Neil Ellis is considered to be one of the most influencial pioneers of modern day winemaking in South Africa. The Syrah grapes from the Groenekloof vineyard were handpicked from low yielding bush vines. They produce a medium bodied wine with vibrant colours. The aroma is full of enticing dark fruit with contributing spicy undertones. There are lingering savoury notes in the long finish, accentuated by fine, elegant tannins. For the price, this is an excellent Syrah.

From one of the only wineries located within the Parco Nazionale, this is the top wine of the Pasetti line. With six years of ageing combined with stainless steel, new oak and in bottle, this intense, complex, full-bodied wine is a stunning example of ripe red cherry, and plum, accompanied by hints of violet and dried red flowers. Further flavours of stewed cherries, plums, spice, licorice and coffee that gives great complexity, structure, depth and elegance. A truly fascinating wine.

The vineyards of Michel Mallard located in Ladoix-Serrigny at the foot of Corton Hill in the Cotes de Beaune encompass all levels of vineyard quality: Villages, Premier Cru Grand Cru. Red wines of Corton will typically be more structured than wines of Vougeout, but perhaps not as powerful as Pommard. The Grand Cru of Le Rognet is a complex wine with notes of buleberry, blackberry and blackcurrant with nuances of licorice and pepper. Smooth and velvety tannins, this wine will age for a surprisingly long time.

It began with rather normal temperatures and precipitation, promoting budbreak that was in line with the historical average of the region. Spring, and in particular the month of May, was characterized by frequent rainfall and temperatures slightly below average. The summer months were generally hot and dry, without noticeable spikes, providing optimal ripening conditions for the Merlot, Cabernet & Sangiovese grapes that comprise this wine. A windy and cooler September insured healthy & phenolically mature clusters were obtained during harvest. Tasting Notes Intensely red in colour with purple reflections, this wine contains aromas of forest berries, sweet spice and vanilla bean. Round and harmonious on the palate, this wine has sweet tannins and a delicate finish.

Although the Upper Valdarno in Tuscany, where the winery is located is steeped in history, the young owners of Meca and Rocco are a brother and sister team with a combined age of just over 40 years old. Originally from Calabria where they learned the land, agriculture inthe toe of Italy's boot is difficult, so the family decide to pursue opportunities in Tuscany. They produce olive oil and and vegetables along with wine, all farmed organically. The Vertigine is made with 100% Canaiolo, typically a blending grape for Chianti and Chianti Classico wines. This comes from their youngest vineyard, hand picke and hand selected for a finished wine that is juicy, fresh, with lots of pretty red fruit of cherry and raspberry. A unique and lovely wine.

From the Veneto region, international grape varieties thrive, especially Cabernet Franc. The Savian winery is a family owend winery in the Lison Pramaggiore region fo Veneto, in operation since 1925. They received their organic certification in 1993. The company owns seven brands, and the Quota 7 line is also biodynamic. This Cabernet Franc is full bodied with juicy black fruit, herbs and hints of earth. Super drinkable and will pair well with grilled meats, and the price point is undeniable!

The Giribaldi Langhe DOC Merlot is a 100% Merlot, organic red wine from Rodello, Piedmont, offering red fruit, dark cherry, tobacco, and vanilla notes with a warm, full palate and hints of liquorice, ideal with red meats, game, and hard cheeses, served at 16-18°C. Produced by the family-owned Giribaldi estate, it's a taste of the rich Langhe terroir, showcasing elegance and balance.

Intense garnet colour. Aromas of fresh red fruit, like gooseberry, with hints of humus on a oaky background. Impressive concentration on the palate and a persistent texture. The finish is almost rustic, with firm tannins covered by the dry extract.

