Top 10 Classic Reds

Fabrice Lesne, Beaune Premier Cru Perrières 2006

Nicolas Potel, one of the most respected négociants in Burgundy, was involved in the making of this wine. Very focussed yet still boasting fleshy aromas with leathery undertones and hints of game pie. Very youthful and fresh, and should be even more desirable in one to two years’ time.

Initial de Desmirail, Margaux 2005

The second wine of 3rd Growth, Château Desmirail, this a lovely wine that allows you to get an early taste of the quality of the 2005 vintage, although giving it a few more years would be well rewarded. Brambly and spicy on the nose, it’s really quite accessible on the palate, with pleasing freshness and more dark fruits.

Domaine Collonge, Crozes Hermitage 2005

Made by Philippe and Vincent Jaboulet are the 5th and 6th generation of a family of respected vignerons, with more than 200 years of winemaking history. Before setting up this new venture, Philippe was head of Paul Jaboulet for 30 years. The wine displays some red cherry and violet with a good purity of fruit. The palate has firm tannins with a rounded and warm structure; intense red cherry fruit and creamy oak on the finish.

Viña Izadi, Rioja Crianza 2004

A delightful Crianza from a fine vintage and a good producer. Shows classic, velvety red fruits strengthened with creamy chocolate notes and sprinklings of spice.

Da Vinci, Chianti Riserva 2004

This wine is indeed is named after the man himself, who was born in a nearby village. It’s a 100% Sangiovese, and this 2004 Riserva takes advantage of the strong vintage with rich currant, cherry aromas and a fresh red fruit and leather palate. Traditional style.

The Society’s Exhibition Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007

From the biggest wine region in New Zealand, this Wine Society’s house wine combines vibrant red plum fruits with elegant perfume. Very attractive balance on the palate with some clean red fruits and pure varietal characters.

Ebenezer & Seppeltsfield Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2006

Plenty of the brambly, spicy fruit you’d expect from such a wine, but with some firm leathery undertones supplying a bit of backbone. This is classic, but well-styled and restrained.

Ken Forrester, Three Halves Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2005

A beautiful wine from this South African legendary producer. Lot of black fruit aromas with some well-integrated oak. Robust style but with an elegant concentration; lively acidity with soft tannin and good purity of fruit on finish. Very stylish.

Phebus Malbec Gran Reserva Mendoza 2007

This winter warmer combines black forest flavours with some chocolate hint. Robust with good fruit concentration and sweet spice on the palate; big tannin but well-integrated with the structure, great complexity on the finish and great depth of fruit.

Errázuriz Max Reserva Merlot, Aconcagua Valley 2006

From one of the best Chilean producers, this wine has layers of ripe fruit with spicy aromas and hint of mint. Complex on thee palate, fresh and vibrant fruit characters, good intensity with lots of blackberry on the finish. Great depth