Bold Reds

See how the Aussies can do a Malbec - care needed as like most things Australian, at 15% ABV - it bites!-----

Classically textured, violet in hue with an exotically perfumed nose. 

Country: Australia

Region: Western Australia

ABV: 15%

Grapes:  100% Malbec

Vegan/Vegetarian

We and seemingly, most of our customers love this wine to bits!

Intense ruby red turning to garnet with ageing. Bouquet is spicy with hints of cherry, black cherry and plum compote. Fine and velvety palate, persistent, with soft tannins at the end. 

Country: Italy

Region: Veneto

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes:  Corvinone 40%, Corvina 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%

Vegan/Vegetarian

The Biscardo Family have been making wine from their base in Soave for over 150 years and the operations are currently led by brothers Maurizio and Martino Biscardo. Renowned for their Proseccos and Corvina based reds in particular, they are also involved in a fascinating project in Puglia. During the course of Maurizio's long and illustrious career, he has consulted for well known wineries around Italy and in doing so he came across the vineyards that provide the grapes for their Puglian wines. Both the Pugliese and Veneto wines are characterised by a dangerous drinkability, aromatic purity and exceptional value for money

An attractively fruity Shiraz in a cooler climate style.

Concentrated mulberry and black pepper notes with soft, plummy fruit flavours and smooth tannins.

Country: Australia

Region: McLaren Vale

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  100% Shiraz

Food Match:  Grilled lamb chops

Vegan/Vegetarian

Quintessentially Australian, this is hugely appealing and has gained a loyal following. Reflecting our skill and experience in seeking out the very best of regional Australia, this wine captures ideal climatic conditions and pure varietal definition.

Deep, dark purple colour. Yummy aromas of ripe black fruits, violets and subtle vanilla. On the palate, an enticing, sweet entry leads to a complex wine, with soft round tannins.

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Grapes: Malbec

ABV: 14%

The original home of Malbec - Cahors in France. Argentina is the young upstart trying to take this regions crown! 

Intense berry fruit with plum, blackberry and lots of spice. Vanilla and soft oak as well as violets and a potpourri character add complexity, which is balanced by gentle tannins.

Country: France

Region: Cahors

ABV: 13%

Grapes: 85% Malbec, 15% Merlot

A South African Shiraz packed pull of delicious flavours. 

A ripe, juicy Shiraz packed with dark fruit flavours and black pepper

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 13%

Grapes:  Shiraz

The coastal region of South Africa is renowned for its fine and expressive fruit. Produced from only free-­run juice and fermented on skins in stainless steel tanks. The wine is left on the lees for an extended period for greater palate weight and mouthfeel.

Wild berry and smoky notes are deftly handled at Henry of Pelham, where this variety has become their recognised flagship red wine. Deep ruby colour with hints of purple; blackberry and plum aromas with coffee, cedar and smoky notes. Dry and full-bodied with pronounced black cherry flavours lingering on a smoky finish.

Country: Canada

Region: Niagara Peninsula

Grapes: Baco Noir

ABV: 13.5%

Baco Noir's origins go back to 1894, when French grape creator François Baco crossed Folle Blanche with an unknown member of the American Vitis riparia family.

His intention was to create phylloxera-resistant vines that retained their Old World French character. At one time Baco Noir was grown in Burgundy and the Loire, but it was gradually phased out of the Old World and has since become one of North America's more successful hybrids.

The star Malbec of our recent Malbec World Day virtual tasting! Deep, dark purple-red colour. Expressive aromas with notes of ripe black fruits, violets, laced, with subtle vanilla. On the palate, an enticing, sweet entry leads to a complex wine, with soft round tannins that are characteristic of the “Las Bayas” vineyard. Finishes long, juicy and lingering.

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Grapes: Malbec, Ancellotta

ABV:14%

A modern style Rioja Joven with juicy fruit driven characters of black cherry and raspberry combined with subtle sweet vanilla spice. Medium – bodied with a creamy smoothness leading into a fresh finish.

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Grapes: Tempranillo

ABV: 13%

Iconic South African wine by South African Winemaker of the year 2020 Gottfried Mocke, one of the most innovative winemakers in South Africa. Tim Atkin has rated this vintage 92 points in his latest South African report The 2019 wine is bigger and better than ever!

