If I Could Buy Only One – Sept 2nd, 2017 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap, we asked our critics: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Our picks from the Sept 2nd VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason: Sometimes sentimentality is a reason to buy wine – likely more often than we like to admit. Don’t get me wrong – I am very impressed with this wine, a classic syrah from an almost ideal climate. I just love the aromatics here, the fetching and complex nose of classic ripe black cherry fruit, ample wood smoke, vanilla, pepper, licorice and meatiness. It is also big and rich and yet balanced in its own ample way. But it also brings back fine memories of a week spent in Santa Barbara County many years ago, and my excitement of tasting some of the first syrah’s of the region, from wineries like Zaca Mesa and Santa Barbara Winery.Fess Parker’s Syrah came along a few years later. And it was such a great story that a legendary Hollywood actor would turn to wine and make very good wines at that. And yes, as a lad I did own a raccoon skin Davey Crockett hat.

Michael Godel: Look far and wide around New Zealand and you’ll be hard pressed to beat the outright juicy complexity of this four Bordeaux varietal blend, not at this price or most at even double. This is the sort of red wine every get together, summer BBQ and cellar needs. The Craggy Range Te Kahu Single Vineyard is a blend of malbec, merlot and two cabernets. The expatriate grapes combine to mimic, match and even mock so many wines that require a heavy sheath of oak to make it all come together. Craggy Range seduces your senses and your intellect while not picking your pocket or sending you into a café coma. Love the fruit, admire the restraint and wish for a second glass.

Sara d’Amato: I am enamoured, smitten even, with this indigenous grape from Lazio known as cesanese. A wine embued with zest and elan, Casale del Giglio’s version is perky, crunchy and ever so compelling. It most resembles of combination of grenache, gamay and nero mascalese. An energizing red that is a great transition from the freshness and laissez-faire attitudinized wines desired in the heat of summer and the leap towards a new a fresh new, structured start in the fall.

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 Sommelier Selections
Michael’s Mix