Staff Picks
-
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£26.95Christmas Special£22.95 -
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: 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: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red91 Points - Guía Peñín. The Edicion Limitada is produced using a selection of the best grapes and casks from vineyards at altitude surrounding the village of Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. The result is a Tempranillo with a perfect balance between notes of black fruit and spices, as well as other aromas from its ageing, such as cocoa notes. Intense dark fruits with fine polished tannins, this is a delightful modern style of Rioja. Vivino rating: 4.1 (July 2024) About the Producer Bodegas Ra
-
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: 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, 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, 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, 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: 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, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis Multi Award Winning wine from Villa degli Olmi is made in the style of Amarone but from grapes outside of the official jurisdiction. Corvina & Rondinella are the dominate varieties, however, the blend also consists of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. Using the Appassimento method which consists of drying the grapes to concentrate the aromas, the wine is dark red in colour with a silky, unctuous texture and a pleasant aroma. This wine is soft with a lovely roundness and balanced persisteRegular Price£17.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£13.47 -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteBronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. - Arguably the greatest dry Chenin Blanc in South Africa, the Ken Forrester The FMC is a revelation of a wine. Awarded 89 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the FMC – ‘Forrester Meinert Chenin’ sets a new standard for South African Chenin. Crafted from a tiny plot of ancient vines, long skin contact and careful use of oak give a wonderfully textured, full-flavoured wine. Melons, pears, peach stones and mouth-watering greengages are supported by n -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Guia Penin. Established in 1996, Pago de Los Capellanes is a renowned winery producing highly acclaimed wines through meticulous vineyard management and modern winemaking techniques. Broad, fresh, balanced, and silky, yet with a lot of structure and power, it features sweet tannins resulting from the 12 months of ageing in French Oak. A wonderful wine reflecting the high quality wines from the Ribera del Duero. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Guia Penin -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: NegroamaroABV: 12.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedGold Medal Winner - From the heel of Italy, Puglia, this Negroamora del Salento from the family run, award winning winery of Varvaglione has an abundance of wild fruit with a pleasant streak of vanilla and a silky finish. Ruby red with shades of purple; the nose has fascinating scents of wild berries. The palate is marked by vanilla with a long lingering finish and a velvety texture. Exceptional value for money! Vivino rating: 4.0 (July 2024) Taste Ruby red with shades of purple; the nose has fa -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red91 Points - Guía Peñín. The Edicion Limitada is produced using a selection of the best grapes and casks from vineyards at altitude surrounding the village of Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. The result is a Tempranillo with a perfect balance between notes of black fruit and spices, as well as other aromas from its ageing, such as cocoa notes. Intense dark fruits with fine polished tannins, this is a delightful modern style of Rioja. Vivino rating: 4.1 (July 2024) About the Producer Bodegas Ra -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedFounded in 1999 by the trailblazing Susana Balbo, Argentina's pioneering female winemaker, this esteemed vineyard specialises in crafting exquisite high-end wines. Her Signature Malbec hails from Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco in Mendoza, at 1,150 meters above sea level, it was aged for 13 months in French oak barrels. Intense and approachable simultaneously, it is a wine that embodies the full spectrum of power, elegance, and pleasure that Argentine Malbec has to offer. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Septe -
Country: Spain, GaliciaGrapes: GodelloABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteFrom the renowned Pago de Los Capellanes, this 100% Godello from the cool, northern appellation of Galicia showcases the delightful lime and stone fruit characteristics inherent to Godello. Crisp and refreshing, with a creamy textured finish, a highly rated white from an established winery making world class wines. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Decanter (2020) "Layered complex aromas of marzipan, almond, candied lemon and lees undertones. Refreshing with a streakRegular Price£27.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£20.97 -
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£26.95Christmas Special£22.95 -
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, 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 -
Country: France, BeaujolaisGrapes: GamayABV: 14.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedTop quality gamay grapes from one of the highest profile Cru Villages. With its closest neighbours being the AOC's of Fleurie, Morgon, Chiroubles and Moulins à Vent. This Superb Beaujolais Villages from Domaine André Colonge is the only Beaujolais Villages commune to be completely surrounded by Beaujolais Crus. The quality shines through in this lovely, well made wine from a centuries old winemaker. Deep colour with a mouth watering freshness packed full of complex red fruits, followed by a softRegular Price£14.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£11.22 -
Country: Argentina, PatagoniaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.3%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis lovely refreshing Patagonian malbec originates in the San Patricio del Chañar Valley, Neuquén. Brothers Hector and Pablo are passionate about expressing the characteristics of Argentina’s various terroirs along with freshness and bright, focused fruit. The result is an exceptional Malbec produced by minimal intervention wine making. A fresh and fruit forward Malbec, with smooth tannins and a gentle touch of oak. An absolute treat for Malbec lovers ! Taste Ripe dark fruits and blackberry, wi -
Country: France, South West FranceGrapes: MalbecABV: 13%Style: Smooth Fruity RedCahors, in the South West of France is the ancestral home of Malbec, where in its French form, it is a more savoury, dark skinned & brooding variety that its Argentinian cousin. Perfected over the centuries, Clos la Coutale is a blend of Malbec (85%) and Merlot (15%) with an average yield of 45 hl which allows consistent quality and maturity each year. Matured in barrels and wooden casks for one year to obtain a good balance between tannins and fruit, this is a rustic, medium to full-bodied -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. When 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 2021 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 -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The El Anejon 2018 is another multi-award-winning wine from Bodega Pago de Carraovejas, one of the Ribera del Duero’s superstar wineries. Meticulously produced from a steeply sloping single vineyard close the Duero River, it’s an exotic blend of organically farmed Tinto Fino (81%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) and Merlot (12%). Only produced in exceptional vintages such as 2018, it receives the same regal treatment that the rest of Bodega Pago de Carraovejas’ wines. Grapes