Nancy

Château Lilian Ladouys 2010, Cru Bourgeois, Ac Saint Estèphe

Musty, cheesy on the nose, and dry, tannic, dusty on the palate as a Bordeaux with this depth of colour should be. Elegant, austere, tasting of grape stems and hot breezes. Wonderful. One to stash for a future celebration.

Cusumano Syrah 2013, Igt Sicilia

Pretty violet rim in the glass, dense, opaque robe, promising a flavourful wine that doesn't disappoint. Cherries for acidity and other red fruit for roundness in this finely structured wine. Grab several bottles while you can.

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2014, Mendoza

Round, soft, juicy, mouth filling Malbec. The extra point goes to value.

Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2013, Mclaren Vale

Pérez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2012

Smoke and blackberries on the nose, juicy fruit, subtle oak, balanced structure, it's a lovely wine.

Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2016, Twenty Mile Bench

Fruity colour and palate, fine tannins and surprisingly good, complex length. A bit hot and young.

Root: 1 Carmenère 2012

Great value. Dried herbs on the nose and on the palate with lots of nice fruit and a chalky, satiny finish. Very pleasant, not at all sweet.

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Margaret River

Slightly hot, dried herb nose with a few strands of tobacco, with cedar pleasantly on the tongue and sourness on the length, yet a nice chalky mineral finish reminiscent of the west bank. Did I mention complex,? Nice job.

Fairview Estates The Goatfather 2012

Smokey-oaky. Smoaky! nose, with charred lemon and with a promise of the fruit forward palate, which ends with dusty tannins and more charred citrus. Very good for a pig roast (well, that was my experience.)

Honoro Vera Garnacha 2013

Light, bright, red cherry and fresh unsweetened fruit palate. A refreshing aperitif with a slight chill.