If I Could Buy Only One – September 18th VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
($35.00, Two Sisters Vineyards)
Sara d’Amato – This week I was struck by this effortlessly compelling, home-grown Two Sisters Riesling 2018 with a Mosel-like freshness and depth of flavour. Delicately perfumed with lily and citrus blossom, wet stone, lime and apricot. A deft balance leaves the palate nervy and just off-dry with a light viscosity and memorable length.
($17.95, Family Wine Merchants)
Michael Godel – Bring on the entry-level Côtes du Rhône Blanc from high level Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe producer and the day can only get better. Château Mont Redon Réserve Blanc 2019. Côtes Du Rhône rmits all the necessary attributes inclusing honeysuckle and white flowers, then gives more and more. Dry yet honeyed palate, mellifluous and natural, offers generously of itself and represents the appellation with distinction. Sprinkles a dash of white pepper to keep up the spirit. Great value. More French whites please.
($42.95, The Case For Wine)
David Lawrason – It is not easy to find true value from Burgundy, which is among the world’s most expensive wine regions. I look to Beaune, one of the largest thus more widely seen and lower priced village appellations of the Cote d’Or. This Domaine Poulleau Père & Fils Les Prévoles Beaune 2018 delivers the essence of pinot’s allure, with a very fragrant, intense and ripe nose of black and red cherry, lifted florals, spice and a touch of fresh earth. It is medium bodied, quite broad yet nicely structured with balanced 13.5% alcohol and firm tannin. All is nicely in proportion here and the focus and length are excellent.
($27.95, Wilson Wines & Spirits)
John Szabo – In part to underscore my enduring open-mindedness, my only one this week, as we head inexorably into cooler and darker days, is a fabulous rosé. Yes, not just for the high days of summer, the serious examples are year-round wines. And the Chateau Paradis Terre Des Anges Rose 2020 is one such wine. Part of this wine’s more serious structure and firm, age worthy and autumn-worthy character derives from its origins in the far north of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation, distant enough from the coast to experience a more rugged, quasi-continental climate. Acids are naturally higher and fruit more taut and fresh than seaside examples. Crafted under the guidance of respected Rhône Valley oenologists Michel Tardieu and Philippe Cambie, this top cuvée from Paradis is bone dry, crisp, succulent and tart, angular in the right way. It’s even a wine you could enjoy in the post-pandemic autumns of 2022 or 2023. Syrah (70%), Mourvèdre (20%) and Rolle (10%).
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 Selections
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