The De Grendel farm of Cape Town are always purveyors of good wine and this particular vintage show tropical fruit on the nose without that typical jalapeno pepper that is sometimes found in SA sauvignon blanc. Crisp and refreshing on the palate, yet with an unctuous mouth feel and continuing with tropical pineapple, guava and banana. Not complex, yet elegant and drinkable alone or with mixed green salads with poke tuna or salmon mixed in.

~mjh

Bright, ruddy highlights show in the dark amber liquid. Dried cherry and fresh plum mix with cocoa and vanilla, leading to a flavor that resembles chocolate-covered cherry. Made of VSOP Cognac finished in Kentucky bourbon casks, this bottling is not labeled as Cognac. Overall, it's mildly sweet and plenty easy-drinking. Best Buy.

An aroma of oak smoke and flavors of black pepper and blackberries dominate this full-bodied, chunky and moderately tannic wine. It's a little rough edged, but nicely robust and flavorful.

There's no age statement on the label; that's intentional. The lore of this liquid is that it includes a small amount of the last bourbon ever produced at the iconic Stitzel-Weller distillery, which closed in 1992. (Diageo re-opened it in 2014.) This blend of straight bourbons offers vanilla on nose and palate, leading into almond and a hint of dried apricot. The finish is lively and relatively dry, with grapefruit peel, leather and chamomile tea. Overall, it's a light-handed and pleasing take, regardless of how much (or little) old/rare distillate is actually in the glass.

Umbria, Italy’s only land-locked region is home to Italy’s most tannic grape variety – Sagrantino. This big, bold, structured wine is high in tannins, but they are polished and perfect for those big fatty, high protein meat dishes. Let this age for ten years or more for optimal taste or decant for several hours to enjoy sooner.

This is small production gewurztraminer made from 25-45 year old vines. The 2012 vintage 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. After 11 years in the bottle, it will show best when decanted.

Soju is a very popular spirit sold in Korea that is traditionally made by distilling rice and other cereal grains. However, since the 1960s to alleviate rice shortages, most soju has been produced by diluting high strength neutral alcohol from distilled sweet potatoes or tapioca.
One of the most trendy brands in South Korea, Chum Churum (which translates as “like the first tme”) is popular because of the added alkaline water, higher sweetness, and relatively lower alcohol content. This smoother and softer profile has been extremely successful and is especially popular among younger drinkers in South Korea.

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva is a red wine produced by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi winery located in Tuscany, Italy. The wine is made using a blend of Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, and Colorino grapes, which are grown in the vineyards surrounding the winery. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by bottle aging for an additional 3 months. On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with firm tannins and a good balance of acidity. Flavors of dark fruit, leather, and a hint of tobacco are present. This wine is a great pairing with roasted meats, pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a luxurious and smooth whisky, with notes of vanilla and dark fruit – a wonderful tribute to the harmonious partnership of Speyside and Highland whiskies, with just a hint of smouldering embers from the West Coast. Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is made for those unforgettable nights out with amazing friends.

NOSE

Opening with the sweet, enticing scent of honey – made characterful by subtle hints of more woody notes.

PALATE

Developing on the tongue – layers of vibrant and tropical fruit, with a distinct creamy vanilla flavour.

FINISH

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve brings together all the moreish golden flavours in one sensationally long, lingering finish.

This whisky is an ex-Bourbon cask finish and is bottled at 46% abv, and is the first time Penderyn have released a core range single malt using mainly spirit from the pot stills, which we introduced in 2014.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Elegant and floral with light oak notes, vanilla, raisins, toffee apples, citrus peel and a hint of lime.

Palate: A delicate smooth single malt with honeyed fruits, vanilla, cinnamon spice and a hint of nutmeg.

Finish: Soft honey and vanilla notes fade to a malty finish.

Superior structure, great fruit, excellent aromaticity, intense colour, ruby red with violet reflections, fine perlage and enveloping foam. Persistent and fragrant scent, reminiscent of field violets and cherries. A lively wine, with long and fruity persistence, savory and dry, with an inviting foam that makes every sip irresistible. Delicate astringency.

In the Mosel dialect, "Dajoar" translates to "as in the old days". This was the name chosen by Andreas for a style of Riesling made in tribute to the classic Mosel wines of the past. It is off-dry with a playful sweetness that balances its crisp acidity, resulting in a bright and fresh wine with notes of green and yellow fruit, a strong mid-palate, and a long mineral finish. It's a delightful wine that offers great value.

