If I Could Buy Only One – April 14th 2018 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 April 14th VINTAGES release:

Michael Godel: Reserve is a funny term for wines like this because it speaks to the idea that it should be put aside for further use. I don’t think that is Ken Forrester’s plan and here he once again raises his Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc. Fruit and mineral are entrenched in this great posit tug of war, each shredding the twain and meeting at the trenchant median. Stellenbosch continues to dole out some of the planet’s most striking and finest whites with chenin blanc at the centre of it’s value universe. With major thanks to Ken Forrester.

John Szabo, MS: Surely one of the top values in the release, the Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo is a deep, dark, savoury, full bodied, satisfying red from Antinori’s Apulian outpost. It will please both casual sippers and punters, and you have to like the fact that he price has barely moved in a decade since I first discovered (and subsequently visited) the estate. Pick some up for BBQ season. Best 2018-2023.

Sara d’Amato: When a non-vintage Champagne can provide the satisfaction, appeal and complexity on par with many vintage Champagnes, then it’s a deal not to miss. The “Special” in Bollinger’s latest Cuvée is made up of no less than 60% pinot noir   giving it power and length while the 25% chardonnay component is sourced almost entirely from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. In addition, its toasty, creamy component is due to a triple contact with the lees at various stages. What sets Bollinger apart is that it owns a significant amount of its own vineyards – over 60% of the cuvées are made from their estate fruit. Time to stock up now before it vanishes from the shelves.

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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
Szabo`s Smart Buys
Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Sommelier Selections