Blend: 84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% carmenere, 3% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot
Drinking Window: 2026-2037

95 Points - James Suckling
"Refined sweet tobacco, black olives and hints of paprika, cedar, iron and anchovy-like savoriness. Refined sweet berries on the palate with a lovely savoriness. Medium-bodied and restrained, plush and generous, with fine tannins and a lengthy finish. 84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% carmenere, 3% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drink or hold"

Intense Ruby ​​red color with purple reflections, elegant and persistent perfume characterized by hints of cherry. On the palate it is dry, full and harmonious.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Gruaud Larose 2016-506 offers aromatic intensity featuring truffle, plum, and subtle oak nuances —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

TASTING NOTES:

COLOUR:INTENSE RUBY RED COLOR WITH A LIGHT GARNET HUE.
AROMA:THE PERFUME OF WILD ROSES, SWEET THYME, TOBACCO, LIQUORICE, ALONG WITH RASPBERRIES, CHERRIES AND MINERALS.
TASTE:THIS MEDIUM + BODIED DRY RED HAS SOFT AND ROUND MEDIUM+ TANNINS, FLAVOURS OF RIPE CHERRIES, PLUMS WITH HINTS OF VIOLETS, LEATHER, LICORICE AND MINERALS.
PAIRING:POULTRY, RED MEAT, RED SAUCE PASTA, AND CHARCUTERIE.

Wine Advocate-Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy- "This wine offers a unusual bouquest of candied cherry and cola aromas that are distinct to this wine. There is a savory side to the wine, with cedar and baking clove, its center of gravity defers to that candied cherry or creme de cassis characteristic."

Tasting Notes：

Color: It is very intense, with a cherry red background and the rim in the same shade.

Nose:Of great intensity, just by serving it in the glass, it generates a halo of aromas that fills the environment with a captivating sensation. Behind a light, slightly smoked curtain, an impressive landscape appears. Black fruit dotted with flashes of redness. Sensations of the wind that carries the smell of rain. A field of violets in the background. Very fine spices, among which clove and freshly ground black pepper stand out. Subtle notes of cocoa and liquorice. An aromatic harmony that defines the great Cirsion.

palate:Full, voluminous and aerial sensation at the same time. It is the definition of the volume that does not weigh. The tannin is very fine and there is freshness on all sides. Fruits, moist earth and fresh spices are felt again. Volume, freshness and elegance set the pace in the palate.

This impressive Magnum bottle (1.5L) is home to a stunner of a Cabernet Sauvignon, produced by Master of Wine, James Cluer. A youthful, deep purple-hued wine, which is a true expression of the vineyard's soul. It shows Napa Valley's trademark power with intensely ripe black fruit, dark chocolate nuances, licorice, and hints of black olive and dusty stones that are all hallmarks of this exquisite terroir. Perhaps what's most intriguing is the density, the depth, the layers, and the complexity that keep you coming back for more. Enjoy!

- 3 btl - Colore 2020 JS : 98/100
- 1 btl - Balocchi Di Colore n°8 - 100% Canaiolo JS : 95/100
- 1 btl - Balocchi Di Colore n°1 - 100% Sangiovese JS : 96/100
- 1 btl - Balocchi Di Colore n°3 - 100% Colorino JS : 98/100

Piaggia 'Il Sasso' Carmignano is a structured, full-bodied Tuscan red wine made from a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Wine Profile Color: Deep, thick ruby red. Aroma: Ripe black cherry, plum, blackberry jam, sweet spices, tobacco, and cocoa. Palate: Full-bodied with fine tannins, bright acidity, wild berries, and herbal touches of thyme and balsamic. Finish: Long, persistent, and fresh.

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva is the flagship red wine from the Piaggia Winery in Tuscany, Italy. It is a bold, complex blend made from 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot, offering rich flavors of dark berries, tobacco, and chocolate with strong aging potential. Wine Profile & Taste Appearance: Deep, intense, and dark ruby red color. Aroma: Ripe black fruits, cassis, and raspberries, mixed with notes of sweet spices, cocoa, and tobacco. Palate: Full-bodied and structured, featuring soft, round tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, fruity finish.

