Valpolicella Classico is a wine that tells the history of the region in its most unadorned form. “Elegant” is the adjective that best describes the character of the Rafaèl, a highly distinctive wine that is closely linked with the history of the Tommasi family. The family blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara has always stayed the same but in varying amounts according to vintage. Fifteen months of wood-aging complete a savoury wine with a rich bouquet, that is at once fresh and intense.  Tas

The second wine of Meerlust's flagship Rubicon wine, the Meerlust Red, due to weather vagaries and Meerlust’s exacting quality requirements is only produced where the vintage is deemed not quite worthy of their flagship red blend Rubicon. Therefore, in rare years, the collector’s Meerlust Red is produced but for a fraction of the price of the Rubicon. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged in French oak for 17 months, expect intense fresh red fruit combined w

This traditional method sparkling from J Vineyards comes from Sonoma's cool climate sub-AVA Russian River Valley. Started by Judy Jordan in 1994, J Vineyards is today headed by winemaker Nicole Hitchcock. Classic ripe red apple and lemon meringue flavours are joined by a rich, complex texture and wonderful ginger spice.  Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Wine Enthusiast "Richly layered in peach, brioche and vanilla cookie, this sparkler is made from 51% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 9% Pinot Meuni

Since the 1980s, Domaine Santa Duc has been a leading figure in the world of Gigondas wine, thanks to Yves Gras's visionary leadership, which garnered international acclaim and top ratings. They have consistently set the standard for quality and style, becoming a benchmark in the Southern Rhone's remarkable Crus. This dark ruby wine offers a complex, highly perfumed bouquet with ripe red and dark berry notes, spice, incense, and smoked meat hints. It delivers a suave blend of richness and energy

One of Italys most revered red wines, Amarone is a powerful and concentrated wine enhanced by the partial drying of the grapes before pressing. Carefully selected grapes are put in small plastic crates and dried in ventilated rooms for about three months. When they reach the perfect grade of dryness they are pressed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The fermentation lasts for about 30 days to develop the optimal level of alcohol. After a period in concrete tanks, whe

91 Points - Robert Parker. The Quinta do Crasto Superior Red Douro D.O.C. is a highly-rated red wine hailing from Portugal's Douro region. Skillfully blending the classical red grapes of Portugal, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz – it offers freshness and balance on both the nose and palate, along with a robust body, ripe firm tannins, and complex notes of dark berried fruits and cocoa that linger towards a long and elegant finish. Taste Deep violet colour. The nose offers aroma

"Francesco Montresor left a legal profession to take over the family estate, converting it from mixed agriculture to viticulture. The property, one of the oldest in Lugana, has 95ha in various plots in the Veronese part of the DOC, including vineyards directly overlooking Lake Garda. Creete is a toothsome late-picked, single-vineyard selection with a hint of tropical fruits and candied peel on the nose then a rich palate sustained by succulent acidity and a long, dry finish." Le Creete has aroma

94 Points - Winemag.co.za. Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive to the unique terroir. Donatus Red is a classical Bordeaux blend from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. Bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannin

95 Points - Greg Sherwood MW. Inspired by the world-renowned wines of the famed ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the vision of De Toren Z originated, followed by the maiden vintage release in 2004. The exact same quality, precision and winemaking philosophy that De Toren is so well known for, would be used to craft an equal for the Left-Bank, De Toren Fusion V. This complementary Right-Bank Bordeaux styled wine is today better known as the eminent, De Toren Z. Wine Press Ratings 95 Poin

94 Points (2021) Jancis Robinson - Awarded the highest "Tre Bicchieri" (3 Glasses) in Italy's Gambero Rosso in the 2021 edition of the book. Gavi is one of the most fashionable white regions in Italy and the Cortese grape is king. Bergaglio's Gavi di Gavi La Minaia from the sub-zone of Rovereto is 100% stainless steel fermented and left to rest in the bottle before being released. White peach and acacia aromatics, with soft honeyed richness, a cool mineral streak, beautifully balanced and fresh

Made in the 16th Century old property, the Planeta Cometa is made from some of the most beautiful southern Italian grapes, comparable with the great white wines of the world and the initial project of Planeta. Cometa is the very best expression in a unique and original way of the characteristics of this extraordinary vine. Intense and fruity aromas, its great structure and minerality today make it one of the most important white wines of southern Italy. Delicate aromas of camomile, hay, mango an

Rock Angel is partially barrel fermented in large oak barrels and made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). This rosé bears a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel bringing it into a more premium realm giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine that is fabulous as an aperitif or paired with a broad range of fine cuisine. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine. About the Producer Château d’Esclans is located on an exceptional site,

