Superstars

Ripe red cherries, blue berries, bramble, pencil shavings, tobacco, spice and cedar on the nose and palate. Complex and rich, will age nicely for at least another 5 years. If drinking now, do decant.

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux, Medoc

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

ABV: 13.5%

Aged for more than 2 years in durmast casks, this Brunello expresses the character and nobility of the hand-harvested grapes from the Vigna del Castello and the Vigna del Velo. From one of the most important vintages of the decade, great ageing potential is combined here with an already appealing drinkability, characteristic of the Tricerchi style. A beautifully poised Brunello from the exceptional 2021 vintage, with vibrant red cherry, raspberry and wild herbs alongside warm spice and earthy complexity. Fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins give the wine energy, balance and length, while savoury notes of tobacco and cedar add depth.

Country: Italy

Region: Montalcino, Tuscany

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese

The Castello Tricerchi Estate is situated on the northern side of Montalcino. Thirteen of the 400 hectares are covered with Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino vineyards. In the centre of the Estate stands the eponymous castle which was built in the
13th Century by the Altesi family and completed by the Tricerchi family in 1441; now it serves as both winery and home to their direct descendants, the Squarcia family.

Drinking Window 2026-2036

Made from very small quantities of selected grapes from a specific block on the Andreas estate. Intense, concentrated dark red colour with aromas of black ripe fruit and sweet spice. The palate is richly raisined with hints of charcoal and earthy minerality, softened with a hint of white pepper.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

ABV: 13.5%

Grape: Shiraz

Andreas Wine

Single vineyard 'Dardi le Rose' is on the hill of Bussia, one of the great Barolo crus. The vines are grown at 300-350 metres above sea level, with a south westerly exposure. A small percentage of the wine is aged in Slovenian and French oak. Tino Colla describes the 2016 as the most perfect vintage of his 50 year experience. This wine is just superb. Don't miss out on getting hold of some and drinking it this festive season.

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

Vegan.  It undergoes malolactic fermentation. In the spring the wine matures in casks of Slavonian and French oak, part new, for a period of 24 to 28 months.

It boasts an intense, dark ruby colour. The wine is made with wild yeast, undergoing spontaneous fermentation and aged for 12 months in barrels. A flagship blend of red varieties with an unexpectedly complex aroma of dried plum, blackcurrant, blackberry, and strawberry. This medium-bodied wine features a rich berry flavour and a lingering, warm aftertaste.

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir

Country: Ukraine

Region: Kyiv, Odesa

ABV: 14%

Food pairing: red meat dishes such as steaks, ribs, various types of ham, and smoked meats

"BIOLOGIST craft winery” from the Kyiv region creates unique and unmatched wines. They have rented vineyards in the Odesa region (the majority of nowadays wines are made from these grapes) and a 1.5-hectare vineyard in the Kyiv region, which is experimental and biodynamic.

Deep purple/red colour with an opaque core. On the nose it is rich with sweet red and black berry notes, some vanilla and sweet spice. On the palate it is much weightier than the nose suggests.  Very opulent, but elegant and balanced at the same time.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14%

Grape: Shiraz

Fresh and floral with red currant and raspberry hints. A very elegant and minerally example of this native Sicilian variety. Delicate, soft red fruits and a subtle garrigue-ness.

Country: Italy

Region: Etna, Sicily

Grapes: 100% Nerelo Mascalese

ABV: 14%

Supple, soft and juicy Pinotage that's just sooo easy drinking,,. Packed full of bright notes of red cherry, strawberry and ripe plums, with a subtle hint of spice and cedar on the finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 14%

A wonderfully complex and textured barrel fermented white Douro with a long, fresh and minerally finish. Made from four different indigenous grape varieties from very high altitude vineyards.

Country: Portugal

Region: Douro Valley

Grapes: 46% Rabigato, 29% Viosinho, 24% Gouveio,1% Fernão Pires

ABV: 12.5%

Food Matches: Great with seafood or fleshy pan fried white fish dishes.

Jamie Goode in Wine Anorak: 12.5% alcohol. A blend of local white varieties from Pedra Alta’s highest plots. Complex and nicely restrained with taut lemony fruit and some notes of pear and white peach. Lively and precise with good acidity and nice purity, this has the potential to develop with time, and it’s almost Burgundian in style. 94/100 

Iconic South African wine by South African Winemaker of the year 2020 Gottfried Mocke, one of the most innovative winemakers in South Africa.

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 to full 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%

From the true masters of Cape Cabernet - the benchmark Stellenbosch Cab. 

Red rocks and warm sand. The palate is initially firm but relents to a wine of great purity and subtlety with notes of tomato, cocoa powder, hazelnut chocolate and star anise. Overall, a heady concoction somehow assembled into a seamless red of phenomenal quality.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vegan. 72% New French Oak is used and after a year in barrel, the individual batches are blended to form the final wine and returned to barrel for another year. 72% New French Oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Matured in bottle for one year before release.