The 2015 Château Pavie is a legendary, full-bodied Bordeaux blend from Saint-Émilion. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is renowned for its saturated, inky purple color, highly integrated oak, and massive concentration of dark fruit, balanced by perfect elegance and freshness. Nose: Expressive and layered with aromas of baked plums, crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, white truffle, crushed rocks, licorice, and floral hints like violet. Palate: Massive yet remarkably refined. It explodes with black and blue fruit firepower, silky yet structured tannins, and a striking, chalky minerality. Finish: Exceptionally long, echoing with pyrotechnics of anise, black tea, and singed mesquite.

The 2012 Les Forts de Latour is a highly rated second wine from Château Latour, composed of roughly 75–76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers an elegant, medium-bodied experience with vibrant notes of blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, and cedar. Known for its precision and fine tannins, this 2012 is a classic Pauillac with strong aging potential (2015–2030+).

The 2015 Château Pavie is a legendary, full-bodied Bordeaux blend from Saint-Émilion. Composed of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is renowned for its saturated, inky purple color, highly integrated oak, and massive concentration of dark fruit, balanced by perfect elegance and freshness. Nose: Expressive and layered with aromas of baked plums, crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, white truffle, crushed rocks, licorice, and floral hints like violet. Palate: Massive yet remarkably refined. It explodes with black and blue fruit firepower, silky yet structured tannins, and a striking, chalky minerality. Finish: Exceptionally long, echoing with pyrotechnics of anise, black tea, and singed mesquite.

A 3-bottle collection set from Château Giscours typically highlights the estate's 3rd Growth classification status, offering a vertical or curated selection of their Margaux appellation wines, featuring a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Known for its elegance, the wine features dark ruby color, violet aromas, and refined tannins, often highlighting vintages with rich fruit, floral notes, and good aging potential.

The 2021 Château d'Aussières (Corbières) is a premium red wine from the Domaine d'Aussières estate, managed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). The 2021 vintage is characterized as a "fresh" year due to challenging weather conditions (frost and low rainfall), resulting in a refined wine with vibrant fruit.

The 2017 Le Pin is a highly sought-after, 100% Merlot Pomerol known for its exceptional elegance, depth, and balance, offering complex notes of black fruit (cherries, plums, raspberries), floral hints (violets, lilacs), earthy tones (truffle, forest floor, ironstone), and spice, all carried by silken tannins and vibrant freshness for a long, fragrant finish, showcasing remarkable complexity for the challenging vintage.

The 2019 Château L'Eglise-Clinet is a premier, highly acclaimed Pomerol, renowned as the last masterpiece produced by the late Denis Durantou. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it offers immense concentration, power, and elegance, featuring notes of black fruit, violet, truffle, and graphite with refined tannins.

Château Lagrange's "Parcellaire Haut Bois" is a special, limited-release single-plot Cabernet Sauvignon from their Saint-Julien estate, known for intense black fruit (cherry, cassis) mixed with spicy, earthy notes, floral hints (violet, rose), and a powerful yet silky structure, often with tobacco, mint, and liquorice undertones, built for aging and showcasing a specific terroir's character, distinct from the main Château Lagrange blend .

The 2004 Le Pin is a highly-rated, opulent Pomerol known for its plush, fleshy texture and complex aromas of ripe black fruits (plum, cherry), cassis, espresso, vanilla, and earthy notes, offering a luxurious experience with smooth tannins that can be enjoyed young or aged, showcasing the vintage's quality despite challenges.

The 2022 Château Le Pin is a highly acclaimed, 100% Merlot Pomerol, described as an elegant, full-bodied, yet balanced wine with intense aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, violet, and spice, plus notes of cedar, truffle, and mocha. It features velvety tannins, seamless integration, and a long, fresh, spicy finish with layers of dark fruit, earth, and minerality, offering both immediate appeal and aging potential, often compared to a luxurious, weightless texture.

The Château Lagrange Heritage Collection 2023 is a limited-edition Saint-Julien red wine created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the estate's acquisition by the Japanese Suntory group in 1983. This unique cuvée is a modern reinterpretation of the estate's historical blend from that era.

The Château Margaux Year of the Horse Set is a rare, limited-edition collection released to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac's Horse, typically featuring three iconic vintages like 1978, 1990, and 2002, presented in a special case with a unique certificate signed by the château's director. This set offers a journey through different eras of Château Margaux, highlighting exceptional vintages known for their power, complexity, and aging potential, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of fine wines.

