Critic tasting note: "This note continues to write itself every year, beginning with its electric, fresh, mineral, citrus opening, with notes of green fig and white pepper. The palate is tight and bone dry, with more herbal, floral, stony orange and grapefruit, with a tart, saline, mineral finish. It is an electric storm of flavours ready to take almost any fatty fish dish. There is super value here. (Anthony Gismondi)." - 89/100, Gismondi on Wine

The 2021 Les Pagodes de Cos is a strong effort, offering up aromas of cassis, charcoal, dark berries and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, sweet and fleshy palate that's quite rich and extracted, concluding with a saline finish. It's a blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 2025 - 2035

Gerard Bertrand is an icon for wines of Southern France. In 1975 in the vineyards of Corbieres that Gerard Bertrand found his passion for wine. Learning under his father Georges, Gerard is the third generation of family winemakers and is now working alongside the fourth generation, Emma & Mathias. Owning several ‘Chateaux’ and ‘Domaine’, Bertrand is continuing to develop his vision and diversity of Languedoc wines. Unbeknownst to many, Piquepoul is one of Languedoc's most famous grape varieties. This limestone terroir bordering the Mediterranean Sea produces a fresh, dry white wine. If you’re looking for a zesty white wine, look no further. The nose delivers a gourmet bouquet with notes of citrus and hawthorn. The palate is fresh and zingy, with fine lemony flavors and an invigorating finish. Pair with shellfish or whitefish.

Crimson and pink flashes against a plummy red base. Aromatics of currant pastries, woody spice’s, and
manuka leaf, leading to notes of forest undergrowth and florals. Moderate fruit sweetness, fine tannin and
restrained volume allow savoury elements to splice evenly into the tart red fruit. A very enjoyable aromatic
pinot noir, with good fruit density.

Label story: "When I was a youngster growing up in Rawsonville I would hike up the mountain with a few friends to a swimming spot that we discovered, to reach this pool where we had to jump off a 5m cliff. When it was my turn to jump, hesitation would creep in and taking that leap seemed impossible. With my friends cheering me on and reminding me that I can do it, I would take a deep breath and jump. Those few seconds in the air are indescribable! Shouting GERONIMO! at the top of your lungs. This wine reminds us of that leap we took starting this big venture of ours, with friends cheering and helping us, and making us realise that we can do it. This is referenced by the leaping boy in the top left hand corner. The label also shows a piece of our South African heritage in the form of the postage stamp depicting the South African national fish, the Galjoen."

In a deep crimson hue, this wine exudes lifted aromas of fresh dark chocolate, mocha, dark cherry, blackberry, and panforte, accompanied by subtle notes of liquorice and aniseed. On the palate, it offers a superb balance with abundant dark chocolate and blackberry fruits, supported by firm graphite tannins and a rich mid-palate. Well-integrated mocha and espresso oak notes add depth, leading to a long, chocolaty finish. This expressive wine showcases fruit complexity, oak integration, and density, making it a brilliant successor to the esteemed 2018 vintage. Comprising 97% Shiraz and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was matured for 19 months in 100% new American Hogsheads across Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, and Clare Valley. Best enjoyed from 2028 to 2060.

Crafted exclusively in exceptional vintages, Solana emerges from a terroir renowned for its unparalleled microclimate and soil composition, situated at an elevation of 500-600 meters above sea level. Born from a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah grapes propagated through mass selection, Solana embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, undergoing a 40-day maceration period. Following an initial decantation, the wine undergoes refinement in stainless steel tanks before transitioning to first-pass oak barrels, known as "heart selection," representing the pinnacle of wood quality. Aging in barrels extends for 12 months, culminating in bottle refinement until reaching peak maturity. In the glass, Solana reveals an intense red hue with purple undertones. The aroma exudes elegance, characterized by persistent mineral, balsamic, floral, and fruity nuances, including jam and blackberry, intertwined with spicy and cocoa notes from wood aging. On the palate, it offers a broad yet balanced profile, supported by well-integrated acidity and pronounced flavors of prune, vanilla, and chocolate. The finish is enduring, accentuating the wine's soft tannins and leaving a lasting impression.