Over 180 years of distilling expertise result in the classic character of Tanqueray. On the nose, juniper is in the foreground, accompanied by citrus and coriander; dry and very balanced, with a hint of sweetness and a reserved, elegant delivery of flavours; the finish is medium in length, with all elements in harmony.

Viorica wine is made entirely from Viorica grapes, harvested manually and vinified by the traditional method. The white wine Viorica de Purcari is a sensory explosion: it has the aroma of acacia and basil flowers, it is fresh, easy and memorable. The golden color, with bright amber shades, is complemented wonderfully with its balanced and velvety taste and the fine taste of muscatel. Viorica conquers through its complex aroma and subtle finesse.

Righetti’s Amarone is produced from selected Corvina (70%), Rondinella (20%) and other indigenous varietals (10%) grown in the hills of the Valpolicella Classico DOC. The finest bunches of ripe grapes are placed in shallow wood crates and left to dry over a period of 3-5 months. Thereafter, the grapes are pressed, the juice is fermented to dryness, and the wine is aged in large casks of Slavonian oak.
Full-bodied and rich with aromas of dried fruit, plums, black cherry and a distinct “earthy” note. The wine will continue to evolve in the bottle over the next 5 to 10 years. What remains is a highly extracted fruit-driven wine that presents with 15.2% Alc.

This fresh and juicy blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Saperavi,displays a lovely garnet color with ruby reflections. Distinctive notes of plum in the bouquet and chocolate aroma. Smooth, soft finish with well ntegrated tannins.

El Dorado 15yo is a remarkable rum, whose greatest achievement was collecting the Wray & Nephew Trophy for Best Rum in the World at the International Wine & Spirits Challenge for an unprecedented four years running.

Nose: The best Christmas cake you can imagine. Refined, enticing aromas of candied peel, allspice, cinnamon, dried fruit and golden syrup.

Palate: Complex, spicy dried fruit, with interweaving layers of honey, gingerbread and toasty oak. This is very classy stuff, never overbearing.

Finish: Honeyed, spicy finish that persists.

Comment: An exceptional rum, which has complexity in spades yet is beautifully balanced. Anyone who dismisses rum as a one-dimensional category should try this, and prepare to be wowed.

Cold soaked prior to fermentation to extract color and aromatics. Spontaneous fermentation over the course of two weeks in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in cement tanks. The nose is broad and complex, yet clean and fresh, with classic hints of red fruit mixed with notes of aromatic herbs and spices. In the mouth, the wine is broad, robust, and savory, with silky tannins and a long, fresh finish.

The Macallan distillery of Speyside was founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer. It was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Made from the finest barley and matured for 15 years in a combination of Sherry seasoned American and European oak; these casks without a doubt, are the single greatest contributor to the distinctive aromas and flavours, not to mention the outstanding quality of this Scotch. The apple takes centre stage in the 15, showing baked apples with butterscotch, marmalade and notes of toffee on the nose with a warm palate of warm apples with raisins with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. The finish lingers with oak and spice.

Inky dark purple core and hue. Pure and layered nose displaying ripe black currant, plum an aromatic herbal spiciness, tobacco leaf, fine wood and violet notes. Nice density and grip on the palate, ample dark fruit notes of cassis and cherry with good layers of sage, bay leaf, tobacco, liquorice and fine wood. Ample and structured with plenty of grainy tannin and a balancing fresh acidity, powerful yet in an elegant style with a very long and lingering finish.

Kahlúa Coffee Flavoured Liqueur offers a rich and complex taste profile featuring strong coffee notes, blended with hints of vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of sweet butter. The aroma is characterized by freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The taste is lightly syrupy and sweet, with dark chocolate and coffee competing for prominence, complemented by strong vanilla and a faint smokiness. The finish is smooth and creamy, with lingering coffee and vanilla flavors.

The oldest soils can be found in the Rothenberg area. They are of volcanic origin. The vineyard has several terraces. This Riesling grows on particularly old vines on these steps. Aromas of peaches and apricots. Emphatically mineral, with acidity. Very good with Asian dishes.

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

Tesseron tasting notes: "Very alluring and expressive, presenting a sensation of fruit compote layered with hints of honey and leather, all lifted by floral tones - very elegant. On the palate one enjoys a generous initial hit, presenting a wonderful, spicy vitality complementing a harmonious, rounded style".

