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£26.95Christmas Special£22.95 -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red93 Points - Hudin.com. Dehesa de los Canónigos is one of the historic estates situated in the Duero Valley, positioned between Valbuena and Pesquera de Duero along the Ribera Golden Mile. Their Crianza reflects the vineyard's heritage and respect for winemaking traditions and their flagship wine blends Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It matures for 15 months in American Oak barrels, gaining power and structure, and the unique traits of each plot intertwine with aging adding complexi -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a relatively young yet prestigious Italian appellation located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round and silky tannins that -
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
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Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Only 4,000 bottles of this highly rated Garnacha (Grenache) have been produced from a tiny 1.98-hectare parcel at 600 metres which was planted 49 years ago. "Mint, pine and wild thyme aromas are the prelude to a palate that's bright, refreshing and elegant, with notes of cinnamon, redcurrant and wild strawberry." Harvested by hand in small quantities, after fermentation it was pressed then half of the wine went to new French oak casks for malolactic fermentation and theRegular Price£25.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£19.47 -
Country: France, ProvenceGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe Domaine de La Croix vineyard, the largest of the Crus Classés Côtes de Provence, and 1 of only 18, enjoys a geographical location by the sea with an exceptional microclimate. Cuvee Éloge has a beautiful maturity in its aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the tannins express themselves with elegance, accompanied by notes of pepper and black olive. The finish is long and persistent, capturing the origin and beauty of its terroir. Blend: Syrah 85% | MourvèdRegular Price£26.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£20.22 -
Country: South Africa, Western CapeGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13%Style: Smooth Fruity RedDecanter World Wine Awards: 2019 – 90 Points. The grapes for 'The Graduate' are sourced from a single Syrah block in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde, overlooking the coast. Enjoying the cool sea breeze, this limited production (only 3000 bottles) Syrah is a hand crafted, premium wine from a Wine Maker dedicated to quality and refinement. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Oct 2024) Awards National Wine Challenge (Top 100): 2019 – Double Silver (2019) Decanter World Wine Awards: 2019 – 90 points (2019) About the Pro -
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: 14.5%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: 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: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedHandcrafted – Traditional – Unhurried. Grangehurst Winery is a boutique wine cellar on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, aged for 15 years in their own cellar before release, this particular wine is a must try, full-bodied barrel matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins, especially if you like a great quality Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot / this wine has the benefit of not having to age in the bottle yourself. Typically, Jeremy only releases his wines once they are beautifu -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. A rich, silky Cabernet Sauvignon from the outstanding Thelema Mountain Vineyards. Thelema have firmly entrenched themselves as one of the leaders in Cabernet Sauvignon, placing Stellenbosch Cabernet’s firmly on the global wine map. 18 months spent in barrel, 45% of which is new French oak, along with careful hand sorting have produced a truly elegant and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2020) About t -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red93 Points - Hudin.com. Dehesa de los Canónigos is one of the historic estates situated in the Duero Valley, positioned between Valbuena and Pesquera de Duero along the Ribera Golden Mile. Their Crianza reflects the vineyard's heritage and respect for winemaking traditions and their flagship wine blends Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It matures for 15 months in American Oak barrels, gaining power and structure, and the unique traits of each plot intertwine with aging adding complexi -
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: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Falstaff. Deep, dark and tempting, and seriously seductive, Papale Oro has aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character and warmth, and a 'friendliness' sometimes lacking from its northern Italian cousins. It has delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, with ultra-plush, velvety texture. There are layers of ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, and everythin -
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, 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, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a relatively young yet prestigious Italian appellation located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round and silky tannins that -
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 -
Country: France, South West FranceGrapes: TannatABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red90 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine. Château Montus benefits from a superb terroir, unique in the Southwest, consisting of steep slopes with large pebbles on top of fine clay from the Pyrenees. A miracle occurred in 1985 when this wine upset the hierarchy of mythical red wines and was noticed all over the world, with its significant proportion of Tannat. Nicknamed the Petrus of the Southwest by a dozen wine critics for 30 years now, Château Montus expresses all the characteristics of these eRegular Price£33.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£25.47 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedZédé de Labégorce is the second wine of Château Labégorce, one of Margaux’s oldest estates with a history dating back to the fourteenth century. The estate lies on the plateau to the northwest of Chateau Margaux and just to the north of Chateau Lascombes. In keeping with the rest of the commune, Labégorce produced exceptional wines in 2020. The Zédé de Labégorce shows all of Margaux’s style and elegance but has a powerful structure thanks to the heat and the high levels of Cabernet Sauvignon in -
Country: Portugal, AlentejoGrapes: Alicante BouschetABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe Cartuxa Evora Colheita Tinto 2020 is a glorious wine from a sublime vintage that is now at its drinking peak. It was produced from a blend of old, low-yielding Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Casteloa grapes, sourced from the estate’s vineyards in the prized Evora sub-region. The fruit was hand-picked, sorted, and de-stemmed to achieve the perfect tannic structure. Following a long, temperature-controlled fermentation – something of a rarity in the region – it was aged for 12 m -
Country: France, ProvenceGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe most elegant wines of the Domaine, imbued with the terroir of the Saint Tropez peninsula, Cuvee Bastide Blanche Rouge is an intense, yet elegant and aromatic red with beautiful balance and a refreshing quality, presenting itself as a powerful wine with slightly spicy tannins. Vivino Score: 4.1 (Sept 2024) Taste Deep red, this wine boasts an intense, elegant, and aromatic nose. On the palate, it reveals a beautiful balance and refreshing quality, presenting itself as a powerful wine with sliRegular Price£34.95Christmas Sale - 25% off£26.22 -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Spectator. A favourite Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer of Robert Parker, Domaine Roger Sabon, established in 1952 produces a modern style of wine, with the Cuvée Les Olivets a stunning fruit forward Cuvée from vines over 50 years of age. A bright ruby colour. Toasted, furry, brothy and undergrowth nose. Ripe tannins are assorted with ripe black cherry on the palate. With previous vintages rated as high as 99 points by Robert Parker - it shows the remarkable consistency of Roger Sab -
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: 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: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - International Wine Report (2014). Situated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to ful -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MargauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. A jewel located on top of the highest hill in Margaux, Château Chantelune is a unique property. Its previous owner, Mr. Soubrane was a carpenter who believed in felling his trees by moonlight, claiming this gave the best quality wood. His practice gave the property its name, meaning “sing to the moon.” The current owner is the world renowned José Sanfins, director at third growth property, Château Cantenac Brown and produces only 400 cases. The rounded tannins add a