2012
Cailleteau Bergeron 2012 Tradition
A rich, fruit-forward Bordeaux blend with ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, complemented by subtle spice. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and balanced acidity carrying the juicy dark fruit into a lingering finish. Approachable but composed, it is a natural match for roast beef, burgers, mushrooms or firm cheese.
Arnoux & Fils 2012 Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Orange blossom, peach, ripe apple and pear rise from an intensely aromatic profile, with a clean mineral note adding definition. Sweet and full-flavoured, the palate layers stone fruit and floral detail over a smooth, rounded texture. A faint bitter edge refreshes the finish, keeping the lingering fruit poised enough for fruit desserts, blue cheese or solo sipping.
Château d’Aydie 2012 Maydie Vintage Tannat
Sweet plum and ripe dark fruit wrap around firm Tannat structure, while contrasting acidity keeps this fortified red lively and clear. Generous and fruity rather than heavy, the palate carries supple sweetness, fresh lift and a gentle savoury grip into a balanced finish. A natural partner for dark chocolate, blue cheese or slow after-dinner sipping.
Dr. H. Thanisch 2012 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese
Honey and gentle apple open on the nose, leading into a light-bodied palate with a measured balance of sweetness and acidity. Mineral-infused Bosc pear sits at the centre, joined by nectarine and a subtle touch of brown sugar. Refreshing and composed, the flavours linger steadily through the finish.
Julia Kemper 2012 Aragonez Dão DOC
Deep ruby with wild blackberry at the centre, edged by gentle spice and a cool, resinous hint of pine. The palate is dry and velvety, with fine-grained tannins keeping the ripe fruit composed. Elegant rather than forceful, it carries fresh acidity and a delicate savoury line into a clean, quietly persistent finish.
Poplar Grove 2012 Benchmark
Ripe plum, blueberry and dark cherry lead, with fruitcake and brown sugar bringing a mellow, developed sweetness to the aroma. The palate is dry and medium-full, with plush tannins, steady acidity and a measured frame of French oak. Mature but still fruit-led, it suits braised beef, roast lamb, lentils or firm cheese, with a short decant before serving.
Poplar Grove 2012 Cabernet Franc Okanagan Valley
Smoky tobacco and black plum lead with mocha, cherry and blackberry. The palate is round and softly textured, carrying generous dark fruit over a savoury, lightly resinous line. Fine density and steady freshness keep the finish composed. Decant briefly and serve with grilled lamb, roast beef, mushroom ragout or firm aged cheese.
Voyager Estate 2012 Girt by Sea Cabernet Merlot 750 mL
Blackcurrant, dark cherry and mulberry open with cedar, tobacco and measured spice. The palate is savoury and medium-bodied, with the dark fruit carried by beautifully integrated, fine-grained tannins. Cedar and tobacco add mature complexity without drying the fruit, while the texture remains composed and approachable. The finish is medium to long, leaving blackcurrant, mulberry, spice and a persistent cedary note.
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.
Château de Montfaucon 2012 Vin de Monsieur Le Baron
Poplar Grove 2012 The Legacy Okanagan Valley
Earthy cassis and red fruit meet leafy herbs and a distinctly savoury edge. Round and soft on entry, the palate is shaped by accommodating chalky tannins and enough freshness to keep the mature fruit composed. The finish is balanced and gently persistent. Decant carefully, then serve with a rare steak, roast lamb, lentils or a mushroom gratin.
Fairview Cellars 2012 Premier Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark fruit, cassis and prune lead, joined by leather and a measured tobacco note. The palate is broad and silky, with red currant and plum adding lift around a dry, medium-bodied frame. Smooth, still-present tannins give shape, while dark chocolate and savoury maturity settle into a balanced, medium-length finish.
Brezza 2012 Barolo Sarmassa 750 mL
Rose, red cherry and raspberry open with star anise, clove and a gentle earthy note. The palate is savoury and tightly shaped, balancing ripe black cherry with bright acidity, mineral detail and firm, fine-grained tannins. Hints of tar, cigar box and dried herbs emerge with air, bringing mature complexity without losing freshness. The finish is persistent and poised. Decant carefully and serve with braised beef, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese.
Borgo Del Tiglio 2012 Rosso Riserva
Deep red and full-bodied, opening with black cherry and blackcurrant before baking spice and earthy undertones add depth. Bright acidity keeps the ripe dark fruit balanced, while firm, integrated tannins give the palate a composed, dry shape. The finish is clean and lingering rather than heavy. Decant carefully and serve with roast lamb, braised beef or aged cheese.
Prats & Symington 2012 Chryseia Douro 750 mL
Currant and lifted dark fruit meet dried flowers, tobacco and a cool mineral note. The palate is concentrated yet supple, with fresh acidity giving the wine clarity and energy. Fine-grained tannins provide shape without heaviness, while savoury earth and a faint saline edge add detail through the long, focused finish. Decant before serving with roast lamb, braised beef, grilled mushrooms or firm aged cheese.
Nicolas Maillart 2012 Premier Cru Brut Millésimé Champagne
Burrowing Owl 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Okanagan Valley
Cassis, damson plum, blueberry and dark cherry form a generous aromatic core, edged by cedar, sweet spice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and structured, the palate carries blackberry and plum through fine, firm tannins. A restrained savoury note adds lift before the long, polished finish. Decant and serve with grilled beef or lamb.
Contino 2012/18 Rioja Gran Reserva
Contino Gran Reserva is a harmonious wine, with a great balance between silkiness and roundness in the mouth. On the nose it is fragrant, reminiscent of ripe black fruit, with floral and balsamic notes that provide freshness. All well balanced with subtle toasted notes from its ageing in barrel. On the palate it is fine, subtle, with pleasant tannins and perfect acidity, which make it a persistent wine with a long finish.
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.
Chiappini 2012 Guado de’ Gemoli Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Bright ruby-purple in the glass, with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and plum aromas layered over liquorice, sage and rosemary. The palate is warm and supple, offering dense, ripe fruit and finely meshed tannins. Mineral and savoury notes keep the wine focused before a silky, persistent finish with polished structure.