Selection
CheckMate 2020 Opening Gambit Merlot Magnum
Black cherry, cassis and blueberry lead, lifted by violets and savoury spice. The palate is rich yet energetic, layering raspberry, blackberry and tart cranberry with dark chocolate, tobacco, clove and black pepper. Fine, polished tannins give the wine firm shape, while lively acidity and a subtle saline note carry the finish.
CheckMate Artisanal Winery 2022 Fool’s Mate Chardonnay 750 mL
Subtle orchard fruit leads with pear, apricot and quince, followed by lemon, lime zest and a clear mineral edge. The palate opens creamy, then tightens around fresh acidity and crunchy fruit. Almond and freshly baked bread bring measured richness without obscuring the citrus line. Textural and composed through the middle, it finishes long and persistent with a precise balance of fruit, freshness and restrained oak.
Cheval Blanc 2018
Deeply coloured and remarkably composed, with black cherry, blackberry and stewed plum lifted by violet, raspberry, mint and rose. Earthy notes of truffle, cocoa and damp soil add depth. The palate is dense yet fresh, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, mineral finish that feels precise rather than heavy.
Chiappini 2012 Guado de’ Gemoli Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Bright ruby-purple in the glass, with ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and plum aromas layered over liquorice, sage and rosemary. The palate is warm and supple, offering dense, ripe fruit and finely meshed tannins. Mineral and savoury notes keep the wine focused before a silky, persistent finish with polished structure.
Chimay 175 Limited Edition Blond Ale 750 mL
Bright gold with a fine, persistent head, this limited-edition Trappist blond opens with citrus, red apple, cardamom and coriander. Fruity freshness and spicy complexity meet on a lively palate, leading to a dry, subtly piquant finish. Serve cool with roast chicken, mussels, washed-rind cheese or herb-led dishes; the poised balance makes it equally appealing as a contemplative aperitif.
Chimay Blue Trappist Ale
Dark brown with a compact tan head, this bottle-conditioned Trappist ale layers ripe fruit and chocolate over creamy caramel and soft mocha. Fine spice and candied fruit carry through a long, gently warming finish, while the palate remains composed rather than heavy. Serve cool with beef stew, roast game, blue cheese or dark chocolate; careful cellaring can bring further complexity.
Chimay Gold Trappist Ale
Golden with a tight, creamy head, this blond Trappist ale brings fresh floral spice, citrus and clove over a rounded, gently sweet palate. Coriander and refined hop character add lift, while balanced bitterness carries into a light, dry finish. Serve cool with grilled fish, roast chicken, soft cheese or mussels; its poised flavour and easy structure make it particularly versatile at the table.
Chimay Grande Réserve Blue Trappist Ale 750 mL
Powerful yet polished, this dark Trappist ale opens with luscious fruit, chocolate and a soft floral lift. Creamy caramel moves into mocha and fine spice, followed by candied fruit and a persistent warming finish. The larger bottle is designed to mature gracefully. Serve cool in generous glassware with braised beef, aged blue cheese, fruitcake or dark chocolate, allowing time for the aromas to unfold.
Chimay Triple White Cap Trappist Ale
Golden and crowned with a generous white head, this Trappist tripel combines rich fruit with floral notes and elegant spice. Smoky nuance and vanilla sit against sweet malt, while a velvety texture is checked by measured hop bitterness. Orange peel and red apple shape the refined finish. Serve cool with grilled fish, roast poultry, washed-rind cheese or a lightly spiced curry.
Chinati Vergano × Clos du Tue-Boeuf Sec 2000 Vermouth
Fresh citron peel, elderflower and acacia blossom open a precise, highly aromatic nose. Raspberry adds a delicate fruit note, while fig leaf and peach kernel bring green, almond-like depth. The palate is dry and lightly sweetened, with wormwood and peppercorn shaping a firm botanical bitterness around the fresh seasonal ingredients. A clear wine core keeps the texture lively and integrated. Serve lightly chilled over ice, with soda, or as an expressive dry-vermouth component in a Martini.
CHOYA Honkaku Umeshu Soda
Bright ume fruit leads with a clean balance of tartness and gentle sweetness. Fine bubbles lift the fruit and keep the palate light, while the umeshu base adds a soft, rounded depth beneath the carbonation. The finish is fresh, lightly tangy and composed rather than sugary. Serve well chilled on its own, or pair with salty snacks, grilled skewers, fried chicken or lightly spiced dishes.
Chozas Carrascal 2023 Las Dosces Bobal
Deep cherry-red with youthful violet highlights. The nose is fresh and expressive, offering ripe red cherry, blackberry, and wild raspberry layered with light toast, cocoa, balsamic herbs, and a touch of cracked pepper. Medium-bodied and supple on the palate, with juicy acidity, smooth tannins, and a core of dark berry fruit balanced by gentle spice.
Christian Drouin Blanche de Normandie Apple Brandy
Fresh apple and pear aromas open with a clear orchard-fruit character. The palate is crisp and expressive, moving from ripe fruit toward apple peel, gentle spice and a lightly warming finish. Its clean, unaged style keeps the fruit vivid and direct rather than oak-driven. Serve lightly chilled as a digestif, or use it in cocktails where fresh apple flavour and aromatic lift are welcome.
Christophe Mignon Ratafia Champenois Meunier
Honeyed and softly rounded, with apricot and ripe melon set against a subtle stony, earthy note. The palate is generous without becoming heavy, carrying natural fruit sweetness through a smooth, warming texture. A savoury edge brings balance to the finish. Serve lightly chilled in a small pour with pâté, blue cheese or fruit tart.
Chronos NV Brut Sparkling Wine
Green apple, pear and peach rise with lime zest, citrus and a light touch of toast. The palate is dry and approachable, its fine lively mousse carrying orchard and tropical fruit across a creamy frame. Bright acidity keeps the finish crisp, leaving a clean mineral note and lingering yuzu-like freshness.
Chum Churum Peach Soju
Soft peach leads with a ripe, gently aromatic character rather than candy-like intensity. The palate is light and smooth, balancing subtle sweetness with a clean, refreshing finish. Served well chilled, it makes an easy companion to Korean barbecue, fried chicken or moderately spicy dishes, where the fruit can soften heat without overwhelming the food. It can also be poured over ice for a simple, fruit-forward drink with an approachable texture.
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Limited Edition Sponsorship Label Giro d’Italia 2010 750 mL
Wild berries, cassis and white cherry lead the fruit profile, accompanied by spice and smoke. The nose is vertical and intense, while the palate is toned down in dimension. Sangiovese provides the varietal basis and Tuscany the regional context. Berry fruit, spice and smoke remain the focus, with an intense aromatic profile followed by a smaller-scaled palate.