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8Wines
1. Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2020 : 8Wines : GBP119.30
Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Founded in 1831, the venerable Colome winery is one of Argentina’s top producers of high altitude Malbec wines. It was chosen by Tim Atkin MW as a “First Growth” in his 2020 Argentina Report. The estate is located in the Calchaquí Valleys in the province of Salta where the dry, desert-like conditions and elevation help to produce intense and powerful red wines with a nice balance between complexity, luscious fruit flavours, and elegance. This charming expression is a single vineyard wine from Colome’s “Altura Maxima” or “Maximum Altitude” plot which lies in the Upper Calchaquí Valleys at 3100 metres above sea level. The very high elevation here creates unique winegrowing conditions thanks to the increased exposure to UV and cooler temperature during the hot summer months. This helps to produce perfectly ripe grapes with plenty of aromatic complexity and ripe tannins. After vinification the young wine is aged in used French oak barrels for 24 months before bottling. The result is a luscious, dark fruited red wine that’s bursting with cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry on the nose along with hints of spice, leather, and rich chocolate. A magnificent bottle to cellar for a decade or so more, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside a prime ribeye steak and fries.
      
2. Colome Estate Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.14
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the oldest and highest altitude wineries in Argentina, the remarkable Bodega Colome is tucked away in the Calchaquí Valleys in the desert-like region of Salta in the far north-west of the country. The harsh, arid conditions and elevation make this one of the most unique places to make wine, giving Colome’s stunning Malbec wines a distinctive personality which sets them apart from Argentina’s typical style of red wines. To create this cuvee the winemaking team combine fruit from four different vineyards. The highest is Altura Maxima which sits at 3100 metres above sea level and adds delicate dried violet notes and finely-grained tannins. The lowest vineyard is La Brava at 1700 metres which tends to produce intensely ripe and full-flavoured berries. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months to fully integrate the different components. Succulent notes of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry dominate on the nose while the first sip reveals a robust full body, smooth yet firm tannins, and a long, complex finish with plenty of spice from the oak. The easy-going nature of this red makes it a great option to enjoy with family and friends alongside a casual dinner of ribs or steak.
      
3. Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade 2020 : 8Wines : GBP100.00
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Argentina has become a stronghold for wine-making women - before the esteemed members of the Catena family, there was Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female enologist. Her countless achievements include being elected as the President of Wines of Argentina 3 times, redefining the Argentinian style of Torrontés wine, and founding her own label in 1999. Susana Balbo wines can be recognised for their impeccable quality, attention to detail, and brilliant representation of some of Argentina’s finest terroirs, brought to you through the senses of taste and smell. Nosotros is a wine that travels year by year. Each vintage is sourced from a different vineyard, carefully chosen depending on the yearly crop. Nosotros is made with 100% Malbec, aged in French oak barrels for 16 months. This is a must-have for collectors, and there is a lot of room for further ageing. It shows a rich, nuanced nose of blueberry, cassis and flowers, with whispers of mint, minerality and cocoa. It’s medium to full-bodied in the mouth, with an incredible structure, refreshing acidity gained from high altitudes, and dogged, tenacious tannins, which propel an extremely long finish. Vivacious and supple, this wine can be paired with a variety of roasted and smoked dishes. Grilled vegetables, roast beef or pork, and smoked cheeses would all make for an enthralling culinary experience.
      
4. Susana Balbo Benmarco Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP15.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Susana Balbo originally planned to study nuclear physics, but luckily for Argentinian wine lovers she shifted her focus to wine and became the country’s first female winemaker when she graduated from Don Bosco University in Mendoza in 1981. In 1999 she established her namesake winery in the foothills of the Andes after decades working as a consultant both at home and abroad. The estate is now run by her children, José and Ana, who continue her legacy with superb, approachable wines and a very warm welcome at the cellar door. Their BenMarco Cabernet showcases the natural beauty of Mendoza’s high altitude Valle de Uco, and particularly the Los Arboles vineyard which sits at 1,150 metres (3,780 ft) above sea level. This combined with rocky loam soils helps create intense, juicy wines with perfect elegance and balance. The grapes for this cuvee are always harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and quality, and then gently crushed to release their juice. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks the young wine ages in used French oak for 11 months before bottling. Bursting with classic Cabernet blackcurrant, dark plum, and black cherries, this is an easy-going, vibrant red to enjoy with hearty red meat dishes.
      
5. Susana Balbo Benmarco Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. After years of working as a consultant for national and international wineries, Susana Balbo decided to establish her winery in 1999 in the heart of the Mendoza region. Over the past twenty years, the company has proven its worth, producing high-quality wines and conquering Argentinian and foreign wine lovers with its great wines. The company is now managed by the children José and Ana who, together with the estate team, carry on the family tradition. BenMarco Malbec by Susana Balbo is produced with 100% Malbec grapes from the Los Chacayes vineyard in the Uco Valley at an altitude of 1100 meters. The soil is made up of sand and rocky silt which guarantee good drainage, limit the excessive growth of the plant and ensure perfect maturation. The grapes are harvested manually, left to macerate for 30 days, and then fermented in stainless steel vats with selected yeasts. The wine is then aged for 11 months in second-passage French oak barrels. The aromatic profile reveals a harmonious and elegant combination of blackberry and violet notes. On the palate, it shows all its pronounced character, with a marked acid vein and firm tannins. The finish is intense and persistent. Like all great Argentinian Malbecs, it pairs deliciously with grilled red meats, roast pork, pasta with meat sauce, and hard cheeses.
      
6. Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP29.53
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Susana Balbo Signature is the cellar top line of wines and the maximum expression of the winemaker and winery owner, Susana Balbo who blends her knowledge of the terroir with her winemaking talent. At each harvest, she personally chooses each parcel and selects the most complex and aromatic barrels. The resulting wines express exceptional elegance and refinement. The Malbec Signature is produced with Malbec grapes and a small addition of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Finca La Delfina vineyard, in Paraje Altamira, at 1,150 meters above sea level. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend adds structure, resulting in a silky and balanced mouthfeel. This round and harmonious wine has an intense violet color. On the nose, it reveals the fruity characteristics typical of Malbec with aromas of blackberry, and black cherry followed by notes of spices and mint. The exceptional aromas come back in the mouth harmoniously combining with ripe plum and subtle notes of vanilla, semi-sweet chocolate, and mint in the finish. It is a full-bodied, velvety wine with a pleasant and persistent finish. Try it with meatloaf, lamb chops or spicy sausages like Chorizo.
      
7. Susana Balbo Benmarco Expresivo 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Established in 1999, Susana Balbo's estate is located in the heart of the western province of Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. Thanks to its strategic position, the vineyard benefits from natural irrigation due to the long melting of the ice in the high mountains, which acts as a natural water reserve. The company produces a wide range of wines from a variety of grape varieties, including the emblematic Argentine Malbec, the indigenous Torrontes, and some international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. BenMarco Expresivo by Susana Balbo is produced from a blend of about 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from a Gualtallary vineyard in the Uco Valley located at an altitude of 1300 meters. The harvest is manual and the fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new. It is a fresh and harmonious wine that reveals delicate fragrances of blackberries, pepper, and violets. On the palate, it is characterful with firm tannins, a good acid vein, and a marked mineral note given by the terroir of origin. Try it with roast pork tenderloin in mushroom sauce and grilled meat.
      
8. Susana Balbo Signature Brioso 2023 : 8Wines : GBP28.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Awarded as one of the "Most Influential Women Winemakers" by The Drink Business magazine in 2012, Susana Balbo was the first Argentinian woman to graduate in enology. After almost twenty years of working for some wineries such as Michel Torino, Martins, and Catena Zapata she created her own company in 1999, in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Her company, where she is now supported by her children José and Ana, is characterized by a young and dynamic style and a philosophy aimed at constant innovation. This is a Bordeaux blend with a prevalence of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from the Agrelo vineyard which surrounds the cellar, planted by Susana Balbo herself in 2001. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months. Brioso is a smooth and round red wine with powerful yet silky tannins and a delicious concentration of ripe black fruits, figs, dark chocolate, toasted bread notes, and a light spicy touch. It is a wine of good consistency but not heavy, with excellent acidity and freshness. Perfect with roast lamb, pappardelle with meat sauce and polenta with truffles.
      
9. Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is Susana Balbo’s testament to Torrontés as a noble grape. It begins with a complex, aromatic nose of citrus, lychee, mango, fresh flowers and wild honey. It appears a rich golden colour in the glass and is made of grapes harvested exclusively from the Altamira region of Uco Valley, one of the most austere terroirs in Argentina. Susana Balbo founded her winery in 1999, at the feet of the Andes in Argentina’s premier winemaking region of Mendoza. As Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana’s wines have always been infused with a courageous, adventurous spirit. These days she is joined in the winery by her two children, José and Ana, cementing the Balbo family legacy in the region. This Torrontés is a rare thing in the wine world: an aromatic white wine, aged for 4 months in French oak. Susana also employed the unusual technique of “toasting” the oak barrels - blasting them with hot air during the ageing process, and imparting a rich, clean profile. On the palate, you can discover notes of grapefruit, lemon zest and honeysuckle, with a pronounced acidity and gorgeous silky mouthfeel. The Barrel-Fermented Torrontés is one-of-a-kind and deserves an aromatic pairing, such as Thai or Chinese food.
      
10. Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2021 : 8Wines : GBP32.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in the late 1990s, in the heart of Argentina's Mendoza wine region, Achaval Ferrer is renowned for its premium wines produced with a philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard. In the winery, the modern architectural style reflects the commitment to modernity and innovation. Quimera by Achaval Ferrer is a blend of Malbec from the Luján de Cuyo area, Cabernet Sauvignon from Tunuyán and Junin, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley and small additions of Petit Verdot. The variety of vines and terroirs guarantees the production of a complex, elegant, and structured wine. After the harvest, the grapes are fermented separately. The finished and assembled wine then rests for 13 months in new French oak barrels. Its name has a double meaning. It refers to the search for the impossible, understood as the search for the perfect wine, but also to the chimera of Greek mythology that represents a beast composed of various animals, a bit like the blend of this wine. In the glass, the wine reveals a fruity aromatic profile with notes of plum and blueberry, mineral, and earthy hints. On the palate, it is rich and generous, concentrated with velvety tannins and a good structure. The finish is long and juicy. Try it with pulled pork or a succulent steak.
      
11. Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP85.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for one hour. The Bodega Achavàl-Ferrer project came to life thanks to the idea of six friends, Argentines and Italians, who in 1998, decided to join forces to carry out a common goal: to produce quality wines, capable of expressing the characteristics of the territory of origin as faithfully as possible. The company is located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, in the Argentine province of Mendoza. The various cultivation plots are treated like many small terroirs. In the vineyard, all agronomic choices are adopted with the utmost respect for the balance of the environment, nature, ecosystem, and biodiversity. The goal is always to get to harvest healthy, rich, and concentrated grapes in every organoleptic nuance. The grapes for this Malbec come from 80-year-old plants that live in the silence and tranquility of the Tunuyan peaks. The wine ages for one year in French oak. This is a wine with character, energetic, and powerful. The color is a beautiful ruby red. The nose is complex and elegant, rich in aromas of blackberries, ripe blueberries and black plums, embellished with notes of coffee, tobacco, leather and spices, with a gentle woody note to complete the whole. On the palate, it is dense and consistent, with a refined tannic texture, fresh, and long persistence. Try it with Argentine Angus steaks.
      
12. Achaval Ferrer Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP19.99
Cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before service. The Achaval Ferrer winery was founded in 1998 in the Lujan de Cuyo region in Mendoza by six friends who are passionate about wine. The technical direction is in the hands of Italian winemaker Roberto Cipresso, who is a specialist in small productions and high-quality wines, and has led the company to brilliantly interpret the terroir of its vineyards. In fact, despite being very young, Achaval Ferrer is already considered one of the best wineries in the world. Like any other Achaval Ferrer wine, this Cabernet Sauvignon is representative of the precise company philosophy based, in the vineyard, on high sustainability, and in the cellar on minimal intervention, without filtrations, corrections or additions of yeasts. The wine is produced in limited quantities, with grapes from two vineyards: one quite old, planted in 1928 in the Medrano region, and the other in the Alto Agrelo region, with plants just over 15 years old. The wine ages for ten months in new French oak barriques. The wine is young, lively and intense with seductive perfumes of ripe black fruits, minerals, spicy spices, and subtle hints of oak. In the mouth, it has medium density and velvety tannins, with a juicy final persistence of spices and black fruit. Delicious with roast lamb, barbecue and red meat dishes in general.
      
13. Antigal Uno Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. The Uno Malbec from Antigal Winery is a soft, medium to full-bodied wine, with thick scents of plum, blackberry, purple flowers, baking spice and cocoa. The Malbec grapes were sourced from Uco Valley, the high-elevation-heart of Mendoza, responsible for some of the finest wines in the country of Argentina. The winery building itself is one of the oldest still-operating wineries in Mendoza, dating back to 1897. In the year 2000, however, the winery was renovated completely, transforming from a bulk, workhorse winery to Antigal, a home for refined, high-quality Argentinian wines. Uno was Antigal’s first vintage, released in 2005 and crafted with fruits from a single vineyard. The palate is packed with red currants, cassis, blackberry, raisin, and subtle spice accents of cinnamon, vanilla and star anise. It’s extremely smooth in terms of mouthfeel, driven by a slow current of acidity and silky, finely-grained tannins. The Malbec spent 8-10 months ageing in barrels of French and American oak. As the wine opens up, bonus notes of coffee and tobacco add some extra personality and complexity. Consider pairing it with pungent cheese, or something classically Argentinian, such as steak.
      
14. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in the mid-90s, the Altos Las Hormigas winery owns approximately 40 hectares of vineyards located at approximately 1300 meters above sea level, in the Uco Valley region of Argentina. Here, the vineyards enjoy sandy-loamy soils with a high percentage of calcium carbonate, and the beneficial protection of the Andes, which covers them from ocean winds. The company, owned by the 4 partners Alberto Antonini, Attilio Pagli, Carlos Vazquez, and Antonio Morescalchi, focuses its production on Malbec, the most representative grape of the Argentine wine scene, giving particular attention to the terroir. The Malbec grapes come from the Gualtallary vineyards. After fermentation in small tanks with native yeasts, the wine is aged in untoasted oak foudres for 18 months and for a further 12 months in the bottle. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary has an intense and deep color with ruby tones and purple hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with the typical notes of dark fruit (especially plum and blueberry), but also herbaceous and mineral hints. On the palate, it has a medium-full body. It is juicy and well-balanced. It has firm and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long, with delicious fruity notes and a marked mineral vein. Try it with grilled meat.
      
15. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1995 in Mendoza by Alberto Antonini, a flying winemaker, and Antonio Morescalchi, an entrepreneur, the Altos Las Hormigas winery produces excellent quality Argentinian wines from some of the most prestigious terroirs in the country. Today Antonini and Morescalchi are supported by winemaker Attilio Pagli, and Carlos Vazquez, and the company extends over approximately 206 hectares of land, of which 40 are vineyards. The Malbec grapes are selected and harvested from a vineyard located at the height of the Uco Valley and characterized by the presence of a calcium carbonate conglomerate. The peculiar pedoclimatic conditions of this site guarantee the production of a Malbec less intensely fruity and characterized by a special mineral salinity. After fermentation, the wine rests for 20 months in foudres, before bottling. Altos Las Hormigas Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec is an expressive red with an intense and bright purple color. The nose is very fragrant, with aromas of black fruit, like blackberries, plums, and blueberries, and some balsamic and floral aromas. On the palate, there is good intensity of fruit. It is well-balanced with well-integrated tannins. The final is long and rich in mineral notes. It goes very well with all grilled meats, but it is especially delicious with pulled pork.
      
16. Altos Las Hormigas Meteora Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP30.11
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located near Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes, Altos Las Hormigas was born in the 90s from the collaboration of Alberto Antonini and Antonio Marescalchi. Today, the two founders have been joined by partners Attilio Pagli and Carlos Vazquez and the estate extend over 200 hectares located in the two sub-zones of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú. The vineyards enjoy clay-limestone soils with alluvial sediments and a climate characterized by a marked temperature gap between day and night that guarantees freshness in the wines. Meteora Malbec is a wine with a unique character made with grapes organically grown in plots 7, 9, 11, and 12 of the Jardín Altamira vineyard, located at 1,200 meters above sea level, on a mix of limestone and silt-rich soils. After vinification, the finished wine rests in stainless steel and then in concrete vats for 12 months before bottling, to best express the terroir of origin without any woody influence. In the glass, the wine reveals a dense and bright color and a broad and expressive aromatic profile with notes of ripe red fruit and mineral hints. On the palate, it is soft and round, rustic and fresh with a marked acidity and fine and well-integrated tannins. It has a good body and a long and persistent finish. Like many Argentine Malbecs, it works deliciously with grilled meat.
      
17. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva 2022 : 8Wines : GBP19.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Altos Las Hormigas is a renowned Argentine winery located in Mendoza for approximately 30 years. The company owned by partners Alberto Antonini, Attilio Pagli, Carlos Vazquez, and Antonio Morescalchi, extends over approximately 40 hectares of vineyards, located in some of the best terroirs of the Uco Valley. The Malbec grapes are selected and hand-harvested from vineyards located near the Tunuyán River in Paraje Altamira and in the Gualtallary area. Here the alluvial soils rich in calcium carbonate guarantee the production of an elegant and mineral wine. The finished wine is aged for 18 months in a mix of 3500-liter foudres and concrete tanks and then left to rest in the bottle for a further 12 months. The Malbec Riserva from Altos Las Hormigas has an intense red color with light purple hues. Its aromatic profile is fresh and complex with notes of plum and cassis, orange peel and pepper, and some balsamic and undergrowth nuances. On the palate, it is juicy and mineral. It has a good body and a marked acidic streak. The tannins are ripe and well-integrated. The finish is long and fruity. Red meat and mature cheeses are the best pairings for this excellent, and great-value Argentine Malbec.
      
18. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in the mid-90s, the Altos Las Hormigas winery owns approximately 40 hectares of vineyards located at approximately 1300 meters above sea level, in the Uco Valley region of Argentina. Here, the vineyards enjoy sandy-loamy soils with a high percentage of calcium carbonate, and the beneficial protection of the Andes, which covers them from ocean winds. The company, owned by the 4 partners Alberto Antonini, Attilio Pagli, Carlos Vazquez, and Antonio Morescalchi, focuses its production on Malbec, the most representative grape of the Argentine wine scene, giving particular attention to the terroir. The Malbec grapes come from the Gualtallary vineyards. After fermentation in small tanks with native yeasts, the wine is aged in untoasted oak foudres for 18 months and for a further 12 months in the bottle. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary has an intense and deep color with ruby tones and purple hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with the typical notes of dark fruit (especially plum and blueberry), but also herbaceous and mineral hints. On the palate, it has a medium-full body. It is juicy and well-balanced. It has firm and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long, with delicious fruity notes and a marked mineral vein. Try it with grilled meat.
      
19. Altos Las Hormigas Terroir Valle De Uco Malbec 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by a group of passionate Italian and Argentine winemakers in 1995, the Argentine winery Altos Las Hormigas is located in the heart of the Mendoza wine region. Renowned for its powerful and expressive Malbecs, the winery is committed to careful vineyard zoning and sustainable viticulture to produce high-quality wines that represent the richness of the Mendoza terroir. The Malbec grapes come exclusively from vineyards located in the La Consulta subregion and two areas of Tupungato, in the Uco Valley. Here, the vines benefit from an altitude of over 900 meters and are rooted in gravelly, alluvial soils with good drainage. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature in small steel tanks, and the finished wine ages partly in concrete (75%) and partly in untoasted oak (25%) for 18 months before further aging in the bottle. The resulting wine reveals the pure aromatic character of the Uco Valley wines, with floral notes of violet, blackberry, blueberry, and other red fruits, herbaceous and slightly spicy notes on a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is juicy and round, rich and full-bodied. It has smooth tannins and a pleasant fruit concentration. It is fresh and balanced with a well-defined minerality. Try it with lasagna Bolognese or grilled meat.
      
20. Alma Negra M Blend 2021 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Alma Negra means “Black Soul” in Spanish and refers to the seductive character of the Bonarda grape which has been used to make most of this unique label’s wines. Bonarda is widely used to make vibrant and fruity red wines in Argentina where it is regarded as the second national grape after Malbec. Alma Negra was founded by fourth generation winemaker Ernesto Catena, the son of world-famous enologist Nicolás Catena Zapata whose hard work helped establish Argentina’s global reputation for exceptional Malbec wines. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ernesto is on a mission to tell the world about Argentina’s other top grape variety, Bonarda. He focuses on producing wines that are both easy-going and delicious to drink without any hint of pretentiousness. This extends to the winery and vineyard where he seeks to work in harmony with nature by avoiding chemical treatments and working to biodynamic principles. Grapes for this bottling are sourced from Vistaflores in Mendoza where the high altitude helps to produce lusciously ripe fruit with vibrant flavours and aromas. Following vinification the young wine is matured in French and American oak barrels for 8 months. The result is a dark and handsome red that’s bursting with ripe cherries, plums and crushed berries along with a full body, firm tannins, and very long finish with hints of cloves, cinnamon and dark chocolate.
      
21. Bodega Chacra Sin Azufre Pinot Noir 2022 : 8Wines : GBP54.82
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant up to an hour before serving. Sin Azufre begins with an elevated, aromatic nose of rose petals, raspberry, red cherry and minerals. It is a product of Argentina, harvested from 60-year-old vines in Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia. As the name suggests, this 100% Pinot Noir wine is completely free of sulphur, thanks to the impeccable quality of the grapes and the winery’s careful, biodynamic approach. Bodega Chacra is located on the southern tip of Argentina, nestled between two raging rivers. The Lima and the Neuquén play a large role in making Rio Negro such a fantastic grape-growing region. The winery was founded in 2004, by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta - he was intrigued by the location’s high altitude, old, ungrafted vines and unbeatable scenery. Today, he is producing some of the finest Pinot Noir in Argentina. The palate is a delicate, complex experience. Layers of red fruits intertwine with a rich minerality, umami flavours and hints of dried herbs. There is a pulsating acidity and subtle, integrated tannins that form a textural backbone. Before release, Sin Azufre was aged for 11 months in oak barrels. It is a lively, beautifully balanced wine, perfect for pairing with cheesy risotto, tender meats, or a mature block of cheese.
      
22. Bodega Chacra Chardonnay 2024 : 8Wines : GBP126.50
Cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Piero Incisa della Rochetta comes from a pioneering family; his grandfather is the founder of Tenuta San Guido and creator of arguably Italy’s most famous Super Tuscan, Sassicaia. In 2003 Piero established his own groundbreaking winery in windswept Rio Negro Valley in northern Patagonia. Piero’s bold move was inspired by a magnificent Pinot Noir he tasted in New York which came from an ancient Argentinian vineyard planted in 1932. Convinced of the exceptional potential of the region, Piero managed to purchase that same plot and soon added additional parcels of vines planted in 1955 and 1967. Today the winery is known for its elegant old vine Pinots as well as Chardonnay thanks to a partnership with renowned Burgundian winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot. Together they grafted Chardonnay vines onto 40-year old Merlot vines which are planted on a beautiful calcareous plot ideally suited to the white variety. Reminiscent of finest white Burgundy, this Chardonnay is remarkably complex and nuanced with a noticeable minerality and bright orchard and citrus fruit notes that linger long on the palate. It’s full-bodied and generous with a bright streak of acidity that brings harmony and balance on the finish. Ideal to keep in the cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with roast chicken, tuna or salmon steaks, or creamy pasta dishes.
      
23. Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir 2024 : 8Wines : GBP27.84
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Bodega Chacra was established by Piero Incisa della Rochetta, the grandson of the founder of Tenuta San Guido which produces the legendary Sassicaia Super Tuscan. This pioneering project is located in the wilds of northern Patagonia in the Rio Negro Valley midway between the Atlantic and the Andes. The terroir here is perfectly suited to producing fine Pinot Noir thanks to the alluvial soils left by an ancient glacier and the cool climate. Pinot Noir has been grown here since at least the early 20th century, but fell out of favour in the 1950s and 1960s. Piero tasted a Pinot from on a prized plot planted in 1932 in New York and immediately realised the potential of the region. In 2003 he was able to purchase this exact plot which became the first estate vineyard of Bodega Chacra, along with further vineyards planted in 1955 and 1967. Chacra’s Barda Pinot begins life in a younger vineyard planted in 1990 with cuttings taken from the 1932 and 1955 plots. The aim is to create a dynamic, elegant and refreshing wine with plenty of beautiful aromatics and red fruit from the grape variety. One in the winery the grapes are fermented at a low temperature in cement tanks using only indigenous yeasts. The result is an incredibly pure and focused Pinot that’s bursting with bright red plum, raspberry and pomegranate, silky smooth tannins, and gentle notes of sandalwood and woodsmoke on the delicate finish.
      
24. Cheval Des Andes 2021 : 8Wines : GBP86.72
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Regarded as one of the greatest Argentine wines, Cheval Des Andes was created from the collaboration between the know-how of the prestigious Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-Emilion, and the Argentine domain Terrazas de Los Andes, Cheval des Andes stands out for its high quality. The wine is a blend of 69% Malbec, 21% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Petit-Verdot. The vines are naturally irrigated by a system of furrows that collects pure water from the mountains as local producers did in the past: a reasoned and responsible use of the rare natural resources. These practices are aimed to achieve the perfect balance between vine cultivation, soil conservation and the fragile mountain ecosystem of the domain. Cheval Des Andes has a beautiful bright red color with deep purple highlights. The first nose, of great aromatic complexity, expresses aromas of plum, blackberry, and black cherry, followed by notes of anise and liquorice, with subtle smoky scents. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, the tannins are silky. A complex and perfectly balanced wine with a very persistent finish. This wine will go very well with beef ravioli, charcuterie, and red meats.
      
25. Chakana Ayni Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP24.34
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Pelizzatti family can trace their winemaking roots back to 19th century Italy, so it’s only fitting that in 2002 they founded a new estate in Agrelo in Argentina's top wine region of Mendoza. In total the property has 120 hectares of vines with some particularly prized plots in the high altitude Uco Valley where conditions are ideal for premium winemaking. Recently, the Pelizzattis have embraced both organic and biodynamic winemaking practices, avoiding the use of chemical additives as much as possible in their vineyards and winery. This commitment to working in harmony with nature is evident in this delicious Malbec cuvee which is named “Ayni” after the indigenous Quechua word for the principle of reciprocity. The fruit for this wine is sourced from Chakana’s Paraje Altamira vineyard in the Uco Valley which sits at 1000 metres above sea level. This helps to produce ripe and very concentrated grapes which are fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks and then aged in large oak foudres for 12 months. Bursting with wild berries, dark plums and ripe cassis, this robust yet smooth Malbec is great for serving alongside a ribeye steak, barbecued ribs, or a hearty beef stew.
      
26. Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP19.12
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Pelizzatti family can trace their winemaking heritage back to the 19th century when their ancestors lived and worked the land of Valtellina in Italy. Later generations emigrated to Argentina, but in 2002 they returned to their viticultural roots by founding their own winery in the Agrelo sub-region of Mendoza. They now have some 120 hectares of vines including plots in Lujan de Cuyo and the high altitude Valle de Uco sub-region. Over the years the family have converted all of their vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming. In the winery they practice minimal intervention methods using wild yeasts and only using sulphur and other additives when absolutely necessary. The family’s Estate Selection wines are made from the finest parcels of vines with the best soil profiles. For this Malbec the fruit comes from Finca Los Cedros, Finca Ayni and Paraje Altamira where the vines sit at 1100 metres above sea level. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified and the young wine is then aged in a combination of large neutral French oak casks and concrete tanks for 12 months. This helps to preserve plenty of natural aromatics and character from the Malbec grape as well as smoothing out the tannins and adding gentle hints of spice and toasted oak.
      
27. Chakana 4 Gatos Locos Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.41
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before serving. 4 Gatos Locos is a project conceived by Gabriel Bloise, Facundo Bonamaizon, Mariana Salas, and Juan Pelizzatti, respectively, oenologist, winemaker, and founders of Chakana. The grapes come from a 20-hectare vineyard located in the Alto Gualtallary, one of the most attractive and promising areas of Argentine viticulture. The vines are planted on privileged soils at 1,360 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Sierra del Jaboncillo, a geological formation near the alluvial cone of the Las Tunas river, in the north-western area of ​​the Valle de Uco wine region. The 100% Malbec grapes are fermented with natural yeasts, after a 28-day maceration on the skins. The wine is then aged in a mix of new 500-liter French oak barrels and 5,000-liter French oak casks, and left to rest for another eight months in the bottle. The resulting wine is a succulent and opulent Malbec with the typical exuberant aromas of ripe black fruits, as well as smoky touches, spices, vanilla, and chocolate, resulting from aging in oak. In the mouth, it reveals a good body with round and juicy tannins and a great personality. It is the perfect wine for grilled and roasted red meats, pork, pasta with meat sauce, as well as hard cheeses.
      
28. Clos De Los Siete 2021 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. This big and bold Argentinian red is the masterful work of flying winemaker Michel Rolland who is part owner of the Clos de los Siete winery in Mendoza. Clos de los Siete is set at the foot of the majestic Andes mountains where the high altitude vineyards help to capture varietal purity and ensure optimal ripeness for the grapes. Born into a winemaking family and following a glittering career including stints at many of Bordeaux’s top chateaux, Michel Rolland first visited Argentina in 1988 and immediately recognised the winemaking potential of the Mendoza region. Rolland then partnered with the late Jean Michel Arcaute, another top Bordeaux winemaker to found the Clos de los Siete project combining top quality fruit from four bodegas, Monteviejo, Cuvelier los Andes, DiamAndes and Bodega Rolland. This cuvee is a complex composition of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot which combine harmoniously to produce a smooth, full-bodied red with plenty of rich dark berry and plum notes. The intense and concentrated flavour profile make this a great match for red meat dishes like steak and frites, hearty beef stews or barbecued meats.
      
29. Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP60.79
Cellar for up to 16 years No need to decant before serving. The Catenas are easily Argentina’s most famous winemaking family thanks to their key role in establishing the country’s reputation for quality winemaking. The family have been making wine in Argentina for four generations, and Nicolas Catena is especially respected as the maker of the first premium Malbec wine to be exported around the world in 1994. Along with his daughter, Laura, Nicolas has spent years studying Mendoza’s unique high altitude vineyards and learning how to make top quality wine in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This iconic wine is a single vineyard Malbec from the legendary Nicasia site which was planted in 1996 at 1095 metres above sea level. The grapes are fermented in open barriques and stainless steel tanks and then aged for 24 months in French oak barrels. The wine is then aged for an additional 24 months in the bottle before release. Cassis, crushed blackberries and plums characterise the nose while the first sip reveals multiple layers of flavours moving from ripe dark berries and cherries to cigar box spice, leather and dark chocolate. The ripe, refined tannins and smooth texture make this a very approachable wine now, although it will continue to develop and evolve in the cellar over the next decade or so.
      
30. Catena Zapata Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP28.56
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour before service. The Catena Zapata family settled in Argentina in 1902, straight from Italy to escape the famine. The father, Nicola Catena, left the vineyards in the 1960s to his son Dominico and his grandson Nicolas who allowed the Bodega to make a name for itself in Argentine viticulture. Nicolas Catena was the first to introduce European viticultural techniques to Argentina and the forerunner of the cultivation of Malbec and other vines at high altitudes. Today it is impossible to talk about Argentine wine without mentioning Catena Zapata, the emblematic estate of the country's rise among the great wine producers in the world. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in small plots at different altitudes in Mendoza. They are selected and harvested by hand, and the final wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Thus Catena Alta produces a wine with a unique character that presents balance, concentration, and a strong varietal identity. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon has purple color with garnet shades. The bouquet releases extraordinary aromas of black fruits intertwined with notes of fresh herbs and sweet spices. In the mouth, the wine shows notes of leather and tobacco. It has a creamy texture, pronounced tannins, and fresh acidity. Try it with game or wild boar.
      
31. Catena Zapata Birth Of Cabernet 2021 : 8Wines : GBP86.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1902 by Nicolas Catena, Catena Zapata is Argentina's most prestigious winery thanks to the excellent quality of its wines and its contribution to making Mendoza Malbec world-famous. The estate comprises six vineyards at altitudes ranging from 920 to 1,450 meters, located in some of Mendoza's most important subregions. The wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Cabernet Franc. The grapes are harvested manually from the old La Pirámide vineyards, located in Agrelo, and Angélica Sur, Paraje El Cepillo, located in San Carlos. The former is planted on alluvial soil, with rock on the bottom and clay on the surface, at approximately 950 meters above sea level, while the latter rests on alluvial clay soil with gravel on the surface, at 1,100 meters. Fermentation takes place in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks and oak roller fermenters, and the finished wine then ages for a year and a half to two years in a mix of new and used barrels. The result is a wine with an intense and complex aromatic profile, with notes of ripe dark fruits, tobacco, black olives, and underbrush, along with subtle spicy hints. On the palate, it is rich, elegant, and round, with firm yet smooth tannins and a refreshing acidity. It is concentrated and bold, with a long finish and slightly smoky undertones. Enjoy it with beef brisket.
      
32. Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP103.31
Drink now or cellar for up to 16 years. No need to decant before serving. Today the Catena family have an international reputation for their delicious Malbec wines which are crafted from top quality grapes grown at high altitude. The family have been making wine in Argentina for four generations, although they only gained significant recognition in the 1990s when Nicolas Catena’s single varietal Malbec began to be exported around the globe. Together with his daughter, Laura, Nicolas has studied Mendoza’s sub-regions and high altitude vineyards for decades and helped unlock the region’s exceptional viticultural potential. Their limited production Malbec Argentino is crafted from the best estate vineyards, Nicasia and Angelica, which are planted at the foot of the Andes Mountains at 1095 and 920 metres respectively. The vines here are attentively tended by hand and give very low yields which produce remarkably concentrated and intensely-flavoured grapes. The grapes are fermented in small lots in new French oak barrels and the young wine is then fermented in new French oak barrels for 24 months. On the nose there are hints of violets, cassis and blueberries while the palate offers rich dark fruit flavours, smooth tannins and a firm structure which will respond well to cellaring over the next decade. It can also be enjoyed now and is best paired with hearty dishes such as steak, beef stews, or barbecued meats.
      
33. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP113.23
Cellar for up to 16 years. No need to decant before serving. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Catena family helped put Argentina on the map for world-class Malbec. They’ve made wine in Argentina’s Mendoza region for four generations and were the first to start exporting premium Malbec wines around the world in the 1990s. These days the family business is headed up by the visionary Nicolas Catena and his daughter, Laura, who have collectively spent decades studying Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards. Amongst their vineyard holdings is the prestigious Adrianna Vineyard in the Uco Valley, the highest altitude sub-region in Mendoza, where top quality Malbec vines are planted 1450 metres above sea level. This plot is perfect for premium winemaking thanks to the gravel soils, warm and sunny days, and cooler nights which ensure a long ripening season. This magnificent cuvee is named “Fortuna Terrae”, meaning “luck of the land” in Latin, which refers to the excellent terroir. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented with wild yeasts in 225 and 500 litre oak casks followed by 18 months of ageing. This adds extra polish and complexity to the finished wine, highlighting the smooth, well-rounded tannins and adding smoky, oaked notes to the rich dark berry flavours. A great Malbec to serve alongside a ribeye steak or barbecued ribs, although it can also be cellared for a decade or more longer.
      
34. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP168.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The history of the Argentina Catena Zapata winery began in 1902, when Nicola Catena, who emigrated from Italy in search of fortune, planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza. At that time, this area, characterized by poor soils, was discarded by European immigrants due to low fertility. Nicolas Catena has succeeded in identifying and understanding the potential of these soils that are ideal for quality viticulture, implementing a real Malbec revolution. From the famous Adrianna vineyard, the company produces exceptional wines, both white and red with very limited production. The naturally low yields and slow maturation during the summer give the wines elegance, balance, and wonderfully soft tannins. The grapes for the production of the River Stones come from the rockiest part of the Adrianna vineyard, exposed to the north. The wine represents the red version of the White Stones and ages in oak barrels for 20 months. It is a wine that offers power and elegance, with a dark purple color and shades that tend to be blue-black. On the nose, it reveals a complex aromatic profile of dark berry fruits (especially blackberries and cassis) with delicate floral notes and hints of vanilla and coffee. In the mouth, it is concentrated and refined, with firm but round tannins. The intense minerality develops in a long and harmonious finish. Try it with roast beef served with a mushroom sauce.
      
35. Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.87
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Catena family are celebrities on Argentina’s winemaking scene thanks to the hard work of Nicolas Catena who made the first single varietal premium Malbec wine to be exported in 1994. Today the family winery is in the capable hands of Laura Catena, the fourth generation of Catenas to make wine in Argentina. Together with her father, Nicolas, Laura has spent years studying Mendoza and mapping its microclimates and sub-regions. Catena Alta is the family’s line of limited production single varietal wines which draw on the family’s comprehensive knowledge of Mendoza’s top winemaking sub-regions. Grapes are sourced from the very best rows of the estate vineyards including the world-famous Angelica and Adrianna vineyards which sit in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Each plot is harvested separately when the grapes reach optimum maturity and vinified separately in fermentation tanks and oak barrels. The young wine is then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling. On the nose there are intense ripe plum, cassis and blackberry notes while the first sip reveals a full body, smooth tannins and rich dark fruit flavours which linger long on the tongue.
      
36. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Stones Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP113.23
Drink now or cellar for up to 13 years. Serve chilled. Arguably Argentina’s finest Chardonnay, this stunning wine proves that the land of Malbec is equally at home crafting top quality whites. The Catena family have been making wine in Argentina for four generations and thanks to the hard work of Nicolas Catena and his daughter Laura today their exquisite wines are famed all over the world. Nicolas helped put Argentina on the map for Malbec and now his daughter is doing the same for elegant Burgundian-style Chardonnays like this benchmark example. The fruit for this single vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from just 27 rows in the family’s legendary Adrianna Vineyard which sits at 1450 metres above sea level in Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. The vineyard sits on an old river bed and is peppered with gravel and white stones which give the wine its name. These conditions are ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the hot sunny days, cool nights and excellent drainage which allows for a long, slow ripening period. Once in the winery the must is fermented in French oak barrels and then aged in the barrel for 12 to 16 months depending on the vintage. This helps to create a rich, creamy texture with notes of brioche, toasted almonds and fresh pastries mingling with ripe tropical and stone fruit from the grape variety. A magnificent addition to any cellar or partner for creamy fish or chicken dishes.
      
37. Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP113.23
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes in Argentina, the Catena winery has been producing some of the best wines in the world for four generations. The Chardonnay grapes for the White Bones come from the Adrianna vineyard, located at almost 5,000 feet above sea level. The name of the wine refers to the calcareous deposits and fossil animals found in the soil layers of the vineyard. The particular composition and conformation of the soil, the intensity of sunlight, the altitude, and the cool climate favor the production of grapes characterized by excellent minerality and good aromatic intensity. The White Bones is aged for 12-16 months in used French oak barrels. It is a very fine white wine, capable of aging and developing with extreme elegance. The nose shows great complexity, with citrus and herbaceous hints and a slight chalkiness. In the mouth, it is round and harmonious with a marked minerality that gives it character and complements the lightly toasted notes and the long herbaceous finish. Try it now with white meat, grilled fish, shellfish, and seafood, or let it rest in the cellar for at least a decade.
      
38. Ribera Del Cuarzo Especial Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.72
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Casa Pirque was created by the union of the Menéndez Ross and Catena Zapata families initially to handle the importation of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Antinori, Opus One, Royal Tokaji, Vega Sicilia and the Catena family-owned wineries. Today the company has expanded its portfolio and also produces wines in Mendoza and Patagonia, with Ribera del Cuarzo being it’s most signature property there. Ribera del Cuarzo Especial Malbec is an elegant wine made from Malbec grapes from 5 ha Araucana vineyard. The vines rest on Calcareous soil, after manual harvesting, cold maceration for two days, and fermentation, the finished wine rests in barrels of one or two passages for nine months, and then for a further 12 months in the bottle. The result is a characterful and distinctive wine that reflects all the uniqueness of its terroir of origin. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color of dark red tones with purple reflections. On the nose, it opens with notes of ripe red fruits followed by aromas of wild herbs and toasted wood. On the palate, it is smooth, full-bodied, and soft with velvety tannins and a fresh acidic vein that balances the taste. The finish is long and recalls delicate woody notes. Excellent with beef fillet and steak.
      
39. Catena Zapata Dv Catena Tinto Historico 2023 : 8Wines : GBP16.04
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Catenas are easily Argentina’s most respected winemaking family. Today the estate is in the hands of the fourth generation represented by Laura Catena who has spent decades studying the potential of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards with her father, Nicholas Catena Zapata. This special red has particular significance for the family since it honours Laura’s grandfather, Don Domingo, who became famous in Buenos Aires in the 1930s for his full bodied red wines which were sold in the chic city’s French-style bistros. This big and bold red blend is composed of elegant Malbec from the high altitude Uco Valley, Bonarda which adds red fruit character, and spicy Petit Verdot which adds complexity and structure. Fruit is sourced from two of the Catenas’ famous vineyards, the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary and El Cepillo, as well as the Angelica Vineyard and La Vendimia. The young wine is aged for 12-14 months in French oak before bottling. Luscious cassis, black plums and ripe cherries define the nose while the first sip reveals a well-built structure, intense dark fruit flavours and a spicy finish with hints of black pepper and coffee. This is a fantastic red to enjoy now with steak or to cellar for a few more years.
      
40. Catena Zapata Catena Malbec 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.80
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. The Catenas are Argentina’s most famous winemaking family thanks to the vision of Nicholas Catena Zapata who helped put the country on the map for high altitude Malbec. The Catenas have been making wine in Argentina since 1902 and the family estate is currently run by the fourth generation of the family, Laura Catena, who has exhaustively studied Mendoza’s unique terroir to produce the very best wines possible. Grapes for this wine are sourced from three high altitude vineyards set at the foot of the magnificent Andes Mountains. Lunlunta sits at 920 metres above sea level, El Cepillo at 1090 metres, and Gualtallary at 1450 metres. These unique conditions help grapes to reach optimum maturity without losing their natural freshness and aromatic character. In the winery the grapes are macerated for several days and the juice is then fermented using wild yeasts. The young wine ages for 12 months in oak barrels with the exact type of barrel used depending on what will best suit the particular vintage and vineyard plot. The result is a luscious, fruit-forward Malbec with ample dark fruit character, soft and ripe tannins, and a very long finish.
      
41. Domaine Edem N.0 Rosae Dealcoholised Sparkling Rose : 8Wines : GBP16.36
Drink it now. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Lujan de Cuyo, Domaine EdeM is an Argentine boutique winery specializing in low- and zero-alcohol wines. The winery was created in honor of Elena Maza, wife of Nicolás Catena and mother of Laura Catena, who commissioned this innovative project from the Catena Institute of Wine (founded in 1995 in Mendoza) to offer her mother and the world a high-quality, dealcoholised wine they could enjoy freely. Domaine EdeM N.0 Rosae Dealcoholised Sparkling Rosé is actually made in Spain with 100% Airén grapes sourced from the La Mancha wine region, near the ancient city of Toledo. After harvest, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature to preserve the wine's aromatic palette and freshness. The alcohol is then removed through vacuum distillation. Finally, the wine is infused with rose petals to enhance the wine's floral character and add a fragrant touch. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright, luminous color with pale salmon tones. Its aromatic profile is fresh and expressive, with fruity notes of citrus and pear, and herbal and floral hints. On the palate, it has a creamy texture thanks to its fine bubbles. It is lively, round, and smooth, with an elegant and delicate character. The finish is refreshing and zesty. It is perfect as an aperitif and pairs well with a wide variety of summer dishes such as prosciutto and melon, fruit salads, or raw shellfish and seafood.
      
42. Domaine Nico Le Paradis Pinot Noir 2020 : 8Wines : GBP191.29
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting optional, it will open up with some breathing Domaine Nico is another enterprise from the prestigious Catena family of Argentina, founded by Dr Laura Catena. Nico is derived from Nicola, a name shared by both Laura’s daughter and great-grandfather, the founder of Catena Zapata winery. The winery was born from Laura’s fascination with Pinot Noir - Domaine Nico are interested in regionality and their range exhibits a myriad of different expressions from the complex grape. Pinot Noir is thin-skinned and notoriously difficult to grow but has adapted well to the harsh Argentinian terroir, where pests and disease struggle to survive. Domaine Nico experiment with Pinot Noir at a variety of different altitudes within the central Mendoza region and the fruits for Le Paradis are grown highest of all, at the very limit of what is considered possible for viticulture. Aromas of rose petals rise from the bottle, and after a few minutes of breathing, an increasingly powerful bouquet of raspberries and cherries follows. The vines were grown at more than 1500 metres above sea level in the Gualtallary region of Uco Valley in deep calcareous soil - this is one of the most high-altitude Pinot Noirs ever made. On the palate, red fruits mingle with herbs and chalky character. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, notes of earth and oak are also present. A slight spiciness emerges on the finish. This is a top-class wine with excellent structure, best enjoyed with lean meats or mild cheeses.
      
43. Domaine Nico Grande Mere Pinot Noir 2022 : 8Wines : GBP25.64
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine Nico is pioneering the world’s first high altitude Pinot Noir in Argentina’s Uco Valley where the estate’s vineyards sit at between 1120 to 1500 metres above sea level. This ambitious project is overseen by talented winemaker Laura Catena whose family helped put Argentina on the map for quality Malbec wines. Laura has been fascinated by the Pinot Noir grape ever since she first travelled to France as a teenager. To craft this exceptional Pinot Laura carefully selects grapes from small parcels in Tupungato which grow on limestone soils of alluvial origin. Thanks to the altitude and the proximity of the Andes Mountains, the fruit achieves optimum ripeness while retaining plenty of freshness and elegance. Once in the winery, Laura carries out 15 microvinifications using wild yeasts found naturally in the winery and on the grape skins. The wine is then left to mature in French oak barrels for 14 months before bottling. This graceful yet groundbreaking Pinot is named after Laura’s “Grande Mere”, a tribute to her grandmother Angelica who tragically passed away in a car accident at a young age. The delicate raspberry, plum and bright cherry fruit mingle with elegant tannins, a silky smooth texture and a pure and refined finish in a fitting testament to a much-loved and admired member of the Catena family.
      
44. Domaine Nico Histoire D'a Pinot Noir 2022 : 8Wines : GBP38.04
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Laura Catena first fell in love with the Pinot Noir grape when she travelled to France as a teenager. Today the esteemed enologist, who also happens to be the daughter of Argentina’s legendary winemaker Nicolas Catena, is pioneering high altitude Pinot Noir in Argentina’s Uco Valley. Domaine Nico’s vineyards sit at 1120-1500 metres above sea level which ensures the vines get plenty of strong UV light and warmth while also enjoying cooler nights. This helps to lock in plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics as well as ensuring the Pinot Noir grapes reach full ripeness. One in the winery the grapes are fermented in whole clusters to retain plenty of texture and tannins in the wine. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. Luscious raspberries, strawberries and hints of cinnamon, dried herbs, black pepper and cloves define the nose while the first sip reveals a rich well-rounded texture and silky smooth tannins. This is a very elegant yet approachable New World-style Pinot Noir with juicy fruit flavours carefully balanced by a gentle streak of acidity on the finish. A great wine to enjoy with charcuterie, cheeses, or a big plate of fresh pasta served with a rich tomato sauce.
      
45. Domaine Nico Grande Pere Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.64
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Catena family played a legendary role in putting Argentina on the map for Malbec, but in recent years they’ve been pushing boundaries by experimenting with ever higher altitude vineyards and alternative grape varieties. Esteemed winemaker Laura Catena first fell in love with Pinot Noir while visiting France as a teenager, and inspired by that early passion she began to pioneer plantings of Pinot Noir in the Uco Valley. This sub-region has a reputation for being the highest altitude area in Mendoza, and Domaine Nico’s vineyards sit at 1120-1500 metres above sea level. This means the vines receive lots of strong UV light as well as cooler nights which allow them to rest and retain acidity and freshness in the grapes. These conditions are ideal for Pinot Noir, showcasing the bright red fruit character as well as the more delicate aromatics. This particular cuvee is named in honour of Laura’s “Grande Pere” or “grandfather”. She uses a gentle approach to winemaking, allowing the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through. Following vinification the young wine is aged in oak barrels for 15 months. The result is a dynamic yet serious Pinot with silky smooth tannins, a medium body, and plenty of ripe fruit that lingers on the palate.
      
46. Durigutti Proyecto Las Compuertas Cinco Suelos Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a medium-bodied Malbec from Argentina, created from five different tracts of vineyard. Each represents a different type of soil, making this a truly multifaceted wine. Look for sweet scents of plum, cassis, red hedgerow berries, and orange peel, coupled with subtle herbaceous hints. Durigutti is a family winery, founded by brothers Héctor and Pablo in 2002. They are Mendoza natives, working tirelessly to express their homeland through the medium of wine. The winery is located in the diverse terroir of Las Compuertas, within the wider appellations of Luján de Cuyo and Mendoza. To create “Cinco Suelos”, the two brothers have harvested grapes from a combination of deep clay loam, silt loam, rocky loam, sandy loam and boulder loam. Cinco Suelos coats the palate in a medley of black fruit flavours: blackberry, blackcurrant and plum, supported by hints of spice and dried herbs. The grapes were fermented in egg-shaped concrete casks before bottling, imparting a dense, velvety mouthfeel. The finish is long, with rich accents of beetroot, and there are finely-grained tannins and vibrant acidity throughout. This is a mould-breaking Malbec, suitable for pairing with mushroom sauce, red meat, or grilled chicken.
      
47. Escorihuela Gascon The President's Blend 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.79
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Escorihuela Gascon is famed in Argentina for being one of the first producers to start crafting single varietal Malbecs in the 1940s. The estate itself dates back to 1884 and features prime vineyard sites in the Agrelo and Altamira sub-regions of Mendoza. Conditions here are ideal for premium red winemaking thanks to the high altitude and cooling breezes from the nearby Andes Mountains. The President’s Blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah grapes which are all carefully selected from the best vineyards in Tupungato and the Uco Valley. Following vinification the young wine is left to mature in French oak barrels for 16 months prior to bottling. Expect a deep, intense hue in the glass with aromas of blackberries and dark cherries along with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and chocolate. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and complex, with firm, well-structured tannins and a long and satisfying finish. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, such as a classic Argentinian steak or roast lamb as well as hearty stews and casseroles. The bold nature of this wine also makes it a good choice to cellar for a few more years if desired.
      
48. Escorihuela Gascon Limited Production Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the very first producers to start making 100% Malbec wines back in the 1940s, Escorihuela Gascon is Mendoza’s oldest winery still working today. The estate was founded in 1884 in the Godoy Cruz neighbourhood of Mendoza and boasts excellent vineyards in the sub-regions of Agrelo and Altamira. Here the high altitude and cooling breezes from the Andes Mountains ensure the grapes ripen slowly and retain plenty of freshness and aromas. This extremely popular Malbec has a big, bold personality thanks to the unique terroir of Mendoza which helps to develop well-structured reds with ripe tannins and a remarkably smooth texture. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months to add extra polish and subtle hints of cinnamon, clove and baking spice. On the nose there are enticing hints of burnt caramel, cassis and black plum while the first sip reveals a full body, smooth entry and very long finish with plenty of sweet spice and tobacco notes. While delicious to drink now with red meat dishes like steak or beef bourguignon, this intense wine can also be kept in the cellar for another 8 years or so.
      
49. Escorihuela Gascon Meg 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1888 in Godoy Cruz by Spanish immigrant Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, the Escorihuela Gascón is now one of Argentina's world-renowned wineries. The estate owns approximately 80 hectares of biodynamically cultivated vineyards at Finca Cordon El Cepillo and another 150 hectares of vineyards in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, where a winery producing Premium and Ultra-Premium wines is also located. MEG is an elegant blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from the El Cepillo vineyard in the Uco Valley and the San José vineyard in Tupungato, respectively. After harvest, vinification takes place in 80% new oak barrels, and the finished wine ages for a year and a half in French oak before being bottled and further refined in the bottle. The result is a wine with an intense, deep color, with dark red hues and purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is complex and broad, with notes of plum and cassis, followed by spicy hints of vanilla and clove, Provençal herbs, and some smoky touches. On the palate, it is expressive, concentrated, and intensely fruity. It has a full body and a refreshing, well-balanced acidity. It is soft and round, with velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish. It pairs well with grilled meats, beef entrecote, or braised game.
      
50. Escorihuela Gascon Don Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP48.49
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. This is the flagship wine from Escorihuela Gascón, a Mendoza powerhouse that has been in business since 1884. As one of the 10 biggest exporters of Argentinian wine, Escorihuela Gascón is one of the most important wineries in the country and has received countless awards over the years, mostly for its Malbec wines. The DON Malbec shows an intense nose of plum, ripe strawberry, and black and blue hedgerow fruits. Secondary aromas of cocoa, oak, leather and vanilla hover in the background, gained from 16 months of ageing in French oak barrels. The grapes were harvested from a single plot of vines in El Cepillo Vineyard, in the heart of Uco Valley. The rich fruit scents carry over to the palate. Blueberry, blackberry, and plum mingle on the tongue, accented by a well-defined earthy side. It has a round and velvety texture, with finely-grained tannins and a sharp backbone of acidity. Hints of raspberry and strawberry jam appear on the long finish, with a bitter touch of oak. DON can be aged for a long time in the cellar and is ideal for pairing with rich, smoky meats, barbecue dishes, or mature cheese.
      
51. Escorihuela Gascon Limited Production Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the very first producers to start making 100% Malbec wines back in the 1940s, Escorihuela Gascon is Mendoza’s oldest winery still working today. The estate was founded in 1884 in the Godoy Cruz neighbourhood of Mendoza and boasts excellent vineyards in the sub-regions of Agrelo and Altamira. Here the high altitude and cooling breezes from the Andes Mountains ensure the grapes ripen slowly and retain plenty of freshness and aromas. This extremely popular Malbec has a big, bold personality thanks to the unique terroir of Mendoza which helps to develop well-structured reds with ripe tannins and a remarkably smooth texture. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months to add extra polish and subtle hints of cinnamon, clove and baking spice. On the nose there are enticing hints of burnt caramel, cassis and black plum while the first sip reveals a full body, smooth entry and very long finish with plenty of sweet spice and tobacco notes. While delicious to drink now with red meat dishes like steak or beef bourguignon, this intense wine can also be kept in the cellar for another 8 years or so.
      
52. El Enemigo As Bravas Malbec 2018 : 8Wines : GBP104.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Alejandro Vigil and Catena’s youngest daughter, Adriannateamed up in 2009 to create Bodegas Aleanna in the Uco Valley. They make traditional, easy-drinking food-friendly Argentinian wines. Their vineyards span several areas including Lujan de Cuyo, Gualtallary, and Tupungato. This great Argentine red wine is made with Malbec and small additions of white Semillon grapes, from a plot located in the Cordón El Cepillo, on colluvial soil with marine limestone. After fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature and cold maceration for a period of 5 days, the finished wine rests for 64 months in foudres and then for a year in the bottle. As Bravas Malbec has a complex and intense aromatic profile with notes of ripe dark fruit and undergrowth, spicy and tobacco hints. On the palate, it is a juicy and energetic wine thanks to a marked mineral vein and a bright acidity. It is an elegant and austere wine. The finish is long and tasty. It’s ready to be uncorked now and a perfect match for a beef filet, but if you're feeling generous, you can keep it for a decade or more.
      
53. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Torrontes 2020 : 8Wines : GBP54.88
Enjoy it now or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. High-altitude Argentinian Torrontés is one of the most thrilling white wines you can taste right now, and it doesn’t get much higher in altitude than this offering from El Enemigo. Chief Winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena’s passion project has brought some incredible white wines to the world stage. El Enemigo winery was founded in 2009, under the premise of respecting history, while simultaneously rejecting everything that has come to be expected of Argentinian wine. The Gran Enemigo Torrontés is sourced from vineyards in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, where grapes grow up to 1,600 metres above sea level. This is a wine that commands some respect, comparable in character and stature to the finest age-worthy Riesling from the banks of the Danube. The nose is perfumed, subtle, and wholly unlike any Torrontés you have tasted before. You can perceive notes of pear, lemon, jasmine, lavender and white flowers mingling with hints of honey and nut. It’s tight and focused on the palate, walking a tightrope of minerality between bursts of tart acidity. Look for notes of pure lime and white flowers on the palate. As you head into the lengthy, absorbing finish, there are definite notes of chalk and saline. This can be paired with fine seafood dishes, such as monkfish piccata, or something on the spicy side.
      
54. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo 2020 : 8Wines : GBP58.33
Cellar for up to 12 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Founded by a winemaker and a historian, El Enemigo is an exciting venture which seeks to break the rules and create new expressions of the world’s top grape varieties with a characteristic Argentinian soul. In 2009 Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena, who is also Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter, decided to make a wine together that would celebrate their shared love for literature, philosophy and tradition. For the Gran Enemigo Alejandro combines time-honoured Mendoza winemaking techniques with his own experience. The grapes are sourced from high altitude vineyards in Tupungato which sit at up to 1470 metres above sea level. Following the harvest the grapes are fermented in French oak barriques and then matured for 18 months in special 3000 litre barrels which Alejandro has modelled on those used in Mendoza a century ago. To recreate these historic barrels he imported Alsatian barrels and then carefully reassembled them in Mendoza. The result is a very special Bordeaux style blend with a distinctive Argentinian twist. The nose is remarkably complex with hints of bitter cocoa, licorice and rich dark berries while the first sip displays a generous full body, smooth tannins and very long finish with hints of sweet spice from the oak ageing. A great wine to drink now with hearty red meat dishes or to add to the cellar for another decade or so.
      
55. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 : 8Wines : GBP103.31
Cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before service. The award-winning El Enemigo was created when Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, Nicolas's youngest daughter, decided to create the Aleanna winery, in the high-altitude wine region of Mendoza, to rescue some of the forgotten traditional techniques of Argentine viticulture. The ultimate goal of the winery is, according to Alejandro Vigil, to obtain a wine with the least possible intervention, a wine in which the oenologist's hand does not leave a mark, but only serves as an interpreter of the terroir. The grapes come from the district of San Carlos, in the Uco Valley, at 1450 meters above sea level, on alluvial soils of glacial origin. Harvest takes place in distinct phases over a period of approximately a month and a half to ensure that each grape reaches perfect ripeness. To give the wine freshness and extra tannins, 30% of the stalks are kept. The wine is then fermented in used French oak barrels and aged for 15 months in ancient centenary foudre. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo is an austere and well-defined wine with an intense minerality reminiscent of crushed stone and graphite, toasted and spicy traces given by the oak, accompanied by extraordinary juiciness and vibrant acidity. It is deep and full-bodied on the palate, expressing flavors of black fruit, refreshing herbaceous tones, and fresh tobacco leaves. Try it with lamb, and rich grilled meat.
      
56. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2021 : 8Wines : GBP103.31
Cellar for up to 16 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. El Enemigo was founded in 2009 by historian Adrianna Catena, the youngest daughter of legendary Argentine winemaker Nicolas Catena, and Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. The two friends were inspired to create a wine label together that would celebrate both Argentina’s youthful winemaking culture and the rich viticultural heritage of Europe. To create this majestic Gran Enemigo cuvee Alejandro draws on his wealth of winemaking experience and top quality grapes sourced from a single vineyard in the prized Mendoza sub-region of Tupungato. The vineyard sits at the foot of the mighty Andes Mountains and are irrigated by melted snow running down from the peaks. Set at an altitude of up to 1400 metres above sea level, this location is perfect for producing this premium Cabernet Franc thanks to the sunny days with plenty of UV light and cooler nights which help preserve freshness. The quality of this special wine has already been recognised by Robert Parker who awarded it a near-perfect 99 point score. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand during 4 passes through the vineyard to ensure perfect ripeness, with a lengthy and slow fermentation and maceration carried out in the barrel. The final result is a powerful wine that is reminiscent of the finest Pomerols with ample notes of cassis, crushed wild berries, leather and cigar box spice from the barrel ageing.
      
57. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2021 : 8Wines : GBP103.31
Cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour before service. The award-winning El Enemigo was created when Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, Nicolas's youngest daughter, decided to create the Aleanna winery, in the high-altitude wine region of Mendoza, to rescue some of the forgotten traditional techniques of Argentine viticulture. The ultimate goal of the winery is, according to Alejandro Vigil, to obtain a wine with the least possible intervention, a wine in which the oenologist's hand does not leave a mark, but only serves as an interpreter of the terroir. The grapes come from the district of San Carlos, in the Uco Valley, at 1450 meters above sea level, on alluvial soils of glacial origin. Harvest takes place in distinct phases over a period of approximately a month and a half to ensure that each grape reaches perfect ripeness. To give the wine freshness and extra tannins, 30% of the stalks are kept. The wine is then fermented in used French oak barrels and aged for 15 months in ancient centenary foudre. El Enemigo Gran Enemigo El Cepillo is an austere and well-defined wine with an intense minerality reminiscent of crushed stone and graphite, toasted and spicy traces given by the oak, accompanied by extraordinary juiciness and vibrant acidity. It is deep and full-bodied on the palate, expressing flavors of black fruit, refreshing herbaceous tones, and fresh tobacco leaves. Try it with lamb, and rich grilled meat.
      
58. El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. El Enemigo is a thrilling Argentinian project founded by Catena Zapata chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena who is Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter. Their wines capture their shared passion for history, philosophy and literature, offering rule-breaking and romantic expressions of some of the world’s greatest grape varieties with a distinctive Argentinian twist. Their cool climate Cabernet Franc grown at altitude in Mendoza’s spectacular vineyards at the foot of the Andes is particularly inspired. The bigger brother to this wine, Alejandro’s El Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc was awarded the highest score ever given to a pure example of the variety by Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. Grapes for this bottling are sourced from vineyards in Gualtallary which sit at between 1400 and 1470 metres above sea level. These unique conditions help produce a remarkably intense, powerful wine with perfect poise and balance thanks to the cool summer nights and long ripening season. The young wine is aged for 16 months in 100-year old Alsatian founders or large oak casks which were imported from Italy. The result is a stunningly beautiful red with luscious dark berry flavours, smooth tannins and a very long, spicy finish.
      
59. El Enemigo Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. El Enemigo was founded by two of Argentina’s most legendary names; Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena whose passion for wine comes from her father, the famous winemaker Nicolas Catena. After connecting over a mutual love for literature and philosophy, the two decided to make their very own wine which would offer a unique new interpretation of some of Argentina’s classic grape varieties. This delicious Malbec is produced at Piedemonte al Sur in the Lujan de Cuyo sub-region of Mendoza which lies a short distance from the foothills of the magnificent Andes Mountains. The grapes for this cuvee are grown at up to 1478 metres above sea level with these high altitude conditions helping to ensure perfect ripeness and penty of aromatics and freshness in the grapes. Once in the winery the grapes are then macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks before being left to mature for 15 months in 100 year old French oak foudres. This gentle approach to winemaking helps to create a lively and vibrant fruit-forward wine with ample dark berry notes complemented by soft tannins and a long finish with hints of oaky spice.
      
60. El Enemigo La Esperanza Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022 : 8Wines : GBP16.25
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. El Enemigo was founded by historian Adrianna Catena, who is also Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter, and Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil in 2009. These two legendary figures on the Argentine wine scene came together over a mutual love for literature and philosophy, and decided to create their own wine label that would offer a unique taste of Argentina’s exceptional terroir and its Old World winemaking heritage. Today the brand is responsible for many of the most exciting wines coming out of Argentina, including this sensational single vineyard Bonarda. Bonarda is little-known in Europe these days, but it has a special place in Argentina where it’s considered the nation’s second red wine after Malbec. La Esperanza is a very special 150 year old vineyard that was about to be uprooted when it was discovered by Alejandro Vigil. Luckily he was able to save 5 hectares from which he makes a few hundred bottles of this wine each vintage. Once in the winery this precious fruit is vinified with wild yeasts and the young wine ages in large foudres that are over 100 years old. The result is a remarkably elegant and vibrant red that’s bursting with luscious red cherries, plums and blackberries as well as hints of dark chocolate. A charming wine to serve with tomato-based dishes thanks to the refreshing acidity, smooth tannins, and bright fruit flavours.
      
61. El Enemigo El Mirador Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022 : 8Wines : GBP16.25
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Bonarda is regarded as Argentina’s second national grape variety after the country’s now world-famous Malbec wines, but it is still little-known outside of Latin America. This stunning single vineyard example is the work of Alejandro Vigil, Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker, and historian Adrianna Catena who is the daughter of Nicolas Catena who helped put Argentina on the map for Malbec. Alejandro and Adrianna joined forces to found their own wine label, El Enemigo, which aims to showcase a new side to Argentina’s winemaking potential inspired both by tradition and by breaking any unnecessary rules of how things should be done. This particular cuvee is produced from a small 5 hectare plot of very old Bonarda vines which were rescued by Alejandro. The vines are planted on a sandy plot which sits at 650 metres above sea level in Rivadavia in the Mendoza wine region. The grapes are carefully selected at optimum ripeness to maintain quality and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged in used French oak barrels for 15 months, adding delicate notes of toasty oak and spice to the vibrant dark berry, plum and cherry fruit flavours.
      
62. El Enemigo Syrah Viognier 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The story of El Enemigo begins with a historian and a winemaker. In 2009 historian Adrianna Catena, who is also Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter, and Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil decided to make their very own wines that would shake up Argentina’s wine scene and challenge the traditional ways of doing things. Inspired by the Old World, but invigorated by the new, these are some of the most exciting wines being made in Argentina today. This majestic Syrah is made with a dash of Viognier, just like the classic recipe for the spicy, peppery Syrahs of the Northern Rhone in France. The fruit for this bottle comes from high altitude vineyards in the Agrelo sub-region of Mendoza, where the cooler nights help to preserve plenty of freshness and aromatics. The complex nose is bursting with crushed berries, cassis, and black pepper notes, while the first sip delivers a hefty hit of firm tannins, a generous full body, and a solid core of luscious dark fruit. The finish is long with undertones of spice from the oak ageing and a subtle freshness from the Viognier. This wine will age beautifully in the cellar for a few more years, although it’s also approachable now alongside a prime Argentinian steak or barbecued ribs.
      
63. El Enemigo Chenin Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Alejandro Vigil, Catena's winemaker and Adriana Catena, El Enemigo is a young Argentine winery that immediately achieved great success. The winery produces small quantities of wines that are affordable and highly expressive of Mendoza's diverse terroirs. The estate's vineyards are mainly located in the Uco Valley wine region, where the altitudes and cool climate guarantee the production of grapes, and consequently wines, of great quality and excellent complexity. The Chenin Blanc grapes come from approximately 50-year-old vines, planted in pergolas on soils composed of calcium carbonate and red clay, located in Los Arboles. After fermentation with wild yeasts, the wine is decanted into temperature-controlled steel tanks. Finally, it is bottled without fining or filtration, to ensure the full expression of the grape variety. The wine has a young and fresh aromatic profile, with intensely fruity notes and some floral hints. On the palate, it has a medium body and lively acidity. It is fruity, dry, soft, and with a moderate and well-balanced alcohol content. It has a long finish with a salty touch that makes it perfect in combination with pork, especially if served with an apple sauce, and with fish and seafood.
      
64. El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. El Enemigo was founded by Catena Zapata chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter, Adrianna Catena who is a historian. This exciting Argentinian project celebrates their shared interest in history, philosophy and literature, creating innovative, boundary-pushing wines with authentic Argentinian soul. This characterful Chardonnay is sourced from superb vineyards in Mendoza’s Gualtallary sub-region which sit at 1400-1500 metres above sea level. This lofty altitude ensures cool nights even during the summer as well as plenty of bright sunshine which helps ripen the grapes evenly and slowly. In the winery Alejandro uses an unusual technique common in France’s Jura wine region, covering the young wine with a thin veil of flour or yeast and leaving it to age in old oak barrels for 10 months. This distinctive process gives the Chardonnay striking notes of bitter almonds and dried fruit along with ripe tropical fruit notes from the grape variety itself. On the palate there are savoury notes of cream and toasted nuts along with peach and apricot which linger long on the tongue. This characterful white represents the very best of Argentina’s up-and-coming new wineries and will pair beautifully with pan-fried salmon, tuna steaks or herby roast chicken.
      
65. El Enemigo Semillon 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Widely regarded as one of Argentina’s leading wine labels, El Enemigo was founded by Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena who is the daughter of famed Argentinian winemaker Nicolas Catena. The two came up with the idea for this ambitious project while walking back from the Argentinian Embassy in London where Nicolas had just been awarded the Decanter Man of the Year Award. Over the last few years the duo have put together an impressive portfolio of boundary-pushing wines which merge Old World winemaking traditions with pure Argentinian soul. The grapes for this stunning Semillon are sourced from high altitude vineyards in Agrelo in the Mendoa sub-region of Lujan de Cuyo. A combination of intense sunlight and cool nights helps to grow ripe yet perfectly-balanced grapes with ample aromatics and freshness. Once in the winery the fruit is gently pressed and vinified using wild yeasts before being transferred to French oak barrels for 15 months of ageing. This lengthy maturation process creates a rich, creamy texture and adds delicate hints of toasted oak, vanilla, and spice to the luscious tropical fruit notes from the Semillon grape. A great match for roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, mature cheeses, or pan-fried salmon steaks.
      
66. El Porvenir De Cafayate Icono 2018 : 8Wines : GBP37.16
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by Roberto Romero in the late 1970s, the El Porvenir de Cafayate is a family-run winery, located in Salta, whose production is based on a great love for the territory, hard work in the vineyard, and technological innovation. In 2000, Romero, in collaboration with his granddaughter Lucía Roberto-Marcuzzi, who now leads the company, restored the 50-year-old vineyards of Torrontés and Tannat and embarked on an infrastructure renewal project, to focus on the production of high-quality wines. The Icono wine from the El Porvenir winery is a blend of Petit Verdot, Tannat, Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. The grapes come from the Finca Rio Seco and Finca Alto Rio Seco vineyards, located respectively at 1700 and 1750 meters above sea level. After vinification, the wine rests in French oak barrels for approximately 22-24 months. Its color is deep ruby red with plum tones. The nose reveals intense aromas of wild berries, such as blackberries, and cassis but also prunes and dried figs, followed by sweet spices and balsamic notes. On the palate, it displays a delightful concentration of fruit. It is fresh and well-balanced and has velvety tannins and a good body. The finish is long and recalls spicy notes. It is ideal with red meat, especially a juicy steak, and also works well with pasta with ragu or a hearty lasagna.
      
67. El Porvenir De Cafayate Laborum Single Vineyard Malbec 2020 : 8Wines : GBP21.77
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the dramatic and beautiful Cafayate region of northern Argentina, El Porvenir winery has a long and rich history of producing high-quality wines using traditional methods combined with modern techniques. El Porvenir de Cafayate is known for its exceptional Malbec and Torrontés wines grown on some of the world’s highest altitude vineyards, as well as its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible winemaking practices. This elegant red is made from 100% Malbec grapes grown in the Laborum Vineyard which sits at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level. This high altitude, combined with the hot, dry climate of the region, creates ideal growing conditions for the Malbec grapes, resulting in a wine that is rich, complex, and full of character. Warm, sunny days and cool nights help to lock in lots of natural freshness and aromatics as well as ripe fruity flavours. Expect a deep ruby red in the glass and luscious notes of ripe black fruit, such as blackberries and plums, along with hints of spice and oak. The first sip reveals a generous full body, smooth tannins, and flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco as well as a hint of vanilla from the oak aging process. This makes it perfect for pairing with rich, meaty dishes, such as grilled steak or lamb, as well as strong cheeses, such as Roquefort or aged cheddar.
      
68. El Porvenir De Cafayate Laborum De Parcela Malbec 2020 : 8Wines : GBP30.37
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Cafayate, in the Salta wine region of Argentina, El Porvenir de Cafayate is a family-owned winery today led by Lucía Romero-Marcuzzi. The company, which produces small quantities of wines of exceptional quality, covers approximately 80 hectares of vineyards located at over 1750 above sea level, planted with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Torrontes and Tannat. The Malbec grapes are selected and harvested manually in the Finca Rio Seco vineyard, located in the Salta wine region. After fermentation, the finished wine ages in French and American oak barrels for 14 months. The Malbec from the Laborum line of the El Porvenir winery has an intense ruby red color with violet reflections. The nose reveals aromas of dark and red fruits such as raspberries, wild blackberries, and blueberries, followed by floral hints of rose and violet, and delicate spicy hints of black pepper. On the palate, the wine has a good body and firm tannins. It is soft and harmonious with a balanced acid vein. The finish is long and persistent and recalls fruity and spicy notes. This wine goes well with red meat or game stews, aged cheeses, lasagna, or pork tenderloin served in mushroom sauce.
      
69. Edmond De Rothschild Flechas De Los Andes Gran Corte 2020 : 8Wines : GBP36.90
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. A collaboration between Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault, Flechas De Los Andes was founded in 2003 in the foothills of the Andes mountains in Mendoza. This prestigious estate takes its name from the “flechas” or arrows that symbolise the five brothers of the Rothschild family who between them have founded many of the world’s top wineries. The site chosen for the winery offers excellent conditions for crafting premium Malbec wines thanks to the high altitude, cooling breezes from the Andes, and well-draining alluvial soils. This ensures the grapes reach optimum ripeness with plenty of ripe fruit character balanced by freshness and delicate aromatics. Gran Corte is primarily composed of Argentina’s flagship grape, Malbec, along with Cabernet Franc and Syrah. The grapes are all harvested by hand to ensure quality with careful sorting when they reach the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks and the young wine is then allowed to mature in new oak barrels to soften the punchy tannins and add extra complexity. Bursting with dark plum, cherry and plenty of wild berries, this is an opulent and powerful cuvee that’s ideal for cellaring for another decade or so. It can also be enjoyed now with a prime Argentinian steak, roast beef, or game dishes like venison or wild boar.
      
70. Edmond De Rothschild Flechas De Los Andes Gran Cabernet Franc 2021 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Flechas De Los Andes is the Edmond de Rothschild family’s foray into New World wine. While scouring the world for unused vineyards in world-class terroirs, Benjamin de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault discovered the picturesque Vista Flores region, in Uco Valley, Argentina. The winery is located at the foot of the snowy Andes mountain range, in a harsh, yet generous climate. It is an arid land, mainly irrigated by snowmelt and water from the glacial thaw. This challenging environment results in highly concentrated fruits with brilliant tannic structures, typical of Argentina. Aged in 100% French oak casks, this Cabernet Franc is a powerful gift from one of the world’s most extreme wine-growing regions. Its nose is elegant and refined, revealing notes of rose petals and bell pepper, enveloped in minerality. You will also discover subtle earthy hints, from the oak-ageing process. In the mouth, its highly acidic nature shows itself, forming a juicy and vibrant mouthfeel. There are dense layers of red and black fruit, all supported by a healthy tannic structure, and supported by herbal notes. This is a definitively Argentinian Cabernet Franc, which will be excellent paired with a rich steak, grilled vegetables, or a poultry dish with cranberry sauce.
      
71. Edmond De Rothschild Flechas De Los Andes Gran Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP28.67
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Flechas De Los Andes was born in 2003 out of a collaboration between Baron Benjamin de Rothschild and Laurent Dassault who joined together to found a top winery in the foothills of the mighty Andes mountains. The winery is named after the five arrows or “flechas” in Spanish that are the symbol of the five brothers of the Rothschild family who are known for founding some of the world’s most prestigious wineries in France and beyond. The winery is located in Mendoza where the high altitude vineyards and sunny summer days are ideal for premium winemaking. Well-draining sandy and gravel soils combined with the cooling breezes from the Andes and higher elevation ensures that the grapes reach maximum ripeness while retaining plenty of freshness and aromatic complexity. This sumptuous Malbec is made from top quality grapes which are harvested by hand and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged in a combination of tanks and oak barrels for 12 months to add complexity while preserving the pure varietal character. The result is a rich full bodied wine with plenty of luscious dark berry character, smooth tannins and a long finish.
      
72. Edmond De Rothschild Rimapere Plot 101 Sauvignon Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.18
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The famous and prestigious Rothschild family has a long winemaking tradition dating back to 1868 when James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite. About a century later, the family's holdings expanded with the purchase of Château Clarke and Château Malmaison by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, and subsequently the founding of the Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild which now includes properties in South Africa, Argentina, and New Zealand. Rimapere Plot 101 is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes from vineyards located on New Zealand's Rimapere estate in the Marlborough wine region of the South Island. The vines planted on stony soil are approximately 20 years old. The grapes are pressed in whole bunches and the fermentation takes place partly in wood and partly in steel. The wine has a straw yellow color with greenish hues. Its flavor profile is intense and fresh, as you would expect from a typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The nose reveals aromas of lime, lemon, grapefruit, and white flowers with some light hints of yeast. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp, citrusy and thirst-quenching. The finish is long and refreshing. It makes a great summer aperitif, but it is also excellent with seafood, asparagus risotto, and mixed salads.
      
