A blend of 54% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored, 2017 Palmer gives a very serious nose of pronounced blackcurrant cordial, warm plums and blackberry preserves with hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, violets, dark chocolate and star anise plus exotic wafts of sandalwood and cassia. Medium-bodied, the palate features fantastically vibrant, crunchy black fruits with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. It will need a good 5-7 years to really blossom with all those tightly wound nuances, but it should be a stunner!

This underrated wine is made by the Chateau Cheval Blanc team, so it's no slouch. With 74% merlot, 14% cabernet sauvignon and 12% cabernet franc, this medium bodied wine is pure and balanced with cherry, plum, tobacco, leafy herb, and chocolate notes. Enjoy this wine now!

97 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: " Blended of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2016 la Fleur-Petrus reveals stunning Black Forest cake, redcurrant jelly and wilted roses scents with underlying suggestions of pencil shavings, yeast extract, dark chocolate and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the mid-palate possesses superb intensity and depth with layers of perfumed black fruits and loads of red fruit sparks framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note. (LPB)" (11/2018) 99 points - James Suckling

Offering up aromas of rich cassis and blackberry fruit mingled with burning embers, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, the 2019 La Tour Carnet is medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into an ample core of fruit that's framed by ripe, powdery tannins and lively acids. This is a seamless, rather giving Médoc that has turned out very well. Best After 2023

Marani Pirosmani is a popular, high-quality Georgian medium-dry red wine produced by Telavi Wine Cellar (often associated with the Marani brand) in the Kakheti region. Made from 100% Saperavi grapes, it features an intense ruby color, rich aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant, and a balanced, fruity, and slightly spicy taste.

Georgian Valleys Saperavi is a full-bodied Georgian red wine, known for its deep color and rich, fruity profile with notes of blackberry, cherry, vanilla, and spices, finishing with oak and sweet spice, offering a juicy, berry-forward experience with chewy tannins, pairing well with rich meats, cheeses, and hearty dishes.

Château Ksara Le Prieuré is a medium-bodied, unoaked Lebanese red blend (typically Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon) from the Bekaa Valley, showcasing intense red and black fruit, spice, and licorice notes. Known for its bright ruby color, soft tannins, and fresh acidity, it offers a savoury, rustic, and smooth drinking experience.

The Blasted Church Vineyards Syrah VQA typically offers a rich and complex tasting experience. The nose reveals notes of blueberry, plum, and violet, with a hint of gamey Syrah. On the palate, you can expect a rounded attack with blueberry, blackberry, and ripe red berries, leading into mid-palate flavors of wild sage and plum. Lively acidity balances the mouthfeel, and fine-grained tannins persist throughout the finish.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with chewy tannins and a peppery acidity that harmoniously fills the mouth. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and licorice are complemented by notes of delicate springtime flowers and zesty citrus fruits.

From the iconic Vega Sicilia brand, the Pintia is from Toro where tempranillo is called Tinto de Toro. These wines boast intense color and depth, presenting a cherry red hue with cardinal edges. The nose is broad, clean, expressive, and elegant, featuring great fruity intensity wrapped in subtle, high-quality wood. On the palate, it offers a robust structure, good tannic presence, and a friendly, fresh, and persistent finish with floral hints in the retro nasal.

Another great wine from the winemaking team at Casale del Giglio, this is another "petit" wine, although there's nothing little about it. Typically the grape used in Bordeaux blends to provide the tannic backbone, it's seen more and more often as a monovarietal wine. The Petit Verdot is part of a special research project that was launched in 1985 with the goal to identify maximize the territory’s potential for quality viticulture. Finding ideal growing conditions with respect to climate, elevation, and soil, the Petit Verdot matures into an elegant and full-bodied red wine with great berry flavours. Velvety and ripe tannins provide a great backbone. A complex wine with great aging potential.

The Cakebreads exemplify their dedication to quality through years of family teamwork, sustainability, and a sharp focus on fruit and terroir expression, earning them certification as a Napa Green Winery since 2008.

Traditii Feteasca Neagra, or Black Maiden, is a semi-dry wine offering a delicate sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. It showcases flavors of black fruits like plums and blueberries, complemented by nuanced notes of chocolate and vanilla. This ruby wine with purple reflections greets you with aromas full of personality, ranging from grassy notes and chocolate to spices and strong fruity scents of blackberries, blackcurrants, and black cherries. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, it's best served between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. It pairs beautifully with veal, beef, lamb, dry sausages, fattier fish, spicy cuisine, and mature cheeses, making it a versatile and delightful choice for any meal.

Another little gem from the oldest family winery in Italy. Since 1141, Ricasoli has been producing wines of great character and quality. Made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino, the wine is aged for 9 months in used tonneaux. The nose begins with floral and fruity notes, gradually transitioning to umami with hints of balsamic vinegar and tar, blending with violets, roses, figs, and plums. The palate combines juiciness and earthiness, with gritty, almost sandy tannins enhancing the earthy profile.

