Classic Cab Franc notes of fresh capsicum and pencil shavings on the nose, fresh and clean on the palate with delicious red berry fruits.

From Finca Mangato vines in El Paral, Tupungato at 1,200 metres above sea level, planted on shallow sandy-loam soils, this delicious blend bears testament to Estela’s eye for detail and insistence on absolute precision. A blend of 70% Cabernet Franc with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Intriguingly, 70% of the Cab Sauv parcel is co-fermented with the Cab Franc, and the remaining 30% of Cab Sauv is aged for 9 months in second use French oak. Still with us? There is a very strong sense here that nothing is left to chance and the results are fabulous. The nose screams neither varietal on its own but, rather, offers up an holistic approach to blending as can be seen in Estela’s other wines. The effect is harmonious throughout from notes of hibiscus flowers and spice on the nose through to plump cassis and juicy redcurrant in the mouth. A superbly crafted blend representing fantastic value for money.

In each of the three ranges from this winery - Serbal, Catalpa and Atamisque - there is a blend, an assemblage. Catalpa Assemblage is comprised of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec in varying proportions depending on the vintage. 60% of this wine is aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels, 40% in stainless steel prior to blending and a further 6 months in bottle prior to release. Crafted in a fairly extravagant style this is a lovely, plump, velvet textured delight with clever use of oak in evidence, capable of developing very nicely for 8 - 10 years.

Expresivo is harvested from Gualtallary Terroir, which translates in mineral notes, firm fine grained tannins and great length. This wine has aromas
of blackberry, peppercorn tree with balanced natural acidity.

Colour: Dark garnet red
Bouquet: dark berry fruits with undertones of dried herbs and cigar box.
Palate: Elegant and refined with lovely berry fruits framed by supple savory tannins.
Grapes were destemmed, sorted and crushed into small batches for ferment. Wines were fermented with wild yeast, gaining layered complexity. Extended time on skins post fermentation gave the wine greater depth and savoury characteristics. The wine was pressed, and racked to oak for maturation. It was then left to evolve in oak for 16 months before blending for bottling.

Rich dark fruit, notes of blueberry, accompanied by velvety dark chocolate and cocoa. Hints of cedar and a subtle smokiness are complemented by undertones of blackberry and molasses.

This Domaine Horgelus red wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat, the latter being a local grape variety making rich and powerful reds. The wine has a fabulous concentration with aromas of blackcurrant, licquorice and spices. On the palate it has soft, ripe tannins to support the dark fruit flavours. Smooth and deeply flavoured it is the ideal accompaniment to grilled or roast meats and soft cheeses.

This spicy Cabernet Franc from the Languedoc is a beautiful bright ruby red in colour. The nose has red cherries and currants in abundance, these red fruits follow through on the palate with a menthol note and spicy pepper. The wine has beautiful structure with fine tannins and a long and powerful finish.

Tannat softened down with Cabernet Franc – Great weight and density, with power from tannins but fruit and supple juiciness from blackberry and black cherry notes.

A classic claret. Cherry red colour with an intensive floral nose followed by a rich fruity palate dominated by crunchy red fruit notes. A very aromatic, well-balanced but robust wine.

Opaque, perfumed with fragrant black cherry, cassis and spice. Full bodied, intense with countless layers of flavour including blackcurrant, cedar and graphite. Dense fruit on the palate is bound by a structure of fine grained tannins and a lively acidity. This wine shows great depth and character and yet is refined with a long, elegant finish.

Bright ruby in colour, with juicy cherries and red berries on the nose. There is a hint of smoke, that pairs nicely with subtle graphite notes. The palate is plump with plums and cherries, yet light-footed, with fresh acidity and fine tannins gently framing the core of cool red and black fruit. Hints of earthiness and smokiness add to the complexity on the finish. Soft, supple and ready to drink now.

A fine, elegant wine with plump red berried fruit and delicate hints of oak spice. Smooth and supple on the palate, with fine tannins and a long, persistent finish.

This is a very consistent wine with plenty of soft, open, easy-going blackcurrant fruit and hints of spice and vanilla oak on the finish.

Merlot-based, this wine has great structure with mouth-filling spicy fruit and fine length. Lovely plummy fruit is backed by fine tannins and the added nuance of Cabernet Franc.

Slender and fresh with stony minerality, blackberries, wild raspberries and a green hint of wild blueberry bushes and compost.

A full, firm, ripe left-bank claret that shows style and richness. Superb vintage.

Exhibiting aromas of rich currant fruit and creamy new oak, the 2019 Siran is medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. This is a flavourful, nicely balanced wine that will reward a bit of bottle age.
Robert Parker 22/02/22

Dark in colour, with a powerful nose of ripe black fruits and violet notes. An elegant and complex palate. A dense bouquet with a beautiful tannic base, fruity and fresh on the finish, well balanced.

This is the Second wine of Château Léoville Poyferré, it benefits from the same care as its big brother, both in the vineyard and in the cellars. Bursting with fruit, this bright, attractive wine is accessible in its youth.

The 2015 vintage comes with a nose of baked black cherry fruit and cigar box. This follows through on to the palate with a medium body, lovely rich fruit and well balanced earthy taste. Soft tannins on the mid palate and a medium finish.

Classic, weighty Claret from St Estephe.

A very approachable wine from the Pomerol region, medium bodied with gentle acidity. Ready for drinking now. Silky merlot indeed.

This superb 5th Growth Pauillac is owned by the Rothschild family, now for the third generation. With vineyards perfectly positioned next to First Growths Lafite and Mouton, the only surprise is its classification isn't higher. A 95-pt masterpiece.

Amazing value Bordeaux blend from New Zealand