Selection
Caves Sao Joao 1985 Dao Porta dos Cavaleiros
Mature dark cherry and red berry sit beneath tobacco, pencil lead, graphite and dark chocolate, with damp earth, mushroom and leather adding further savoury depth. Medium acidity and resolved tannins give the palate a gentle, evolved shape, while hints of mint, dried flowers and cured meat carry the finish. Bottle variation is expected; stand upright and decant carefully around sediment.
Chateau La Lagune 2019 Haut-Medoc
Dense and deeply aromatic, opening with fragrant blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry alongside plum, rose petal and sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is polished and supple, with ripe fruit, cedar and dark chocolate framed by freshness and fine tannins. A balanced, lifted finish keeps the wine poised rather than heavy.
Champagne Henriot NV Blanc de Blancs Brut
Lemon zest, green apple and white flowers lead into brioche, pastry and a touch of wet chalk. The palate is elegant and focused, with a fine, lacy mousse carrying apricot, lime peel and quince. Chiselled acidity keeps the creamy texture bright, while biscuit and mineral notes linger on the harmonious finish.
Gosset NV Grand Rosé Brut Champagne
Fresh strawberry and red berry aromas lead, joined by citrus, white flowers and a light touch of biscuit. The palate is rounded but precise, with fine bubbles, bright acidity and a smooth, supple texture. Red fruit and gentle toast carry through an enveloping finish that stays lively, balanced and clean.
Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Réserve Champagne
Straw yellow, with slowly rising bubbles and a persistent, finely textured mousse. Apple, crisp pear and citrus lead, followed by white stone fruit, floral lift and a quiet biscuit note. The palate is harmonious and precise, with gentle roasted depth beneath the fruit. A long, fresh mineral finish makes this an excellent aperitif or partner for shellfish.
Michele Reverdito 2016 Barolo Ascheri
A warm-hearted Barolo with flowers, ripe strawberry and dark cherry on the nose. The palate is mid-weight and elegant, showing generous plummy fruit without losing freshness or shape. Fine tannins support the fruit through a poised, savoury finish. Give it some air and serve with roast poultry, braised meat, mushrooms or aged hard cheese.
M. Chapoutier Fine Eau-de-Vie des Côtes du Rhône
Clean and intensely aromatic, with white fruit, dried flowers and a clear mineral lift. The palate is powerful yet precise, carrying concentrated fruit through warming alcohol and a firm, dry texture. A single-pass distillation preserves the character of its Rhône material rather than polishing it away. The finish is long and contemplative, leaving florals, stone, fruit and persistent heat.
Toyo Bijin Ichiban Matoi Junmai Daiginjo Sake
Juicy apple and mango lead with melon, papaya and strawberry. The palate is soft and finely textured, balancing gentle sweetness with clean acidity and a savoury thread of umami. Slow, cool fermentation keeps the aromas clear and lifted. The finish is refreshing and polished, leaving ripe fruit, floral fragrance and a delicate, poised off-dry impression.
Drinks by the Dram Regions of Scotland Whisky Tasting Set 5 x 30 mL
Five individually sealed samples move across contrasting Scotch traditions, from peaty and maritime to fruity, malty, floral and honeyed. The compact format makes it possible to compare aroma, texture and finish side by side without committing to full bottles. Expect smoke, orchard fruit, soft flowers, malt and cask spice to emerge in different proportions across the selection.
Champagne Lilbert-Fils NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut
Nicolas Maillart 2012 Premier Cru Brut Millésimé Champagne
Domaine de Marcoux 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Dark cherry, cassis and wild berries open with dried thyme, black pepper and violet. Full-bodied yet never heavy, the palate layers ripe fruit over fine, firm tannins and a fleshy mid-palate. Garrigue, tapenade and graphite bring savoury complexity, extending through a long, polished and warmly spiced finish.
Poças 2016 Vintage Port
Smith Woodhouse 2003 Vintage Port
Crushed violet, bergamot and wild herbs lift a brooding core of black plum, blackberry and boysenberry. Powerful and rich, the palate combines ripe perfumed fruit with peppery spice, cigar box and tightly packed tannins. Dark chocolate and molasses deepen the long, structured finish. Decant carefully and serve with blue cheese or dark chocolate.
Quinta do Vale D. Maria 1997 Vintage Port
Cacao and dark chocolate lead a mature bouquet, joined by mint, dried herbs and a subtle savoury edge. Medium-bodied and balanced, the palate combines sweet fruit with round tannins and measured freshness. The finish is long, complex and gently bittersweet. Stand upright and decant carefully, then serve slightly cool with walnuts, blue cheese or dark chocolate.
Robert Weil 2018 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Auslese
Intense ripe apricot, peach and mango set a generous tone, but the palate stays remarkably precise. Bright acidity cuts through the concentrated fruit, while lemon zest, mint and a salty mineral edge add definition. Lush yet poised, it finishes fresh, piquant and exceptionally long, with ample energy for further development.
S.A. Prum 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Magnum
Ripe yellow apricot and red peach lead a fruit-forward nose, joined by a leafy, lightly floral lift. The palate balances generous sweetness with a clear mineral line, keeping the texture bright and composed. Rich enough to feel luxurious but never heavy, it carries through a long, gently spicy finish. Serve cool with blue cheese, fruit tarts or mildly spiced dishes.
Nittardi 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2017
Vibrantly perfumed and savoury, with redcurrant, sour cherry and dark woodland fruit layered with wild herbs, laurel, pepper and warm spice. The palate is firm yet energetic, balancing ripe fruit with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins and a gently earthy undertone. Long and composed on the finish, it benefits from air and pairs naturally with braised beef or aged pecorino.