Muga Reserva 2022
Spain, Rioja
Red wine, Tempranillo / Garnacha / Mazuelo / Graciano
Price category: Premium
92 points — Good
4 stars — Good value
Classic Rioja in familiar form
Muga Reserva 2022 opens with a deep cherry colour and aromas of cherry, vanilla and tobacco. The palate is dry, warm and elegant, with a brief mid‑palate shift where the fruit turns juicier before the oak brings a dry, spicy finish. It’s classic Rioja: calm, traditional and steady. Soft tannins and ripe fruit define the 2022 vintage, and the wine is ready now but can age for up to a decade.
Prado Rey El Mirón 2024
Spain, Ribera del Duero
Red wine, Albillo Mayor / Tempranillo / Merlot
Price category: Mid‑range
91 points — Sensible
4 stars — Good value
Young Ribera with dark fruit
This youthful Ribera leans into dark fruit and fresh energy. Cherry and plum lead the way, Albillo Mayor adds lift, and Merlot softens the edges. Clean, stainless‑steel fermentation keeps the style bright, with a discreet spicy layer that suits grilled dishes and tapas. Fruit‑driven and uncomplicated, yet structured enough for cooler‑season meals.
Chateau Reynon Bordeaux Blanc 2024
France, Bordeaux
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc
Price category: Premium
91 points — Sensible
4 stars — Good value
Light Bordeaux with a bit of edge
Sauvignon Blanc gives the wine a cool, linear profile with citrus and green apple up front. A floral touch lifts the aromatics, and stainless‑steel fermentation adds clarity. The acidity is precise and keeps the palate tight. A clean, balanced white Bordeaux that works well with shellfish or light salads.
Gustus Premium Reserve Red 2024
South Africa
Red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon / Cinsault / Merlot
Price category: Budget
91 points — Sensible
4 stars — Good value
Friendly, uncomplicated and easy to drink
Soft red and dark berries set the tone in this approachable blend. Moderate acidity and gentle tannins make it round and easygoing. Stainless‑steel fermentation keeps the expression clean, and the 2024 vintage brings ripe, fruit‑driven character. Ideal for everyday meals.
Pertinace Barbera d’Alba 2024
Italy, Piemonte
Red wine, Barbera
Price category: Budget
90 points — Okay
4 stars — Good value
Cherry‑driven and clean
A fresh, juicy Barbera with cherry, plum and a hint of violet. Stainless‑steel fermentation keeps the style youthful, and the mild spice suits pasta, pizza and charcuterie. Light acidity balances the dark‑fruited core. Straightforward and tasty Piemonte value.
Heiman Porkolab Kadarka 2024
Hungary, Szekszárd
Red wine, Kadarka
Price category: Premium
90 points, Okay
3 stars, Slightly overpriced
Light Kadarka with spice
A pale, almost translucent Kadarka with aromas of strawberry, redcurrant and red pepper. The palate is slender with fresh acidity and a spicy edge. Charming but delicate, and the intensity doesn’t quite justify the higher price category.
Chateau Dallau Blanc 2024
France, Bordeaux
White wine – Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon
Price category: Mid‑range
90 points — Okay
4 stars — Good value
Bright Bordeaux with freshness
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc leads the way, while Semillon adds a gentle layer beneath the citrus and green apple. A touch of white flowers lifts the aromatics, and stainless‑steel fermentation keeps the style clear. Light, clean and well‑balanced.
Di Camillo Altavia Cavallo Rosso
Italy, Abruzzo / Puglia
Red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot / Montepulciano / Primitivo
Price category: Budget
89 points — Fair
4 stars — Good value
Dark fruit in a gentle frame
Cabernet and Merlot form a soft base, while Montepulciano and Primitivo bring darker fruit and warmth. Juicy, uncomplicated and friendly, with cherry and plum up front. A straightforward everyday wine that performs well in its price category.
Gustus Premium Reserve White 2025
South Africa
White wine – Chardonnay / Viognier / Chenin Blanc
Price category: Budget
88 points — Fair
4 stars — Good value
Straightforward white for everyday drinking
Citrus, pear and melon create a clean, fresh profile. The palate is dry and simple, with a brief softening mid‑way before the acidity tightens again. Light, pleasant and best with fish, salads or terrace meals.
Petit Frere 2020
South Africa, Stellenbosch
Red wine – Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon / Petit Verdot / Malbec
Price category: Budget
87 points — Fair
3 stars — Slightly overpriced
Dark fruit and South African warmth
Blackcurrant, plum and black pepper shape a warm, inviting style. Full and soft on the palate with a brief juicy moment mid‑way. Works well with BBQ and grilled dishes, but lacks depth and edge for the price category.
Maximus Negroamaro Zinfandel 2025
Italy, Salento
Red wine – Negroamaro / Zinfandel
Price category: Budget
87 points — Fair
4 stars — Good value
Soft southern Italian roundness
Soft dark fruit, plum and cherry define this warm, slightly sweet style. A small mid‑palate lift adds juiciness before the wine settles into a gentle finish. Friendly and uncomplicated, especially appealing in the budget category.
Messeri Appassimento Ltd. Edition 2025
Italy, Puglia
Red wine
Price category: Budget
87 points — Missing a little something
4 stars — Good value
Rich southern Italian weight Sweetness and dark fruit
Warm, ripe fruit leads the way, with dark berries and prune notes dominating the aroma. The palate is soft, full and lightly sweet — ideal for those who enjoy the heavier appassimento style. Little freshness, but plenty of warmth and roundness. Concentration from the drying process and clean stainless‑steel fermentation define the style.
