If I Could Buy Only One – July 5th Vintages Release

We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the July 5th release, which one would it be and why?”

Cave Spring CSV Chardonnay 2022, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada
$34.95, Cave Spring Cellars
Michael Godel – Next weekend will mark the 15th anniversary of the Niagara wine region’s i4c, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration. This week’s only one just has to be a chardonnay, but not just any one mind you. With so many standout Ontario examples currently (and frankly always) available it is the Cave Spring Chardonnay CSV 2022, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment that stands out. Carries the unmistakable scent of a chardonnay by Cave Spring with a sweet peppery bite accenting the aromatic entry. A 2022 derivative of ripeness plus Escarpment intangibility activated by barrel aging, in turn processing a tripartite synapse effect, above and beyond the traditional for chardonnay. Richness meets crunch with the middle point being held by a mix of creamy lees and crisp freshness because of varietal piquancy. Terrific vintage for a wine often overshadowed by riesling at the CSV level. Do not sleep on 2022 chardonnay because it is a top level wine in its own right.

Maison Roche De Bellene Cuvée Réserve Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023, Burgundy, France
$28.95 (299859) Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
Sara d’Amato – A bright star in Burgundy has dimmed with the passing of Nicolas Potel, a trailblazer who redefined the négociant/estate model by championing both quality and sustainability. This week’s pick is a tribute: the Bourgogne Rouge from Maison Roche de Bellene (formerly Maison Nicolas Potel)—his négociant label founded in 1997 and a cornerstone of his legacy. Sourced from top sites and crafted with a grower’s touch, it’s a vibrant, finely tuned wine. Red and black cherries mingle with ripe plum, bright but not sharp, lifted yet grounded. Elegant, precise, and mineral-laced on the finish—it’s a quietly classic red Burgundy with poise and precision.

Calvet Pouilly Fuissé 2022, Macon, Burgundy, France
$45.95, Hektars Wine Agency
David Lawrason – In a release rich with excellent Chardonnay ahead of I4C in Niagara, I was captivated by this calm, cool and collected example from Pouilly-Fuisse – a limestone-based enclave making the best whites in the south of Burgundy in my view. This scores on composure and complexity, with an understated nose of poached pear, hazelnut, flint and subtle barrel spice. It is medium bodied, firm yet broad with almost crunchy acidity and nicely focused flavours. The calcerous soils come through very nicely here. The length is excellent. Textbook, and who knew that Calvet – one of the largest wine companies in France – makes Pouilly-Fuisse.

Use these quick links for access to all of our July 5th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.

Lawrason’s Take – July 5th
Sara’s Selections – July 5th
Michael’s Mix – July 5th