If I Could Buy Only One – July 4th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the July 4th, which one would it be and why?”
Stratus Chardonnay 2025, Ontario, Canada
$35.20, Stratus Vineyards
John Szabo – With cool climate chardonnay celebration (i4C) upon us, the annual weekend-long party dedicated to the world’s most planted white variety in Niagara July 17-19, my only one this week pays homage to a fine local example: Stratus Chardonnay 2025. It’s another step forward for Stratus, edging slowly but surely toward more balance and freshness with each vintage. The ripeness and drought of 2025 is felt nonetheless in the extract and sheer weight and density of the wine, and the excellent length. It delivers a wild flavour ride for the money.
Chateau de Rochemorin Pessac-Leognan 2022, Bordeaux, France
$39.95, Profile Wine Group
David Lawrason – This nifty, modern Bordeaux rouge from the Andre Lurton family is a bargain compared to other Bordeaux of this caliber. From a south facing vineyard at the highest point in the low-lying Pessac-Leognan appellation, it shows the class I am always looking for in good Bordeaux. There is a certain power yet elegant textural weave in this blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. The nose shows generous ripe blackberry/blackcurrant, violet, fresh herbs and cedar bough, nicely framed by new oak spice. It is medium-full bodied, fairly dense but not at all heavy. Very well balanced with fine dusty tannin. The length is excellent. Approachable now thanks to its supple texture, but should please through 2035.
Planeta Chardonnay 2024, Sicilia DOC, Italy
$56.95, Noble Estates
Michael Godel – The count says 39th iteration of this Sicilian OG, a chardonnay come from the southern hills near Menfi (and specifically Ulmo), so proximate to the Mediterranean sea. Planeta Chardonnay 2024, Sicilia DOC is abundant of sun accumulation yet somehow retains and maintains a necessity of acidity. This to see it keep freshness for longer than should be possible, sometimes for 15-plus years after vintage, A recent tasting of 2009 not only corroborates the theory, but defines it. This ’24 may just be that kind of blessed vintage, already settled into its comfortable place, affable, generous and full at every turn. The fruit and structural parts attack the palate in just that angular way, then retreat and keep coming back again. Impossible not to be fascinated by this wine, especially considering its high quantity production. Literally a Premier, or dare it be said, Grand Cru site for Sicilian Chardonnay.
Use these quick links for access to all of our July 4th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – July 4th
Lawrason’s Take – July 4th
Michael’s Mix – July 4th
