France
Domaine Guiberteau 2020 Saumur Blanc
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.
Ferraton Père & Fils 2016 Lieu-Dit Montmain Côte-Rôtie
E. Guigal 2012 Ermitage Ex-Voto Rouge
Crème de cassis and black raspberry lead, layered with crushed rock, liquorice and a subtle savoury note. The palate is powerful and full-bodied, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in ripe, steadily building tannins. Vanilla and spice add depth without softening the wine's mineral focus or its exceptionally long finish.
Éric Texier 2019 Saint-Julien-en-Saint-Alban Côtes du Rhône
Cassis, blueberry and damson plum lead, with violet, olive and smoky mineral notes adding lift. The palate is smooth and energetic, balancing black and blue fruit with black pepper, allspice and soft, supple tannins. Rosemary, a quiet savoury edge and fine acidity carry the wine through a fresh, textural finish.
Domaine de la Solitude 2018 Cornelia Constanza Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Black cherry and liquorice lead, joined by raspberry, sandalwood, tea and a hint of cinnamon. The full-bodied palate is ripe and concentrated without excess weight, its supple, silky tannins bringing shape to the generous fruit. Floral notes, fine mineral salinity and gentle spice extend an elegant, harmonious finish.
Château de Montfaucon 2012 Vin de Monsieur Le Baron
Domaine des Escaravailles 2019 Scarabée Libéré Cairanne
Crushed raspberry, ripe cherry and peppermint give the nose an immediate lift. The palate is smooth, juicy and fresh, with generous red fruit meeting darker spice and gentle structure. Fine tannins, bright acidity and a savoury herbal note keep the fruit precise, finishing clean and energetic rather than heavy.
Mark Haisma 2020 Cornas
Domaine de Beaurenard 2019 Rasteau
Intense black fruit and blueberry aromas are lifted by cracked pepper, dried herbs and a hint of cocoa. The palate is rich and concentrated, built around ripe Grenache fruit, firm but polished tannins and a clear mineral line. Blackberry, cherry and savoury spice persist through a focused, energetic finish. Serve with braised lamb, grilled sausages, roast aubergine or hard cheese.
Domaine Mouton Père et Fils 2015 Côte-Rôtie Maison Rouge
Saint Cosme 2023 Crozes-Hermitage
Black fruit, smoked bacon, cracked pepper and incense lead a savoury, aromatic nose. The palate has more structure than the appellation's flatter-ground examples, with dark Syrah fruit, firm tannins and a mineral line carrying through the finish. Meaty, peppery and composed rather than heavy, it is a strong match for grilled lamb, mushrooms or slow-cooked onions.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2017 Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes
Xavier Gérard 2018 Côte-Rôtie
Dark violet in colour, with ripe blackberry, cassis and bitter cherry framed by pungent flowers, black pepper and a savoury trace of smoked meat. The palate is concentrated yet agile, its dark fruit gaining licorice and smoky mineral detail with air. Fine dusty tannins give measured grip, carrying pepper, fruit and earth through a long, composed finish.
Chapoutier 2016 Cote Rotie Mordoree
Raspberry and violet give the nose an aromatic lift, followed by spice, rosemary, black olive and tapenade. The palate is ample and concentrated, balancing ripe red and dark fruit with firm, velvety tannins. Leather, cedar and a light espresso note add savoury depth to the long finish. Decant for roasted lamb or game.
Domaine Saint-Patrice 2016 Clos Saint-Patrice Monopole Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Black cherry, blackberry and violet open with generous aromatic depth, followed by licorice, warm spice and a faint savoury note. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe fruit held in shape by polished tannins and fresh mineral tension. Opulent yet composed, it finishes long and layered, with dark fruit and spice lingering.
Domaine Raspail-Ay 2022 Gigondas
Domaine René Rostaing 2013 Côte Blonde Côte-Rôtie
Fresh raspberry and boysenberry rise with potpourri, floral oils and smoky mineral notes. Lively red and dark berry flavours fill the palate, gaining depth from peppery spice, olive, truffle and a savoury forest-floor nuance. Fine, gently firm tannins frame the concentrated fruit, while clear mineral energy drives the long, precise and persistent finish.
Escaravailles 2022 Les Coteaux Rasteau
Red, blue and black fruits lead, edged by cracked pepper and delicate floral notes. The palate is creamy and supple, with medium-to-full body, ripe concentration and excellent tannins. Freshness keeps the generous fruit beautifully balanced, carrying gentle spice and a savoury mineral touch through the rounded, elegant finish.
Pétrus 2000 Pomerol
Deeply concentrated and complex, with blackberry, wild strawberry and plum layered with cedar, pencil box, mocha, cocoa, vanilla, liquorice and earthy truffle. The palate is rich and seamless, combining sweet tannins with a dense, silky texture and a long, savoury finish. Decant for about three hours and serve with roast leg of lamb or slow-braised beef.