If I Could Buy Only One – March 29th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the March 29th release, which one would it be and why?”

Muga Selección Especial 2019, Rioja, Spain
$55.95, Vinexx
Michael Godel – Muga’s Selección Especial 2019, DOCa Rioja is a blend of tempranillo, garnacha tinta, graciano and mazuelo grown in the clay-limestone (tertiary era) terraces located on the slopes of Montes Obarenes and Sierra Cantabria. The wine sees 26 months in only French, (no American) wood and a further 18 months in bottle ahead of release. From an ordained top quality Rioja vintage and of a DOCa designation that is neither Reserva nor Gran Reserva but something unique to certain regional wines. In other words the fruit and not the cellar work is the focus and the locus points for the Selección satisfy the given condition of those that are chosen. A condition of suave, silken and subtly structured Rioja that seduces with its sweet perfume and soft-spoken, smoky flavours. Kind of dreamy actually and a vintage like this should easily age 10 more years. Fabulous wine. 
David Lawrason – That favourite Robert Parker word – hedonism – is not often applied to wine these days, but this beauty defines it. It was aged a very long time in new French oak – 36 months! So yes, expect at lot wood resin, spice and vanilla, with jammy berry fruit in the background. But the texture is the star here – very rich, satiny smooth, cushy and warm, with fine but well ingrained and firming tannin. The length is excellent. I expect this wine will live decades, bit poised now as well.

There are other ‘Only One’ picks this week that are currently only visible to our premium members. This complete article will be free and visible to all members 30 days after publication. We invite you to subscribe today to unlock our top picks and other Premium benefits.

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Use these quick links for access to all of our March 29th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – March 29th
Lawrason’s Take – March 29th
Megha’s Picks – March 29th
Michael’s Mix – March 29th
Sara’s Selections – March 29th