Staff Picks
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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: 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
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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, 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: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red94+ Points - LUCA GARDINI - ‘Non Confunditur’ is a Latin term that means unique, unmistakable. A blend of French and Italian grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Sangiovese), this is a 'Super Tuscan' for IGT wine price. Well structured with concentrated, red and black fruits with lovely integrated and smooth tannins. Lively ruby red colour with intense aromas or red fruits like plums, cherries with raspberry, blackcurrant and green bell pepper and hints of coffee. On the palate is dry with mRegular Price£19.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£14.97 -
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: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedAward Winning Vineyard - Two plots of Syrah vines from Chanos-Curson and Veaunes with an average age of over 20 years go into making this intense, silky and balanced Crozes-Hermitage. Drink now, or lay down to increase in complexity over the next 5-10 years. This wine reveals the characteristic nose of the Syrah grape variety, both crisp and mellow with hints of red berries ripened in the sun. An initial tender attack on the palate, soft tannins and a refreshing aftertaste revealing an overall cRegular Price£22.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£17.22 -
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: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: SangioveseABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Renovated in 1987 by the current owners, Canneto has a long history in Tuscany, and since 2017 all of their wines have been certified as organic. Their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a blend of Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and offers exceptional value for one of Italy's premier wines. Wonderfully balanced with soft, fine grained tannins and generous fruit, the hallmark for all great Vino Nobile is its potential to age for several years, a -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis beautiful and profound wine from Mas Amiel is a subtle blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah to produce an elegant, seamless and incredibly pure wine that offers freshness with black raspberry, violets and peach pit aromas and flavours. Full-bodied, pure and balanced, it's ideal for drinking over the coming 5-10 years. About the Producer A story that began when, in 1816, Raymond Amiel won the deeds to this property from the Bishop of Perpignan over a game of cards. Then a mere 10 hectares, -
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: 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: Lebanon, BatrounGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.8%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. Standing at an impressive altitude of 1,800 meters, the highest in the Northern Hemisphere, IXSIR Winery crafts exceptional wines, including their Altitudes Rouge, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Caladoc and Tempranillo. Displaying notes of red fruits, currants and raspberries, with a touch of spice. It is a very elegant and pleasant wine with a good standing and an overtone of softness. IXSIR's commitment to sustainable agriculture is reflected in their vi -
Country: Austria, NiederosterreichGrapes: Gruner VeltinerABV: 12.5%Style: Dry Refreshing WhiteThe Weingut Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Vom Haus 2023 is a beautiful wine borne of one of the most challenging, but successful, vintages in recent years. Made from 100% Grüner Veltliner from their own Certified Sustainable vineyards, this family-owned estate produces classically styled Austrian wines that offer beauty and complexity in a stunningly stylish fashion. If you’re a fan of classy, refined wines such as Alsace Riesling or Chablis, then you will love the Weingut Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Vom -
Country: France, BeaujolaisGrapes: GamayABV: 13%Style: Juicy Lively RedDomaine André Colonge is situated in the heart of the Beaujolais Cru appellation areas, in the commune of Lancié. Its surface area is 37 HA is shared between 4 appellations: Fleurie, Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais. Harvesting remains 100% manual, with two successive sortings: in the vineyards and before the grapes enter the cellar, to guarantee high quality wines. From its exceptional Beaujolais setting and with the know-how and skills gained over the generations, the estate is proRegular Price£18.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£14.22 -
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: Argentina, CatamarcaGrapes: BonardaABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedBonarda, or Douce Noir in Eastern France, is a great alternative to Malbec that you must try. Argentina's second most planted variety, it is a lovely easy drinking, fresh and fruit driven wine with great colour and notably soft tannins. Taste Deep and bright colour, juicy dark fruits with a soft and supple finish with great structure. About the Producer Durigutti Family Winemakers: Brothers Hector and Pablo are passionate about expressing the characteristics of Argentina’s various terroirs along