Red Wine

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a bold and vivid Cabernet Sauvignon wine, sprung from the young region of Gualtallary, in Uco Valley, Argentina. It boasts a bouquet of plum, blackcurrant, violet and dried herbs. It is deeply aromatic, hinting at the powerful palate to follow. The fruits were sourced from estate-owned vineyards that grow on sandy soils, rich in calcium carbonate. Finca Ambrosia started life as a grower estate, selling grapes to famous Argentinian producers like Trapiche and Zorzal. It was founded in 2002 after a group of wine-loving friends discovered the special terroir of Gualtallary, which was just starting to capture the interest of wine producers. However, in 2011, the winery employed a local wine-maker to create a vintage of their own – it was met with critical acclaim, and the face of Finca Ambrosia was forever changed. On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a bold, bright character, with dark fruits, liquorice, leather, chocolate, and brooding spice flavours. The Viña Unica line represents Finca Ambrosia’s exploration into identity and the harmonious use of oak. The winery’s intent is evident on the palate, which is outlined by an elegant oaky structure. Consider keeping this wine in your cellar for some time, and pairing it with a top-quality steak, grilled lamb, or roast vegetables.

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This Cabernet Sauvignon opens up with a robust and fruity nose. Scents of blackberry, plum and chocolate mingle with hints of leather and smoke, a classic profile for lovers of bold red wines. The fruits were sourced from estate-owned vineyards, and planted in special micro-climates in the region of Gualtallary, Argentina. Finca Ambrosia was founded in 2002 as a grower estate, supplying top-quality grapes to famous Argentinian producers such as Trapiche and Zorzal. It wasn’t until 2011 that the founders – a group of wine-loving friends who discovered the untapped potential of Gualtallary – spread their wings and employed a local wine-maker to create Finca Ambrosia’s very first vintage. The Precioso Cabernet Sauvignon is a seamless representation of one of Gualtallary’s most special terroirs. Sandy soils scattered with calcium-carbonate-rich veins of granite lend themselves to the wine’s subtle chalky side. However, the palate is dominated by jammy notes of plum, blackberry and cassis, with a strong undercurrent of tobacco and chocolate. You can also discover fine-grained tannins and a balanced, lively acidity. Pair this Cabernet with a steak, a herb-crusted rack of lamb, or a beef stew.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour before service. The Catena Zapata family settled in Argentina in 1902, straight from Italy to escape the famine. The father, Nicola Catena, left the vineyards in the 1960s to his son Dominico and his grandson Nicolas who allowed the Bodega to make a name for itself in Argentine viticulture. Nicolas Catena was the first to introduce European viticultural techniques to Argentina and the forerunner of the cultivation of Malbec and other vines at high altitudes. Today it is impossible to talk about Argentine wine without mentioning Catena Zapata, the emblematic estate of the country’s rise among the great wine producers in the world. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in small plots at different altitudes in Mendoza. They are selected and harvested by hand, and the final wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Thus Catena Alta produces a wine with a unique character that presents balance, concentration, and a strong varietal identity. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon has purple color with garnet shades. The bouquet releases extraordinary aromas of black fruits intertwined with notes of fresh herbs and sweet spices. In the mouth, the wine shows notes of leather and tobacco. It has a creamy texture, pronounced tannins, and fresh acidity. Try it with game or wild boar.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2008 with the construction of the winery in Tupungato, Rutini Wines is part of the Bodega Rural company. The 400 hectares of vineyards are located at an altitude that often exceeds a thousand meters, on pebbly soils of alluvial origin, with a climate characterized by dry and sunny summers, with significant day-night temperature variations. These pedoclimatic conditions favor the production of excellent-quality grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza from Rutini’s Colección line is produced with grapes from the vineyards of Gualtallary and Altamira. In the glass, the wine shows an intense ruby-red color. The aromatic profile is deep and complex, with notes of black fruit, followed by hints of cocoa, tobacco, pepper and spicy touches reminiscent of vanilla, due to the aging of 12 months in French oak. On the palate, the wine shows a good concentration of red fruit, and firm but enveloping and silky tannins that denote personality and finesse. The finish is long and persistent. It is the perfect wine for game and stewed meats, especially venison or wild boar, but it also goes very well with dishes based on Porcini mushrooms or truffles.

