If I Could Buy Only One – August 15th Vintages Release
We asked our writers,“If you could buy only one wine from the August 15th, which one would it be and why?”
Marquis D’Aqueria Tavel 2025, Rhône, France
$21.95, Noble Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.
Sara d’Amato – Consider this your permission slip to keep drinking rosé. Just because summer is winding down, doesn’t mean the pink has to go. This is the kind of rosé that makes a strong case for keeping it in the rotation well into fall, and beyond. It’s structured enough for substantial food and built with enough substance to reward a little time in the cellar. Just a touch less expensive than the winery’s flagship Tavel, it’s a particularly compelling gateway to the deeply coloured rosés of the appellation.
Domaine Welty Bélénus Gewürztraminer 2023, Alsace, France
$25.95, The Kolonaki Group Inc.
David Lawrason – Early in my career I actually collected Alsatian gewurztraminer until I realized no one in my circle enjoyed sharing it with me. But I have remained a sucker for classic examples ever since, and so will pounce on the occasional example even if I have to spread it over a couple of nights. Especially as Alsatian gewurz has become so rare at Vintages. This is a classic, with all the right, billowing aromas of lychee, apricot, orange, ginger and green tea. It is full bodied, off-dry and rich. The length is excellent. But beware, the sweetness and overall richness may be too high for some of your friends. Highly recommended with sweet and spicy Thai and Indian dishes, well chilled.
La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes Du Rhône-villages 2023, Rhône, France
$27.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
Michael Godel – La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes Du Rhône-Villages AP 2023, Rhône Valley, France is always a juicy, open-knit, gregarious and generous red from the Châteauneuf producer, here with something getable as any. Notable for Cassis and impressive concentration that over delivers for the appellation. Simple, and bloody delicious stuff. How can you not love a great deal on top quality Rhône wine.
Mullineux Old Vines White WO Swartland 2025, South Africa
$39.95, Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc.
Megha Jandhyala – The most recent Vintages release includes an exquisite chenin blanc-based blend that, priced at under $40, represents stellar value! Mullineux’s 2025 Old Vines White is mesmerisingly complex and richly pigmented with flavour, like a vivid kaleidoscope. I find its texture utterly beguiling — glassy and creamy, yet firm, it features a delicate resistance on the almost indelible finish. As splendid as this wine is now, I am tempted to buy a whole case of it to appreciate its gradual evolution over the next 5-10 years.
Use these quick links for access to all of our August 15th Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 60 days prior.
John’s Top Picks – August 15th
Lawrason’s Take – August 15th
Megha’s Picks – August 15th
Michael’s Mix – August 15th
Sara’s Selections – August 15th