The nose is dark, intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit character of the nose follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and liquorice. The mid-palate is focused, lithe and elegant with very fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium bodied, very balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and black berries. The finish is svelte, clean and dry, peppery and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Syrah 71%; Grenache 11%; Cinsault 9%; Cabernet Sauvignon 8%; Viognier 1%

This is essentially a baby Supertuscan! An intense ruby red colour with hints of garnet. Combining strength, intensity and elegance, with soft tannins to give it a roundness in the mouth. Fruity nose with a sweet spiciness. Lively and balanced.

A collaboration between the people behind iconic Tuscan winery
Castellare di Castellina and leading French wine brand Domaines Barons
de Rothschild-Lafite.

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

Grapes: Sangiovese, Ruby Cabernet, Merlot

ABV: 13.5%

Argentina's famous Malbec, blended with the lesser known Bonarda grape variety, giving this wine a delightful twist of individuality compared to other Malbec wines.

Dark, damson and savoury overtones on the palate with a smoothly rounded finish – a delightful expression of a huge, brambly Malbec

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: 60% Malbec 40% Bonarda

Malbec needs no introduction, and has become as closely associated with Argentinian wine as Pepperoni is to Pizza! - well in my mind (and stomach) it is……! Bonarda on the other hand is a lesser known ‘ingredient’ of Argentina’s wines. More often thought of as a grape variety originating in the Piemonte region of Italy, however arguments abound about whether this grape variety in Argentina is actually the same as the Italian one. Who cares, unless you are studying for a doctorate in Ampelography (the study of grape vine identification). All we care about is that it makes delicious wines and when combined with Malbec it offers a uniquely Argentine experience.

We ululate with joy at having this in stock once again! Exuding rich mocha aromas with red fruit & cherry. The palate shows distinct characters of coffee & chocolate, which is balanced with smooth velvety tannins & a lingering after taste.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 14%

A vibrant red wine with aromas of dark cherry, rich red forest fruits and floral notes of lavender and violet. The palate has hints of white truffle, hazelnut, and warm spices with glimpses of anise and clove, rounded off with herbaceous undertones. The finish is gripping, velvety and lingering.

Country: Lebanon

Region: Mount Lebanon and Bekaa Valley

Grapes: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache & Mourvèdre

ABV: 13.5%

Produced at the historic Monastery of St Jean, whose building dates back to 1696. 75% of the grapes are from the Monastery’s own vineyards in Khenshara & Ajaltoun at 1000m altitude on the Maritime side of Mount Lebanon. The remaining 25% is Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bekaa Valley.

A scrumptiously soft, juicy Shiraz simply oozing spicy bramble fruit. Supple and silky on the palate with a bright, red berry finish.

Country : South Africa

Region: Western Cape,  Paarl 

Grape: Shiraz

ABV : 14.50% 

The iconic Aloe Tree image is sure to be familiar to anyone who has traveled widely through the Cape and is an important part of the biodiversity which South Africa is famous for.

The characteristic silhouette provides a backdrop to one of the most spectacular wine regions in the world where wines grow in harmony with the thousands of plant species that make up the Cape Floral Kingdom

A full bodied Zinfandel, packed with damson fruit flavours with a twist of black pepper.-----

Wonderfully balanced with a persistent finish

Country: USA

Region: California

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  100% Zinfandel

Food Match:  Homemade burger or spicy sausage casserole

In the vineyard:  The grapes are selected from old vine Zinfandel vineyards in the Lodi region of central California. Vinified in stainless steel tanks and a little oak ageing, it’s an intensely satisfying wine. 

A deep dense blockbuster from 40+ year old vines. 

This Malbec is possibly even juicier, freshier and tastier still!. Bright on the nose with ripe blackberry plum fruit and sweet spice. The palate is silky and warming with more black fruit and cherries. The wine is vibrant with an alluring blend of fruit along with clove, pepper and cinnamon spice finished off with well-structured integrated tannins. A great wine with a fresh finish.

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 13%

Grapes: Malbec

One of the top 10 most sought after Tucan wines.

An intense red - floral and dark fruit notes, well-balanced with a ripe and explosive finish. Stunning. 