73. Edmond De Rothschild Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc 2025 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant. Located in the prestigious Marlborough region, in the north of the South Island, Rimapere is the New Zealand project of the Rothschild family. Here the richness of the terroir in the heart of a very preserved nature, the temperate maritime climate, and the long hours of sunshine guarantee ideal conditions for the cultivation of the vine. The vineyard, acquired in 2012, covers about 24 hectares, in an area nicknamed the "Golden Mile", which lends itself wonderfully to the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The name Rimapere, meaning 'five arrows' in Maori, is an homage to the local culture and to the emblem of the Rothschild family. Edmond de Rothschild Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc is a wine with a bright and lively color, with golden tones. The aromatic profile is fresh and vibrant with citrus notes, especially lime and ripe lemon, followed by white flowers, almonds, and flint. On the palate, this Sauvignon Blanc has a round, mineral structure with very well-integrated acidity. The citrus notes felt on the nose return to the mouth, accompanied by aromas of passion fruit. The finish is mineral, persistent, and very elegant. The wine is perfect as an aperitif but also goes very well with vegetarian dishes and white fish.
      
74. El Esteco Old Vines Torrontes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.13
Enjoy it now or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. This 100% Torrontes wine begins with an aromatic nose, packed with scents of citrus, lemongrass, and tropical notes of lychee, guava and melon. It is sourced from old vines growing in Finca Las Mercedes in the Cafayate Valley, on poor, calcareous soils that create a concentrated fruit. El Esteco winery lies in the heart of The Calchaquí Valleys, spanning the two regions of Cafayate and Chañar Punco. The headquarters, a century-old colonial-style building, sits at about 1,700 meters above sea level. The winery owns almost 1,000 acres of vineyards in all, covering a wide variety of terroirs that embody the very best that Argentina has to offer. The Old Vines Torrontes is stunningly fresh in the mouth, exhibiting a youthful character driven by relentless acidity. It is also slightly sweet, with flavours of ripe peach, wild lemon and pure stoney minerality. It’s an unoaked wine, matured in egg-shaped concrete tanks for 6 to 8 months before release. In the glass, it is an attractive straw yellow, with hints of green. Consider pairing this wine with chicken, fish, or spicy Asian curries, where the wine’s inherent sweetness can work magic.
      
75. El Esteco Old Vines Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.13
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Argentina’s Calchaquí Valley is home to the world’s highest altitude vineyards and a handful of historic wineries like El Esteco which dates back to 1892. El Esteco's vineyards are situated at elevations of over 1800 metres above sea level, resulting in Malbec grapes with a unique and distinctive character. The wines here tend to be luscious and fruity, while also carefully balanced with freshness and smooth tannins thanks to the intense sunlight and cool nights. This enchanting cuvee is made from 100% Malbec grapes harvested from the winery's oldest vineyards which are over 50 years old. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully vinified and then aged in oak barrels for 12 months to add extra complexity and spiced hints. In the glass you can expect a generous, full-bodied wine with a deep ruby color and an intense aroma of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, along with notes of vanilla and spice. On the palate, it is rich and complex, with flavors of black cherry, chocolate, and tobacco. The vibrant fruity flavours make it a great match for Argentina’s national dish, steak, although other great pairing options include barbecued ribs, tomato-based pasta dishes, or hard cheeses.
      
76. La Mascota Unanime 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.29
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving Unánime by Mascota Vineyards is a vivid ruby red in the glass, exploding with scents of plum, red cherry, and hints of desiccated coconut. It is notably New World in character, with rich, ripe flavours and a big, bouncy texture. It is composed of 100% Malbec grapes, harvested from Uco Valley, in the Mendoza region of Argentina. The face and founder of Mascota Vineyards is Rodolfo “Opi” Sadler, an Argentine wine-making trailblazer who has received wide renown for his Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Argentina is the country of Malbec, and Sadler does not disappoint in that domain either - his Malbec won a gold medal at the Argentina Wine Awards in 2015. La Mascota’s Unánime Malbec was sourced from Uco Valley, a high-altitude region fuelled by meltwater from the Andes Mountains. It is packed with lush, New World fruits, combining a subtle sweetness with fine, structural tannins. Look for flavours of cherry, blackcurrant leaf, plum jam and cocoa, with careful hints of liquorice, vanilla and minerality. Its wholesome fruit notes have depth and nuance, leading into a long, satisfying finish. An unbeatable expression of Argentinian Malbec. Consider pairing it with a full-bodied steak, pungent, creamy cheeses or any piece of meat fresh off the grill.
      
77. La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP13.00
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. La Mascota is a small family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Mendoza wine region in Argentina. The estate was founded in 2008 by the Mendoza family who have been involved in the wine industry for over three generations and craft their wines from their own vineyards. La Mascota Winery is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally friendly practices in its vineyards and winemaking processes, including a state-of-the-art irrigation system that conserves water. This La Mascota cuvee is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from grapes which are hand-harvested and carefully selected for their quality. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months for additional complexity and intensity. Luscious blackcurrant, blackberry and vanilla dominate on the nose along with hints of spice and tobacco. The first sip reveals a punchy full body, smooth tannins, and lingering notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and toasted oak. Excellent pairings for this robust Cab include mature hard cheeses, grilled red meats, and even barbecued ribs. If desired, it could also be cellared for a few more years to soften the tannins even further.
      
78. Luca Beso De Dante 2020 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Catenas are considered Argentina’s premier winemaking family thanks to the vision and dedication of Nicolas Catena who helped put the country on the map for world-class Malbec. Luca is the brainchild of Nicolas’ daughter Laura who decided to name her new label after her son, Luca. All of the wines are crafted with the finest fruit from selected vineyards in Mendoza to create approachable yet complex wines which make a handsome addition to any cellar. Beso de Dante was created as a homage to two classic Bordeaux grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Malbec was traditionally used in Bordeaux blends before the arrival of phylloxera which destroyed much of the region’s vineyards. Laura sources the fruit from specific plots in Vista Flores and Altamira, vinifying the grapes in individual parcels before she creates the final blend. The final touch is a period of ageing in oak barrels which adds hints of spice and woodsmoke to the intense cassis, blackberry and dark cherry core. On the palate there’s a generous full body, smooth tannins, and a long finish seasoned with cedar, tobacco leaf, and wild berry notes. A great red to pair with hearty dishes like a prime ribeye steak, beef stews, venison or a wild boar ragu served with fresh pappardelle pasta.
      
79. Luca Old Vine Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP23.47
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. This remarkable Malbec was awarded 4th place in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines for 2020, a testament to its exceptional value for money and luscious flavour profile dominated by deep wild berry notes. Fruit is sourced from La Consulta and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley which is famed for being home to Mendoza’s highest altitude vineyards. All of the fruit is carefully harvested by hand and the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 14 months to add extra polish and complexity. Seductive hints of cassis, ripe plum and blackberry dominate on the nose, while on the palate there’s a robust full body, smooth texture and notes of toasted oak and spice which mingle with the succulent dark fruit flavours. The long finish and well-built structure make this a great wine to drink alongside typical Argentinian favourites like chorizo sausages or a prime steak. The Luca label was founded by Laura Catena, daughter of Argentina’s most famous winemaker Nicolas Catena, who wanted to create bespoke artisanal wines in tiny quantities. The wines are named after her son, Luca, and the labels feature the family crest of her husband Dan McDermott, symbolising her love for her family. Laura carefully selects top quality fruit from a number of prime plots in Mendoza which are vinified according to her exacting standards.
      
80. Luca Syrah 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.65
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Luca is the name of Laura Catena’s son and represents the new generation of Argentina’s most famous winemaking family. Laura’s father Nicolas put Argentina on the map for top quality Malbec that is renowned all over the world and sold in the best wine bars and shops. Today Laura is taking the family business in a new direction with this label which uses the finest fruit selected from specific vineyards in Mendoza to create delicious and accessible wines. The Catenas might be best known for their Malbecs, but this stunning Syrah showcases the country’s potential for other red grape varieites. The fruit is carefully harvested at optimum ripeness and then vinified according to Laura’ stringent winemaking standards. After a period of ageing in oak the wine is then bottled and allowed to rest before it is released to market. Dark and stormy in character, this powerful Syrah reminds of some superb examples from France’s Rhone Valley. On the nose there are ample notes of cassis, black olive, and bitter chocolate along with more delicate undertones of fresh mint, forest floor, and spice. This is a great bottle to enjoy now alongside hearty red meats or to keep in the cellar for a few more years.
      
81. La Posta Pizella Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP12.94
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. La Posta is a new project by pioneering winemaker Laura Catena whose family have been making wine in Mendoza for four generations. The label is named after the typical local tavern where grape growers would gather after the harvest to celebrate and rest over a glass or two of wine. Along with winemaker Estela Perinetti, Laura carefully sources grapes from some of Mendoza’s top small growers which all use sustainable agricultural practices. Pizella is a single vineyard wine which is named after the family who own and farm the plot in Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. The vineyard is particularly prized for its high altitude and sandy loam and limestone soils. These conditions help to produce perfectly-ripe grapes with plenty of aromatics and rich ripe fruit flavours. After vinification the wine spends 10 months ageing in 50% oak barrels and 50% stainless steel tanks. This balanced approach to winemaking allows the vigour and brilliance of the fruit to shine through, with succulent dark berry and plum notes dominating on the nose. The first sip reveals well-rounded tannins, a smooth texture, and a medium body with a concentrated and clean finish. Try pairing with classic Argentinian dishes like barbecued meats, choripan hotdogs, or a prime steak with fries.
      
82. La Posta Fazzio Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP12.94
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Laura Catena is one of Argentina’s most dynamic and talented winemakers with a string of successful wine labels under her belt. Her family has been making wine in Mendoza for four generations, and her father helped put the country on the map for world-class Malbec. So it's no surprise that her new project is pioneering a new path by celebrating some of Mendoza’s top small grape growers. The label is named after the tavern where growers traditionally gathered after a hard day’s work in the vineyard, with the wines named after the individual growers. Fazzio is a single vineyard wine from Tupungato in the Uco Valley. Conditions here are ideal for making dynamic and easy-going reds thanks to the sunny summer days, high altitude and calcareous, loamy soils. Luscious cassis, dark plum and wild berries burst out of the glass, followed by deeper undertones of spice, forest floor, and woodsmoke. On the palate there’s a rich, well-rounded texture, solid core of dark fruit, and robust tannins that make this a great match for red meat dishes. It’s a great wine to enjoy now alongside a casual family dinner, although it can also be cellared for a few more years if desired.
      
83. Chateau Fontenil Le Defi De Fontenil 2010 : 8Wines : GBP82.22
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour before serving. Le Défi is a 100% Merlot wine, from the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux. It showcases a powerful nose of cassis and blackberry, infused with hints of cocoa, toast and warm cedar. It is a vivid, dark red, harvested from vines with an average age of 80 years, growing on clay-limestone soils in the appellation of Fronsac. Chateau Fontenil was founded in 1986, by esteemed Bordeaux wine consultants and oenologists, Dany and Michel Rolland. Their slice of Fronsac consists of 9 hectares around the commune of Saillans, where they grow a combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. On the palate, La Défi is an elegant, textured Merlot, with finely tuned acids and ripe tannins, which will mellow after some time breathing. Hints of animal earthiness, herbaceousness and tobacco smoke underpin rich and well-rounded fruit flavours. They echo the nose, with notes of blackberry jam, blackcurrant and plum. The wine was fermented and aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months, giving it a fantastic oaky backbone. The finish is long and squeezes every drop out of the delicious fruit flavours. Consider pairing La Défi with pungent cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, steak with a red fruit sauce, or roasted game.
      
84. Michel Rolland Mariflor Merlot 2020 : 8Wines : GBP23.47
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Michel Rolland’s Mariflor wines are made at the Clos de la Siete winery in Mendoza which the famous winemaking consultant founded in collaboration with several other Bordeaux winemakers in the 1980s. Michel fell in love with Argentina after visiting Mendoza many decades ago, and he quickly realised the potential of these high altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley to the south of the city of Mendoza. Clos de la Siete’s vines are planted at some 1100 metres above sea level on excellent stony and gravel soils which drain very well. The vineyards are irrigated by melted snow from the nearby Andes Mountains and the altitude helps moderate temperatures in the hot summers to ensure a long ripening season. These factors help the grapes to achieve full ripeness while also locking in plenty of freshness and delicate aromatics. This bold Merlot is a great example of the Mariflor style with plenty of approachable ripe fruit flavours seasoned with hints of spice, cedar, and toast from the oak barrel ageing. On the nose there’s ample cassis, black plum and dark cherry notes while the first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and pleasingly long finish with touches of licorice and bitter chocolate.
      
85. Mendel Finca Remota 2021 : 8Wines : GBP67.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Argentina, in the heart of the prestigious Mendoza wine region, Mendel Estate was founded by Anabelle Sielecki, with the help of renowned Argentine winemaker Roberto de la Mota. The winery, named after Annabelle's father, owns high-altitude vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo area. Finca Remota is a single-varietal red made from Malbec grapes from a plot on the Faraway Ranch, located approximately 1,100 meters above sea level in the Uco Valley. Here, the ungrafted vines, over 60 years old, thrive on sandy and calcareous soils, on a subsoil of massive limestone blocks, and in exceptional climatic conditions that guarantee the production of a powerful and aromatic wine. After harvesting and fermenting in tanks, the finished wine rests in new French oak barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, dark color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile opens with intense notes of red and black fruit, interspersed with hints of violet on a spicy undertone. On the palate, it is concentrated and well-structured, complex and fruity, with firm yet smooth tannins. It is a balanced wine with perfectly integrated oak notes and a long, persistent finish. Try it with grilled duck breast or a succulent steak.
      
86. Mendel Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in Argentina's Mendoza wine region, the boutique winery Mendel produces high-quality wines thanks to the collaboration between Roberto de la Mota, a world-renowned Argentine winemaker, and the Sielecki family. The company, named after owner Annabelle's father, has ancient vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo and Altamira, in the Valle de Uco. This exceptional Argentine Malbec is produced with grapes from the estate's ninety-year-old vineyards planted in 1928 and located in Luján de Cuyo. After fermentation in stainless steel, the finished wine is then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The result is a complex wine with a great personality, which reveals a deep color with purplish-red tones. Its aromatic profile is intense and broad with notes of red and dark fruits (blackberry, black cherry, plum) and spices, caramel, licorice, vanilla, and dark chocolate. On the palate, it is dense and soft with a medium to full body and a delicious fruit intensity. The acidity is lively and well-balanced and the tannins are velvety and well integrated. It is rich but not opulent, persistent, and balanced, with a slightly spicy finish. It goes well with lasagna bolognese but it rocks with grilled meat.
      
87. Matias Riccitelli Republica Del Malbec 2020 : 8Wines : GBP43.32
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Maverick Argentinian winemaker Matias Riccitelli is the son of Jorge Riccitelli, one of the country’s top enologists who was chief winemaker at Bodegas Norton for many years. In 2009 Matias decided to set up his own winery and he now works 20 hectares planted in Lujan de Cuyo sub-region of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes Mountains with altitudes ranging from 980 to 1120 metres above sea level. Many of the vineyards are very old with several dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Matias’ striking Republica del Malbec was created to honour Argentina’s long history as a nation of immigrants since the country’s wine industry was largely established by arrivals from Italy during the late 19th and early 20th century. The grapes are sourced from a stunning vineyard in Vistalba which was planted in 1908 and are carefully harvested by hand to maximise quality. Once in the winery the grapes are meticulously sorted and fermented using wild yeasts in concrete tanks. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months to add polish and extra complexity. The result is a plush, fruit-forward Malbec bursting with ripe plum, damson and sweet spice notes from the oak ageing. Smooth on the palate with gentle tannins and a well-built structure, this is a great wine to drink alongside a prime steak, aubergine parmigiana or a generous platter of charcuterie.
      
88. Matias Riccitelli The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP22.13
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Matias’ father, Jorge Riccitelli, worked for the famous Bodegas Norton as chief winemaker and is one of Argentina’s most famous enologists. So it was little surprise that Matias would want to follow in his father’s footsteps. In 2009 Matias founded his own winery in Lujan de Cuyo with 20 hectares of prime vineyards set at an altitude of 980 to 1120 metres above sea level. This unusual bottling was inspired by Matias’ family history and the wealth of knowledge and understanding he learned from his father. Half of the grapes are sourced from vineyards in Pedriel and the remainder from the high altitude Uco Valley with all of the fruit carefully harvested by hand to maintain quality. Once in the vineyard the grapes are sorted and vinified in neutral tanks. The young wine then spends 12 months ageing in French oak barrels before bottling. Wild blackberries, damsons and plums leap out of the glass along with hints of toasted oak, sweet spice and vanilla from the oak ageing. The first sip reveals a luscious full body and silky smooth texture along with ripe tannins and a well-developed structure. A great wine to drink with charcuterie, aged cheeses, tomato-based pasta dishes and red meats.
      
89. Otronia Block Iii & Vi Chardonnay 2020 : 8Wines : GBP56.51
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is one of the southernmost Chardonnay’s in the world, harvested from parcel 22 of Otronia’s estate in the frontiers of Argentina. It is packed with aromas of peach, green apple, pear, and aromatic white flowers, such as jasmine, lily, and chamomile. It is notably fresh on the nose, reflected by the hues of green that appear as you pour it into a glass. Otronia estate is situated on parallel 45’33, in the heart of Patagonia. Its stunning range of wines are the creative output of Mendoza native Juan Pablo Murgia, a talented oenologist with more than one trophy to his name. In 2021, he was chosen by Tim Atkin, in his Argentina Special Report, as Young Winemaker of the Year. A year later, he was selected as Winemaker of the Year by Patricio Tapia of Descorchados. The Otronia Chardonnay is stunningly fresh and complex on the palate. The cold, high-altitude climate of Patagonia imparts a tense vein of acidity, elevating the fruity palate of lemon zest, white peach, apple, and pear. As it lingers in the mouth, you can also find notes of green herbs, dried thyme, and chamomile tea. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months before bottling. Consider pairing it with roast poultry, creamy pasta, or soft, pungent cheese.
      
90. Perse Inseparable 2022 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Argentine winery PerSe Wines, founded in 2012, produces mountain wines at around 1,500 meters above sea level in the Gualtallary wine region in the northwest of Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Here, the vines enjoy one of the coolest climates in the country and soils of deep white chalk and decomposed granite. The vineyards are organically farmed (although not certified), and the work in the vineyard and cellar is based on a philosophy of minimal intervention. The Malbec grapes come from vineyards that are about 12 years old. After fermentation in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and a maceration period of about 40 days, the wine rests for about 14 months in used French oak barrels. Malbec Inseparable is a stylish and intense high-altitude wine that reveals a brilliant and dense purple color and a broad and complex aromatic profile with notes of red and dark fruit, such as cherry and plum, hints of violets, pepper, and lavender. On the palate, it is powerful, juicy and fruity with smooth tannins and a clear mineral vein. It has a long and elegant finish. Its balanced character will make it a perfect companion for lamb chops and barbecued meats.
      
91. San Pedro De Yacochuya Yacochuya 2018 : 8Wines : GBP54.82
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. The famous “flying winemaker” Michel Rolland first came to Argentina at the invitation of the Etchart family in 1988. Smitten by the incredible terroir in this part of northern Argentina, it wasn’t long before Rolland partnered with the Etcharts to found Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya in the world’s highest winemaking region, Cafayate. The vineyards here are planted at 2000 metres above sea level which creates fascinating conditions for making top quality wine. Thanks to the very intense sunlight at this altitude and cool night time temperatures, the grapes reach optimal ripeness and also develop greater intensity of flavour, tannin and colour. Rolland’s Yacochuya cuvee is crafted predominantly from Malbec along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the finest vineyard on the estate which is planted with 60 year old vines. Since the days can be very hot during the summer, the grapes are harvested at night and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness. Ageing takes place in 70% used and 30% new French oak barrels for 12 months. This creates a rich and robust red which is bursting with luscious dark berries, hints of dried violets and cigar box spice on the long finish.
      
92. San Pedro De Yacochuya Red 2021 : 8Wines : GBP20.86
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Reminiscent of the American Southwest, Cafayate in northern Argentina is one of the highest altitude winemaking regions in the world. Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya was founded here by renowned winemaking consultant Michel Rolland and the local Etchart family who have been making wine here since 1850. The estate’s vines grow at around 2000 metres above sea level in desert-like conditions. The high altitude helps to produce intensely concentrated and richly-flavoured wines thanks to the intense UV rays and dry, arid conditions. Composed primarily of Malbec along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes for this vibrant red are harvested by hand in the early morning to help preserve freshness and aromatics. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in stainless tanks and then aged in new and used French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. The result is a luscious darkly fruited wine which is bursting with cassis, blackberry and black cherry accented with hints of licorice, woodsmoke and cigar box spice. Bold and robust, this full-bodied red is a great partner for red meats including a prime steak, juicy barbecued ribs or even charcuterie.
      
93. San Pedro De Yacochuya Torrontes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.91
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve chilled. Bodega San Pedro de Yacochuya is a collaborative project between famous “flying winemaker” Michel Rolland and the Etchart family who have been making wine in their native Argentina since 1850. The winery is located in Cafayate, one of the highest altitude winemaking regions in the world where the vines have to endure desert-like conditions with hot summers and very low rainfall. This terroir is perfectly-suited to Torrontes which is today considered Argentina’s iconic white wine variety. The grapes used for this wine are sourced from estate vineyards growing at 2000 metres above sea level. These harsh conditions help to emphasise the aromatic character of the grape as well as preserving plenty of mouthwatering freshness. To ensure the grapes reach the winery in optimal condition they are harvested early in the morning while it is still cool. Once in the winery they are carefully sorted and then fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. The result is a refreshing and elegant white wine which is bursting with hints of honeysuckle, peach, almond blossom and citrus zest. Light bodied and very easy to drink, it makes a great aperitif and also pairs great with spicy Asian dishes, seafood and sushi.
      
94. Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2008 with the construction of the winery in Tupungato, Rutini Wines is part of the Bodega Rural company. The 400 hectares of vineyards are located at an altitude that often exceeds a thousand meters, on pebbly soils of alluvial origin, with a climate characterized by dry and sunny summers, with significant day-night temperature variations. These pedoclimatic conditions favor the production of excellent-quality grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza from Rutini's Colección line is produced with grapes from the vineyards of Gualtallary and Altamira. In the glass, the wine shows an intense ruby-red color. The aromatic profile is deep and complex, with notes of black fruit, followed by hints of cocoa, tobacco, pepper and spicy touches reminiscent of vanilla, due to the aging of 12 months in French oak. On the palate, the wine shows a good concentration of red fruit, and firm but enveloping and silky tannins that denote personality and finesse. The finish is long and persistent. It is the perfect wine for game and stewed meats, especially venison or wild boar, but it also goes very well with dishes based on Porcini mushrooms or truffles.
      
95. Rutini Cabernet Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP24.24
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Rutini is a line of wines produced in the Tupungato area by Bodega Rural. This winery has deep roots in the past, and its foundation dates back to the late 1800s, when Felipe Rutini, an Italian who emigrated to Argentina, created his winery in Coquimbito, a rural hamlet of the department of Maipú, in the wine region of Mendoza. Today the estate owns over four hundred hectares of vineyards, distributed in the wine-growing region of Valle de Uco, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. The altitude, between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level, the variety of microclimates, and the nature of the land allow for the production of grapes of exceptional quality, vinified with advanced technologies, and with the utmost respect for tradition. This exquisite Argentine blend is made with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec grapes. The bold character and firm structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, with the roundness and softness of Malbec, create a harmonious and balanced wine, with an intense fruit concentration and great elegance. The final wine is aged for a year in partly new and partly second-passage French barrels. Try it with braised and stewed meat.
      
96. Rutini Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1885 by Felipe Rutini, Bodega la Rural is one of the leading producers of quality wine in Argentina. The avant-garde vision of its owner and the constant desire to combine technological evolution and innovation has allowed the company to produce high quality wines appreciated all over the world, which include the range of Rutini wines, produced in the Topungado area. The particular conditions of altitude, at the foot of the Andes and 80 kilometers south of the city of Mendoza, together with the beneficial effect of different microclimates allow to obtain an exceptional quality in the cultivated varieties. Rutini Malbec is a red wine with a very intense color and splendid purple reflections. On the nose, the wine reveals the typical intensity of Malbec with aromas of red fruits (cherry, currant), accompanied by hints of plum. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and highly concentrated. Its excellent tannic backbone reveals a resemblance to the French wines of Cahors. It is an excellent food wine. Try it with grilled and roasted red meats, filet of beef, roast lamb, wild rabbit ‘alla cacciatora’, or the typical Argentine beef empanadas.
      
97. Rutini Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1885 by Felipe Rutini under the original name of Bodega La Rural, Rutini Wines is today one of Argentina's most renowned wineries, owning over four hundred hectares of vineyards spread across the Uco Valley, at the foot of the Andes. Here, the vines benefit from the altitude, intense sunlight, and unique microclimate diversity that favors premium-quality viticulture. The Chardonnay grapes come from a vineyard located in the Gualtallary sub-region at approximately 1,185 meters above sea level. After harvesting, half of the fermentation takes place in French oak barrels and the other half in stainless steel tanks. The finished wine then ages for 9 months in French oak (20% new). In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant golden color with light greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and exotic, with notes of tropical fruit such as mango and pineapple, banana, stone fruit, and hints of vanilla and honey. On the palate, it is rich and generous, smooth and well-structured. It has crisp acidity, well-balanced by a fruity and juicy character. It is fresh and harmonious, with a long, fruity, and silky finish. When it comes to food pairings, it is a true all-rounder: it pairs well with fish, seafood, vegetable omelettes, paella, grilled pork, and roast chicken.
      
98. Tapiz Seleccion De Barricas 2019 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. This powerful Bordeaux blend is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec along with a dash of Syrah and Merlot. All of the fruit is sourced from Tapiz’s San Pablo single vineyard in Mendoza’s Uco Valley in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. This vineyard sits at 1400 metres above sea level which helps to give a unique character to the wine. Cool nights and breezes from the nearby mountains ensure a long and slow ripening period with plenty of complex aromas and freshness in the grapes. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified and a special selection of barrels is made which will be used for this particular wine. On the nose there are enticing hints of coffee, dark chocolate and crushed cassis while the well-integrated oak is immediately apparent on the palate with cigar box spice and hints of vanilla mingling with the juicy dark fruit flavours. The smooth tannins and full body make this a great partner for barbecued red meats, steak and roast beef. Tapiz winery is widely recognised as Argentina’s most innovative and high-tech thanks to their dedicated research into viticulture in partnership with the University of Cuyo and other local organisations. Overseeing the winemaking is top consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet has previously worked at both Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley.
      
99. Tapiz Las Notas De Jean Claude 2020 : 8Wines : GBP82.33
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Bodega Tapiz is an Argentine winery located in Tupungato, in the Mendoza region, and owned by Dr. Patrícia Ortiz since 2003. The wines are elaborated by an oenological team led by Fabian Valenzuela, with the advice of Jean Claude Berrouet, head winemaker at Chateau Petrus for over 40 years. The wine is a Merlot-led blend, with additions of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. The grapes come from the San Pablo vineyard, located at an altitude of 1350 meters above sea level in the Uco Valley, in the Mendoza wine region. Here the proximity of the Andes and the altitude guarantee low night temperatures which result in wines of great aromatic intensity, with deep color and excellent structure, capable of aging for a long time. The wine is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels. Tapiz Las Notas de Jean Claude is a wine of great intensity and richness that fully expresses the potential of its land of origin. The aromatic profile is complex with notes of fresh red fruits, raspberries, cassis, and truffles, accompanied by delicate spicy nuances. Finally, the aging in oak adds notes of coffee and chocolate. In the mouth the wine is powerful, but at the same time balanced and elegant with soft tannins. The finish is long and pleasantly intense. Try it with grilled meat, especially beef, and lamb.
      
100. Tapiz Black Tears Malbec 2021 : 8Wines : GBP40.70
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This handsome Malbec is rich and smooth with ample cassis, dark plum and blackberry notes as well as hints of vanilla, coconut and bitter chocolate. On the palate there’s a generous full body, ripe tannins and long finish with notes of dried fruit and baking spice. The well-rounded and juicy flavour profile makes this a great match for roast beef, barbecued meats, or a prime steak. Tapiz is one of Argentina’s leading wineries thanks to their deep commitment to research and development in partnership with local bodies like the University of Cuyo. This work helps them to produce truly exceptional wines which capture the typicity of each variety and terroir. Their Black Tears Malbec is crafted at Finca San Pablo in Mendoza’s Uco Valley which has dramatic views of the magnificent Andes Mountains. The vines here sit at an altitude of 1400 metres, helping to preserve freshness in the grapes as well as delicate aromatic complexity. In the winery the young wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months to add extra polish and harmony, followed by another 12 months of ageing in the bottle before release.
      
101. Tapiz Alta Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.65
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Tapiz’s consultant winemaker is the famed Jean-Claude Berrouet who previously made wine at both Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley, two of the world’s most respected wineries. Tapiz has emerged in recent years as Argentina’s most high-tech winery thanks to their dedication to research and development in collaboration with local organisations like the University of Cuyo. This luscious Cabernet is part of Tapiz’s Alta Collection wines which use fruit from the winery’s Finca San Pablo estate in Mendoza’s Uco Valley in the foothills of the Andes. Conditions here are ideal for making intensely-flavoured red wines thanks to the 1400 metres of altitude and cooling breezes from the nearby mountains. The cooler nights even during the hot summers help to preserve acidity in the grapes and a long, slow ripening period which intensifies their flavours and aromas. Blackberry jam, cassis and baking spice define the nose of this powerful Cabernet while the palate offers well-rounded tannins, a smooth texture and a full body. The finish is long and clean with hints of cinnamon, cloves and vanilla from the maturation in oak barrels. The punchy flavour profile makes this a great match for red meats including steak, barbecued meats and beef stews.
      
102. Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.65
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. This great value red is made by famed winemaking consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet who used to make wine at the legendary Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley. Tapiz is one of Argentina’s most high-tech and innovative wineries with its own research and development team who partner with local bodies like the University of Cuyo to conduct cutting-edge studies into the terroir and winemaking techniques. Tapiz’s Alta Collection wines are all made from top quality grapes from Finca San Pablo in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The vineyards here sit at 1400 metres above sea level in the foothills of the dramatic Andes Mountains. This stunning setting benefits from cooling mountain breezes and a large temperature difference between the day and night which helps to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity in the grapes. On the nose there are enticing hints of ripe plums, jammy blackcurrants and cherries while the first sip reveals a well-rounded full body, smooth tannins and long spicy finish with notes of cinnamon and clove from the oak ageing. This plush Malbec has great balance and plenty of freshness, making it a great match for tomato-based pasta dishes and pizzas.
      
103. Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2023 : 8Wines : GBP15.65
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. This great value red is made by famed winemaking consultant Jean-Claude Berrouet who used to make wine at the legendary Chateau Petrus in Bordeaux and Dominus in Napa Valley. Tapiz is one of Argentina’s most high-tech and innovative wineries with its own research and development team who partner with local bodies like the University of Cuyo to conduct cutting-edge studies into the terroir and winemaking techniques. Tapiz’s Alta Collection wines are all made from top quality grapes from Finca San Pablo in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The vineyards here sit at 1400 metres above sea level in the foothills of the dramatic Andes Mountains. This stunning setting benefits from cooling mountain breezes and a large temperature difference between the day and night which helps to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity in the grapes. On the nose there are enticing hints of ripe plums, jammy blackcurrants and cherries while the first sip reveals a well-rounded full body, smooth tannins and long spicy finish with notes of cinnamon and clove from the oak ageing. This plush Malbec has great balance and plenty of freshness, making it a great match for tomato-based pasta dishes and pizzas.
      
104. Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc 2021 : 8Wines : GBP12.94
Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Founded in 2008 by Patricia Ortiz, Wapisa Winery is a boutique winery located in Argentina’s remote southern region of Patagonia which is known for producing elegant and expressive wines. Wapisa focuses on sustainable practices in both its vineyards and winemaking processes, with a deep respect for the environment which has won them numerous prestigious awards. They produce a diverse range of wines made from international grape varieties like Malbec, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. This Sauvignon Blanc is made from hand-harvested grapes that are grown in the estate vineyards located in the cool climate region of the Rio Negro Valley. The conditions here help to emphasise the natural beauty of the Sauvignon Blanc, locking in plenty of freshness and aromatics in the finished wine. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, preserving the crisp and bright fruit flavors. On the nose you’ll find aromas of citrus, green apple, and grassy notes, while the first sip reveals a light body and crisp flavors of grapefruit, lime, and a hint of minerality. The finish is clean and refreshing, making it an excellent pairing with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.
      
105. Allram Reserve Grauburgunder 2024 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. The Allram estate is recognised as one of the Kamptal region’s finest thanks to the hard work and dedication of Michaela Haas-Allram and her husband Erich who took over from her parents in 1992. The Kamptal has a growing reputation for exceptional white wines thanks to the steep terraced vineyards which look down on the Kamp river below. The Allram family have been making wine here for decades and benefit from some of the region’s finest vineyards, including plots in the premier Heiligenstein, Gaisberg, and Renner crus. This charming Grauburgunder is crafted from the Pinot Gris grape grown in their 6 hectare Hasel vineyard. It’s a prized site that’s rich in chalk, loess and hummus and sits at 360 metres above sea level, providing great growing conditions for this white wine variety. The ample sunshine and cooler nights help to lock in plenty of freshness as well as ripe fruity character, creating a very well-balanced and approachable wine. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in 300 litre casks before being left to age for 6 months on the gross lees and another 6 months on the fine lees. This adds plenty of power and complexity to the wine, producing a full-bodied wine with a creamy, silky texture and intense notes of ripe orchard fruit, honey, fresh pastries, and lingering notes of citrus and spice.
      
106. Bernhard Ott Rosenberg Erste Lage Gruner Veltliner 2022 : 8Wines : GBP43.37
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Elected Winemaker of the Year by Falstaff magazine in 2008, Bernhard Ott has been at the helm of the old family business since the 1990s. The estate, founded in 1889, extends over 40 hectares in the Wagram region, in Lower Austria, where the vineyards benefit from composed soils from loess, very deep and rich in mineral sediments and fossils. Following Bernhard's arrival, the company converted to a biodynamic regime. The Gruner Veltliner grapes come from the Rosenberg vineyard, the most prestigious of the estate, located approximately 300 meters above sea level, on limestone soils with loess up to 20 meters deep. The vines, distributed amphitheatrically with southern exposure, are among the oldest on the estate and some of them are over 60 years old. The wine shows a bright yellow color with greenish reflections. Its aromatic profile is pungent with notes of green apple and herbs, especially lemon balm, lime blossom, passion fruit, and citrus hints. On the palate, it is vibrant, fresh and linear. It is juicy and shows a very pleasant concentration of citrus fruits with a mineral streak and good complexity. The finish is persistent and recalls mineral and stone fruit notes. It is the ideal wine for dishes based on asparagus or starters based on fish and shellfish.
      
107. Dorli Muhr Ried Spitzerberg Kranzen 1otw Erste Lage 2021 : 8Wines : GBP36.55
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. Dorli Muhr is a household name in the Austrian wine world thanks to her tireless work in promoting the nation’s wines on the international stage for the last three decades. In 2002 she felt the call to return to her family’s heritage, beginning with a tiny 0.17 hectare plot she inherited from her grandmother in Spitzerberg. Dorli soon became known as the “crazy woman” of the village, reducing the production per vine, treading the grapes by foot, and fermenting using natural yeasts. This painstaking attention to detail helped put Spitzerberg on the map for top quality Blaufränkisch, and in 2023 Kranzen was recognised as a Erste Lage or “Premier Cru”. These vineyards are on the eastern side of the region where the sandy soils are fine-grained and retain a bit more moisture. Dorli’s vineyards here are some of the oldest Blaufränkisch on the estate, and she chooses to mature the wine in neutral 600-litre barrels for two years. This spectacular bottle is testament to Dorli’s hard work and passion for Austrian Blaufränkisch and makes a great introduction to this exuberant style of red. On the nose expect plenty of vibrant red cherry and plump berries seasoned with smoky cedar wood. Smooth tannins and a medium-plus body give this wine structure along with a long peppery finish that leaves you wanting more.
      
108. Dorli Muhr Ried Spitzerberg Kobeln 1otw Erste Lage 2021 : 8Wines : GBP57.28
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. After a groundbreaking career in wine PR, Dorli Muhr established her own winery in 2002 based around a tiny 0.17 hectare vineyard that was a wedding gift to her grandmother in 1918. She immediately got stuck in with unorthodox methods like treading her grapes by foot and painstakingly picking the grapes by hand which led her new neighbours to nickname her the “crazy woman”. Over the years Dorli has acquired more and more prime vineyards in Spitzerberg planted with old Blaufränkisch vines and her dedication to the region helped it receive Erste Lage or “Premier Cru” classification in 2019. Her wines like this spectacular Spitzerberg Kobeln are regularly ranked amongst Austria’s top red wines. This bottling comes from the highest point in Spitzerberg which is especially dry, rocky, and exposed to the wind and sun. These harsh conditions help create powerful wines with firm tannins that can age beautifully in the cellar and only reach their peak some 5-6 years following the vintage. Dorli just produces a thousand bottles of Kobeln each year, ageing the wine in large neutral casks for 20 months before bottling without filtration. The result is what James Suckling describes as “dark and mysterious”, an opulent style of Blaufränkisch with a strong structure and decadent ripe fruit topped with a surprising smoothness on the palate.
      
109. Dorli Muhr Ried Spitzerberg Obere Roterd 1otw Erste Lage 2021 : 8Wines : GBP74.03
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. For three decades Dorli Muhr worked hard to help put Austrian wines on the map before turning her attention to her grandmother’s small 0.17 hectare vineyard in Spitzerberg. This hidden gem formed the basis of Dorli’s new project as she gradually acquired other prime sites planted with old Blaufränkisch vines. In the early days Dorli’s village neighbours worried about her unorthodox techniques like treading the grapes by foot and fermenting using wild yeasts. Yet over time her methods and dedication became pivotal in establishing Spitzerberg as one of Austria’s prestigious Erste Lage or “Premier Crus”. Obere Roterd is a narrow sub-region of Spitzerberg located on a narrow plateau on sandy dry soils with some limestone present. Dorli chooses to mature this wine in large neutral casks for 22 months to showcase the natural elegance and poise of the terroir. She also takes a very minimalist approach to vinification, leaving the must to ferment spontaneously in open vats without any cooling or pumping and stomping a third of the grapes by foot. This gentle approach creates a remarkably complex wine where rich fruit is harmoniously balanced by plenty of freshness. From the first sip it is easy to see why Dorli’s Obere Roterd consistently receives scores in the high 90s from major wine critics like James Suckling.
      
110. Dorli Muhr Samt & Seide Blaufrankisch 2022 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. The roots of Dorli Muhr date back to the year 1912 when 0.17 hectares of vines were gifted to Katharina Muhr by her aunt. Katharina was an enthusiastic grape grower and winemaker, tending to her vines and producing a small amount of wine to be shared with friends and family. Eventually the vines died and the land was left fallow until Katharina’s granddaughter Dorli discovered her own passion for winemaking. Today Dorli runs her small winery alongside the next generation, her daughter Anna. The grapes for this exceptional red are harvested from a total of 20 individual parcels located on Spitzerberg’s southern slope. These sites are planted with 15-35 year old Blaufrankisch vines. As indicated by the name of this wine, the older vines provide the “Seide” or silk while the younger vines bring the “Samt” or velvet. Once in the winery the grapes are treated with minimal intervention. They are left to spontaneously ferment with wild yeasts with a proportion of the grapes trodden in the traditional style by foot. The young wine is then matured in 1000 and 3000 litre wooden casks for 20 months. The result is a remarkably elegant wine with ample red fruit character as well as a distinctive depth and power from the older vines and the extended ageing.
      
111. Dorli Muhr Carnuntum 2022 : 8Wines : GBP16.43
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The story of Dorli Muhr begins in 1912 when the 18 year old Katharina Muhr was given a modest 0.17 hectare plot of vines by her aunt. Over the years Katharina tended to the vines and enjoyed the wine they gave until the vines eventually died off and the land was left fallow. In 1995 Katharina’s granddaughter Dorli Muhr had her own dream of making wine and began to replant the fallow land. The project soon blossomed and grew into a boutique winery where Dorli now works alongside her daughter, Anna. Carnuntum is crafted from 65% Blaufränkisch and 35% Syrah and undergoes very light-handed treatment in the winery to showcase the character of the varieties and terroir. The grapes are fermented using wild yeasts and without the addition of sulphur with maceration taking place slowly in large wooden casks. The young wine is then left to mature for two years to produce a very well-rounded and balanced red with a lively personality. On the nose there are enticing hints of red cherries, plums and violets while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity and medium body. The rich red fruit flavours on the palate linger long on the tongue and the moderate tannins and finely-built structure make this a great choice for extended cellaring over the next few years.
      
112. Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd 2021 : 8Wines : GBP142.43
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant, but best to open it for an hour before service. The Austrian family-run winery Franz Hirtzberger is located in the village of Spitz in the Wachau wine region, in a strategic position ideally between the mountains and the Danube, where Gruner Veltliner and Riesling create wines of amazing quality and longevity. The Riesling grapes are selected and harvested by hand in the steep Singerriedel vineyard located behind the Hirtzberger winery, in one of the best locations in the entire Wachau wine region. Here the vines enjoy a mineral-rich soil from the paragneiss, with mica, slate, and mineral rock. The entire vineyard, widely regarded as the crown jewel of the estate, has undergone a complete renovation lasting about 20 years with the reconstruction of the stone terraces in traditional style. Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd has a clear greenish-yellow color with bright silver reflections. On the nose, it reveals an intense and fresh aromatic profile with notes of mango and passion fruit, peach and white flowers, and hints of lime and orange peel in the background. On the palate, it is powerful and juicy, full-bodied and intensely mineral. It is fresh and fruity with a strong and clear acidity that suggests excellent aging potential. The finish is long with hints of citrus and minerals. Drink it immediately with oysters or shellfish, or store it in the cellar for 2 or 3 decades.
      
113. Fritsch Materia Prima 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Drink it now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. The story of Weinberghof Fritsch begins in World War II when the five year old Karl Fritsch was sent from Vienna to the Austrian countryside to shelter from bombing raids. Captivated by these early experiences, in the 1960s Fritsch founded his own winery in Austria’s Wagram wine region. From the beginning the focus was on quality production and innovation; the estate was one of the first in the region to bottle red wines. Under Karl’s son, also named Karl, the estate has embraced biodynamic agriculture and become a benchmark for innovative and serious Wagram wines. Materia Prima is an interesting blend of Austrian native varieties Grün­er Veltliner and Traminer made in an orange wine style with varying levels of skin contact depending on the character of the vintage. Grapes are harvested by hand for optimal ripeness and quality and fermentation is allowed to happen spontaneously using wild yeasts. The young wine then ages for 12 months in a mix of large neutral wooden barrels and concrete egg-shaped tanks. Expect vibrant freshness and aromatic intensity, with hints of orange zest, white flowers, and spicy ginger over a subtle minerality.
      
114. Fritsch Schlossberg Erste Lage Gruner Veltliner 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Weinberghof Fritsch is one of the most renowned cellars in Austria’s Wagram wine region. Erste Lage or “First Growth” is the German/Austrian vineyard designation roughly equivalent to “Premier Cru” in the French system. The Schlossberg vineyard in particular is prized for its deep loess soils and setting on a high plateau which help moderate summer temperatures, producing a pure, balanced white with a distinctive minerality. Wherever possible Fritsch works in harmony with nature, using biodynamic practices in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the winery to showcase the beauty of the terroir and grape. Grapes are harvested by hand and allowed to ferment spontaneously with wild yeasts. They use traditional methods like fermentation and maturation in 2000-litre neutral wooden casks for two months. The result is a zingy, poised and expressive Grüner Veltliner with extra structure and subtle tannins from the aging process. Expect plenty of orchard fruit like red apples and pears along with hints of honeydew melon and yellow plums. The finish is clean and smooth with subtle touches of wild herbs and fresh tobacco. This elegant wine is ideal to drink now, although it also has excellent cellaring potential.
      
115. Fritsch Mordthal Erste Lage Riesling 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.09
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Weinberghof Fritsch has emerged as one of the Wagram region’s premier producers thanks to the vision and hard work of Karl Fritsch Jr. who took over the running of the family estate from his father in 1999. Today he has around 25 hectares planted mostly with local white grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and some Zweigelt and Pinot Noir. In the early 2000s they made the switch to biodynamic farming, becoming one of the founders of the respekt-Biodyn association which supports sustainable viticulture. This single vineyard Este Lage or “First Growth” cuvee comes from Fritsch’s prized Mordthal vineyard which is named after the mammoth bones found nearby. The Riesling vines sit at 230–250 m above sea level facing south for plenty of sun exposure during the ripening season. The ancient Danube river once passed through here, leaving layers of sand, rock and gravel which give the wine purity and a subtle minerality. The grapes are harvested at full ripeness with several passes through the vineyard if necessary. Once in the winery fermentation is spontaneous using yeast naturally found in the environment in large neutral casks or stainless steel tanks. After aging on the fine lees for a few months, the wine is bottled with minimal filtering to preserve the natural zest and purity. This is a precise, mineral-driven Riesling with great ageing potential that’s ideal to enjoy on its own or alongside seafood, shellfish, or spicy Asian cuisine.
      
116. Fritsch Steinberg Erste Lage Roter Veltliner 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.09
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Sent from Vienna to the countryside as a child during World War II, Karl Fritsch developed an early passion for wine that would shape his entire life and legacy. In the 1960s he founded a winery in Oberstockstall near Kirchberg am Wagram. Under his son, also named Karl Fritsch, the estate has blossomed into one of Austria’s finest, especially since their conversion to biodynamic agriculture in 2006. Today the family are known for their exceptional terroir-driven wines and prized vineyards like the “Erste Lage” or “First Growth” Steinberg site where this cuvee is born. The deep loess soils here are rich in minerals and retain plenty of water and warmth, creating balanced wines with a subtle touch of spice and minerality. For this wine Karl has used Roter Veltliner or “Red” Veltliner, a rare white grape variety native to Austria that is not actually related to Grüner Veltliner. The name comes from the reddish tint of the ripe grape skins. This spectacular example is macerated on the skins for a few days and matured in 2000 litre acacia wood barrels for a creamier texture and greater structure. The result is a complex, layered white wine with luxurious notes of apricots, dried fruit, and nuts overlaid with zingy citrus and plenty of refreshing acidity.
      
117. Fj Gritsch Gruner Veltliner Kirchpoint 2024 : 8Wines : GBP13.02
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to an hour before serving. For those seeking imperious, age-worthy white wines, the bank of the River Danube is the ultimate place to start. Franz-Josef Gritsch is a seventh-generation wine-maker located in Spitz, right in the heart of the world-renowned Wachau region. Those at FJ Gritsch strike a seamless balance between the pride of place, centuries-old tradition, and modern technology. The estate itself has been a part of the stunning Wachau Valley landscape since the 13th century, but as of 2015, FJ Gritsch has brought a modern twist to proceedings with their state-of-the-art Kalmuck cellar. This single vineyard Gruner Veltliner is alive with scents of lemon peel, citrus fruit, coriander, apple and nut. It was fermented in stainless steel and aged on the lees, imparting a round mouthfeel. It is an aromatic, elegant wine with a throughline of concentrated fruits and minerality. On the palate, you can detect flavours of ripe red and green apples, pure lime, green pepper and fine, spicy minerality. The finish is long and tart. Gruner Veltliner from along the Danube’s banks are famed for their ageing ability, and this one is no exception. Keep it for up to 10 years. Serve it slightly chilled, alongside tangy Asian dishes, or traditional Viennese food, with plenty of sweet pork.
      
118. Fj Gritsch Riesling Ried 1000-eimerberg 2024 : 8Wines : GBP30.97
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting is optional, up to an hour before serving. The Gritsch family have been working the banks of the River Danube for approximately 200 years. The winery was officially founded in 1799, in a quaint, yellow building known as Mauritiushof in the centre of Spitz. These days it is run by Franz-Josef, who has expanded the cellar into something worthy of the modern age and garnered worldwide praise in the process - including countless 90+ ratings from wine critics. The “Smaragd” label indicates that this wine is among the most powerful wines that Wachau has to offer. It is also sourced from one of the most impressive sites in the region, a steep, vineyard-covered hill known as “1000-Eimerberg”, which the folks at FJ Gritsch harvest by hand. As soon as you pop the cork, this single-vineyard wine explodes with scents of ripe stone fruit, grapefruit and orange peel, with a delicate, shimmering minerality in the background. It was aged on the lees and matured in oak barrels before bottling. The palate is a harmonious, fruity experience. Flavours of peach, lemon peel and wet stone are driven along by fantastically juicy acids. The finish is long, revealing further hints of minerals. Consider pairing this with Mediterranean food, classic Austrian pork sausage, or a white fish fillet.
      
119. Fj Gritsch Gruner Veltliner Ried Hochrain 2024 : 8Wines : GBP26.11
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Located in the wine region and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau in Austria, the FJ Gritsch winery is based in the historic Mauritiushof in Spitz on the Danube. The estate, owned by the Gritsch family for approximately 200 years and 7 generations, has approximately 15 hectares of vineyards located on dramatic terraces where mechanical work is impossible. Today the company is led by Franz-Josef Gritsch and produces high-quality wines thanks to a perfect combination of respect for traditions and the use of advanced technologies. The Gruner Veltliner grapes are harvested manually from the terraced Hochrain vineyard located at approximately 215-290 m above sea level between St Michael and Wösendorf, on paragneiss soils with a sandy loess bottom. Fermentation takes place in steel at a controlled temperature and the finished wine ages on the lees. The wine reveals an intense and fresh aromatic profile with notes of yellow fruit, bergamot, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is dry and lean, with a vibrant acidity and an almost creamy structure. It is rich and fruity with a long and persistent finish that recalls hints of pepper. It works great with many vegetarian dishes, but it's an absolute must-try with an asparagus and gruyere quiche.
      
120. Knoll Loibner Gruner Veltliner Vinothekfullung Smaragd 2021 : 8Wines : GBP67.04
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The renowned Knoll family winery is located in Unterloiben in Austria's beautiful Wachau wine region. The estate, which also includes a restaurant, extends across approximately 14 hectares of vineyards spread across steep terraces between Loibenberg, Kreutles, Schütt, Pfaffenberg, and Kellerberg. Riesling and Gruner Veltliner dominate, alongside other local and international varietals such as Chardonnay, Rivaner, Gelber Muskateller, Gelber Traminer, and Pinot Noir. The Gruner Veltliner grapes for the Vinothekfullung Smaragd are selected from the estate's finest vineyards (Loibenberg, Kellerberg, and Kreutles). Here, the terraced vines benefit from soils composed of loess, slate, and primary rock, and a Pannonian climate tempered by Atlantic sea breezes. Harvesting takes place relatively late in the season to ensure the production of rich, robust wines. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and complex aromatic character with notes of Williams pear, quince, and candied apricot interspersed with hints of honey and smoky nuances. On the palate, it is rich, concentrated, and elegant, with a creamy texture and sharp acidity. It is powerful and characterful, with a long, intense finish reminiscent of honeyed notes. Leave it in the cellar for a few years, or if you can't resist, try it with Indian cuisine.
      
121. Knoll Gruner Veltliner Ried Loibenberg Smaragd 2023 : 8Wines : GBP45.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Located in Unterloiben in northeastern Austria, the Knoll winery is one of the best in the Wachau wine region. The vineyards of the estate are located between 260 and 350 meters above sea level, facing south, and are about 30 years old on average. The soil is composed of calcareous silt (loess) and rock-containing quartz (gneiss). The estate produces deep white wines that beautifully combine elegance, finesse, and aging potential and are a strong expression of their terroir. Made with Gruner Veltliner grapes sourced from the Ried Loibenberg vineyard, the wine is labeled as "Smaragd", a mention that designates a full-bodied and complex wine according to the denomination. The harvest is manual. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and foudres for five to fifteen days. The finished wine is then aged for three months on the lees. The wine reveals a complex and deep aromatic profile with aromas of fresh herbs, white fruit, and mineral notes. On the palate, it is rich, intense, and round. It is a very classy wine, with refined flavors and a great aging potential. The finish is fresh and recalls saline notes. It goes very well with asparagus, all types of fish but also with veal.
      
122. Knoll Riesling Ried Loibenberg Smaragd 2023 : 8Wines : GBP54.52
Drink now or cellar for 15 years. Serve chilled. The Knoll family are something of a household name in Austria thanks to their delicious white wines bottled under the iconic Saint Urban label. The family started bottling their own wines in the 1950s and have helped put Wachau on the map for exceptional white wines. Today the estate is run by Emmerich II and Monika Knoll and their son Emmerich II who have a total of 15 hectares of vines and are based in the picturesque village of Unterloiben. This excellent example of prime Austrian Riesling begins life in the Knolls’ Loibenberg vineyard in Unterloiben. Set on a steep terrace with stony soils at an altitude of 260 to 400 metres above sea level, this plot is one of the estate’s warmest vineyards and typically produces opulent, well-rounded dry Rieslings. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand and vinified in large oak casks with a lengthy maturation period before bottling. On the nose there are plenty of aromatics including hints of honeysuckle, almond blossom and ripe peach while the first sip reveals a medium body, vibrant freshness and stone fruit, citrus and red apple flavours which linger long on the tongue. This complex, multi-layered wine can be cellared for another decade or so, but also makes a delicious aperitif or partner for seafood and spicy Asian dishes for those who prefer to enjoy it now.
      
123. Knoll Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2024 : 8Wines : GBP21.65
Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. The Knoll family have played a critical role in establishing the Wachau’s reputation as one of the finest white wine producing regions in the world. The family bottled their first wines in the 1950s and first began to use their trademark image of Saint Urban in 1962. Today their iconic labels are famous across Austria and beyond. Nowadays the estate is run by Emmerich II and Monika Knoll together with their son Emmerich II who work 15 hectares of vines in and around the village of Unterloiben. Their Gruner Veltliner Federspiel is sourced from estate vineyards in and around Unterloiben which have an average age of 20-25 years and are planted on well-draining sandy aluvial soils. The grapes are harvested by hand to maintain quality and fermented using a combination of wild and commercial yeasts. The young wine is then aged on the lees for 3 months before bottling. The nose opens with subtle aromas of red apples, bright citrus and fresh herbs while the first sip reveals a light body, refreshing acidity and pure, clean finish with white peach and zesty notes. This energetic Gruner makes a great aperitif or partner for summer salads, fresh seafood and fish dishes, or sushi and spicy Asian dishes.
      
124. Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant. Located in Unterloiben in Austria's Wachau wine region, the Leo Alzinger winery was taken over in 2002 by Leo Alzinger Jr., after years of study and experience in Germany and New Zealand. The estate, which extends over approximately 11.5 hectares in the Danube Valley, has plots in the picturesque terraced vineyards of Loibenberg and Steinertal. Production involves the white grapes Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Grüner Veltliner is reserved for the lower plots with loamy soils on loess, while Riesling reigns supreme on the higher plots with primary rock. The grapes come from vineyards located at about 200 meters above sea level. They are planted on shallow and infertile soils on the terraces south of the Loibenberg, the warmest in the Wachau, thanks to their excellent exposure. Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd is a lean and straightforward wine that is elegant and has excellent aging potential. On the nose, it reveals a lively and intense aromatic profile with notes of exotic fruit, broom, and stone fruit, followed by clear mineral hints of slate and flint. On the palate, it displays the vibrant acidity typical of Riesling, but is also velvety, juicy, and powerful, with an almost creamy texture and a long mineral finish. Its bone-dry character makes it ideal for oysters, sausages with sauerkraut, and with spicy Chinese, and Thai dishes.
      
125. Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd 2024 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant. Located in Unterloiben in Austria's Wachau wine region, the Leo Alzinger winery was taken over in 2002 by Leo Alzinger Jr., after years of study and experience in Germany and New Zealand. The estate, which extends over approximately 11.5 hectares in the Danube Valley, has plots in the picturesque terraced vineyards of Loibenberg and Steinertal. Production involves the white grapes Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Grüner Veltliner is reserved for the lower plots with loamy soils on loess, while Riesling reigns supreme on the higher plots with primary rock. The grapes come from vineyards located at about 200 meters above sea level. They are planted on shallow and infertile soils on the terraces south of the Loibenberg, the warmest in the Wachau, thanks to their excellent exposure. Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd is a lean and straightforward wine that is elegant and has excellent aging potential. On the nose, it reveals a lively and intense aromatic profile with notes of exotic fruit, broom, and stone fruit, followed by clear mineral hints of slate and flint. On the palate, it displays the vibrant acidity typical of Riesling, but is also velvety, juicy, and powerful, with an almost creamy texture and a long mineral finish. Its bone-dry character makes it ideal for oysters, sausages with sauerkraut, and with spicy Chinese, and Thai dishes.
      
126. Markus Huber Terrassen Gruner Veltliner 2024 : 8Wines : GBP10.45
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve well chilled. Young winemaker Markus Huber has already made a name for himself with a string of international awards including the “Falstaff Winemaker of the Year” which is widely regarded as the Oscars of the Austrian wine industry. His wines are now sold in over 50 countries, communicating the brilliance of both his winemaking and the exceptional terroir of the Traisental Valley to wine lovers all over the globe. Austria’s most important grape variety is Gruner Veltliner, and this example from Huber is a modern classic with plenty of crisp freshness and finesse. The grapes for this bottling are grown organically in selected single vineyard plots where the vines are up to 80 years old. After harvesting the fruit is then crushed with 6 hours of skin contact followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged on the lees for 3 months to add polish and complexity. Ginger, aromatic herbs, citrus and spice define the nose while the first sip reveals a bright acidity balanced by a smooth texture and pure, clean finish. This is a great wine to serve as a refreshing aperitif or partner for grilled fish, sushi, seafood, or spicy Asian salads and curries.
      
127. Markus Huber Berg Erste Lage Riesling 2024 : 8Wines : GBP47.80
Cellar for up to 15 years. Serve well chilled. Markus Huber’s eponymous winery is set in Austria’s verdant Traisental Valley, the country’s smallest wine growing region which is known for its minerally full-bodied Riesling and Gruner Veltliner white wines. Markus is one of Austria’s most promising young winemakers and was named “Falstaff Winemaker of the Year” at an awards ceremony which is considered the Oscars of the Austrian wine industry. This single vineyard wine comes from a steep east-facing slope with a gradient of 25% where the Riesling vines have to be planted on terraces. This special vineyard has very poor soils with lots of limestone which forces the vines to struggle, producing small quantities of particularly concentrated and aromatic fruit. Once in the winery the fruit is left to macerate on the skins for 12 hours before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged on the lees for 8 months in acacia wood barrels to add polish and a creamier texture. Lemon peel, spring blossom and grapefruit define the nose while the first sip reveals a crisp, refreshing acidity, medium body, and bright citrus and stone fruit flavours ending in a pure, clean finish with hints of stony minerality.
      
128. Markus Huber Berg Erste Lage Gruner Veltliner 2024 : 8Wines : GBP46.04
Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve well chilled. Markus Huber is one of Austria’s leading young winemakers and was recently named “Falstaff Winemaker of the Year” at the awards ceremony that is considered to be the Oscars of the Austrian wine industry. His eponymous winery is set in the Traisental Valley, Austria’s smallest winegrowing region which is famous for its full-bodied Gruner Veltliner and Riesling wines. Markus’ Berg Gruner Veltliner is an “Erste Lage” or “first-class site” wine, the classification which is given to selected vineyards in recognition of their exceptional terroir. This particular vineyard is planted on terraces on a very steep slope with a 25% gradient. The soil here has very little organic matter, forcing the vines to struggle to get enough nutrients which helps to produce very concentrated and aromatic grapes. After harvest these grapes are carefully transported to the winery and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in acacia wood barrels for 8 months on the lees, a process which helps to add more body and a creamy texture. The result is an intense, full-bodied Gruner with plenty of the classic spicy varietal character along with hints of bright citrus and stone fruit. The bold flavour profile makes it a great white to pair with tricky ingredients like asparagus as well as spicy Asian curries and salads.
      
129. Markus Huber Alte Setzen Erste Lage Gruner Veltliner 2024 : 8Wines : GBP19.14
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Markus Huber's winery is one of the most renowned in Austria, with award-winning wines exported all over the world. The estate extends over approximately 50 hectares of vineyards where the most cultivated variety is Gruner Veltliner, Austrian flagship grape. The Gruner Veltliner grapes come from the Alte Setz vineyard, with an eastern exposure and a soil made of deep loess located above the conglomerate of the Hollenburg-Karlstetten formation, made up of limestone and dolomite boulders deposited approximately 15 million years ago. The soil and the vines, which are more than 60 years old, guarantee the production of high-quality grapes. Fermentation takes place half in large acacia barrels and half in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The finished wine is then left to rest for 5 months on the yeasts. This elegant Gruner Veltliner has a yellow color with greenish shades. On the nose, it reveals aromas of yellow apple, stone fruit, and spices, followed by hints of tropical fruit. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, juicy and fruity. It is a complex wine with a long aftertaste and excellent aging potential. It works well with blue cheeses and Asian food.
      
130. Markus Huber Ried Spiegeln Chardonnay 2024 : 8Wines : GBP28.72
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Reichersdorf in Austria’s Traisental wine district, Markus Huber Weingut is a renowned family-run winery founded in 2000 when Markus took over his father’s vineyards that had previously only been used to make wines for the family restaurant. The organically grown Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the Ried Spiegeln vineyard. Here the vines are rooted in ancient soil composed of a thin limestone conglomerate, and enjoy an eastern exposure with a beautiful view of the Danube. After manual harvesting, fermentation occurs spontaneously in 500-liter French oak barrels, and the finished wine rests on the lees for 10 months. Ried Spiegeln Chardonnay is an elegant and characterful wine with a golden color and some silver reflections. On the nose, it reveals a lively and intense aromatic profile with notes of passion fruit and tropical fruit, herbaceous and woody hints. On the palate, it is juicy and mineral, with a medium body and a creamy texture. It has a strong and well-integrated acidity and a refreshing fruit concentration that returns on the long finish. It is very versatile in food pairings. It works well with Pad Thai, Asian seafood dishes and asparagus quiches and tarts.
      
131. Markus Huber Alte Reben Pinot Noir 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Reichersdorf, in Austria's picturesque Traisental Valley, Weingut Markus Huber is an acclaimed and award-winning family-run winery that produces exceptionally high-quality wines, a true expression of their terroir. Markus took over the company from his father in 2000, expanding the vineyards and beginning to produce wine for retail, rather than just for the family restaurant. Since then, the winery has adopted a philosophy centered on quality and precision, incorporating a sustainable and energy-efficient approach in both the cellar and the vineyard. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from organically farmed vineyards situated in Nussdorf ob der Traisen, which benefit from limestone soils and a southeast exposure. After harvesting and fermenting in large oak barrels, the wine ages in oak for a year. In the glass, the Pinot Noir Alte Reben reveals a fruity aromatic profile with notes of ripe raspberries and small red berries, followed by hints of violets and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is rounded and polished, elegant and juicy with good structure and a long finish that recalls toasted and smoky notes. It is fresh and lively and pairs well with pheasant and turkey, but also with pork paté. Slightly chilled, it is also an excellent red for the summer days.
      
132. Markowitsch Ried Rosenberg 1otw Erste Lage 2022 : 8Wines : GBP39.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. The Markowitsch family has a long winemaking tradition and today cultivates approximately 65 hectares of vineyards located in the Carnuntum region, in Lower Austria. Here the vines can benefit from a warm and dry climate due to the low rainfall which results in fresh, fragrant, and elegant wines. The wine is a blend of Zweigelt, Merlot, and Blaufränkisch, from different areas of the Rosenberg vineyard. Blaufränkisch and Merlot are sourced in the upper area, where the soil is more sterile and gravelly, while Zweigelt comes from the lower area, where the soil is more clayey and deep. The name of the vineyard refers to the wild rose bushes that grow on the banks of the plot. After manual harvesting, fermentation occurs spontaneously in wood and the finished wine then rests in oak barrels of various sizes for 20 months. The Ried Rosenberg 1OTW Erste Lage is a powerful and intense wine with a broad and fragrant aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals notes of small ripe red berries, juniper, and cloves. On the palate, it is round and elegant, concentrated and balanced. It has firm and well-integrated tannins and a long, slightly spicy finish. It is excellent with braised beef, wild boar goulash, and marinated venison steak.
      
133. Markowitsch Ried Kirchweingarten 1otw Erste Lage 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Markowitsch is an Austrian family winery, located in the heart of the Carnuntum region, in Göttlesbrunn. The company, which owns about 65 hectares of vineyards, is today managed by Gerhard with his daughter who carry out a philosophy of sustainable agriculture and apply organic cultivation standards. Zweigelt grapes are selected and hand-picked from the Kirchweingarten vineyard, located below the church of Höflein, on a gentle slope, 180-190 meters above sea level. Here, the southwest exposure and the clay soil favor the production of robust, fresh, and very concentrated wines. After harvesting and spontaneous fermentation, the wine rests for 1 and a half years in oak barrels. Ried Kirchweingarten 1OTW Erste Lage is a lively and characterful wine. On the nose, it reveals a ripe and broad aromatic profile with notes of berries and dark fruits followed by spicy hints. On the palate, it is round and juicy, fruity and balanced. It has good concentration and smooth tannins. The finish is long and gently spicy. It is a wine with a good structure that requires pairing some rich food like hearty red meat stews or mature cheeses.
      
134. Markowitsch Pinot Noir Reserve 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Markowitsch is a family-run winery with a long tradition that dates back two centuries. Today the estate, which extends over approximately 65 hectares, is managed by Gerhard and his daughter. They produce renowned high-quality wines from local and international grape varieties. The grapes for the Pinot Noir Reserve come from Ried Scheibner located between the Aubühel and Bärnreiser vineyards in Höflein at 220 meters above sea level. Here the vines benefit from eastern exposure and a conical shape that creates protection from the winds. They are rooted in calcareous soil with sand and gravel on the surface and loess in some places. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats, the finished wine rests for 16 months in barrels of various sizes. On the nose, the wine reveals an intense and broad aromatic profile with notes of red fruits, rose hips, spices, and licorice. On the palate, it is concentrated, elegant and balanced. It has a medium body and fine, velvety tannins. It is fresh and smooth, with a long finish that recalls notes of licorice. Serve it slightly chilled with a porcini risotto or with guinea fowl with herbs.
      
135. Markowitsch Gruner Veltliner Alte Reben 2023 : 8Wines : GBP15.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Located in the heart of the Carnuntum region in Lower Austria, Markowitsch is a family-run winery with a long tradition. The Markowitsch family has been cultivating vines for over 200 years and today the estate is managed by Gerhard together with his daughter. The vineyards, cultivated organically, extend over approximately 65 hectares. The Gruner Veltliner grapes are harvested by hand from vines that are around 35 years old and planted on soils consisting of sandy and clayey sediments. After harvesting and fermentation at a controlled temperature in a mix of steel and large barrels, the finished wine rests on the lees in steel and wood before being bottled and released for sale. Grüner Veltliner Alte Reben is a characterful and complex wine, a classic example of what this Austrian grape variety can achieve in the Carnuntum region. On the nose, it reveals a broad aromatic profile with notes of stone fruit, tropical fruit, and spices. On the palate, it is concentrated and ripe, balanced and round. It has a creamy texture and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long, warm, and delicately spicy. It is the ideal wine to pair with asparagus, Schnitzel, and spicy Asian dishes.
      
136. F.x. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Ried Kellerberg 2022 : 8Wines : GBP99.10
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The Austrian winery F.X. Pichler is one of the most renowned and representative of the Wachau wine region. It was founded in 1898 and is now managed by Lucas Pichler, son of Franz Xaver (FX). The company, considered by Robert Parker as the "Château Latour, or the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti of Wachau", is also famous for the selection of Grüner Veltliner clones made in the 30s by Franz Pichler Sr. Situated on steep slopes and rocky terraces, the Kellerberg vineyard produces grapes of excellent quality, thanks to exceptional soil and climate conditions. Here, the vines enjoy a south-to-south-east exposure, and a soil composed of Gföhler gneiss with a rocky substrate. Grüner Veltliner Ried Kellerberg is a bold and concentrated wine with a broad aromatic profile. On the nose, it shows notes of green melon, citrus, spice, tropical fruit, and mineral hints. On the palate, it is rich and vibrant, complex and soft. It has a well-defined mineral vein, some salty touches, and a strong invigorating acidity. The finish is long, powerful, and persistent. It is a wine with excellent aging potential, but is ready to be enjoyed now with spicy Asian dishes, fried artichokes and seafood.
      
137. Weingut Philipp Grassl Ried Rothenberg Chardonnay 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Göttlesbrunn in Lower Austria, the Grassl winery has around 30 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards. Their focus is primarily on red wines from the local grape varieties Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St. Laurent. In the cellar, a minimal intervention approach is preferred to ensure the full expression of the grape and terroir. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Rothenberg vineyard in Carnuntum, whose name refers to the red gravel that characterizes the soil and gives a mineral character to the wine. Here, the vines, about 20 years old, are surrounded by forest, which favors a cooler climate and a slow maturation that guarantees the full development of the aromatic character. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation at a controlled temperature in barrels, the wine ages on the lees for about a year. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear color with light yellow tones with greenish and silver reflections. Its aromatic profile is elegant and delicate with notes of apple, peach, and lime followed by floral scents. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy, lively and medium-bodied with a well-defined and balanced acidity and a long finish that recalls notes of tropical fruit. It is an elegant and versatile wine that can last a few years in the cellar or can be enjoyed now with shellfish, Thai fish dishes, or pasta with seafood.
      
138. Weingut Philipp Grassl Gottlesbrunn Ried Neuberg 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.64
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Philipp Grassl comes from a family with a long tradition of winemaking dating back to the 18th century, but the first bottled wine did not arrive until the 1950s. In 2006, Philipp took over the company and his wines quickly gained recognition among critics and the public. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2015, and biodynamic practices have been introduced since 2019, with the aim of producing wines that reflect the incredible diversity of the region's terroirs. Ried Neuberg is a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and a small part of Merlot from the Neuberg vineyard, whose name refers to its favorable location. Here the vines, about 25 years old, enjoy a slight slope towards the south-east, and protection from the wind. After the harvest and fermentation in steel at a controlled temperature, the finished wine rests in wooden barrels and tonneaux (half of which are new). In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color with dark ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is fresh and broad with notes of cherry, blackberry, cassis, and plum followed by spicy hints. On the palate, it is powerful and concentrated with a strong character and firm tannins. It has a good body and a long, slightly spicy finish. It is the ideal wine for game, grilled red meat, and mature cheeses.
      
139. Weingut Philipp Grassl Ried Schuttenberg 1otw Erste Lage 2022 : 8Wines : GBP24.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Carnuntum region, in Lower Austria, Weingut Philipp Grassl is a family-run winery, managed by Philipp Grassl since 2006. The estate covers about 30 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to organic standards. In the cellar, the approach is focused on minimal intervention to allow the grapes to fully express their character. Ried Schüttenberg is a wine based on the local Zweigelt variety, produced with selected grapes from a single vineyard. Here, the vines, about 45 years old, enjoy a southwest exposure with a cooler microclimate and gravelly and clayey soils. These conditions favor the production of concentrated grapes and complex wines with good aging potential. In the glass, the wine reveals a dark garnet-red color with violet reflections. Its aromatic profile is intense and broad with fruity notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum, hints of tobacco, aromatic herbs, and spices. On the palate, it is juicy and characterful, fresh and complex with good structure and firm and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and recalls light notes of chocolate. It is a food-friendly wine, which pairs well with game, roasted mushrooms, and smoked meats.
      
140. By Farr Irrewarra Pinot Noir 2021 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Geelong wine region of Australia, By Farr is a small winery founded in the early 1990s and now run by Nick Farr, son of founders Gary and Robyn. Irrewarra is a project started by Nick Farr over 10 years ago, in the Western District of Victoria, west of Melbourne. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected from the Calvert family-owned Irrewarra vineyard, planted in 2001 at the top of a north-facing slope. The name comes from an Aboriginal term meaning "long spear throw". Here the vines enjoy a soil composed of a mixture of sandy silt to the south and dark brown loam with gravel to the north. The humid climate of the area and the clay composition promote good moisture in the soil and create the ideal conditions for the production of Pinot Noir. This beautiful Pinot Noir has a deep and brilliant ruby ​​color and a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of fresh red fruits and forest berries, earthy and peppery hints. It is a lively and well-structured wine with a good complexity of flavors. On the palate, it is characterized by a refreshing acidity and soft tannins. The finish is long and gently spicy. Try it with mushroom risotto or herbed guinea fowl.
      
141. S.c. Pannell Old Mcdonald Grenache 2020 : 8Wines : GBP39.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. S.C. Pannell Winery is a renowned South Australian winery located in the McLaren Vale wine region, renowned for its excellent wines, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Founder Stephen Pannell has extensive winemaking expertise, as demonstrated by the numerous awards he has received throughout his career, such as the Jimmy Watson Trophy. Despite its particular focus on Grenache and Syrah, the winery produces a wide range of wines. The modern, high-tech cellar enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and the rolling Adelaide Hills. The Grenache grapes come from the nearly 80-year-old Hatwell Vineyard (Blewitt Springs) on Maslin Beach sand soils. After being hand-harvested, the Grenache grapes are crushed (about a quarter are left whole bunch) and fermented spontaneously. The finished wine is then aged for approximately 16 months in large vats of various sizes before being transferred to tanks for clarification and bottling. The result is an intense and elegant wine, a perfect expression of the McLaren Vale terroir. On the nose, the wine reveals a broad and ripe bouquet, with aromas of raspberry and cherry, aromatic herbs and spices, with subtle hints of cocoa in the background. On the palate, it is soft and lively, with a medium body and fresh acidity. The tannins are smooth, and the long and complex finish echoes the aromas perceived on the nose. A must-try with grilled or roasted pork.
      
142. Cullen Diana Madeline 2019 : 8Wines : GBP78.41
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. This punchy Bordeaux-style blend is named after Diana Cullen who, together with her husband Kevin, is regarded as one of Margaret River’s most important pioneering winemakers. The couple founded Cullen Wines in 1971 and were the first to experiment with planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Wilyabrup. Today the estate is run by the couple’s daughter, Vanya, who in 2019 was named “Winemaker of the Year” by the Australian Women in Wine Awards and Halliday Wine Companion Awards. In recent years the estate has converted to biodynamic agriculture to produce the very best fruit possible. This red is composed of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon along with a dash of Merlot and Petit Verdot planted on granite and gravel soils. The Cabernet vines used in this bottling were planted in 1971 and produce very concentrated grapes with plenty of firm tannins and deep flavours. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented using wild yeasts with maturation in French oak barrels for 14 months. On the nose there are all the classic Wilyabrup Cabernet notes of dark chocolate, dried violets and baked earth layered with cassis and dark cherries. The robust full body and well-built structure makes this a great match for red meats and it will also age gracefully in the cellar over the next decade or so.
      
143. Cullen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022 : 8Wines : GBP29.20
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Cullen Wines was founded in 1971 by Kevin and Diana Cullen who are regarded as pioneering winemakers in the Margaret River region. The couple were the first to introduce Cabernet Sauvignon to Wilyabrup and under their daughter, Vanya, the estate has flourished and embraced biodynamic agricultural practices to maximise the quality of their grapes. Proof of the quality of their wines is the fact that Vanya was named “Winemaker of the Year” by both the Australian Women in Wine Awards and Halliday Wine Companion Awards in 2019. This luscious Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend is sourced from the estate’s Cullen and Mangan vineyards which boast old vines and produce wonderfully concentrated fruit. The must is fermented using wild yeasts and the young wine is aged in French oak for a year. On the nose there are robust cassis, blackberry and dark cherry notes along with hints of baked earth, dried herbs and toast from the oak. On the palate there is a generous full body, delicate acidity and fine-grained tannins. Ideal for serving with hearty veal, lamb or beef dishes, although it can also be kept in the cellar for another six years or so.
      
144. Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2018 : 8Wines : GBP99.76
Cellar for up to 11 years. Serve chilled. This stunning Chardonnay is named after Kevin John Cullen who along with his wife, Diana, established Cullen Wines in 1971. The couple were pioneering winemakers in the Margaret River region, planting the very first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Wilyabrup. In recent years the estate has converted to biodynamic agriculture which helps to preserve the natural personality of the grapes and the terroir. Chardonnay grapes for this wine were sourced from the property’s 30 year old vines in the Cullen vineyard. The fruit is harvested according to the biodynamic calendar which is based on the lunar cycle and the wine is fermented and aged in French oak for eight months. On the nose there are intense hits of nectarine, pear and bitter almonds along with smoky and toasty notes from the oak. A vibrant refreshness provides the perfect foil to the rich, buttery texture and long finish which is seasoned with cigar box spice and tropical fruit like papaya, lime and grapefruit. The lively personality and rich flavours make this a great match for fish or chicken dishes as well as summer salads and creamy cheeses. It will also age well in the cellar if kept for another decade or so.
      
145. Domaine Naturaliste Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 : 8Wines : GBP24.37
Drink It now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Margaret River wine region, a short distance from the Indian Ocean, in Western Australia, Domaine Naturaliste Vineyard is led by Bruce Dukes, a talented winemaker who produces excellent wines, widely acclaimed by both critics and the public. The vineyards are approximately 20 years old and are located between the Margaret River and the ocean. Here the vines, planted on gravelly and clayey soils rich in iron stone, enjoy a maritime climate with cool, humid winters and long, mild summers. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from different parcels and are fermented and matured separately in French oak barriques for 12 months, before blending. The wine has an intense and brilliant color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex and reveals fruity notes of cherries and redcurrants, and then hints of violet and graphite. On the palate, it is linear and full-bodied. It has firm, well-integrated tannins and a good intensity of dark fruit. The finish is long and recalls a mineral vein. It is a wine ready to drink immediately but can evolve in the cellar for a few years. Have it with a nice, juicy steak or mature cheeses.
      
