If I Could Buy Only One – December 11th VINTAGES Release

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

($24.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.)
David Lawrason– I am a big fan of New Zealand pinot noir, and this Otagan delivers so much of what I like about the genre. This Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 is downright delicious, very well made, generous to the point of being obvious, capturing classic strawberry/cherry fruit with all kinds of wild sage/thyme, moderate oak vanillin, toast and spice. It is medium weight, very smooth, soft and hinting at some sweetness, yet just piquant enough with warm alcohol, fresh acidity and moderate tannin. Flavour intensity is very impressive; the length is excellent. The price makes it a no-brainer value.

Editor’s Note: Although listed in the December 11th Vintages Release, the Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019 is currently unavailable at LCBO stores (as of Dec 18th). It is either late in shipping, or, sold out. The 2020 vintage may be available from importer Nicolas Pearce Wines Inc.

($51.95, Vin Vino Wine Merchants Inc.)
John Szabo– A personal splurge, a special gift, a wine for the cellar, or, a wine to drink this holiday–there’s one wine from the December 11th release that ticks all of these boxes: the Aurelio Settimo Barolo 2016. It’s no secret I’m often swept away by great examples of Nebbiolo, and this is one of them, a beautifully perfumed, traditionally-styled Barolo from classicist Tiziana Settimo in a great vintage, delivering textbook aromatics in a complex and beguiling expression. Tannins are already fine-grained but abundant, making it a bottle to either drink now or hold late into the decade. It’s name-brand quality at an attractive price, a collector and drinker’s delight.

($19.95, Vonterra)
Sara d’Amato– Consistently a remarkable value, the Pieropan Soave Classico 2019 is an absolute delight for under $20. Brimming with notes of elderflower, chamomile, white pepper, lime leaf, cut grass, grapefruit and honeydew melon. The palate is racy and energetic but not austere. Buy two bottles, one to enjoy over the holidays and the other to tuck away in order to appreciate how brilliantly this garganega is sure to evolve.
David Lawrason – This wine is my other ‘only one’ pick from the Dec. 11th VINTAGES release. I rarely buy wines by the case, but I might consider at least six bottles of this great value from one of the best producers in the region. Year after year, it is a classic representation from well-known, but still somehow under-appreciated Pieropan Soave Classico 2019. The garganega grape is in full bloom with honeysuckle, orange blossom, peach/star fruit and spice. It only sits at 12.5% ABV and there is a certain delicacy, as a result. But the flavours are so intense and long, it feels much bigger. This is delicious with excellent length.

Use these quick links for access to all of our Top Picks in the New Release. Non-Premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.

Szabo’s Smart Buys
Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Selections
Michael’s Mix