If I Could Buy Only One – October 31st VINTAGES Release

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

Chãteau De Fesles La Chapelle Vieilles Vignes 2017 Chenin Sec
$21.95, Mark Anthony Wine & spirits
Michael Godel- It’s dry Anjou chenin blanc from old vines that will open your eyes to all the possibilities. Flinty and so delicately smoky, minerals swirling through every drop and absolutely no lack of quality fruit. If you have never tried a wine like this you have been missing out but fear not because this is available to you right now. Five star value in so many ways and respects.

Maturana Natural Negra 2019 San Francisco, Loncomilla, Maule Valley, Chile
$24.95, Wine Lovers Agency
Sara d’Amato – An intriguing find for those looking for something outside of the norm. Made from an old variety recently rediscovered in southern Chile, San Francisco is known as a “Mission variety” introduced from Spain by missionaries in the Americas. This rare incarnation is fragrant, vibrant, light in colour and body. Silky tannins and moderate acidity make the wine notably approachable. The ripe red fruit really pops after a slight chill.

R. López De Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2008, Rioja, Spain
$61.95, John Hanna & Sons
David Lawrason- There is something timeless about this wine, a sense that it is historically important and that I would love this in my cellar to keep the story going. This house is renowned for perhaps best expressing the ability of Rioja to age. The cellars are deep underground where wines slumber ages in old American oak. This vintage rested six years down there. I will never forget descending a narrow iron staircase to get to the bottom and tasting several older vintages in the dark cave where they had spent their existence. So yes there is a lot of personal opinion in this selection, and you may or may not love the style, but that is the point of this selection. And at the price it might be worth you exploring.

Rustenberg 2016 John X Merriman WO Stellenbosch South Africa
$24.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
John Szabo – A supremely good value in the mature cabernet blend category here from Rustenberg, dripping with ripe and dried red and black fruit flavours, roasted herbs and leather, dark chocolate and faded flowers, a complex amalgam to be sure. I love the seamless texture, the silky-smooth tannins, balanced acids and voluptuous mouthfeel. Ready to enjoy or continue holding another half dozens years or more.

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
John’s Top Picks
Michael’s Mix
Sara’s Sommelier Selections