146. Fraser Gallop Estate Palladian Chardonnay 2021 : 8Wines : GBP58.01
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Fraser Gallop Estate is an Australian winery located in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River, a short distance from the coast. The estate, founded by Nigel Gallop in 1999, has approximately 20 hectares of vineyards managed by winemaker Clive Otto. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the estate's vineyards, which are situated on well-drained gravel and clay soils with a northerly exposure and cultivated to sustainable viticulture standards. The Chardonnay clone is the Gin-Gin, characterized by low yields, which produces high-quality wines. The harvest is manual, and the fermentation takes place spontaneously in 500l French oak barrels. The finished wine then rests in barrels for 9 months. Palladian Chardonnay is a bright and elegant wine that reveals a clear color with light straw tones and green highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fresh with notes of lime and citrus, green apple, and white flowers followed by light hints of flint. On the palate, it is lively and fruity, mineral and lean. It has a good concentration of fruit and a long and balanced finish. It is a harmonious and complex wine that reveals good aging potential but can be enjoyed now paired with a herbed roast chicken or white fish in a lemon butter sauce.
      
147. Grosset Alea Riesling 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.46
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Originally an old milk depot, Grosset winery was founded in 1981 by Jeffrey Grosset who first fell in love aged 15 when his father brought home a bottle for his family to try. After studying Enology he went on to work for wineries in Germany and Australia before deciding to create his very own project focused on Riesling. Over the years Jeffrey has helped put the Clare Valley on the map for this variety, encouraging other winemakers to start planting it and championing the screwcap to preserve its natural aromatics. This bottling is a great introduction to the classic Grosset style which is inspired by traditional European white winemaking. Fruit is sourced from the Rockwood vineyard which is farmed both organically and biodynamically. Once in the winery it is carefully sorted and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to showcase the natural character of the Riesling. The result is a lively, vivacious wine that’s bursting with citrus, honeysuckle, and ginger notes on the expressive nose. The palate is refreshing and clean with plenty of grapefruit and lemon, culminating in a pure, clean finish. Serve as a vibrant aperitif or a partner for leafy salads, sushi, fresh seafood, and creamy cheeses.
      
148. Grosset Springvale Riesling 2023 : 8Wines : GBP34.54
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Jeffrey Grosset fell in love with wine aged 15 when his father brought home a bottle to share with his family. He then went on to study Enology and worked at wineries in Germany and Australia before deciding to found his own winery in the Clare Valley in 1981. The current winery sits on the site of an old milk depot and specializes in top quality Riesling wines which are bottled under screwcap to preserve the aromatics and freshness. Springvale is a prized 6 hectare vineyard which is farmed both organically and biodynamically. The vines are planted over limestone soils with the roots embedded in deep slate, creating a wine of great intensity and minerality. The fruit is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks on the lees for a short period before bottling which adds additional complexity and polish to the final cuvee. Subtle hints of lime flower, spring herbs and lavender immediately jump out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of green apple and pear. The first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, feather-light body, and lingering zingy citrus notes which make this a fantastic aperitif or match for sushi and fresh seafood.
      
149. Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2023 : 8Wines : GBP45.84
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. Originally an old milk depot, Grosset is a charming small family-run winery in South Australia’s Clare Valley that was founded back in 1981 by Jeffrey Grosset. Over the years Jeffrey has played a key role in promoting Riesling in Australia, campaigning to encourage local winemakers to switch to screw caps which help preserve the variety’s freshness and verve. Their iconic Polish Hill Riesling begins life in a stunning 8 hectare single vineyard in the Clare Valley which was planted in 1996 on silty clay and gravel soils. The vines here struggle to get nutrients from the soil which creates low yields of tiny berries with concentrated flavours and aromatics. The land is farmed both organically and biodynamically, producing very healthy fruit which is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the natural character of the Riesling. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the zingy lime and white floral notes while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, a light body and gentle hints of citrus, stone fruit, and honey. The well-developed structure and depth of flavour make this a great wine to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now alongside salads, sushi, and spicy Asian dishes.
      
150. Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 : 8Wines : GBP36.55
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in the wine region of Victoria, Australia, Giant Steps Winery is widely recognized as one of Australia's premier producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The company, considered one of the most progressive in the country, is now led by Phil Sexton (who founded it in 1998) and winemaker Steve Flamsteed who joined the winery in 2003. Giant's Steps wines are widely appreciated for their expressive personality. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Sexton vineyard and are harvested manually and pressed in whole clusters. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in vats with a capacity of 500 liters. To preserve the lively freshness of the grapes, the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine was finally aged for 10 months on the lees in new and used French oak. The Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is a light and bright golden-colored wine. The nose reveals a lively aromatic profile with ripe stone fruit, lime, and lemon peel and interesting mineral and saline notes. In the mouth, it is light and vibrant, with a medium body and well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and recalls intense mineral notes. It is the perfect wine for an aperitif but goes very well with rich salads with spicy sauces, vegetarian dishes, quiche, and poultry meat.
      
151. Glaetzer Amon-ra Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP76.43
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Glaetzer was founded in 1995 by Colin Glaetzer who made wine at Barossa Valley Estate before deciding to make and bottle his own wines. Colin’s son, Ben, followed in the footsteps of his father and was named Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year in 2004 aged just 26. Ben is now winemaker at Glaetzer where he specialises in crafting small quantities of top quality Barossa wines from the northern Ebenezer sub-region. Glaetzer is currently experimenting with some 35 different grape varieties to see which best suit the local terroir, but Shiraz reigns supreme in the Barossa as in this iconic bottling which is named after the king of all the gods in Egyptian mythology. Grapes are sourced from 50-130 year old vines in Ebenezer with the fruit vinified in open top fermenters. The young wine is then matured in new French oak barrels for 16 months. The wine is bottled without filtering to capture the pure natural character of the grapes and terroir. The result is a handsome, powerful Shiraz with an inky purple hue and intense aromas of cassis, blackberries and plum seasoned with black pepper. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm tannins and rigid structure that will respond well to additional cellaring. Hold for another decade or so, or enjoy now alongside hearty beef stews, barbecued ribs or rich venison dishes.
      
152. Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.11
Drink now or cellar for up to 13 years. No need to decant before serving. The Glaetzer family first arrived in the Barossa Valley in 1888 after leaving their native Brandenberg in Germany to make a new home for themselves in Australia. Here they became some of the first recorded grape growers in Barossa and the Clare Valley. This tradition was continued by Colin Glaetzer who founded his own winery in 1995. Colin’s son, Ben, also followed in his family’s footsteps and in 2004 he was awarded Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year. Today Ben is winemaker at Glaetzer which specialises in producing exceptional Barossa wines in tiny batches. The family is currently experimenting with 35 grape varieties, but the king of Barossa remains Shiraz. This distinguished bottling bears the family name of Colin’s wife and showcases an elegant take on this powerful variety. Grapes are sourced from 30-120 year old vines in the cooler Ebenezer sub-region of Barossa with a long maceration to extract plenty of colour and tannins. The young wine is then aged in new and used French oak barrels for 16 months before bottling. Rich cassis, dark cherry and dried fruit notes define the nose while the first sip reveals a luscious full body, ripe tannins and well-rounded texture with a very long spiced finish. A great wine to keep in the cellar for another decade or so, although it can also be enjoyed now with hearty red meat dishes.
      
153. Glaetzer Anaperenna 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. The Glaetzer family are pioneering Barossa winemakers, having arrived in the valley in 1888 after emigrating to Australia from Brandenberg in Germany. Colin Glaetzer founded his own winery in 1995 after working for local producers including Barossa Valley estate. In keeping with family tradition his son, Ben, also became a winemaker and at the tender age of 26 was awarded Qantas Young Winemaker of the Year. This powerful red blend is named after “Anna Perenna”, a Roman goddess associated with the New Year, and is composed primarily of Shiraz along with a smaller quantity of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The fruit comes from prime vineyards in the cooler Ebenezer sub-region in the north of Barossa. The Shiraz vines are aged 30-100 years old while the Cabernet varies in age between 30-130 years old. The high proportion of extremely old vines helps to create a rich, voluptuous style of wine with plenty of intense fruit and dried fruit character. The grapes are vinified in open top fermenters and the young wine is then matured in new French oak barrels for 16 months. The wine is then bottled without filtering to showcase the full beauty of the fruit and terroir. The result is a powerful, full bodied red with ample tannins and a firm structure which is bursting with dark berry, herbal and spiced notes.
      
154. Hoddles Creek Estate Pinot Noir 2021 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Enjoy it now or cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Pungent aromas of red berries and sour black cherry emerge on the nose of this deep scarlet red wine. It is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, grown in estate-owned vineyards in Yarra Valley, South East Australia. The Hoddles Creek Estate vineyards are located on the cooler side of the Yarra River, on steep slopes that prevent the use of machinery. Hoddles Creek is a family affair, established by the D’Anna family. The winery is based around a prime plot of grape-growing land, which was owned by the family since 1960, but was unplanted until 1997. The winery is spearheaded by Franco D’Anna, the Young Gun of Wine People’s Choice winner for 2010, and a massive proponent of Yarra staples such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This estate Pinot Noir drips with classic fruit flavours: red cherry and raspberry mingle with hints of orange peel, mint leaf and spice. It is a firm, streamlined wine, with a vibrant vein of acidity and finely grained tannins. Considered to be one of Australia’s best value-for-money Pinot Noir, this is a must-try for any fan of the French grape. Consider pairing it with earthy dishes such as mushroom risotto, herby roast chicken, or turkey.
      
155. Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2016 : 8Wines : GBP45.16
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting is optional, for up to an hour before serving. Henschke is a winery based in Southern Australia, with a rich wine-making heritage. Members of the Henschke family have been providing Southern Australia with excellent wine for over 150 years, long before the region gained international recognition. Now entering its sixth generation, Henschke is led by husband and wife Stephen and Prue and their three children, who are talented viticulturists in their own right. The family’s approach to wine-making is simple - they take care of the land, and in turn, the land provides quality grapes for a beautiful range of South Australian wine. The Keyneton Euphonium is a deep scarlet blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with a splash of Merlot. It has a deep and generous nose, with prominent notes of cassis, plum and chocolate underpinned by herbal notes of tomato leaf and eucalyptus. It has an impressive concentration on the palate, with a round and velvety mouthfeel. Forest berries and rich plums are supported by notes of white pepper and liquorice. This is a classic taste of Barossa, made with fruits harvested from Barossa and Eden Valley. It will pair perfectly with a roast leg of lamb, aged hard cheeses, or a platter of olives.
      
156. Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 : 8Wines : GBP136.30
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant up to 2 hours before serving. This Cabernet Sauvignon begins with a strikingly floral nose of violet, raspberry leaf, bay leaf and tobacco. Fruity hints of cherry, redcurrant and cassis sit solidly in the background. It is a benchmark example of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from old vines. The Henschke family are one of Australia's stalwart wine dynasties, with a history dating back to the 19th century. They are now in their sixth generation of wine-making, under the leadership of Johann Stephen Henschke. The fruits for this bold red wine were harvested from a north-facing vineyard, planted in 1988 by Johann’s parents, Stephen and Prue. Its name harks back even further, to Johann’s red wine loving grandfather, Cyril Henschke. The Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep purple-red in the glass, steeped in fine, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Classic notes of sour plum and liquorice interlace with rich vegetal notes of roasted pepper, green herbs and black olive. A mouthwatering finish reveals Cabernet hints of eucalyptus and mint. It has a strong frame, and will no doubt age magnificently. A perfect choice for those seeking an interesting alternative to premium French or Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. Consider pairing this wine with rich meaty dishes, such as herb-crusted lamb, beef stew or steak.
      
157. Henschke Henry's Seven 2020 : 8Wines : GBP32.69
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting is optional, for up to an hour before serving. Henschke winery has been a viticultural force in Southern Australia for over 150 years. Originally founded by Johann Christian, the first member of the family to make the voyage from Brandenburg in 1841, the family is now entering its sixth generation of wine-makers. Husband and wife Stephen and Prue lead the way, followed by their three children, who are also deeply involved in the business. Keeping future generations in mind, the Henschke family have received awards for environmental excellence and their approach to sustainability. They source fruits from vineyards across the Barossa Range, all of which are cultivated using organic and biodynamic methods. Notes of wild berries, black, red and blue, emerge on the nose of this deep crimson wine, along with floral hints of violet. They are supported by savoury and spice notes of cedar, sage and black pepper. This is a blend made mostly of Shiraz/Syrah, featuring elements of Grenache, Mataro and Viognier, perfect for those who want a distinctive taste of Barossa. The name pays homage to Henry Evans, who planted the first seven acres of Keyneton vines in 1853. The palate is round and perfectly juicy, bearing flavours of blueberry, strawberry and ripe plum, supported by structured tannins. Pair it with a juicy steak, roasted lamb, or artichoke hearts.
      
158. Henschke Julius Riesling 2024 : 8Wines : GBP46.42
Cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant before serving. The Henschke family have been wine-makers for over 150 years, since Johann Christian made the gruelling voyage from Brandenburg and planted his first vineyards in Barossa, in 1862. Now the winery is led by fifth-generation wine-makers Stephen and Prue, with help from the next generation of Henschke’s, Johann, Justine and Andreas. As is already evident from such a long-lasting legacy, the Henschke’s take good care of their South Australian home. They harvest from vineyards all over the Barossa region, including Eden Valley, a highly renowned and high-altitude sub-region that serves as the origin for this concentrated Riesling. Pale yellow with reflections of green, this 100% Riesling wine bursts with character. Refreshing aromas of lime, white flowers, and orange peel waft from the glass. It is tart and focused in the mouth, flavours of grapefruit juice and lime zest are balanced by sweet notes of peach. On the long finish, this wine also exhibits a strong minerality and an appealing flintiness. Eden Valley’s vineyards are planted at approximately 500 metres above sea level, perfect for producing age-worthy Rieslings. This wine has years ahead of it, but can also be enjoyed right now. Serve it chilled with some seafood, light green salads, or buttery asparagus.
      
159. Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP57.12
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This muscular Cabernet is crafted by Australia’s iconic Leeuwin Estate who are best known for their exquisite Art Series Chardonnay. Located in the country’s highly-rated Margaret River wine region, the estate was purchased in 1969 by Denis Horgan, a businessman from Perth. Three years later the legendary winemaker Robert Mondavi visited the property and recognised the potential for making exceptional wines. Thanks to low yields and an ideal microclimate, Leeuwin now produces one of Australia’s finest Chardonnays as well as some very impressive red wines. The vineyard where the grapes for this wine are sourced is planted with the Houghton clone on sandy gravel soils. The estate picks each parcel individually and a small amount of Malbec is added to the Cabernet to add a softer texture and richer mouthfeel. In the winery the grapes are destemmed and vinified with the young wine then matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. The nose is bursting with ripe black fruit along with hints of cocoa, leather and licorice. On the palate there is a generous full body, smooth yet firm tannins and a very long finish seasoned with baking spice and toasted oak.
      
160. Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2021 : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Mount Langi Ghiran is one of Australia’s most isolated wineries with a stunning setting in the Great Dividing Range in the Grampians region of Victoria. The winery enjoys a unique microclimate which makes its vineyards the last to ripen in Australia. The warm, sunny summer days are tempered by cool nights which helps to produce exceptionally elegant and graceful Shiraz wines with intense and concentrated dark fruit character. Their Cliff Edge Shiraz is made from selected vineyard plots planted with old vines on granite sand soils. To ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in great condition half of the harvest is picked by hand and the reminder by machine. Once in the winery the must is left to macerate and ferment on the skins for 2 weeks. Some of the grapes even undergo the traditional practice of foot treading to gently release tannins, colour and aromas from the skins. The young wine then spends 14 months ageing in French oak barrels. This approach to winemaking helps to enhance and express the full beauty of the cool climate Shiraz grapes, creating a powerful yet balanced wine that is bursting with black cherry, blackberry, plum and spiced notes. On the palate there’s a generous full body, refined tannins and a long finish with lingering hints of woodsmoke and leather. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or savour now with a rich game or beef dish.
      
161. Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2018 : 8Wines : GBP60.90
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Australia’s most legendary winery was founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary. Originally the couple made medicinal wines for Dr Christopher’s practice using vine cuttings they had brought with them from France. Penfolds’ modern history began in the 1950s with the arrival of winemaker Max Schubert who began to secretly develop the world-class fine wine known today as Penfolds Grange that would be capable of ageing for decades. As well as the iconic Grange, Penfolds also has a stellar reputation for their Bin wines which are made in strictly limited quantities. Bin 150 celebrates the unique terroir of Marananga close to the centre of the Barossa Valley floor. Here the striking red soils and warm and sunny conditions help to produce rich and ripe fruit with plenty of power and strength. To enhance the beauty of the raw grapes and soften the punchy tannins the young wine is aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels for 12 months. Evocative notes of cassis, dark plum, black cherry, and blackberry immediately leap out of the glass followed by more aromatic undertones of tobacco leaf, cigar box spice, and leather. On the palate there’s a robust full body and well-developed structure that will help this bottle age beautifully in the cellar over the next decade or so.
      
162. Penfolds Reserve Bin A Chardonnay 2019 : 8Wines : GBP94.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Known throughout the world for its wide range of excellent wines (many of which are often sold at auction), Penfolds is one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious wine producers. The company was founded at the end of the nineteenth century by Christopher Rawson Penfold, who decided to plant some cuttings of French vines to produce medicinal wine. In the 1950s, the arrival of the oenologist Max Schubert in the company led to the production of Grange, their flagship wine, and to a very important leap in quality. Today the winery owns numerous vineyards in South Australia and purchases grapes from selected growers. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vineyards located in the Adelaide Hills. The harvest is manual and the fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The wine then matures on its lees to acquire more structure and complexity. Penfolds Reserve Bin A Chardonnay is a straw yellow wine with lemon yellow nuances. On the nose, it reveals a delicious aromatic profile with stone fruits and pear, custard and lemon curd, and a delicate finish of sweet spices and almonds. On the palate, it is soft and generous with a good mineral vein and an invigorating acidity. The finish is long and pleasantly balanced. Pair it with roast chicken and medium-aged cheeses.
      
163. Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz 2021 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Cellar for up to 20-25 years. It is recommended to decant it for 1 or 2 hours before service. When English doctor Christopher Rawson and his wife Mary Penfold arrived in Australia in 1844, they bought a 200-hectare estate in Adelaide and founded the Penfolds winery. For many years the company has concentrated its production almost exclusively on brandy and fortified wines. But in the 1950s, when Max Schubert joined the Penfolds adventure, he infused the estate's wines with the elegance and aging capacity of the great Bordeaux wines that fascinated him so much. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win over wine lovers from all over the world. Even today, cellar master Peter Gago continues to perpetuate this tradition of excellence. The Bin 8 Cabernet Shiraz from Penfolds is a red wine produced from a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shirazrapes come from various vineyards and appellations (McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Wrattonbully, Padthaway, Coonawarra). The wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. The wine is perfectly balanced and supported by a nice acidity. The nose reveals aromas of blackberries and plums and then sweet notes of violet. On the palate it reveals aromas of dark chocolate and tobacco, harmoniously combined with notes of black fruit. The finish is long and the tannins are soft and refined. Have it with beef and meat stews.
      
164. Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. The legendary Penfolds is today considered Australia’s leading winery, with a proud history dating back to 1844. Based in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, Penfolds produces a range of high-quality wines that are loved by wine enthusiasts all around the globe. The winery is particularly famous for its iconic wine, Grange, which is considered one of Australia's greatest wines and has received numerous accolades over the years. Penfolds are true experts when it comes to Shiraz, and this sublime cuvee is no exception. Fruit is sourced from selected vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, and other top South Australia appellations with a particular focus on warmer climate sub-regions. The result is a powerful and robust red that is sure to delight lovers of classic Australian Shiraz. Once in the winery the fruit is expertly vinified and then transferred to American oak hogsheads for 12 months which adds attractive notes of vanilla and spice to the intense fruit flavours. On the nose, Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2020 offers aromas of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate, with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate, complemented by a long, smooth finish. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine.
      
165. Penfolds Bin 600 California Cabernet Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP42.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Penfolds Bin 600 references a historic cross-border project that saw wines shipped from California to Australia in the 1990s. This particular cuvee is made entirely from Californian grapes from Napa and Paso Robles with Penfolds’ signature house style and multi-regional blending approach applied in the winery. Their Australian identity shows through firstly in the decision to blend Cabernet with Shiraz, a practice that is common in Australia but rare in California where they’re usually bottled separately. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with regular pumpovers to extract more colour and intense flavours and aromas. In keeping with Penfolds traditions, the Shiraz and Cabernet are aged separately in American oak barrels for 16-17 months with some new oak to add extra complexity and spice. Bursting with notes of crushed cassis, blueberries and ripe plums seasoned with cedar, coconut and warm spice from the oak, this is a powerful, structured and opulent wine that works beautifully with hearty red meat dishes. The firm, ample tannins and rich fruit make it a great match for barbecued meats, ribeye steak, and hearty winter stews.
      
166. Penfolds Bin 704 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP59.11
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. For some 150 years Penfolds has enjoyed a reputation as one of Australia’s premier wineries, and now their winemaking team is extending that vision to new frontiers. Bin 704 makes a new alliance between viticulture in the northern and southern hemispheres, sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from prime vineyards in California and applying Penfolds’ signature house style. Bin 704 was designed to be the mirror image of their Bin 407, their renowned South Australian Cabernet which debuted with the 1990 vintage. The fruit for Bin 704 is sourced from trusted growers in the Napa Valley. After vinification the young wine ages in French oak barrels, 48% of which are new, to soften the punchy tannins and add polish and complexity. Luscious dark plum and sweet cherry are first out of the glass, followed by undertones of wild fennel and black liquorice. The solid tannins and powerful structure make this a great partner for hearty winter stews as well as fine steaks and barbecued meats. It’s a great wine to enjoy now alongside food or to keep in the cellar for another decade or so.
      
167. Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.58
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Easily Australia’s most famous winery, Penfolds was originally founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary with vines they brought with them from France. Since then the estate has evolved into one of the world’s top fine wine producers and is continually pushing the boundaries of winemaking with different grape varieties and viticultural techniques. This attractive cuvee is dominated by Shiraz with some Mataro, or Mourvedre as it is known in France, completing the blend for additional complexity. Bin 2 was first produced in the 1960s and has been recently reintroduced thanks to the sublime yet unusual combination of punchy Shiraz and earthy, savoury hits from the Mataro. Fruit for this bottling is sourced from the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills and after vinification the wine is aged for 12 months in both new and seasoned French oak barrels. In the glass, Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz exhibits a deep garnet color with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich with flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate, and oak, complemented by a firm tannic structure and a long, complex finish. This big, bold red wine is best enjoyed with hearty, meaty dishes such as steak, lamb, or game.
      
168. Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It can benefit from decanting. Created in 1844 by Christopher Rawson Penfolds, the Penfolds estate built a fine reputation from 1900 thanks to its powerful red wines. The brand has been the first one in Australia to opt for aging in French oak barrels and to develop inter-vineyard and multi-region blends. Over the years, this Australian estate has become one of the most important in its country, while maintaining its objective of producing wines of the highest possible quality. More than a unique and quality bottle, Penfolds offers its consumers an out of the ordinary sensory and individual experience. The Penfolds Bin 138 was born in 1992, and is inspired by the wines of the southern Rhone, where the grapes of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvèdre) are used in blends to create full-bodied wines with a rich aromatic profile. The grapes are grown and harvested from old vines in the Barossa Valley. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 12-15 months. On the nose, the wine reveals aromas of ripe red fruit, light balsamic notes, and herbaceous hints. The earthy elements of Barossa and the sweet spices abound on the palate. The tannic backbone is perfectly balanced by juicy succulence and fresh acidity. It works very well with lamb and duck.
      
169. Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant. The famous Australian winery Penfolds was founded by Christopher Rawson Penfold, a young English doctor who emigrated to Australia at the end of the 19th century. He brought with him some cuttings of French vines that he decided to plant around his house, starting the history of what is now one of the most prestigious wineries in the country. In the 1950s, it was the oenologist Max Schubert who created the Grange blend, a historic cuvée and flagship wine, attracting worldwide attention to the company. The Riesling grapes are selected in the Eden Valley, where the cool climate and altitude guarantee the production of high-quality Riesling with excellent aging potential. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain its racy acidity and its aromatic freshness. The Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling has a limpid and light color with greenish reflections. On the nose, its aromatic profile is fragrant and lively with fresh notes of citrus fruits, lime zest, white flowers, and some tropical hints. On the palate, it is refreshing and juicy with a vibrant concentration of citrus and tropical fruit notes. It has a strong mineral streak and all the invigorating acidity typical of Riesling. The finish is fresh, long, and thirst-quenching. It goes well with fish and seafood tartare, vegetarian cuisine, and fish and chips.
      
170. Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. The legendary Penfolds is today considered Australia’s leading winery, with a proud history dating back to 1844. Based in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, Penfolds produces a range of high-quality wines that are loved by wine enthusiasts all around the globe. The winery is particularly famous for its iconic wine, Grange, which is considered one of Australia's greatest wines and has received numerous accolades over the years. Penfolds are true experts when it comes to Shiraz, and this sublime cuvee is no exception. Fruit is sourced from selected vineyards in Barossa, McLaren Vale, and other top South Australia appellations with a particular focus on warmer climate sub-regions. The result is a powerful and robust red that is sure to delight lovers of classic Australian Shiraz. Once in the winery the fruit is expertly vinified and then transferred to American oak hogsheads for 12 months which adds attractive notes of vanilla and spice to the intense fruit flavours. On the nose, Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2020 offers aromas of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate, with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate, complemented by a long, smooth finish. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine.
      
171. Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 : 8Wines : GBP74.00
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Elected New World Winery of the Year by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2013, the Penfolds winery has a very long history that dates back to the end of the nineteenth century when Christopher Rawson Penfold and his family reached Australia from England, with some vine cuttings of French vines and the intent to produce medicinal wine. It was then in the 1950s, with Max Schubert's entry into the company, and the creation of the Grange cuvée, that Penfolds achieved international success and prestige. The Bin 407, first produced with the 1990 harvest, is made with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, sourced from various sites located in the McLaren Valley, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully regions. The finished wine is aged in a mix of French and American oak for 15 months. The wine reveals a deep color with ruby tones. On the nose it shows all the aromatic power of Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of dark fruit such as blackberry, ripe cherry, and currant and then some balsamic and spicy hints, followed by hints of cocoa and cedar, due to aging in wood. On the palate, it is rich and dense, concentrated and well-balanced. The tannins are firm but ripe and the acidity is balanced. The finish is long and persistent. Try it with red meat or game.
      
172. Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz Mataro 2023 : 8Wines : GBP30.58
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Easily Australia’s most famous winery, Penfolds was originally founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Penfold and his wife Mary with vines they brought with them from France. Since then the estate has evolved into one of the world’s top fine wine producers and is continually pushing the boundaries of winemaking with different grape varieties and viticultural techniques. This attractive cuvee is dominated by Shiraz with some Mataro, or Mourvedre as it is known in France, completing the blend for additional complexity. Bin 2 was first produced in the 1960s and has been recently reintroduced thanks to the sublime yet unusual combination of punchy Shiraz and earthy, savoury hits from the Mataro. Fruit for this bottling is sourced from the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills and after vinification the wine is aged for 12 months in both new and seasoned French oak barrels. In the glass, Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz exhibits a deep garnet color with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich with flavors of black fruit, dark chocolate, and oak, complemented by a firm tannic structure and a long, complex finish. This big, bold red wine is best enjoyed with hearty, meaty dishes such as steak, lamb, or game.
      
173. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP74.84
Cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for 1 or 2 hours before service. Voted Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an emblem of great Australian wines in the early 20th century thanks to the unrivaled determination of Mary Penfold. In fact, the co-founder of Penfolds Winery has dedicated herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life's work is reflected in the winery's success which has established itself as a landmark in South Australia. Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) and Syrah (47%). The grapes come from different regions of South Australia: McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Padthaway, Coonawarra and Wrattonbully. This diversity enriches the wines with the harshness of a range of Australia's most beautiful wine regions. Nicknamed "Baby Grange", Bin 389 was also created in 1960 by the legendary winemaker Max Schubert. This wine helped establish Penfolds' reputation among red wine lovers for its combination of Cabernet Sauvignon structure and Syrah richness. After the harvest and fermentation, the wine is aged in American oak demi-muides (25% new) for 12 months. In the glass, Penfolds Bin 389 has an intense ruby red color. The nose is full of complex aromas of black fruits, licorice, mocha, chocolate, pencil shavings and pepper with a vanilla background. On the palate, it is structured and medium-bodied, with lively tannins and a pleasant acidity backbone. Drink it with meat stews and game.
      
174. Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP52.24
Cellar it for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for 1 or 2 hours before service. Founded by a young English doctor who immigrated to Australia in 1844, the Penfolds winery produces a range of wines that recall the generosity of spirit and the beauty of the Australian landscape. Upon their arrival in Australia, Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary bought the Mackgill estate, which included 500 hectares of land, and planted vines from southern France. It was Mary Penfold who was responsible for the management and winemaking processes. Initially the wines (based on grenache) were prescribed as tonics for anemic patients, but after the 1950s the production improved profoundly, and from the 1990s onwards the cellar began to attract the attention of the media and critics. Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2019 by Penfolds comes from the Coonawarra vineyard, which has always been the source of Syrah for this wine since 1962. This region is known for its cool climate and the precision and seduction of its fragrant red wines. This Bin 128 is made with fruit sourced from Coonawarra's unique red earth soils. The wine shows scents of cherry and a peak of choco-mint that recalls its regional character with notes brought by the oak such as camphor and sweet spices. It’s fresh and lively with good acidity and strong tannins that open the way to a long and persistent aftertaste. Try it with grilled meat, but it’s a must with lamb.
      
175. Penfolds Bin 311 Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP29.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of South Australia's Barossa Valley, Penfolds is one of the country's most renowned wineries and has a history dating back over a century. Founded by Christopher Rawson Penfold, the company achieved great success with the production of the iconic Grange wine, created by the winemaker of the time Max Schubert. Throughout history, other winemakers have played a fundamental role in this famous winery: in the 70s Don Ditter, then John Duval, and finally Peter Gago, who has been responsible for production since 2002. Bin 311, whose first harvest was in 2017, is produced with grapes from vineyards located in cool climate areas such as Tasmania, Tumbarumba and the Adelaide Hills, where Chardonnay develops the qualities most suited to this style of wine, characterized by an intensely fruity character, and enriched by barrel fermentation and a 10-month period of aging in French oak barrels. The wine has a straw yellow color and an aromatic profile that reveals notes of citrus and stone fruit, grapefruit, and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is fresh, clean, and linear with an invigorating acidity and a strong mineral streak. It is juicy and concentrated with a good structure and a long and delicately creamy finish. Excellent with crab and lobster.
      
176. Penfolds Champagne Cuvee Brut : 8Wines : GBP40.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve well chilled. Penfolds partnered with Champagne Thiénot to create this sublime Champagne which reflects the history and legacy of both producers. Founded in Reims in 1985 by Alain Thiénot, Champagne Thiénot was bought in 1988 by Southcorp, the owner of Penfolds at the time. Today it is once again owned by the Thiénot family who continue to work closely with Penfolds. In keeping with the Penfolds approach to multi-regional blending, grapes for this cuvee are carefully sourced from prized Premier and Grand Cru vineyards across the region. Alain spent decades cultivating excellent relationships with local growers, and now his legacy is continued by his children Garance and Stanislas Thiénot. This non-vintage Champagne is composed of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with grapes typically coming from the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. Made in the traditional Champagne method, this is a versatile and easy-going cuvee that balances zesty citrus and apple notes with hints of brioche and toasted almonds from the secondary fermentation in the bottle. Enjoy as an aperitif or paired with fresh seafood, oysters, seasonal salads, and even heavier dishes like baked cheeses or fried chicken.
      
177. Standish Shiraz 2021 : 8Wines : GBP111.20
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dan Standish’s family have been living and working in the Barossa Valley for six generations. So it was only natural that he would want to found his very own winery here in 1999 while working as winemaker for the well-known Torbreck estate. Inspired by his previous work in France’s Rhone Valley, Dan began the project with an old parcel of Shiraz vines which had been farmed by his father. Dan’s magnificent wines skillfully capture the beauty of the local Barossa terroir as well as refined Old World approach to winemaking. His speciality is Shiraz, like this exceptional bottling which is made from specially selected parcels and fermented using wild yeasts. The young wine is then left to mature in used oak barrels for 32 months before bottling. Bursting with ripe cassis, raspberries and blackberries along with undertones of licorice and dried herbs, this punchy red is a great partner for red meat dishes such as a T-bone steak, roast lamb, or a hearty beef stew. It can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years thanks to the robust full body, firm tannins, and intense dark fruit flavours.
      
178. Standish Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP111.20
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dan Standish’s family have been living and working in the Barossa Valley for six generations. So it was only natural that he would want to found his very own winery here in 1999 while working as winemaker for the well-known Torbreck estate. Inspired by his previous work in France’s Rhone Valley, Dan began the project with an old parcel of Shiraz vines which had been farmed by his father. Dan’s magnificent wines skillfully capture the beauty of the local Barossa terroir as well as refined Old World approach to winemaking. His speciality is Shiraz, like this exceptional bottling which is made from specially selected parcels and fermented using wild yeasts. The young wine is then left to mature in used oak barrels for 32 months before bottling. Bursting with ripe cassis, raspberries and blackberries along with undertones of licorice and dried herbs, this punchy red is a great partner for red meat dishes such as a T-bone steak, roast lamb, or a hearty beef stew. It can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years thanks to the robust full body, firm tannins, and intense dark fruit flavours.
      
179. Standish The Relic Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP111.20
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dan Standish’s personal wine label showcases the very best Shiraz wines crafted by the master winemaker who has been working his magic at Torbreck winery in the Barossa Valley for many years. His family have been based in the Barossa Valley for six generations, and in 1999 Dan decided to set up his own winery based around an ancient plot of vines owned by his father. His winemaking philosophy is heavily influenced by his work in France’s Rhone Valley working with the magnificent Syrah grape as Shiraz is known in Europe. This is most obvious in his iconic The Relic cuvee where the Shiraz is cofermented with some Viognier to add an attractive freshness and elegance to the hearty red wine. Dan is so exacting with his own wines that he often sells off up to 80% of the original blend to other producers rather than using it in his cuvees. For this bottling Dan uses fruit from the Hongell Family Vineyard, carefully selecting only the best berries which are fermented in open tanks with wild yeasts. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 30 months before bottling. Bursting with seductive crushed wild berries, sweet licorice, plums, and hints of baked earth and cedar, this is a great wine to cellar for a bit longer or serve now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
      
180. Standish Schubert Theorem Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP114.95
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dan Standish is widely recognised as one of the Barossa Valley’s finest winemakers thanks to his visionary work at Torbreck winery. In 1999 he decided to found his own winery here based around an ancient parcel of vines that had previously been owned and farmed by his father. His approach to winemaking is heavily influenced by his experiences in the Rhone Valley, combining Old World techniques with the stunning terroir of the Barossa Valley. Dan only sells his very finest wines under the Standish label, with as much as 80% of the original blend sold off to other producers if it does not meet his exacting standards. This stunning Shiraz is a great example of Dan’s winemaking talent. It’s made from old Shiraz vines and vinified and aged in a combination of concrete eggs and French oak to add polish while showcasing the beauty of the fruit. Luscious cassis, blackberries and dark cherry dominate on the nose, followed by undertones of baking spice, sweet licorice, and woodsmoke. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm tannins, and a long finish with plenty of ripe berry notes and hints of dark chocolate and ground coffee. After a few more years in the cellar you can expect the tannins to soften and extra complexity to develop, although it’s also a stunning bottle to pair with hearty barbecued ribs or a prime steak.
      
181. Standish Lamella 2023 : 8Wines : GBP121.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 35 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least an hour. Located in the Barossa Valley, Standish is a renowned South Australian winery founded in 1999 by Dan Standish, a winemaker with international experience and a long family history of winemaking. The company produces some of the most prestigious and acclaimed Australian wines in the world, from grapes sourced in the best terroirs of South Australia. Lamella is one of the Eden Valley’s most iconic Shiraz wines. The grapes are hand-picked from the Angas family’s Hutton Vale Farm vineyard, planted in the early 1960s with cuttings coming from the prestigious Mt Edelstone vineyard. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using whole clusters and indigenous yeasts. The finished wine is then aged in barrels. The wine has a deep, dense red-purple color and a powerful, broad aromatic profile with notes of cherry and plum, blackberry, and other ripe dark fruit, followed by hints of tea leaves, olives, and baking spices. On the palate, it is big and elegant, rich, deep, and concentrated. The tannins are perfectly integrated and smooth. The finish is long, warm, and balanced. It is a characterful wine with an impressive aging potential. Leave it in the cellar for a few decades or, if you can’t resist, try it now with grilled red meat or herb-roasted lamb.
      
182. Shaw And Smith Lenswood Pinot Noir 2021 : 8Wines : GBP50.27
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. The Australian winery Shaw + Smith was founded by cousins ​​Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW in 1989 with the aim of producing fine wines in the Adelaide Hills. The winery specializes in growing cool climate varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The work in the cellar is led by Adam Wadewitz, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most talented winemakers. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the Lenswood site, a vineyard planted in 1999 on clay and schist soils and located at high altitude (455-500 meters above sea level). After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place with 30% whole bunches. The finished wine then rests in French oak. Lenswood Pinot Noir is a red with a strong character and an intense and broad aromatic profile. On the nose it reveals strong notes of black cherries, coconut husk, sage and cardamom and some final hints of pepper. On the palate, it is robust and concentrated, fruity and equipped with an excellent acidity. The tannins are firm and fine. The long finish recalls notes of toasted spices. It is excellent with game birds, and especially with duck confit.
      
183. Shaw And Smith M3 Chardonnay 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.33
Cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled. Shaw and Smith was founded in 1989 when two winemaking cousins, Martin Shaw and Michael Hall Smith, teamed up to found their very own winery. Shaw has made wine all over the world and even set up the Flying Winemakers Network to support winemaking consultants like himself. Smith is Australia’s first Master of Wine, having completed a series of extremely tough exams to earn the title shared by just a few hundred others in the world. The duo recognised the potential of two prime vineyards in the cool climate Adelaide Hills to create elegant, perfectly-balanced wines like this stunning Chardonnay. Much of the fruit used to make this wine comes from the excellent Lenswood vineyard which is set at high altitude and gives very low yields. The fruit is harvested by hand and the must is then fermented in the barrel primarily using wild yeasts. The young wine is then matured in the barrel for 9 months with regular lees stirring. Ripe peach, apricot and citrus burst out of the glass, while the first sip offers a balanced flavour profile with a rich, creamy texture, medium body, and bright streak of freshness. The rich stone fruit and lemon zest notes linger long on the tongue, mingling with hints of biscuit and toast from the ageing.
      
184. Shaw And Smith Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.33
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Founded by two wine-loving cousins in 1989, Shaw and Smith has set the benchmark for exceptional wines from the Adelaide Hills. Martin Shaw is a “flying winemaker” who has consulted for top wineries all over the world while Michael Hall Smith became Australia’s very first Master of Wine. The pair decided to team up and found their own winery in the Adelaide Hills after realising the potential of this up-and-coming region. Shaw and Smith made their very first Shiraz in 2002, crafting the wine from fruit grown in the warmer and drier parts of their Lenswood and Balhannah vineyards. The vineyards are carefully managed to give very low yields and the fruit is picked by hand to maximise quality. The fruit is then fermented in open-top fermenters and the young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 14 months before bottling. On the nose there are ample hints of cassis, black cherry and black plum along with black pepper and plenty of spice. The first sip reveals a generous full body, smooth yet firm tannins and a well-rounded texture. The finish is long and intense with hints of dark chocolate, woodsmoke and tobacco leaf.
      
185. Shaw And Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. Martin Shaw and Michael Hall Smith are the two cousins behind the Shaw and Smith label which they founded in 1989. Michael Hall Smith is Australia’s first ever Master of Wine, a title which is held by only a few hundred individuals in the world, while Martin Shaw has made wine all over the world as a “flying winemaker” consulting for a variety of different wineries. The pair decided to found their own winery after recognising the potential of this corner of the Adelaide Hills where the cool climate is ideal for premium viticulture. First made some 30 years ago during the early days of Shaw and Smith, their iconic Sauvignon Blanc has today become known as the benchmark for Australian Sauvignon. Grapes are sourced from the estate’s Lenswood and Balhannah vineyards along with small amounts from partner growers. The fruit is picked by hand to maintain quality and then fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromatics. The telltale feature of this wine is a distinctive pink grapefruit character along with a well-rounded texture, medium body and bright streak of acidity. On the nose there are hints of lemon zest and freshly-cut grass while the first sip reveals mouthwatering freshness and a pure, clean finish.
      
186. Thistledown She's Electric Grenache 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.32
Drink It now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The renowned Australian winery Thistledown has been producing wines from different sub-regions of South Australia since 2010, selecting grapes from the best growers. The company, owned by Fergal Tynan and Giles Cooke, both MW, focuses its production on the Grenache and Syrah vines, giving particular attention to the maximum expression of the terroir and sustainable viticulture practices. The Grenache grapes come from a vineyard with dry-grown old bush-trained vines located at the Seaview end of Chapel Hill Rd. Here the vines sink into red-brown sandy soils with quartz and ironstone and are grown under a low-intervention regime and minimal spraying. The harvest is manual and takes place in the early hours of the morning. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine is then left to mature for 8 months in used 300 and 500-liter French oak barrels. She's Electric is an extraordinary Grenache with a complex flavor profile. It smells of raspberry, wild strawberry and orange peel, red cherry and Mediterranean herbs, pink pepper, and dried berries. On the palate, it is velvety and extremely elegant, vibrant and juicy. It has a good texture and fine tannins. The finish is long and recalls notes of dried berries and spices. Best paired with roast duck served with red fruit sauces.
      
187. Thistledown Sands Of Time Grenache 2023 : 8Wines : GBP52.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2010, Thistledown is a South Australian winery that sources its grapes from selected winemakers in the area’s premier regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Langhorne Creek). Founders and Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, work with Peter Leske to produce exceptional, small-batch wines that are expressive of Australia’s great terroirs. The Grenache grapes are hand-picked from a vineyard with vines planted in 1952 and trained in a bush style on sandy soils. The wine is fermented in cement and then aged in oak and cement for approximately 10 months before bottling. The result is an extremely expressive wine that reflects the characteristics of the site of origin. Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache is a powerful and intense wine, but never opulent with delicious aromas of ripe red fruit and blood orange, floral notes of lilac, and hints of rose water and violets. On the palate, it is structured and consistent, juicy and lively. It has a well-integrated tannic backbone and a smooth texture. The finish is long, elegant, and tasty. It’s an absolute must-try with Asian duck and pork, or pork tacos.
      
188. Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP23.47
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2010 in South Australia by MW Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, Thistledown Wines produces small batches of handcrafted wines from iconic vineyards in some of the country’s most prestigious regions, such as the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. The Cunning Plan Shiraz in particular is made from grapes sourced from the low-yielding Moray Park vineyard, located in the beautiful McLaren Vale region, in the McLaren Flat sub-area. Here the vines enjoy extraordinary soil and climate conditions thanks to the proximity of the Gulf to the west, the protection of mountain ranges to the east and north, and diverse soils. After harvest and a short maceration, fermentation occurs spontaneously. The finished wine then rests in French oak (10% new) for 10 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep and intense color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is lively and broad with notes of ripe plum and blackberry, forest berries and delicate spicy aromas. On the palate, it has a full body and great concentration of fruit flavors. It is velvety, hearty and lively with smooth tannins and a long finish that recalls peppery notes. It is the ideal wine to pair with rich stews, roast lamb with herbs, or Asian hotpots.
      
189. Thistledown This Charming Man Grenache 2023 : 8Wines : GBP57.37
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Thistledown is an Australian winery, founded by English-born Masters of Wine Fergal Tynan and Giles Cooke who chose some of the most renowned wine regions in the south of the country to make their wines. The Grenache grapes come from a site of extraordinary quality, located on a hill in the Clarendon sub-region of McLaren Vale, farmed for 3 generations by the Smart family. The 100-year-old vines are trained in a bush style. Its name is a tribute to Bernard Smart, who understood and preserved this beautiful vineyard, whose exceptional fruit we can still enjoy today. After spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine rests in 300-litre barrels (80% of which are used). The Charming Man is a wonderful example of Australian Grenache. It has a deep and complex aromatic profile, with notes of violet and black cherry, raspberry, and ripe blackberries, followed by spice and minerality. On the palate, it is concentrated, fruity, powerful, and elegant with soft tannins and a velvety texture. It is rich and lively with a long finish that recalls spicy notes. Leave it for a few years in the cellar, or open a bottle now with beef chili or pork chops.
      
190. Thistledown Sands Of Time Grenache 2024 : 8Wines : GBP52.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2010, Thistledown is a South Australian winery that sources its grapes from selected winemakers in the area’s premier regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Langhorne Creek). Founders and Masters of Wine Giles Cooke and Fergal Tynan, work with Peter Leske to produce exceptional, small-batch wines that are expressive of Australia’s great terroirs. The Grenache grapes are hand-picked from a vineyard with vines planted in 1952 and trained in a bush style on sandy soils. The wine is fermented in cement and then aged in oak and cement for approximately 10 months before bottling. The result is an extremely expressive wine that reflects the characteristics of the site of origin. Thistledown Sands of Time Grenache is a powerful and intense wine, but never opulent with delicious aromas of ripe red fruit and blood orange, floral notes of lilac, and hints of rose water and violets. On the palate, it is structured and consistent, juicy and lively. It has a well-integrated tannic backbone and a smooth texture. The finish is long, elegant, and tasty. It’s an absolute must-try with Asian duck and pork, or pork tacos.
      
191. Thistledown Fool On The Hill Grenache 2024 : 8Wines : GBP57.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2010 by British MW Giles Cooke, Thistledown is a renowned and award-winning Australian winery. The company focuses primarily on artisanal wines, with a special focus on Grenache (especially from old vines), but also produces excellent Chardonnay and Shiraz. Made in just under 2,600 bottles, the Fool on the Hill is a Grenache-based red from Joel Mattschoss's Trial Hill vineyard, a stunning hillside site overlooking the Barossa Valley. Here, the old, bush-trained vines are isolated at approximately 500 meters above sea level and produce grapes with great concentration and minerality. After the morning harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously with 20% whole bunches in concrete pyramids. The finished wine then ages for 11 months in oak. On the nose, the wine reveals an intense aromatic profile with ripe notes of flowers and red fruits (particularly cherry, pomegranate, and currant) and spicy and mineral hints. On the palate, it is soft and rounded, full-bodied and expressive. It features fine, well-integrated tannins and a distinctive minerality. The finish is long and fruity. It is a wine capable of cellaring well for several years, but can already be enjoyed with pork belly or roast mallard duck.
      
192. Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2020 : 8Wines : GBP25.26
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1994 by Dave Powell, Torbreck is an Australian winery located in the Barossa Valley. Among the most renowned in the area, the company is committed to producing Rhône-style wines, using vines aged between 40 and 160 years. The name Torbreck refers to a forest located in Scotland, not far from Inverness, where Dave worked as a logger. Since 2008, the estate has been owned by Peter Kight. Cuvée Juveniles is a blend of Grenache from old vines, with additions of Mataró, Counoise, Carignan, and Shiraz. After manual harvesting, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and then aged in steel before bottling to preserve its aromatic and fresh character. The result is a youthful and lively wine that showcases the fruity character of Grenache in its aromatic profile. On the nose, the wine reveals notes of raspberry, pomegranate, cherry, and kirsch, followed by light hints of mint and green tea. On the palate, it is medium-bodied. It is fresh and juicy with a lively, persistent acidity and well-integrated tannins. It is a food-friendly wine that pairs well with pork, spicy Asian dishes, pasta arrabbiata or amatriciana.
      
193. Torbreck The Steading 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.54
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Founded in 1994 by David Powell, Torbreck has become one of the leading wine estates in Australia and is nigh unbeatable in terms of quality. Terroir and a sense of place are extremely important at Torbreck. The winery brings European sensibilities to its amazing range of Barosso region wines. Torbreck’s fruits come from a variety of independent growers across the Barosso Range, many of whom have been growing vines for several generations. The winery is influenced heavily by the Rhone Valley and largely focuses on Southern French varietals, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mataro, the ingredients for this Chateauneuf-du-Pape-inspired red blend. The Steading shows a stunningly clear nose of red fruits, such as pomegranate, cranberry and hedgerow raspberries. The bouquet has a pleasant earthy foundation, gained from mineral-rich soils and the Mataró grape. Darker fruits envelop the tongue with flavours of cherry and blackberry jam. They are complemented by elements of spice, aniseed, black olive, and flawlessly balanced acidity. It is a perfect mouthful that defines Torbreck’s approach to wine-making. Pair it with barbecued meats or vegetables, a hearty, hot stew or a spicy Gorgonzola.
      
194. Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.26
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by David Powell in 1994 in the Barossa Valley, Torbreck Vintners quickly achieved international fame thanks to its excellent production of high-quality Rhone-style red and white wines. The company, which also owns some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, takes its name from a Scottish forest near Inverness, where its founder worked as a lumberjack. Shiraz grapes are hand-picked from a selection of different vineyards located in the Barossa (including Marananga, Greenock, Gomersal, Seppeltsfield, and Moppa). After harvesting and vinification according to traditional practices, the finished wine rests in French oak barrels for approximately 10 months. Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz is an elegant and deep wine that reveals an intense and brilliant garnet red color in the glass. Its aromatic profile is rich and ripe, with predominant notes of red and dark fruits (blueberry, cherry, cassis, and blackberry) over a delicate background of spices. On the palate, it is soft, rounded, and full-bodied, with smooth tannins and a well-balanced acidity. It is concentrated and voluptuous, with a long finish that recalls spicy notes. Try it with short ribs, beef fillet, or herb-roasted lamb.
      
195. Torbreck The Struie Shiraz 2023 : 8Wines : GBP44.28
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. A creation of Australian stalwart David Powell, Torbreck winery has grown to become one of the Barossa region's most prestigious wineries. It began in 1994 when Powell steeped the first Torbreck vintage on his 12-hectare parcel of land in Marananga. Since then, the operators at Torbreck have become caretakers of several vineyards in Barossa and work with independent wine-growers all across the region. The Struie is named after a hilltop in the Scottish highlands, a place where Powell formerly worked as a lumberjack. It is made from 100% Shiraz/Syrah and is the perfect choice for those who want to discover why the Barossa region is so widely renowned. Showcasing lifted aromas of black fruits, chocolate and a notable, graphite-like minerality, The Struie is crafted from grapes grown in elevated vineyards across Eden and Barossa Valley. Plum, blackcurrant and blueberry all contribute to its concentrated flavour. As the wine opens up, hints of chocolate, violet and spice appear, marrying harmoniously on the palate. The Struie was aged in French oak for 20 months, and its supple tannins will support years of potential cellaring. Combine it with a herby rack of lamb, a wine-based stew, or a hard cheese.
      
196. Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2024 : 8Wines : GBP78.32
Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. Named after the Tolpuddle Martyrs who were transported to Australia in 1834 for the crime of starting a trade union in rural England, Tolpuddle Vineyard is set in the south-eastern corner of Tasmania in Coal River Valley. The vineyard was first planted in 1988 by Tony Jordan and Garry Crittenden and later purchased by current owners Martin Shaw and Master of Wine Michael Hill Smith in 2011. In 2006 the winery won the very first Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year award, demonstrating the exceptional quality of the local terroir. The cool, dry climate offers ideal conditions for making Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with plenty of elegance and aromatics. The grapes for this bottling are all harvested by hand and fermented in French oak barrels. The young wine is then aged in the barrel for 9 months with some lees stirring during the maturation period. The nose is intensely aromatic with hints of honeysuckle, lemon zest, white peach and brioche and biscuit notes from the lees. On the palate there is a well-rounded texture, medium body and vibrant stone fruit notes along with hints of vanilla and toast from the oak. A great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or to enjoy now alongside roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or mature cheeses.
      
197. Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2024 : 8Wines : GBP82.22
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Located in the north-eastern corner of Tasmania in the Coal River Valley, Tolpuddle Vineyard is named after the Tolpuddle Martyrs, a group of farm workers who were shipped to Australia for the crime of forming a trade union. In 1988 Tony Jordan and Garry Crittenden recognised the viticultural potential of the area and planted a vineyard here. Current owners Martin Shaw and Master of Wine Michael Hill Smith purchased the estate in 2011 and have established Tolpuddle’s reputation for producing exceptional Tasmanian wines. The climate here is cool and dry with a long ripening season which helps to preserve freshness and achieve perfect balance in the grapes. Their Pinot Noir is made in an elegant Burgundian-style with plenty of elegance and poise. The grapes are all harvested by hand and fermented in whole bunches before the young wine is matured in French oak barrels for 9 months. The nose is an enticing blend of bright red fruit and hints of savoury spice from the whole bunch fermentation and oak ageing. The first sip reveals a medium body, bright streak of acidity, and vibrant core of red cherry and raspberry seasoned with dried herbs, toast and spice. The finish is long and clean with plenty of freshness, making this a great partner for game, roasted duck or charcuterie.
      
198. Tyrrell's Vat 9 Shiraz 2022 : 8Wines : GBP49.30
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a fruit-laden Shiraz, bursting with aromas of ripe raspberry, strawberry, plum and baking spice. Some time spent breathing will reveal undertones of earthy spiced meat. Vat 9 is always harvested from the greatest plots of Shiraz on the Tyrell estate: the vines are planted on fertile red clay soils, with a minimum age of 50 years. Given the Tyrell family's long history with the region of Hunter Valley and South East Australia as a whole, the quality of their wine is no surprise. They have been part of the landscape since the 19th century when wine pioneer Edward Tyrell planted some of the first vineyards in the country. Nowadays, the winery is in the safe hands of a fifth generation of Tyrells, Chris, Jane and John. On the palate, the Vat 9 Shiraz exhibits a medium to full body, with velvety tannins and a pure vein of acidity. Notes of ripe hedgerow berries intermingle with hints of orange peel, baked red clay, and a melange of spice. It is superbly balanced, and although can be considered a “serious red wine”, it also contains a velvet-smooth texture and is incredibly easy to drink. The finish is deeply savoury, with notes of charred meat and earth. Consider pairing this Shiraz with hearty red meat dishes, pungent cheese, or spicy stuffed olives.
      
199. Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Semillon 2024 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Enjoy it now or hold it for a couple of years. No need to decant before serving. This is a crisp and aromatic Semillon wine from Hunter Valley, bursting with aromas of white flowers, lemon curd and ripe citrus fruits. The fruits were harvested from some of the region’s top Semillon vineyards, with an average vine age of 40 years. It is an excellent wine, designed to be enjoyed immediately. Tyrell’s is an established winery in South East Australia, home to some of the original Semillon and Shiraz sites that were planted back in the 19th century, by Edward Tyrell. The Tyrell family own 8 of the 11 oldest vineyards in New South Wales, and employ a tremendous knowledge of the land, to create a stunning range of classic Australian wines. Notes of pear, star fruit and fresh green herbs mingle on the palate of this medium-bodied white. It is equal parts vibrant and elegant. Refreshing acidity drives a concentrated fruit character. On the finish, steely hints of minerality also reveal themselves. The fruits spent a short period of time ageing on the yeast lees, adding even more texture and depth to each bottle. It will be a fantastic wine to pair with a creamy sauce, shellfish, or even a roasted chicken.
      
200. Woodlands Clementine Eloise Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 : 8Wines : GBP60.94
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Named one of Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of the Year in 2021, Woodlands Wines is considered one of the top wineries in Australia’s Margaret River region. When it was founded in 1973 by David and Heather Watson it became one of the very first wineries to be planted in Margaret River, and over the intervening years Woodlands has established a stellar reputation for ageworthy Bordeaux-style Cabernet blends. This magnificent cuvee is made from the first Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines planted by David and Heather. The gravelly loam soils and east-west orientation of the vines are ideal for creating top quality wines, helping to create a long ripening season for the fruit. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully sorted and vinified with the final blend aged in new French oak barrels for 19 months. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the rich deep crimson hue and enticing hints of cassis, dark cherry and mulberry seasoned with hints of woodsmoke and spice from the oak. The first sip reveals firm tannins, a solid full body, and a finely-balanced finish with plenty of luscious berry flavours and savoury herbal notes of bay leaf and fresh mint. This is a great red to cellar for a few more years or to serve now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
      
201. Woodlands Margaret 2018 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least one hour. Founded by David and Heather Watson in 1973 in Wilyabrup, Woodlands is an award-winning Australian winery and one of the first to be established in Margaret River. Today, the 10-hectare, certified organic estate is run by Andrew and Stuart, the founders' sons. Margaret, considered the company's flagship wine, is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with additions of Merlot and Malbec, sourced from the Woodlands Estate vineyard, planted on gravelly, sandy soils on calcareous clay. After harvesting and manual selection of the bunches, the grapes are fermented separately in steel and then left to macerate on the skins. After a rest of about a year and a half, the wines are tasted to prepare and bottle the final blend. The wine reveals a deep crimson red color and an intense and complex aromatic profile with notes of berries, especially cassis and blackberry, violets and aromatic herbs, and some hints of vanilla. On the palate, it is rich, soft and concentrated. It has a full body and a strong mineral vein. The finish is fresh and persistent. It pairs well with red meat in spicy preparations, such as a beef goulash.
      
202. Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Franc Merlot 2018 : 8Wines : GBP15.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Wilyabrup, Woodlands is one of the oldest and most popular wineries in the Margaret River wine region, in Western Australia. It was founded in the early 1970s by David and Heather Warson and remains a family-run winery, producing critically and commercially acclaimed wines from its 10 hectares of vineyards. The winery focuses on Bordeaux varietals and is now run by David and Heather's sons, Andrew and Stuart. This Woodlands Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend has been produced since 2008 with grapes sourced from the Wilyabrup Valley. The blend is made with equal parts of the two grape varieties. After vinification, the finished wine is aged for approximately 15 months in French oak barrels. The wine displays a bright and dense color with crimson red tones and a ripe and broad aromatic profile with notes of blueberry, blackberry, and cassis, followed by earthy touches, black olives, and cedar. On the palate, it reveals the smoothness of the Merlot, combined with the freshness of the Cabernet Franc. It has a medium-full body and a good concentration of fruit. The tannins are firm and well-integrated and the finish is long and slightly spicy. Try it with pepperoni pizza, eggplant parmigiana, or pasta with Italian sausage.
      
203. Xanadu Vinework Chardonnay 2020 : 8Wines : GBP15.38
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve well chilled. Xanadu winery’s unusual name was inspired by the legendary home of Kubla Khan as described in Samuel Coleridge’s 19th century poem. When Irishman Dr John Lagan arrived at this stunning place in Australia’s Margaret River region in the 1970s he was immediately reminded of the utopian city. Over the intervening years this gorgeous setting has been transformed into a successful and beautiful winery producing exceptional wines from classic international grape varieties. Conditions here are ideal to premium winemaking thanks to the cooling breezes from the nearby coast and the sunny Mediterranean climate. The grapes for this delicious Chardonnay come from their Stevens Road and Boodjidup vineyards in the Wallcliffe sub-region of Margaret River. Once in the winery the fruit is pressed and fermented in small batches in French oak barrels using wild yeasts. The batches are then aged on the lees in the barrel for 9 months before the winemakers create the final blend. The result is a vibrant yet elegant Chardonnay which is bursting with ripe stone fruit, citrus, white blossom and a flinty minerality. On the palate there’s a creamy texture, smooth medium body and a pure, clean finish with plenty of freshness. A great wine to drink with roast chicken, grilled fish and salads, or to keep in the cellar for a few more years.
      
204. Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP19.82
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This quirky Australian winery is named after Xanadu, Kubla Khan’s legendary home on the Mongolian plateau. The estate was founded in 1977 by Irishman Dr John Lagan, a literary enthusiast who was inspired by the parallels between poet Samuel Coleridge’s enchanting depiction of the exotic city and his new adopted homeland of Margaret River. It’s not hard to see why, given the winery’s stunning location close to the coast and bathed by warm Mediterranean sunshine. This is their classic Cabernet Sauvignon that beautifully showcases the beauty of the Margaret River terroir with fruit sourced from their 110 hectares of prime vineyards. Xanadu’s head winemaker Glenn Goodall adopts a light touch in the winery, believing that the natural quality of the grapes should be respected rather than simply ‘beating them into submission’. Following vinification Goodall ages the young wine in the cellar in 40% new French oak barrels for 14 months before it’s ready for bottling. The result is a sophisticated yet surprisingly robust red that’s consistently Xanadu’s most-awarded label. The nose is bursting with enticing hints of crushed wild berries, fresh mint, and ripe plums, while the first sip reveals a full body, smooth tannins, and long finish seasoned with spice and licorice notes.
      
205. Xanadu Chardonnay 2021 : 8Wines : GBP20.89
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. The unusual name of this Margaret River estate comes from Samuel Coleridge’s poem about Kubla Khan’s legendary city of Xanadu on the remote Mongolian steppe. When founder Dr John Lagan created the winery here in 1977 he was struck by the similarities between the poetic city and his adoptive homeland. Today the estate continues to impress, with some 110 hectares of vineyards that enjoy a sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the Indian Ocean. Their classic Chardonnay perfectly captures the essence of the estate’s unique terroir thanks to the dedication of head winemaker Glenn Goodall who believes in letting the grapes speak for themselves rather than ‘beating them into submission’. Fruit is sourced from the Wallcliffe region of Margaret River with barrel fermentation using wild yeasts to add more complexity and character to the finished wine. Each batch is then individually aged on the lees for 9 months before the final blend is put together towards the end of the year. Bright apples, pears and vibrant citrus dominate on the nose while the palate offers a mouthwatering freshness balanced by a rich, creamy texture. The bold flavour profile makes this a great match for roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or simply a generous platter of cheeses.
      
206. Xanadu Reserve Chardonnay 2021 : 8Wines : GBP60.77
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Located halfway between the town of Margaret River and the vast Indian Ocean, Xanadu has become one of Australia’s premier wineries and an enduring symbol of Western Australia’s pioneering spirit. The winery was established in 1977 by the erudite Irishman Dr John Lagan and his wife Eithne, making it one of the first estates to appear in the region. The following 40 years have seen a change of ownership, to the Rathbone family, with Senior Winemaker Glenn Goodall pushing the letter for high-quality wine on behalf of all of Western Australia. The Reserve Chardonnay is a perfect embodiment of Xanadu’s quiet power and inimitable style. Its grapes were sourced from the oldest vineyard on the estate, planted by Dr John Lagan himself in the 1970s. It is 100% Gingin clone Chardonnay, alive with scents of sweet, tart stone fruit, such as nectarine and peach. These fruit notes expand and elaborate on the palate, supported by pear, citrus fruits, subtle mineral notes and hints of oceanic salinity. The terse acidity and core of strong fruit flavours make this a wine of recognisable intensity, and a must-have for any serious collector. It will be superb alongside white fish, shellfish, or a succulent roast chicken.
      
207. Bessa Valley Grande Cuvee 2019 : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Enjoy now, or cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting is optional, for up to an hour before serving. Bessa Valley Winery is located in the village of Ognianovo, in southern Bulgaria. The region was populated by Thracian tribes in ancient times and was the birthplace of legendary poet Orpheus, who supposedly charmed the vine-growers of the Rhodope Mountains with his harp. The Rhodope Mountains are just to the south of Bessa Valley and provide the perfect terroir for a beautiful range of wines. The majority of grapes grown on the winery’s 140 hectares are Bordeaux varietals, which thrive in the continental climate. The Grande Cuvee is a meeting of worlds, Bordeaux, Rhone and Bessa Valley. Four varietals each make up a quarter of the blend - Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grande Cuvee shows a rich fruity bouquet, replete with blackberry, plum and red cherry aromas, backed by vanilla nuances. It is dry, smooth and full-bodied, with wonderfully rounded tannins. On the palate, black and red fruits are joined by notes of mocha, pepper, rich leather and hints of caramel. It will be an excellent companion for a variety of rich meats, including lamb, pork and duck, or if you’re vegetarian, mushroom-based dishes and bitter greens.
      
208. Bessa Valley Enira Reserva 2019 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Bulgaria’s Bessa Valley is set in the hills between the Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River which help to create excellent conditions for winemaking. The cooling influence of the mountains and the excellent clay limestone soils captured the attention of Count Stephan von Neipperg who owns several important Bordeaux estates like Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and La Mondotte, inspiring him to found his own winery here. The estate’s 140 hectares of vines planted with Bordeaux varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot help create well-structured, elegant wines like this Reserva. The cuvee is predominantly composed of Merlot and Syrah along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. To harmonise and fully integrate all of the components, the young wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. Sure to please lovers of big, bold reds, this wine is bursting with succulent cassis, blackberry and dark cherry notes with undertones of dried herbs, leather and dark chocolate. On the palate there’s a solid full body, firm tannins, and a bright core of ripe dark fruit which lingers on the palate. Great to drink alongside charcuterie, roast lamb, or tomato-based pasta dishes.
      
209. Bessa Valley Enira 2019 : 8Wines : GBP14.76
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Bessa Valley winery occupies a stunning setting between Bulgaria’s lofty Rhodope Mountains and the Maritsa River. It was here that Count Stephan von Neipperg, owner of several esteemed Bordeaux estates including Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere, found the perfect spot to create Bordeaux-style wines from the exceptional local terroir. Bessa Valley’s 140 hectares of vines benefit from hot, sunny summers with temperatures moderated by the nearby mountains and excellent clay limestone soils. This particular cuvee is a great introduction to their house style, blending plenty of Merlot with Syrah and a dash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After vinification the wine spends one year ageing in French oak barrels for extra polish and complexity. Succulent dark berries, plums and mulberries immediately jump out of the glass along with deeper hints of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. On the palate there’s a robust full body, firm yet smooth tannins and a long finish seasoned with woodsmoke and sweet spice. The easy-going nature of this red make it a great choice to combine with charcuterie and mature hard cheeses as well as to drink on its own in good company.
      
210. Albarino Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP167.24
Albarino Premium Tasting Case
      
211. Allimant Laugner Cremant D'alsace Rose Case : 8Wines : GBP107.50
Allimant Laugner Cremant d'Alsace Rose Case
      
212. Australian Shiraz Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP199.91
Australian Shiraz Premium Tasting Case
      
213. Assyrtiko Santorini Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP227.44
Assyrtiko Santorini Premium Tasting Case
      
214. Ribera Del Duero Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP248.83
Ribera del Duero Premium Tasting Case
      
215. Brunello Di Montalcino Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP345.78
Brunello di Montalcino Premium Tasting Case
      
216. Mencia Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP205.52
Mencia Premium Tasting Case
      
217. Barbaresco Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP339.00
Barbaresco Premium Tasting Case
      
218. Beaujolais Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP146.59
Beaujolais Premium Tasting Case
      
219. Barolo Top Value Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP260.41
Barolo Top Value Tasting Case
      
220. California Pinot Noir Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP290.42
California Pinot Noir Premium Tasting Case
      
221. Champagne Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP351.77
Champagne Premium Tasting Case
      
222. Christmas Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP200.23
Christmas Premium Tasting Case
      
223. California Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP495.43
California Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Tasting Case
      
224. Chateauneuf Du Pape Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP349.34
Chateauneuf du Pape Premium Tasting Case
      
225. Chateauneuf Du Pape Top Value Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP226.60
Chateauneuf du Pape Top Value Tasting Case
      
226. Chianti Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP185.21
Chianti Premium Tasting Case
      
227. California Chardonnay Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP338.47
California Chardonnay Premium Tasting Case
      
228. Chateau Purcari Moldavian Wine Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP126.34
Chateau Purcari Moldavian Wine Tasting Case
      
229. California Red Blend Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP263.57
California Red Blend Premium Tasting Casе
      
230. Cremant Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP121.02
Cremant Tasting Case
      
231. Priorat Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP241.10
Priorat Premium Tasting Case
      
232. Franciacorta Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP186.16
Franciacorta Premium Tasting Case
      
233. Rose Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP93.05
Rose Premium Tasting Case
      
234. Chablis Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP163.92
Chablis Tasting Case
      
235. Gevrey Chambertin Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP595.24
Gevrey Chambertin Tasting Case
      
236. Georgian Khvanchkara Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP141.06
Georgian Khvanchkara Tasting Case
      
237. La Scolca Gavi Dei Gavi 2024 Case : 8Wines : GBP227.66
La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi 2024 Case
      
238. Georgian Orange Amber Wine Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP130.97
Georgian Orange Amber Wine Premium Tasting Case
      
239. Grower Champagne Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP318.28
Grower Champagne Premium Tasting Case
      
240. Georgian Saperavi Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP162.23
Georgian Saperavi Premium Tasting Case
      
241. Gavi Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP139.04
Gavi Tasting Case
      
242. Amarone Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP331.34
Amarone Premium Tasting Case
      
243. Orange Wine Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP156.58
Orange Wine Premium Tasting Case
      
244. Super Tuscan Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP328.78
Super Tuscan Tasting Case
      
245. Langhe Nebbiolo Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP140.28
Langhe Nebbiolo Premium Tasting Case
      
246. Matusko Dingac 2020 6 Bottle Case : 8Wines : GBP148.68
Matusko Dingac 2020 6 Bottle Case
      
247. Meursault Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP541.90
Meursault Tasting Case
      
248. Vineyard Olive Oil Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP131.59
Vineyard Olive Oil Premium Tasting Case
      
249. Oregon Pinot Noir Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP311.92
Oregon Pinot Noir Premium Tasting Case
      
250. Primitivo Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP158.93
Primitivo Premium Tasting Case
      
251. Douro Red Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP252.44
Douro Red Premium Tasting Case
      
252. Prosecco Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP88.21
Prosecco Premium Tasting Case
      
253. Provence Rose Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP174.61
Provence Rose Premium Tasting Case
      
254. Puligny-montrachet Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP480.31
Puligny-Montrachet Tasting Case
      
255. Barolo Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP374.83
Barolo Premium Tasting Case
      
256. Red Burgundy Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP224.46
Red Burgundy Tasting Case
      
257. Rioja Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP229.34
Rioja Premium Tasting Case
      
258. Riesling Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP208.82
Riesling Premium Tasitng Case
      
259. South African Red Wine Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP198.48
South African Red Wine Premium Tasting Case
      
260. Saint Hilaire Blanquette De Limoux 6 Bottle Case : 8Wines : GBP126.50
Saint Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux 6 Bottle Case
      
261. 8wines Staff Picks Red Wine Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP215.77
8Wines Staff Picks Red Wine Tasting Case
      
262. 8wines Staff Picks White Wine Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP178.37
8Wines Staff Picks White Wine Tasting Case
      
263. Thaya Decanter Selection Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP103.00
Thaya Decanter Selection Premium Tasting Case
      
264. Top Value Champagne Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP226.66
Top Value Champagne Tasting Case
      
265. Bread & Butter Chardonnay 2023 6 Bottle Case : 8Wines : GBP139.18
Bread & Butter Chardonnay 2023 6 Bottle Case
      
266. California Zinfandel Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP345.17
California Zinfandel Premium Tasting Case
      
267. Vintage Champagne Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP346.58
Vintage Champagne Premium Tasting Case
      
268. Valpolicella Ripasso Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP112.30
Valpolicella Ripasso Premium Tasting Case
      
269. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Premium Tasting Case : 8Wines : GBP134.11
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Premium Tasting Case
      
270. Burrowing Owl Syrah 2019 : 8Wines : GBP31.85
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for an hour before serving. This Rhône-inspired red blend from Burrowing Owl is bursting with ripe aromas of blackberry, bilberry, plum and liquorice, with animalistic background notes of smoked meat. As it opens up, you can also detect some hints of vanilla and black pepper, rounding out the bouquet. While Syrah is the dominant grape here, making up 97% of the blend, the producers have also added a small splash of Viognier. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery lies just inside the Canadian border, where the dry steppe terroir that covers most of Washington state’s prime vineyard locations begins to peter out. It was founded in 1997 by Jim Wyse and has become one of Canada’s highest-renowned wineries, picking up gold medals at Mundus Vini Spring Tastings and the WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. This beautiful red is a perfect starting point for those looking to explore the underrated world of Canadian wine. It is full-bodied and velvety in the mouth, with a firm tannic structure and refreshing acidity. Jammy notes of black and blue hedgerow fruits appear on the palate, mingling with sage, thyme, spice, and subtle hints of coconut. A bundle of dried herbs lingers on the palate during the long finish. Consider pairing this red with a tender piece of herby lamb, a hearty mushroom burger, or grilled eggplant.
      
271. Burrowing Owl Athene 2019 : 8Wines : GBP38.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Jim Wyse in the 1990s in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, Burrowing Owl Winery takes its name from an endangered species native to the area. The winery, which owns approximately 140 acres of vineyards, is considered one of the most iconic in the country, thanks in part to its pioneering role in the region's wine industry. Athene is a nearly equal blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate A8 block located on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver. After hand-selecting and harvesting, the grapes are fermented together to create a harmonious and well-rounded wine. After vinification, the wine ages for a year and a half in a mix of primarily French, but also American and Hungarian oak barrels (one-third new). On the nose, the wine reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of cassis, blueberry, and blackberry, followed by hints of aromatic herbs, pepper, vanilla, and violet. On the palate, it is intense, full-bodied, and supple, with firm, smooth tannins and a well-defined, refreshing acidity. The finish is long and recalls notes of chocolate and a touch of minerality. Try it with grilled steak or roasted porcini mushrooms.
      
272. Burrowing Owl Merlot 2021 : 8Wines : GBP30.96
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This deep ruby Merlot from Burrowing Owl showcases thick scents of blackberry, plum and dark cherry, with supporting notes of dark chocolate, apple pie and violet. It also showcases an excellent oaky tannic structure, gained from ageing in a mixture of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery lies just inside the Canadian border, at the northernmost tip of the dry steppe created by the Cascade mountain range. It was founded in 1997 by Jim Wyse, who has brought the winery numerous awards over the years, including gold medals at the National Wine Awards of Canada and Mundus Vini Spring Tastings. On the palate, you will discover a velvety, full-bodied texture, loaded with flavours of dark hedgerow fruits, dry Provençe herbs, cocoa and orange rind. The grapes were harvested at the height of ripeness from estate-owned vineyards, granting the wine a warm and comforting character. Its high acidity and mature tannins will allow for at least a decade of further ageing, in the bottle, and open up a wide variety of pairing options. Consider drinking it alongside smokey dishes such as jambalaya, or a quality steak.
      
273. Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP38.96
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. The Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon is a vivid scarlet in the glass, with a generous nose of dark summer fruits, cocoa, dried herbs and orange peel. As the wine opens up, you will also detect notes of smoked meat and freshly baked dough. A gorgeous red wine from an unlikely location - British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1997 by Jim Wyse, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery has been the recipient of multiple awards over the years. Gold medals at the Mundus Vini Spring Tastings and the National Wine Awards of Canada have cemented the winery’s place as one of the go-to destinations for quality Canadian wine. Heavily influenced by the Cascade mountain range, Burrowing Owl can be found on the northernmost tip of the arid, steppe terroir that makes British Columbia’s southern neighbour, Washington, such an important grape-growing location. This terroir reveals itself on the palate, with strong notes of graphite minerality, ripe flavours of blackberry, cherry and cassis, and an undercurrent of pungent spice. Aged in a mixture of French and Hungarian oak barrels, It is a dry, full-bodied wine with a long finish, driven by an oaky tannic structure. Consider drinking it alongside a tender rack of lamb, eggplant parmigiana, or meats seasoned with rosemary and thyme.
      
274. Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 2021 : 8Wines : GBP31.85
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a medium-bodied, 100% Cabernet Franc wine, with a fragrant nose of red currant, sour cherry, rose petal, vanilla and violet. The grapes were harvested from estate-owned vineyards in the sub-regions of Osoyoos and Oliver, British Columbia. The producers, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, have been in the region for about 25 years. Founder Jim Wyse has taken steps to ensure that their wines are sourced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards - all 210 acres of them. The estate lies just inside the Canadian border, at the northernmost tip of an arid steppe, created by ancient glaciers and the mighty shadow of the Cascade mountain range. Following harvesting and fermentation, the grapes spent 15 months ageing in a careful mixture of oak barrels: 85% French, 13% Hungarian and 2% American. This has granted the wine mature, well-rounded tannins, and the subtle undercurrent of baking spice that you can discover on the palate. The flavour is filled out with notes of plum, red fruit and thyme, with savoury hints of leather, tobacco smoke and graphite. The finish is lengthy and deeply savoury. Consider pairing this Cabernet Franc with smokey, umami dishes, such as braised beef, red lentil dhal, or mushroom risotto.
      
275. Burrowing Owl Merlot 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.96
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This deep ruby Merlot from Burrowing Owl showcases thick scents of blackberry, plum and dark cherry, with supporting notes of dark chocolate, apple pie and violet. It also showcases an excellent oaky tannic structure, gained from ageing in a mixture of French, American and Hungarian oak barrels. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery lies just inside the Canadian border, at the northernmost tip of the dry steppe created by the Cascade mountain range. It was founded in 1997 by Jim Wyse, who has brought the winery numerous awards over the years, including gold medals at the National Wine Awards of Canada and Mundus Vini Spring Tastings. On the palate, you will discover a velvety, full-bodied texture, loaded with flavours of dark hedgerow fruits, dry Provençe herbs, cocoa and orange rind. The grapes were harvested at the height of ripeness from estate-owned vineyards, granting the wine a warm and comforting character. Its high acidity and mature tannins will allow for at least a decade of further ageing, in the bottle, and open up a wide variety of pairing options. Consider drinking it alongside smokey dishes such as jambalaya, or a quality steak.
      
276. Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP30.96
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This buttery white wine is crafted from 100% Chardonnay and features a mouth-watering bouquet of red apple, stone fruit and pear, coupled with a floral layer of honeysuckle and vanilla essence. It is among the finest Canadian white wines that you can buy and is an excellent bottle to begin your exploration of this underrated wine country. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery lies just inside the Canadian border, in the northernmost stretch of the “antelope brush” terroir, a semi-arid steppe created by ancient glaciers and the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range. The winery was founded by Jim Wyse in 1997, a structural engineer turned vintner, who places a huge emphasis on biodiversity and minimal intervention farming methods. This Chardonnay was harvested from estate-owned vineyards, before ageing for 9 months in a combination of French oak, American oak and Acacia barrels. This ageing process adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel to the wine, along with subtle notes of toasted hazelnut and oak. Stone fruits lead the way, however, with additional notes of papaya, banana and lemon. The long finish reveals shy notes of minerality. Consider pairing it with wholesome white fish, fruit salads or root vegetables, such as parsnip and sweet potato.
      
277. Almaviva 2022 : 8Wines : GBP127.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Almaviva wine was born in Puente Alto, Chile's Maipo Valley, in the late 1990s from the meeting of Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, then President of Viña Concha y Toro, and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, with the aim of producing a French-style Chilean wine, reflecting the unique and exceptional terroir of this part of South America. The name is inspired by the heroic Count Almaviva from The Marriage of Figaro, a classic French literary work later made famous by Mozart's opera. First produced in 1998, Almaviva is an elegant blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with the addition of Carmenère, and small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. After harvesting at optimal ripeness and vinification, the finished wine ages in French oak (approximately 70% new) for 20 months, acquiring complexity and elegance. The result is an iconic wine with a distinctive personality, boasting a broad and delicate aromatic profile. On the nose, Almaviva displays ripe notes of wild strawberries and currants, blackberries, and vanilla, over a background of tertiary aromas such as leather, underbrush, and licorice. On the palate, it is rich, generous, and concentrated. It has a full body and concentrated, perfectly integrated tannins that provide structure and reveal its exceptional aging potential. Keep it in the cellar for a couple of decades, or open a bottle now to enjoy alongside a juicy beef steak.
      
278. Antiyal Pura Fe Carmenere 2023 : 8Wines : GBP18.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Antiyal, was started way back in the 90s, in Maipo Valley in Chile by couple Alvaro and Marina Espinoza. They've got a little farm-like system where the animals help out by providing fertilizer, and everything just works together like a small, self-sustaining ecosystem. Alvaro is a big deal in Chile for bringing biodynamic winemaking to the table and for making some seriously good Carmenere wines. When they pick the grapes, it's all done by hand. Then, they throw them into small steel tanks to let them ferment with indigenous yeast. After that, the wine chills out for 25 days. Once it's all done fermenting, the wine is aged in used French oak barrels for about 10 months. Pura Fe Carmenere has got a dark, deep color, and it smells like a mix of a fruit salad with blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, a touch of violet, some licorice, cocoa, and sweet spices. When you take a sip, it's rich and smooth, with a hint of freshness that keeps things from getting too heavy. The finish is long and tastes like mocha, lingering on your taste buds. It is a wine that you can totally enjoy now or save for later. If you wanna get the full taste experience, maybe let it breathe for about an hour and pair it with a big plate of braised red meat or a juicy steak.
      
279. Casa Marin Litoral Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 : 8Wines : GBP23.47
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Maria Luz Marin in 2000, Casa Marin is a Chilean family winery located in Lo Abarca, in the San Antonio Valley, a short distance from the ocean, in an area characterized by a cool climate. The production is mainly focused on 4 different Pinot Noirs, but the company also grows Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Gris. The Pinot Noir grapes for this wine come from the Litoral vineyard planted on limestone soils. Here, the proximity to the ocean ensures a cool, breezy climate that favors full aromatic and tannic maturation. After vinification, the wine rests for 16 months in used barrels. The wine displays a brilliant dark red color, with ruby ​​highlights. Its aromatic profile is fresh and lively with notes of red berries, cranberry, and cherry followed by smoky hints. On the palate, it is fruity and juicy with a medium body and a well-defined and very balanced acid vein. The tannins are soft and the finish is long and reminiscent of red fruits. The great versatility of this wine allows it to create various culinary pairings: it goes well with both salmon and white meat. For a special food and wine match, try it with duck aiguillettes or pasta Amatriciana.
      
280. Casa Marin Cipreses Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Drink now or cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. This elegant coastal Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s San Antonio Valley is the flagship wine of Casa Marin which is located just a few kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. The Marin family actually had to fight to be allowed to plant vineyards in Lo Abarca which sits just 5km from the sea. Sauvignon Blanc just happens to be the favourite grape of their winemaker, Felipe Marin, so it’s no surprise that they have dedicated 16 of the property’s 41 hectares to the variety. This single vineyard Sauvignon is particularly special since it was declared the best white made in South America by the legendary American wine critic Robert Parker. The grapes are planted on prime chalk and granite soils and the nearby ocean creates morning fogs which help to moderate summer temperatures. These conditions are ideal for premium winemaking since the grapes can reach optimum ripeness without losing aromatics and freshness. At harvest time the fruit is handpicked from seven separate blocks within the vineyard according to the soil type with each lot fermented separately. The young wine is then left to rest on the lees for a short period in stainless steel tanks. This process creates a youthful and vibrant white that’s bursting with pink grapefruit, lychee, rhubarb and zingy citrus notes. On the palate there’s a mouthwatering freshness and salty minerality which makes this ideal to serve as a refreshing aperitif.
      
281. De Martino Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP13.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Chile's Maipo Valley, the renowned De Martino winery was founded in 1934 and remains in the hands of the same family to this day. Over the course of the last 90 years, the company has achieved great popularity and critical success with its excellent wines, a product of the country's diverse geography. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are selected and hand-picked from a vineyard on Isla De Maipo, planted between 1992 and 1998 on an alluvial terrace. Here, the Mediterranean climate, tempered by the proximity of the ocean, and the gravelly soils create ideal growing conditions for this varietal. After harvesting and cold maceration, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the finished wine then ages for a year in used French barriques before bottling. Legado Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense, elegant, and balanced red wine with a broad and complex aromatic profile that alternates fruity notes of plum, blackcurrant, and blackberry with hints of violet, followed by spices, cedar, coffee, and tobacco. On the palate, it is rich and medium-bodied with fine, well-integrated tannins and a very long, seductive, spicy finish. It is a wine capable of aging well for over a decade, but can be enjoyed now with a succulent T-bone steak.
      
282. De Martino La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The Chilean De Martino winery is a family business, run by the eponymous family of Italian origins for four generations. Founded in 1934, the company quickly established itself as one of the finest in South America, thanks to its excellent production of quality wines with excellent value. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from a single vineyard located on Maipo Island, characterized by gravelly alluvial soils. After manual harvesting and complete destemming, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in steel vats, and the finished wine ages for two years in 2,500-liter barrels before bottling. De Martino La Cancha Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense and elegant wine, ready to drink now but also showing excellent aging potential. Its aromatic profile is expressive and complex, with notes of blackcurrant and small, ripe red berries, intertwined with hints of violet, tobacco leaf, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is round and concentrated, deep and smooth, with firm, soft tannins and a distinct acidity. It is a very balanced wine with a moderate alcohol content and a long, fruity finish. Excellent with kebabs, roast beef sandwiches, or Brazilian feijoada.
      
283. Clos De Luz Massal 1945 Carmenere 2020 : 8Wines : GBP19.48
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Clos de Luz is a family-run winery that boasts some of Chile’s finest and oldest Carmenere vineyards. The winery was founded in 1892 by the great-grandfather of the current owner in the stunning Almahue Valley some 70 miles southeast of Santiago. The estate now has some 33 acres of vineyards including some very old Carmenere planted in 1945. To maintain quality and consistency all of the fruit is harvested by hand and the vines are farmed sustainably wherever possible. Once in the winery the fruit is strictly selected and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Maturation takes place in a combination of 7000 litre casks, small French oak barrels, and some 600 litre French barrels. The family relies on the cold winters to help stabilise the wine without any need for chemical additives. On the nose there are heady notes of cassis and blackberry while the first sip reveals ripe plums, and hints of cedar from the oak ageing. The tannins and alcohol are well-integrated with a solid structure that will benefit from a few more years in the cellar. It is also ideal to serve now alongside duck, tomato-based pasta dishes, or a generous platter of charcuterie and hard cheeses.
      
284. Clos De Luz Massal 1945 Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 : 8Wines : GBP19.48
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Clos de Luz is an exceptional family-run winery located in Chile’s Almahue Valley some 70 miles to the south-east of Santiago. Founded in 1892, the winery is now in the capable hands of the fourth generation of the same family with some 33 acres of prime vineyards mostly planted with Carmenere and smaller quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are all sourced from estate vineyards and are fermented using indigenous yeasts. The Cabernet is then aged for 12 months in a combination of large 7000 litre casks and standard small French oak barrels as well as a few 600 litre oak barrels. The result is a harmonious and muscular Cabernet with plenty of ripe fruit character along with hints of toasted oak and cigar box spice from the ageing process. There is a generous full body along with firm tannins and a well-built structure that will respond well to additional time in the cellar. For those who prefer to enjoy it now, it is also an ideal choice to drink now alongside hearty red meat dishes such as steak, beef stews, or fresh pasta served with a rich ragu sauce.
      
285. Morande House Of Morande 2021 : 8Wines : GBP52.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Morande is one of Chile's leading wineries. Founded in 1996, it has played a key role in the growth of the Casablanca Valley winemaking industry and produces innovative, high-quality wines from various wine regions across the country, including the Maule and Maipo Valleys. The House of Morande red is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with the addition of other red varietals, such as Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from the estate's finest plots in San Bernardo, facing north-south, located at the foot of Cerro Chena, in the heart of the Maipo Valley. Here, the vines enjoy a temperate Mediterranean climate and are deeply rooted in the third alluvial terrace of the Maipo River, composed of gravel and clay with a silty structure. After manual harvesting, a three-day maceration at low temperatures, and fermentation, the finished wine ages for 12 months in French oak (50% new), then in large barrels for another 6 months, and finally for 12 months in bottle. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense garnet-red color and a broad, ripe aromatic profile with notes of raspberry, red berries, and black cherry, against a spicy and delicately toasted background. On the palate, it is full-bodied, velvety, balanced, and concentrated. It has fine, well-integrated tannins and a long, smooth, and persistent finish. Try it with beef and mushroom stew.
      
286. Matetic Eq Syrah 2018 : 8Wines : GBP26.99
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Arriving in Chile in 1892 from their Croatian homeland, the Matetic family initially established a sheep farm in Punta Arenas. In 1999 they decided to begin a new chapter in their family’s history by opening a winery in the El Rosario Valley in San Antonio. This cool climate Syrah is made with grapes from their estate vineyards in the valley which are planted on granitic soils and are largely dry-farmed without the use of irrigation. These growing conditions help to produce intensely-flavoured fruit with perfect balance thanks to the cooling breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean. In the winery the family ferment using wild yeasts found naturally in the air and on the skins of the grapes. The young wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for up to 22 months before bottling. Luscious dark cherry, cassis and baked plum along with hints of black pepper and licorice define the nose while on the palate there is a well-rounded texture, robust full body and very long finish. The power and intensity of this wine make it a great choice to keep in the cellar for a few more years or to drink now alongside rich red meat dishes like lamb, steak, or even barbecued ribs.
      
287. Matetic Corralillo Winemaker's Blend 2020 : 8Wines : GBP18.85
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. In 1892 the Matetic family left behind their Croatian homeland and emigrated to Chile’s southernmost corner, Punta Arenas, where they established a successful sheep farm. Several generations later, the family realised Chile’s exceptional potential for making top quality wine and they began to study the terroir. Matetic winery was founded in 1999 in El Rosario Valley just 15km from the Pacific Ocean. This iconic bottle is part of their Corralillo series which was inspired by a historic wine cellar in the Rosario Valley where everyday wines used to be made by local families from the indigenous Pais grape. Today the Matetics are carrying on this legacy with a modern twist by working with top international varieties to craft top quality red and white wines. Their Winemaker’s Blend is primarily composed of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, as well as a drop of Petit Verdot. Grapes are sourced from old vines planted on the slopes of El Rosario where conditions are ideal for quality winemaking thanks to the good drainage, granitic soils and low yields. The family cultivate their vineyards according to biodynamic principles and in the winery the different varieties are vinified separately and aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before blending and bottling. Punchy cassis, plum and cherry define the nose while the first sip reveals a hearty full body, smooth tannins and powerful structure that will age beautifully.
      
288. Matetic Eq Sauvignon Blanc Coastal 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.66
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Located in the valley of El Rosario just 15km from the Pacific Ocean, Matetic is a family-owned Chilean winery which specializes in producing delicious New World wines according to organic and biodynamic principles. The family emigrated to Chile in 1892 from the Croatian coast and established a successful sheep farm in Punta Arenas before moving into winemaking in 1999. Today they apply their extensive knowledge of the local terroir and agriculture to growing top quality grapes in a variety of different appellations. This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc begins life in the “Valle Hermoso” or “Beautiful Valley” which is just 9km from the Pacific Ocean. Here the vineyards sit on the slopes where they enjoy great sun exposure as well as cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Once in the winery the grapes are primarily fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve varietal typicity with 30% fermented in concrete eggs and neutral oak barrels. The young wine ages on the lees for 4 months before bottling and release. The result is a zippy, mouthwatering white which immediately reminds of the sea with hints of salty minerality, bright citrus and tropical fruits like papaya and mango. On the palate there is ample freshness as well as ripe fruit notes and a salty minerality on the finish.
      
289. Matetic Eq Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.84
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. The Matetic family winery was founded in 1999 after several years of attentive study and analysis of the local terroir in Chile’s Rosario Valley. Prior to this the family had been successful sheep farmers down in Punta Arenas ever since their arrival in Chile from their Croatian homeland in 1892. Their philosophy centres around producing top quality grapes by following organic and biodynamic principles in the vineyard and winery to work in alignment with Mother Nature wherever possible. The grapes for this stunning Chardonnay are sourced from the Rosario Valley in San Antonio where the vines are planted on sandy and clay soils. Once ripe the grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously selected before being fermented using native yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine is then left to rest on the lees for 12 months with battonage or lees stirring during the first six months to add extra complexity. The voluptuous flavour profile of this Chardonnay make it a great match for roasted chicken, pastas served in a rich, creamy sauce, or a variety of cheeses. On the nose there are attractive hints of honey, ripe peaches, and zesty citrus while on the palate there’s a well-rounded texture, full body and streak of freshness which brings balance and harmony.
      
290. Matetic Corralillo Carmenere 2023 : 8Wines : GBP18.85
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. A beautiful deep purple in the glass, this Carmenere from Chile begins with a generous nose of black fruits, leather, coffee, smoke, and a hint of toasted nuts. It is made with Carmenere grapes from the Colchagua Valley, the home of Chile’s finest red wines. Jorge Matetic-Celtinja first arrived at the southern tip of Chile in 1892, following a pan-Atlantic journey from the city of Rijeka in Croatia. Today, his namesake continues his legacy as president of the company, marking over 100 years of the Matetic family in the New World. The winery creates a stunning range of cool-climate wines, utilising grapes from the family’s other ancestral home, Asturias in the north of Spain. This is the perfect start for those looking to explore Carmenere, one of the more under-appreciated grapes from the south of France and northern Spain. It shows a perfect balance of freshness and power in the mouth, with strong notes of blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, tobacco, and baking spices. It has a notable long finish, with hints of leather and well-balanced tannins. Enjoy this wine alongside a mature cheese, carpaccio, or a wholesome steak dish.
      
291. Polkura Syrah 2021 : 8Wines : GBP20.77
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The inspiration for Polkura came while two university friends, Gonzalo Muñoz and winemaker Sven Bruchfeld, met while working and studying in southwestern France and had an eye-opening wine tasting close to Narbonne. The experience prompted them to wonder if they could make wine this good in Chile. In 2002 the pair found the perfect property on the western side of the Colchagua Valley in Marchigüewhere conditions were ideal for growing top quality wine. In 2004 they planted their first 12 hectares of Syrah on Polkura hill which is named after the local Mapuche word for the yellow granite soils found in the area. Here the granitic soils help to add elegance and a touch of minerality while the clay also found here adds power and fruit. This bottling is made from grapes grown on the south and west-facing slopes which enjoy cooler temperatures, producing elegant and refined Syrah wines. The young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months before bottling. Dark and brooding on the nose, the wine opens with luscious crushed dark berries, hints of black olives, wild herbs and cigar box spice. On the palate there is a medium body, firm yet graceful tannins and a very long finish. A great partner for fillet mignon, hearty beef stews, or pasta served with a rich ragu sauce.
      
292. Pedro Parra Vinista Pais 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a bright, vibrant red wine, made from the intriguing Paris grape. Virtually unknown outside of Chile, this grape played a vital role in the country’s wine industry until the introduction of Bordeaux grapes in the 20th century. It begins with a bouquet of raspberry, strawberry, wild mint, orange peel, and mulled wine spices. Born and raised in Concepcion, Chile, Pedro Parra obtained a Doctorate in terroir from the Paris Centre of Agriculture, and spent about 15 years as a wine consultant, before founding his own winery. In his work, Pedro is obsessed with stone. This wine was sourced from four separate vineyards - two growing on a granite foundation, and two growing on silty basalt in Ñipas. Before release, the Pais was aged in a mixture of concrete and oak for one year. It is a medium-bodied wine, enveloping the mouth in fine, dusty tannins. Notes of wild hedgerow berries and orange zest emerge on the palate, with underlying notes of clove, star anise, and peppermint. It leads into a peppery, youthful finish. A great choice for those seeking new grape varietals. Consider pairing it with red meat, spicy tomato sauces, or grilled vegetables.
      
293. Pedro Parra Imaginador Cinsault 2022 : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a luscious red wine, made from 100% Cinsault - an underrated, vibrant grape, particularly when it is grown in Chile. With grapes from 5 different vineyards in Guarilihue, where granite soils dominate, this wine's nose is deep and complex. Look for scents of generous, floral notes of wild strawberries and raspberries, with hints of nut, tomato stem, and saline minerality. Pedro Parra is a Doctor of terroir, having earned his degree in Paris, and now resides near his birthplace in Itata, Chile. With a doctorate in the topic, his use of granite-rich terroirs is no mistake - Pedro believes that granite soil imparts a certain “raspiness” at the back of the throat, along with drier tannins, and nervy character. Imaginador features all of those aspects, along with a light to medium body, and an undeniable drinkability. On the palate, you can discover fine, dry tannins, along with a superb tanginess. Notes of raspberry, red currant, and cherry intermingle with floral hints of violet and tannic black tea. The finish is long, tickling the mouth with hints of pepper. This wine should be enjoyed in its youth, alongside red meat or a charcuterie board.
      
294. Pedro Parra Hub Cinsault 2023 : 8Wines : GBP34.54
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a single vineyard Cinsault wine, harvested from a stony, high-altitude location in the Guarilihue region of Chile. Its nose is loaded with reductive scents of burnt caramel and toasted nuts, along with strong fruit notes of pomegranate, sour cherry, and orange peel. Pedro Parra is obsessed with the concept of terroir, even obtaining a doctorate in the topic from the Paris Centre of Agriculture. As a Doctor of Terroir, Parra’s main research interest is the stone bedrock underlying vineyards - he believes that it has a great effect on the wine. The granite soils that make up the vineyard for “Hub”, for example, impart a certain “raspiness” at the back of the throat, and a certain nervous tension, that red wine enjoyers will love. In the mouth, Hub is alive with dusty, finely grained tannins and elevated acidity. Alongside the strong fruit notes of pomegranate, cherry, and blood orange, it has a creamy aspect, exhibiting notes of yoghurt and crème fraiche. It was fermented on native yeasts, in a concrete tank - no oak was used in the making of “Hub”, resulting in an extremely pure fruit profile. Consider pairing it with a charcuterie board, barbecued meats, or roast vegetables.
      
295. El Principal Memorias 2018 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. This punchy Bordeaux-style blend was first created in 1999 in homage to the indigenous Picunches people who lived here in the Maipo Valley prior to the arrival of the Conquistadors. The label is adorned with a spiral design, an ancient symbol which references the circle of life and the wisdom inherent in nature. The bottling is a careful composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere and Syrah which combine together beautifully to produce a muscular and multi-layered wine. The grapes are sourced from prime vineyards which sit at 780 metres above sea level on sandy, well-draining soils and enjoy sunny summer days cooled by breezes from the nearby Andes Mountains. Once vinified the young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 17 months to add polish and extra complexity before bottling. This is a full-bodied and powerful wine with luscious dark fruit notes like cassis, blackberries and dark cherries. On the palate the tannins are smooth yet firm with a well-developed structure which will respond well to extra cellaring. A great partner for red meats including barbecued ribs, steak, or a hearty beef stew.
      
296. El Principal Calicanto 2019 : 8Wines : GBP16.50
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Calicanto was first produced in 2007 and is crafted with fruit from the Andetelmo Estate. The wine is named after the very first bridge constructed over Santiago’s Mapocho River in the late 1700s. The area became the first commercial hub for Chilean wine thanks to the businesses that flourished on the banks of the river by the bridge. The wine is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere along with smaller quantities of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. These are sourced from prime vineyards planted at 770 metres above sea level on clay soils. Conditions here are ideal for making quality red wines thanks to the sunny summer days cooled by breezes from the nearby Andes Mountains. Once vinified the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling and release. Seductive cassis, cherry and crushed dark berry notes characterise the nose, deepening into ripe plums and dried fruit on the palate. There is a muscular full body accompanied by firm tannins and luscious fruit flavours which linger on and on. The vibrant flavour profile makes this a great match for a variety of dishes including aubergine parmigiana, tomato-based pasta dishes, or even pizza.
      
297. Santa Ema Catalina 2021 : 8Wines : GBP32.62
Cellar for up to 13 years. No need to decant before serving. Regularly named one of Chile’s finest wineries in terms of value for money and quality, Santa Ema was founded by the Pavone family who have over three generations of experience of making wine in the local area. The family can trace their history in the Maipo Valley back to 1917 when they first arrived here to grow grapes. Today they use their intimate knowledge of the land and terroir to produce excellent wines from classic international varieties. Catalina is one of their flagship bottlings and was inspired by Catalina Moreno-Rodillo, the wife of Santa Ema’s founder, Félix Pavone. It’s an elegant Bordeaux-style blend composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are sourced from prime estate vineyards in the Cachapoal Valley where conditions are ideal for crafting top quality reds thanks to the sunny summer days and cooling breezes from the nearby Andes Mountains. Once in the winery the grapes are vinified separately by variety and aged in new French oak barrels for 10 months followed by a further 4 months after the blending process is complete. The wine is then allowed to rest in the bottle for a year before it is ready for release. The result is a richly-layered, full bodied wine with powerful dark fruit flavours and a muscular structure and tannins which will respond well to additional cellaring.
      
298. Santa Ema Amplus One Carmenere 2022 : 8Wines : GBP18.97
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. This vibrant, fruit-forward red comes from one of Chile’s top regions for growing Carmenere, the sub-region of Peumo in the Cachapoal Valley. The vines benefit from hot sunny days during summer as well as cooling breezes which flow along the Cachapoal River from the nearby Andes Mountains. This helps to produce luscious, ripe grapes which still retain freshness and plenty of aromatic character. In the winery the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled tanks and then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months followed by a further 6 months of ageing in the bottle. A small amount of Syrah and Carignan is added to the Carmenere to add complexity and structure. The result is a serious and expressive wine which lives up to its name “amplus”, a Latin word meaning “honourable” or “distinguished”. Santa Ema was founded by the Pavone family who first came to the Maipo Valley region in 1917 as grape growers. Today they count on three generations of experience of making wine here to produce a diverse selection of bottlings which capture the exceptional local terroir. Santa Ema has previously been named as one of Wine Spectator’s Top 20 World’s Finest Value Brands for their delicious and approachable Chilean wines.
      
299. Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.26
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. The Pavone family have been making wine in Chile’s Maipo Valley since 1917 when they first arrived in the region. Now run by the third generation of the family, Santa Ema is regarded as one of Chile’s leading wineries for quality and value for money. The winery was previously named one of Wine Spectator’s Top 20 World’s Finest Value Brands thanks to their delicious and easy-going wines which are bursting with character and juicy fruit flavours. Their “Amplus” series takes its name from the Latin word which means “honourable” or “distinguished” and is a nod to the Pavone family’s Italian roots. These are serious and refined wines like this charming Cabernet Sauvignon which is sourced from very old vines in the Cachapoal Valley. The vineyards here benefit from hot sunny days during the growing season as well as cooling breezes which are channeled along the Cachapoal River from the nearby Andes Mountains. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully vinified and the young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Bursting with ripe cherries, blueberries and plums on the nose, the aromas give way to intense crushed wild berries, dried herbs and bitter chocolate on the palate. A firm structure and ripe tannins make this very easy to drink alongside a generous platter of charcuterie, hard cheeses or a hot pepperoni pizza.
      
300. Sena Rocas De Sena 2020 : 8Wines : GBP54.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1995 by Robert Mondavi and the Viña Errázuriz winery, Seña is located in Chile's Aconcagua Valley. In 2005, ownership of the winery, which encompasses approximately 42 hectares of vineyards, passed entirely to the Chadwick family, and the estate is now managed by Eduardo Chadwick. Rocas de Sena is a blend of mostly Malbec, with additions of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Petit Verdot. After careful selection and manual harvesting of the grapes, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature to preserve the pure expression of the fruit. The finished wine then ages in French oak (65% new) for approximately 22 months, refining its texture and complexity. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and deep color with purplish hues. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and layered, with notes of red fruits paired with Asian spices and coffee, followed by delicate balsamic hints. On the palate, it is rich and dense, soft and juicy, with a very refreshing acidity and a lively, ethereal character. The finish is long and recalls the balsamic notes perceived on the nose. It is an elegant and characterful wine, capable of aging well for a few years, but ready to be enjoyed now with a mixed grill of meats, or with pasta with game sauce.
      
301. Vina San Pedro Altair Sideral 2021 : 8Wines : GBP25.25
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. This punchy Bordeaux-style blend is the product of a collaboration between one of Chile’s oldest producers, Vina San Pedro, and Chateau Dassault, a respected Grand Cru estate in Bordeaux. Vina San Pedro was founded in the Curicó Valley in 1865 by a pioneering family who were some of the first to experiment with planting Old World grape varieties in the region. This bottling is made from specially selected vineyards planted with old vines which give an incredible depth of flavour and power to the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant component of the blend along with a smaller proportion of Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand and the young wine is matured in French oak barrels for 14 months. Each of the components of the wine is vinified and matured separately and blended by the winemaker before bottling. The result is a vivacious and juicy red wine which is ideal for enjoying alongside charcuterie, cheeses and red meat dishes. On the nose there are ample notes of black cherry, cassis and crushed berries while the first sip reveals a rich full body, smooth texture and soft tannins.
      
302. Vina San Pedro Cabo De Hornos Special Reserve 2021 : 8Wines : GBP64.16
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour before serving. Set in Chile’s Central Valley, Vina San Pedro was founded in 1865 and is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the country, with a history of producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Vina San Pedro is especially committed to sustainability, using environmentally friendly practices wherever possible including minimal water usage and avoiding excessive chemical treatments. This premium Chilean wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah grapes. It’s named after the treacherous waters around Cape Horn, which are known for their intense winds and currents, a reference to the passionate character of this punchy red. The grapes for this wine are carefully selected from the best vineyards in the Maipo Valley and Colchagua Valley. They are hand-harvested and undergo a long maceration period to extract the maximum flavor and tannins. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months followed by a further 12 months of bottle aging for additional polish and complexity. Expect bold flavors, rich texture, and an ability to age gracefully for years to come. It is a powerful wine that will pair well with rich, hearty dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and strong cheeses.
      
303. Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.77
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1880 by Don Domingo Fernández Concha in the Maipo Valley, Santa Rita is one of Chile's most prominent wineries, having historically played a pioneering role in the country's winemaking history. The estate owns approximately 3,800 hectares of vineyards spread across the Central Valley, from which it produces a wide and diverse range of wines. Since 1980, Santa Rita, now managed by Oscar Salas and Sebastien Labbe, has been part of the Claro Group. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from the Alto Jahuel vineyards in the Maipo Valley. Here, the vines, located at the foot of the Los Ratones mountain range at an altitude of 637 meters, are rooted in colluvial soils with a high stone content and low clay content. The southwest exposure and warm climate, tempered by mountain breezes, create ideal ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation, the wine ages for months in used barriques. In the glass, Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep, dark ruby ​​color with dark reflections. Its aromatic profile opens with intense fruity notes of raspberry and cherry, followed by hints of tobacco and graphite. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, fresh, and well-balanced, with firm, well-integrated tannins and a pleasant, refreshing acidity. The finish is long and fruity. It is excellent with chili con carne and grilled red meats.
      
304. Santa Rita Floresta Cabernet Franc 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.77
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Santa Rita is a major Chilean winery founded by Don Domingo Fernández Concha in 1880. At that time, Don Domingo brought many technological innovations and several French varieties to Chile, achieving astonishing results and fostering the modernization of Chilean viticulture. Since 1980, the company has been part of the Claro Group, which has invested in new equipment and cutting-edge methods to consistently maintain excellent quality. The Cabernet Franc grapes for Floresta are sourced from approximately 20-year-old vineyards located in Pumanque, in the coastal region of Colchagua. After fermentation, half of the wine is aged for approximately a year and a half in new French oak and the other half in used barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense ruby ​​color with purple hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry interspersed with floral and herbal notes, on a spicy background. On the palate, it is full-bodied and juicy, linear and well-structured with firm, well-integrated tannins and a long, refreshing finish. Try it with chicken or turkey with aromatic herbs, with tomato and basil pasta, or even with goat cheeses.
      
305. Vina Aquitania Lazuli Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The lofty Andes Mountains soar above the verdant vines at Vina Aquitania which was founded in 1990 in Chile’s stunning Maipo Valley. Bordeaux winemakers Bruno Prats and Paul Pontallier, and their Chilean friend, Felipe de Solminihac had a vision of making delicious, easy-going wines from classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon in what was then a little-known part of the wine world. Today Vina Aquitania is known for its easy-going and delicious Chilean wines which are made in a clean, modern style with plenty of polish. This cuvee is named after the precious lapis lazuli stone and is only made during the very best vintages from estate-grown fruit. It’s aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months before it's deemed ready for bottling. Luscious cassis, dark cherry and plenty of wild berry notes dominate on the palate, while the first sip reveals firm tannins, a full body, and a long, lingering finish. The bold yet balanced flavour profile makes this a great wine to enjoy alongside casual dinners or barbecues with hearty red meat dishes. Great pairings include a ribeye steak, venison, ribs, or even a rich moussaka or lasagna.
      
306. Vina Aquitania Carmenere Reserva 2024 : 8Wines : GBP13.02
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Founded in 1984 by three friends, Vina Aquitania is a boutique winery set in Chile’s Maipo Valley. Vina Aquitania's vineyards are located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, with the grapes benefiting from the warm, sunny days and cool nights. The winery's philosophy is to produce wines that reflect the harmony between the vineyard and the winemaking process, with a focus on sustainable practices. This Carmenere cuvee is made from hand-selected grapes that are grown in the estate vineyards which benefit from the region's typically warm days and cool nights. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, adding complexity and depth to its already rich flavor profile. On the nose you can expect aromas of black fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, along with notes of chocolate and spice. On the palate the wine is full-bodied and velvety with flavors of ripe plum, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoke. Tannins are firm yet silky, providing a long, smooth and satisfying finish. The punchy character of this red wine makes it an excellent partner for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and strong cheeses.
      
307. Vina Aquitania Sol De Sol Chardonnay 2024 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. With a stunning setting right below the majestic Andes Mountains in Chile’s pristine Maipo Valley, Vina Aquitania was founded in 1990 by two well-known Bordeaux winemakers, Bruno Prats and Paul Pontallier, and their Chilean friend, Felipe de Solminihac. The project began with 18 hectares of land in the Quebrada de Macul where they initially planted predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon along with a little Merlot and Carmenere. This stunning Chardonnay showcases the purity and quality of the estate’s terroir, offering a modern take on this ubiquitous grape variety which is found all over the globe. The fruit is vinified in stainless steel tanks and left to age on the lees for 5 months before bottling. This allows the bright fruit flavours to dominate on the palate, creating a light and elegant Chardonnay that’s ideal for enjoying as an aperitif. Vibrant grapefruit, mango and papaya notes drift out of the glass first, followed by hints of cream, white peaches, and apricots. The first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, plenty of intense citrus and orchard fruit flavours, and a pure, clean finish. Pair with leafy salads, baked pasta dishes, seafood, or grilled fish to name just a few.
      
308. Vina Von Siebenthal Montelig 2015 : 8Wines : GBP49.52
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. With a stunning setting close to the magnificent Andes Mountains, Vina von Siebenthal in Chile’s Aconcagua Valley was founded by Swiss lawyer Mauro von Siebenthal. Mauro visited the area in the 1990s and immediately realised that this place could help him achieve his dream of making his own wines. He moved permanently to Chile in 2009 and threw himself into planting vineyards on his new estate and renovating the elegant colonial era country house which is the winery’s headquarters. Mauro’s flagship wine is the Montelig, a single vineyard bottling crafted from hillside vines planted in 1998. The wine is named after the Spanish word for mountain, “monte”, in reference to the Andes Mountains and “llg” which is the pre-Incan native word for light. It's a powerful, robust blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Carmenere which thrive in the long hot summers and cooler nights thanks to cooling breezes from the nearby Andes. Seductive notes of blueberry, cassis, black plum and dark cherry define the nose, while on the palate there are hints of dried herbs, baked earth and toasted spices from the 25 months of ageing in oak barrels. The finish is strong with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves and a gentle streak of acidity which invites yet another sip. Enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes or keep in the cellar for another decade or so.
      
309. Vina Von Siebenthal Parcela 7 2020 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. This graceful Bordeaux-style blend is the handiwork of Vina von Siebenthal, a Chilean winery founded by Swiss lawyer Mauro von Siebenthal. Mauro emigrated to Chile to pursue his passion for wine and soon fell in love with the Aconcagua Valley where wine has been produced for centuries. The winery is set in an old colonial era country house and surrounded by stunning natural beauty with the lofty Andes Mountains in the background. Parcela 7 is a 10 hectare single vineyard right next to the winery which was part of the first land Mauro purchased here and boasts excellent well-draining alluvial soils ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. To create this cuvee the Cabernet is blended with Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which add complexity and firm tannins as well as rich fruit flavours. Each block of vines is vinified separately to allow maximum control over the final blend, and the individual components are aged in oak barrels for 14 months. The result is an elegant blend which is reminiscent of the wines of Bordeaux’s Left Bank with plenty of herbal and savoury notes along with the full body and well-developed structure. A great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes.
      
310. Vina Von Siebenthal Gran Reserva Carmenere 2021 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Swiss lawyer Mauro von Siebenthal fell in love with the Aconcagua Valley in Chile on a trip to the country in the 1990s, and in 2009 he moved permanently to the country to pursue his dream of making wine full-time. He purchased an elegant colonial era country house which is today the headquarters of the winery as well as the surrounding land which he planted with Bordeaux varietals. This easy-going Carmenere is made with Chile’s flagship grape which has now been completely forgotten in its native Bordeaux. The grapes for this Gran Reserva come from estate vineyards on the Orocoipo hill where the granitic soils and long summer days offer excellent growing conditions for the variety. The Carmenere is blended with a small amount of Cabernet in the winery and then aged in oak barrels for 12 months before bottling. Luscious red cherry, plums and wild berry notes define the nose while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins and a soft, well-rounded texture. The finish is long and seasoned with hints of spice, toasted oak and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. Pair with charcuterie, mature cheeses, tomato-based pasta dishes or earthy game like venison and partridge.
      
311. Vina Von Siebenthal Carabantes Syrah 2022 : 8Wines : GBP25.64
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. The founder of this winery Mauro von Siebenthal first visited the Aconcagua Valley in the 1990s and soon realised that Chile could be the place where he could achieve his lifelong dream of making wine. He left behind his native Switzerland in 2009 to move here permanently, focusing his attention on founding and developing his own winery and planting the pristine land with Bordeaux and other international varieties. The terroir here is ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the long, hot summer days and alluvial and granitic soils. This refined Syrah is named after Don Franscisco de Carabantes, the Dominican friar who brought the first grapevines to Chile in the 16th century. The grapes for this wine are sourced from 20 year old vines with the young wine aged in oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. Succulent notes of blueberries and cherries immediately burst out of the glass followed by hints of violets, rosemary and baked earth. On the palate there’s a generous full body, smooth tannins and a long finish with lingering touches of spice and vanilla from the oak ageing. Ideal for cellaring for a few more years or enjoying now with flavoursome dishes like barbecued ribs, lasagna, aubergine parmigiana, or hearty stews.
      
312. Villard Tanagra Syrah 2021 : 8Wines : GBP57.36
Drink now or cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Villard is named after Thierry Villard, a Parisian who settled in Chile in the 1980s and established his own winery in Casablanca. Today the estate is run by his son, Charlie, who has focused his attention on minimal intervention winemaking and allowing the beauty of the local terroir to shine through. Conditions here are ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the nearby Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains which help cool down temperatures during the summer. The fruit used for this punchy Syrah is grown on granitic soils in a vineyard planted in 2010. All of the grapes are harvested by hand and the winery uses sustainable agricultural practices wherever possible. Once in the winery the grapes are crushed and then transferred to barrels for the fermentation process followed by 20 months of ageing in new and used oak. Enticing hints of luscious ripe berries, plums, and cherries immediately burst out of the glass followed by undertones of spice, sweet tobacco and polished leather. On the palate there’s a generous full body, robust tannins and a well-developed structure that will help this wine age beautifully in the cellar. If you’d rather enjoy it now, try pairing with hearty red meat dishes like venison, beef stews, or tomato-based pasta dishes.
      
313. Villard Grand Vin Pinot Noir 2024 : 8Wines : GBP26.00
Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant. Founded by Thierry Villard in 1989, Villard Fine Wines is a premium family winery from Chile regarded as one of the best producers in the Casablanca Valley. Thanks to the exceptional terroir and the unique characteristics of the Valley, the new generation has introduced innovative winemaking techniques to create new super-premium wines of excellent structure and elegance. The 100% Pinot Noir grapes are planted on clay loam soil in the Casablanca Valley. The harvest is manual, and the grapes undergo cold maceration for 7 days, before the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The resulting wine is aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. Production is limited to less than 6000 bottles. In the glass, the wine shows a wonderful bright strawberry red color. The olfactory profile is rich and intense with aromas of fresh berries, strawberries, chocolate, and soft notes of French Oak. On the palate, there is a good complexity between fruit and wood with notes of moisture and leather. This Pinot Noir has a good structure and an elegant character, with a pleasant and long finish. Try it with baked sea bass, white meat, vegetarian pasta dishes, and medium-aged cheese.
      
314. Vina Vik Milla Cala 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.42
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik founded his namesake winery in 2004 to realise his dream of making world-class wine in Chile’s Millahue Valley. To achieve his vision Vik teamed up with top winemakers and grape growers including Patrick Valette who cut his teeth making wine in Napa Valley and at some of Bordeaux’s leading chateaux. Today the estate has some 900 acres of vineyards with the best quality fruit used for their own bottlings and the remainder sold on to other wineries. Milla Cala is a stunning Bordeaux blend composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, and Syrah. The wine takes its name from the Millahue or “Place of Gold” Valley where the grapes are sourced. Yields are kept very low to maximise quality, and in the winery the young wine is matured in French oak barrels for 21 months. The wine is then bottled and aged for another three years before it is deemed ready for release. Luscious cassis, blackberries and cherries characterise the nose while the first sip reveals a bold full body, smooth tannins and a well-built structure. Hints of blackcurrant, dried herbs and cigar box spice linger on the palate, making this a great match for red meat dishes.
      
315. Vina Vik 2022 : 8Wines : GBP113.12
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Set in Chile’s remote Millahue Valley, Vina Vik is named after its billionaire Norwegian founder, Alexander Vik, who came here to start this true labour of love in 2004. Alexander had long dreamed of founding a world-class winery in this stunning corner of Chile, and decided to team up with Patrick Valette whose family own the iconic Chateau Pavie estate in Bordeaux. The team of talented winemakers here now produce a growing range of premium wines from the property’s 900 acres of vineyards as well as selling their sought-after grapes to other local wineries. Vina Vik is their flagship wine which is made in strictly limited quantities each vintage. The cuvee is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with some Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, and Merlot. Dried violets and luscious cassis, blackberry and ripe plum immediately burst out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of cigar box spice and leather from the 23 months of maturation in oak barrels. On the palate there’s a generous full body, robust tannins, and an intense core of dark berries which lingers on the tongue. The power and opulence of this cuvee make it a great choice to cellar for a few more years or to enjoy now alongside a prime steak, barbecued ribs, or hearty game dishes.
      
316. Vina Vik A Cabernet Franc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP18.97
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Millahue, in Chile's Cachapoal Valley, the VIK estate was founded in 2004 by the Viks and today encompasses approximately 270 hectares of vineyards. The company boasts a state-of-the-art winery, overseen by winemaker Cristián Vallejo. The wine is a blend of approximately 3/4 Cabernet Franc and 1/4 Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes come from the Las Casas and La Lazos parcels, respectively, both located in the Millahue Valley, where the Mediterranean climate is influenced and tempered by the ocean, which moderates maximum temperatures. The Cabernet Franc vines are planted in silty-clay soils, which favor the aromatic development of the grapes. The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, on the other hand, benefit from sandy-clay colluvial soils with 50% sand, which guarantee the production of wines with firm and elegant tannins. After vinification, the wine ages for 12 months in barrels made exclusively from the estate's oak. The result is an expressive and refined wine with a broad and complex aromatic profile, revealing notes of ripe forest berries, currants, and blackberries, followed by delicate spicy and licorice hints. On the palate, it is smooth, silky, and well-structured, with a lively and well-balanced acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. It is concentrated and round, with a long finish that recalls notes of graphite. Try it with Mediterranean-style roast lamb or with herbed pork roll. It is also excellent with red meat stews.
      
317. Vina Vik A Carmenere 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.24
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Carmenere “A” is made from 85% of the Bordeaux varietal, along with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah. The fruits were harvested from Cachapoal Valley in Chile, a land of extraordinarily diverse microclimates and great complexity. It is a vivid dark red, showcasing a powerful nose of blackberry and plum, infused with hints of bell pepper, toast, and capsicum. Vina Vik released its first wine in 2009 and was founded by the esteemed Alexander Vik. He is aided in the cellar by Cristián Vallejo, a native Chilean winemaker with experience from Bordeaux. Their slice of Chile covers 12 valleys, cooled by winds that flow from the mighty Andes mountains. On the palate, “A” is an elegant, textured Carmenere, with taut acids and dusty, finely-textured tannins, which will both soften after some time breathing. Hints of tart cherry, herbaceousness and leather underpin bold and well-rounded dark fruit flavours. They reflect the nose, with notes of blackberry, cassis and plum. The wine was aged in oak barrels for 14 months, giving it an elegant oaky backbone. The finish is long and dripping with delicious notes of earth and fruit. Consider pairing this Carmenere with hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, herb-coated rack of lamb, or beef stew.
      
318. Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It can benefit from decanting. Located in the Colchagua valley, near Millahue, the Chilean Viña Vik winery is an experiential mix of architecture, design, art, wine and well-being. A luxury winery that opens up a new concept of tourism and hospitality. A holistic vineyard producing world-class wines, on 11,000 acres in the Chilean natural landscape, with 360 degree panoramic views over vineyards, valleys, hills, forests and mountains up to 1000 meters with the majestic profile of the Andes in the background. The vineyards can benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate but with marine influence that limits the maximum temperatures. Soils are of granitic origin, deep, porous, and with good drainage. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful ruby red color. The nose shows aromas of red and black fruits, such as raspberries, plums, and blackberries, then notes of fresh spices, along with dried fruit and a slight touch of mocha from the aging in French barrels. It is an elegant wine, with good minerality and a silky sensation on the palate, that's quite unique. It has a strong structure, with soft and tense tannins, along with balanced acidity and an unforgettable long finish. Try it with game casseroles or slow roast lamb.
      
319. Vina Vik Stonevik 2024 : 8Wines : GBP136.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2004, Vina VIK is a Chilean winery with approximately 270 hectares of vineyards in the Cachapoal Valley, in the Central Valley. Produced only in limited editions and using organic and biodynamic practices, Stonevik is one of Vina Vik's most iconic wines, fully expressing the winery's holistic and modern vision. It is a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc, with additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small percentage of Carménère, sourced from the La Cantera area of ​​the Cachapoal Valley. Here, the Mediterranean climate, tempered by maritime influences, favors slow and uniform ripening, while the sedimentary colluvial soils with a sandy-loam texture favor the development of a distinct minerality. After vinification according to the lunar cycle in Barroir barrels, made from oak from the vineyard, the wine ages in amphorae, semi-underground and aligned according to astronomical principles, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. The result is an intense and characterful wine with an expressive and broad aromatic profile that reveals notes of dark fruits such as currant and blackberry, interspersed with hints of aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and thyme, against a graphite background. On the palate, it is full and deep, concentrated and elegant, with velvety tannins and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and intense. Leave it in the cellar for a few years or enjoy it now with grilled red meat.
      
320. Vina Vik La Piu Belle Rose 2025 : 8Wines : GBP20.86
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. The billionaire Norwegian businessman Alexander Vik founded Vina Vik in 2004 in Chile’s Chile’s stunning Millahue Valley. To make his dream of crafting world-class Chilean wines a reality, Vik recruited an expert team headed up by Patrick Valette whose family formerly owned Chateau Pavie in Bordeaux. Valette honed his skills working for top chateaux in Bordeaux and leading wineries in Napa before moving back to his native Chile. In total Vina Vik has some 900 acres of vineyards with the finest fruit retained for their estate bottlings and the rest sold to other wineries. This delicious rosé is named after a goddess revered by Millahue’s indigenous people whose name simply translates as “the most beautiful”. It’s a fitting name for this light and elegant wine which is crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. On the nose there are delicate hints of red berries including strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants as well as hints of grapefruit, citrus zest and ripe melon. As you take a sip you’ll immediately notice the mouthwatering freshness, luscious fruit flavours and light texture. A great wine to serve as an aperitif or by the poolside on a hot summer’s day.
      
321. Thaya Apri Chardonnay 2019 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before the service. Considered one of the most promising wineries in the Czech Republic, Thaya produces high-quality white and red wines. The grapes are grown in the company vineyards which extend over approximately 105 hectares located in various villages, near the Podyjí National Park, in the South Moravia region. Here the climatic and soil conditions are particularly favorable for quality viticulture and in fact, the vine has been present since the times of the ancient Romans. The Apri range of wines is the company's most prestigious. The label features a wild boar, a symbol of strength and wild character. The Chardonnay grapes come from the company's Hnanice and U Chlupa vineyards. Fermentation takes place in 400-liter oak barrels, where the wine is then refined. Chardonnay Apri is a wine with a warm and intense color with golden tones and straw yellow reflections. On the nose, it reveals a complex and mature aromatic profile with notes of tropical fruit and stone fruit, dried orange peel and candied pineapple, white flowers, and light hints of sweet spices. On the palate, it is juicy and elegant with perfectly balanced acidity and a very pleasant mineral note. The finish is persistent with light nuances of vanilla. Try it with roasted chicken, scallop risotto, or roast veal with citrus sauce.
      
322. Thaya Sekt Rose Brut 2021 : 8Wines : GBP29.96
Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant. Located near Podyjí National Park in South Moravia, the prestigious Czech winery Thaya owns over 100 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards planted with indigenous and international grape varieties. The winemaking operations take place in the beautiful cellar designed by architect Jakub Cigler, under the guidance of oenologist Jakub Smrčky. This elegant Classic Method sparkling wine is made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, with the addition of base wines aged in oak barrels. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine rests for 2 years on the lees before disgorgement. The Thaya Sekt Rose Brut has a splendid pink grapefruit color with some coppery nuances and a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it reveals a broad and fresh aromatic profile with notes of currants and wild strawberries, dried citrus fruits and bread crust. On the palate it is round and silky, lively and juicy with a strong acidic vein and a long and persistent finish. Served chilled, it makes an excellent aperitif for a summer dinner with friends, but it also pairs beautifully with pasta with scampi, seafood salads, butternut squash risotto and with shrimp or pumpkin tempura.
      
323. Thaya Frankovka Stare Vinice 2022 : 8Wines : GBP13.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The Czech winery Thaya is located in the village of Havraníky, in the beautiful wine region of South Moravia, not far from the Podyjí National Park. In the modern cellar, designed by architect Jakub Cigler, oenologist Jakub Smrčky produces 5 lines of wines with grapes coming from the 105 hectares of company vineyards located nearby. The favorable climate and soil conditions of the area guarantee high quality production, and the winery has in fact soon gained large success and received various international awards. This delicious red wine is made with Frankovka grapes, a vine of Slovenian origin today widespread especially in Austria and Germany, where it is known by the name of Blaufränkisch, and also in Hungary, where it is called Kékfrankós. The grapes come from old vineyards and, after fermentation, the wine rests in oak for 1 year, before bottling. It is a fruity wine with an intense aromatic profile with notes of red cherry, currant, and berries, followed by balsamic and slightly spicy hints. On the palate, it is juicy and round. It has a strong acidic streak and ripe, well-integrated tannins. The finish is pleasantly long and recalls notes of undergrowth. It is perfect with smoked sausage, hot dogs, and cheesy Spaetzle dumplings.
      
324. Thaya Premium Zweigeltrebe 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. The modern, award-winning Czech winery Thaya is located in the village of Havraníky, not far from the Dyje River, from which it takes its name. The vineyards, some of which are organically farmed, cover a total of approximately 105 hectares and are spread across the Znojmo region (in the municipalities of Hranice, Šatov, Havraníky, Vrbovec, and Dyjákovičky). The winery pursues quality production through low yields and a meticulous approach in the cellar, where traditional practices are combined with cutting-edge technology. After harvesting and traditional vinification, the wine rests in 400-liter oak barrels for approximately 16 months. The result is a robust, elegant red wine with great personality, capable of aging for several years but also ready to be enjoyed now. Thaya Premium Zweigeltrebe has a dark ruby ​​color and a broad, expressive aromatic profile that reveals notes of ripe red fruits and spices, with a licorice and slightly animal finish. On the palate, it is full-bodied, fruity, and balanced, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish reminiscent of woody notes. Try it with roast pork shank or grilled beef ribs.
      
325. Thaya Gruner Veltliner Selection 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in South Moravia, north of the Czech-Austrian border, Thaya Winery produces wines from indigenous Czech grape varieties such as Moravian Muscat, as well as French, German, and Austrian varieties. The company grows its own grapes organically and processes the wines naturally with indigenous yeasts. Winemaker Jakub Smrcka manages the operations in the cellar. Gruner Veltliner is considered the most representative grape of Austrian wine production, and here near the Austrian border, it is capable of producing excellent wines. This elegant example is fermented and aged in medium-sized barrels (400 liters), to give the wine more structure without covering or influencing its aromatic profile. The wine has a clear and bright color with shiny golden tones. On the nose, it reveals a vibrant and broad aromatic profile with notes of Golden apple and pear, traces of spice and citrus peel, and light herbaceous hints. On the palate, it is well-structured and harmonious. It has a medium body and a sharp acidity. It is dry and has a strong character. The finish is long and recalls notes of honey. Try it with seafood, calamari salad, or vegetarian quiche. It is also a great match for asparagus and deep-fried artichokes.
      
326. Thaya Apri Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before the service. Located in the village of Havraníky, in South Moravia, the Czech Thaya winery produces high-quality wines highly appreciated by the public and critics. The Apri limited series, produced with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the best company vineyards, features the image of a wild boar on the label to symbolize the strength and slightly wild character of these wines. The work in the cellar is led by winemaker Jakub Smrčky. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the Knížecí vrch vineyard. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for 16 months. This gives it a denser character and light spicy hints. Pinot Noir Apri has a clear and brilliant color with ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and broad, with notes of cherry and redcurrant, dark forest berries, and dried lemon peel, followed by hints of Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary and tobacco leaves. On the palate, it is balanced and intensely fruity, round and dense, with velvety tannins and good acidity. The finish is long and persistent. It pairs deliciously with all game birds and medium-aged cheese.
      
327. Thaya Riesling Stare Vinice 2023 : 8Wines : GBP14.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located close to the Podyjí National Park, in South Moravia, Czech Republic, Thaya owns approximately 105 hectares of vineyards in the immediate vicinity of the winery and in some villages including Hnanice, Šatov, Havraníky, Vrbovec, and Dyjákovičky. Viticulture has been practiced here since the times of the ancient Romans, thanks to the particular climatic conditions characterized by sunny days and cool nights. Soils are composed of calcareous clay and loess with granitic subsoil and are particularly favorable for the production of white wines. The Riesling grapes come from the Hnanice, Fládnická, and U Chlupa vineyards. After the harvest, fermentation takes place in 1000 liter barrels, to allow the wood to leave only a light trace and not alter the complete expression of the fruity character of the vine. Riesling Stare Vinice has a clear and brilliant color with golden yellow tones. On the nose, it reveals a complex aromatic profile characterized by notes of ginger and citrus peel with some iodine hints. On the palate, it is dry and refreshing, juicy, and with a marked acidity. The finish is long and persistent and recalls citrus notes. Excellent with oysters and seafood. It also goes well with vegetarian recipes and some lightly spiced Thai dishes.
      
328. Thaya Apri Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before the service. Considered one of the most promising wineries in the Czech Republic, Thaya produces high-quality white and red wines. The grapes are grown in the company vineyards which extend over approximately 105 hectares located in various villages, near the Podyjí National Park, in the South Moravia region. Here the climatic and soil conditions are particularly favorable for quality viticulture and in fact, the vine has been present since the times of the ancient Romans. The Apri range of wines is the company's most prestigious. The label features a wild boar, a symbol of strength and wild character. The Chardonnay grapes come from the company's Hnanice and U Chlupa vineyards. Fermentation takes place in 400-liter oak barrels, where the wine is then refined. Chardonnay Apri is a wine with a warm and intense color with golden tones and straw yellow reflections. On the nose, it reveals a complex and mature aromatic profile with notes of tropical fruit and stone fruit, dried orange peel and candied pineapple, white flowers, and light hints of sweet spices. On the palate, it is juicy and elegant with perfectly balanced acidity and a very pleasant mineral note. The finish is persistent with light nuances of vanilla. Try it with roasted chicken, scallop risotto, or roast veal with citrus sauce.
      
329. Thaya Pinot Blanc U Chlupa 2023 : 8Wines : GBP14.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3-5 years. No need to decant. The award-winning Thaya winery is located in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, near the Podyjí Natural Park, in the village of Havraníky. The company, which owns 105 hectares of vineyards, produces 5 different lines of wines, mainly based on Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Grigio, Sauvignon, but also Frankovka and Svatovavřinec, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyards enjoy pedoclimatic conditions particularly favorable to the production of quality wines with sunny days and cool nights and soils of clayey limestone origin with loess. The modern cellar, designed by architect Jakub Cigler, is directed by young winemaker Jakub Smrčky. The Pinot Blanc grapes are selected and harvested in the U Chlupa vineyard. Fermentation takes place in large 400-liter barrels where the wine also matures. The Pinot Blanc U Chlupa from the Thaya winery is an elegant wine with great character. In the glass, it reveals a golden, clear, and brilliant color. On the nose, its aromatic profile is fragrant and fruity with notes of golden apple and ripe pear, and delicate hints of honey and freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is fresh and well-structured, with balanced acidity and a light mineral vein. The finish is persistent and juicy. It makes a fantastic aperitif and is excellent with fresh cheeses and Chicken Caesar Salad.
      
330. Arzuaga Reserva Especial 2020 : 8Wines : GBP50.10
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. This magnificent Reserva Especial from Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro is crafted from grapes carefully selected from the estate’s ancient vineyards. These noble Tinta del Pais and Albilla vines were planted over a century ago in this charmed corner of Ribera del Duero. Planted on limestone and clay soils and blessed with plentiful sunshine and cool nights even during the summer, these vines produce small quantities of this incredibly concentrated Reserva Especial. The estate insists on harvesting all of the grapes for this wine by hand to ensure they reach the winery in optimum condition. The wines then undergo fermentation in barrels followed by a 24 month period of maturation in new French oak barrels to add extra layers of complexity and create a soft and well-rounded character. On the nose this gorgeous Reserva Especial exudes seductive notes of leather, dark chocolate and dark plum jam which are joined on the palate by ripe red berries, sweet spices and hints of toasted nuts. Full-bodied and incredibly smooth on the palate, the firm structure of this red wine makes it an excellent partner for rich meat stews, hard cheeses or earthy game dishes.
      
331. Arzuaga Reserva 2021 : 8Wines : GBP39.01
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for no more than 1 hour. Reserva is a title used for specially-aged wine. This blend is a delicious medley of Tinto Fino (95%), Merlot (3%) and Albillo (2%); it weighs in at a healthy 14.5% alcohol and boasts a nose so aromatically intense, you’ll forget that you haven’t even taken the first sip! Upon viewing in the glass, you will notice the smattering of violet dancing elegantly in the bright ruby red Tempranillo blend. Aromas of red fruit compote and forest floor dominate the bouquet with tertiary hints of smoked wood and balsam. On the palate, this Tinto Fino Reserva is complex yet elegant, structured, enveloping and superbly unctuous. Through the sweet tannins, a wild burst of red fruit compote and black berries lead the way to a silky, smooth finish nuanced with ripe strawberries, toasted spices and smoked cedar in the prolonged aftertaste. The fruit used to produce this wine was grown at the Arzuaga family’s estate La Maquinilla (20%) at Finca La Plata and at estate vineyards in the province of Burgos (80%), where the vines are over 80 years old, to combine the structure and complexity or the Old vines with the liveliness and brightness of the New vines. Grapes from 20 different plots were used to craft this wine and it was aged in new French oak barrels for 26 months
      
332. Artuke Paso Las Manas 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.25
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. Paso Las Manas is a classic taste of Spanish red, packed with scents of red and black fruits, cigar smoke, dried herbs, and mulled wine spices. It is made from 100% Tempranillo, harvested from a rocky, 3.9-hectare vineyard at an altitude of 730 metres – one of the more extreme sites in the region. Bodegas Artuke was founded in 1991 by Roberto de Miguel, between the towns of Baños de Ebro and Ábalos, in Rioja. Its name is a portmanteau, taken from the names of its founder’s two sons, Arturo and Kike, who run the winery today. It consists of 22 hectares of vineyards, many of which were once abandoned, before being discovered and preserved by Arturo and Kike. In the glass, Paso Las Manas is a stunning reddish purple. It envelopes the tongue in flavours of blackberry, plum, and raspberry jam, with an undercurrent of stony minerality, cinnamon, and star anise. The grapes were harvested by hand, and fermented in French oak barrels. It is medium-bodied and fresh in character, with finely-grained tannins and good acidity. It is perfect for pairing with roast chicken, pork, or a tuna steak.
      
333. Artuke El Escolladero 2023 : 8Wines : GBP65.21
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. El Escolladero is the product of a lot of hard graft – its Tempranillo and Graciano grapes were harvested from a precipitous vineyard, sitting 660 metres above sea level, near the town of Ábalos. It is classic Spanish red on the nose, exhibiting hints of raspberry, cassis, and blackberry, with nuances of spice. The name of this winery, Bodegas Artuke, is a portmanteau of its two incumbent winemakers – Arturo and Kike. They are the sons of founder Roberto de Miguel, who founded the winery in 1991, between the towns of Baños de Ebro and Ábalos, in Rioja. The two sons have a special interest in discovering and preserving abandoned vineyards – of the 22 hectares that they own, 7.5 were once completely unused. In the mouth, El Escollaradero exhibits succulent, well-balanced tannins, with a taut vein of acidity. It is medium to full-bodied, with a full complement of black and red fruits, spice, dried herbs, and cigar smoke notes. Before bottling, it was plucked by hand and aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, imparting an oaky backbone. It will be an excellent partner for spicy sausage, mature cheese, or roasted red meat.
      
334. Terroir Al Limit Les Manyes 2021 : 8Wines : GBP172.37
Cellar for 30 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Les Manyes is the pinnacle of Terroir al Límit’s line of red wines. It is alive with scents of smoke, wet stone and pungent black fruits. The fruits for this grape were harvested from a monastery in the Montsant mountains, a rugged, lonely landscape and a haven for hermits. Terroir al Límit is a winery that pays strong attention to terroir and its origin, and this is the perfect example of that. It was founded in 2001 by two friends, the German Dominik Huber and the South African Eben Sadie, who met while working on the Perez family’s vineyards at Mas Martinet, in Catalonia. They decided to make this region their home and set up shop in the esteemed appellation of Priorat. Les Manyes is a taste of the mountainside, brimming with flavours of wild herbs, thick black cherry, strong minerality and smoke. It is made from 100% Garnacha - this time of the “hairy” variety. Garnacha Peluda is an unusual variant of the Garnacha Tinta, sporting fine hair on the underside of its leaves that helps to conserve moisture. This is a wine with excellent structure and acidity, leading to a finish that coats the mouth with a pleasant bitterness. This is a great wine for pairing with desserts, such as tiramisu, or lightly seasoned red meat.
      
335. Terroir Al Limit Pedra De Guix 2022 : 8Wines : GBP56.26
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour and half. Based in Catalonia, Spain, Terroir al Limit is a project born in the early 2000s, from the collaboration between Dominik Huber, a German economics student, Eben Sadie, a famous South African winemaker, and Jaume Sabaté, a Spanish investor. The intent, from the beginning, was to enhance the enormous terroir potential of the Priorat wine region and the great Spanish viticultural heritage. The winery can take advantage of centuries-old vines located up to 800 meters above sea level on Licorella soils that retain heat, allowing the grapes to slowly ripen. Pedra de Guix is ​​a blend of equal parts Grenache blanc, Macabeu, and Pedro Ximenez, which ages for 2 years on the lees in 500-liter barrels and a further year in foudre (without yeasts). The presence of the Pedro Ximenez grape in particular gives it a light oxidative character that vaguely recalls a sherry. The wine has a clear and limpid color with intense straw tones. On the nose, it reveals a complex aromatic profile with notes of yellow apple and dried fruit, white flowers and honey, aromatic herbs and fennel, followed by hints of yeast. On the palate, it is intense and velvety, complex and vigorous. It has a well-balanced acidic vein and a savory character with saline aromas. The finish is very long and recalls mineral notes. It is a must-try with shellfish and seafood.
      
336. Terroir Al Limit Arbossar 2022 : 8Wines : GBP54.47
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This Catalonian Carignan wine opens with a medley of red and blue berries, crushed sage, rosemary and minerals. It was harvested from the Arbossar vineyard in the Torroja del Priorat region of Spain. The Carignan vines here are over a century old and grow out of a steep, windy plot of land, just 1.6 hectares in size. Terroir al Límit is a meshing of minds - a joint project between the German vintner Dominik Huber and South African enologist Eben Sadie. Their first vintage was released in 2001, and two years later came the first edition of Arbossar, the boldest wine that they offer. It has always been a pure, terroir-driven wine, made without oak-ageing in order to fully express the special region of Priorat. Arbossar introduces itself with a blast of vibrant, crisp fruit. Flavours of raspberry and cranberry meet minerals and smoke with every sip. It courses with electric acidity, and grippy tannins make for a sinewy, wiry mouthfeel. It is a perfect representation of the rugged and often unforgiving Priorat landscape. Consider drinking this wine with a smokey beef stew, meatballs in a spicy sauce, or hearty vegetable dishes.
      
337. Terroir Al Limit Terra De Cuques Negre 2022 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This Catalonian red blend starts with rich scents of black and red fruits, liquorice, smoke and dried herbs. It is one of Terroir al Límit Winery’s range, which explores extremely specific terroirs around Torroja del Priorat. This time it is Carignan grown in slatey “llicorella” soils and Grenache with its feet in rich clay, combined in a 50/50 blend. Terroir al Límit is a joint project from the German wine-maker Dominik Huber and South African enologist Eben Sadie. They met while working on Catalonian vineyards - specifically, with the Perez family at Mas Martinet, from whom they bought their first batch of fruits in 2001. Terroir al Límit takes a Burgundian approach to terroir. Huber and Sadie take their time to explore every facet of Priorat’s special landscape through the medium of wine. Terra de Cuques Negre exudes a generous warmth, like a hot stone on a summer’s day. Look for comforting fruity notes of blackberry, cassis and raspberry, mingling with a fresh, green herbaceousness and supple spice. It has a lively, shining character, with tenacious acidity and silky tannins. An excellent way to introduce yourself to the region of Priorat, particularly if you enjoy fruit-forward reds. Consider pairing it with nutty cheeses, meatballs in tomato sauce, or a roast turkey.
      
338. Terroir Al Limit Historic Negre 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.99
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for an hour or more before serving. This deep red wine brims with aromas of pomegranate and blackberry, underpinned with herby hints of fennel, hibiscus and “Herbs de Provence”. It is an unfiltered expression of Priorat, crafted from the region’s classic red varieties: Grenache, which makes up 75% of the blend, and Carignan. Terroir Històric is a line of wines from Terroir al Límit. Rather than focusing on extremely specific terroirs around Priorat, it aims to capture a sense of the whole by harvesting from several vineyards around the region. The winery was founded in 2001 by German wine-maker Dominik Huber and South African enologist Eben Sadie, who eschewed the use of oak for the purest fruit flavours possible. This wine bursts with raspberry, cherry and pomegranate on the palate, with earthy garrigue notes and green hints of fennel. It is juicy and round in the mouth, with silky tannins and a vibrant acidity. The fruits were fermented in a neutral inox tank for 6 months. Crisp, balanced and easy to drink - it is designed to be the perfect introduction to red wine from Priorat. Consider pairing it with beef stew, meatballs with tomato, or nutty cheeses.
      
339. Terroir Al Limit Dits Del Terra 2022 : 8Wines : GBP57.37
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Dits del Terra is Terroir al Límit’s flagship wine - the first that the winery produced back in 2001, and one of its most complex and elevated reds. It begins with fresh blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, underscored by scents of dried herbs and spice. It is crafted from 100% Carignan, harvested from the mineral-rich hills of Priorat in northeastern Spain. Terroir al Límit is the invention of two friends who met while working in the Mas Martinet winery. Vintner Dominik Huber comes from Germany and enologist Eben Sadie comes from South Africa, each bringing something special to the hills of Catalonia. Their very first edition of Dits del Terra was created from fruits they bought from the Perez family at Mas Martinet, where the duo learned a great deal about the region. Black fruits, flowers, herbs, spice and hints of balsamic vinegar mingle on the palate of this silky red. It is a pure expression of Carignan, fermented and aged in cement tanks. Without oak influence, Dits del Terra carefully treads the ground between light and serious - it oozes with power and complexity, yet has a distinctly fresh and fruity character. It is a brilliant introduction to the landscape of Priorat and a natural place to start exploring the wines of Dominik Huber and Eben Sadie. Consider pairing it with rich poultry dishes, beef stews, or aged cheeses.
      
340. Alonso & Pedrajo Suane Blanco Reserva 2020 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a refined white Rioja, harvested from two plots near the short Obarenes Mountain Range. It begins with delicate notes of white flowers, white peach, nectarines, and citrus rind. It is made from Sauvignon Blanc, planted at about 580 metres above sea level, and the Spanish varietal Macabeo, situated at 615 metres. The Alonso and Pedrajo winery is the result of a union of two families and is located in the mountain town of Villalba de Rioja. The soils here are mostly clay-calcareous, making them perfect for growing rich white grapes, which are typically harvested by hand. The winery was founded in 2011, and the owners are the first in their respective families to pursue winemaking, making their delicious wines all the more incredible. On the palate, the Suane Blanco Reserva is an elegant wine with a long evolution. It begins with flavours of acacia flower and lime and lemon rind, before revealing hints of orchard fruits and a long, mineral-laden finish. This is one of the finest Spanish white wines on the market, and it is perfect for pairing with white fish, soft cheese, or chicken.
      
341. Aalto 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.04
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Aalto is an exciting young project founded in Ribera del Duero by Mariano Garcia, the famous winemaker of Bodegas Vega Sicilia, and Javier Zaccagnini who is a renowned expert in wine business management. The duo came together with a joint vision to produce outstanding wines from the local Tinta Fina or Tempranillo grape and capture the beauty of the terroir in this striking Spanish region. In total the winery has 32 hectares of vineyards which have been carefully replanted from old Tinta Fina clones chosen for their quality and intensity of flavour. Aalto’s state-of-the-art winery is partially buried underground to create barrel rooms which are naturally kept at optimum temperature for ageing their wines. Aalto is their second wine which is crafted from 40-80 year old vines planted in seven different villages in the Burgos province along with some fruit from Aalto’s own younger vineyards. The wine is aged in French and American oak for 16 months to help soften the firm tannins and add extra polish and complexity to the cuvee. This is a dark and handsome Tinta Fina that’s bursting with ripe cherry, cassis, spice and coffee bean notes which evolve on the palate into wild berry, dark chocolate and leather.
      
342. Aalto Ps 2023 : 8Wines : GBP91.98
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. This sensational Tinta Fina from Ribera del Duero is the handiwork of Mariano Garcia who worked for some 30 years at Bodegas Vega Sicilia as winemaker and technical director. Mariano teamed up with the well-known wine business management consultant Javier Zaccagnini to found a brand-new project, Aalto, in the late 1990s. The winery now has 32 hectares of vineyards which have been planted with carefully-selected old clones as well as using older vineyards scattered across the Burgos province. Their iconic wine is the Aalto PS or Private Selection which is only made during the very finest vintages. Such is the attention to detail that the grapes undergo a rigorous multi-step selection process to distinguish the best fruit. Following vinification the wine is aged in top quality French oak barrels for 20 months before bottling. The result is a truly remarkable wine that regularly receives scores in the high 90s from the likes of Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. Packed with opulent fruit, firm tannins, and a well-developed structure, this is a uniquely beautiful Ribera del Duero wine which will age extremely well in the cellar over the next 10-15 years. For those who wish to enjoy it sooner, it’s recommended to pair this powerful red with hearty dishes like steak, beef stews, barbecued meats, or even venison to bring out the luscious fruit character and soften the tannins.
      
343. Aalto 2023 : 8Wines : GBP51.97
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Aalto is an exciting young project founded in Ribera del Duero by Mariano Garcia, the famous winemaker of Bodegas Vega Sicilia, and Javier Zaccagnini who is a renowned expert in wine business management. The duo came together with a joint vision to produce outstanding wines from the local Tinta Fina or Tempranillo grape and capture the beauty of the terroir in this striking Spanish region. In total the winery has 32 hectares of vineyards which have been carefully replanted from old Tinta Fina clones chosen for their quality and intensity of flavour. Aalto’s state-of-the-art winery is partially buried underground to create barrel rooms which are naturally kept at optimum temperature for ageing their wines. Aalto is their second wine which is crafted from 40-80 year old vines planted in seven different villages in the Burgos province along with some fruit from Aalto’s own younger vineyards. The wine is aged in French and American oak for 16 months to help soften the firm tannins and add extra polish and complexity to the cuvee. This is a dark and handsome Tinta Fina that’s bursting with ripe cherry, cassis, spice and coffee bean notes which evolve on the palate into wild berry, dark chocolate and leather.
      
344. Dominio De Anza Blanco 2023 : 8Wines : GBP40.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Hailing from a family with a long winemaking tradition, Diego Magaña is a young, independent winemaker born in the Navarre region. After experiences in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Argentina, and Chile, he decided to dedicate himself to producing his own wines in Bierzo, with the support of his friend Raúl Pérez, who initially allowed him to use his facilities. His production philosophy is based on respectful viticulture and minimal intervention, along with limited yields, to create wines that reflect a distinct terroir. His work in Bierzo has solidified his reputation and enabled him to establish his identity as an independent winemaker. In 2016, Diego expanded his business by collaborating with winemakers and cooperatives in the Rioja Alavesa region. The Blanco del Dominio de Anza is a blend of Viura and Malvasía, characterized by a bright, straw-yellow color. The nose reveals a broad and fresh bouquet that opens with citrus aromas, followed by tropical and mineral notes on a light licorice undertone. On the palate, it is rich, fruity, and vibrant. It has a citrus concentration that refreshes the palate and quenches the thirst. It is balanced and elegant, with a medium to long finish that evokes light mineral notes. It is excellent as an aperitif and excels with seafood and white fish.
      
345. Dominio De Anza Finca El Rapolao 2023 : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Cellar for 25 years or more. Decant for 2 hours before serving. Finca El Rapolao is an intriguing cherry red colour, with windows of black. The nose is packed with rich minerals and dark soil, and hints of coriander, tarragon and black pepper that lurk in the background. It is a Mencia-based blend from the Bierzo region of Spain, also containing portions of Alicante Bouschet and Sousón, a Portuguese grape used in the production of Port. Dominio de Anza is run by Diego Magana, the son of Spanish legend Raul Perez, who owns the famous Navarre winery Vina Magana. Dominio de Anza upholds the family legacy and then some, with a delicious, age-worthy range of distinctly Spanish red wines. El Rapolao is sourced from a single plot, just half a hectare in size - the vineyard is planted on red clay with extremely high iron content. On the palate, this is a strongly mineral wine, with bloody iron-rich notes, fascinating hints of red fruit, vegetation and considerable red spice. In terms of texture, it is lean and fresh, with fine velvety tannins. It is a different kind of red wine, packed with clay and salt - ideal for those looking to expand their horizons. Perfect for pairing with Manchego cheese, grilled meats or hearty stews.
      
346. Dominio De Anza Seleccion De Parcelas 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.82
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for at least an hour before serving. Selección de Parcelas is a single-varietal Mencia wine, from the esteemed appellation of Bierzo in northern Spain. It is a light, vibrant red in the glass - Mencia is usually light in colour, similar to Pinot Noir, but offers a thick, scented bouquet. Red fruits, orange zest, iron and liquorice all mingle on the nose. Dominio de Anza was founded by Diego Magana, a member of a young wine-making family from Navarre. Bringing experience from Argentina, Chile, Bordeaux and Burgundy, Diego has created a stunning range of red wines to share with the world - all of which are true representations of the beautiful landscape of Bierzo. Selección de Parcelas coats the tongue in fine tannins and pure, cleansing acidity. There are flavours of red currant, cherry, rose petals and iron to be found. It is rich in minerality, a trait gained from the red clay soils of Northern Spain. The Mencia was harvested from different vineyards in different vineyards, and was fermented separately before bottling. It is intense and intriguing - a new kind of wine for jaded fans of Spain or Burgundy to explore. To unlock its full potential, pair it with hard sheep’s cheese, empanadas, or any variety of tapas.
      
347. Nerinterra 2022 : 8Wines : GBP32.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Nerinterra is a Spanish wine project that began in 2015, when Didier Belondrade and his son Jean, owners of the homonymous winery in Rueda, acquired the abandoned Clos del Afaitador vineyard in the village of Solanes del Molar, in Priorat. Here in this spectacular natural amphitheater, facing north in an ideal position, characterized by about 80 meters of altitude difference, on soils of slate, clay, and Licorella limestone, Belondrade began experimenting with ancient Carinyena and Garnacha vines, producing his first wine in 2018. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested in three steps and, after spontaneous fermentation, the finished wine is left to age for a year in used barrels. Nerinterra Priorat is a balanced wine that expresses all the warmth and power typical of Mediterranean reds. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with notes of blackberry and plum, aromatic herbs, and light hints of spice and tobacco. On the palate, it is round and smooth with a good acidity and dense, ripe tannins. The finish is long, persistent, and fruity. It is the ideal wine with Italian porchetta (roast suckling pig) or lamb.
      
348. Belondrade Quinta Apolonia 2024 : 8Wines : GBP22.14
Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Quinta Apolonia is the younger sister of the exceptional Belondrade y Lurton which is recognised as one of the finest Verdejos on the market. The estate’s second wine is a careful blend of wine which has been fermented in stainless steel tanks and wine which has been aged on the lees for 3 months. This helps to emphasise the distinctive varietal character with plenty of ripe peach and apricot notes while adding more complex hints of toast and sweet pastries from the lees ageing. The winery was founded by Didier Belondrade who came to Rueda and was inspired to apply Burgundian winemaking techniques to create exceptional white wines from the local Verdejo grape. What began in the mid-1990s as a tiny project using rented vines and a small corner of a friend’s winery quickly blossomed into Belondrade’s own winery on the La Seca plateau some 760 metres above sea level. Here Belondrade has some 30 hectares of vines planted on pebbly soils over a sub-layer of clay and sand. The exact character of the soil varies greatly from plot to plot, allowing Belondrade to select the precise personality of each wine to reflect the vintage and the micro-terroirs of his vineyards.
      
349. Belondrade Y Lurton 2024 : 8Wines : GBP46.01
Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. The northern Spanish region of Rueda is known for its crisp, fresh white wines made from the local Verdejo grape, but this example from renowned producers Belondrade Y Lurton is fermented in oak to add extra complexity and intensity of flavour. Widely regarded as one of the finest Verdejos being made in Rueda today, the wine is crafted with grapes from 22 organically-farmed plots which are each harvested by hand and vinified separately. Following fermentation each batch is aged on the lees in French oak barrels for 10 months before the winemaking team decides the exact composition of the finished wine. The wine is then bottled and spends an additional 5 months ageing in the bottle before it is ready for release. The result is a striking white wine which opens with distinctive notes of toast, dried hay, and white peaches. The first sip reveals a crisp acidity balanced by a full body and rich stone fruit flavours which linger long on the tongue. While superb to drink now alongside creamy chicken or fish dishes and various types of cheese, this wine will continue to improve if carefully cellared over the next 6 to 8 years.
      
