Selection
Verrier & Fils NV Pinot Noir Champagne
Frank Cornelissen 2017 Munjebel Rosso
Smoke, graphite and truffle meet wild black berries and molten chocolate on a deep, compelling nose. The palate is full and enveloping, layering blackberry, crushed black raspberry, liquorice and grilled herbs over velvety tannins. Tangy acidity and a lingering mineral note keep the richness precise. Decant and serve with venison, grilled beef, lamb shoulder or earthy mushroom dishes.
Gabbiano 2009 Alleanza Toscana IGT
Rich ruby with purple reflections, offering fresh red currant and a light touch of sweet chocolate. The palate is smooth and evenly fruited, with currant returning at the centre. The balance is measured rather than heavy, carrying clean red-fruit flavour and subtle cocoa through fine tannins to a long finish.
Mateus Nicolau de Almeida 2022 Trans Douro Express Cima Corgo
A lightly vegetal note of damp grass meets white pepper, red berries and restrained spice. The palate is broad and smooth, with bright fruit and savoury freshness keeping the texture lively rather than heavy. Subtle earthy tones carry into a gently spicy finish. Serve slightly cool with roast lamb, grilled sausages, lentil stew or rustic mushroom dishes.
Martin’s Lane 2016 Fritzi’s Vineyard Riesling
Starfruit, pomelo, mango and guava form an expressive, ripe-fruited nose. The palate is fuller and rounder than a lean style, yet crisp acidity keeps the generous texture in balance. A tactile, gravelly mineral note builds through the middle and carries into a vibrant, powerful finish with excellent definition.
Les Troix Croix 2019 Fronsac
A polished Fronsac with sun-warmed blackberry, cocoa and vanilla over an earthy mineral note. The palate is generous yet composed, with smooth tannins carrying the dark fruit into a long, gently savoury finish. Its balance of ripeness and structure suits roast beef, braised lamb, mushrooms or an unhurried dinner built around deeply flavoured dishes.
Yamamoto Doh-Kara Extra Dry Junmai
A fresh, lightly aromatic opening gives way to a brief hint of sweetness before the palate turns decisively dry. Clean rice flavour and a bright, ginjo-like lift keep the middle focused, while the extra-dry structure builds toward the finish. The final impression is crisp and energetic, with savoury clarity, faint sweetness and firm dryness arriving in a well-defined sequence.
1 Mill Road 2022 Home Block Pinot Noir
An elegant, deeply coloured Pinot Noir showing dark cherry and plum over earth, graphite and delicate spice. The palate is fresh and medium bodied, with supple, fine-grained tannins and quietly persistent structure. Large oak vessels frame the fruit without masking its aromatic intensity, leaving a poised, balanced finish. Serve slightly cool with duck, pork tenderloin or wild mushrooms.
Painted Rock 2021 Cabernet Franc
Herbs and spice frame dark cherry on the nose. The palate is brambly and concentrated, with the variety's savoury character carried by firm, gently gripping tannins. Extended hangtime gives the fruit full flavour, while 18 months in French oak adds polish and depth. Structured now, it has clear potential to develop further.
Arnaud de Villeneuve 1999 Rivesaltes Ambré
Fresh fig, vanilla and gently toasted dried fruit lead a mature, deeply aromatic profile. The palate is rich yet composed, bringing oxidative warmth and savoury depth into balance with lingering fruit and a measured finish. Serve lightly chilled alongside almond tart, dried-fruit cake, blue cheese or dark chocolate with roasted nuts.
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 200 mL
Smoke from a distant beach bonfire leads the aroma, followed by wet wool, wax and a subtle mineral note. The palate begins smooth and mildly sweet, then turns brisk with acidity, sea salt and peppery peat. Its body is firm without feeling heavy. Char and a faint sour edge carry through the lingering finish, leaving smoke, salt and coastal freshness clearly defined.
Escaravailles 2023 Rasteau Heritage 1924
Sweet raspberry, framboise and floral notes rise from the glass, leading into a ripe, powerful palate that remains remarkably weightless. The texture is medium to full-bodied, framed by ultra-fine tannins and fresh, precise fruit. Made entirely from destemmed Grenache and raised in concrete, it pairs naturally with grilled lamb, duck, beef stew, roasted aubergine or aged hard cheese.
Capezzana 2010 Villa di Trefiano Carmignano Riserva 750 mL
Ripe red fruit leads with violet, cherry and a measured cocoa-spice note. The palate is balanced and structured, with enough softness to keep the wine composed rather than severe. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon give it both Tuscan lift and a darker, firmer centre. The finish is harmonious and persistent, carrying ripe fruit, spice and cocoa with steady, well-integrated depth.
Tenuta Santa Maria di Gaetano Bertani 2018 Torre Pieve Chardonnay 750 mL
White flowers and warm stone lead into pineapple, citrus and ripe orchard fruit. The palate is broad and creamy, with vanilla, hazelnut and a light buttery note held in check by balanced acidity and a savoury mineral edge. The texture is refined rather than heavy, allowing the fruit to remain clear. It finishes harmoniously, with citrus, nut and gentle oak lingering through a composed close.
Liberty Distillery Trust Whiskey Madeira
On the nose, TRUST Single Cask – Burgundy presents a white chocolate and marzipan character married with robust barley notes. The mid-palate is rich, full and intense with cocoa, caramel and underlying fruit. At 42% alc./vol. the finish has a powerful concentration that is silky smooth and lingers on and on.
California Cult Classics 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 2 Napa Valley
Juicy berries deepen toward blackberry, black plum and red cherry, layered with cedar, cinnamon, dark chocolate, graphite and black pepper. The palate begins lean and soft, then grows rounder and more generous with air. Medium acidity and building tannins frame the ripe fruit, leading to a long finish of plum, cedar and sweet spice.
Le Coste 2011 Bomb’Bulle Sparkling White
A delicate bead lifts bright citrus, sea-salt freshness and warm spice. The palate is light and energetic, with brisk acidity carrying lemon peel and a gently savoury, herbal edge. Fine bubbles keep the texture nimble, while the mineral, lightly oxidative finish remains dry, vivid and refreshingly unconventional.
St. Katharina Vineyard 2018/2019 Traditional Method
Delicate honeysuckle and lemon tart open with orchard fruit, subtle brioche and a gentle chalky note. Fine bubbles give the palate energy, while extended lees ageing brings a creamy texture and savoury depth. Bright citrus acidity keeps the dry finish precise and lifted, balancing the richer pastry tones with quiet freshness and length.