USA
Cain Vineyard & Winery 2010 Cain Concept The Benchland 750 mL
Cedar and smoky fig wood frame ripe plum and dark berry fruit, with a savoury undertone that keeps the profile composed. The palate is smooth and generous without feeling heavy, carried by resolving tannins and a measured freshness. Cabernet structure gives the wine its line, while the softer texture of the blend brings breadth and polish. The finish is elegant, mature and quietly persistent.
Duckhorn 2007 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa
Red and black cherry meet blackberry, liquorice, mineral tones and warm spice. Soft and smooth at first, the palate develops a dusty tannic frame that gives the succulent fruit shape and persistence. Rich without losing definition, it closes with layered dark fruit and savoury mineral detail. Serve with lamb, duck or mushroom dishes.
Blackbird Vineyards 2006 Illustration Proprietary Red Oak Knoll District
Black cherry leads with toffee, cocoa powder, iris and subtle leather. The palate is full-bodied and focused, bringing brambly berries, roasted meat, blackcurrant, coffee and tobacco into a rich, concentrated core. Persistent acidity keeps the texture composed, while sweet, velvety tannins carry the layered fruit and savoury detail through a long finish.
Duckhorn 2005 Merlot Napa
Blackcurrant and ripe cherry lead a full, richly layered palate, joined by dark chocolate, violet and liquorice. Smoky oak adds depth without obscuring the fruit, while dense, intricate tannins provide definition and length. Generous yet composed, it finishes with lingering dark berry and cocoa tones. Pair with lamb, roast beef or mushroom dishes.
Casey Jones Distillery Barrel Cut Double Barrel Kentucky Specialty Spirit
Sweet corn and caramel lead a full, rounded palate, followed by tobacco, warm spice and a pronounced oak character. A second layer of smoky, woodsy flavour adds depth without obscuring the spirit’s underlying sweetness. The texture is smooth but substantial, carrying vanilla and toasted wood into a lingering, gently warming finish. Serve neat, over a large cube or with a splash of water.
Ilaria 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Dark chocolate leads a smoky, supple profile, with ripe raspberry and blackberry bringing freshness to the richer fruit. A small portion of Petit Verdot adds depth and structure without obscuring the Cabernet core. Soft in texture yet lengthy and composed, the palate closes with lingering dark fruit, cocoa and a gentle savoury warmth.
Lindstrom Wines 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Cherry, cola and fresh earth lead with bright cranberry and a light touch of baking spice. Broad and silky on the palate, the Pinot Noir brings fresh cherry juice, celery leaf and a fine mineral-saline note. Coastal freshness keeps the texture lively, carrying crisp cranberry and gentle spice into a clean, refreshing finish.
Racines NV Grand Reserve Sparkling Chardonnay
Toasted biscuit and layered yeast notes lead into spiced pear, bruised apple, cardamom and nutmeg. Rich and creamy with air, the palate combines ample fruit with fine mousse, savoury biscuit and a distinctly mineral core. Almond cream rounds the texture, while freshness and depth carry the wine through a long, composed finish.
Twomey 2013 Merlot Napa Valley
Black cherry, coffee and licorice open with creamy red fruit, followed by chocolate-covered cherry and a subtle savoury note. The palate is elegant and texturally plush, with velvety yet firm tannins keeping the Merlot focused rather than heavy. Red currant and plum carry into a fresh, composed finish.
Au Bon Climat 2020 Isabelle Pinot Noir
Wild red and black berries open with tea leaf, underbrush and a subtle iodine note. The palate is light-bodied yet supple, carrying juicy fruit through fine tannins and a distinctly earthy line. Fragrance and freshness keep the wine lifted despite its savoury depth. The finish is long and composed, leaving berry fruit, dried herbs, forest floor and a quiet mineral trace.
PlumpJack 2013 Syrah Napa Valley
Blackberry, mocha and liquorice open with bold, savoury depth. The palate layers smoky raspberry, grilled herbs and cracked pepper over a rich, structured frame. Ripe, generous tannins give the Syrah weight without hardening its edges, while balanced acidity keeps the dark fruit and spice focused through a long, confidently shaped finish.
Ken Wright Cellars 2017 Tanager Vineyard Pinot Noir 750 mL
Raspberry, cranberry and cherry are sharply defined, with violet, apricot and dusky spice adding lift and detail. The palate opens firm and structured, then softens gradually, revealing layered red fruit, a touch of orange peel and refined tannins. Texture and freshness carry the wine through a composed, persistent finish. Decant briefly and serve with duck, roast pork, salmon, wild mushrooms or earthy lentil dishes.
Racines 2019 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750 mL
Sweet dried cherry leads a savoury, aromatic profile, joined by mint, tobacco and sage. The palate is ethereal and finely drawn, with fresh acidity and a gentle tannic frame keeping the fruit lifted. Herbal detail and cool mineral tension bring depth without heaviness, while the finish remains persistent and composed. Serve with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes or pork tenderloin with herbs.
B Cellars 2014 Maldonado Vineyard Chardonnay 750 mL
Green apple, pear and key lime open with clean brightness, followed by nutmeg, subtle oak and a light coconut accent. The palate has generous fruit and measured weight, but crisp acidity keeps the texture focused and energetic. Citrus carries through the middle, while restrained oak adds shape without overwhelming the wine. Serve lightly chilled with roast chicken, butter-poached shellfish, grilled halibut or creamy vegetable dishes.
Radio-Coteau 2015 Lemorel Zinfandel Sonoma Coast
Fresh red fruit leads with blood orange, rose petal, pomegranate and a cooling lift of mint. Racy and supple on the palate, the Zinfandel balances vivid fruit with floral and citrus detail rather than sheer weight. Fine energy carries the wine through a bright, expressive finish with excellent clarity and poise.
Grgich Hills Estate 2018 Chardonnay
Shafer 2014 Red Shoulder Chardonnay
A powerful Napa Chardonnay with green mango, lemon and a light custard note. The palate is full-bodied and intensely creamy, though tangy acidity keeps the richness in focus and carries the wine into a long, energetic finish. Bold but balanced, it suits roast chicken, lobster, halibut or vegetables served with a gentle cream sauce.
Racines 2017 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay
Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and light tropical notes create a creamy, open-knit profile with understated richness. The palate is inviting and layered, placing ripe core fruit beside savoury spice and gentle earthy depth. Fresh structure keeps the Chardonnay composed, while subtle breadth carries the flavours into a lingering, food-friendly finish.