Buyer’s Guide to Vintages October 11th Release
John Szabo’s Vintages Buyer’s Guide October 11: Come Over October, Tasting Climate Change, & Decriminalizing a Product of Civilisation, Knowledge, Beauty and Tradition
By John Szabo MS, with notes from David Lawrason, Michael Godel, Megha Jandhyala and Sara d’Amato
In this week of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded by our friends behind the “Come Over October” campaign that being together is an essential part of human happiness, and that wine’s real magic is its unique ability to connect us across tables, neighbourhoods and generations. The message is simple. Wine is Culture: it carries stories from every corner of the world. Wine is Agriculture: it connects us to the land and seasons. Wine is History: it links us to centuries of human tradition. Wine is Food: it enhances every meal and gathering. And Wine is Social… unlike anything else, it has the power to bring people together. That’s a message worth remembering. Care to join? Throw a Come Over October Party and make new connections.
For our part, the WineAlign Crü suggests best buys for such a gathering from the October 11 Vintages release, the theme of which is “Inimitable Italy,” a country which gets more than its fair share of love from this publication. Check out Michael’s recent article De Rigueur Sicilia en Primeur 2025 and mine on the same subject, with a plethora of reviews and recommendations from our island visit last May for the 21st edition of Sicilia en Primeur. It’s fitting that this latest international gathering of wine writers, hosted by Assovini Sicilia in the beautiful baroque town of Modica, had as its central theme the cultural value of wine and the main factors that determine it today: responsible consumption, sustainability and production quality. Another reason to come over this October.
Lastly, conscientious industry adherents should save the date for the fifth edition of Tasting Climate Change in Montreal, from January 18–19, 2026, an international conference exploring the impact of climate change on the world of wine and solutions to address it. It’s well worth attending.
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What is Come Over October?
“Come Over October celebrates the togetherness, the history, and the stories of wine that go beyond what’s in the glass. We recognize that alcoholic wine consumption is not right for every adult. We support and respect the rich community of all who have an interest in great beverages of quality, including beverages that are non-alcoholic.”
So goes the mission statement of the Come Over October wine advocacy campaign, co-founded last year in the U.S. by author Karen MacNeil (The Wine Bible), and PR veterans Kimberly Noelle Charles and Gino Colangelo. In the face of slumping wine consumption worldwide, and the demonization of all alcohol as uniformly evil without distinguishing between shots of industrially made hard liquor and carefully crafted wine, McNeil & Co. decided it was time to take back the narrative and remind people of the cultural value of wine.
The month-long campaign, a counterpart, if you will, to the popular Dry January campaign, highlights the positive role of wine, and mindful consumption, in fostering meaningful connections. The initiative invites people to gather over wine to “celebrate friendship, deepen bonds, reconnect in person, and learn more about wine along the way.” At the risk of stating the obvious for readers of this newsletter, not all alcohol is created equal, nor is consumed for the same purpose.
And the message seems to be resonating. In its inaugural year (2024), the COO campaign reached an estimated 1.7 billion unique visitor impressions and engaged over 10 million people across diverse channels including retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Also recognizing the importance of sharing this message, the Come Over October creators were collectively nominated for “Person of the Year” this year by Wine Enthusiast magazine. And this year for the first time, Wine Growers Canada and Arterra Wines Canada are executing a nationwide Come Over October program.
Care to join? Here’s what campaigners suggest: host a game night with wine. Plan a Sunday supper with friends. Start a book-club style wine club in your neighbourhood. Celebrate the season with a porch pour. Throw a Come Over October Party and make new connections.
The COO website also features a useful primer on throwing a wine tasting party, complete with suggested themes. Check out all the tools and tips. Let’s celebrate together this October.
Sicily En Primeur
Modica Alta, Sicily © John Szabo MS
I look forward each spring to the annual Sicily En Primeur event created by Assovini Sicilia, an opportunity to taste a wide selection of new releases and visit different corners of the Mediterranean’s largest island. This year, 2025, marked the 21st edition, which was hosted in the chocolate-scented baroque jewel of a town, Modica, in the southeastern part of Sicily.
Beyond the tastings and visits, the overarching theme of the event focused on the importance of regarding wine culture as a form of responsible consumption, of connecting wine with wine tourism, and the role of sustainability in the wine sector. Assovini, and indeed hundreds of actors in the wine industry like our friends at Come Over October, are seeking to remind people of the profound cultural value of wine, not to mention it’s economic importance.
