The 2016 Paveil de Luze is terrific. Wafting from the glass with notions of crème de cassis, loamy soil, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, dark chocolate and rose petals, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with fine depth at the core and a more introverted, tightly wound profile than the 2019.

Framed by lovely bright acidity and fine tannins, the Cabernet Sauvignon has vibrant fruit notes shining through to the end.

Look: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec

Aroma: Cherry, Purple Plum, Sage, Sandalwood, Mint and Vanilla Bean

Taste: Sweet Black Fruit, Warm Oak Spice and Chocolatey Texture

Pairs well with: Cheeseburger and grilled lamb

If you're looking for an alternative to the expensive Grange, try Bin 407. Still muscular with full flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, dark chocolate, and pepper, it's that big Australian style one might be looking for.

Brunello is the prince of Montalcino wines, produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes picked by hand from the oldest vines in the farm.

After a careful fermentation at controlled temperature, Tenuta Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino is aged in French oak barrels.

After being aged in wood, the wine is bottle aged: this is an essential process in guaranteeing the pleasantness and the complexity that have made the Brunello di Montalcino world-famous.

Underbrush, camphor and new leather aromas get together with grilled herbs. Full-bodied and structured, it also shows restraint, featuring dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.

The name of Bollinger’s emblematic champagne, with its English spelling, encapsulates its entire history. It was the British agent of Georges Bollinger who, in 1911, christened it “Special Cuvée”, as he found the expression “non-vintage brut” did not befit a champagne of such subtlety. Over a century later, the name of the champagne emblematic of Bollinger’s expertise still encapsulates its entire history.
To the eye: A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties; very fine bubbles.
To the Nose: A beautiful aromatic complexity; ripe fruit and spicy aromas; hints of roasted apples, compote and peaches.
On the palate: A subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity; bubbles like velvet; pear, brioche and spicy aromas; notes of fresh walnut.
Pairs well with: Sushi, sashimi, grilled lobster and white meat.

92 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The blend of this entry-level red from Rioja changes with the year, and the 2016 Sela is 87% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 6% Garnacha, reflecting a cooler year. The aim here is to produce a delicate and pleasant wine to have by the glass or with starters. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. It's young and fruit-driven, has good freshness and is easy to drink, with almost unnoticeable tannins.

Producer tasting notes: "Deeply complex and robust, the nose is layered with Seville orange marmalade, honeysuckle and ginger. Unctuously full bodied with intense flavours ranging from dried mango to fresh vanilla and lively citrus zest. These allow for the perfect balance on the palate, showing restrained concentration with a pithy astringency and a mouth-watering finish." -

Klein Constantia Golden orange in colour, with delicate aromas of nougat and honeycombe. The palate has a fresh acidity with rich flavours of Seville marmalade and dried apricots enveloping the mouth. These fruity notes are married with sandal wood and all spice flavours. Richly aromatic that tapers into a elegant and endless finish. This wine brings a spectacular finish to an exceptional meal.It can be paired with a cheese plate with a variety of soft and bleu cheeses and is equally well paired with berries and cookies.

Blackberry and light dried fruit with oyster-shell undertones. It’s full-bodied with round, lightly chewy tannins that nicely accentuate the fruit character. Walnuts and wet earth. Delicious now, but better in two or three years.

From the oldest winemaking family in Argentina, Nicolas Catena was a pioneer for high-altitude wine growing. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec is an excellent example of ageable Argentinian wine. Deep, concentrated, bramble and blackcurrant fruit dominate.

The nose of this wine is characterized by its fruity profile, offering a rich intensity of fruit with notes of fleshy red berries, crushed red berries, and hints of violet and blackcurrant. There are also nuances of fleshy plum, black tea, lily, saffron, and a subtle hint of vanilla. On the palate, it exhibits a mineral freshness and balance, with a defined fruitiness and roundness. The tannic structure is finely tightened, accompanied by a pleasant juiciness and a coating texture. Flavors of fleshy red berry, crushed raspberry, and pulpy red plum dominate, complemented by floral hints, iodine salinity, and subtle notes of liquorice, tobacco, graphite, and mocha. The tannins are smooth, with background nuances of toasted hazelnut and blueberry adding complexity.

Dense and layered red with berry and tobacco character, a full body and a savory finish. Got it all here. Deep garnet in color, the 2016 Gloria needs a little swirling before notions of blackcurrant cordial, kirsch, and stewed black tea spill from the glass, followed by hints of chargrill and wood smoke.

Bolgheri in Italy’s Tuscan coast evokes our minds to the famous Super-Tuscans. Powerhouse families and wines have emerged from this region to make their place onto store shelves and personal wine cellars. The Ornellaia estate was established in 1981 by the Frescobaldis, one of the three most ancient families of Italy. The quest for excellence came quickly with the first bottle of Ornellaia coming in 1985. Winemakers for over 700 years, the Frescobaldi family bring together a creative mindset, pursuit of excellence and a deep respect for tradition.  

