With 16 months in cask, the Ribera del Duero offers excellent wines made from Tempranillo. Elegant and refined, this will age well- another 15 years easily.

Winemaker Tasting Notes: 

Colour: It is very intense, almost impenetrable, with a very dark background and a deep red rim.

Nose: When you bring it closer to the nose, many layers appear superimposed. The black fruits stand out with the memory of perfectly ripe plums and blackberries. It has a large mineral component that gives depth to the wine with memories of the smell of Chinese ink. The smell of the humid earth and the aromatic herbs in the shade of the pines appeared. There is a huge balance in which oak accompanies in the distance.Delicate, long, suggestive and intense at the same time and topped with menthol notes of black cocoa.

Taste: Voluminous and full. With black fruit and cocoa, but also freshness. It remembers the landscape of the pine forest of La Horra with freshness after the rain.The tannins are of great quality and forge a feeling of power and elegance at the same time, being voluminous and aerial. A set of fruit, minerality, volume, length and freshness that forms a huge wine.

Excellent to have with meat dishes.

Aromas reminiscent of cassis, mint and cocktail bitters are heady and boisterous. Unfortunately they're overwhelmed by the mocha-like barrel influence. The palate finishes what the nose started. Gauzy, oaky tannins are chewy, distracting from the fruit and spice. The alcohol feels warm towards the finish. Christina Pickard

This wine features a light, sparkling red color with an aromatic nose of spices and red fruits. The palate is supple and fruity, finishing with a delicate hint of spice. Another light-bodied, chillable red wine

Label story: "When I was a youngster growing up in Rawsonville I would hike up the mountain with a few friends to a swimming spot that we discovered, to reach this pool where we had to jump off a 5m cliff. When it was my turn to jump, hesitation would creep in and taking that leap seemed impossible. With my friends cheering me on and reminding me that I can do it, I would take a deep breath and jump. Those few seconds in the air are indescribable! Shouting GERONIMO! at the top of your lungs. This wine reminds us of that leap we took starting this big venture of ours, with friends cheering and helping us, and making us realise that we can do it. This is referenced by the leaping boy in the top left hand corner. The label also shows a piece of our South African heritage in the form of the postage stamp depicting the South African national fish, the Galjoen."

Cinsault, a historic yet underappreciated grape variety in South Africa, showcases its unique charm in this wine. Departing from the weightier profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Cinsault offers a lighter, fresher style bursting with vibrant berry flavors. Soft, powdery tannins add to the wine's appeal, balancing the savoury earthiness and leading to a finish marked by lingering spice and unexpected complexity. This wine is a testament to the diversity and potential of South African winemaking.

A blend of Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon that's expressive with red fruit, toffee, liquorice and notes of oak.

A rich, balanced, long-lasting and incredibly harmonious red wine, dark in colour with a touch of purple in the reflections. Its powerful and complex bouquet contains notes of dark berries, with hints of cherry alongside peppery and liquorice spices. On the palate it is aromatic, with velvety tannins and soft ripe fruit, and a long finish.

"Sweet aromas of vanilla, red cherry jam and pie crust carry an almost synthetic edge on the nose. This is rich and full on the palate, with chewy flavors of baked red plum doused in cinnamon, allspice and wood grain. Alexander Peartree" - WE

This family owned Domaine has a prestigious location: they are the only Domaine located inside the walls of Clos Vougeot itself. They are the largest owners of land with 5.5ha, many of these with Pinot Noir vines that were planted in 1910. Although they always farmed organically, they received their certification in 2021. This 2019 Pinot Noirs shows tightly packed black and red fruit accented with notes of violets, mineral, earth and wild herbs. This is powerful and rich, with firm tannins, lots of body, and the ability to age almost indefinitely. Try from 2026

95/100 Wine Enthusiast
Duval delivers a wine that echoes the warmth of the vintage without losing the character of place. Rich, complex and heady aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plum cascade from the glass, followed by dried mint, bay leaves and charred cedar. The mouthfeel is creamy, lathered in luscious fruit and oak without either being overwhelming. The tannins are powerful but seamlessly integrated. Christina Pickard

Domaine Jacques Prieur has the rare claim to fame of owning property in some the greatest appellations in Burgundy including Chambertin, Musigny, Clos Vougeot, Echézeaux, Corton, Meursault and Montrachet. Not many Domaines can boast that. History of the Domaine dates to 1868. Owned now by the Labruyère Family, supported by Prieur Family's heirs, they passionately promote and defend the great terroirs of Burgundy worldwide. The Beaune Greves Premier Cru sits on 1.17ha overlooking the city of Beaune. This 100% pinot noir offers notes of fresh red berries, evolving into cherry pit and spicy vanilla notes. Elegant, fresh, and fruity, the wine has balanced tannins and acidity with a smooth finish.

