If I Could Buy Only One – February 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 – Fans of pinot noir in the more fruity, supple new world style will want to have a look at the Thelema Mountain Vineyards 2018 Sutherland Pinot Noir. From the Southern Ocean-cooled Elgin region in the deep south of South Africa, it’s a wine that drinks like good coastal Sonoma pinot at an unbeatable price. Enjoy now with a light chill to maximize the fruit and freshness.

(#624924, $19.95, Epic Wines & Spirits)

David Lawrason – What a lovely Sancerre! So delicate yet profound. The 2019 Château de Thauvenay Sancerre captures the essence of my favourite French white so well. I love good Sancerre for the way it compacts all the exuberance and complexity of sauvignon blanc into a tight, mineral structure. This shows pure aromas of gooseberry, lime blossom, fresh mint, elderflower and wet stone. Such a light-hearted presentation yet so well balanced, fresh and engaging. Excellent to outstanding length. Rating 94.

(#18156, $34.95, John Hanna & Sons)

Michael Godel – I am always on the prowl for more and more gamay. Not sure there is another grape that I will want to taste no matter where in the world it’s grown. When it comes from the endemic source there is always great anticipation. Domaine de La Plaigne Régnié 2017 is such a wine and from such a place. Régnié as the name tells us, from the Bourgogne village of Régnié-Durette in Beaujolais. Not to be forgotten are the 60 year-old vines growing in manganese-rich, sandy and granitic soils. That and “lutte raisonnée” or reasoned agriculture in which the struggle is real. All this to say that gamay can wow at this price when these pillars are the basis for what can happen. A mineral wine to many degrees, in fact you can smell the granite. High-toned, swarthy, structured and just bloody hematic. Quite the fierce gamay and not to be missed.

(#18173, $17.95, AMV – WHIZ Trading Ltd)

Sara d’Amato – Although you may not yet be able to vacation in sunny, flamingo-frequented locales along the Mediterranean, you can certainly open up a bottle of Château d’Anglès Classique Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2018 from the coastal region of La Clape whose effusive aromas of lavender, sea breeze and Provençal herbs should provide momentary escape. A dynamite blend for the price offering concentration, typicity and a ready-to-drink nature for under $20.

Château D'anglès Classique Syrah/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2018

(#286484, $18.95, John Hanna and Sons)

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