If I Could Buy Only One – April 15 VINTAGES Release

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

($21.95, Von Terra Enterprises Ltd.)
John Szabo – My only one? Easy. Pieropan’s Soave Classico 2020. Hard to fathom how a wine of this quality, history and pedigree still sells for under $22. Buy a case, drink one this spring, maybe a couple over the summer, and cellar a few for later, up to a decade. I think you’ll be surprised how well this ages.

($28.95, Vinexx)
Sara d’Amato – Light, crushable, peppery reds are on my radar this spring as they are the syle of wine I primarily drink for pleasure. I love the food pairing versatility a light red affords but also that it can take a slight chill and be extra refreshing on even a warm summer day. With this organic Southbrook Triomphe Gamay 2021, I can see pairing it with miso marinated salmon or a rustic beet, lentil and farro salad. Gamay is a quintessential bistro red because of its wide appeal and ready-to-drink nature but in many of Niagara’s finest examples such as this, it can also deliver a complex drinking experience with mid-term aging potential. 

($39.95, PV Wine & Spirit)
David Lawrason – Getting subjective here, southern Rhone reds continue to appeal to me for their versality, textural aplomb and value, even here at $40.  This Héritiers Cheron-Misset La Grand Comtadine Gigondas 2019 is a very fine, quite elegant and rich blend of old vine grenache 60%, syrah 30% and mourvedre. The textbook nose is a detailed compilation of ripe red and black fruit, finely stitched pepper, violet, licorice and shrubby garrigue. It is smooth, a bit soft but loaded with flavour and very nicely focused. With a few bottles in the cellar I could enjoy it anytime through this decade.

($23.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.)
Michael Godel – When I tasted the Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2022 in South Africa last October I was not privy to what price it would land in VINTAGES. It’s $24. Are you freaking kidding me? A wine of boundless energy and musculature – but wait there’s more. An acid structure that is both subtle and performative to see this drink well for a minimum four more years. The fruit origins are threefold, as are the soil types. Walker Bay (47 percent), Hemel-en-Aarde (43) and Elgin (10) and a sauvignon blanc layering by way of clay-rich shale, decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. Dry, medium to elevated acidity, low pH and moderate alcohol adds up to marine air freshness and what proprietors Anthony and Olive Hamilton Russell will say is “tensile character and a marked, saline minerality.” The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley contributes as much as any fruit source in terms of having a say, not dominant per se but leading in its confident way. A track record as solid as any of its ilk to deliver an intensity of flavour and that freshness overload, together thick as thieves, drinking at peak, right now. With four-plus years in bottle a next level flinty magic and fruiting genius will occur, like tooth fungi from mycelium when conditions run ideal. The vintage guarantees such a transition into secondary character will happen.

($28.95, Vinexx)
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week comes from the celebrated, steep, slate-covered vineyard of Wehlener-Sonnenuhr in Mosel. The Studert Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2019 is fragrant and concentrated, nuanced and poised, with faint mineral tones and notes of honeysuckle and very ripe orchard and stone fruit. The palate is off-dry and marvellously balanced, with focussed, linear acidity and a long and compelling finish. At this price, I plan to buy a few bottles, some to cellar and some to enjoy with rich, creamy, spice-infused cuisine like South Asian or Thai curries. 

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

Sponsored

At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we've dedicated 30 years building the highest quality custom wine cellars in North America. From design/build to pristine finish, our team of specialists will help you turn your vision into a bespoke wine cellar space and focal point of your home.

Whether you're looking for a custom wine cellar designed and crafted by our skilled professionals or you're seeking high-quality, personalized products handpicked by our wine specialists on our online retail store, at Rosehill, our sole focus is on providing you with only the best in wine-related offerings.
Use promo code WINEALIGN10 to get 10% off wine accessories.