Red
Caves Sao Joao 1990 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Flint, steel and damp earth lead into autumn leaf, tarragon, cherry pit, espresso, tart red berry, fresh cigar tobacco and damson plum. Lean and elegant rather than fruit-driven, the palate has clean, softened acidity and an austere, savoury line. A short decant helps it open. Serve with duck, grouse or salmon, and handle the mature cork and sediment with care.
Borgo Del Tiglio 2012 Rosso Riserva
Deep red and full-bodied, opening with black cherry and blackcurrant before baking spice and earthy undertones add depth. Bright acidity keeps the ripe dark fruit balanced, while firm, integrated tannins give the palate a composed, dry shape. The finish is clean and lingering rather than heavy. Decant carefully and serve with roast lamb, braised beef or aged cheese.
Mark Haisma 2020 Cornas
Querceto 2016 Cignale Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
Deep ruby in colour, with blueberry, blackcurrant and dark plum layered over dried flowers and earthy notes of humus, mushroom and bark. A restrained balsamic lift recalls pine. Full-bodied and harmonious, the palate carries dense fruit on firm yet silky tannins, finishing fresh and long with lingering fruit and dried-citrus detail.
Racines 2019 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750 mL
Sweet dried cherry leads a savoury, aromatic profile, joined by mint, tobacco and sage. The palate is ethereal and finely drawn, with fresh acidity and a gentle tannic frame keeping the fruit lifted. Herbal detail and cool mineral tension bring depth without heaviness, while the finish remains persistent and composed. Serve with roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes or pork tenderloin with herbs.
Maison Audebert et Fils Bourgueil 3 L Box
Black raspberry and red cherry lead a bright, easygoing Cabernet Franc profile, with earthy and chalky notes adding savoury definition. The palate is fresh and fruit-driven rather than heavy, balancing ripe berry flavour with gentle structure and a clean citrus lift on the finish. The generous box format makes it a practical choice for gatherings while preserving the region's lively, food-friendly character. Serve lightly cool with roast poultry, sausages, mushroom dishes or a casual charcuterie board.
Glantenay 2021 Volnay
A delicate Volnay with bright ruby colour and aromas of violet, redcurrant and cherry. The palate is concentrated yet nuanced, allowing the fruit and floral character to stay clear while subtle savoury complexity begins to emerge. With time it can develop notes of spice, game and cooked plum; serve with duck, roast poultry, mushrooms or salmon.
Poplar Grove 2014 Cabernet Franc 10 Year Release 750 mL
Fragrant dark plum and mature cherry lead, with resin, cedar and gentle spice bringing complexity. The palate is soft and resolved, yet still carries its original fruit with clarity. Subtle savoury structure and a polished texture lend an elegant, old-world feel without losing its Okanagan character. Long and composed on the finish, it shows faded smoke and beautifully integrated maturity.
Gómez Cruzado 2018 Cerro Las Cuevas Selección Terroir Rioja 750 mL
Ripe blackberry and dark plum lead, followed by warm spice, cool menthol and a distinct mineral note. The palate is full-flavoured and supple, with generous black fruit carried by fresh acidity and finely controlled extraction. A savoury earthiness adds depth through the middle without obscuring the fruit. The finish is long and composed, balancing voluptuous texture with lift, spice and the firm clarity of old-vine Rioja.
Cavallotto 2013 Barolo Bricco Boschis 750 mL
Rose, violet and hibiscus frame dark cherry and raspberry on a finely layered nose. The palate is calm and linear, with fresh cherry, liquorice and mineral notes unfolding over firm, classical tannins. Sweet spice and savoury earth add depth without blurring the wine's clarity. Full-bodied yet poised, it carries notable energy through a long, persistent finish. Decant generously and serve with braised beef, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese.
d’Arenberg 2014 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon
A poised Cabernet Sauvignon with violet, cassis and dark plum carried by a subtle minty lift. The palate is sleek and concentrated, shaped by fine, chalky tannins rather than sheer weight. Notes of baked capsicum, tobacco and cedar add savoury depth through the finish, while the fruit remains clear and composed. Decant now or cellar for further dried-fruit and cedar complexity.
Radio-Coteau 2015 Lemorel Zinfandel Sonoma Coast
Fresh red fruit leads with blood orange, rose petal, pomegranate and a cooling lift of mint. Racy and supple on the palate, the Zinfandel balances vivid fruit with floral and citrus detail rather than sheer weight. Fine energy carries the wine through a bright, expressive finish with excellent clarity and poise.
Yarra Yering 2015 Dry Red No. 2
Blackberry and plum lead a concentrated, dark-fruited profile, joined by violet, pepper and savoury spice. The palate is medium-bodied yet weighty, with generous fruit, assertive tannins and crisp acidity held in a fresh, detailed frame. Poised and long, it suits lamb, grilled beef or earthy mushroom dishes.
Martin Woods 2021 Koosah Vineyard Pinot Noir 750 mL
Red berry compote and dark cherry lead, accented by dried herbs, tangerine peel and a measured note of leather. The palate is supple and sleek, with darker fruit giving the wine depth while vivid acidity keeps it lifted. Fine tannins and a polished texture hold the savoury detail in balance. The finish is persistent and energetic, carrying red fruit, citrus peel and gentle earthy spice.
Anthonij Rupert 2010 Cabernet Franc Franschhoek 750 mL
Blackberry leads with oregano, cocoa, graphite and a distinctive fynbos lift. The palate is succulent and generously fruited, bringing dark berry depth together with cinnamon spice and a firm savoury line. Polished tannins hold the concentration in balance while fresh acidity keeps the texture composed. The finish is long and layered, lingering on black fruit, cocoa, spice and mineral detail.
Selvapiana 2022 Chianti Rufina Magnum
Fresh red berries and dusky cherry open with citrus peel, hibiscus and a faint smoky-earthy note. The palate is medium-bodied and bright, with crisp acidity, dusty tannins and a fine, energetic shape. Red fruit remains central as loam and gentle wood smoke emerge toward a lingering, savoury finish. Serve with tomato-braised meats, grilled sausages, mushroom pasta or firm Tuscan cheese.
Brezza 2012 Barolo Sarmassa 750 mL
Rose, red cherry and raspberry open with star anise, clove and a gentle earthy note. The palate is savoury and tightly shaped, balancing ripe black cherry with bright acidity, mineral detail and firm, fine-grained tannins. Hints of tar, cigar box and dried herbs emerge with air, bringing mature complexity without losing freshness. The finish is persistent and poised. Decant carefully and serve with braised beef, truffle dishes or aged hard cheese.
Hewitson 2021 Old Garden Mourvedre
Blueberry, raspberry and black cherry rise with heady spice, mint and a measured touch of mocha. Plump and silky on the palate, it balances succulent fruit with bright acidity and soft, spicy tannins, while dark chocolate and herbs add savoury depth. Generous without heaviness, it pairs naturally with lamb shank, game or slow-cooked beef.
Little Engine 2016 Platinum Pinot Noir
Dark cherry and ripe forest fruit lead a concentrated, spice-laced profile, with oak adding depth without obscuring the fruit. The palate is fleshy and powerful, yet there is enough structure and freshness to keep it poised. Fine tannins carry the savoury, lingering finish. Decant briefly and serve with duck, lamb or earthy mushroom dishes.