If I Could Buy Only One – Sept 30th, 2017 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 Sept 30th VINTAGES release:

Sara d’Amato: A wine that encapsulates the transition from sunshine and heat to cooler, crisper times, this vivacious 100% tempranillo, known locally as tinto de toro, is what I’ll be sipping this weekend. Grown in dry, dusty soils under the bright light of the Toro region in north western Spain, …Terra d’Uro’s 2012 Finca la Rana reveals the freshness of young vines and high altitude plantings. Expressive and revealing with little oak, this is easy evening pleasure for when you’ve worked too hard.

David Lawrason: My only one pick this release is the Hamilton Russel Vineyard 2016 Chardonnay. From the leading producer of fine chardonnay in the coastal Hemel-en-Arde Valley (Heaven on Earth), this collector’s item packs great structure, balance and complexity. It ages incredibly well, as witnessed at a vertical tasting at the winery in 2016.

John Szabo, MS: I was very impressed with the way the Henry of Pelham 2012 Estate Cabernet/Merlot has evolved over the last few years. From all-estate fruit in the Short Hills Bench sub-region of the Niagara Peninsula, this wine nicely reflects the warm and sunny 2012 vintage, which in this case yielded fully ripe (but not jammy) fruit in the red and black spectrum and just a touch of herbal character in the typical style for this blend. Tannins are fleshy and supple but abundant and complexity has grown considerably since I first tasted it, slipping into smoky and dried floral notes. Very good to excellent length, and excellent value, too. This still has another half dozen years in it or more, so no rush. Best 2017- 2024.

Michael Godel: “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” it would seem, that is unless you follow this house, this vineyard and this Hidden Bench 2015 Rosomel Vineyard Fumé Blanc. With the vintage speaking so clearly the more things change, the more things change. If the levels of juicy, rich and ripe have come to this it can be imagined the ladder will be climbed higher in 2016. The Beamsville-Rosomel terroir, the climate change and the first of swan song winemaking releases from Marlize Beyers have destined this Fumé Blanc to lofty heights. Nearing Nuit Blanche in quality less a few drops of sémillon the reasons to choose this as sauvignon blanc are many. Stone fruit, passion play, salivating acidity and a future filled with flint and honey are just some of them. Look for this to age like Bench riesling.

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