Red
Clos Saint Jean 2018 La Combe des Fous Châteauneuf-du-Pape 750 mL
Blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate lead a deep, expressive nose, joined by lavender, peppery garrigue, graphite and a touch of rose. The palate is full-bodied and richly layered, yet seamless tannins and fresh energy keep the wine from feeling heavy. Liquorice, tobacco and subtle white chocolate add savoury depth before a plush, velvety finish. Decant generously and serve with lamb shoulder, grilled beef or Provençal herbs and mushrooms.
B Cellars 2014 Blend 26 750 mL
Ripe cherry, cedar and cocoa lead, with tobacco and dark spice adding depth. The palate is concentrated and full, built around Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with substantial fruit and a firm, polished frame. Oak contributes warmth and structure while the savoury notes keep the richness composed. Give it air before serving with grilled steak, braised short ribs, roast mushrooms or firm aged cheese.
Catena Zapata 2020 Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 750 mL
Spicy black fruit and delicate flowers lead a highly aromatic nose, with plum, sour cherry, herbs and graphite adding detail. The palate is rounded and smooth yet precise, its ripe fruit supported by moderate acidity, fine grip and a chalky limestone impression. Freshness keeps the concentration poised through a long, mineral finish. Decant before serving with grilled lamb, braised beef or roasted eggplant.
Dana Estates 2015 VASO Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Redcurrant and plum lead with sage, loam, tobacco box and warm spice. The palate opens on Bing cherry and dried herbs, then broadens through supple hillside tannins and a structured mid-palate. Ripe strawberry, forest floor and light mineral detail linger, giving the rich fruit a composed, savoury and persistent finish.
Cordero di Montezemolo 2019 Barolo Bricco Gattera
Dark cherry and plum lead a rich, concentrated nose, joined by spice, soft tobacco and a touch of candied licorice. The palate is full-bodied and firmly shaped, with generous fruit carried by structured tannins into a long, savoury finish. Decant and serve with braised beef, roast lamb or aged cheese.
Pierrick Bouley 2018 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots
Deeply coloured, with lifted high tones and striking aromatic intensity. The palate is broad and structured, its fine-grained tannins adding shape with almost no dryness. Layered, mobile fruit brings energy and dimension, while a slightly cushioned texture softens the wine's fresh lines. Powerful yet poised, with an excellent, persistent finish.
Keever Vineyards 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Blackberry and black cherry lead an elegant bouquet, joined by floral lift, vanilla and mocha as it opens. The palate is soft yet densely flavoured, with darker fruit carrying into a smooth finish. Fine, well-integrated tannins provide length without domination, making this a composed match for roast beef or lamb.
Domaine Xavier Gérard 2022 Côte-Rôtie 750 mL
Licorice root and brambly blackberry lead the exact-vintage record, followed by crunchy blueberry and dark plum. Savoury old oak, cracked pepper and a touch of game add further detail. The finish is described as long, savoury and grippy, with those same dark-fruited, spicy and meaty elements continuing through an intensely flavoured aftertaste. Dark fruit, spice and game remain central throughout.
Laurent Ponsot 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Cuvée de l’Aulne 750 mL
Strawberry and raspberry lead a lightly floral nose, with darker currant, soft earth, cedar and a whisper of wild herbs underneath. The palate is sleek and medium-bodied, combining fresh red fruit with savoury spice and a clear mineral line. Fine volume builds through the middle before a firmer, gently rustic finish brings shape and length. Give it time in a decanter and serve with duck, roast chicken or mushroom dishes.
St. Supéry 2019 Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 750 mL
Blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum lead a concentrated nose, joined by boysenberry, anise, toasted oak and a light graphite note. The palate is full-bodied and opulent yet fresh, with polished, fine-grained tannins carrying the dark fruit through cocoa, vanilla and subtle earthy tones. A savoury tobacco edge adds complexity before a long, composed finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, lamb shoulder or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Cobb 2017 Doc’s Ranch Vineyard Pommard & 114 Selection Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Dense layers of black cherry, red plum and black tea open the wine, followed by cardamom and anise. The palate is juicy and succulent, with generous fruit carried by a smooth, detailed texture. Blueberry and red cherry bring lift, while measured spice and a neatly resolved finish keep the richer profile composed.
Cobb 2017 Coastlands Vineyard Old Firs Block Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Dark cherry and raspberry open with bay laurel, rose petal, lavender and white pepper. The palate is polished and svelte, its perfumed fruit held in a fresh, finely grained frame. Strawberry and tea leaf add detail before a lifted finish of orange rind and Meyer lemon peel, elegant and quietly persistent.
Castello di Bolgheri 2019 Bolgheri Superiore
Graphite and kirsch open, followed by black raspberry, fresh leather, cedar and a floral hint of lavender. Full-bodied yet refined, the palate combines dense dark fruit with vibrant acidity and a silky, well-integrated tannic structure. Savoury Mediterranean herbs carry into a generous, lengthy finish. Serve with roast lamb, braised beef, porcini or aged pecorino.
Remoissenet Père et Fils 2019 Nuits Saint Georges
Deep crimson Pinot Noir with rose, liquorice, cherry and blackcurrant, gaining leather, truffle and savoury depth with age. The palate is muscular and full-bodied, with a firm yet balanced structure and a long, composed finish. Built for patient cellaring and especially good with roast lamb, duck, game or washed-rind cheese.
Cordero di Montezemolo 2015 Enrico VI Barolo DOCG
French oak, baked plum, vanilla and roasted coffee bean lead, with a cool menthol note adding lift. Full-bodied and concentrated, the palate brings espresso, liquorice and fleshy black cherry into focus. Taut, close-grained tannins frame the richness, carrying the savoury, oak-shaped profile to a firm, drying finish.
Catena Zapata 2020 Malbec Argentino
Blackberry and blueberry lead a dense, richly fruited profile, with savoury earth and gentle spice bringing contrast. The palate is powerful but polished, its ripe fruit carried by firm, fine-grained tannins rather than sheer weight. A fresh line keeps the concentration balanced. The finish is long and seamless, leaving dark berries, mineral depth and a quietly earthy note.
Paradigm 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville
Juicy blackcurrant leads a powerful, richly inviting profile, with clove and brown sugar adding warm spice. Gravelly texture and a cohesive structure keep the fruit focused, while a supple palate gives the wine generosity without losing shape. Lengthy and composed through the finish, it benefits from air. Serve with roast beef, lamb or deeply browned mushrooms.
Frias Family Vineyard 2015 SMD Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District
Cassis and blueberry lead with fresh floral notes, graphite and pencil shavings. The palate is medium to full-bodied, layered and richly textured, bringing generous black fruit, baking spice and a savoury touch of aged meat. Tobacco, clove and forest floor deepen the profile, while balanced acidity carries the dense fruit into a long finish.
Sao Joao 1997 Porta Dos Cavaleiros Mg
A mature Portuguese red with dried cherry, leather and stewed fruit, followed by game, earth and gentle spice. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with settled acidity and elegant tannins supporting its savoury character. The finish is clean and composed rather than forceful, pairing especially well with roast chicken, coq au vin, mushrooms or slow-cooked pork.