If I Could Buy Only One – April 1 VINTAGES Release

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

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

($47.95, Mark Anthony Group)
Michael Godel – Just has to be the vintage for head of winemaking Sue Hodder and team to capture the most concentration in their Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, as witnessed by this inky, viscous and impenetrable elixir. So confident, stoic and implosive, an intense gathering of optimum fruit in dual ripenesses, seamlessly stitched and layered within one another so that the natural sweetness and phenolic gain interchange as easy as identical twins. Try to imagine something that can exhibit grace and swagger without compromise and that is what the Wynns Black Label is all about. Stupid delicious now and surely capable of aging for two decades. Can’t recall a better vintage of this label.

($23.95, Sylvestre Wines & Spirits Inc.)
David Lawrason – Here’s a great value pick from the Cotes de Bordeaux village of Cadillac, that gave its name to one of the world’s best known luxury cars. The Château Tanesse 2018 is merlot-based with 40% cabernet sauvignon is not quite in the luxury character but pretty classy as well as affordable. It offers admirable complexity, texture and richness, in part I assume to another hot, ripe year in Bordeaux. The nose is pronounced with considerable oak resin/sap, spice, vanillin and ample raspberry/blackcurrant jam fruit. It is medium-full bodied, fairly dense, smooth yet youthfully tannic, so give it two years more and enjoy through 2030.

($24.95, Le Sommelier Inc.)
John Szabo – My only one this week is an ode to a long-anticipated spring: Fred Loimer’s 2021 biodynamic Grüner Veltliner from the Kamptal in Austria’s Danube Valley. ’21 is a terrific vintage for Austrian whites to be sure, delivering both ripeness and freshness, and in this particular case, a beguiling mix of fresh mustard greens and chlorophyll, alongside lime and kefir lime, and more usual citrus-grapefruit flavours. It just keeps revealing layer after layer of flavour, remarkable for a wine at this price. Drink or hold 2-4 years.

($48.95, PV W&S)
Megha Jandhyala – The Martinez Lacuesta Gran Reserva 2010 is my “Only One” this week. I am always excited to taste and enjoy an aged wine in its peak drinking window, and this is an opportunity to do just that for under $50. I love the way this classic Gran Reserva embodies the beauty, poise, and allure that time bequeaths special wines. Tannins have melted into a velvety opulence here, lifted by vibrant acids, while rich flavours of American oak are engaged in a riveting dance with both ripe and dried red fruit. One does not have to drink this immediately, but it is a wonderful wine to savour over the long weekend.

Vignobles & Compagnie Les Sources De Montmirail Gigondas 2018

(35.95, Tocade)
Sara d’Amato – Limestone-grown grenache brings me warmth and joy on the most miserable of rainy spring days. Vignobles & Compagnie Les Sources de Montmirail Gigondas 2018 is a gregarious expression of the variety from the revered locale of Gigondas, that has remained fruitfull and abundant in the face of 5 years of bottle age. Offers textural intrigue, complexity and a notable sense of place.

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