Another Port success from the Branco family of Quinta do Portal, following their success with the 2003 vintage. This is a lovely, lively wine, with fresh acidity alongside good, mature fruit. It is ripe but very elegant, with a sweet, dried fruit aftertaste.

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate.
Taste: Rich flavors of black cherry, plum, and vanilla.
Palate: Full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish.

The J.M. Fuentes Gran Clos is a highly acclaimed, full-bodied red wine from the rugged DOCa Priorat region of Spain. Known for its remarkable depth and aging potential, this iconic blend features old-vine Garnacha (Grenache) and Carinena (Carignan), blended with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

’The 2016 Carmes de Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Hints of passion fruit, pineapple and mint all run through this gracious Sauternes. Medium in body, open-knit and accessible, the 2016 is easy to drink and enjoy right now.’’
- www.vinous.com

95 points Vinous: "The 2016 Lagrange has a tightly knit, focused bouquet of intense blackberry, briar and cedar aromas. This is impressive, and it gains intensity with aeration. The medium-bodied palate delivers grainy tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a vivacious, spicy, almost peppery finish. One of the most powerful Lagrange that I have tasted. A Saint-Julien that is consistently underrated, this 2016 will give a great deal of pleasure over the next 30-plus years. (NM)" (1/2019)

A real curiosity. Tokaj in a small bottle. An excellent quality vintage with concentrated aszú berries. These wines are only created in extraordinary vintages and are thus a real rarity, only produced in small amounts, in this case 599 bottles.

"This dark ruby-colored wine offers a nose of black cherry, black currant, vanilla and anisette. Well balanced tannins and acidity support flavors of dark red berries, butterscotch, dark chocolate and a hint of violet. Luxurious tannins settle in and slowly dissolve into a lingering finish." - 95/100, Wine Enthusiast

Cava is Spain's famous traditional method sparkler, made in the rolling hills of Penedès, southwest of Barcelona. Enjoy lifted aromas and flavours of nuts, toast and citrus with mushroomy yeasty and minerally notes and lively effervescence. Serve with paella, fried calamari, cured meats or Manchego cheese.

85/100 Wine Enthusiast
"A ruby-colored sparkling dessert wine from northern Italy, Brachetto d'Acqui enjoys a long history rooted in Italian tradition, and it can be paired with sweet foods and savory ones alike. This is soft and round with notes of raspberry and candied cherry on the close."

This is the inaugural release of this wine, very different in style from the Bin 707 Cabernet, coming from a single district and aged in French, not American, oak. The fruit is from two prized blocks of Penfolds' own vineyards, and is aged for 14 months in new French oak hogsheads. At first it is quite closed, but there's a delicate, almost floral and mint leaf edge here, then a rush of cassis begins to fill in. The oak adds a smoky incense note. The palate has a really firm backbone, the tight, powerful tannins framing really juicy fruit that bursts onto the mid-palate with sweet blackcurrant. Savoury and fresh on the finish, this is concentrated but long and elegant too.

A light straw yellow Cava with a lively mousse and aromas of apple, pear, pastry and an undertone of brioche. Fresh and digestible with a long, uplifting aftertaste.
Mistinguett Brut is an ode to all women who work hard to achieve their dreams and refers to the French artist Mistinguett. The winery Vallformosa produces this special cava in the Penedes. Vallformosa means beautiful valley in Catalan. It's the Domenech family who have been working the land since 1865 with great passion to make the grapes grow best in the hills. New vineyards have been acquired over the years and now it is the fifth generation that continues the tradition of winemaking.

Beautiful, resolved nose, a touch of delightful oxidation, coffee and chocolate but still that cherry ripe red fruit clarity. In the mouth it is silky and dense, a flood of quite meaty and fleshy black fruit, super ripe tannins and lovely plum and cherry skin acidity giving length. A beautifully resolved and complete wine.

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

Consecutive vintage of Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This year’s blend consists of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 337 from their “Big K” vineyard, and 5% Cabernet Franc from their “Upper Bowl” vineyard. Deep aromatics, piercing and precise, a full rich saturated mouth feel, and a long-lasting multi-layered finish define this exemplary blend. Enjoy now or decades from now.

Pairs well with: Lamb

TASTING NOTES

The Juliette is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and has her roots in the shale soils of the stunning Highfield farm in Elgin, in a vineyard farmed for premium wine. This includes intensive shoot thinning and leaf removal after berry set to allow optimum tropical flavours to develop in the fruit. Grapes were harvested in the cool early morning hours and sorted at cellar.

This attention to detail yielded a lively wine, with crushed pineapple, bananas and soft tropical notes of white peaches and pear on the nose. A full mouthfeel with fresh green melon flavours that excite the senses, and lingering finish complete the drinking experience.

Perfect for relaxing on a picnic blanket or with long lunches around the pool, surrounded by the stirring sounds of nature and the laughter of loved ones sharing a memorable moment. It is also a great wine for food such as grilled prawns, sushi and other seafood dishes.

