If I Could Buy Only One – Sept 1st, 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 Sept 1st VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason:

I have always had a soft spot for well done California pinot, and the small Santa Rita Hills AVA has been making some of the best for over 30 years. Founded 1996, Lincourt is owned by Bill Foley a Fortune 500 businessman who also happens to own the Las Vegas Golden Knights, the Cinderella NHL hockey team that made it to the Stanley Cup final in its first year. The winemaker is Lorna Kruetz who has worked in this region since 2006. She has created a very aromatic pinot with a gorgeous, very lifted nose of red cherry fruit, wood smoke, roasted herbs plus vague mushroom and earthy notes. The Lincourt 2015 Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir is medium weight, almost plump and ripe and quite warm on the palate, yet there very good acidity and tension. Flavours stay very nicely focused, with excellent to outstanding length.

John Szabo, MS: My “only one” this week would have to be the Flavium 2014 Selección Mencía a spectacular value. Where else in the world can you find a wine made from 50 year-old vines (mencía), with this degree of complexity and enjoyment, for $14? I love the floral-violet, dark berry and spice-inflected perfume, and the medium-full, soft and gentle, fruity palate with uncommon length and depth in the price category. A wine to buy by the case. Best 2018-2022.

Michael Godel: Serluca Vineyard serves a very specific and if it’s an idiosyncratic cabernet franc well than that’s perfectly fine and impressionable. Creekside 2014 Cabernet Franc is made in a slightly reductive style meaning despite how outwardly savoury to cedary it notes there is still plenty of freshness locked in. Older barrels bring a soy meets leathery aridity and fruit finds its dark rooted way. This should be put aside and brought out alongside the hearty braises and root vegetable roasts of colder winter months.

Sara d’Amato: If you are looking to add a little oomph to your long weekend festivities, this might just be the ticket. Tornatore 2016 Etna Bianco is a high-altitude grown volcanic white made entirely from the Sicilian indigenous grape of carricante is apt to float just about anyone’s boat. Flavours of citrus, white flower and exotic fruit are beautifully meshed and stitched together by fine, scintillating acidity. Sip on its own or with grilled trout.

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