Elegant and complex nose of dark bramble and blueberry fruit. Rounded in the mouth with well-integrated wood. Tannins are in the background, as the lively acidity loads up the palate with sparkle and zing. Great stuff.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, first created in 1995 to celebrate King Juan Carlos I of Spain visiting the Torres winery. Grapes are planted in the 4ha Les Arnes vineyard on slate soils, which are unusual for the area. Aged for 18 months in new French oak, it offers generously black-fruited spicy aromas, cassis, damson, cherry, edged with vanilla. Deep, layered palate with dark berries and cassis, framed by elegant tannins and black spices. Juicy freshness to the finish, some richer chocolate notes, spice and leather; good potential for ageing.

Decadent interplay of sumptuous warm fruits, cedar and vanilla. Oaky and ripe. Very well defined, not aiming for complexity.

This plush red delivers round, ripe flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cinnamon, clove and toast. The tannins and acidity are gentle, but maintain focus and freshness. Generous, with good depth. Cariñena and Garnacha. Drink now through 2030. 28 cases imported.

Dried cherries, roasted herbs, dried red plums, tobacco and vanilla. Full-bodied and plush but reserved and elegant. Drink from 2021.

Here’s a very floral and “postmodern” Montefalco that shows dried violets, lavender, bay leaf, pine cones and some dried meat. It’s still warm and hearty on the full-bodied palate, but bolstered by carefully wrought tannins and direct acidity. Drink from 2021.

Hints of herbed olive and loamy earth underscore the baked black cherry and pomegranate fruit in this tightly knit, medium- to full-bodied red, with firm, dusty tannins. Best from 2021 through 2026. 2,500 cases made, 450 cases imported.

The 2016 Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso Riserva blends 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot to create a powerful but deeply alluring expression, showing crushed blackberry and cherry offset by spiced orange, with sweet and savory herbs, crushed stone and hints of animal musk. On the palate, soft textures envelop the senses, contrasted by tart red fruits, grippy minerality and fine tannins, yet for all of the youthful tension, there’s a cooling, subtle sweetness here that provides balance. The finish is long and structured, resonating on sweet herbs, with hints of mocha and tobacco...

This is just the second vintage of Rays Road, and it is a delightfully restrained yet energetic Chardonnay. Despite the warm, dry year, it has maintained a taut, citrusy structure, lovely fine acid length and an almost salty texture. Winemaker Michael Brajkovich suggested that this tension is, in part, due to differences in ripeness within bunches as well as the site's limestone soils.

The estate Chardonnay is a blend of six different vineyards with approximately 20% fermented in new oak barrels. Texturally, this cuvée offers a sense of flow; it is relaxed in its own skin but provides welcome tension on the precise finish thanks to a line of firm acidity that will leave you smacking your lips. The 20% new oak is well integrated, contributing delicate nougat flavors, and allowing the subtle nectarine and honeydew melon flavors to shine on the medium-length finish.

This wine manages to walk the tightrope of richness and finesse, and it does it with swagger. It's no surprise that this powerful, highly concentrated Chardonnay was fermented in new oak barrels after a hiatus in 2018 – it certainly has the stuffing to take it. Hunting Hill is Kumeu's most reductive Chardonnay but its influence remains subtle, bringing the merest flint note and added tension to the nectarine and lemon peel flavors. Poised and well judged.

This Chardonnay is expansive, filling the mouth with its subtle flavors yet retaining a sense of lightness. Its girth is wrapped in a firm belt of acidity that holds everything into a streamlined whole. Chardonnay is a non-aromatic variety and the fine aromas of nectarine and oatmeal combine with a barrel-derived smoky note on the drawn-out finish.

Tightly coiled, this focused and athletic Chardonnay needs to be put away in a cool, dark cellar in the medium term to allow it to unwind. A little shy on the nose, presenting melon, beeswax and subtle oak-derived nutty characters, it has an excellent core of concentration. There is a fine, silken texture on the focused and layered midpalate. Produced from the Mendoza clone, which is prone to hens and chicks. Invigorating acidity provides momentum on the lengthy finish.

This has a very complex array of fruit, from lemon and grapefruit through white and yellow peach and nectarine, then into mango notes. There’s a little honey and nougat, as well as a minerally edge. The palate has intense flavors that follow the aromas and aligns them in a textural masterpiece of elegant length and discreet power. Smart wine. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

This is a punchy and chiseled Coddington with attractive peach and citrus-fruit aromas, as well as hazelnuts and white stones. The palate has a very focused, pure shape with a central spine of intense peach flavor, crisp phenolics and clenching acidity to close. Real drive here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

This vintage punches well above its weight division with such complex and expertly curated style. Peach, nectarine, lemon and grapefruit aromas with flinty and pithy allure. The palate has a core of intense peach and citrus flavors with driving mineral and stony undertow to the long, fresh finish. Stunning value here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

This has attractively creamy aromas with white peach and vanilla, as well as sliced mango and honey. The palate serves up fleshy and mouth-filling peach and mango flavors that wrap together so well on the finish. Love the fruit purity here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

A very vibrant, fresh nose with attractive peach and melon aromas, as well as fresh florals, leading to a palate that has pure, fleshy pear, peach and melon flavors. Drink now. Screw cap.

A very bold delivery of ripe-peach aromas with some gently buttery undertones. The palate has a smooth, creamy textural build to a fresh, crisp and dry peach finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

Lots of plum and sweet-berry aromas and flavors. Deep and rich with layers of fruit and round, integrated tannins. Love the finish. Fruity and layered with beautiful fruit and length. Needs time to come around. Better after 2022.