If I Could Buy Only One – May 9th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the May 9th release, which one would it be and why?”
Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz 2023, South Australia
$21.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
David Lawrason – I don’t actually drink a lot of Aussie shiraz out of a predilection to lighter reds. But I do love tasting them, and this is such a great value that I just might clutch a few to share with friends and family for the summer BBQ season. It is a delicious, thick blooded yet juicy Barossa shiraz with a classic, classy and complex nose of licorice, menthol/chocolate mint, pepper, fine wood spice amid the dried fig fruit. Also, some roasted coffee bean. It is full bodied, dense and very smooth, almost sweet but it holds on to some poise with balancing acid and fine tannin and excellent length. A rather amazing display for $22 from one the most reliable, traditional wineries of Australia.
Bei Momenti Lambrusco Di Sorbara, Emilia Romagna, Italy
$17.95, Connexion Oenophilia
John Szabo – Spring weather brings rosé, bubbles, and especially good times to mind, and my only one this week fuses all three into one delicious, attractively-priced bottle: Bei Momenti Lambrusco di Sorbara. It’s simple but thoroughly original, regional specialty from Emilia-Romagna, made from arguably the most ancient wild native Italian variety, the Sorbara biotype of Lambrusco. I love the simple, vibrant wild berry fruit, the dry palate, the gentle effervesce, the crunchy pleasure at under $17. Nothing but good times, bei momenti indeed. Chill and go with prosciutto di Parma and melon.
Waterkloof Circle Of Life Red 2023, Stellenbosch, South Africa
$21.95, Family Wine Merchants
Sara d’Amato – This week’s “Only One” is a proper head-turner from Stellenbosch. Rhône lovers will want to take note. Mourvèdre-led with a splash of syrah and grenache, it’s got that seductive peppery rotundone that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re cancelling plans to stay in with another glass. Polished and poised, but not trying too hard, it’s generous and energetic with effortless charm.
Capraia Riserva Chianti Classico 2020, Tuscany, Italy
$42.95, The Agency Wines and Spirits
Megha Jandhyala – Of all the wines from the latest Vintages release that we tasted at the office last week, Capraia’s 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva has left the most lasting of impressions on my mind – inveigling me with its brooding magnetism and intensity. I also love the balance it strikes between savoury and fruity flavours, including pressed violet petals, black tea leaves, mossy earth, and dark fruit, all unfurling ever so gradually on the finish. Oak influence adds dimension and texture without playing a disruptive role. I plan to buy a couple of bottles of this opulent but poised wine for my cellar, saving them for special occasions to come over the next five years.
Use these quick links for access to all of our May 9th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – May 9th
Lawrason’s Take – May 9th
Megha’s Picks – May 9th
Sara’s Selections – May 9th
