If I Could Buy Only One – February 5 VINTAGES Release

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

($29.95, Atlas Trading)
David Lawrason– With so much great chardonnay being made in the world today, especially close to home here in Niagara, it was great to find an affordable, traditionally inclined Burgundy classic. The Denis Dutron Les Vignes Du Chãteau Pouilly Fuisse 2019 is ripe and richness with all kinds of lees and barrel induced complexity, yet still built around the uncanny finesse and minerality of the Macon’s most famous appellation.

($18.95, Vintage Trade Wine)
John Szabo– This week’s ‘only one’ for me is a versatile, well-priced, all-occasions sort of white, the kind it’s nice to have on hand at all times. For sipping or seafood, salads or snack, friends or family, keep a bottle of the Rabl Langenlois Grüner Veltliner 2020 in the fridge at all times. It’s a crisp, clean, vibrant, classic grüner veltliner here from the reliable house of Rabl in the Danube Valley, with fleshy texture and creamy acids. Drink short term..

($21.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. )
Michael Godel– There are two (and two of several by the El Enemigo brand) on the February 5th VINTAGES release. El Enemigo El Mirador Bonarda 2017, Single Vineyard Mendoza is this second Catena bonarda expression and also the darker, further brooding and tannic one. El Mirador is floral enough but the pitchy fruit and grippy structure make it less accessible than that of the El Enemigo El Barranco 2017. Expect to wait a minimum two more years for Mirador to gain flesh, show less bite and flash of teeth. A good candidate for the cellar and a steal of a price in that regard. Drink 2024-2028.

($50.95, Wine Lovers Agency)
Sara d’Amato – A chest-warming pick that will see you through these last few weeks of cold is this undeniably attractive and stylish Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This Cellier des Princes Les Hauts des Côteaux Châteauneuf Du Pape 2016 is the top cuvée of the winegrower’s collective Cellier des Princes, made only in the best of vintages from 60-year old hillside grown vines. Featuring an abundance of fruity grenache character that dominates the nose and palate and makes up 90% of the blend. Licorice, crunchy salt, sweet strawberry, cherry along with notes of lavender and underbrush are in youthful abundance on the palate. Tannins are ripe and glossy adding considerable volume. The typically high level of alcohol is well-managed and the memorable length showcases white pepper and candied violets.

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.

Szabo’s Smart Buys
Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Selections
Michael’s Mix