Fresh, balanced and with fine but compact tannins, this Rioja is chiefly made up of Tempranillo. It seduces thanks to its aromatic profile evoking roasting, coconut and cherry. It comes from a cellar in Mendavia famous for its complex and intense wines.

The Pinot Noir boasts rich, ripe flavors with a sophisticated aftertaste, making it a surprising standout among red wines produced in Germany. Its warm, berry notes make it perfect for relaxing with a good book by the fireplace, where its light smoky taste complements the scents of a crackling fire. This wine pairs well with wild game, venison, and cedar-plank salmon.

Aromas of tilled soil, underbrush and dark berry lead the nose. On the savory easygoing palate, fresh acidity and pliant tannins frame black cherry, clove and a hint of licorice- KERIN O'KEEFE ( Wine Enthusiast)

Winemaker Notes : The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper, and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice, and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish.

Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

"The 2016 Branaire Ducru has a fragrant bouquet of plush blackberry and graphite aromas, hints of bilberry and briar developing in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is quite succulent and multilayered, offering supple tannin and gentle grip on the finish. Real potential here. One of the best Branaire Ducru in recent years. Chapeau! Drink 2023-2055." -Neal Martin, vinous.com (Jan 2019)

96 points - James Suckling

GEORGIAN VALLEYS KHVANCHKARA is a semi-sweet red wine from Georgia, specifically from the Khvanchkara appellation in the Racha region. It's known for its deep ruby color and a velvety, balanced sweetness, with ripe fruit tones and a captivating aroma. The wine is made from a blend of two indigenous Georgian grape varieties, Aleksandreuli and Mujuretuli.

This elegant wine has a balanced density that comes from the firm layer of tannins. Its situation in the southern Médoc gives it a final softness and balance. Drink from 2028. — Roger Voss

Castel Mimi 'AnimAliens' Saperavi (IGP Codru, Moldova) is a powerful, dry red wine blending Georgian Saperavi grapes with Moldovan terroir. It features an intense ruby color, with aromas of dried plums, spices, and a fine texture. It is typically aged, offering a bold, structured palate with notes of black fruits, tobacco, and herbs. 

Deep, dark ruby-red is not quite opaque. The nose is classic for Lafite, with meaty notes to the dark fruit complimenting cedary oak. The aromas are deep & brooding. Cassis & dark fruit on the palate is overlaid by coffee notes & plentiful cedar. There is excellent freshness. There is a good concentration of deep, dark fruit supported by fine tannins. Alcohol is balanced & the finish is long. This is a nice classic example of Lafite.

Very pale salmon colour. Fully ripe grapes. Very vinous nose. Masses of fruit and only the merest hint of fermentation aromas. Apparently 1.7 g/l residual sugar but it tastes more. High extract because berries are very small. Real mouthful of charming fruit. Very commercial I would have thought. Designed for the on trade. Mouthful of venosity. Well done!

A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 9th to 25th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.3%. Deep purple-black in colour, it prances out of the glass with naturally beautiful notions of fresh black cherries, violets, mulberries and boysenberries, giving way to hints of redcurrant jelly, star anise, tilled soil and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately crafted with velvety/grainy tannins and fantastic freshness framing the perfumed red and black berry layers, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note.

It has a deep ruby color and a complex aroma of black fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a smooth and velvety texture, and flavors of blackberry, plum, and chocolate. The wine has a long and persistent finish with a touch of oak. It is a great pairing for grilled meats, stews, and strong cheeses. Overall, Montes Wings Carmenere is a well-balanced and elegant wine that showcases the unique character of the Carmenere grape.

Colour: ruby red tending towards garnet with ageing.
Bouquet: vinous and delicate with sometimes hints of bitter almonds.
Taste: full and velvety flavour.

A gorgeous expression of Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has aromas of blackberry, marionberry and black cherry. The palate is supple and juicy, with a voluminous texture, black fruit and a complex French oak- inspired spice box note.

Made as a traditional 'Australian blend', the Shiraz component provides fleshy fruit flavour while Cabernet provides a frame of fine grained tannins.

Deep ruby red. Intense aromas of marasca cherry, typical of late varieties, followed by spicy notes of white pepper, black pepper and violet. The mouthfeel is soft, with persistent tannins and pronounced acidity, essential criteria for long aging.

