Bolgheri is a relatively young yet prestigious Italian appellation located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round and silky tannins that result in a pleasant and long-las

92 Points - Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux. The Chateau Andron-Blanquet Saint-Estephe 2016 is a must-buy for any Bordeaux wine lover. With a host of major awards to its name, this brilliant estate offers exceptional value for money, particularly in fine vintages such as 2016. A classic blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it offers a seductively soft and fruity nose that's bordered by tones of smoke, peppers and violets. Rich, ripe, and mouth-filling, the palate is full of black fruits wi

90 Points - IWSC. The 2022 Off the Record Syrah marks the third vintage of this remarkable wine, crafted from a small parcel of Shiraz grapes grown on a truly exceptional site. Nestled high on the Ceres Plateau, this vineyard is rooted in nutrient-rich Bokkeveld shale soils and thrives at an extraordinary altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level. One of the rare South African vineyards blanketed by snow in winter, it produces grapes of remarkable character and intensity. With only 3,960 bottles

This 1.2-hectare vineyard in Pauillac stands next to the 5th growth grand cru classé's of Chateau Batailley, and across the road from Château Grand Puy Lacoste, on soil worthy of a classified growth. The yield here is around 32 hl/ha and the vineyard is planted in equal measure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The entire batch of their Pauillac parcels is aged in new French oak barrels under the label Château Les Landes de Cach. The result is a superb wine from exceptional soils and winemakers.

93-95 Points - The Wine Independent. Pahlmeyer made the most of the glorious 2021 Napa Valley Merlot vintage – a year that seems destined to rival or even eclipse the extraordinary 2013, 2018, and 2019 havests. The grapes for the Pahlmeyer Merlot 2021 were grown on high-elevation blocks and were hand-harvested, allowing for rigorous vineyard selection and gentle handling. Once in Pahlmeyer’s state-of-the-art winery, they were given a further hand sort and destemmed, with only perfectly ripe frui

Esporao Reserva Tinto 2022 stands as a testament to the potential of Portuguese reds: sumptuous, structured, and layered with spicy red fruits and appealing oak nuances. Crafted by Esporao, a trailblazer in organic viticulture and regional expression, the wine draws critical and enthusiast praise alike, with multiple top ratings highlighting its quality and enduring popularity. TasteEsporao Reserva Tinto 2022 displays an intense ruby colour and a pronounced, complex aroma brimming with ripe red

93 Points - Ray Jordan. Bold and expressive, the Lou Miranda Fierce III Sagrantino 2021 is made from Australia’s take on the Umbrian grape Sagrantino. Dark cherry, plum and spice are framed by firm tannins and a long, structured finish. Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Ray Jordan (2021 Vintage) "Okay, so not a lot of this famous Umbrian variety is grown in Australia, but this one from a very good Barossa vintage is terrific. Loads of dark fruit characters not unlike cabernet on the one hand, and n

Icario Rosso di Montepulciano 2024 is a youthful, fruit-driven Tuscan red with bright cherry, red fruit, and vanilla notes, made by a forward-thinking estate passionate about quality and place. With top critic scores for previous vintages (including a 97-point Decanter Platinum) and continued praise from wine lovers, this wine represents the best of Montepulciano’s approachable, authentic charm. TasteIcario Rosso di Montepulciano 2024 bursts with youthful energy and a vivid ruby red colour. The

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. The Chateau Bouscaut 2018 is one of the stars of the magnificent 2018 Bordeaux vintage. In common with its Grand Cru Classe peers, the Chateau Bouscaut 2018 is a rich, ripe, succulent wine that exudes style and class. Drinking well now, its bouquet is full of smoked black fruits, dusty minerals, cherries and Chinese spices. The palate is medium-bodied, multi-layered, broad and packed with blackcurrant, plum, earth notes, and highlights of red berries. The tannins are

The Petit Manou is another great example of the value of buying second wines in great Bordeaux vintages. The Petit Manou 2018 is the second wine of the 91-point Clos Manou 2018, and it shares many of its big brother's qualities, being big, bold, well-extracted and packed with black and red fruits backed by notes of cedar, mocha and minerals. At its drinking peak now, enjoy this with grilled meats, creamy cheeses, tomato-based dishes or as a satisfying solo sipper. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Apr 2025) A

93 Points - Wine Spectator. The Pahlmeyer Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fruit from Pahlmeyer’s mountain-grown vines. It’s a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, so a classic Bordeaux blend. 2018 was an outstanding vintage, the unusually cool growing season saw the grapes ripen more slowly and gave them the opportunity to develop even more complexity. Once deemed ready, the grapes were harvested at night to preserve their freshness and ensure the aromas

Bonarda, or Douce Noir in Eastern France, is a great alternative to Malbec that you must try. Argentina's second most planted variety, it is a lovely easy drinking, fresh and fruit driven wine with great colour and notably soft tannins. Taste Deep and bright colour, juicy dark fruits with a soft and supple finish with great structure. About the Producer Durigutti Family Winemakers: Brothers Hector and Pablo are passionate about expressing the characteristics of Argentina’s various terroirs along

