If I Could Buy Only One – March 29th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the March 29th release, which one would it be and why?”
Muga Selección Especial 2019, Rioja, Spain
$55.95, Vinexx
Michael Godel – Muga’s Selección Especial 2019, DOCa Rioja is a blend of tempranillo, garnacha tinta, graciano and mazuelo grown in the clay-limestone (tertiary era) terraces located on the slopes of Montes Obarenes and Sierra Cantabria. The wine sees 26 months in only French, (no American) wood and a further 18 months in bottle ahead of release. From an ordained top quality Rioja vintage and of a DOCa designation that is neither Reserva nor Gran Reserva but something unique to certain regional wines. In other words the fruit and not the cellar work is the focus and the locus points for the Selección satisfy the given condition of those that are chosen. A condition of suave, silken and subtly structured Rioja that seduces with its sweet perfume and soft-spoken, smoky flavours. Kind of dreamy actually and a vintage like this should easily age 10 more years. Fabulous wine.
David Lawrason – That favourite Robert Parker word – hedonism – is not often applied to wine these days, but this beauty defines it. It was aged a very long time in new French oak – 36 months! So yes, expect at lot wood resin, spice and vanilla, with jammy berry fruit in the background. But the texture is the star here – very rich, satiny smooth, cushy and warm, with fine but well ingrained and firming tannin. The length is excellent. I expect this wine will live decades, bit poised now as well.
Quercioli Lambrusco Di Sorbara Secco, Emilia Romagna, Italy
$14.95, Profile Wine Group (Vin Vino)
Sara d’Amato – Unwind, savour the present, and leave your worries behind—especially when it comes to your wallet. If that mindset resonates with you, this effortlessly chic, easy-drinking gem may be the perfect companion to help get you there. A fresh, lighter twist on Lambrusco, this rosé offers a crisp, dry finish with an energizing zest, layered with delicate notes of rosebud and plum. It’s stylish, smooth, and irresistibly easy to enjoy, with a charm that appeals to just about everyone.
Cave Spring Vineyard Chardonnay 2023, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario
$21.95, Cave Spring Cellars
John Szabo – Keeping with the theme this week, my only one is a home grown beauty and a stellar value in any context: Cave Spring’s 2023 Estate Grown Chardonnay. It’s a marvel of balance and freshness, and at the price would make for a lovely, sophisticated by-the-glass option. And as a bonus, it’s made with care and respect for the planet – winemaker Gabriel Demarco is leaving no leaf unturned in the pursuit of true sustainability in the vineyard, and what’s more, sharing the results of the research with other local growers to better the industry as a whole. Chapeau bas.
Thirty Bench Small Lot Wild Cask Riesling 2021, Ontario, Canada
$32.00, Andrew Peller Limited
Megha Jandhyala – If I could buy just one wine from the latest LCBO Vintages release, I would choose the 2020 Thirty Bench Small Lot Wild Cask Riesling. It’s local and reasonably priced, yes, but most importantly, it is an excellent example of Ontario riesling. There is a lightness of being here combined with intensity of flavour that I find beguiling – bright acidity, subtle sweetness, and an abundance of fruit inhabit its impeccably balanced, agile frame. Also, I tend to eat and serve spice-infused food often, making this low-alcohol, high-acid, flavourful wine a harmonious addition to my dining table.
Use these quick links for access to all of our March 29th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – March 29th
Lawrason’s Take – March 29th
Megha’s Picks – March 29th
Michael’s Mix – March 29th
Sara’s Selections – March 29th