"Pronounced plum, blackberry, coffee, spice, soft tannins, lingering finish Floral, nice acidity, unique." - Gold, Sunset International Spirits Competition

Tasting notes Colour: Medium-high depth wine, ruby red colour with roof tile rim, which denotes its long barrel ageing and its peaceful bottle ageing.

Nose: Powerful on the nose with primary aromas of ripe fruit accompanied by complex spicy and balsamic notes and a slight touch of vanilla.

Palate: Balanced on the palate, it is a round and unctuous wine with ripe and sweet tannins, providing the wine with a long aftertaste: an elegant Rioja classic.

The history of Château Durfort-Vivens is linked to the Durfort-Duras family. The consecration of Château Durfort-Vivens took place in 1855 with the obtaining of the prestigious title of Second Cru Classé. The owners who have succeeded one another until today have never ceased to improve the quality of the wine and extend the reputation of the château. The vinification is in cement and wood vats. Aging in 40% new barrels for 18 months. The result is a Margaux full of finesse and freshness.

The bouquet of Durfort-Vivens 2014 opens with clear aromas of black fruits such as cherry and blackberry to evolve towards more subtle aromas of truffle. In the mouth, the wine is revealed, silky and elegant. It is definitely a wine that carries the colors of the prestigious Margaux appellation.

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Conundrum Red is a rich, full-bodied California red blend (Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon) known for its complex, approachable profile, featuring dark fruit (cherry, plum, blackberry) balanced with notes of chocolate, smoke, and spice, offering a smooth, grippy texture with fine tannins, and best enjoyed slightly chilled to enhance its vibrant fruit and unique character.

Crama Ceptura's Astrum Feteasca Neagra is a dry, full-bodied red wine from Romania's Dealu Mare region, featuring flavors of dark fruit (like plum and blackberry), spices, smoke, and vanilla, with a velvety texture and soft tannins. This wine, made from the ancient Romanian Feteasca Neagra grape, is often described as intense, complex, and excellent with rich foods like roasted meats and burgers.

Blend: 46% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking Window: 2030–2050

An elegant and cerebral Cheval Blanc, the 2024 vintage balances ripe berries, floral lift, and mineral nuance with polished tannins and freshness. Vinified with precision and aged with a touch of amphora and concrete, it offers a nuanced take on Saint-Émilion power.

97 Points – James Suckling
“So succulent and long on the compacted palate, this shows just enough clean ripe berries as well as cedar and chocolate. This has polished, energizing tannins with a lovely and thoughtful drive, the light austerity giving the wine a push in the finish. Only 12.8% alcohol.”

Bright ruby red with dark core. On the nose dried plums and figs, dark berries, dried roses and cocoa. On the palate rich fruit flavours, nice tannin and good length, slightly drying on the finish.

Chouchou is the answer to new consumer trends: a soft, light, and fresh wine. It is the ideal alternative to traditional red wine, with a low alcohol content, a drinking temperature as cool as its aromas, and radiant notes reminiscent of a basket of fresh fruit. The grapes for this gourmet cuvée come from the high-altitude terroirs of the Cevennes, where the vineyards create exceptional landscapes. Le Chouchou is the perfect companion for all your social occasions. Enjoy it chilled, with tapas, as an aperitif, or alongside Italian cuisine or a charcuterie board.

A perfect summer red, this refreshing, light-bodied wine from Alto-Adige in northern Italy, is made with the indegenous Schiava (group of) grapes. Three grapes in this group, often co-planted can sometimes also be known as Vernatsch. The wine is packed full of bright red cherry, strawberry and sweet almond sensations. Thanks to soft acidity and supple tannins, it's an ideal wine to serve chilled and sip as an apéritif or pair with seafood. Your guests will enjoy this wine for the upcoming spring/summer season.

~mjh

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and plums, with hints of tobacco and cedar.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and espresso.

Palate: Velvety smooth tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.

Thrilling notes of pure crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, crushed mint, graphite, and crushed rock notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, yet elegant Pauillac. The style of this wine has become more and more finesse-driven and pure, yet it hasn't lost a beat on concentration or length.

"Medium deep ruby red, finely toasted nose with mocha, new oak, tobacco and red berries. The palate is fresh and vibrant with good extract, soft fruit, well rounded and rather long on the finish." - 90/100, Andreas Larsson

Started more than a century ago two Piemontese, a lawyer (Mosca) and and Engineer (Sella) fell in love with the land and started working the soil and planting vines. Cannonau, aka Garnacha is the most grown red grape in Sardinia. Intense and warm it expresses floral notes of violets and roses, red cherry, red currant and elegant spice notes. The palate is well balanced, fresh with silky tannins and a long finish.

