Tenuta dell’Ornellaia ‘Ornellaia’ 2011

DOC Bolgheri Superiore $189.95 (722470) 14.5% alcohol

This is a well-structured red blend—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot—showcasing complexity, purity of fruit and great promise for the patient collector. Rich aromas of rose petals, cedar, dark berry fruit and exotic incense billow from this full-bodied, firm and concentrated beauty. Black currant, cassis and sweet, ripe mulberry coat the palate melding with a solid tannin underpinning, framed by excellent tang. Think about opening 2020 to 2030. (Vic Harradine)

• very few bottles remain in select stores of the following wine—there’ll be even fewer after I purchase mine).

  
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2012

DOC Bolgheri Rosso $59.95 (606194) 14.5% alcohol

This fabulous red blend of international varieties—52% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Franc—was hand harvested, hand sorted, with each varietal fermented and aged separately – a total of 15 months in French oak barrels with 25% new and the balance one-year old. It streams from the glass with aromas of dark berry fruit, rose petals and roasted herbs. Fresh, lively flavours spill across the palate with black currant and briary berry, graphite and black licorice to the fore. It’s full bodied and generously textured with a monumentally lengthy, fruity aftertaste. Drink 2016-2022 or aerate/decant for three hours now and pour with grilled strip loin. (Vic Harradine)

  
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
DO Colchagua Valley, Chile $19.95 (322586) 13.5% alcohol
Montes is a very well-respected producer of quality Chilean wine. Dark ripe berry fruit, pipe tobacco and savoury herb aromas herald a delicious river of ripe mulberry and bramble berry garnished with spice-infused black licorice and sweet vanilla. It’s medium bodied with excellent mouth feel and a balanced and beautiful finish. It shows good structure and pours well with grilled strip loin or roast beef. (Vic Harradine)