A "Goldilocks wine" where everything, down to the restrained alcohol, is just right. Blackcap raspberries, dried rose petals, beeswax and a touch of Madagascar vanilla draw the nose deeper into the glass. Bright red cherry and tangerine flavors create a juicy and pleasurable sweet-tart flavor combination.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe apples, pears, and juicy plums. Subtle hints of vanilla and honey.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with a burst of orchard fruits. Sweet flavors of caramel and toffee mingle with a touch of spice.

Palate: Full-bodied and luscious, with a velvety texture. Delicate floral undertones complement the fruity sweetness. Lingering finish with a gentle warmth and a hint of oak.

Lightly sweet and warming, this unusual small batch whiskey smells a bit like a bakery: cookie dough, nougat, almond, vanilla. The palate also shows almond and vanilla, backed by oak, orange peel and a hint of peach. Sip or mix. Made with “pale malted barley” and aged for 30 months.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe apples, pears, and honey. Subtle hints of vanilla and oak.

Taste: Creamy and smooth, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. A touch of spice, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate: Full-bodied and luscious, with a velvety mouthfeel. Sweet and fruity, with flavors of orchard fruits, citrus, and a touch of tropical pineapple. A gentle oakiness and a hint of dark chocolate on the finish.

Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of dark chocolate.
Taste: Smooth and creamy with notes of honey, butterscotch, and ripe orchard fruits.
Palate: Balanced and complex, with flavors of toasted almonds, cinnamon spice, and a touch of smokiness.

Nose: Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla, and a hint of dark chocolate.
Taste: Smooth and creamy with notes of honey, butterscotch, and ripe red fruits.
Palate: Full-bodied with a velvety mouthfeel, showcasing flavors of toffee, toasted almonds, and a touch of spice.

Nose: Intense aromas of red fruits, particularly cherries and raspberries, with hints of floral notes and a touch of spice.

Taste: Rich and vibrant on the palate, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blackberries, and plums. Subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak add complexity.

Palate: Silky and smooth texture, with well-integrated tannins. The wine has a good balance of acidity, providing freshness and a long, lingering finish.

The latest vintage from this producer based in Les Riceys in the Côte des Bars is finely textured, with a good balance between fruits and maturity. It has just hints of toastiness to go with the Champagne's soft fruits. It is ready to drink. Roger Voss

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and plums, with hints of garrigue, dried herbs, and spices.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe dark fruits, black pepper, licorice, and earthy notes.

Palate: Velvety and well-structured, with smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Nose: Rich and inviting with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.

Taste: Smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of honey, dried fruits, and a hint of spice.

Palate: Creamy and velvety, with a touch of sweetness and a lingering finish of toffee and dark chocolate.

Deep, dark ruby-red color. There is ripe, dark-fruit on the nose & palate, but it is overlaid by sulphidic, reduced notes that are very unpleasant - two bottles were tasted & the same was true of both.

Bright, medium-gold with aromas of sweet nectarine, apricot, pineapple and candied peaches. Full-bodied with intensity, depth and beautiful mineral flavor. Rich, ripe acidity on the palate. Extraordinary balance between fruit and acidity with superb length. A wine of intense minerality and powerful acidity. The ideal wine to pair with fusion cuisines.

This has aromas of dark chocolate, walnuts, black cherries, plums and spearmint. Firm and well structured, with a full body and firm, slightly grainy tannins. Excellent balance.

Medium yellow/green colour. There are intense pea-pod & asparagus aromas. The palate is rich with a touch of sweetness/juicy ripeness, overlaid by toasty oak. The alcohol adds a touch of warmth & the acidity is quite tart, leaving green notes on the finish.

The Orin Swift Machete, with its formidable 16.1% alcohol by volume, is a bold and intensely flavorful red wine blend that makes a striking impression. This wine is renowned for its deep, inky purple color and a powerful, complex bouquet that marries ripe dark fruits like blackberry and plum with layers of vanilla, toasted oak, and peppery spices. On the palate, it unfolds with a lush, full-bodied texture, offering concentrated flavors of dark cherries, blueberries, and black currants, accented by hints of licorice, mocha, and a subtle smokiness. The high alcohol content is well integrated, providing warmth without overpowering the wine's rich fruit character and velvety tannins. The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering spice that complements the wine's opulent fruitiness. Machete's bold profile and rich complexity make it an excellent pairing with hearty dishes, such as grilled meats or robust cheeses, and it's a standout choice for those who appreciate wines with depth, intensity, and a touch of daring.

