Fuller bodied and off-dry with a juicy, fruity finish. Low alcohol at 11%.

Based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, the 2013 Optimus offers lots of graphite, earth and peppery herbs to go with tons of red and black fruit characteristics. A full-bodied, rich and layered red that epitomizes Paso Robles, it has beautiful freshness, a silky texture and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.

Displaying the lushness and balance that define great Cabernet Sauvignon, this inviting wine features layers of blackberry, black cherry and blueberry, along with notes of dark chocolate and fresh spearmint. On the palate, the bright, juicy fruit flavors are framed by rich, refined tannins that carry the wine to a long, satisfying finish.

The core blend of Monte Bello 2022 was assembled by the production team over two days in February. Out of twenty-six candidate lots, fourteen were selected at this stage, with a few earmarked as potential additions at the next blending session. The team reconvened on May 3rd for the second and final assemblage of 2022 Monte Bello. The panel of eight determined that, of the three further lots being presented, just one had the qualities consistent with Monte Bello. The addition of this lot will result in a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The typically intense dark purple colour of a young Monte Bello belies the vivid aromatics: the nose opens with a wonderful floral aroma over the precise berry fruit. There is copious structure, but it is very fine-grained even at this early stage. Splendid balance and harmony already, with an ultra-long finish indicating the great potential of this wine.

Lush, energetic and intense, this gorgeous Cabernet begins with aromas of blackberry, huckleberry and chocolate, as well as hints of mint, cardamom, clove and graham cracker. On the palate it displays lovely brightness, with firm, resolved tannins framing flavors of boysenberry and black currant. As it evolves in the glass, subtle sweet and savory notes are revealed, carrying the wine to a long, focused finish. Duckhorn have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978. Blending fruit from estate vineyards and top Napa Valley growers, this wine embodies the complexity of the valley, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance, the Cabernet is blended with Merlot, yielding a wine that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring.

Dark purple hues with black cherry, dark plum, black olive, soy, dried jerky, lilac, dried rose petals, cedar, juniper berry, and wintergreen mint. Fresh entry with building tannins that coat the entire palate. Gravelly, dusty, and mineral notes give way to layers of red and black fruits. Integrated oak with youthful tannins and acidity. Will prove to be very age-worthy.

Decanter Panel Tasting 92/100 "Intense aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry with oaky and leathery notes. Crunchy acidity on the palate with polished tannins."

Tasting note: Deep ruby color. Ripe mountain blackberry and cassis, anise, lavender, violets, sweet toasted oak and earthy, mineral components. Bold fruit at entry coupled with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. Layered and complex mid-palate with a long, intense finish. Vintage Notes: Warm weather in August, especially at the higher elevations, expedited ripeness. For the first time, we harvested from the top vineyard at Perrone to the bottom at Klein. The drought reduced yields by more than a third, resulting in small berries with exceptional tannin and color concentration. This year, instead of all parcels finishing malolactic in barrel as in the past, sixty percent finished in tank. This classic Monte Bello will develop over the next twenty to twenty-five years. Winemaking: 100% new oak barrels: 92% American oak, 8% French oak; nineteen months in barrel. Hand-harvested; estate grown Monte Bello Vineyard grapes, destemmed and sorted; fermented on the native yeasts; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective sulfur 35 ppm at crush, 108 ppm during aging; depth filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

When you order wines En Primeur you buy wines that are as yet not available for physical delivery but are available for purchase. They are sold without Excise and VAT taxes and an invoice is issued soon after order, for payment. Excise and VAT may become payable when the wine physically arrives in the UK. When a wine arrives in the UK is a matter of when it becomes available from the producer and when we are able to import it. Normally wines will be shipped 2-3 years after harvest, but it can take longer or less than that. When the wines are shipped to the UK they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered Sold En-Primeur. An incredibly limited and rare bottling of Ridge Monte Bello to be delivered in 2026. The core blend of Monte Bello 2023 was assembled by the production team over two days in February. Out of twenty-six candidate lots, fourteen were selected at this stage, with a few earmarked as potential additions at the next blending session. The team reconvened on May 3rd for the second and final assemblage of 2023 Monte Bello. The panel of eight determined that, of the three further lots being presented, just one had the qualities consistent with Monte Bello. The addition of this lot will result in a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The typically intense dark purple colour of a young Monte Bello belies the vivid aromatics: the nose opens with a wonderful floral aroma over the precise berry fruit. There is copious structure, but it is very fine-grained even at this early stage. Splendid balance and harmony already, with an ultra-long finish indicating the great potential of this wine.

