If I Could Buy Only One – November 16th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the November 16th release, which one would it be and why?”

Le Ragose Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2012, Veneto, Italy
$92.95, Carpe Vinum International
David Lawrason – I am rarely excited by Amarones, largely because I find them overblown. But when one comes along that balances its alcohol (16% here) to the point it seems to disappear, then I am impressed. Add the dimension of maturity and things get really interesting. Great walking-in-the-woods fragrance here with very ripe dried fig/kalamata olive fruit, dried leaves, leather, sage and fine wood spice. It is medium-full bodied, very elegant, warm and so well balanced, with outstanding length. An ideal Holidays treat to give or receive.
Elsa Macdonald, MW – The winter is coming and that means holiday celebration evenings that culminate by the fire with your closest family and friends. It is a time for wines of contemplation; those rich in flavour depth, breadth, and length and that foster conversations around the past, present and future.  Figs, prunes, raisins, roasted nuts, and plums like a classic English pudding.  Linger over it with hard cheeses and toasted nuts. 14 years since harvest, this wine offers an elegant integration of flavours yet plenty of concentration and succulence. Timeless elegance; evolved, vibrant, nuanced.

There are other ‘Only One’ picks this week that are currently only visible to our premium members. This complete article will be free and visible to all members 30 days after publication. We invite you to subscribe today to unlock our top picks and other Premium benefits.

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Use these quick links for access to all of our November 16th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
Lawrason’s Take – November 16th
Megha’s Picks – November 16th
Sara’s Selections – November 16th