If I Could Buy Only One – October 8 VINTAGES Release

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

($25.00, Trajectory Beverage Partners)
Michael Godel – Three blocks contribute to Creekside Iconoclast Niagara Syrah 2020, St. David’s Bench and for those who have been paying attention the first four letters in this wine’s name speak the cool truth. Add a terrific vintage for Bench reds out of Niagara on top of an already established view on what works well and where, well you are seeing the picture laid out bare, base and necessary. Iconoclast is a beacon of varietal excellence from 2020 with its fruit animosity and meaty glare. The co-conspiratorial symmetry and symbiosis make for a grand statement, a structured one at that and what may be the top drop seen. Tasted too. Drink 2023-2027.

($27.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse))
Megha Jandhyala – The Costières de Nîmes, once a part of the Languedoc, has been a sub-appellation of the southern Rhône since 2004. Situated in the southernmost part of the Rhône Valley, its soils are a combination of iron-rich red clay and large pebbles that recall the famed pebbles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The Château De Nages Jt 2019 is an example of the high-quality wines that this lesser-known region can produce. It is a fragrant and concentrated syrah-dominated blend, with compelling notes of violets, blueberry compôte, very ripe blackberries, and toasted pepper, alongside a hint of vanilla. Warm and full-bodied with plush, velveteen tannins, it feels like a comforting embrace on the palate. I was especially impressed with the length, depth, and complexity on display here, given the price.

($29.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.)
David Lawrason – This wine surprised me with the finesse, authenticity and poise it shows for $30. From an undervalued right bank, merlot based appellation this property has been in the same family for 250 years and on tasting this I just wanted to thank them for toiling away out of the Grand Cru spotlight . Good Bordeaux is more intricacy, elegance and the fitting together of many pieces than it is intensity and power, and the Château Hervé-Laroque 2018 captures that notion so well. It is nicely balanced, complex, now maturing with raspberry, fine herbs, florals and a hint of chalky minerality. It is medium weight, balanced on a pin with juicy acidity and shows excellent length.

($27.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse))
John Szabo – At this time of year as the cool, crisp days of autumn set in, it’s comforting to reach for a warm and enveloping wine, the vinous equivalent of the turtleneck sweater. In this sense, the Château De Nages JT 2019 from the southern Rhône fits like a second skin. It’s made from a top vineyard selection of mostly syrah with 5% mourvèdre from the most northerly parcels of the Costières de Nîmes appellation, heady and ultra-ripe, sumptuous, thick and concentrated. The bonus is that it easily matches many reds from next door in more famous appellations, at an attractive price to be sure. Best now-2029 or so.

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
Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Selections
Megha’s Picks