If you’re talking about excellence in wine, you’re talking about Barolo - but what makes them so good? For me it’s the near impossible amount of complexity that each bottle somehow manages to achieve, coupled with the symphonic-like nature of how all those pieces intermingle. The 2015 Massimo Rattalino Trentaquattro is everything and more that you can expect from Barolo. Lifted rose petals and sour cherries on a thin ribbon of hot tar or gravelly road. Dried cranberry and currant set against woody tree-bark and spice box. Campfire embers and meaty decay. All in perfect step. On the palate the acidity finds an accomplice in the tannin structure making for a penetrating wine that builds and builds. An ethereal and other-worldly wine. If you’re on the fence about Barolo - let this be your sign to get off it.

Old vine grenache from Rioja is a tempting prospect at the best of times, and when it tastes like this it’s damn near irresistible. Grown at 800m of elevation, that lofty position ensures freshness and liveliness to the fruit. Time (but not too long) in French and American oak have added power and warmth to the wine, but do not dominate. Ravishing cherries and blueberries dominate, backed by crackles of spice and a satisfying finish. Old grenache vines imbue a wine with a magic all its own, so long as you don’t get in the way. The magic is alive and well here.

This Bordeaux, hailing from the Margaux appellation, is a cab-merlot blend with a touch of cab franc and a whole lotta charm. With a massive 97 points from DWWA, it’s an awesome expression of the area and anyone who loves Margaux will love this.

This wine is fresh and elegant, with the right amount of tannin soaking up delicious plum fruit. It’s juicy, full of red and black fruits and will go down an absolute treat with any of your favourite meats. Grab it for a special dinner with a special someone (or anyone really). It’ll please ’em all.

Part of our Women in Wine Collection

We are committed to ALWAYS having wines available that are made by women. In an industry that’s still dominated by men, we believe in celebrating the incredible work women are doing. Here’s to our Women in Wine!

Winemaker: Karin Berneleau

Although her family owns Château Mongravey in Margaux and Château de Braude in the Haut-Médoc, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the pull of winemaking in her blood was too strong for Karin Berneleau. Around the turn of the century, Karin left her prior life of physiotherapy, osteopathy and physical education and returned to serve her family estates. Her energy and precision are now evident in the more recent successes of the wines. We can only imagine the grapes are being whipped into shape as only a phys ed teacher can.