90+ POINTS

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.

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.

Aged for a minimum of five years, the Padelletti Brunello di Montalcino Reserva is a premium red wine that is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. This wine is characterized by its deep ruby color, intense aromas of dark fruit, leather, and spice, and its full-bodied, complex flavor profile that is marked by notes of black cherry, tobacco, and vanilla. The wine is aged in oak barrels for three years, followed by two years of bottle aging, which gives it a smooth, velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. This wine is a perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes, aged cheeses, and rich pasta dishes.

Located in Montalcino, these Super-Tuscan wines from Luce (Light) are named for the altitude and southern exposure of their vineyards. Cool, breezy nights preserve the aromatic complexities of the grape and make for slow, even ripening. The Lucente is made primarily from Merlot with the addition of Sangiovese. Intense and bright red, the nose opens with intense fruity hints of blackberry, plum and currant, enriched by toasted and vanilla nuances. On the palate it is full and enveloping, soft and elegant, with a persistent finish that displays a pleasantly sweet and fruity aftertaste.

The Cogno family has been making wine for four generations in Piedmont. Located in Novello (one of the 11 communes in which Barolo can be made), it is now being run by Elvio's daughter Nadia and her husband Valter Fissore, the current winemaker. Ravera is a powerful Nebbiolo that has enticing scents of rose, tobacco and perfumed berry, along with a palate of violet, raspberry compote, star anise and wild mint. he finish is complex with some spice notes. This wine will no doubt become better with age. 

This wine is made from a blend of Sangiovese and small amounts of complementary grape varieties, all of which are handpicked and undergo a fermentation and maceration process.

On the nose, this wine exhibits intense aromas of ripe red fruit, with hints of spice and tobacco. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a good balance of acidity and tannins. Flavors of cherry, plum, and a hint of vanilla are present, with a long and persistent finish.

The essence of Tokaj wine region in one small bottle. This vintage raised excellent quality, concentrated aszú berries. These wine specialties is extremely rare, they can born in very few vintages and only a very small quantity. The number off bottles produced is 599.

93-96 points -Wine Spectator "This is packed with fig, boysenberry and raspberry fruit flavors that keep cascading over one another while enticing anise and plum cake notes fill in throughout. Gorgeous mouthfeel, with a creamy, rounded edge, yet never giving up a generally racy and focused feel. (JM)" (4/2017)

94 points - James Suckling "The 2016 La Tour Blanche has an extremely well defined bouquet featuring intense honeyed, botrytis-rich fruit, supremely well focused and conveying fine terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with viscous honeyed fruit laced with orange zest, marmalade, ginger and quince. There is a wonderful sense of harmony here. Persistent in the mouth while maintaining superb tension. Impressive. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2023 - 2050" 96 points -Neal Martin, vinous.com, August 2020

Another well known Chateau from Margaux, this popular third growth of the 1855 Classification offers great value/quality from Margaux. With a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 20% Merlot, this is a ‘pretty' wine with floral and black tea notes interwoven with the plum, red cherry, cassis, cedar, and graphite. A classy wine that can be enjoyed now.

Chateau Haut-Bailly (Pessac-Leognan)- Chateau Haut-Bailly always delivers amazing wine, and this vintage is no exception. With aromatic and dense black fruits of cherry and cassis the 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot is savory and delightful with earthy minerality and tobacco nuances. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a supremely delicious wine. You won't have to wait too long though as 2024 will mark 10 years in the bottle and the wine will start to show well. Drink 2024-2035.

Without a doubt, Chateau Troplong Mondot has one of the most enviable and unique terroirs on the St. Emilion appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Specifically located on the highest point of Saint-Emilion's famous limestone plateau, the 43ha estate has ideal soils and exposure. The resulting wines combine strength and elegance, complexity and precision. The 2019 Troplong Mondot is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon with attractive aromas of blackberry liqueur, blueberries, licorice, chocolate, and spice. With mouth-filling, juicy, and concentrated textures and flavours, this 2019 received a perfect score of 100 from Wine Enthusiast. Best from 2027-2040.

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!

The 2020 Pontet-Canet is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aging in 50% new French oak barriques, 35% concrete amphorae and 15% in one-year-old barrels. Harvest began on the 14th of September for the Merlot, and the final lot of Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on 30th September. Opaque purple-black in colour, it needs significant aeration and swirling to coax out evocative notes of black cherry preserves, raspberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles and damp soil, before launching into gorgeous floral and spice notions of red roses, cinnamon stick, star anise and cardamom, with a waft of crushed rocks.

Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 1995-2025

Experience the refined Château Potensac 1982, a Médoc Cru Bourgeois that has aged gracefully over decades. This distinguished vintage reveals elegant layers of dark fruit, cedar, and subtle earthy notes, with a smooth, balanced texture and lingering finish. Perfect for collectors and wine enthusiasts, it exemplifies the finesse and tradition of one of Médoc’s most respected estates.

