If I Could Buy Only One – October 16th VINTAGES Release

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

($24.95, Wilson Group Wines & Spirits)
Michael Godel – Hewitson Baby Bush Mourvèdre 2019, Barossa Valley, South Australia is a most interesting varietal “mataro,” firm enough but really quite effusive in high flying red fruit character. So much tart raspberry while conversely chalky, grounded and filled to the brim with some kind of je ne sais quoi feeling, Must have to do with the 168 year-old vineyard from which the origins of this wine are tied and bound. No lack of interest for what’s in the bottle now with even keener foreshadowing towards what may happen several years forward. A must buy in that regard.

Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2016

($53.95, Ian J. Campbell & Associates)
David Lawrason – From an excellent vintage, this is archtypical very generous Michele Castellani Cinque Stelle Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2016 that opens with very fragrant, engaging, complex and classic aromas that perfectly juxtapose amarone’s almost overripe cherry with nougat, woodsy herbal notes, spices and some maturing leather. It is full, smooth, elegant and poised,. The 15% alcohol provides glycerol glide without being too hot. Tannins are balanced as well and the length is excellent to outstanding. Drinking beautifully now but should hold ten years or more. I enjoyed this in the perfect context of an after-dinner cheese plate with a group just pleased as punch to be at a real live dinner party.

($29.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.)
Sara d’Amato – To help mitigate the chill in the air, this week my pick of the patch is Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles 2019‘s “Côtes du Rhône” style blend made from dry-farmed fruit. More than just a simple bistro red, the Juveniles cuvée offers significant value despite its premium price. Elegant and seemingly light-in-step despite the level of warming alcohol. Its potently aromatic character featuring natural fruit spice, wild herbs, and botanicals is most compelling.

($66.95, Sylvestre Wines & Spirits Inc.)
John Szabo – If you missed out on the 2018 Sassicaia, now sold out in the province, don’t fret. The ’second’ wine of Tenuta San Guido, Guidalberto 2019, currently on release is little more than a beat or two slower. But at one-quarter the price, has to be considered an exceptional value in context. The terroir, is the same, the original stony estate in Bolgheri (Sassicaia derives from sassy, meaning “stone” in Itallian) where the Super Tuscan was born, as are the viticultural and winemaking care. And while it will surely not live as long as the top wine itself, who wants to wait a decade to enjoy? The 2019 is an exceptional Guidalberto, showing appealingly gravelly, roasted red and black fruit, and gently resinous-herbal character that faithfully tells the tale of this superb terroir. It’s balanced and sophisticated, and should start to hit full stride after about 2024, long before Sassicaia.”

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