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.

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2000 has barely budged in its evolution since it was bottled and released in 2002. After ten years in bottle, it still reveals a dense opaque purple color along with a potentially sensational bouquet of blueberries, black currants, graphite, asphalt and background oak. Extremely powerful, full-bodied and superbly concentrated with good acidity and high but round tannins, this massive La Mission-Haut-Brion should take its place among this estate's most hallowed vintages when it hits full maturity in another one to two decades. I was surprised by just how youthful this wine tasted at age 12. If tasted blind, I would have guessed it to be around 4 to 5 years old. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.

This first collection case contains unique bottles sealed with wax, direct from the Château, and includes: 1988, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2008 vintages

Concentrated fruit ripeness gives this wine a soft, plushy quality that contrasts—and complements—the firm, chalky tannins. Find notes of red cherry, pomegranate, wet stone and river water with well-integrated oak tones.

Marani Alazani Valley Red is a popular medium-sweet Georgian red wine from the Kakheti region. Made primarily from Saperavi grapes, it offers a vibrant, dark red color, a fruit-forward profile of blackberries and blackcurrants, and a smooth, well-balanced finish. It is highly accessible and pairs beautifully with both desserts and savory poultry.

Tbilisoba Khvanchkara is a premium Georgian red semi-sweet wine, often associated with the Tbilisoba festival, made from a blend of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in the Racha region. It is noted for its deep ruby color, velvety texture, and refined aroma of wild strawberries, raspberries, and almonds.

Georgian Valleys Alazani Valley Red is a popular, affordable semi-sweet red wine from Georgia's Kakheti region, typically blending Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes. It features a ruby color, medium-bodied palate, and notes of ripe red berries, plums, and blackberries, with a gentle, smooth finish. It is commonly served slightly chilled and pairs well with desserts, fruit, and spicy cuisine.

Santa Cristina Le Maestrelle is a popular, modern Tuscan red wine (IGT) produced by Santa Cristina (Antinori). It is a smooth, medium-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah, characterized by intense ruby red color, soft tannins, and notes of red berries, plum, and spice. It is known for being balanced and versatile.

The Masi Costasera Amarone Lunar New Year Horse (2020/2026 edition) is a limited-edition Italian red wine celebrating the Year of the Horse. Featuring a stylized golden horse label on a red background, this \(15\%\) ABV Amarone (\(70\%\) Corvina, \(25\%\) Rondinella, \(5\%\) Molinara) offers a rich, velvety profile of stewed fruit, plum, cherry, coffee, and cocoa, with over 30 years of aging potential. 

Los Haroldos Estate Malbec is a full-bodied Argentine red known for its vibrant, fruity profile with intense aromas of ripe red/black fruits (plum, blackberry, cherry) alongside oak notes of chocolate, vanilla, and spice, balanced by sweet tannins, medium acidity, and a long, elegant finish, pairing well with grilled meats, cheeses, and stews.

Mildiani Mukuzani Reserve is a rich, dry Georgian red wine from Kakheti, made from Saperavi grapes, known for deep flavors of black cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, and spice, with oak aging (often 24 months in French barrels) adding vanilla and cedar notes, resulting in a complex, balanced taste with firm tannins and high acidity, perfect with roasted meats and stews.

The Beringer Brothers Red Blend is a full-bodied, dry California red wine, aged for 60 days in American Oak Bourbon barrels. It features a creamy mouthfeel and ripe tannins, with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla, toasted coconut, and black cherry, leading to a lingering, satisfying finish.

Mamete Prevostini Botonero IGT is a bright, light-bodied, 100% Nebbiolo red wine from the high-altitude, terraced vineyards of Lombardy's Alpi Retiche region in Italy. It's characterized by fresh, clean aromas of cherry, strawberry, and violet, with a crisp, dry palate that offers flavors of red berries, rose petals, and a hint of minerality. The wine is unoaked, fermented and aged in stainless steel, and pairs well with light- to medium-bodied foods like vegetable appetizers, white meats, and tomato-based pasta sauces.

Bardos Reserva is a Ribera del Duero red wine known for its high-altitude vineyards and elegant, powerful style. It is a blend of Tempranillo (Tinta del País) and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Tempranillo often sourced from old, low-yielding vineyards. The wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak, contributing to its complexity and structure.

Medium ruby hue in the glass. On the nose, a classic Pinot perfume with rich brandied cherry, fresh rose petal and hints of ground nutmeg. With time in the glass, the bouquet opens to earthier, herbal aromas reminiscent of sage leaf and fennel. The palate is nicely structured with bright red fruit flavours framed by medium tannins and persistent length. An elegant, restrained style of cool climate Pinot Noir that is characterized by vibrancy and finesse.

