Red
Lopez de Heredia 2013 Vina Tondonia Reserva Rioja
Dried berry and restrained black fruit open with wild herbs, balsamic lift and sweet spice. The palate is rich yet finely controlled, with a smooth, developed texture held by firm, elegant tannins and chalky grip. Cedar and vanilla sit quietly behind the fruit, leading into a layered, savoury finish. Serve with roast lamb, braised beef or aged manchego.
Caves Sao Joao 1996 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Still structured, with red fruit and vanilla set against an integrated tannic frame. The palate is light and mature, yet sound bottles retain good colour, a composed texture and a clean finish. Bottle variation is pronounced, with some examples appearing fresher than their age and others more fragile. Stand upright, open carefully and assess before deciding whether to decant.
Corte Pavone 2017 Campo Marzio Brunello di Montalcino
Dark fruit, blackcurrant and spice lead an earthy, mineral-driven profile, with cherries and black tea adding depth. The palate is elegant and tightly wound, framed by chalky, savoury tannins and bright berry fruit. Long and composed through the finish, it is an excellent match for roast lamb, game or porcini.
Santa Vittoria 2017 Barolo DOCG
Clear garnet with a brick-toned rim, opening on dried cherry, rose petal and tar, followed by leather, sweet tobacco, forest floor and anise. Medium-full on the palate, it balances bright acidity with firm, well-integrated tannins. Red currant, dried herbs and savoury spice lead into a long, mineral-edged finish.
Aldegheri 2019 I Lastari Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Deep ruby and smoothly rounded, with cherry and marasca cherry at the centre of a broad, complex bouquet. The palate is dry, full and velvety, carrying ripe red fruit through a harmonious, persistent finish. There is enough structure for further development, but the generous fruit makes it inviting now. Serve with pasta, roast poultry, veal or firm cheese.
Garofoli 2022 Farnio Rosso Piceno
A smooth Rosso Piceno with lively red cherry and darker plum fruit, followed by dried herbs and a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied and approachable, combining fresh acidity with rounded tannins and a clean, fruit-led finish. It is versatile at the table, particularly with mushroom pizza, tomato-based pasta, roast pork or a board of cured meats.
Tenuta di Castellaro 2019 Nero Ossidiana
Deep purple in the glass, with ripe black cherry, cassis, pomegranate and tomato leaf on the nose. The palate is full-bodied but fresh, shaped by a distinctive saline current and supple tannins. Dark fruit remains clear through the long, kirsch-toned finish, giving the wine both power and coastal brightness.
Il Borro 2019 Il Borrigiano Valdarno di Sopra DOC
Lively ruby with purple reflections, opening on fresh cherry and other red fruit. Ginger and white pepper add lift and aromatic definition. The palate is bright and harmonious, with refreshing acidity and elegant, rounded tannins. A clean, fruit-led finish keeps the wine energetic and especially easy to place at the table.
Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso
Pale ruby in colour, with lifted red-fruit aromas and a cool mineral edge. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, balancing bright acidity with fine texture and a savoury, saline current. Freshness carries through the persistent finish, giving this poised Sicilian red both clarity and an easy affinity with food.
Ballard Lane Paso Robles Cab 375 mL
A generous Cabernet with ripe blackberry, cassis and dark cherry, layered with cedar, vanilla and a touch of baking spice. The palate is ample without becoming heavy, with plum fruit, supple texture and smooth, rounded tannins carrying into a polished finish. The compact half-bottle format is well suited to grilled beef, burgers or roast mushrooms when a full bottle is more than the occasion calls for.
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.
Montalto 2016 Single Vineyard Tuerong Block Pinot Noir
A classically savoury Pinot Noir, opening with dark cherry, plum and forest-floor aromas. Dried herbs, black earth and a subtle touch of aniseed add depth as the wine develops in the glass. The palate is concentrated yet composed, with black-tea tannins carrying the dark fruit through a persistent finish. Decant gently and pair with roast duck, mushrooms or herb-crusted pork.
Jean-Claude Ramonet 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge
Vibrant red cherry and wild strawberry lead, with subtle earth and sweet spice adding quiet depth. The palate is pure and focused, shaped by silky tannins and a fine mineral line rather than weight. Freshness carries the fruit into a polished, lingering finish. Serve with roast duck, mushroom dishes or herb-roasted poultry.
Melinon 2017 Morgon
A vibrant Morgon with ripe red cherry, blackberry and violet on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, balancing juicy red fruit with soft tannins, bright acidity and subtle earthy, mineral undertones. Fresh and structured through the finish, it is versatile at the table and works well with charcuterie, roast poultry, mushrooms or grilled pork.
Vilacetinho 2016 Vinho Verde Red Escolha
A rustic northern Portuguese red with brambly raspberry, sour cherry and violet over a lightly earthy note. The palate is fresh and firmly structured, with grippy tannins and a subtle spritz adding energy. Serve it with a slight chill alongside grilled sausages, roast pork or hearty vegetable dishes; the savoury, mouth-watering finish is built for food.
De Toren 2019 Fusion V Stellenbosch
Blueberry, tart black cherry and plum lead, with dark chocolate, olive and subtle tobacco adding savoury depth. Rich and full-bodied, the palate feels round and composed, combining concentrated black fruit with finely polished, silky tannins. Balanced freshness keeps the power in check before a long finish of earth, spice and dark berries.
Marquis D’Alesme 2018 Margaux
An opulent Margaux with black cherry, warm plum, cassis and red rose, layered with baking spice and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is rich but focused, with firm, velvety tannins supporting dark plum, blackcurrant and blackberry. Black tea, alder and mineral notes emerge through the long finish. Give it air and serve with roast beef, lamb or duck.
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.