Drink now or cellar for up to 29 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. This magnificent Australian Cabernet is made by the top Coonawarra winery Wynns which was originally founded by John Riddoch back in 1891. Riddoch arrived in the area in 1861 and began planting some of the region’s very first vineyards on the exceptional iron-rich terra rossa soils. Today the estate is in the hands of the Wynn family who took over the property in the 1950s and have helped transform it into a household name in Australia. The John Riddoch Cabernet celebrates the winery’s founder and is a complex blend of the finest fruit from that vintage. The winemakers start with around 30 individual parcels from 16 top vineyards and then select the best 2-3 vineyards to feature in the final composition. It is only made during the very finest years using under 1% of the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The nose is dominated by intense dark fruit notes of cassis, cherry and damsons mingling with hints of dark chocolate, espresso and dried sage. On the palate there’s a robust full body, firm tannins and a well-built structure which will age beautifully in the cellar. This is a great wine to keep for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside rich meat dishes like barbecued ribs, steak, or even wild boar.

Drink It now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Margaret River wine region, a short distance from the Indian Ocean, in Western Australia, Domaine Naturaliste Vineyard is led by Bruce Dukes, a talented winemaker who produces excellent wines, widely acclaimed by both critics and the public. The vineyards are approximately 20 years old and are located between the Margaret River and the ocean. Here the vines, planted on gravelly and clayey soils rich in iron stone, enjoy a maritime climate with cool, humid winters and long, mild summers. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from different parcels and are fermented and matured separately in French oak barriques for 12 months, before blending. The wine has an intense and brilliant color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex and reveals fruity notes of cherries and redcurrants, and then hints of violet and graphite. On the palate, it is linear and full-bodied. It has firm, well-integrated tannins and a good intensity of dark fruit. The finish is long and recalls a mineral vein. It is a wine ready to drink immediately but can evolve in the cellar for a few years. Have it with a nice, juicy steak or mature cheeses.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia, Fraser Gallop Estate was founded in the late 1990s by Nigel Gallop, a former technology entrepreneur with a passion for French and Californian wines. The estate sits on approximately twenty hectares of vineyards at the highest point of the Wilyabrup wine district and benefits from a mild climate thanks to the proximity of the Indian Ocean. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are carefully selected and hand-picked from the best sections of the vineyard. After vinification, which takes place in lightly toasted 500-liter barrels, the finished wine rests for 19 months in new French oak before bottling, to ensure a perfect balance of fruit and oak. Palladian Cabernet Sauvignon is a concentrated and characterful wine that shows excellent aging potential. It has a bright color with ruby ​​tones and crimson nuances. Its aromatic profile is intense and elegant with fragrant fruity notes of dark cherry, mulberry, blueberry, and cassis, followed by layered hints of cedar, mulberries, vanilla, and aromatic herbs, and a light undertone of black olives. On the palate, it is juicy and structured, complex and stylish, with a fine tannic backbone and a well-integrated acidity that adds liveliness. The finish is long and slightly spicy. Have it with grilled red meat.

Cellar for up to 17 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the pioneering wineries in the Margaret River region, Moss Wood was founded in 1969 in Wilyabrup. For the past four decades the estate has been in the capable hands of Clare & Keith Mugford whose dedication and attention to detail has produced some of the region’s very finest wines. Margaret River’s maritime climate and gravelly loam and clay soils are ideally suited for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The Mugfords have taken inspiration from the wines of the Medoc in Bordeaux which are produced in similar conditions, combining power and depth of flavour with refinement and elegance. Their classic Moss Wood Cabernet is crafted from hand picked grapes with a small quantity of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc to add complexity to the cuvee. After fermenting in stainless steel tanks the young wine is transferred to mostly used French oak barrels. The wine is then aged for 31 months to soften the tannins and add subtle spiced and oaky notes to the rich core of dark berry, plum and cherry. The result is a big and beautiful Margaret River Cabernet that is ideal for pairing with hearty red meat dishes or holding in the cellar for another 10-15 years.

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Named one of Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the Year in 2021, Woodlands Wines is considered one of the top wineries in Australia’s Margaret River region. When it was founded in 1973 by David and Heather Watson it became one of the very first wineries to be planted in Margaret River, and over the intervening years Woodlands has established a stellar reputation for ageworthy Bordeaux-style Cabernet blends. This magnificent cuvee is made from the first Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines planted by David and Heather. The gravelly loam soils and east-west orientation of the vines are ideal for creating top quality wines, helping to create a long ripening season for the fruit. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully sorted and vinified with the final blend aged in new French oak barrels for 19 months. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the rich deep crimson hue and enticing hints of cassis, dark cherry and mulberry seasoned with hints of woodsmoke and spice from the oak. The first sip reveals firm tannins, a solid full body, and a finely-balanced finish with plenty of luscious berry flavours and savoury herbal notes of bay leaf and fresh mint. This is a great red to cellar for a few more years or to serve now alongside hearty red meat dishes.