The Vendemmia d’Artista project features a prominent artist designing a label for each vintage of Ornellaia.  Every 6-pack wooden case will feature one bottle from this project. 

The Ornellaia is pricey, yet collectible and ageable. The second label of Le Serre Nuove is no slouch and the Le Volte holds its own for quality. Add any of these wines to your collection, and you won’t be disappointed.

This “entry level” wine of Ornellaia is a bright, lively wine that will introduce any wine drinker to the beauties of Ornellaia wines as it is instantly drinkable, enjoyable, and versatile. Made with (mostly) Merlot with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, there is an abundance of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and spice aromas and flavours. Priced for instant consumption but can also be aged and held until 2030.

A gorgeous expression of Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has aromas of blackberry, marionberry and black cherry. The palate is supple and juicy, with a voluminous texture, black fruit and a complex French oak- inspired spice box note.

Ruby red dress with purple highlights. A great intensity nose with aromas of very ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberries) in perfect harmony with discreet toasted and buttery notes. In the mouth, the tasty texture provides immense pleasure and recalls a perfect maturity in an early vintage. A “classic” Médoc style with racy tannins and a structure revealing elegance in attack, smoothness in the middle of the mouth and power at the end of the mouth.

This is small production gewurztraminer made from 25-45 year old vines It showcases aromatic wines that are charming and delicious. The Sonnenglanz Grand Cru is the perfect terroir for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. The wine shows aromas of peach, honey with brown spices, nutmeg and lychee. Broad and full on the palate with ripe peach fruit, spice, stone mineral, plenty of sweetness balanced by lively acidity andan unctuous mouthfeel, this wine is likely in a great spot for drinking. It will show best when decanted.

Chateau Giscours is a famous third growth located in the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. Documents indicate that the estate has been around since 1330. After World War II, it was purchased by Nicolas Tari who set about mondernizing the estate. Here there are 83ha of vineyards that make four labels, including a rose. The 2019 is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this a serious wine with high intensity aromas of spicy cumin and cloves, black cherry and blackcurrant with a full bodied palate that is layered and concentrated, bright acidity and a great. long finish. Hold for the next couple of years, and age for the enxt 10+ years.

94 points - James Suckling"Dark-berry and currant aromas with hints of spice. Medium body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Shows focus and seriousness for the appellation, as is usual from this producer. Better after 2022." (2/2019)

92-94 points - Robert Parker

100% Carricante. Pietradolce “Archineri” Etna Bianco DOC is a structured wine, with complex aromas of grapefruit and herbs; fresh and flavorful, long finish. This pure native variety is an intense expression of its terroir. Lovely acidity and great minerality are characteristics of the terrain (Milo), which is undoubtedly the best for Etna whites.

For the past 150 years Louis Jadot has continued as one of the great names of Burgundy and has gained international reputation for its superb red and white Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot is not only one of the largest producers of estate Burgundies of the Cote d'Or, it is one of the most celebrated exporters of premium Burgundies, owning close to 140 acres of vineyards from 24 of the most prestigious sites in Burgundy.Les Couchereaux vineyard is situated on top of the slope, in the middle of the commune and has a southern exposure of well drained soils. The resulting 100% pinot noir shows ripe fruits of raspberry and cherry, with hints of spice and smoky character. Dense and structured it is rich and warm.

Pristine, attractive fruit with perfume and freshness. Dark-berry and plum notes, as well as cassis and brambleberries, define the character of both nose and palate. The tannins are saturated in ripe dark berries and plums and deliver a superbly fresh, shimmering, dark-fruited finish. Wow-factor is strong here in 2016.

Perhaps not as popular as the neighbouring vineyards of Lynch-Bages, it is still very much Pauillac with many improvements being done at both the Chateau and in the vineyards in recent years. Made from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon for that power, structure, and flavour profile; and 17% Merlot for softness and roundness, this can still be further aged, but can be opened and enjoyed now. Enjoy the notes of tobacco, graphite, plum, black currants, mushrooms, and dried fruit of this wine!

Vineyard notes: "Our new “Red Wine of the World,” this red blend is sourced from famed regions of southern Australia, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Consisting of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon."

Nose: Intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, accompanied by notes of spice, licorice, and dark chocolate.

Palate: Well-structured with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

COLOUR: Fawn with brick edge
AROMA: Intense and precise bouquet of fresh and grilled nuts, great depth with also aromas of dried fruits and candied fruits
PALATE: Elegant entry on the palate, dominated by nutty, dried fruits and caramel notes. The mid-palate is spicy, with cinnamon and nutmeg, the finish feels dryer with citrus notes, very long and elegant.

