If I Could Buy Only One – November 27th VINTAGES Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from this release, which one would it be and why?”

($49.20, Stratus Vineyards)
Michael Godel – The Stratus Red 2017 Niagara vintage was a great one for red blends, for reasons sometimes obvious, at times unexplained and more than anything, a matter of sorcery and magic. Four years later the best examples of meritage and assemblage are showing at peak. The Stratus Red has always stood apart, apposite, set aside from all the rest of Niagara’s red blends and so add in the inverse 2017 vintage to hold the fort. What happens here is exponential, more than doubling down but four times the singularity. Speaks in alacrity, briskly, in sharp ardor and just plain Stratus zeal. Juicy and luxe, enervating and youthfully brusque. There is a pecan barque to the exterior and a roasted to candied aubergine in the interior. To say it would pair well with open-fire charred oversized skewers of smoked beef or lamb shish kebab would be a grand understatement. Yet another magnanimous and well-rounded Niagara red.

($33.95, Marchands Des Ameriques Inc)
David Lawrason– With the Holidays upon us this an very affordable Domaine Germain Monthélie Rouge 2019 pinot that would be happy to serve anytime, with the main event turkey dinner or any more casual affair. It’s not often one stumbles on village Burgundy of this quality and value. It is in a more traditional yet very generous style with lovely aromas of red rose, red cherry, wood smoke, herbs and forest floor. Reminds me of a fall morning in the country. The palate is supple with moderate acid but some warmth, fine tannin and a sour edge. The length is excellent.

Gabriel Meffre Sainte Catherine Gigondas 2017

($37.95, Trajectory Beverage Partners)
Sara d’Amato– The vineyards of Gigondas are planted on the sloping base of the jagged limestone ridge known as the Dentelles de Montmirail and can prove highly aromatic offer an almost unexpected elegance despite the incessant Mediterranean sunshine overhead. That fragrant power is the calling card of Gabriel Meffre Sainte Catherine Gigondas 2017, brimming with pepper and wild garrigue. The tannins here are ripe and supple making the wine immediately accessible, no need to delay gratification.

($39.95, The Living Vine)
John Szabo– My only one this week is an exceptionally classy chardonnay from the Southern Hemispheres. New Zealand may be more closely associated with Sauvignon blanc, but chardonnay is the insider’s secret. Case in point: Muddy Water Chardonnay 2018 Waipara. The beauty of this limestone-born wine is on the palate, with its broad, creamy texture, and pin-point balance. I love the creamy acids and succulent nature, also the cool citrus and orchard fruit, all white-fleshed and classy. Length, too, is excellent. This is clearly fine wine, expertly produced, from a very good vineyard, best after 2023 or hold into the late-’20s.

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
Sara’s Selections
Michael’s Mix