If I Could Buy Only One – May 29th VINTAGES Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”

Sara d’Amato – If an indulgence is what you clearly need at the end of this week, look no further than this premium Provençal rosé from the rock star of the Côte d’Azur, Sacha Lichine. If you’re a fan of Whispering Angel, Caves D’esclans Rock Angel Rosé 2019 is the tier above featuring a deliciously restrained, salty palate that really crescendos on the finish. This pale pink reward is blended from partially barrel fermented grenache, cinsault and rolle (vermentino) and may prove dangerously addictive, especially given its price. Deceptively substantial and naturally peppery. Don’t chill too severely.

($49.95, Glazer’s Canada)

David Lawrason – Well I actually did buy the Dutschke St. Jakobi Single Vineyard Shiraz 2016, and I loved it. There is a sub-genre of Barossa shiraz that involves the region’s 19th Germanic ancestry and a style that is just a bit drier, swarthy yet balanced. Where the wood, the herbs, and a character I describe as dried moss/lichen are very present, but so is a very ripe creamy cassis/blueberry style of fruit. Plus generous oak. It is a very refined Australian ‘garrigue’ to borrow a term from the south of France. This is full bodied, dense yet so well integrated with vitality and sophistication. It will be a great match to a thick, top cut steak on the BBQ. Very affordable for the quality delivered.

($34.95, Terra Firma Wines)

Michael Godel – The Invivo Michelle’s Pinot Gris 2017, Central Otago is number one, inaugural vintage for pinot gris in the Michelle line of Invivo wines. Central Otago is pinot country and not just for noir but also gris, well-suited to rugged landscapes that want to partner with vines working dutifully for their grape reward. This full on, oily and fleshy succulent pinot gris is almost old-school, off-dry Alsatian in style. It’s a wine of true glück in temperament and texture, at times sharp and full of vim. Yet it’s not vivid, is grounded in reality and of a smoky smoulder that gives it a bit of movie star status. Buy your sushi from a higher end bar, one that takes the extra step to exult fish through time-honoured preparations. Pair up, test, experiment and investigate within the living.

($29.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.)

John Szabo, MS – Valdespino is the largest landowner in Jerez with some 800ha, divided in 18 vineyards. Their excellent Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Dry Sherry is spontaneously fermented in cask, the last Sherry Bodega to do so, and brandy of palomino is used for fortification – also unique. Wines in the final blend run an average of 10 years old, 100% from Macharnudo vineyard, indeed from the highest elevation section of this excellent cru, with 40+ year old vines. It’s a more mature style of fino to be sure, aged considerably longer than the mean, with strong flor influence and just the beginnings of more oxidative maturation, even if the nose is still exceptionally fresh considering the average age, beautifully refined, sophisticated and elegant, a grand cru wine for an exceptional price. You’d be hard pressed to find a wine of more intense personality and character for less money anywhere in the world. Length and depth are exceptional. A unique style, polarizing perhaps, but delicious.

Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Dry Sherry

($30.95, Azureau Wines & Spirits)

Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 — ^{Advertisement}

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.

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