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Named after the exotic home of Kubla Khan on the Mongolian plateau, Xanadu was established by Irishman Dr John Lagan in 1977. Lagan was a great literature enthusiast and took inspiration from poet Samuel Coleridge’s utopian vision of Xanadu which reminded him of his new homeland. The winery occupies a stunning location in the Margaret River region, close to the coast and with a sunny Mediterranean climate which is ideal for premium winemaking. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this iconic estate wine are sourced from two prime vineyards, Victory Point in Treeton and Rosa Park in the Wallcliffe subregion. There is also a small quantity of Malbec blended in from Xanadu’s Stevens Road vineyard. Once in the winery the fruit is crushed and fermented in small batches to allow maximum control over the final composition of the cuvee. Each batch is matured separately in French oak barrels for 14 months and the best barrels are then selected and blended together prior to bottling. This careful attention to detail and the exceptional terroir creates a powerful and ageworthy Cabernet which is bursting with vibrant blackcurrant, mulberry, dark plum and rose petal notes. On the palate there’s a dark and brooding character with firm tannins, a full body and delicate hints of mint, dried herbs, leather and spice from the oak ageing.

Cellar for up to 13 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Ricardo and Isabel Peña produce their award-winning flagship red from one of the finest vineyards in Chile’s Maipo Valley, the Viña Quebrada de Macul. Set in the foothills of the Andes, this 45-acre vineyard is set on rugged gravelly slopes and cooled by breezes from the nearby mountains. Yields are kept very low to maximise quality and the vineyard is harvested manually vine by vine to ensure optimum ripeness. Once in the winery the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are fermented using naturally-occurring yeasts and then matured in French oak barrels for 16-18 months. A small quantity of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc is often also added to enhance the beauty and complexity of the finished wine. The nose opens with intense notes of cassis, black cherry and dark plum along with hints of baking spice, tobacco leaf and liquorice. On the palate there is a luscious full body, firm tannins and a well-built structure which will help this wine age gracefully over the next decade or so. This world-class Chilean wine regularly receives rave reviews from top international critics, with the 2015 vintage awarded an impressive 95 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

Cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in Israel’s ancient Ayalon Valley where the biblical figure Joshua defeated the Five Kings, wine has been made on the Clos de Gat for at least three thousand years when the historic winepress or “gat” on the property was built. The modern winery was founded by winemaker Eyal Rotem in 1998 in collaboration with Maison Sichel, a negociant based in Bordeaux. Rotem carefully studied the land on the property before starting to plant his first vineyards here, taking care to match the varieties to the soil and geological conditions. The region is widely regarded as one of Israel’s top areas for producing wine thanks to the exceptional microclimate and limestone bedrock. To preserve the natural character of the terroir and the grape variety Rotem insists on using wild yeasts for fermentation and does not fine or filter his wines. Rotem heavily prunes his Merlot vines which are used to make this wine to ensure low yields and excellent quality fruit. The young wine is fermented in specially imported French oak barrels for 14 months, creating a rich, full-flavoured red wine with smooth tannins and intense cassis, dark berry and chocolate notes.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for a half an hour. Klet Brda is a Slovenian wine cooperative located in the Goriška Brda wine region. The company, which has been operating since the end of the 1950s, produces a wide range of white and red wines that are highly appreciated by both the public and critics. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards located between 80 and 250 meters above sea level, planted with vines aged between 10 and 30 years. The processing of the grapes takes place separately as does the fermentation. The wines are then rested separately for 24 months before blending, and the finished blend is then further refined in stainless steel. Klet Brda De Baguer Merlot – Cabernet Franc shows a brilliant color with ruby tones and violet reflections. On the nose you can feel all the fruity intensity of Merlot with aromas of blackberry and plum, mulberry, and other red fruits, followed by gentle herbaceous and peppery notes typical of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, it is soft and round, velvety and elegant. The finish is long and recalls herbaceous and coffee notes. Perfect with beef filet served with mushrooms or a green pepper sauce.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the Slovenian Collio, on the border with Italy, Marjan Simčič is a family winery whose origins date back to 1860. The company owns approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, distributed between the Slovenian and Italian sides. The wine is produced with 100% Merlot grapes (the same clone used at Chateau Petrus), selected and harvested manually in the Trobno cru, in the Slovenian Brda region. The vineyards, which are approximately 40 years old, are located at an altitude of approximately 130 meters and enjoy a soil made up of marl (locally called Opoka) and a south-east exposure in ventilated conditions. Fermentation occurs spontaneously and the finished wine rests in oak barrels (30% of which are new) for 48 months, before being bottled and resting for another 4 months. The wine has a deep and brilliant color, with ruby-red tones and violet reflections. Its aromatic profile reveals elegant fruity notes of dark cherries, mulberry, and blackberries with hints of candied citrus peel, coffee, and vanilla. On the palate, it is juicy with a strong and well-balanced acidity. It is concentrated and round, with fine and well-integrated tannins. The finish is warm and recalls notes of cocoa. It is a harmonious wine, ready to drink now paired with a beef brisket, but can be left in the cellar for several years.

Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Decant for one hour before serving. One of Duckhorn’s iconic wines, the Three Palms showcases the potential of the Merlot grape to produce age-worthy, refined wines with incredible depth of flavour. Redcurrant, cherry, bitter dark chocolate and pomegranate notes intermingle harmoniously on the nose, setting the stage for a rich full body, refined tannins and intense deep berry, earth and black tea flavours. The savoury character of this wine makes the Three Palms an excellent match for roasted herby lamb chops. All of the grapes for this ambitious Merlot are sourced from the Three Palms vineyard in Napa which takes its name from the majestic trees standing within its bounds. Duckhorn has been producing Three Palms since their very first vintage in 1978, making this one of California’s first single vineyard Merlots. Since then Duckhorn has carved out a stellar reputation for producing some of America’s best Merlot as well as other elegant Bordeaux-style wines. The Three Palms vineyard benefits from a warm microclimate along with poor soils which force the vines to go deep into the earth to find sufficient nutrients. This struggle helps to produce superb wines with complex layers of flavours and considerable longevity. Following vinification the Three Palms Merlot is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months to giving attractive hints of sweet spices and additional structure to the wine. Duckhorn manages to produce here a particularly focused, pure expression of the varietal character.

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Koerner and Joan Rombauer relocated from Escondido in Southern California to Napa Valley in 1972, although it was only in 1980 that they made their first Rombauer wine. Rombauer’s premier winemaking facilities have also been used by everyone from Duckhorn and Dominus to Spottswoode over the years. Today it’s run by the second and third generations of the Rombauer family who use sustainable practices as much as possible to preserve the land in perfect condition for the future. This opulent Merlot is made with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot and aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. Fruit is sourced from estate vineyards and partner growers based in the cool Carneros region where the cooling ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific help to preserve plenty of freshness and aromatics. Ripe plum, cassis, black cherry and hints of cedar and tobacco leaf dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a medium body, silky smooth texture, and soft tannins. This flavour profile makes it approachable even when young, although it can also be cellared for a decade or so more if desired.

Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Laura Catena first fell in love with the Pinot Noir grape when she travelled to France as a teenager. Today the esteemed enologist, who also happens to be the daughter of Argentina’s legendary winemaker Nicolas Catena, is pioneering high altitude Pinot Noir in Argentina’s Uco Valley. Domaine Nico’s vineyards sit at 1120-1500 metres above sea level which ensures the vines get plenty of strong UV light and warmth while also enjoying cooler nights. This helps to lock in plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics as well as ensuring the Pinot Noir grapes reach full ripeness. One in the winery the grapes are fermented in whole clusters to retain plenty of texture and tannins in the wine. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. Luscious raspberries, strawberries and hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, black pepper and cloves define the nose while the first sip reveals a rich well-rounded texture and silky smooth tannins. This is a very elegant yet approachable New World-style Pinot Noir with juicy fruit flavours carefully balanced by a gentle streak of acidity on the finish. A great wine to enjoy with charcuterie, cheeses, or a big plate of fresh pasta served with a rich tomato sauce.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. The Australian winery Shaw + Smith was founded by cousins ​​Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW in 1989 with the aim of producing fine wines in the Adelaide Hills. The winery specializes in growing cool climate varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The work in the cellar is led by Adam Wadewitz, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most talented winemakers. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the Lenswood site, a vineyard planted in 1999 on clay and schist soils and located at high altitude (455-500 meters above sea level). After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place with 30% whole bunches. The finished wine then rests in French oak. Lenswood Pinot Noir is a red with a strong character and an intense and broad aromatic profile. On the nose it reveals strong notes of black cherries, coconut husk, sage and cardamom and some final hints of pepper. On the palate, it is robust and concentrated, fruity and equipped with an excellent acidity. The tannins are firm and fine. The long finish recalls notes of toasted spices. It is excellent with game birds, and especially with duck confit.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in the late 1980s by cousins​​ Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith, Shaw and Smith is located in the Adelaide Hills, in one of South Australia’s most renowned wine-growing areas. The company owns approximately 55 hectares of vineyards where it grows varieties suitable for the cool climate such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced mainly from the Lenswood vineyard located at approximately 450-500 meters above sea level and planted in 1999 with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Here the vines enjoy an undulating terrain with exposure to the east and west and clayey soils. The harvest is manual and fermentation is partly made with whole bunches. The finished wine matures in French oak. The Shaw and Smith Pinot Noir is an elegant and expressive wine with a complex and fragrant aromatic profile characterized by notes of red and dark fruits, floral hints, hoisin, and then dried herbs, leather, and cedar. On the palate, it is concentrated and full-bodied with velvety and well-integrated tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and deep and recalls gamey aromas. Excellent with duck or lamb with herbs.

