Wine
Joh. Jos. Christoffel 2007 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese **
Intense aromas of sassafras, black liquorice and brown spice lead a rich, creamy palate, with stewed persimmons and darker fruit adding depth. Smoky stone and slate notes emerge beneath the sweetness, giving the wine a savoury mineral counterpoint. Substantial yet balanced, it finishes long and layered. Serve lightly chilled with blue cheese, fruit tart or almond pastries.
Bk Wines 2016 Swaby Chardonnay
A taut, savoury Chardonnay with crisp apple and lemon blossom set against roasted hazelnut and a gently smoky, flinty edge. A year in French oak gives the palate breadth and grip, while bright acidity and a salty mineral line keep the finish focused. Its layered, reductive style benefits from a short decant and pairs naturally with roast poultry, firm cheese or richer seafood.
Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken 2019 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett
Fine aromas of tangerine and white peach are layered with slate, flint and delicate florals. The palate is elegant and finely drawn, combining refined fruit with a distinct salty line and just enough astringent grip. Mineral and spice build through a long, captivating finish that remains poised and fresh.
Florian Beck-Hartweg 2019 Tout Naturellement Pétillant
Vibrant fruit sits beneath beautifully fine bubbles, with a firm spine giving this rosé pét-nat welcome shape. The palate feels fresh and lively, while a light, intriguing bitterness brings definition to the finish. Unusual but highly approachable, it is an excellent aperitif and works well with chickpea fritters or crisp salads.
Jean-Paul Mauler 2016 Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg
Deep gold in tone, with an enveloping, complex nose of pear, lime, grapefruit and bergamot over mineral, lightly smoky notes and a savoury herbal edge. The palate is full and powerful, its generous texture held in shape by clear, wrapping acidity. Concentrated and persistent, with the balance to continue developing.
Château Rauzan-Gassies 2016 L’Orme de Rauzan-Gassies Haut-Médoc
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.
Bodegas Artazu 2007 Santa Cruz de Artazu
Ripe red berries open with cream, warm spice and a light touch of leather. Concentrated berry fruit carries through the palate, framed by juicy acidity and a firm but measured structure. Savoury detail emerges on the finish, adding depth without overwhelming the fruit. Serve with roast lamb, braised beef or grilled mushrooms.
Contratto Vermouth Bianco
Citrus peel and white stone fruit lead an elegant aroma, with chamomile, hawthorn and alpine herbs adding detail. The palate is smooth and lightly honeyed, balancing gentle sweetness with fresh acidity and a fine bitter line. Coriander, marjoram, laurel and soft baking spice unfold gradually without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is clean, floral and delicately spiced. Serve chilled over ice with a lemon twist, topped with soda or in a lighter aperitivo cocktail.
Lariana Cellars 2021 Twenty One
Generous and dark-fruited, with blackcurrant on the nose and rich flavours of plum, fig and black cherry across the palate. The blend brings Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère and Syrah together in a composed, full-flavoured style. Its breadth is matched by clear aromatic definition, giving the wine depth and presence without crowding out the fruit.
Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut
Fine, persistent bubbles carry rose, citrus blossom and acacia over white peach, pear and crisp apple. The palate is dry and refreshing, with a creamy mousse balanced by lively lemon, gentle herbs and a subtle saline mineral note. Bright and focused through the finish, it is a natural aperitif or partner for seafood.
County Line Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay North Coast
Crisp and savoury, with pineapple, Meyer lemon and other tropical fruit brought forward by a clean, unoaked profile. The palate stays bright and fresh, balancing ripe fruit with persistent acidity and a lightly textured mid-palate. A subtle herbal edge adds contrast before a precise, refreshing finish with lingering citrus and tropical detail.
Union Sacré 2021 Cabernet Franc Paso Robles
Fresh pepper opens with blueberry, plum and violet, followed by a quiet earthy note. The fruit remains clear and unforced, while floral lift and peppery detail bring definition through the centre. Savoury tones settle beneath the berries, carrying the wine into a clean, measured and gently persistent finish.
Menade 2019 La Mision Verdejo
A layered Verdejo with white flowers, ripe orchard fruit, citrus peel and fennel, followed by smoke and a quiet mineral note. The palate is textured yet vibrant, with bright acidity bringing focus to the generous fruit and savoury detail. Long and composed on the finish, it is well matched with roast fish, poultry, almonds or herb-led vegetable dishes.
El Pacto 2021 Ojo Gallo Rioja
Pale cherry in colour, with fresh raspberry and strawberry lifted by lavender, thyme and a delicate floral edge. The palate is juicy and medium-bodied, its field-blend character bringing gentle fruit, easy tannins and an appealing sense of energy. Unoaked and lightly savoury, it finishes clean and bright, with the freshness and drinkability of a traditional clarete.
Marengo 2020 Vigna Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC
Castell’in Villa 2019 Chianti Classico
Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, menthol and liquorice frame ripe red cherry and dried herbs on an aromatic nose. Medium-bodied and unusually approachable, the palate is open-knit yet structured, with savoury detail unfolding effortlessly. A measured touch of oak carries through the finish. Decant briefly and serve with roast veal, grilled pork or tomato-based pasta.
Karthäuserhof 2020 Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Spätlese
Slate and spice shape the aroma, layered with ripe stone fruit and mango. The palate is generous and juicy, with beautifully integrated acidity providing balance and direction. Fine mineral spice runs beneath a smooth, melting texture, while the noticeable sweetness remains composed rather than heavy. Long and expressive, with ample freshness through the finish.
Domaine de l’Aigle 2023 Chardonnay Limoux 750 mL
Toasted brioche and gentle oak frame ripe peach, quince and honeydew, with a subtle note of herbal tea adding detail. The palate is rounded yet energetic, carrying roasted stone fruit into a salty, mineral line. Citrus-marmalade brightness keeps the richer texture in balance. It finishes with measured toast, fresh acidity and a savoury, lightly saline persistence.
Château Perron 2020 Lalande-de-Pomerol
Ripe blackcurrant opens the aroma, joined by subtle cedar and a graphite-like mineral note. The palate is velvety and dark-fruited, with tobacco leaf and gentle spice adding savoury depth. Medium-to-full in body, it carries well-integrated tannins that give shape without hardness. The finish is lingering and elegant, leaving dark fruit, cedar and restrained earthy detail in a composed, balanced line.