If I Could Buy Only One – March 1st Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the March 1st release, which one would it be and why?”
Tawse Sketches Cabernet/Merlot 2021, Ontario, Canada
$22.95, Tawse
John Szabo – This week’s Vintages release celebrates women in wine, and only one (among several) worth celebrating is Tawse Sketches Cabernet/Merlot 2021. The talented Jessica Otting is head winemaker at Tawse, and ’21 was the last vintage that she worked alongside the late Paul Pender, who passed in February 2022, and the first in which her responsibilities expanded unexpectedly to include the last say in blending and finishing this wine, no small feat under the circumstances.. She (and Paul) got it all right here, creating an attractively-priced, cabernet-merlot blend that finds a juicy milieu between immediate drinkability and a sufficient degree of complexity to keep the punters happy. I’d be pouring this wine at larger parties where a mixed crowd demands something more than the mean, without having to exaggerate spending.
Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2021, British Columbia, Canada
$32.95, Mark Anthony Group
Michael Godel – Only one? Buy Canadian. If that requires explanation than you may not be paying attention – certainly not reading the room. Even if you disagree on that point how could you possibly argue against supporting the British Columbia wine industry after what they have been through recently? There is only one choice on this Vintages release and thankfully it’s a good one. Mission Hill Reserve Merlot 2021 brought home a Gold Medal at the 2023 National Wine Awards of Canada. Reserve for merlot brings the energy and the vibrancy from a grape not always assayed and played this way. But it should be known that the producer “who assayed gold was more than a technician” and so be thankful to the team at Mission Hill for also showing off their creativity and maybe even a string of spontaneity. Wood is profusely, effectively and judiciously employed to do what merlot asks and in turn creating a wine of status, richness and structure. Really good work to better effect.
David Lawrason – To celebrate the recent announcement that inter-provincial direct to consumer shipping of Canadian wines is coming to Ontario in the weeks ahead, I point you the style of red you can expect to see more often. This gold medalist at the National Wine Awards, is a textbook example of Okanagan merlot, the most planted red variety in the Valley. It shows lovely aromatic bloom with ripe jammy blackberry, violet and considerable oak resin and vanillin. It is medium-full bodied, open knit and quite supple with some alcohol warmth and slightly green tannin. Very well made, and likely to age well for up to ten years.
Thirty Bench Sparkling Riesling, Ontario, Canada
$40.00, Andrew Peller Limited
Sara d’Amato – If there is a silver lining in the US trade war with Canada, it’s that Canadian consumers are increasingly supporting local producers, which is a win for our homegrown industry. We are even beginning to see progress on the long-awaited issue of interprovincial wine shipping. With that in mind, here is a local standout selection from this week’s Vintages release and a gold medal winner at the National Wine Awards of Canada that I have plans to stock up on. From a winery with a wealth of top riesling in the region, this bright, tart, and tense fizz aged 12 months on lees is potent and poised. A real tongue-teaser that features exceptional length and youthful vigor.
Domaine Queylus Droite 2020, Ontario, Canada
$45.70, Marchands des Ameriques
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is Queylus’ 2020 “Droite“. The name is a reference to Bordeaux’s Right Bank – a nod to the varieties used in this blend as well as the blue clay soils in which they are grown (similar soils are found on the Right Bank, in particular, in Pomerol). That said, though the wine bears some signs of Bordeaux’s influence, it is a distinctly Niagara expression of cabernet franc and merlot, made by accomplished winemaker, Kelly Mason. I love how poised yet fragrant it is, vibrant with notes of ripe raspberries, plums, dark cherries, herbs, and violets. It is equally alluring in terms of texture; its palate being supported by satin silk-like tannins and lively acidity. As lovely as this wine is now, it will continue to evolve positively over the next 4-5 years. I put this Bordeaux-style wine on the top of my list this week mainly because of its beauty and versatility (in terms of when it can be enjoyed), but also, buying this wine means you are supporting a Canadian producer!
Use these quick links for access to all of our March 1st Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – March 1st
Lawrason’s Take – March 1st
Megha’s Picks – March 1st
Sara’s Selections – March 1st
Michael’s Mix – March 1st
