If I Could Buy Only One – Sept 15th, 2018 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 15th VINTAGES release:

David Lawrason:

This is absurdly good value and an absolute classic. No one argues that Alsace can make some of the worlds’ greatest white wines, but examples at the LCBO are woefully scarce. There are always a handful out there but usually the basic stuff from the larger producers and co-ops. When I am buying wines for my Fine Vintage WSET courses, and the French Wine Pro course (coming up Sept 22/23) I have the most difficulty finding great Alsatians. Well this Arthur Metz 2013 Steinklotz Pinot Gris is one rare example (so save me a bottle). It is a deep lemon shaded pinot gris with a great, fine-pointed nose of apricot, honey, paraffin, and yellow flower. It is quite full bodied, creamy, smooth and warming with lovely fruit intensity and depth. And some minerality on the finish. Excellent length. Very classy.

John Szabo, MS: If you haven’t yet explored the distinctive wines of Priorat, Celler de l’Encastell MARGE is worth discovering. The region is one of extremes: beauty, climate, rocky soils, old vines – all the makings for singular wines. Marge is a big, bold, ultra-ripe garnacha-based blend with merlot, carignan, cabernet and syrah, yet far more about the place than the varietal make-up, in this case sourced from two estate vineyards: Mas d’en Ferran and Els Arbres. The palate is lifted by firm acids and a superb, juicy-lively streak of acid and above all marked graphite-like mineral character. Alcohol is a warm and generous 14.5% declared, yet it seems to melt into the ensemble seamlessly. Very good to excellent length. Top notch value, best 2018-2026.

Sara d’Amato: Looking for something off-the-beaten-path this weekend? This experimental, “Black Ops” blend is composed of shiraz and a Georgian grape known as “saperavi” with a touch of nero d’avola in the mix. The resulting blend is rich, zesty, peppery and floral with an unexpected combination of flavours and textures that are wildly compelling. A creation of Hugh Hamilton Wines, known for their refreshingly quirky and idiosyncratic perspective, but backed with a foundation of a family winemaking tradition that dates back 180 years.

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