Negro Amaro, a black grape grown in Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, is often misspelled: unlike what is seen on many labels, it is two distinct words and should be written that way. Wines made with negro amaro are always dense, thick with blackberry, black cherry, licorice with clove and cocoa accents. Tenuta del Pajaru is Certified organic, using only natural yeasts and non-intervention winemaking, the wines express their sense of place. Get a mouthful of blackberry jam, spice and chocolate, pair this wine with strong cheese and hearty meat stews.

Bobal is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain. It is known for producing wines that are deep in color, with high acidity and tannins. The grape is often blended with other varieties, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha, to create complex and balanced wines. Bobal is also used to produce rose wines, which are light and refreshing with notes of red fruit and floral aromas. The grape is resistant to disease and can thrive in hot and dry climates, making it a popular choice for winemakers in the region. Overall, Bobal is a versatile grape that produces wines with a unique character and flavor profile.

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.

Vibrant aromas of blackberry, mulberry, plum, and licorice intertwine with subtle floral notes and hints of smokey oak. The medium-bodied palate boasts fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity, adding lift and freshness to the dense fruit. This complete and harmonious wine has great persistence of flavor and speaks of contemporary Coonawarra Cabernet.

Building off the wild success of Freakshow Cab - the first wine in the Freakshow lineup - we searched near and far to find the following main attraction. Known for taking the road less travelled, we decided an exceptional offering that displays the undeniable brut of Lodi Syrah was just the ticket. Freakshow Red is a mash-up of man meets wild...Syrah’s untamed and mysterious allure is refined and polished with the addition of Petite Sirah. Prepare your eyes and taste buds for a FREAK like no other!

TASTING NOTES
The man, the myth, the untamed and refined – our Freakshow Red Wine unveils the wild, unruly blend staring our very own man meets beast. Composed of Syrah, Petite Sirah and Souzao, the 2021 act reveals aromas of juicy raspberry, black cherry, butterscotch and toasted baguette. Full-bodied with polished, velvety tannins, flavours of dried plum, crème brulee and toasted oak are carried through a long finish that will have you reaching for more.

The Chateau Malescot St. Exupery is a 3rd growth of Margaux that sits right next to Chateau Margaux- one of the 5-first growths of Bordeaux. This exceptional terroir goes all the way back to 1697 when it was owned by the Escousses family. In the 1800's the property was handed to Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupery enriching the name of the Chateau with HIS name. By June, 1955 the estate had only 7 ha of vines and the Zuger family began to restore the grounds and the castle. 30ha of the property are dedicated to the vines where the varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot are grown. This is one of the most well-priced wines of Bordeaux and always well regarded, garnering high scores from critics. The 2016 vintage is comprised of 55% cabernet, 37% merlot and the 8% balance is cabernet franc and petit verdot. The wine scored high with typical notes of black currant, cedar, earth, tobacco and mocha around a backbone of fine tannins, and fresh acidity with a lengthy finish and great depth of character. Drink now to 2036

Winemaker Notes
Blend: 85% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon Product Description:
"Château Pavie Macquin owes its name to the grand-father of the current owners Albert Macquin (1852-1911), who used plant grafting as a way to save the Saint-Emilion vineyard, destroyed by phylloxera. The vineyard of Pavie Macquin, a family property of fifteen hectares, is located on the top of the Saint-Emilion plateau.
The clay and limestone soil, on a chalk/an asteriated limestone bedrock, allows a natural draining and an exceptionally continuous water supply. Strong clays result in fleshy, generous and powerful wines. The winemaker has to tame the natural power of the terroir in order to make this exceptional graceful wine." - Winery
Tasting notes:
Nose:violet, rose, truffle, earth, coffee, leather, tobacco, broccoli, berry, flower, currant, blackberry, cherry, cedar and cigar box
Taste:currant, black cherry, plum, bell pepper, olive, oak, smoke, toast, tar, tobacco, raspberry, cassis, violet, pepper, green bean, blackberry, cherry, asparagus, spice, ginger and vanilla

The jury is out on this wine from St. Emilion, whether to drink or hold. If you're looking for a Merlot dominant wine, look no further than this blend of 90% with added 10% Cabernet France for structure and concentration. As one would expect, it's soft and fleshy with plum and blackberry fruits, laced with clove, walnut, and black tea. This will still evolve over time but can be enjoyed now.