91 Points - Jean-Marc Quarin
“Very tall Outsider. I still have a few bottles of this wine that continues to surprise me. And I'm not the only one since served blind at another dinner behind the Pichon Baron 1994, the guests preferred it! Intense and fine nose. Royal on the palate and very homogeneous through and through, with a smooth body and above all a nice and long, dry finish"

Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2020 - 2065

99 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This has always been one of my favourite wines from the estate… a quintessentially elegant, classic wine of Bordeaux—firm, rigid… with loads of black currants, cedar wood and vanillin, needing 7–8 years of cellaring, and should last for 30+ years.”

"Aromas of wood and fresh fruit translate to the palate, giving this wine depth and concentration. It is powerful but also balanced and fresh, displaying the elegance of the vintage. While never overpowering, the wine's structure will allow it to age well. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

"With its perfumed Cabernet Franc and supple Merlot, this wine is packed with fruit and tannins. It is rich although the fruitiness is most apparent, a juicy wine that hides its structure in the cushioning fruits. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

The Ricasoli Ceniprimo Chianti Classico is a red wine made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Italy. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of ripe red fruit, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a balanced acidity and tannins, and flavors of cherry, plum, and a touch of vanilla. The finish is long and persistent, with a pleasant aftertaste of fruit and spice. This wine is perfect to pair with grilled meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Konrad Salwey is a third generation winemaker from the heart of Kaiserstuhl and whose focus is Pinot Noir. With harvests done in both Burgundy and Alsace, Konrad is making some excellent, world class Pinot Noir. Organic farming principles and low-yielding old vines produce a complex red wine with silky tannins. Dominated by ripe dark cherry, the palate is balanced by a pleasant acidity and supported by well-integrated, elegant tannins. This wine is worth so much more than the price it displays!

If you typically prefer powerful, youthful Napa Cabernets but are curious about trying Burgundy wines, the 2018 Beaune 1er Cru is a great place to start your journey. This wine stays true to the qualities of the 2018 vintage, showcasing ripe, dark berry fruit flavors with notes of blackberry and dark raspberry that convey intensity and power through the finish. The cuvee benefits from a significant portion of old vines, which contribute to its concentration and structured quality on the palate. Overall, this wine offers a fruit-forward character that is typical of the 2018 vintage, making it the boldest selection in this lineup.

The vintage is characterized by intense aromas of ripe red fruit, such as cherries and plums, with hints of spices, such as black pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Robert Mondavi Napa Fumé Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Napa Valley. The wine is fermented in oak barrels, which gives it a unique smoky flavor that sets it apart from other Sauvignon Blancs. On the nose, aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and white peach dominate, while the palate is bright and lively with flavors of citrus and green apple. The wine has a clean, mineral finish with a hint of toasted oak. Overall, this is an elegant and complex wine that pairs well with a variety of seafood and light dishes.

A wine with a bold, modern style. The black grapes explode in fruitiness and deliciousness, while the Chardonnays expose their minerality with magnificent acidity.

Appearance: Brilliant yellow-gold in colour, with fine, abundant bubbles.

Aroma: Lemon and pastry notes (lemon meringue pie). Yellow fruits (peach, apricot), white flowers. Herbal and flinty notes.

Taste: Aromas of squeezed lemon; hints of brioche and vanilla. White flowers and orange zest. Mineral finish and presence of tannins.

Pairs well with: Canapés, cheese, fish and seafood

"Dark, brilliant ruby red. On the nose it is finely drawn, with nuances of ripe cherry, withered rose petal and some sealing wax, in the echo there are generous earthy tones and a touch of blackberry. On the palate it is gripping and profound, with clear, polished fruit and a good portion of tannin, in addition it is juicy and salty, currently still very young, put away." - 93/100, Falstaff

Beringer Private Reserve represents the pinnacle of the portfolio. Former Chief Winemakers Myron Nightingale and Ed Sbragia created the Private Reserve program in 1977 with the goal of crafting Napa's finest Cabernet Sauvignon.

The renowned Piper-Heidsieck champagne house was established in 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Following his passing, the company was renamed Piper-Heidsieck when Henri-Guillaume Piper partnered with Christian Heidsieck, the founder's nephew. Piper-Heidsieck is recognized as one of the most dependable and consistent expressions of champagne, with their Piper-Heidsieck Rare taking the top spot in FINE Champagne magazine's Best 100 Champagnes list in 2011. The Head Winemaker, Regis Camus, has taken the quality and reputation of Piper-Heidsieck's expressions to an extraordinary level of excellence.

91/100 Wine Enthusiast
"This smooth and open young wine mixes a lush mash-up of purple fruits, notably plums and blueberries, with a gentle hint of tanned leather. The tannins are soft and smooth, making this a great candidate for drinking over the next two or three years. Paul Gregutt"

Chateau Margaux has a vast history, five centuries in the making. Most know this wine as just "Pavillon Rouge", but with its full name, the origins are clear: This is the 2nd wine of Chateau Margaux, one of the 1855 Classification 1st growths. The flavours and quality are close, yet with the ability to drink a little earlier than its big sister. Typically this wine represents 30% of the grapes harvested for a vintage. The 2019 is comprised of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. With this warm vintage, there is more body in the wine, yet still well balanced. Loaded with black fruit, pencil shavings, tobacco and spices, it is elegant and velvety on the palate with plenty of structure, yet still fresh and fruity. Touted as one of the best vintages for this wine and worth the purchase.

