If I Could Buy Only One – April 15th, 2017 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap for April 15th, we asked our critics:

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

Our picks from the April 15th VINTAGES release:

John Szabo – Enjoy pinot noir, nebbiolo, sangiovese? Introduce yourself to another future close friend, nerello mascalese, the main variety used to make the sharp value Tornatore 2014 Etna Rosso. Tornatore is the largest vineyard holder on the active Etna volcano (some 40 hectares), which contributes no doubt to the unusual value offered, but in any case the wine is superb. I love the dried flower and wild strawberry flavours, and yes, the scorched volcanic earth and ash. Tannins are properly firm and grippy – this packs a serious wallop of structure despite the pale colour. Aged in large oak cask. Drink now, but better yet cellar 2-3 years or hold until the mid-twenties.

David Lawrason – I am personally enjoying less structured and more open-knit and charming reds at my table, especially as spring begins to arrive. Many of Spain’s appellations offer this. Montsant is an appellation in Catalonia that shares the same climate as, and virtually rings the famous Priorat district but it’s more clay and sand and generally lower altitude, differ from Priorat’s steeper slate driven terrain. And the wines are considerably less expensive. This 2013 Jaspi Negre is mellow yet nicely fresh with lifted peony, cherry, herbs and vanilla aromas – very pretty. Drinks very easily, yet it is complete, complex and balanced.

Michael Godel – I hope some of you have oysters in your plans for this sunny and warmer forecasted Easter weekend, or at least some form of fresh fish, mollusc or crustacean on the menu. If you do, the seriously appealing Loire Valley value La Griffe Bernard Chéreau 2015 Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie will make a most excellent and willing partner. The nose tells me it’s a lean, classic melon de bourgogne vintage filled with salinity and oyster shell sea foam funk. This is what Muscadet is all about, is meant to say and will shine best with a vinegary mignonette spooned over six fresh and briny creatures. Even if the weekend brings clouds and rain you can’t go wrong with Le Griffe and sea treasures pulled from brackish habitats.

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.

Lawrason’s Take
Szabo’s Smart Buys
Sara’s Sommelier Selections
Michael’s Mix