If I Could Buy Only One – January 4th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the January 4th release, which one would it be and why?”
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 2022, California, USA
$19.10, Family Wine Merchants
John Szabo – Pleasure mingles with nostalgia in my only one pick this week, a wine which, although very different today, first sparked my interest (and that of countless others) in Rhône varieties grown in California. Randal Grahm was one of the original “Rhône Rangers” featured on the cover of Wine Spectator in 1988, a pioneer in these varieties so well-suited to the Central Coast’s Mediterranean Climate. Sip a bit of this history with the Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 2022, now a blend of Grenache, syrah, and cinsault with a splash of petite sirah. This once-iconic Central Coast red, first made in 1983 with a tongue-in-cheek reference to a cigar-shaped UFO sighting on the southern Rhône, has taken a more commercial tack since Grahm sold the company and brand in 2020 and production was ramped up. Yet it remains a lovely wine, and replacing the original mourvèdre component with lighter, softer cinsault serves to create a fruitier and easier style, with a definite savoury-herbal, Rhône-like twist with sweet California fruit underpinning. I’d pick this over countless other California reds in the price category, minimally oaked, genuinely dry, and smooth and fruity as it is.
Sara d’Amato – If you’re battling post-holiday blues and are looking for a pick-me-up, this wine is just what you need. Its eye-catching packaging features a UFO trying to unlawfully land in the vineyard, hinting at the playful character of the wine inside. This boisterous and juicy blend is dominated by grenache, complemented by spicy syrah, cinsault, and petite sirah. Expect a burst of candied red fruit, pomegranate, liquorice, and white pepper. Despite its sweet ripeness, there is a levity to the palate thanks to moderate alcohol and supple tannins. It’s vibrant, easygoing and ready to enjoy now.
Six Hats Chenin Blanc 2024, Western Cape, South Africa
$13.00, VinoLuna
David Lawrason – Having visited South Africa late last year, where I tasted many of the country’s top chenins, I am not only sensorially plugged in at the moment, but I found that this offers amazing veracity, character, structure and depth, especially for the very low price. It is not the most elegant example, but it textbook for the Cape style, with all kinds of ripe pineapple, pear, spice plus flinty minerality.
Lornano Chianti Classico 2019, Tuscany, Italy
$19.10, Frontier Wine Merchants
Michael Godel – Taking advantage of a great vintage from a classic wine region is one of the major keys to drinking better wine. Case in point 2021 from Chianti Classico. An April 7th frost reduced yields considerably but what followed was a most fortuitous growing season. The wines are a bit more scarce and the quality across the board is exceptional, including at the lower price tiers. Lornano Chianti Classico DOCG 2021 from the UGA (or sub-region) called Castellina in the region’s southwestern part is made in a traditional style, which is to say this sangiovese needed time in the bottle. The 2021 gives more richness and density than what we’re used to from a Lornano Annata, especially from one made with 100 percent sangiovese. Immediate warmth aromatically speaking and without pause to palate, nor as breaks in structure. A sensation of roasted nightshade vegetables and toasted meaty char. Would be a confusing wine poured in a blind tasting with some varietal examples from the southern hemisphere.
Brigaldara Soave 2023, Veneto, Italy
$13.00, Rogers & Company
Megha Jandhyala – If I could buy only one wine from the latest Vintages release, I would grab a case of the Brigaldara Soave 2023, DOC. I really like its sweet floral perfume and flavours of crunchy orchard fruit and juicy lemons, as also, its invigorating finish – all lime zest and grapefruits. At under $13, this delicious, affable white wine is a great addition to your bar – you could enjoy a bottle over a casual meal over a weeknight but it should also appeal to most of your guests at larger gatherings, given its versatility and mild-mannered charm.
Use these quick links for access to all of our January 4th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – January 4th
Lawrason’s Take – January 4th
Megha’s Picks – January 4th
Michael’s Mix – January 4th
Sara’s Selections – January 4th