A floral flavour that conducts to honey joins the fruity base. Another distinguishing mark, coming from the long aging, is the spicy range dominated by the scent of the wood of the barrel that gives to this grappa perfumes of cinnamon, tobacco and liquorice, with a vanilla end.

Classically Campbeltown in style, expect waves of sea air, puffs of gentle smoke, sugary manuka honey and a mouth-coating Cask Strength depth.

Nose: Intense aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and violets, with hints of smoked meat and black pepper.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruits, including blackberries and plums, layered with notes of licorice, tobacco, and spices.

Palate: Velvety and well-structured, with firm tannins and a long, lingering finish.

Blended with small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this is an approachable, well-made appellation wine that shows a backbone of structure and power. Supple tannins wrap around a thick midpalate of black and red currant, cassis and toasted oak, finishing in clove and cedar. Virginie Boone

Nose: The Remy Martin VSOP Heritage Edition 2 opens with a rich and inviting aroma of ripe apricots, baked apples, and hints of vanilla. Delicate floral notes of jasmine and iris add a touch of elegance.

Taste: On the palate, this Cognac reveals a harmonious blend of flavors. Smooth and velvety, it offers a luscious combination of juicy plums, sweet caramel, and subtle spices. The oak influence is present, providing a gentle toasted note that adds depth to the overall profile.

Palate: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth and a delightful sweetness. The fruity notes persist, with a touch of citrus zest and a hint of honey, creating a well-rounded and balanced experience. Overall, the Remy Martin VSOP Heritage Edition 2 is a refined and enjoyable Cognac, showcasing the craftsmanship and expertise of the house.

Nose: The Canadian Club 20 Year Old Whisky offers a rich and inviting aroma with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. There are hints of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, along with a touch of spice.

Taste: On the palate, this whisky delivers a smooth and velvety experience. The flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and maple syrup are prominent, complemented by a subtle nuttiness. There is a gentle warmth from the oak, accompanied by a delicate blend of baking spices.

Palate: The palate is well-balanced and full-bodied, with a creamy texture. The sweetness of the caramel and vanilla is beautifully balanced by the oak and spice, creating a harmonious and lingering finish. Overall, Canadian Club 20 Year Old Whisky is a sophisticated and indulgent spirit, showcasing the complexity that comes with two decades of maturation.

Bristling lemon and tart nectarine flavors are center stage in this fresh-fruited, youthful Chablis sourced from a premier cru site just outside the grand cru Les Preuses. Accented by hints of crushed almonds and a lingering tang of limestone, it's a rejuvenating white best enjoyed now through 2026. Anna Lee C. Iijima

Strong ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Fresh blackberries, wild blackberries, some leather and herbs, delicately underlaid with liquorice. Juicy, elegant, fine roasted caramel and sweet cherries, nougat on the finish, good freshness, shows length and ageing potential.

Bright light golden nuance. The nose offers a classic stony/chalky touch, fine oak, layers of fresh stone fruit, ripe citrus and crushed nuts. Very nice texture with layers of fresh stone fruit, citrus zest, well-integrated oak and a bright acidity. Dense and long finish. Well-built and potent.

Nose: Rich and malty with notes of toasted rye bread, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Taste: Spicy and robust, with flavors of black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Subtle sweetness from caramel and vanilla.

Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with a creamy mouthfeel. Lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness on the finish.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe apples, pears, and honey. Subtle hints of vanilla and oak.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. A touch of spice and a hint of chocolate.

Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced. The sweetness from the fruit and caramel is complemented by a gentle oakiness. The finish is long and warming, with a lingering sweetness.

Nose: Delicate floral notes, hints of vanilla, and a touch of citrus.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of honey, caramel, and a subtle spiciness.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with notes of ripe fruits, toasted oak, and a gentle smokiness.

Nose: Rich and aromatic with notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits.

Taste: Smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice.

Palate: Creamy and velvety, with a touch of oak and a lingering sweetness.

Nose: Rich and aromatic with notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruits.

Taste: Smooth and well-balanced, with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice.

Palate: Creamy and full-bodied, with a touch of oak and a lingering sweetness.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe apples, pears, and juicy plums. A hint of vanilla and honey sweetness.

Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch. A touch of oak and spice, with a subtle smokiness.

Palate: Full-bodied and well-balanced. The fruitiness continues, with hints of citrus and dried fruits. A gentle warmth and a lingering, slightly sweet finish.

A mix of American and Spanish oak casks was used to mature this addition to the core range. A big blast of orchard and tropical fruits characterizes the early nose, along with honey, vanilla, and toffee. The palate also majors in fruit, this time principally oranges, plus caramel, cinnamon, milk chocolate, and lots of vanilla. The finish is quite short, with banana and ginger.