Staff Picks
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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, 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, 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: Spain, RiojaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Dry Refreshing White90 Points - Tim Atkin MW. From the modern style Casa La Rad, highly regarded by wine supremo Tim Atkin, comes this exceptional value white Rioja. A blend of Virua, Verdejo Chardonnay, and Malvasia, the Solarce Blanco is partially fermented in large oak barrels and aged on fine lees to give an elegant and beautifully fresh wine with body and texture to boot! Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Tim Atkin MW (La Rioja Special Report) (2020) "Solarce is an unusual blend of mostly Viura with 47% Verdejo,Regular Price£14.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£11.22
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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, 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, 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: 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, 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: 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: France, BurgundyGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Fruity White90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. The stunning 2022 vintage benefited all the wines of Chablis, but more so to the vineyards of Sylvain Mosnier who took full advantage of the opportunity to produce this crisp Petit Chablis which is drinking beautifully now. Balanced aromas of citrus and wet stones are followed by a fruity, tangy palate, with a subtle tang of salinity and apple skin freshness towards the finish. Perfect on its own or to enjoy with white fish or meats. This exceptional Petit ChabliRegular Price£22.45Burgundy Sale - 15% off£19.09 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Cotes de BourgGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedBronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. Vincent Mercier bought Château Tertre de Samonac in 2005, and is a self made Château owner. He has been making organic wine since the early 2000's, and this lovely 100% Merlot from 25-30 year old vines has a deep concentration of fruit and a great balancing acidity and tannins. A robust, yet balanced wine on the palate with good acidity, great tannins which will soften as the wine breathes. A wine with wonderful character and elegance. Vivino Rating: 4 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal Winner. Château Bois de Rolland is situated just 17 kilometres from Saint Emilion, famous for its World Class wines like Château Angelus. This cuvée, made from old vines (Vieilles Vignes) benefits from the same clay and limestone soils, perfect for the Merlot grape to show its full potential. 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this estate bottled wine has a lovely cherry red colour with an elegant nose of cinnamon, vanilla and red fruits. Nicely rounded with a good structure and -
Country: France, Bordeaux, FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedIn the heart of the minuscule 1000 hectare Fronsac appellation, tucked in between Châteaux Dalem, Haut Carles and Beausejour, lies this hidden jewel on the banks of the ambling Dordogne river. The microclimate here, created by the rolling hills of clay and chalk situated by the mineral rich river have an effect on the Merlot grapes which gives them stunning acidity. Plump, soft plummy black fruit flavours, medium to full bodied and a gorgeous satisfying mouthful. A must try great quality and val -
Country: France, Bordeaux, FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 15%Style: Smooth Fruity RedBronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. In the heart of the minuscule 1000 hectare Fronsac appellation, tucked in between Châteaux Dalem, Haut Carles and Beausejour, lies this hidden jewel on the banks of the ambling Dordogne river. The microclimate here, created by the rolling hills of clay and chalk situated by the mineral rich river have an effect on the Merlot grapes which gives them stunning acidity. Plump, soft plummy black fruit flavours, medium to full bodied and a gorgeous satisfying -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Montagne Saint-EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedIt 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 which 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. Awards / Wine Press Ratings Gold Medal - C -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - International Wine Report. Surrounded by prestigious chateaux and sharing an exceptional terroir, Chateau d’Esteau Cuvee d’Eyssan delivers one of the best price-quality ratios in the region. This gorgeous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc is a lightly wooded, fruity, and lively Haut-Médoc. It offers inviting aromas of cherries and plum, woven together with cedar, spices, and hints of dried tobacco. A well-balanced, elegant, medium-bodied Médoc, it is ready to be -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Dry Refreshing White90 Points - Tim Atkin MW. From the modern style Casa La Rad, highly regarded by wine supremo Tim Atkin, comes this exceptional value white Rioja. A blend of Virua, Verdejo Chardonnay, and Malvasia, the Solarce Blanco is partially fermented in large oak barrels and aged on fine lees to give an elegant and beautifully fresh wine with body and texture to boot! Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Tim Atkin MW (La Rioja Special Report) (2020) "Solarce is an unusual blend of mostly Viura with 47% Verdejo,Regular Price£14.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£11.22 -
