750 mL
Nichol 2021 Old Vines Syrah Naramata Bench
Wild blackberry and dark cherry meet crushed violet, cracked pepper and a stony savoury underlay. Taut acidity and long, finely grippy tannins give the palate real energy without obscuring the fruit. The finish is persistent, peppery and mineral. Decant briefly and serve with grilled lamb, duck, lentils with herbs or roasted mushrooms.
Quinta do Portal 2007 Grande Reserva Douro
Powerful yet fresh, with plum, dried berries and dark blue fruit framed by cedar, graphite and mineral detail. The palate is dense and succulent, its generous fruit supported by firm, medium-grained tannins and bright acidity. Spice builds through a long, structured finish that still feels composed. Serve with braised beef, lamb, game or aged hard cheese.
Telmo Rodríguez 2018 Basa Rueda
Grapefruit, white currant and spring flowers open the nose, with a stony mineral note and a hint of tropical fruit underneath. The palate is crisp, dry and medium-bodied, driven by bright acidity and clean citrus fruit. Refreshing yet composed, it finishes balanced and direct, with enough texture to feel serious without losing its easy-drinking charm.
Bodegas Luzon 2024 Las Hermanas Organic Red
Fresh bramble and red cherry lead, accented by a light touch of green spice. The palate is juicy and fruit-driven, with soft-grained tannins giving the ripe fruit enough shape without adding weight. Direct, supple and easy to follow, it closes on clean red-fruit flavour with a subtle savoury edge. Serve with grilled sausages, lamb skewers or smoky vegetable dishes.
Lopez de Heredia 2013 Vina Tondonia Reserva Rioja
Dried berry and restrained black fruit open with wild herbs, balsamic lift and sweet spice. The palate is rich yet finely controlled, with a smooth, developed texture held by firm, elegant tannins and chalky grip. Cedar and vanilla sit quietly behind the fruit, leading into a layered, savoury finish. Serve with roast lamb, braised beef or aged manchego.
Barone Montalto 2021 Pinot Grigio Sicilia IGT
Pale gold with a green tint, opening on layered citrus and a cool wet-stone note. The palate is fresh, crisp and clean, with lime and subtle tropical fruit carried by balanced acidity. Dry and direct through the finish, it has enough texture to feel composed at the table. Serve with clams, grilled fish or simple vegetable pasta.
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Still structured, with red fruit and vanilla set against an integrated tannic frame. The palate is light and mature, yet sound bottles retain good colour, a composed texture and a clean finish. Bottle variation is pronounced, with some examples appearing fresher than their age and others more fragile. Stand upright, open carefully and assess before deciding whether to decant.
Corte Pavone 2017 Campo Marzio Brunello di Montalcino
Dark fruit, blackcurrant and spice lead an earthy, mineral-driven profile, with cherries and black tea adding depth. The palate is elegant and tightly wound, framed by chalky, savoury tannins and bright berry fruit. Long and composed through the finish, it is an excellent match for roast lamb, game or porcini.
Santa Vittoria 2017 Barolo DOCG
Clear garnet with a brick-toned rim, opening on dried cherry, rose petal and tar, followed by leather, sweet tobacco, forest floor and anise. Medium-full on the palate, it balances bright acidity with firm, well-integrated tannins. Red currant, dried herbs and savoury spice lead into a long, mineral-edged finish.
Aldegheri 2019 I Lastari Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Deep ruby and smoothly rounded, with cherry and marasca cherry at the centre of a broad, complex bouquet. The palate is dry, full and velvety, carrying ripe red fruit through a harmonious, persistent finish. There is enough structure for further development, but the generous fruit makes it inviting now. Serve with pasta, roast poultry, veal or firm cheese.
Garofoli 2022 Farnio Rosso Piceno
A smooth Rosso Piceno with lively red cherry and darker plum fruit, followed by dried herbs and a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied and approachable, combining fresh acidity with rounded tannins and a clean, fruit-led finish. It is versatile at the table, particularly with mushroom pizza, tomato-based pasta, roast pork or a board of cured meats.
Tenuta di Castellaro 2019 Nero Ossidiana
Deep purple in the glass, with ripe black cherry, cassis, pomegranate and tomato leaf on the nose. The palate is full-bodied but fresh, shaped by a distinctive saline current and supple tannins. Dark fruit remains clear through the long, kirsch-toned finish, giving the wine both power and coastal brightness.
Il Borro 2019 Il Borrigiano Valdarno di Sopra DOC
Lively ruby with purple reflections, opening on fresh cherry and other red fruit. Ginger and white pepper add lift and aromatic definition. The palate is bright and harmonious, with refreshing acidity and elegant, rounded tannins. A clean, fruit-led finish keeps the wine energetic and especially easy to place at the table.
Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso
Pale ruby in colour, with lifted red-fruit aromas and a cool mineral edge. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, balancing bright acidity with fine texture and a savoury, saline current. Freshness carries through the persistent finish, giving this poised Sicilian red both clarity and an easy affinity with food.
Mönchhof 2019 Estate Riesling
White pepper, ash and crushed stone frame vivid nectarine and grapefruit. The palate is semi-dry and richly extracted, yet remains light on its feet, with brisk acidity giving the ripe fruit lift and precision. The finish is bright, mineral and mouthwatering. Serve chilled with spicy dishes, smoked fish or soft-rind cheese.
Enderle & Moll 2019 Spätburgunder Rosé Baden
Rose petal and crushed strawberry meet wild cherry, red plum and a faint savoury funk. The palate is clean and fresh, with lively acidity, gentle texture and exotic spice carrying the light red fruit. Bright but not simple, it has enough depth for veal or pasta while remaining relaxed and easy to drink.
Granbazan 2023 Etiqueta Verde Albarino Rias Baixas
Lime zest, peach blossom and crushed oyster shell create a bright, coastal aroma, followed by ripe peach, nectarine and citrus. Light-bodied but not slight, the palate balances juicy fruit with saline freshness and a clean marine edge. The finish is long, brisk and refreshing, making this an excellent match for oysters, grilled prawns or simply prepared white fish.
Yarra Yering 2015 Dry Red No. 2
Blackberry and plum lead a concentrated, dark-fruited profile, joined by violet, pepper and savoury spice. The palate is medium-bodied yet weighty, with generous fruit, assertive tannins and crisp acidity held in a fresh, detailed frame. Poised and long, it suits lamb, grilled beef or earthy mushroom dishes.
Montalto 2016 Single Vineyard Tuerong Block Pinot Noir
A classically savoury Pinot Noir, opening with dark cherry, plum and forest-floor aromas. Dried herbs, black earth and a subtle touch of aniseed add depth as the wine develops in the glass. The palate is concentrated yet composed, with black-tea tannins carrying the dark fruit through a persistent finish. Decant gently and pair with roast duck, mushrooms or herb-crusted pork.
Château de La Liquière 2021 Les Amandiers Blanc Faugères
White flowers, bright citrus and fresh orchard fruit lead with an open, charming fragrance. The palate is delicate and clean, keeping its white-fruit core lively and gratifying rather than weighty. Early-morning hand harvesting and tank ageing preserve the vivid, pure profile, while the high, schist-grown site lends the finish a precise sense of place.