If I Could Buy Only One – May 23rd Vintages Release

We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the May 23rd release, which one would it be and why?”

Kühling Gillot Nierstein Riesling 1G 2023, Rheinhessen, Germany
$31.95, Le Sommelier Inc.
Michael Godel – The Neirstein is an impressively steep red slate vineyard in the heart of the Rheinhessen, a place where heroic viticulture is practiced for the purpose of delivering riesling. Carolin Spanier-Gillot is third generation, her winemakers are Oliver Spanier, Axel Thieme and Christopher Full. Her “Premier Cru” Kühling Gillot Nierstein Riesling 1G 2023, Rheinhessen is a bone dry riesling, grippy, powerful, consequently and purposefully phenolic. Terrific citrus zest and juiciness, flavour intensity and so very different to the Mosel. There are still many who don’t get this style and effect, while others relish the vim and vigour. Get on board people.

Giacomo Mori Chianti 2022, Tuscany, Italy           
$29.95, Connexion Oenophilia  
David Lawrason – One should never be with a great Chianti!  It was a toss up this time between two great Chiantis, but I went for value and a certain rugged authenticity of this organically grown edition, over the poise of the svelte Bindi Sergardi I Colli Riserva Chianti Classico. The spare, basic label telegraphs the nature of this somewhat old school but nicely detailed Chianti. The nose is quite lifted and complex with classic redcurrant, raspberry fruit, thyme/oregano herbs, a hint of spicy Italian sausage and old grainy barnwood. It is medium weight, firm, balanced and a bit tannic, but has terrific focus and excellent length, ending with tarragon, ferrous minerality and crusty tannin. Some aeration will help this along, and it should age well through 2030.

Château La Garricq Cru Bourgeios 2014, Bordeaux, France
$24.95, The Case For Wine
John Szabo – This week I’m plumping for a classic, fully mature red at peak drinking: Château La Garricq Cru Bourgeios 2014. This organic left-bank Bordeaux from a lighter, fresh and elegant vintage is a nod back to the way it used to be. The unusually high petit verdot adds backbone and peppery spice, making for a lovely wine at an attractive price.

Use these quick links for access to all of our May 23rd Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – May 23rd
Lawrason’s Take – May 23rd
Michael’s Mix – May 23rd