Staff Picks
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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: 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: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedSourced from some of the best sites in California, Sourced, Rancho Real, Annapolis, Del Rio, Laguna to name a few, the 2022 Slander is an example of great winemaking and the sum being greater than its parts. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jul 2024) Taste The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that’ -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red96 Points - New Zealand Wine Rater. A wonderful Burgundian style Pinot Noir from a producer who carefully select fruit from Marlborough's top organic single vineyards to produce wines of great elegance and complexity. An aromatic, savoury nose with notes of damson plum, dark berry, forest floor, nori, peppercorns, salami and salted, black liquorice. Medium-bodied, with plush fruit but still a seriously structured wine with layered tannins. Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - New Zealand Wine Rater (2
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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: 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: 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, PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedClement Fayat set up his construction business in the 1950’s. Having grown it to the 4th largest in its sector (just behind Bouygues – owners of Chateau Montrose) he decided to follow his passion and began to invest in properties in Bordeaux. A lover of Pomerol, he purchased Prieurs de la Commanderie in 1984 and has begun to achieve the potential quality that rough diamond always promised. Dusty garnet colour. Aromas and flavours of mocha, toasty pistachio, and berry tart with a supple, bright, -
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, PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe second wine of Château Rouget. The terroirs dedicated to Le Carillon de Rouget are slightly higher than the ones selected for Château Rouget. This, combined with the relative youth of the vines, compared to the ones of the Grand Vin, result in earlier ripening and give the wine its roundness and appealing character. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Oct 2024) Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc Taste With a burst of cherry and blueberry flavors, the taste is rich and concentrated, with youthful tannins -
Country: France, ChampagneGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic SparklingThis Award Winning Rose, the Gallimard Père et Fils Rosé Brut is an absolute treat - It is a delicious blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with fresh, bright raspberry and strawberry flavours. Beautifully matched with duck or poultry with a cream sauce, or sublime with a red fruit dessert, think Panna Cotta with a raspberry coulis. Beautiful freshness blended with some subtle notes of red and black fruits. A lively and rich mouthful, dominated by flavours of strawberry and cherry jam. The -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14.3%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - James Suckling. Located in the heart of Los Carneros, Napa Valley, summer temperatures are tempered by the cooling fog rolling in off the nearby San Pablo Bay, providing perfect conditions for producing beautifully balanced and complex wines that showcase the vineyard-driven character of this cool-climate estate. 10 months in French oak barrels (33% new) gives this Pinot Noir a spectrum of bright red and black fruits, notes of lilac and ginger weave into the fresh berry, cherry and p -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedChâteau Haut-Boutisse is one of the wines of Château Palais Cardinal, a family property that has existed since the middle of the 19th century and neighbour to the Grand Cru Classé Château Monbousquet. An average vine age of over 40 years and from the fabulous 202 vintage gives a wine full of concentration, structure and classic Saint-Émilion traits. Taste Nose of coffee and plum with some velvety tannins on the palate. A wine full of charm and surprises brought by the vintage. Wine Press / Awa -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedSourced from some of the best sites in California, Sourced, Rancho Real, Annapolis, Del Rio, Laguna to name a few, the 2022 Slander is an example of great winemaking and the sum being greater than its parts. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jul 2024) Taste The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that’ -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Chardonnay, Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Crisp Classic Sparkling90 Points - Decanter. The Albert Bichot Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Reserve is a seriously impressive sparkling wine. It’s made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from fruit grown in Burgundy’s southern Cotes Chalonnaise and Cote Maconnais regions. Produced using the champagne-style methode traditionnelle which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle after which it rests for 18 months before release. With 10% of the wine being given 6 months of oak-ageing and with 15% reserve wines bei -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red96 Points - New Zealand Wine Rater. A wonderful Burgundian style Pinot Noir from a producer who carefully select fruit from Marlborough's top organic single vineyards to produce wines of great elegance and complexity. An aromatic, savoury nose with notes of damson plum, dark berry, forest floor, nori, peppercorns, salami and salted, black liquorice. Medium-bodied, with plush fruit but still a seriously structured wine with layered tannins. Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - New Zealand Wine Rater (2 -
