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.
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.
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.”
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.
Keermont Syrah 2019
The Keermont Syrah 2019
On the nose, this Syrah opens with brooding dark fruit—blackberry and black plum—lifted by violet perfume and subtle notes of smoked meat, cracked black pepper, and olive brine. Hints of graphite, roasted herbs, and a touch of mocha emerge with gentle aeration, adding complexity and intrigue.
The palate is full-bodied and richly textured, with concentrated dark fruit framed by lively acidity and well-defined, fine-grained tannins. Spicy black pepper and a savoury streak of leather weave through the fruit core, leading to a long, mineral-inflected finish. Elegant oak influence supports without dominating, allowing the wine’s definition and typicity to shine.
This 2019 presents both power and poise—structured for mid- to long-term cellaring, yet approachable now with decanting.
Keermont Merlot 2021
The Keermont Merlot 2021 has a vibrant venetian red colour. Enticing spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, dust and mixed berries. Classical elegant, fruitful palate with dark plums, cherries and vanilla notes. Fine tannins and fresh acidity hold the wine into a long savoury finish. Best drinking: 2024-2035.
4 ½ stars PLATTER’S GUIDE
93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Glenelly Lady May 2020
Crafted from the best Bordeaux components of 2020, it reveals rich dark berry aromas with hints of mocha and cedar on the nose. The palate offers sweet fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and a long, refined finish.
Lady May is Glenelly’s flagship estate wine. The 2020 Bordeaux blend pays tribute to the pedigree of its legendary owner. In honour of May de Lencquesaing’s 100th birthday, a special-edition label graces the Lady May 2020 vintage. A rare collector’s item for your cellar.
GRAPE VARIETIES : 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
Tim Atkin MW 2024 96 Points
Neal Martin – Vinous 2024 93 Points
James Suckling 2024 94 Points
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2022
Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2022 has a rather dense expression, with dark cherries and hints of lavender and oyster sauce to the slate, crushed blueberries, dark cherries and baked strawberries. Full-bodied and tannic, but silky and powdery. Long and tangy to the end. From organically grown grapes.
Aster Crianza Ribera del Duero 2020
Deep crimson colour with garnet rim, clean and bright. Aromas of black fruit, blackcurrants and blackberries with sweet spices, fine herbs and liquorice in the background. Powerful on the palate, the fruit expression is smooth with hints of spice. The finish is balanced and structured, with pleasant acidity and the characteristic mineral notes of our terroir.
