If I Could Buy Only One – October 21 VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
($64.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits)
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is Chateau La Nerthe’s 2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Their flagship wine, Chateau La Nerthe has been exporting iterations of this blend to many corners of the world since the eighteenth century. I chose this wine because I was captivated by the splendid balance the 2020 vintage strikes between elegance and richness. I love how layered and concentrated it is, yet poised and self-possessed, warm and plush, but refined. Moreover, it seems perfectly suited for the wet, grey weather we have been having, given its measured sense of fullness on the palate, silk-velvet tannins, and comforting, diffused warmth. It is of course, a premium wine, but the impressive concentration, complexity, and length it displays make it well worth the splurge.
($121.95, The Vine Agency)
David Lawrason – I very rarely spend over $100 on wine because there are so many great wines for under $100 when you know where to look. But I might indulge here and pour for a special holiday occasion. The Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2021 is a very luxurious yet refined chardonnay with power, depth and elegance. The nose has great lift and presence with an almost liqueur-like aromatic intensity and character – hazelnut front and centre with custard, peach-pineapple compote and oak spice all swirling around flinty reduction. It is medium-full bodied, creamy yet solid and warm (14.5%). The flavour intensity and length are outstanding.
Sara d’Amato – This week’s pick is admittedly a splurge and one that would make both an excellent gift or an indulgent treat for yourself. Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2021 is sourced from a hillside bench planted to California Heritage clones that are some of the oldest chardonnay vines in Sonoma County. This toasty marvel is lightly nutty with flavours of salty butterscotch, pear and ripe peach. An engaging, finely crafted expression of Sonoma County fruit with impressive depth and length. Full-bodied and oily but cut by freshness in the form of chalky minerality and gentle acids. Oak-derived spice does not go unnoticed nor does it upstage the fruit. Drink now or consider cellaring for another 5-6 years.
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.
Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Selections
Megha’s Picks
Elsa’s Excellent Choices
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