Le Riche Wine

A lovely blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, with 16% white grape varieties blended in too. Very juicy, very drinkable! Serve chilled - lots of strawberry juice, cherry and earthy notes too, blackcurrant leaf and pomegranate.

Country: South Africa

Region: Voor-Paardeberg, Swartland

 Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Pinot Noir and Pinotage, Palomino, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Chenin, Fernão Pires, Riesling, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

ABV: 13.5%

The 2019 vintage is dark, brooding and spicy and blood red in colour. The aromas are blueberry, cranberry and blackcurrant with black olives and a touch of cloves, these follow through to the palate with added cherries, plum and spice. There is also a note of black pepper and it finishes with a good level of acidity and fine integrated tannins. It is a well-balanced wine, mature and ready for drinking upon its release at 7 years of age and has excellent ageing potential.

Country: Lebanon

Region: Bekaa Valley

Grapes: An equal blend of Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan

ABV: 13.5%

Ripe red cherries, blue berries, bramble, pencil shavings, tobacco, spice and cedar on the nose and palate. Complex and rich, will age nicely for at least another 5 years.

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux, Medoc

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

ABV: 13.5%

Made only from a selection of the best grapes from organic vineyards. A rich and complex Rioja with a true sense of place; a serious and sophisticated wine that ages fantastically.

Country: Spain 

Region: Rioja Alavesa

Grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Maturana, Graciano andMerlot

ABV: 14%

Concentrated black and red berry fruit on the nose with a hint of herbs and fynbos. Other aromas and flavours include tomato leaf, black currant, cocoa powder, milk chocolate and sweet spice. The tannins are ripe and balanced.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5%

Iconic South African wine by Marc Kent, one of the most innovative winemakers in South Africa. 

An earthy, rustic nose gives up aromas of leather, earth and spices over a backdrop of blackcurrant and ripe raspberry fruit. Harmonious and powerful on the palate, with a cocoa and pepper complexity. Most at home with spice-rubbed steaks, roast rib of beef, or game dishes.

Country: South Africa

Region: Franschhoek, Swartland

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cinsault, 1% Viognier

Vigna Bufaleffj is a single vineyard in the area of Pachino, planted only with Nero d'Avola vine, trained in the Alberello system. A very special vintage of this Sicilian native variety, from a very highly regarded producer. Warming and complex.

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Grapes: Nero D'avola

ABV: 14.5%

Food match: Slow roast leg of lamb with rosemary, game or mature hard cheese

Saperavi is often compared to Malbec, Cabernet Franc and even Gamay depending on how it is made. This is dark, juicy and fresh, dee black in colour, rich and full but finishes really freshly with a gentle grip. Delicious.

Country: Georgia

Region: Kakheti

Grapes: Saperavi

ABV: 13%

Food Pairing:  Sausage caserole, a juicy burger and barbecued meats.

Vegan

Read all about Penny's recent trip to the cradle of wine, Georgia in her blog here.

Silky and elegant Rhone red. Drinking beautifully now.

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: Syrah

ABV: 14% 

2024 was a challenging vintage in the UK, but despite the tricky growing conditions this lovely red is showing notes of crunchy red fruits like cranberries and currants and has a long, fresh red berry finish. A wonderful English red!

Country: England

Region: Essex

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 12%

From the Elgin region, South Africa's coolest and best areas for white wine making. 

Stylish and Burgundian with lime and lemon undertones. Bright citrus, oyster shell minerality, and a hint of almonds and biscuit brioche on the finish. Beautiful floral notes and bright fresh acidity persist. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Elgin

ABV: 13%

Grapes: Chardonnay

In early 1997, Andrew Gunn, an engineer by training was contemplating his next career move. Having always loved the outdoors, the prospect of farming appealed to him and feeling young and energetic enough to start a new career, left the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg to begin the search for the ‘perfect’ farm.

After months of searching and 40 farm visits later, Andrew and a very tired estate agent stumbled upon a solitary run down apple farm on a mountain top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The prospect of a suitable farm in Elgin intrigued Andrew and on driving through the valley, he became excited by the beauty of the area. Surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere and Forestry the property had no agricultural neighbours. The rolling hills and the drive up the mountain to where the farm was situated, 420 meters above sea level, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was unlike anything he had ever seen. It was love at first sight.

As he drove in and stopped in front of a rather run down Herbert Baker homestead, he felt, “this is where I would like to live”, and the view from the front of the house overlooking the Elgin Valley below, made up his mind.

Gorgeous, ripe white peach and lime with subtle toasted hazelnut characters. The palate is rich, textural and layered with a long, mineral finish. 

Country: Australia

Region: Tasmania

Grapes: Chardonnay

ABV: 13.5%

Super Tuscan in name..super in taste...the wine Superman would drink (if he was real..!) 

Aromas and flavours of berries, plums, liquorice and warm spice. A velvety mouthfeel and generous finish.

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.