Nakano Kunizakari Saika Daiginjo is a premium, award-winning Japanese sake from Aichi Prefecture, featuring a 50% rice polishing ratio of Ginpu rice. It is characterized by a dry, elegant, and light profile, with aromas of soft fruit and wild flowers. The palate offers notes of melon, white peach, and green apple, with a crisp, clean, and silky finish, best served chilled in a wine glass.

Gekkeikan Tokubetsu Junmai Iwai is a premium Japanese sake from Kyoto's Fushimi region, crafted with locally revived Iwai rice and polished to. It features a delicate, fruity aroma of apple and banana with a silky,, dry, and refined palate. Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it offers a clean, refreshing finish.

Gokyo Junmai Daiginjo 50 is a premium Japanese sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture, brewed with Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 50%. It is recognized for its elegant, fragrant aroma, often featuring notes of ripe melon and subtle floral hints. It offers a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet flavor with a crisp, clean finish.

Kokushi Muso 'Northern Dazzler' Junmai is a 15.5% ABV, Hokkaido-brewed Junmai sake (1.8L) recognized for its dry, umami-rich profile. Known for its "dazzling" dryness and solid backbone, it features gentle pear notes, a clean finish, and is designed to be enjoyed warm (hot) with savoury, hearty, and, or izakaya-style dishes.

Kozaemon House Junmai (often called "Goddess of Sake") is a savory, earthy, and, well-balanced Junmai from Nakashima Sake Brewery in Gifu, Japan. Brewed with 70% polished, locally grown Mizunami-Nishiki rice and aged for a year, it features unique cocoa and red bean aromas with a rich,, umami-driven flavor profile.

Fukumitsuya’s traditional Junmai (often featured under the Fukumasamune brand) is a, pure, classic, and versatile sake from Kanazawa’s oldest brewery (est. 1625). It is known for a well-balanced profile, offering rich, savory umami with a clean, light aftertaste. It is designed to be enjoyed with food, served chilled, at room temperature, or warmed.

Chiyomusubi Junmai Daiginjo Goriki 40 is a premium, full-bodied Japanese sake from Tottori Prefecture, crafted with rare Goriki rice polished to 40%. It offers a fragrant, fruity, and slightly sweet aroma (melon, apple, banana) balanced by vibrant acidity. Known for its rich, complex flavor, it is best served chilled with sushi or sashimi.

This popular brand's pink version is off dry, lightly fizzy and fruity. It has a strawberry-sherbet character that is attractive and great for summer drinking.

This wine presents enticing aromas of strawberries, rhubarb, tart cranberry, and red cherry on the nose. The palate delights with bright red apple, cranberry, and ripe strawberry flavors. With the addition of more Cabernet Franc along with Merlot, Pinot noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon than previous vintages, it achieves a beautiful light-medium body, culminating in a crisp, balanced acidity on the finish.

This classically styled blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah showcases a captivatingly pretty bottle design that complements its complex flavor profile. Bursting with vibrant red berry and pear notes, accented by nuances of lees and mushroom, this wine offers a fresh and delightful experience. Whether sipped on its own or paired with mildly spiced ribs, it promises to elevate any occasion.

This small batch production, individually numbered, presents an exquisite rum experience characterized by remarkable richness and a velvety mouthfeel. Despite its impressive age, the rum maintains a perfect balance between cask influence and the inherent spirit character. Expect a delightful array of flavors, including rancio, raisins, stewed pears, and dried fruits, complemented by nuances of dark oak, citrus, baking spices, molasses, and burnt sugar. The finish is accentuated by vibrant notes of chai, peaches, and tropical fruits, further enhanced by the elevated proof of 43% ABV.

Aroma: A harmonious blend of vanilla, oak, and dry spice notes creates an enticing bouquet.

Taste: Indulge in flavors of salted caramel, baked fig, and clove, accented by undertones of dark chocolate.

Body: The whisky boasts a round, smooth, and richly creamy texture that coats the palate, leading to a satisfyingly long finish.

This rum boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, featuring delightful notes of tropical fruits, warm spices, oak, and vanilla. Highly esteemed among rum enthusiasts, it is best enjoyed as a smooth sipping experience, offering a luxurious taste that epitomizes exceptional quality.

This rum undergoes a unique double aging process, which could arguably be considered triple aging. Initially matured for five years in the Caribbean using rums from Barbados and Guyana, it is then transported to Jerez for further maturation. Here, it spends time in solera systems of Dos Cortados Palo Cortado Sherry casks, followed by additional aging in Don Guido Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. This intricate aging process imbues the rum with layers of complexity and rich flavors, resulting in a truly exceptional spirit.

Nose: The Worthy Park Estate 'Single Estate Reserve' Rum offers a delightful aroma of tropical fruits, with notes of ripe bananas, juicy pineapples, and sweet mangoes. There is also a hint of vanilla and caramel, adding a touch of warmth and richness to the nose.

