If I Could Buy Only One – August 13 VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
Editor’s note: Sara is away for this release.
($25.95, Connexion Oenophilia)
David Lawrason– Sometimes I buy on mood. For these sultry evenings of late summer I couldn’t think an outdoor wine that better captures both refreshment and relaxation. This very flavourful, balanced and almost rich Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is from Kevin Judd, an NZ legend as the first winemaker at Cloudy Bay. Expect aromas of guava, cucumber, lemon, tarragon and evergreen. It is medium weight, fresh yet substantial, with excellent focus and length.
($25.95, Connexion Oenophilia)
Michael Godel – Must admit there is great consideration for two premium reds from classic regions (Bordeaux and Montalcino) on this release but with the continuing warm temperatures a striking white just has to be the pick. Kevin Judd’s Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, South Island from the long by now famous greywacke soils is once again a thing of great compact, taut and trenchant framed beauty. Close your eyes and imagine how it purports to explain an intrinsic value gained by growing in sandstone replete with grains of quartz, feldspar, small rock and lithic fragments set to a fine clay matrix. Or just enjoy the completeness theorem calculated by a sauvignon blanc of linearity and drive. Hard to match this kind of behaviour and upstanding character. Also the truth spoken is second to none.
($25.95, Majestic Wine Cellars)
John Szabo – My only one this week is takes us on a trip to Italy’s deep south and the little-known region of Molise. Tucked between Abruzzo to the north and Puglia to the south on the Adriatic side, wines from Molise lie squarely in the shadow of those of its larger and more productive neighbours. But 200+ year-old estate Di Majo Norante is certainly the best-known, one which I’ve been following for at least decade and a half. The Ramitello Biferno Rosso 2016 is a swarthy, tonic but not rustic red, a blend of 80% montepulciano and 20% aglianico from the vineyard of the same name. It’s aged partly in steel and wood, and delivers an attractive mix of pot pourri, dried red cherry and plum, resinous herbs and more, while the palate is firm in the Italian style with both dusty tannins and firm acids providing resistance. Length is excellent in the category finishing on pleasantly bitter-refreshing notes. Drinking well now, but no rush.
($49.95, Arterra Wines Canada)
Megha Jandhyala – Of all the wines I tasted from the latest LCBO release, this structured and elegant Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2017 really spoke to me. I found its perfumed nose of ripe red cherries, potpourri, leather, sandalwood-scented clay, and delicate spice disarming. The palate echoes these notes with the cherries turning tarter and a hint of anise joining the refrain. Firm acidity and powerful, but refined tannins envelop the palate as intense flavours wash over it and endure. It is drinking beautifully now, showing subtle signs of development alongside vibrant and juicy fruit, but will continue to evolve over the next 5-8 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.
Szabo’s Smart Buys
Lawrason’s Take
Megha’s Picks
Michael’s Mix
