Staff Picks
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Country: France, Loire ValleyGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 12.5%Style: Crisp Classic Sparkling91 Points - James Melendez. An exceptional organic sparkling wine that puts many champagnes in its shadow. This lovely Organic Crémant de Loire has been aged for a minimum of 12 months to obtain maximum aromatics and complexity. The first nose is delicate and very fresh, then it is more expressive through a small biscuit tip after aeration. We find this in the mouth within a compact texture, built by the time on slats, illustrated by small and delicate bubbles and supported by aromas of fresh liRegular Price£24.95Christmas Special£18.95 -
Country: France, ProvenceGrapes: GrenacheABV: 13%Style: Elegant Crisp RoséHaving scored 17/20 from Jancis Robinson MW it’s arguable that Whispering Angel has achieved its goal of making “the greatest rosé on the planet”. Has it been hyped? Definitely. Does it live up to the hype? Undoubtedly. With the Whispering Angel Rose 2023, you seem to get a little bit more of the good stuff. A little more strawberry and cherry fruit. A little bit more power and concentration. A little bit more refinement and a smile that’s a little bit wider after the first sip. Global demandRegular Price£21.95Christmas Special£16.95 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The El Enemigo Malbec 2020 is the product of one of Mendoza’s finest estates in a superb vintage. Crafted from Malbec with a little Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding further colour, it’s shaping up to be a classic Argentinean Malbec. Quite reserved – it contains a relatively modest 13.5% alcohol – it’s a wine with a real taste of place, with dusty minerals reinforcing its structure. Given 92/100 from both James Suckling and Robert Parker, this limited release wineRegular Price£25.95Christmas Special£21.90 -
Country: Spain, GaliciaGrapes: AlbarinoABV: 12.5%Style: Dry Refreshing White90 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards. The iconic Mar de Frades Albariño is the pure expression of the unique characteristics of the Albariño grape variety, whilst reflecting the importance of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Lively and intense aromas reveal juicy pear and apricot, white gardenia flowers, and hints of tropical lychee and pineapple, with a lovely delicate streak of salinity. Vivino rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points (2023) - Decanter World Wine Awards "Elegant herbacRegular Price£19.95Christmas Special£16.99
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Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: GleraABV: 11%Style: Fresh Fruity SparklingSilver Medal - Mundus Vini. Crafted through natural fermentation, this premium Prosecco offers a refreshing blend of floral and fruity notes, complemented by a gentle, creamy mousse. Villa degli Olmi, a fourth-generation family-run winery, consistently excels in producing an impressive range of affordable, high-quality wines. Its Prosecco delights with vibrant apple and citrus flavours while eschewing the traditional bready Champagne undertones in favour of a fragrant jasmine infusion. With well -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Canon FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - La Revue du Vin de France. Located on South Facing slopes overlooking the Dordogne River, Chateau Barrabaque is located in the appellations of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac. Cuvee Hugo is a fruit forward Merlot dominated wine with barrel ageing in French oak, bringing a beautiful structure. Rated an impressive 90 points by La Revue du Vin de France and hailing from the wonderful 2019 vintage, Cuvee Hugo offers exceptional value for money. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings -
Country: France, Loire ValleyGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 12.5%Style: Crisp Classic Sparkling91 Points - James Melendez. An exceptional organic sparkling wine that puts many champagnes in its shadow. This lovely Organic Crémant de Loire has been aged for a minimum of 12 months to obtain maximum aromatics and complexity. The first nose is delicate and very fresh, then it is more expressive through a small biscuit tip after aeration. We find this in the mouth within a compact texture, built by the time on slats, illustrated by small and delicate bubbles and supported by aromas of fresh liRegular Price£24.95Christmas Special£18.95 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Cotes de BourgGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis delightful Merlot-Cabernet blend is built on centuries of Bordeaux tradition. This prestigious estate, boasting six generations of craftsmanship, offers exceptional value. The Lafons, honouring tradition and utilising modern techniques, produce a stunning 2019. This medium bodied red offers a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity. Fresh florals, ripe cherry, and a mineral finish with hints of tobacco create a classic Bordeaux experience, all at a great price point. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (DecRegular Price£14.45Christmas Sale - 25% off£10.84 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Blaye-Cotes de BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal Winner - Challenge International du Vin. From the fabulous 2019 Bordeaux vintage, this lovely wine from the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary on the opposite bank to the prestigious appellations of Margaux & St Julien. Benefiting from the cool sea breezes and river minerals from the Gironde, this superb Merlot-dominated wine is beautifully fresh with layers of exotic spices. A real gem from an under-valued appellation and fantastic -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Montagne Saint-EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal - Concours International de Lyon. It is no wonder that this is the former domaine of the Lacoste family who owned Petrus. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, Château Lys de Maisonneuve begins with aromas of red fruits and exotic spices are joined together with tobacco and herbs. Full-bodied with notable fruit tannin structure and a core of bright black cherries that lead up to the long juicy finish. Appealing now, and should continue to develop in bottle over many years. Viv -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedAt the end of 2011, Peter Kwok (Owner of Chateau Haut Brisson and Enclos de Viaud) acquired Château Tour Saint Christophe with his daughter Karen and La Croix Saint Christophe is the second label of the Château. Traditional farming, Guyot pruning with natural grass between the rows combined with working the soil under the vine, de-budding, leaf removal and green harvest if necessary to maintain the environmental balance. 40-year-old vines, and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (60% new). A beautif -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. Taking this approach with Pinot Noir makes a lot of sense. Pinot’s innate complexity and style means it needs no augmentation or assistance. The A23 Pinot Noir is full of fresh strawberry, -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MedocGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedDelicious and incredible value for money - a must-try. This 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux was awarded the highest level of HVE environmental accreditation. Château Meilhan is vinified and bottled by Guy Bailly, owner of Château le Bourdieu in the Médoc. Located near the village of Valeyrac, his chateau was built in 1830 by Phillipe Delacourt, known as the Lord of Bourdieu. This wine has a lovely nose of black fruits and toasted notes with the structure and balance yo -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red94 Points - Winemag.co.za. Dornier is a family-owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive to the unique terroir. Donatus Red is a classical Bordeaux blend from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. Bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannin -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: GleraABV: 11%Style: Fresh Fruity SparklingThis fun and delicate Organic Prosecco has alluring and intense aromas, along with a beautiful straw yellow colour achieved though the process of natural fermentation. An impressive Italian Sparkler from a producer who have been making wine since 1895. About the Producer Villa degli Olmi is a cellar with a long tradition for the quality and distinctiveness of its wines. The story begins on horseback between the 19th and 20th centuries, a few years before the Great War, when great-grandfatherRegular Price£14.45Christmas Sale - 25% off£10.84 -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points / Silver Medal - IWSC. The Morgenster Lourens River Valley is an exquisite wine artfully crafted from classical varietals, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Inspired by the Bordeaux style, the winemakers set themselves apart by choosing extended ageing, which elevates the wine's complexity. On the palate, a harmonious blend of cassis and raspberry fruit flavours mingles seamlessly with impeccably balanced cedar oak, while a subtle undercurrent of smoke and s -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Luca Maroni. Produced from high-altitude vineyards using hand-picked Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, the Tenute Ca 'Botta Alta Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2019 is an award-winning, critically acclaimed Italian wine that sets new standards for Valpolicella. The vines’ altitude imbues a lovely freshness and aromatics to the wine which are balanced by it being made in their patented Fermentino Ca'Botta® tank for greater richness of structure and aroma. Vivino Rating: -
Country: France, ProvenceGrapes: GrenacheABV: 13%Style: Elegant Crisp RoséHaving scored 17/20 from Jancis Robinson MW it’s arguable that Whispering Angel has achieved its goal of making “the greatest rosé on the planet”. Has it been hyped? Definitely. Does it live up to the hype? Undoubtedly. With the Whispering Angel Rose 2023, you seem to get a little bit more of the good stuff. A little more strawberry and cherry fruit. A little bit more power and concentration. A little bit more refinement and a smile that’s a little bit wider after the first sip. Global demandRegular Price£21.95Christmas Special£16.95 -
