Hermanos Peciña Señorío de P. Peciña Gran Reserva 2014
Hermanos Pecina Gran Reserva Rioja 2014
⭐ Critical Acclaim
Vinous – 93 points
Praised for its lifted, balsamic-tinged aromatics, blending herbal notes, dried flowers, subtle vanilla and black fruit. Critics note a dry, elegant palate with sharp acidity and a lighter, more refined Gran Reserva structure.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 92 points
Described as already showing appealing development and tertiary complexity. Notes of sweet spices, leather, brick dust and subtle savoury tones. Considered a graceful, lighter-bodied Gran Reserva with polished texture and excellent balance.
Wine Spectator – 90 points
Commended for its earthy, savoury style, with dried cherry, plum, thyme, vanilla and a hint of iron. The tannins are light and creamy, and the wine is seen as balanced, clean and modestly structured, with a good mid-term drinking window.
Tim Atkin MW
Highlights it as a “real deal” traditional Gran Reserva: subtle, nuanced and savoury. Notes of red berry fruit, leather, pastry spices and bright acidity. Commended for finesse and balance, with drinking potential through the early 2030s.
Groot Constantia Gouverners Reserve Red 2021
The Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2021 is a South African red blend from the Constantia region, featuring notes of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and cedar. It is a full-bodied, complex wine with a firm structure and aging potential, made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Zorgvliet Richelle 2019
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon–led, with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in support.
Aroma & Palate: Concentrated blackcurrant, cassis and mulberry with violet, graphite and cedar. Layers of plum, leather, dried herbs, spice, tobacco leaf and a touch of eucalyptus. Rich but refined, with fine-grained tannins.
Structure & Finish: Powerful yet elegant; long, savoury finish with hints of mocha, dark chocolate and subtle salinity.
Cadus Tupungato Appellation Malbec 2022
Cadus Tupungato Appellation Malbec 2022
TASTING NOTE
The combination of altitude (1300m) and rocky soils provide a platform for Malbec to excel. Intense purple in colour, the wine displays great depth of black fruits, fresh herbal notes and spice. The palate is elegant with lovely weight, crunchy black fruits and fresh acidity. The finish is firm and granitic yet rich in supple fruit.
FOOD MATCH
Roasted lamb, red meats, and the perfect match to the traditional "empanadas" from Argentina (home made meat pies). Or perfect as a comforting, fireside wine.
Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023
The Bodega Norton Privada Family Blend 2023 is an Argentine red wine from the Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza region, composed of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is aged for 16 months in French oak, resulting in a deep ruby-red wine with aromas of ripe fruit, spice, and vanilla, and a rich, full-bodied palate with smooth tannins. The wine is praised for its complexity and is often paired with red meats and aged cheeses.
Bodegas Roda Reserva 2019
Bodegas Roda Reserva 2019 is a sophisticated red wine from Spain's Rioja region, primarily made from Tempranillo grapes. It is known for its complex aromas of black fruit, chocolate, and spices, and its full-bodied, elegant palate with refined tannins. The wine underwent a 14–16 month aging period in French oak barrels (50% new, 50% used) followed by extensive bottle aging to ensure its structure, complexity, and long finish.
Wine characteristics
Grape varieties: A blend of 94% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano, and 2% Garnacha.
Tasting notes:
Aromas: Black cherry, plum, violet, mineral notes, and hints of spices like clove and cinnamon.
Palate: Voluminous, balanced, and rich with black fruit, minerality, spices, and cocoa flavors.
Structure: Full-bodied, elegant, with refined tannins and balanced acidity.
Finish: Long-lasting, firm, and harmonious.
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
The wine is described as elegant rather than overtly muscular — refinement and finesse are emphasized (rather than sheer power).
Aromatic complexity is strong: violets, red cherries, strawberry/raspberry, herbs and forest floor/earth.
Texture is composed of ripe yet structured tannins, good acidity and a “chiseled” build that signals long-term potential.
Several critics highlight a “nervous energy” or tension in the finish — a sign of ageworthy Nebbiolo from a top Crus like Cannubi.
The finish is firm: with grip, defined tannins, mineral/earthy undertones, citrus/blood-orange lift.