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Located in the north-eastern corner of Tasmania in the Coal River Valley, Tolpuddle Vineyard is named after the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of farm workers who were shipped to Australia for the crime of forming a trade union. In 1988 Tony Jordan and Garry Crittenden recognised the viticultural potential of the area and planted a vineyard here. Current owners Martin Shaw and Master of Wine Michael Hill Smith purchased the estate in 2011 and have established Tolpuddle’s reputation for producing exceptional Tasmanian wines. The climate here is cool and dry with a long ripening season which helps to preserve freshness and achieve perfect balance in the grapes. Their Pinot Noir is made in an elegant Burgundian-style with plenty of elegance and poise. The grapes are all harvested by hand and fermented in whole bunches before the young wine is matured in French oak barrels for 9 months. The nose is an enticing blend of bright red fruit and hints of savoury spice from the whole bunch fermentation and oak ageing. The first sip reveals a medium body, bright streak of acidity, and vibrant core of red cherry and raspberry seasoned with dried herbs, toast and spice. The finish is long and clean with plenty of freshness, making this a great partner for game, roasted duck or charcuterie.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Groffier estate in Morey-Saint Denis has been in the hands of the Groffier family for four generations, with many prized plots added in the 1930s by Jules Groffier. Today it’s one of the most important names in Côte de Nuits thanks to the efforts of father and son team Robert and Serge. In total they have 8 hectares of prime parcels including Bonnes Mares and Chambertin Clos de Bèze. Their coveted Bourgogne Pinot Noir shows off the family’s reputation for exceptional quality at reasonable prices for top tier Burgundy. Grapes are sourced primarily from Vougeot and Morey St Denis with cold maceration for up to seven days before fermentation to delicately extract color, flavor and tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks with natural yeasts followed by ageing in two year old oak barrels. On the nose subtle hints of crushed rose petals are layered with ripe raspberry, redcurrant and earthier hints of undergrowth and tobacco. A vivacious streak of acidity provides balance for the rich fruit core, along with elegant tannins and a medium body that make this bottle a natural keeper for the next couple of years. Alternatively you can enjoy it now paired with game dishes or rich stewed and braised red meats.

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Founded in 1996 by Sir Clifford Skeggs, Akarua is a family-owned boutique winery in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago that ranks amongst New Zealand’s finest artisanal producers. Today the estate is run by Clifford’s three sons, David, Mark, and Andrew Skeggs, and has a reputation for producing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Central Otago region. The Siren is only made during the finest vintages from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are handpicked and carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. The fruit is sourced from several estate vineyards in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago. After vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months which helps impart a complex and nuanced flavor profile. Luscious red cherry, plum and wild berries dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals smooth tannins, a medium body and a solid core of ripe red fruit. This is a versatile gastronomic wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes including roasted meats, game, and strong cheeses. Ideal to enjoy now or to cellar for a few more years if desired.

Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. The pioneering Kaesler family first settled in the Barossa Valley in the 1840s and by 1893 they had planted their first vines here. Now, generations later, it is these ancient original vines which have helped put the estate on the map for top quality Shiraz. The current owners practice regenerative farming throughout the estate, a philosophy they consider to be a step beyond sustainable agriculture since it aims to leave the land better than they found it. Old Bastard is the family’s flagship cuvee that’s named in honour of those old gnarly vines which produce the intensely concentrated fruit used for this wine. The grapes are handpicked to ensure quality in the early hours of the morning before it gets too hot. They are then vinified according to the family’s secretive winemaking methods using innovative techniques to create their impressive range of top quality Shiraz wines. The final step is a lengthy maturation period in new and used French oak barrels, adding enticing smoky and spicy notes to the solid core of luscious dark fruit. On the palate there’s a generous full body, firm tannins, and a long finish seasoned with toast, woodsmoke, cedar, and crushed wild berries.

Cellar for up to 20-25 years. It is recommended to decant it for 1 or 2 hours before service. When English doctor Christopher Rawson and his wife Mary Penfold arrived in Australia in 1844, they bought a 200-hectare estate in Adelaide and founded the Penfolds winery. For many years the company has concentrated its production almost exclusively on brandy and fortified wines. But in the 1950s, when Max Schubert joined the Penfolds adventure, he infused the estate’s wines with the elegance and aging capacity of the great Bordeaux wines that fascinated him so much. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win over wine lovers from all over the world. Even today, cellar master Peter Gago continues to perpetuate this tradition of excellence. The Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz from Penfolds is a red wine produced from a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shirazrapes come from various vineyards and appellations (McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Padthaway, Coonawarra). The wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. The wine is perfectly balanced and supported by a nice acidity. The nose reveals aromas of blackberries and plums and then sweet notes of violet. On the palate it reveals aromas of dark chocolate and tobacco, harmoniously combined with notes of black fruit. The finish is long and the tannins are soft and refined. Have it with beef and meat stews.

Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Penfolds are best known for producing Australia’s iconic Grange, a powerful red that’s widely considered to be one of the finest wines in the world. The winery was originally founded back in 1844 by English emigrants Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary who brought with them vine cuttings from France. Since then the estate has blossomed into Australia’s premier winery with a string of exceptional cuvees under their belt like this magnificent Shiraz. Unlike Grange and many other top Australian reds, St Henri is unusual in that it isn’t aged in new oak barrels. This cuvee was first released by Penfolds in the early 1950s, the era of their legendary winemaker Max Schubert who first created the Grange. Fruit is carefully selected from prime vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and the Adelaide Hills, and the young wine ages in large wooden casks that are over 50 years old. The result is a plush and rich red that’s bursting with luscious dark fruit notes including cassis, dark plums, and crushed blackberries. There are subtle hints of toast and spice on the long finish from the limited oak influence which will deepen into soft, earthy notes as the wine ages. A solid backbone and well-built structure make this a great wine to cellar for a couple more decades, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat dishes.

Cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for 1 or 2 hours before service. Voted Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an emblem of great Australian wines in the early 20th century thanks to the unrivaled determination of Mary Penfold. In fact, the co-founder of Penfolds Winery has dedicated herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life’s work is reflected in the winery’s success which has established itself as a landmark in South Australia. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) and Syrah (47%). The grapes come from different regions of South Australia: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra and Wrattonbully. This diversity enriches the wines with the harshness of a range of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions. Nicknamed “Baby Grange”, Bin 389 was also created in 1960 by the legendary winemaker Max Schubert. This wine helped establish Penfolds’ reputation among red wine lovers for its combination of Cabernet Sauvignon structure and Syrah richness. After the harvest and fermentation, the wine is aged in American oak demi-muides (25% new) for 12 months. In the glass, Penfolds Bin 389 has an intense ruby red color. The nose is full of complex aromas of black fruits, licorice, mocha, chocolate, pencil shavings and pepper with a vanilla background. On the palate, it is structured and medium-bodied, with lively tannins and a pleasant acidity backbone. Drink it with meat stews and game.

Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Australia’s most legendary winery was founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary. Originally the couple made medicinal wines for Dr Christopher’s practice using vine cuttings they had brought with them from France. Penfolds’ modern history began in the 1950s with the arrival of winemaker Max Schubert who began to secretly develop the world-class fine wine known today as Penfolds Grange that would be capable of ageing for decades. As well as the iconic Grange, Penfolds also has a stellar reputation for their Bin wines which are made in strictly limited quantities. Bin 150 celebrates the unique terroir of Marananga close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor. Here the striking red soils and warm and sunny conditions help to produce rich and ripe fruit with plenty of power and strength. To enhance the beauty of the raw grapes and soften the punchy tannins the young wine is aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 12 months. Evocative notes of cassis, dark plum, black cherry, and blackberry immediately leap out of the glass followed by more aromatic undertones of tobacco leaf, cigar box spice, and leather. On the palate there’s a robust full body and well-developed structure that will help this bottle age beautifully in the cellar over the next decade or so.

Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Founded in 1831, the venerable Colome winery is one of Argentina’s top producers of high altitude Malbec wines. It was chosen by Tim Atkin MW as a “First Growth” in his 2020 Argentina Report. The estate is located in the Calchaquí Valleys in the province of Salta where the dry, desert-like conditions and elevation help to produce intense and powerful red wines with a nice balance between complexity, luscious fruit flavours, and elegance. This charming expression is a single vineyard wine from Colome’s “Altura Maxima” or “Maximum Altitude” plot which lies in the Upper Calchaquí Valleys at 3100 metres above sea level. The very high elevation here creates unique winegrowing conditions thanks to the increased exposure to UV and cooler temperature during the hot summer months. This helps to produce perfectly ripe grapes with plenty of aromatic complexity and ripe tannins. After vinification the young wine is aged in used French oak barrels for 24 months before bottling. The result is a luscious, dark fruited red wine that’s bursting with cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry on the nose along with hints of spice, leather, and rich chocolate. A magnificent bottle to cellar for a decade or so more, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside a prime ribeye steak and fries.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for one hour. The Bodega Achavàl-Ferrer project came to life thanks to the idea of six friends, Argentines and Italians, who in 1998, decided to join forces to carry out a common goal: to produce quality wines, capable of expressing the characteristics of the territory of origin as faithfully as possible. The company is located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. The various cultivation plots are treated like many small terroirs. In the vineyard, all agronomic choices are adopted with the utmost respect for the balance of the environment, nature, ecosystem, and biodiversity. The goal is always to get to harvest healthy, rich, and concentrated grapes in every organoleptic nuance. The grapes for this Malbec come from 80-year-old plants that live in the silence and tranquility of the Tunuyan peaks. The wine ages for one year in French oak. This is a wine with character, energetic, and powerful. The color is a beautiful ruby red. The nose is complex and elegant, rich in aromas of blackberries, ripe blueberries and black plums, embellished with notes of coffee, tobacco, leather and spices, with a gentle woody note to complete the whole. On the palate, it is dense and consistent, with a refined tannic texture, fresh, and long persistence. Try it with Argentine Angus steaks.

