£30 or more

An extra degree of alcohol compared to it's younger sibling, and a bit richer too. Complex and ripe with a hint of carefully judged touch of new oak. Mineral soaked, thoroughly delicious and a properly serious red wine.

Country: Italy

Region: Valtellina, Lombardia

Grape: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Intense nose, full of beautiful ripe fruit. Bold, mature and elegant, with excellent tannin structure and length. Very complex.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Grapes: Merlot: 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon: 17%, Cabernet Franc: 16%, Petit Verdot: 7%

ABV: 14.5%

Food match: Game meat and wild mushrooms

“Brda” by Kristian Keber is an intense, articulated and deep orange wine that represents the traditions and the typical grape type from the homonyn area in Slovenia. It is born from a maceration on the skins for 12 days, a spontaneous fermentation and an aging for 2 years in big oak barrels. Mediterranean scents of herbs, fruits and flowers are enriched by mineral and salty notes, with a long persistence. A Deep and brooding wine with marmalade and saffron notes.

Country: Slovenia

Region: Brda

Grapes: Ribolla Gialla,  Friulano,  Malvasia Istriana

ABV: 13%

Dry, clean and minerally with lemony cream richness. Perfectly balanced and poised.

Country: Germany

Region: Baden

Grapes: Chardonnay

ABV:13%

Troken

Wonderful accompaniment to shellfish or Tuna steak.

Concentrated, dark, violet colour. A stunning red that shows all the character of Carmenere with notes of blueberries, wild strawberries and notes of cedar wood and violets. The palate is fruity, silky and tasty. Delicate acidity with sweet spice tannins. Very fruity and long finish.

Country: Chile

Region: Cachapoal Valley

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Food Matches: Rump steak with gratin dauphinoise

Bracing aromas of red currants, blue berries and violets to start, further opening with time to reveal tones of cassis and wet slate. The palate enters focused and seamless, laced with tensile black and blue fruit tannin and extreme poise and persistence.

Country: Australia

Region: Margaret River, Western Australia

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Food Match: Rump steak

Aromas of crushed, black fruit, damson, mint, oak and mocha. Rich, almost succulent black fruit which has great purity and exuberance. Impressive concentration and elegance.

 Country: France

Region: Pomerol. Bordeaux

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5%

This is serious Albariño for sure - kept in tank for almost 8 years, but fresh as a daisy, showing no oxidation. Gooseberries and flint on the nose and palate reminiscent of top notch Sancerre. This is a very special wine! 

Country: Spain

Region: Rias Baixas

Grapes: Albariño

ABV: 13%

Selección de Añada continues to be the most celebrated white wine of Rias Baixas, if not all of Spain, demonstrating extraordinary quality, specifically from the area of Salnés. A wine whose release is eagerly anticipated each year and popularity only intensifies with the confidence of Pazo Señorans and global demand for Albariño at an all-time high.

96 points, Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate.

I think the 2014 Albariño Selección de Añada could be the finest vintage of this characterful long-aging Albariño, from a year with a more moderate 13% alcohol and very high acidity (and low pH) that make the wine fresher and more vibrant. It is developing very slowly and showing quite young after it spent over 30 months with lees in 1,500- and 3,000-liter stainless steel tanks. It has a pale color and an elegant nose with notes of freshly cut grass, white flowers and wet granite. The palate is vibrant with effervescent acidity, and it has a long, dry and tasty finish with an austere sensation, far away from the tropical notes of some past vintages. This is superb and should continue developing nicely in bottle. Bravo! It wasn't bottled until April 2023.

A bold and grand red from 2017. Rich, smooth, velvety and appealing, this is a wine from old vines (Vinhas Velhas) grown in the heart of the Douro.

Country: Portugal

Region: Douro

Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão

LABV: 13%

Located near Pinhão, on the right bank of the Douro river, Quinta da Boavista has an extraordinary view over the river. It is one of the most iconic estates in the demarcated region, known not only for its historical connection with the Baron of Forrester, but also for its 36 hectares of high-quality vines.
The grapes for the Reserva wines come from vines of different ages, altitudes and exposure to sun and reflect the diversity of this Quinta.

A nose of raspberry, cranberry, black liquorice, and exotic tea notes. The palate has red cherry, plum, and boysenberry, subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpin notes
of spice and toast. Firm yet integrated tannins and bright acidity drives a long finish.

Country: USA

Region: Sonoma County, California

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Swartskaap (‘black sheep’).

Country: South Africa

Region: Hemel en Aarde

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5

You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s
famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In
1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing
letters to the locals easier.

