Wine
Maison Louis Jadot 2010 Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Ursules Magnum 1.5 L
Wild cherry and raspberry rise from an airy, layered nose with earth, stone and integrated oak. The palate is concentrated yet finely detailed, its medium weight carried by fresh acidity and firm, dusty tannins. Bitter cherry, subtle spice and mineral tension give the wine a savoury edge without obscuring the fruit. Suave and balanced, it closes with a long, mouth-coating finish.
Château Figeac 1995 Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 750 mL
A concentrated bouquet of roasted coffee, truffle and ripe blackberry opens into tobacco, black olive and tea. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied, with resolved tannins and fresh acidity giving shape to the mature fruit. Subtle leather, earth and savoury detail emerge with air. Velvety and harmonious, it carries its complexity through a long, composed finish without losing freshness.
B Cellars 2014 Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Crème de cassis, blackberry and blueberry form a dense core, lifted by white flowers and framed by liquorice, graphite and restrained oak. The palate is full and opulent, yet vibrant acidity and silky tannins keep the concentration sharply defined. Forest floor and dark spice add savoury depth as the wine opens. Layered and persistent, it finishes with polished fruit, earth and liquorice.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2014 Blanc de Blancs 750 mL
Toasted brioche, lemon meringue and pastry open with hazelnut, almond and bright citrus. The palate is creamy and layered, its fine mousse carrying apricot, tangerine peel and white flowers over a chalky mineral core. Well-cut acidity gives the wine focus and energy without diminishing its breadth. Fragrant spice and a gentle savoury note linger through a long, mouthwatering finish.
Leacock’s 1969 Sercial Madeira 750 mL
An expressive mature Madeira in the drier Sercial style, with pronounced nuttiness, toffee and warm spice. The palate carries sweetness, though it remains notably less rich than Malmsey, with acidity keeping the wine lifted and composed. Long cask ageing has brought layered savoury complexity and a persistent finish. Its balance of caramelized depth and freshness makes it especially compelling alongside aged cheese.
Domaine Roulot 2022 Meursault 750 mL
Elegant and finely drawn, with white flowers, peach, lemon and green apple over notes of flint, crushed stone and light cream. The palate is medium-bodied and precise, combining citrus and stone fruit with restrained baking spice and a subtle nutty character. Brisk acidity keeps the texture focused, while mineral detail and measured creaminess extend through a long, balanced finish.
Château Figeac 2009 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 750 mL
Layered and composed, with black cherry, cassis and dark plum opening into violet, graphite, tobacco and a subtle earthy note. The palate is full yet measured, carried by fresh acidity and fine, velvety tannins rather than sheer weight. Coffee, toast and spice emerge with air, while the finish stays mineral, persistent and quietly savoury. A mature Saint-Émilion with depth, perfume and poise.
Warre’s 1977 Vintage Port 1.5 L
Vibrant red fruit and dried raisin lead, with mature mineral tones and a deep, savoury core. The palate is powerful and intense, carried by firm grip and a well-defined backbone rather than simple sweetness. Dark fruit concentration gives the wine breadth while its mineral character keeps the texture focused. The finish is long, structured and composed, retaining depth, energy and the restrained authority of mature vintage Port.
Domaine A.F. Gros 2009 Vosne-Romanée Clos de la Fontaine Monopole 750 mL
Ripe strawberry and cherry lead a graceful, gently savoury profile. The palate is supple and rounded, with soft acidity and enough structure to keep the fruit composed. There is an appealing maturity to the texture, yet the wine remains clear and elegant rather than heavy. Subtle earth and fine spice emerge with air, carrying the red fruit through a smooth, measured finish.
Henschke 2001 Mount Edelstone Shiraz
Mulberry, blackcurrant and plum rise with sage, rosemary and black pepper, followed by tobacco leaf, anise and gently developed oak. The palate remains rich and concentrated, with savoury herbal detail, fine acidity and long, silky tannins. Mature yet composed, it closes with spice, depth and remarkable persistence.
Trimbach 2001 Riesling Clos Sainte Hune
Dry and concentrated, with ripe citrus, yellow orchard fruit and white flowers held by a clear mineral line. The palate is taut yet generous, carrying finely layered fruit through bright, measured acidity. Subtle honeyed and stony notes develop with air, while the finish remains exceptionally long, precise and composed, showing the depth of a mature Riesling without losing freshness.
Klein Constantia 1989 Vin de Constance
Amber and intensely aromatic, unfolding through blood orange, dried persimmon and honeyed apricot. Bitter almond, clove and green tea bring mature complexity, while a spicy Muscat lift keeps the palate vivid. Rich caramel and marzipan tones are balanced by clear acidity, leading to a long, savoury-sweet finish that invites slow, contemplative drinking.
Martin’s Lane 2020 Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir Mg
Martin’s Lane 2016 Dehart Vineyard Pinot Noir (Magnum)
Ripe black cherry leads a rich, full-bodied palate, framed by savoury undertones and a fresh entry. The texture is polished and precise, with refined tannins carrying the wine toward a cool, spicy finish. Generous in scale yet composed in its details, it balances depth and presence with the lift and definition expected from Pinot Noir.
OVID 2009 Napa Valley Red Wine
Mulberry and fresh boysenberry lead with roasted chestnut and sandalwood, creating a deep, layered aromatic profile. Rich fruit fills the palate around a precise core of polished tannins, with power balanced by clarity and control. Dense yet seamless, the red blend carries its dark fruit and savoury detail through a long, assured finish.
Joseph Phelps Insignia 2005 Napa Valley
Deeply coloured, concentrated and layered, with black cherry, cassis, blackberry and currant lifted by dried violet, rose, anise, graphite, cedar and roasted herb. The palate is classically structured, combining vibrant fruit with fresh acidity, polished tannins and a mineral edge. Rich yet balanced, it finishes persistent and mouth-coating; allow generous air and serve with grilled beef or lamb.
Shafer Vineyards 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blackcurrant, berry fruit, roasted pepper, olive and white chocolate form a ripe, generous profile, with polished oak adding warmth. The palate is soft and plush, its abundant fruit carried by graceful tannins rather than hard edges. Silky texture and savoury detail keep the Cabernet balanced through an open, lingering finish.
Burmester 1963 Vintage Port
Raisin, fig and date aromas lead, joined by warm spice and a gentle savoury note as it opens. The palate is sweet, concentrated and richly textured, with enough freshness to keep the mature fruit defined. Its slightly wild character adds interest, while the remarkably persistent finish remains rich and composed. Decant carefully and serve with blue cheese or walnut tart.
Ridge Vineyards 2008 Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains
Black cherry and cassis lead a muscular, gradually unfolding profile, with dried mountain laurel, loamy earth and the savoury scent of burning embers adding depth. The palate is broad and structured, its dark fruit held by firm, measured tannins. Earthy complexity lingers through a long, composed and quietly powerful finish.
Caves Sao Joao 1966 Frei Joao Reserva Bairrada Magnum
Mature yet lively, opening with cassis, raspberry and dried fig over pine-needle, coffee and toasted-wood notes. The palate is full and structured, with fresh acidity keeping the evolved fruit clear while settled tannins give the texture a composed shape. Earthy and savoury detail builds through the middle. The finish is persistent, carrying dried fruit, coffee, gentle spice and polished woodland complexity.