If I Could Buy Only One – April 28th 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 April 28th VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason: For several years I have been recommending Italian whites as one of the great value categories on the planet. Without a glorious past or tradition, they remain under-priced for the quality they pack. So, at first glance many will be taken aback by a $40 Soave. But this single-vineyard La Rocca from ancient calcerous soils on the slopes of Mount Rocchetta, is made by one the most venerable white wine families of the region, if not all of Italy. If this were a white Burgundy you would be paying over $100. I love the ripe, soft and complex nose with mustard flower, honey, peach/apricot and subtle pastry notes. It is full bodied, almost creamy yet nicely bitter, firm and tart edged. And the length is excellent to outstanding.

Michael Godel: Capital letters of A, C and V mark this Tomassi Amarone for Annata, Classico and Valpolicella. If you’d like to gain an understanding of what is the true regional meaning you must look no further than a 2013 by Pierangelo Tommasi. The concentration of fruit, glycerin texture and undeniable Amarone structure come forward one at a time, all in line. Here is the one to place in the time capsule for future generations to find.

John Szabo, MS: Seeking a new red variety to add to your list of food-friendly favorites? Consider mencía from north-western Spain and northern Portugal (where it’s called Jaen). A great starting point is Casar De Burbia Mencía 2014 ($19.95) from the appellation of Bierzo, the grape’s spiritual home. The region is unusually rich in old vines and extremely stony slate soils, making it an important source of firm, minerally reds. This example is fleshy but well balanced, offering a fine mix of wet slate over red and blackberry fruit. Tannins are modest but properly firm, and acids are likewise, even a touch sharp; I’d revisit this in a year or two for full integration. There’s lots of complexity and depth on offer for under $20.

Sara d’Amato: Maison Ventenac 2014 Les Hauts de Ventenac Cuvée Jules – On the foothills of the Montagne Noire on the southwestern edge of the Massif Central, the amphitheater shaped region of Cabardès envelops the landscape of the medieval city Carcassonne. Despite its dramatic origins, this elegantly unfolding gem from Maison Ventenac is poised and even challenging offering a wealth of complex subtleties.

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
Szabo`s Smart Buys
Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Sommelier Selections