France
Chateau Leoville Barton 2005 Saint-Julien
Blackberry, cassis and kirsch lead a deep, structured profile, joined by candied violet, wood smoke and cardamom. The palate is full and concentrated, with grainy tannins and fresh acidity framing the dark fruit. Cedar, graphite and leather bring classic savoury depth. The finish is long and persistent, returning to blackcurrant, spice and polished mineral tension rather than overt sweetness.
Legras & Haas 2018 Blanc de Blancs Millésimé Brut Champagne 1.5 L
Brilliant straw in colour, opening with fine yeast, lemon confit, quince and green apple peel. The palate combines clear fruit with balanced acidity and a fine, creamy mousse. Salty mineral accents sharpen the middle without making it severe, while the orchard and citrus notes remain fresh and precise. Textured yet controlled, it finishes long with gentle creaminess and mineral lift.
Leoville Poyferre 2003 Saint-Julien 750 mL
Ripe blackcurrant and dark plum lead a broad, mature profile, with tobacco ash, cedar and graphite bringing classic savoury detail. The palate is full and generous, shaped by powdery tannins and a measured mineral line. Warm-vintage richness is present, yet the wine remains clean and composed, with enough freshness to keep the fruit defined. The finish is long and complex, carrying cassis, plum skin and fine earthy spice.
Drappier Grande Sendrée Rosé 2018 Champagne 750 mL
Strawberry and pomegranate open the nose, joined by violet, red fruit and fresh orange. A light toasted note adds depth without dulling the fruit. The palate is round and supple at first, then draws into a taut, energetic line supported by clear acidity. Silky texture and mineral tension keep the richness controlled, while citrus and red berries carry through a long, fresh and quietly powerful finish.
Domaine Marcel Lapierre 2021 Morgon 3 L
Dried cherry, licorice and savoury spice emerge with a pronounced flinty note. Cool and sleek on the palate, the wine carries impressive concentration without losing its light-footed Beaujolais character. Fine acidity keeps the fruit precise while stony mineral detail tightens the frame. The finish is long, structured and harmonious, lingering on dried red fruit, spice and crushed stone.
Agrapart Minéral Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Lemon zest, bitter almond and white flowers rise over a pronounced chalky note. The palate is bright and tightly drawn, with fine bubbles and bracing acidity giving the citrus fruit precision. Saline and savoury through the long finish, it has enough depth for scallops, grilled fish, roast chicken or firm Alpine cheese.
Domaine Collet & Fils 2022 Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 3 L
Elegant and finely structured, the palate carries notable density through a measured, linear frame. Its texture is composed and quietly expansive, balancing freshness with a subtle, rounded breadth from its mixed-vessel élevage. The wine builds gradually across the middle without losing precision. A very long finish preserves the same poised, understated character, making the overall impression clear, refined and complete.
Jean-Philippe Fichet 2021 Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Chardonnay 750 mL
Pear and citrus open with acacia, lilac and rose petal, followed by a quiet note of fennel. The palate is generous yet energetic, with a finely textured centre and a clear, punchy line of freshness. Floral detail remains lifted as the fruit gains depth. The finish is precise and youthful, carrying citrus, pear and gentle savoury nuance with composed austerity and notable length.
Chateau Haut Bailly Grand Cru Classe 2019
A refined Cabernet-led Pessac-Léognan with cassis, black cherry and plum, layered with violet, tobacco, cedar, graphite and crushed stone. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, yet sleek and composed, with fine tannins and fresh acidity carrying the fruit into a persistent mineral finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, lamb or duck.
Château Beychevelle 1986 Saint-Julien 750 mL
Kirsch, cassis and damson rise from a mature bouquet edged with eucalyptus, sandalwood and light smoke. The palate is concentrated and broad, with earth-streaked black fruit held by a firm tannic frame and fresh acidity. Cedar, fennel and a subtle truffle note add complexity as the wine opens. Medium-bodied yet persistent, it closes with focus, savoury depth and composed balance.
Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2006 Brut Champagne 750 mL
Even gold in colour, with a fine mousse and aromas of brioche, lemon meringue and jasmine. Pear and ripe yellow apple add fruit depth, while vanilla cream, hazelnut and oyster shell bring savoury complexity. The palate is rich but well shaped, with clear acidity and a lightly saline edge maintaining freshness. Rounded and mature, it finishes with lingering citrus, toasted nuts and sea-spray lift.
Chateau Trotte Vieille 2005 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Black cherry, plum and blackcurrant lead a complex, mineral profile, joined by liquorice, earth and truffle. The palate is medium to full in body, with fine tannins and fresh acidity keeping the fruit precise. Cedar, tea leaf and a measured chocolate note add savoury depth. The finish is long and layered, returning to plum, herbs and limestone-like mineral tension.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Très Vieilles Vignes 2014 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Yellow fruit and citrus lead a rich, stony nose, with flint and restrained oak adding savoury depth. The palate opens broad and rounded, then gains freshness and tension with air. Lemon, pineapple and a light oxidative edge sit over firm acidity and clear mineral structure. Concentrated but not heavy, it finishes long, spicy and saline, with the fruit held in precise balance.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Vieilles Vignes 2016 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Pale gold in colour, with lemon curd, ripe orchard fruit and a measured nutty edge. Preserved orange and almond add depth, while spice and wet stone keep the nose composed. The palate is broad and lightly creamy, balanced by firm acidity and a focused mineral line. A gentle oxidative note brings savoury complexity without overwhelming the fruit, and the finish is long, dry and quietly saline.
Roses de Jeanne Cédric Bouchard VV/R23 Blanc de Noirs Champagne NV 750 mL
Fine bubbles carry citrus, red apple and pear, with plum skin and strawberry adding a subtle red-fruit accent. Blossom and chalk bring lift, while almond, nougat and fresh pastry build gentle richness. The palate is taut and energetic, its high acidity balanced by a creamy mousse and measured roundness. Mineral tension runs through a long, dry finish marked by lime, toast and a quiet saline edge.
Remoissenet 2019 Vosne-Romanee Mg
A poised large-format red Burgundy with ripe cherry, wild strawberry, rose and violet. Earthy notes of forest floor and exotic spice add depth, followed by black tea, cinnamon and clove as the wine opens. Pure fruit and fine structure carry the palate through a complex finish, making it a fine match for duck, roast poultry, mushrooms or aged cheese.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Vieilles Vignes 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Ripe yellow fruit, pear and green apple open with lemon rind, almond and a quiet honeyed note. The palate is broad and creamy, yet fresh acidity and salinity keep the texture composed. Toast, chestnut and warm spice add depth around a core of citrus and orchard fruit. Full-bodied but controlled, it finishes long and savoury, with mineral tension carrying the richness.
Drouet et Fils Paradis de Famille Grande Champagne Cognac
Dark copper in colour, with an aromatic bouquet of rancio, ripe plum and citrus over cedar, cigar box and tobacco. Cinnamon and polished wood bring warm spice without obscuring the fruit. The palate is powerful but notably mellow, with a velvety texture and quiet liquorice depth. The finish is enduring and composed, carrying candied fruit, tobacco and seasoned oak.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle 750 mL
Black olive and smoked bacon give the first impression a dark, savoury tone, followed by crushed blackberry, graphite and violet. The palate is dense but not jammy, with concentrated fruit held by firm, fine-grained tannins. A clear mineral line keeps the power focused, and the finish is exceptionally long, elegant and floral. Decant well before serving with venison, braised beef or aged hard cheese.