350. Bodegas Forjas Del Salnes Goliardo A Telleira Albarino 2023 : 8Wines : GBP29.60
Cellar for 10 years. No need to decant it, but it is advisable to open it half an hour before serving it. Founded in 2005 by Rodrigo Mendez and oenologist Raul Perez, Forjas del Salnes is widely considered one of the most exciting and innovative realities in Galicia. From the beginning, Forjas, which grows organically, has worked with the main objective of recovering ancient Galician varieties that had been abandoned and lost over the centuries and producing Albarino from old vines. Their wines are clear proof of their philosophy and reflection of the terroir: full of freshness, with perfect minerality, ample sensations, and a surprising aging potential. Goliardo A Telleira is produced from Albarino grapes from 45-year-old vines located close to the coast. Alcoholic fermentation and aging take place in large used barrels of 750 liters. After 12 months in wood, the wine is bottled and immersed in special cages 30 meters deep in the sea, where it is left to age for another 3 months. The wine has a powerful and expressive nose of ripe stone fruit, delicate spices, floral and mineral notes. In the mouth, it shows all its complexity and aging potential. It is creamy and structured, deep and mineral, with a strong saline character and remarkable acidity. This is a wine that can improve with a few years in the cellar. Serve at 9º to 12ºC. Enjoy it with Iberian cured meats or oily fishes.
      
351. Bodegas Forjas Del Salnes Leirana Albarino 2024 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant it. Forjas del Salnes is a Galician winery founded in 2005 by Rodrigo Mendez with the famous winemaker Raul Perez. The recovery of centuries-old vineyards of little-known varieties and the production of Albarino wines from old vines have always been their mission. But the winery also aims to enhance a terroir of great vocation where sandy and granite soils and the proximity of the sea create grapes of great expressivity. Leirana Albarino is an exceptional white wine that was qualified in 2012 as the best wine of the Rías Baixas appellation by the New York Times. It is made 100% from Albarino grapes, grown on sandy soils of granite origin from vines aged between 40 and 60 years. It is fermented in a mix of stainless steel vats and oak foudres, where it is then left to mature for six months. This mineral Albarino offers delicate notes of stone fruit, white flowers, a touch of salinity, and a hint of slightly bitter citrus. A vibrant acidity brings freshness and liveliness. It is complex and expressive, agile and elegant. It can stay in the cellar for a few years but can also be enjoyed now with seafood, cod, oysters, and appetizers in general.
      
352. Bodegas Forjas Del Salnes Leirana Genoveva Albarino 2024 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Cellar for 5 years. No need to decant it. Bodegas Forjas del Salnas is a partnership between Rodrigo Mendez and winemaker Raul Perez. The project, named after the homonymous mussel raft company founded by Rodrigo’s grandfather, started in 2005 in the Val do Salnes area in Rías Baixas with the mission of preserving heritage varieties that over the centuries had been pulled out in Galicia. Currently, the winery manages around 7.5 hectares of vineyards located in different parts of the municipality of Meaño, Sanxenxo, and Barro, producing some of the most exciting wines in Rías Baixas. Leirana Genoveva is a white wine made from 100% organically grown Albarino grapes from 80-year-old vines from a small vineyard by the sea. It ferments in large barrels of 750 liters, and is then aged in oak foudres for 12 months for subsequent bottling. On the nose, the wine shows intense aromas of ripe apricot and peach, mandarin, white flowers, and aromatic plants. In the mouth it is fruity, intense, and delicious. It has good acidity and a mineral backbone. But what is striking about this wine is its depth and concentration, absolutely exceptional for an Albarino. It is a delicious pairing with seafood, crab, lobster, and oriental rice. Serve at 6º to 8ºC.
      
353. Baigorri Garnacha 2018 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15-20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Rioja Alavesa, Bodega Baigorri stands out for the impressive architecture of its cellar. Aesthetic and functional, the Bodega is the work of the architect Iñaki Aspiazu. The panoramic windows covering an area of ​​400 m2 offer an incredible view but the functional peculiarity of the cellar concerns the winemaking process. All handling of grapes or wine, from transporting the harvested grapes to the cellar on the upper floor, to storing the wines on the lower floor of the Bodega, takes place exclusively by gravity. The grapes are therefore not damaged by the pumps and keep their initial flavor intact. Garnacha has a long tradition in Spain, but in Rioja it is very rarely vinified in purity, as in this case. The grapes for this wine are sourced from around 35-year-old vines from the sunniest vineyards of Bodegas Baigorri. The wine shows a very deep purple color. The nose is fragrant with aromas of red and black berries, juicy stone fruit, toasted almonds, cooked pear, and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, the concentrated power is in perfect balance with the pleasant sweetness, the typical warmth of Garnacha, and the good freshness. The finish is prolonged and elegant. A must with roast lamb.
      
354. Baigorri Reserva Rioja 2018 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1996, Bodega Baigorri is one of the most renowned producers in Rioja. The vineyards are divided into many small plots on the terraced hill slopes, upstream of the Ebro river. Depending on the orientation of the vineyard and the constitution of the soil, they benefit from a specific microclimate that refines wines with a unique character. The modern cellar is designed in such a way that the grapes are conveyed exclusively by gravity, without any pump. The architectural style fascinates thanks to its incredible functionality. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from different plots on clayey-limestone soil, located in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. The over 40-year-old vines here produce the Baigorri Reserva guaranteeing low yields and excellent fruit quality. The wine has an intense ruby red color with violet reflections. On the nose, the aromatic profile is complex and releases intense aromas of black and blueberries, followed by notes of bitter chocolate and cherry liqueur. There are also gentle notes of toasted mocha beans, cinnamon, caramelized nuts, and a pinch of tobacco. In the mouth, it is soft, concentrated, and velvety with intense fruitiness and a lively freshness. It makes a delicious accompaniment to beef tenderloin, braised shank, or lamb chops. It can also be served with game or oxtail dishes.
      
355. Bodegas Bhilar Phinca Lali 2019 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Cellar for up to 25 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. Phinca Lali is an intense single vineyard red wine, opening up with full-bodied notes of plum, cranberry, and cherry, with underlying notes of chalky minerality, dried herbs, and tobacco. It was sourced from a 0.54 hectare plot in Rioja, where the vines grow in clay and limestone soils. It is composed of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Viura. Bodegas Bhilar is located in the town of Elvillar, in Rioja Alavesa, one of the higher altitude terroirs within Spain’s premier region. It was founded by the husband and wife duo of David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman, who have transformed the winery into a traditional, minimal-intervention enterprise. Since 2014, they have stopped using tractors, instead opting to use a horse and plough. It is voluminous and intense on the palate, which is marked by strong flavours of iron, tobacco smoke, spice, and ripe dark fruits that continue throughout the long finish. It contains firm tannins and bright acidity, making it suitable for longer term cellaring. Phinca Lali was aged in oak barrels for 36 months. This wine would be a fantastic partner for lamb stew, chorizo sausage, or sharp hard cheese.
      
356. Bodegas Bhilar Phincas 2021 : 8Wines : GBP23.87
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. This is an elegant Spanish red blend, composed of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, and 5% Viura. Sourced from old, gnarled vines in Rioja, this wine exhibits a classic nose of ripe cranberry and redcurrant, dried herbs, and powerful earthy spices. Bodegas Bhilar is a family enterprise, led by husband and wife duo David Sampedro and Melanie Hickman. It is a small-scale winery, located in Elvillar in Rioja Alavesa. This is one of the higher altitude terroirs within Rioja, defined by its low density of vineyards. The duo take an intensely traditional approach to winemaking, and since 2014, they have even used a horse and plough to farm the fields, rather than tractors. Before bottling, Phincas spent an impressive 36 months ageing in oak, followed by 6 more months in concrete. The oak comes through on the palate, which shows sinewy tannins, fresh acidity, and superb structure. Notes of cherry, plum, tobacco smoke, dried herbs, and mulled wine spice envelope the tongue, leading into a long finish. This is a great affordable option for anybody who wants to explore Rioja. Consider pairing it with game meats, lamb, or smokey stews.
      
357. Mauro Vs 2021 : 8Wines : GBP80.11
Cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Mariano García served as technical manager for thirty years at the world-famous Vega Sicilia winery in Ribera del Duero before beginning his own project in Tudela de Duero just 19 km north of Madrid. The region is one of Spain’s most important wine producers and is known for its full-flavoured red wines made from the classic Tempranillo grape. In total the estate has 80 hectares of vines in Tudela de Duero and Santibáñez de Valcorba where conditions are ideal for making full bodied reds thanks to the hot sunny days and cool nights which help preserve freshness and aromatic complexity. This bottling is made from the very best grapes from the estate sourced from old vines with the young wine aged in French and American oak for 32 months. This extended ageing creates a multi-layered and intense flavour profile with smooth tannins and a well-developed structure which will respond very well to cellaring for at least another decade or so. The nose opens with bold dark fruit along with hints of cigar box spice, vanilla and toast while the first sip reveals a generous full body, very smooth entry and long, lingering dark berry flavours.
      
358. San Roman 2021 : 8Wines : GBP41.44
Cellar for up to 8 years No need to decant before serving. This stunning wine from the up-and-coming Spanish region of Toro is crafted by talented winemaker Mariano García who served for three decades as technical director at the legendary Vega Sicilia estate in Ribera del Duero. Toro has long been overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, Ribera del Duero, but now thanks to the hard work of Mariano and others the region is producing some of Spain’s most exciting powerful red wines from the Tempranillo grape. In Toro the variety is known locally as Tinta de Toro and it thrives here in the tough continental climate with very hot summers and freezing winters. This bottling is crafted from 45 year old vines which are planted at 750 metres above sea level on a mixture of sandy and stony soils. In the winery Mariano vinifies each plot individually to give him maximum control over the finished bottling. The young wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels for 24 months. The result is a powerful, richly concentrated wine with ample dark berry and plum character which linger long on the nose and palate. The first sip is rewarded with a very smooth texture, fine tannins and a muscular structure which will respond well to several years more of cellaring.
      
359. Mauro 2023 : 8Wines : GBP39.85
Drink now cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Mauro was founded by Mariano García who worked at the legendary Vega Sicilia winery for thirty years as technical manager. The winery is located in Ribera del Duero which is best known for its excellent red wines made from Spain’s classic Tempranillo variety. This bottling is crafted with fruit from Tudela de Duero and Traspinedo where the vines are planted on limestone and clay soils and a small amount of Syrah mixed into the cuvee to add complexity and body. The grapes are vinified separately by variety and vineyard to give Mariano maximum control over the final composition of the blend. The young wine is then aged in French and American oak barrels for 16 months, polishing and harmonising the different components into a richly-layered and classic-style Spanish red. The nose opens with seductive notes of dark plum, cassis and blackberry while the first sip reveals a generous full body, silky smooth texture and well-developed tannins. The long, refined finish is seasoned with hints of cigar box and sweet spice from the oak and the bold flavour profile makes this a great match for rich Spanish charcuterie or hearty tomato-based pasta dishes.
      
360. Benjamin De Rothschild - Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico 2020 : 8Wines : GBP55.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Macán is the result of the encounter between two true icons of the wine world, Benjamin de Rothschild and Pablo Alvarez (from Vega Sicilia), that took place in 2003. After deciding to establish their project in the Rioja wine region, they purchased 80 hectares of vineyards from as many as 70 different owners, for their two wines. In the classic Bordeaux style, they produce a "Grand Vin" (Macán) and a second wine (Macán Clásico). Despite being made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, Macán Clásico is not a traditional Rioja wine, but the expression of a particular terroir: that of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta. Unlike modern Rioja wines, the Macan Clasico is aged for 12 months in Burgundian oak, more elegant than the American one, and does not use the traditional Rioja aging scale (Crianza/Reserva/Gran Reserva). Macan Clasico reflects the character of the territory but remains an accessible wine, easy to drink, without losing the typical elegance of the wines of the two great brands that produce it. Its notes of spices, candied fruit, and garrigue, and its deep and remarkably balanced palate reflect its Mediterranean style. It is a concentrated and powerful wine, capable of aging beautifully. It goes well with grilled meat, lamb, and cured meats.
      
361. Bodegas Valdemar Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva 2017 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Spanish wine region of Rioja, Bodegas Valdemar is a renowned family-run winery whose long winemaking tradition began in 1889 with Joaquín Martínez Bujanda. Currently, the winery, which owns approximately 300 hectares of vineyards, is managed by Jesús Martínez Bujanda and his sister Ana, the fifth generation of the family. The Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva is a red blend of mostly Tempranillo with additions of Graciano and Garnacha. The grapes are sourced from the estate's old vines located in Rioja Alavesa. After manual harvesting and vinification, the finished wine ages in a mix of French and American oak barrels (25% American oak) for 32 months. The resulting wine is powerful and intense, with a bright, clear, deep ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is intense and complex, with ripe notes of black fruit and plum, followed by hints of aromatic and balsamic herbs, tea leaves, and licorice. On the palate, it is lively and smooth, ample and round, with fine tannins and good structure. The finish is long with notes of licorice. It works deliciously with game and red meat stews.
      
362. Valdemar Estates Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 : 8Wines : GBP69.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. With their long winemaking tradition and pioneering spirit, in 2019, Bodegas Valdemar embarked on a new adventure by establishing Valdemar Estates in Washington State, USA. Here, Jesús and Ana Martínez Bujanda produce premium wines that reflect the potential of the Walla Walla Valley terroir. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (with small additions of Petit Verdot and Merlot) come from the Eventide vineyard, one of the most important in Valdemar Estates. Here, the slope, altitude (between 270 and 380 meters), and northeast exposure create unique conditions that favor the production of lively and concentrated wines (also thanks to the low yields). After harvesting and vinification, the finished wine ages in French oak barrels (22% new) for approximately a year and a half. The result is an expressive and characterful wine with a fragrant aromatic profile that combines notes of black cherry, blackberry, and dried fig, followed by earthy and tea leaf aromas. On the palate, it is generous, rich, and concentrated, with a full body and firm tannins. It has a lively acidity and a long finish that recalls light notes of tobacco and cedar. Try it with beef brisket and grilled red meats.
      
363. Bodegas Valdemar Conde De Valdemar Edicion Limitada 2020 : 8Wines : GBP32.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Bodegas Valdemar is a winery with a long history. The Martinez Bujanda family's winemaking business began in 1889 with Joaquín Martínez Bujanda, and today the company, world-renowned for its pioneering spirit, is led by Jesus and Ana, the fifth generation. Produced in fewer than 8,000 bottles, Conde de Valdemar Edicion Limitada is a blend of Tempranillo, Maturana, and Graciano, selected and hand-picked from some of the estate's most renowned vineyards (La Recaja for the Tempranillo, Balcón de Pilatos for the Maturana, and Las Seis Alhajas for the Graciano). After vinification, the finished wine ages for over two years in French and American oak barrels (60% and 40%, respectively). In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, bright color with dark cherry tones. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and broad, with initial notes of ripe dark fruit, followed by balsamic and spicy hints, and a final touch of tobacco and licorice. On the palate, it is soft and silky, concentrated and round, with good structure and lively acidity. Tannins are smooth, and the finish is long and slightly saline. It pairs very well with mushroom risotto, roasted porcini mushrooms, and aged cheeses.
      
364. Valdemar Estates Entre Nosotros Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 : 8Wines : GBP38.32
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Valdemar Estate is the American branch of Bodegas Valdemar. Founded in 2019 in the Walla Walla wine region of Washington State, this winery combines the best of Spanish winemaking traditions, the pioneering approach of the Martinez Bujanda family and the Washington state terroir, to produce high-quality wines. Entre Nosotros is a wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with additions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah from the Stone Valley, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Dionysus, Klipsun, and Lefore vineyards, all located in the Columbia Valley AVA. After manual harvesting and careful bunch selection, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (29% new) for approximately a year and a half. The result is an elegant and expressive wine with an intense aromatic profile and notes of blackberries, plums, and blueberries, followed by hints of wood and toasted dark chocolate. On the palate, it is concentrated and rich, with a full body and balanced acidity. It is smooth and fruity with a long finish reminiscent of a touch of mocha. It is excellent with beef brisket and short ribs.
      
365. Valdemar Estates Chardonnay 2022 : 8Wines : GBP34.80
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 2019 in Washington State's Walla Walla Valley wine region, Valdemar Estates is the first foreign-owned winery in the United States. The company was founded by Jesús and Ana Martínez Bujanda, the fifth-generation winemaking family behind the renowned Spanish winery Bodegas Valdemar. With their long winemaking tradition and renowned pioneering spirit, the Martinez Bujanda family produces exquisite wines that express the best of Washington State. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from various subregions of the Columbia Valley. After manual harvesting and careful bunch selection, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a high temperature to enhance the grape's freshness and aromatic character. The finished wine then ages for 9 months in French oak barrels (20% new) before bottling. In the glass, the Valdemar Estate Chardonnay reveals an elegant and lively character. Its aromatic profile alternates fruity notes of ripe apple, pear, and pineapple, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, it is round and smooth, fresh and balanced, with a medium body and lively acidity. Gentle spicy notes return on the finish. It is quite versatile when paired with food: it goes well with many vegetarian dishes, fish, and roast poultry.
      
366. Bodegas Valdemar Conde De Valdemar Finca Alto Cantabria Blanco 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.12
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in the 1980s, Bodegas Valdemar is a Rioja winery with a much longer family history dating back to 1889. Today, at the fifth generation of the Martinez Bujanda family, the winery is recognized as one of the most prestigious in Spain, with over 300 hectares spread across the Rioja appellation. The Viura grapes are sourced from the Finca Alto Cantabria Singular vineyard, planted in 1975 and located at an altitude of 114 meters above the Ebro River. Here, the calcareous, sandy-loam soil, the slope, and good ventilation provide ideal conditions for growing white grape varieties. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel and partly in French oak. The finished wine then ages on the lees for 6 months. The result is an elegant and distinctive wine with a bright straw-yellow color with greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and intense, with notes of stone fruit and dried fruit and smoky nuances. On the palate, it is juicy, fresh, and balanced, with a lively acidity and a touch of saltiness resulting from the calcareous soil. The finish is long and smooth. Try it with Asian cuisine, fish with white sauces, and seafood pasta.
      
367. Comando G La Bruja De Rozas 2023 : 8Wines : GBP23.51
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a herbaceous, fruit-laden wine, made from 100% Garnacha in the mountains to the west of Madrid. It opens with a rich bouquet of raspberry, strawberry, and plum, underscored by hints of orange peel, pepper, black tea, and dried herbs. The fruits were grown on granite-rich soils, on steep slopes in the Gredos region. Comando G is a young winery, founded in 2008 by two friends, Fernando and Daniel. They took the winery’s name from their favourite childhood cartoon and set out to redefine what Garnacha can be, utilising some of the oldest and most difficult to harvest vineyards in the region. Their vineyards, now spanning Madrid, Castilla La Mancha and Castilla Y Leon, are all harvested biodynamically, allowing the character of the land to shine through. Don’t be fooled by the village-level label – this is a top-class wine at an excellent price. On the palate, it is rich and smooth, with deep notes of dried herbs and black and red fruits. The oak is perfectly integrated, and a steely, mineral side comes through on the long finish. La Bruja de Rozas is a fantastic wine for pairing with roast chicken, pork, or a pungent cheese.
      
368. Bodegas Contador La Cueva Del Contador Rioja 2020 : 8Wines : GBP67.46
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. This is a classic, top-notch Rioja wine, crafted from the Tempranillo grape. All of the fruits were sourced from within a 5km radius of each other, from prime plots in the villages of Labastida and San Vicente de la Sonsierra. It opens up slowly, with a sumptuous nose of cassis, blackberry, balsamic, pungent herbs, and baking spices. La Cueva del Contador is a product of Bodegas Contador, founded in 1995, and spearheaded by the renowned Benjamin Romeo. If you enjoy wines with a charming backstory, look no further, because Romeo began making wine in a centuries-old cave, carved into the rock below the castle at San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Since then, he has founded his own state-of-the-art cellar, but his wines retain that same romantic rusticity. On the palate, this Rioja is fresh and sinewy, with finely-grained tannins that lend texture to a long, satisfying finish. Look for notes of vanilla, cinnamon, liquorice, and dried herbs alongside the ripe black fruit, with a healthy undercurrent of minerality. The Tempranillo spent 18 months ageing in French oak barrels before bottling. This is a wine worthy of roasted red meat, spicy cheeses, or tomato-based stews.
      
369. Capcanes Peraj Ha'abib Kosher 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.58
Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. The village of Capcanes in Catalonia has been producing wines since the 13th century and is home to one of the region’s most successful cooperatives. The Celler de Capcanes was founded in 1933 by five local families who saw an opportunity to work together to improve the quality and efficiency of their winemaking practices. Over the years the cooperative has grown in size as many local producers have chosen to join the family. In 1995 the cooperative initiated a new venture after Barcelona’s Jewish community contacted the winery about producing kosher wines made according to the strict Lo Mevushal method. Today the cooperative is known all over the world for its excellent kosher wines like the opulent Peraj Ha’Abib. This gorgeous Garnacha-led red blend is made under supervision of a local rabbi and undergoes maturation in new French oak barrels for 12 months. The result is an inky ruby hued wine that enchants the nose with rich aromas of dark berries, coffee and cacao. On the palate the wine has a refined structure, soft tannins and a very long finish. This characterful kosher wine is ideal for family gatherings and celebrations and will continue to evolve and develop if cellared for up to a decade or so.
      
370. Casa Castillo Las Gravas 2021 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1991, Casa Castillo is a family winery located in the Jumilla wine region in the Sierra del Molar area. The company, which covers approximately 402 hectares of land, of which 150 are vineyards, is today led by José Mª Vicente Sánchez-Cerezo, the third generation of the family. Las Gravas by Casa Castillo is a blend of Monastrell and small additions of Garnacha. The grapes are sourced from a vineyard located on the hill overlooking the property. Here, the vines, planted in the late 80s, enjoy stony soil and a Mediterranean-continental climate. The vinification takes place in a traditional way and separately for the two varieties, and the finished wines rest in barrels of various sizes for 20 months before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color with cherry red tones and a broad and complex aromatic profile characterized by elegant fruity and spicy notes, mineral hints, and tobacco leaves. On the palate, it is fleshy, fresh and fluid. It has a Mediterranean character, a good structure, and fine and velvety tannins. The finish is long and recalls delicate balsamic notes. It is the ideal wine with lamb tagine or grilled pork chops.
      
371. Casa Castillo Pie Franco 2022 : 8Wines : GBP128.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Casa Castillo is a Spanish winery founded in 1991. The estate was purchased by José Sánchez-Cerezo and his wife Julia Roch Melgares in the 1940s, on the site of an old winery from the late 1800s, but it was only in the 1980s that the second generation of the family decided to renovate the vineyards and start producing wine again. Today the company, which has about 150 hectares of vineyards, is led by José Mª Vicente, grandson of José Sánchez-Cerezo. Pie Franco is an elegant red wine with a Mediterranean character. It is produced with 100% Monastrell grapes hand-picked from old ungrafted vineyards planted in the 1940s and located in the Jumilla wine region on naturally sandy soils. After fermentation in stone vats with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests for 20 months in large barrels. In the glass, the wine has a bright color with soft cherry tones. Its aromatic profile is delicate and broad, with notes of cherries and fresh red fruits, violets, and aromatic herbs, and a clear mineral touch. On the palate, it is complex and intense, with a lively and refreshing acidity and a juicy character. It has a soft texture and velvety tannins. The finish is long and recalls spicy and balsamic notes. It reveals good aging potential but can also be enjoyed now paired with roast pork or green pepper steak.
      
372. Cvne Vina Real Gran Reserva 2017 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. CVNE stands for the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, a leading Rioja producer that was founded back in 1879 in Haro by two brothers. Still run by their direct descendants to this day, their Vina Real winery in Rioja Alavesa is known for its fruit-forward house style backed up by a well-built structure that helps their wines evolve beautifully for decades in the cellar. Grapes for their noble Vina Real Gran Reserva are sourced from estate vineyards in San Ginés and Castejones plus additional grapes from Laguardia and Elceco. These are small plots at 500-650 metres above sea level with a mix of calcareous and sandy soils which particularly suits the Tempranillo grape. Once in the winery the grapes ferment in temperature-controlled tanks using wild yeasts followed by ageing in new oak barrels for 24 months. In the glass you’ll find an enticing bouquet of rich mocha, leather, and cigar box spice mingling with seductive crushed cassis, dark plum, and plenty of dark cherries. There’s a firm structure with smooth tannins reinforcing a medium body and a touch of refreshing acidity on the long finish. This is a powerful wine that’s ideal to serve with hearty red meat dishes or to cellar for a few more years if desired.
      
373. Cvne Monopole Clasico Blanco 2020 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. CVNE, also known as Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, is a family winery founded by two brothers near the Haro train station in 1879. Thanks to its strategic location, especially for the movement and therefore the marketing of wines, the company has grown a lot over the years. Today CVNE owns approximately 545 hectares of vineyards in La Rioja and is managed by the fifth generation of the family. The grapes for the production of Monopole Clasico Blanco (Viura and other indigenous vines) come from the approximately 15-year-old vineyard located in Villalba de Rioja at an altitude of over 600 meters and planted on calcareous soils. The harvest is manual and the fermentation takes place in steel tanks. The finished wine then rests on the fine lees in large barrels for approximately 8 months. Monopole Clasico Blanco is a wine that reveals a beautiful pale gold color. Its aromatic profile is fresh and broad with notes of white flowers, peach, ripe citrus, almonds, and a light salty hint. On the palate, it is rich and smooth, concentrated, and with a sharp acidity. It has a surprising minerality and a long and persistent finish. It is a versatile wine and pairs well with both fish and white meat.
      
374. Dominio Del Aguila Reserva 2020 : 8Wines : GBP67.04
Cellar for 10-12 years. It can benefit from decanting. Dominio del Aguila was founded by Jorge Monzon and his wife Isabel Rodero who decided to combine their enthusiasm to create high quality wines. The estate has 30 hectares of very old organically grown vineyards. Jorge, who comes from a family of winegrowers, studied viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux and Burgundy and worked at the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Grupo Vega Sicilia and Bodegas Arzuaga. Tempranillo is the main protagonist in their vineyards, but there are also other native varieties such as Bobal, Garnacha, and Albillo. The Reserva comes from a blend of Tempranillo, Blanca del Pais, Garnacha, and Bobal from old high-altitude vineyards, between 800 and 900 meters above sea level, in the municipality of La Aguilera. Grapes are harvested with a rigorous selection of the best bunches and then fermented with native yeasts in cement vats. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 35 months and then bottled without clarifying or filtering. This elegant red is expressive, complex, and fresh. On the nose, it surprises with pleasant aromas of ripe red and black fruit and notes of spontaneous herbs. In the mouth, it shows intensity and structure while having a silky consistency. The fruity notes are combined with juicy tannins and a long and persistent finish. It is ready to be enjoyed now but can also be left in the cellar for a little longer. Have it with red meat or slow roast leg of lamb.
      
375. Dominio Del Aguila Picaro Vinas Viejas 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Cellar up to 5-6 years. No need to decant. Dominio del Aguila covers 30 hectares of old vines, located in La Aguilera, Ribera del Duero. Its birth dates back to 2010, when Jorge Monzon and his wife Isabel Rodero decided to undertake this project to realize their personal dream of producing unique wines. Currently, their wines are recognized for their enormous quality and for their high scores awarded by critics. Pícaro del Águila comes from 75-year-old organic vineyards, located at 860 m altitude, on north-facing slopes in the valley of the Gromejón River, characterized by red clay soils with pebbles. Tempranillo predominates the blend, although other red and white varieties such as Garnacha, Bobal, or Blanca del Pais are also used. Fermentation is carried out in cement tanks and the wine is neither clarified nor filtered. Before bottling, the wine is left for 13 months in oak barrels French. Its beautiful ruby color has violet reflections. The nose has a delicious scent of red and black fruits such as raspberry, currant, and blueberries, accompanied by suggestive floral notes such as violet and a slight spicy touch reminiscent of cloves and vanilla. In the mouth, it shows a soft and agile texture. It is round and balanced with friendly tannins and intense aromas of berries and sweet spices. It is a very fine red with a good load of fruit and a long finish. The ideal partner for grilled red meats and roast lamb.
      
376. Emilio Moro Malleolus De Valderramiro 2021 : 8Wines : GBP115.96
Drink now or cellar for up to 18 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of the great names in contemporary Ribera del Duero, the Emilio Moro winery has been creating opulent red wines from the region’s classic Tempranillo grape for half a century. The property is now run by the third generation of the Moro family represented by José and Javier Moro, as well as their father, Emilio. The family owns 5 hectares of prime Tempranillo vineyards planted by their grandfather in the tiny town of Pesquera de Duero. The Moro family’s Malleolus de Valderramiro wine is named after the Latin word “small vineyard” and refers to the family’s practice of crafting wines from the exceptional qualities of their land. This is a single vineyard wine made from the Pago de Valderramiro vineyard which was planted almost a century ago in 1924. The intense continental climate here in the Ribera del Duero combined with these ancient vines ensures that the grapes are extremely concentrated yet finely balanced with freshness and smooth tannins. The young wine is transferred to American oak barrels after fermentation to undergo malolactic fermentation which adds extra complexity and helps soften the tannins. It is then moved to French oak barrels where it spends 18 months to fully integrate the different components and add delicious toasty and spicy hints to the dark fruit flavours.
      
377. Bodegas Cepa 21 Malabrigo 2021 : 8Wines : GBP33.95
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2007 by brothers José and Javier Moro, the third generation of Bodegas Emilio Moro, Bodegas Cepa 21 is located on a small promontory surrounded by the vineyards of the estate and with a wonderful view. The vineyards of the estate extend over 50 hectares, on silty sand and clay soils, with a northerly orientation. These factors guarantee a perfect and progressive maturation which results in fresh and complex wines. The wines of Bodegas Cepa 21 are widely known throughout the world for their delicacy and elegance. Malabrigo, of which only 5,000 bottles are produced each year, is the most iconic wine of Bodegas Cepa 21. The Tempranillo grapes are harvested from vineyards on north-facing slopes, exposed to the wind, and on sandy-clayey soil with abundant pebbles. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and the finished wine then rests for 18 months in new French oak barrels. The color is intense with cherry red tones and light violet hues. The aromatic profile is broad and complex with notes of ripe black fruits and spices, balsamic aromas, and some hints of coffee. On the palate, the wine is round and enveloping, ripe and balanced. It has velvety tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and recalls smoky notes. It goes well with game pâté and roast pork tenderloin with mushrooms.
      
378. Emilio Moro 2022 : 8Wines : GBP21.66
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. This is the iconic wine of the Emilio Moro estate and offers an excellent introduction to the classic red wines of the Ribera del Duero region. The wine is made with 100% Tinto Fino, the local name for Tempranillo, sourced from the Moro family’s 15-25 year old vines. Following vinification the wine is then aged in 50% American and 50% French oak barrels for 12 months before it is ready for bottling. On the nose there are enticing notes of cassis, crushed dark cherries, and baking spice, while the first sip reveals a full body, well-developed structure, and smooth tannins. The intensity of flavour, long finish, and excellent balance between fruit, freshness and structure means this wine will continue to age and develop over the next five years or so. It is also ideal to enjoy right now alongside a plate of fresh pasta served with a rich tomato ragu or a steak served with fries. The Moro family are today recognised as one of the leading winemaking families in Ribera del Duero. Today the estate is run by the third generation, José and Javier Moro, along with their father, Emilio, who work 5 hectares of vineyards planted by their grandfather in Pesquera de Duero.
      
379. Emilio Moro Malleolus 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.66
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the top names in Ribera del Duero today, Emilio Moro has been crafting intense, fruity red wines from the region’s classic Tempranillo grape since the 1970s. The estate is now in the hands of the third generation of the Moro family represented by José and Javier Moro along with their father, Emilio, who work 5 hectares of vineyards planted by their grandfather in Pesquera de Duero. The Emilio Moro Malleolus takes its name from the Latin word meaning “small vineyard”. The wine is crafted from 100% Tinto Fino, as the Tempranillo grape is known locally in Ribera del Duero, which is harvested from small plots planted 25-75 years ago. The intense continental climate here in the Ribera del Duero ensures that the grapes are intensely-flavoured yet balanced with freshness and smooth tannins. The focus on small vineyard plots helps to give a distinctive purity to the fruit character which is enhanced by a lengthy 28 day maceration period to extract the full depth of flavour from the grape skins. The young wine then spends 18 months of ageing in French oak barrels to integrate the different components and add delicious toasty and spicy hints to the dark fruit flavours.
      
380. Envinate Lousas Parcela Seoane 2022 : 8Wines : GBP60.04
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Envínate is a wine project founded by 4 friends and former university classmates. The company has vineyards in various areas of Spain, including Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands, and has projects in Extremadura and Almansa. The work in the vineyard is manual and excludes the use of chemicals, and in the cellar, human intervention is reduced to a minimum, to produce wines that fully reflect their terroir of origin. Envinate Lousas Parcela Seoane is a blend of mostly Mencía, with additions of other varieties including Brancellao, Merenzao, and Garnacha Tintorera. The grapes are selected and hand-picked from a single vineyard located at an altitude of between 400 and 500 meters above sea level, in the Ribeira Sacra, in the Doade area of ​​Amandi. Here the vines enjoy a south-west exposure and slate and schist soils. After the harvest and spontaneous fermentation, the finished wine rests in 500-liter oak barrels for about 12 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a fragrant and broad aromatic profile with elegant notes of raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry, followed by floral hints and some touches of oak. On the palate, it is smooth, round, and refined with velvety tannins and a good concentration of fruit that lingers in the long finish. With food, it is very versatile: it is excellent with mushroom-based recipes, octopus in red wine, and rabbit.
      
381. Envinate Taganan Tinto 2023 : 8Wines : GBP38.89
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a vibrant red wine, from a region rarely seen in the international wine scene. It is a blend of Listan Negro and native Canarian grapes, grown on volcanic rock in the wild Atlantic terroir of the Canary Islands. It is a gorgeous ruby red colour in the glass, and begins with scents of red berries, sour red cherry, and dried flowers, with undercurrents of pepper and spice. The concept for Envínate was formed in 2005, when four winemakers met at university in Alicante. Their project is split between the Canary Islands and Ribeira Sacra in the northwest of Spain, both locations that are heavily influenced by the Atlantic ocean. The team of four aim to create raw, honest wines that reflect these wild terroirs, and they achieve this by working solely by hand and leaving the vines untrained. The Taganán Tinto is juicy on the palate, packed with fresh acidity, silky tannins, and fruit-forward flavours. Sour red cherry and redcurrant come through at the beginning, followed by hints of dried rose petals and white pepper. The blend was harvested from vines between 50-150 years in age, and is an excellent partner for roasted lamb, pungent cheese, or rich fish dishes.
      
382. Envinate Migan Tinto 2023 : 8Wines : GBP30.07
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This supple red wine is crafted from 100% Listan Negro, a rarer Spanish grape that primarily grows in the Canary Islands. It was sourced from two separate parcels, both over 100 years old, growing on black volcanic soils. It expresses strong fruit notes on the nose, with wild red berries, white pepper, citrus zest, and hints of dried flowers. The idea for Envínate (translating to “wine yourself”) was formed in 2005, when the four winemakers met on an oenology course in Alicante. The project reaches from the tip to the toe of Spanish territory – it is split between the Canary Islands and Ribeira Sacra in the northwest of Spain. The people at Envínate make pure wines that reflect these wild Atlantic-tinged terroirs, through working solely by hand and leaving the vines untrained and untamed. In the mouth, Migan Tinto is voluminous and fruit-forward, bursting with notes of red cherry, dried mushrooms, cranberry, pepper, and spice. Its tannins are fine and silky, coupled with a fresh acidity. Before bottling, the wine spent 11 months ageing in French oak. A great choice for those seeking a new, rare Spanish varietal – consider pairing it with lamb tagine, chorizo sausage, or pungent cheese.
      
383. Envinate La Santa De Ursula 2023 : 8Wines : GBP29.60
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a rare Spanish wine, an unusual blend of native Canary Island grapes grown in volcanic soils. It is mostly Listan Negro (50%), followed by 48% Negramoll and 2% Listan Blanco. Scents of red currant, cherry, and cranberry mingle on the nose, with hints of clean minerals and dried herbs. Envínate translates to “wine yourself”, and the concept for the winery was born in Alicante in 2005, where the four head winemakers met at university. The team of four aims to create wines with a fresh, raw character, which is achieved by leaving the vines wild and interlined, and harvesting grapes solely by hand. The project spans from the Canary Islands in the south to Ribeira Sacra in the north, both Atlantic-tinged terroirs with untapped potential. Juicy and extremely drinkable, La Santa de Ursula is loaded with flavours of blackcurrant, red berries, leather, and strong minerality. It is tense and quivering in the mouth, with finely grained tannins. The finish is long, with underlying notes of spice. It shows a different side of Spain, crafted with great skill. This wine is ideal for pairing with game meat, chorizo sausage, or hard and pungent cheese.
      
384. Envinate Lousas Parcela Rosende 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.07
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Rosende is a single-vineyard red wine, packed with scents of mixed dried spice, ripe red berries, and herbal underbrush. It is a field blend, containing 85% Mencia and 15% of other varietals, such as Garnacha, Brancellao, and Merenzao. These are emblematic grapes of the northwest of Spain, well-suited to the Atlantic air and the granite-rich soils of the Ribeira Sacra DO. The concept for Envínate was formed in 2005, when the four winemakers met on an oenology course in Alicante. The winery’s grapes are sourced from two regions: Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, northwestern Spain, and the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. Both are heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting the raw, wild character that this winery encompasses. This wine is refined and traditional on the palate, exhibiting finely grained tannins and fresh acidity. It is rich in minerals, with strong hints of pepper, red berries, dried herbs, and tobacco smoke. The finish is long, dry, and satisfying. Anexcellent choice for fans of Spanish wine, seeking a new perspective on the country’s reds. Consider pairing it with lamb, tomato pasta, or a hard pungent cheese.
      
385. Envinate Lousas Camino Novo 2023 : 8Wines : GBP82.34
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Envinate is a project started in 2005 by four winemakers and friends Laura Ramos, Alfonso Torrente, José Ángel Martínez, and Roberto Santana, who met while studying enology. The company makes high-quality wines in Galicia and the Canary Islands, focusing its production on the valorization of ancient varieties and historic vineyards. Camiño Novo is a blend composed mainly of Mencía with small additions of Garnacha Tintorera. The grapes are sourced from a small amphitheatre-shaped plot in Ribeira Sacra, in the main sub-zone of Amandi, 430 meters above sea level. The vines, over sixty years old, benefit from a cool climate, south-east exposure, and not very fertile slate soils. After vinification, the finished wine ages in used French oak barrels for almost a year. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones and a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of red fruits and aromatic herbs followed by gentle spicy hints. On the palate, the wine is smooth, expressive, and fruity with firm and well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and elegant and recalls spicy notes. Try it with spit-roasted pork, lamb chops, or game birds.
      
386. Envinate Lousas Parcela Seoane 2023 : 8Wines : GBP60.04
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Envínate is a wine project founded by 4 friends and former university classmates. The company has vineyards in various areas of Spain, including Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands, and has projects in Extremadura and Almansa. The work in the vineyard is manual and excludes the use of chemicals, and in the cellar, human intervention is reduced to a minimum, to produce wines that fully reflect their terroir of origin. Envinate Lousas Parcela Seoane is a blend of mostly Mencía, with additions of other varieties including Brancellao, Merenzao, and Garnacha Tintorera. The grapes are selected and hand-picked from a single vineyard located at an altitude of between 400 and 500 meters above sea level, in the Ribeira Sacra, in the Doade area of ​​Amandi. Here the vines enjoy a south-west exposure and slate and schist soils. After the harvest and spontaneous fermentation, the finished wine rests in 500-liter oak barrels for about 12 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a fragrant and broad aromatic profile with elegant notes of raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry, followed by floral hints and some touches of oak. On the palate, it is smooth, round, and refined with velvety tannins and a good concentration of fruit that lingers in the long finish. With food, it is very versatile: it is excellent with mushroom-based recipes, octopus in red wine, and rabbit.
      
387. Envinate Lousas Vina De Aldea 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2005, initially as a wine consultancy, Envinate is today a renowned Spanish winery with vineyards scattered in various parts of the country. The company is characterized by the use of natural winemaking processes without chemicals in each of the four plants. The harvests are manual, the grapes are trodden and the wines are fermented with wild yeasts. The wine, produced in small quantities, is a blend of 90% Mencía with small additions of other local grapes from different vineyards located between 300 and 500 meters of altitude in the Ribeira Sacra on steep slopes facing south. Here the soils are made up of slate, schist, and granite and the vines have an average age of 60 years. The Atlantic climate guarantees the production of extremely pure wines with a strong aromatic character. The wine ages for 11 months in French oak barrels. Envinate Lousas Vina de Aldea is a fresh and fragrant wine. The nose reveals aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries supported by notes of aromatic herbs, persimmons, cloves, licorice, and anise. In the mouth, the wine reveals an excellent concentration of fruit with spicy notes and ripe tannins. The finish shows a decisive but well-balanced acid vein. Try it with pasta dishes with a rich sauce or with roasted meats.
      
388. Envinate Taganan Parcela Margalagua 2024 : 8Wines : GBP121.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in La Roda in Castilla La Mancha, Envinate is a prestigious winery producing a range of wines from across Western Spain including the Canary Islands, Galicia, and the South East. The founders are 4 oenologist friends who share the management of the various productions. The Canary Islands are managed by Roberto Santana. Fermentation takes place with whole bunches and the wine is then aged in neutral French oak barrels for 11 months. The wine, produced in small quantities, is a blend of Vijariego Negro, Negramol, Moscatel Negra, Listán Negro, and Listan Gacho. The grapes come from vines planted ungrafted on volcanic soil in a typical old Tenerife vineyard called Margalagua and located on a steep slope above the Atlantic Ocean. Envinate Taganan Parcela Margalagua is a deep and concentrated wine with an intense flavor profile full of fruit, flowers, wild herbs, and spices. On the palate, the wine is rich and flavorful, mineral, and with pleasant saline notes. It is an elegant wine with a fresh and long aftertaste. Serve it at 15-16°C, with a juicy rosemary rack of lamb or herb-marinated pork.
      
389. Envinate Taganan Tinto 2024 : 8Wines : GBP38.89
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a vibrant red wine, from a region rarely seen in the international wine scene. It is a blend of Listan Negro and native Canarian grapes, grown on volcanic rock in the wild Atlantic terroir of the Canary Islands. It is a gorgeous ruby red colour in the glass, and begins with scents of red berries, sour red cherry, and dried flowers, with undercurrents of pepper and spice. The concept for Envínate was formed in 2005, when four winemakers met at university in Alicante. Their project is split between the Canary Islands and Ribeira Sacra in the northwest of Spain, both locations that are heavily influenced by the Atlantic ocean. The team of four aim to create raw, honest wines that reflect these wild terroirs, and they achieve this by working solely by hand and leaving the vines untrained. The Taganán Tinto is juicy on the palate, packed with fresh acidity, silky tannins, and fruit-forward flavours. Sour red cherry and redcurrant come through at the beginning, followed by hints of dried rose petals and white pepper. The blend was harvested from vines between 50-150 years in age, and is an excellent partner for roasted lamb, pungent cheese, or rich fish dishes.
      
390. Envinate Benje Tinto 2024 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Envínate is a young and dynamic project started by 4 friends after finishing their enology studies, to produce local wines, highly appreciated by the public and critics for their excellent quality-price ratio. The company focuses its production in the Ribera Sacra area and also in the Canary Islands, working with native vines, which best express the terroir of origin. In the vineyard, the work is done manually and without chemical products. In the cellar, native yeasts are used and sulfur dioxide is avoided. The wine, produced in collaboration with winemakers from Santiago del Teide, is a blend of local grapes Listan Negro, Negramol, and Moscatel Negra from about 8 hectares of vineyards located in the DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora on the island of Tenerife. The vines, planted on volcanic soils about 1000 meters above sea level, are between 70 and 100 years old. After the manual harvest, vinification takes place separately by parcel in cement tanks. The finished wine then rests for 8 months in used French oak barrels. Benje Tinto is a fruity, fresh, and youthful red with a broad and fragrant aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals pleasant floral and red fruit notes with a gentle mineral undertone. In the mouth, it is light, lively, and juicy with a well-balanced acidity. The finish is persistent and recalls mineral notes. It is excellent with charcuterie and grilled pork sausages.
      
391. Envinate Migan Tinto 2024 : 8Wines : GBP30.07
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This supple red wine is crafted from 100% Listan Negro, a rarer Spanish grape that primarily grows in the Canary Islands. It was sourced from two separate parcels, both over 100 years old, growing on black volcanic soils. It expresses strong fruit notes on the nose, with wild red berries, white pepper, citrus zest, and hints of dried flowers. The idea for Envínate (translating to “wine yourself”) was formed in 2005, when the four winemakers met on an oenology course in Alicante. The project reaches from the tip to the toe of Spanish territory – it is split between the Canary Islands and Ribeira Sacra in the northwest of Spain. The people at Envínate make pure wines that reflect these wild Atlantic-tinged terroirs, through working solely by hand and leaving the vines untrained and untamed. In the mouth, Migan Tinto is voluminous and fruit-forward, bursting with notes of red cherry, dried mushrooms, cranberry, pepper, and spice. Its tannins are fine and silky, coupled with a fresh acidity. Before bottling, the wine spent 11 months ageing in French oak. A great choice for those seeking a new, rare Spanish varietal – consider pairing it with lamb tagine, chorizo sausage, or pungent cheese.
      
392. Envinate Palo Blanco 2024 : 8Wines : GBP52.26
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Envinate is the Spanish winery founded in 2005 by 4 winemaker friends (Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martinez) after graduating in enology from the University of Miguel Hernandez in Alicante. Born as a winemaking consultancy, Envinate has since become a project that focuses on the exploration of particular plots located above all in the regions of the Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands and on the production of deeply authentic wines that are full expression of the terroir. Palo Blanco is a fine wine from the Canary Islands produced with grapes of the native Listan Blanc vine from a 1.5-hectare vineyard at an altitude of 600 m in the Orotava valley. The soil is volcanic, rich in phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, and capable of imparting its organoleptic characteristics to the wine. The hand-picked grapes are then pressed in full bunches in large concrete tanks. The wine is then aged for 10 months in 2500L oval foudres. Bottling is without clarification or filtration. This white wine has great minerality. Already on the nose, notes of wet gray slate and volcanic basalt can be felt, of course, mixed with aromas of green pears, sour plums, spicy lemon, and wet hay. On the palate, the minerality returns with saline and citrus notes. It is an ample wine, with lively acidity and a good body. The finish is elegantly salty and long. Perfect with seafood and Iberian-cured meats.
      
393. Envinate La Santa De Ursula 2024 : 8Wines : GBP32.74
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a rare Spanish wine, an unusual blend of native Canary Island grapes grown in volcanic soils. It is mostly Listan Negro (50%), followed by 48% Negramoll and 2% Listan Blanco. Scents of red currant, cherry, and cranberry mingle on the nose, with hints of clean minerals and dried herbs. Envínate translates to “wine yourself”, and the concept for the winery was born in Alicante in 2005, where the four head winemakers met at university. The team of four aims to create wines with a fresh, raw character, which is achieved by leaving the vines wild and interlined, and harvesting grapes solely by hand. The project spans from the Canary Islands in the south to Ribeira Sacra in the north, both Atlantic-tinged terroirs with untapped potential. Juicy and extremely drinkable, La Santa de Ursula is loaded with flavours of blackcurrant, red berries, leather, and strong minerality. It is tense and quivering in the mouth, with finely grained tannins. The finish is long, with underlying notes of spice. It shows a different side of Spain, crafted with great skill. This wine is ideal for pairing with game meat, chorizo sausage, or hard and pungent cheese.
      
394. Envinate Benje Blanco 2024 : 8Wines : GBP21.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Envinate is a collective of four winemakers who, after meeting at university, quickly made a name for themselves with their winery in Spain. Their wines, produced in small quantities, are the pure expression of the different Spanish terroirs and are produced with traditional winemaking techniques. Envínate Benje Blanco wine is made with the native Listan Blanco grape variety from several plots located just outside Santiago del Teide, at the top of the volcanic mountain Pico de Teide, at an altitude of 900 – 1200 m, with 70 – 110-year-old plants. The vines are cultivated by Envínate and 15 other local families according to highly traditional practices. The temperate climate of the island of Tenerife allows the grapes to ripen at moderate alcohol levels while maintaining bright acidity. The grapes are harvested by hand and left to macerate on their skins for 12-24 hours. After fermentation, the wine rests on the lees in a mix of used French oak vessels and concrete tanks. About 30% of the wine is aged under flor, which has developed naturally in one of the concrete tanks. This volcanic wine reveals a strongly mineral aromatic profile with aromas of ripe fruit, white peach, and spicy citrus. On the palate, Benje Blanco has a surprising structure (thanks also to the development of flor) and abundant food pairing potential. Try it with roast chicken or turkey or veal ossobuco.
      
395. Envinate Taganan Blanco 2024 : 8Wines : GBP31.76
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded by four friends and winemakers Laura Ramos, Alfonso Torrente, José Ángel Martínez, and Roberto Santana, Envinate produces natural wines both in Galicia and the Canary Islands, working with indigenous varieties and collaborating with local winemakers. Taganan Blanco is a blend of several indigenous grape varieties from the Canary Islands, including Gual, Malvasía, Verdello, Marmajuelo, Forastero Gomera, and Listan Blanco. The grapes are hand-picked from old vineyards that are organically grown on volcanic soils and located in the town of Taganana, on the north-eastern coast of the island of Tenerife. After manual harvesting, the grapes are vinified separately depending on the plot of origin with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then rests on the lees in neutral oak barrels and steel tanks for 8 months. This wine, produced in limited quantities by the Envinate company with the collaboration of winemakers from Santiago del Teide, in Tenerife, is a fresh and vibrant white with an Atlantic character. On the nose, it reveals a lively aromatic profile with notes of quince, white flowers, mineral, and salty hints. On the palate, it is intense and lean with a marked mineral vein and a thirst-quenching acidity. It is the ideal wine with grilled or carpaccio white fish, seafood, and sushi.
      
396. Envinate Albahra 2024 : 8Wines : GBP25.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded by four friends Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez, all oenologists who graduated from the Miguel Hernández de Elx University of Elche, Envinate is a top-level winery based in La Roda in Castilla La Mancha and productions scattered in various regions of Spain. The vineyards of the Almansa are followed and managed by José Martínez. The company also collaborates with local producers. Albahra is a wine produced from a blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Moravia Agria. The grapes come from vineyards located at an altitude of 800 meters in Almansa near Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha on clayey-limestone soils. They are harvested by hand and vinified separately by parcel. Envinate Albahra is a delicious red wine with a strong Mediterranean influence and a perfect balance of fresh red fruits such as cassis, and smoky and spicy flavors of black pepper and nutmeg. In the mouth, the wine reveals excellent acidity and great drinkability with subtle and well-integrated tannins and good fruit concentration. It's the perfect wine for lamb but also works great with a mushroom risotto or a chicken fricassee.
      
397. Envinate Lousas Vina De Aldea 2024 : 8Wines : GBP22.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2005, initially as a wine consultancy, Envinate is today a renowned Spanish winery with vineyards scattered in various parts of the country. The company is characterized by the use of natural winemaking processes without chemicals in each of the four plants. The harvests are manual, the grapes are trodden and the wines are fermented with wild yeasts. The wine, produced in small quantities, is a blend of 90% Mencía with small additions of other local grapes from different vineyards located between 300 and 500 meters of altitude in the Ribeira Sacra on steep slopes facing south. Here the soils are made up of slate, schist, and granite and the vines have an average age of 60 years. The Atlantic climate guarantees the production of extremely pure wines with a strong aromatic character. The wine ages for 11 months in French oak barrels. Envinate Lousas Vina de Aldea is a fresh and fragrant wine. The nose reveals aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries supported by notes of aromatic herbs, persimmons, cloves, licorice, and anise. In the mouth, the wine reveals an excellent concentration of fruit with spicy notes and ripe tannins. The finish shows a decisive but well-balanced acid vein. Try it with pasta dishes with a rich sauce or with roasted meats.
      
398. Envinate Lousas Doad 2024 : 8Wines : GBP38.89
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a dark and elegant wine, bursting with notes of dried flowers, cranberry, cassis, and sour red cherry. It is a blend from Ribeira Sacra in the northwest of Spain, composed of 89% Mencia, with the remaining 11% being a mixture ofGarnacha, Brancellao, and Merenzao. Translating to “wine yourself”, the concept of Envínate was formed in 2005 in Alicante, where the four primary winemakers met at university. Split between Ribeira Sacra in Galicia and the Canary Islands, Envínate wines are distinctly Atlantic-influenced. The team at the winery aims to make honest wines through the use of minimal intervention winemaking, leaving the vines wild and untamed, and harvesting exclusively by hand. Lousas Doad was sourced from several vineyards in a small town in the Ribeira Sacra DO appellation, where the soils are a combination of schist, gneiss, and quartz. It is juicy in the mouth, exhibiting strong notes of red and black berries, plum, dried rose petals, and leather. The tannins are structured, adding character and body, and will evolve with time. Lousas Doad is a great wine to pair with chorizo sausage, red meat stews, or rich tomato pasta.
      
399. Envinate Lousas Parcela Rosende 2024 : 8Wines : GBP37.07
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Rosende is a single-vineyard red wine, packed with scents of mixed dried spice, ripe red berries, and herbal underbrush. It is a field blend, containing 85% Mencia and 15% of other varietals, such as Garnacha, Brancellao, and Merenzao. These are emblematic grapes of the northwest of Spain, well-suited to the Atlantic air and the granite-rich soils of the Ribeira Sacra DO. The concept for Envínate was formed in 2005, when the four winemakers met on an oenology course in Alicante. The winery’s grapes are sourced from two regions: Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, northwestern Spain, and the Canary Islands, off the coast of Africa. Both are heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting the raw, wild character that this winery encompasses. This wine is refined and traditional on the palate, exhibiting finely grained tannins and fresh acidity. It is rich in minerals, with strong hints of pepper, red berries, dried herbs, and tobacco smoke. The finish is long, dry, and satisfying. Anexcellent choice for fans of Spanish wine, seeking a new perspective on the country’s reds. Consider pairing it with lamb, tomato pasta, or a hard pungent cheese.
      
400. Envinate Lousas Camino Novo 2024 : 8Wines : GBP82.34
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Envinate is a project started in 2005 by four winemakers and friends Laura Ramos, Alfonso Torrente, José Ángel Martínez, and Roberto Santana, who met while studying enology. The company makes high-quality wines in Galicia and the Canary Islands, focusing its production on the valorization of ancient varieties and historic vineyards. Camiño Novo is a blend composed mainly of Mencía with small additions of Garnacha Tintorera. The grapes are sourced from a small amphitheatre-shaped plot in Ribeira Sacra, in the main sub-zone of Amandi, 430 meters above sea level. The vines, over sixty years old, benefit from a cool climate, south-east exposure, and not very fertile slate soils. After vinification, the finished wine ages in used French oak barrels for almost a year. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones and a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of red fruits and aromatic herbs followed by gentle spicy hints. On the palate, the wine is smooth, expressive, and fruity with firm and well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and elegant and recalls spicy notes. Try it with spit-roasted pork, lamb chops, or game birds.
      
401. El Reventon La Reina 2022 : 8Wines : GBP24.67
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Benandanti - El Reventón is the most recent venture from the illustrious winemaking duo of Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil. Together, they have worked with and founded such prestigious wineries as Bodega Catena Zapata and El Enemigo. La Reina represents the duo’s first foray into Old World terroir, and the beautiful region of Cebreros, in the heart of Spain. This is the first wine they have released from the Benandanti Winery. Made from 100% Garnacha, it erupts with scents of wild red fruits, rose petals, dried herbs, and fresh minerality. The fruits were fermented in concrete tanks, with no oak ageing. This has created an extremely pure, clean wine, with a bright ruby colour in the glass. On the palate, La Reina is medium-bodied, with good acidity and tangible, finely-grained tannins. It is light and easy-drinking as far as red wines go, perfectly capturing the sunny terroir of San Juan de la Nava village, where the 6.2-hectare vineyard grows. Perfect for those who enjoy the wines of El Enemigo, or any red wine made in a fresh, clear style. Consider pairing it with roast chicken, salty cheese, or a wide variety of tapas.
      
402. Bodegas Felix Callejo Majuelos De Callejo 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.49
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, for 30-60 minutes before serving. Founded in 1989, Bodegas Felix Callejo is a family winery now entering its second generation. It is run by 4 members of the Callejo family and was founded by their parents, Felix and Pilar. The winery is found near the high-altitude village of Sotillo de la Ribera, in the Burgos province of northern Spain. Sotillo de la Ribera boasts a wide range of soils, from gravelly former river beds to clay loam. The winery draws from 27 vineyards in the region, growing a selection of delicious red wine grapes and smooth whites, including Albillo Mayor, Merlot, Garnacha, and Tempranillo. The latter is known as Tinto Fino in Sotillo de la Ribera and makes up the entirety of this substantial red wine. Harvested from a single vineyard with a base of gravel soils, the Majuelos de Callejo is a vibrant ruby red, with a highly aromatic nose. Look for scents of blueberry and plum, peppery spice, chocolate, leather, and toasty wood nuances. It reveals even more concentration on the palate, where red and black fruits prevail, along with nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg. The wine is underpinned by an excellent tannic structure and good, balanced acidity. It is full-bodied in the mouth, with a long, smooth finish. Pair it with grilled meats, or a rack of roast lamb.
      
403. Bodegas Frontonio Telescopico Garnacha 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Valdejalón area of ​​Aragon, Bodegas Frontonio is a Spanish winery founded in 2008 by Fernando Mora, Master of Wine, and oenologist Mario López. The company, which manages about 50 hectares of vineyards certified organic since 2017, in the surroundings of Épila, produces artisanal wines from old vines. Frontonio Telescópico is a blend of Garnacha Fina, Garnacha Peluda and Mazuela. The grapes are selected and harvested manually from vines between 35 and 60 years old, in vineyards located in the villages of Épila, Morata, and Jarque. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. The finished wine then rests for 12-14 months in used barrels. In the glass, the wine has a bright and clear color with red tones. Its aromatic profile is broad and lively with notes of raspberry, cherry, and small red berries, followed by spicy hints and Mediterranean aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is fresh, fruity, slender and juicy. It is an expressive and youthful wine with a pleasant well-balanced acidity, a velvety texture, and a mineral touch. It has a medium body and a long and elegant finish that recalls delicate spicy and fruity notes. It is excellent with lamb, grilled meat, and pork suckling pig
      
404. Bodegas Frontonio Las Alas De Frontonio 2022 : 8Wines : GBP61.14
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Bodegas Frontonio is a Spanish winery in the province of Zaragoza, established in 2008 when Fernando Mora began producing wine at home. Today, the company, which has quickly achieved great critical and commercial success, produces wines from a series of vineyards (some with old Garnacha vines) in an artisanal way, committed to recovering the local winemaking tradition. The wines are aged in caves dating back to the end of the 18th century. The Garnacha and Macabeo grapes come from a vineyard located at about 640 meters above sea level. The vines, about 80 years old, are grown as bush vines without irrigation and are rooted in slate and quartzite soils. After fermentation, the finished wine rests in foudres for 14 months. Produced in small quantities, like all the wines of the winery, Las Alas de Frontonio is a mature and intense red that reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of kumquat, cherry, Mediterranean herbs and flowers, and an undertone of flint. On the palate, it is round and expressive, concentrated and rich. It has soft and velvety tannins, and a marked acidic streak that gives freshness. The finish is long and fruity. It is a wine that demonstrates excellent aging potential but can already be enjoyed with roast pork or lamb with herbs.
      
405. Bodegas Frontonio Parcela La Cerqueta Garnacha 2022 : 8Wines : GBP40.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Alpartir area near Zaragoza, Bodegas Frontonio was founded by Fernando Mora, who began making wine at home as a hobby in 2008. Today, the winery produces a limited quantity of wines from traditional varietals (primarily Garnacha) grown on old vineyards. The name represents the winery's unconventional philosophy. Saint Frontonio, the patron saint of the city of Épila, was beheaded for his Christian faith. Legend has it that his head was thrown into the Ebro River as it passed through Zaragoza, traveled upstream, and reappeared near Épila. The Garnacha grapes are sourced from the La Cerqueta parcel, located approximately 630 meters above sea level in Alpartir. Here, the vines, over 75 years old, are organically grown and trained as bush vines, rooted in slate and limestone soils. After manual harvesting and fermentation in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine ages in large oak vats for approximately one year. In the glass, Bodegas Frontonio Parcela La Cerqueta Garnacha reveals an intense carmine color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is fruity with notes of currant, raspberry, and wild berries, floral hints, and a slightly smoky touch of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is energetic and elegant, fresh and taut with a splendid minerality and a long, delicately spicy finish. Try it with roast lamb or pork tenderloin.
      
406. Bodegas Frontonio Microcosmico Macabeo 2024 : 8Wines : GBP13.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. The Spanish winery Bodegas Frontonio, located in the Aragon region, is the project of Fernando Mora MW and Mario López, started in 2008. The company, which manages about 50 hectares of organically grown vineyards, grows native grape varieties to produce their elegant wines, widely appreciated by critics and the public. Microcósmico Macabeo is an artisanal white wine made with Macabeo grapes from a 10-hectare vineyard, located at about 500 meters above sea level in the municipality of Épila. The vines, over 35 years old, sink their roots into deep calcareous-clayey soils, with the presence of pebbles. After manual harvesting and fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature, 10% of the finished wine is aged in used oak barrels, while the rest remains in the tanks on its lees. In the glass, this vibrant wine reveals a bright color with straw yellow tones and greenish reflections. On the nose, it surprises with intense notes of citrus and wildflowers. On the palate, it is fresh and energetic, light and juicy, with a brisk and lively acidic vein. The finish is long and citrusy. It is the ideal wine as an aperitif and can be deliciously paired with seafood salads and raw fish.
      
407. Hacienda Monasterio Reserva 2019 : 8Wines : GBP69.61
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. This Reserva is a meeting of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, from the world-famous region of Ribera del Duero. It has a powerful bouquet of black cherry, plum, raspberry, balsamic vinegar and thyme, supported by subtle, creamy notes gained from malolactic fermentation and hints of mint. Hacienda Monasterio is the centre of a 167-hectare estate, situated between the two towns of Pesquera and Valbuena de Duero. It was founded in the 1990s, when the great Dane, Peter Sisseck, first arrived in the region. Two years later he was joined by local Carlos de la Fuentes, who adopted the role of Peter’s right-hand man and head wine-maker at Hacienda Monasterio. A medley of black fruits envelop the tongue - blackberry, cassis and plum can all be detected, with perfectly integrated tannins and bountiful acidity. Look for undertones of liquorice, baking spice, tobacco smoke and minerality. The fruits spent 16 months ageing in Allier French oak barrels before release. It is an indulgent experience, and one of the most sought-after red wines in Ribera del Duero. It can be kept in the cellar for some time. Enjoy it alongside a succulent steak, wild game, or aged cheese.
      
408. Hacienda Solano Finca Pena Lobera 2021 : 8Wines : GBP89.60
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Crafted from 100% Tempranillo, Finca Peña Lobera exhibits a generous nose of ripe black fruits and aromatic spice. The fruits were sourced from the Burgos region in Northern Spain. This wine is an excellent introduction to the wines of Hacienda Solano, and the famous red wines of Ribera del Duero. Hacienda Solano was founded by the Cubillo family, and three Cubillo siblings, Estrella, Nuria and Agustín, still run day-to-day operations. The family began as growers, providing top-quality grapes from prime Ribera del Duero plots to wineries around Northern Spain. In 2001, they created their first-ever wine, with the help of renowned enologist Sophie Khün. Finca Peña Lobera is a bright ruby red in the glass. It can be enjoyed immediately, or cellared for up to 10 years. The palate reveals a ripe, round texture, with velvety tannins and intense acidity. It’s a luscious, easy-drinking wine. There are flavours of blackberry jam, black cherry, chocolate and leather to be discovered, with subtle hints of spice and dry underbrush. You can enjoy this Ribera del Duero wine alone or paired with a spicy sausage, Manchego cheese, or a wide variety of tapas.
      
409. Hacienda Solano Vinas Viejas 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.31
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Vinas Viejas is a 100% Tempranillo wine, crafted from 60-year-old vines in the region of La Aguilera, Ribera Del Duero. It is laden with hedgerow aromas of ripe blackberry and raspberry, which are supported by earthy hints of tobacco smoke, leather and charcoal. This is a fantastic representation of one of Spain’s most esteemed appellations, provided by one of the country’s stalwart wineries. Hacienda Solano is a family project, run by three siblings, Estrella, Nuria and Agustín. The winery began life as a grower estate, providing top-quality grapes to other wineries all around the north of Spain. In 2001, the Cubillo family decided to branch out, creating their very first wine from family vineyards. Some of their vines are over a century old, located in the heart of Ribera del Duero - it’s no surprise that Hacienda Solano’s grapes were sought after. This fresh red is cherry-coloured in the glass and intensely fruity on the tongue. Notes of black cherry, blackberry and garrigue swirl around the palate, as drops of balsamic vinegar begin to appear. It has a juicy, approachable profile, with fine-grained tannins and a vivacious acidity. The Tempranillo spent 14 months ageing in a mixture of French oak and cement. Consider pairing it with Iberian ham, hard sheep’s cheese, or a variety of lean red meat dishes.
      
410. Hacienda Solano Seleccion 2023 : 8Wines : GBP13.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the Spanish wine region of Ribera del Duero, Hacienda Solano is a family winery founded in 2001 by the Cubillo brothers, using the family vineyards, which until then had been used to produce grapes to sell. The Hacienda, which grows its vines organically (but without certification), has old vineyards in the area of ​​La Aguilera, where the altitude, the temperature differences between day and night, and the soil and climate conditions guarantee the production of high-quality wines with excellent aging potential. Selección is a red wine produced with Tinto Fino grapes sourced from vineyards over 30 years old. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in steel tanks. The finished wine rests in used French oak barrels for 8 months. The wine shows a clear color with bright cherry tones. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant character, with notes of plum and dark fruits, hints of licorice and cherries, and balsamic nuances. On the palate, it is complex and silky, with a surprising vein of freshness and soft and well-integrated tannins. It is concentrated and round with a long and persistent finish. Excellent with liver patés, and lamb meat.
      
411. Casa Lebai La Nava Albillo Mayor 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.28
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 2019 by Rodrigo and Asier Calvo in the Ribera del Duero wine region of Spain, Casa Lebai was born with the aim of preserving, recovering, and restoring the winemaking heritage of Gumiel de Mercado. The project was preceded by an evaluation and zoning of the Calvo family vineyards, selecting them by age and soil characteristics. Subsequently, Rodrigo and Asier also began recovering historical documents and cellar equipment from the 13th and 14th centuries. Casa Lebai La Nava is made with organically grown Albillo Mayor grapes with small additions of Valenciano Blanco, Moscatel, Palomino Fino, and Pirulés, sourced from over 80-year-old vines located at 829 meters above sea level on sandy soils with gravel patches. After harvest, fermentation takes place in concrete vats. The finished wine then ages for a year in oak barrels before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant golden color and a complex and mature aromatic profile with initial notes of white peach, melon, and dried flowers, followed by hints of Mediterranean herbs on a mineral background. On the palate, it is crisp and deep, vibrant and juicy. It has a well-defined, refreshing acidity and a long, vaguely herbaceous finish. It pairs perfectly with seafood salads and pasta with pesto.
      
412. Casa Lebai Matadiablos 2022 : 8Wines : GBP32.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Casa Lebai is a young Spanish winery founded by Rodrigo and Asier Calvo in Gumiel de Mercado in the Ribera del Duero wine region of Spain. Their Matadiablos is a red wine made with Tinto Fino grapes, the local name for Tempranillo, sourced from the homonymous vineyard planted in the late 1990s by Asier and Rodrigo's grandfather on a gentle slope in the Aguachar area. Here, the vines are grown using the traditional bush-trained system on clay soil and enjoy a northern exposure. After harvest, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks, and the finished wine ages for one year in 3,000-liter oak barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright cherry color with clear purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with fresh notes of small red fruits and intriguing floral hints on a distinctive mineral background. On the palate, it is expressive and linear, elegant and rich, but not opulent. It has a medium body and a refreshing acidity that provides a balanced taste. It is fruity, with a long, persistent finish that evokes mineral notes. It certainly reveals good potential for aging and evolution, but can already be enjoyed now with game birds, meatballs in sauce, or roast lamb chops.
      
413. Casa Lebai El Portillo 2022 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Spain's Ribera del Duero wine region, Casa Lebai was founded by Rodrigo and Asier Calvo in 2019, after a careful evaluation and zoning of the family vineyards. The winery, which continues the rich tradition and history of the Calvo family of winemakers, aspires to the revival and revitalization of the Gumiel de Mercado viticultural area. Produced in limited quantities (less than 3,000 bottles), the wine is a blend of Tinto Fino (the local name for Tempranillo), Garnacha Tinta, and Valenciano grapes sourced from the El Portillo vineyard, planted by the Calvo family in 1936 on an east-facing slope. Here, the bush-trained vines are rooted in reddish, loamy soil. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in large stainless steel vats, where the wine then ages for one year. In the glass, Casa Lebai El Portillo reveals a medium-light cherry color with bright highlights. On the nose, it displays a broad bouquet with notes of red fruit, especially cherry and fresh red berries, on a slightly spicy undertone. On the palate, it is lively, expressive, and refreshing. It has a fruity character, balanced acidity, and smooth tannins. The finish is long and elegant. Try it with lamb burgers or grilled chorizo.
      
414. Lopez De Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2013 : 8Wines : GBP42.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The López de Heredia winery is the oldest in Haro, in the heart of Rioja Alta, and one of the first three founded in the region. The project, in fact, began in 1877, from an idea of Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, an expert in the art of winemaking, who had understood the magical combination of soil and climate of Rioja ever since. Today, the company remains one of the few family-owned wineries in the region. Vina Tondonia Reserva is a Rioja wine of exceptional quality, considered one of the most prestigious ones in the region. It is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano grapes, that ages for 6 and a half years in barrique and for a further 2 years in the bottle, before being put on the market. The result is an extraordinary wine with a beautiful lively red color and great aging potential. On the nose, it reveals hints of cherry and ripe plum, and notes of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, and undergrowth. On the palate, it is robust, balanced, and elegant. Despite its age and the time spent in wood, it is still lively and fresh. The tannins are soft and silky. The finish is long and persistent with fruity notes and spicy hints. Perfect with red meats, but absolutely worth trying with slow-cooked Lebanese lamb.
      
415. Mas Doix Doix 2022 : 8Wines : GBP82.37
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. This is the signature wine from one of Catalonia’s finest wineries. Although the region of Priorat is often overshadowed by Rioja, it is swiftly becoming the go-to location for affordable yet excellent red Spanish wine. This one begins with a precise nose of blackberry, plum, orange, tobacco smoke, and liquorice. It was made from a blend of Carignan and Grenache. Mas Doix was founded in 1998 by Valenti and Ramon Llagostera. The winery’s vineyards span the cooler side of Priorat, in the shadows of the Monsant and Molló mountains. Priorat can be a harsh region and is dominated by the ‘llicorella’ slate, which provides a clean minerality to the grapes that grow here. The grapes for Doix were plucked by hand from very old vines around the village of Poboleda, ranging between 70 and 100 years old. Despite its old spirit, it is exceedingly fresh and exuberant on the palate, with full flavours of plum, red berries, white pepper, citrus, and smoke. Fine tannins prop up a lengthy finish. It was aged for 14 months in French oak barrels before bottling. Doix is a great wine for matching with red meats, hard cheese, or a savoury vegetable stew.
      
416. Mas Doix Salanques 2022 : 8Wines : GBP34.84
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. Salanques is a rich blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Carignan, and 10% Syrah. It is a vivid red cherry colour in the glass, loaded with scents of plum, ripe red berries, sour cherry, and dried herbs. It is a truly excellent red wine, representing one of Spain’s most underrated regions. Founded in 1998 by Valenti and Ramon Llagostera, Mas Doix winery’s vineyards span the colder side of Priorat, in the cool shadows of the Monsant and Molló mountains. It can be a less-than-ideal region for vines, which usually results in characterful grapes, and is dominated by the ‘llicorella’ slate, which imparts a clean minerality to the grapes that do grow here. The grapes at Mas Doix are harvested by hand, and these ones were plucked from vines around the village of Poboleda, with an average age of 30 years. They are fermented in a combination of French oak and stainless steel, before being aged for 14 more months in French oak barrels. The palate is full-bodied and elegant, with ripe red fruits and strong mineral undertones. You can pair this wine with vegetable tagine, red meat stews, or a hard cheese.
      
417. Michelini I Mufatto A Merced 2021 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Bierzo wine region, the Michelini i Mufatto winery was founded by Andrea Mufatto and Gerardo Michelini, with the help of Javier González, after several projects in their home country of Argentina. The winery works with native varieties and favors a philosophy of minimal intervention in the winery to best enhance the terroir and winemaking traditions of the area. The Mencia grapes come from a vineyard located in Molinaseca, in the province of León. Here the centuries-old vines sink their roots in loam, with slate and quartz soils and give low yields, guaranteeing wines of great concentration and quality. After manual harvesting and spontaneous fermentation in wooden vats, the finished wine rests for a little longer than a year in French oak barrels before bottling. A Merced wine has a fragrant and delicate aromatic profile with elegant floral and wild herb notes and some light earthy hints. On the palate, it is complex and expressive with a medium body and soft tannins. It has a refreshing and well-balanced acidity and a long and refined finish. Try it with pork tenderloin with mushrooms, Chorizo sausage or Manchego cheese.
      
418. Dominio Del Challao Virna 2022 : 8Wines : GBP13.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Labastida, in Rioja Alavesa, Domaine Challao was founded by Manu Michelini, a young Argentine winemaker. The winery owns approximately 6 hectares of vineyards spread across a series of small parcels in the higher areas on the Basque side of the Ebro River. The name Challao comes from an indigenous term from the Uco Valley meaning "place where things grow." Virna is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha with minor additions of other indigenous white varieties such as Mazuelo, Viura, and Garnacha Blanca, selected and harvested from the lower part of the Angelita vineyard. Here, the vines are cultivated with minimal intervention and according to biodynamic standards. After harvesting and spontaneous vinification in concrete vats, the finished wine ages for 10 months in oak barrels and another 10 months in concrete before bottling and release. The resulting wine is fruity, expressive, and exuberant, with a fresh and lively aromatic profile revealing notes of ripe red berries, herbaceous notes, and orange zest. On the palate, it is elegant, approachable, and juicy. It has a medium body and fine, chalky tannins. The finish is long and gently herbaceous. It is a youthful and balanced wine, perfect for pairing with charcuterie and cheese platters, and pasta dishes with meat sauces.
      
419. Mas Martinet Clos Martinet 2022 : 8Wines : GBP73.79
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. Priorat is one of the great Spanish red wines, and the vineyard of Clos Martinet produces one of the best examples of Priorat. It opens up with a bouquet of red hedgerow fruits, coupled with a deep, slatey minerality, typical of the region, dried herbs, and warm baking spice. It is crafted from 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan, with smaller drops of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mas Martinet was founded in 1986 by José Luís Pérez, who had an influential role in the revival of this historic wine region. The winery has since passed down to his daughter, Sara Pérez, an accomplished oenologist. The core parcel of Mas Martinet’s estate is the 7-hectare Clos Martinet, located between Falset and Gratallops, a sloping landscape with a rich bedrock of slate. On the palate, the Clos Martinet is complex and well-structured – it is a mature wine, with fine, velvety tannins, helped along by 17 months of ageing in Austrian oak. It is deeply mineral, with rich notes of blackberry, cranberry, plum, and dried Provençal herbs. Consider pairing it with some Catalan fuet, barbecued meat, or a tomato-rich pasta sauce.
      
420. Mas Martinet Els Escurcons 2022 : 8Wines : GBP69.60
Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant for 1 hour or more before serving. The rugged mountainous region of Priorat was largely neglected until the 1980s when a group of young winemakers arrived and set out to restore it to its former glory. One of those pioneers was José Luís Pérez who recently handed over the reins of Mas Martinet to his daughter Sara Pérez who has proven herself to be just as much of a groundbreaking winemaker as her dad. Els Escurcons is Sara’s unique creation, sourced from Garnacha Tinta vines planted at 600 metres of altitude on barren licorella or slate soils. Conditions here are harsh even for grapes, with minimal rainfall and blazing hot summers. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand and fermented in wooden vats and cement tanks using wild yeasts. The final step is ageing in a mixture of amphorae and 60-litre demijohns according to the vintage. Priorat is known for its powerful, firm reds that need time to open up, but this is a softer, more elegant style that can easily be enjoyed young. Dense cherry and plum notes dominate on the nose, with hints of rosemary, thyme, and baked earth lingering on the palate. Sprightly acidity, smooth tannins, and a medium body make this an excellent gastronomic wine especially when paired with tomato-based dishes, roast lamb, or cured meats.
      