Decanter Panel Tasting 92/100 "Intense aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry with oaky and leathery notes. Crunchy acidity on the palate with polished tannins."

"The wine is a vibrant blend delineated from the region’s cooling fog and warm afternoon sunshine to allow balanced ripening of lush varietal flavors and natural acidity that can be derived from our venerated vineyards." - Paul Hobbs Winery

This beautifully lush and supple Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage and sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice emerging on a long, satisfying finish. In 1975, legendary vintner and pioneer Josh Jensen founded Calera (Spanish for “lime kiln”) high in the Gavilan Mountains of California’s majestic Central Coast. In the four decades since, Calera has helped establish the Central Coast as one of the New World’s most exciting wine regions, while earning acclaim as one of California’s iconic wineries. Crafted using grapes from a handful of the finest vineyards on the Central Coast, this alluring wine offers enticing aromatics, soft, velvety tannins and vibrant fruit and spice. Native yeast open top fermentation. There was twice daily punch downs during fermentation, 100% destemmed. This wine has aged for 10 months in 100% French oak, 10% new.

At over 40 years old, the coveted old vines of Jensen Vineyard have produced a stunning wine that offers depth, elegance and luxurious complexity. Aromas of wild strawberry, rhubarb, pomegranate and black cherry leap from the glass beckoning a first sip. On the palate, the flavours turn deep and dark, with layers of blueberry, juicy blackberry and cocoa building to a long, dramatic finish. Calera is one of California’s greatest pioneer producers. Founded in 1974 by Josh Jensen, who took his cue from the great domaines of Burgundy in his quest for the perfect terroir, Calera quickly established a stellar record for producing wonderful Pinot Noir in the Gavilan Mountains west of Chalone in what is now known as the Mt. Harlan AVA. Certified organic, the 31-hectare estate is located at high elevations (2200 feet above sea level on average). Over the past four decades, Jensen and his team have acquired a reputation for their consistently excellent, internationally recognised wines. WINEMAKING Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gabilan Mountains 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for its limestone soils and ideal climate. At an average elevation of 2,200 feet it is among the highest and coolest vineyard sites in California. Whole cluster fermentation with native yeast. This wine has been aged for 18 monthsin 100% French oak, 30% new.

Deep garnet in colour with rich raspberry, fig, exotic clove spice, and notes of fresh mint. Layered briary fruit on the palate with cocoa and a slight crushed granite minerality. Supple tannins and a long, lingering finish

The 2023 Estate Chardonnay, sampled twice from tank, shows exquisite balance. It has impressive breadth and power, but no sense of heaviness, thanks to its purity of flavour and the little touch of smoky reduction that provides a burgundy-esque lift.

This enticing wine displays gorgeous aromas of blackberry, plum, dark red fruit, and cranberry, with hints of caramel and exotic spices. The luxurious berry notes are echoed on the palate, where they are supported by supple, refined tannins and an energetic mouthfeel that carries the wine to a long, lush finish.

Larry Turley and his winemakers Tegan Passalacqua and Karl Wicka continue to produce a fantastic range of wines from some of California’s oldest, head-pruned, dry-farmed Zinfandel vineyards. Impressive, rich, juicy Zinfandel from a very good producer in Napa Valley. Really (for California!) good value. From the website of UK agent Thorman Hunt: They have managed to persuade the owners of some of California’s finest old vineyards to let them take total control of viticulture; farming organically, reducing yields to extremely low levels and picking very late. Winemaking is totally unmanipulated, with very gentle extraction. The wines are matured for 14-16 months in 75% French, 25% American oak barrels (25% new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered. “Juvenile” comes from young vines (6-25 years old), interplanted, from several of their old vine designated vineyards – including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador and Vineyard 101. Whilst it offers sumptuous, joyous fruit, it also gives more than a glimpse of Turley’s single vineyard wines.

The most backward of the three Zinfandels, as usual, the 2020 Geyserville shows captivating fruit on the palate, with succulent strawberry/cherry fruit balanced by cocoa complexity. Its naturally fresh acidity is matched by a sumptuous texture while ensuring a long, resonant finish.

Petite Sirah is most frequently a complementary variety to Zinfandel in traditional field blends. At Lytton Estate, since 1992, we have made it as a standalone wine. Here, in the loamy-clay soils, it thrives, producing compact clusters of very small, concentrated berries. True to the nature of this grape, the 2020 is deeply coloured, concentrated and capable of ageing for at least ten years.

