If I Could Buy Only One – Oct 1st, 2016 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap for October 1st, we asked our critics:

“If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

Here’s what they had to say about the release. You can find their complete reviews, scores and store inventory by clicking the highlighted wine name or bottle image below.

Our “If you could buy only one wine” picks from the October 1st VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason – I am often asked which grape and/or region I like best. I give the critic’s answer – any wine that is high quality and even better if the price is a downright steal. Those elements line up beautifully in J.L. Chave 2014 Séléction Silène Crozes-Hermitage from France’s northern Rhone Valley. But this week’s pick is boosted by the fact it is syrah – which is tied with pinot noir as my favourite red grape variety, which can be tied with nebbiolo, which can also be tied with mineral driven chardonnay and great barrel aged white Bordeaux as overall favourites. Oh and then there is Sauternes, and… But seriously, this is a brilliant northern Rhone syrah at an unbelievably good price, from one of the best producers in the region. It’s very elegant and pure, tidy and refined, with excellent length. It’s a Flagship store exclusive, not available everywhere. Seek it out.

John Szabo, MS – Here’s a lovely, classy, elegant and balanced Chianti Classico Gran Reserva from Ama, fine grained, maturing nicely, complex and with outstanding length. It delivers beautifully savoury and umami-rich flavours, perfectly tailored, with exceptional depth and genuine extract. Top class, worthy of the relatively recent Gran Riserva classification.

Michael Godel – Perhaps Soave is on my mind because today in northern Italy I was witness to a crush load of just harvested garganega or maybe I am just hopeful for a few more weeks of good weather when I return home today. Either way, Soave is hot. As one of the it grapes today it is simply cool. This San Raffaele Monte Tabor Soave 2015 is a perennial best buy and it comes out of the easily commercialized 2015 vintage. Delicious little commercial Soave. So correct.

From VINTAGES October 1st, 2016

Szabo’s VINTAGES Preview – Telmo Rodriguez Tells All on Spain

Buyers’ Guide to VINTAGES – Gearing up for the holidays

Use these quick links for immediate access to all of our Top Picks in the New Release.

Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Sommelier Selections
Michael’s Mix
Szabo’s Smart Buys
All October 1st Reviews

Editors Note: You can find complete critic reviews by clicking on any of the highlighted wine names, bottle images or links. Premium subscribers to WineAlign see all critics reviews immediately. Non-paid members wait 30 days to see new reviews. Premium membership has its privileges; like first access to great wines!