Country: Germany, PfalzGrapes: RieslingABV: 12%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteNot into terroir trends? A23 captures the soul of the grape itself. This Riesling boasts a pure nose of white flowers, crisp apple & pear, with zesty citrus. The dry palate explodes with layers of green & white fruit, a hint of lemon & honey, ending with a kiss of minerals. Beyond typical Riesling - A23 delivers a unique, expressive experience. Try it today! Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jun 2024) Taste Dry, yet full and precise, with layer-upon-layer of green and white berry fruits, a floral- -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Syrah / Shiraz, Grenache, Petite SirahABV: 16%Style: Rich Full RedOrin Swift Machete, an iconic Californian red, artfully blends Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache from Napa and Sonoma, aged for 10 months in French oak for vanilla-spiced depth; and layer upon layer of complexity. A full-bodied lover's delight with dominant dark fruit aromas, raspberry-plum-chocolate flavours, medium tannins, and a smooth, lasting finish—perfectly paired with grilled meats, cheese, and charcuterie. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Jul 2024) Tasting Note A dark mauve core with a neon purple r -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14%Style: Dry Refreshing WhiteThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. The A23 Chardonnay shows how effective this approach can be. Chardonnay is a wonderfully complex, multifaceted grape and its beauty shines through here. Its inviting bouquet of red apples, -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling91 Points - Cellar Tracker - There is Champagne, and then there is Grand Cru Champagne, the pinnacle of Champagne excellence. This Grand Cru Champagne from the vineyards of Chouilly is not only significantly more affordable but also more refined than many big household names. The result is a stunning Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) Grand Cru Champagne with complex toasty and citrus notes that are perfectly balanced, offering fantastic value. It has a golden yellow colour with aromas of pastrie -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Casa La Rad is a winery dedicated to the environment to sustain and improve its vitality and biodiversity. From the La Rad vineyard, the grapes are handpicked and carefully selected from bush trained vines 35 years or older, before malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 litres where it will be aged for at least 14 months. A highly rated wine by the international wine press, and gold medal winning wine at the Mundus Vini awards, Casa La Rad Tinto isRegular Price£22.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£17.22 -
Country: ItalyABV: 15%Style: Smooth Fruity Red98 Points - Luca Maroni. Personally selected by the Tinazzi family and designed by Gian Andrea Tinazzi, No 3 Opera is a wine showcasing where tradition and innovation meet. A blend of the most famous red berry Italian varieties from some of Tinazzi's finest vineyards, the resulting wine is one that sings Italian with a modern twist. Powerful and intense, a wonderful wine, and astonishing value for one so highly rated. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 98 Points - Luca Maroni (2021 -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Tim Atkin. De Toren Private Cellar, established in the late 1990s and located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, is renowned for its high-quality Bordeaux-style wines that beautifully capture the unique terroir of the region. The iconic Left Bank-based blend, De Toren Fusion V is meticulously crafted from Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals and, with its complex flavours of dark sour cherry, a spiciness of tobacco, and a hint of aniseed, it offers a stylish departure for sophisticated oeno -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 16%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Decanter. After an enforced eight-year break in the early 2010s, where they were prohibited from making Zinfandel, Orin Swift Cellars delved into various grape varieties in California to great success. The 2021 vintage of Eight Years in the Desert is the fifth instalment of a rare and cherished wine. This exceptional Zinfandel boasts a deep maroon core and opens with captivating aromas of wild blackberry, pepper, oatmeal raisin cookie, forest floor, bay leaf, and spices. The taste is -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MedocGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Located in the district of Saint-Yzans, Château Haut-Maurac faces the Gironde estuary, similar to the best hillsides in Medoc. A low yield of 35hl/ha, this Cru Bourgeois Bordeaux has a muscular but balanced palate which is well structured and has a core of lovely polished fruits from the Merlot dominant blend. Owned by Olivier Decelle, who also has property in Saint-Émilion, Burgundy and Roussillon, this estate has produced a ripe, juicy wine. It shows a fine poise b -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: MuscatABV: 6.5%Style: Sweet Aromatic SparklingA deliciously light and fragrant Moscato from the family winery, Villa Degli Olmi, dating back to the 19th century. With only 6.5% ABV, the Corte dei Rovi Moscato Spumante has fine bubbles and a wonderfully aromatic nose, typical of the Muscat grape variety. Both floral and fruity with delicate sweet notes of honey, Moscato is an excellent aperitif or accompaniment to desserts and pastries. Tasting Notes Bright yellow colour, with delicate bubbles, aromatic scent typical of Muscat, floral and fr