Cellar for up to 16 years. No need to decant before serving. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Catena family helped put Argentina on the map for world-class Malbec. They’ve made wine in Argentina’s Mendoza region for four generations and were the first to start exporting premium Malbec wines around the world in the 1990s. These days the family business is headed up by the visionary Nicolas Catena and his daughter, Laura, who have collectively spent decades studying Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards. Amongst their vineyard holdings is the prestigious Adrianna Vineyard in the Uco Valley, the highest altitude sub-region in Mendoza, where top quality Malbec vines are planted 1450 metres above sea level. This plot is perfect for premium winemaking thanks to the gravel soils, warm and sunny days, and cooler nights which ensure a long ripening season. This magnificent cuvee is named “Fortuna Terrae”, meaning “luck of the land” in Latin, which refers to the excellent terroir. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented with wild yeasts in 225 and 500 litre oak casks followed by 18 months of ageing. This adds extra polish and complexity to the finished wine, highlighting the smooth, well-rounded tannins and adding smoky, oaked notes to the rich dark berry flavours. A great Malbec to serve alongside a ribeye steak or barbecued ribs, although it can also be cellared for a decade or more longer.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Casa Pirque was created by the union of the Menéndez Ross and Catena Zapata families initially to handle the importation of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Antinori, Opus One, Royal Tokaji, Vega Sicilia and the Catena family-owned wineries. Today the company has expanded its portfolio and also produces wines in Mendoza and Patagonia, with Ribera del Cuarzo being it’s most signature property there. Ribera del Cuarzo Especial Malbec is an elegant wine made from Malbec grapes from 5 ha Araucana vineyard. The vines rest on Calcareous soil, after manual harvesting, cold maceration for two days, and fermentation, the finished wine rests in barrels of one or two passages for nine months, and then for a further 12 months in the bottle. The result is a characterful and distinctive wine that reflects all the uniqueness of its terroir of origin. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color of dark red tones with purple reflections. On the nose, it opens with notes of ripe red fruits followed by aromas of wild herbs and toasted wood. On the palate, it is smooth, full-bodied, and soft with velvety tannins and a fresh acidic vein that balances the taste. The finish is long and recalls delicate woody notes. Excellent with beef fillet and steak.

Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. This is the flagship wine from Escorihuela Gascón, a Mendoza powerhouse that has been in business since 1884. As one of the 10 biggest exporters of Argentinian wine, Escorihuela Gascón is one of the most important wineries in the country and has received countless awards over the years, mostly for its Malbec wines. The DON Malbec shows an intense nose of plum, ripe strawberry, and black and blue hedgerow fruits. Secondary aromas of cocoa, oak, leather and vanilla hover in the background, gained from 16 months of ageing in French oak barrels. The grapes were harvested from a single plot of vines in El Cepillo Vineyard, in the heart of Uco Valley. The rich fruit scents carry over to the palate. Blueberry, blackberry, and plum mingle on the tongue, accented by a well-defined earthy side. It has a round and velvety texture, with finely-grained tannins and a sharp backbone of acidity. Hints of raspberry and strawberry jam appear on the long finish, with a bitter touch of oak. DON can be aged for a long time in the cellar and is ideal for pairing with rich, smoky meats, barbecue dishes, or mature cheese.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Cafayate, in the Salta wine region of Argentina, El Porvenir de Cafayate is a family-owned winery today led by Lucía Romero-Marcuzzi. The company, which produces small quantities of wines of exceptional quality, covers approximately 80 hectares of vineyards located at over 1750 above sea level, planted with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Torrontes and Tannat. The Malbec grapes are selected and harvested manually in the Finca Rio Seco vineyard, located in the Salta wine region. After fermentation, the finished wine ages in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. The Malbec from the Laborum line of the El Porvenir winery has an intense ruby red color with violet reflections. The nose reveals aromas of dark and red fruits such as raspberries, wild blackberries, and blueberries, followed by floral hints of rose and violet, and delicate spicy hints of black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a good body and firm tannins. It is soft and harmonious with a balanced acid vein. The finish is long and persistent and recalls fruity and spicy notes. This wine goes well with red meat or game stews, aged cheeses, lasagna, or pork tenderloin served in mushroom sauce.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded by the Italian Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and the Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers on the ruins of an ancient winery from the 1930s, Bodega Noemia is located in the Rio Negro region of southern Argentina. Their first vintage was released in 2001, after various renovations, and since then the company has managed to establish itself on the global scene thanks to a range of wines of great elegance and extremely expressive of the terroir. The wine is made with 100% Malbec grapes sourced from a 1.5-hectare vineyard, divided into 4 parcels, planted in 1932 and cultivated biodynamically since 2006. Here the grapes enjoy an exceptional terroir with different soils composed of clay, sand, limestone, pebbles, and silt. The four parcels are harvested and then fermented separately. The finished wine ages for 18 months. Bodega Noemia’s Malbec is a rich and powerful wine with an intense color with purple tones. On the nose, it reveals an exuberant and broad bouquet with aromas of dark fruit, black cherries, and then hints of coffee and cocoa, cloves, and other sweet spices. On the palate, it has a full body and is very harmonious with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. It is soft and juicy and closes with a long and persistent finish. It’s excellent with all red meat, but it’s a must-try with a roasted leg of lamb.

