2013
August Kesseler 2013 Cuvée Max Spätburgunder Trocken 750 mL
Fine redcurrant opens over sous-bois, autumn leaf and a quiet savoury edge. The palate is concentrated and firmly structured, with mature tannins and a taut line of acidity giving the fruit definition. Earthy woodland notes deepen through the middle, while the finish remains dry, persistent and composed rather than heavy. Decant carefully to soften the structure; serve with duck, roast veal, mushroom dishes or aged alpine cheese.
Giovanni Chiappini 2013 Guado de’ Gemoli Bolgheri Superiore Magnum
Cassis, ripe black cherry and raspberry open with tobacco, liquorice, black pepper and a quiet balsamic note. The palate is concentrated and vigorous, combining dark fruit with close-grained tannins, savoury olive and measured toast. Fresh acidity and a saline edge keep the richness in balance, carrying the wine into a long, firm finish. Decant carefully and serve with braised beef, roast lamb or porcini dishes.
Giovanni Chiappini 2013 Lienà Cabernet Franc Toscana IGT 750 mL
Plum and dried fruit lead a complex, savoury nose, with tobacco, chocolate and liquorice adding depth. The palate is rich yet elegant, its generous fruit framed by smooth, soft tannins rather than hard edges. French-oak ageing brings polish and subtle warmth while the Cabernet Franc retains a clear, persistent shape. The finish is long, balanced and quietly earthy. Decant before serving with braised beef, roast lamb or aged pecorino.
Cavallotto 2013 Barolo Bricco Boschis 750 mL
Rose, violet and hibiscus frame dark cherry and raspberry on a finely layered nose. The palate is calm and linear, with fresh cherry, liquorice and mineral notes unfolding over firm, classical tannins. Sweet spice and savoury earth add depth without blurring the wine's clarity. Full-bodied yet poised, it carries notable energy through a long, persistent finish. Decant generously and serve with braised beef, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese.
Tenuta di Trinoro 2013 Palazzi 750 mL
Ripe red stone fruit and raspberry open with wild flowers, white truffle and exotic spice. The palate is opulent yet animated, its generous Merlot fruit held in focus by bright acidity and silky tannins. Floral and savoury layers continue to shift with air, giving the wine more freshness and definition than its richness first suggests. The finish is long, aromatic and polished. Decant before serving with roast lamb, braised beef or porcini dishes.
Poplar Grove 2013 Cabernet Franc Okanagan Valley
Black plum and cassis meet smoky cedar, graphite and a dusting of cocoa. Round and supple on entry, the palate brings cherry and dark fruit together with soft tannins and a restrained savoury edge. The finish is polished and already approachable. Give it a little air and pair with lamb, braised beef, grilled peppers or aged cheddar.
Poplar Grove 2013 The Legacy Okanagan Valley
Red and black fruit unfold with licorice, sagebrush and a dry savoury accent. The palate is controlled rather than heavy, with stylish fruit held by measured structure and balanced acidity. A gentle earthy note develops as it opens, leading to a composed finish. Decant briefly and pair with grilled beef, rosemary lamb, roast squash or aged cheddar.
Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2013 Pauillac
Fine-boned and restrained, with tobacco, cassis and crushed gravel leading into fresh red cherry. The palate is medium-bodied and polished, favouring clarity and precision over weight. Firm but refined tannins frame the fruit, while subtle cedar and mineral notes give the wine a classical, savoury shape. The finish is clean and measured, tapering through cherry, tobacco and cool stone with an understated, composed persistence.
Royal Tokaji 2013 Aszú 5 Puttonyos 250 mL
Honey and peach lead a delicate, graceful palate, with citrus fruit and gentle spice adding lift and definition. Concentrated sweetness is held in balance by crisp acidity, giving the wine poise rather than heaviness. The finish is elegant, clean and notably persistent. Serve lightly chilled with fruit-based desserts, blue cheese, foie gras or as a small contemplative glass on its own.
Elephant Island 2013 Apricot Wine
Fragrant ripe stone fruit opens with honey, tropical fruit and delicate floral notes. The palate is smooth and velvety, layering yellow plum and peach with a bright lift of citrus zest. Vibrant acidity keeps the natural sweetness fresh, while honeyed fruit and a subtle hint of spice linger through a long, polished finish.
Maan Farms 2013 Blackberry Wine
Concentrated black fruit leads a rich, fruit-driven profile, with a soft jammy note and deep berry intensity. The palate is full and gently coating, balancing natural sweetness with enough tartness to keep the fruit lively. A smooth, warming finish carries juicy dark-berry flavour without becoming cloying, making this an expressive after-dinner pour.
Dom Pérignon 2013 Vintage Brut Champagne Luminous Bottle
Apricot, tangerine peel and crisp stone fruit meet white flowers, jasmine and fresh mint. The palate is ample and seamless, with lively citrus, bright acidity and fine bubbles carrying pear, almond and buttered toast. Powdery spice, clear honey and mineral freshness build through a polished, persistent finish.
Champagne Jacquesson 2013 Dizy Terres Rouges Extra Brut
Crisp yellow orchard fruit, raspberry and wild strawberry meet white flowers, citrus and a touch of nougat. The palate is layered and seamless, with delicate red fruit framed by lively tension and an elegantly vinous texture. Honeycomb and fine spice add depth before a long, bright and seemingly weightless finish.
Hobel 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Sweet oak and cedar frame a deeply coloured, concentrated Cabernet core of boysenberry, blueberry and bitter chocolate. The palate is massive yet silky, with ample fruit, firm vineyard-driven structure and a line of tension running through the richness. Fresh acidity keeps the scale balanced, carrying violets, crushed rock, incense and blackberry into an energetic finish.
Château Montelena 2013 The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Black cherry, cassis and black pepper lead, layered with tomato leaf, meat and soy for a distinctly savoury profile. The palate is dense yet seamless, with grippy tannins supporting deep fruit and a long, composed finish. Elegant rather than flashy, it rewards decanting and suits roast lamb, grilled beef, braised short ribs, porcini dishes or aged hard cheese.
Opus One 2013 Napa Valley
Concentrated and aromatic, with blueberry, cassis, blackberry and black cherry lifted by rose, anise, baking spice, graphite and cedar. A creamy entry gives way to vibrant freshness, velvety tannins and impressive mid-palate depth. Rich but precisely balanced, it finishes very long and perfumed; allow generous air and serve with prime rib, grilled lamb or wild mushrooms.
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.
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.