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: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Greg Sherwood MW. Inspired by the world-renowned wines of the famed ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the vision of De Toren Z originated, followed by the maiden vintage release in 2004. The exact same quality, precision and winemaking philosophy that De Toren is so well known for, would be used to craft an equal for the Left-Bank, De Toren Fusion V. This complementary Right-Bank Bordeaux styled wine is today better known as the eminent, De Toren Z. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Apr 20 -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a relatively young yet prestigious Italian appellation located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round and silky tannins that -
Country: New Zealand, WaihekeGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Cam Douglas MS. The Man O' War Dreadnought 2018 is a classically styled Syrah with really lifted spice and floral notes overlaying a more savoury umami character. Underneath the aromatic lift is a layer of red berry fruit characters which lead into a soft and supple palate following with a clear focused acidity and fine tannins, all finishing with a trademark long persistence that is fresh and slightly salty. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Cam Douglas MS
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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: 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: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Falstaff. Deep, dark and tempting, and seriously seductive, Papale Oro has aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character and warmth, and a 'friendliness' sometimes lacking from its northern Italian cousins. It has delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, with ultra-plush, velvety texture. There are layers of ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, and everythin -
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, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - International Wine Report (2014). Situated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to ful -
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: 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: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedThe Chateau de Gourdon Terrasse a L'Ombre is made under the relatively rarely seen Côtes du Rhône Village "Suze-la-Rousse”. A blend of old vine Grenache and Syrah, each plot is harvested individually and several ‘tries’ may be attempted to ensure only perfectly ripe grapes are picked. To ensure the wines reflect the character of the vine and vineyard, they are fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts. Taste With its wonderfully deep, saturated colour and bold bouquet of crushed plums, b -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Greg Sherwood MW. Inspired by the world-renowned wines of the famed ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux’s Garonne River, the vision of De Toren Z originated, followed by the maiden vintage release in 2004. The exact same quality, precision and winemaking philosophy that De Toren is so well known for, would be used to craft an equal for the Left-Bank, De Toren Fusion V. This complementary Right-Bank Bordeaux styled wine is today better known as the eminent, De Toren Z. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Apr 20 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedSituated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied with excellent structure and wonderfu -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - IWR. A jewel located on top of the highest hill in Margaux, Château Chantelune is a unique property. Its previous owner, Mr. Soubrane was a carpenter who believed in felling his trees by moonlight, claiming this gave the best quality wood. His practice gave the property its name, meaning “sing to the moon.” The current owner is the world renowned José Sanfins, director at third growth property, Château Cantenac Brown and produces only 400 cases. The rounded tannins add a sexy backbonRegular Price£44.95Top 3 Wines of 2024 - 10% off£40.46 -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Gilbert & Gaillard. A great Barolo from the cru Ravera, close to the villages of Barolo and Novello, from the fantastic 2018 vintage. This Barolo from Cagliero is pure and authentic, beautiful structure with a bouquet of violets, ripe fruit (plums) and spices. Layered and round in the mouth and beautifully balanced, young but pleasant tannins on the tongue, resulting in an endless finish. Already very good today, this wine will age beautifully for years to come! Vivino Rating: 4. -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - DWWA. This Barolo comes from Cagliero's Terlo vineyard which is planted at 320 meters in elevation on clay-rich soils. It's planted with Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo sub-varieties. After hand-harvest, the grapes were macerated on the skins for 2 weeks to help extract the delicate colour and aromas of this regal grape. On the palate, supremely balanced and smooth. Ideal with grilled meats and rich stews. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points / Silver Medal - Decante -
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: 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, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points / Gold Medal - Tastings.com. Owner Jose Sanfins is also the Director at the 3rd growth Château Cantenac Brown. 100% aged in oak barrels, this beautifully complex wine with a velvety finish is made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and can be aged for up to 20 years. This wine is a beautiful deep ruby colour. Richness and density are both apparent in a wine that will eventually turn into bold ripe black fruits. A wine for both the present and the future. "Well-delivered slice of Médoc with cl -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedZédé de Labégorce is the second wine of Château Labégorce, one of Margaux’s oldest estates with a history dating back to the fourteenth century. The estate lies on the plateau to the northwest of Chateau Margaux and just to the north of Chateau Lascombes. In keeping with the rest of the commune, Labégorce produced exceptional wines in 2020. The Zédé de Labégorce shows all of Margaux’s style and elegance but has a powerful structure thanks to the heat and the high levels of Cabernet Sauvignon in -
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 - Luca -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Raffaele Vecchione. A great Barolo from the cru Ravera, close to the villages of Barolo and Novello, from the extraordinary 2019 vintage. This Barolo from Cagliero is pure and authentic, beautiful structure with a bouquet of violets, ripe fruit (plums) and spices. Layered and round in the mouth and beautifully balanced, young but pleasant tannins on the tongue, resulting in an endless finish. Already very good today, this wine will age beautifully for years to come! Wine Press Rating -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a relatively young yet prestigious Italian appellation located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round and silky tannins that -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Pedro Ballesteros. Solideo is the reserve wine of Dehesa de los Canónigos. Its name means 'Only before God', also used to designate a silk cap that is usually worn by the Pope. It is made with 85% Tempranillo, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Albillo Mayor and remains in barrels for 24 months, first in American oak of one and two years of age and the last four months in new French oak. From vineyards over 80 years of age, Solideo is a wine that is reserved only for exceptional harvests -
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 -
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: 15.2%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Robert Parker. The Zinfandel Old Vines is a blend of declassified wine from Turley’s old-vine vineyards. A great buy and one of the best old-vine cuvees the Turleys have produced, rich full-bodied, and unctuously textured, it explodes from the glass revealing black fruits, earth, kirsch, licorice, pepper, and underbrush elements. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Robert Parker "The 2021 Zinfandel Old Vines has a medium ruby color and plush red and black c