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This handsome Malbec is rich and smooth with ample cassis, dark plum and blackberry notes as well as hints of vanilla, coconut and bitter chocolate. On the palate there’s a generous full body, ripe tannins and long finish with notes of dried fruit and baking spice. The well-rounded and juicy flavour profile makes this a great match for roast beef, barbecued meats, or a prime steak. Tapiz is one of Argentina’s leading wineries thanks to their deep commitment to research and development in partnership with local bodies like the University of Cuyo. This work helps them to produce truly exceptional wines which capture the typicity of each variety and terroir. Their Black Tears Malbec is crafted at Finca San Pablo in Mendoza’s Uco Valley which has dramatic views of the magnificent Andes Mountains. The vines here sit at an altitude of 1400 metres, helping to preserve freshness in the grapes as well as delicate aromatic complexity. In the winery the young wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months to add extra polish and harmony, followed by another 12 months of ageing in the bottle before release.

Drink It now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The renowned Australian winery Thistledown has been producing wines from different sub-regions of South Australia since 2010, selecting grapes from the best growers. The company, owned by Fergal Tynan and Giles Cooke, both MW, focuses its production on the Grenache and Syrah vines, giving particular attention to the maximum expression of the terroir and sustainable viticulture practices. The Grenache grapes come from a vineyard with dry-grown old bush-trained vines located at the Seaview end of Chapel Hill Rd. Here the vines sink into red-brown sandy soils with quartz and ironstone and are grown under a low-intervention regime and minimal spraying. The harvest is manual and takes place in the early hours of the morning. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine is then left to mature for 8 months in used 300 and 500-liter French oak barrels. She’s Electric is an extraordinary Grenache with a complex flavor profile. It smells of raspberry, wild strawberry and orange peel, red cherry and Mediterranean herbs, pink pepper, and dried berries. On the palate, it is velvety and extremely elegant, vibrant and juicy. It has a good texture and fine tannins. The finish is long and recalls notes of dried berries and spices. Best paired with roast duck served with red fruit sauces.

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2010, Thistledown is a South Australian winery that sources its grapes from selected winemakers in the area’s premier regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Langhorne Creek). Founders and Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, work with Peter Leske to produce exceptional, small-batch wines that are expressive of Australia’s great terroirs. The Grenache grapes are hand-picked from a vineyard with vines planted in 1952 and trained in a bush style on sandy soils. The wine is fermented in cement and then aged in oak and cement for approximately 10 months before bottling. The result is an extremely expressive wine that reflects the characteristics of the site of origin. Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache is a powerful and intense wine, but never opulent with delicious aromas of ripe red fruit and blood orange, floral notes of lilac, and hints of rose water and violets. On the palate, it is structured and consistent, juicy and lively. It has a well-integrated tannic backbone and a smooth texture. The finish is long, elegant, and tasty. It’s an absolute must-try with Asian duck and pork, or pork tacos.

The team at The Hedonist are quite rightly very proud of this wine. Those of you who are Grenache fans will not go away disappointed. The wine is bursting with jammy, berried fruit and spice. The Hedonist wines adopt a minimalistic approach to winemaking, believing that good wines are made in the vineyard. Great care is taken in the estate grown certified biodynamic vineyard. Another cracker from the Mclaren Vale and The Hedonist. Highly recommended.