Villa Mangiacane Chianti Classico DOCG 2022 enchants with vibrant red fruit, floral complexity, and a harmonious palate. Crafted by a storied estate with Renaissance roots and artisanal flair, this wine epitomises Chianti Classico’s finest traditions and modern artistry. Consistently lauded by critics and the wine-loving community, it is a bright, expressive, and authentic Tuscan experience in every glass. TasteBright ruby in colour, this Chianti Classico opens with expressive aromas of cherry,

It is no wonder that this is the former domaine of the Lacoste family who owned Petrus. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, Château Lys de Maisonneuve begins with aromas of red fruits and exotic spices which are joined together with tobacco and herbs. Full-bodied with notable fruit tannin structure and a core of bright black cherries that lead up to the long juicy finish. Appealing now, and should continue to develop in bottle over many years. Awards / Wine Press Ratings Gold Medal - C

Chateau Carrosse Martillac Pessac-Leognan 2019 is a refined Bordeaux displaying poised fruit, gentle spice, and impressive length. Crafted by the Miailhe family with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and parcel-specific winemaking, it stands out among its peers for its respectful approach to terroir and quality. The vintage combines critical appreciation for balance and structure with a story of revival and environmental care, ultimately presenting a wine of true significance from the Pes

Gold Medal - Gilbert et Gaillard. Standing at an impressive altitude of 1,800 meters, the highest in the Northern Hemisphere, IXSIR Winery crafts exceptional wines, including their Altitudes Rouge, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Caladoc and Tempranillo. Displaying notes of red fruits, currants and raspberries, with a touch of spice. It is a very elegant and pleasant wine with a good standing and an overtone of softness. IXSIR's commitment to sustainable agriculture is reflected in their v

97 Points - Falstaff. Gruaud Larose is Bordeaux wine royalty. The label bears the inscription, 'The wine of kings, the king of wines' and in spectacular vintages such as 2018 it's hard to argue with this. The Wine Advocate awarded it 95-97, one of the highest scores Gruaud Larose has ever managed, and with some bottle aging it's clearly showing that the final score will be at the upper end of this. Open and let it breathe for a few hours and expect a massive, exotic, powerful mouthful of Bordeau

90 Points - Jeff Leve. Chateau La Croix St. Georges is one of Pomerol's lesser-known stars, but a star it is. 2017 produced wines that were soft and luscious, something that suited this 95% Merlot wine well.  Plump and juicy, the bouquet is that classic Pomerol mix of cherries, plums, vanilla and Asian spices, while the palate is gloriously soft and enveloping, nicely supported by the rounded tannins and clean, strawberry acidity. Drink now and over the next 5-10 years with everything from mushr

90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. 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

The Altavins Jorn Nou Garnacha Negra is a great value wine from Calatayud. Rated 4/5 on Vivino, ancient vines have given this wine great concentration and a gloriously plump, red and black cherry fruit profile that's backed by spices, wild herbs and a hint of creamy chocolate. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Apr 2025) Taste Gloriously plump with a red and black cherry fruit profile that's backed by spices, wild herbs and a hint of creamy chocolate. About the Producer Based in the wild, windswept hills of Te

Icario Nysa Rosso 2021 is a vibrant yet refined Tuscan blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot with juicy cherry, plum, and a balanced oak character. Crafted by a progressive Montepulciano estate lauded for its passion and innovative spirit, this wine’s critical recognition with 90 points demonstrates both its drinkability and uniqueness among contemporary IGT reds. TasteIcario Nysa Rosso 2021 delivers a modern, expressive profile driven by a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sau

97 Points - James Suckling.  From old Syrah vines clinging to granite slopes as steep as 60%, Vincent Paris produces one of the Northern Rhône’s most compelling expressions of Cornas. The “Granit 60” cuvée comes from 60-year-old vines rooted deep in the hard, poor soils of the south-facing hillside—yielding fruit of exceptional intensity and mineral depth. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jul 2025) Wine Press Ratings 97 Points - James Suckling (2021 Vintage) "This is my dream of Cornas in a glass. Incredibly

90 Points - James Suckling. This is a modern take on a classic Amarone. Made using the appassimento method with semi-dried grapes in Tenute Ca 'Botta's patented Fermentino Ca'Botta tank to give even greater richness and body. This opulent, heady wine is aged in 225-litre French oak barrels and allowed to rest in the bottle before release. This is Tenute Ca 'Botta's signature wine, one that is a must-try for lovers of powerful reds. Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - James Suckling (2017 Vintage) "Pl

96 points - Revista Adega. The Cartuxa Pera-Manca Tinto is Cartuxa’s flagship red wine, one that critics have hailed as being among Portugal’s greatest red wines. Produced from Trincadeira and Aragonez, grapes commonly used in vintage Port, it will come as no surprise that the Cartuxa Pera-Manca Tinto is a mighty, mouth-filling wine that’s capable of long ageing. Produced from the Eugenio de Almeida Foundation’s vineyards, having undergone a long, slow, temperature-controlled fermentation it is