Malbec is a grape close to Sam's heart. His wife Maria, who works with him, is from Argentina, so perhaps that's not surprising. He also has a passion for th Durif grape and has done for decades. His car licence plate even reads 'DURIF'. What he loves most though is making wines that wine lovers adore. And he has been doing that for years very well indeed. We've worked with him for decades, and this shy, modest man is a simply brilliant at creating wines that show judges - and our customers love! His Grandfathers back in Italy began thhe winemaking tradion of the Trimboli family, they would be very proud of Sam.

Coming from the commune of Ronca in the heart of Garganega country, Monte Ronca is a creation of local specialist, Antonio Fattori, an acknowledged Soave-master. Most the fruit for wines comes from the hills to the north of this commune, a specific site called Monte Calvarino, which peaks at 680 m (the inactive volcano from which the wine takes its name). At this altitude, this beautiful cool site provides a perfect environment for a higher grade, single site Soave. The hills around Monte Calvarino (in comparative terms to the region in general) are particularly steep, and from a viticultural perspective, pose some challenges. But to Antonio, this is critical to capture depth of flavour and structure, as the best expressions of Soave are never found on the valley floor where it gets too warm. Here, the ancient volcanic soils impart a flinty minerality to the hand-harvested fruit, while in the cellar, lees stirring and subtle oak ageing and varying levels of appassimento add a rich texture and further complexity to the wine. Brilliant very pale straw almost water like colour with a subtle tinge of green around the outskirts. Jumping out of the glass are delightful pear, red apple and lime scents which are complimented by fresh herb and wet stone notes. The wonderfully mouth watering palate shows terrific intensity delivering pear and red apple fruits over lime, infusions of fresh herbs and wet stone characters. Beautiful, juicy textural feel finishing dry with crisp acidity and a long delicious aftertaste. Drink over the next year. Alc. 12.5%

Not only has this family estate won 60 Golds in a decade, but also 'Best Wine in the World'. That was for their 2005 Shiraz in 2008! The secret to this weighty, spice packed red is the sandy soils, which hold little rain for the vines, plus the unrelenting hot sun. The result is a modest yield of small berries crammed with juicy flavour. With this style of wine, award winning winemaker Jaime Quendera is now forging a reputation for Setúbal's rich, bold reds. Mostly Shiraz along with a splash of local variety Alicante, Jaime finished the wine in expensive oak barrels to add a gorgeous spicy vanilla lift to the blueberry, blackberry and peppery fruit. A fine treat to serve with spicy chorizo sausages, a hearty stew or the Sunday roast.

A frequent Gold medal winner, Stones & Bones is so-called because it’s grown in a landscape littered with ancient boulders and dinosaur fossils. In the modern Portuguese tradition, the wine is a blend of local and international grapes. Touriga Nacional, the backbone of vintage port, joins forces with Syrah, Tinta Roriz and Alicante to produce truly mammoth, rich fruit flavours. Equally impressive is the winemaker, Diogo Sepúlveda, who relaxes after work by cycling or playing football, or, more unusually, bull wrestling! Having worked in Pomerol, then in the Barossa with heirloom Shiraz vines, his credentials for making this rich, old vine Portuguese red are second to none. For maximum enjoyment, decant and serve with a rich beef casserole.

Punnets of strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavour are miraculously shoehorned into a standard size bottle, while ageing in American oak adds a spicy, toasty finishing touch. 'Big Mac' McPherson grew up in the world of wine, tutored by his father Jock, who had established a winery in the Hunter Valley. Andrew went on to set up wineries at home and abroad and work for some Australia's top names. These days he crafts characterful wines by himself at great value prices. The Full Fifteen is perfect with roast beef or lamb and a wonderful companion to barbecues.

The word 'Nacional' is reserved for treasures that fly the flag for Portugal. Touriga Nacional certainly does that. Ten years ago the Freitas family planted the grape on their acclaimed Fava vineyard. In 2015 it produced a wine so special that it was bottled under the vineyard name for the first time ever. It won a string of Gold on its debut - making over 60 Golds in 10 years for this fine family estate. The 2016 won Grand Gold, and the 2017 here has won Gold, Double Gold, Grand Gold and Best in Show ... ! Dating back to 1920, Casa Ermelinda Freitas is run by fourth generation Leonor Freitas, who has been awarded a 'Comendadora' (equivalent to a Dame) for her services to Portuguese wine. Her daughter Joana follows in her footsteps. Aged in barrel, this rich red is packed with spicy berry, herb and mineral character. A top match with slow cooked beef or lamb.

Sauvignon Blanc meets Semillon and Riesling in a rare blend, a portion of which is then matured in new French oak. "Scents of lemon curd and quince, nashi pear and almonds. The palate is much more keen and quick, a zesty shiver of lemon-lime with pink grapefruit and faint almond/nougat notes. A vibrant, tightly wound and thirst-quenching expression on hand. Very pleasing."