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: 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
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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£14.45Boxing Day 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, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedImmerse yourself in history with this Saint-Émilion gem! Château Galeteau, dating back to 1658, is a family-run estate nestled on the heart of Saint-Émilion's famed clay and limestone soils. Their 2022 offers incredible value, bursting with blackberries, cherries, and sweet spice. Layers of ripe dark fruit, balanced tannins, and a dark chocolate-plum finish make this a must-try. A fantastic value for money wine. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - International Wine Re -
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, 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: 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 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, 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, 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, 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: 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, 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: 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, 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: 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, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis wine is a piece of history and when sold out - it will be wine money cannot buy ! The owner of Château Les Vimières, Jacques Boissenot, was central to the development of new winemaking techniques in Bordeaux before he sadly passed away in 2014. Jacques had his hand on pretty much every First Growth production since the 1960s and was voted Decanter magazine's Winemaker of the Decade in 2010. This Margaux from the outstanding 2010 vintage amply demonstrates how he led the way for quality wine -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis wine is a piece of history and when sold out - it will be wine money cannot buy ! The owner of Château Les Vimières, Jacques Boissenot, was central to the development of new winemaking techniques in Bordeaux before he sadly passed away in 2014. Jacques had his hand on pretty much every First Growth production since the 1960s and was voted Decanter magazine's Winemaker of the Decade in 2010. This Margaux from the outstanding 2009 vintage amply demonstrates how he led the way for quality wine -
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 / AwaRegular Price£26.95Boxing Day Sale - 25% off£20.22 -
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