We asked our writers, “If you could buy only one wine from the August 2nd release, which one would it be and why?”

Remy Ferbras Châteauneuf Du Pape 2021, Rhône, France
$50.95, Dbino Inc.
Michael Godel – The man, the myth, the legend Rémy Ferbras is the name on the bottle of Remy Ferbras Châteauneuf Du Pape 2021, AP Rhône. He was the winery’s most famous cellar master and Les Grandes Serres its most famous Rhône wine. There are others; Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, Plan de Dieu, Ventoux and several more but this is the top of the pyramid. Big but blessed with the requiem of balance which means you will hardly notice the 15 percent alcohol frame. Instead there will be luxe and potent fruit surrounded by the sweet swishing of acidity. Not to say there is a lack of backbone but by Châteauneuf du Pape standards this is quite a soft, amenable and very getable example. A charming and hospitable wine at a most attractive price. In fact these days just a few nickels over $50 should very well be considered a steal. 
David Lawrason – Summer heat and too much rose getting you down? Longing for a chill November evening with a warming, cuddly red? Grab this now and squirrel it away for winter. It’s a lush yet refined, gorgeous Chateauneuf from a classic producer. The nose wafts complex, rich aromas of cherry jam, fine pepper, herbs, leather, licorice and spice – hard to deconstruct actually because they flow so seamlessly. It is full bodied, rich and silky – no corners or edges. Just a wave of flavour hitting excellent to outstanding length. But there is enough tannin structure to suggest ageing another five years.

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Benjamin Bridge Wild Rock White 2024, Nova Scotia, Canada
$22.95, Lifford Wine & Spirits (Select Wine Merchants)
John Szabo – In the spirit of the Canada Coast to Coast theme, my only one has to be the Benjamin Bridge Wild Rock White 2024. Like summer in a glass, it also captures the essence of this maritime growing region like a sail captures the salty sea breeze – don’t expect massive depth or complexity – it’s not about that. Rather, expect a delightfully fresh and fruity, lightly spritzy, zesty white with a sauvignon blanc-like profile minus the green, just the passion fruit and guava portions (the blend is described as “Sauvignon Blanc-inspired”, but there’s only a very small splash of it). In any case, it works well, and would certainly be a delightful accompaniment to a seafood tower, ocean-side, al fresco, well chilled, with warm friends.

González Byass La Copa Reserva Vermouth, Jerez, Spain
$24.95, Woodman Wines & Spirits
Megha Jandhyala – My “only one” this fortnight is the González Byass La Copa Reserva Vermouth. I cannot think of anything more appropriate for the summer than a glass of this botanical drink, poured over ice. It is distinctive and flavourful, its sweetness impeccably balanced by lively acidity and the refreshing bitterness of a cornucopia of herbs and dried citrus fruit. It is especially reasonably priced given the fact that a bottle of vermouth can be safely stored in a refrigerator for several weeks after it is opened, unlike most wines. I would buy a few bottles of this vermouth to enjoy whilst basking in the verdant but sadly ephemeral beauty of August!

Use these quick links for access to all of our August 2nd Top Picks in the New Release. Non-premium members can select from all release dates 30 days prior.

John’s Top Picks – August 2nd
Lawrason’s Take – August 2nd
Megha’s Picks – August 2nd
Michael’s Mix – August 2nd