France
Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 1998
Brilliant gold in the glass, with rich apricot, baked apple and dried fruit joined by honeyed spice and a subtle botrytised complexity. The palate is luscious yet disciplined, balancing mature sweetness with a bright seam of acidity and gently savoury depth. Long and poised on the finish, it is excellent with blue cheese, tarte tatin or fruit-based desserts.
Perrier-Jouët NV Grand Brut Champagne
Palmer & Co NV Brut Réserve Champagne
Citrus, pear and apricot lead with white flowers, clementine and fresh peach. The palate is succulent yet focused, with a creamy mousse and unfettered freshness carrying orchard fruit through the centre. Hazelnut, toasted almond and buttery brioche lend measured richness to the clean, balanced finish.
Christophe Mignon Ratafia Champenois Meunier
Honeyed and softly rounded, with apricot and ripe melon set against a subtle stony, earthy note. The palate is generous without becoming heavy, carrying natural fruit sweetness through a smooth, warming texture. A savoury edge brings balance to the finish. Serve lightly chilled in a small pour with pâté, blue cheese or fruit tart.
René Geoffroy Ratafia Rouge
Amber with a reddish glint, opening on ripe red fruit, Morello cherry stones and warm spice. The palate is rich and rounded, with gentle sweetness balanced by fresh acidity and a lightly vinous, harmonious finish. Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, or alongside blue cheese, crème brûlée, vanilla ice cream or dark chocolate with cherries; the combination of fruit, softness and freshness keeps it poised rather than heavy.
Château Le Puy 2020 Émilien
Dark cherry, blackcurrant and plum meet cedar, earth and a quiet trace of mushroom. The palate is savoury and finely structured, with silky tannins framing bright red fruit, roasted almond and subtle spice. Freshness and mineral detail hold the supple texture in balance through a long, understated and complex finish.
Domaine Georges Vernay 2017 Terres d’Encre Saint-Joseph
Dark cherry, damson plum and blackberry meet violet, white pepper and a light smoky note. The palate is silky and medium-bodied, with pure fruit carried by vibrant acidity and soft, discreet tannins. Sanguine minerality and a savoury olive edge lead into a persistent, focused and quietly spicy finish.
Elodie Roy 2020 Maranges Le Goty
Perfumed and floral, with darker cherry fruit and a discreet oak note. The palate has real flavour authority, combining freshness and concentration with fine energy and a graceful, sculpted shape. Tannins are present but smooth-grained, carrying the wine to a savoury, gently dry finish with excellent focus and length.
Champagne Charpentier 2016 Millésime ACT’
Fine bubbles and an expressive nose of toast, red apple and perfumed flowers lead into a creamy, meringue-like palate. Ripe fruit gives breadth, while bright acidity and mineral freshness keep the shape precise. A touch of citrus and subtle spice carries the balanced finish. Serve with shellfish, roast poultry or aged cheese.
Remoissenet Père et Fils 2019 Pernand-Vergelesses
Pale-gold Chardonnay opening with white flowers and acacia, followed by touches of honey, amber and gentle spice as it develops. The palate is mineral, harmonious and lively, balancing freshness with an easy, polished texture. A versatile white Burgundy for sushi, freshwater fish, seafood risotto, alpine cheeses or fresh goat cheese.
Nicolas Feuillatte NV Brut Réserve Champagne
Clement Lavallee 2022 Chablis Les Ardill
An energetic Chablis from old-vine clay-limestone soils, with a taut mineral profile and measured weight. Ageing partly in seasoned barrels and partly in stainless steel on the lees gives the palate texture without obscuring its freshness. Vibrant and focused through the finish, it pairs naturally with oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken or creamy shellfish dishes.
Fleury Blanc de Noirs Brut NV Champagne
Black cherry and kirsch meet chalk, mint and a twist of white pepper. Delicate yet richly fruited, the dry palate has a fine mousse and an elegant slate-like mineral line. It finishes clean and mouthwatering, with enough structure for food. Serve with oysters, charcuterie, mushroom tart or simply well chilled before dinner.
Serge Mathieu NV Brut Rosé
Fresh and full-bodied, with strawberry, pomegranate and darker berry notes carried by a firm, fine mousse. The palate is crisp and savoury, balancing red-fruit richness with lively acidity and a clean, energetic structure. Tiny bubbles keep the texture precise, while a gentle toast note adds breadth to the finish. Serve with charcuterie, grilled salmon or mushroom tart.
Piper-Heidsieck NV Rosé Sauvage Brut Champagne
Blood orange, wild strawberry and cranberry lead a vivid, fruit-forward nose, with black cherry and a quiet layer of toasted brioche underneath. The palate is generous but brisk, combining ripe red fruit with grapefruit lift and fine, lively bubbles. Rich in flavour without feeling heavy, it finishes fresh and tangy. Serve with salmon, duck, charcuterie or a berry-accented dessert.
Chateau Latour-Martillac 2015 Pessac-Leognan
Deep ruby with an expressive mix of raspberry, red cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, shaped by a restrained note of cedar and toast. The palate is generous yet cleanly structured, balancing ripe fruit with fresh acidity and polished tannins. Savoury oak and dark berries linger on the composed finish. Decant briefly and pair with roast duck or grilled beef.
Famille Joly 2016 Les Vieux Clos Savennières
Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot NV Brut Rosé
Château Pierrousselle 2022 Bordeaux Magnum
Redcurrant, cherry and plum lead an open, perfumed aroma, with vanilla and sweet spice adding gentle warmth. The palate is medium-bodied and rounded, balancing ripe raspberry and dark fruit with soft tannins and fresh acidity. Hints of cocoa, smoke and dried herbs add depth without making the wine heavy. The finish is mellow and fruit-led, leaving berries, spice and a light savoury note.