Wine
La Soeur Cadette 2020 Bourgogne Blanc
Bright and light on its feet, with lemon pith, green apple and delicate apple blossom over a cool, stony backdrop. The palate is crisp and energetic, its clean Chardonnay fruit carried by a snappy line of acidity and a gently chalky finish. Fresh, versatile and quietly detailed, it works especially well with shellfish, salads or goat cheese.
Grosse Pierre 2018 Chiroubles
Blackberry and black pepper open with tilled earth and fine green herbs, giving this light-bodied red a savoury edge. Juicy fruit carries the palate, and the finish is fresh and neatly shaped rather than heavy. A little air helps it settle into place. Serve lightly cool with pork chops, ham, roast chicken or lentil dishes.
Clos De Nines 2018 L’Oree
A ripe southern French red with blackberry, black cherry and plum, layered with garrigue, cracked pepper and a touch of cocoa. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, its rounded tannins and warm fruit balanced by Mediterranean herbs and an earthy savouriness. Plush yet composed on the finish, it suits lamb, grilled vegetables, sausages and other robust country-style dishes.
Pelle 2018 Salon Rouge Morogues
A refined Loire Pinot Noir grown on Kimmeridgian marl and limestone. Maturation in both wood and tank adds measured texture while preserving the wine’s poised, elegant character. Fine-boned rather than showy, it brings a distinctly Burgundian sensibility to the table and pairs naturally with roast poultry, mushrooms, salmon or simply prepared pork.
Yzaguirre Reserva Dry Vermouth
Light straw yellow in colour, with an intense aroma of herbs, spice and subtle wood. The palate is dry yet notably smooth, balancing firm acidity with a glyceric, velvety texture. Oak brings quiet depth without masking the fresh herbal core, while a faint briny note keeps the finish savoury and precise. Serve well chilled, over ice with lemon, or combine with gin for a clean, structured Martini with more weight than a conventional extra-dry style.
Rigour & Whimsy 2021 Licorice Daddy Cabernet Franc
Fresh red fruit and green herbs meet in a bright, savoury profile. The palate is dry and energetic rather than jammy, with whole-berry fermentation preserving lift and three weeks on skins adding gentle structure. Five months in seasoned French oak rounds the texture, carrying the herbaceous fruit into a composed finish.
Free Form 2019 Cabernet Franc
Bold and complex, this Cabernet Franc layers dark plum and blackberry over smoke, mocha and classic herbal notes. The palate turns juicy with red fruit, supported by excellent structure and a fresh, mouthwatering finish. Concrete ageing keeps the fruit direct while spontaneous fermentation adds an unforced character. Pair with roasted game, grilled portobello mushrooms or a slow-cooked beef stew.
Abbaye de Lérins 2014 Saint Honorat IGP Méditerranée 750 mL
Made entirely from Syrah, the wine is raised in casks that have already held one or two wines. The exact record describes an intense colour and a complex nose, with leather, spice, blackberry and blueberry. The palate is supple and rounded, while the tannins soften over time. Black fruit, savoury detail and gentle structure define the documented profile.
Mendel Semillon 750 mL
White flowers and honey lead, joined by herbaceous detail and a measured note of tropical fruit. The palate is smooth and generous without losing its freshness, with coconut and soft smoke adding depth from its time in wood. A rounded texture carries the fruit through the centre, while the finish remains composed and elegant, lingering on honey, herbs and gentle oak.
St. Petroni Vermu Branco 1 L
Pale gold and aromatic, with crisp Albariño fruit opening into citrus peel, white flowers and a clean herbal lift. Laurel and wormwood add savoury depth, while Padrón pepper brings a subtle warmth that sharpens the gently rounded texture. The finish is fresh, persistent and lightly bitter. Serve chilled over ice with lemon, lengthen with soda, or use in a bright aperitif cocktail alongside olives, shellfish or salted almonds.
González Byass Fino Dos Palmas Sherry
Intense and savoury, with flor, green olive, hay, marzipan and hazelnut over a firm saline-mineral core. The palate is fuller than a young fino yet remains decisively dry, bringing brine, subtle pepper and a faint oxidative note before a long, mineral finish. Serve well chilled with jamón, salted almonds, anchovies, fried seafood or aged Manchego; its depth makes it especially strong at the table.
Moulin Borie 2015 Listrac Medoc
An elegant Listrac-Médoc with blackcurrant, blackberry and dark cherry, accented by subtle cedar and spice. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, with refined tannins and balanced acidity shaping the dark fruit without hardening it. Long and savoury through the finish, it is well matched with roast beef, lamb, mushrooms or mature hard cheese.
Kir-Yianni 2021 Xinomavro Ramnista
A firm, age-worthy Xinomavro with deep colour, pronounced acidity and powerful tannins. Its dark-fruited profile is framed by a complex aromatic character and a distinctly structured palate, giving the wine both freshness and the capacity to develop over time. Decanting will help it open; serve with braised beef, lamb, mushrooms or rich tomato-based dishes.
Domaine Philippe Delesvaux 2004 Clos du Pavillon Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin
Fresh white pear leads into apricot, persimmon, fig and dried tangerine, with honey, candied apple and a light butterscotch note adding depth. The palate is fully sweet and generously textured, yet lacy acidity and a fine mineral spine keep it precise. Almond and honeysuckle emerge across the long, composed finish.
Buller NV Fine Old Muscat
Reddish amber and richly perfumed, with raisins, dried fig and dark chocolate leading into caramel, brown sugar, dates and molasses. The texture is dense and velvety, yet bright acidity keeps the sweetness composed and fresh. A long, warming finish makes this an excellent after-dinner pour, either alone or beside chocolate brownies and cream.
Vgc Monnieres 2017 Muscadet St Fiacre
A mature Muscadet with golden colour and a complex nose of baked apple, citrus, butter and stone. The palate is full and structured, its rounded texture balanced by a clear mineral line and steady acidity. Long and savoury on the finish, it is well suited to richer seafood, roast fish, poultry or dishes finished with brown butter.
Somos 2022 Biodynamic Vermentino McLaren Vale
Citrus blossom, green apple and ripe lemon lead, followed by white peach, sea spray and a faint nutty note. The palate is crisp yet layered, with bright acidity running through a creamy, lees-shaped texture. A gentle savoury edge and briny minerality keep the fruit precise, carrying citrus and orchard fruit into a clean, refreshing finish.
Clos du Soleil 2021 Syrah Similkameen Valley
Violet, crushed raspberry and black plum open with hints of pepper, sagebrush and baking spice. Rich but finely balanced, the palate layers wild raspberry, black currant and dark forest fruit over fresh acidity and firm, stony tannins. A touch of dark chocolate adds depth before the persistent, savoury finish.
Blue Grouse 2023 Pinot Noir Cowichan Valley
Red cherry and raspberry meet forest floor, cool florals and a restrained touch of spice. Amphora brings textural depth, while seasoned oak adds structure without dominating the fruit. Medium-bodied and composed, the palate has fine tannins and maritime freshness. The finish remains savoury and precise. Serve with duck, salmon or mushrooms.
La Frenz 2016 Merlot
Deep ruby in colour, with ripe cherry and dark plum joined by baking spice and a measured note of vanilla. The palate is broad and supple, bringing black fruit, pepper and quiet oak into balance with fresh acidity. Fine tannins give the wine definition, while savoury spice lingers through a warm, composed finish.