If I Could Buy Only One – March 4th, 2017 VINTAGES Release

As part of our VINTAGES recap for March 4th, 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 March 4th VINTAGES release:

Sara d’Amato – There are some lovely values from the southern Rhône and the Languedoc this week but if I have to pick just one it would be a great value at under $20 fromthe Domaine Saint Aliment in Rasteau. If you could bottle Provence, this is how it would taste. I’ve been impressed by the increase in quality focused activity in this hot climate region that is under the radar of most who prefer the more highly touted, neighbouring appellations of Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The subset of Alimant in Rasteau is tucked away, protected from the powerful Mistral wind and is home to the Rey family vineyard’s old vine grenache. Not to be missed.

Domaine Saint Aliment Rasteau 2015

Michael Godel – Every wine region is defined by multi-tiers on the quality pyramid and one of the challenges is to find greatness at the lowest, or entry-level. When it comes to signature Austrian whites the WineAlign crew all concur on the Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2015. Loimer’s Langenlois just carries that uncanny ability to express grüner veltliner in its purest and clearest form. Bright, vibrant and yet fully felt of fine texture, this is exactly what I want to see in grüner. There is no doubt that 2015 will be a defining vintage and should you have the inkling to enter the varietal market, I can’t think of a better place to start. Do it right here with a gift from Fred Loimer aboard the Langenlois citrus express.

Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2015

David Lawrason – Often in this “If I Could buy Only One” feature I wish-list more expensive and fine wines that offer a sense of purity and acuity – ideal textbook character. I love wines that speak volumes of their place and grape. Well today I lower the price bar to suggest a wine on which I will likely gang up and buy several bottles. From the almost mystic, and certainly exotic and remote Elqui Valley, comes Mayu Reserva Carmenère Syrah – a with expression and personality that just can’t be denied. The terroir has delivered the generosity and texture, but someone had the bright idea to combine these two unlikely grape varieties. So much complexity, richness and nuance for $15.

Mayu Reserva Carmenère Syrah 2014

John Szabo – If I were to buy only one wine this week, it would be the 2014 La Garnacha Salvaje Del Moncayo DO Navarra, Spain ($14.95), a tidy little value from Spain’s northwest, made from vines up to 55 years old on the stony volcanic soils of Moncayo in the Campo de Borja region. For $15 this has a great deal of character: earth, dried strawberry fruit, leather, old wood spice notes, and plenty of tannic grip without being hard or astringent. It’s rare to find wines of this authentic character at the price, so note that this is not for casual sipping. Slice up the roasted protein and serve. Best 2017-2020.

La Garnacha Salvaje Del Moncayo 2014


Use these quick links for immediate access to all of our Top Picks in the New Release.

Michael’s Mix
Lawrason’s Take
John’s Top Picks
Sara’s Sommelier Selections
All March 4th Reviews

New Release and VINTAGES Preview


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