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£26.95New Years Sale£22.95 -
Country: Spain, ToroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedErnesto del Palacio has been making wine for over 300 years in the region of Toro, most famously known for its powerful reds made from Tinta de Toro, a variant of the internationally known Tempranillo. Their Crianza undergoes 6 months of aging in French and American oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied, powerful, and well-balanced wine. It showcases a remarkable expression of ripe fruit harmoniously intertwined with delightful toasted nuances. Taste A cherry-red hue with a purplish rim, displ -
Country: Spain, CigalesGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedFewer than 13,000 bottles are made annually of this rich, and full-bodied Tempranillo from Cigales, a relatively small DO, located to the north of the Duero river between the more well known regions of Rueda, and Ribera del Duero. 12 months ageing in American oak barrels gives this wine a highly aromatic intensity, fruit, spice and wonderfully integrated oak nuances. Taste Deep red colour, on the nose a rich intensity, with notes of dark fruit, spice and oak. On the palate it is well structured -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red94 Points - Winemag.co.za. Dornier is a family-owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive to the unique terroir. Donatus Red is a classical Bordeaux blend from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. Bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannin
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Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedThis is a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from Dornier in South Africa. Located in the 'Golden Triangle' area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention. Their Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon has an exuberance of concentrated fruit, intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, black berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak and a hint of mint to ensure freshness. Stunning -
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£26.95New Years Sale£22.95 -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedCasa La Rad is a winery dedicated to the environment to sustain and improve its vitality and biodiversity. From the La Rad vineyard, the grapes are handpicked and carefully selected from bush trained vines 35 years or older, before malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 litres where it will be aged for at least 14 months. A highly rated wine by the international wine press, and gold medal winning wine at the Mundus Vini awards, Casa La Rad Tinto is a Rioja in the modern st -
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: Portugal, AlentejoGrapes: Alicante BouschetABV: 14.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe Cartuxa Foral de Evora Colheita Tinto celebrates tradition while embracing the best of modern winemaking technology to create a fascinating, hugely enjoyable red wine. It was produced from a traditional blend of old, low-yielding Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Aragone from the Fundação Eugénio de Almeida vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve the wine’s abundant fruitiness, it benefits from a year’s maturation in small French and American oak casks and 15 months of bottle agRegular Price£23.95New Years Sale - 25% off£17.97 -
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: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red90 Points - Gilbert & Gaillard. Crafted by the esteemed winemaker Jean-Michel Cazes, renowned owner of the 5th Growth Classified Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, this wine draws its name from the exquisite 'Estibals' parcel of the domaine. A harmonious blend of grape varieties, it captures the essence of the Minervois appellation with finesse. Aged meticulously in French oak barrels for 12 months, it showcases a blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 20% Carignan, resulting in a wine of unpar -
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: 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 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - International Wine Report. 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: 4.0 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratin -
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£26.95New Years 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: Spain, ToroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedErnesto del Palacio has been making wine for over 300 years in the region of Toro, most famously known for its powerful reds made from Tinta de Toro, a variant of the internationally known Tempranillo. Their Crianza undergoes 6 months of aging in French and American oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied, powerful, and well-balanced wine. It showcases a remarkable expression of ripe fruit harmoniously intertwined with delightful toasted nuances. Taste A cherry-red hue with a purplish rim, displ -
Country: Spain, ToroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedErnesto del Palacio has been making wine for over 300 years in the region of Toro, most famously known for its powerful reds made from Tinta de Toro, a variant of the internationally known Tempranillo. This Tinto Roble is born after a careful selection of grapes from vineyards over 50 years old with low yields. With an intense cherry colour and beautiful purple reflections, it will surprise you with its sweet notes thanks to the maturity of carefully selected clusters. Taste It has an intense ch -
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, CigalesGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedFewer than 13,000 bottles are made annually of this rich, and full-bodied Tempranillo from Cigales, a relatively small DO, located to the north of the Duero river between the more well known regions of Rueda, and Ribera del Duero. 12 months ageing in American oak barrels gives this wine a highly aromatic intensity, fruit, spice and wonderfully integrated oak nuances. Taste Deep red colour, on the nose a rich intensity, with notes of dark fruit, spice and oak. On the palate it is well structured -
Country: South Africa, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red94 Points - Winemag.co.za. Dornier is a family-owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive to the unique terroir. Donatus Red is a classical Bordeaux blend from 5 vineyards on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. Bursting with flavours of blackcurrant and liquorice. The palate is refined and elegant with silky tannin -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedBarolo's little brother, Langhe Nebbiolo, is a younger and more approachable wine that doesn't require years of aging to soften the tannins, unlike some Barolos. While still retaining all the charming characteristics of Nebbiolo, the addition of 10% Barbera into the blend gives it a softer side. Expect beautifully perfumed red fruits and a smooth, balanced, and long finish. Taste Canebbio is an elegant and refined wine, and its colour of mellow red garnet shades out to burnt orange near the sideRegular Price£22.95New Years Sale - 25% off£17.22 -
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£17.95New Years Sale - 25% off£13.47 -
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: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Casa La Rad is a winery dedicated to the environment to sustain and improve its vitality and biodiversity. From the La Rad vineyard, the grapes are handpicked and carefully selected from bush trained vines 35 years or older, before malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 litres where it will be aged for at least 14 months. A highly rated wine by the international wine press, and gold medal winning wine at the Mundus Vini awards, Casa La Rad Tinto isRegular Price£22.95New Years Sale - 25% off£17.22 -
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£25.95New Years Sale - 25% off£19.47 -
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