Taste: On the palate, this rum showcases a perfect balance of flavors. The tropical fruit notes continue to shine, accompanied by a subtle spiciness that adds depth and complexity. The sweetness of the ripe fruits is complemented by hints of toffee and butterscotch, creating a luscious and indulgent taste experience.

Palate: The palate of Worthy Park Estate 'Single Estate Reserve' Rum is smooth and velvety, with a medium body that coats the mouth beautifully. The tropical fruit flavors remain prominent, while the spiciness becomes more pronounced, adding a pleasant kick. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering sweetness and a touch of oak. Overall, this rum is a true delight for those seeking a well-balanced and flavorful experience.

Nose: The 2020 C. Ferrand Plantation Cigar Box Grands Crus Rum Collection opens with a rich and inviting aroma of dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and sweet tobacco. Hints of vanilla and caramel add a touch of sweetness, while oak and leather notes provide depth and complexity.

Taste: On the palate, this rum delivers a harmonious blend of flavors. Rich cocoa and espresso flavors dominate, accompanied by a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the cigar box theme. The sweetness of toffee and butterscotch emerges, balanced by a gentle spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate: The mouthfeel is velvety and smooth, coating the palate with a luxurious texture. The rum's complexity shines through as layers of flavors unfold, revealing a delightful interplay between the sweet and savory elements. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a touch of dried fruit on the palate.

Siddiqui Brown Rum, pronounced 'sid-dee-key,' is designed to serve as a bridge between whisky and rum. It starts with Siddiqui White Rum as its base, which is then aged in American oak barrels. This process allows the rum to acquire its distinctive color along with a slightly smoky, oaky, and caramel flavor profile. Although Siddiqui is an American brand headquartered in California, its production for the international market is undertaken by the team from Penderyn in Wales.

Nose: Rich and aromatic with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toffee. Subtle hints of dried fruits and oak.

Taste: Smooth and velvety on the palate. Flavors of dark chocolate, honey, and roasted nuts. Slight spiciness with a touch of cinnamon and cloves.

Palate: Well-balanced and complex. Layers of flavors including caramelized sugar, dried fruits, and a touch of tobacco. Long and satisfying finish with a lingering sweetness.

A hearty waft of virgin coconut oil wakes up the senses before the glass reaches the mouth. Warm and sugary, the somewhat weighty body bursts with flavors of sweetened coconut flakes and toasted coconut cookies. Sweet but not cloying

A blend of rums produced in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica

Color, old gold. Aroma, elegant, iodine notes, scrubland, cocoa bean, aromatic coffee. Flavor, balsamic, spicy. Color, oro viejo. Aroma, elegante, yodado, hierbas de monte, cacao fino, café aromático. Boca, balsámico, especiado. Color, old gold. Aroma, elegant, iodine nuances, bush forest herbs, fine cocoa, aromatic coffee. Taste, balsamic, spicy

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. This Chiroubles is an example of the new, organic/bio-dynamic philosophy that Arthur and Pierre, 5th generation family winemakers, introduced when they took over the estate in 2011. The grapes are harvested by hand to ensure that only healthy clusters are used. Natural yeasts are used for a spontaneous fermentation, following a partial carbonic maceration. A refreshing expression of Gamay with full berry flavours, a clean acidity, and soft tannins.

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 Fournaise vineyard of the Cote de Brouilly is located on the steepest hill of the Cru, where all the work has to be done manually, normally in very hot temperatures. The hill has an elevation of 480 m and is totally covered by 60-year old vines. The roots have to work hard to break through the blue volcanic rock. The resulting wine is powerful and it needs time to reveal its depth and minerality. The palate is full with an amazing concentration and an outstanding, complex finish.

This red shows a mild concentration of menthol, tobacco and ripe red cherry on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is more generous in nature, with pleasantly plump berry fruit studded with herbs, all balanced by bright acidity and hefty tannins. Alexander Peartree

This is a beautiful wooden box with shimmery blue lettering that holds 3 different vintages - 2 each of 2008, 2011 and 2018. 

Valenciso (founded in 1998) may be young in years, but founders Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso (who gave their surnames to the bodega) were already long in experience when they began. They had worked together for 28 years by the time they left Bodegas Palacio to start their own business. Valenciso seeks to make classically structured, subtle and elegantly fine wines using 100% Tempranillo grapes from low yielding old vines in the Rioja Alta. Winemaker Alicia Eyaralar uses exclusively French barriques, a third being new each year, to produce this terrific wine in very small quantities. In this box, there are two bottles each of 2008, 2011 and 2018, all scoring very high. Cherry deep colour, spicy nose, intense. There are some notes of leather, licorice and fountain pen ink, over a core of ripe berry fruit, with some spicy notes from the oak and a faint animal character. The palate is medium-bodied with some dusty, slightly rustic tannins and a dry finish.

