If I Could Buy Only One – June 23rd, 2018 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap, we asked our critics: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Our picks from the June 23rd VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason: Rioja remains my go to region for mature reds off-the-shelf, which is the whole point of the long ageing regimen and classification enshrined in appellation law. This traditional version is an elegant, poised and finely tuned Rioja entering its prime. Very pleasant aromas of cedar, leather, raspberry coulis, vanillin and spice are nicely intermeshed. Cune 2011 Gran Reserva is medium-full bodied, finely chiseled yet warm and engaging. Tannins are quite fine; the length is excellent.

Michael Godel: What’s not in this Quintay Winemaker’s Experience Blend 2015 blend is the question and I suppose merlot is the answer. What is inside happens to be the field-fantasy mix of malbec, petite sirah, carmenère, cabernet sauvignon and syrah. It would seem that 24 months in French oak is the only way to get these five disparate players to integrate and the result is a vivid, liquid chalky mess of dark berries, chocolate and wild acidity. It’s a really big expression, needs two more years to fully come together and I fully admit wanted to find fault or discombobulation. I can’t because it works beautifully, seamlessly and ultimately delivers great pleasure. Which make it even more appropriate in that it lingers a long, long time. Great summer BBQ red.

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Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Sommelier Selection
Lawrason’s Take