Though it was a very dry year, this vintage still managed to keep its impressive elegance. The wine opens with enticing aromas of wild cherry, fresh and dried roses, incense, wild herbs and savoury spice. The palate is an example of thoughtfulness and craft with a core of deep wild berries, black tea, and crushed stones that are all supported by supple tannins and lifted acidity." - 97/100, Wine Enthusiast

Barbera d’Alba Superiore La Lisi boasts an intense ruby red hue with garnet reflections. Its aromatic profile is characterized by a fruity, vigorous, and fragrant nose, offering notes of raspberries and other berries. This wine is pleasantly savory and balanced on the palate, delivering a fresh and fruit-filled experience from bouquet to finish.

With its usual deep ruby red colour, Ornellaia 2020 stands out on the nose with ripe red fruits and delicate vanilla and gentle tobacco notes. Upon tasting, the wine reveals itself to be rounded and velvety, making an enjoyable and engaging first impression that entices for a second sip. The tannins are dense yet elegant and the finish proves to be savoury and enduring.

This Pinot from Oregon stands as a testament to the state's ability to produce wines that can indeed rival those from Burgundy. This realization is further solidified upon tasting this particular wine, which is currently in its optimal drinking window and will remain so for the next few years. It opens up slowly, revealing a salty zest of dark cherry and the wild garrigue—a type of herby scrub found in Burgundy. This wine is a gastronomic delight, becoming one of my favorites when paired with a seared steak accompanied by a red wine pan jus.

Neroametà emerges from the white vinification of the Aglianico grape, showcasing an age-old family vision that highlights the exceptional adaptability of this venerable vine. This wine is a homage both to the varietal heritage of the black Aglianico grape, which reveals a distinctive elegance when vinified in white, and to the wine's geographical and cultural roots, reflecting the harmony and contrast of its landscape. It features an elegant bouquet, rich in expansive and intricate floral notes, including lily of the valley and citrus, seamlessly integrated with subtle fruity and mineral nuances. On the palate, it presents a fresh, savory, and bold profile, leading to an intense mineral-laced finish, encapsulating its refined complexity and depth.

Aromas of black pepper, strawberry, green bell pepper and chalk with hints of mint are on the nose. This is a medium-bodied red that features red fruit and herbaceous flavors. It has a mineral character, soft tannins and medium acidity.

Classically crafted, this opens with earthy aromas of forest floor, woodland berries, leather, violet and crushed black olive. Savory and elegantly structured, the lithe palate features ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise, truffle and the same black olive note from the nose. Taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced.

Provenance Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a, full-bodied, and, velvety Napa Valley red, primarily sourcing from Rutherford and other top AVAs. It features rich,, dark fruit flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and, blackberry, complemented by cocoa and, fine, integrated tannins. The wine is, aged for 18 months in French oak, offering a long, structured finish. 

91/100 Wine Enthusiast A jammy, full-bodied wine, this is now mature. With its wood aging and opulent black fruits, it is spicy, perfumed with a core of dark tannins. Drink this powerful wine now. Roger Voss

This classic Cabernet Sauvignon fills the glass with vivid aromas of blackberry, black cherry, warm earth, and baking spice. The flavors richly echo the wine's aromas, adding juicy layers of summer briar fruit, berry compote, cinnamon, lively red and black plums, and mocha with a long, radiant finish.

"Lush fruits of black cherry, blackberry and red plum. Rich notes of freshly turned earth, magnolia flower and sweet touches of white chocolate. Young round silky tannins provide a long finish. These soil series were born from the volcanic eruptions of the Blue Mountains 15 million years ago, which created basalt islands that still sit on the top of Northern Willamette Valley hills. This representation of those volcanic soil series is specifically from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Ken Wright has been working with their Estate vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills since the late 80s and they are now firmly tapped into the volcanic basalt parent material. This mother rock is what gives wine true character and identifiable regional complexities of this Volcanic AVA." - Ken Wright Cellars

A complex spicy, powerful and intense mix of fruit and savoury elements. Blackberry and cassis fruit dominate, joined by black plum, black cherry and some cherry chocolate liqueur along with complex black pepper, violet, custard and some burlap and dried herbal notes. Full bodied with lovely ripe tannins and balanced acidity the cassis and blackberry fruit is joined by paprika infused dark chocolate cake, pastry crust, graphite and sage with some leather on the long finish. Pair this with garlic and rosemary studded leg of lamb or grilled portobello mushroom with a paprika and dried herb butter.

This Sancerre Rouge from Domaine du Carrou is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, and is a beautiful representation of the terroir of the Sancerre region. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months in oak barrels, which gives it a subtle oakiness and a soft texture. On the nose, there are notes of red fruit, such as cherries and raspberries, as well as a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with flavors of ripe red fruits, a hint of minerality, and a long, elegant finish. The tannins are well-integrated and provide a nice structure to the wine. This Sancerre Rouge is a great match for grilled or roasted meats, as well as strong cheeses.