150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding
wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof (they produce
90% of WO Sondagskloof wine), which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for
South Africa’s coolest wine growing region. This area is perfectly suited to Bordeaux
varietals and, with the exception of Shiraz, is exclusively planted with them.
The Afrikaans wine names might look like a bit of a mouthful, but they are good fun;
Bloos (‘blush’), Kaalvoet Meisie (‘barefoot girl’), Kat Met Die Houtbeen (‘cat with the
wooden leg’), Posmeester (‘postmaster’), Kleinboet (‘little brother’) and Swartskaap
(‘black sheep’).

Subtle, lifted, fragrant black pepper, blueberry and rose petal nose with ripe cherry and plum fruit characters. The palate has a beautiful silky texture with fresh red berry fruit and a fine savoury tannin finish. Drinking well now and for the next 10-15 years.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland,

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Syrah

The Syrah grapes come mainly from the Porseleinberg vineyard - one of the best sites in the world to grow the variety. Renowned winemaker and viticulturalist Callie Louw farms the land. The 'brutal' soils (according to winemaker Marc Kent) are made up of Mica and Schist. 10% of the grapes are from the Goldmine vineyard which has brown schist soil.

Tim Atkin MW

97 points. Given that 90% of its raw material comes from Porseleinberg - the other 10% comes from Boekenhoutskloof's Roundstone property - it's no surprise that this is such an impressive Syrah. Fermented with 65% whole bunches, it combines fynbos, lavender and Asian spice aromas with a palate of white pepper, barbecued meat, oregano and blackberry framed by sappy, granular tannins. World class. 2025-35.



James Suckling

94 points. Lovely fragrance with thyme, cracked pepper, iron, coriander and black berry fruit. Medium-bodied, peppery and compact, with vibrant acidity and a focused finish. Long and persistent. Drink or hold.



Neal Martin – Vinous.

93+ The 2021 Syrah was picked later than the 2020. It contains more whole bunches than prior vintages (65%) and matured for 18 months, 90% in Stockinger foudre and Stockinger demi-muids. This is quite concentrated on the nose with dark berry fruit, bay leaf and white pepper, perhaps less floral than some of its peers. The aromatics feel tightly coiled at the moment. The palate is smooth and harmonious on the entry, with a fine structure. It is compact at the moment with cracked black and white pepper and garrigues notes flourishing toward the persistent finish. Much more backward than expected. I would cellar this for three to five years before cracking open as it’s a serious Syrah.

16%

The ‘Aperitif’ of the Maison Montanaro originated a secret recipe studied and put into practice by our Master Distiller. In fact, this allows us to have a bright red tones without using chemical dyes, only natural plant extracts such as red apple, radish, cherry, carrot and sweet potato are used. The balance and unmistakable taste is given by citrus essences, herbs and natural aromas.

It is a Typical Italian aperitif perfect for after work, hence the name 6 p.m., in combination with the Vermouth Rosso Montanaro for a classic cocktail typical of the 1970s. Excellent on the rocks with soda.

A sophisticated, food driven wine, entirely fermented and aged in large french oak barrels. This wine is both rich and exotic while being full bodied and elegant. Red berry aromas with toasty hazelnut notes, ripe pineapple and ginger notes on the palate , with hints of black liquorice , juicy with suave finish.

Country: France

Region: Provence

Grapes: Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah

ABV: 14%

This property has historical importance, being farmed by a pioneering family of the wine industry in the Uco Valley. The Italian José Zingaretti immigrated to Argentina at the beginning of the 20 th century, bringing along his knowledge of vine growing and winemaking from his homeland. He was one of the first settlers of Tupungato, which at the time was a remote and nearly inaccessible area. This wine comes from vines of more than 80 years old. Aged for 18 months in a combination of new, second and third use French oak barrels. 50% of the wine underwent full malolactic and 50% partial. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 400 cases made. Drinking beautifully now or hold for up to 6 years.

Stunning old-vine chardonnay shows beautiful density and concentration Precise with a round, creamy texture. It’s full- bodied, refined, soft and fluffy. Fresh and bright. Intense, yet subtle with notes of pear and cherry blossom. Wonderful white with unique character.

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Chardonnay

After visiting Argentina in 1989, Californian trail-blazer Paul Hobbs became deeply interested in both the terroir and Argentine culture, noticing the unique potential for Malbec and other varietals in the region. After meeting two kindred spirits, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud, they founded Viña Cobos in 1997 and since then there has been no looking back. Utilising gnarly old vines, careful vineyard selection, very low yields and an unerring empathy for the raw materials, Viña Cobos craft intense yet balanced wines that showcase the elegance and beauty of this region. The wines from Cobos have branched into four different brands – Felino, Bramare appellation, Bramare Single Vineyard and the super premium Cobos. Binding all of the wines from Viña Cobos is the true identity of each variety and the unique terroir of Mendoza, truly world class wines from a world class producer.