In her introductory keynote speech, Mariangela Cambria, president of Assovini Sicilia, said: “Today, faced with global challenges that see wine at the centre of a heated debate, it is essential to return to our roots to reflect on and respond to future challenges. The next challenge for Assovini Sicilia is not only to maintain the high quality of wine production and invest in sustainability, but also to protect cultural value against restrictive international dynamics, against a way of thinking that criminalises a product of civilisation, knowledge, beauty and tradition.”
Also, and perhaps most important, Sicily is producing some extraordinarily good wines. Read the report for my top picks from Etna and beyond, including multiple bottles in the mid 90-point range.
Save the Date: Tasting Climate Change
From January 18 to 20, 2026, Montreal will host the fifth edition of Tasting Climate Change, an international conference exploring the impact of climate change on the world of wine and solutions to address it. See details and buy tickets.
The conference was founded by sommelier and great friend of WineAlign’s — and National Wine Awards of Canada judge — Michelle Bouffard, who recognized an important opportunity to be part of the solution to climate issues as they pertain to the wine industry. The event brings together experts, winemakers, scientists, and decision-makers from around the world for three days of conferences, panels and thematic tastings. Guests for the 2026 edition include Marc-André Selosse, Jean Lemire, Rosa Kruger and Jérôme Dupras. I had the pleasure of participating last year and found the presentations insightful and full of practical ideas and solutions. And I’ll be back for this year — I hope to see many of my industry colleagues there.
If you’re unable to make it, considering becoming a Friend of TCC.
Buyer’s Guide Vintages October 11: Sparkling
Carpenè Malvolti 1868, Veneto, Italy
$19.95, Sylvestre Wines & Spirits
Sara d’Amato – An elegantly dry take on Prosecco Superiore, dressed in a classic label that hints at tradition yet delivers more personality than one might expect. A cleverly composed, refreshingly restrained Prosecco that proves understatement can be its own form of intrigue..
Ken Forrester Sparklehorse Cap Classique Sparkling Chenin Blanc 2022, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$29.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Michael Godel – A true original using chenin blanc as its base and impetus to exult grape, style and Stellenbosch.
John Szabo – Ken Forrester’s traditional method chenin blanc, aka Cap Classique, from Stellenbosch displays real autolysis/yeasty/biscuity character in the textbook style. Notable dosage is balanced by sharp acids; length is very good to excellent. I have to say this delivers considerable complexity in the price category, reaching up there with traditional method sparkling wines at circa double the price. Good to go.
Sara d’Amato – A chenin blanc-based sparkler with 20 months on lees — and serious flair for the price. Elegant and frothy, it is sure to charm with broad appeal, balancing a touch of sweet dosage with a racy, acidic wave. Vibrant, poised, and memorable.
Buyer’s Guide Vintages October 11: White & Rosé
Fleuron De La Rebourgère Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2023, Loire, France
$16.95, Dbino Inc.
David Lawrason – A value pick to be sure, this is both substantial and refined for $17. It captures Muscadet freshness and energy very well, then packs in more fruit and complexity than expected. It is light to medium bodied, fleshy, yet based on very good acidity.
Blaauwklippen Chardonnay 2023, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$19.95, Colio Estate Wines
Sara d’Amato – Salty, bright and full of spirit, this sun-soaked chardonnay is surprisingly taut and nervy. Vibrant yet composed, a characterful wine of notable value.
Kew Marsanne 2020, Ontario, Canada
$21.95, Arterra Wines Canada
Megha Jandhyala – This golden-hued Ontario marsanne is an uncommon treat. I love its beguiling, creamy texture, ethereal sweetness, and subtle, alluring perfume.
Tawse Limestone Ridge North Riesling 2021, Ontario, Canada
$21.95, Tawse
Megha Jandhyala – Tawse’s Limestone Ridge riesling is brimful of citrus fruit and zippy acidity, balanced by a pleasing hint of sweetness. I would serve this lively, flavourful wine alongside slightly sweet appetisers or spice-infused cuisine like Thai or Indian food.
Bachelder L’Ardoise Niagara Chardonnay 2023, Ontario, Canada
$25.95, Lifford Wine & Spirits (Select Wine Merchants)
Michael Godel – Single vineyard or the sku that acts as the geological sum of the total bill. Either way chardonnay helps to unearth what matters most, that being soil and place.
Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay 2023, Western Australia,
$23.95, Breakthru Beverage
David Lawrason -This is a curious, appealing take on chardonnay, with a rich nose of lemongrass/verbena notes amid pineapple, mandarin and well-paced clove spice and vanillin. It is medium weight, rich yet racy, with excellent acidity, finishing with those same vaguely herbal notes.
Divergence Wines Sauvignon Blanc Hughes Vineyard 2022, Ontario, Canada
$26.00, Marynissen Estates
David Lawrason – Made by Jeff Moote at the Collab co-op at Marynissen, this substantial sauvignon was fermented and aged six months in French oak, creating a lifted, exotic nose of lemon marmalade, fresh dill, clove spice and vanillin. It is medium with rounded, rich yet lively, with some warmth and sappy bitterness.
Château D’aAquéria Tavel Rosé 2024, Rhône, France
$26.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Megha Jandhyala – This classically styled Tavel rosé is vivid and striking, with flavours of red fruit and fresh herbs. It is a versatile wine that should pair well with a range of foods from grilled salmon to egg biryani.
Hamilton Russell Vineyard Chardonnay 2024, Walker Bay, South Africa
$65.95, Connexion Oenophilia
Michael Godel – Consider Montée de Tonnerre with its intensity, powerful restraint and unbridled salty-mineral emotion. Now consider this chardonnay with similar if not the uncanny reprint of that blueprint. Often a great notion from the Valley and generous as ever.
Buyer’s Guide Vintages October 11th: Reds
Cafayate Estate Malbec 2022, Salta, Argentina
$18.95, The Case For Wine
Michael Godel – Saltiest of Argentine malbec. Cafayate for a song, tart, striking and pure. Plenty of fun and speculation here for $18.
Journey’s End The Bluegum Merlot 2021, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$18.95, Vonterra
Michael Godel – Guarantee of longevity but why wait because this quintessentially Western Cape styled merlot is ready and willing to please.
Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2022, Roussillon, France
$19.95, Glencairn Wine Merchants
John Szabo – Fruit takes a back seat in favour of scorched earth and hot schist, wild resinous herbs and charred pine, a genuine expression of the Roussillon and how it smells in a hot summer after the rain. I’d cellar another 1–2 years minimum before revisiting.
Megha Jandhyala – This warm and cozy old-vine grenache from the Roussillon is perfectly suited to fall weather. It is immediately engaging, with flavours of tender red fruit, spice, and sweet, woody herbs.
Sara d’Amato – A rich yet vibrant Côtes Catalanes from Lafage, crafted from old-vine Grenache averaging 60 years. It’s salty and grounded, with lightly grainy tannins that give texture without weight. Despite its generous ripeness, there’s a wild, garrigue-like character that keeps it energetic and compelling. A well-made charmer of excellent value.
Malma Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2023, Patagonia, Argentina
$17.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
John Szabo – Bodega Malma is one of the pioneers of the sub-region of San Patricio del Chañar in Patagonia, and along with consulting winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers of Bodegas Noemía (also formerly of Bodega Chacra), the company has embarked on researching the potential of various micro terroirs for different varieties including pinot noir, well-suited in general to this windswept southern region. Not a monument of complexity or structure, but pinot of this quality at $23 is a very happy find indeed. Enjoy over the next 2–3 years.
Montes Outer Limits Cinsault 2022, Itata Valley, Chile
$24.95, Profile Wine Group (Vin Vino)
David Lawrason – Cinsault is a southern Rhone variety for lighter fruity reds that is translating well to cool, southern Itata Valley of Chile. This is a lively, fresh yet substantial charmer with fragrant, almost floral, red plum and cranberry fruit aromas. There is also that fresh evergreen note so common in Chile reds. Chill a bit.
Volcanes De Chile Tectonia Syrah 2020, Limari Valley, Chile
$24.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
John Szabo – Here’s a savoury, smoky, flavourful, earthy and peppery syrah with ample palate presence in the price category from the northern Limarì Valley, a cool region within Chile and origins of some of the country’s more characterful wines. Plenty to admire here; drink or hold into the early 2030s.
David Lawrason This deep, dark and delicious syrah hails from the Limari Valley, a limestone based area with on-shore Pacific influences. It has a rich, soft saturated nose of black cherry jam, pepper, some menthol, chocolate and spice. Quite full bodied yet there is fine acid underpinning. Tannins are firm.