Antinori is one of the four oldest winemaking families of Italy. With 26 generations of experience, more than nine estates in Italy, one in the US and one in Chile, they are leaders in quality and their name is sought after the world over.  From ‘Tuesday night pizza wine’ to collectible, ageworthy wines from Chianti Classico and Bolgheri, there is a wine for everyone’s budget in the Antinori portfolio. From one of the three oldest families of Italy, spanning 26 generations, one of their luxury brands, Solaia is located on the sunniest slope of the Tignanello vineyard. Here, the best grapes of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Franc make this aromatic, complex wine with notes of raspberries and mulberries with additional, distinct notes of coffee beans, chocolate, and licorice. The palate is well-balanced and structured with spicy undertones that give way to an exceptionally long. This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages.

In the commune of La Morra, Sergio Molino vinifies wine from only 2.5 ha of Nebbiolo vines. The Molino family vineyards, bottled under the Ernesto Molino label is an homage to Sergio's father. Like many micro-wineries, it's a "hands-off" approach, allowing the terroir to speak for itself. Cranberry, violet, hints of vanilla and even an iron note, put this one away for a while to let those austere tannins settle down. Best after 2027.

Nebbiolo in Italy's most northern region of Val d'Aosta is known here as Picotener or Picotendre. Difficult to ripen in this cold climate, the grapes have the advantage of altitude sunshine. This light, fresh example has all the rose, cherry and rasperry notes of Nebbiolo, but with an intense acidity. If you've never tried Nebbiolo before, this may be a great place to start!

Dominio de Pingus is a cult classic in Ribera del Duero, established in 1995. The flagship Pingus isone of the most sought-after, expensive, and collectible wines from Spain. Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck, the founder and winemaker, continues to make great wine at this top tier Ribera del Duero estate.The Flor de Pingus is the "2nd label" of Dominio de Pingus is 100% tempranillo fermented under temperature controlled condiditions to retain a fruity dark cherry profile. With 14 months in small barrique, the resulting wines are full-bodied, bold and structured with vanilla and cedar spice. One of the iconic wines of Spain.

With a beautiful dark golden or amber colour, they have scents of hazelnuts, almonds, nut husks, candied citrus fruit and roasted notes. - Red Rivesaltes that is bottled young (75% Grenache Noir) and aged without oxidization for at least 12 months, three of which are in bottles.

It is intense with fresh fruit of red profile, very delicate. A bouquet of floral notes and dine herbs. The wood is almost imperceptible, due to the use of semi-new oak barrels during the ageing. On nose is delicious, subtle and delicate, representing the freshness of a cold vintage. Palate: Medium body, light and silky texture. Very fruity with very fresh red fruits. The tannins are very fine and fresh leaving a feeling of daintiness and softness.

The CASK 23 combines the signature perfume notes of FAY vineyard with the structure and dark fruit of S.L.V. Fragrant and fresh aromas of red and black currant, black tea, anise and nutmeg fill the nose. The wine has a vibrant mouthfeel with savory and velvety tannins along with blackberry and currant flavors. This is an elegant, flavorful vintage of CASK 23 with integrated oak, refined tannins and a lasting finish.

The Le Clarence Haut-Brion is the 2nd wine of the first growth Chateau Haut-Brion. It was in 2007 that this wine was renamed Le Clarence Haut-Brion as a tribute to Clarence Dillon, who acquired the property in 1935. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 51% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a beautiful nose of cassis, violets, graphite and crushed rocks. Medium to full body, it has good concentration, grainy tannins and finishes with a long mineral note. Drink until 2036.

Blend: Merlot 90%, Cabernet franc 10% Drinking Window: 2027 - 2050 94 Points - Decanter "Scented red berries on the nose, creamy, floral, perfumed, juicy and fresh, with savoury herbal aspects too. Sleek and so refined, this is fresh and captivating but with weight and density. Mouthwatering acidity gives the life and the spark straight away, with firm but fresh and cool tannins supporting the fruit, present but not too much, giving the frame and the nuance. Tannin management is excellent with blue fruits, liquorice and subtle sweet tobacco notes. Bright, shining and sleek, this is both juicy and layered, mineral and fruity, while retaining freshness and bite. Leaves a lingering impression and has great ageing potential."

Assuli Lorlando Riserva Nero d'Avola is a well-balanced Sicilian red wine, characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit, a smooth texture, and soft tannins, with notes of blackberry, plum, and a hint of licorice.

Quinta de Zom Douro Tinto Reserva presents an intense ruby color with aromas of wild red fruits, subtle balsamic notes, and spicy nuances. It offers a well-balanced body and tannins, with intense fruit notes and a complex, prolonged finish.

"vibrant blue berry and bramble fruit supported by firm tannins with a lick of liquorice." - Bronze, International Wine Challenge