If I Could Buy Only One – July 18th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the July 18th, which one would it be and why?”
Caves D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2025, Ac Côtes De Provence, France
$30.95, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Michael Godel – Caves D’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2025 might seem like an unusual choice for an Only One, but this vintage feels like the birth of a new wine. There may be some disappointment amongst long time lovers of The Angel, but they are likely designer label chasers who don’t pay close enough attention to what’s in the bottle. It is arguably the most spoken about and consumed Provençal Rosé in Canada, and perhaps also around the globe. Not saying there is a seismic shift in style but the 2025 shows a deeper hue and density of fruit concentration, and finally, a lean into phenolic grip. The latter will see this vintage age longer than those that have come before, and might also slightly disappoint a few loyal fans of lighter, more delicate southern French Rosé. Others will relish the new vim and vigour. As they should. Available in several formats, including this tasted 750 mL, magnum (1500) and double-magnum (3000).
La Guardiense Janare Fiano 2025, Campania, Italy
$19.95, The Vine Agency
John Szabo – In the spirit of last Saturday’s release featuring “Smart Summer Buys”, my go-to only one this week is a little $20 beauty from southern Italy: La Guardiense Janare Fiano 2025. With a documented local history dating back to at least 79 C.E. thanks to evidence unearthed in Pompeii, Fiano today is widely regarded by many, me included, as one of Italy’s greatest white varieties. And the Guardiense cooperative in Sannio does a generally bang-up job of making fine introductory wines for all native Campanian grapes at sharp prices. This is a gateway fiano to be sure, delivering all of the necessary flinty, citrus, sweet herb and yellow flower flavours of the grape, with balanced acids and good weight and depth. I’d be pouring this by the glass if I owned a wine bar, or buying multiple bottles to enjoy in the backyard over the summer. It’s distinctive but approachable, a delight to discover.
Vérizet Cve De Vire Vieilles Vignes Viré-clessé 20242024, Burgundy, France
$24.95, Profile Wine Group (Du Chasse)
David Lawrason – One would think that after tasting a gazillion chardonnays at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) in Niagara last weekend that I would be fed up with chardonnay. Never. And it actually set a context for my pleasure in this traditional, complex and solid white Burgundy (chardonnay) that is such a great buy at $25. It is all about minerality, nuttiness and gentle old barrel than fruit, per se. Although there is pear-like fruit. It is medium-full bodied, quite firm and mineral, with some heat and waxiness on the palate. Nicely stony on the finish with a yoghurt note as well. The length is very good to excellent.Far more than anticipated at the price. Tasted July 2026
Belisario Cambrugiano Riserva Verdicchio Di Matelica 2021, Marche, Italy
$39.95, Cru Wine Merchants
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this week is a richly textured verdicchio di Matelica, a native white variety from the inland hills of the Marche. I am most drawn to its texture, which is alluringly waxy and mellifluous, yet supported by firm acidity and enhanced by a hint of zesty bitterness and grip on the enduring finish. That is not to say that its flavour profile is not enchanting too. Layered with flavour, it is complex and compelling, and at almost half a decade old, nuances of age only add to its appeal. In its ideal drinking window now, showing an elegant balance of structure and flavour, it will continue to show beautifully for the next couple of years.
Use these quick links for access to all of our July 18th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – July 18th
Lawrason’s Take – July 18th
Megha’s Picks – July 18th
Michael’s Mix – July 18th
