If I Could Buy Only One – November 22nd Vintages Release

We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the November 22nd release, which one would it be and why?”

Tornatore Etna Rosso 2022, Sicily, Italy
$24.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
John Szabo – Competition this week was fierce with a plethora of good value wines, but if I must buy “only one”, it will be the Tornatore Etna Rosso 2022. I’ve been following this estate for over a decade and have watched quality continuously rise. And in 2022, Tornatore gets it all right. This is a perfect entry point to exploring the wines of Europe’s most active volcano at a very attractive price – indeed at twice the price I would still think it’s fair. Drink or hold 2-4 years.
Megha Jandhyala – If I could buy only one wine from the latest LCBO Vintages release, I would choose Tornatore’s 2022 Etna Rosso. This is a wine of smouldering charm, layered and intense, equal parts fruit and herbs, with subtle notes of wood and stone. It is warm on the palate, with tannins that feel like hourglass sand, while taut acidity lends freshness and balance. My favourite thing about this rosso is its distinctiveness, though its accessibility comes a close second. Approachable in every sense, it is a perfect introduction to volcanic wines for a neophyte. That said, those who love savoury wines from volcanic soils will enjoy it as well – especially at this price. 

Il Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico DOCG 2023, Panzano, Tuscany, Italy
$24.95, Frontier Wine Merchants
Michael Godel – I first tasted Il Molino Di Grace Chianti Classico DOCG 2023 at the February 2025 Chianti Classico Collection in Florence, Italy. That was a barrel sample and just 12 days ago I tasted the finished wine in bottle at the Panzano estate. The ’23 is a clean and swift sangiovese that has come around and about with the quiet and stoic confidence of the grapes and the makers. This from the strangest Perenospera vintage when the downy mildew virus hit the bunches straight away, and sometimes also the leaves at the same time. But this wine has left that behind, walks with intention and delivers a Panzano punch, as it should, in the modernists’ way of Il Molino di Grace. Definitive ’23 Classico and one that should occupy space in your cellar.

Le Ragose Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Reserva 2013, Veneto, Italy
$101.95, Carpe Vinum International
David Lawrason – What a terrific winter red, and my choice to gift to a wine lover willing to try
something grand and different. This is a gentle giant among amarones. Long one of my favourites. It
clocks 16% alcohol but drinks fairly lean and dry without excessive heat. Leaving one to ponder its
complexities and elegance. The nose is a smorgasbord of marzipan, raisin/kalamata olive, burning
leaves, leather, chocolate molasses and spice. It is full bodied but miraculously not heavy, with very
good acidity and a nutty, slightly bitter still quite tannic finish. The length is excellent to outstanding. No
need to age this beyond, but it should go another five years.

Use these quick links for access to all of our November 22nd Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – November 22nd
Lawrason’s Take – November 22nd
Michael’s Mix – November 22nd
Megha’s Picks – November 22nd