Wine
St. Francis 2016 Old Vines Zinfandel Sonoma County
Red raspberry, wild blackberry and cranberry bring freshness to a ripe, generous fruit profile. Anise, cinnamon and toasted oak add warmth without overwhelming the fruit, while velvet tannins give the palate a smooth, rounded shape. Medium-bodied and balanced, the Zinfandel carries its spice through a long, supple finish.
Luís Seabra 2020 Xisto Cru Tinto
Dark ruby, with ripe cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry framed by violet, green herbs and a thread of smoke. Lively acidity cuts through the red-fruited core, giving the palate energy and precision. Forest floor and black pepper add savoury detail, while flinty, wet-stone minerality carries the finely structured finish.
Hammeken Cellars 2013 Tosalet Vinyes Velles Priorat
Cranberry, red cherry and blackberry lead a concentrated aroma, joined by tobacco, cocoa and eucalyptus. The palate is full and structured, with firm, ripe tannins giving shape to the dark fruit. Slate and cracked pepper add a savoury mineral edge, while liquorice brings depth through the middle. The finish is long and warming, carrying fruit, spice and cocoa in a composed, persistent line.
Podere San Cristoforo 2020 Ameri Toscana IGT
Deeply coloured and expressive, with blackberry compote, ripe plum and dark cherry layered with violet, rose, mocha, clove and licorice. The palate is concentrated and racy, supported by firm, chewy tannins and a fresh line of acidity. Herbal and resinous notes bring lift to the rich fruit, leading to a bold, persistent finish.
Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 1998
Brilliant gold in the glass, with rich apricot, baked apple and dried fruit joined by honeyed spice and a subtle botrytised complexity. The palate is luscious yet disciplined, balancing mature sweetness with a bright seam of acidity and gently savoury depth. Long and poised on the finish, it is excellent with blue cheese, tarte tatin or fruit-based desserts.
Clos Cibonne 2022/23 Cuvee Caroline Rose
A distinctive, age-worthy rosé with complex aromatics of dried flowers, ripe peach, and red berry layered with spice, honey, and a pronounced saline lift. The palate is textured and medium- to full-bodied for rosé, showing savoury depth, subtle oak influence, and a beautifully balanced core of orchard fruit, citrus, and mineral nuance. Long and quietly powerful on the finish, with a faint vanilla note and coastal freshness that underscores its serious, gastronomic style.
Phantom Creek 2016 Becker Vineyard Cuvée Okanagan Valley
Blackberry and plum lead with dark chocolate, cedar, dried herbs and a subtle line of spice. Full bodied and layered, the palate carries generous fruit over fine tannins with enough freshness to keep the richness composed. The finish is long and detailed. Decant generously and pair with braised beef, roast lamb, grilled mushrooms or mature cheddar.
Foradori 2011 Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Elderberry, cranberry and blackberry lead a dark, youthful nose, followed by sour cherry, black pepper, clove and cinnamon. The palate is taut and densely structured, with juicy fruit, firm minerality and increasingly approachable tannins. Complex and built to develop, it benefits from air and suits braised beef or lamb shanks.
Féret-Lambert 2018 Bordeaux Supérieur Magnum
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.
Trapiche 2010 Terroir Series Finca Ambrosia Single Vineyard Malbec 750 mL
Violet-scented fruit and sweet red plum open the documented profile, followed by roasted notes, black pepper and crushed dark berries. The palate is rich and ample, with supple texture, rounded tannins and fresh dark fruit. Wood smoke, lemon peel, blackberry, tar, dark spice, coffee and mocha add further depth before a long, powerful finish marked by chocolate and nutmeg.
August Kesseler 2011 Pinot Noir 750 mL
Violet, spice and vanilla open over concentrated black cherry and plum. The palate is full and silky, balancing juicy red and dark fruit with fresh acidity and fine tannins. A savoury note and measured barrique influence add depth without obscuring the fruit. It finishes with power but remains composed, carrying floral perfume, dark fruit and spice through a long, aromatic close.
Teso La Monja 2015 Victorino Toro
Toasty blackberry, cassis and blueberry lead into dark chocolate, coffee and sweet spice. Powerful and concentrated, the palate remains creamy and well structured, with mineral and balsamic notes bringing savoury definition to the ripe black fruit. Firm tannins shape the long, warming finish. Decant for braised beef, lamb or aged cheese.
Cavallotto 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo
Wild cherry and red berries lead, joined by liquorice, rose, cedar and a gentle earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied yet substantial, with fresh acidity and dry, fine-grained tannins giving the fruit a sturdy frame. Tobacco leaf and sandalwood add savoury depth before a balanced, persistent finish.
Montalto 2016 Single Vineyard Tuerong Block Pinot Noir
A classically savoury Pinot Noir, opening with dark cherry, plum and forest-floor aromas. Dried herbs, black earth and a subtle touch of aniseed add depth as the wine develops in the glass. The palate is concentrated yet composed, with black-tea tannins carrying the dark fruit through a persistent finish. Decant gently and pair with roast duck, mushrooms or herb-crusted pork.
Vina Alicia 2006 Cuarzo
Led by Petit Verdot with small additions of Grenache and Carignan, this is a deep, structured red with earthy black fruit, wild hedgerow and subtle woodland notes. The palate is powerful but finely balanced, with dense fruit, firm seamless tannins and a mineral freshness that keeps the wine composed. A long, measured finish and savoury complexity make it well suited to roasted or slow-braised meats.
Villa Oeiras NV 15-Year-Old Carcavelos
Dried sultana and apricot lead into bitter orange, roasted hazelnut and a quiet trace of sea smoke. The palate is concentrated and velvety, with sweet rancio spice and polished oak richness held in check by elegant acidity. A subtle saline-mineral thread keeps the wine energetic, carrying dried fruit and warm spice through a long, resonant finish.
Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 2007
Unctuous yet vibrant, with honey, baked apple, saffron, guava and mango lifted by dusty lemon, dried herbs, grass and fresh mint. The palate is generous and layered, balancing tropical sweetness with the high, graceful acidity that gives mature Chenin its poise. Long and luscious without becoming cloying, it suits blue cheese, baked apple or lightly spiced pâté.
Château de Montfaucon 2012 Vin de Monsieur Le Baron