Hidden Bench Gamay 2023, Ontario, Canada
$29.95, Mark Anthony Group
Sara d’Amato – This 2023 gamay is alive and well, taking its time to unveil its layers, stylishly reductive at onset, it features alluring, feathery tannins and juicy red fruit with bramble and spice galore. Beneath its juicy charm lies a structural poise reminiscent of a Cru Morgon, yet it remains irresistibly drinkable. Try with a light chill to highlight its angularity.
Quadrus Reserva 2017, Douro, Portugal
$35.95, Halpern Enterprises
John Szabo – Quadrus is the project of Toronto-based restauranteurs and brothers Tony and Mario Amaro of Opus, made in partnership with excellent CARM wines in the Douro Superior. This is a sophisticated Douro red in a prime drinking window, offering plenty of pleasure, and should continue to do so over the next 2–4 years.
Sara d’Amato – Still holding its form surprisingly well — proof that the right equation of fruit, oak and time yields harmony. This Douro blend from Toronto’s Amaro brothers (of Opus fame) is marked by hillside-grown touriga nacional and tinta roriz with a small portion of local souzao. Emerging dry and refined with bramble, spice and a lingering finish of dried wildflowers — expect a structured, modern and substantial wine.
Torre Mora Scalunera Etna Rosso 2021, Sicily, Italy
$37.95, Medovino Imports
David Lawrason – This is an Etna Rosso classic with a lovely, lifted nose of vermouthy botanicals, strawberry jam, woodsy spice and a whiff of flinty/smoky volcanic character. It is medium weight, energized with fresh acidity and minerality.
Hester Creek Cabernet Franc 2022, British Columbia, Canada
$38.95, Hester Creek Estate Winery
David Lawrason – This is a surprisingly generous, balanced and easy-drinking franc — ready to roll. Expect fragrant raspberry compote, sweet oak vanillin, fresh herbs and spice — all nicely integrated. Enjoy over the next three or so years.
Sara d’Amato – A 2025 silver medalist in the National Wine Awards of Canada, sourced from old vines, some dating back to 1968, this cabernet franc is concentrated yet poised, it offers tannins that provide gentle grip without overpowering. Complex and promising, it is sure to reward patience as it continues to evolve, finishing with impressive length and finesse.
Leeu Passant Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$49.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
David Lawrason – Leeu Passant is a project based in Franschhoek, by the Mullineux family who have made such a great name in Swartland. This is a seriously structured, complex and complete cabernet, if not quite ready for prime time. Love the core here — such solid definition with blackcurrant/cranberry, sage/basil, slightly smoky minerality and background oak aromas.
John Szabo – A co-production made by Andrea and Chris Mullineux, this cabernet comes from cool, higher elevation/south-facing vineyards in Stellenbosch and doesn’t shy away from the inherent herbal nature of the varietal DNA. I love the polish on the palate, the supple, fine-grained tannins, the succulent acids, the savoury, sapid nature of it all. Best from now-2034 or so.
Sara d’Amato – The name “Leeu Passant” takes its cue from the heraldic roaming lion — a symbol displayed atop each capsule. Born from the Mullineux family’s Franschhoek venture, this cabernet sauvignon possesses a graceful elasticity — elegant and precise, salty and structured, with voluminous yet grippy tannins. I’m enamored by its succulent acidity that livens its classy, complex frame, unfurling layers of brambly spice, wild currant, and dark blackberry fruit. Hold or drink now — your choice.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino 2019, Tuscany, Italy
$79.95, Le Sommelier Inc.
Megha Jandhyala – Colombini’s 2019 Brunello is classic, compelling, complex and concentrated. This is a special wine from an exceptional vintage and though it is a bit of a splurge, it is well worth its price. In about a year or two, it will enter its peak drinking window, showing even more beautifully than it is now.
Casanova Di Neri Brunello Di Montalcino 2020, Tuscany, Italy
$99.95, Halpern Enterprises
Michael Godel – A sangiovese of aromatic volume and therefore depth, of treble and bass. Seduction through sangiovese and keep in mind for 2020 no Ceretalto was produced.
Isole E Olena Cepparello 2021, Tuscany, Italy
$198.95, Halpern Enterprises
Michael Godel – Freshness, tension, nervous energy and textural weft from this 2021 youthful work in progress. A Cepparello for the ages. Buy it and bank on it.
That’s all for this report, see you ’round the next bottle.
John Szabo, MS
Use these quick links for access to all of our October 11th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – October 11th
Lawrason’s Take – October 11th
Michael’s Mix – October 11th
Megha’s Picks – October 11th
Sara’s Selections – October 11th
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