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!

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.

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.

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.

A Cape Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz and Mouvedre.  We tasted this wine in Feb 2026 and found it to be very showing well now.  A great find.  My notes would read - "this wine is fully developed, enjoy now, it is not suitable for further aging.  It is at the top of its game.     

For the past 150 years Louis Jadot has continued as one of the great names of Burgundy and has gained international reputation for its superb red and white Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot is not only one of the largest producers of estate Burgundies of the Cote d'Or, it is one of the most celebrated exporters of premium Burgundies, owning close to 140 acres of vineyards from 24 of the most prestigious sites in Burgundy.Les Couchereaux vineyard is situated on top of the slope, in the middle of the commune and has a southern exposure of well drained soils. The resulting 100% pinot noir shows ripe fruits of raspberry and cherry, with hints of spice and smoky character. Dense and structured it is rich and warm.

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.

Chateau du Tertre is a 5th growth in the 1855 Classification, located in the Margaux appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. The chateau itself is 1000 years old, stretching over 52ha. In 1961, the estate was acquired by Phillipe Gasqueton who restored the vineyards and chateau after WWII. After his death in 1995, his widow sold the property to the neighbouring owners of Chateau Giscours, a 3rd Growth. In 1997, the estate was restructured and redesigned by the current Dutch owners of Albada-Jelgersma. The 2014 is a red blend with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The Petit Verdot provides a tannic, structured lift to frame the raspberry, baked cherries, potpourri and forest floor aromas. Excellent ageing potential here, drink from 2024-2040.

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

Marani Saperavi Qvevri is a bold, dry Georgian red wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, fermented and aged in traditional buried clay vessels (qvevri) for rich, dark fruit flavors (blackberry, plum), earthy notes, and structured tannins, offering a powerful yet juicy palate with spice, pairing well with grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses.

Not always a first growth, Chateau Mouton, owned Baron Philippe Rothschild was originally a 2nd growth in the original 1855 classification, but after a 20 year battle was elevated to a first growth in 1973, now in the elite five first growths. In 1988, Baron Philippe's daughter took over the Chateau. During her time as CEO, she brilliantly enhanced and modernized Chateau Mouton. Her three children now are co-owners and united in the same ambition to carry on the work of their mother and grandfather. The Chateau spans 90ha in the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. A red blend made with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot which offers an intense, expressive wine with aromas of blackberry, cassis, pencil shavings, cedar and mint. The palate has fine tannins with a rich, medium to full bodied wine. The finish is extremely lengthy. Always scoring very high, put this away for a few years. Best from 2025-2040.

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.”

Every vintage provides us with new opportunities for exploration and innovation. It's in that spirit that we introduce our Meritage. Crafted from premium quality Bordeaux-style red grapes, the Meritage was artfully blended to create a balanced and complex flavour profile. Enjoy now. Fermented separately on skins for two weeks and aged in French oak for 28 months. Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Petit Verdot (1.5%), Malbec (1.5%).

The nose is fruity and offers a fine grain and a fine power. It reveals notes of blackberry, ripe cassis and small notes of crushed red fruits as well as fine hints of violet and a discreet hint of cardamom and an imperceptible hint of grey pepper. The mouth is fruity, well-balanced and offers a good juiciness, an acidulous frame as well as a fine tension. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy cassis, fleshy cassis and small notes of wild raspberry associated with fine touches of violet, liquorice stick and a subtle hint of caramelization. Tannins are well-built and racy.

Gigondas legend Louis Barruol purchases grapes from the Gard to produce this 100% Syrah Côtes-du-Rhône bottling. Plump and generous in mouthfeel, it's an undeniably southern, sun-drenched expression of Syrah but with a cutting mineral freshness and salty tang on the finish. Soft tannins and hints of bramble and cut stone rim flavors of rich, ruddy black-cherry and plum preserves. Best enjoyed young.

Nose: Intense aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cherry, with hints of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, complemented by notes of spice, licorice, and dark chocolate.

Palate: Well-structured with velvety tannins, offering a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of black fruits and subtle oak.

Ruby red dress with purple highlights. A great intensity nose with aromas of very ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberries) in perfect harmony with discreet toasted and buttery notes. In the mouth, the tasty texture provides immense pleasure and recalls a perfect maturity in an early vintage. A “classic” Médoc style with racy tannins and a structure revealing elegance in attack, smoothness in the middle of the mouth and power at the end of the mouth.

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

Mike Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated Paris Tasting of 1976. This historic tasting gave the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, first place as the finest white wine in the world. After this solid recognition, he started Grgich Hills winery in Rutherford Hills. 2023 marks the 100th birthday of this iconic producer who is a legend in Napa Valley. This Cabernet offers black currant and ripe black cherries, followed by forest floor and bay leaf and vanilla undertones. Bright acidity, and youthful tannins are evident; no doubt this wine has the ability to age.

Nose of jammy blueberry, red cherry and pepper. Lively acidity and structure give this wine a full mouthfeel with notes of raspberry, mineral and dark chocolate with a lingering finish. SR (11/22)

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.

Wine Spectator
"A compelling blend that marries deep structure with richness and polish. Features accents of black cherry, grilled anise and smoked pepper, with refined tannins on the finish."

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

Chateau Margaux is one of the prestigious first growths, and the only one from the Margaux appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. In existence since 1500, the Ginestet family acquired the property about 1950, then purchased by the Mentzelopoulos in 1977 who still runs it to this day. The Chateau Margaux red blend is an assemblage of 90% Cabernet Sasuvignon, 7% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. A brilliant Bordeaux according to critics boasting powerful aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco, spices, violets and pencil shavings. The palate is elegant, yet complex and compelling. This vintage scored a perfect 100 points from several critics; one of several vintages of the decade to have scored this high. This will age for decades.

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.

" I loved the 2016 Château d'Issan and this is a certainly a wine to seek out. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot from yields of 55 hectoliters per hectare, aged 18 months in 50% new oak, it has a beautiful perfume of blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, etc.) as well as hints of graphite, subtle oak, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity, a terrific mid-palate, and perfect balance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to cruise in good cellars for 20-25 years or more. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine that's very much in the style of the vintage." -Jeb Dunnuck (2/2019)

97 points - Decanter

"The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. (AG) " --- Vinous (1/2019)

96 points - James Suckling

Bostavan Daos ZERO ALCOHOL is a non-alcoholic red wine (wine beverage) made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, known for its fruity profile with notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and red fruits. It is produced in Moldova's Valul lui Traian region.

Caymus-Suisun The Walking Fool is a smooth, full-bodied red blend, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from California's Suisun Valley, known for juicy red fruit (raspberry), espresso notes, earthy spice, and vanilla, with soft tannins and a balanced, lingering finish, perfect for rich foods like BBQ, charcuterie, or pizza. It's named after a Wagner family ancestor who walked miles daily, reflecting its character as a spirited yet grounded wine.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Domaine De Chevalier 2019 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The wine presents a red color with intense ruby highlights. On the nose, it is generous and balanced, offering slight tobacco aromas alongside blackcurrant, blackberry, and blueberry notes, complemented by hints of spice, vanilla, white pepper, and grilled nuts. The palate is elegant and rich, with generous black fruit hints, slight mocha and oak notes, silky tannins, and a round, structured body, providing good intensity and a long 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.