Ridge have made this Zinfandel every year for fifty-six years. Consistency of quality and vineyard character are its hallmarks. A dry winter with a moderate spring and summer ripened the grapes evenly. Showing plentiful fruit, elegant tannins and bright acidity, this fine wine will develop fully over the next fourteen years.

Decanter 95/100: "multi-layered and intensely flavoured with freshly baked bread, spiced white peach, and tangy acidity... very engaging and accomplished". Jancisrobinson.com 17.5 "very confident". Roederer's superb cool-climate California estate, since the 80s and on best-ever form now.

A classic expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, this wine begins with enticing aromas of bright cranberry, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry, as well as savory hints of black tea, dried herbs, pennyroyal and saddle leather. The lush fruit notes are echoed on the flavorful palate, where they mingle with layers of moist earth and wild mushrooms, with firm tannins and bright acidity carrying the wine to a poised and polished finish. "Super-classy, elegance personified. Full and rich." Clive Pawsey

Bright and crisp with refreshing notes of citrus, apple, ripe pineapple and tropical fruits and a creamy mouthfeel. And it has the Hoopes family beloved dog Dante on the label. How adorable!

The 2022 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah manages to capture the power of the variety within an accessible wine. The nose is deep and inky, but lifted by floral notes; the palate is tannic and mineral-driven, yet has a juiciness to the fruit that renders it delicious even at this early stage.

Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vibrant notes of crushed black raspberries, black plums and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of underbrush and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied with intense, pure black fruit flavors, the fruit is well-framed by ripe, grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with a skip in its step.

Made by all female star team of owner Lindsay Hoopes, Anne Vauter (ex Screaming Eagle) and Jennifer Rue this has richness and elegance in equal measure. Extended barrel ageing has softened the wine, as has some bottle age, making it exquisite to drink now. It will keep but why wait?

Ridge have made this Zinfandel every year for fifty-six years. Consistency of quality and vineyard character are its hallmarks. A dry winter with a moderate spring and summer ripened the grapes evenly. Showing plentiful fruit, elegant tannins and bright acidity, this fine wine will develop fully over the next fourteen years.

It is a departure for Ridge, as it's not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine's generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined. Deep garnet in colour with rich raspberry, fig, exotic clove spice, and notes of fresh mint. Layered briary fruit on the palate with cocoa and a slight crushed granite minerality. Supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. 65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Alicante Bouschet

Petite Sirah is most frequently a complementary variety to Zinfandel in traditional field blends. At Lytton Estate, since 1992, we have made it as a standalone wine. Here, in the loamy-clay soils, it thrives, producing compact clusters of very small, concentrated berries. True to the nature of this grape, the 2023 is deeply coloured, concentrated and capable of ageing for at least ten years.

Fuller bodied and off-dry with a juicy, fruity finish. Low alcohol at 8.5%.

A VIBRANT CHARDONNAY WITH AROMAS OF MANGO, CITRUS, PINEAPPLE AND ORANGES. A SMOOTH PALATE WITH REFRESHING ACIDITY AND ITS TROPICAL FRUIT FORWARD FLAVORS AND HINTS OF VANILLA. HARVESTED BY HAND IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS FROM MULTIPLE PREMIUM VINEYARDS LOCATED AROUND CALIFORNIA. MOST VINEYARDS FOUND WITH COOL COASTAL BREEZES, AMPLE SUNSHINE, AND WELL-DRAINED SOILS. 92 points Wine Enthusiast

Big and fruity this wine packs a punch! Enjoy and have some fun with this with some charcuterie.

The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a vibrant bouquet of black cherry, toasted oak and captivating pepperiness. Graceful in the mouth, with a silky texture and lively dark berry fruit, flavors of plum and dark chocolate expand on the palate.

The Crusher Pinot Noir is powerfully aromatic, with notes of pomegranate, rose petal and nutmeg. Juicy and spicy on the palate, this wine exudes flavours of plum, glazed strawberry and cinnamon bread from 12 months of French oak aging.

From one of California’s top-rated vineyards, this outstanding Chardonnay displays fleshy brioche and ripe citrus flavours. Made in more of a Burgundian style rather than the big, rich, overly oaked examples that are becoming past fashionable. Beautifully constructed, fresh pear and white peach scents are sharpened by citrus notes. Great food wine, chicken or creamy cheeses pair especially well.

From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavours of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.

Opens with bold aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and a bevy of vanilla nuances. On the palate, this wine is fruit-driven with flavours of pomegranate, black cherry, fresh cranberry and nutmeg.