Estate wine, made exclusively from grapes grown on the Château d'Esclans estate in the chateau's own vineyards. Fruity and soft with lovely vanilla notes. Refined and elegant, this Château d’Esclans Rosé is a rare gem with a smooth and creamy texture that is rich and long on the palate.  Stainless steel and barrel fermentation, give it a unique cross between freshness and complexity.

Country: France

Region: Provence

Grapes: Grenache, Vermentino

ABV: 13%

A complex wine with lovely toasty notes and aromas of hazelnuts and savoury buttery characters. The palate has more lovely toasty complexity, hazelnuts and cooking apples. This wine is still fresh balanced with tight, nutty acidic structure and good length.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Grapes: Chardonnay

ABV: 14%

Vegan/ Vegetarian

Carema is high on the northern border of the alpine region Aosta in northern Piedmont. It is made of Nebbiolo grown on glacial soil in this high altitude region which creates powerful, perfumed wines with delicate fruit. 

Luigi Ferrando's Carema white label, the Nebbiolo is fermented in steel tanks with a 10 day maceration. The wine then spends 30 months in oak barrels. 

Elegant, spicy, fruity notes with fine  aromas of dried flowers and roses. On the palate it has a round, tannic mouthfeel with warmth and minerals on the finish. 

Country: Italy

Region: Alto Piedmont

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Juicy, bitter cherry and ripe blackberry explosion from the Spanish Montsant region which surrounds Priorat. From very old bush vines which gives the wine great concentration and complexity.

“Cabrida 2018 is a beauty. I love it! A seductive red fruited cocktail combined with attractive floral and herby notes, simply put your nose in the glass and smell it! It’s like an essence.

This wine surprises and convinces by its finesse, complexity and elegance.

Here you find the perfect balance of structure and power, pure refined, understatement.  Precise, subtle and defined. First you get ripe tannins, then crisp and lively acidity which lifts up the 100% Garnacha fruit from 85-110 years old vines. There are blockbusters on one side and wines like Cabrida on the other”. Winemaker Jürgen Wagner

Country: Spain

Region: Montsant

Grapes:Garnacha

ABV: 14.5%

Nestled in the rugged hills of the Catalan countryside, in the tiny village bearing its name, is the well-respected Celler de Capçanes. It was this wild Montsant landscape which first captivated Jürgen Wagner back in the early 90s, but the huge potential he recognised in this unique village co-operative that determined what followed. Pouring all his efforts into working with the growers to nurture the best from their vineyards and the most honest expressions of their terroir, Celler de Capçanes has established itself as one of the most engaging wineries in the area.

A stunning, focussed and polished red from highly accomplished winemaker Andres Vignoni at Viña Cobos. Full bodied, super concentrated, notes of sage and thyme.  Bold, elegant and refined. Drinking window now to at least 2035.

Country: Argentina

Region: Valle de Uco, Mendoza 

Vegan/Vegetarian

Grapes:  100% Malbec

ABV: 15% 

One of the distinctive features of this vineyard, located in the Los Árboles district of Valle de Uco, are the native forests of Chañar trees, preserved in a nature reserve for the indigenous species of flora and fauna in the region. This Estate is characterized by poor, yet free-draining, stony and alluvial soils. Combined with the favourable climatic conditions of the 2018 vintage, makes this an extraordinary wine indeed. Aged for 18 months in a combination of new and second use French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

After visiting Argentina in 1989, Californian trail-blazer Paul Hobbs became deeply interested in both the terroir and Argentine culture, noticing the unique potential for Malbec and other varietals in the region. After meeting two kindred spirits, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud, they founded Viña Cobos in 1997 and since then there has been no looking back.

An excellent vintage in the Southern Rhone, full-bodied and creamy-textured for the estate. Hints of wood char and roasted meat mark the nose, while the flavours of mocha and brown sugar carry through the plush, velvety finish.

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah,
Mourvedre

ABV: 14.%

The Petrus of Tuscany! Superb, silky, plummy Merlot of note. 
Ripe red plums and strawberries, lifted by roasted hazelnuts nuts, dried cranberries and a hint of cocoa.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: 100% Merlot

Juicy red and black fruits with some drier cedary streaks on the palate. A classy, complex wine with fantastic structure and long-lingering finish.

Country: France

Region: St Emilion

ABV: 14%

Grapes: 100% Merlot

Food Match: Roast beef and lamb, tasty farmhouse cheeses

Rich, round white Rhone Valley white, that benefits from a bit of bottle age or decanting if opening when young. A complex and  aromatic nose with aromas and flavours of lime, apricot and peaches with hints of acacia flower.

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: Clairette, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

Aromas of white flowers, mint, and ripe pear. A beautifully balanced white Burgundy showing great complexity and elegance. Sophisticated and vibrant, with a persistent finish that demonstrates the mineral intensity of the terroir. The vineyard's south-eastern exposure contributes to the wine's exceptional mineral qualities.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Chardonnay