The remarkable 2021 Montrose gets my nomination for the title of "wine of the vintage" in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of cassis and dark berries mingled with subtle hints of mint, orange, pencil shavings and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered and multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by beautifully ripe, refined tannins. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, it entirely transcends the limitations of the year. This young classic, reminiscent of the estate's 1996 but far better, is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink 2031-2065.

The purity of fruit here is terrific, with redcurrants, blackcurrants, licorice, lead pencil and hints of fresh basil—so aromatic—that follow through to a full body with creamy, round tannins and lots of volume and fluidity in the center-palate for the vintage. Very structured at the end. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Leave this for at least five or six years. Try after 2030.

The 2021 Cos d'Estournel is one of the denser, more muscular wines of the vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, charcoal, sweet cigar wrapper and subtle hints of smoked meats, framed by a touch of toasty new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's rich and quite concentrated for the vintage, with a chassis of sweet, generously extracted tannin and a long, lusty finish. Drink 2026-2045.

Like many of the more historical wineries of Canada's Okanagan Valley, more attention is being made to "terroir" - the idea that certain plots are better suited for specific grape varieties. Pinot Noir likes cooler climates and it thrives in the North Okanagan climate with its glacial soils. 'Aspect' refers to the direction that the vineyards face, giving those extra hours of sunlight the grapevines need. This serves to set apart these single block wines: dynamic, aromatic and vibrant. This Pinot comes from 22 year old vines, and spends 14 months in French oak barriques (of which 23% are new). The wine is dense and structured yet with a great typicity of red plums, blueberries, and nuances of mushroom and forest floor. A Canadian wine designed for ageing.

92 points James Suckling:
Outer quote mark This has aromas of blackberries, porcini mushrooms, tobacco and charred bark. It’s medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins. Savoury, with plenty of earth and mineral character. Fresh finish. Inner quote mark

Jean-Louis Denois established his sparkling winery just 20 miles beyond Champagne's boundaries, offering him the freedom to curate exceptional cuvées from both northern and southern vineyards. This salmon pink rosé boasts delicate bubbles, an aromatic bouquet bursting with red fruit notes, and a soft, inviting palate. Finishing with a subtle touch of sweetness, it undergoes natural fermentation in vats and ages for a minimum of three months. Enjoy it as a delightful aperitif or pair it with a luscious red berry crumble.

Founded in 1942 by Désiré Rolet, Domaine Rolet stands as an iconic producer of Jura wines. Managed by Désiré’s children Eliane, Bernard, Guy, and Pierre, the estate expanded its vineyards across four Jura appellations - Arbois, Château-Chalon, Côtes du Jura, and Etoile. Since 2018, the winery has been under the direction of Cédric Ducoté. The estate's 65 hectares of vineyards predominantly grow Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir grapes, all harvested by hand for their production. This particular wine has benefited from several years of bottle aging, displaying a slightly evolved character. Its color is a light garnet red at the core, fading into a brickish tinge at the rim. Aromas of wild blackcurrant, kirsch, forest floor, tobacco, and mushroom dominate the nose. The wine's fine tannins and dried sour cherry flavors are well-balanced by its prominent acidity, leading to an earthy and light finish.

Winemaker Steve Doerner, renowned for his work at Calera and Cristom, introduces Luke Jefferson, a new wine project named in homage to his son and Thomas Jefferson. Produced in minuscule quantities, it reflects Steve's personal vision apart from Cristom's style, with his spouse Irene also involved. This Pinot offers intoxicating notes of ripe raspberry, bright cherries, and fragrant spices, promising further development with five years of aging.

This has aromas of dark chocolate, walnuts, black cherries, plums and spearmint. Firm and well structured, with a full body and firm, slightly grainy tannins. Excellent balance.

Precise and biting showing notes of currants, raspberries, wild strawberries, blackberries and dried cherries. Medium bodied, tannins slightly rigid at the moment and a juicy, slender finale of a dynamic nature.

Intense brown colour with reddish hues. A rich and perfumed bouquet of red berries. In the mouth it is creamy, smooth and with impeccable structure. A perfect balance of flavours, which extends into an enduring and delicious finish.

Plum, licorice, peppercorn and a hint of salt show in the bouquet of this balanced wine. It's full bodied, with well-integrated tannins. The vibrant palate delivers bright black-fruit flavors and peppery spice. It finishes long with leather notes. Jesica Vargas

Extremely fascinating and polehydric in the primary profile alternating notes of red prunes, currants, coriander, white pepper, bergamot and green mandarin. A lot of lime describes the very fresh secondary scene. Medium bodied, perfectly extracted tannins and a finale with a graceful, subtle closure. Wow!