If I Could Buy Only One – April 30 VINTAGES Release

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

Editor’s note: David and Sara were away for this release.

($24.95 Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.)
John Szabo – The Château De Montfaucon 2019 is my only one this week as it’s immensely satisfying and well priced. It will intrigue history buffs, with the chateau’s tower and fortifications dating to the 11th century, and the ageing cellar to 1520. As a multi-generational family estate, with excellent old vine resources in a clement, grape-friendly climate, it satisfies my criteria for finding top value. And it satisfies hedonistically as well; under the guidance of Rodolphe de Pins since 1995, who pursued agriculture studies in France and California (UC Davis), and had stints at Henschke in the Barossa and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape, this Lirac is ripe and pure, fleshy and supple, a broadly and appealing mouthful with loads of regional typicality. Drink or hold 3-5 years or so, and serve with a slight chill.

($20.95, Profile Wine Group (VinVino))
Michael Godel– I first tasted this latest vintage from Alberto Medici in Rome when I attended the Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia Tre Bicchieri Awards in October, 2021. First of all Spring is a great season to drink Lambrusco and second, while there may be many artisan, natural and à la mode funky Lambrusco producers out there today, credit due to a true pioneer is a must. Medici Ermete & Figli Arte E Concerto Lambrusco 2020, DOC Reggiano Lambrusco from Emilia Romagna is just that. A long maceration at extremely low temperatures lasts for six or seven days for a red Lambrusco of low yields (30 hL/L), well below the allowed discipline. The secondary fermentation also occurs at low temps (15 degrees) and it has been this way since 1993. Spends its early life in pressurized tanks. Explosive in plethoric red fruit from a wine that has received the Tre Bicchieri award 13 years running. If only due to the high poly-phenolic and red fruit character. This 2020 is also the first certified organic vintage. A culminate of hard work, and much experimentation from out of a flat, challenging and humid place. Re-tasting the Concerto as often as possible is a really prime idea because it reveals new elements each time. This latest occasion brings about an aromatic whoosh that makes your eyes go wide and sets up for a fresh view of flavours on display. Blackberries never assembled so vividly in Lambrusco and here they do so with power, accent and grip. New feels each and every time.

($43.95, Majestic Wine Cellars)
Megha Jandhyala – This Capraia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Effe 55 2016 reminds one of the poise, allure, and lustre that time can confer, the patina of age refining rather than dimming beauty. It is drinking wonderfully now, showing some development, but still retaining vibrance and concentration, with flavours of dried cherries, pot pourri, dried herbs, spice, leather, and a hint of balsamic vinegar. It feels balanced on the palate, evoking a pashmina shawl with its rich, yet elegant, softly textured quality and diffused warmth.

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
Megha’s Mega Picks
Michael’s Mix