Koyle's Cabernet Sauvignon has been on the scene since 2008. Sourced from Organic and Biodynamic vineyards in Los Lingues, and Colchagua Andes, the Koyle Royale Cabernet spends 25 days fermenting in stainless steel tanks and then 20 months in 225 Litre French Oak Barriques before bottling.

The Tuscany Verruzzo di Monteverro was born in vineyards located in the Grosseto municipality of Capalbio, in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma.

It is produced with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes, harvested exclusively by hand between the first ten days of September and the first of October. The vinification takes place entirely "by fall", so as not to deplete and allow the highest expression in the glass. Subsequently the wine ages for 12 months in French oak barrels before being bottled.

It has a bright garnet red colour with purple nails. The nose opens with floral aromas of rose and lavender, enriched with fruity notes of plum and wild strawberries. On the palate it is structured, soft and with character, with hints of rose, strawberry and melon.

Ideal in combination with lasagna and first courses with lamb ragù, this red wine is perfect to accompany medium-aged cheeses.

The Vinum Cellars Red Dirt Red begins with a pleasing aroma of red cherry, cranberry and baking spice. The wine tastes of plum and cherry and features lots of earthy, meaty and mineral notes along with touches of balsamic and black olive plus more baking spice. Smoky, almost mesquite like notes lead into the long dry finish. With plenty of complexity and lots of layers to discover, this is an excellent choice. The addition of Petite Sirah (which actually originated in the Rhone but isn't grown there today) works quite well with the GSM.

Gerard Raphet, along with his daughter Marion, farms 12 ha of land with vineyards in Morey St. Denis, Vougeot, and Gevry-Chambertin, and most of the plots have a vine age of 60-100 years. This important, and respected appellation in Burgundy is known for delivering deeply perfumed wines with notes of plums, berries, earth and spice. The finish is long with musky perfume and spice.

For lovers of Nebbiolo (Barolo and Barbaresco) try Etna Rosso. Made with Nerello Mascalese grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily, these wines are light in colour with the sensual aromas of cherries, cinnamon, dust and Italian herbs, but with those same high tannins and acidity Nebbiolo is known for.

Francois Mikulski was born to a Burgundian mother and a Polish father. He spent many summers in Burgundy falling in love with the vineyards and the lifestyle. This certainly and easy going Pinot Noir that expresses notes of blueberries, cherris, plums with spice notes. Hints of mint with those red fruit notes on the palate offers charm and adds to the soft tannins. These are cult wines that you want to get your hands on.

Bordering with British Columbia at the northwestern tip of the United States, Washington State is gradually stepping out of the shadows of its neighbours with expressive and well-defined cuvées. Wrapped around flavours of blueberry jam, this Syrah adds accents of vanilla, chocolate and black fruits to its already exuberant and very ripe profile.

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Medium to deep garnet colored, the nose slowly, measuredly emerges with notions of preserved Morello cherries, baked blackcurrants and blackberry compote, giving way to nuances of pencil shavings, unsmoked cigars, Chinese five spice and sandalwood plus ever so subtle hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and red fruit preserves with a firm, grainy-textured frame and fantastic freshness, finishing with a veritable firework display of lingering spices and minerals. This is a more restrained, relatively elegant vintage of Latour that may not have that "iron fist in a velvet glove" power of the greatest vintages but nonetheless struts its superior terroir and behind-the-scenes savoir faire with impressive panache. It is drinking nicely now with suitably rounded-off, approachable tannins, and the tertiary characters are just beginning to bring some more cerebral elements into the compote of temptingly primary black fruits. But, if you're looking to drink it in full, flamboyant swing, give it another 5-10 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20-25 years+. (LPB) 96+ (3/2020)

97 points - Decanter

Blend: 51% Merlot, 47.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 1988-2030

Discover the exceptional Château Pape Clément 1982, a Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé that has matured to perfection. This iconic vintage reveals complex layers of dark fruit, tobacco, and subtle spice, framed by a silky texture and elegant, lingering finish. Highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs, it showcases the heritage, finesse, and timeless quality of one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed estates.

