If I Could Buy Only One – Jan 5th, 2019 VINTAGES Release

For the Jan 5th VINTAGES release, we asked: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Michael Godel: Do not, must not, can’t forget Bordeaux. Especially if a Claret of something experienced and real is released at a very reasonable price. Château Du Breuil 2014, Cru Bourgeois, Ac Haut Médoc, Bordeaux, France ($24.95) is such a gift. Here the fine tannic structure of Haut-Médoc is acquiesced in afair priced Bordeaux that delivers the stature and the goods. It’s a fine bit of Bourgeois architecture that builds from flesh and bones. Good fruit lurks behind a solid tannic wall brightened and lighted by high toned acidity.

John Szabo: The smartest buy of the January 5th release has to be Michele Chiarlo’s 2016 Le Orme Barbera D’asti, Piedmont, Italy ($15.95). It’s such a marvellously versatile and delicious little wine, the kind you can open on almost any occasion. It’s ripe and fruity, zesty, and concentrated, quite savoury, one of the best vintages of this wine that I’ve tasted. Chill slightly for maximum enjoyment.

Sara d’Amato: Vaucher Père & Fils Fleurie 2015, Beaujolais, France ($16.95) The post-holiday frenzy always brings out the bargain hunter in me and there are a few goodies in this weekend’s value-themed release worthy of notice. One of those is Vaucher’s gently matured Fleurie at peak drinkability right this instant. This very fine Cru Beaujolais at under $17 has a fun historical origin to boot. The first Vaucher was André, born in Chambolle-Musigny and became France’s national champion skiff rower in the 1920s. Following this sports career peak, André became similarly competitive in the realm of wine finally passing the torch to Jean-Noel Christe whose grandfather is rumoured to have aided in the construction of the Hospices de Beaune.

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