421. Mas Martinet Martinet Bru 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.66
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Martinet Bru is an equal blend of Grenache and Syrah, loaded with generous notes of blackberry, cassis, slate minerality, and toasted oak. It was harvested from a single vineyard known as Mas Torrent, owned by the estate and located on Priorat’s border with Montsant. Now widely considered as one of the best locations for red wine in Spain, the region of Priorat was decimated during the phylloxera plague of the 19th century. José Luís Pérez, the founder of Mas Martinet, played an important role in its revival during the 1980s, particularly in ushering in an age of top-quality wine. Now, Mas Martinet has been passed down to his daughter, Sara Pérez, a highly renowned oenologist and winemaker. Martinet Bru expands into an elegant, mineral-laden palate, with strong notes of black fruits, cinnamon, vanilla, and dried herbs. It has a generous character, with all the warmth of sun-baked Priorat stone. The tannins are velvety, lending an excellent structure to the wine, and come through on the long finish. The fruits were aged for 17 months in French oak before bottling. Consider pairing this wine with chorizo, a rack of lamb, or a rich risotto.
      
422. Nin-ortiz Flor De La Coma 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The Spanish winery Nin-Ortíz was founded by Ester Nin and Carlos Ortiz in the late 1990s and today covers approximately 18 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to artisanal and organic farming principles and worked with mules. The new cellar is located on the Les Planetes de Porrera estate. Flor de La Coma is an elegant red produced in limited quantities (approximately 2,600 bottles) and exclusively with Grenache grapes from the Coster La Coma D'en Romeu vineyard located in Porrera. Here, the organically and biodynamically cultivated vines planted in 2020 benefit from an altitude of between 370 and 400 meters. After harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously, and the finished wine ages for approximately 1.5 years in 600-liter barrels. Sulfites are kept to a minimum and only used during the maturation and bottling stages. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant cherry-red color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with fresh notes of cherry and berry fruit, followed by floral and herbaceous notes and a subtle mineral touch. On the palate, it is soft, rounded, and generous with smooth tannins and a deep, fruity character. The finish is long with hints of minerality. It pairs excellently with roast lamb or roast pork belly.
      
423. Numanthia Toro 2020 : 8Wines : GBP50.60
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. This is Bodega Numanthia’s signature wine - a deep cherry red in the glass, alive with scents of plum, ripe blackberry, sweet spice and swirling smoke. After some time breathing, it will also reveal hints of garrigue and minerality. This bold red wine is made from 100% Toro del Tinto, a variety of Tempranillo native to the region of Toro in Castilla y León, Spain. Bodega Numanthia harbours some of the oldest Toro del Tinto vines in the country, which have been at home in the dry Spanish soil for up to a century. Head wine-maker Lucas Löwi sourced the fruits from 100 different plots across the region of Toro, before fine-tuning a multifaceted taste of this esteemed region. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and spent three further years in the bottle before release. This estate signature is well worth the wait. The palate is laden with velvety tannins, fresh acidity and an integrated outline of oak. Look for notes of red cherry and cassis interlaced with black pepper, cocoa, cloves and tobacco smoke. It is ripe and voluminous in the mouth, but never overly heavy. You can find some classic Tempranillo notes on the finish. Consider pairing this Toro with roasted lamb, filet mignon, or manchego cheese.
      
424. Numanthia Termes 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.65
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Termes is Bodega Numanthia’s lively homage to Toro del Tinto - a red grape from Castillo y Leon, closely related to Tempranillo. It is a glossy cherry red in the glass, with deeper hints of ruby. Termes opens with a rich bouquet of plum, blackberry and cassis, supported by undercurrents of spice and “garrigue” scrubland. Bodega Numanthia was founded in 1998, in Valdefinjas, the heart of Castile and León in Northern Spain. It is the home of the oldest Toro del Tinto vines in the country, some of which, incredibly, are approaching 200 years of age. Head wine-maker Lucas Löwi intended Termes to be an easy-drinking, approachable taste of the ancient vine, with a memorable character. It is bright and lively from the beginning, coating the mouth in flavours of black forest fruits, thyme and toffee, with hints of cinnamon spice and chocolate in the background. Termes has an excellent structure, defined by silky tannins and fresh acidity. It’s an excellent wine for sharing with friends, or for simply introducing yourself to the esteemed Toro del Tinto grape. Enjoy it alongside thinly spiced meats, aged cheese, or a smokey stew.
      
425. Torres Priorat Salmos 2020 : 8Wines : GBP28.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Torres is a renowned family-run Spanish winery. The Torres family's winemaking operations date back to 1557, but the winery was actually founded by Miguel Torres Vendrell in 1870. Since then, the company has been passed down from father to son, and since 2012, it has been led by Miguel Torres Maczassek. Salmos is a blend of Cariñena and Garnacha grapes from low-yielding vineyards located in the village of Porrera, in the Priorat wine region, planted on steep slopes with slate soil. The climate here is characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night, and these conditions favor slow grape ripening and the development of rich aromas and lively acidity. After temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine ages for approximately 15 months in French oak. The wine, first produced in 1996, is a tribute to the monks who planted the first vineyards in this region in 1095. On the nose, the wine reveals a broad and intense aromatic profile with notes of ripe red fruit (especially cherry and raspberry) and dried plums, followed by hints of marzipan and vanilla. On the palate, it is concentrated and rounded with velvety tannins and an elegant, generous character. It has a medium body and a long finish that evokes toasted notes. Try it with game birds.
      
426. Oxer Wines Kuusu 2022 : 8Wines : GBP90.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Oxer Wines is a young winery created by Oxer Bastegieta, a Basque winemaker who moved to Rioja to create excellent wines from old vines. From there, Oxer expanded to the Toro region, maintaining its ecological approach in the vineyard, with maximum respect for the environment, and carrying out a philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar. Despite the young age of his company, his wines are already recognized and acclaimed internationally. Kuusu is a red blend produced with a majority of Tinta de Toro and small additions of Albillo Mayor. The grapes are harvested from a 0.9-hectare vineyard located in the municipality of Villabuena del Puente. Here the vines, planted in 1920, sink their roots into sandy soils rich in quartz. After fermentation with indigenous yeasts in used French oak vats and barrels, the finished wine is aged for 12 months in 600-liter vats. In the glass, the wine reveals a fresh and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of berries and violets. On the palate, it is juicy and concentrated with a medium-full body and fine tannins. It is round and soft with a long and tasty finish. It is an elegant and well-structured wine that can be kept for a few years in the cellar or enjoyed immediately with ham or roast suckling pig.
      
427. Oxer Wines Kalamity Blanco 2023 : 8Wines : GBP95.59
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Oxer Wines is an acclaimed Rioja winery founded by Oxer Bastegieta, who has been producing premium wines from some old vines in the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta areas since 2009. Kalamity Blanco is a blend of six indigenous varieties. Viura is the predominant grape, with additions of Torrontés and small amounts of Calagraño, Malvasía, Maturana Blanca, and Garnacha Blanca. The grapes are sourced from old vineyards located at 600 meters above sea level on clay-limestone soils in Rioja Alavesa. After harvesting, selection, and whole-bunch pressing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the finished wine ages for 10 months in French oak barrels. Production is very limited, just over 2,000 bottles. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense, brilliant color with golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of citrus and white fruit, followed by mineral notes. On the palate, it is fresh, elegant, and balanced, with a vibrant, refreshing acidity. The finish is medium-long and distinctly mineral. It pairs excellently with seafood, fish, or poultry in citrus sauces, as well as gourmet mixed salads.
      
428. Oxer Wines Kalamity 2024 : 8Wines : GBP104.40
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Oxer Wines is the winery of Oxer Bastegieta who, after working for years in the family business in Kortezubi producing Txakoli, moved to Rioja and founded his own business in Laguardia. Produced in limited quantities, Kalamity is a red wine made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura, and Garnacha Blanca, coming from two vineyards located between 580 and 600 meters above sea level, one in Rioja Alta, planted in 1903, on land clay rich in iron, and the other in Rioja Alavesa, with centenary vines, planted on clay-limestone soil. After the harvest, the grapes are vinified separately with indigenous yeasts and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels before blending. The name and label of the wine are inspired by Shakespeare. The wine has a brilliant ruby red color and a complex and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of ripe berries and floral aromas, followed by herbaceous and spicy hints. On the palate, it is elegant, young, and lively but well-balanced. It has a strong mineral streak and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and recalls fruity notes. It is ready to drink now paired with roast pork or lamb, but it can also stay in the cellar for a while and evolve beautifully.
      
429. Oxer Wines Iraun 2024 : 8Wines : GBP29.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Oxer Wines is the project of Oxer Bastegieta, a winemaker originally from Biscay who began producing wine at his family's winery in Kortezubi. After moving to Rioja for his viticulture and oenology studies, Oxer decided to settle in Laguardia to start his own company. The wine is a blend of Viura, Calagrano, and Malvasia Riojana grapes sourced from a single vineyard located on the Artillero estate in the municipality of Elvillar y Laguardia. Here, the vines, organically farmed and with low yields, are planted in clay-limestone soil, which ensures the full expression of the varietal's aromatic power. After early harvesting (to maintain freshness and limit alcohol content) and fermenting in new French oak barrels, the wine rests for approximately 12 months before bottling and release. In the glass, the wine reveals a pale straw color and an intense and elegant aromatic profile with milky notes and smoky and spicy hints. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp, harmonious and refined with a lively acidity and a creamy texture. The finish is medium-long with mineral notes. It is excellent as an aperitif and pairs well with seafood and white fish.
      
430. Pago De Los Capellanes Nogal 2021 : 8Wines : GBP54.82
Drink It now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in the late 90s, Pago de los Capellanes is one of the most prestigious wineries in Spain. Located in Pedrosa de Duero, in one of the best areas of the Ribera del Duero denomination, the company produces excellent quality wines with an approach that mixes modern technologies and traditional spirit with the utmost respect for the terroir. The Tempranillo grapes for this wine are selected and harvested by hand from the 6-hectare El Nogal vineyard planted on limestone-clay soils. Here the vines can benefit from a strong temperature gap between day an night that favors the ripening of the grapes and guarantees a marked acidity in the wines. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and with indigenous yeasts, and the finished wine ages for 32 months in new French oak barrels. Pago de los Capellanes El Nogal is an elegant wine that shows a clear and brilliant color with ruby red tones. The nose reveals intense aromas of ripe red fruit, floral and spicy notes, and hints of leather and cocoa. On the palate, it is well structured and full-bodied, complex, and balanced. It has good acidity and velvety tannins. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine to pair with roast meat and mature cheeses.
      
431. Pago De Los Capellanes Reserva 2022 : 8Wines : GBP44.28
Drink It now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Paco Rodero and his wife Conchi Villa are the founders of the Pago de los Capellanes project, an estate in the Ribera del Duero wine region, a short distance from Pedrosa de Duero. The name of the winery refers to the historic vineyard of the native Tempranillo variety which centuries ago belonged to the town's chaplains (Capellanes in Spanish). The Tempranillo grapes are selected and harvested from vineyards that are over eighty years old, located in Pedrosa de Duero on low-production clay-limestone and stony soils, approximately 800 meters above sea level. After fermentation, at a controlled temperature of 28 degrees, and malolactic fermentation, the wine rests for 14 months in French oak barrels. Pago de los Capellanes Reserva is an elegant and complex wine with a ruby color and a broad and intense aromatic profile. The nose reveals notes of ripe red fruits (cherry, blackberry, currant, and plum), followed by hints of coconut and sweet spices. On the palate, it is balanced with a lively freshness and a powerful character. It is juicy and silky with ripe and soft tannins. The finish is long and recalls toasted notes. A must try with suckling pig or with grilled lamb.
      
432. Pago De Los Capellanes Crianza 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.11
Drink It now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, Pago de los Capellanes was founded by Paco Rodero and his wife Conchi Villa. In the 70 hectares of vineyards that surround the cellar, they grow the local native Tempranillo or Tinto Fino grape, and small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Here the land has low productivity and the resulting wines are highly concentrated. The company's wines are refined in an underground cellar that is 10 meters deep. The Tempranillo grapes are selected from vineyards with an average age of 35 years, planted on clay-limestone, stony soils, poor in organic substance and with very low fertility, and located in the municipalities of Pedrosa de Duero, Anguix, and Roa. After vinification, the wine rests for 12 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, before bottling. Pago de los Capellanes Crianza is a young and balanced red wine. Its aromatic profile reveals notes of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry and some slightly spicy hints. On the palate, it is lively and has good freshness, it is fruity and clean. The finish is pleasant and persistent. It goes very well with aubergine parmigiana and grilled pork filet.
      
433. Pago De Los Capellanes O Luar Do Sil Godello Sobre Lias 2024 : 8Wines : GBP19.48
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Recently listed among the 100 best wineries in Spain by Wine and Spirits magazine, Pago de los Capellanes was founded by the Rodero Villa family in Pedrosa de Duero in the late 1990s. The company owns vineyards in one of the most prestigious areas of the Ribera del Duero and produces fantastic wines from low-productivity vineyards that benefit from soil and climatic conditions particularly favorable to the production of quality wine. The Godello grapes are selected and harvested manually from old vineyards located in Corguiño, on slopes 450 meters above sea level characterized by deep soils of granite rock. After the harvest and a short maceration, fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve the aromatic character. The finished wine rests on the lees (sobre lias in Spanish) for approximately 6 months. Godello Sobre Lias is a lively and fresh wine with a greenish-yellow color. Its aromatic profile reveals notes of white fruit and stone fruit, floral and balsamic hints. On the palate, it has a good weight. It is balanced and elegant, with good acidity. It is full of character and shows a good depth of flavors. The finish is long and persistent. Excellent with seafood or fried fish.
      
434. Dominio De Pingus Psi 2023 : 8Wines : GBP39.85
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Named after the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet, PSI has been described as a labour of love by some and “One of the greatest and most exciting wines I have ever tasted” by wine expert Robert Parker. Organic and biodynamic, Pingus Psi is 100% Tinto Fino grape (better known as Tempranillo) sourced from vine-growers with whom the winery has strict working agreements, from balanced vineyards, planted with bush vines on soils that are different in composition and averaging 30 years old in age. Grapes are manually de-stemmed to ensure the very best quality. Long maceration takes place in concrete tanks in order to obtain the maximum possible from the fruit aromas and then matured in large oak vats and barrels with virtually no new oak. Dominio de Pingus Psi is bright purple on the eye. The nose brings pronounced aromas of cherry, dark berries such as blackberries and blueberries with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, cherry, cassis and blackberry are balanced with well defined tannins and acidity that offers a very fresh, fruit forward wine that is a pleasure to experience. The finish is long and rich with an almost sweet edge. Food matches include cheese, red meat, pâté or foie gras.
      
435. Dominio De Pingus Flor De Pingus 2023 : 8Wines : GBP135.00
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. You know that when the name Pingus comes into wine conversation that you will get something special and the Flor de Pingus falls very much into that category. Their approach to making these exquisite wines is to almost treat every grape as if it was the most important one on earth! The grapes are very carefully selected and hand harvested. This selection occurs in both the vineyard and the winery. The grapes are manually destemmed and the ripest grapes are manually deseeded. Following this careful preparation, the grapes are then macerated and fermented for 20 days. They are then transferred to oak barrels where they undergo malolactic fermentation before starting 18 months of maturing in new French oak barriques. The colour of the wine is a fantastic plum that captures your attention straight away. The nose fires off a volley of ripe plums, red and black fruit, cinnamon, and a hint of oak inspired vanilla. A delicate smoky minerality is also present. On the palate, there is an explosion of ripe fruit, raspberry, plum, blackcurrant, blackberry – combined with beautiful, well integrated tannins, superb acid, and a full bodied, luscious mouth feel. The finish is classy, well balanced with a silky, very long and beautifully lingering feel with just a hint of pepper at the end. Will match with ease with red meat, smoky cheese, game, foie gras – or better still, drink on its own.
      
436. La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 2011 : 8Wines : GBP208.73
Drink now or cellar for up to 24 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of Rioja’s finest producers for traditional-style reds, the story of La Rioja Alta begins back in 1890 when five local winemaking families decided to join forces to start exporting their quality-driven wines beyond the Spanish borders. The new winery was located right by the Haro train station which enabled them to quickly expand their sales into neighbouring France. Today the estate has grown to 300 hectares of vineyards spread across the Rioja Alta region, but still retains that early commitment to excellence and celebrating local winemaking traditions. Their Gran Reserva 890 is La Rioja Alta’s flagship wine and commemorates the foundation date of the winery. The cuvee is predominantly Tempranillo from estate vineyards in Briñas, Villalba, and Labastida, along with a tiny drop of Mazuelo and Graciano. Grapes for this bottling are carefully selected in the vineyard in small refrigerated boxes and carefully vinified in temperature-controlled tanks. The winemakers then select only the best of the young wines to be aged for 6 years in American oak barrels which La Rioja Alta makes themselves in their own cooperage. The final blend is then chosen and the wine is bottled ready for release. This painstaking attention to detail and extensive maturation helps to produce an immensely ageworthy Rioja with firm tannins, a robust structure and intense layers of luscious dark fruit, spices, baked earth and leather. Ideal for cellaring for another decade or two, although it can also be enjoyed now with hearty red meat dishes.
      
437. La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2016 : 8Wines : GBP78.32
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. La Rioja Alta began life in 1890 as a collaboration between five local growers who wanted to export their wines beyond Spanish borders to new buyers in France. The new winery was established right next to the train station in Haro, enabling the rapid expansion of the estate which is now regarded as a leading producer of traditional-style Rioja reds. In 1904 the winery merged with Bodegas Ardanza, gaining some of Rioja Alta’s finest vineyards in the process. This milestone is commemorated with this Gran Reserva 904 which is predominantly made from 60 year old Tempranillo vines planted in Rodezno, Briñas, and Villalba. There’s also a small amount of Graciano from Montecillo to add grace and elegance to the finished wine. The grapes are carefully crushed once in the winery and allowed to ferment spontaneously over 75 days before being transferred to American oak barrels. After almost three years of ageing the wine is then racked eight times and the final blend is bottled the following year. It’s a graceful yet robust expression of Rioja, with ample red plum and cherry notes deepening into more savoury and earthy flavours on the palate. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or to pair with hearty fare like game, a prime steak, or beef cheeks served with creamy polenta.
      
438. La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva Vina Arana 2017 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Cellar for up to 11 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 by five local families including the Aranas, Ardanzas and the Alberdis whose names still feature on many of the winery’s most celebrated cuvees. The families headquartered their new winery right by the train station in Haro, enabling them to start exporting significant quantities of their quality-driven wines to France and beyond. Their Vina Alberdi Gran Reserva is crafted almost exclusively from Tempranillo grapes from the estate’s Las Cuevas, El Palo and Las Monjas vineyards along with a tiny drop of Graciano from their Montecillo estate. The grapes are all carefully harvested in small boxes and fermented in tanks over a lengthy period. The young wine is then aged in American oak barrels which La Rioja Alta makes in their own cooperage for three years. The final stage is the blending when La Rioja Alta’s winemakers taste through all the barrels and select the composition of the cuvee. The result is a very smooth and approachable red which can be drunk with great pleasure even when young. Enticing notes of crushed strawberries, bright red cherries and leather define the nose along with undertones of tomato and spice from the oak. On the palate there are smooth, refined tannins complemented by a medium body, punchy mid-palate and long finish.
      
439. La Rioja Alta Torre De Ona Martelo Rioja Reserva 2019 : 8Wines : GBP28.27
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. La Rioja Alta is focused on expressing the pure terroir of the best sites in Rioja’s Alavesa zone. The project was established in 1995 and has since bolstered its focus by closely studying and subdividing the vineyards based on expression, and then choosing to separately vinify all parcels. In part, this where the brand diverges into a few lines, this one representing the Torre de Ona winery. Great weather in 2015 vintage yielded near perfect conditions for ripening the estate grapes. The exceptional fruit quality lends to long-term aging of this bottle. It presents garnet red with medium-high intensity, aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum followed by clove, white pepper, anise and cedar. It has a full mouthfeel though still fresh and bright, and carries a long finish. This bold wine will pair well with anything creamy or fatty to balance its tannice structure. Drink it with unctuous aged cheese, charcoal grilled vegetables and marbled meats or a hearty game stew.
      
440. La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2019 : 8Wines : GBP37.43
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before serving. Regarded as one of Rioja’s finest traditional-style producers, La Rioja Alta was founded in 1890 out of a partnership of five local growers who wanted to promote their quality-driven Rioja wines to the wider European market. To that end the winery was headquartered next to the Haro railway station, enabling them to easily export their wines to nearby France and beyond. Today they own 300 hectares of vineyards in top locations spread across Rioja Alta which are farmed organically with a strong focus on quality and tradition. In 1904 La Rioja Alta absorbed Bodegas Ardanza, a pivotal moment which is referenced in this Vina Ardanza Reserva bottling. It’s predominantly composed of Tempranillo sourced from 30 year old vines on the estate’s Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, along with a small proportion of Garnacha from the La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla. The grapes are all harvested manually and fermented spontaneously before the young wine is transferred to American oak barrels for 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 months for the Garnacha. This lengthy ageing process gives this wine a typical old school Rioja flavour profile with gentle red fruit flavours complemented by toasted oak, sweet spice and plenty of rich vanilla notes. The soft, ripe tannins, medium body, and long finish make this a great match for hearty beef dishes, barbecued ribs, or even earthy game like venison.
      
441. La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva 2020 : 8Wines : GBP14.51
Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. La Rioja Alta is one of Spain’s most venerable producers with a reputation for producing exceptional traditional-style Rioja reds. The estate was founded in 1890 by five local families including the Aranas, Ardanzas and the Alberdis who wanted to seek a wider market for their quality-driven wines. The winery was headquartered right by the Haro train station, enabling La Rioja Alta to export wines to neighbouring France and beyond. Their Vina Alberdi Reserva celebrates one of the original founding families, using 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from 40 year old vines planted on chalky clay soils at 500-600 metres above sea level. The terroir helps to create an elegant yet youthful red which is crafted according to traditional winemaking techniques followed by two years of ageing in American oak barrels which are made by La Rioja Alta itself. Prior to bottling the wine is manually racked four times using candlelight to allow the removal of sediment without compromising the flavour of the wine. Rich plum and cherry notes are the first to spring out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of baked earth, leather and spice from the ageing process. A fantastic partner for charcuterie and mature cheeses, although it can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years.
      
442. Aster El Espino 2021 : 8Wines : GBP32.84
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. El Espino is a top-class Spanish red wine, harvested from old vines in Anguilla, a town within the Ribera del Duero DOC. It is made solely from Tempranillo and opens with a sumptuous bouquet of blue and black berries, star anise, minerality, and oak-infused hints of coffee, cigar smoke, and cocoa. The Aster winery has been making wine in the province of Burgos for six generations, and well over 100 years. The fruits for El Espino were harvested from an area of 95 hectares, where the vines grow in clayish soils at 780 metres above sea level. The vines were planted in 1991, after years of soil testing and consulting with local growers, to find the perfect location for Tempranillo. In the mouth, El Espino represents a fresh, youthful take on Tinto Fino, with strong notes of blueberry, plum, and blackberry. In the background, you can detect hints of toffee and spice. Good levels of acidity bring a remarkable vibrancy, and its finely-grained, slightly sweet tannins persist into the long finish. Before bottling, it was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Consider pairing it with roast chicken, tomato pasta, or a tuna steak.
      
443. Aster Reserva 2021 : 8Wines : GBP15.40
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This sparky red comes from La Rioja Alta winery which has specialised in crafting magnificent Rioja reds since 1890. In 1991 after extensive research the winery’s expert enologists selected the town of Anguix in Ribera del Duero as the next big thing and they soon began cultivating vineyards on the estate’s most promising sites. The Aster Reserva is testament to the winery’s dedication and passion for showcasing the very best the Tempranillo grape has to offer in this new terroir. The wine is crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes and is aged for 12 months in oak barrels before bottling for extra polish and complexity. One standout feature of the Aster Reserva is its delicate balance between ripe fruit and tannin. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure to the wine without overpowering the fruit flavors. On the palate, Aster Reserva is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of luscious blackberry, cherry, and toasted spices. This makes it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a wide range of dishes including grilled red meats, hearty stews, and aged hard cheeses.
      
444. Aster Finca El Otero 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.34
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. La Rioja Alta winery is headquartered in Haro and has made exceptional traditional-style Rioja reds for over 130 years since its foundation in 1890. In the 1990s the estate began to explore expanding their operation into Ribera del Duero and conducted extensive research of the soil, grapes and climate of several subzones. In 1991 they finally selected the small town of Anguix for their new winery, planting vineyards on the property’s finest sites. This lively and vibrant red is crafted from 100% Tinta del Pais, the local Ribera del Duero name for Tempranillo. The vineyard sits on gentle slopes in an arid area where the poor quality soils encourage the vines to dig deep for nutrients and moisture. This helps produce intensely concentrated and deeply flavoured grapes which are harvested in the early hours of the morning to preserve their freshness and natural character. Once in the winery the grapes are soaked for 7 days and then fermented in neutral tanks. The best batches are then transferred to new French oak barrels for 62 days with regular lees stirring. The next stage is the maturation with the best barrels kept for 16 months before the final blend is decided and bottled.
      
445. Aster Reserva 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.40
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This sparky red comes from La Rioja Alta winery which has specialised in crafting magnificent Rioja reds since 1890. In 1991 after extensive research the winery’s expert enologists selected the town of Anguix in Ribera del Duero as the next big thing and they soon began cultivating vineyards on the estate’s most promising sites. The Aster Reserva is testament to the winery’s dedication and passion for showcasing the very best the Tempranillo grape has to offer in this new terroir. The wine is crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes and is aged for 12 months in oak barrels before bottling for extra polish and complexity. One standout feature of the Aster Reserva is its delicate balance between ripe fruit and tannin. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure to the wine without overpowering the fruit flavors. On the palate, Aster Reserva is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of luscious blackberry, cherry, and toasted spices. This makes it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a wide range of dishes including grilled red meats, hearty stews, and aged hard cheeses.
      
446. Lagar De Cervera Albarino 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Drink it now. No need to decant it. In 1890, 5 Basque winemakers, born in the lands of Rioja, in the north of Spain, founded the 'Sociedad Vinícola de la Rioja Alta' in Haro. From the beginning they had the ambition to produce elite wines, and at the end of the 19th century they decided to recruit a French winemaker: Alfonso Vigier. At the time, only the most prestigious estates could recruit such wine experts. For decades the oak barrels were made on site, then they ceased this activity for several years and then resumed it in 2003. The company has largely contributed to the world fame of Rioja wines. This wine is aged on the lees for several months, to give it roundness and complexity. In the glass, Lagar de Cervera Albarino shows a beautiful golden color. The nose develops a superb purity of fresh fruit centered on citrus, candied ginger and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and crispy. The iodized and smoky notes present themselves with a well-established tropical framework.There is a nice balance and a pungent finish. This is a wonder of Spanish white wine, an absolute benchmark for the great whites of Galicia. A model of purity and aromatic expression! It works beautifully with shellfish, white meat, poultry, and vegetarian risottos.
      
447. Luis A. Rodriguez Vina De Martin Escolma 2020 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. The Luis A. Rodríguez family winery was founded in 1988 in A Paixón, Galicia. The winery, which owns just under 3 hectares of vineyards spread across 29 plots, practices environmentally friendly viticulture with low yields and produces premium wines from native varieties. Vina de Martin Escolma is a blend of Albariño, Treixadura, Lado, and Torrontés grapes, hand-picked from the winery's oldest vines, planted on the steep slopes of the Ribeiro DOC, and characterized by sandy-siliceous soils. After harvest, each variety is vinified separately and spontaneously in oak barrels of various sizes. The finished wine then ages for 12 months in new barrels and for 3 years in the bottle. Its name (Escolma) in Galician means "selection”, and indeed, the wine is produced only in the best vintages. In the glass, the wine reveals a straw-yellow color with golden highlights. The nose opens with hints of white fruit, citrus, and herbs, followed by a well-defined mineral note. On the palate, it is rounded, distinctive, and smooth, with a lively, refreshing acidity and a juicy texture. The finish is long and fruity, with a light smoky touch. Try it with grilled turbot, Galician-style octopus, or sushi.
      
448. Domaines Lupier Raul Perez El Terroir 2019 : 8Wines : GBP19.91
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. El Terroir from Domaines Lupier is a quintessential Spanish wine, crafted from 100% Garnacha. It is impressively fresh and youthful, bursting with scents of red cherry, strawberry, and redcurrant, with harmonious hints of rosemary, thyme, and fennel. The fruits were sourced from the region of Navarra, bordering the Basque Country in the north of Spain. Domaines Lupier spans 27 Garnacha dominated vineyards in all, and was recently acquired by the esteemed Spanish winemaker Raúl Pérez, of Ultreia and Castro Ventosa fame. Grapes from about 12 of those vineyards constitute El Terroir, planted on clay-limestone soils and with an average vine age of 75 years, imparting depth and concentration to each bottle. It is intense and vibrant on the palate, but it is also extremely well structured, balancing a wealth of juicy fruits with dry, velvety tannins. Look for notes of young, tart plum and Kirsch cherry liqueur, alongside herbal undergrowth and refreshing hints of wild mint. It was aged in French oak for approximately 14 months before release. The finish is long and gripping. El Terroir is an excellent, food-friendly wine for pairing with a variety of tapas, pork, or a tomato-rich bean stew.
      
449. Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques Mencia 2021 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before drinking. Raúl Pérez Pereira is one of Spain’s most visionary winemakers and globally considered to be a leading force in the wine industry. Making his first vintage in 1994 for his family’s winery, he has been charging the conversation around the concept of wines in “The New Spain”. Perez left the family business in 2005 starting his own project in the Bierzo appellation, which quickly helped put the region on the wine map. Beyond Bierzo, he also works with grapes of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Tierra de León. Having been called “Best Winemaker of the Year” by French publication Bettane+Desseauve, his wines are terroir driven, with a natural approach in the vineyard and cellar to capture the purity of the grape. The Ultreia Saint Jacques is often talked about as one of Raul Perez’s “entry level” wines, but there is nothing entry level about it. This wine is beautifully made and gives a pure expression in the glass. On the nose is juicy red cherry and wild strawberry, with earthy bramble notes, soft mint, pepper, and a touch of violet. The palate delivers a powerful, medium bodied wine with soft tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Dried herbs and forest floor compliment dark fruit tones making this great with a variety of dishes including poultry, lamb, jamon, paella, and hard cheeses.
      
450. Raul Perez Ultreia Rapolao Mencia 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.00
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before drinking. When it comes to wines from Spain, Raul Perez Pereira is a name that often comes up. Receiving global attention in recent years for his unadulterated, terroir-driven wines, Raul Perez wines are one-of-a-kind. Growing up in wine, his family has been tending vines for at least 300 years and today is the largest owner of Mencia in the Bierzo appellation. He produced his first vintage for the family winery in 1994, and later split off to begin his own winemaking project. His work has expanded to include grapes from the appellations of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Tierra de León as well. The Ultreia Rapolao is made from grapes coming from 100-year-old vines in the renowned El Rapolao Cru. Fermentation is spontaneous and includes whole-cluster in chestnut fermenters. The wine is then aged for one year in barrels, with a touch of new oak giving the final product a slightly creamy quality. The nose is announced and gritty with wet stone, anise, violet bitters, and orange zest jumping from the glass into red berries and cocoa. The palate has a distinct sappy mouthfeel with medium tannins and balanced acidity. Worn leather and dried herbs are pronounced here with dark fruit and a touch of smoke on the finish. A great food pairing wine, try enjoying the Ultreia Rapolao with mushroom based dishes, chorizo, veal, wild game and a sheep’s milk cheeses.
      
451. Raul Perez Ultreia Godello 2022 : 8Wines : GBP15.66
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before drinking. Known for his connection to nature, Raul Perez is one of today’s most celebrated winemakers for his ability to bring terroir into the glass. Raul’s winemaking philosophy is to put the least amount of stress or work on the grape, instead allowing it to unfold how it naturally needs to in the cellar. Instead, Raul puts great time and effort into observing soil types, specific climates and the ripening times of the grape varieties he works with. This practice ultimately allows the wine to express itself without intervention from the winemaker. This approach has made Raul famous for producing wines that are elegant, fresh, balanced and truly demonstrate a sense of place. Godello is a rare, white grape variety native to the Iberian peninsula. It is known for its briny qualities and bitter finish. The Ultreia Godello comes from vineyards on clay and sandy soils and is fermented and aged in a combination of foudres and old 300-liter barrels. Grapefruit, green apple, and freshly rained on stones jump from the glass with a background of dried apricot and lime. The palate is rich, yet balanced with lively acidity and crisp edges. Salinity, citrus and ripe pear are present with a long, bitter finish rounded with a hint of oak. This wine is easy to drink by itself or enjoyed with a variety of dishes including baked fish, shrimp risotto, herbed vegetables, and lime-based cuisine.
      
452. Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques Mencia 2022 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before drinking. Raúl Pérez Pereira is one of Spain’s most visionary winemakers and globally considered to be a leading force in the wine industry. Making his first vintage in 1994 for his family’s winery, he has been charging the conversation around the concept of wines in “The New Spain”. Perez left the family business in 2005 starting his own project in the Bierzo appellation, which quickly helped put the region on the wine map. Beyond Bierzo, he also works with grapes of Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra and Tierra de León. Having been called “Best Winemaker of the Year” by French publication Bettane+Desseauve, his wines are terroir driven, with a natural approach in the vineyard and cellar to capture the purity of the grape. The Ultreia Saint Jacques is often talked about as one of Raul Perez’s “entry level” wines, but there is nothing entry level about it. This wine is beautifully made and gives a pure expression in the glass. On the nose is juicy red cherry and wild strawberry, with earthy bramble notes, soft mint, pepper, and a touch of violet. The palate delivers a powerful, medium bodied wine with soft tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Dried herbs and forest floor compliment dark fruit tones making this great with a variety of dishes including poultry, lamb, jamon, paella, and hard cheeses.
      
453. Raul Perez Ultreia Valtuille Mencia 2022 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before drinking. Raul Perez Pereira has earned an almost cult following in recent years earning awards and accolades dubbing him one of the world’s best winemakers. His philosophy in winemaking is to honor the grape and the terroir and capture the authenticity of those things in the wine. Having been making wine since 1994 where he started at his family’s winery, he branched off in 2005 to start his own label and has been pivotal in putting Bierzo as an appellation in the spotlight. His family winery is the largest owner of Mencia, a grape that Raul has coaxed out of the shadows and continues to receive more acknowledgement. His focus on capturing place gives his wines an excellent terroir-driven quality that teleports consumers to his small Bierzo home Valtuille de Abajo. The grapes for the Valtuille are selected from the highest-altitude rows in the parcel. These specifically selected clusters are fermented in upright open-top vats and further spend one year in neutral barrels. The nose opens up with a floral bouquet that segways to red fruits, graphite, and savory earthiness. Grown on sandy soils, the wine showcases terroir with soft tannins and a rustic, mineral-driven palate with leather, licorice and dark plum. This wine is balanced and fresh and pairs well with beef stews, herbal-driven dishes, pastas, roasted vegetables and charcuterie.
      
454. Raul Perez La Vizcaina Las Gundinas Mencia 2023 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Drink it now or cellar for 8 years. No need to decant it but best to open it half an hour before service. Raul Perez is a world-renowned winemaker and producer, known by the nickname "Picasso of Spanish wine". His production ranges from Bierzo to the Rias Baixas, passing through Ribeira Sacra and Monterrei, and includes over 30 of his own wines and various collaborations with other famous wineries such as Castro Ventosa and Estefania Tilenus. Perez focuses his work on some of the most interesting Spanish varieties, such as Mencía, Godello, and Albariño, and follows attentively all the work done in the vineyard to make his excellent wines. Las Gundinas is a red produced with 100% Mencia grapes, selected and harvested from a vineyard located on a particularly steep slope facing west. The grapes ferment in wood with a maceration of about 50 days. The finished wine is then aged in wood. The wine has a clear color with ruby tones. Its aromatic profile is fruity and elegant with notes of wild berries and ripe plums. On the palate, it reveals an excellent concentration of fruit. It is juicy and intense with soft and well-integrated tannins. It is an elegant, full-bodied, and well-balanced wine that goes very well with red meat dishes, lamb, and aged cheeses.
      
455. Rodrigo Mendez A Cruceira Albarino 2023 : 8Wines : GBP38.05
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Considered one of Spain's leading winemakers and a great expert on Galician viticulture, Rodrigo Méndez founded his business in Pontevedra in 2011 as an independent project from the family winery Forja de Salnes. From his small vineyards, he makes very limited quantities of exceptionally high-quality wines. The Albarino grapes for A Cruceira come from a small plot owned by Rodrigo Mendez and his two sommelier friends, Iraia and Eduardo. Here, the nearly century-old vines are rooted in feldspar soils (ancient layered rock) rich in quartz. After harvest and spontaneous fermentation, the wine ages in used French barriques. Produced in extremely limited quantities (800 bottles), the wine is an extraordinary expression of Albarino with an explosive and expressive aromatic profile revealing notes of lime, plum, and Williams pear, tarragon, and sage, followed by floral notes of jasmine and other white flowers. On the palate, it reflects the soil of its origins and the proximity of the ocean with a surprising savory character and lively acidity. It has a good body and excellent concentration. It is elegant and complex, with a long finish that recalls some delicate notes of spices and fruit. Try it with spaghetti with clams, pancetta-wrapped scallops, Rockefeller oysters, and sushi.
      
456. Rafael Palacios Sorte O Soro 2022 : 8Wines : GBP356.98
Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled. Regarded as one of Spain’s finest white winemakers, Rafeal Palacios left his family’s winery in Rioja in 2004 for the rugged Valdeorras corner of north-western Spain close to the Portuguese border. In total he has assembled 24.5 hectares of vines in the Val do Bibei, a dramatic landscape of steep granitic slopes and old gnarled Godello vines which are up to 100 years old. The tough conditions and inaccessibility mean everything has to be done by hand including the harvesting. Rafael’s top expression is his unparalleled Sorte O Soro which comes from a single 0.47 hectare plot of 40 year old vines. This was actually the very first site Rafeal bought when he came to Valdeorras and it is farmed biodynamically to preserve the natural balance. Once in the winery the must is fermented using wild yeasts and aged in 500 litre French casks for 7 months. The result is a truly sensational white wine that frequently wins 98+ points from the Wine Advocate and other top wine magazines. The nose is bursting with peaches, apricots, lychee and hints of dried herbs, honeysuckle and citrus, while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, well-rounded texture and long finish seasoned with toast and spice.
      
457. Rafael Palacios As Sortes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP60.67
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. Serve chilled. Rafael Palacios is the brother of Alvaro Palacios, one of Spain’s most famous winemakers, and it is clear that he shares Alvaro’s immense talent. Rafael works his magic in Spain’s north-western corner of Valdeorras not far from the Portuguese border. Conditions here are perfectly-suited to the Godello grape with Rafael’s vines planted on steep terraces that yield tiny quantities of intensely-flavoured fruit. In total he has some 20 plots scattered across the region including some vines of up to 100 years old. As Sortes is Rafael’s flagship wine and is crafted from old Godello vines which range between 40-96 years old. The must is fermented using naturally-occurring yeasts in 500-litre French oak vats and the young wine is then kept on the lees for six months to add a creamy texture and extra complexity. The result is a precisely-balanced wine with a rich full body, smooth mouthfeel and intense stone fruit flavours with hints of toasted almonds and walnuts. Powerful yet elegant, this masterful Godello is a great partner for creamy fish or chicken dishes and can also be served with risottos, pasta carbonara or pork chops. It will also continue to age and develop over the next decade or so.
      
458. Remelluri Granja Gran Reserva Rioja 2016 : 8Wines : GBP63.25
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for an hour or more before serving. This is a fresh and powerful Gran Reserva Rioja, crafted from a mixture of Tempranillo and Garnacha. It has a savoury nose of dried mountain herbs, succulent wild berries and dusty oak tannins. The town of origin, Labastida, is home to some of the highest-elevation vineyards in Rioja, imparting strong acidity and an intense character to the wine. The modern origins of the Remelluri estate date back to 1967, when Jaime Rodríguez Salís purchased a wine-making site among the peaks of Sierra de Toloño, abandoned by Hieronymite monks centuries previously. It was the first estate of the modern Rioja era to release a single-vineyard wine and has since become a beacon of individuality in Spain’s greatest wine region. Since 2009, the estate has been in the hands of Jaime’s children, Telmo and Amaia. On the palate, you can find grippy tannins, a strong oak influence and a clear, lively vein of acidity. Notes of raspberry and black jerry jam mingle with rosemary, thyme and clear minerality. The finish is long and pleasant, with subtle hints of violet. It can easily age for a couple of decades, developing intriguing tertiary notes. For gastronomic pairings, consider enjoying this unique Rioja with chorizo, lamb, or roasted red peppers.
      
459. Remelluri Rioja Reserva 2017 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Remelluri is a prestigious winery located in Labastida, in Rioja Alavesa, and owned by the Rodríguez family since 1967. The company's vineyards, cultivated organically, extend over 100 hectares of vineyards divided into approximately 150 plots which are all vinified separately. The vineyards can enjoy an ideal position in terraced amphitheaters facing south, at altitudes between 590 and 805 meters, protected from the winds and frost of the north. The Rioja Reserva from the Remelluri winery is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano with the addition of two white grapes such as Viura and Malvasía, which add elegance and balance. The grapes are harvested manually in vineyards cultivated according to the organic regime. In the cellar, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in a mixture of steel and oak. The finished wine is then aged in barrels for 21 months. The wine has a bright and intense color with cherry red tones. Its aromatic profile reveals notes of wild strawberries, aromatic herbs, and spices. On the palate it has a medium-full body, it is broad, smooth, and elegant. The finish is long and tasty. Try it with tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms or rabbit with herbs.
      
460. Raventos I Blanc Blanc De Blancs 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Enjoy it now, or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. This Blanc de Blancs, from the winery named Raventós i Blanc, is a vibrant, elegant sparkling wine with a straw yellow hue and fine, persistent perlage. The nose is fresh and aromatic, with scents of green apple, pear, citrus zest, and white flowers. It is crafted from an intriguing mixture of local Spanish grapes: 50% Xarel-lo, 35% Macabeu, 12% Parellada, and 3% Malvasia de Sitges. Raventós i Blanc is a historic winery in the Penedès region of Catalonia, with a ludicrously long lineage of talented winemakers. The estate has been in the Raventos family since 1497, and it is currently led by Pepe Raventós, who represents the 21st generation of his family to toil in the vineyards. The estate is planted with indigenous grape varieties, perfectly suited to the region’s microclimate and chalky soils. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing – reminiscent of the seaside. It showcases flavours of lemon, lime, and green apple skin, which are complemented by subtle minerality and a hint of brioche. The grapes were harvested from a 40-year-old vineyard – the Vinya del Llac. This Blanc de Blancs will be perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood dishes, such as oysters, shrimp, or sushi.
      
461. Sierra Cantabria Finca El Bosque Rioja 2016 : 8Wines : GBP110.63
Cellar for 25 years or more. Decant for up to 2 hours before serving. This Rioja wine is a deep inky red, verging on black. Intoxicating scents of blackcurrant, wild blackberry and spice escape from the glass, mingling with roasted coffee and herbs. The Tempranillo was sourced from a 1.5-hectare estate-owned vineyard in the heart of Rioja, named El Bosque. This gorgeous red wine comes from Sierra Cantabria winery, which was founded by self-made vintner Guillermo Eguren. His family were grape growers by tradition, hailing from the region of San Vicente de La Sonsierra in the heart of Rioja, and tending vineyards in Rioja Alta and Alavesa since the 1870s. The Eguren family poured generations of wisdom into this wine, and it shows in the final, stunning result. Finca El Bosque is layered with flavours of pure cherry, blackberry, and cassis. It spent 18 months ageing in French and Romanian oak, which added a woody outline to the wine’s soft tannins. As it opens up, look for further details of minerality, warm spices and smoke. The finish is long and mouth-coating. This is a serious Rioja wine and can be kept in the cellar for some time. Enjoy it with lamb, Manchego cheese, or a hearty stew.
      
462. Telmo Rodriguez Matallana 2019 : 8Wines : GBP72.10
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Recognized as one of the pioneers of Spanish viticulture, Telmo Rodríguez is a native of the Rioja wine region. After studying oenology in Bordeaux and working for some time at his family's winery, he decided to embark on his own project, dedicating himself to the promotion of indigenous grape varieties and emerging wine regions. This prestigious dry red wine is an elegant blend of Tinto Fino (produced from a massal selection), Navarro, Valenciano, the white Albillo grape, and others, all sourced from small plots of organically grown bush-trained vines, reflecting the diverse character of the Ribera del Duero terroirs. After manual harvesting, vinification starts spontaneously in oak vats and tanks with indigenous yeasts, and the finished wine ages in French oak for 1.5 years. The result is a complex, rich, and concentrated wine that reveals intense aromas of blackberries, plums, and forest berries on the nose, intertwined with spicy and graphite notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, powerful, and fleshy. It is juicy with chalky, firm tannins and an almost saline edge on the long, persistent finish that also evokes notes of cocoa. It is the ideal wine to pair with meat-based dishes, mushrooms, or aged cheeses.
      
463. Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 2020 : 8Wines : GBP161.06
Cellar for up to 30 years. Decant for 2 hours before serving. Vega Sicilia is a centuries-old estate in the heart of Ribera Del Duero, acquired by the Álvarez family in 1982. Their vineyards are primarily concerned with the cultivation of bold red grapes, with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines making up the vast majority of the estate’s 220 hectares. Valbuena is one of the most prestigious names for red wine in Spain and is widely considered to be among the best and most pure expressions of Tempranillo in Castilla - in spite of the fact that it contains a splash of Merlot. The 5 in the name indicates the number of years this wine spent ageing before release. Longer, even, than the finest bottles of Rioja Gran Reserva Valbuena 5 is a vivid, bloody red in the glass, exuding thick scents of cherry, plum and ripe forest berries. It spent the first year of its five-year ageing process in a mixture of French and American oak barrels, before being transferred to tuns to develop its subtle character. On the palate, you can discover deep notes of plum jam and black cherry, weighed against hints of sage, basil and spice. Time will reveal further complexities, and this fine wine can be laid down for up to 3 decades. Consider pairing it with a decadent piece of red meat, or Spanish charcuterie.
      
464. Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2019 : 8Wines : GBP25.14
Drink today or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant before drinking. Valenciso was founded in 1998 by Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso, who initially started working together on a traditional Rioja house. Inspired by Tempranillo, they founded the winery with the mission to showcase the native Spanish grape variety, known for being robust yet elegant and pure. The name, Valenciso, is a clever combination of the two surnames, Valentín and Enciso. The Valenciso winemaking philosophy is rooted in the concept of minimum intervention and allowing the necessary time in all steps of winemaking, from vineyard to bottle. Today, Valenciso is the only winery in the region utilizing only concrete vessels for fermentation. Exclusively from the north of La Rioja Alta, the wine is sourced from 60-year-old vines and exhibits fresh acidity and bold tannins, with an exquisitely nuanced flavor profile. On the nose is immediate leather, smoked cedar, and cocoa with a hint of balsamic reduction. The palate features ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum with sweet tobacco, and vanilla. Try this wine with barbecued meat dishes, poultry, hearty pastas, polenta, and Mexican cuisine.
      
465. Veronica Ortega Roc Mencia 2022 : 8Wines : GBP32.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Valtuille de Abajo, the Veronica Ortega winery bears the name of its founder, who after years of experience in France and Priorat decided to settle in the Bierzo wine region and produce organic wines using old Mencia vineyards. The company philosophy also includes artisanal winemaking, to produce characterful wines that are expressive of the terroir of origin. ROC Mencía is made with 100% Mencía grapes, selected and hand-picked from two vineyards over 80 years old, planted on sandy-clay soils, rich in minerals. After whole-cluster fermentation and over a month of maceration, the finished wine rests for at least 12 months in used French oak barrels, before bottling. The wine is a tribute to Veronica's older brother, who passed away prematurely; ROC is in fact the initials of his name. In the glass, the wine reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with fruity notes of red berries, scents of violet and lavender, and light hints of licorice. On the palate, it is soft and balanced with a silky texture and a medium body. It is fresh and elegant with a persistent finish that recalls mineral notes. Try it with a pastrami sandwich or roast suckling pig.
      
466. Venus La Universal 2020 : 8Wines : GBP29.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Venus La Universal is a young wine estate, spread over 4 hectares of vineyards, and located in the DO Montsant in the Falset district, owned by René Barbier and his wife, the winemaker Sara Pérez. Both with a wealth of experience in the family businesses, founded their own company in 1999 in a joint project characterized by a strong respect for the environment and a careful adherence to the organic regime. Venus La Universal is a red wine produced with organically grown Garnacha, and Cariñena grapes from 4 parcels of old vines on clay and calcareous soils, in a vineyard located at the top of a slope that enjoys a north and south orientation. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then ages in large wooden vats and foudres for a total of approximately 18 months. The wine reveals a bright and intense color with cherry red tones and purple nuances. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with fruity and herbaceous notes, and mineral and leather hints. On the palate, it is warm and round, soft and fruity. It has a good structure and ripe and well-integrated tannins. It is a balanced, elegant, and charming wine, with a long and pleasantly fruity finish. Try it with porchetta or pork stew.
      
467. Venus La Universal Dido Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.38
Drink now or cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. Venus La Universal was founded in 1999 by childhood friends Sara Pérez and René Barbier who later fell in love and began to make wine together. Inspired by the goddess of love and the feminine aspect of wine, this unique boutique winery covers just 4 hectares in Catalonia’s DO Montsant. They only work with organic grapes grown on the estate as well as partnerships with select local growers. Dido Blanc is consistently awarded 92+ point scores by top wine critics like Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and Tim Atkin. This characterful cuvee is composed of 50% Macabeo, 40% Garnacha Blanca, and 10% Xarel-lo from up to 70 year old vines grown on limestone soils which help retain plenty of lightness and elegance in the wine. After vinification the wine ages in neutral oak barrels and 5000 litre foudres for 14 months. Thanks to the lengthy oak ageing this is an opulent and powerful white cuvee with attractive notes of ripe peaches, baked apples, and chamomile flowers. The first sip reveals an ample full body and firm structure balanced by refreshing acidity and ripe orchard fruit flavors. Dido signs off with a long, lingering finish peppered with nutty, honeyed notes from the maturation process.
      
468. Venus La Universal Dido La Solucio Rosa 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.38
Drink now or cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. Venus La Universal is a maverick Catalan wine project founded by famed Priorat winemakers Sara Pérez and René Barbier in 1999. Their small estate has 4 hectares of prime vineyards in DO Montsant close to the town of Falset and they also buy selected grapes from other local growers. Everything they do is organic, and they use sustainable methods wherever possible. La Solució is a unique field blend rosé that gets its color from a dash of Garnacha, Cariñena, and Tempranillo. Also growing alongside the red grapes are classic Catalan grapes like Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Gris and Macabeo which add even more complexity. The young wine is aged in a huge 4,600 litre oak foudre and clay amphora to allow the beauty of the varietals to shine through. In the glass there’s an inviting deep pink hue accompanied by notes of wild strawberries, cranberries and crushed cherries along with hints of dried Mediterranean herbs and citrus peel. This is a superb rosé to serve alongside traditional Spanish tapas like chorizo, aged Manchego, cured meats, grilled octopus and patatas bravas thanks to its medium body, firm structure, and punchy flavors.
      
469. Yjar 2020 : 8Wines : GBP132.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. After a long experience as a consulting winemaker, Telmo Rodríguez founded his winery in 1994 with Pablo Eguzkiza. Production focuses on native grape varieties, showcasing the exceptional variety of the specific terroirs of some historic Spanish wine regions. Produced in limited quantities, Yjar is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and several other varietals co-planted in the vineyard located at the foot of the Sierra de Tolono in Labastida. Here, the bush-trained old vines enjoy an altitude of between 600 and 800 meters and marly soils. After harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously in open oak vats, and the finished wine ages in a mix of foudre and barrels for approximately 30 months. The result is an elegant and expressive wine with an intense, dark ruby ​​color and a broad, complex aromatic profile with notes of black fruits, wild berries, and violets, followed by hints of leather, earth, pepper, and undergrowth. On the palate, it is lively, taut, and velvety. It has good concentration and a delicate minerality. It is fresh and fruity, with fine tannins and a long, refined finish that evokes notes of fruit and graphite. It pairs perfectly with roast lamb and roast suckling pig.
      
470. Champagne Andre Chemin Little Dark Mountain : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Formerly labeled "Premier Cru Tradition Brut" Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant, serve slightly chilled. André Chemin winery produces a stellar range of sparkling wine in the world’s most famous wine region, Champagne. Founded in 1948 by André Chemin, this family winery is now in the hands of Eva and Sébastian, a third-generation wine-making couple. During their tenure, the duo have transformed the winery into a haven of organic farming, producing utterly pure, terroir-driven wines. The winery is near the village of Sacy, surrounded by the mountainous terroir of Reims - this is one of Champagne’s few Premier Crus. The terroir is perfectly suited for cultivating the temperamental Pinot Noir grape. Those at André Chemin are masters of this delicate fruit, using it to produce a beautiful range of “Blanc des noirs” Champagne wines. For this sparkling Brut, purple Pinot Noir grapes are distilled into a concentrated straw-yellow wine. "Tradition" is packed with scents of baked apple, toasty brioche, nuts and white chocolate. It is full-bodied in the mouth, enveloping the palate with flavours of ripe apple, and fresh, yeasty bread. It also brings a bright acidity, making it a brilliant pairing for creamy dishes, such as buttered oysters, Brie or Camembert. It is the estate’s signature product, so it is perfect for those seeking a benchmark taste of Champagne’s heartland.
      
471. Champagne Andre Chemin Lightbreaker Brut : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Formerly labeled "Premier Cru Cuvee Selectionnee Brut" Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant, serve slightly chilled. André Chemin winery was founded in 1948 in the village of Sacy, Champagne. It is still under the guidance of the Chemin family, currently Sébastian Chemin and his wife Eva. After three generations, the family have developed an extraordinary skill for creating fine sparkling wines, producing a brilliant range of Champagne, mostly from the Pinot Noir fruit. Although this grape is famously difficult, it thrives under the delicate touch of these experienced wine-makers, and in the mountainous terroir of Reims. The area surrounding Sacy village is one of Champagne’s few Premier Crus. The “Cuvée Sélectionée” is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced from 6.5 hectares of premium land. It is a deep blonde colour, with hints of gold. On the nose, you will discover plenty of floral notes, wild strawberries and subtle spices, giving way to aromas of fresh brioche. Its bubbles are velvety smooth, but it maintains a fine acidity which gives a pleasant bite to the palate. Look for flavours of yellow apple, citrus fruits, toasted bread and whipped cream. The Cuvée Sélectionée is perfect for any occasion, and we recommend pairing it with fried chicken, sushi, or smoked salmon on a wholegrain cracker.
      
472. Champagne Andre Chemin Lightbreaker Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Formerly labeled "Premier Cru Rose Brut" Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant, serve slightly chilled. André Chemin winery is one of Champagne’s finest, a family-owned establishment with over 70 years of experience to draw from. It was founded in 1948 by André Chemin himself and is now led by third-generation wine-maker Sébastian and his wife Eva. Founder André Chemin was born and raised in Sacy, a village with mountainous terroir just a few kilometres south of Reims. This is one of the few Champagne communes that have been awarded the title of Premier Cru, a model example of what Champagne wines should taste like. This Brut Rosé is mostly made of Pinot Noir, with a splash of Chardonnay and Coteau Champenois, a still wine that adds a certain flourish to the delicious blend. It exhibits an intensely floral nose, packed with notes of white and pink flowers that eventually give way to scents of strawberry and raspberry. It’s a distinctly summery drink, bright and lively with a creamy, effervescent mouthfeel. Its flavours are driven by crisp red fruits. Red cherries and wild strawberries are evident, along with citrus elements and hints of whipped cream. It will be excellent as an aperitif, but this wine also has plenty of body. It can be paired with lobster, and salmon steaks, and will even stand up to a tender lamb chop.
      
473. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Clos Du Roy Rouge 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.20
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Known by Burgundy insiders for its exceptional value reds, Marsannay is mostly populated by boutique family-run domaines like this one which has been owned by the Audoins for five generations. Charles Audoin transformed the property’s fortunes in the 1970s when he started to bottle the family’s wines rather than sell them on to local merchants. He also expanded the property from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares of vines in most of the appellation’s top crus. Clos du Roy is a prized plot for Pinot Noir thanks to its well-draining sandy and clay soils which typically produce elegant and refined reds like this bottling. All of the family’s vineyards are farmed organically without certification and they do not fine or filter their wines before bottling to avoid losing any of the natural character of the fruit. Raspberries, plums and wild berries immediately leap out of the glass followed by hints of woodsmoke, tobacco leaf and spice from the oak ageing. The first sip reveals a refined structure with elegant tannins, a silky smooth texture and rich fruit on the extended finish. Although drinking very well now, this is a great wine to cellar for a few more years if desired to add even more beauty and character to the complex flavour profile.
      
474. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Clos Du Roy Rouge 2022 : 8Wines : GBP43.20
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Known by Burgundy insiders for its exceptional value reds, Marsannay is mostly populated by boutique family-run domaines like this one which has been owned by the Audoins for five generations. Charles Audoin transformed the property’s fortunes in the 1970s when he started to bottle the family’s wines rather than sell them on to local merchants. He also expanded the property from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares of vines in most of the appellation’s top crus. Clos du Roy is a prized plot for Pinot Noir thanks to its well-draining sandy and clay soils which typically produce elegant and refined reds like this bottling. All of the family’s vineyards are farmed organically without certification and they do not fine or filter their wines before bottling to avoid losing any of the natural character of the fruit. Raspberries, plums and wild berries immediately leap out of the glass followed by hints of woodsmoke, tobacco leaf and spice from the oak ageing. The first sip reveals a refined structure with elegant tannins, a silky smooth texture and rich fruit on the extended finish. Although drinking very well now, this is a great wine to cellar for a few more years if desired to add even more beauty and character to the complex flavour profile.
      
475. Domaine Charles Audoin Bourgogne Aligote Vieilles Vignes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP18.95
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Young winemaker Cyril Audoin is the fifth generation of his family to run this domaine in the charming and little-known Burgundian appellation of Marsannay. For many years the village was primarily known for its rosé wines, but it also produces some excellent reds and whites that offer the best value for money in all the Côte de Nuits. In total the Audoin family have 14 hectares of vines spread across the three villages in the appellation. This is their entry-level Aligote which punches high above its price tag thanks to the family’s plot of 90-year old vines which are farmed organically without certification. In the winery Cyril prefers to let the beauty of the variety shine through by fermenting the must in neutral oak barrels. This helps showcase the bright fruit flavours while adding a little complexity and texture to the finished wine. In the glass there are aromatic notes of white flowers and zesty lemon, grapefruit and green apple while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering freshness, light and elegant body, and a pure, clean finish. The crisp flavour profile makes this a lovely wine to serve as an aperitif or partner for creamy cheeses like the traditional local Délice de Bourgogne or leafy salads, grilled fish and chicken.
      
476. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Rose 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Charles Audoin is a family-run winery founded in the 1970s, which has played a fundamental role in the success achieved by the wines of the Marsannay appellation. The estate, which extends over 14 hectares of vineyards, is today managed by Cyril Audoin, son of Charles, who continues his father's work by producing extremely elegant wines. Since 2018, the company has been certified organic. Domaine Charles Audoin's Marsannay Rosé is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes. It is a round, fine, and fresh wine with a bright and clear color. Its aromatic profile is lively with notes of raspberry and citrus, fresh red berries, and fragrant rose petals. On the palate, it is thirst-quenching and fruity, with a strong acidic streak and a good structure. It is juicy and reveals a long finish with mineral notes. It is a wine ready to drink immediately, but it can also remain in the cellar for a few years. On the table it is very versatile: it pairs deliciously with cured meats, such as veal or pork, duck breast with orange, crabs, or delicate fish such as red mullet. It is perfect with vegetarian dishes of Mediterranean cuisine and with some slightly spicy oriental recipes.
      
477. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Au Champ Salomon Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.20
Cellar for up to 6 years. Serve chilled. The village of Marsannay in the Côte de Nuits is traditionally known for its excellent rosé wines, but in recent years local producers have earned a reputation for their fantastic value reds and whites. The Audoin family have been making wine here for five generations, although they only began bottling and selling their own wines in the 1970s thanks to Charles Audoin. Charles grew the property from 2.5 hectares of vines to 14 hectares before handing over the winemaking to his son, Cyril. This elegant single vineyard white offers exceptional value for money with the Champ Salomon cru expected to achieve Premier Cru status in the coming years. The plot owned by the Audoin family was planted by Cyril’s grandfather in 1945 and typically produces rich but balanced Chardonnay that responds very well to oak. Striking notes of zingy citrus, pastries, and ripe stone fruit immediately jump out of the glass followed by undertones of spice, vanilla and tropical fruit. On the palate there’s a generous medium body, well-rounded texture and muscular fruit flavours along with a bright streak of acidity and subtle minerality on the finish. Keep in the cellar for a few more years or serve now alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon steaks, or hearty dishes like aubergine parmigiana or moussaka.
      
478. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Cuvee Marie Ragonneau 2023 : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. In the 1970s Charles Audoin took the bold decision to stop selling grapes to local merchants and start producing wines under his own name. Over the next few decades he grew the family estate from a modest 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares spread across some of the finest plots in the three villages that make up the Marsannay appellation. Charles recently handed over the running of the domaine to the fifth generation, his son Cyril, who has brought a youthful new passion to this boutique family-run winery which has been called a “Marsannay reference point” by Wine Advocate. The family’s vineyards are all worked organically without certification and the wines are bottled without fining or filtration to showcase the natural beauty of the grapes. This charming red Burgundy is named after Cyril’s grandmother and is crafted from the estate’s finest Pinot Noir fruit from each vintage. Elegant and sophisticated on the nose with plenty of ripe red fruit and earthy hints of dried herbs and undergrowth, this red is a great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or pair with a classic coq au vin on a wintry evening.
      
479. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Les Favieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP57.22
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. The Audoin family have been making wine in Marsannay for five generations, but the modern domaine was created by the visionary Charles Audoin in the 1970s who took the bold decision to start bottling and selling wines under the family name. Charles also expanded the family’s holdings from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares before handing the domaine over to his young son Cyril. Today the property is regarded as a “Marsannay reference point” by Wine Advocate and offers incredible value for money compared with the appellation’s pricier neighbours. Amongst the family’s top plots is the Les Favieres plot which is widely expected to be given Premier Cru status in the near future. As with all the family’s vineyards, the grapes are farmed organically and the wines bottled without fining or filtration. Their Les Favieres is consistently ranked as one of the domaine’s best reds thanks to the terroir which favours well-structured wines which can age for very long periods. Intense berries and plums dominate on the nose, underscored by deeper notes of forest floor, woodsmoke and spice from the oak ageing. On the palate there are multiple layers of rich fruit along with firm tannins and a long finish seasoned with tobacco leaf and earthy notes. Keep in the cellar for a bit longer or enjoy now alongside rich duck dishes or hearty stews.
      
480. Domaine Charles Audoin Au Champ Salomon Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP59.89
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Audoin family’s domaine is regarded as “Marsannay reference point” by Wine Advocate thanks to the vision of Charles Audoin who started bottling and selling wines under his name in the 1970s. Charles grew the family’s modest 2.5 hectare property to 14 hectares which are all farmed organically and include many of Marsannay’s top crus. Today the property is run by his son, Cyril, who is the fifth generation of the family to grow grapes here. Champ Salomon has special significance for the family since it was planted in 1945 by Cyril’s grandfather and tends to produce rich expressions of Pinot Noir. The wines are all bottled without filtering and fining to allow the natural character of the terroir and variety to shine through. Ripe raspberries, cherries and plums dominate on the nose with undertones of bramble, spice, and baked earth. The first sip reveals a bright burst of red fruit flavours which linger long on the tongue along with fine tannins, a well-built structure and a bright streak of acidity on the finish. The balanced and refined flavour profile make it a great choice to serve with charcuterie or mature hard cheeses as well as rich meat stews, roast duck, or game like venison.
      
481. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Cuvee Charlie Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Charles Audoin is widely regarded as the most renowned wine producer in the Marsannay appellation (as also claimed by critic Robert Parker). Located in the northernmost part of the Côte de Nuits, Marsannay is a lesser-known appellation where red, white, and rosé wines are produced. The northern position of the vineyards favors the production of fresh and sparkling white wines with an aromatic and mineral profile that are generally less popular, offering an excellent value for money. Produced from Chardonnay grapes grown on marly soils, the Cuvée Charlie takes its name from the daughter of Cyril, son of Charles and currently manager of the company, born in 2016. The wine ages for 12 months in half oak barrels. This full-bodied and elegant white shows intense buttery scents to the nose, mixed with fresh fruity notes of citrus and stone fruit and subtle woody and vanilla hints. In the mouth, the wine is wide and round and shows slight fatness that gives a good consistency and balances the mineral and buttery notes. The finish is long and fresh. The wine is perfect with seafood and grilled fish, but it also goes well with chicken and turkey.
      
482. Domaine Charles Audoin Bourgogne Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.09
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in Marsannay, just south of the Burgundy capital of Dijon, in 1972 by Charles Audoin and his wife Marie-Françoise, the Charles Audoin estate now covers some 14 hectares of vineyards that include some of the finest parcels in the Marsannay appellation. The estate, now managed by Charles' son Cyril, produces excellent value Burgundy wines that express themselves well when young but also evolve elegantly over time. The Pinot Noir grapes are carefully selected from vines around 40 years old. After harvest, the vinification and aging are done without the use of new oak, to allow the full fruit expression of the Pinot Noir. The result is a well-structured and characterful wine that excels in its regional appellation typicity and is reminiscent of wines from more prestigious appellations. It is an elegant wine with a bright ruby ​​color and a delicately fruity aromatic profile with notes of cherry and plum and some light hints of spice and undergrowth. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with fine and well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish. Excellent with rabbit, chicken breast with mushrooms, roast pork ham or chicken liver crostini.
      
483. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Clos De Jeu Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it at least an hour before service. Founded in 1972 in Marsannay-la-Côte with 3 hectares of vines, Domaine Audoin is a family-run winery, led by Cyril Audoin since 2000. The company, certified organic, now owns about 14 hectares of vineyards, from which it produces traditional wines, with a surprising quality/price ratio, that are widely praised by the public and critics. Clos de Jeu is an elegant Pinot Noir, produced with rigorously selected and hand-picked grapes at the Couchey end of the Marsannay appellation, south of Dijon, at about 300 meters above sea level. The wine reveals a splendid dark ruby ​​color and a broad and intense aromatic profile with fragrant notes of wild strawberries and cherries, hints of violet and undergrowth, Provençal herbs, sweet spices, and cedar. On the palate, it is vibrant and juicy, deep and well-balanced with a tasty concentration of fruit and a medium body. Tannins are soft and well-integrated and the finish is long and fresh. It is a fantastic example of a Burgundy red wine and comes at an excellent price. It can be enjoyed now, perhaps paired with a beef tartare or an ossobuco with mushrooms, but it can also stay in the cellar for a few years.
      
484. Domaine Charles Audoin Fixin Le Rozier 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.20
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Known for producing some of the best value wines in all of Burgundy, Charles Audoin founded his namesake domaine in 1972 with his oenologist wife Marie-Françoise. It’s now run by his son Cyril who manages 14 hectares of vineyards which are all farmed organically and include many of the top crus in Marsannay. The appellation of Fixin is next to famed Gevrey-Chambertin and tends to produce similar wines without the reputation or price-tag of its neighbor. These are known as “winter wines” because they tend to be firm when young and soften with some cellaring. Cyril uses a light touch in the winery for this cuvee, only using new oak barrels on 25% of the wine for 18 months. Hints of red cherries, blueberries, and delicate violets dominate on the nose, followed by deeper tones of anise and forest floor. On the palate there’s plenty of punchy tannins and a full body that will help this bottle age beautifully over the next few years. Or you could enjoy it now alongside hearty game dishes like venison that complement the savory character of this unique wine.
      
485. Domaine Charles Audoin Gevrey Chambertin 2023 : 8Wines : GBP60.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1972 by Charles Audoin and his winemaker wife Marie-Francoise, Domaine Charles Audoin has been managed by their son Cyril since 2000. Starting with 3 hectares of vineyards, the company now owns 14 hectares that cover some of the best plots of Marsannay. The company's philosophy is focused on the production of wines that are a pure expression of the varietal and their terroir. The resulting wines show very high quality, great freshness, and delicious fruitiness. They are ready to drink in their youth but also have the ability to age gracefully for many years. The grapes are selected and harvested manually. Maceration and racking last from 14 to 18 days depending on the vintage in order not to extract too much material but rather to favor the fruitiness and elegance typical of Pinot Noir. The finished wine is then aged in oak barrels. Domaine Charles Audoin Gevrey Chambertin has a beautiful dark ruby color. Its olfactory profile reveals fruity aromas of strawberry, and blackberry followed by violets. With age, animal notes, hints of leather, and licorice take over. In the mouth, it is a rich, warm, and well-structured wine. The tannins are silky and elegant. The finish is spicy and of good length. It goes well with game, beef, or lamb or with strong-flavored cheeses such as Époisses and Cîteaux.
      
486. Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Les Longeroies 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.37
Cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Lauded as a “Marsannay reference point” by William Keller of Wine Advocate, Domaine Charles Audoin is named after the visionary winemaker who first started bottling his family’s wines in the 1970s. Charles grew his family’s holdings from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares which include most of the finest plots in the Marsannay appellation. In recent years Charles has handed over the reins to his son Cyril, the fifth generation of the family to grow grapes here. The family practice organic agriculture without certification and do not fine or filter their wines before bottling to preserve their natural character. This single vineyard bottling comes from their Les Longeroies plot which is expected to gain Premier Cru status in the near future. The expert winemaking and exceptional terroir make this a truly great Marsannay red that rivals many Premier Crus from neighbouring appellations. Bright red fruit like raspberries, red cherries and pomegranate define the nose while the palate offers a medium body, well-built structure and fine tannins. Bold fruit flavours dominate along with undertones of dried herbs, forest floor, and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. A magnificent wine to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with herby roast lamb or a hearty coq au vin.
      
487. Champagne Andre Beaufort Polisy Blanc De Blancs 2018 : 8Wines : GBP68.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Located in Ambonnay, the Champagne House Andre Beaufort has been cultivating its vineyards organically and using homeopathic and aromatherapy remedies since the 1970s. Today, the estate, which extends over approximately 6 hectares of vineyards, is managed by André and his son. A special feature of the estate: disgorging is always done traditionally "a la volée". André Beaufort's Polisy Blanc de Blancs Millésime is made with Chardonnay from the village of the same name located in the Côte Des Bar, about 40 km southeast of Troyes. Here, the vines are influenced by the climatic conditions of the Langres plateau, with cold and humid currents, while the soil is clayey from the Kimmeridgian and more difficult to work. This elegant champagne reveals a straw yellow color with golden reflections brightened by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and fresh with fruity notes of citrus and white flowers, followed by hints of brioche and bread crust. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with a creamy texture and a marked acidity. It is lively and mineral with a long finish that recalls pastry notes. It is excellent with roast turbot, fresh cheeses such as Chaource, and, of course, with seafood.
      
488. Champagne Andre Beaufort Ambonnay Reserve Grand Cru Brut : 8Wines : GBP79.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1969, the Maison de Champagne Andre Beaufort owns approximately seven hectares of vineyards divided between Polisy and Ambonnay, all strictly Grand Cru and cultivated organically and biodynamically. The winery has had an artisanal approach both in the vineyard and in the cellar, with the use of indigenous yeasts and minimization of chemicals, since the 70s, and is considered one of the most iconic Champagne houses. The Champagne Ambonnay Reserve Grand Cru Brut is a predominantly Pinot Noir blend with small additions of Chardonnay. The harvest is manual and fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in steel containers. After the second fermentation and a period of 24 months on the lees, the wine is disgorged à la volée (flying disgorging), as for the winery's custom. The wine shows a golden color with a fine and persistent perlage. The aromatic profile is broad and elegant with notes of hazelnuts, candied orange peel and honey, dried apricot, and white pepper. On the palate, it is rich, well-structured, and soft. It has a well-balanced acidity and a marked mineral streak. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, and recalls fruity notes. It is perfect with oysters, caviar, and smoked tuna carpaccio.
      
489. Champagne Andre Beaufort Ambonnay Grand Cru Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP74.04
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The Andre Beaufort Champagne House is one of the most iconic wineries in Champagne, and it’s certified organic since 1994. But it was much earlier, at the end of the 60s, that the company embarked on a journey to eliminate the use of chemical products as much as possible, also experimenting with homeopathy and aromatherapy in the vineyards. The estate's vineyards extend over approximately 7 hectares, located in Polisy and Ambonnay, two very renowned municipalities of the Champagne wine region. The Champagne Ambonnay Grand Cru Brut Rèserve Rosé is produced with only Pinot Noir grapes harvested manually from vines that are over 50 years old. After a brief maceration on the skins and spontaneous fermentation, the wine is refermented in the bottle according to the Champenoise method and left on the lees for at least 72 months. The wine shows a bright pink color, with orange reflections and fine and persistent bubbles. On the nose, it reveals fruity aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry and floral notes of rose. On the palate, it has a good body and some spicy notes. It is fresh, lively, and with a long and linear finish. It is very food-friendly and goes particularly well with fish and seafood dishes.
      
490. Champagne Agrapart Mineral Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru 2017 : 8Wines : GBP121.08
Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled. The Agrapart family have been making Champagne on their estate in Avize in the heart of the Cote de Blancs since 1894 when the house was founded by Arthur Agrapart. Today the property is run by two brothers, Pascal and Fabrice Agrapart, who took over in 1984. The duo have dedicated themselves to making Agrapart one of the finest grower Champagnes. A core part of their philosophy is sustainable agriculture and a light touch which includes the use of a horse in the vineyards and wild yeasts to facilitate fermentation. The brothers’ Mineral Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a remarkable vintage Champagne which is sourced from two prime chalk-based vineyards in Avize. This terroir is exceptionally-well suited to Chardonnay and produces a mineral-driven expression of the variety which combines harmoniously with the brioche and butter notes from extended lees ageing in the bottle. Part of the wine is fermented in oak barrels which adds extra complexity and a creamy texture to the finished Champagne. On the nose there are enticing notes of lemon zest, fresh pastries, and mineral notes while the first sip reveals a smooth mousse, vibrant freshness and a very long finish.
      
491. Champagne Agrapart Avizoise Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru 2017 : 8Wines : GBP178.90
Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled. This magnificent Grand Cru vintage Blanc de Blancs expresses the distinctive terroir of the Avize village from which it takes its name. The Avizoise is a monocru wine which is crafted from up to 50 year old vines which sit in the vineyards of Les Robarts and La Voie d’Epernay on a hill just to the north of the village itself. To add richness and extra complexity to the finished Champagne the wine is aged in oak barrels before undergoing the secondary fermentation in the bottle under cork. The Champagne then spends a total of four years ageing in the bottle with the lees before disgorging and its eventual release. Tiny persistent streams of bubbles are the first thing you’ll notice as you pour out a glass of this exquisite Champagne, followed by evocative aromas of citrus, freshly-baked croissants and ripe peach. On the palate there is a very subtle touch of sweetness which balances out the rich toasty and pastry flavours. The opulent character of this Blanc de Blancs make it an ideal aperitif for a special occasion or a charming match for elegant seafood dishes like oysters, scallops or fresh prawns.
      
492. Champagne Agrapart 7 Crus : 8Wines : GBP73.51
Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. The historic Agrapart estate was founded in 1894 by Arthur Agrapart and is still run by the family to this day. The current owners are Pascal Agrapart and his brother Fabrice who have sought to emphasize the influence of terroir in their wines and to work in harmony with nature since taking over in 1984. In the vineyard the family avoids using chemical pesticides or weed killers and they carry out all of their fermentations using natural yeasts. The Agraparts have 62 parcels of vines in total which mostly lie in the grand cru villages of Avize, Cramant, Oiry and Oger. Their 7 Crus is a sumptuous expression of seven different villages; Avize, Cramant, Oger, Oiry, Avenay Val d’Or, Bergères-les-Vertus and Mardeuil. This Champagne is usually composed of wines from two different vintages and half of the older vintage will be aged in oak to add complexity and richness. The result is a wonderfully complex champagne that sparkles with fresh citrus and green apple character along with a crisp acidity. On the palate the mousse is smooth and delicate and the flavours are a perfect balance of bright citrus and toasty hints from the oak ageing.
      
493. Champagne Agrapart Atoma Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP78.36
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Fabrice Agrapart comes from a family of winemakers for four generations. The family estate, initially founded in 1894, was recently divided between the two brothers Fabrice and Pascal. The company, located in Avize, in the Côte des Blancs, has vineyards spread across several Grand Crus, where the main grape variety is Chardonnay. However, they also grow Pinot Noir and Meunier, Pinot Blanc and the lesser-known Arbane and Petit Meslier. Atoma Champagne is a multi-vintage blend made with Chardonnay grapes from some Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Oiry). 50% of the cuvée is wine from the current year, added with a perpetual cuvée of wines from Montagne de Reims and fermented in barrel. The wine is aged for a period of 20-32 months on the lees and is then marketed 2 months after disgorgement. The result is a balanced and complex wine with a fragrant and lively aromatic profile with notes of citrus, green apple, and pear followed by clear mineral notes, due to the typical chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs. On the palate, it is fresh and soft with a silky texture and a fine and persistent perlage that tickles the palate. It has a well-integrated acidity and some toasted notes. The long finish recalls mineral hints. It makes an elegant aperitif but is best enjoyed with white meat and seafood.
      
