Wine
Capezzana 2010 Villa di Trefiano Carmignano Riserva 750 mL
Ripe red fruit leads with violet, cherry and a measured cocoa-spice note. The palate is balanced and structured, with enough softness to keep the wine composed rather than severe. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon give it both Tuscan lift and a darker, firmer centre. The finish is harmonious and persistent, carrying ripe fruit, spice and cocoa with steady, well-integrated depth.
Arnaud de Villeneuve 1999 Rivesaltes Ambré
Fresh fig, vanilla and gently toasted dried fruit lead a mature, deeply aromatic profile. The palate is rich yet composed, bringing oxidative warmth and savoury depth into balance with lingering fruit and a measured finish. Serve lightly chilled alongside almond tart, dried-fruit cake, blue cheese or dark chocolate with roasted nuts.
Painted Rock 2021 Cabernet Franc
Herbs and spice frame dark cherry on the nose. The palate is brambly and concentrated, with the variety's savoury character carried by firm, gently gripping tannins. Extended hangtime gives the fruit full flavour, while 18 months in French oak adds polish and depth. Structured now, it has clear potential to develop further.
1 Mill Road 2022 Home Block Pinot Noir
An elegant, deeply coloured Pinot Noir showing dark cherry and plum over earth, graphite and delicate spice. The palate is fresh and medium bodied, with supple, fine-grained tannins and quietly persistent structure. Large oak vessels frame the fruit without masking its aromatic intensity, leaving a poised, balanced finish. Serve slightly cool with duck, pork tenderloin or wild mushrooms.
Les Troix Croix 2019 Fronsac
A polished Fronsac with sun-warmed blackberry, cocoa and vanilla over an earthy mineral note. The palate is generous yet composed, with smooth tannins carrying the dark fruit into a long, gently savoury finish. Its balance of ripeness and structure suits roast beef, braised lamb, mushrooms or an unhurried dinner built around deeply flavoured dishes.
Martin’s Lane 2016 Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling
Starfruit, pomelo, mango and guava form an expressive, ripe-fruited nose. The palate is fuller and rounder than a lean style, yet crisp acidity keeps the generous texture in balance. A tactile, gravelly mineral note builds through the middle and carries into a vibrant, powerful finish with excellent definition.
Mateus Nicolau de Almeida 2022 Trans Douro Express Cima Corgo
A lightly vegetal note of damp grass meets white pepper, red berries and restrained spice. The palate is broad and smooth, with bright fruit and savoury freshness keeping the texture lively rather than heavy. Subtle earthy tones carry into a gently spicy finish. Serve slightly cool with roast lamb, grilled sausages, lentil stew or rustic mushroom dishes.
Gabbiano 2009 Alleanza Toscana IGT
Rich ruby with purple reflections, offering fresh red currant and a light touch of sweet chocolate. The palate is smooth and evenly fruited, with currant returning at the centre. The balance is measured rather than heavy, carrying clean red-fruit flavour and subtle cocoa through fine tannins to a long finish.
Frank Cornelissen 2017 Munjebel Rosso
Smoke, graphite and truffle meet wild black berries and molten chocolate on a deep, compelling nose. The palate is full and enveloping, layering blackberry, crushed black raspberry, liquorice and grilled herbs over velvety tannins. Tangy acidity and a lingering mineral note keep the richness precise. Decant and serve with venison, grilled beef, lamb shoulder or earthy mushroom dishes.
Verrier & Fils NV Pinot Noir Champagne
Von Buhl 2009 Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling Spatlese
White flowers and chalk lead the aroma, followed by ripe peach, pear and a light touch of honeysuckle. The palate is gently sweet yet carried by clear mineral freshness, keeping the fruit precise rather than heavy. Peach and pear broaden through the middle, while the chalky line brings definition. The finish remains floral and lightly honeyed, with a clean, balanced sense of sweetness.
Domaine Raspail-Ay 2022 Gigondas
Cesconi Lynx Alpine White Vermouth
Wormwood and alpine herbs lead a cool, savoury aroma, joined by woodruff, gentian, sage and rosemary. The aged white-wine base gives the palate a rounded, settled texture, while rhubarb and roots contribute earthy depth and a fine bitter line. Gentle sweetness balances the mountain-herb intensity without softening its structure. The finish is persistent, dry-leaning and distinctly botanical. Serve lightly chilled over ice, with soda or in a white Negroni.
Mark Haisma 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté
Meyer lemon, nectarine and honeysuckle open with a cool, stony lift. The palate is refined and textural, carrying ripe citrus and orchard fruit through a clean mineral frame. There is enough breadth to feel generous, but the finish remains composed, precise and quietly energetic. A polished white for shellfish, roast chicken or firm Alpine cheese.
Gilbert Picq 2022 Chablis
Granny Smith apple and lime open over flinty seashell and wet-stone notes. Raised in stainless steel, the palate is taut, linear and finely balanced, with bitter lemon adding bright tension through the centre. Crisp acidity and quiet mineral depth lead to a refreshing, lightly spicy finish that lingers cleanly.
Castellare di Castellina 2018 Vin Santo San Niccolò
Donnafugata Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria
Rust 2020 Solus
Dense black cherry and blackberry meet espresso, dark chocolate and toasted cedar in a compact, full-bodied red. Chewy tannins frame the concentrated fruit, while a firm cocoa bitterness keeps the finish savoury and composed. Structured and cellar-worthy, it benefits from air and suits deeply flavoured beef or mushroom dishes.