If I Could Buy Only One – Jan 20th, 2018 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 January 20th VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason: There is an age-old maxim in buying French wine that value-conscious shoppers should go to big names/appellations in lesser vintages and lesser names/appellations in excellent vintages. 2015 was perhaps the best vintage for red wines in France so far this decade, and I’m really enjoying the run at VINTAGES this season. From the small appellation of Givry in the Chalonnaise, comes a solid, utterly Burgundian pinot that punches above it weight. The Jaffelin 2015 Les Grandes Vignes Givry 1er Cru is a solid, slightly rustic, traditional but well formed and balanced pinot. Expect fragrant cran-currant, cinnamon, woodsy notes and a touch of earth. Flavours show very good focus and depth, with some added minerality. Should drink well for five years.

Sara d’Amato: An impressive wine at first sip with heightened Provençal aromas of lavender, dried thyme, juniper and anise. Domaine du Grande Tinel’s blend is highly grenache based at 85% with supple but not soft tannins making it ripe for drinking. If you are on the fence about paying $20+ for a Côtes du Rhône, you won’t be disappointed by this little splurge as it generously exceeds the norm.

Michael Godel: “Das Glaubensbekenntnis! Silvaner” is the creed of the Franconians and while Bürgerspital still opts for the traditional flagon, this Burgerspital 2016 Trocken Silvaner steps firmly forward. Remember that it would be an understatement to call Franken a cool-climate growing region. Even in a world gripped by climate change it can still be too cold for riesling. This is where silvaner thrives, in spite of cold winters, high annual rainfall and very cool autumn conditions. Bürgerspital is quite classic and traditional. It’s spirited, high in a acidity and marked by definable unction and grape tannin. There is a wee bit of residual CO2 in this bottle so freshness is not compromised. It also veers to the off-dry side of the spectrum so maybe old-school is still in style.

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.

Lawrason’s Take
Michael’s Mix
Szabo’s Smart Buys
Sara’s Sommelier Selections