The 1983 Château Lagrange, a Saint-Julien Third Growth (3ème Cru Classé), is described as a classic, savory Bordeaux with firm tannins, earthy notes, and mature black fruit (plum, cassis), showing complexity with hints of leather and pencil shavings, holding up well with age but benefiting from decanting to reveal its depth, reflecting the era when Suntory began its major revitalization of the estate.

Blend: 65% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2025–2035

Tasting Note:
"Deep garnet with a violet rim. The nose is opulent and expressive, revealing aromas of dark chocolate, vanilla, and freshly ground coffee, interwoven with ripe blackberries, wild blueberries, and a hint of sloe. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins and a balanced freshness. The finish is long and spicy, leaving a lasting impression of dark fruit and subtle oak nuances."

Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2058

95 Points - Robert Parker
"The 2021 Château Margaux saw a traditional élevage in new barrels, with bottling in July, and as readers will remember, it's a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that benefited from late picking, appreciable percentages of saignée, and a strict selection. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis, blueberries and raspberries mingled with hints of licorice, white flowers and charcoal, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a broad attack, lively purity and sweet structuring tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. It's a classic that will richly reward bottle age."

Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2050

96 Points - James Suckling
"This wine has a tightness and linear energy, with red currants, herbs, plums and hints of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied with beautiful integration and length. Racy and focused. Just the right amount of wood and fruit with tannins. Second wine of Chateau Margaux."

Blend: 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2050

98 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2021 Vieux Château Certan is a spectacular tour de force from Alexander and Guillaume Thienpont. What a wine. Vibrant and magnificent in its precision, the 2021 races across the palate, revealing seemingly endless layers of nuance over time. Dark blue/purplish fruit, cinnamon, new leather, graphite, lavender and crushed rocks all build effortlessly. The Cabernets are dialed up in 2021 and that comes through in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. The purity of the flavors is just mind-bending. Harvest took place between September 25 and October 4. The blend is 67% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Readers who can find the 2021 should not hesitate, as it is truly magical. Score

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window for Magnum Size: 2013 – 2050

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This 1998 vintage of Petrus is dense and powerful, with aromas of black currant, plum, and a touch of graphite. It is structured and muscular, showcasing a firm tannic backbone that promises long ageing potential. The palate features concentrated dark fruit, a touch of earthiness, and hints of licorice and espresso. The wine is dense and full-bodied, with a long finish that echoes the layered fruit and mineral complexity. A slightly more reserved but very promising vintage.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2012-2033

97 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2007 Petrus offers a compelling nose of dark berries, graphite, and hints of spice and earth. Medium to full-bodied, it is rich yet refined, with smooth tannins and a lush texture. The wine is elegant and well balanced, with a core of black fruit accented by mineral undertones. The finish is long and persistent, demonstrating fine depth and purity. A slightly cooler vintage that delivers finesse and charm rather than sheer power.”

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2008 – 2040

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"This 1998 vintage of Petrus is dense and powerful, with aromas of black currant, plum, and a touch of graphite. It is structured and muscular, showcasing a firm tannic backbone that promises long ageing potential. The palate features concentrated dark fruit, a touch of earthiness, and hints of licorice and espresso. The wine is dense and full-bodied, with a long finish that echoes the layered fruit and mineral complexity. A slightly more reserved but very promising vintage.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with 12% Merlot and only 2% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2030 - 2066

96 Points - Jane Anson
“Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very much floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013."

Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc: 5%
Drinking Window: 2006 – 2035

98 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 1994 Petrus is one of the most expressive and opulent wines of the vintage. It opens with a seductive nose of blackberries, cassis, graphite, and hints of smoky incense. On the palate, it is powerful yet refined, boasting tremendous depth and concentration. The tannins are firm but polished, supporting a complex core of dark fruit and mineral notes. The finish is long and nuanced, revealing layers of spice, cedar, and dark chocolate. A classic Petrus that will continue to evolve beautifully.”