Just Landed
Just in case you’ve been hiding in your cellar…
Here’s the latest & greatest to hit the WINE DECODED shelves!
Size & Type
Other
Just in case you’ve been hiding in your cellar…
Here’s the latest & greatest to hit the WINE DECODED shelves!
Red Blend from Gaiole UGA, Chianti Classico
Delicious. It takes some mad skills to pull off a wine like this. The balance point between rosé & light red, the crunch with real flavour, the texture. Sure winemaking smarts are key, it's that innate sense of touch that allows a cluey vigneron to layer in the kind of character this has that makes the real difference. It's just an ace wine.The 2025 Rosato Toscana Fuori Misura is fabulous. This is the first vintage in which about a third of the fruit was picked and vinified as a lig
Chardonnay from Macedon, Victoria
This project from the granite soils in the northern end of the Macedon Ranges at 460m above sea level is an exciting addition to our activities. The vineyard was established in 1995 and the fruit has ostensibly been “lost” interstate until new Victorian owners took over in spring 2021. This fragrant, stoney, gently spicy Chardonnay has delicious, subtle fruit complexity of lemon, mandarin and yellow plum. It is, of course, youthful and vigorous, with creamy texturtal mouthfeel that builds po
Grenache from Macedon, Victoria
The Heathcote Col Mountain Grenache project continues to gain pace. The rocky and steep Col Mountain vineyard is a fabulous site for this impressive variety. It delivers delicious fruit and site pure wine in a medium bodied style. The wine is made like our Pinot Noir, with wild yeast in open fermenters and handled quite gently. This is the sixth vintage we have made of Col Mountain Grenache and perhaps it is the most complex and intense yet. It's been a fun learning curve having faith in the sit
Bordeaux Blend from Macedon, Victoria
It's very un Sideways (the movie that prophersises Pinot Noir) to have a soft spot for Merlot but such is the purity and medium weight beauty of the fruit from Glenhope that the wine, when treated lavishly, is compelling. I really like this pure, complex, age worthy blend of half Merlot, with descending proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The nose has depth and is brooding with classic Merlot plum and Cabernet lift. Subtle chocolate, cassis, earth and cedar make further
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
These wines are spectacular, loaded with personality, a true expression of extreme sites! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine.The 2024 is a ripper! Grape first, it's a li
Red Blend from Gaiole UGA, Chianti Classico
The 2024 Chianti Classico is a pretty rich wine for the year. Dark-toned Sangiovese fruit, new leather, spice, menthol and mocha all meld together in this glass. Supple and engaging, the 2024 has a lot to offer, tarting with plenty of immediacy and tons of San Giusto character.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 91 PointsSplash it in the decanter, grab a Bistecca Fiorentina & enjoy!
100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so much fun! The 2025 Etna Rosato is so impressive, mixing crushed peaches with chamomile, citrusy spices and spearmint. Luxuriously round and supple, it has brisk acidity to balance as decadently ripe orchard fruits are neatly offset by a crunch of minerality toward the close. It finishes long with a saline inflection. The 2025 is deeply complex and well balanced for the cellar.Eric Guido, Vinous 93 Points100% Nerello Mascalese Rosé is just so muc
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
Well, well, well. The young vine Roncagliette that grew up and went into Olek's Barbresco may no longer be here, this could come from Timbuktu as far as I'm concerned. What is in the glass deserves far more than a Langhe Nebbiolo classification. The most important part of Raf's note '...all wrapped in Olek's charm'. If you've had his wines before you'll know exactly what this means. Beautifully composed, energetic, complex, a layered flowing winey of superb harmony! Do not dally!This Neb
Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo
Barolo Cru Druca Fruit from the Vineyards of Luigi Oddero! Sourced from the Druca Cru in Barolo. Declassified Barolo! Not for quality, but, for the shorter ageing timeframe. BOOM! The shift in Cru back in 2020 was based on a desire to find fruit with softer tannin to handle 100% whole-bunch, an uncommon technique in Piedmont, though one on the rise. The Cru is near Novello's Ravera Cru. The site allows more hang time & the ripeness of tannins needed for 100% wholebunch ferment. Interest
Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo
Barolo Cru Druca Fruit from the Vineyards of Luigi Oddero! Historically from the La Morra Specola Cru from 2020 the fruit is sourced from the Druca Cru in Barolo. Declassified Barolo! Not for quality, but, for the shorter ageing timeframe. BOOM! The rest of the fruit from this Cru goes into the Langhe Nebbiolo. Specola is now bottled as a Cru Barolo with some of the fruit going into the Classico.The shift in Cru was based on a desire to find fruit with softer tannin to handle 100% wholebunc
Chardonnay from Macedon, Victoria
This is a very fine Kostas Rind, coming from the volcanic soils over clay on the lower Bindi Chardonnay plantings from 1988. Destemmed berries go into the press and the juice is taken straight from the tray into the barrels, around 25% of which are new small French oak. The fermentation occurs without yeast addition and the wine remains on all lees for ten months until just prior to bottling. This is the 35th harvest from these vines and the soils and plants are in excellent health, in particul
Pinot Noir from Macedon, Victoria
The Dixon comes from part of the original 1988 planting of Pinot Noir at Bindi and some of the 2001 Kaye vineyard. As always, it's bottled a little earlier than the other five Bindi Pinot Noirs; at ten months rather than 15. The wine is made with destemmed fruit and wild yeast in open fermenters and matured in small French oak barrels, about 20% new in 2025. There is a seductive interplay between red and dark cherries and red and dark plums in this delicious and age worthy wine. On opening ther
A unique Soave, this wine along with Il Corincino's Verdicchio 'Gaiospino' was one of the first two wines that sparked my interest in Italian wine. The age of the vineyards is reflected in the depth of fruit. FYI - Vecchie Vigne means 'Old Vines' and these are pre-phylloxera from a sandy sub-plot of the La Foscà vineyard.The 2021 Soave Classico Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne displays a deep golden color, wafting up with notes of crushed almond, stone dust and Asian pear. It floods the
Nebbiolo from Grumello, Valtellina
The Robin has landed! The Pettirosso is a 50:50 blend of Grumello and Sassella fruit. Boldness coming from Grumello and delicacy with fine, mineral traits from Sassella. Try the Superiores from each of the sub-regions and you’ll see these characters. The blend works beautifully. The 2022 had an epic 101 day extended maceration! An excellent stepwise build in complexity depth and length.
Dessert, Sherry & Fortified from Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Cappellano is widely acknowledged as the creator and ultimate master of the style.This is a fine iteration. The Barolo used here is from 2021. A little less bitter than previous versions I've had. The balance is impressive, finishing clean with the grip from the spice & herb extractions playing nicely with the sugar. Wonderful harmony and layering. The seamless nature makes for a drink that evolves in the glass. You'll keep finding different aromas & flavours. It's important to r
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
We have benefited from a delayed release of the Cortese 2021’s. It’s fascinating reading critic notes from barrel tastings and just post-bottling. They are such a snapshot in time. Seeing this 2+ years after the most recent critic notes shows they had solid insights. The Blue Label Barbaresco was first released just a few years ago and has consistently represented exceptional value underpinned by quality fruit and the deft hand in the winery. The 2021 continues to follow this short, yet impr
Rosé from Inferno, Valtellina
First released in 1980! Cracking 'Metodo Classico' fizz from Valtellina! I've had some solid sparkling Nebbiolo from Piedmont before. None quite like this! When this was poured for me I had no expectations and ended up having a WOW! moment.Made from Chiavennasca 92% A.K.A Nebbiolo, Pignola 4%, Rossola 4%.Excellent texture and mousse, light salmon colour with a red fruit down the raspberry line, superb acid, balancing alow dose. Very sophisticated. A play of light woody herbs, rose, fa
Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims
The successor to the Rosé No.3 is equally fabulous! The wine’s colour is immediately seductive, with its delicate hue of subtly intense light pink, evoking all the nobility of Pinot Noir de Bouzy. The nose is expressive and charming, revealing floral aromas mingled with a palette of candied red fruits and English sweets, enhanced by a saline, almost iodized touch, which is the hallmark of the house’s mineral freshness. On the palate, the attack is lively and invigorating. Red berries – st
Pinot Noir from Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise
Give it a couple of days open or a few years in bottle and you'll go to a happy place. An earthy nose of red and blue pinot fruit displays a top note of kirsch. There is both an attractive texture and verve to the acceptably dense flavors that deliver solid depth and persistence. This could be enjoyed young and given the attractive price point, this is one to look at for value.Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-91 PointsJM 89
Nebbiolo from Treiso, Barbaresco
Elegant, fine, grape first and just delicious. Settling and opening in the glass. Sitting in a sweet spot. Beautifully refined texture. Long, even and slatey in a good way. Serious wine at the price point. Licks of spice, background orange citrus hum. Bright red fruits. Vibrant acidity, salty and a little bloody, with a gently tarry, alpine note. Excellent shape, flow and persistence. Harmony. Give this a few years, and you’ll go to a happy place.Great to see a Barbaresco Classico from the
Pinot Noir from Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise
Punching above its weight! Along with the Clos de Myglands this represents one of the best value Burgundies on the market. JM 93
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
Sourced from vineyards directly around Chassagne this drinks like a baby version of the appellation. Bright and beautifully balanced, with aromas of citrus blossom, pear and white peach. The palate is fresh and mineral, combining fresh acidity with subtle texture and a long saline finish. A superb introduction to the precision and elegance of one of Chassagne-Montrachet's benchmark domaines.Fresh and cool aromas include those of green apple, petrol and citrus confit. There is both
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
From vines located in Meursault (40%), Puligny (15%), Chassagne (15%) and also Saint Aubin (30%). Made exactly like all the other wines, just a shorter elevage. Not yet labelled Côte d’Or ‘It can be but the clients have never asked for it.
Red Blend from Gaiole UGA, Chianti Classico
Le Baroncole is made from 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo grapes. The initial stages of its production are the same as Chianti Classico but it is then aged in barriques for between 16 to 20 months, bottled unfiltered and held for a further six months prior to release.The 2023 Chianti Classico Riserva Le Baròncole is soft, succulent and wonderfully inviting. Black cherry, plum, mocha and dark spice notes are pushed forward. Blood orange, cedar and new leather add exotic overtones on the p
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
Located in the lieu-dit of En Creuzilly at a height of 420 metres with ‘more clay’. A very fresh wine with less ‘fat’ that wants time to show its best. Ample depth covering a very fine structure.Vines in the direction of Nolay, bought in 2014 – 2015 was the first vintage – from an 8 ha domaine shared with Sauzet – about 6km from domaine, vines on hillsides, over 400m with plenty of clay in this soil. Harvested about a week later than the vines around Chassagne – patience is a
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Vibrant, energetic and well-developed at the same time. The 2021 Il Poggione Brunello presents with a fresher, fine style consistent with the vintage in Montalcino. Savoury & a little bloody, earthy & layered, with complexity from an array of subtle herbs and spices. Expressive. Orange citrus acid combines with slatey tannins to add textural intrigue to a core of red fruits that, whilst light on their feet, have considerable length and depth. Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded Sept 2026
One of Terre Nere's 3 Grand Cru's, the Pre-phylloxera vineyard sits within this one! It's a bold, delicious interpretation of Nerello. One of Terre Nere's 3 Grand Cru's, the Pre-phylloxera vineyard sits within this one! It's a bolder, delicious interpretation of Nerello Mascalese.Dark and brooding, the 2024 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottand offers aromas of dusty earth, tobacco and ash before giving way to citrus-laced black cherries. It's round and pliant with violet florals and nearly creamy t
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
🍇RABAJÀ RABAJÀ RABAJÀ 🇮🇹 Stepping up to the famed Rabaja Cru the DJ has dialled it up! Deeper, darker, longer yet maintaining a transparency. Perfume on savoury fruit, a refined slatey note with a lick of tar. Like all of Cortese Neb’s it drinks beautifully. Brooding at the moment, it is clearly built with a little more time in bottle in mind. You need to have some Blue Label Barbaresco to sate your Cortese gland whilst having a little more patience here. Mouthfeel plays with chalk
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Ranges from 80-50% Shriaz and 20-50% depending on the year Malbec from the 1919 and 1920 plantings. The Shiraz Malbec, it's a variation on a theme of excellent wines, the opulence of the Malbec providing a twist of difference in c
