If I Could Buy Only One – September 23 VINTAGES Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”
($64.95,Noble Estates Wines & Spirits)
David Lawrason – From a pre-eminent chardonnay producer in South Africa – located in the idyllic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley very close to the seas of Walker Bay – this Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2022 is a big, firm, balanced and detailed wine. The nose is fairly generous and very complex with peach/pear, hazelnut, brown spice, lemon wax. It is quite full bodied, hefty and well balanced within its largesse. A touch of wood tannin on the finish. Excellent to outstanding focus and length. Will age a decade or more if you wish, but open any time.
($23.95, DB Wine & Spirits)
Michael Godel – Oh what joy to unearth a Marlborough sauvignon blanc unique enough to bestow it some good lovin’. Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 comes from the Southern Valleys where the sauvignon seems to tighten and turn inwards for some of Marlborough’s most implosive whites. Intensity is impressive in citrus so zesty and sharp it attacks the palate with serious tang and force. Salty number right here and its length travels inward just the same as the way it started. Hard not to be fascinated by this special style of wine. Sip it alongside The Rascals 1966 album, The Young Rascals. “Now come on and gimme that lovin’.”
($26.95, FWM Canada)
John Szabo – My ‘only one’ this week fits a dual purpose, not only is it a delicious, excellent value wine, it will also fulfill your needs at the Thanksgiving table next weekend, or in 2-4 years to come. Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Grenache/Shiraz/Mataro 2019 from the Barossa Valley in South Australia is an attractively supple, sweet-savoury, wild strawberry, cherry, licorice-flavoured red, smooth and satisfying. It will lubricate any overcooked turkey, or match the inherent thyme/wild herbs flavour of lamb meat, or dance toe to toe with the earthy flavours of mushroom or root vegetable dishes. Whatever you’re serving, this wine has you covered. And even if dinner is over (or hasn’t started yet), it’s smooth enough to sip on its own. I’d serve lightly chilled to enhance the freshness; decanting not necessary.
(24.95, Charton Hobbs)
Megha Jandhyala – As the leaves turn and cooler weather approaches, a cosy, comforting red like the Famille Perrin Les Christins Vacqueras 2020 seems especially appealing to me. It is ready to drink and comfortingly warm and plush, savoury and herbal, with notes of garrigue, ripe, plump strawberries, and juicy dark cherries. I especially like the soothing, lingering warmth on the flavourful finish.
(26.95, Profile Wine Group (Barrique)
Sara d’Amato – This week, chardonnay from the south of France is something to write home about. There is quite a bit of it planted in the Languedoc but it is most compelling from the region of Limoux which is higher and cooler than its surroundings and where chardonnay often makes up the cuvées of the renown sparkling wines of Blanquette and Crémant de Limoux. This still version of Château D’Antugnac Haute Vallée Terres Amoureuses 2021 blends chardonnay with 15% mauzac and features stimulating flavours of ginger, honeysuckle, rosebud, and lemon curd that are sure to shake away the doldrums. A curio find here in Onterio, this enticing discovery is made with a light-handed winemaking touch and delivers a true sense of place.
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 Selections
Megha’s Picks
Sponsored
At Rosehill Wine Cellars, we've dedicated 30 years building the highest quality custom wine cellars in North America. From design/build to pristine finish, our team of specialists will help you turn your vision into a bespoke wine cellar space and focal point of your home.
Whether you're looking for a custom wine cellar designed and crafted by our skilled professionals or you're seeking high-quality, personalized products handpicked by our wine specialists on our online retail store, at Rosehill, our sole focus is on providing you with only the best in wine-related offerings.
Use promo code WINEALIGN10 to get 10% off wine accessories.