Red
Gallica 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Deep ruby and finely evolved, with red cherry, raspberry and rose petal lifted by dried tobacco and sage. Dark plum, currant and bramble carry the palate, joined by bay leaf and a measured savoury edge. The tannins are integrated yet gently gravelly, giving the wine quiet structure without obscuring its freshness. Decant briefly and serve with roast beef, grilled lamb, braised short ribs or wild mushrooms.
Château Montelena 2013 The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Black cherry, cassis and black pepper lead, layered with tomato leaf, meat and soy for a distinctly savoury profile. The palate is dense yet seamless, with grippy tannins supporting deep fruit and a long, composed finish. Elegant rather than flashy, it rewards decanting and suits roast lamb, grilled beef, braised short ribs, porcini dishes or aged hard cheese.
Clos de la Roilette 2021 Fleurie 3 L
Spiced plum, red cherry and orange peel rise with petals and a quiet earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied, supple and smooth, carrying fleshy fruit on fine structure rather than weight. Fresh acidity keeps the finish bright and expressive. The large format suits a gathering; serve lightly cool with roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled sausages or mushroom dishes.
Col d’Orcia 2004 Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 750 mL
Red cherry, plum and cranberry form the documented fruit profile, joined by violet, clove and fennel. Tobacco, cedar, licorice and dried herbs add mature savoury detail; a saline edge is also recorded. The palate is described as silky and polished, leading to a long, refined finish marked by spice, menthol and porcini. Four years of oak ageing is also recorded.
A-F Gros Pommard Les Arvelets Premier Cru 2019
The Pommard 1er Cru Les Arvelets is Pinot Noir from a small plot. Hand harvested grapes are brought back to the cellar in less than 10 minutes. The vinification takes place in enamelled concrete vats and wooden vats. Cold maceration is carried out for approximately 3 to 5 days with a soft pump over. The wood for the oak barrels comes mainly from the forests of Chatillonais and Fontainebleau. This wine is aged on average 18 months, with 65% new barrels. Drink now through 2030.
Palmaz Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Raspberry liqueur rises first, grounded by the mineral scent of wet stones warming in the sun. Black and blue fruit unfolds across a concentrated palate before moving toward sweet black tea. The Cabernet combines generous aromatic depth with firm but measured structure, finishing gently and with a calm, persistent sense of balance.
Marcoux 2016/23 Chateauneuf Du Pape VV
A benchmark old-vine Grenache cuvée showing soaring aromatics of kirsch, raspberry, and crushed cherry layered with rose petal, spice, and a subtle cocoa nuance. The palate is rich yet remarkably poised, with silken texture, fine-grained tannins, and a core of pure, ripe red fruit that balances power with elegance. Exceptionally long and refined on the finish, with a signature sense of purity and perfume that underscores its age-worthiness.
Viña Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto 750 mL
Deep garnet in colour, with blackcurrant, plum and red fruit at the centre of a precise, layered bouquet. Black tea, leafy herbs and a light red-pepper note lend savoury definition, while refined oak remains measured. The palate is dense but elegant, carried by fresh acidity and rounded, fine-grained tannins. Juicy fruit persists through a long finish, joined by dark berries, herbs and gentle cedar.
Gaja 2015 Ca’Marcanda Camarcanda Bolgheri
Ripe black cherry and blueberry meet tobacco, iron and dark mineral notes. The palate is compact and concentrated, with succulent fruit, silky tannins and a sleek, tensile shape. Polished yet serious, it carries fine minerality through a balanced finish and is best served with grilled steak or lamb.
Canalicchio di Sopra 2017 Brunello di Montalcino
Candle wax, ripe cherry and worked leather lead a deep, savoury aroma, with cedar shavings adding definition. The palate is full and fleshy, shaped by firm tannins and cranberry-like acidity. Mineral salinity runs through the fruit and keeps the structure precise. The finish is long and smouldering, returning to dark cherry, leather, smoke and a taut mineral edge.
Pio Cesare 2009 Barbaresco Il Bricco 750 mL
Ripe and dried black cherry meet rose petal, licorice and sweet spice in the documented profile. Truffle, black pepper, cedar, smoked meat and earth add depth. The palate is dry and full, with fresh acidity, high tannins and a long finish. Almond and oak detail round out a mature Barbaresco that remains structured and savoury.
Feret Lambert 2018 Bordeaux Superieur 3L
Blackcurrant, black cherry and plum open with measured notes of cedar, graphite and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full in weight, with ripe fruit held by fine tannins and a fresh, savoury line. Balanced rather than heavy, it finishes with dark fruit and gentle spice. Give it air before serving with roast beef or lamb.
Chateau Talbot 2012 Saint-Julien
Cassis, blackcurrant and red currant lead a polished aroma, joined by plum, roasted herbs and a restrained tarry note. The palate is juicy and rounded, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a medium-bodied sense of balance. Cedar, liquorice and spice add savoury depth. The finish is persistent and composed, leaving dark berries, dried herbs and gentle mineral lift.
Larkmead Vineyards 2016 Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Wild blackberry, black cherry and blueberry compote rise from the glass with graphite, forest floor and purple flowers. Full-bodied yet remarkably nimble, the Cabernet layers macerated strawberry, bittersweet chocolate and espresso over firm, dusty tannins. Black tea, pepper and pomegranate emerge with air, leading to a gravelly cranberry finish with lasting savoury detail.
Château Haut-Marbuzet 1986 Saint-Estèphe
Cassis and spicy berry fruit open with smoke, cedar, tobacco and espresso, followed by earthy and savoury tones. The palate is full-bodied and supple, its mature fruit layered with vanilla, dark chocolate and sweet toast. Structured tannins remain composed, carrying the wine into a long, gently meaty finish.
Penfolds 2018 Bin 149 Wine of the World Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Ripe blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry and plum form a concentrated core, lifted by violet and a thread of fresh acidity. Cedar, tobacco, dark cocoa and baking spice add measured oak detail without obscuring the fruit. The palate is full and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannins carrying the wine toward a long, composed finish. Decant before serving with roast beef or grilled lamb.
CheckMate 2020 Opening Gambit Merlot Magnum
Black cherry, cassis and blueberry lead, lifted by violets and savoury spice. The palate is rich yet energetic, layering raspberry, blackberry and tart cranberry with dark chocolate, tobacco, clove and black pepper. Fine, polished tannins give the wine firm shape, while lively acidity and a subtle saline note carry the finish.
Pio Cesare 2020 Ornato Barolo DOCG 750 mL
Blackberry, damson plum and black cherry lead, accented by violet, cinnamon, nutmeg and dark licorice. The palate is dense and powerful, with firm, fine-grained tannins wrapped around concentrated fruit. Rusty mineral, graphite, smoky notes and bitter citrus bring lift and definition. The finish is thick yet polished, holding its structure through lingering spice, dark fruit and a savoury mineral edge.