Argiano Rosso di Montalcino, a 100% Sangiovese wine, offers a vibrant ruby red color with aromas of cherry, red berries, and hints of spice and earth, presenting a fresh, fruity, and balanced palate with smooth tannins.

Aromas of raspberry, juniper and freshly ground coffee emanate from this inky garnet colored wine. It has glossy tannins, with cooling herb flavors on the palate such as licorice, clove and menthol that are joined by black cherry and raspberry. Bright fruit notes overtake the sense of coolness on the drawn-out finish. Mike DeSimone

Bright cherry red with brick reflections. Dark berries, herbs and roasted aromas on the nose. Initially very compact on the palate, lots of juicy fruit, then a beautiful interplay of cassis, blackberries and cherry. Crisp tannins. Long finish. One of Ksara's most internationally acclaimed wines. Decant at least one hour before drinking. Still good ageing potential. Good food companion, Ksara's winemaker James Palgé recommends game, but can also be enjoyed on its own.

This Syrah, crafted from the SH99 Syrah clone of the 'Karibib Vineyard' in the Polkadraai Hills, is a masterpiece for Syrah enthusiasts. With only the Syrah clone and a touch of sulfur, this wine embodies the essence of its vineyard. Hand-harvested fruit was fermented naturally in a concrete fermenter with skins and stems for 10 days, then aged in a 15hL concrete egg for 10 months with gross lees intact. Bottled without fining or filtration and minimal sulfur, it boasts a nose of red and black berries, rose, fynbos, and white pepper. The palate reveals exquisite poise and finesse with fruit purity, bright acidity, and powdery tannins. It has quickly become a Syrah royalty in South Africa, alongside winemaker Reenen Borman’s ‘Epilogue,’ earning 96 Points from The Wine Mag. 

Sustainable and organic

Piekenierskloof's mountain vineyards, located near the Cederberg Wilderness Area, are renowned for producing exceptional Grenache from dry land bush vines. Neil discovered the oldest Grenache vineyard in the country that each year yields a limited amount of grapes. The vineyard produced consistently award winning Grenache since 2007. The alcoholic fermentation is initiated in stainless steel tank with the malolactic fermentation being completed in French oak barrels. The wine is aged for 14 months in a combination of new, 2nd and 3rd passage larger French oak barrels.The wine has inviting red berry and creamy strawberry flavours, complemented by a creamy texture and silky tannins. The oldest of these vines, planted in 1966 on their own roots, remain un-grafted and disease-free, contributing to the wine's elegance, finesse, and sweet fruit character. The region's extreme temperature variations, with hot days and cold nights, along with its Table Mountain sandstone and shale soils, further enhance the distinctiveness of the Grenache from this area. Light in colour, and although high(er) in alcohol, the wine is well-balanced. Put a slight chill on it for optimal flavour. Another great Neil Ellis wine. 

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle rim brightening. Delicate liquorice, ripe red cherry fruit, some cassis and candied orange zest in the background. Medium complexity, delicate dried plums, fresh acidity, blackberry fruit on the finish, mineral aftertaste, already easy to drink.

If you're looking for Beaujolais Cru, look no further. Of the 10 Cru, CLS has wines from seven. Rather than sourcing the grapes from all across the Beaujolais region, each individual Cru has their own terroir and soil structure; all made with 100% Gamay with the resulting wines unique and set-apart from each other. The plot En Rémont is covered with 80-year old vines. It is a secluded vineyard at the end of the road, preserved and protected by surrounding woods and fields. Guided by Pascal’s careful touch, the grapes produce a very round and generous wine with intriguing notes of berries and spice. Beautiful silky tannins lead into a long, fresh finish.

From the master himself, Mastroberardino, Campania's favourite winemaker, this might be considered "entry level", but with nothing lacking in flavour and quality. Made with a blend of aglianico and piedirosso, the aromas denote fruity sensations of plum, blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, strawberry and cherry with hints of cinnamon. On the palate it is medium bodied with rich notes of red fruits.

Crimson and pink flashes against a plummy red base. Aromatics of currant pastries, woody spice’s, and
manuka leaf, leading to notes of forest undergrowth and florals. Moderate fruit sweetness, fine tannin and
restrained volume allow savoury elements to splice evenly into the tart red fruit. A very enjoyable aromatic
pinot noir, with good fruit density.

