If I Could Buy Only One – April 2 VINTAGES Release

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

($67.95, Tastevin Selections)
David Lawrason– Not often do we see a mature, fine Margaux right off the shelf at the LCBO. The Ségla 2014 Second wine of Château Rauzan-Ségla is a lighter vintage but not under-ripe, which has created a fine Bordeaux ready to enjoy at seven years, although it should work toward 2030 as well. This is a very pretty, tender and fragrant with well integrated, generous raspberry, cedar, herbs and fresh turned mossy earth.  The length is excellent.

($15.95, Appellation Wines)

($26.95, MCO Wines & Spirits)
John Szabo– This week I’m going to break editorial rules and give you not one, but two “only ones”, in the spirit of my “Old World vs. New World” piece in the latest report. Have a read for the full details, but essentially, the distinction is nonsense, unless you add the word “style” to the end of your Old or New World claim. To understand the point, try the following two wines, both from the “Old World” (France), but one in a “New World style” and the other in the “Old World style”: 
Domaine Jacky Marteau Sauvignon Touraine 2020 from the Loire Valley shows, in my estimation, clean, contemporary styling and ripe, tropical fruit in a more ‘new world style’, and attractively priced at that. Meanwhile, the nearby-grown Domaine Bonnard Sancerre 2020, on the other hand, is a decidedly subtle and stony, typically Old World style sauvignon blanc (also unusually well-priced, and tasty, delivering more than one could hope for at the price). Crack them both and see for yourself.

($18.95, Wine Lovers Agency)
Sara d’Amato – It’s time to bring out the fresh and fruity reds like this very well-priced volcanic find made from merello mascalese and nerello cappuccio grown on the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. Tenute Nicosia’s Vulkà Etna Rosso 2018 is elegant and unpresumptuous with spirited freshness and excellent length. I particularly enjoyed the range of flavours on offer in this almost oak-free blend including rose, pink peppercorn, juniper, red cherry and new leather. A slight chill wouldn’t hurt.

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
Sara’s Selections
Michael’s Mix