If I Could Buy Only One – February 15th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the February 15th release, which one would it be and why?”
Tierra Sagrada Vigno Carignan 2020, Maule Valley, Chile
$21.95, Charton Hobbs
Sara d’Amato – This week, I’m sold on a sleek and sophisticated gem from a standout collab aimed at championing old vine Carignan wines from Maule. Since at least the early 1940s, local agricultural authorities ralied local producers in this arid region to plant this naturally high-acid, drought-resistent, pigmented grape to elevate the region’s wines. Since then, old vine, mostly dry-farmed Carignan has thrived in Maule, though it was mostly overlooked until a group of producers shone a light on this treasure trove in 2010. Now, this association of winemakers are producing “VIGNO” (short for Vignadores de Carignan), including Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s version at the LCBO. VIGNO rules state it must be at least 70% old, dry-farmed Carignan from Maule aged two years before release. Expect a strikingly aromatic, concentrated wine with lively acidity. Notes of salinity, iodine, black cherry, pomegranate, and liquorice dominate the palate, while fine tannins, waxy texture, and a long herbal finish leave a lasting impression. A balanced, sophisticated find that’s a solid value.
Parajes Del Valle Monastrell 2022, Jumilla, Spain
$15.95, ICON FINE WINE AND SPIRITS (Select Wine Merchants)
John Szabo – I couldn’t resist picking this terrific value from Spain as my only one this week: Parajes Del Valle Monastrell. Don’t be mislead by the name of this bodega: “Vineyards of the Valley” cultivates multiple plots at over 600 meters in the arid, hot, stony region of Jamila with its ancient, bush-trained monastrell vines. This is the ‘entry point” into the red wine portfolio, but don’t look askance at the price – there’s much more than expected, in fact if it were listed at $30 I wouldn’t have batted a lid. The trendy packaging, complete with paint marker, hand-written ‘label’ and wax capsule, translates into an equally trendy, and delicious red crafted in a lighter, zestier, more herbal style. Bring this to your next gathering for some oohs and ahhs – don’t reveal the price ahead. Drink or hold 3-5 years.
I Sodi Chianti Classico Riserva 2019, Tuscany, Italy
$23.95, VinoLuna
David Lawrason – While my heart lies with the Tyrell’s Hunter Valley Semillon as the best buy of this release, and I have already purchased two bottles. But I covered that off in the newsletter, so want to add this as my red only one. I always keep an eye open for classic Chianti at a more than fair price, and this it. It is a modern riserva that is just heading into its best drinking window. The nose is showing considerable but not excessive wood with some vanillin and cedary spice around bright raspberry currant fruit. It is medium weight, warm yet still fairly firm suggested another five years of ageing worth.
Use these quick links for access to all of our February 15th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – February 15th
Lawrason’s Take – February 15th
Sara’s Selections – February 15th
