Collection, February 2025.

Closerie Des Alisiers Petit Chablis 2023, Burgundy, France
$29.95, Connexion Oenophilia
Sara d’Amato – This Petit Chablis notably overdelivers, flirting with Village Chablis territory. True to style, with gentle, creamy lees rounding the edges. Bright and well-defined, it’s both crisp and satisfyingly structured, with more substance than expected. One of the more memorable values in a ho-hum VINTAGES release.

Domaine Font Sarade Les Hauts De La Ponche Vacqueyras 2024, Rhone, France
$31.95, Five Senses Wine & Spirits.
David Lawrason – This was not included in the WineAlign tasting, as the agent said the order was too small. But being a real Vacquyeras fan I couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle after the fact. And I am very glad I did. It is a bit youthfully raw and rugged but it captures so much of this warm, mineral-driven southern Rhone appellation. The blend is 50% grenache, 25% syrah and 25% mourvedre – the latter delivering its meaty character on the nose and firm tannin on the finish. The syrah delivers pepper and spice, the grenache jammy fruit. Not sure where the tarragon is coming from. It is medium-full bodied firm and almost stern with youthful, starchy tannin. There is warmth and energy and minerality here. Lots of character for the price. Best 2028 to 2035. As of Wednesday there were 90-some bottles scattered in Vintages Flagship Stores in the GTA and Ottawa.

Use these quick links for access to all of our January 10th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – January 10th
Lawrason’s Take – January 10th
Michael’s Mix – January 10th
Sara’s Selections – January 10th
Megha’s Picks – January 10th