If I Could Buy Only One – July 22nd, 2017 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap, we asked our critics: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Our picks from the July 22nd VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason – It’s not often that I would chose Champagne as the only wine I would buy if I could buy only one. Overall, I find Champagne too pricey and too hyped for the quality delivered. Die-hard champers fans might bristle at that statement, but please, please don’t flap around in social media circles ranting that I hate Champagne. I simply feel my money is better respected by good traditional method bubblies from elsewhere, especially from Canada (see my article). But the Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is a very elegant, well composed, flavourful and generous Champagne that actually over delivers for $70. An absolute, seamless classic with well integrated brioche, hazelnut, honey, fried onion and lemon custard. This is really fine – no dips or holes – and the length is excellent to outstanding.

Michael Godel – It is highly encouraged to try new things, especially when it comes to broadening your wine horizons. Many will have never taken a flyer on chenin blanc from Vouvray and I can’t think of a better place to start than with Bernard Fouquet 2015 Le Petit Clos Dry Vouvray. This example may not exactly be of the same style or quality as Savennières but it’s a pretty darn good alternative. Vouvray of high acidity is a fine and beautiful thing when notes of honey and creamed corn move in to take up space with that fine, fine sapidity. A reductive environment and perhaps some time in large oak casks leads to this, a near mesmerizing chenin blanc. You can buy a few of these at $22 and put them aside for three to five years. Some magic is more than likely going to happen and you will have opened the doors to Loire Valley, chenin blanc perception.

Sara d’Amato – If you can’t be at i4c this weekend in Niagara, the annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration, then celebrate at home with this textural treat from Pearl Morissette, one of the most controversial wine producers in Ontario. Although the Cuvée Dix Neuvième Chardonnay 2014 wine may prove polarizing, it is undeniably complex and absorbing. There is a dynamic tension to this chardonnay along with tongue-tingling sourness and notes of wild tarragon, Emmental and lemon curd that are thought provoking and wholly enveloping.

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 Sommelier Selection
Michael’s Mix