Luxury Wines of the Year | Red Wines

Rully by Philippe Milan et Fils is generous fruit flavours that sing out of the glass showcase notes of cherry and strawberry. The finish is long, juicy, and satisfying, with chewy tannins lingering, offering a delightful balance of sophistication and approachability. An unbeatable glass of red Burgundy in a market where the prices only go up and it is hard to find good value. Domaine Philippe Milan et Fils is located in the hamlet of Valotte in Chassey-Le-Camp, located between Santenay and Rully. The winery is run by owner and winemaker Karl Milan, who took over the family estate in 2001. Philippe Milan, Karl’s grandfather, founded this 11-ha domaine was founded in 1950 and Karl-Philippe works his vineyards in lutte raisonne. Very little or no new oak is used in the winery as Karl wants to preserve and promote the lively fruitiness of his wines. Lutte raisonnée is a “reasoned struggle”. Chemicals are used only when necessary if pests or diseases threaten the crop. Organic wine is made without synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and no GMOs. This 11-ha domaine was founded in 1950 by Karl-Philippe’s grandfather. Chassey-le-Camp is a tiny village located between Santenay and Rully. 

WOW. This is a masterclass in winemaking, and the Bordeaux lover will love this! Vertente is a stunningly elegant and complex wine that beautifully captures the bold fruit and concentration you expect from Douro wines, while still delivering that signature freshness Niepoort is known for. It’s the perfect balance of power and finesse. Most of the grapes come from 60-year-old vines on the right bank of the Douro River, with a smaller portion from 30-year-old vines in the Tedo River Valley at Quinta de Nápoles. The result? A wine that’s bursting with character, yet refined and refreshingly vibrant. An absolute must-try for anyone who loves a bit of depth in their glass.

Pietro Zardini’s Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a full bodied, smooth and concentrated red wine. Aged for about 2 years in oak barrels and barrique, it’s a joyous wine with intense mocha, black fruits and tobacco flavours. Zardini’s Valpoicella Ripasso is made like a traditional Valpolicella with the additional step of 30 days contact with marc from his Amarone. This coupled with the high quality grape selection and oak treatment results in this rich and velvety Ripasso.

A medium-full bodied red wine that is reminiscent of Premium Australian Shiraz. It has those rich and spicy red fruit flavours like a raspberry tart. Despite the robust nature of the wine, it is very refreshing and has a silky, velvety mouthfeel. This is definitely a wine for those who love Australian Shiraz for its big, bold flavours. This is instant gratification in a glass. Priorat is a mecca for those who love big red wines. The rugged landscape and intense heat produces old vine Garnacha worthy of its price tag.  The owner here, Alfredo Arribas, is one of the rising stars of the region, having spent the start of his working life as an architect. We hope you love this wine as much as we do.

A beautifully refined Rioja, aged for six and a half years in French oak barrels, showing a fresh and delicate nose with subtle hints of vanilla and smoky, earthy notes. The palate is a real treat—aromatic and layered, with a silky smooth texture and perfectly balanced tannins. You'll pick up juicy flavors of ripe blackberry, cassis, and cherry, complemented by a touch of damson plum. The oak influence is subtle but brings in lovely hints of tobacco, black pepper, and soft leather, leading to a long, satisfying finish. It’s drinking beautifully now and has great potential for further ageing. 95/100 Wine Advocate Points"The 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rain than the average (at the time), resulting in lower yields of very healthy grapes that delivered wines with nice balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making it very apt for the aging in barrel. It had a slightly longer élevage in barrel, six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed profile, spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced. The palate is full and round, with polished tannins and a long, dry finish. It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile"  Luis Gutierrez Wine Advocate

The wine boasts a deep ruby colour and an elegant nose with aromas of dark fruit, toasted bread, and liquorice. On the palate, it is unctuous and smooth, with a fresh aromatic profile where blackberry, cherry, and cassis mingle with hints of toast and smokiness. The superb structure and balance, free from over-ripeness or excessive oak, reflect the meticulous care taken from vineyard to bottle. This wine embodies great value and is a true representation of the Bertrand family's dedication to their craft.Jacques Bertrand, along with his three children Anne-Marie, Bruno, and Catherine, meticulously manages the family-owned Château Carteau Côtes Daugay estate, nestled on the south-western slopes of Daugay. The vineyard, spanning 16 hectares, benefits from limestone-rich soils that are perfectly suited to their Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, averaging 30 years of age.