If I Could Buy Only One – June 8th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the June 8th release, which one would it be and why?”
Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2023, VQA Beamsville Bench
$24.95, Mark Anthony Group
John Szabo, MS – I’m staying with the age worthy pink-theme release and my report with my only one this week, the serious Hidden Bench Locust Lane Rosé 2023. This all-estate, organically/biodynamically farmed pinot noir rosé takes a slightly reductive turn in 2023 and will need time in the glass (carafe, cellar) to allow the bright red cherry fruit to shine through. Flavour intensity and density on the palate are, as usual from Hidden Bench, well above the mean in the rosé category, as is length, an evidently ambitious wine. Best from 2025, with potential for 2-3 years in the cellar at least – will be fun to follow this wine.
Pertinace Barbaresco 2019, DOCG Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
$47.95, Touchstone Brands
David Lawrason – One of my great thrills as a taster, is hovering my nose over a glass of classic Barbaresco or Barolo. There is no fragrance quite like it. Not all examples sing, but this one does and I expect it will continue to do so for a decade. The aromas are so pretty and complex – classic redcurrant-cherry nebbiolo fruit, rose, distant wood smoke, spice, dried mushroom and forest floor. Overall, very autumnal but not oxidative. It is also very nicely composed and integrated on the palate – even, firm and elegant with great acidity. The length and focus are excellent. And at $50 is a bargain for the genre, and worth an exploratory bottle, or three, or six for the cellar.
Vignoble De La Jarnoterie Cuvée Improvisation 2020, AOC Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire Valley, France
$42.95, Corkscrew Imports
Michael Godel – A great cabernet franc is hard to come by and so the Vignoble De La Jarnoterie Cuvée Improvisation 2020 just has to be this June 8th, 2024 release’s Only One. Substantial in so many ways here from a Bowie of a Bourgueil that teaches so much about what there is to know about cabernet franc from this essential locale in the Loire Valley. Skin-macerated musky goodness, herbaceous to an nth degree and so much modern love to go along with that which has been experienced, pocketed and delivered for decades. Let’s dance to a wine of singularity, emotion, spontaneity and yes, improvisation. “It’s not really work, it’s just the power to charm.” Built to withstand the maturation process and stand up for a decade to come.
Armenia Dry Red 2022, Vayots Dzor, Aragatsotn, Armenia
$21.95, United Stars Corporation
Megha Jandhyala – The latest Vintages release was a relatively large one and it was more difficult than usual for me to choose my “only one”. That said, my mind kept turning to this Armenian red – a blend of indigenous grapes areni and haghtanak grown at an elevation of 1100m in Aragatsotn and Vayots Dzor, in the south east of Armenia. In some ways Armenia may seem like a “new” region to explore to some of us but it has been producing wine for millennia. In fact, the world’s oldest wine cellar, which is 6200 years old, was found in Vayots Dzor! To me, this wine was an unexpected but delightful surprise. I was quite taken with its guileless charm and open, fresh, and bright flavour profile. Its fair price only adds to its appeal! I think a bottle of this will make a very fun and delicious addition to a summer get-together.
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
Michael’s Mix
Megha’s Picks
Szabo’s Smart Buys
