2018
2018
d’Arenberg 2018 The Twenty Eight Road Mourvèdre
Australian Red
Distinctive and savoury, with raspberry and red plum alongside iodine, woodland mushroom and a green herbal lift. The palate carries vivid fruit into gamey, earthy territory, held by fine-grained tannins and a welcome sense of freshness. Its structure is firm but measured, with more complexity set to emerge over time; decanting now will help the layered, savoury detail come forward.
d’Arenberg 2018 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier
Australian Red
A fragrant Shiraz-led red with blackberry, plum and black cherry at the core, brightened by a small portion of co-fermented Viognier. Peach and apricot add aromatic lift, while peppery spice and savoury detail give the palate shape. Generous yet harmonious, it balances ripe dark fruit with freshness and fine structure, offering immediate appeal alongside grilled lamb, roast duck or richly seasoned vegetables.
Hesketh 2018 Ebenezer Grenache
Australian Red
Bright and generous, with red cherry, strawberry and cranberry fruit lifted by bergamot and a thread of dried herbs. The palate is supple and rounded, bringing ripe berry richness into balance with earthy spice and a gently savoury line. Full-flavoured without feeling heavy, it finishes long and composed, making an easy match for roast pork, charred vegetables or herb-crusted lamb.
Catena Zapata 2018 Adrianna White Stones
Argentinian White
From just 27 rows of a high-altitude parcel in Gualtallary, this Chardonnay is shaped by white-stone alluvial soils, cool nights and naturally low yields. Lime, orange blossom and restrained orchard fruit meet a precise mineral line, brisk acidity and a long, stony finish. Fermented in French oak with partial malolactic conversion, then aged 12-16 months in seasoned barrels, it remains finely textured rather than overtly oaky. Unfined and unfiltered.
Battenfeld-Spanier 2018 Hohen-Sülzen Riesling
German White
Ripe peach and apricot unfold alongside tobacco, dried herbs and a subtle trace of liquorice. The palate finds a fine equilibrium between generous fruit and a clear mineral line, giving the wine both breadth and definition. Precise and elegant throughout, it gathers savoury detail before carrying into a remarkably long finish.
Domdechant Werner 2018 Kabinett Trocken Riesling
German White
Billaud-Simon 2018 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses
French White
Fresh peach and citrus oil open with delicate floral notes and a cool oyster-shell edge. The palate is rounded and quietly powerful, balancing a fleshy core of fruit with ripe acidity and precise mineral tension. Creamy and elegant without losing focus, it carries citrus, stone and a lightly saline note through a long, composed finish.
Pierrick Bouley 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots
French Red
Deeply coloured, with lifted high tones and striking aromatic intensity. The palate is broad and structured, its fine-grained tannins adding shape with almost no dryness. Layered, mobile fruit brings energy and dimension, while a slightly cushioned texture softens the wine's fresh lines. Powerful yet poised, with an excellent, persistent finish.
Domaine Jean-Baptiste Boudier 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune
French Red
Medium ruby in colour, with delicate floral aromas opening into rose petal, red cherry, raspberry and soft spice. The palate is light on its feet, shaped by fresh acidity and fine tannins rather than weight. A poised, fragrant Pinot Noir with a clean, savoury finish and understated Burgundian character.
Domaine Parent 2018 Pommard
French Red
Ruby-toned and well structured, with red berries, flowers and spice forming the core of a composed, aromatic profile. The palate balances ripe fruit with firm tannins and a measured oak note, while earthy and mushroom nuances add savoury depth. Dry and focused through the finish, it suits roast poultry, duck, veal, game or mushroom dishes.
Domaine Parent 2018 Ladoix Premier Cru La Corvee
French Red
Brilliant in colour and firm in shape, with cherry and redcurrant gradually opening from the glass. The palate is structured and focused, carried by ripe fruit and assured tannins that should soften with time. There is power here, but the finish remains composed rather than heavy. Decant if opening now and serve with roast duck, pork or mushroom dishes.
Domaine de la Solitude 2018 Cornelia Constanza Châteauneuf-du-Pape
French Red
Black cherry and liquorice lead, joined by raspberry, sandalwood, tea and a hint of cinnamon. The full-bodied palate is ripe and concentrated without excess weight, its supple, silky tannins bringing shape to the generous fruit. Floral notes, fine mineral salinity and gentle spice extend an elegant, harmonious finish.
Paul Jaboulet Aîné 2018 Saint-Joseph La Croix des Vignes
French Red
Domaine Xavier Gérard 2018 Côte-Rôtie
French Red
Dark violet in colour, with ripe blackberry, cassis and bitter cherry framed by pungent flowers, black pepper and a savoury trace of smoked meat. The palate is concentrated yet agile, its dark fruit gaining licorice and smoky mineral detail with air. Fine dusty tannins give measured grip, carrying pepper, fruit and earth through a long, composed finish.
Château Palmer 2018 Margaux
French Red
Dense and powerful, with plum, blackberry, cassis and blueberry layered with graphite, scorched earth, mint, tobacco and mocha. The palate is richly concentrated yet maintains fresh acidity, ripe tannins and a velvety texture, carrying its dark fruit through a long mineral finish. Still youthful, it benefits from about four hours in a decanter before serving with roast duck or beef.
Château Féret-Lambert 2018 Bordeaux Supérieur Magnum
French Red
A fresh and expressive Bordeaux with lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry and blackberry layered with subtle florals, spice and a hint of graphite. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, showing juicy red and dark fruit framed by bright acidity and fine, lightly grippy tannins that add structure without heaviness. Clean and approachable yet nicely focused, finishing with a savoury, mineral edge and an easy, food-friendly charm.
Château Rauzan-Gassies 2018 L’Orme de Rauzan-Gassies Haut-Médoc
French Red
Blackcurrant, ripe plum and cherry compote lead into cedar, graphite and dried violet. Silky and medium-bodied, the palate layers blackberry, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf over fine-grained tannins and vivid acidity. Spice, mineral detail and subtle oak carry the smooth, refined finish, balancing generous fruit with measured structure.
Château Lassègue 2018 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
French Red
Ripe black plum, boysenberry and black cherry lead, joined by violet, cocoa and a savoury trace of earth. The palate is dense yet polished, with generous dark fruit carried by supple, rounded tannins. Freshness keeps the richness composed, while spice, tobacco and mineral detail gather through the long, velvety finish.
Clos Lapeyre 2018 Vitatge Vielh Jurançon Sec
French White
Ripe green fruit and citrus lead a concentrated, full-flavoured white, lightly touched with honey. The palate is rich and intense yet remains composed, with the two Manseng varieties bringing both weight and freshness. A powerful, expressive style for roast fish, creamy poultry dishes or firm mountain cheeses.
Sohler Philippe 2018 Riesling Muenchberg
French White
Dry and composed, this Riesling brings gentle smokiness and toast to a palate shaped by restrained fruit and defined minerality. The texture is focused rather than austere, with savoury detail carrying through a long, complex finish. Serve with smoked trout, roast poultry or mushrooms in a light cream sauce.