If I Could Buy Only One – April 12th Vintages Release
We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the April 12th release, which one would it be and why?”
Viña Leyda Garuma Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Leyda Valley, Chile
$18.95, Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd
John Szabo -In the spirit of a (rather cool) spring, my only one this week is Viña Leyda’s Garuma Costal Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 from the Leyda Valley in Chile – I visited the vineyard this past January, in the dead of summer, and I can attest to the cool coastal nature of the site within view of both the Maipo River and the Pacific Ocean some 12kms away. Constant breezes conspire to create a zesty, crunchy, linear profile, lean and fresh and full of vibrancy and energy. This is your aperitif option; or serve with the first of the year’s local asparagus or fiddleheads.
Leeuwin Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Western Australia
$47.95, Terra Firma Brands
Michael Godel – The Prelude Vineyards series for Western Australia’s Leeuwin Estate is specific to their chardonnay and also this Leeuwin “Prelude Vineyards” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, acting dutifully for its Margaret River origin. Both grape varieties also star in Leeuwin’s “Art Series,” of labels surely inspired by those annually commissioned Châteaux Mouton Rothschild Classified First Growths. Meanwhile in Australia the Art Series cabernet sauvignon is a wine awarded with the top honour of Langton’s “Classified” distinction. The Prelude is also high echelon, intensely concentrated yet intuitively and insularly so because there is a mix of acidity and garrigue that’s perfectly local. A brushy character that cuts through darkest of red fruit for a varietal wine that can assuredly be seen as complex as it is obvious. Robust backbone including fine-grained tannin for a cabernet that will age slowly, incrementally and handily over a ten-plus year period of time.
Hidalgo Fino Seco Sherry, Jerez, Spain
$24.95, All The Right Grapes
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is a concentrated and compelling sherry that is a delight to sip on in both warm and cool weather, making it an especially appealing wine to enjoy during capricious seasons such as the spring. Hidalgo’s Fino Seco Sherry is saturated with flavour – bitter almond essence, orange rind, dried apricot and lemon slices, and toasted walnuts, to name but a few. What really draws me to it though, is its intense salinity and silky, glossy texture, underpinned by a steady undercurrent of acidity. I am certain this sherry will pair wonderfully with salty fish pinxtos like boquerones or sardines; serving it with kimchi or gazpacho might also work well, if you have an adventurous palate!
Use these quick links for access to all of our April 12th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – April 12th
Megha’s Picks – April 12th
Michael’s Mix – April 12th
Sara’s Selections – April 12th