An organic expression of red Cahors that was matured in oak for up to 18 months it offers complex aromas of plums, cherries and spice. The dry, full and smooth palate is full of crunchy blueberry fruits, plums, cherries and spices and has a long satisfying finish. Pairing: grilled steaks, pasta with chorizo, lamb cutlets

TASTING NOTES
A very complex and concentrated interpretation of Tempranillo, complemented by 15% Merlot. The grapes come from a single vineyard at the foot of Sierra Cantabria with an elevation of 700 meters. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in stainless steel with a 20-day maceration. This is followed by barrel aging in French for 14 months. The colour of the wine is an inviting bright red with hints of purple. The aroma is full of ripe fruit with a hint of almond skin and aromatic herbs. The palate has a beautiful mouth-feel with soft tannins, complex yet smooth and an underlying touch of well-integrated oak aging. A lively acidity provides balance, leading into a harmonious, long finish.

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

Droin Chablis Valmur Grand Cru is a white wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in the Valmur Grand Cru vineyard in Chablis. It has a bright, pale gold color and a complex aroma that combines mineral, citrus, and floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a rich texture and flavors of ripe citrus fruit, green apple, and a subtle hint of honey. The wine has a long, elegant finish with a refreshing acidity and a lingering minerality. 

Located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Dufuoleur family has been steeped in Burgundian winemaking and culture for more than 400 years. Their property of 30ha runs from the village of Fixin in the north to Santenay in the south. Whilst mostly Pinot Noir is planted, this very small vineyard of Chardonnay where only 1100 bottles are made. Wines are aged in French oak barrels, a third of which are new. The finished wine has an expressive nose of lemon chiffon, honey and fine herbaceous nuances. As the wine ages, it will develop a toasty, nutty aroma and flavour.

Jane Eyre, a winemaker originally from Australia, now works with small vineyards in Burgundy and is making a name for herself with quality, non-intervention wines. This wine is aged in oak barrels for about 12 months, resulting in a wine with a beautiful balance of fruit and oak flavours. On the nose, the wine displays aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and a touch of earthiness. The palate is medium-bodied, with flavours of red and black fruit, a subtle minerality, and smooth tannins. Jane Eyre Gevrey-Chambertin Villages 2020 is a wine that can be enjoyed now but has the potential to age gracefully for a few more years. This wine pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, mushrooms, and strong cheeses.

J. Lohr Signature Cabernet is a red wine produced by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in the Paso Robles region of California. It is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which are carefully selected and hand-harvested from the winery's estate vineyards.

On the nose, J. Lohr Signature Cabernet has a complex bouquet of dark fruit aromas, including black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, as well as notes of vanilla, oak, and spice. On the palate, it is a full-bodied wine with rich flavors of ripe fruit, dark chocolate, and a hint of tobacco. The wine has a firm tannic structure and a long, smooth finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, J. Lohr Signature Cabernet is a well-crafted wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and the terroir of Paso Robles. It pairs well with a variety of hearty dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. It is best served at a temperature of around 16-18°C (60-64°F).

The Robert Mondavi Napa Pinot Noir is a red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Napa Valley region of California. It has a ruby-red color and offers aromas of red berries, cherries, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, the wine has flavors of ripe strawberries, black cherries, and a hint of spice. It is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth finish. This Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or mushroom risotto.

The Giovanni Almondo Arneis Vigne Sparse is a great entry into the joys of Arneis, one of the most important white varieties in the Roero. Clean and sharp flavors of white pepper, almond, under-ripe pear and mineral-driven citrus blend into a finish loaded with energy and sparked by a salivating finish.

Edda (‘she’ in Salento dialect) is the feminine and sensual soul of San Marzano. It is a complex white wine, full of Mediterranean notes. Noticeable acidity intertwined with an enveloping and elegant warmth, savoury and mineral notes on the palate. The Chardonnay grapes give the wine finesse and longevity, together with different varieties indigenous to Puglia, that year after year compete to complement the blend.

Gulfi is a family-owned winery located in southern Sicily, with grand cru vineyards located in Pachino: 100% Nero d’Avola that grows in sandy soil close to the sea and has adapted to the hot climate. Here, the resulting wines are complex and elegant, and the benchmark for what these wines should taste like. Undoubtedly, one of the world’s greatest wine estates and producers of Nero d’Avola. Although one might think the wines taste the same, each single vineyard or ‘cru’ showcases the great terroir of Pachino and the subtleties of each area.

Maccarj is a dense and powerful wine with a perfumed nose of ripe black cherry, garrigue, iron notes and eucalyptus. The tannins are firm and powerful with lingering flavours of blackberry fruit and juniper along with a meaty, black olive quality, typical of this cru.

The region of Gavi is home to the Cortese grape. The philosophy of the farm is to ensure the vines are farmed without any use of chemicals. Only healthy and carefully selected grapes are gently pressed. This wine offers a particularly fine mineral feeling and notes of fruit and white flowers. On the palate the wine is lively, harmonious, with a fresh acidity, which increases its persistence and drinkability. This will be a fine choice for vegetable dishes and fresh salads.

