Staff Picks
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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: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: SangioveseABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red96 Points - Raffaele Vecchione. Guided by the expertise of renowned consultant oenologist Giacomo Tachis (creator of iconic wines like Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Solaia) Argiano unveils a wine graced with plum fruit notes complemented by hints of dried herbs, chocolate, leather, cloves, and nutmeg. The wine's finesse and balance are a testament to the seamlessly integrated tannins and acidity. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com (2019 -
Country: Italy, UmbriaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteLungolago is Viandante del Cielo’s white, a blend of Chardonnay with the native variety of Grechetto, producing a complex white that can evolve in the bottle for years. Named Lungolago, or ‘lakeside’, in honour of the body of water that has so much influence on the life and health of the vines, Lungolago has a delicate nose of white peach and hints of pineapple. A spicy and savoury character with distinctive fennel and peppermint from the Grechetto, the lively acidity and the wet-stones mineraliRegular Price£68.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£51.72
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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: 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: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Keet Wines epitomises viticulturist and oenologist Christopher Keet’s philosophy that the art of viticulture and winemaking lies in the focus, attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine. The grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Stellenbosch area including the slopes of the Helderberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, Simonsberg and the Polkadraai area. An understanding of this special terroir, meticulous site selection and attention to det -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedIt's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals. But, for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheet unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Jul 2024) Tasting Notes The dark crimson core and brick rim sets the stage, as aromas of currant, blackberry, blue fruits, -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Robert Parker. The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020 is one of the jewels in Argentina’s wine crown. It’s produced from vines that are up to 90 years old from the Catena Zapata Family Vineyards, Nicasia and Angélica vineyards, which lie at between 920m and 1095 metres above sea level. With their mix of gravel, loam and clay, these sites provide a wonderfully vivid and varied palate from which the winemakers can work. Such is the diversity that several weeks can pass between harvest -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis wine is a piece of history and when sold out - it will be wine money cannot buy ! The owner of Château Les Vimières, Jacques Boissenot, was central to the development of new winemaking techniques in Bordeaux before he sadly passed away in 2014. Jacques had his hand on pretty much every First Growth production since the 1960s and was voted Decanter magazine's Winemaker of the Decade in 2010. This Margaux from the outstanding 2010 vintage amply demonstrates how he led the way for quality wine -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedMercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of Orin Swift and emphasises their guiding principle: Without quality grapes, great wine is impossible. It comes from the best lots from very select vineyards in Napa Valley and the wine is a testament to those vineyards, to their principle and to what is possible in Napa Valley. The Liberty Dime on each bottle symbolises winemaker Dave Phinney's favorite coin in his collection growing up and his most prized possession. Vivino Rating: 4.6 (Sep -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteBronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. - Arguably the greatest dry Chenin Blanc in South Africa, the Ken Forrester The FMC is a revelation of a wine. Awarded 89 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the FMC – ‘Forrester Meinert Chenin’ sets a new standard for South African Chenin. Crafted from a tiny plot of ancient vines, long skin contact and careful use of oak give a wonderfully textured, full-flavoured wine. Melons, pears, peach stones and mouth-watering greengages are supported by n -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis wine is a piece of history and when sold out - it will be wine money cannot buy ! The owner of Château Les Vimières, Jacques Boissenot, was central to the development of new winemaking techniques in Bordeaux before he sadly passed away in 2014. Jacques had his hand on pretty much every First Growth production since the 1960s and was voted Decanter magazine's Winemaker of the Decade in 2010. This Margaux from the outstanding 2009 vintage amply demonstrates how he led the way for quality wine -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14.5%Style: Classy Complex White92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck. Patz & Hall is one of California’s most highly regarded wineries with a celebrated portfolio of single-vineyard wines. Chardonnay from a selection of parcels across Sonoma showing great balance and depth. On the nose are notes of apricot, lemon zest, brown sugar cookie, dried lavender and heavily roasted hazelnut, and on the palate, mouthwatering, vibrant and fresh with sleek acidity supporting flavourful pulses of spicy pear, green apple, marzipan and orange-clove.Regular Price£52.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£39.72 -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red94-95 Points - James Suckling. A benchmark for Châteauneuf du Pape, the Vieux Télégraphe has been run by the Brunier family for five generations, since 1891. The flagship of the great estate is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape and it could quite possibly be one of the longest lived wines in the 2018 vintage, which in general, is a charming, forward vintage geared for consumption in the first decade of life. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 94-95 Points - James Suckling "The finished -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic Sparkling95 Points - DWWA. Arguably the most beautiful rosé champagne in the world, the most common criticism of this wine is that the bottles aren’t big enough. The Laurent Perrier Cuvee Rosé is bottled summer. Deep ruby pink, the bouquet wafts waves of concentrated strawberries, red cherries, and raspberries into the air. On the palate this a serious joy. It opens up with an intense, Burgundy-like rush of cherries, loganberries and brambles, only for cherry sherbet acidity, flowers, liquorice and dried -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 16%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Luca Maroni. This is a modern take on a classic Amarone. Made using the appassimento method with semi-dried grapes in Tenute Ca 'Botta's patented Fermentino Ca'Botta tank to give even greater richness and body. This opulent, heady wine is aged in 225-litre French oak barrels and allowed to rest in the bottle before release. This is Tenute Ca 'Botta's signature wine, one that is a must-try for lovers of powerful reds. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - LucaRegular Price£54.55Christmas Sale - 25% off£40.92 -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: SangioveseABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red96 Points - Raffaele Vecchione. Guided by the expertise of renowned consultant oenologist Giacomo Tachis (creator of iconic wines like Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Solaia) Argiano unveils a wine graced with plum fruit notes complemented by hints of dried herbs, chocolate, leather, cloves, and nutmeg. The wine's finesse and balance are a testament to the seamlessly integrated tannins and acidity. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - Raffaele Vecchione - WinesCritic.com (2019 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Decanter. One of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Grand Cru's, located right next door to the famed Château Cheval Blanc. From the oldest surviving wine producing château in Saint-Émilion comes this incredible Grand Cru Classe wine from a fabulous vintage. A sensationally moreish, fragrant and textured wine created by the renowned Olivier Decelle. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jun 2024) Wine Press Ratings 95 Points - Decanter "Wonderfully floral cherry notes on the nose here - ripe, vibrant an -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red100 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Californian wine doesn’t come any better than this. 2019 was a classic year and Stag’s Leap Fay vineyard produced a tiny quantity of exquisite Cabernet that’s been awarded a 100-point score. Striking the perfect balance between fruit and structure, the complexity and elegance are already breath taking and it will continue to develop for many years to come. Arguably the greatest Stag’s Leap Fay ever, this legend in the making is a wine to buy now and enjoy over the n -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling91 Points - Decanter. Champagne Bonvalet began with a wild dream: to create a Maison de Champagne from scratch. In 2012, Guillaume created his first cuvée, which took two more years of patience to distribute the first 2000 bottles of Champagne Bonvalet. 2014 – A very distinctive year, that of the very first production of House Bonvalet. The Premier Cru Horae represents patience and serendipity, both needed to lead beautiful projects and produce great wines. The rich power of Pinot Noir and the d -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Complex Sparkling93 Points - The Champagne Sommelier. This exceptional Vintage Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Michel Genet is truly the work of an Artisan. 100% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru Vineyards of Chouilly, expect dense aromas of pastries, freshly baked bread and almond croissant, followed by candied fruit, pineapple and smokey nuances of tea, dark rum and tobacco. Complex, elegant and simply superb! Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - The Champagne Sommelier "The aroma is mineral, refined, and live -
Country: Spain, RiojaABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red98 Points - Tim Atkin MW. La Nieta has been coined one of the best wines in the country from Rioja Alavesa. Applying a viticulture respectful with the environment following the biorhythms of the plant and organic fertilisation. The result is a pure expression of the fruit and environment. Patience has been rewarded, with 3 years in French oak and further bottle age providing a full, complex and gratifying experience for the lucky drinker. Vivino Rating: 4.5 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 98 Poin -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Château Fonroque produced an excellent wine in 2017. The 2017 vintage was unusual and not without its challenges. A hard (-6°C) frost on the 28th of April reduced the potential crop significantly as did a lack of rain in the spring. Happily a dry summer and sunny autumn allowed Fonroque to bring in a relatively small, but healthy harvest. The grand vin is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, a mix that played to the vintage’s strengths. Typically powerful and -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 16%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - James Suckling. Named for its iron rich, red volcanic soils, Monte Rosso has produced grapes of unmistakable character for more than a century. Three generations of the Martini family have made wine from this iconic vineyard and it continues to inspire their winemaking team on a deeply profound level. Monte Rosso remains the source of some of the most coveted bottles in the Louis M. Martini portfolio. Full bodied and concentrated the textured mouthfeel is plush, finishing long. VibraRegular Price£68.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£51.72 -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: ViognierABV: 13.5%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteLa Petite Côte is a 100% Viognier from muscovite granite soils located in the centre of the Condrieu appellation. Benefiting from a south / south-east exposure on terraces, it is hand harvested before being aged in Burgundy barrels and blended from different plots before bottling to obtain a wonderful complexity. Aromas of apricot, quince, peach and citrus fruits, a full bodied palate with a touch of sweetness from the honey notes, La Petite Côte is a benchmark for Condrieu, and a wine everyoneRegular Price£56.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£42.72 -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Jasper Morris. The Château Gris castle was built in the 18th century in the middle of its 3.5 ha (8.6 acre) walled vineyard. After the vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera, the roof of the castle was covered with grey slate although tiles are the traditional material used in Burgundy. The people of Nuits-Saint-Georges therefore began to refer to it as Château Gris (grey castle) and the name stuck. Further to a court ruling in the 1920s, the name “Château Gris” was allowed to prevaiRegular Price£73.95Burgundy Sale - 15% off£62.86 -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Rich Full RedOrin Swift Palermo, a captivating blend with a core of Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrors Napa Valley's spirit, unfolding intense aromas of dark fruit and blackberry pie, leading to a velvety palate of black cherry, vanilla, and spice, all embraced by seamlessly integrated tannins, delivering a gratifying finish - making it your ideal companion for hearty delights like grilled steak or braised beef, sure to leave a lasting impression on your wine journey. Vivino Rating: 4.5 (Oct 2024) Tasting Note