Malbec from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Central vineyard planted in 1898.The Malbec is the best I've ever had from Australia. Malbec is a fickle variety that is a case of feast or famine. When flowering is poor so little fruit is realised that you can barely make a wine
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Ranges from 80-60% Shiraz and 20-40% Mataro from 1893 Central, 1919 Eastern, and 1920 Eastern bush vines.His Shiraz Mataro is delicious, more ethereal than the straight Shiraz, with some structure evident from the Mataro. There's a
The 2024 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is darkly floral, with notes of ash, crushed rocks, tangerine zest and sage. It's impressively fresh despite its silky weight and incredible depth of red berry fruit. A liquid violet concentration slowly saturates toward the close. The 2024 reveals a collage of autumnal spices under an air of lavender pastille as hints of subtle citrus neatly balance its firming tannins. This is absolutely stunning. Eric Guido, Vinous 96+ PointsTenuta delle Terre Nere
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
From the same vineyard that offers us Gaja's Sori Tildin, we have Olek's Roncagliette! A classic in the making! Youthful energy and firmness of very, very, good grape tannins. Ripe, layered, nutty, even, long and fine. Time will see this texture evolve into something very special. So much vitality, classic.Even in this youthful phase the perfume is intoxicating. A sophistication and energy with exceptional shape, flow and length. A little fine balsamico. A superb core of fruit. Power and del
Nebbiolo from Neive, Barbaresco
Olek has incredible touch. The man understands textures and tannins, creates wines with insane perfumes and layer after layer of diving flavours. I can't wait to hook one of these when it hits the warehouse!Starderi is in the center north in the commune of Nieve. Check it out in the map below.
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
John and Zoë have crafted a Rosso that is fresh, juicy, and immediately delightful, just the way we like them. The serious caliber of the terroir shines through in this structured, yet friendly bottle of Sangiovese. Given the tiny production of this vintage, Benda bottled only a single wine, blending their precious Brunello fruit into this spectacular Rosso.
Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo
Wines like these are so rare that it is impossible to try them before they land in the country and they invariably sell out before you get to!
Nebbiolo from Grinzane Cavour, Barolo
Wines like these are so rare that it is impossible to try them before they land in the country and they invariably sell out before you get to! His vineyards in Grinzane Cavour were inherited by his father in law. Adding an addition 1 hectare to the 1.5 hectares of Paiagallo. Still making for a tiny production.
Sangiovese from Gaiole UGA, Chianti Classico
The 2022 Percarlo is seriously impressive. I can't wait to see how it ages. Sumptuous and packed to the core, the 2022 flows with the essence of dark red fruit, spice, cedar, new leather, pomegranate and blood orange. I would not dream of touching a bottle any time soon. Hints of rose petal, cinnamon and dried herbs linger on the substantial finish. The 2022 spent 22 months in oak, mostly 30hl casks with some 500 liter tonneaux.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 Points
Cabernet Sauvignon from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!From 1971 and 2002 plantings.Some argue that his Cabernet and Cabernet Malbec are not varietal in character. This I don't care about. What I'm looking for is wine that is good and these are damn good! Both have an incredible core o
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Around 30% Malbec and comes from 1975 Central, 1920 Eastern, and 1989 Western vineyards.The blend of Cabernet and Malbec is well known throughout the world. Along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, they are two of the va
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Village comes from three lieux-dits and was bottled in August. This has a bright citrus peel-, fresh pear- and sea spray-scented nose that leans a little toward Puligny in style. The palate is well balanced with a slightly creamy texture. It's a little spicier than other Chassagne Villages, with touches of quince and white pepper on the finish. Enjoy this over the next six to eight years.” Neal Martin, Vinous 89 PointsA touch of matchstick charac
Shiraz/Syrah from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!A Straight Shiraz from 1919 Eastern vineyard plantings.
