If I Could Buy Only One – Oct 27th, 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 Oct 27th VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason: Somewhat left out amid the great parade of California and Italian classics in this release, this is Aussie shiraz at its best. I often hear people say that they aren’t drinking a lot of shiraz these days, which is largely a stylistic decision. They are simply big. But that doesn’t mean they are less good in quality. The d’Arenberg 2015 The Dead Arm Shiraz is a fantastic, almost legendary example – jumping with flavour, richly textured yet attenuated. Not highly aromatic but it is complex with cassis, pepper, eucalyptus, plus dried meatiness. It is full bodied, fairly dense yet driven by great acidity and inky minerality. The tannin is nicely firm. Well balanced, complex and profound in its way. The length is excellent to outstanding.

Michael Godel: It’s quite a thing to win the admiration of those who like drinking elegant Bordeaux-styled reds for no less than five consecutive seasons. So where has this been VINTAGES? Welcome to the dependability and consistency of the Creekside Estates Laura’s Red and with 2016 as its backbone it comes equipped to support with warmth and structure. It’s no fruit bomb or faux milkshake to be sure but it does deliver varietal parts that are distinguishable, first from cabernet sauvignion and merlot, than through the conduit catalyst of syrah and into malbec and petit verdot. The body of a medium minded texture meeting alcohol is tied together by solid cool-climate acidity. All this is what you get.

John Szabo, MS: My only one this week was a fairly easy choice. If originality and genuine quality are things that you value, than look no further than the 2013 Nativ Bicento. It’s made from vines claimed to be over two hundred years old, which isn’t as much a stretch of reality in this part of the world where I have personally seen many bi and tri-century-old vines, and should be enough to convince you already. But beyond this exceptional historical pedigree, this is also an excellent essence of aglianico. It offers the typical leathery-herbal and especially floral side of the variety, verging on candied cherry and fig, while the palate is thick, dripping with extract and firmly cosseted by abundant, mouth puckering tannins. To drink this now would require a serious piece of protein, but my suggestion would be to forget it in the cellar for another 4-5 years to let the tannins loosen up and the fully savoury character to take the fore. This is intense and concentrated wine, yet not ponderous or heavy, really quite magical.

Sara d’Amato: Château de l’Aumerade is one of 18 estates of Cru Classé status endowed in 1955 and was responsible for the designing the uniquely shaped bottles now a convention in Provence. This blend of grenache, syrah and carignan is built for effortless enjoyment. After a particularly busy week, I want to drink something laid-back but not simple and this wine fits the bill. Ripe, tender fruit, supple tannins and exotic spice are given a lift by a vein of refreshing acidity. Mid-weight with moderate alcohol and perfumed by Provençal garrigue. You’ll be instantly at ease.

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