Critic tasting note: "Generous, deep, black-fruit flavors are wrapped in a warm blanket of velvety tannins in this dark, concentrated wine while cocoa, graphite and mint nuances animate the aroma and stick around through the lingering finish. It's elegant and balanced despite its powerful intensity. " - 95/100, Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of fragrant blue flowers mingle with perfumed berries and roasted coffee bean in this plush red. The supple palate reflects the nose, offering fleshy black cherry, star anise and espresso alongside velvety, fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2028. Kerin O’Keefe" - 92/100, Wine Enthusiast

Cinsault, a historic yet underappreciated grape variety in South Africa, showcases its unique charm in this wine. Departing from the weightier profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Cinsault offers a lighter, fresher style bursting with vibrant berry flavors. Soft, powdery tannins add to the wine's appeal, balancing the savoury earthiness and leading to a finish marked by lingering spice and unexpected complexity. This wine is a testament to the diversity and potential of South African winemaking.

On the nose, hot, meaty, umami aromas hold court, but dark fruit and a sanguine, tangy metallic component prevent those notes of smoke, pepper and tar from becoming overpowering. Undertones of vanilla and chocolate lift the fruit on the palate, but unyielding tannins and energetic acid ensure the spicy earthiness endures.

Colour ,dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Aroma ,aged wood nuances, tobacco, sweet spices, ripe fruit, black fruit, toasty. Flavour ,spicy, round tannins, long.

The rose petal and cherry character really come through. Full body, layered and spicy. Orange peel. Flavorful finish. Shows structure and intensity. I love the texture.

Aromas of exotic spice, vanilla, plum and oak characterize this concentrated Brunello. The palate offers dark berry, coconut, toasted oak and dried sage alongside assertive tannins that leave a drying finish

Plush and softly textured, this modern expression of Brunello boasts generous tones of black fruit, cherry, tobacco, leather and cola with smooth, silky tannins. You could age this wine many more years, or drink it sooner thanks to the inherent softness here.

Aromas suggesting scorched earth and French oak form the shy nose along with a whiff of dried botanical herb. Reflecting the aromas and the heat of the scorching vintage, the subdued, one-dimensional palate offers toasted hazelnut, espresso and the merest hint of dried cherry. It's evolving fast, so drink soon to capture what fruit remains.

The nose is fruity and offers a slight freshness as well as a small crunchiness. It reveals notes of apple, crunchy peach and small notes of white flowers associated with touches of citrus, exotic fruits as well as slight hints of gunflint. The palate is fruity, juicy, well-balanced and offers a beautiful acid frame, a slight roundness, a good definition, a very fine fleshiness, suavity as well as a slight unctuosity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy peach, fleshy / juicy apple and small notes of lemon, tangerine associated with slight touches of zest, gunflint and discreet hints of vanilla.

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.

A deep golden yellow color, the nose is expressive with notes of fresh breadcrumbs, a touch of toast and butter, and a hint of minerality. Full-bodied and unctuous on the palate. A great Chardonnay, rich, mineral and well-balanced, playing in the same league as its illustrious neighbors Chassagne and Puligny!

Bordering on the presitigious Vosne-Romanee appellation, pinot noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges offers both power and elegance in the glass. The deep clay-limestone soil creates an elegant, velvety and fresh wine with aniseed aromas and an explosion of juicy red fruits on the long and intense palate.

Concentrated fruit ripeness gives this wine a soft, plushy quality that contrasts—and complements—the firm, chalky tannins. Find notes of red cherry, pomegranate, wet stone and river water with well-integrated oak tones.

Notes of mulled purple plum, blueberry, rhubarb and rose mingle with wild thyme on the nose. The palate boasts a deep core of blackberries, black cherries, a touch of blood orange, rhubarb and a deep crush of violets. Persistent youthful tannins are balanced by brisk acidity and beautifully frame its concentrated fruit profile.

