750 mL
Moon Curser 2021 Touriga Nacional
Rich, jammy black fruit leads, supported by a savoury undercurrent and a pronounced smoky character. The palate is full and concentrated, with ripe fruit carrying substantial weight before the smoke becomes more assertive through the finish. Bold and distinctive, this is a direct expression for drinkers who favour dark fruit and an emphatically smoke-led profile.
Nichol 2022 Syrah Old Vines
Blackberry and Marasca cherry open with sage, liquorice, lilac and violet, while a stony mineral note gives the aroma extra definition. The palate is midweight yet deeply flavoured, driven by tart red-currant acidity and shaped by velvety, elegant tannins. Serious without feeling heavy, it is a refined match for roast lamb, grilled mushrooms, duck or pepper-crusted steak.
Pentage 2017 Hiatus Red
Ripe cherry, red plum and vanilla lead into black plum, blackcurrant and a gentle savoury note. The palate is medium-bodied and fruit-forward, with soft tannins and balanced acidity keeping the generous blend easy to drink. Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Syrah bring breadth without heaviness. Serve with burgers, lamb kebabs, chicken mole or smoky grilled vegetables.
The Hatch 2018 Crown + Thieves Scoundrels Punch
Dark berries, black cherry and plum lead into cedar, cocoa and quiet spice. The palate is full-bodied and layered, with blackcurrant, bramble, dark chocolate and savoury herbs carried by firm but refined tannins. Toasted oak lingers through a long, smooth finish. Decant briefly and serve with grilled flank steak, lamb shank, mushroom ragu or aged cheddar.
Niche 2022 Extra Mile Cabernet Franc
Ripe red fruit leads, joined by savoury herbs and a fine peppery, earthy edge. The palate is medium-bodied and mouthwatering, with measured oak adding polish without crowding the fruit. Balanced, versatile and easy to enjoy, it has enough savoury depth for tomato-braised dishes, grilled vegetables, herb-roasted pork, lentils or mushrooms finished with a bright vinaigrette.
Quinta Do Vale Meao 2018 Douro
Deeply coloured and concentrated, with a layered aroma that unfolds without any single note dominating. The palate is vibrant and expansive, balancing ripe tannins, polished oak and a creamy texture with notable poise. Power builds through the centre yet never obscures the wine's elegance. The finish is very long and composed, carrying integrated wood, dark-toned depth and steady freshness.
Montes 2018 Purple Angel Carménère
Blackberry, ripe blueberry and plum lead with cassis and a light dried-herb note. The palate is silky yet structured, layering cooked cherry and candied fruit with cocoa, clove and restrained smoke. Freshness keeps the dark fruit precise through the middle. The finish is long and spicy, leaving polished tannins, black fruit, dark chocolate and gentle savoury depth.
Marchesi Antinori Guado al Tasso 2019 Bolgheri Superiore
Tobacco, liquorice and ripe plum shape a rich, inviting aroma, with balsamic lift and a measured touch of toasted coffee. The palate is pure and concentrated, carrying dark fruit through silky tannins and polished structure. Savoury depth builds without dulling the wine's freshness or clarity. The finish is persistent and composed, returning to plum, dark herbs, coffee and fine-grained tannin.
Yangarra Estate Vineyard 2019 Ovitelli Grenache
Red berries and dried cranberry open with rose petals, dried orange peel and warm terracotta. The palate is delicate yet savoury, carrying pure fruit through fine-grained tannins and a long, energetic line. Extended skin contact in ceramic eggs builds texture without adding oak sweetness. The finish is dry and persistent, leaving red fruit, floral lift, earth and a gently bitter, mineral edge.
Montes Alpha M 2016
Liquorice and dark cherry lead with cassis, sweet chestnut and nutmeg. The palate is concentrated but polished, layering ripe red and black fruit with tobacco, leather and dark chocolate. Red and black pepper bring definition while toasted oak stays integrated. The finish is long and composed, leaving blackcurrant, warm spice, fine tannins and a savoury echo.
Chapoutier 2012 Côte-Rôtie La Mordorée
Raspberry and dark berry lead a fragrant aroma, joined by violet, rose petal and peppery spice. The palate is ample and elegant, with ripe fruit carried by fine structure and steady freshness. Black olive and a light touch of rosemary add savoury depth without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is balanced and persistent, leaving florals, spice and a composed mineral impression.
Chateau Talbot 2012 Saint-Julien
Cassis, blackcurrant and red currant lead a polished aroma, joined by plum, roasted herbs and a restrained tarry note. The palate is juicy and rounded, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a medium-bodied sense of balance. Cedar, liquorice and spice add savoury depth. The finish is persistent and composed, leaving dark berries, dried herbs and gentle mineral lift.
Montes 2012 Folly Syrah
Dark plum, raspberry and blackberry open with a concentrated, savoury depth. The palate is rich and firmly structured, bringing dark chocolate into line with hot stone, white pepper and layered spice. Ripe fruit remains clear beneath the wine's power. The finish is long and warming, leaving black fruit, mineral tension, pepper and a measured touch of cocoa.
Ken Wright Cellars 2018 Canary Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
Juicy red plum, pie cherry and marionberry lead a focused, fruit-driven aroma, joined by fresh herbs and a touch of green tea. The palate is deep but finely shaped, with bright acidity and firm young tannins giving the dark fruit definition. Tart citrus and lemon-rind notes add lift. The finish is long and savoury, carrying berry fruit, herbs and a quiet earthy edge.
Lopez de Heredia 2010 Vina Bosconia Reserva Rioja
Forest floor, cigar box and old oak lead the mature aroma, with restrained cinnamon, coconut and vanilla sitting behind the savoury notes. The palate remains fresh and balanced, combining dried red fruit with firm structure and an earthy, polished texture. Its mature character feels composed rather than tired. The finish is long and savoury, carrying tobacco, wood spice and quiet fruit persistence.
La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza 2012 Reserva
Graceful and classically styled, with ripe fruit, gentle smoke and polished oak forming a seamless aromatic line. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with oak warmth building around the fruit in a measured, savoury shape. Nothing feels excessive or heavy. The finish is composed and persistent, leaving soft smoke, mellow fruit and a quietly traditional Rioja character.
Guigal 2014 Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde
Cherry and raspberry rise with cedar, cracked pepper and wild herbs. The palate is light on its feet yet structured, carrying red berry fruit through fine, spicy tannins and a smooth, even texture. A savoury herbal note gives the middle quiet complexity without weighing it down. The finish is fragrant and persistent, leaving pepper, red fruit, subtle wood and a gentle earthy echo.
Domaine Jamet 2019 Côte-Rôtie Fructus Voluptas
Red and black berries lead with violet, cracked pepper and a faint savoury note. The palate is supple and immediately expressive, carrying ripe fruit over fine tannins and a stony mineral line. Used oak adds quiet shape without obscuring the freshness. The finish is balanced and persistent, leaving blackberry, spice, smoke and a gentle herbal edge.
Carpineto 2010 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva
Violet and ripe fruit open the aroma, with polished wood adding a measured frame. The palate is dry and harmonious, carrying concentrated fruit through a velvety texture and firm, well-integrated structure. The wine stays composed as it develops. The finish is long and balanced, returning to violet, ripe fruit and gentle wood tones with an elegant, mature sense of proportion.
Château de Fonbel 2015 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Dark berries and sour cherry lead the aroma, joined by herbal spice, tobacco and a floral note. Red currant follows across the palate, while chocolate adds a darker register and mineral detail runs alongside the fruit. Berries, herbs, tobacco and cocoa continue through the middle. The persistent finish brings red currant and mineral character back into clear focus.