Country: France, AlsaceGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic SparklingAward Winning - featured in Prestigious Guide Hachette. Made using Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, this Champagne beating Blanc de Blancs Crémant is made in the traditional champagne method, then aged for 18 months before release for a complex and delicate Crémant. Fantastically full-bodied with pure fruit and elegantly smooth bubbles. Great value, Superb Quality Crémant! Blanc de Blancs Champagne equivalent ... without the price tag! Taste Pale yellow colour with light reflections. The bubbles areRegular Price£19.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£14.97 -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13%Style: Rich Fruity White95 Points - International Wine Challenge. Thelema consistently produce wines of stunning quality and value and this Chardonnay is no exception. 10 months in French oak barrels have given this wine a complex profile of ripe fruit, toasty oak with a lovely texture. Wine Press Ratings 95 Points - International Wine Challenge (2020) 94 Points - Tim Atkin (2020) Taste Winemakers tasting notes: Aromas of ripe peach, grapefruit marmalade, blossoms and complex yeasty flavours complement the toasty oak -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Decanter. No ordinary Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Lagrave Paran is nestled on a micro-property spanning approximately 3.5 hectares, this under-the-radar winemaker lavishes each vine with the utmost care, resulting in excellent wines year after year. The wine's soft, maturing black-currant fruits reflect the vintage's relative lightness, while oak aging gracefully smooths the tannins and imparts a final, juicy character. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Dec -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex White90 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The Casa La Rad wines are made from their most valuable vineyard, the La Rad vineyard, with vines older than 35 years of age. The grapes are handpicked and carefully selected before spending 14 months in new French oak barrels and aged on its lees. This wine has an appealing mid-body that shows fresh and vibrant aromas of white peach, citrus, white flowers with mineral notes. Elegant and well balanced with a creamy texture. A gorgeous white from Rioja - a must try! Vivi -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - International Wine Report. No ordinary Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Lagrave Paran is nestled on a micro-property spanning approximately 3.5 hectares, this under-the-radar winemaker lavishes each vine with the utmost care, resulting in excellent wines year after year. The wine's soft, maturing black-currant fruits reflect the vintage's relative lightness, while oak aging gracefully smooths the tannins and imparts a final, juicy character. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratin -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - International Wine Report. Château d’Esteau is located in Saint Sauveur in Bordeaux, France and surrounded by prestigious Chateaux - sharing an exceptional terroir - and delivering one of the best Price / Quality ratio in the region. This gorgeous wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Cuvee d’Eyssan is a lightly wooded, fruity, and lively Haut Medoc. The 2018 Cuvee d'Eyssan offers inviting aromas of cherries and plum are woven together with cedar, spices aRegular Price£20.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£15.72 -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteBronze Medal Winner - Decanter World Wine Awards. Sourced from the clay rich Raupo vineyard, in the centre of the Omaka Valley. This vineyard has a gentle north – west facing aspect and enjoys high sunshine hours and minimal rain. The vineyard is farmed following organic and biodynamic principles. Creamy and complex, yet still elegant with focused acidity. Taste Presenting a gorgeous bright golden hue, this Chardonnay screams elegance and texture. The nose is lifted with notes of fleshy stone frRegular Price£23.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£17.97 -
Country: France, BeaujolaisGrapes: GamayABV: 13%Style: Juicy Lively RedChâteau des Tours, nestled in the heart of the Brouilly appellation within Beaujolais, boasts a storied history and an unwavering commitment to quality. Its vineyards, gracing the slopes of Mont Brouilly, benefit from a unique terroir with granitic and volcanic soils, producing wines of exceptional finesse and character. This historic estate's dedication to crafting limited-production, terroir-driven wines has cemented its reputation as a premier producer in the region, offering a taste of the eRegular Price£19.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£14.97