If I Could Buy Only One – February 7th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the February 7th release, which one would it be and why?”
Poboleda Bon Mas 2020, Priorat, Spain
$27.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse)
Megha Jandhyala – At less than $30, the Poboleda Bon Mas is a delicious introduction to both the region and the well-known winery from which it comes. A few years ago, I visited Mas Doix in Priorat and tasted some exquisite wines in their stunning tasting room. Looking out over the dramatic, stony landscape of this renowned Spanish region (one of only two to have the DOCa designation, a step up from DOC) I was struck by how inhospitable the terrain is. That vintners coax gorgeous wines from this land is something that is both improbable and inspiring. The Poboleda is an opportunity to experience the fruits of this “heroic winemaking”. It is also a chance to taste a delightful grenache. I love how lush yet fresh it is, with notes of supple red fruit, herbs, and pepper. It is ready to enjoy but can also be cellared for a couple of years, and I plan to grab a few bottles of this wine for my cellar!
Tawse Growers Blend Cabernet Franc 2020, Ontario, Canada
$29.95, Tawse
Michael Godel – Tawse Growers Blend Cabernet Franc 2020 is shockingly fresh and still holding on to its primary fruit from a wine made by the late great Paul Pender in the Covid vintage. Crisp capture of cabernet franc as only Tawse will do and Growers Blend is by now the dictionary entry for this fruit-centric style to which wood is a perfect compliment. The anniversary of Paul’s passing was just a few days ahead of this release and I would suggest every Ontario wine lover grabs a bottle of this quintessential Niagara cabernet franc, raise a glass and toast the man.
Valsangiacomo Vittore Vermouth Reserva, Valencia, Spain
$24.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse)
Sara d’Amato – Hard not to be seduced by this beautifully rendered and expressive vermouth from a venerable house that knows exactly what it’s doing. The white Reserva steps beyond the classic Vittore cuvée, pouring a deeper tawny-orange hue that hints at its quietly guarded “ancestral formula”. Aromatically lifted yet almost caramelised, it features Alpine and Mediterranean botanicals alongside warming notes of vanilla and toasted almond. The palate is effortlessly engaging and also notably complex with a long, sumptuous finish with lingering notes of dried herbs and wildflowers.
Divergence Hughes Vineyard Rosé Brut Sparkling 2021, Ontario, Canada
$39.95, Marynissan Estates
David Lawrason – Given that I am likely to be shopping for a Valentine offering, I would confidently purchase this local heart warmer. It is a wine of precision that declares itself. It is 100% pinot noir from mature vines of the Hughes Vineyard. It shines brightly in the glass, with fairly deep pearl pink shading. The nose jumps with strawberry strudel, fine pinot dried leaves/tobacco and light toast. It is light to mid-weight, with just a hint of softening sweetness, but a bold line of acidity. The length is excellent length. It was aged two years in bottle then disgorged with a mere 1gm litre dosage comprised of organic beet sugar. As of Wednesday over 350 bottles were spread across numerous LCBO Vintages stores, with most showing less than 12 bottles.
And that’s a wrap for this edition. We return two weeks hence with a review of Vintages February 21 release with its focus on wines from the Southern Hemisphere.
Use these quick links for access to all of our February 7th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – February 7th
Michael’s Mix – February 7th
Sara’s Selections – February 7th
Megha’s Picks – February 7th