Located in the heart of the Graves, the Chateau is named after the family it belonged to until 1851. Now owned by the Quinn family, although more famous for minerally driven Bordeaux white blends, their red wines are also excellent. The current winemaker is a big believer in translation of terroir: he wants all the wines to have a sense of place. The 2014 Fieuzal is a red blend made with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc for a ripe and fruity wine with herbal and earthy nuances, underpinned with firm, yet refined tannins and well-balanced acidity. Exellent potential for ageing.

94 Points-Wine Enthusiast "This is a beautiful tropical fruit and spice-flavored wine. It has an exotic, ripe feel to it that is already attractive. The tight, mineral texture promises good aging."

93 Points-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc 2014 has an attractive nose: lime mixed with citrus fruit and touches of grilled walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is quite shrill on the entry with attacking lime and citrus scents. The acidity is quite strong here, but there is plenty of fruit and a lovely sense of tension on the finish. This is an excellent Pessac-Leognan from this rejuvenated estate. Range: 91-93"

93 Points-James Suckling "A dry white with lots of mineral and white-pepper character as well as lightly cooked apples and lemons. Full-bodied, yet this remains agile and lively. Intense finish. Layered and structured. Little oily. Drink now or hold."

This blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30 % Semillon offers some of the best value with excellent quality in white Bordeaux. Classic and elegant, the acidity is vibrant with lip-smacking salinity and further flavours of green apple, fennel, and a touch of jasmine.

The Chateau Lynch Bages 2019 ( one of the most famous 5th growths) is in line with the previous wines of the property with a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), along with the addition of 24% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. This great Bordeaux wine offers a characteristic fruity nose with fresh and spicy notes, as well as fine woody notes. The smooth and balanced palate is supported by a beautifully dense and powerful tannic structure, providing plenty of precision and fruit. Put this one away for awhile. Drink from 2029 and will age for the next 30 years. A perfect score given from Jeb Dunnuck.

Chateau Haut Bailly is one of the most loved and most prestigious wine estates in all of Bordeaux. This Cru Classe of Graves has been owned by the Wilmers familiy since 1998, even though it has been in existence since 1530 and passed down the Bailly family line. With the investment made by the Wilmers family, the winery was custom built to a contemporary building, which allows them to carry out precision work in optimal conditions- that was debuted with the 2021 vintage. This 2019 is a red blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Cabernet France and 4% Petit Verdot. The aroma is elegant and complex with blackcurrants, earth, cigar box and pencil shavings with full body, ripe tannins and lively acids. This vintage received scores of 96+ from many critics.

Chateau Angelus in St. Emilion, Bordeaux's right bank has been in existence since 1782. Now operated by Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, who represents the 8th generation of the Bouard de Laforest family. Her goal is to ensure the Angelus name continues to represent excellence and timelessness. Although the estate has been farming organically, they are going through the process to obtain official organic certification. The 2019 Angelus is a red blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Full and powerful the blackfruits of black cherry, cassis, plum, dried flowers and forest floor are evident with ripe tannins, medium+ body and a full, long finish. This wine is sure to age for 30 or more years.

A dense, opaque wine with classic Fonseca aromas and flavours, dense blackberry and blackcurrant, spice, coffee, cocoa, and prune. Thick, velvety tannins give the wine a voluptuous density on the palate.

This wine will develop for decades in the bottle. 98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Sappy and sensational in flavour and fruit, moderate tannins around the edges on first taste, velvety texture and a long finish. The combination of great fruit and fine structure makes this a great Fonseca.

Super perfumed, attractive violets with a thread of fresh blueberries, cassis, blackberries and dark plums, delivering a very enticing impression. Beautiful ripeness here. The tannins are perfectly ripe and layers meld into each other, carrying deep, graceful and plush, velvety dark fruit long into the vibrant and seductive, chocolate-laced finish. Great potential. Try from 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A wine of good density ruby red, with brown, mahogany, biscuit hints. The rim is fairly thick and the legs are fine, clear, abundant and regular. At once expressive, forthright and complex. There are notes of all families of fragrance: fruit, flowers, and spices. The attack is forthright, round and suave, soothing even. The intense aromas initially recall the complexity of the nose. There is leather and lightly charred wood, and roasted notes. The beauty of the wine is revealed by its elegance rather than its full-flavor. The wine has an attractive aromatic range with a finish of remarkable elegance.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon: 64%, Merlot: 31%, Cabernet Franc: 4%, Petit Verdot: 1%
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2048

97 Points - James Suckling
"The 2017 Pontet-Canet is a vibrant and polished wine with aromas of black cherries, cassis, forest floor, and hints of violet. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a rich and plush texture, supported by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity. The palate showcases layers of ripe dark fruit, mineral complexity, and subtle spices. The finish is long and elegant, reflecting the vintage’s balance between concentration and freshness. Ready to enjoy now but built for several years of further ageing.”