Harry's Picks
Past editions →Edition No. 2 — October 2026
Three wines Harry's drinking this month, and why.
This month, I’m exploring what time and place bring to a glass. There’s Sauvignon Blanc with a decade behind it, South African Chenin from the granite soils of the Paardeberg, and Tempranillo from vines planted in 1920. Then there’s Bryant Family’s Pritchard Hill Cabernet, for anyone curious about Napa at its most ambitious. Plenty to discover, even among grapes you think you know.
“A familiar grape can still surprise you. Sometimes it takes a different vineyard, sometimes another ten years.”
A decade on, there’s plenty more to say about Marlborough Sauvignon.
'Archive Release' Sauvignon Blanc 2015
Tube · Bottle
We’re so used to drinking Marlborough Sauvignon young that a 2015 deserves a moment’s attention. Kevin Judd’s archive release shows what patience can bring: candied lemon, lemongrass and gentle flinty notes, with a rounder texture and plenty of freshness. I’ve picked it for anyone who feels they already know this grape inside out. Give it a little time in the glass, ideally with buttery prawns or seared scallops.
Vines planted in 1920. A very good reason to put the lamb on slowly.
'La Zapatera' Tempranillo 2018
Tube · Bottle
A single vineyard planted in 1920 is a compelling starting point. 'La Zapatera' follows through with the sort of depth that makes Ribera del Duero so rewarding: dark plum, dried fig and cedar, with generous texture and plenty of structure. After 22 months in French oak, there’s a lot to explore here. This is my pick for an October Sunday lunch, with slow-cooked lamb and enough time to let the wine unfold.
A big Napa name. The interesting part is forming your own opinion.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Tube · Bottle · Case
Bryant is a chance to explore the level of Napa Cabernet that usually demands a serious bottle commitment. The fruit comes from the estate’s Pritchard Hill vineyard, and the 2019 layers blackcurrant and black cherry with graphite, sage and tobacco. There’s considerable power, held together by freshness and finely textured tannins. I’ve included it for the curious collector: taste it slowly, give it some air, and decide what earns its reputation in your own glass.
Old bush vines, granite soils and Chenin with a very clear sense of place.
'Granite' Chenin Blanc 2023
Tube · Bottle
This is the white I’d put in front of a Burgundy drinker looking to explore. It comes from Chenin bush vines planted in 1976 on the Paardeberg, and combines green pear and lime with a firm, stony freshness. There’s depth here, but the acidity keeps everything moving. I’d give it room to open up in the glass and serve it with roast chicken, especially if there’s a good cream sauce involved.
Past editions
- September 2026'XXI' Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Harry
Harry Crowther, Founder — as tasted, October 2026
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