Wine
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.
Poggio al Tesoro 2019 Dedicato a Walter Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Blackcurrant, plum and dark berries lead, with black pepper, aromatic herbs and balsamic eucalyptus adding definition. The palate is rich and imposing yet fresh, framed by firm, velvety tannins and a clear mineral line. Savoury spice and concentrated fruit build through a long, composed finish that remains precise rather than heavy.
Domaine Saint-Patrice 2016 Clos Saint-Patrice Monopole Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Black cherry, blackberry and violet open with generous aromatic depth, followed by licorice, warm spice and a faint savoury note. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe fruit held in shape by polished tannins and fresh mineral tension. Opulent yet composed, it finishes long and layered, with dark fruit and spice lingering.
Agrapart NV Terroirs Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Lemon, green apple and white flowers open with clarity, followed by a fine chalky note. The palate is taut and energetic, with precise bubbles and bright acidity carrying the citrus fruit into a long, saline finish. Pure and focused rather than austere, it is an elegant match for oysters, shellfish, gougères or simply prepared fish.
Merryvale Vineyards 2010 Profile Cabernet Sauvignon–Petit Verdot 750 mL
Cassis and blackberry open with chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, smoke and cedar. The palate is dense and full-bodied, its dark fruit framed by ripe, rounded tannins and a polished sense of weight. Black cherry and grilled herbs add savoury definition through the middle. The finish is long and composed, lingering on violets, dark fruit, cedar and measured spice.
Bibi Graetz 2019 Testamatta 750 mL
Black cherry and plum lead with violet, candied orange peel, sandalwood and a savoury earthy note. The palate is full yet precise, carrying layered red and dark fruit over polished, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity and a chalky mineral line keep the richness focused, while spice and dried herbs extend the finish. Decant before serving with grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, roast game or aged pecorino.
Château Musar 2016 Magnum
Red cherry, plum, carob and fig shape a deep, generous aroma, lifted by a measured thread of eastern spice. The palate carries kirsch and plum into blackcurrant and dark chocolate, with velvety tannins providing quiet structure. Fruit concentration gives the wine depth without dulling its freshness. The finish is long and composed, leaving cherry, spice and cocoa.
Domaine Laroche 1999 Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots
Ripe tropical fruit opens the nose, joined by toasted oak and a bright citrus edge. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with sweet, pure fruit carried by a silky, velvety texture. Lemon and mineral freshness provide shape beneath the richness, leading to a structured, persistent and immediately attractive finish.
Château Cantenac Brown 2015 Margaux
Ripe dark berries and plum open with graphite and a cool stony edge. The palate is plush and supple, bringing concentrated fruit into polished structure and well-integrated oak. Freshness gives the richness energy and keeps the texture poised rather than broad. The finish is intense and persistent, returning to dark fruit, mineral notes and fine, smoothly woven tannins.
Mission Hill 2020 Oculus Okanagan Valley
Cassis, dark cherry and blue fruit lead into spice, cocoa and a subtle leafy note. The palate is powerful yet nuanced, with dense fruit supported by long, silky tannins and a fresh, measured line of acidity. Chocolate and dark berries carry through the persistent finish. Decant generously and pair with roast beef, lamb or wild mushrooms.
Mt. Boucherie 2017 Summit 3 L
Black cherry, cassis and dark plum form a generous core, layered with anise, cigar leaf and measured oak spice. The palate is full and concentrated, yet fresh enough to keep the ripe fruit and velvety tannins in balance. Structured for further development, it is equally compelling now beside roast beef, lamb, venison or a deeply savoury mushroom dish.
Kosta Browne 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Fresh cranberry, strawberry and citrus rind open with a light touch of baking spice. Broad and silky on the palate, the Pinot Noir balances ripe raspberry and pomegranate with a supportive line of acidity. Well-judged oak adds quiet polish, while the bright fruit and freshness carry through a poised, gently spiced finish.
Remoissenet 2018 Vosne-Romanée
Purple and pink wildflowers lead into light spice, black cherry and red plum. Juicy and refined on the palate, the fruit is carried by a silky texture and enough freshness to keep the shape precise. The finish is long and gently spicy. Serve with grilled lamb sausages, duck breast or mushroom dishes.
Remoissenet 2019 Vosne-Romanée
A fragrant opening of purple flowers and soft spice gives way to black cherry and ripe red plum. The palate is juicy, polished and finely textured, with silky tannins keeping the fruit poised rather than heavy. A measured spicy note lingers through the long finish. Pair with roast duck, lamb or earthy mushroom dishes.
Rozès 1985 Vintage Port
Dark ruby with a mature amber rim, opening on mulberry, liquorice, fudge and cocoa. Marzipan and roasted coffee add aromatic depth. Medium-bodied, sweet and finely balanced on the palate, it feels mature and composed rather than heavy. The chocolate and coffee tones gather through a complex, attractive finish that is long, elegant and quietly generous.
Real Companhia Velha 1983 Royal Oporto Vintage Port
Candied fruit opens the nose with an inviting, mature sweetness. Medium-bodied on the palate, it combines prune and dark chocolate with a pronounced spirit warmth that gives the wine energy and definition. Rich without becoming heavy, the fruit and cocoa notes remain clear through a long, warming finish, making this a direct, fully developed vintage Port.
Burmester 1989 Vintage Port
Forest berries and sweet dark fruit rise with cinnamon, chocolate and a faint dried-leaf note. The palate is smooth and pleasantly sweet, its freshness and silky tannins keeping the mature fruit lively and refined. Soft spice carries through a gentle, lingering finish. Decant carefully and serve with blue cheese, dark chocolate or a nut-based dessert.
Graham’s 1990 Malvedos Centenary Vintage Port
Blackberry, black cherry and plum rise from the glass with violet, liquorice and warm spice. The palate is rich and concentrated, balancing generous sweetness with firm, polished tannins and a cool mineral line. Chocolate and dried fruit emerge through a long, fragrant finish that remains composed and remarkably youthful.
Smith Woodhouse 2003 Vintage Port 1.5L
Violet, wild herbs and pepper lift a deep core of blackberry, black plum and dark cherry. Rich and powerful, the palate combines ripe fruit with tightly packed tannins, savoury spice and a measured mineral freshness. Dark chocolate and molasses add depth to the long, structured finish. The magnum should be stood upright and decanted carefully before serving.
Cockburn’s 1985 Vintage Port
Dense black cherry and blackcurrant lead a generous aroma, with anise and warm spice adding definition. The palate is powerful and opulent, yet carried by well-integrated tannins that keep the fruit composed. Savoury depth builds beneath the sweetness without turning heavy. The finish is persistent and warming, leaving currant, liquorice, spice and a firm, polished impression.