-
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah / Shiraz, MerlotABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red97 Points - Tim Atkin. The Jem 2017 is Waterford Estate at its finest. One of South Africa’s top wines, it shows why the estate is so highly regarded, combining precision, depth and elegance. This is a serious Stellenbosch red that delivers on every level — structured, layered and utterly compelling. Wine Press Ratings 97 Points - Tim Atkin Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Shiraz 23%, Merlot 7%, Mourvèdre 6%, Sangiovese 5%,Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 3%, Barbera 2% Taste Ripe cassis and dark pl -
Country: USA, Paso RoblesGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit VerdotABV: 14.9%Style: Rich Full Red96-98 Points - Robert Parker. The flagship Cabernet from DAOU’s estate, grown on the highest ridges of Paso Robles. Dark, intense and sculpted, it combines raw power with precision, showcasing cassis, blackberry, graphite and fine spice. Polished yet muscular, with layered complexity and exceptional ageing potential. Taste Opaque ruby-black. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum and blackberry are lifted by graphite, espresso and a hint of cedar. The palate is dense and structured, with firm, chalky tann -
Country: USA, Paso RoblesGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit VerdotABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - James Suckling. A serious, high-altitude Cabernet that shows Paso Robles at its most refined. Pure blackcurrant and cassis at the core, layered with graphite, dark chocolate and subtle cedar oak. Concentrated yet controlled, with finely worked tannins and a cool line of acidity giving shape and length. Poised, precise and clearly built for the long haul, but already showing real class. Taste Deep ruby in the glass. Focused aromas of cassis and black cherry, edged with graphite, cocoa -
Country: Portugal, DouroGrapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga FrancaABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Revista Fugas. Xisto Roquette & Cazes is a Douro red that knows exactly what it wants to be. Rich and ripe, but not overblown, it shows the quality of old vines and careful winemaking. Serious wine, but entirely approachable. Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - Revista Fugas 91 Points / Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (2019 Vintage) "Black olive tapenade, fresh cherry and a hint of black pepper lead to a palate of sweet oak and plush fig." Tasting Notes Black cherry and bl -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedGaja Barbaresco 2021 is a beautifully elegant and complex red, distinguished by layers of red fruit, floral spice, and a long, mineral finish. Crafted by the legendary Gaja estate - synonymous with Barbaresco’s global prestige - this wine combines traditional finesse and modern innovation, reflected in both top critic reviews and exceptional Vivino praise. TasteGaja Barbaresco 2021 reveals an enticing blend of ripe red fruits, rose petals, and delicate spices. On the palate, expect refined elega -
Country: Chile, Aconcagua ValleyGrapes: CarmenereABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedErrazuriz Kai Carménère 2020 is the flagship expression of this signature Chilean grape, sourced from the Aconcagua Valley. Deep, rich and intensely aromatic, it layers black fruits with spice, herbs and a touch of dark chocolate, supported by refined tannins and impressive length. A benchmark Carmenère with both power and elegance, it reflects Errazuriz’s mastery of the variety. TasteA deep, plush Carmenère with layers of ripe blueberry and blackcurrant framed by paprika and black pepper spice -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - Wine Enthusiast. A rare chance to buy a mature Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé for an affordable price. Neighbouring Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarosse belongs to the elite of the Saint Emilion appellation. A Saint Emilion premier grand cru classé, this château produces perfectly balanced, elegant wines of consistent high quality. With magnificent aromas of black fruit and truffles and flavours of plums, cherries, earth and savoury oak and drying mi -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedSt Julien is the commune in Bordeaux with the highest proportion of Classed Growths, and its superlative wine growing land make it a go to destination for high quality Bordeaux. Château les Ormes is made up of 2 principal parcels of vines. One touching the western border of Château Léoville Barton (in fact Anthony Barton sold this parcel to Chateau les Ormes in 1989) and the second further south and juxtaposed between Château Gruaud Larose, Saint Pierre and Beychevelle. The soils are identical t -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedNothing is left to chance with the De Toren Private Cellar Patronus Malbec. Taking its name from the Latin for ‘patron’, this is a wine where winemaking is turned not just into an art form, but into an obsession. The tiny harvest goes through an incredibly stringent selection process with only the finest old Malbec vines on the property being considered for use. Once chosen, individual bunches are selected at harvest and then, post-destemming, individual grapes. Following a long, yet cool, ferme -
Country: Portugal, AlentejoGrapes: Alicante Bouschet, AragonezABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Review Online. DFrom one of Alentejo’s most respected estates, this is a step up in depth and intent, built on Aragonez, Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet. It shows the pedigree of Cartuxa clearly, combining ripe southern fruit with structure, restraint and careful oak handling. Confident and composed, with the balance and precision that come from a top-tier winery. Taste Blackberry, plum and dark cherry lead the way, backed by hints of spice, dried herbs and a touch of cocoa. S -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedInspired 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 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2019 Vintag -