86 Points - Neal Martin
“A mature, tawny rimmed colour. The nose is typically -Graves- with scents of cedar, singed leather, briary, cigar box and a touch of wild mint. Good definition but lacking a little vivacity. The palate is certainly mature, rather diffuse with soft, furry tannins and low acidity. Mocha on the finish that deserves more grip and persistency, but this wine has a degree of charm."

Blend: 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2066

100 Points - Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Léoville Las Cases is just as remarkable in bottle as it was from barrel. Wafting from the glass with aromas of beautifully pure cassis fruit mingled with notions of violets, burning embers and subtle cigar box, it has already almost entirely integrated its new oak. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's deep and resonant, with striking concentration, precision and harmony, concluding with a long, palate-staining finish. This striking Saint-Julien really is one of the wines of the vintage, and the best young Léoville Las Cases I've ever tasted. 2035 - 2065"

The 2014 Château Branaire-Ducru is a highly regarded Saint-Julien Fourth Growth, praised for its elegant, fresh, and balanced style. It offers a fragrant nose of violet, cassis, and spice, with a structured yet silky palate featuring notes of plum, blackcurrant, and graphite, making it ideal for drinking from 2021 onwards.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Pastourelle De Clerc Milon 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Crafted with elegance and power, Chateau Lynch Bages 2020 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Beychevelle 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

"This perfumed wine shines with black fruits. Against this, the wine's tannins are solid and firm, promising long-term aging. The wine's structure—black fruits against tannins—is a classic for this estate. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

Lush, round, medium bodied and packed with fresh, ripe red fruits, licorice, earth and mocha, the wine is forward, elegant and supple textured in the fruit filled finish. ---The Wine Cellar Insider:

94 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate" Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it absolutely sings of red roses, black tea and tilled black soil with a core of crushed blackberries, Morello cherries and cassis plus a hint of cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of ripe black berries and floral layers, framed by soft, silken tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. (LPB)" (11/2018)

94 points - James Suckling

93 points - Wine Enthusiast

98 points -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Deep purple-black colored, the 2016 Pavie Decesse bursts boldly out of the glass with confident blackcurrant preserves, baked blackberries, baked plums and sandalwood notes with touches of Indian spices, mocha and lilacs plus touches of cedar chest and pencil lead. Big, concentrated and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has a truly impressive structure of very firm, finely grained tannins and racy freshness lifting all that densely packed fruit to a very long, multilayered finish. Wow! (LPB)" (3/2019)

99 points - James Suckling

94 points - Wine Spectator

Medium-bodied and fresh with a plummy quality, this wine is focused on red fruits and sweet-smelling earth. Bright and a little strict, give this a few years to come around and soften.

A Red wine from Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France. Made from Merlot 50%,Cabernet Sauvignon 50%

It is arrayed in an intense, bright garnet red hue flecked with purple. The charming and pleasant nose offers a lovely bouquet of red fruit and liquorice. The equally expressive palate combines aromatic freshness and fruity intensity, interpinned with a velvety texture. A succulent, elegant wine, smooth and well-balanced.

Like many Chateaux, Palmer was always owned by families. The Pereire brothers purchased the property in 1853 working hard to bring the estate up to first growth status in time for the famous 1855 Classification. It was ranked a Third Growth, although widely recognized as among some of the greatest wines of Bordeaux. Now owned by several families of Bordeaux, English and Dutch heritage since 1938, these families have always given priority to quality and authenticity. A typical blend of almost equal parts Cabernet and Merlot, this 2019 is a red blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot, this elegant Margaux is beautifully defined with pencil lead infused black fruit of cassis and blackberry, spice, crushed rock and pressed flowers. Juicy, yet creamy on the palate, it offers substantial tannins and a beautiful long finish. Drink from 2025-2049

Chateau Leoville-Barton (Saint Julien)- this wine is massive and powerful with the bulk of this coming from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc providing the lift. It has a solid core of cassis, blueberry compote, sweet oak and plum flavours wrapped with licorice and pencil lead. Muscular, yet lean, drink from 2025-2035. 

The La Tour Carnet from Haut-Medoc is a blend of 68% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot to add that backbone structure. Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, leather, and cedar abound with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Although this is ready to drink now, give it ample time in a decanter for optimal drinking experience!

A blend of 44.7% Merlot and 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.3%. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with seducing notes of warm black plums, black cherry compote and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of lavender, crushed rocks and underbrush with a hint of sassafras. The medium bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, offering lots of soft spoken black fruit and earthy layers with a soft texture and seamless acidity, finishing with a spicy kick.