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly inward in its youthful state, brooding and tense with tobacco, minty herbs, cedary spice, plum and nuances of black cherry. Soft textures wash across the energetic palate as mineral- inflected red berry fruits saturate. Structured and incredibly long, the 2021 leaves the cheeks puckering amidst fine-grained tannins and a contrasting accent of sour citrus.Eric Guido, Vinous 95 PointsThe Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fine
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino comes in a vast array of guises from the super bold structured ones with oak (not my cuppa), the dark rich yet mid-weight with a line of substantial yet refined tannins, & the perfumed, poised, delicate Brunellos with plush fine tannins. At this, Burgundian end, we see Poggio di Sotto and Soldera. Today we add one more to that list Gorelli. It's not yet in the league of it's two peers. Thankfully, neither is it's price. It's heading in the right direction, definitely o
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Virondot 1er Cru is a worthy follow-up to the impressive 2022. Very complex and harmonious on the nose, it just could not be from anywhere but Chassagne, combining very subtle yellow fruit notes with stirring mineralité. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It's quite energetic at the moment, which will hopefully be captured in the bottle. There's a very sustained spicy aftertaste that completes a great Chassagne.”Neal Martin, V
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
A suggestion of herbal tea lurks in the background of the fresh and bright aromas of citrus zest, acacia blossom and passion fruit. There is a lovely sense of underlying tension to the slightly less concentrated but seductively textured flavors that conclude in a balanced and lingering finish. This could use better depth so at least a few years of keeping are in order. Drink: 2028+Allen Meadows, Burghound 91 Points ♥ OutstandingThe 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers 1er Cru has to
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru has more mineralité on the nose than other Premier Crus from the domaine. Crushed chalk and flinty scents permeate the subtle yellow plum and jasmine aromas. The palate is tensile from the start, with intense orange pith and apricot notes and a complex, quite persistent finish. There is a sense of completeness here that is already present. Bon vin.”Neal Martin, Vinous 92-94 PointsDiscreet wood influence is present on the
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The J. G. Benda 2021 Brunello di Montalcino opens with aromas of rosewood, spice and dark fruit sourced from sandstone soils near Il Greppo. A pretty mineral note frames the bouquet but remains secondary to the ripe, primary fruit that drives the wine, and the palate leans into a mild, supple mouthfeel with finely powdery tannins. Living and expressive in character, this is a fleshed-out and well-balanced Brunello produced in a limited quantity of just 2,450 bottles.Monica Larner, The Wine A
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The J. G. Benda 2021 Pietrafocaia di Sopra is more reserved and introspective than the Brunello di Montalcino, trading immediacy for greater depth and textural complexity. The wine takes time to unfold, revealing a pronounced crushed-stone minerality that adds verticality and structure, while powdery, elegant tannins support an open-knit yet composed drinking style. Produced in only 2,444 bottles, this is a quietly compelling wine that rewards patience in the glass. Fruit comes from old vines pl
Nebbiolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Well colour me Nebbiolo! This is one of THOSE wines! Complete, poised, flowing, filled with personality, an acid-tannin complex that gives vitality & is perfectly weighted against layered fruit of considerable length. The tannins are ripe, nutty & present with a proper level of Barolo grip. It draws you in whispering "DRINK ME!". A pleasure to devour in its youth. Time in bottle will only see this wine elevate to another echelon of pleasure. Enough said. Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded Sept 202
To taste wine from 140 year old vines that has not been influenced by growing on a rootstock is becoming a rare thing at a global level. Crushed plum, wild blueberry, sweet sage and lavender pastille join together in a seductive bouquet as the 2024 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana blossoms in the glass. This possesses a pretty inner sweetness and velvety textures, feeling like cashmere on the palate as liquid violet florals and masses of ripe red and blue fru
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The Fuligni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant expression with layers of dark fruit and blackcurrant that give way to pressed rose, grilled herb and petrichor, recalling rocks bathed in hot sunlight. The wine is chiseled and refined, owing to the classic nature of the vintage and the restrained, non-extractive house style that distinguishes Fuligni, a historic estate based just outside the village of Montalcino on higher-elevation sites. The wine shows precision with fine tannic tension a
