If I Could Buy Only One – June 12th VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
David Lawrason – As red Burgundy prices continue their upward trajectory, opportunities to buy classic ‘village’ or ‘premier crus” at an affordable price are quite rare. So, when a buy like this Nuiton Beaunoy Beaune 2018 comes along I would snap it up. Beaune is one the largest village AOPs, so its prices always shade lower than neighbours like Pommard and Volnay. But in this hot, ripe vintage this shows extra heft and power and actually reminded me of Pommard right next door. It has a lively nose of red cherry/raspberry fruit, with generous spice, toast and vanillin. It’s quite fulsome and intense with real energy, warmth and youthful, slightly green tannin. All the proportions work however; with flavour intensity and length hitting excellent. I would age it a bit, best 2023 to 2030.
($36.95, Vinexx)
Michael Godel – You may think it impossible to afford high quality Bordeaux but once every year or so an agent in Ontario unearths an absolute gem. Château Guillou 2016 from the Saby family and the satellite appellation of Montagne-Saint-Émilion in a Right Bank Bordeaux from the most promising of vintages. Firm grip while a generous wine of good bones and solid architecture. Really quite chewy with a mineral streak running through and lots of finishing spice. Unheralded, understated and yet discovered Bordeaux is a beautiful thing and with some age in many ways this will drink with the best of the “other” growths.
($23.95, Connexion Oenophilia)
Sara d’Amato – Cantine di Dolianova Prendas Vermentino di Sardegna 2019: a refreshing summertime find from the hotbed of vermentino, Sardinia. Coastal sea breeze, dried herbs, rosebud, lime and white peach are delightfully apparent in this zesty but delicately creamy mid-weight white with a pervasive saltiness. I’m already relaxed.
($21.95, Eurovintage Wines & Spirits)
John Szabo – This week my only one is from Chile, the main theme of the June 12th release, which impressed all of the WineAlign critics. The one I’m reaching for is the Emiliana Vigno Vignadores De Carignan 2017, from the Maule Valley, which ticks many boxes: complexity and depth from dry-farmed old vines, part of a new wave of quality-focused Chilean production from varieties other than cab, merlot or chardonnay, made by a company with large range of earth-friendly certifications to add feel-good to the deliciousness of the wine, and, a big and satisfying, balanced mouthful for the money. Drink or hold 2-4 years.
($19.95, PMA Canada Ltd.)
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
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