Big Bold Reds - £73

1. 'Toro de Piedra' Grand Reserve 2021

Petit Verdot Blend from Curicó in Chile. Introducing Viña Requingua - aka one of Chile’s best-kept wine secrets that’s not really a secret anymore. Founded way back in 1961 by the legend Don Santiago Achurra, this is a proper family-run operation that’s been quietly climbing the ranks to become one of Chile’s top 20 wine producers. We’re talking vineyards stretched across some of the country’s prime spots - Curicó, Maule, and Colchagua Valleys - aka the holy trinity of sunny days, cool nights, and perfect grape-growing vibes. It’s like a Mediterranean holiday, but for Cabernet and Syrah. Oh, and winemaking duties? Handled by Benoît Fitte, a Frenchman who’s been steering the ship since 2001 and clearly knows his barrels from his bâtonnage. This Petit Verdot blend (92% PV, 8% Cab Sauv) is like a wild poet who cleans up well - bold, floral, structured, and surprisingly approachable. Aged 11 months in oak (with just a flirty splash of new American for that sweet vanilla-coconut hug), it opens with blackberries, blackcurrants, before diving into graphite, clove, and a whole herb garden of mint, thyme, and rosemary. Super floral too, with hits of violet and lavender like a Provence postcard. This wine is fresh, complex, and somehow both serious and easygoing. A seriously stylish take on PV that’ll charm nerds and newbies alike.

2. Lou Miranda Estate 'Leone' Shiraz '18

Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, Australia. Lou Miranda Estate is a family-owned boutique winery nestled in the Southern end of the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Established by Lou Miranda with the support of his wife Val and daughters Lisa, Angela, and Victoria, the estate reflects a lifelong commitment to producing premium wines from exceptional fruit. Spanning 100 acres across four sites, including four centenarian old vine blocks dating back to 1897, the estate embodies Lou’s father’s philosophy that “you can only make great wine with great fruit.” Every vintage is handcrafted with care, ensuring wines that express the rich character of the Barossa while maintaining elegance, balance, and depth. A rich, complex red bursting with dark raspberries, blackberries, and black plum, layered with clove, sweet spices, and a hint of black pepper. Notes of eucalyptus, prune, and dried blackberries add depth, while leather, red liquorice, and toasty vanilla oak give a sumptuous, developed character. It's full-bodied with silky, ripe tannins. It's vegan-friendly, concentrated, chocolatey, and utterly delicious!

3. Le Celline Refosco 2021

Refosco from Friuli, Italy. Nestled in the verdant hills in the east of Friuli, Le Celline is all about celebrating Italy’s best-kept wine secrets. This small, family-run estate leans into the traditions of their home turf - think native grapes, hands-on farming, and a love for the land that runs deep. Here, it’s less about chasing trends and more about bottling the true spirit of Friuli: fresh, vibrant, and fiercely authentic. Local varieties, harvested by hand and made with care. If Refosco had a dating profile, it would say “earthy, spicy, and full of charm.” Le Celline’s 2021 vintage shows off this native Friulian grape in all its rustic glory. In the glass, it's a deep ruby hue, flashing hints of violet. On the nose, it’s like stepping into a forest after rain - brambly berries, black pepper, a bit of wild herb. The palate is juicy and lively, with flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, and a savoury edge of leather and spice. A nice backbone of acidity keeps it fresh, and it’s a little wild, a little polished, and totally irresistible