If I Could Buy Only One – May 12, 2018 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap, 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 May 12th VINTAGES release:

Sara d’Amato: The swelling success of Niagara’s upcoming International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) is a testament to Ontario’s ability to produce world class examples of this grape variety that show finesse, purity and clarity. My recent encounter with the remarkable Bachelder Wismer Vineyard #2 series chardonnay demonstrates the diversity that exists within our various sub-appellations. In this case, Bachelder finds specific parcels within the Wismer vineyard of Twenty Mile Bench that offer unique takes on the variety and are worthy of being showcased independently. This type of specificity and attention to detail is most definitely a sign of a region that is no longer emerging, but one that has proven its worth and is prepared for the most discerning scrutiny.

David Lawrason: Here’s a great pinot that I would shell out for to enjoy now. Domaine de la Côte 2014 Pinot Noir is a classic with the attenuated drive, tension and firm acidity that sets great wines apart, and was unexpected in a California pinot. But it has something to do with this special, Pacific cooled AVA. I love the lifted, complex nose of cranberry, strawberry, fresh herbs, light toast and a touch of earth. It is medium weight, smooth, warming with fine tannin. The length is outstanding.

John Szabo, MS: Long time readers of WineAlign will already know of my affinity for great Muscadet, which is for me one of the great regional specialties of the world at prices that are near impossible to beat. The May 12th release features a superb example, the Domaine Des Tilleuls 2015 Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine. Made from up to 80 year old vines and with extended lees ageing, this is a wine of superb depth and complexity. I love the lightly floral character allied to crystalline lemon-lime juice, green apple and wet limestone. Acids are properly tight and fresh but not sour, and length is excellent. A really classy wine all in all, and a sure value for fans of old world, lean and minerally whites. Everyday should be a Musca-day.

Michael Godel: Here is a bottle filled with pure melon de bourgogne fantasy, oyster briny and creamy rich. The vines from Domaine Des Tilleuls 2015 Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine are in fact nearly ancient for this viscous and limey juice, some as old as eighty and the quotient is just memorable. As one of the finest Muscadet to pass through these channels it is not to be missed and all your seafood dreams will be realized alongside the extra special Loire Valley stunner.

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
Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Sommelier Selections