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

The winemaker from Baron Rothschild-Lafite, Christian Le Somme, visits once a month and, by working closely with Alessandro Cellai (from Castellare di Castellina) they are able to maintain the essential Italian character of Tuscany, through the plantings of Sangiovese combined with the power and mid-palate weight of Cabernet and Merlot.

Situated between Gavorrano and Ribolla in the rossetto province in Maremma, the soils have similar characteristics to those of Chianti and Montalcino, but with slightly higher temperatures, so are able to reach maturation earlier compared to those territories further north. The winery was designed by the Shard's architect, Renzo Piano, one of the most admired architects in the world, and named in Time Magazine’s Top 10 most influential people working in the Arts.

It has the biggest barrel room in the world, with only 20% of the winery above ground. The winery runs completely on environmental principles: electricity powered by solar panels and gravity-led production, and the underground barrel cellar allows natural air conditioning and saves energy.

From the true masters of Cape Cabernet - the benchmark Stellenbosch Cab. 2015 was the winner of platter 5* best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa.

This is the only red wine produced by Le Riche that is not 100% Cabernet. A reincarnation of Le Riche's classic Cab Merlot blend, this is an exceptionally lovely, classically Bordelaise blend. Restrained but appealing on the nose with typical red fruit aromas of plum, cherries and milled pepper are balanced by an aroma of finely ground graphite found in Left Bank Bordeaux. The palate is a masterpiece of blending - hugely appealing with juicy mouth-filling flavours of red berries, plums and smoky hints balanced with a fine, soft tannic structure and rounded finish. Finely structured and phenomenally fine, Christo Le Riche has more than stepped into his father’s shoes!

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Petit Verdot

The backbone of the range, it’s a phenomenal expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon when it’s allowed a maritime influence, and it is this that sets it apart and marks it as truly Bordelaise. With carefully selected fruit from the cool gravelly slopes facing False Bay to the rich red granitic soils around Stellenbosch, the wine gains its complexity by expertly blending fruit from 4 specifically diverse terroirs. 

A top Malbec from one of Argentina’s most respected wineries. Full-bodied and richly flavoured Malbec at its best!-----

Full bodied with great concentration of vanilla, mocha, blackberries, sweet spices & cloves. The palate is rich and warming with notes of vanilla, black fruit, plums & cherries, as well as hints of leather. Enjoy with a juicy steak - just as they would in Argentina!

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 14%

Grapes:  Malbec

Nieto Senetiner has grown to become one of the leading stars of Mendoza. The vineyards and winery were developed in 1969 and continue to be extended and updated. Nieto have vineyards in virtually all of the best sub districts of Mendoza from which they produce typical and classic wines, characterised by the uniquely appealing balance of power and finesse that defines the best wines of Mendoza. The top wines come from very old vineyards in the famed subdistrict of Agrelo and are fully deserving of their iconic status

Tasted blind this could be confused with a top Chateauneuf du Pape - no kidding. This is boutique winemaking at it's best.

Intense Ruby Garnet in colour with an elegant nose expressing nutmeg, crushed black pepper, with subtle aniseed, ripe mulberry and dark chocolate. The palate has subtle smoky flavours, blackberries, plums and dark chocolate blending with dry ripe tannins showing a well balanced wine with silky smooth wood integration.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

ABV: 14.6%

Grape: Shiraz

Andreas only produce this wine - and they are good at it. The wine is aged for 18 months in French and American oak and bottle matured for another year.

Intense and rich with soft, sweet tannins. 

Country: Italy

Region: Puglia

Grapes: Negroamaro, Primitivo

ABV: 14.5%

Made with naturally dried grapes - this is the Appassimento method.

Deep ruby red, it has aromas of ripe blackberries, plums with a subtle spicy touch, all framed by an elegant touch of cedar from the well integrated oak ageing. Mature and juicy with subtle notes that give character to this classic Carmenère. Mature tannins give it structure and texture for a persistent finish.

Country: Chile

Region: Valle de Curicó

Grapes: Carmenere

ABV: 14%

Complex nose with hints of spice, chocolate and mocha. Good structure with plum and mineral complexity and a lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet, Petit Verdot & Malbec

ABV: 14.5%