Château Trotte Vieille Saint-Emilion 2012

Such purity of fruit to this wine with plum, currant and berry character. Solid core of fruit and fine tannins. Full and balanced. And very successful for the vintage. 93 points

Trinity Hill Syrah Hawkes Bay Homage 2015

Quite possibly the greatest expression of syrah New Zealand has produced. The level of complexity and concentration, the layering of flavours and textures, the length of tannins—there is so much to admire. Fruit is in the raspberry, red plum and blackberry spectrum, doused in pepper and every imaginable woody spice. Hints of chocolate, too. A thrilling and vibrant syrah. 99 points

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Bodega Lanzaga Rioja La Estrada 2015

Aromas of extremely pure, rich and ripe cassis and blue plum. Fresh earth notes, too. Super fleshy, lithe and juicy with an underlying graphite-like stony core and superfine tannins. Really immaculate, long and layered, with red and black cherries coming through. From a (notably small) vineyard measuring just 0.67ha. Drink now or hold. 97 points

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2013

Fantastic aromas of orange peel and dark berry with plenty of plum and cherry. Sweet tobacco and mushroom. Full body, juicy and fruity with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Complex and gorgeous. Fine and very long finish. Drink now. 96 points

Yalumba Shiraz Barossa The Octavius 2013

Very intense aromas of dark fruit, black pepper and cloves. Extremely aromatic. Full and layered, with a soft and juicy finish. Just the right combination of fruit and bright acidity. Tangy. Drink now or hold. 93 points

Domaine de Baron’arques Limoux 2010

Aromas of ripe fruit with fresh herbs and green walnuts that follow through to a full body, with round and velvety tannins and decadent fruit. Delicious finish. A fascinating wine that has evolved beautifully. Drink now. 92 points

Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve Tapestry 2014

Perhaps the best Tapestry ever made; with currant, chocolate and berry aromas and flavours. Full body, layered and rich with a wonderful depth and generosity yet always focused and poised. Better in 2019 but already delicious. 95 points

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Pio Cesare Barolo 2014

Bright and complex with liquorice, tar and rose petal. Hints of plum, too. Medium to full body and chewy, round tannins. Plenty of dried meat, spices and berries. A pretty finish. Shows intensity for the vintage. Already lovely but drink in 2020. 94 points

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Puente Alto Vineyard 2015

The aromas of lead pencil, blackcurrant and tar are impressive with just a hint of fresh herbs. Sweet tobacco. Iodine. Full body, very tight and polished with ultra-fine tannins and a refined, textured finish. 92 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 7 per cent cabernet franc and 1 per cent petit verdot. Drink in 2022. 98 points