France
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.
Vaudon XO Cognac
Violet and subtle fruit lead a delicate, composed aroma, followed by mango, walnut and candied orange peel. The palate is soft and silky, with exotic fruit bringing brightness while gentle oak and nutty depth add structure. Richness remains polished rather than heavy. The finish is long and elegant, carrying floral tones, orange oil, walnut and quiet warming spice.
Vaudon VSOP Cognac
Toffee, honey and salted caramel open with ripe plum and fig. The palate is smooth and delicately rounded, moving from candied fruit into white fruit and soft floral tones. Limousin oak contributes measured depth without masking the fruit. The finish is gentle and harmonious, leaving caramel, dried fruit, blossom and a quiet trace of warming spice.
Domaine de Joy XO 10 Year Old Bas-Armagnac
Vanilla and white flowers rise first, followed by caramel and polished oak. The palate is soft and balanced, with rounded sweetness framed by gentle wood spice and a supple texture. New Gascon and Limousin oak bring both character and elegance. The finish is long and composed, leaving vanilla, caramel, flowers and a clean echo of oak.
Meukow VSOP Red Edition Cognac
Candied orange, apple and plum rise with rose and polished wood spice. The palate is broad and smooth, moving from fruit sweetness into leather, liquorice and dark coffee. Vanilla softens the structure without obscuring the brandy’s dry edge. The finish is intense but controlled, leaving coffee, bitter cocoa, orange peel and warm spice. Serve neat or with a single large cube.
Delamain Pale & Dry XO Cognac
Vanilla, apricot and passion fruit rise first, followed by orange zest and a gentle almond note. The palate is finely textured and bright, with ripe fruit balanced by measured oak and warming spice. Ginger gives the middle a clean lift while citrus oil keeps the richness precise. The finish is persistent and composed, carrying candied orange, almond, vanilla and quiet spice.
Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac
Fresh apricot opens with vanilla and a polished touch of mellow oak. The palate is rounded and supple, with soft fruit sweetness framed by warm spice and a quiet toasted note. The texture remains smooth and composed rather than heavy. The finish is persistent and gently warming, leaving apricot, vanilla, fine spice and seasoned wood in balance.
Le Gin de Christian Drouin
Fresh apple and juniper give the aroma an immediate lift, followed by rose, lemon peel and a fine thread of ginger. The palate is smooth and rounded, layering vanilla, cinnamon, almond and cardamom over bright orchard fruit. Floral citrus keeps the spice precise rather than heavy. The finish is clean and gently warming, with apple, juniper and sweet spice returning in an elegant, aromatic line.
Coquard Le Coq Beaujolais
A bright, gently tannic Beaujolais with wild raspberry, red cherry and a touch of blackcurrant. The palate is light to medium in body, with fresh acidity and a quiet mineral note keeping the fruit precise. Serve it slightly cool as an aperitif or alongside roast chicken, pâté, mushrooms and other dishes that suit Gamay’s lively, savoury side.
Coquard 2019 Julienas ‘Jules Cesar’
A layered French red with crushed pomegranate, orange zest and red tea, lifted by a soft waft of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied, with tight, fine-grained tannins giving shape to the aromatic fruit and a flavourful finish. Give it a little air, then serve with roast poultry, grilled pork, mushrooms or gently spiced charcuterie.
Clos Lapeyre 2016 Vitatge Vielh Jurançon Sec
Ripe green fruit and citrus lead a concentrated, full-flavoured white, lightly touched with honey. The palate is rich and intense yet remains composed, with the two Manseng varieties bringing both weight and freshness. A powerful, expressive style for roast fish, creamy poultry dishes or firm mountain cheeses.
Lapeyre 2019 Jurancon Sec
An aromatic dry white built around Gros Manseng, with dried apricot, peach, vanilla and a gentle floral note. Citrus and toast add lift and savoury detail on the palate, while the medium-bodied texture carries into a long, clean finish. Its balance of ripe fruit and freshness suits roast poultry, richer fish, creamy cheeses or lightly spiced dishes.
Rabasse Charavin 2016 Cairanne
A mature southern Rhône red with black cherry, dried plum and blackberry, layered with garrigue herbs, leather and peppery spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with softened tannins and resolved dark fruit supported by earthy, dried-herb detail. Harmonious and settled through the finish, it is well suited to roast lamb, braised dishes or mushrooms.
Rabasse Charavin 2020 Cotes Du Rhone
A ripe Southern Rhône red with blackberry, black cherry and plum, framed by garrigue, pepper and licorice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with supple tannins, juicy dark fruit and fresh acidity keeping the wine warm but balanced. A savoury, lightly earthy finish makes it a natural partner for grilled lamb, roast vegetables or herb-seasoned sausages.
La Liquiere 2019 Nos Racines Faugeres
A concentrated old-vine Carignan with blackberry and blackcurrant at the centre. The palate combines depth with freshness, allowing the dark fruit to feel vivid while soft tannins keep the structure approachable. Striking but not heavy through the finish, it is a natural match for grilled lamb, sausages, roast peppers or other robust Mediterranean dishes.
Château Mouton Rothschild 2009 Pauillac
Opulent and seductive, with black currant, black cherry and plum surrounded by violet, cigar box, tobacco, liquorice, smoke and bitter chocolate. The palate is rich and satiny, its dark fruit controlled by fine-grained tannins, savoury mineral freshness and a long, pure finish. Still youthful, it benefits from three to four hours in a decanter before serving with veal or lamb.
Grosbois Gabare 2020 Chinon
A generous Chinon with ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, a dusting of cocoa and a subtle leafy note. The palate is soft and succulent, with fine tannins and fresh acidity giving the wine an easy, harmonious shape. Serve it lightly cool with pâté, charcuterie, grilled pork or lentil dishes, where its bright fruit and savoury edge can work together.
Grosbois Clos La Henry 2020 Bourgueil
A smooth Loire Cabernet Franc with raspberry, graphite, green pepper and violet. The palate is refreshing and supple, with the red fruit and floral notes carried by a clean, understated structure. Made with minimal intervention, it finishes savoury and composed rather than heavy. Serve it with pâté, terrines, roast poultry, mushrooms or lightly grilled pork.