Orin Swift Palermo, a captivating blend with a core of Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrors Napa Valley's spirit, unfolding intense aromas of dark fruit and blackberry pie, leading to a velvety palate of black cherry, vanilla, and spice, all embraced by seamlessly integrated tannins, delivering a gratifying finish - making it your ideal companion for hearty delights like grilled steak or braised beef, sure to leave a lasting impression on your wine journey.   Tasting Note A brooding red core with a r

Orin Swift Machete, an iconic Californian red, artfully blends Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache from Napa and Sonoma, aged for 10 months in French oak for vanilla-spiced depth; and layer upon layer of complexity. A full-bodied lover's delight with dominant dark fruit aromas, raspberry-plum-chocolate flavours, medium tannins, and a smooth, lasting finish—perfectly paired with grilled meats, cheese, and charcuterie. Tasting Note A dark mauve core with a neon purple rim, the wine stains everything

Silver Medal - Wine GB. Blanc de Noirs 2015 is crafted exclusively from hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes grown at Roebuck Estates Roman Villa vineyard. After careful selection, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed and partially fermented in the finest French oak casks. A generous lees ageing for a minimum of 36 months gives this wine depth, complexity and richness. It is drinking well now but will undoubtedly, continue to improve with bottle age. It was a cold winter which vines tend to enjoy. Sprin

Bronze Medal - DWWA.The growing season started well in the spring with an early budburst followed by dry, sunny weather in May and June. The vines were able to bask in a long, relatively warm ripening period throughout the summer and autumn months. Picking commenced at the start of October and the grapes benefited from a longer than usual hangtime resulting in an excellent quality harvest. Wine Press Reviews Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 "Nicely restrained aromatic soft herbs an

91 Points / Silver Medal - DWWA. Quintessentially English, only the very best fruit grown at Roebuck's Sussex vineyards is carefully selected for the Classic Cuvée. Crafted from a harmonious blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, this wine displays wonderful notes of baked apples and stone fruits layered with a biscuity richness. The 2017 growing season started well in the spring with an early budburst, followed by dry, sunny weather in May and June, and a very early flowering – one

The Ca’ Florian Amarone Riserva is made from a selection of the finest grapes from the Ca’ Florian cru, one of the Tommasi family’s most prestigious vineyards. A blend of Corvina 75%, Corvinone 20%,  Rondinella 5%, a deep ruby red with garnet highlights, on the nose it displays an elegant and very complex bouquet, with notes of ripe red fruits (cherries, blackberries and plums) along with spicy nuances of liquorice and bitter cocoa. It is full-bodied and austere on the palate, with rich tannins

It's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals. But, for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheet unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. Tasting Notes The dark crimson core and brick rim sets the stage, as aromas of currant, blackberry, blue fruits, anise, lavender and brioche f

94 Points - Decanter. After an enforced eight-year break in the early 2010s, where they were prohibited from making Zinfandel, Orin Swift Cellars delved into various grape varieties in California to great success. The 2021 vintage of Eight Years in the Desert is the fifth instalment of a rare and cherished wine. This exceptional Zinfandel boasts a deep maroon core and opens with captivating aromas of wild blackberry, pepper, oatmeal raisin cookie, forest floor, bay leaf, and spices. The taste is

92 Points - Decanter. Orin Swift Abstract is a meticulously crafted red wine known for its rich and complex character. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours. The wine exhibits a deep, visually striking hue and a captivating aroma profile that ranges from fruity to floral, with subtle notes of dark chocolate and spice. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with robust tannins and a bold, fruit-forward taste. The finish is long a

J Vineyards bright and appealing Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool-climate region. Aromas of citrus and orange blossom open with every swirl. Smooth and beautifully balanced, notes of yellow apple, meyer lemon and pear layer with suggestions of toasted macadamia and creamy almond. Hints of light toast and spice lift the fruit characteristics. The palate is rich, full and beautifully textured before finishing with a crisp and delicate flourish.   Wine Press R

93 Points - James Suckling. Crafted from up to 40 individual small lots, J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir offers a classic example of this renowned region. Opening with rich, flavourful notes of dark cherry, plum and ripe raspberry, while hints of earth, cocoa and clove add depth and nuance to the smooth, layered palate. Elegant and balanced, soft tannins and lightly toasted oak give nice weight and structure to the wine. Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - James Suckling "A round and juic

93 Points - James Suckling. Named for its iron rich, red volcanic soils, Monte Rosso has produced grapes of unmistakable character for more than a century. Three generations of the Martini family have made wine from this iconic vineyard and it continues to inspire their winemaking team on a deeply profound level. Monte Rosso remains the source of some of the most coveted bottles in the Louis M. Martini portfolio. Full bodied and concentrated the textured mouthfeel is plush, finishing long. Vibra