Artizani 2020 Saperavi, Republic of Georgia

Bairaktaris Old Monolithos 2016 Nemea (Greece) Old Vine Agiorgitiko

Single vineyard, high altitude, 45 year old vine Agiorigtiko from Nemea,  Greece.  Organic and barrel aged for  a year in new French oak. Mineral and rich aromas of mature dark red fruits, truffle, spices & dark chocolate. Medium bodied with bright acidity, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish. Perfect for stewed meat dishes  and grilled lamb or steaks. An ideal cold weather wine! Giselle Hamburg

Chateau Musar 2000 Rouge (Bekaa Valley, Lebanon)

When tasted in early November 1999, the wines were tannic, concentrated and powerful, but very well balanced. Now at 20 years after the vintage, the 2000 holds on to its primary fruit whilst really starting to reveal the classic Musar identity, balancing out the characteristic sweet spice and desiccated fruit notes with more evolved elements of leather, tar, tobacco and a hint of game. These complex aromas and flavours are lifted with a fresh lick of acidity that will ensure the wine will continue to age gracefully for years to come.  (from Chateau Musar website)

Domaine Douloufakis 2021 Crete (Greece) Dafnios Vidiano

Situated in the heart of wine-growing zone of Crete, Greece, in Dafnes of Heraklion, on hill slopes at an altitude of 350 - 450 meters. The terroir of the Dafnes region is characterized by limestone soil and  has a long viticulture history since the Venetian rule in Crete.  Dafne is the name of the winery's village as well as the Laurel tree the nymph Daphne was transformed into after rejecting  Apollo's advances (hence the laurel leaves on the label). Douloufakis is one of the oldest wineries on the island and certified organic.Their Vidiano explodes with aromas of white flowers, herbs, pears, citrus and wet rocks. The palate is medium bodied, citrusy, herbal with ripe pear and a slightly bitter, mineral, long finish. For lovers of Assyrtiko and Albarino. Serve with  pork roast with leeks or octopus with chickpeas and peppers. Giselle Hamburg

Domaine Tatsis (Goumenissa, Greece) 2017 Macedonia Xinomavro/Negoska 'Young Vines

From Goumenissa in central Macedonia, the ancient capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great. One of the first Greek wineries to convert to organic viticulture in the 90s, Domaine Tatsis  can easily be seen as traditionalist in nature but they constantly experiment, doing long macerations of their native white varieties and long élevage for roses. They release their appellation Goumenissas with significant bottle aging for a true representation of the wine as it should be enjoyed. A blend of  80%Xinomavro and 20% Negoska, the nose is redolent of tomato leaf, red cherries, hazelnuts with a touch of black pepper.  Intense acidity and structure from the Xinomavro paired with the higher alcohol yet soft tannins from the Negoska dances on the tongue like a gymnast flipping through the air. For lovers of  Nebbiolo & Tuscan Sangiovese. Pair with local dishes like pork with leeks & mushrooms as well as wild boar with chestnuts and olives.GH

Guerila 2017 Slovenia Barbera 'Vipovska Dolina'

Musar 2019 Hochar Pere et Fils

Hochar Père et Fils Red has often been described as the ‘second’ wine of Chateau Musar. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced  from a single vineyard near the Bekaa Valley village of Aana, characterised by deep soils over limestone. Wines are aged for 6-9 months in barrel before blending. Bottling is without filtration or fining, and the wine generally is aged in bottle for several years before release. The first half of 2019 was exceptionally cold, creating a harvest with dramatically reduced quantities. The wine has aromas of bitter sweet cherries and hints of dark chocolate. Bright red fruit flavors and sweet, spicy notes. Soft tannins and fresh acidity with very long length.

Nerantzi 2021 Macedonia (Greece) Assyrtiko

 The Mitropoulou family planted Assyrtiko in a valley in Central Macedonia more than a decade ago and winemaker Evanthia Mitropoulou finds that it thrives in the rich loam soils; she credits the limestone that lies underneath for giving the wine its mineral flavors.  The vineyards at nearly 1000 feet, are an ideal alternative to the volcanic pomice and ash that make up Santorini. Farmed organically, the vines produced a small, concentrated crop in 2021, which she vinified in stainless steel, with minimal sulfur. The result is zesty and invigorating, perfect for warmer weather. The nose is redolent of citrus, white flowers and chalky stones while the palate exudes flavors of lime, white peach, green apple underscored by bright acisity and crunchy salinity. The finish goes on for miles with a savory minerality that is positively lip smacking. For lovers of Muscadet, Albarino, Chablis and platters of briny oysters! Giselle Hamburg