Country: Spain, Castilla y LeonGrapes: VerdejoABV: 13%Style: Classy Complex White95 Points - Robert Parker. Capitel is the flagship wine from the magnificent Ossian Vides y Vinos, arguably Spain’s greatest white wine producer. The Capitel is made from the estate’s oldest vines, some of which are believed to be 200 years old, from a tiny, organically farmed plot at Peña Aguda, in Nieva. Over the years, the roots have penetrated the slate sheets beneath the surface and extracted a rich mineral strength from them. This packs the tiny berries with concentration and complexity. -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling94 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/18 2018 is one of those Champagnes that immediately makes sense. Pure Chardonnay from top Côte des Blancs vineyards, it’s taut, lively, and beautifully balanced. There’s a brightness and energy here that makes it feel effortless, yet every sip reveals its depth and finesse. Ideal for moments when you want a Champagne that’s elegant, refined, and undeniably stylish. Taste The nose is bright and elegant, featuring notes of pear, grapefruit, a -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteDomaine Regnard’s Chassagne-Montrachet 2023 is a beautifully poised white Burgundy that marries elegance with richness. Crafted from carefully tended vines using Agriculture raisonnée, it delivers a layered, expressive wine that captures the finesse and complexity of the Côte de Beaune. Taste Aromas of acacia flowers mingle with toasted hazelnut, leading to a rich and elegant palate where creamy textures are perfectly balanced by the wine’s natural weight. For optimal enjoyment, decant for two h -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedFrom the northern edge of the Cazetiers appellation, bordering “Combes aux Moines” and “Champeaux,” this 1er Cru sits on predominantly limestone soils, producing wines of elegance and precision. The 2022 was hand-picked, carefully sorted in both vineyard and cellar, with 60% destemmed fruit and 40% whole bunch, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 18 months in barrel (75% new). Taste This Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru shows real finesse, with a beautiful floral expression layered over bright re -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: MarsanneABV: 14%Style: Classy Complex WhiteM. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree 2020 is a remarkable white Hermitage with generous fruit, luxurious texture, and mineral energy, crafted by one of the Rhône’s most legendary and innovative producers. Decorated with top critic and Vivino ratings, it stands as a benchmark for fine French white wine and a stunning alternative to for Burgundy white lovers looking to explore other regions. TasteThe 2020 Ermitage de l’Oree offers profound complexity with intense notes of mirabelle tart, candied citr -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: SangioveseABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedIcario Sansasìa Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 is a sophisticated Sangiovese blend offering alluring aromas of plums, blackberries, and spice, with a harmonious, mouth-filling palate and an elegant, persistent finish. Crafted by a celebrated, innovative estate that faithfully honours Tuscan heritage, this wine achieves an exceptional balance of refinement and intensity through the use of traditional methods. Acclaimed by critics and wine lovers alike - with 92 points from Luca Maroni and a 4. -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedIcario Icarionello Rosso Toscana 2021 is a dynamic, fruit-driven wine with vivid cherry and berry flavours, light vanilla, and hints of spice, all supported by a fresh structure and velvety tannins. Produced by an innovative yet tradition-focused Tuscan estate, the wine captures the region’s best qualities through sustainable and artisanal methods. Its acclaim is confirmed by high scores from international critics and is a standout choice for anyone seeking the authentic taste of modern Tuscany. -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe M. Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux 2020 is a distinguished red with deep complexity, elegant tannins, and a rich, expressive character defined by dark fruits, spice, and savory accents. Crafted by a pioneering Rhône producer, whose commitment to quality and innovation is unmatched, this wine consistently impresses critics and enthusiasts alike, earning high scores and widespread admiration. TasteThe 2020 M. Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux offers a full-bodied palate with ripe, rounded ta -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Rich Full RedZuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2018 is a benchmark Argentinian Malbec, distinguished by its mineral character, finely etched fruit, and extraordinary balance. Crafted by a leading visionary in Mendoza from one of the world’s most singular vineyard parcels, it combines top critical acclaim and a stellar Vivino rating for a truly exceptional wine experience. TasteZuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2018 is a Malbec of remarkable intensity and precision. The wine greets with intense ar -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red96 Points - Guia Penin.La Nieta has been coined one of the best wines in the country from Rioja Alavesa. Applying a viticulture respectful with the environment following the biorhythms of the plant and organic fertilisation. The result is a pure expression of the fruit and environment. Patience has been rewarded, with 3 years in French oak and further bottle age providing a full, complex and gratifying experience for the lucky drinker. Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - Guia Penin Taste Ripe black -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, MalbecABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red96+ Points - The Wine Advocate. The profoundly successful 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon vintage - a year that seems destined to eclipse even the extraordinary 2013, 2018, and 2019 vintages – allowed Katie Vogt and her team to create a masterpiece. The Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2021, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Malbec, is the product of high elevation sites at Upper Range, Waters Ranch, and Vagone. The grapes were hand-harvested at night to pres -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Pessac LeognanGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red96 Points - Wine Enthusiast. La Mission Haut Brion produced a typically brilliant wine in 2008. While the vintage as a whole has been somewhat overshadowed by the 2009 and 2010, the 2008s are often exceptional and offer great value for money by comparison. Robert Parker awarded this classic blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc 95 points praising its ‘Medium to full-bodied and concentrated with good acidity, freshness and delineation.’ Neal Martin gave the 2008 96 po -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet FrancABV: 13.8%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - James Suckling. A fascinating new release from the Catena Institute’s historical vineyard project, The Birth of Cabernet is more than just a name — it’s a tribute to the earliest Cabernet vines planted in Mendoza in the early 20th century. Drawn from old vines in Agrelo, this 2021 is a snapshot of place and time: cool nights, low yields, and a long growing season delivering purity, poise and quiet power. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (May 2025) Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - James Suckling (202