494. Albert Bichot Domaine Du Clos Frantin Vosne-romanee Premier Cru Les Malconsorts 2021 : 8Wines : GBP205.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Albert Bichot is one of the big names in the French wine industry and has historically played a pivotal role in Burgundy wines. The family business, created in Monthélie in 1831, under the impetus of Bernard Bichot, is today in the sixth family generation and owns more than 100 hectares of vineyards, distributed from north to south of Burgundy and grouped into 6 prestigious estates, including the Domaine du Clos-Frantin located in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The exceptional Premier Cru of Vosne-Romanée "Les Malconsorts" takes its name from a probable dispute between "bad consorts" over the acquisition of these lands. In fact, "Consorts" in Latin means "in community property" and, associated with the prefix "Mal", indicates that people have acted badly towards these lands that they held in community property. The grapes are sourced from vines with an average age of 35-40 years, located on a parcel of 1.75 hectares, near-legendary parcels such as Romanée-Conti, and Richebourg. This splendid Pinot Noir, aged in oak barrels for 14-18 months, reveals subtle woody notes on the nose, accompanied by fruity fragrances and hints of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is fresh with silky tannins and a great elegance of flavors. It pairs deliciously with roast goose and game birds.
      
495. Albert Bichot Domaine Long-depaquit Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaucopins 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the village of Chablis, Château Long-Depaquit was founded in the late 1700s. Today, this prestigious estate, one of the most renowned in the region, is part of the Maison Albert Bichot and has over 50 hectares of vineyards. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Premier Cru Les Vaucopins parcel located southeast of Chablis, on the right bank of the Serein river, in the commune of Chichée. The vines, about 30 years old, rest their roots on Kimmeridgian limestone subsoils and enjoy a southern exposure, on a steep slope. After manual harvesting, the vinification takes place in a mix of stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels, where the wine remains for 10 months on fine lees, before moving into steel tanks for a further 2 months of aging. Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaucopins is a wine of great class and quality, with a splendid color with golden hues and an expressive and broad aromatic profile with notes of apricot and quince, candied fruit and caramel and some light toasted and smoky notes. On the palate, it is energetic and lively, concentrated and mineral. It has a refreshing acidity and a long, persistent finish, reminiscent of flint. It pairs well with baked sea bass, oysters, and seafood.
      
496. Albert Bichot Secret De Famille Bourgogne Cote D'or Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1831 in Monthelie by Bernard Bichot and then transferred to Beaune by his grandson Albert in 1912, Maison Bichot is a company that includes 6 wine estates (Domaine Long-Depaquit, Domaine du Clos Frantin, Chateau Gris, Domaine du Pavillon, Domaine de Rochegres and Domaine Adelie) that extend over a total of about 100 hectares of vineyards, in addition to its distribution activity. The Chardonnay grapes for Secret de Famille are selected and hand-picked from a series of plots located around the villages of the Côte de Beaune, where the rich clay-limestone soils guarantee the production of high-quality whites. After harvesting and fermentation partly in barrels and partly in vats, the wine rests on the lees in a mix of steel tanks and oak barrels for 10-12 months. This elegant Bourgogne Cote d'Or Chardonnay is a youthful, fresh, and expressive wine with a fragrant and lively aromatic profile with notes of citrus, apple, and pear, followed by hints of white flowers and touches of honey. On the palate, it is round and mineral, with a pleasant refreshing acidity and a long and persistent finish that recalls notes of dried fruit. Serve the wine with grilled poultry or white fish in sauce.
      
497. Albert Bichot Morgon Les Charmes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP16.34
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Les Charmes is a vibrant, medium-bodied red wine, from the world-famous Beaujolais appellation. Made from 100% Gamay, it is packed with scents of blackberry and cranberry jam, violet, tilled earth, and a mélange of spice and smoke. The fruits were sourced from green sloping hills, just west of the village of Morgon. The name Albert Bichot almost speaks for itself. Inheriting the family winery in 1996, he comes from a long line of winemaking Bichots (and Alberts), dating back to the early 20th century. In 1912, another Albert Bichot founded a cellar in the town of Beaune, changing the family’s fortunes, and the fortunes of Burgundy, for that matter, forever. These days, the Bichot family owns six estates, comprising some of the finest vineyards in the region. This wine exhibits a classic Beaujolais fleshiness on the palate, along with rich notes of blackcurrant jam, spice, and juicy hedgerow fruits. The Les Charmes vines grow about 400 metres above sea level on sparse, stony soils, allowing for incredibly concentrated fruit flavours. If you are new to Beaujolais, Albert Bichot is a fantastic place to start. This wine is best enjoyed in its youth, alongside grilled meats, pungent cheese, or herby chicken.
      
498. Allimant Laugner Gewrztraminer 2022 : 8Wines : GBP13.02
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. Although the Laugner and Allimant families have been vignerons since at least the 1500s, Domaine Allimant-Laugner only came into existence in 1965 following the wedding of Mariette Allimant and René Laugner. Today the estate is in the hands of 11th generation winemaker Hubert Laugner who takes good care of the family’s 12 hectares of prime vineyards planted on hillsides along the Rhine River in Alsace. The family’s Gewurztraminer is an excellent example of the variety with plenty of vibrancy and aromatic character. The warm summer days in this part of France help to ripen the grapes while the cooling breezes from the river help to preserve delicate floral notes and sufficient freshness to provide balance and finesse. On the nose there are enticing hints of honeysuckle, white peaches and honey while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, light body, and pure and clean finish. The fresh, light style of this white makes it an exceptional aperitif on a hot summer’s day and it pairs very well with cheeses, fresh seafood, and crisp salads. The ample acidity levels also make it a great match for spicy dishes as the freshness helps to refresh the palate and balance out the heat from the food.
      
499. Allimant Laugner Cremant D'alsace Rose : 8Wines : GBP17.92
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Domaine Allimant-Laugner was born out of the marriage of Mariette Allimant and René Laugner in 1965 which joined together two of Alsace’s top winemaking families. The estate boasts 12 hectares of prime vineyards and is currently run by three generations of the Allimant-Laugner family who have been making wine for at least 11 generations. The family’s Cremant d’Alsace Rosé is a style which is growing in popularity and it’s made using the traditional method which is the same winemaking approach used for Champagne. The Pinot Noir grapes are gently pressed after a short maceration to create the gorgeous pale pink colour and the must is then fermented twice. The second fermentation takes place inside the bottle and the wine is aged on the lees to add extra complexity and body. As soon as you pour yourself a glass you’ll notice the delicate stream of tiny bubbles and inviting aromas of fresh strawberries, cherries and white flowers. The first sip reveals a bright acidity, smooth mousse from the bubbles, and enticing red berry flavours with a very clean and pure finish. The vibrant character of this Cremant makes it ideal as an aperitif or served alongside spicy Asian cuisine or fresh seafood.
      
500. Allimant Laugner Cremant D'alsace Brut : 8Wines : GBP17.92
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. This stunning Cremant d’Alsace is made using the traditional method which is exactly the same winemaking technique used for Champagne. The wine is crafted from three traditional Alsace varietals, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris which help to create a complex, multi-layered sparkling wine full of vibrancy and fragrance. In the glass there’s a delicate stream of bubbles accompanied by fragrant notes of white flowers, peaches and green apples. The first sip reveals a bright acidity, medium body and soft mousse from the bubbles along with enticing pear and apricot flavours which linger long on the tongue. This is an excellent sparkling wine to serve as an aperitif or alongside fresh seafood, leafy summer salads, or spicy Asian dishes. Domaine Allimant-Laugner was founded in 1965 following the marriage of Mariette Allimant and René Laugner which joined together two of Alsace’s top winemaking families. The estate is now in the capable hands of three generations of the Allimant-Launger family who strive to produce the best wines possible while preserving their land in top condition for generations to come. The family work 12 hectares of prime vineyards planted on a mixture of limestone, granite and clay soils.
      
501. Comte Armand Bourgogne Aligote 2022 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Located in Pommard, in the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Comte Armand is a French winery with a long family tradition. Its estate-owned vineyards span approximately 9 hectares, including the prestigious Clos des Epeneaux estate, and are cultivated according to sustainable viticulture principles. The wines produced are a pure expression of the uniqueness and richness of Burgundy's terroir. The Aligoté grapes are sourced from select vineyards that enjoy clay-limestone soils and a mild climate, ideal conditions for growing this grape variety. After harvesting and fermenting in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, the wine is then aged on its fine lees for some time. These processes ensure a pure expression of Aligoté, that is characterized by good roundness while preserving its fresh and aromatic personality. In the glass, the Comte Armand Bourgogne Aligoté displays a bright, pale straw-yellow color. Its aromatic profile is fresh and delicate, with notes of green apple and fresh citrus, over a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is lively, elegant, and balanced, with a taut, refreshing acidity and a pleasant citrus concentration that lingers on the finish. It is the ideal wine for mixed salads, light vegetarian dishes, and fish and seafood appetizers.
      
502. Clos Apalta 2019 : 8Wines : GBP117.48
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Established in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband, Cyril de Bournet, Clos Apalta Casa Lapostolle is one of Chile's most celebrated estates, located in the magnificent Colchagua Valley. Since 2013, the company, which owns over 370 hectares of vineyards in the Casablanca, Cachapoal, and Colchagua wine areas, has been in the hands of the seventh representative of the Lapostolle dynasty, and production is led by the famous consultant Michel Rolland. The winery produces wines of exceptional quality thanks to an extremely favorable microclimate and terroir, and an authentic savoir-faire. Clos Apalta is the result of a blend mainly based on Carmenere, with the addition of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The grapes come from a 60-hectare vineyard with some vines over eighty years old, planted on an exceptional terroir. The wine has a dark ruby red color, with purple shades. The aromatic profile is intense and expressive with aromas of spices, red fruit, ripe plums, dried figs, and some notes of clover and cedar. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and harmonious with elegant tannins and a perfect balance between alcohol and freshness. It is a round and generous wine with a persistent finish. Try it with grilled red meat or with Chili con Carne.
      
503. Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos 2019 : 8Wines : GBP50.60
Drink now or cellar for up to 13 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the pristine Colchagua Valley not far from the Andes Mountains, Chile’s remarkable Clos Apalta is one of South America’s finest wineries. The property was purchased by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and husband Cyril de Bournet in 1994 after they discovered the historic vineyards first planted here in the early 1900s. Today the estate is home to many of the world’s oldest ungrafted Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vines; 16 out of their 48 hectares date back to between 1915 and 1940. These venerable vines have helped put the estate on the map for exceptional red wines, with their 2005 Clos Apalta bottling being the only South American wine to be named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year. Le Petit Clos is considered to be the younger brother to their flagship Clos Apalta wines, with greater approachability in youth and a more vibrant, fruit-forward flavour profile. The cuvee is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere along with a dash of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in 75 hectolitre casks followed by 6 months of ageing in new French oak barrels. The wine is then transferred to used barrels for a further 16 months of maturation before bottling. The result is a powerful and youthful red that’s bursting with ripe dark berries, damsons, and mulberries. On the palate there’s a full body, firm tannins, and long finish seasoned with spice and tobacco leaf.
      
504. Chateau Lafon-rochet 2014 : 8Wines : GBP52.70
Cellar for 20 years or more. Decant for 2 hours before serving. Lafon-Rochet is a fine Bordeaux wine, appearing with a vivid ruby colour in the glass. On the nose, you can detect aromas of red and purple flowers, cassis, rich blood orange, and graphite minerality. It is a majority Cabernet Sauvignon blend, with 26% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all harvested from the left bank of the Gironde, in the region of Saint-Èstephe. Chateau Lafon-Rochet has a history dating back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest estates in Saint-Èstephe. Since the 1960s, it has been a family business: first being owned by the Tesseron family, who refurbished the chateau and built two new cellars; in 2021, it was acquired by the Lorenzetti family, who have been at the reins ever since. This Bordeaux blend strikes the palate with a medley of black and blue fruits – sour cherry, blackcurrant, cocoa, and baking spice mingle with sharper hints of eucalyptus and liquorice. The tannins are fine-grained, and after 16 months of ageing in 50% new barrels, the oak is subtle and well-integrated. This is an excellent wine for pairing with osso bucco, roast chicken, or mushrooms.
      
505. Antech Heritage Cremant Brut 2020 : 8Wines : GBP17.41
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve well chilled. The French sparkling wine market may be dominated by the Champagne region in the north, but there are also sensational alternatives to be found in other corners of France. The Antech family have been making traditional method sparkling wines using exactly the same techniques used for Champagne for six generations. Today the estate is headed up by Francoise Antech who has built a reputation as one of France’s most respected female winemakers. Their estate is located in the Limoux region of Languedoc in southern France where they specialise in making exquisite Cremant and Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wines. Their Cuvee Heritage is made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc along with smaller quantities of Mauzac and Pinot Noir to add extra complexity. As soon as you pour out a glass of this delicious bubbly you’ll notice the fine stream of bubbles and delicate peach, pear and white flower aromas. The first sip reveals a clean and bright acidity, smooth bubbles, and lingering flavours of citrus zest, baked apple and honey. The lively, uplifting character of this wine makes it an ideal aperitif, and it can also be served alongside green salads, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, a generous platter of seafood or pan-fried fish.
      
506. Antech Blanquette De Limoux Brut Reserve 2022 : 8Wines : GBP13.92
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve chilled. This elegant Blanquette de Limoux immediately captures your attention with its delicate bubbles and enticing aromas of passionfruit and lemon zest. The first sip reveals a gentle and persistent mousse with seductive flavours of white peaches, citrus and toast. A modest dosage of 8 grams per litre provides a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the crisp acidity. The graceful character of this Reserve means it is perfect as an aperitif before dinner or as an accompaniment to fine fish dishes or Asian cuisine with a touch of spice. Created using the same method that is used for the sparkling wines of Champagne, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to produce the fine, persistent bubbles. It then spends 18 months maturing with the lees which helps to add rich pastry and nut flavours and aromas to the finished wine. The Antech Reserve is a true testament to the talent and well-deserved reputation of the Antech family who have been making Blanquette de Limoux for six generations. Widely regarded as one of the region’s top sparkling wine producers, the estate is today run by brothers Georges and Roger along with Georges’ daughter Francoise who is responsible for the winemaking.
      
507. Antech Blanquette De Limoux Brut Nature 2022 : 8Wines : GBP18.97
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve chilled. Known as the birthplace of sparkling wine, Limoux has been producing traditional method bubbly since 1544. The Antech estate has been producing these fabulous sparkling wines for six generations and the family are regarded as the region’s top producers of Blanquette de Limoux. These days the winery is run by brothers Georges and Roger along with Georges’ daughter Francoise Antech who ranks among France’s most talented female winemakers. This stunning Limoux Brut Nature is composed of 90% Mauzac, 5% Chadonnay and % Chenin Blanc. Following the harvest the wine is fermented and then undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle just like its more famous cousins, the sparkling wines of the Champagne region. After resting for 15 months with the lees the wine is finally deemed ready for release. This complex process produces a wonderfully fresh bubbly which bears the distinctive rich and well-rounded character of the Mauzac grape. On the nose there are generous aromas of green apple and ripe white peaches which are also found on the palate. The first sip is crisp and vibrant with plenty of acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness from the modest dosage of 10 grams per litre.
      
508. Domaine Alain Voge Saint-joseph Les Cotes 2019 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Alain Voge is a renowned winery in the Rhone Valley, born from an old family estate in the early 60s. After careful work of recovery and replanting the vineyards, Alain Voge developed his winemaking business together with his wife. Today, the company, which is managed by Lionel Fraisse and Laurent Martin, has about 13 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to organic and biodynamic regimes. The winery has been producing Saint-Joseph wine since the 2015 vintage, with the specification of the plot from which the grapes come (Les Côtes). Here the Syrah vines have been replanted since 1999 with a bush training system. The harvest is manual and fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. After a period of maceration in steel tanks, the finished wine rests for 16 months in used oak barrels. This delicious Saint-Joseph reveals an elegant and broad aromatic profile with fruity notes of wild strawberry and forest berries, spices, dried flowers, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is soft and round. It has a medium body and ripe and velvety tannins. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine with lamb chops or filet mignon.
      
509. Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Chailles 2020 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located between the towns of Tournon and Saint-Péray, in the heart of the northern Rhone Valley, Domaine Alain Voge was born from an old family business dedicated to mixed farming and nursery, taken over by Alain himself in 1958. Since then, Alain has replanted vineyards in some abandoned areas and focused his work on the production of high-quality Cornas wines, receiving critical and public acclaim over time. Since 2016, the entire estate has been certified organic and biodynamic. The Syrah grapes for Cornas Les Chailles come from 40-year-old vineyard plots located on granite terraces on the edge of a limestone hill. After vinification, the wine rests for 18 months in used barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, intense color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with fragrant notes of blackberries and ripe dark fruits, violets, and dried herbs followed by the peppery hints typical of Syrah. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied with an extraordinary concentration of fruit and velvety tannins. It is powerful and elegant with a juicy and persistent finish. For the perfect food and wine pairing experience, try it with venison stew.
      
510. Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines 2020 : 8Wines : GBP84.34
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Alain Voge was a renowned winemaker and an historic figure in the northern Rhone Valley who, since the 1960s, has produced wines on the old family estate. The vines, cultivated according to organic and biodynamic standards since the 2000s, are located on the slopes of the right bank of the Rhone. The work in the vineyard is manual and in the cellar spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts is preferred, in full respect of the maximum expression of the terroir. Since 2018, the Domaine has been guided by Lionel Fraisse and Lionel Martin. Produced only in the best vintages, the Les Vieilles Fontaines cuvée is a Cornas of exceptional quality, first created in 1988. The grapes come from 80-year-old vines that are rooted in granite soil. After manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation and a period of maceration in steel, the finished wine rests for 24 months in 228-liter barrels (15-20% of which are new). The wine reveals an intense aromatic bouquet with notes of cassis, blackberries and small dark berries, peppery and slightly smoky hints. On the palate it is powerful and round, dense and rich, with firm and well-integrated tannins and a lively and well-balanced acidic vein. The finish is long and persistent and recalls elegant notes of coffee and garrigue. Pair it with game or mature cheeses.
      
511. Chateau De Beaucastel Chateauneuf Du Pape 2020 : 8Wines : GBP95.63
Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of the most famous names in France’s Southern Rhone Valley, Chateau de Beaucastel was acquired by the Perrin family in the early 1900s. The family are passionate about working in harmony with nature and passing the estate down to future generations, and they’ve been farming according to biodynamic principles since the 1970s. This magnificent cuvee is crafted from all 13 of the authorised grape varieties which are allowed under the rules of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. The fruit comes from a single plot in the northern part of the region where there’s a high percentage of Mourvedre old vines. This helps to give extra structure and power to the wine, making this an excellent choice to add to the cellar for another decade or so. Seductive dark fruit immediately bursts out of the glass, including cassis, black plum, and blackberries, along with subtle undertones of oregano, wild thyme, and cedar wood. On the palate there’s a punchy full body, robust tannins, and a solid structure which will help this wine to age beautifully into the coming years. Enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes like a ribeye steak, wild boar ragu served with fresh pasta, or venison.
      
512. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Vaulorent 2021 : 8Wines : GBP34.40
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. La Chablisienne is a cooperative winery in Burgundy, founded over a century ago by winemakers from the Chablis wine region, under the leadership of Abbot Balitrand. Initially created to pool efforts to address the economic difficulties of the time, the cooperative has evolved in its production methods and operations, achieving great success and popularity, thanks to the production of stylish wines from premium parcels of the region. The Chardonnay grapes come from parcels located on the Premier Cru Vaulorent site on calcareous clay soils. As has become routine in the cooperative since the 1950s, the various members have total control over the winemaking processes, which guarantees a precise connection with the terroirs of origin and the quality of the wine. The Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent has a bright color with pale golden tones and an elegant and broad aromatic profile with notes of ripe yellow fruit, sweet pineapple and some hints of wood. On the palate, it is a lively and fresh wine, round and smooth with a well-balanced acidity and a long finish that recalls some light toasted nuances. It makes an excellent pairing with grilled prawns or scallop risotto.
      
513. La Chablisienne Chablis La Sereine 2021 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. La Sereine begins with a blast of woody spice and citrus fruit, underpinned by scents of caramel, pear, apple, and other orchard fruits. It is a generous and well-rounded expression of Chablis, composed of Chardonnay from premium sites all across the esteemed appellation. Founded in 1923 by Abbé Balitrand, La Chablisienne is the unknown hero of the famous Burgundy region. It began life as a growers cooperative and did not unify the processes of growing and fermenting grapes until the 1950s. Nowadays, it has grown to become one of the biggest wineries in the region, offering a stunning selection of over 30 vintages, each one exploring a different facet of the Chablis tapestry. La Sereine, however, is a wine that manages to capture many facets in a single bottle. Named for the river that provides nutrients to so many of the vineyards around Chablis, it is refined and vibrant on the palate, with a dense mouthfeel. Look for notes of orchard fruits, lemon, lime, and saline, with hints of exotic stone fruit. Before release, La Sereine spent 12 months ageing in a mixture of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Consider pairing it with a fresh vegetable risotto, soft cheese, or a caramel dessert.
      
514. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Montmains 2022 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Established in 1923 by local vinegrowers, La Chablisienne is a cooperative organization located in Burgundy with about 300 members spread over an area exceeding 1200 hectares. Since the 1950s, the group has introduced the practice of giving various producers full freedom in terms of winemaking with one vision: to show what nature has given them and how wonderful it can be. The Chardonnay grapes for this Premier Cru Montmains are sourced from 25 years-old vineyards that are located right by the Serein River, on the traditional Kimmeridgian soils of Chablis, dating back to the ancient Jurassic period. After vinification, the wine rests in barrels and vats for 12 months on the lees. When you pop the cork, you're going to get hit with a bright straw-yellow color sunset and a few golden sparkles. It smells juicy, with fragrant aromas of yellow and stone fruits, a bit of quince, and some citrus peels. And then there are some jasmine flowers and herbs, with some final toasted notes in the background. Take a sip and it's like a fruit explosion in your mouth. It's light and zesty, with a refreshing mineral taste and a brisk acid kick. This wine is like the perfect wingman for shrimp or chicken curry. They're like a match made in heaven. The smoothness and acidity of the wine pairs with the spicy food perfectly.
      
515. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru L'homme Mort 2022 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. La Chablisienne consists of roughly 300 producers, and it is one of the largest cooperative wineries in France. Situated in Chablis, it was started by local winemakers in the early 1920s to support themselves during that time of normal financial hardship. It has since expanded and also bought Château Grenouilles. The cooperative has adhered to this philosophy of allowing the winemakers control over how they will make their wine since 1950. L'Homme Mort is a Chablis with masculine character produced from the most peripheral Premier Cru Fourchaume vines (about 25 years old) and grown on typical Chabliscian soils of Kimmeridgian clay terroirs for which this appellation is known. Fermentation occurs in barrels and vats, and after that the wine is left for 12 months on the lees to acquire structure and complexity. In the glass, it's a light golden-hued color with a fragrant nose that's all about citrus, green apple, pear, and a bouquet of white flowers with a side of minerals. It tastes like a fresh breeze with a kick and it has got amazing acidity. The finish is all smooth and elegant, like a wine that knows exactly what it's doing. If you're into oysters, this is your wine.
      
516. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Cote De Lechet 2022 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in Chablis in the late 1920s by Abbé Balitrand, La Chablisienne is a wine cooperative that brings together around 300 producers and 1,200 hectares of vineyards, certified organic since 2013, and distributed between Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, with various plots also in Chablis and Petit-Chablis. The Chardonnay grapes come from a Premier Cru plot located on the left bank of the Serein River. They are characterized by the typical Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils of the region. The vines, 25 years old, enjoy a south-east exposure. After harvesting and fermentation in vats and barrels, the finished wine rests on its lees for about a year. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense color with pale gold tones and silver reflections. Its aromatic profile is elegant and broad with citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, floral scents, light notes of vanilla, and a final hint of flint. On the palate, it is dynamic, fresh and lively. It is juicy and rich with a perfectly integrated acidic vein and a complex and mineral finish. It is a very gastronomic wine and pairs well with both fish and meat. Try it with roasted prawns, risotto with scallops or mushrooms, or with veal ossobuco served with risotto Milanese.
      
517. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy 2022 : 8Wines : GBP32.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. La Chablisienne is a century-old wine cooperative in the village of Chablis, Burgundy. It was created just in 1923, from the joining of a group of local winemakers chaired by Abbé Balitrand and today consists of about three hundred members with plots scattered between some Grand Cru and Premier Crus among the most prestigious ones in Chablis. This particular wine comes from 25-year-old Chardonnay vines planted on the left bank of the Serein River. opposite the Premier Cru Fourchaume. Here, the vines enjoy the classic Kimmeridgian limestone soil that gives Chablis wines their typical mineral vibe. After fermentation in a mix of vats and barrels, the finished wine rests on the lees for a year to acquire structure and complexity. When you finally get to taste this golden beauty, you will catch some whiffs of ripe, juicy apples and some delicious stone fruit. There's a hint of toastiness in the background too. On your tongue, it's smooth and full of flavor, with a zesty acidity that keeps things fresh. It's got a salty, mineral taste that makes it a perfect match for food. Pour a glass and let it shine with some chicken in a mushroom sauce, or get fancy with some scallop risotto.
      
518. La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume 2023 : 8Wines : GBP51.65
Cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Fourchame is an agreeable and dainty Chardonnay, opening with a pleasant nose of apple, pear, citrus rind, white flowers, and vanilla spice. It takes its name from a Premier Cru vineyard in Chablis, situated on the right bank of the Serein River with its feet in clayish limestone soil. La Chablisienne is the unsung hero of the famous Burgundy region and has played a hugely important role in the formation of the Chablis style. It began life about a century ago, as a growers cooperative. However, since the 1950s, it has been a fully fledged winery, fermenting, bottling, and selling grapes, straight from the source. They offer a stunning range of over 30 vintages, each capturing a different aspect of Chablis. Fourchaume expresses a full-bodied yet delicate side of the region. Notes of ripe pear, green apple, and quince mesh with sharper hints of lemon zest. The wine spent about a year ageing on the lees in oak barrels, imparting woody, structural notes of vanilla and crème brûlée. And of course, there are distinctive regional hints of minerality on the finish, adding tension and finesse. Consider pairing this Chablis with a creamy dessert, ravioli, or a vegetable risotto.
      
519. La Chablisienne Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2023 : 8Wines : GBP66.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. La Chablisienne, a cooperative of 300 producers with 1,200 hectares covering all levels from Petit-Chablis to Grand Cru vineyards, was established in the town of Chablis way back in 1923 at the initiative of Abbé Balitrand. Château Grenouilles is also now a property of La Chablisienne, since 1999. The Chardonnay grapes are picked from the Grand Cru Les Clos, right by the Serein River. Here, the vines have an average age of thirty years and can benefit from a south-west exposure and clay-limestone soils of the Kimmeridgian. They get some cold decanting before they hit the barrels for some fermentation action. Then, they are left on the lees for a full 14 months. The Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos de La Chablisienne reveals a bright color with pale golden tones. Its aromatic profile is elegant and fragrant. On the nose, it shows fruity notes of Granny Smith apple, pear, and grapefruit then floral notes of acacia and some slightly spicy nuances. On the palate, it is rich and intense, fruity and juicy with a marked mineral vein and a pleasant creaminess. The finish is long and reveals toasted notes. It pairs perfectly with roasted fish (for example sea bass) but it is exceptional with white meat and in particular rabbit.
      
520. Domaine Andre Bonhomme Macon Villages Vieilles Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP15.55
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1956 by André Bonhomme and his wife Gisèle, with 4 hectares of vineyards inherited from André's father Joseph, Domaine Bonhomme is located in Viré, in the Saône-et-Loire department. Today, the estate extends over approximately 14 hectares and is managed by André's children who continue the meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar to produce high-quality wines and carry on the family tradition. Mâcon-Villages Vieilles Vignes is made with Chardonnay grapes from three vineyards, located above the villages of Viré and Clessé. Here, the vines, over sixty years old, are grown organically, without the use of chemicals. After manual harvesting and cold fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine rests on the lees for 1 year. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant color with golden tones. Its aromatic profile is elegant and broad with notes of Golden Delicious apple, pear and stone fruit, honey, almond blossom, and wild fennel. On the palate, it is juicy and full-bodied, rich and ripe with a creamy texture and a lively acidity that gives balance and refreshes the palate. The finish is long and persistent and recalls notes of ripe fruit and a strong mineral vein. It is excellent with veal escalopes, snails Burgundy style, pork fillet with apples, and butter-poached lobster tails.
      
521. Domaine Andre Bonhomme Vire-clesse Le Coteau De L'epinet 2023 : 8Wines : GBP31.00
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Spread across approximately 12 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, Domaine André Bonhomme was founded in Macon Viré in 1956 and produces some of the most prestigious wines in the Viré Classé appellation in Burgundy. The Chardonnay grapes come from a parcel in Epinet, in the northern part of the Viré Clesse appellation. Here the vines, planted in 1923, enjoy eastern exposure and a red clay soil with small calcareous stones on the surface. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and the finished wine ages for about 2 years. The result is an elegant and complex Viré Classé with great aging potential. The wine, produced in limited quantities, has a golden color and some greenish reflections. On the nose, it reveals a broad and powerful aromatic profile, with notes of ripe yellow fruit, herbs, and hazelnut and a clear mineral and slightly smoky hint in the background. On the palate, it is powerful, dense and voluminous. It is balanced and fresh with a strong acidic vein and a pleasant citrus concentration. The finish is long and recalls herbaceous notes. It is excellent with shellfish, especially scampi and lobster.
      
522. Champagne Billecart-salmon Reserve Brut : 8Wines : GBP52.24
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a reserve Champagne, assembled from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay from three different years. It is a light straw yellow in the glass, reflecting its fresh and playful nose, with scents of orchard fruits, white flowers, citrus zest, and vanilla biscuits. The grapes were courted from some of the best terroirs around Champagne, including Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne. Located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, this is one of Champagne's longest-running houses. It was founded in 1818, after the union of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon. The winery largely sources its grapes from a 20km radius around the village of Epernay, and on the grounds of the winery itself, one can find a 100-year-old chestnut tree that has seen all seven generations of the Billecart-Salmon family pass by. The wine's delicate character continues in the mouth, where a fine perlage gives an elegant mouthfeel. You can also discover a notable dose of acidity, elevating flavours of pear, apple, white plum, citrus fruits, and yeast. It is stunningly dry and was aged on the lees for 50 months before bottling. Perfect for an occasion, and pairing with shellfish, poultry, or soft cheese.
      
523. Champagne Billecart-salmon Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP75.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, in the Vallée de la Marne, in 1818, the Billecart-Salmon Champagne House owns approximately 100 hectares of vineyards located mainly around Epernay and sources other grapes from selected winemakers in some of the best plots of the area. The company, which is still family-run, was created by the union of Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon and is now managed by François and Antoine Roland-Billecart. Brut Rosé is a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes sourced from vineyards in 28 municipalities in the Marne, and from various vintages. Fermentation takes place separately for each grape (with red vinification for Pinot Noir), for a period of approximately 3 weeks. This lively Champagne has a brilliant color with coral pink tones and a fine perlage. on the nose, it reveals an intense and fresh aromatic profile with notes of flowers and small red fruits. On the palate, it is lively, lean, and elegant, and has an excellent acidity. The finish is long and balanced with a refreshing vein that recalls notes of raspberry. Served chilled, it makes a wonderful aperitif but also goes well with salmon and giant prawns.
      
524. Champagne Billecart-salmon Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP80.99
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. A 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, this wine was assembled from the four Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. It exhibits a rare nose of strong minerals, white flowers, and buttered bread, evolving into stronger hints of orchard fruits and citrus. Founded in 1818 after the marriage between Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, this is one of the oldest-running family wineries in Champagne. A 100-year-old chestnut tree on the property has seen seven generations of winemakers pass through, and the family’s reputation has still not diminished. The grapes are sourced from a 20km radius around the village of Epernay, and the winery itself can be found in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. In the glass, this Blanc de Blancs is beautiful golden yellow, with windows of green. Its fine bubbles evoke the texture of meringue in the mouth, with flavours of lemongrass, citrus zest, white stone fruits, and brioche. On the finish, a saline minerality shines through. It is an extra Brut, so it is stunningly dry and was aged on the lees for 5 years before release. This Champagne is perfect for pairing with caviar, ceviche, or soft cheese.
      
525. Champagne Billecart-salmon Brut Sous Bois : 8Wines : GBP81.84
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is an intriguing bottle of Champagne, aged entirely in oak and composed of a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It is rich and sumptuous on the nose - you can discover scents of citrus rind, ripe orchard fruits, and fresh croissants, alongside more tannic hints obtained from the oak. On the grounds of the Billecart-Salmon winery, a 100-year-old chestnut tree has seen seven generations of family winemakers pass through. It was founded in 1818, after a marriage between Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, making it one of Champagnes longest running houses. The winery sources its grapes from around the village of Epernay, touching some of the region’s finest appellations, while the building itself can be found in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Le Sous Bois’ generosity continues on the palate, where you can find white and yellow fruits alongside notes of butter and subtle oaky spice. There are hints of Earl Grey tea on the finish. The grapes were sourced from across the Côte des Blancs and were aged on the lees for 5 years before bottling. Consider pairing this excellent Champagne with a seafood risotto, mushrooms, or a soft cheese board.
      
526. Bailly-lapierre Cremant De Bourgogne Reserve Brut : 8Wines : GBP14.68
Enjoy now or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. From France’s second region for sparkling wine, this Brut Crémant de Bourgogne explodes with a delicate nose of pear, lemon rind, and freshly baked apple pie. It exhibits a fine, creamy mousse in the glass, with a golden yellow colour. It is crafted from a mixture of red and white grapes: Chardonnay and Aligoté meet Pinot Noir and Gamay, all harvested from the famed region of Burgundy. Bailly-Lapierre was founded in 1972, as one of the first and foremost producers of crémant in France. Its cellars can be found deep underground, buried almost 50 metres deep in Tonnerre stone. This is perhaps what the region of Bailly is best known for – extensively quarried since the Middle Ages, it has lent its bedrock to some of the most famous landmarks in France, including the Pantheon and the Notre Dame Cathedral. In the mouth, this reserve crémant is loaded with crisp and vibrant textures. Flavours of apple, lemon, and red berries dance on the palate, complemented by a creamy mousse and a long finish with clear minerality. It is one of the most accessible and easy-drinking wines in Bailly-Lapierre’s range, perfect for a small gathering. Consider pairing it with seafood, roast poultry, and soft, pungent cheeses.
      
527. Bailly-lapierre Cremant De Bourgogne Chardonnay Brut : 8Wines : GBP14.16
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant. Founded in Burgundy in 1971 by over 70 local winemakers, the Bailly-Lapierre cooperative has grown significantly over the past 50 years, now comprising over 430 members. Today, this renowned wine-coop produces over 3.5 million bottles and is widely recognized internationally for the excellent quality of its Cremants de Bourgogne. The majestic aging cellars, carved into the stone between the 12th and 19th centuries, lie 52 meters below ground, ensuring ideal conditions for wine aging. The Chardonnay grapes are selected and harvested by hand. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the finished wine then ages for 16 months on its lees, developing elegance and aromatic complexity. In the glass, the wine displays a straw yellow color, brightened by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is broad, delicate, and refined, with notes of apple, pear, and pineapple, and hints of wildflowers, over a background of fresh bread and chalky notes. On the palate, it is fruity, fresh, and balanced, with a bold acidity and a long finish that recalls notes of white fruit. Enjoy it as an aperitif with seafood appetizers, vegetable tempura, cured meats, and seafood salads.
      
528. Bosquet Des Papes Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf Du Pape 2021 : 8Wines : GBP60.08
Cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the oldest winemaking families in Chateauneuf du Pape, the Boirons have been making wine at Bosquet des Papes since 1860 when they first bought the property. The estate is now run by the sixth generation and has a reputation for producing top quality traditional-style Chateauneuf du Pape which ages beautifully over at least a 8-10 year timeframe. The family works a total of 40 different parcels across the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation with an average vine age of 50 years which helps to add intensity and real depth to their stunning wines. Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is their flagship wine and is produced from the family’s oldest vines which are between 70-100 years old. The blend is primarily composed of old vine Grenache along with a dash of Syrah and Mourvedre. Once in the winery the grapes are not destemmed and the varieties are fermented together. The young wine is then aged in a combination of standard barrels, demi-muids, and larger foudres to add polish to the finished wine. The result is a complex, remarkably intense wine that has won international acclaim from publications like Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate who gave the 2017 vintage an outstanding 97-99 point score.
      
529. Bosquet Des Papes Les 7 De Pignan Chateauneuf Du Pape 2022 : 8Wines : GBP60.08
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for an hour before serving. Bosquet des Papes is one of the Rhône Valley’s stalwart wineries and has passed through six generations of the Boiron family since its foundation in 1860. They create a stunning range of Chateauneuf du Pape wines, sourced from 40 separate estate-owned plots, with an average vine age of 50 years. The grapes come from a mixture of stony, sandy and clay soils, capturing the incredible richness and complexity of the region. The nose of this wine is an aromatic blend of red fruit and flowers. Raspberry, sour cherry and cassis meet rose petals and garrigue. It was crafted from 100% Grenache, harvested from 7 different parcels, and some of the oldest vines in the commune of Pignan - hence the name. On the palate, you can discover a dry, full-bodied character, packed with a velvety mouthfeel and finely-grained tannins. It is a medley of red forest fruits, with ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry mingling with tones of dried herbs, liquorice, tobacco, black pepper and orange peel. It is wonderfully complex and a delight to drink. It will also become even more complex, with some ageing in the cellar. Consider pairing this wine with fine meat dishes, tomato-rich dishes, or eggplant.
      
530. Bosquet Des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape Tradition 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. Bosquet des Papes has been a working winery since 1860 and has been owned by the Boiron family for six generations. In total they have 40 separate plots in Chateauneuf du Pape with an average vine age of 50 years. Their classic Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is primarily composed of Grenache with a smaller proportion of Syrah, Mourvedre and other local varieties. Grapes are sourced from all over the appellation from stony, clay and sandy soils, capturing in the bottle the complexity of the terroir of Chateauneuf du Pape. Once vinified the young wine is then aged in a combination of foudres, demi-muid barrels and neutral tanks for 12 months. This helps to add polish and additional character from the oak while preserving freshness and aromatics from the grapes themselves. The result is a rich, intense Chateauneuf du Pape with great balance and poise thanks to the bright streak of acidity and ripe tannins on the palate. Succulent cassis, blackberry and plum defines the nose along with hints of leather, dried violets and cigar box spice. The medium body is complemented by a firm structure and long finish, making this a great wine to hold in the cellar for a few more years or drink now with charcuterie or red meat dishes.
      
531. Bosquet Des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc Tradition 2024 : 8Wines : GBP27.88
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. The Boiron family have made wine at Bosquet des Papes for six generations, stretching right back to 1860 when they bought the property. The family specialise in producing traditional-style Chateauneuf du Pape wines which are designed to age very well in the cellar over at least 8-10 years. In total they have 40 parcels of prime vineyards spread across the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation which allow them to capture the complexity of the region’s terroir in their terrific value wines. They also produce delicious white wines like this bottling which is crafted from Clairette Blanche, Clairette Rosé, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and a drop of Grenache Gris. An average vine age of 50 years helps to add complexity and intensity of flavour as does the family’s practice of fermenting and ageing part of the wine in 550 litre oak casks. The result is a perfectly balanced white wine bursting with honey, apricot, bitter almond, green tea and mineral notes on the nose. The first sip reveals a medium body, gentle creamy texture, subtle tannins and a very long finish seasoned with hints of spice from the oak. Great to pair with creamy chicken or fish dishes, although it can also be held in the cellar for a few more years.
      
532. Chateau De Vaudieu Chateauneuf Du Pape L'avenue 2018 : 8Wines : GBP67.04
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of the Southern Rhone’s oldest estates, Chateau de Vaudieu was built by Admiral Gérin in 1767 and named after the nearby ‘Val de Dieu” or “Valley of God”. Vaudieu was one of the first local estates to start exporting their wines abroad and for the past 50 years it has been owned by the Brechet family who have steadily expanded the property to 70 hectares of vineyards. L’Avenue is one of their flagship wines which is made in limited quantities from 100% Grenache grown on sandy and limestone soils. The vines used range from 40 to 70 years of age and the fruit is harvested by hand to ensure it arrives at the winery in great condition. This particular cuvee was created to showcase the Vaudieu terroir, so the young wine is aged in demi-muids which are larger than standard oak barrels to give muted oak influence. Enchanting floral notes, dark cherries, dried herbs and ripe berry notes dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a silky smooth texture, fine tannins, and a bright core of luscious fruit flavours. Powerful yet balanced, this is a great wine to match with everything from charcuterie to a prime steak or roasted meats. It can also be cellared for a decade or more if desired.
      
533. Chateau De Vaudieu Chateauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.37
Cellar for up to 16 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Considered one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s most beautiful and historic estates, Chateau de Vaudieu was founded by Admiral Gérin who built the elegant manor house here in 1767. The property takes its name from the “Val de Dieu” or “Valley of God” which lies in the heart of the region. Over its long history Vaudieu has earned a reputation for producing exceptional wines and was one of the first producers here to start exporting wines. For the past half century the chateau has been owned by the Brechet family who have expanded the vineyard holdings to total 70 hectares. The Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre fruit used for this powerful red is sourced primarily from the Val de Dieu. The wide variety of soil types in the valley help to create a remarkably complex wine which showcases the excellence and multiplicity of Chateaneuf du Pape’s terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in tanks before being aged in 600 litre and 228 litre oak barrels. This helps to create a rich, full bodied wine that is bursting with seductive dark fruit, sweet spice and bitter licorice notes. On the palate there are plenty of firm yet refined tannins, a well-built structure and a very long finish seasoned with dried herbs, baked earth and hints of woodsmoke.
      
534. Chateau De Vaudieu Chateauneuf Du Pape Amiral G 2021 : 8Wines : GBP85.91
Drink now or cellar for up to 17 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Built by Admiral Gérin in 1767, Chateau de Vaudieu is one of the Southern Rhone’s oldest and most charming estates. The property is named after the nearby “Val de Dieu” or “Valley of God” which sits at the heart of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Over the past couple of centuries the chateau has earned a reputation for producing top quality Chateaneuf du Pape wines and was actually one of the first local producers to start exporting its wines abroad. For the past 50 years it has been owned by the Brechet family. Made to honour the man who built the charming manor house at the centre of the estate, Amiral G is Vaudieu’s flagship wine. Grapes are sourced from a parcel of old vine Grenache which has an estimated average age of over 60 years and is planted on red clay and stony soils. Each year the grapes are carefully harvested by hand and fermented in concrete vats before ageing in new 600 litre French oak barrels for 18 months. The result is a full-throttled red that is sure to please lovers of rich and robust Chateaneuf du Pape wines. The nose opens with classic Southern Rhone notes of luscious bramble, dried fruit and subtle hints of dried herbs while the palate offers a full body, ripe yet firm tannins and a very long finish. An ideal addition to the cellar which will continue to develop over the next 15 years or so.
      
535. Chateau De Vaudieu Chateauneuf Du Pape 2021 : 8Wines : GBP36.90
Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of the most beautiful properties in Chateauneuf du Pape, the historic Château Vaudieu was constructed in 1767 by Admiral Gérin and takes its name from the French for “Valley of God” or “Val de Dieu”. As well as being one of the oldest wineries in the region, Chateau de Vaudieu was also one of the first to start exporting local wines abroad. For the past fifty years the chateau has been owned by the Brechet family who expanded the property to include 70 hectares of prime vineyards. Vaudieu’s classic Chateauneuf du Pape is crafted predominantly from Grenache with a smaller portion of Syrah and Mourvedre carefully selected from the estate’s finest vineyards which have a typical vine age of 40-70 years. Once vinified the wine is aged in a combination of new French oak barrels and 600 litre demi-muids for up to 18 months. The nose is remarkably complex with succulent dark plums and cherries mingling with hints of dried herbs, cigar box spice and licorice. The first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and rich texture with a well-rounded long finish. A great partner for game dishes such as roasted venison or hearty beef stews.
      
536. Chateau Bouscaut 2020 : 8Wines : GBP32.75
Cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Chateau Bouscaut is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend rich in dark purple that luxuriates in its oak. It feels like a signature Bouscaut with an opulent feel and silky texture without going overboard. Lucien Lurton acquired the Chateau Bouscaut in 1979 and has since been managed by the Lurton family. It is now home to one of the most beautiful properties within the Graves region, owned by Laurent Cogombles and Sophie Lurton. Sophie uses a hands-on approach when it comes to running the vineyards. Her commitment to this elegant Grave estate is evident – from crafting wine in the vat room to pouring and showcasing the wine in trade tastings. The property scores have massively gone up, but Chateau Bouscaut remains relatively affordable. If you love a no-frills wine with tremendous value, Chateau Bouscaut is your best bet. The wine has a nose of black fruits such as blackberry, plum, and cherry with a refreshing finish and minty and woody notes. On the palate, this magnificent Chateau Bouscaut is juicy with gorgeous purity and a lifted finish. The ripe Semillon is balanced with zesty sauvignon and vinified in temperature-controlled traditional cement vats and stainless steel tanks before being aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 16 months. It’s a museum release! Cellar for a few more years or enjoy with roast lamb, duck, or beef.
      
537. Chateau Beau-sejour Becot 2019 : 8Wines : GBP79.06
Cellar for up to 25 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. This noble Saint-Emilion estate has a truly ancient history with vines first cultivated here by the Romans. In 1969 the property was purchased by local winemaker Michel Becot and has been passed down through his sons to his granddaughter Juliette. The chateau was actually stripped of its Premier Cru Classe status in 1986 after they merged their family vineyards without permission. With the help of their friend and winemaking consultant Michel Rolland they were able to regain the classification in 1996. The family’s 17 hectares of vines are set on the Saint-Emilion limestone plateau with superb chalky soils studded with fossilized starfish. Their wines typically have 70-80% Merlot along with 25-15% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon from 40 year old vines. Maturation is in 85% new and 15% used French oak barrels for 18-20 months. Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot offers a thoroughly modern take on Saint-Emilion with opulent layers of luscious fruit and powerful oak. Intense cassis, blackberry and dark plum lead on the nose, complemented by hints of cigar smoke and toasted cedar. Firm tannins and a full body make this a great wine to cellar for a decade or more or to enjoy now alongside hearty red meat dishes.
      
538. Chateau Brown 2021 : 8Wines : GBP30.92
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Originally founded back in the late Middle Ages when Aquitaine belonged to the English crown, Chateau Brown is named after its wealthy former owner, the Scottish wine trader John Lewis Brown who moved to Bordeaux in the 18th century. The property endured a tough couple of centuries, falling into disrepair, before it was revived under Bernard Barthe and more recently the Mau family who have been famous Bordeaux wine merchants since 1897. Although previously best known for their white wines, in recent years the chateau has focused their efforts on improving their red wines. Located in Pessac-Léognan, the estate has 29 hectares of vines predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot which form the base of this cuvee, along with a dash of Petit Verdot. The fruit is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with ageing in 40% new French oak barrels for 12-16 months depending on the vintage. Chateau Brown tends to be made in a classic Pessac-Léognan style with plenty of power and tannins balanced by some degree of freshness. On the nose there’s plenty of dark cherry and crushed berry notes along with hints of menthol, undergrowth and dried herbs. The first sip reveals a full body, punchy tannins, and a solid structure which would respond well to further cellaring. Drink now with hearty red meat dishes or game like venison and wild boar.
      
539. Champagne Ar Lenoble Rose Terroirs : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. This charming pink Champagne is dominated by exquisite Chardonnay grapes sourced from the house’s vines planted in the Grand Cru village of Chouilly which give an intense vibrancy and bright citrus and apple notes. Balance is provided by a small proportion of Pinot Noir from Premier Cru plots in Bisseuil which contribute hints of strawberry, red cherry, and kirsch. 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels, adding an agreeable creaminess to the texture and subtle brioche and almond touches on the palate. The house was founded by Armand-Raphaël Graser in 1920 and has been in the family ever since. Armand-Raphaël moved to Champagne to Alsace during the First World War and wisely decided to give his new project a thoroughly French name by combining “Lenoble” with the initials of his forename. Brother and sister team Anne and Antoine Malassagne have been running Champagne AR Lenoble since 1993 when they inherited the property from their father. Since then the duo have succeeded in transforming the estate into one of Champagne’s most impressive independent producers. As yet the house is not well-known outside of the region which means their Champagnes offer exceptional value for money when compared with their more famous neighbours.
      
540. Chateau D'esclans The Beach By Whispering Angel 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Cellar for up to 3 years. Serve well chilled. The younger sibling of the world-famous Whispering Angel rosé, this delicate Provence pink is a carefully composed blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes from top vineyards in the Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence. The enchanting ballet-slipper hue is complemented by an intoxicating fragrance of crushed strawberries, white peaches and dried rose petals. Take a sip and you’ll immediately feel refreshed by the crisp acidity and vibrant red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant flavours. Light, lively and elegant, The Palm is an excellent choice to serve alongside a relaxed al fresco lunch of nicoise salad or grilled salmon. Thanks to its fun-loving, extremely drinkable personality, it’s also perfect for sipping on its own by the pool while you work on your tan or just enjoy some well-deserved downtime. The winery behind the hugely-successful Whispering Angel brand, Château d’Esclans, has 44 hectares of vineys located some 25 kilometres away from the Mediterranean sea and the ancient Roman town of Frejus. The pride of the chateau are its old Grenache vines which help to produce wines with plenty of character and concentrated flavours. In 2006 the estate was purchased by its current owner, Sacha Lichine, who is widely credited with transforming Provence rosé into a chic, glamorous wine inspired by the stylish local resorts of St Tropez and Cannes.
      
541. Whispering Angel 2024 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Whispering Angel has been the talk of Provence, if not the wine world at large, for some time now. This tantalizing blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre is one of the most exciting cuvées from Côtes de Provence to grace the shelves of wine shops in a long time. A supremely drinkable rosé that will have you pouring “just one more glass” for yourself and your friends. It is a pale coral pink in the glass. Enticing aromas of juicy ripe strawberry, white peach, passionfruit and lemon peel permeate the nostrils. Upon the palate, it appears bone dry. Ribbons of gossamer silk texture and an enchanting slipperiness advance at just the right moment, giving way to charming and refined layers of white peach, cherry, tangerine and citrus, with hints of more exotic spices, passion fruit, and mango. White peach, dried mango, and white cherry all ride out on a wave of honey tinged with sage. Streaked with racy minerality and a lingering river-stone and pink grapefruit blossom aftertaste. Enjoy Whispering Angel chilled at 8°C, as an aperitif or with grilled fish and shellfish dishes, grilled poultry, soft mild cheeses, salads, berries and stone fruits with fresh cream, Frito misto or charcuterie. Château d’Esclans is located on an elevated plateau on the Mediterranean coast near the Georges de Pennafort. It lies just 25 kilometers northwest of the ancient Roman city of Frejus.
      
542. Chateau D'esclans Rock Angel 2024 : 8Wines : GBP31.87
Drink now or cellar for up to 3 years. Serve well chilled. Chateau d’Esclans is known all over the world for their famous Provencal rosé, Whispering Angel, but the hidden secret of the estate is their sensational Rock Angel. Made predominantly with Grenache and Rolle grapes grown in prime vineyards in La Motte en Provence, the harvest is conducted from sunrise to noon to maximise the levels of freshness in the finished wine. When the grapes arrive at the winery they are carefully sorted three times to ensure only the very best quality raw ingredients are used. Following a light pressing the grape must is fermented in a combination of 600 litre barrels and stainless steel tanks which helps to add extra complexity while showcasing the natural bright freshness of the grapes. The wine is then allowed to rest and settle for a short time before being bottled. The result is a serious and refined rosé which is equally suited to serving as an elegant aperitif or savouring alongside a long leisurely lunch or dinner. The vibrant red fruit and citrus character and light body make this an incredibly versatile gastronomic wine which pairs well with seafood, fish, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Rock Angel also makes a sensational partner for fresh pasta served in a creamy sauce or a light fruit-based dessert if you wish to drink it throughout your meal.
      
543. Chateau D'esclans Sacha Lichine The Pale Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Drink it now. No need to decant. Located near the Gorges de Pennafort, twenty-five kilometers from Fréjus, on the Mediterranean coast, the Château d'Esclans is a prestigious French product widely known for its rosé wines.The first archives of the castle date from the time of the Gauls, it was then used as a surveillance point to control intruders who entered the Gulf of Fréjus by boat. The current castle, inspired by the design of the Tuscan Villas, was built in the middle of the 19th century. The wine, created by winemaker Sacha Lichine, is produced from a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Syrah, and Cinsault coming from vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean. Thanks to the long hours of sunshine and the sea breeze, the Var region benefits from an extremely favorable climate which helps with aging and keeps the wines fresh. The harvest is overnight to preserve aromas and freshness, and the wine is aged in contact with its lees to give it greater consistency. The wine’s name "The Pale" comes from its light color with copper-pink tones. Intense fruit aromas unfold in the nose. In addition to the inevitable red fruits, one can also perceive fresh apples, peaches, sweet melon, and pomelo. It has a medium body, pronounced acidity, and a fruity, light touch on the palate. It is dry, slightly mineral, and with good length. It works perfectly with starters, seafood, and as an aperitif. Serve it chilled.
      
544. Chateau De La Gardine Chateauneuf Du Pape 2021 : 8Wines : GBP38.96
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. The Brunel family have been winemakers since the 17th century, but it was only in 1945 that the renowned wine merchant Gaston Brunel purchased Château de la Gardine in Chateauneuf du Pape. Today the estate is run by two generations of Brunels, Gaston’s two sons and their wives along with his grandchildren. In total they have 52 hectares of prime vineyards which are predominantly planted to red varieties as well as 20 hectares of woodland to aid biodiversity and sustainability. One unique feature of the winery is their original bottle design which is modelled on an ancient bottle Gaston found buried in the ground when he began digging to expand the cellar. To copy its unique shape he had to go all the way to Italy and all of the family’s wines have been put in these distinctive bottles since 1964. The family’s classic Chateauneuf du Pape is sourced from vineyards with four different soil types to create a complex, multi-layered wine. Pebbly “galets” soils give structure and body, limestone brings minerality, and clay and sandy soils help to create elegance in the finished wine. Once vinified the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for 9-14 months.
      
545. Chateau De La Gardine Chateauneuf Du Pape 2022 : 8Wines : GBP38.96
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving. The Brunel family have been winemakers since the 17th century, but it was only in 1945 that the renowned wine merchant Gaston Brunel purchased Château de la Gardine in Chateauneuf du Pape. Today the estate is run by two generations of Brunels, Gaston’s two sons and their wives along with his grandchildren. In total they have 52 hectares of prime vineyards which are predominantly planted to red varieties as well as 20 hectares of woodland to aid biodiversity and sustainability. One unique feature of the winery is their original bottle design which is modelled on an ancient bottle Gaston found buried in the ground when he began digging to expand the cellar. To copy its unique shape he had to go all the way to Italy and all of the family’s wines have been put in these distinctive bottles since 1964. The family’s classic Chateauneuf du Pape is sourced from vineyards with four different soil types to create a complex, multi-layered wine. Pebbly “galets” soils give structure and body, limestone brings minerality, and clay and sandy soils help to create elegance in the finished wine. Once vinified the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for 9-14 months.
      
546. Chateau De La Gardine Rasteau 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Although the Brunels only purchased Chateau de la Gardine in 1945, the family have been making wine in the Chateauneuf du Pape region since the 17th century. When founder Gaston Brunel was digging in the soil to expand the estate’s cellar he discovered an ancient bottle which he decided to copy to use for the family’s wines. This iconic and unique design had to be created especially for the family in Italy and is today used for all of their wines. These days the estate is run by Gaston’s two sons and their wives as well as their grandchildren. In total they work 52 hectares of vines which are mostly planted with black grape varieties as well as looking after a further 20 hectares of woodland which helps maintain biodiversity on the estate. This lusciously fruit-forward Rasteau is bursting with rich dark berries, winter spice and hints of dried violets thanks to the combination of ripe Grenache and Syrah grapes which are co-fermented and aged in stainless steel and cement tanks. All of the fruit is sourced from 4-60 year old vines growing on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux where cooling mountain breezes help lock in freshness and elegance. This is a great gastronomic red which will pair well with everything from charcuterie and tomato-based pasta dishes to barbecued meats and hearty stews.
      
547. Chateau Couhins Blanc 2015 : 8Wines : GBP36.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Chateau Couhins Lurton has a long history dating back to the late 17th century. At that time the estate, located in the municipality of Villenave d'Ornon, was called Bourdieu de La Gravette and belonged to a famous lawyer from Bordeaux. The company was then purchased in two tranches between 1972 and 1992 by André Lurton officially creating Chateau Couhins Lurton with their first wine release in 2002. The castle is surrounded by gardens designed in the 19th century by the landscape architect Lebretone and recently renovated by Anouk Debarre. Château Couhins-Lurton, Cru Classé de Graves, is produced with 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, coming from vines over 25 years old planted on clay-gravelly-limestone soils. These terroir conditions give it freshness and great aging capacity. The finished wine ages for 10 months in oak. The wine has a bright straw-yellow color and an aromatic character. The nose reveals fresh notes of citrus fruits and white flowers, honeysuckle, and quince, followed by hints of spices. On the palate, it is juicy, crisp, and round, with a strong mineral vein and a refreshing acidity that creates a harmonious and elegant finish. It is the ideal wine with seafood and has all the complexity necessary to remain in the cellar for a few years.
      
548. Clos De La Roilette Fleurie Griffe Du Marquis 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.11
Cellar for up to 7 years. No need to decant before serving. Clos de la Roilette sits on the edge of the Moulin-à-Vent cru which helps create a bolder style of Fleurie than the more traditional style. The clay soils here are rich in manganese in contrast with the more typical granite soils of Fleurie and are planted with old vines of up to 80 years in age. A portion of these old vines are used to craft the Griffe du Marquis which is the estate’s only barrel-aged Beaujolais. To ensure exceptional quality in the finished wine, the vineyards are carefully farmed manually and the grapes are harvested by hand. In the winery fermentation is carried out using wild yeasts in large open vats. The Griffe du Marquis produced in extremely limited quantities each year and is widely regarded as a benchmark wine for Fleurie and for the wider Beaujolais region. The wine opens with seductive hints of bright red berries and cherries while the first sip reveals a crisp acidity balanced by smooth tannins and hints of dried herbs and licorice. The medium body and well-developed structure make this a great wine to enjoy alongside red meats and charcuterie as well as hard cheeses.
      
549. Chartron Et Trebuchet Chablis 2024 : 8Wines : GBP19.96
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Maison Chartron et Trebuchet have a stellar reputation in France for making top quality white Burgundy at very affordable price points. They’re able to achieve this since they act as a negociant, or wine merchant, rigorously selecting only the very finest grapes from prized sites in Côte d'Or and the Maconnais. To ensure they get great fruit, they carefully monitor the vines during the growing season and harvest all of the fruit by hand. This Chablis is a great example of the Chartron et Trebuchet philosophy, offering an impressive profile that punches high above the pricetag. The winemaking is precise and targeted, allowing the natural varietal character of the Chardonnay and the flinty Chablis terroir to shine through with minimal oak treatment. Wines are also racked in the traditional manner, avoiding any unnecessary filtering which may alter the taste of the wine. The result is a crisp, refreshing Chablis that’s bursting with zingy citrus, a delicate stony minerality, and hints of orchard fruits on the nose. The first sip reveals a bright acidity to complement the gorgeous fruit flavours, ending in a pure, clean finish. Great served as an aperitif before dinner or as a match for fresh seafood, spicy Asian dishes, or even sushi.
      
550. Chateau Leoville Poyferre Chateau Moulin Riche 2019 : 8Wines : GBP38.83
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least an hour. Acquired by the Cuvelier family in 1920, Chateau Moulin Riche boasts a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. In 1932, during the Classification of Crus Bourgeois, the estate obtained the top recognition of Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Exceptionnel. Since the 1970s, the twenty hectares of vineyards, located in the heart of the Medoc, on slopes of deep gravel and Aeolian sand, have contributed to the blending of the great wine of Leoville Poyferre. The blend of this wine includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, a good amount of Petit Verdot, and traces of Cabernet Franc. In the glass, the wine shows a beautiful garnet red color. Its olfactory profile combines blackcurrant aromas and delicate peppery notes accompanied by a mineral and slightly toasted background. On the palate, it is a rich and round wine, fleshy and fruity. It has good acidity and soft tannins. The finish is long, fine, and persistent. To be fully appreciated, and allow it to release all its fruity fragrance, it is advisable to serve it at a temperature of 16-18 ° C. It goes wonderfully with grilled red meat.
      
551. Chateau Cantenac Brown 2021 : 8Wines : GBP50.34
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Cantenac in the southern area of ​​the Margaux denomination, in Bordeaux, Chateau Cantenac Brown has approximately 42 hectares of vineyards distributed between the various municipalities of Cantenac, Arsac, Soussans, Margaux, and Labarde. Here the terroir is the typical Medoc gravel, made of quartz which guarantees excellent drainage and reflects the sun's rays during the day while at night it releases the stored heat, favoring the complete maturation of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau Cantenac Brown is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with additions of Merlot, which gives color and softness. After fermentation, the finished wine is aged in French oak barrels (of which 60% are new and the rest one-year-old). It is an elegant and fine wine that shows extraordinary aging capacity. Its aroma is intense and broad with fragrant fruity notes of black cherries, plums, cassis, and blueberry followed by aromas of cocoa and hints of herbs and slate. On the palate, it is smooth, rich, and concentrated with supple tannins and a juicy fruit intensity. The body is medium and the acidity is perfectly balanced. It is a dynamic wine with a long and elegant finish. Have it with a hearty Beef Bourguignon.
      
552. Chateau Carbonnieux 2019 : 8Wines : GBP39.85
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Dating back to the 12th century, the historic Château Carbonnieux is one of Bordeaux’s oldest estates and was one of the very first to be included in the Graves wine classification system. Today it's also one of the largest estates in Pessac-Léognan with 92 hectares of vineyards which are almost evenly split between black and white grape varieties. Their Grand Vin is made from the estate’s finest plots each vintage and is typically composed of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon to one-third Merlot. It is vinified in stainless steel tanks and then aged in 33% new French oak barrels for 18 months to soften Pessac-Leognan’s characteristically firm tannins and well-built structure. This wine benefits from decanting ahead of serving to reveal the full beauty and complexity of the cuvee. On the nose there are bold dark fruit aromas along with undertones of spice, tobacco leaf, and dried herbs which carry through onto the palate. The first sip reveals a generous full body supported by grippy tannins and a muscular structure with a long finish. This is a wine with a long future ahead of it which will respond well to another decade or so in the cellar. If you’d prefer to enjoy it now, try pairing with rich dishes like a prime ribeye steak or hearty meat stews.
      
553. Champagne Delamotte Blanc De Blancs Brut : 8Wines : GBP60.02
Enjoy it now or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This is “blanc des blancs” 100% Chardonnay champagne, exploding with effervescence and sumptuous notes of lemon zest, orchard fruits, and chalk. It is a mineral-dominated champagne, known for its purity of fruit and clean character. The fruits came exclusively from Grand Cru plots within the Côtes des Blancs, where the soils are rich in minerals - particularly chalk. The Delamotte family’s career in wine-making dates all the way back to the Enlightenment, when the champagne house was established in Reims, by François Delamotte. In 1988, Delamotte was acquired by the Laurent-Perrier group, becoming a sister winery with Salon, a legendary champagne house in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Much like Delamotte, Salon is famed among champagne purists for its authenticity and has only ever created 1 wine. These days, the 2 wineries are interlinked - on years where Salon does not produce a wine, the grapes are transported to the neighbouring Delamotte winery, where they can be used to create an equally delicious champagne - such as this one. On the palate, the Delamotte Brut begins with a visceral, dry attack, packed with minerality. This soon melts into a velvety and fruity mid-palate, bringing notes of lemon, lime, green apple skin and pear. It was aged on the lees for 5 years before disgorgement, adding layers of texture and a delightfully yeasty mouthfeel. It’s an amazing wine for a wide variety of occasions, and will be delicious alongside cheese croquettes, nutty cheeses, or when simply served as an aperitif.
      
554. Domaine Daniel-etienne Defaix Chablis Premier Cru Vaillon 2014 : 8Wines : GBP36.98
Cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. This Chablis is infused with the warm sun of Burgundy and the mature, complex character of elderly vines. Look for notes of buttered brioche on the nose, with aromatic scents of lemon zest, ripe orchard fruits, and earthy, forest-floor undertones. It is 100% Chardonnay, plucked from 45 to 50 year old vines in the “Vaillon” Premier Cru region that grow on clayish Kimmeridgian soils. Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix is one of the oldest estates in Chablis, with a ludicrously long history dating back to the 16th century. Its 28 hectares are planted exclusively with Chardonnay, a love letter to the Burgundy staple. The Defaix family know their craft - today, the winery is spearheaded by 14th-generation winemaker Daniel-Etienne, who employs long-aging techniques and an undeniably joyous approach to winemaking. This wine has countless layers on the palate, delving deep into flavours of green apple, nectarine, lemon, and lime. As the wine opens up, you can discover further ones of butter, honey, dried herbs and oak. The wine was left on the natural yeast for 4 years altogether, with monthly stirring. It is a brilliant wine for pairing with lobster, pungent cheese, or a creamy pasta dish.
      
555. Domaine Daniel-etienne Defaix Chablis Premier Cru Les Lys 2015 : 8Wines : GBP36.98
Cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. This is a sun-soaked Chablis from the Premier Cru of “Les Lys”, harvested from 45 to 50 year old vines. You can detect its complexity on the nose, where scents of ripe lemon, baked apple, buttered toast, honey, and earth mingle beautifully. It represents the pinnacle of the Chardonnay grape, produced by one of the oldest estates in the region. Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix dates back to the 16th century and occupies a piece of land that was once tended by grape-growing monks, almost 1000 years ago. The estate extends for 28 hectares, and its vineyards are planted exclusively with Chardonnay. Daniel-Etienne is the incumbent in an outrageously long line of winemakers, going back 14 generations. His enthusiasm shows in the winery’s joyous range of Chardonnay wines, many of which are long-aged on the lees, imparting a sumptuous mouthfeel. “Les Lys” begins with a blast of orchard and citrus fruits, leading into undertones of herbal honey, brioche, forest floor, and stony minerality. It is remarkably round in the mouth, and showcases a medium plus body, with a juicy vein of acidity. The finish is long and chalky. This wine is grown up Chardonnay, suitable for pairing with top-class dishes, such as escargot, lobster, or a pungent plate of cheese.
      
556. Domaine Daniel-etienne Defaix Bourgogne Rouge 2021 : 8Wines : GBP27.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Chablis, Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix is ​​one of the most prestigious estates in the wine region. This family business with 4 centuries of tradition, owns about 28 hectares of vineyards among the oldest in Chablis, characterized by the typical Kimmeridgien soil (composed of clay-limestone marls with many fossilized oysters in them) and historic cellars from the 12th century. Its production focuses on 7 Chablis, including Premier Crus and Grand Crus, and a single red. The Pinot Noir grapes come from an old vineyard of less than one hectare, originally planted in 1900 on calcareous and ferruginous soils. After spontaneous fermentation, the wine rests in tanks with natural decantation of the lees. In the glass, the Bourgogne Rouge from Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix has a bright cherry red color and a fresh and attractive aromatic profile with notes of red and dark fruits. On the palate, it is round and juicy, lively and fruity. It has a good structure, velvety tannins, and refreshing acidity. The finish is long and persistent and recalls clear mineral notes. Try it with eggs à la meurette, a mushroom omelette, a fondue Bourguignonne or pork tenderloin.
      
557. Domaine Des Clos Beaune Premier Cru Les Greves 2017 : 8Wines : GBP54.52
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decanting is optional, for 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Les Grèves is a Premier Cru vineyard, overlooking the picturesque town of Beaune from. The wine opens up with a bouquet of ripe red fruits - complex raspberry notes mingle with strawberry and earthy forest floor, while a medley of spice lingers in the background. It is classic Burgundy, from one of the most well-respected winemakers in the region. Domaine des Clos was founded in 1995, by Grégoire, a member of the famed Bichot family. It spans six hectares of vineyards in all, encompassing Grand and Premier Crus in Beaune and Chablis. However, the winery itself is located in the green rolling fields of the Nuits-Saint-Georges appellation, where the wines are produced using minimal intervention methods. On the palate, Les Grèves reflects the nose, with complex red fruit scents, and a deep, crisp mouthfeel. As it opens up, you can detect a strong spicy side, with hints of vanilla, caraway, and cinnamon mingling with notes of smoke and wet stone minerality. It was aged in oak barrels, adding a refined structure that is typical of Beaune. Consider pairing Les Grèves with salmon or tuna steak, beef bourguignon, or mature cheese.
      
558. Domaine Dugat-py Bourgogne Cuvee Halinard 2022 : 8Wines : GBP80.95
Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Records show the Dugat family have been making wine in Gevrey-Chambertin since at least 1645. Today their namesake domaine is in the capable hands of 12th and 13th generation vintners Bernard Dugat-Py and his son Loic. Over the past decade the domaine has become one of Gevrey-Chambertin’s benchmark producers thanks to the dedication and talent of Bernard who relentlessly pursues quality and excellence in all he does. In 2003 the domaine fully converted to organic agriculture and Bernard and Loic aim to use horse power to work their 13 hectares of vineyards to minimise the environmental impact and avoid damaging the soils. The domaine is blessed with an abundance of old vines which have an average age of 70, but in some cases are over 100 years old. Their Cuvee Halinard is a stylish red Burgundy crafted from the family’s 25-75 year old vines which are planted on exceptional clay-limestone soils. The young wine is aged in small oak barrels for 15-18 months to fully integrate the tannins and add extra complexity to the finished wine. The result is a robust and full-flavoured wine that is bursting with intense red fruit and a well-defined structure that will respond gracefully to additional cellar ageing.
      
559. Domaine Dugat-py Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP147.56
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located at the base of the Combe de Lavaux in Gevrey-Chambertin, the Domaine Dugat-Py is owned by Bernard Dugat who manages it together with his wife Jocelyne Py, and their son Loïc. The company, certified organic since 2003, owns about 10 hectares of vineyards distributed between several Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites and planted predominantly with Pinot Noir. The vines, both in the Côte de Nuits and in the Côte de Beaune, are for the most part extremely old, with an average age of 65 years. Almost all of the estate's wines are designated as Vieilles Vignes or Très Vieilles Vignes. The family takes care of the vineyards with meticulous care. Pruning is done by hand, and replanting takes place with selections from your own vine stock, never with clones. The wines are vinified with the least possible intervention and are bottled unrefined and unfiltered. They are concentrated, yet extremely elegant and well balanced, approachable in their youth but capable of aging beautifully in the bottle. Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is a lively and exuberant wine, which releases an intense bouquet of plum, blackcurrant, and berries on the nose. On the palate the wine is deep, powerful, and smooth, yet retains a delightful freshness and great elegance. Try it with roast goose or grilled beef ribs.
      
560. Domaine Dugat-py Bourgogne Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP55.67
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Gevrey-Chambertin, in the heart of Burgundy, the Dugat-Py estate produces wines of the highest quality. Since 2003, the domain is certified organic. The vines are cultivated with the utmost care and come, for the vast majority, from old vines (65 years on average) in massal selection. Yields are therefore limited, to maximize concentration. Vinification is done according to traditional Burgundy methods with as little intervention as possible to create powerful wines that reflect the terroir they come from. Aging takes place in oak barrels and lasts between 14 and 18 months. This Pinot Noir is produced from vines that are about 35 years old and grow on clayey-limestone soils. The wine is aged for a period between 12 and 18 months in oak barrels, 10% of which are new. Domaine Dugat-Py's Bourgogne Rouge has a brilliant garnet red color. On the nose, it is powerful and complex with intense aromas of violets and blackcurrants, wild berries, and light smoky notes. On the palate, it is well structured and fresh with firm tannins that predict good aging capacity. The finish is elegant and persistent. Try it with truffle risotto or pork.
      
561. Domaine Dugat-py Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP147.56
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located at the base of the Combe de Lavaux in Gevrey-Chambertin, the Domaine Dugat-Py is owned by Bernard Dugat who manages it together with his wife Jocelyne Py, and their son Loïc. The company, certified organic since 2003, owns about 10 hectares of vineyards distributed between several Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites and planted predominantly with Pinot Noir. The vines, both in the Côte de Nuits and in the Côte de Beaune, are for the most part extremely old, with an average age of 65 years. Almost all of the estate's wines are designated as Vieilles Vignes or Très Vieilles Vignes. The family takes care of the vineyards with meticulous care. Pruning is done by hand, and replanting takes place with selections from your own vine stock, never with clones. The wines are vinified with the least possible intervention and are bottled unrefined and unfiltered. They are concentrated, yet extremely elegant and well balanced, approachable in their youth but capable of aging beautifully in the bottle. Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes is a lively and exuberant wine, which releases an intense bouquet of plum, blackcurrant, and berries on the nose. On the palate the wine is deep, powerful, and smooth, yet retains a delightful freshness and great elegance. Try it with roast goose or grilled beef ribs.
      
562. Domaine Henri Boillot Meursault 2023 : 8Wines : GBP112.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Burgundy, in the heart of the southern Côte de Beaune, Domaine Henri Boillot is a family winery dating back to 1885, and has been developing since the early 20th century. Henri, who gave the estate its name, arrived in 1975, acquiring his siblings' shares and building the winery at the foot of the Meursault hill. Today, the estate, which extends across approximately 19 hectares of vineyards, is managed by Guillaume and produces a variety of high-quality red and white Burgundy wines. The Chardonnay grapes come from various villages in the Côte de Beaune. After harvesting and vinification, the wine ages in barrels (20% new) for 10-12 months. The Meursault Domaine Henri Boillot has a clear and brilliant straw-yellow color with greenish highlights. On the nose, it reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with fruity notes of apricot, yellow peach, and mirabelle plum, against a background of buttery and vanilla notes. On the palate, it is round and generous, with a velvety texture and a pleasant minerality. It is fresh and medium-bodied with a long, saline finish. It pairs perfectly with white meats.
      
563. Domaine Henri Boillot Meursault Premier Cru Les Genevrieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP216.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Domaine Henri Boillot is a renowned family-run winery located in Burgundy, dating back to 1885. The estate, now located in the commune of Meursault, was recently renamed after Henri (third generation of the family) following his acquisition of the land from his siblings. The estate's vineyards span approximately 19 hectares, with a nearly equal split between red and white wines. Four of these 19 hectares comprise the prestigious Clos de la Mouchère Monopole, a fortified parcel located within the Premier Cru Les Perrières of Puligny-Montrachet. This Meursault Premier Cru is an exquisite wine capable of aging beautifully for a couple of decades. It is made with Chardonnay grapes from the Les Genevrières Premier Cru vineyard. After harvest and vinification, the wine ages in barrels (60% new) for approximately 12 months. In the glass, the wine displays a pale golden color and an impressive aromatic bouquet. On the nose, smoky notes are interspersed with fruity aromas of pear and apple, followed by exotic hints of spice, tea, and white flowers. On the palate, it is generous and graceful, rich, round, and perfectly balanced. It has a medium to full body and lively acidity. Despite its complexity, it remains an easy-going wine and it's perfect with tagliolini with truffles, roast chicken with herbs, or veal ossobuco.
      
564. Domaine Henri Boillot Meursault Premier Cru Clos Richemont Monopole 2023 : 8Wines : GBP216.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Dating back to 1885, Domaine Henri Boillot is located in the southern Côte de Beaune, in the prestigious Burgundy wine region. The estate, now managed by Guillaume Boillot, the fourth generation of the family, owns approximately 19 hectares of vineyards, including a prestigious 4-hectare plot within the Premier Cru Les Perrières of Puligny-Montrachet. Production is roughly evenly divided between white and red wines. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Premier Cru Clos Richemont, known as Monopole because it is entirely owned by the Henri Boillot estate. Here, the vines benefit from a moderate continental climate and are rooted in limestone soils; these conditions give the wines a distinctive minerality and refined aromatic expressiveness. Vinification and aging in oak add complexity. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant golden color and a rich, broad aromatic profile with notes of ripe white fruit, honey, and toasted almonds. On the palate, it is round, soft, and elegant with a pronounced minerality and lively acidity. It is fresh and generous with a long, persistent finish. Try it with roasted lobster, truffle crepes, or chicken in mushroom sauce.
      
565. Domaine Henri Boillot Puligny-montrachet Premier Cru Les Perrieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP216.61
Cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a pale white Burgundy, with hues of green in the glass. It begins with an elegant nose, with hints of white flowers, wet slate, and white pepper. The grapes came from Chardonnay vines with an average age of 55 years, planted in nutritious clay and limestone soils. Les Perrieres is a famously small-scale vineyard, defined by steep and difficult-to-reach slopes. A Burgundy staple, Domaine Henry Boillot is located between the appellations of Puligny-Montrachet and Volnay, two well-regarded regions that serve as the origin of most Boillot wines. The winery was founded in 1885 by Henri Boillot’s grandfather, and has been practicing minimal intervention winemaking since the 1990s. On the palate, mineral notes of slate and salinity prevail, along with citrus zest, white flower blossoms, and orchard fruits. It is stunningly pure and steeped in bright acidity, with a minimal presence of oaky tannins, perfect for those who enjoy incisive, crisp white wines. It was aged in oak before release, with half of the barrels being new. Best when served slightly chilled, this Premier Cru is ideal for pairing with delicate fish dishes, soft cheese, or white meat.
      
