The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a deep and vibrant ruby red with aromas of dried red fruits and dried wild herbs. The palate experience is intense with a complex weave of red fruit and spice, a little strawberry and aniseed jam. The palate doesn’t let up for a long time and it’s structural, with the acidity and tannins pointing to a long and steady future. Made with 100% Sangiovese (selected from their oldest vines and only in the best years), the juice is allowed to macerate on skins for 30-35 days and fermented at a controlled temperature followed by spontaneous MLF (malolactic fermentation), both stages in cone-shaped Slavonian oak casks. The wine is then racked off into 10 to 25 hectolitre Slavonian oak casks for a period of around 40 months prior to being bottle-aged for at least 15 months. 'An estate that has been on a roll of late with super-elegant wines.' Antonio Galloni

McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Maurice O'Shea Shiraz continues lead the pack of great Hunter Valley Shiraz. A lovely return to old form, this Maurice has a striking purple hue to it in the glass. To the nose aromas of liquorice and spice with hints of cedar will beguile. Layers of complex flavours dance across the palate including savoury, spicy dark fruits like dark plums and cherries. A classic of classics.

The colour is deep ruby red with a dark cherry-like core. Dense and intense aromatics are laced with a lifted perfume fragrance. The fruit shows cherry and blueberry pie with cassis, blackberries, and tamarillo. More complex aromas show savoury characters like straw, graphite, char, dark chocolate, pencil shavings, and even some herbs like thyme and sage. As a result, the wine is very seductive, with a degree of mystique and flair.

Light, pretty floral aromas, pencil shavings, raspberry, black cherry and a hint of calfskin leather. The palate is succulent and supple in the mouth, the structural tannins come as a pleasant surprise after the opu-lence of the mid-palate, finishing long, savoury and dry. Best enjoyed with with pork belly, duck or rib-eye steak with chimmichurri, or cellar for the next 10 years (if you can refrain from opening now!).

The Chateau L'Arrosee 2000 is a splendid representation of the renowned Saint-Émilion region in Bordeaux, France. This vintage, produced by the esteemed Chateau L'Arrosee, is a true testament to their expertise and passion for winemaking. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a deep, ruby red hue with glimmers of purple. On the nose, notes of ripe red fruits such as cherries and plums intertwine with hints of tobacco and cedar. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with a perfect balance of tannins and acidity. Flavors of dark berries, cassis, and subtle spices are present, leading to a long and elegant finish. This wine is a true delight and pairs beautifully with red meats, hearty stews, and rich cheeses. Enjoy now or cellar for further aging.