If I Could Buy Only One – April 11th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the April 11th release, which one would it be and why?”
Kir Yianni Ramnista Single Vineyard Xinomavro 2020, Naoussa, Greece
$39.95, The Kolonaki Group Inc.
John Szabo – In recognition of next week’s “Greek Wine Week” with events rolling out across the GTA, and more importantly, an amazing wine from an old world, time tested grape-and-place combination, my only this week has to be Kir Yianni’s Ramnista Xinomavro 2020 from Naoussa, Greece. The late Yianni Boutari, founder of the Kir-Yianni estate was undoubtedly a pioneer and key figure in reviving and promoting the fortunes of the Naoussa appellation of northern Greece, and especially its protagonist red variety xinomavro, clearly one of the country’’s best. I’’ve had 20+ year old bottles from this Ramnista vineyard and I can report that it ages magnificently, and I can also say that more current vintages, like this 2020, are even superior, with son Stelios Boutari at the helm. It’s worth buying multiple bottles of to follow over the next 10 to 20 years.Fans of Barolo/Barbaresco will find a family kinship with xinomavro.
Barone Ricasoli Brolio Bettino Chianti Classico 2022, Tuscany, Italy
$28.95, The Case for Wine
Go to school on this textbook, not a hair out of place, well-made Chianti Classico. And a nice surprise from one the region’s largest producers. The nose is unmistakably sangiovese with generous, bright red currant/red cherry fruit, fresh herbs (rosemary/basil) and subtle, fine barrel spice. Some anise as well. It is medium weight, smooth and polished yet lively with juicy acidity, some heat (14.5%) and fine combed tannin. The flavour intensity and length are excellent. All so even! Tasted April 2026
Château De Montfaucon Côtes Du Rhône 2022, Rhône, France
$20.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
Michael Godel – In this opinion the WineAlign “Only One” is a category reserved for truly special wines, one of a kind, sometimes even unicorn bottles that can’t be imitated. For the most part, these kinds of wines are expensive. Sometimes there is a Sku that is a wine for it’s time and place – and the furthest thing from expensive. Some Côtes Du Rhône can take on the big dogs, case in point Château De Montfaucon’s “La Côte,” meaning coast, though one can’t help but intuit a secondary, more confidently purposed meaning. Note the definite article, as if to say this Côtes du Rhône is “the one.” No lack for conviction to use the word “La” and yet with the winery’s alternate label Château De Montfaucon Côtes Du Rhône 2022 (sans “La Côte”), it would also be hard to argue against the quality for the price in an absolute stunner. Engrossing and ideal levels of red fruit, sharp acidity and spicy undertones. Hard to find this kind of purity in wines denoted with lesser definite articles, which includes some from more prestigious and vaunted Rhône appellations.
Culmina Dilemma Chardonay 2022, British Columbia, Canada
$39.95, Arterra Wines Canada
Sara d’Amato – A chardonnay that will make you take notice is my pick of the week from Culmina, a family-owned premium winery in the Okanagan Valley, fluent in the language of emotive whites. Intensely concentrated, almost unruly, with a mouthwatering force that may verge on too much for some. Rich notes of clarified butter, rigid lees, tangy acidity, and ripe stone fruit. Fermented in stainless steel and French oak (new and seasoned), delivering only a vague impression of oak spice. It electrifies the palate, lighting up every corner of the mouth. Best left to settle; time will tame its exuberance or charge yourself up now.
Use these quick links for access to all of our April 11th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – April 11th
Lawrason’s Take – April 11th
Michael’s Mix – April 11th
Sara’s Selections – April 11th