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly inward in its youthful state, brooding and tense with tobacco, minty herbs, cedary spice, plum and nuances of black cherry. Soft textures wash across the energetic palate as mineral- inflected red berry fruits saturate. Structured and incredibly long, the 2021 leaves the cheeks puckering amidst fine-grained tannins and a contrasting accent of sour citrus.Eric Guido, Vinous 95 PointsThe Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fine
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
We have benefited from a delayed release of the Cortese 2021’s. It’s fascinating reading critic notes from barrel tastings and just post-bottling. They are such a snapshot in time. Seeing this 2+ years after the most recent critic notes shows they had solid insights. The Blue Label Barbaresco was first released just a few years ago and has consistently represented exceptional value underpinned by quality fruit and the deft hand in the winery. The 2021 continues to follow this short, yet impr
Nebbiolo from Treiso, Barbaresco
Elegant, fine, grape first and just delicious. Settling and opening in the glass. Sitting in a sweet spot. Beautifully refined texture. Long, even and slatey in a good way. Serious wine at the price point. Licks of spice, background orange citrus hum. Bright red fruits. Vibrant acidity, salty and a little bloody, with a gently tarry, alpine note. Excellent shape, flow and persistence. Harmony. Give this a few years, and you’ll go to a happy place.Great to see a Barbaresco Classico from the
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
There is something here that takes Sangiovese to a special place, the perfume, the lovely linear shape of fruit, that deceptive depth and length that builds! Defined by a noble mineral precision that remains subtly in the background, the Poggio di Sotto 2021 Brunello di Montalcino delivers beautiful clarity to the bouquet and freshness to the palate. Within that framework, the wine reveals layers of cassis, red rose and grilled rosemary, offering impressive complexity inside a full-bodied but el
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2016 vintage was one of the greats in Brunello. Stella's 'Rosa' justified Riserva treatment with 43 months in botte and 64 months in bottle prior to release, making for a total of 9 years. Stella describes it as a rich, clear and bright vintage. I couldn't agree more and would describe it as a vintage that offered fresh, ripe fruit and tannins, complexity with balanced refreshing acidity. Combined making for complete wines.Why did Stella call it "Rosa?" 1. For the wine's aromas 2. It
Nebbiolo from Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo
Well colour me Nebbiolo! This is one of THOSE wines! Complete, poised, flowing, filled with personality, an acid-tannin complex that gives vitality & is perfectly weighted against layered fruit of considerable length. The tannins are ripe, nutty & present with a proper level of Barolo grip. It draws you in whispering "DRINK ME!". A pleasure to devour in its youth. Time in bottle will only see this wine elevate to another echelon of pleasure. Enough said. Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded Sept 202
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Vibrant, energetic and well-developed at the same time. The 2021 Il Poggione Brunello presents with a fresher, fine style consistent with the vintage in Montalcino. Savoury & a little bloody, earthy & layered, with complexity from an array of subtle herbs and spices. Expressive. Orange citrus acid combines with slatey tannins to add textural intrigue to a core of red fruits that, whilst light on their feet, have considerable length and depth. Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded Sept 2026
Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo
’The 2021 Barolo Monprivato is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Crushed flowers, wild red berry, orange peel, mint and white pepper all grace this delicate, nuanced Barolo. The 2021 is naturally an infant, but its balance is sublime. It's one of the most refined young Monprivatos I can remember tasting’Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 PointsKO 99
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
An exuberantly floral-suffused nose is replete with notes of spicy white orchard fruit, petrol, citrus confit and barely perceptible wood influence. There is better volume and power to the broad-shouldered that possess good if not special mid-palate density before terminating in a citrus-influenced finish that is compact, long and impeccably well-balanced. This too would benefit from developing better depth so at least 5 to 7 years of keeping would be the roughly expected minimum. Drink: 2033+
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2016 vintage was one of the greats in Brunello. Stella's 'Rosa' justified Riserva treatment with 43 months in botte and 64 months in bottle prior to release, making for a total of 9 years. Stella describes it as a rich, clear and bright vintage. I couldn't agree more and would describe it as a vintage that offered fresh, ripe fruit and tannins, complexity with balanced refreshing acidity. Combined making for complete wines.Why did Stella call it "Rosa?" 1. For the wine's aromas 2. It