Fattoria del Pino Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is an elegant and expressive Tuscan red made from 100% Sangiovese grown near the renowned Montosoli hill in Montalcino. The wine offers vibrant aromas of ripe cherry, wild berries, dried rose petals, orange peel, herbs, and subtle earthy spice. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and beautifully structured, with juicy red fruit, bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and savory notes of leather, licorice, and dried herbs. Traditionally matured in large Slavonian oak casks, it finishes long, balanced, and mineral-driven, with excellent potential for further aging.

Fattoria del Pino Brunello di Montalcino 2018 is an elegant and traditionally styled Tuscan red made from 100% Sangiovese grown in the Montosoli area of northern Montalcino. The wine offers aromas of ripe cherry, red berries, dried flowers, citrus peel, tobacco, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is refined and well balanced, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, and layers of red fruit, leather, herbs, and subtle smoky notes. The finish is long and savory, showing the freshness and mineral character typical of the cooler Montosoli terroir. With its combination of structure and finesse, the 2018 is approachable now but can continue to develop with additional bottle age.

Passopisciaro is a small area (the name of a town) on Mt.Etna's north face on the property of the late Andrea Franchetti. Soils from this active volcano provides resulting wine with a vein of minerality that speaks of the terroir of this prestigious region. Contrada Sciaranuova is located at 850 m.In Sicilian, "sciara nuova" means "new lava flow", deposits from the relatively new lava flow from the 1600s that has turned into thick gravel.The wines produced from this site are bright, aromatic, and have a rich taste of fermented hay and a dusty herbal quality. The wine is structured, yet fresh with a youthful concentration.

COLOR: pale straw yellow with greenish reflections.
PERFUME: typical, light, delicate, fresh, with notes of wild flowers.
TASTE: dry, velvety, harmonic.

Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a refreshing and vibrant wine that showcases the best of California's Russian River Valley. This wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, which are carefully selected and hand-harvested to ensure the highest quality. The nose is filled with aromas of citrus, tropical fruits, and a hint of grassiness. On the palate, the wine is crisp and lively, with flavors of grapefruit, lime, and passionfruit. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of citrus and minerality. This wine is perfect for pairing with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own as a refreshing summer sipper.

Paul O'Brien Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is a premium red wine that is made from the finest Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. This wine is known for its rich and complex flavors that are a result of the unique terroir of the region. The wine has a deep ruby color and a bouquet of aromas that include black cherry, raspberry, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a silky texture and flavors of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of oak. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. This Pinot Noir is a perfect pairing for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. It is a wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur.

Gattinara Riserva is an absolutely gorgeous wine. Rich and pliant in the glass, it offers a striking interplay of rich fruit, bright acids and tannic spine.

From the Bolgheri DOC, the Poggio Al Tesoro is owned by the Allegrini family of Valpolicella fame. The Sondraia is the flagship wine made with a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Full bodied and intense with aromas and flavours of black currant, blackberry and spice, it's an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats and wild game.

The Chateau Malescasse is located between Margaux and Saint Julien at the highest point in the Medoc and has a long, proud history dating back to 1824. Now completely refurbished, with modernizations in the winery, the 40ha plot is managed as a Grand Cru. The 2016 has a blend of 53% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot. Well- balanced and full bodied with a powerful nose of cassis, blackberry, cedar, and floral notes. The palate is fleshy and full, with a long round finish. An excellent Bordeaux at an amazing price point.

The Bisci vineyards were purchased in 1972, of the 25ha, 18ha of which are planted to Verdicchio, Marche's signature grape variety. The winery was then built in 1980 and the company has been certified organic since 2016. The grapes for this wine also come from the Vegneto Foglia vineyard, then further bunches selected, but it's only produced in the best vintages. the resulting wine is concentrated and rich with full bodied aromas and flavours of yellow fruits, aniseed and almond. Ageable.

With their winery located with the National Park area of Gran Sasso, this family owned winey began their estate in the early 1900's when the first vineyards were purchased but it wasn't until two generations later, the family decided to bottle wines under their own label. When the first grandchild was born, she had flaming red har just like her grandmother, so the label created was "Testarossa" (redhead). This 100% Montepulciano has aromas of plums and cherries with nuances of violet. On the palate it's full-bodied with ripe red cherry, cocoa, licorice, tobacco, leather with smooth tannins and a long finish. The bottle boasts a leather label on this 1.5 L.

Barnard Griffin Winery began in 1983 with borrowed grapes and a rented cellar, the dream of founders Deborah Barnard and Rob Griffin. It has since become one of Washington's most enduring and award-winning wineries. Along with their tasting room, they also have a tasting room in Woodinville, where one can taste many examples of Washington wine. The bright and concentrated personality of this delicious, six-vineyard, Cab-based red blend is filled with racy cherry, orange zest and cranberry flavors. Juicy acidity augments the lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Well suited for everyday enjoyment and well priced, for making this a great pizza wine.