Staff Picks
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Country: Portugal, DouroGrapes: Touriga NacionalABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedRoquette & Cazes Douro Tinto, born from the collaboration between Jorge Roquette, proprietor of Quinta do Crasto, and Jean-Charles Cazes, co-owner of Château Lynch-Bages, seamlessly melds Bordeaux winemaking expertise with the distinct character of the Douro region. This exceptional wine showcases a remarkable intensity of vibrant red fruit flavours interwoven with subtle hints of delicate spices, all held together by an impressive structure characterised by luxuriously smooth tannins. VivinRegular Price£26.95New Years Sale£22.95 -
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 -
Country: Spain, ToroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedErnesto del Palacio has been making wine for over 300 years in the region of Toro, most famously known for its powerful reds made from Tinta de Toro, a variant of the internationally known Tempranillo. Their Crianza undergoes 6 months of aging in French and American oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied, powerful, and well-balanced wine. It showcases a remarkable expression of ripe fruit harmoniously intertwined with delightful toasted nuances. Taste A cherry-red hue with a purplish rim, displ -
Country: Spain, CigalesGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedFewer than 13,000 bottles are made annually of this rich, and full-bodied Tempranillo from Cigales, a relatively small DO, located to the north of the Duero river between the more well known regions of Rueda, and Ribera del Duero. 12 months ageing in American oak barrels gives this wine a highly aromatic intensity, fruit, spice and wonderfully integrated oak nuances. Taste Deep red colour, on the nose a rich intensity, with notes of dark fruit, spice and oak. On the palate it is well structured
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Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - The Wine Independent. The best grapes make the best wine" is the philosophy applied by the Winery's founder, Louis M. Martini. Implemented at the estate since its creation in 1938, this exacting philosophy has enabled the winery to become one of the leading names in Californian wines. With its vineyards in the sumptuous Sonoma and Napa Valleys and its many award-winning wines, the estate is now world-renowned for its great Cabernet Sauvignons. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Dec 2024) Wine Press -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedThis is a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from Dornier in South Africa. Located 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. Their Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon has an exuberance of concentrated fruit, intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, black berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak and a hint of mint to ensure freshness. Stunning -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedWhen a producer’s ‘entry-level’ wine scores 92/100 from leading Spanish wine critic Tim Atkin MW and 93+ from Robert Parker, you know it’s something special. But then everything about Pago de Carraovejas Tinto is special. From its exceptionally well-sited high-altitude vines to its meticulous hand production, and the input from Pingus’s and Vega Sicilia's winemakers it’s a remarkable wine, one that every lover of fine Spanish red wine needs to try. Produced from a blend of Tinto Fino, Cabernet S -
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 (Oct 2024) Tasting Notes The dark crimson core and brick rim sets the stage, as aromas of currant, blackberry, blue fruits, -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedIt’s a bold claim to say a wine – especially a Shiraz – is unlike anything you have ever tasted, but in the case of the De Toren Black Lion Shiraz, it happens to be true. As De Toren puts it, ‘The Black Lion wine is the heirloom of years of winemaking in De Toren’s continuous quest for perfection’. Planted on ancient soils with specially selected vines and nurtured by hand manicuring and individual attention, nothing is left to chance. Irrigation is kept to a minimum and the vines are treated or -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedNothing is left to chance with the De Toren Private Cellar Patronus Malbec. Taking its name from the Latin for ‘patron’, this is a wine where winemaking is turned not just into an art form, but into an obsession. The tiny harvest goes through an incredibly stringent selection process with only the finest old Malbec vines on the property being considered for use. Once chosen, individual bunches are selected at harvest and then, post-destemming, individual grapes. Following a long, yet cool, ferme -
Country: Portugal, DouroGrapes: Touriga NacionalABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedRoquette & Cazes Douro Tinto, born from the collaboration between Jorge Roquette, proprietor of Quinta do Crasto, and Jean-Charles Cazes, co-owner of Château Lynch-Bages, seamlessly melds Bordeaux winemaking expertise with the distinct character of the Douro region. This exceptional wine showcases a remarkable intensity of vibrant red fruit flavours interwoven with subtle hints of delicate spices, all held together by an impressive structure characterised by luxuriously smooth tannins. VivinRegular Price£26.95New Years Sale£22.95 -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively Red90 Points - Tim Atkin MW. This 90+ point Rioja from a modern style, family run winery is incredible value for a wine with this amount of complexity and style. The Solarce Tinto is a blend of Tempranillo, Grenache, Mazuelo & Graciano and is aged for 8 months in American and French oak barrels. Full-bodied and silky smooth with layers of fruit and spice. Fantastic Value for money for this superb Rioja. Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2021 vintage) Taste Intense ruby-red colour wit -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedCasa La Rad is a winery dedicated to the environment to sustain and improve its vitality and biodiversity. From the La Rad vineyard, the grapes are handpicked and carefully selected from bush trained vines 35 years or older, before malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 litres where it will be aged for at least 14 months. A highly rated wine by the international wine press, and gold medal winning wine at the Mundus Vini awards, Casa La Rad Tinto is a Rioja in the modern st -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedNo South African wine is as revered or acclaimed as the Book 17 of De Toren Private Cellar. This Western Cape wine is produced from a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The vines are planted on poor, free-draining soils which force them to dig deep into the sand and granite soils in search of nutrients, reducing the vines’ vigour and imparting complexity. Once they have reach optimum ripeness, the grapes are hand-harvested and rushed to the press house. Here -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red97 Points - Guia Penin. Pago de Carraovejas Cuesta de Las Liebres 2018 is one of the greatest wines of the Ribera del Duero. The 2018 scored 94 from Robert Parker, cementing its reputation as a wine to be compared with the likes of Vega Sicilia and Pingus. Made exclusively from Tinto Fino, the local name for Tempranillo, from a single high-altitude (850m above sea level) vineyard in only great years, since its release in 1991 it has become one of the most sought-after wines in all of Spain. Prod -
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: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedOrin Swift Abstract is a meticulously crafted red wine known for its rich and complex character. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours. The wine exhibits a deep, visually striking hue and a captivating aroma profile that ranges from fruity to floral, with subtle notes of dark chocolate and spice. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with robust tannins and a bold, fruit-forward taste. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving -
Country: Portugal, DouroGrapes: Touriga NacionalABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red91 Points - Robert Parker (2020). The Quinta do Crasto Superior Red Douro D.O.C. is a highly-rated red wine hailing from Portugal's Douro region. Skillfully blending the classical red grapes of Portugal, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz – it offers freshness and balance on both the nose and palate, along with a robust body, ripe firm tannins, and complex notes of dark berried fruits and cocoa that linger towards a long and elegant finish. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Taste Dee -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedDiscover this beautiful Primitivo wine from Villa Degli Olmi - an award winning Vineyard - home to some excellent value wines from Puglia, Southern Italy. Primitivo has been a varietal used on both banks of the Aegean sea from Croatia through to Italy. Primitivo are grown here because they arrive at maturity earlier than other varietals, meaning the sugar and polyphenols are ready before the harsh, desert like sun arrives in mid summer. An incredible value, full-bodied Primitivo with an intense -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedNikela is a “Cape Blend” of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz & Roobernet. The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” - this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes - “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” - in England. Wine Press Ratings 91 Po -
Country: Portugal, AlentejoGrapes: Alicante BouschetABV: 14.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe Cartuxa Foral de Evora Colheita Tinto celebrates tradition while embracing the best of modern winemaking technology to create a fascinating, hugely enjoyable red wine. It was produced from a traditional blend of old, low-yielding Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Aragone from the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve the wine’s abundant fruitiness, it benefits from a year’s maturation in small French and American oak casks and 15 months of bottle agRegular Price£23.95New Years Sale - 25% off£17.97 -
Country: Australia, South AustraliaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red93 points / Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. If you like your Australian red wine to combine power with finesse, then the Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2017 is the perfect wine for you. Produced on the famed terra rossa soils, arguably Australia’s greatest, in the warm Wrattonbully region, it gets its name from the remains of a 37-million-year-old whale that were found here. Made from old, low-yielding vines, the quantity of fruit produced here is tiny, but the quality i -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 16%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Robert Parker. 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. Vibran -
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: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: BarberaABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe La Spinetta Ca' di Pian Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2022 is one of those all-too-rare gems, an affordable great Piedmont wine. Produced from the excellent but incredibly small 2022 harvest, it takes Barbera’s natural intensity and complexity to new heights. Made from 100% Barbera grapes, it was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels rather than the more usual Slavonian oak ones, a luxurious treatment that adds a further dimension to the wine. Like most Barbera’s, the La Spinetta Ca' di Pian B -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedFinca La Mascota were recognised by the IWSC as best Argentine Producer 2014. Vineyards based in Cruz de Piedra, part of the 'Primera Zona', the traditional premium area in Mendoza, their Malbec, aged for 15 months in new French and American oak has lovely, sweet ripe and full-bodied fruit with elegantly balanced oak. Intense purple-red colour with ruby hues. Aromas of black fruits, jam and vanilla, with a subtle liquorice touch. Sweet and full bodied tannins, with a long and pleasant finish. Ex -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedOwner 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 clear, dark cassis fruits from an estate -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Savoury Classic 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