James Suckling: 95 pts — “A restrained Barolo with red currants, red cherries, bright violets and a balsamic touch on the nose. More elegant than powerful… medium- to full-bodied with thick yet ripe tannins, crisp acidity and cherry stones in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.”
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 pts — “Lovely floral and fruity perfume with raspberry liqueur, wild strawberries, fresh violets, candied licorice… moves to a juicy, somewhat approachable feel then a more compact structure and energy through the mid-palate and finish. Refreshing acidity, well-defined ripe tannins, and a nice element of nervous energy … aging ability unmistakable.”
Kerin O’Keefe: 95 pts — “Rose, camphor, forest floor and spice aromas shape the fragrant nose… full-bodied, ripe Morello cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange and star anise… taut, close-grained tannins give the finish grip. Give this time to fully unwind. Drink 2031-?.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 95 pts — “Aromatic and lifted, 2021 is classic Cannubi. Bright acids cut through a core of sweet red-toned fruit, mint, orange peel, cinnamon and new leather. This chiseled, nuanced Barolo is a winner.”
Decanter: 94 pts — “Based in Monforte d’Alba but bottled from the family’s 0.5ha slice in Cannubi Boschis… Striking scents of rhubarb compote, cherry bark, toasted hazelnut and warm, dusty earth. Full, dense and even a bit chewy… tannins build with dry, sandy texture, crisp citrus-acid finish. Certainly requires cellaring.”
Petrolo Galatrona 2022
Petrolo Galatrona 2022 is a 100% Merlot from Tuscany, Italy, noted for its attractive and approachable style. It is a medium- to full-bodied wine with tasting notes of dark berries, plum, lavender, spice, and hints of orange peel. The vintage is praised for its freshness, with fine tannins and a long finish, although some critics note it may lack the depth of top vintages.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
James Suckling, 100 points
“The floral aromas are spellbinding, with violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure Merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for Merlot in Italy. Drink after 2028.”
Tignanello 2022
Tignanello 2022 a flagship wine from Antinori is intensely ruby red in color with purple hues. The wine opens impressively with aromas of cherries, ripe black cherries and pomegranate seeds with delicate notes of violets that lead to fresh balsamic hints. The bouquet is completed by elegant hints of vanilla and cotton candy. Supple savory tannins impart a dynamic impact on the palate, dense yet fresh. The wine closes with a lengthy finish that echoes aromas perceived on the nose.
✅ Critical Scores & Highlights
James Suckling gives it 96 points, commenting:
“There’s extraordinary energy in this wine. It displays a dark nose of black cherries, bramble fruit, violets, forest, licorice, bark, carob and leather. Density and tension dominate the full-bodied palate, with firm, velvety tannins. It’s slightly austere in the finish at the moment, yet it’s crunchy and full of potential. Try from 2026.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni) awards 95 points, stating:
“The 2022 Tignanello is such an elegant, poised wine. Brisk acids cut through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. Crushed flowers, mint, cinnamon, rose petal and a kiss of French oak appear later, adding notable brightness. The 2022 is a decidedly mid-weight Tignanello, but all the elements are very nicely balanced throughout.”
Falstaff gives it 96 points, with tasting notes mentioning rich nose of blackberry, blueberry, marjoram and some mint, precise tannins and density.
Wine Spectator gives around 94 points, describing it as “fresh, elegant and long… give this a year or two to integrate.”
Mullineux Syrah 2022
Hartenberg Gravel Hill Syrah 2019
Hartenberg Gravel Hill Syrah 2019
95 points Tim Atkin MW
Decanter Gold Medal
TASTING NOTE: On the nose, it reveals underbrush and dried herbs, complemented by an intricate blend of savoury spices, cinnamon, and black pepper. Red fruits and berries dance harmoniously with subtle hints of coriander and smoke. On the palate, its initial elegance gracefully unfolds into a bold and vibrant expression of red berries intermingling with a rich tapestry of warm spice and earthy, savoury notes. With firm tannins promising great ageing potential, this wine is destined to evolve into an even more extraordinary masterpiece over time. Built to age to its betterment for up to 20 years from vintage.
FOOD MATCHING: Fillet of kudu with a red wine jus, rare roast sirloin, wild mushroom risotto.