The 2019 Chablis Vaudésir Grand Cru has a bit of SO2 reduction on the nose, though this gradually blows away. It doesn't reveal much, and I find others convey more personality. The palate is well balanced with a fine lime and orange pith entry and good weight, yet it needs more detail and mineralité towards what feels like a rather conservative finish.

Pairs well with: Shellfish, Lobster and Crab

Complex wine fermented in barriques for 40% of the grapes. Very intense straw yellow colour. The nose is lively with balsamic notes and aromas of woody resins. Remarkable notes of ripe fruit such as apple, pear, papaya, and then honey, wet stone and spices. Full and vigorous, with great structure. Enjoy it in a large glass.

Pairs well with: Fish

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

Lifted aromas of spiced apples, wild mint, lilies and ginger draw you into the glass of this fresh sparkling wine. The palate shows baked orchard fruits with roasted nuts, cream and finishing with a bright pop of acidity.

Rosé Majeur embodies the refinement of AYALA champagnes. Chardonnay, the emblematic grape variety of the House, for the most part, brings freshness and finesse to this blended rosé, composed of 24 exceptional crus.

When it comes to blending and vinification, nothing is left to chance. The Pinot Noirs, originating from the best crus on the Montagne de Reims, are handled here with an emphasis on fruit rather than structure.

Rosé Majeur is primarily a sweet treat, with a subtle dosage. The delicate notes arise from the red wine, added to the blend in a small amount. This still wine is elaborated exclusively from the Pinot Noir of Aÿ, a Grand cru characterized by the legendary generosity of its fruit.

Ideally suited to accompany a meal, Rosé Majeur will perfectly complement a salmon fillet lightly cooked on one side, pink lamb chops or even a red fruit tart.

The nose is striking with its floral hints of violet and rose accompanied by red fruits such as raspberries and sweet spices. In the mouth, the wine is balanced and elegant with an almost creamy texture supported by silky and well-integrated tannins. Spicy notes accompany the persistent finish.

Embodying a passionate personality, Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé expresses its intense, fruity character with rich aromas of wild red and black berries, typical of the Pinot Noir grape variety cultivated in Maison Mumm's legendary vineyards in the Champagne region of France.

The power and structure of Pinot Noir is delicately balanced with the elegance of Chardonnay and the fruitiness of Meunier. A portion of red wine brings intensity and notes of forest fruits and spice to this elegant blend to create a brut rosé champagne that is at once light, intense, and fresh.

Conjuring up the radiance of those golden evening hours, Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé is a perfect champagne to savour. Inspiring and intense, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a range of creative and modern dishes.

Rock Angel has a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel bringing it into a more premium realm, giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine.

Aroma: Delicate red berry aromas with mineral notes, along with floral hints and a subtle spice.

Palate: Rock Angel is rich and racy on the palate. The use of partial oak aging adds a creamy feel and texture to this wine, and the flinty minerality embues it with another layer of complexity.

Finish: Powerful and elegant. Firm acidity with a long and silky finish.

Take Ancestor Vines (planted in 1894), a great vintage, experienced winemaking. Add 30 months of aging in American and French oak, resulting in the stunning 2018 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz. Boasting fabulous density and concentration, this full-bodied effort is still almost embryonic in its development, with tarry, mocha, yet lifted notes accenting intense blackberry fruit; a rich, supple yet structured mouthfeel, and a long, mouthwatering finish. Once it hits its stride in a few years, it should drink well for 20 years or more.

Pairs well with: Beef & Venison

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.

Wine Enthusiast: Floral aromas of Spanish broom mingle with wild herbs, white stone fruit and citrus on this 100% Chardonnay, grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. It has mineral-driven tension, offering ripe yellow apple, pear and grapefruit alongside bright acidity and mineral notes recalling oyster shell. - Kerin O'Keefe

Princes Blanc de Blancs NV is a non-vintage wine, meaning it is a blend of different vintages to achieve consistency in style from year to year. It is considered a brut style, which means it is dry with minimal residual sugar, making it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a variety of foods.

Light gold-yellow colour. The nose is still on its reserve but allows for glimpses of beautiful aromas of fruit, ripe citrus, wet stone and spices (thyme). Its aromatic delicacy does not predict the powerful attack of this Brand. Rich, dense, and intense, it vigorously envelops the palate. The mouth becomes strict on the finish with a sapid mineral mouthfeel. There is no doubt that this wine will close up slightly in the months following the bottling. You will then have to be patient and give it time to open up. This Brand is dense and strict. It embodies the verticality expected of such a granitic terroir and has excellent aging potential. Try with oily fish dishes.

This has a many-hued color with strong pink tinges and fine bubbles. The nose is fresh and direct, with aromas reminiscent of cherries, blackberries, pomegranates and red currants. On the palate, the wine shows a deliciously full body that follows on perfectly from the nose. Its flavors remind one of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The finish has a pleasantly acidulous character that adds to the impression of finesse given by this romantic and well-balanced wine.