If I Could Buy Only One – Mar 2, 2019 VINTAGES Release

For the Mar 2nd VINTAGES release, we asked: “If you could buy only one wine from this release – which one would it be and why?”

David Lawrason: Always on the look-out for fine pinots from anywhere on the planet, I was really captivated by how this little devil transmits the character of Tasmania. The southern (cooler) island is prime pinot country, and the Josef Chromy Pinot Noir 2017 ($34.95) is a lively example with a nicely lifted nose that shows all kinds of peppery spice, evergreen, toast and bright cran-raspberry fruit. It is medium weight, very fresh and generous and nicely balanced with dusty tannin. The evergreen persists on the palate, and although I have not been to Tasmania I can only image the forested island has leant its signature to this wine. Very good to excellent length.

Sara d’Amato: Colorino is, as the name suggests, a very deeply coloured wine and one that is rarely made in a single variety form. More commonly it is blended with sangiovese for a hue-enhancing effect. The Piazzano Colorino 2015 offers a great deal of drinking pleasure without the need to wait. Generous and fleshy with an approachable degree of grip. There is no shortage of fruit with lip-smacking cherry flavours dominating over the mild wood treatment. A curio find of admirable quality.

Michael Godel: I mean, who can do this yeoman’s work without fail, vintage after vintage for for 50 plus years? An operation overseen by Geneviève Janssens is the answer, regardless of the protégé involved, simply because a rising tide floats all wine-growing and wine-making boats. That said the farmers and the winemakers have crafted a well-balanced Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015, predicated on good fruit raised on equally good wood footing. The aromatic, flavour and sound bites are all solid, palatable and only end in calm terms, for respite and pleasure. White caramel and light oxidative messaging make for no pretending and as it develops, a feeling of fruit never-ending. Advancement, linger and closure.

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Lawrason’s Take
Sara’s Sommelier’s Selections