A delicious purity of fruit flavors gives an almost-sweet quality to this velvety, concentrated and polished wine. Ultraripe blueberries and raspberries ride fine-grained tannins and a full body.

On the glass, a pale salmon colour with an amber hue appears. On the nose, hints of flint, chalk and sea minerals are supported by suggestions of blood orange and strawberry. On the palate, notes fresh guava and green apples are brightened by a lively structure and a saline finish. Elegant and utterly refreshing.

Bolgheri in Italy’s Tuscan coast evokes our minds to the famous Super-Tuscans. Powerhouse families and wines have emerged from this region to make their place onto store shelves and personal wine cellars. The Ornellaia estate was established in 1981 by the Frescobaldis, one of the three most ancient families of Italy. The quest for excellence came quickly with the first bottle of Ornellaia coming in 1985. Winemakers for over 700 years, the Frescobaldi family bring together a creative mindset, pursuit of excellence and a deep respect for tradition.  

The Vendemmia d’Artista project features a prominent artist designing a label for each vintage of Ornellaia.  Every 6-pack wooden case will feature one bottle from this project. 

The Ornellaia is pricey, yet collectible and ageable. The second label of Le Serre Nuove is no slouch and the Le Volte holds its own for quality. Add any of these wines to your collection, and you won’t be disappointed.

Like all famous Bordeaux Chateaux, Super- Tuscans can also lay claim to a “second wine” of their more famous elder sibling. This proud “second vin” to Ornellaia is made from the same grape varieties, under the same sky and always using the same philosophy. Made with 44% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot, the  vintage delivers an aromatic expression of ripe red fruit; smooth and round with an easy to drink elegance, yet still with the ability to age. Drink from now until 2032.

White grapefruit, citrus, and hints of crushed mint all emerge from the 2017 Le Blanc Sec De Suduiraut. This juicy, racy, lively dry white has medium-bodied richness, a touch of minerality, terrific purity and a great finish. It should drink nicely for over a decade.

Beautifully made wine with notes of yellow fruits, honey, wild flowers, quince. Sweet and rich, precise and well defined with a lingering finish.

On the palate, the wine delivers an exquisite combination of ripe and overripe fruit character. It charms with the presence of luscious stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots, along with a subtle touch of sweet fruits and honey that add a delightful richness.

This first collection case contains unique bottles sealed with wax, direct from the Château, and includes: 1988, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2008 vintages

Red fruits with very fresh red sparkles. Amazing tannin in such a young wine. Intensity and delicacy, endless freshness, silky and alive, full and caressing. Cocoa is seasoned with a delicate black fruit liqueur and notes of pink pepper.

Lovely dark garnet color with a beautiful shine. Good aromatic intensity. The nose is very fresh with notes of small red and black fruits on a mineral and smoky background (marl limestone). Well delineated, fresh and fruity on the palate. Good structure and balance, the tannins are present but fine. Persistent finish ending on the fruitiness and mineral freshness.

A blend of 44.7% Merlot and 55.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.3%. It rolls effortlessly out of the glass with seducing notes of warm black plums, black cherry compote and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of lavender, crushed rocks and underbrush with a hint of sassafras. The medium bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, offering lots of soft spoken black fruit and earthy layers with a soft texture and seamless acidity, finishing with a spicy kick.

Critic tasting note: "This blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc is ripe and yeasty. It has perfumed fruit, although the fruit is ensconced in a bitter, nutty character. The acidity is intense, giving freshness at the end."

Lantides Estate is a family winery that was established in 1993 with a goal to promote quality wines of Greece. Owner Lantides Panikos has 70ha of his own vineyards and grows not just international grape varieties, but local grapes like Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero, Asyrtiko and Malagouzia. Little Ark is a project dedicated to promote quality vineyards of Greece using the best indigenous varieties. This rose is made with 100% Moschofilero and has elegant aromas of strawberries, cherries, tangerine and floral nuances. The palate is rich in the mouth with just enough sweetness to highlight the cherry fruit while toffee and jasmine remain in the long finish.