If I Could Buy Only One – September 10 VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
($34.95, Trialto Wine Group)
John Szabo – This week my ‘only one’ crests into the mid-$30s in price, but delivers premium value in the lofty super-Tuscan category, a worthy splurge for a special weekend meal or upcoming Thanksgiving celebration. The Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2019 is a terrific vintage for Tuscany in general and this wine in particular, the Setti Ponti estate’s excellent ‘second’ wine made from sangiovese and merlot from the heart of the Chianti Classico area (the estate name, meaning seven bridges, refers to its location near the seventh bridge up the Arno River from Florence). Red fruit is fresh and ripe, wood spice nicely integrated, and tannins abundant but plush and velvety. The finish hangs on impressively. Well made wine, Tuscan in style with modern sheen and polish. Best 2024-2030.
($15.95, Dbino Wines)
David Lawrason – I have already purchased six bottles. First off, I am a big fan of basic Cotes du Rhone-Villages as an affordable mid-weight autumn red. Second, this Rémy Ferbras Plan De Dieu Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2018 is extremely well priced! Third, it is in a traditional style I really like with some leather, garrigue and earth and not just fruit pie. It also has almost satiny textural finesse. It is so evenly built with fine acidity and modest alcohol and a real sense of minerality. The length is very good. Tasted three times Sept 2022, one bottle was slightly corked, the second was fine and the third (the first of my six) was just fine too. Whew!
($37.95, Family Wine Merchants)
Megha Jandhyala – The Viña Real Gran Reserva 2015 is my “only one” this release. Made by talented winemaker María Larrea, it is a compelling wine, intense and vibrant, but also refined and self-possessed. 2015 was a very good vintage in Rioja Alavesa, resulting in age-worthy wines of concentration, nuance, and elegance. This Gran Reserva thus represents an opportunity to savour the complexity and finesse that mature wines can embody for an approachable price. Its disarming beauty will not fade any time soon, allowing you to appreciate its charm until the close of the decade.
($49.95, Majestic Wine Cellars)
Michael Godel – Tenute Silvio Nardi is located in Casale del Bosco which is in Montalcino’s most northwestern sector just at the reach of the east/west portion of the Ombrone River. Casale del Bosco is the western estate while Manachiara is the east, near Castelnuovo dell’Abate. The Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino 2016 is in Annata nirvana at just exactly right now, it’s red fruit shining and showing so much positive energy. Emilia Nardi has nailed 2016 in exacting a Casale del Bosco forest feel mixed with true Montalcino emotion. This sangiovese gets under your skin and into your blood. The combination of succulent red fruit and liquid chalky structure is just so spot on. Brava Emilia. Drink 2022-2027.
($19.95, Charton Hobbs)
Sara d’Amato – A more substantial rosé for the crisp days to come, the Famille Perrin Tavel 2021 is as deeply perfumed as it is coloured. Tavel is the Rhône valley’s only pink Cru and this incarnation is a classic featuring notable concentration backed by ample verve. Stock up on this newly released fall rosé to match with your Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey dinners. Drink now or hold as this is a rare rosé that can benefit from time in the bottle.
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
Megha’s Picks
