Staff Picks
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Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. The A23 Syrah is a fantastically complex, silky-textured, well-structured wine. Deeply coloured, the bouquet blends black fruits and black pepper with a touch of purple flowers. The powerf -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. Taking this approach with Pinot Noir makes a lot of sense. Pinot’s innate complexity and style means it needs no augmentation or assistance. The A23 Pinot Noir is full of fresh strawberry, -
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
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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: 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: 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, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. The A23 Syrah is a fantastically complex, silky-textured, well-structured wine. Deeply coloured, the bouquet blends black fruits and black pepper with a touch of purple flowers. The powerf -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedNicknamed by the winemaking team as their ‘Buddy’ wine, the Chateau de Gourdon 921 Le Coq Rouge Cotes du Rhone was created to be a joyous, easy-going wine. Produced from a blend of Grenache with a little Syrah, Cinsault and other local varieties, it’s a pet project only made in relatively small quantities. Fermented in concrete and stainless-steel tanks, it is fruit-driven yet has admirable depth and complexity. A cold maceration and long, slow fermentation giving a well-extracted wine that’s ro -
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: 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: Italy, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 13%Style: Juicy Lively Red94 Points - Luca Maroni. A lovely soft and silky Valpolicella from the family run winery Tinazzi. Displaying classical Valpolicella notes of ripe cherry, this excellent value wine is highly rated by the wine press for its quality and value. Blend: 90% Corvina and Corvinone, 10% Rondinella Taste Bright red with intense aromas of rope cherry, on the palate, fresh with soft and silky tannins with the cherry notes following through. Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Luca Maroni (2022) Gold Medal - Asia -
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, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. Taking this approach with Pinot Noir makes a lot of sense. Pinot’s innate complexity and style means it needs no augmentation or assistance. The A23 Pinot Noir is full of fresh strawberry, -
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: Italy, SicilyGrapes: Nero d'AvolaABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis multi award winning Nero d'Avola from Sicily is a bold, full-bodied and complex red from a producer who has been making wine since 1895. Already in 1926, Giovanni's wines were awarded the gold medal at important oenological displays of the time. Deep in colour with intense aromas, this is your perfect Sunday Roast accompaniment. Taste It is an intense red wine, with a vinous aroma with hints of almond blossoms, dry and full-bodied flavour. Ideal with roasts, red meats and game. About the -
Country: Italy, AbruzzoGrapes: MontepulcianoABV: 12%Style: Juicy Lively RedVilla degli Olmi is a cellar with a long tradition for the quality and distinctiveness of its wines. This Montepulciano is an intense ruby red wine, incredibly pleasant on the nose with typical notes of liquorice and fresh mint. The taste is dry with soft tannins. It combines perfectly with elaborate meats, such as braised or roasted, and with aged cheeses. This Montepulciano D'Abruzzo from Villa Degli Olmi is a great value wine that impresses beyond its price tag. Taste Deep crimson hue with viRegular Price£13.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£10.47 -
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: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedThis is a first class Côtes du Rhône, balanced, full flavoured, rich yet traditionally made from the traditional Domaine L'Espigouette where the some of the vines used for this Vieilles Vignes Cuvée are over 80 years of age. Predominantly Grenache (70%), and the rest being made from Syrah, Mouvedre, Cinsault and Carignan, the wine is aged for 12 months in concrete vats to produce a delicious, full-flavoured, old-fashioned, rich and spicy wine. When stirred, candied cherries, morello cherries and -
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, 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, 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, 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£14.45Christmas Sale - 25% off£10.84 -
Country: Spain, Sierra de SalamancaGrapes: RufeteABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively Red91 Points Guía Peñín de los vinos de España. A blend of the rare, and local grape variety Rufete, with the well known Tempranillo grape. The Original from Vinos La Zorra comes from 60-plus year old vines, grown in a combination of slate, clay and granite soils. They are then table-sorted and de-stemmed followed by a gentle crushing. Barrel aged for 11 months in 50% French and 50% American oak, combining light and medium toasted barrels, the result is a wine with a noticeable freshness and aromasRegular Price£16.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£12.72 -
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: France, BeaujolaisGrapes: GamayABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedJulienas is located in the north of the Beaujolais region in the communes of Emeringnes, Jullié and Pruzilly. The vines are planted in well-drained soil composed of granite and ancient silt and face east for good exposure to the sun. Juliénas wines offer beautiful minerality with a solid tannic structure and nice spicy and floral aromas and flavours. Taste This wine’s minerality is all freshness and vibrant fruit with notes of candy, herbs and wild fruit. The palate is generous, fleshy and balanRegular Price£16.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£12.72