Country: New Zealand, OtagoGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards. Purity elegance combine with texture, concentration and length. A true reflection of the three Central Otago sub regions that contribute to this Peregrine Pinot Noir. Concentrated aromas of dried strawberries with notes of black cherry, vanilla and gamey scents. Fined-grained, mouth coating tannins, supported by a juicy and firm acidity. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Sept 2024) Taste Concentrated aromas of dried strawberries with notes of black cherry, vanilla and g -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Decanter. Hailing from the exceptional 2020 vintage, the Chateau les Vimieres le Tronquera 2020 is that rarest of jewels: an affordable fine Bordeaux. This tiny (0.45-hectare) estate is home to seventy-year-old vines that produce minuscule quantities of super-concentrated grapes. Decadently rich, yet supple and elegant, this offers Grand Cru levels of complexity with Margaux’s signature finesse. Produced by Eric Boissenot, consultant to Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite, this is your -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedGivry is known as one of the best value wines in Burgundy, but few – if any – can match Domaine Masse for quality and value. Produced from the family’s old vine Pinot Noir in the exceptional 2022 vintage the this is a red Burgundy lover's dream. The Domaine’s policy of rigorous pruning meant yields were low and the tiny amount of Givry Premier Cru they made is concentrated, complex and well-structured. It is wines like this that have seen demand for Domaine Masse’s wines soar in recent years. Ta -
Country: France, Bordeaux, PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Clement Fayat set up his construction business in the 1950’s. Having grown it to the 4th largest in its sector (just behind Bouygues – owners of Chateau Montrose) he decided to follow his passion and began to invest in properties in Bordeaux. A lover of Pomerol, he purchased Prieurs de la Commanderie in 1984 and has begun to achieve the potential quality that rough diamond always promised. Dusty garnet colour. Aromas and flavours of mocha, toasty pistachio, and berry -
Country: France, Loire ValleyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13%Style: Juicy Lively RedAged for 10 months in Oak barrels and released for sale 12 months after harvest, this Sancerre has had time to develop its complex and balanced flavours and a beautiful ruby colour. This wine displays aromas of strong ripe red berries with tones of cherry in particular, whilst the palate experiences intense aromas and a finish both fresh and crisp. The concentrated palate, ample and harmonious, prolongs the complexity of aromas and supple tannins, and leads to a persistent finale which leaves yoRegular Price£27.95Top 3 Wines of 2024 - 15% off£23.76 -
Country: England, SussexGrapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot MeunierABV: 12%Style: Fresh Fruity SparklingBronze Medal - DWWA.The growing season started well in the spring with an early budburst followed by dry, sunny weather in May and June. The vines were able to bask in a long, relatively warm ripening period throughout the summer and autumn months. Picking commenced at the start of October and the grapes benefited from a longer than usual hangtime resulting in an excellent quality harvest. Wine Press Reviews Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 "Nicely restrained aromatic soft herbs an -
Country: England, SussexGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Rich Complex SparklingSilver Medal - Wine GB. Blanc de Noirs 2015 is crafted exclusively from hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes grown at Roebuck Estates Roman Villa vineyard. After careful selection, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed and partially fermented in the finest French oak casks. A generous lees ageing for a minimum of 36 months gives this wine depth, complexity and richness. It is drinking well now but will undoubtedly, continue to improve with bottle age. It was a cold winter which vines tend to enjoy. Sprin -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Canon FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Jeff Leve. Château Vrai Canon Bouché hails from Canon Fronsac and since 2005 it has become one of this commune’s leading wines. Its single vineyard is planted with a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc and is hand-tended like it was a garden. The owners have steadily reduced the use of chemicals and have deployed natural methods to restore the soil’s vitality. 2017 was a particularly successful year for the property. Writing in the Wine Insider, Jeff Leve awarded it 90 points -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedAlbert Bichot Mercurey Rouge is a delightful Burgundy that combines tradition and charm. Bursting with juicy red cherry and wild berry flavours, it’s beautifully complemented by hints of spice and earthy undertones. The silky tannins and balanced acidity create a smooth, inviting texture, making it as enjoyable on its own as it is paired with food. Whether served alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon, or creamy cheeses, this wine adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Perfect for those looking -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe 2nd wine of the Grand Cru Classé Château Jean Faure, La Reserve is a 50/50 blend of Merlot & Cabernet Franc, vinified separately to express the unique terroir of Château Jean Faure, the very same as its illustrious neighbours Cheval Blanc and Figeac. A wonderful introduction to a Château with a long history and which is located on one of the most prestigious terroirs of Saint-Émilion. Tasting Notes The black cherry colour of the wine also glimmers with very shiny ruby hues. The nose is r -
Country: France, Bordeaux, PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedClement Fayat set up his construction business in the 1950’s. Having grown it to the 4th largest in its sector (just behind Bouygues – owners of Chateau Montrose) he decided to follow his passion and began to invest in properties in Bordeaux. A lover of Pomerol, he purchased Prieurs de la Commanderie in 1984 and has begun to achieve the potential quality that rough diamond always promised. Dusty garnet colour. Aromas and flavours of mocha, toasty pistachio, and berry tart with a supple, bright, -
Country: France, BurgundyGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedFrom several selected parcels throughout Burgundy, the Bourgogne Rouge cuvée from Domaine Decelle & Fils is primarily composed of plots from "small villages" such as Mercurey, Ladoix-Serrigny, and Savigny. More than just your average, entry Bourgogne rouge, complex and approachable. Taste The colour is deep red with a beautiful shine. The nose offers powerful aromas of red fruits and Morello cherries, along with a spicy note that will reveal itself as the Bourgogne Domaine Decelle & Fils