In a deep crimson hue, this wine exudes lifted aromas of fresh dark chocolate, mocha, dark cherry, blackberry, and panforte, accompanied by subtle notes of liquorice and aniseed. On the palate, it offers a superb balance with abundant dark chocolate and blackberry fruits, supported by firm graphite tannins and a rich mid-palate. Well-integrated mocha and espresso oak notes add depth, leading to a long, chocolaty finish. This expressive wine showcases fruit complexity, oak integration, and density, making it a brilliant successor to the esteemed 2018 vintage. Comprising 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was matured for 19 months in 100% new American Hogsheads across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare Valley. Best enjoyed from 2028 to 2060.

Crafted exclusively in exceptional vintages, Solana emerges from a terroir renowned for its unparalleled microclimate and soil composition, situated at an elevation of 500-600 meters above sea level. Born from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah grapes propagated through mass selection, Solana embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, undergoing a 40-day maceration period. Following an initial decantation, the wine undergoes refinement in stainless steel tanks before transitioning to first-pass oak barrels, known as "heart selection," representing the pinnacle of wood quality. Aging in barrels extends for 12 months, culminating in bottle refinement until reaching peak maturity. In the glass, Solana reveals an intense red hue with purple undertones. The aroma exudes elegance, characterized by persistent mineral, balsamic, floral, and fruity nuances, including jam and blackberry, intertwined with spicy and cocoa notes from wood aging. On the palate, it offers a broad yet balanced profile, supported by well-integrated acidity and pronounced flavors of prune, vanilla, and chocolate. The finish is enduring, accentuating the wine's soft tannins and leaving a lasting impression.

"Aromas of fragrant blue flowers mingle with perfumed berries and roasted coffee bean in this plush red. The supple palate reflects the nose, offering fleshy black cherry, star anise and espresso alongside velvety, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2028. Kerin O’Keefe" - 92/100, Wine Enthusiast

Critic tasting note: "Generous, deep, black-fruit flavors are wrapped in a warm blanket of velvety tannins in this dark, concentrated wine while cocoa, graphite and mint nuances animate the aroma and stick around through the lingering finish. It's elegant and balanced despite its powerful intensity. " - 95/100, Wine Enthusiast

On the nose, hot, meaty, umami aromas hold court, but dark fruit and a sanguine, tangy metallic component prevent those notes of smoke, pepper and tar from becoming overpowering. Undertones of vanilla and chocolate lift the fruit on the palate, but unyielding tannins and energetic acid ensure the spicy earthiness endures.

Colour ,dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Aroma ,aged wood nuances, tobacco, sweet spices, ripe fruit, black fruit, toasty. Flavour ,spicy, round tannins, long.

Aromas of exotic spice, vanilla, plum and oak characterize this concentrated Brunello. The palate offers dark berry, coconut, toasted oak and dried sage alongside assertive tannins that leave a drying finish

The rose petal and cherry character really come through. Full body, layered and spicy. Orange peel. Flavorful finish. Shows structure and intensity. I love the texture.

Plush and softly textured, this modern expression of Brunello boasts generous tones of black fruit, cherry, tobacco, leather and cola with smooth, silky tannins. You could age this wine many more years, or drink it sooner thanks to the inherent softness here.

Aromas suggesting scorched earth and French oak form the shy nose along with a whiff of dried botanical herb. Reflecting the aromas and the heat of the scorching vintage, the subdued, one-dimensional palate offers toasted hazelnut, espresso and the merest hint of dried cherry. It's evolving fast, so drink soon to capture what fruit remains.

Bordering on the presitigious Vosne-Romanee appellation, pinot noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges offers both power and elegance in the glass. The deep clay-limestone soil creates an elegant, velvety and fresh wine with aniseed aromas and an explosion of juicy red fruits on the long and intense palate.

Notes of mulled purple plum, blueberry, rhubarb and rose mingle with wild thyme on the nose. The palate boasts a deep core of blackberries, black cherries, a touch of blood orange, rhubarb and a deep crush of violets. Persistent youthful tannins are balanced by brisk acidity and beautifully frame its concentrated fruit profile.

A delicious purity of fruit flavors gives an almost-sweet quality to this velvety, concentrated and polished wine. Ultraripe blueberries and raspberries ride fine-grained tannins and a full body.

The second label of First growth Chateau Latour is just as impressive as its big brother, and at 12 years old, if there is more than one bottle in the cellar, time to see how it's evolving. Not an epic vintage, but well made, nonetheless. The tannins are fresh, there is good weight in the mouth and the typical flavours of cassis, cedar and graphite are here in this iconic Pauillac.