This is a traditional blend of native Portuguese grapes, Aragonez, Touriga Nacional & Trincadeira. Combining these classic grapes with modern winemaking makes for a distinctively fresh, complex wine with inviting aromatics. Expect juicy flavours of blueberry, black cherry, vanilla & spice. Partner with a hearty casserole. ...

Complex & concentrated, this easy-to-love red shows off the skill of Monte Da Ravasqueira, one of the Douro Valley’s top table wine producers. The vineyards also have something to do with it – they’re located at higher altitudes, so grapes maintain a delicious freshness. If you thought the Douro Valley was only about sweet fortified Port, this bottle will really open your eyes to the region’s diversity. ...

This is the cream-of-the-crop Amarone made on a single vineyard by the celebrated Monte del Frà winery. It's full-bodied, velvety & robust, with rich notes of plum, liquorice, leather, pepper & cinnamon. Leading US wine critic James Suckling gave it a 93-point score. Try it with aged cheeses. ...

The Chardonnay comes from several vineyards around the village of Argeliers, around 30km inland of the Mediterranean near Narbonne. Made from the first juices obtained after pressing, which are fermented with partial oak contact, & aged on their lees for 3 months. An invitingly fruit-driven wine, with aromas of ripe apple & nectarine embellished with delicate notes of spring flowers. Generous on the palate, with soft acidity & a rounded texture. Enjoy chilled, either on its own, or with your choice of fruits de mer. ...

This wine is made by Finca Torremilanos, a family-run estate located at the eastern end of Ribera del Duero. Its 200 hectares of vineyards are spread across some 140 organically-farmed plots, including some which are over 100 years old. A fruit-focused & easy-drinking wine, with medium weight tannins framing a core of ripe blackcurrant & raspberry flavour, accented with hints of cocoa. Best enjoyed with barbecued chops. ...

" Montelena’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco & sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena’s 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 & drink well for at least another decade beyond that. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029". 93+ points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

A big, mouth filling wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the personality of the vintage in its intense fruit. There is plenty of underlying structure in this deep, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon. Mint, flowers & sweet red berries are some of the nuances that are woven into the finish. This is far from an easygoing Napa Cabernet. Although delicious today, it should drink well for a number of years. Another year or so in bottle should help the elements come together even more fully. The 2010 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon & 7% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 92 points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

The 2011 Chardonnay appears to have more richness & body than the 2010... in 2011 Bo Barrett & his team had to wait until the end of October for this fruit to fully ripen, which, needless to say, is highly unusual. The characteristic Montelena Chardonnay aromas & flavors come through, but in a slightly richer style than normal. Hints of lemon oil, crushed rocks & flowers meld together beautifully on the resonant finish... Whatever the reasons, the 2011 is striking in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 93 points. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate. ...

Valdeorras is an appellation in an inland area of Galicia in northern Spain, which has become known for its quality white wines from the little-known Godello grape, which does very well in the region's moderate maritime climate & rocky slate soils. A youthful, green-tinged straw yellow wine, with a clean nose of grassy herbaceousness, & pear & pineapple fruit. Light in weight, yet with a palate-coating sense of texture. Perfect with Spain's simple fish tapas dishes, light cheese or tomatoes. ...

This wine comes from several vineyards owned by the Rossetti family, located just a few kilometres from Abruzzo's Adriatic coast close to the ancient town of Chieti, which local legend claims was founded by Achilles in 1181 BC. A ripe & approachable, medium-bodied & distinctly Italian red. Ripe blackcurrant & cherry flavours are infused with subtle hints of clove & forest earth, framed by fine tannins. Drink with Italian cured meats & hard cheeses, or pasta & ragu. ...