Staff Picks
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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: 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: 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: 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
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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: 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: 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: 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, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - Wine Enthusiast. 'A thousand Roses'. Named after his mothers love for roses, Owner David Faure has aimed to create aromatic, rich and smooth wines, just like roses. An intense and deep purple colour, the nose is fresh, carrying floral notes and light notes of vanilla, with a subtle hint of strawberries. The palate is very fresh, lively and reveals a medium to concentrated structure. Located in the Southern Médoc with prestigious Grand Crus Classé neighbours, this Château is 100% Orga -
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: France, Bordeaux, GravesGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. 90+ point Graves Bordeaux is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot from an historic listed Château on a terrace overlooking the Garonne River. Spiced red hedgerow fruit with well balanced tannins and a fresh finish. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jun 2024) Awards / Wine Press Ratings Gold Medal - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (2020) 90 Points - Decanter (2019) "An intensely fragrant nose of bramble fruits and fresh strawberries. Immediately alive and s -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedHandcrafted – Traditional – Unhurried. Grangehurst Winery is a boutique wine cellar on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, aged for 15 years in their own cellar before release, this particular wine is a must try, full-bodied barrel matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins, especially if you like a great quality Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot / this wine has the benefit of not having to age in the bottle yourself. Typically, Jeremy only releases his wines once they are beautifu -
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: 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: France, Bordeaux, Saint EstepheGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 12.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe Arnaud family, owners at the magnificent Château Pomys, have been making great Saint-Estèphe since the 18th century. This classic Saint-Estèphe - formally owned by Estournel, maker of multiple 100 points wines - marry traditional winemaking techniques with state of the art equipment allows the wine to express the characteristics of its terroir. Château Arnaud is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, well structured and rounded, aged in oak barrels in a state of the art undergroun -
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: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points – Tim Atkin MW. Only 9,000 bottles of this experimental Malbec were made by the Durigutti Brothers, Hector and Pablo. It is made from five different parcels of vines, defined according to the soil profile: deep clay loam, silt loam, rocky loam, sandy loam and boulder loam. Each parcel is vinified separately in 'concrete eggs' before the final blend is created. The vineyard is at an altitude of 1,050 meters, ensuring good levels of acidity, vital in the production for high quality Malbe -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red94+ Points - LUCA GARDINI - ‘Non Confunditur’ is a Latin term that means unique, unmistakable. A blend of French and Italian grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Sangiovese), this is a 'Super Tuscan' for IGT wine price. Well structured with concentrated, red and black fruits with lovely integrated and smooth tannins. Lively ruby red colour with intense aromas or red fruits like plums, cherries with raspberry, blackcurrant and green bell pepper and hints of coffee. On the palate is dry with mRegular Price£19.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£14.97 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points Decanter - 'A thousand Roses'. Named after his mothers love for roses, Owner David Faure has aimed to create aromatic, rich and smooth wines, just like roses. An intense and deep purple colour, the nose is fresh, carrying floral notes and light notes of vanilla, with a subtle hint of strawberries. The palate is very fresh, lively and reveals a medium to concentrated structure. Located in the Southern Médoc with prestigious Grand Crus Classé neighbours, this Château is 100% Organic and -
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: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. A rich, silky Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Thelema have firmly entrenched themselves as one of the leaders in Cabernet Sauvignon, placing Stellenbosch Cabernet’s firmly on the global wine map. 18 months spent in barrel, 45% of which is new French oak, along with careful hand sorting have produced a truly elegant and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2020) About t -
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 backbon -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 12.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedKleinboet (Little Brother) is a Bordeaux blend, featuring all 5 varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot aged in french oak for 24 months. The cool climate sub region of Sondagskloof, Walker Bay, brings natural acidity and minerality to the wines. Expect intense blackcurrant, lavender, black olive and fynbos on the nose with a supple and and round palate. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Sept 2024) Taste Brick red to deep purple with aromas of blackcurrant, lavender, bla -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 15.2%Style: Rich Full Red90 Points - Cellar Tracker. One of the most amazing Californian Zinfandels you can find in the UK. Big flavours, big body, big abv content, but everything is in harmonious balance. “Juvenile” comes from young vines (6-25 years old), interplanted, from several of their old vine designated vineyards – including Hayne, Ueberroth, Pesenti, Salvador and Vineyard 101. Whilst it offers sumptuous, joyous fruit, it also gives more than a glimpse of Turley’s single vineyard wines. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Aug -
Country: France, Bordeaux, PauillacGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis 1.2-hectare vineyard in Pauillac stands next to the 5th growth grand cru classé's of Chateau Batailley, and across the road from Château Grand Puy Lacoste, on soil worthy of a classified growth. The yield here is around 32 hl/ha and the vineyard is planted in equal measure of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The entire batch of their Pauillac parcels is aged in new French oak barrels under the label Château Les Landes de Cach. The result is a superb wine from exceptional soils and winemakers. -
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