Lot 76 Cognac Awards  International Wine & Spirit Competition: Silver 2009

KAH Tequila Añejo offers rich aromas of coffee, chocolate, and tobacco, developed during two years of aging in American white oak casks. The black and white bottle design honours Nicaraguan traditions, where people sleep at gravesites to maintain emotional connections with the deceased. Inspired by the Day of the Dead and traditional Calaveras, the bottle symbolizes death and rebirth, with each being a unique, hand-crafted piece of art. The tequila, made from 100% Blue agave, is certified organic and Kosher, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Mexico and its ancient rituals.

Reminiscent of dark chocolate covered espresso beans, the aromas of this deep amber colored spirit are indulgent and inviting. The medium viscosity supports a hefty dose of sugar, well balanced with deeply concentrated roasted coffee that is long lasting.

A bright pale golden colour, with aromas of butterscotch, marzipan, toasted pecan and smoke. Smooth, with a warming cinnamon spice sensation; the flavours feature crisp pear, vanilla, almond, lilac and honeysuckle with an undertone of dried apricots. The finish is clean and gentle, with subtle lingering flavours.

KAH Tequila Blanco is a double distilled, un-aged Tequila crafted from 100% Blue Agave and bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). It offers an initial sweetness followed by a burst of peppery spice. Silky and delicate, it envelops the palate with a sachet of spices, creating a memorable tasting experience.

From the famous Duckhorn producers, the second label of Decoy, this "featherweight" is made with the same quality grapes as the regular Sauvignon Blanc with lower alcohol. With a sleek 80 calories per serving, the wine is crafted to the highest standards using grapes from the finest vineyards in California. The wine delivers delicate citrus notes of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, and lime; complemented by lush, tropical fruit flavors and a long, crisp finish.

From one of the "Famiglia di Amarone" this light, refreshing Valpolicella Classico shows tart strawberries, cranberries and fresh earth and wild herbs on the nose while tart red fruits dominate the core of the palate with hints of sweet tobacco, cherrywood and dried herbs on the savory and vibrant finish. These light-bodied wines are on trend with lower alcohol and can be chilled for optimum enjoyment.

Glengarry Highland 12-year-old Scottish single malt whisky is a perfect example of premium single malt whiskey from the Scottish Highland region.
It matured for 12 years in three types of American oak barrels (ex-bourbon, refilled and fired). The result is a whiskey with a smooth character and a balanced taste and finish.
Color: gold with brown highlights Aroma: sweet, fruit, peaches, flowers, barley, wood Taste: fruit, apricot, pear, peach, orange, cream, caramel, vanilla Finish: medium long, spicy, vanilla, flowers
Awards: Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2022
Double Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2022 Gold medal from the San Francisco Spirits Competition, 2016

Paddy's Irish Whiskey: 91 Points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022: "A fresh and lively Irish whisky with aromas of warm cereal, chocolate-covered orange, honeysuckle, and white tea leaves. Effortlessly smooth with peaches in cream, honey, and raw cashew coming to mind on the palate, making for a delicious affair."
Nose: Malty, fresh, woody. Hints of spice, honey, vanilla. Taste: Light and crisp. Hints of nuts, malt, charred wood. Finish: A gently fading sweetness. A lingering of mild, woody malt.

Glenmorangie "The Cadboll Estate" 15-Year-Old is the first single estate whisky from this Highlands distillery. The single malt was made from barley grown on the brand's 440-acre Cadboll Estate located near the distillery. The single malt matured in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels for 15 years, before enjoying a finishing period in casks that once held Muscat and Sémillion wines.

Appearance: Deep gold in colour.

Nose: Cookie dough with plenty of raisins, dried orange peel, chocolate chips and hints of lemon verbena grassiness.

Palate: Thyme honey, melted butter, green apple boiled sweeties and aromatic barley.

Finish: Red fruit sweetness balanced by rounded malt.

Liqueur created by the best craftsmen of France “Sommeliers”. This special Chartreuse Jaune cuvée was first created in 2008 by the Chartreux Fathers in close collaboration with the Meilleur Ouvriers de France Sommeliers (M.O.F). Ideally as a digestif, to be served chilled between 12 and 13 ° to discover all the flavor and aromatic complexity. Can also be enjoyed on ice.