If I Could Buy Only One – July 21st, 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 July 21st VINTAGES release:

Michael Godel: It’s The Open Championship this weekend so why not toast Carnoustie with the  Ernie Els 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch in South Africa. The Ernie Els varietal wines possess an uncanny consistency of ability to capture grape essence and to have them rise above territorial personality. Rich Cassis and sweet herbs join pure fruit for a layering that brings satiny texture and great varietal purity. Always ripped through by a cool, verdant streak the quality is once again running high. This from Stellenbosch can run with Aussie cabernet sauvignon from Coonawarra and Margaret River any day of the week.

David Lawrason: I actually like pinot noir in all its forms – from the light, taut, sour red fruit styles of Prince Edward County to the ripe fruited versions of California. This Denis Père Et Fils Pernand Vergelesses from the ripe 2015 vintage lands in the middle although a bit more New World than many Burgundy. It has lovely raspberry and floral scented aromas ooze the charm of the vintage. The slightly charry, spicy oak and herbal notes fill in very nicely. It is medium weight but leaning to fulsomeness. Well balanced if still a bit tannic. Best 2020 to 2024. Tasted July 2018

John Szabo, MS: The cool 2014 vintage shines through here in this herb-inflected wine, and flavour intensity and length are excellent. Tannic structure and sharp acids of the Alejandro Pesquera Crianza augur well for at least mid-term cellaring (2-4), though decanting and serving alongside the right salty protein could bring this to life now.

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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