Awarded 93 Points - James SucklingA benchmark single-vineyard Sancerre from Domaine Laporte’s iconic flint hillside. The 2023 vintage shines with energy, purity, and minerality - earning 93 points from James Suckling and continuing a legacy of gold medals and top critical scores. Tasting Notes Crisp apple, white peach, and citrus blossom Flinty minerality, subtle spice (cinnamon, white pepper) Pure, focused palate with a long, saline finish Vineyard & Winemaking Single vineyard: Le Grand

A Swartland revelation. This is Chenin Blanc stripped back to its essence, showcasing the region's wild, mineral-rich terroir. Expect a taut, complex wine with nuanced fruit and a thrillingly fresh finish. For those seeking depth and character beyond the ordinary. Vivino Rating 4.3 (March 2025) Taste Swartland tenacity in a glass. Quince, apricot, flint, and chamomile on the nose. Taut, linear palate with rapier acidity and chalky texture. Savoury, mineral finish. A wine of contemplation, not ov

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

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

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

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

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 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

A bold reimagining of Sémillon from the heart of Stellenbosch. Fermented on skins, this striking wine delivers layers of citrus, beeswax, and savoury spice, with a rich texture balanced by vibrant acidity. Complex, structured, and built to evolve, it’s a Sémillon that pushes boundaries while staying true to its origins. Vivino Rating 4.2 (March 2025) Taste A striking take on Sémillon, the 2021 Pound of Flesh is richly textured yet vibrant. Aromas of preserved lemon, beeswax, and white peach lead

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

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

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

90 Points - Jasper Morris. Laurent Pillot continues to impress with his quietly confident style, and this 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet is no exception. Sourced from multiple parcels within the village, this cuvée captures the generous, fruit-forward character of the vintage while staying true to the domaine’s hallmark clarity and poise. Fermented and matured in oak barrels with a light touch, it’s a classic expression of white Burgundy from one of Chassagne’s most consistent and underrated producer

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

93 Points - Cameron Douglas, MS. A wonderful Burgundian style Chardonnay from a producer who carefully select fruit from Marlborough's top organic single vineyards to produce wines of great elegance and complexity. A polished, complex nose that leaps from the glass. Bursting with appealing grapefruit and peach aromas with complex notes of toasted sourdough, popcorn and white pepper lees influence. The most impressive thing about this wine is the poise, balance and restraint on the palate. It's t

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

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

95 Points - DWWA. Arguably the most beautiful rosé champagne in the world, the most common criticism of this wine is that the bottles aren’t big enough. The Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rosé is bottled summer. Deep ruby pink, the bouquet wafts waves of concentrated strawberries, red cherries, and raspberries into the air. On the palate this a serious joy. It opens up with an intense, Burgundy-like rush of cherries, loganberries and brambles, only for cherry sherbet acidity, flowers, liquorice and dried

Le Vie Angarano Michiel Chardonnay 2020 is a vibrant, expressive white wine showcasing fresh tropical and stone fruits, subtle vanilla, and lively minerality. Produced by a dynamic, women-led estate with deep historical roots and organic vineyards, its reputation for quality and sustainability shines through. Collecting accolades and consistently well received by wine lovers, this Chardonnay combines heritage, innovation, and terroir - making it an excellent choice for the discerning palate. Tas

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

Ossian is one of Spain’s greatest white wines.  Remarkably, it is made from pre-phylloxera vines that are between 100 and 200 years old, and its levels of concentration and complexity have made many a wine lover and critic revise their opinions of Spanish white wines.  Having been hand-picked, the tiny, organically farmed grapes are transported to the state-of-the-art winery for fermentation.  The wine is then matured in oak vats in the coolness of the old Monastery of El Parral, during which ti