If I Could Buy Only One – March 20th VINTAGES Release

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

John Szabo – And now for something completely different (and delicious): Sánchez Romate Fino Perdido Sherry. My ‘only one’ pick this week is this “lost” (perdido) fino sherry more accurately described as a “fino-amontillado”, about 8 years old on average, and having lost its veil of yeast (flor) for the latter part of the solera ageing process. Complexity is exceptional, while the palate is fully dry, tangy, beguilingly saline and succulent, and saliva-inducing in an extreme way. Glorious value; would be exceptional with your baked or cured ham (jamón Ibérico), or gefilte fish, this upcoming holiday.

(#542746 $19.95, Majestic Wine Cellars)

David Lawrason – I am not the world’s biggest fan of Amarone. With 15%-plus alcohol on average, they are outsized for most situations, and I find styles vary a great deal among producers, sometimes being too sweet or hot. But this Masi Riserva di Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 is a classic, with great structure and poise for such a big wine. The acid balance is excellent and even at 15.5% the alcohol is in check as well. It has a terrific nose – very complex and layered with all kinds of red plum/black cherry, lifted florals, nougat, forest and mushroom, vanilla and fine spice . And the length is excellent to outstanding. It will age up to three decades in my estimation.

(#324137, $69.95, Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants )

Sara d’Amato – A dry, salty, aromatic rosé at under $20 is hard for me to pass by, especially at this time of year on the brink of warmer days. Breca Rosé 2020 is produced entirely from Garnacha de Aragón, considered to be the oldest clone of garnacha in the world. Additional character was imparted from 2 months of lees aging in tank. Chalky and mineral with sweetly ripened fruit although dry on the palate, authentic and undeniably delicious.

(#18771, $16.95, Christopher Stewart Wine & Spirits)

Michael Godel – Tons of energy emanates from the Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2019 and yet there’s this under-current of propulsion that tells us when the time comes a future aged version will show some more than awesome secondary (and then also tertiary) character. Generous fruit emits with aromatic texture, creative pungency and unctuous clarity. Everything works in your favour here; low alcohol, just a sprinkle of residual sugar and the kind of ripenesses that will allow you to pair it with just about everything, or simply sip it alone. All the tenets of righteous riesling personality are captured by this ’19 and my goodness it has to be one of the Speck Brothers (Estate) best.

(#557165, $19.95, Family Wine Merchants)

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.

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