566. Champagne Dom Perignon Rose 2009 : 8Wines : GBP365.54
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant. Dom Pérignon is a legendary label that bears the name of Pierre Pérignon, the French Benedictine monk born in 1638 who according to tradition "invented" Champagne. The company today belongs to the famous brand Moët et Chandon, which in turn is part of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, the largest luxury industrial group in the world. The production includes only vintage Champagnes produced only in exceptional years, with the best grapes selected from Grand Cru vineyards. Champagne Dom Perignon Rosé is a prestigious and refined wine, produced with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes strictly selected from some of the oldest and most precious vineyards in the region. The finished wine rests in the cellar to evolve for almost 12 years. The wine shows a lively and brilliant pink color with coppery hues and a fine and persistent perlage. The nose is fresh and voluptuous with aromas of small red fruits, spicy tones, and dried fruit. On the palate, it is round and intense, yet lean and mineral. It is an extremely elegant wine with a vibrant character and a long lingering finish. It goes well with strong-flavored vegetarian dishes and stuffed guinea fowl.
      
567. Champagne Dom Perignon 2015 : 8Wines : GBP246.23
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant but best to open it 20-30 minutes before service. Champagne Dom Perignon is probably the most famous in the world, a wine bearing the prestigious name of the legendary Benedictine monk who is traditionally considered the inventor of the Champenoise method and therefore of Champagne, as we know it today. The Dom Perignon label was born in 1936 when Robert-Jean de Vogue, president of the Moet & Chandon Maison, decided to create an extraordinary wine by selecting the best reserves from the 1921 vintage. Dom Perignon has always been a vintage Champagne produced only in the best years. Its production is today followed and directed by the chef de cave Vincent Chaperon who replaced the famous Richard Geoffroy in 2019. The grapes for the production of this extraordinary Champagne have been selected in the villages of Hautvillers, Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Chouilly, Avize, Cramant, and Le-Mesnil. The wine spent 7 years on the lees, and its dégorgement took place in September 2021. It is a wine with a very generous and complex olfactory profile with aromas of fresh ripe fruit, dried fruit and aromatic herbs, and some light nuances of coffee powder. It is a mature and rich wine, concentrated and dense with velvety and persistent bubbles. It is intense and elegant with a persistent finish that recalls mineral notes. Perfect with white meats and seafood; an absolute must with fish tartare.
      
568. Louis Jadot Beaune Clos Des Ursules Premier Cru Monopole 2018 : 8Wines : GBP82.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Founded in 1859, the famous Burgundy estate Louis Jadot owns 150 hectares of vineyards in the Côte d'Or and produces a wide range of high-quality white and red wines from various appellations in the region. The Pinot Noir grapes for this extraordinary wine, one of the estate's most iconic, are sourced from the Clos des Ursules parcel, owned by the Jadot family since 1826. After harvest and fermentation in open vats, the finished wine rests in oak barrels for 15-18 months. Beaune Clos des Ursules Premier Cru Monopole by Louis Jadot is a rich and elegant wine capable of aging beautifully for over a decade. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant, dark cherry-red color. The nose opens with a bouquet of red fruits, especially currant, raspberry, cherry, and ripe strawberry, followed by notes of hazelnut, undergrowth, and chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied and balanced, powerful and intense. It is smooth and juicy with a taut, well-integrated acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long and recalls delicate spicy notes. It pairs excellently with rosemary-roasted lamb, herb-roasted guinea fowl, and pheasant Cacciatore.
      
569. Louis Jadot Chateau Des Jacques Moulin-a-vent 2022 : 8Wines : GBP24.24
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Romanèche-Thorins in Beaujolais, Chateau des Jacques dates back to the 17th century and was purchased in 1924 by Amédée Rousseau, a French entrepreneur and wine enthusiast with a visionary plan to revitalize the estate. Today, the estate, which has been part of Maison Louis Jadot since 1996, owns approximately 70 hectares of vineyards. Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent is produced with Gamay grapes from eight Moulin à Vent terroirs (Rochegrès, Carquelin, Champ de Cour, Thorins, Vérillats, La Roche, La Rochelle, and Les Caves), each with different characteristics of the pink granite soil and exposure. After manual harvesting, maceration, and fermentation, the finished wine ages for 10 months in concrete tanks and oak barrels from the Nivernais, Limousin, and Allier forests. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear, ruby-red color and an elegant, broad aromatic profile with notes of red berries, floral hints of violet, and spicy nuances. On the palate, it is rounded and generous, with a pronounced minerality and a distinctive, refreshing acidity. The finish is long and fruity. It is an elegant wine, capable of developing beautifully over the coming years. Try it with rabbit fricassee, herbed guinea fowl, or deep-fried turkey.
      
570. Louis Jadot Meursault 2023 : 8Wines : GBP78.01
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in Burgundy in 1859, Maison Louis Jadot is one of the region's largest wineries, widely recognized for the quality of its wines and the breadth of its range, which also includes excellent value products. Louis Jadot's elegant Meursault is made with Chardonnay grapes from the prestigious Meursault appellation, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Here, the vineyards, spread across gentle slopes between 230 and 360 meters above sea level, benefit from soils composed of chalk and white marl, capable of producing white wines of great character and longevity. After manual harvesting and fermentation in oak barrels, the finished wine rests in barriques until bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant color with light golden hues and a fragrant and ripe aromatic profile with fruity notes of apple and pear, hints of brioche and hazelnut, and some spicy undertones. On the palate, it is round and generous, soft and elegant, with a well-balanced acidity and a long, delicately spicy finish. It is a classy wine that pairs well with fish and poultry. It is also excellent with Comte cheese.
      
571. Louis Jadot Cote De Beaune-villages 2023 : 8Wines : GBP24.76
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1859, Maison Louis Jadot is one of the most prestigious wineries in Burgundy. Its vineyards cover approximately 270 hectares, and the company also purchases grapes from other winemakers. Maison Jadot also owns several estates in the Mâconnais (Domaine Ferret and Château des Jacques) and a cooperage called Cadus, which produces its own oak barrels according to the Burgundian tradition. Côte de Beaune Villages is a blend of Pinot Noir grapes from several plots in the villages of Chorey les Beaune, Ladoix Serrigny, Maranges, and Santenay. After manual harvesting and grape selection, maceration lasts 3-4 weeks. Fermentation takes place in vats, and the finished wine ages for approximately 1.5 years in barrels (one-third new). The result is an elegant wine, qualitatively a compromise between regional and Cru wines, and a fine expression of the character of Burgundy reds. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and brilliant cherry-red color. Its aromatic profile exudes fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, accompanied by hints of underbrush and wood. On the palate, it has good structure, fine, velvety tannins, and a distinct acidity. It is fruity and elegant with a long finish that recalls earthy notes. It is excellent with Coq au Vin and duck breast, or with medium-aged hard cheeses.
      
572. Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Bourgogne Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Louis Henri Denis Jadot in 1859 in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, Maison Louis Jadot is one of the region's historic estates and owns plots in some of the most prestigious crus. After being acquired in the 1980s by Rudy Kopf's family, the company has been run by the Gagey family since the 1990s. Today, General Manager Thibaut Gagey leads a large team of professionals who produce some of Burgundy's finest wines. Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Blanc is produced with Chardonnay grapes sourced from parcels located in the Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Viré-Clessé regions. After harvest and fermentation, the finished wine ages for 8-10 months, half in oak barrels and half in stainless steel tanks. This process ensures a perfect balance between fruity and fresh aromas and the enhanced roundness provided by the oak aging. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright yellow color with light greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and harmonious, with notes of ripe white fruit and floral hints on a delicate oaky background. On the palate, it is medium-intense, smooth, and fresh. It has good structure and a lively, well-integrated acidity. The finish is long and juicy. It is excellent as an elegant aperitif and pairs well with fish, seafood, and white meat. It is also worth trying with goat cheeses.
      
573. Louis Jadot Couvent Des Jacobins Bourgogne Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. A renowned Burgundy producer, Maison Louis Jadot was founded in Beaune in 1859 and today manages over 150 hectares of vineyards in the region, spread across various estates. Led by the Gagey family since the 1990s, the Mzison produces a wide range of wines from various appellations, including some prestigious crus, capable of beautifully evolving over time. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a series of plots spread across the Côte Chalonnaise. After harvest, the grapes are transported to the Burgundy winery in Givry for vinification. After fermentation, the finished wine ages for 8-10 months in barrels and vats before bottling. In the glass, Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Rouge presents a full and vibrant ruby ​​red color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with delicious notes of red berries and ripe raspberry, followed by delicate hints of spice and undergrowth. On the palate, it is soft and fruity, elegant and fresh, with silky tannins and a youthful, vibrant character. The finish is long and delicately spiced. It is very versatile when paired with food, pairing well with grilled tuna steak, roasted salmon, guinea fowl, duck, and pigeon.
      
574. Louis Jadot Puligny-montrachet 2023 : 8Wines : GBP85.01
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Maison Louis Jadot was founded in Beaune in 1859 by Louis Henri Denis Jadot. Today, the estate is in the hands of the Gagey family, who manages over 150 hectares of vineyards, producing world-famous Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot's Puligny-Montrachet is a complex and noble wine made from Chardonnay grapes from the homonymous appellation nestled between Chassagne-Montrachet to the north and Meursault to the south. Here, the vines are rooted in calcareous and clayey soils characterized by good drainage and excellent heat retention, ideal conditions for the pure expression of Chardonnay. After manual harvesting and fermentation in oak (one-third new), the wine rests on its lees for approximately 15 months. The result is a rich and vibrant wine, the perfect ambassador of this prestigious appellation and the exceptional winemaking quality of Maison Louis Jadot. In the glass, the wine takes on a brilliant straw-yellow color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with initial fresh fruity notes followed by toasted and spicy nuances. These flavors also return vividly on the palate. The wine is rich and elegant, with a creamy texture, a pronounced acidity, and a well-defined minerality that extends into a long finish. It's perfect with fish and seafood, but its structure also makes it also a perfect partner for poultry served with mushroom sauces.
      
575. Duval-leroy Champagne Reserve Brut : 8Wines : GBP51.65
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1859, the Maison Duval-Leroy looks back on a long tradition passed down from generation to generation. The company, located in Vertus, directly cultivates about two hundred hectares of vineyards, in one of what can be considered the best areas of the Côte des Blancs, where the best Chardonnay grapes of the region are produced. In fact, Chardonnay remains the main grape variety of Duval-Leroy cuvées, although the company also cultivates the other two grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The vineyards are managed with a sustainable approach that respects nature and biodiversity. In the cellar, each production step is carefully and meticulously followed. After the second fermentation in the bottle, all the Champagnes rest on the lees for very long periods, maturing in the ancient cellars of the Maison dug directly into the chalk. The result is a wine of great elegance, complexity, and charm: a high-end champagne, which combines power and finesse in its bouquet. It shows a light yellow color with golden reflections, and the nose reveals elegant fruity notes and evolved hints of spices and toasting. On the palate, it is an ample wine, with fine perlage and rich aromas of ripe fruit, dried fruit, pastries, and spices. The finish is persistent and fresh. It is a wine for special occasions to be paired with refined recipes of fish or white meats.
      
576. Domaine De Montille Bourgogne Rouge 2016 : 8Wines : GBP31.80
Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine de Montille has been in the Montille family for generations, but it was only with the arrival of Hubert de Montille in the late 1940s that it has emerged as one of the Côte de Beaune’s finest domaines. Formerly a prominent lawyer in Dijon, Hubert took over the running of his family’s 2.5 hectares of Volnay 1er Cru vineyards and took the bold and pioneering decision to start bottling his own wines rather than selling them on to large negociants. Hubert also added to the domaine over the years, bringing the total vineyard area to 20 hectares with additional parcels in Volnay and Pommard. In the 2000s Hubert took a step back from running the domaine and today his son Etienne and his daughter Alix are responsible for carrying on his good work. Etienne is responsible for the red wines of the domaine while Alix crafts their white Burgundy wines. This vibrant and supple red Burgundy is bursting with bright red cherry, plum and subtle dried herb aromas. The first sip reveals a medium body, intense red fruit flavours and a very smooth texture with polished tannins. This delicious red is ideal to enjoy now with flavoursome red meat dishes, duck or game, and can also be kept for another 5-6 years in the cellar.
      
577. Domaine De Montille Bourgogne Rouge 2017 : 8Wines : GBP31.80
Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine de Montille has been in the Montille family for generations, but it was only with the arrival of Hubert de Montille in the late 1940s that it has emerged as one of the Côte de Beaune’s finest domaines. Formerly a prominent lawyer in Dijon, Hubert took over the running of his family’s 2.5 hectares of Volnay 1er Cru vineyards and took the bold and pioneering decision to start bottling his own wines rather than selling them on to large negociants. Hubert also added to the domaine over the years, bringing the total vineyard area to 20 hectares with additional parcels in Volnay and Pommard. In the 2000s Hubert took a step back from running the domaine and today his son Etienne and his daughter Alix are responsible for carrying on his good work. Etienne is responsible for the red wines of the domaine while Alix crafts their white Burgundy wines. This vibrant and supple red Burgundy is bursting with bright red cherry, plum and subtle dried herb aromas. The first sip reveals a medium body, intense red fruit flavours and a very smooth texture with polished tannins. This delicious red is ideal to enjoy now with flavoursome red meat dishes, duck or game, and can also be kept for another 5-6 years in the cellar.
      
578. Domaine De Montille Beaune Premier Cru Les Perrieres 2018 : 8Wines : GBP67.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine de Montille has a very long tradition dating back to 1750. Unfortunately, over the centuries the estate was broken up, to be later recovered by Hubert de Montille in 1947. Today the estate covers about 35 hectares of vineyards managed by Etienne, Hubert's son. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a plot located on the top of a hill on a very stony marl near the town of Les Fèves. Here the vines, grown according to organic and biodynamic standards, enjoy unique soil and climate conditions that guarantee the production of mineral and structured wines. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place mainly in large wooden vats and the finished wine rests in 228-liter barrels. The name of the Cru refers to the old quarries that were located nearby. The Beaune Premier Cru Les Perrieres is a lively and generous wine that seduces the nose with a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of red fruits and graphite, followed by discreet woody notes and delicate spices. On the palate, it has silky tannins and a medium body. It is soft, juicy, and elegant. The finish is long and slightly spicy. It is a wine capable of aging deliciously for a couple of decades but can already be enjoyed now with a pork tenderloin with mushrooms.
      
579. Domaine De Montille Nuits-saint-georges Aux Saints Juliens 2018 : 8Wines : GBP56.59
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1750, Domaine de Montille is located in Volnay. Its long history has had difficult moments, but the estate was recovered in 1947 by Hubert de Montille, who then passed it on to his son Etienne. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a plot of just over half a hectare located on the northern slope of the hill below the 1er cru Les Thorey and are grown organically and biodynamically. The name Aux Saints Juliens is linked to the ancient presence of a chapel from the 6th century that has disappeared and has been replaced by a cross. After the harvest, fermentation takes place mainly in vats and the finished wine then rests in barrels (20% of which are new). The Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Saints Juliens from Domaine de Montille is a delicate and complex wine, with a broad aromatic profile that reveals floral and fruity notes and subtle spicy hints. On the palate, it is generous and expressive, soft and fresh. It is lively and well-structured. It has a medium body, smooth tannins, and a long finish that recalls fruity and earthy notes. It clearly shows good aging potential, but if you can't resist opening a bottle, serve it with duck breast in Port sauce or a mushroom quiche.
      
580. Domaine De Montille Puligny-montrachet 2022 : 8Wines : GBP86.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in Volnay, Domaine de Montille is one of the most prestigious wineries in Burgundy, founded before the French Revolution and then recovered by Hubert de Montille in 1947. The Chardonnay grapes come mostly from a plot located on the Les Chalumeaux site (former 1er Cru downgraded by the INAO in 1975 due to unauthorized work on the land carried out by the previous owner, but still of superior quality to a normal AOC village) and for the rest from the two plots Les Levrons and Boudrières – Nosroyes. Fermentation takes place in lightly toasted barrels of various sizes (between 5 and 20% of which are new). The finished wine first rests in wood for about a year and for a further 4 to 6 months in steel tanks. The Puligny-Montrachet from Domaine de Montille is a wine of great elegance with a golden color and a broad and fragrant aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals aromas of fresh fruit and white flowers, honeysuckle, and citrus. On the palate, it is smooth and lively. It has a silky texture, a savory character, and an acidic vein that leaves a refreshing and thirst-quenching sensation. The finish is long and recalls subtle notes of toasted almonds. Try it with scallop risotto, chicken in a creamy sauce, and goat cheese.
      
581. Domaine De Montille Saint Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly 2023 : 8Wines : GBP65.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Originally founded in 1730, Domaine de Montille took its current name in 1863 following the marriage of Étienne Joseph Marie Léonce Bizouard de Montille to Marie Eléonore Chauvelot de Chevannes. The winery, now run by Etienne de Montille, is one of the most famous family estates in Burgundy. The organically grown Chardonnay grapes come from the over 70-year-old vineyard of less than 2 hectares located just behind Montrachet. Here the vines enjoy a privileged position with stony, shallow soil and a southern exposure. After the harvest, vinification takes place in a mix of 600-liter and 228-liter barrels (5 to 20% new) of wood from the Allier. The finished wine rests for a year in wood and then 4 to 6 months in steel. The Saint Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly is a complete and balanced white wine. It has a bright lemon-yellow color, with golden reflections. On the nose, it reveals a broad and generous aromatic profile with delicate notes of lime and white flowers, fruity aromas of pear and ripe apple, and some hints of citrus zest. On the palate, it is fresh and mineral, round and medium-bodied. It has a strong and pure character and a long and persistent finish that recalls refreshing notes of ginger. It is excellent with fish and poultry, even in lightly spiced Asian recipes.
      
582. Domaines Ott Clos Mireille Cotes De Provence Rose 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Domaine Ott was founded between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Marcel Ott, an Alsatian engineer, decided to purchase several estates in the beautiful Provence region, a short distance from the Mediterranean coast. After restructuring and replanting the vineyards (post-phylloxera), the company focused its production on high-quality Provençal wines, quickly achieving worldwide fame. Since 2004, the company has been part of the Roederer Collection Group, maintaining the same passion for quality viticulture while respecting the environment and the region's ancient winemaking traditions. Clos Mireille Cotes de Provence Rosé is an elegant blend of Grenache, Cindault, and Rolle. Domaine Ott owns approximately 56 hectares of vineyards here in the La Londe area, where the vines benefit from relatively shallow soils composed of schist and quartz, and a mild climate, refreshed by sea breezes from the Mediterranean. In the glass, the wine reveals a pale pink color with golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and fresh with notes of stone fruit, pear, citrus, and melon, followed by floral hints of jasmine and violet. On the palate, it is lively and juicy, refreshing and ample with crisp acidity and a pronounced minerality. The finish is long and citrusy. It is the ideal wine for a cool summer evening; excellent both as an elegant aperitif and as a companion to light Mediterranean dishes and seafood.
      
583. Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan Bandol Rose 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.50
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Domaines Ott has been making elegant Provencal rosés for over a century, with the fourth generation of the family still involved in the winemaking here to this day. The fruit for this bottling comes from Chateau Romassan in the Bandol appellation which was bought by the family in the 1950s. In total the property has 148 acres including striking terraced vineyards planted on stony marl and limestone soils. The terroir here is ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the cooling sea breezes from the nearby bay of Bandol and sunny summer days. This helps to ensure plenty of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins balanced by freshness and elegance. This particular cuvee is primarily composed of Mourvedre along with equal amounts of Cinsault and Grenache. The fruit is all harvested by hand to maintain quality, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and ageing in oak casks for 6-8 months. This maturation process adds extra polish and complexity to this elegant rosé, with delicate notes of spice and woodsmoke mingling on the nose with aromatic white peaches, bright citrus, and honeydew melon. On the palate there’s a fresh entry, smooth texture, and delicate finish with lingering notes of Provencal herbs and ripe wild berries.
      
584. Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan Bandol Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP42.50
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Domaines Ott has been making elegant Provencal rosés for over a century, with the fourth generation of the family still involved in the winemaking here to this day. The fruit for this bottling comes from Chateau Romassan in the Bandol appellation which was bought by the family in the 1950s. In total the property has 148 acres including striking terraced vineyards planted on stony marl and limestone soils. The terroir here is ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the cooling sea breezes from the nearby bay of Bandol and sunny summer days. This helps to ensure plenty of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins balanced by freshness and elegance. This particular cuvee is primarily composed of Mourvedre along with equal amounts of Cinsault and Grenache. The fruit is all harvested by hand to maintain quality, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and ageing in oak casks for 6-8 months. This maturation process adds extra polish and complexity to this elegant rosé, with delicate notes of spice and woodsmoke mingling on the nose with aromatic white peaches, bright citrus, and honeydew melon. On the palate there’s a fresh entry, smooth texture, and delicate finish with lingering notes of Provencal herbs and ripe wild berries.
      
585. Delaporte Sancerre Le Cul De Beaujeu Rouge 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.30
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Le Cul de Beaujeu is a red Sancerre with a complex and inviting nose, bursting with hints of raspberry, redcurrant, and blueberry. The location has long been recognised as a top spot for Pinot Noir and was planted as far back as the Middle Ages. Toasty hints of cocoa, and coffee linger in the background, along with hints of cherry pie. There is also a pleasant animal hint as the wine opens up, adding depth and intrigue to the bouquet. Domaine Delaporte is unique in cultivating Pinot Noir in this prestigious location, where since 2015, the grapes have almost exclusively been picked by hand. The winery has been a family business since the 17th century and is now in the safe hands of Matthieu Delaporte. It is located in the quaint village of Chavignol, also famous for its goat’s cheese – a fantastic regional pairing beckons. On the palate, the Cul de Beaujeu Rouge is rich and textured, offering a velvety mouthfeel with silky tannins. Flavours of blueberry tart and red hedgerow fruits take the fore, with subtle earthy notes enhancing its complexity. The wine's finish is long and satisfying, characterised by crunchy red fruit. This Pinot Noir will be an excellent partner for veal, mushroom risotto, or beef bourguignon.
      
586. Delaporte Sancerre Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP21.22
Drink now. No need to decant. Passed down from generation to generation since the 17th century, today Domaine Delaporte is headed by Matthieu Delaporte. The family estate, located in Chavignol, a charming village renowned for its goat cheese, extends over 33 hectares, with 50 different plots, most of them facing south. 35% of the vines are planted on flint soils, and the plants are managed with a few interventions, with the utmost respect for the environment. For the production of this Sancerre Rose, the Pinot Noir grapes are pressed whole. Alcoholic fermentation takes place for 12 days in thermoregulated stainless steel vats at a temperature of 18°C, to preserve its fruitiness. The wine then spends six months on its lees to acquire more body. The wine has a splendid light salmon color. The nose shows a delicious intensity of small red fruits. The red berries are also felt in a mouth with juicy and almost fleshy sensations. It is fresh and lively, with a nice medium-long finish. This pure Pinot Noir vinified in rosé is a real pleasure, generous and pulpy. It is the perfect summer wine. Enjoy it well chilled on the terrace, with a barbecue or some Asian food.
      
587. Champagne Eric Rodez Cuvee Des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP71.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. The Rodez family has a long winemaking tradition that dates back 3 centuries and 9 generations. Today the company, located in the charming village of Ambonnay, in the heart of the Montagne de Reims wine area, is managed by Eric Rodez with his wife Martine and their son Mickael. The Maison owns approximately 6 hectares of vineyards (of which 4 for Pinot Noir and 2 for Chardonnay) cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. This is a Grand Cru Champagne made with a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes selected and harvested in the Ambonnay area. The Cuvée is made with 40-50% reserve wine (from 4-5 different vintages). Some of the wines are vinified in small oak barrels, a characteristic that is somewhat of a signature of this Champagne House. Cuvee des Crayeres is a brilliant golden yellow wine with a fine and elegant perlage. Its aromatic profile is fresh and fragrant and reveals notes of orange blossom, followed by aromas of small red fruits, stone fruit and mineral nuances. On the palate, it is soft and generous, with a pleasant effervescence and notes of wild strawberries. It has a refreshing acidity and a long finish that recalls light notes of vanilla. It is rich and elegant and well balanced by a strong mineral note. Try it with smoked trout!
      
588. Champagne Eric Rodez Blanc De Noirs Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP76.98
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. The Rodez family has been producing Champagne in Ambonnay, in the Montagne de Reims since 1757. In 1982, Eric Rodez, after years of experience at the Maison Krug, decided to create his own label. Today the company, which owns approximately 6 hectares of vineyards divided into approximately 36 parcels, is led by Eric together with his son Mickael, the ninth generation of the family. Eric Rodez's Champagne Blanc De Noirs is produced with only Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Ambonnay vineyards, in an area where this vine gives its best. The assembly involves the use of reserve wine from 5-6 different vintages. Part of the wines are vinified in small oak barrels. The wine has a bright straw-yellow color with golden reflections and a fine and persistent effervescence. The nose is fragrant and expressive with aromas of red fruits and candied citrus fruits, dried fruit, and light spicy notes. On the palate, it is powerful, elegant, intense and round. It is fresh and well-balanced, with a long, lingering finish. It is very versatile in food pairings and absolutely worth trying with grilled prawns, veal escalope, and tomato tarts.
      
589. Clement & Florian Berthier Coteaux Du Giennois Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP12.18
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine exhibits a pale gold tint, with typical Loire Valley aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and exotic fruits such as grapefruit and passion fruit. These are underscored by a salty vein of minerality and a note of white tea bitterness. A fantastic small-region alternative to Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Clément and Florian are the caretakers of a rich winemaking heritage in the Loire Valley, which began when their father, Jean Marie Berthier, established the estate in 1980. These days, the estate spans 32 hectares in some of the Loire Valley’s finest appellations. Florian has transitioned the vineyards to organic farming, while Clément takes care of the cellar and the business side of the winery - together, they craft an incredible range of white wines. The Coteaux du Giennois Blanc is full of zest and fresh acidity in the mouth, with a concentrated mineral profile. Flavours of quince, pear, and a hint of cream provide good length, making it this delightful and refreshing wine to the last sip. It will be an excellent partner for pork sausages or seafood or as a refreshing contrast to a spicy dish.
      
590. Clement & Florian Berthier Coteaux Du Giennois Terre De Silex 2023 : 8Wines : GBP16.52
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Loire Valley exhibits an intricate and intoxicating nose. It marries elegant notes of fresh grapefruit and green pepper with subtle hints of spice and minerality. The flinty aroma, characteristic of the terroir, adds an intriguing edge and evokes the salt spray of the far-away sea. The Berthier estate spans 32 hectares in the Coteaux du Giennois and Sancerre regions of the Loire Valley. Brothers Clément and Florian, the fifth generation of Berthier winemakers, have continued their family's tradition since taking over in 2013. Florian focuses on the vineyards, utilising organic and minimal intervention practices, while Clément oversees the wine cellar and sales, striving to express the unique terroir of their appellations. Their father, Jean Marie, established the estate in 1980 with a modest 16 hectares, primarily located in the Giennois. On the palate, Terre de Silex delivers a bold and structured blast of fruit flavours with pronounced minerality and a well-rounded body. It offers hints of green pepper, grapefruit, and a distinct flinty character. The acidity is perfectly balanced, creating a refreshing and racy profile that leads into a long, lingering finish. This gastronomic white wine is an excellent match for a variety of dishes, including pork, shellfish, and spicy foods.
      
591. Domaine Bott-geyl Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sonnenglanz 2016 : 8Wines : GBP33.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. With its long tradition dating back to the 18th century, Domaine Bott-Geyl is an Alsatian winery passed down from father to son and now led by Jean-Christophe Bott, who has been managing the vineyards biodynamically since the early 2000s. Domaine Bott-Geyl makes white and sparkling wines from its approximately 14 hectares of vineyards that include 6 Grands Crus. The focus is on respecting nature and producing high-quality wines that best express the magnificent terroir of this picturesque region bordering Germany. The Gewürztraminer grapes are harvested by hand from a plot located in the municipality of Beblenheim. The vines are located on a gentle slope with a south/south-east exposure and benefit from a unique marly-limestone soil made up of conglomerates of calcareous pebbles and marls dating back to the Oligocene. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep yellow color with golden highlights and an intense and elegant aromatic profile with notes of ripe yellow fruit such as mirabelle plum and quince, followed by spicy hints and rose petals. On the palate, it is rich and generous, round and velvety. It has a well-balanced acidity and a long, fresh, and complex finish. It is the ideal wine for Thai and Indian spicy dishes and also works well with blue cheeses.
      
592. Domaine Bott-geyl Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 2019 : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Alsace, in the village of Beblenheim, Domaine Bott-Geyl has been a family-run winery since 1775. Today, the estate, which extends over approximately 14 hectares of vineyards, is led by the talented Jean-Christophe Bott, awarded winemaker of the year in 1996 by the French magazine Gault & Millau. Jean-Christophe places great emphasis on the quality of the Alsatian terroir and has worked its vineyards according to organic and biodynamic farming standards since the 2000s. Riesling Schoenenbourg Grand Cru is a wine of great elegance and exceptional aging potential made with Riesling grapes from the homonymous Alsatian Grand Cru, in the municipality of Riquewihr. After manual harvesting and a long alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests for a few months on its lees before bottling. On the nose, the wine reveals great complexity with mineral and candied citrus aromas. On the palate, it is broad, full-bodied, and powerful with a firm and refreshing acidity and a long and slightly savory finish. Keep it in the cellar for a few years to enjoy the evolutionary capabilities of this splendid wine, or enjoy it with a fish carpaccio, or a sushi dinner.
      
593. Domaine Bott-geyl Riesling Cru D'alsace Grafenreben 2020 : 8Wines : GBP28.28
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour and half before service. Domaine Bott-Geyl is a renowned family-run Alsace winery with a history dating back to the 18th century, located in the village of Beblenheim. The estate's vineyards, which extend over approximately 14 hectares, and include 6 Grands Crus, have been cultivated according to organic farming principles since 2000 and biodynamic farming since 2002. Riesling Cru d'Alsace Grafenreben is produced in limited quantities with selected grapes from a plot located in the municipality of Zellengerg, considered to be of similar quality to that of the Grands Crus. Here the vines enjoy a south-east exposure and sink their roots into clay-limestone soils. These particularly favorable conditions for Riesling, guarantee the production of wines of great depth with exceptional aromatic charge. After fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests on the lees for about 9 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and brilliant color with greenish reflections and an intense and broad aromatic profile with citrus and stone fruit notes, jasmine flowers, and hints of nuts. On the palate, it is savory, crisp, and lean. It has a brisk acidity and good juiciness. The finish is long, refreshing, and citrusy. It is a wine with excellent aging potential, but it can already be enjoyed with a carpaccio of marinated fish and goat cheese.
      
594. Domaine Bott-geyl Riesling Les Elements 2022 : 8Wines : GBP17.21
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Beblenheim, in the Alsace wine region, Domaine Bott-Geyl is a family-run winery with a very long tradition dating back to the 18th century. The estate covers approximately 14 hectares of vineyards, including 6 Grands Crus, cultivated according to organic and biodynamic farming practices. Riesling Les Éléments is made with grapes selected and harvested by hand from plots located in Riquewihr, Zellenberg, and Ribeauvillé, planted on limestone and clay-schist soils. After fermentation in steel tanks, the wine rests on its lees, also in the tank, for 4 to 5 months. The result is a brilliant and refined wine, which fully expresses the richness of the Alsatian terroir without losing the fresh and pure character of Riesling. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and luminous color with straw yellow tones and greenish reflections. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with citrus and stone fruit notes, followed by hints of white flowers and mineral nuances. On the palate, it is round, lively and taut. It has a medium-light body and an invigorating acidity. The finish is long and recalls pleasant mineral notes. It is exceptional with oysters, raw seafood, grilled shrimp, or smoked salmon.
      
595. Domaine Bott-geyl Cremant D'alsace Cuvee Paul-edouard Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP18.55
Drink it now or cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Domaine Bott Geyl is an ancient family-run Alsatian estate located in the village of Beblenheim, a short distance from Colmar, led by Jean-Christophe Bott since 1993. The company, whose roots date back to the end of the 18th century, owns about 14 hectares of vineyards distributed in various plots and cultivated biodynamically. Their wines are widely appreciated for their traditional style and expressive character. This light and easy-to-drink sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. After manual harvesting and the first fermentation with indigenous yeasts in steel, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method and remains on its yeasts for 24 months. The result is a balanced wine with little dosage that combines the softness of Pinot Blanc, with the minerality of Chardonnay and the structure of Pinot Noir. In the glass, it shows a straw yellow color brightened by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is fresh with notes of white fruit and citrus, followed by hints of honey, and brioche. On the palate, it is lively and mineral, with a light body and a pleasant refreshing streak. It is perfect as an informal aperitif and also pairs well with onion tarte tatin and, of course, with traditional Alsatian Flammkuchen.
      
596. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py James 2022 : 8Wines : GBP29.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Villié-Morgon, in the heart of the Morgon Cru of Beaujolais, Domaine Jean-Marc Burgaud was founded in 1989 and today covers around 18 hectares of vineyards. The estate, which owns some of the most prestigious plots in the appellation, farms according to organic principles (without certification). The cuvée Cote du Py James is one of Morgon's most iconic wines, produced only in the best years and always in limited quantities. The Gamay grapes are selected and hand-picked from parcels located in the highest part of the Côte du Py, on a small plot near La Croix. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep red color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with notes of dark fruits, sweet spices, dried flowers, and some hints of licorice and black pepper. On the palate, it is dense, rich and concentrated. It has young but well-integrated tannins that promise excellent aging potential. It is a succulent and balanced wine, with a fruity and fresh finish that lingers for a long time. Try it with roast pork belly, or with grilled Toulouse sausage.
      
597. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py Javernieres 2022 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Coming from a family of vinegrowers, Jean-Marc Burgaud founded his winery in the Morgon Cru in Beaujolais in 1989. Over the years, Jean-Marc has acquired various plots, including those in the Cote du Py, and today the vineyards extend over a total of just under 18 hectares. The first harvest of the Javernières cuvée dates back to 2007. The grapes come from the homonymous plot located at the foot of the Cote du Py hill, where the soils are characterized by a high presence of clay and iron oxide that guarantee the production of more structured and long-lived wines, in the Burgundian style. The vinification takes place with whole bunches and maceration follows for 15 days, as in the Beaujolais tradition. The wine then rests for 12 months in used oak barrels, to refine its tannins and enhance its aging potential. Morgon Cote du Py Javernieres is a powerful and muscular red, characterized by an intense color with dark red tones. On the nose, it reveals a complex and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of ripe red fruits and delicate spices, followed by hints of undergrowth. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied with firm and well-integrated tannins and a long, gently spicy finish. Try it with veal escalopes with mushrooms, chicken liver pâté, and pork terrines.
      
598. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Grands Cras 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. Founded in 1989 in Morgon, Beaujolais, the Jean-Marc Burgaud estate extends over approximately 19 hectares of vineyards spread between the villages of Beaujolais, Régnié, and Morgon. Since 1992, the company has taken over the vineyards of the Cote du Py, considered the best in the area. The Gamay grapes are selected and harvested by hand from a vineyard of about 60 years old located in Morgon, at an altitude of about 280 meters, and planted on clay soils. After vinification and semi-carbonic maceration, the finished wine rests for 9 months in cement before bottling. The result is a soft and fruity wine that is a pure expression of its terroir. In the glass, the Morgon Grands Cras by Jean-Marc Burgaud reveals a bright and vibrant color with ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is fresh and broad with notes of cherry and red fruits, and some hints of black pepper. On the palate, it is deep and fleshy, concentrated and mineral with fine and well-integrated tannins. It has a medium body and a velvety texture. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine with herb-roasted chicken or duck in red fruit sauce.
      
599. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py 2024 : 8Wines : GBP28.68
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Since creating his winery in 1989, Jean-Marc Burgaud has demonstrated his skills and his knowledge of the Morgon terroir. Three years later, he acquired the Cote du Py vineyards, the jewel in the crown of his estate. The company now has around 18 hectares of vineyards located in the Morgon appellation, Beaujolais, and Régnié. Jean-Marc Burgaud’s Morgon Côte du Py is made with Gamay grapes hand-picked from scattered plots on the prestigious Cote de Py hill. Here, the vines enjoy southern exposure and a unique soil rich in blue stones composed of schist, iron oxide, and manganese. These peculiar conditions and the appellation's typical climate guarantee the production of structured and complex wines with defined tannins and a fruity character. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright color with intense ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is complex and broad with notes of blueberry and pomegranate, raspberry and cherry, and then floral hints of violet and peony and iodine nuances. On the palate, it is powerful and concentrated. It has a medium body and fine tannins. It is energetic and lively, fresh and juicy. The finish is long, fruity, and refreshing. In food pairings, it is a versatile wine. It pairs well with rich vegetarian recipes, pork, meatballs in tomato sauce, and lasagna.
      
600. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py Ruyere 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.51
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Jean-Marc Burgaud is a renowned and talented winemaker born and raised in Morgon in Beaujolais, from a family of vinegrowers, who founded his winery in the late 80s. Today his estate extends over approximately 18 hectares including vineyards in the prestigious Côte du Py area and his company is recognized as one of the most important in the region. The Gamay grapes for this elegant Morgon are hand-picked from over-eighty-year-old vines that enjoy southeast exposure, planted on soil characterized by decomposed granite and schist. After vinification, with carbonic maceration, according to the Beaujolais tradition, the wine rests in tanks for about 6 months, to ensure a full expression of the fruity and fresh character of the grape variety. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and brilliant ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is lively and fruity with notes of ripe cherries and strawberries and a delicate undertone of wild flowers. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy, velvety and harmonious with fine tannins and a pleasant acidic vein that refreshes the palate. The finish is long and pleasantly fruity. It is a balanced wine with a graceful character that pairs deliciously with Coq au Vin and charcuterie.
      
601. Jean-marc Burgaud Morgon Cote Du Py La Roche 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.51
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the village of Morgon in the Beaujolais wine region of France, the Jean-Marc Burgaud winery was founded in 1989 and today covers approximately 19 hectares of vineyards spread across the Morgon, Beaujolais Village, and Régnié appellations, where the Gamay grape reigns supreme. Here, the pedoclimatic conditions are ideal for this varietal, capable of producing fragrant wines with excellent value. The Gamay grapes for Jean-Marc Burgaud's Morgon Côte du Py are sourced from parcels spread across the Py hillside, in the Morgon appellation. Here, the vines thrive in soil composed of schist, decomposed rock, rich in iron oxide and manganese, and enjoy a southern exposure. After manual harvesting and traditional Beaujolais vinification, with long carbonic maceration, the finished wine ages in barriques. In the glass, the wine reveals intense character and a broad, fruity aromatic profile with notes of cranberry, pomegranate, blackberry, and black cherry, followed by floral notes. On the palate, it has good structure and a velvety texture. It is fruity and juicy with well-defined, ripe tannins and a long, elegant finish. It is a balanced wine that displays all the personality and longevity potential of this small Beaujolais appellation. Try it with lasagna Bolognese or deep-fried turkey.
      
602. Champagne Pierre Moncuit Grand Cru Extra Brut 2014 : 8Wines : GBP57.29
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a luxurious Champagne wine, with a fine, attractive mousse and a light golden colour in the glass. The nose is a medley of orchard fruits, with hints of citrus zest, freshly baked pastries, and butter. It is an extraordinarily dry wine, glowing with purity and the intense character of the Grand Cru vineyards from which it was harvested. In 1928, Pierre Moncuit became the first member of his family to package wines under the Moncuit name. The grapes came from vineyards in Mesnil-sur-Oger, purchased by his father, Alex Moncuit, approximately 30 years before. Today, those same vines form the backbone of a grand Champagne house, run by a fourth generation of winemakers. The Extra Brut begins with a sharp blast of green apple skin, pear, and freshly zested lemon. It is a careful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, enveloping the mouth in layers of fresh acidity, yeast, and ripe fruit. The finish is particularly reminiscent of toasted nuts. This is a wine with finesse and longevity, suitable for a wide range of occasions. Consider pairing it with seafood starters, vegetable tempura, or a creamy cheese.
      
603. Champagne Pierre Moncuit Grand Cru Brut Rose : 8Wines : GBP37.43
Enjoy it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Grand Cru Rosé from Pierre Moncuit is a thrilling combination of two terroirs: Mesnil-sur-Oger, where Chardonnay (88%) thrives, and Ambonnay, the home of the ripe Pinot Noir grapes (12%) that give this wine its colour. It starts off with an enticing bouquet of raspberry, strawberry, lemon zest, and fresh minerality. The Moncuit family can trace their lineage back to Alex Moncuit, who first purchased land in the Mesnil-sur-Oger region. However, it was Pierre Moncuit who first began to sell wine under the family name, in 1928. To this day, the family still own 15 hectares of the Grand Cru commune, and another 5 in Sézanne, all of which are worked by the green fingers of a fourth generation of Moncuit winemakers. The Grand Cru Brut Rosé is notable for its freshness, upholding the pure, traditional values of the Côte des Blancs. It comes alive on the palate, with notes of tart red fruit, citrus, chalk, yeast, and a delightful mousse-like mouthfeel. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks and matured for 3 years in the bottle before being released. This is a fresh, food-friendly Rosé, perfect for pairing with soft cheeses, like Camembert, roasted chicken, or appetisers.
      
604. Champagne Pierre Moncuit Delos Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs Brut : 8Wines : GBP43.43
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This is the Moncuit family’s flagship Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made entirely of Chardonnay harvested from Grand Cru vineyards in the commune of Mesnil-sur-Oger. It is an intense, lively wine, bursting with fine perlage and notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, marzipan, green apple skin, and brioche. The Moncuit family’s story begins at the end of the 19th century when grape grower Alex Moncuit acquired a few hectares of land in the Mesnil-sur-Oger region, where the winery is still located today. The estate consists of 15 hectares in Mesnil and 5 in Sézanne, all watched over by a fourth generation of Moncuit winemakers, upholding the staunch traditions of Champagne. Delos starts off with some crisp flavours on the palate, expanding into a smooth, mousse-like mouthfeel. There are notes of almond, butter, and fresh pastry, mingling with tarter flavours of freshly squeezed lemon, orchard fruits, and grapefruit rind. Like all of Moncuit’s wines, Delos was fermented in stainless steel tanks, to obtain the purest possible expression of the terroir. You can also discover underlying hints of chalky minerality, particularly on the finish. It is a dry, focused wine, ideal for serving as an appetiser, or alongside seafood, soft cheese, or spicy food.
      
605. Champagne Pierre Moncuit Hugues De Coulmet Blanc De Blancs : 8Wines : GBP30.97
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Hugues de Coulmet begins with an explosion of fine bubbles, followed by enticing scents of white-fleshed orchard fruits, lemon rind, and white flowers, such as jasmine and lily. Like all of Moncuit’s wines, it was made with the purest of intentions - the Chardonnay was fermented in stainless steel tanks, before being matured in the bottle for up to 3 years. The Moncuit family have been in Mesnil-sur-Oger for a very long time, and they can date their winemaking history all the way back to Alex Moncuit, and the end of the 19th century. However, this cuvee was harvested from the vastly underrated and more southerly village of Sézanne, where the fourth generation of Moncuit winemakers own 5 hectares of windswept land. Hugues de Coulmet is dry and fresh to the core, with a subtle, appealing mousse and balanced acidity. On the palate, you can detect notes of peach and apricot, with hints of pear, green apple, honeysuckle, almond, and a strong mineral undertone of crushed stone and salt. This Blanc de Blancs is extremely approachable, perfect for popping on a special occasion. Consider pairing with seafood, such as oysters, or a wide variety of appetisers.
      
606. Champagne Esterlin Cleo Blanc De Blancs 2012 : 8Wines : GBP66.04
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant. Maison Esterlin is a cooperative winery in the Champagne wine region of France. Founded in 1948 by three families from Mancy, it now boasts approximately 400 members and over 210 hectares of vineyards. Its headquarters are located in Epernay, in an elegant Palladian-style villa. The vineyards extend from the Epernay area to the Côteaux du Sézannais and the Marne Valley, in the Côte des Blancs. Cléo Blanc de Blancs is an elegant Champagne produced exclusively with Chardonnay grapes from vineyards located in the Côteaux Sud d'Epernay, in the Mancy Valley. After harvest, the wine is fermented in used barrels, half in 228-liter Burgundy barrels and the other half in 350-liter oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is avoided to ensure the full expression of its aromatic character and preserve its freshness. The resulting wine has a crystalline appearance, a limpid, intense straw-yellow color with silvery highlights. Its aromatic profile is rich, fresh, and broad, with notes of yellow apple, pear, candied peel, honey melon, white peach, and acacia blossom, followed by hints of brioche and dried apricot. On the palate, it is soft and generous with a creamy, velvety effervescence. It's lively, ripe, and balanced with crisp acidity and a long finish reminiscent of chalky minerality. It's perfect with seafood, roasted turbot, and scallop risotto.
      
607. Champagne Esterlin Brut Eclat : 8Wines : GBP34.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in the village of Epernay, Maison Esterlin is a cooperative Champagne house founded in 1948 by the Fransoret, Dehu, and Cadestin families. Initially composed of 29 members, the winery now boasts around 400, with over 210 hectares of vineyards cultivated in the Côte des Blancs, both around Epernay and in the Côteaux du Sézannais and Marne Valley. The headquarters, on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, is located in an elegant Palladian-style villa. Champagne Esterlin Brut Eclat is a blend of mostly Pinot Meunier with additions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the southern hills of the Marne Valley in Epernay, Mancy Valley, and Côteaux de Sézanne. A 30% reserve wine from the house's Solera system, begun in 1972 and enriched annually with a portion of the harvest from the cuvée, is added to the current year's wine. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and brilliant golden yellow color, enhanced by a lively and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is intense and fragrant with fruity notes of baked apple, ripe pear, apricot, peach, quince, dried fruit, and honey. On the palate, it is round, soft, and fruity, with a fresh character and a creamy texture. The finish is long and refreshing. Have it with fish and vegetable tempura.
      
608. Champagne Esterlin Eclat Blanc De Blancs : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1948 in the Mancy Valley, in the Champagne wine region, Maison Esterlin is a prestigious and award-winning cooperative winery that today has approximately 400 members. Their vineyards extend over 200 hectares, spread between the southern area of ​​Epernay and the Marne Valley. They produce a wide range of vintage and non-vintage wines. The latter benefit from the addition of a reserve wine obtained from a Solera, begun in 1972, which adds density and richness to the wines. Champagne Esterlin Eclat Blanc de Blancs is a delicate and elegant wine, produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes from vineyards located in the Côteaux Sud d’Epernay, in the Mancy Valley, and the Côteaux de Sézanne, in the Marne Valley. Vinification occurs without malolactic fermentation, and the finished wine ages for approximately six years on the lees before disgorgement. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear, brilliant yellow color with golden highlights and a fresh, fragrant aromatic profile with initial notes of citrus and white fruit, followed by hints of hazelnut and mineral touches. On the palate, it is generous and round, with a pleasant, refreshing citrus acidity and a long, mineral finish. It is excellent with seafood, but also has the right structure to pair well with veal escalopes and salmon.
      
609. Chateau Malmaison Moulis En Medoc 2016 : 8Wines : GBP19.08
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, Château Malmaison has a centuries-old tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. After a long period of abandonment, the domain was purchased in the 1970s by Edmond de Rothschild who redesigned and replanted the 24 hectares of vineyards with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines here benefit from an exceptional terroir with clay-limestone soils and a calcareous substrate that guarantees the production of high-quality Bordeaux wines. The blend is mainly composed of Merlot with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are selected and harvested manually. After vinification, which happens in steel at a controlled temperature, the wine rests in barrels for 16 months before bottling. Chateau Malmaison Moulis en Medoc reveals a dense, dark color with purple tones. Its aromatic profile is broad and intensely fruity with notes of raspberry, morello cherry, blackcurrant, and plum and an undertone of coffee and tobacco. On the palate, it is smooth and medium-bodied. It has a fruity character with vegetal notes and soft, well-integrated tannins. The finish is fresh and persistent. It is excellent with stewed or grilled red meat.
      
610. Edmond De Rothschild Chateau Des Laurets 2018 : 8Wines : GBP25.82
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decant for 2 hours before serving. This Bordeaux blend opens up with aromas of ripe raspberry, sour cherry and blackcurrant, supported by hints of spice, smoke and charcoal. It is complex, deeply savoury, and classic Bordeaux, crafted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, sourced from limestone and clay soils in the Right-Bank appellation of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion. The vineyard at Chateau des Laurets dates back to the 12th century and lies on the border between Puisseguin and Montagne Saint-Émilion. The chateau itself was built in 1860 and is part of the Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, a collection of prime wine-growing land that spans the globe. Few names in the wine world hold as much weight as de Rothschild, who was almost single-handedly responsible for creating the Israeli wine industry. The Chateau des Laurets blend is a weighty yet approachable wine, with an elegant structure and a silky character. Notes of liquorice, herbs and spice intermingle with rich fruit flavours of Morello cherry, blackberry and blueberry. It is accessible now, but can also be kept in the cellar for some time. Perfect for those who enjoy the velvety character of Right-Bank Bordeaux. Enjoy it alongside beef bourguignon, charcuterie boards, or roasted chicken.
      
611. Edmond De Rothschild Chateau Des Laurets Baron Selection Parcellaire 2018 : 8Wines : GBP38.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Acquired and renovated by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild in 2003, Château des Laurets is located on the Puisseguin limestone plateau, not far from Montagne St Emilion, on one of the most beautiful terroirs of the region, capable of guaranteeing the best expression of Merlot. Thanks to his enormous experience, Baron Rothschild has been able to grasp the enormous potential of the Chateau des Laurets vineyard, producing this exceptional wine only in the best years and from selected plots of Merlot. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand and then subjected to cold pre-fermentation maceration and vinification in wooden vats. The Baron Selection Parcellaire is a powerful wine that expresses all the typicity and character of the best Bordeaux Merlot. It shows a deep and dense color with purple tones. The nose reveals a broad and intense aromatic profile with notes of ripe cherry, dark fruits, and hints of wood. On the palate, it is characterful, elegant, and harmonious, with a delicious concentration of fruit and velvety tannins. The finish is long and recalls light-toasted notes. It can rest in the cellar for a few years, but if you can’t resist opening a bottle, serve it with roast lamb.
      
612. Edmond De Rothschild Chateau Clarke 2020 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to open it an hour before serving. Château Clarke is named after the Irish family who bought the estate in 1771. After more than two centuries of winemaking, in 1973 the property was acquired by Baron Edmond de Rothschild who dreamed of owning a small and intimate vineyard of which he would make his masterpiece. With his strong passion, he has managed to make Château Clarke one of the most prestigious wineries in his appellation. Edmond de Rothschild Chateau Clarke is an elegant blend of 70 % Merlot and 30 % Cabernet Sauvignon with a completely original Médoc typicality. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean brings to the terroir a freshness that is found in the aromatic brilliance of the wine. A terroir that proves to be very favorable to the cultivation of the Merlot grape variety, in a region more traditionally known for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine shows a beautiful red color with purple edges. The nose is filled with finely roasted aromas with sappy cedar scents, and notes of blackcurrant and black cherries. On the palate, it is dense, rich, and straightforward quickly revealing silky and delicate tannins. There is a beautiful freshness and a long finish that is both tasty and sugary. It’s clearly a food friendly wine and works deliciously with beef.
      
613. Edmond De Rothschild Chateau Clarke Le Merle Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Baron Edmond de Rothschild has ruled the Chateau Clarke since 1973 when he bought it from the homonymous Irish family. This is an enchanting place in the Listrac Médoc appellation whose beautifully structured garden alone shows the nobility of this fertile land. Renowned since the 12th century, the 54-hectare vineyard on clay-limestone hills gives pride of place to Merlot grapes but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. The grapes are selected and harvested manually in the cool morning hours. A light pressing follows in the cellar. The must is fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks (80%) and partly in new barriques. Finally, the wines are aged for five months in stainless steel tanks. Le Merle Blanc de Château Clarke shines with a straw yellow color with green-gold reflections. On the nose, first, it surprises with an intense and complex bouquet of sun-ripened citrus fruits and white flowers, then after swirling a bit, there are notes of white peach and gooseberry. The palate is dominated by aromatic citrus fruits. The wine is elegant and fresh, at the same time round and balanced, with a fullness of juicy fruit and well integrated oak. Try it with vegetarian summer dishes, grilled fish, and seafood or Vietnamese cuisine.
      
614. Edmond De Rothschild Chateau Roubine Amista Cru Classe Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP23.20
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. A beautiful salmon pink in the glass, this Rosé from Chateau Roubine is loaded with delicate scents of peach, pear, raspberry, and citrus, with a solid backbone of minerality. It comes from Provence, the home of Rosé, on France’s sun-soaked southern coast, and is crafted from the prevailing local varieties: 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 10% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah. Chateau Roubine is one of the wineries under the great Edmond de Rothschild umbrella, forged out of a friendship between St. Tropez native Valerie Rousselle and Ariana de Rothschild. It has been a Provence stalwart since the 15th century and remains the benchmark of excellence in this famous Rosé region. Amista envelopes the mouth in sharp notes of grapefruit, round hints of white orchard peach, and sapid, bitter hints of lemon zest. There are also floral undercurrents, which come to the fore on the finish, alongside a steely minerality. All of the fruits came from cru-class vineyards, growing on the Chateau Roubine estate. It is a sophisticated and highly drinkable wine, with vivacious acidity. Consider pairing it with light, summery foods, such as white fish, a crisp salad, or soft cheese.
      
615. Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Premier Cru Le Clou D'orge 2022 : 8Wines : GBP38.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. With its long family tradition of five generations, the Domaine Chevalier is one of the most prestigious cellars in the Ladoix area, a renowned appellation of Burgundy. The estate, founded in 1850, today extends over about 15 hectares of vineyards, managed by Chloe Chevalier daughter of Claude who also deals with the work in the cellar. The two sisters of Chloe, Anais, and Julie, take care of the administration and promotion of the company's wines. The Pinot Noir grapes for this elegant cuvée are meticulously selected and harvested by hand from a vineyard of about 2 and a half hectares that enjoys south-east exposure and clay-limestone soils. The vines, which are about 40 years old, are located at an altitude of about 300 meters. The Ladoix 1er cru Le Clou d'Orge has a bright and limpid color with dark red tones. The nose reveals a large and complex aromatic profile with notes of currants, red berries, and cherries, and then hints of undergrowth and humus. On the palate, it is a classy and balanced wine. It has a refreshing acidity, a medium body, and silky tannins. It is lively and juicy with an elegant long finish. In food pairings, it is very versatile: it is excellent with mushroom risotto, rabbit stew, or with guinea fowl filled with chestnuts.
      
616. Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Chevalier is one of the most renowned wineries in the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. The estate owns around 15 hectares of vineyards managed by Claude Chevalier, who, in 1994, took over the property created by his great-grandfather Emile in 1850. Today, Claude is supported by his 3 daughters, who help him both in the vineyard and in the administrative work of the winery. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the prestigious Burgundian appellation of Ladoix where the soils have a limestone consistency covered with calcareous flint debris that give the wines a good structure and an attractive and fragrant character. The Ladoix Rouge from Domaine Chevalier has a bright ruby ​​color and a broad aromatic profile with fruity notes of cherries and currants and gentle hints of sweet spices in the background. On the palate, it has a medium body and smooth and well-integrated tannins. It is soft and harmonious with a good fruit concentration and a long and elegant finish. It is ready to drink now but shows a clear potential to age well for a few years. It pairs well with duck and goose, or coq au vin.
      
617. Domaine Chevalier Aloxe-corton 2023 : 8Wines : GBP40.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Created by Emile Dubois, the Chevalier estate has a long family tradition spanning over 5 generations and nearly 180 years. Today, the estate, run by Claude and his 3 daughters, owns vineyards covering around 15 hectares spread across some of the most renowned appellations in Burgundy, including Aloxe-Corton, Ladoix, and Gevrey-Chambertin. The Pinot Noir grapes are carefully selected from a plot of about 1.5 hectares with 25-year-old vines, located in the Aloxe Corton appellation. The vinification takes place in the traditional way, with a period of cold pre-maceration followed by fermentation in thermoregulated vats. The finished wine then rests for a year in oak barrels (a quarter of which are new). This elegant Aloxe Corton shows an intense color with dark ruby tones. Its aromatic profile is broad and mature, with notes of currant and candied cherry, spicy hints, and caramel. On the palate, it is round and fleshy, balanced and smooth. It is vigorous but soft, with a pleasant balance and a good fruit concentration. The finish is long and fresh. It is an excellent match for game birds served with spicy sauces, with hare or Vacherin cheese.
      
618. Domaine Chevalier Ladoix Premier Cru Les Grechons 2023 : 8Wines : GBP79.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Cote de Beaune, in the village of Ladoix-Serrigny, Domaine Chevalier was founded by Emile Dubois in 1850 and then taken over by his great-grandson Claude Chevalier in the 1990s. Today, the Domaine is recognized as one of the most prestigious estates in Burgundy, with its 15 hectares of vineyards spread across the region. The Chardonnay grapes for the Ladoix Premier Cru Les Grechons come from a hillside vineyard of about half a hectare with vines over 25 years old planted on white soil. The long fermentation (from 6 to 12 weeks) takes place in oak barrels where the wine then rests for 10-12 months before clarification. This splendid Chardonnay has a brilliant color with light golden tones and some delicate greenish reflections. On the nose, it reveals a fresh and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of citrus, pear, ripe apple, and peach, followed by floral and spicy scents. On the palate, it is round and medium-bodied. It has a velvety texture and a pleasantly refreshing acidity. The finish is long and elegant and recalls light notes of hazelnut. It is excellent with fish in white sauce, sushi, and goat cheese.
      
619. Domaine Chevalier Cremant De Bourgogne : 8Wines : GBP19.15
Drink it now. No need to decant. The history of the Domaine Chevalier began in 1850, when Emile Dubois, great-grandfather of the current owner Claude Chevalier purchased vineyards in the Ladoix area in Burgundy. Located in Ladoix-Serrigny, today the Domaine is led by Claude assisted by his 3 daughters, Julie in charge of the promotion, Anais, who deals with the administration, and Chloé who manages the vineyards and the cellar. This delightful Cremant de Bourgogne is a classic sparkling wine produced with white grapes (mainly Chardonnay) according to the traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle. The wine rests on its lees for 18 months before being disgorged and released on the market. This fresh and youthful sparkling wine has a straw yellow color with fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it reveals a lively aromatic profile with floral notes of pear and peach blossoms, lemon peel, and stone fruit. On the palate, it is pleasantly refreshing with a good creamy and silky texture and a delicately fruity character. The acidity is well balanced and the finish is gently mineral. It makes an elegant aperitif on its own or with deep-fried finger foods such as stuffed courgette flowers. It is also excellent with vegetarian risottos.
      
620. Champagne Devaux Coeur Des Bar Rose : 8Wines : GBP41.47
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in 1846, Champagne Devaux is a historic family-run company located in Bar-en-Seine, in the heart of the Cote des Bar. The Champagne House, which passed to the Union Auboise in 1987 due to the lack of heirs in the family, owns around 140 hectares of vineyards cultivated using sustainable practices, with full respect for nature and the terroir. Coeur des Bar Rose is a blend of a majority of Pinot Noir (part of which is vinified in red and a small part in rosé with the 'saignée' technique) and about a fifth of Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from vineyards located in Montgueux, Vitry, and Côte des Bar. After vinification, reserve wines are added for a 20-25% of the blend. This delicious rosé champagne reveals a bright color with salmon pink tones and a lively and fruity aromatic profile with notes of wildflowers and small red fruits. On the palate, it is fresh and round, juicy and delicious with fine bubbles which give a creamy texture, and a long finish characterized by a sweet note of ripe fruit. It is excellent as an aperitif, served with mixed salads or charcuterie, and it works perfectly with grilled prawns.
      
621. Champagne Egly-ouriet Les Premices : 8Wines : GBP64.34
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Les Premices open up with a focused nose of citrus, brioche, white flowers, and hints of tropical fruits. It is an incredibly dry wine, with a dosage of just 1g/l, allowing every nuance of the terroir to shine through. It is a blend of the three classic Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Egly-Ouriet is a fourth-generation Champagne house, drawing from 12 hectares of vineyards in Ambonnay. It gained a cult following in the 1980s, under the leadership of Francis Egly, and while it may still be a small-scale, family-run winery, the quality of its wines speaks volumes. Those at the winery prefer to create single-vineyard wines - Les Premicesis a 3.5-hectare Premier Cru plot, notable for its precise and mineral-rich Champagnes. There is a fine mousse-like feel on the palate, contrasted by a strong acidic drive and precise minerality. Its flavours evoke white orchard fruits, citrus zest, freshly baked bread, and wet slate. Aged for 3 years on the lees before bottling, this is a fantastic wine for pairing with shellfish, soft cheese, or simply for serving as an aperitif.
      
622. Jaffelin Beaune Premier Cru Sur Les Greves Clos Sainte Anne Monopole 2022 : 8Wines : GBP47.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Present in Beaune, Burgundy since 1816, Maison Jaffelin now belongs to the Boisset wine group, while maintaining full purchasing independence. It has been led by Marinette Garnier since 2011. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a small, monopole plot in the upper part of the Premier Cru Sur les Greves, atop the slope of the Beaune mountain. Here, the old vines, which produce low yields, are rooted in shallow, calcareous soils and benefit from an eastern exposure. The plot's name pays homage to the mother of the Virgin Mary (considered the mother of humanity), because in the early 20th century, it belonged to a community of nuns who cared for the orphans of Beaune. After manual harvesting and vinification with a three-week maceration, the finished wine ages for approximately 18 months in French oak, approximately half of which is new. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and transparent color with ruby ​​hues. Its aromatic profile is fresh and fragrant with delicious fruity notes of strawberries and small red berries, followed by a delicate oak note. On the palate, it is smooth, succulent, and elegant, with a refreshing, juicy character and a long finish with light savory touches. It pairs perfectly with game birds and grilled pork.
      
623. Jaffelin Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP14.80
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1816, the Jaffelin house is located in Beaune, Burgundy, where it occupies the ancient 12th-century cellars of the Chapitre of Notre-Dame. The company, now part of the Boisset group, is considered the smallest of Burgundy's great estates and produces excellent wines from both small villages like Rully and more famous appellations such as Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The Chardonnay grapes come from Burgundy's foothill vineyards, with soils of varying composition (marly and calcareous-marly, whitish or light gray, deep and slightly stony) depending on the geographical area. After manual harvesting and vinification, the finished wine ages for 11 months in used oak barrels before bottling. Jaffelin Bourgogne Chardonnay is a fresh and mineral regional wine with a bright yellow color and golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and broad, with notes of citrus and pear, ripe apple, and apricot, and some light hints of butter. On the palate, it is lively and refreshing, juicy and smooth, with good fruit concentration and well-balanced acidity. It is the ideal wine for an elegant aperitif and pairs well with cured meats and goat cheeses, as well as, of course, white fish and shellfish.
      
624. Jaffelin Rully Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.24
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Considered one of Burgundy's historic estates, Maison Jaffelin, now part of the Boisset group, is located in the historic center of Beaune in the heart of French Burgundy. The company, founded in 1816, produces a wide range of white and red wines under the guidance of winemaker Marinette Garnier. The Chardonnay grapes come from a plot surrounded by forest and located southwest of the village of Rully, above the famous Les Pucelles 1er Cru in the Côte Chalonnaise. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats. The wine is then transferred to oak barrels (80% used) for a period of aging on the lees, but without batonnage to preserve the wine's freshness. The result is an expressive and lively wine with a clear, brilliant color with golden tones and greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of tropical fruit, yellow apple, and banana, and floral hints on a light vanilla background. On the palate, it is fruit-forward, smooth, and linear, with a fresh, well-balanced acidity and a pronounced minerality. The finish is long and pleasantly fruity. It is a youthful and food-friendly wine that pairs well with fish, white meat, cheeses, and many vegetarian recipes.
      
625. Jaffelin Chablis 2024 : 8Wines : GBP27.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, Maison Jaffelin is a French winery now part of the Boisset Group. Winemaking takes place in the prestigious cellars of the 12th-century Notre Dame Chapitre in the historic center of Beaune, and is led by winemaker Marinette Garnier. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Chablis wine region in northern Burgundy, where the Kimmeridgian soils and cool microclimate favor the production of high-quality white wines renowned for their lively acidity and pronounced minerality. After manual harvesting and fermentation in stainless steel, the finished wine ages for nine months in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, crisp character (although occasionally a small portion may mature in large, used oak barrels). In the glass, the wine reveals a clear and brilliant color with pale straw tones and green highlights. Its aromatic profile is fresh and vibrant, with notes of green apple, lemon, and grapefruit, and hints of flint. On the palate, it is lean, citric, lively, and clean, with bright acidity and a distinct minerality. The finish is long and savory. It is the ideal wine for fish and shellfish. It pairs perfectly with sushi, oysters, and steamed white fish. Also worth trying with mushroom omelettes.
      
626. Jaffelin Cremant De Bourgogne Blanc De Blancs Brut : 8Wines : GBP19.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant Maison Jaffelin is a French winery founded in 1816 and headquartered in Beaune, Burgundy, in the ancient 12th-century cellars of Chapitre Notre Dame, located in the historic city center. Renowned for producing high-quality, terroir-focused wines, the company is now part of the Boisset Group and has been led by Marinette Garnier since 2011. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from various vineyards within the Bourgogne appellation. Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs is a stylish sparkling wine produced using the traditional method (the same as Champagne) and aged for at least 15 months on the lees. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant straw yellow color with golden highlights, enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is expressive and fresh, with floral and citrus notes, aromas of green apple and pear, and hints of brioche and butter. On the palate, it is lively, smooth, and fresh, with a creamy, effervescent texture and a good concentration of fruit. The finish is long and delicate. This is a youthful wine that can make an excellent aperitif on its own, but also pairs deliciously with seafood, scallops, or shrimp tempura.
      
627. Figuiere Premiere De Figuiere Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. Provence may be famous for its rosé, but those at Figuière Winery know how to make a fine white wine. Figuière was founded in 1991 when wine-maker Alain Combard returned from the esteemed Burgundy appellation of Chablis to his home on the French Riviera. Figuière has always been a family affair, and now it is in the safe hands of Alain’s three children, François, Magali and Delphine. Première is the winery’s oldest range of cuvées, representing a pure expression of Provence’s decidedly Mediterranean terroir. If you are new to the region or the winery, Première is the place to start. They are wines of distinction and elegance, available in a rosé style, red, or this, the wonderful Première de Figuiere Blanc. Crafted from Vermentino and Sémillon, this is a deeply aromatic white wine with a brilliant golden hue. It is packed with scents of white stone fruits, white flowers, and subtle hints of scrubland herbs, such as rosemary and fennel. The fruits were picked and processed separately, before being blended in stainless steel vats. The palate reveals incredible purity of fruit, wrapped up in a round, smooth-drinking mouthfeel. The wine’s minerality and herbaceousness provide satisfying depth and stretch into the long finish. Consider pairing it with white fish, served with a creamy sauce.
      
628. Louis Michel & Fils Chablis 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Look for pure citrus fruits and strong minerals in the nose of this Chablis. It is incredibly clean and precise, thanks to Louis Michel & Fils' no-oaking policy. Unlike the other Chablis wines that you might see from this winery, this wine was not sourced from a single vineyard. The Chardonnay came from eight premium locations across Chablis and is intended to capture the character of the entire region. Louis Michel & Fils winery has been a vital part of Chablis since the winery's foundation in the 19th century, helping to shape that pure, mineral character that is loved across the world. These days it is managed by Jean-Loup Michel and his nephew Guillaume Gicqueau-Miche, who source their grapes from a patchwork collection of 25 hectares in the heart of Chablis. Chiming notes of citrus fruit, peach and wet stone appear on the palate. This Chablis is an attractive lemon yellow in the glass, hinting at the fresh acidity that courses through it. It also has a round, dense mouthfeel, with a certain steeliness that is typical of the region. It is recommended to let this wine age in the bottle for one year, but you can easily keep it for longer. Consider pairing this Chablis with seafood, rabbit, or white meat.
      
629. Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant or air for up to 30 minutes before serving. Since the 19th century, the family-owned Louis Michel & Fils winery has been an integral part of Chablis, helping to shape that steely character that is adored across the world. The region’s frosty winters and scorching summers make it a challenging place to grow grapes - but manager Guillaume Michel has a wealth of knowledge to draw from, and has succeeded in creating some of the finest, terroir-driven white wines that Burgundy has to offer. This wine comes from the Premier Cru of “Butteaux”, in the western half of the Montmains valley. Grapes are harvested from four different tracts of land on the precipitous slopes, before making a short 2km journey back to the cellar - where the magic happens. This Premier Cru exhibits a complex, well-rounded nose, with notes of baked apple, honey and yeast, supported by whiffs of brushy undergrowth and minerality. On the palate, this is a perfect example of unoaked Chardonnay. Glossy notes of citrus and green apple envelope the mouth from the start, followed by hints of honey and a melody of minerality - limestone, wet rock and salt. The finish is long and driven by a pleasant acidity. Pair it with delicate seafood, or lean game meat such as rabbit.
      
630. Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Premier Cru Forets 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant or air for up to 30 minutes before serving. One of the things that makes Louis Michel & Fils so special is that from the vineyard to the bottle, their grapes never have to travel more than 2km. The winery has been immersed in the heart of the Chablis terroir since the 19th century, and it creates an incredible range of steely wines that reflect that fact. This wine is a great introduction to one of Chablis’ most interesting Premier Crus. In “Forets”, the bedrock lies extremely close to the roots of the vines - in some spots, just a few centimetres under the ground. This gifts the wine with a rich minerality and that unmistakable gunflint note which has become highly sought after across the world. Rich and spicy fruit aromas waft from the neck of this bottle, mingling with more delicate notes of hedgerow, raw chocolate and pepper. It contains some remarkably bold flavours for a Chardonnay and is definitely worthy of cellaring in the long term. On the palate, look for lemon, white-fleshed fruits, gunsmoke and chalk, with the slightest hint of aniseed. The finish is crisp and moreish. Consider combining this wine with a harder cheese, such as Beaufort or Comté, or any kind of seafood dish.
      
631. Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant or air for up to 30 minutes before serving. If you’re searching for a wine that captures the essence of Chablis in a bottle, look no further - Guillaume Michel's winemaking philosophy is centred on the importance of terroir-driven wines. The grapes used in Louis Michel & Fils' wines are harvested from some of the most esteemed vineyards in Chablis, most of which fall within a 2km radius of the winery itself. Located southwest of the town of Chablis, “Vaillons” is one of the largest Premier Crus in the region and is frequently divided into other, smaller Premier Crus. The 129-hectare patch of land is defined by its warmer climate, its Kimmeridgian soils, and the delicate, floral and sometimes spicy character of its wines. This is a blend of several Vaillons Premier Crus, replete with scents of pear, apple, lemon, toasted nuts and hints of tobacco. It is a warm and comforting wine - typical of this specific location. On the palate, the tasting experience blossoms with strong notes of minerality, and rich, all-encompassing flavours of green apple, peach, orange and other citrus fruits. The finish is refreshing, driven along by vivacious acidity and mineral notes. Serve this wine slightly chilled, with buttery scallops, smoked trout or a cheesy snack like gougères.
      
632. Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Premier Cru Montmain 2023 : 8Wines : GBP30.30
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant or air for up to 30 minutes before serving. Guillaume Michel has managed to masterfully capture the essence of the Chablis terroir, resulting in wines with a distinct steely character that is synonymous with the region. What sets Louis Michel & Fils apart from other Burgundy wineries is their unwavering commitment to excellence and their wealth of generational knowledge. Louis Michel & Fils has been embedded in the scenic Chablis landscape since the 19th century. They have a tremendous portfolio of vineyards, including a smattering of Premier Crus. “Montmain” is an early-ripening vineyard lying on a clay hillside, which bestows its wines with an elegant, racy character. This particular wine was sourced from 4 different parcels of land on the left bank of the Serein River. It is 100% Chardonnay, bursting with aromas of ripe, sweet citrus fruits and green-skinned apples. The palate is focused and carries no dead weight - look for lively notes of candied lemon, orange and pear, supported by a classically “Chablis” vein of minerality. You can also discover hints of almond and yeast, gained from spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The grapes spend up to 16 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. Serve it slightly chilled alongside an elegant fish dish or a hard cheese such as Beaufort.
      
633. Francois Carillon Bourgogne Cote D'or Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP39.16
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Domaine Francois Carillon is located in Puligny Montrachet in the heart of Burgundy. The vineyards of the estate are part of the heritage of the Carillon family known in the area since 1500. After years of working in the family business, Francois decided, in 2010, to split the family vineyard with his brother and found his own company. The Chardonnay grapes come from three plots located in the A.O.C. Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, on clay-limestone soil. Here, the vines, aged between 33 and 59 years, are cultivated in an environmentally friendly way according to the biodynamic regime and without the use of chemicals. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, where the finished wine then rests for about a year. Bourgogne Cote d'Or Blanc is a fresh and lively wine with an elegant and delicate aromatic profile. On the nose it reveals aromas of green apple and white peach, white flowers and pear with a gentle hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is round and balanced. It has a refreshing acidity and a good concentration of fruit. The finish is long and deliciously fruity. Try it with scallops, grilled white fish or soft cheeses. It is also excellent on its own as an aperitif.
      
634. Francois Carillon Puligny-montrachet 2023 : 8Wines : GBP78.36
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The François Carillon estate is based in the AOC Puligny Montrachet, where his family has been cultivating vines since 1500. After years of working in the family business, Francois decided to undertake a solo project, dividing the family vineyards with his brother. His estate now extends over approximately 16 hectares, where Chardonnay reigns supreme. In just a few years, Francois Carillon has quickly earned a reputation for his refined, high-quality wines. Puilgny-Montrachet is a long-lived and very elegant wine produced with Chardonnay grapes from a vineyard of four hectares, distributed in 8 different locations, Derrière la Velle, Reuchaux, Corvée, Levrons, Aubues, Tremblots, Les Noyer Bret and Les Rousselles. The vines, aged between 19 and 49 years, are rooted into clay and limestone soils. The finished wine rests in oak barrels for at least 12 months followed by a further 6 months in steel tanks. The wine reveals a fragrant aromatic profile with pleasant fruity notes of citrus and stone fruit, floral aromas, and some hints of butter and hazelnut. On the palate, it is voluminous and concentrated, fresh and balanced. It has a lively and well-integrated acidity and a long and elegant finish. Try it with roast chicken or lobster.
      
635. Francois Carillon Puligny-montrachet Les Enseignieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP85.28
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 2010, Domaine François Carillon is one of the most renowned wineries in the Côte de Beaune. The Carillon family has been known in Puligny Montrachet for over 5 centuries, and Francois worked in the family business for several years before deciding to embark on his own project and split the family vineyards with his brother. Today, his estate extends over 16 hectares of beautiful vineyards, where Chardonnay (90%), Aligoté and Pinot Noir are grown. This splendid Puligny Montrachet is made with Chardonnay grapes sourced from the 1er cru Les Enseignères vineyard located just below the Grand Cru Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet on clay and limestone soils. After manual harvest and vinification in oak barrels, the wine rests for about 6 months in vats, before being bottled following the biodynamic calendar. Quintessential Puligny Montrachet, this wine has an intense and broad aromatic profile with notes of pink grapefruit, kumquat, and honey, followed by mineral notes. On the palate, it is deep and rounded, concentrated and extremely elegant, with a long and persistent finish and a firm and noble character. It is the perfect wine for chicken supreme, roasted white fish, or lobster.
      
636. Francois Carillon Puligny-montrachet Premier Cru Champ Gain 2023 : 8Wines : GBP112.10
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. The prestigious Burgundian winery, Francois Carillon, was founded in 2010, but the Carillon family's winemaking tradition dates back a long way, beginning in Puligny with Jehan Carillon in 1520. Today, the estate's vineyards extend across 16 hectares, spread across the Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Saint-Aubin appellations, where Chardonnay reigns supreme. The Chardonnay grapes are selected from the approximately two-hectare Premier Cru Champ Gain plot, located high on the slope next to the Murgers des Dents de Chien in Saint-Aubin. Here, the vines, over fifty years old, are rooted in a clay-limestone soil dotted with small pebbles, which favors a slow ripening of the grapes. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant straw-yellow color with golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and linear, with notes of lime, white peach, and pear, followed by mineral and spicy notes. On the palate, it is elegant, energetic, and fresh, with a delicate minerality and a long, slightly savory finish. It is a wine that can appear shy at first but then reveals all its expressiveness and refinement. Leave it in the cellar for a few years or enjoy it with lemon and herb roast chicken.
      
637. Francois Carillon Puligny-montrachet Premier Cru Les Perrieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP156.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Francois Carillon is a well-known winemaker in Burgundy. His family has been rooted in the region since the 1500s, and after working in the family business with his brother Jacques for a long time, Francois founded his winery in 2010. The 16 hectares of vineyards come from the family inheritance and are mainly located in the Puligny Montrachet area. The Chardonnay grapes are selected from two plots located in the center of Puligny Perrières, with vines over 50 years old. After manual harvesting, the bunches are pressed whole. The must ferments in barrels where it remains for a year. The maturation is then completed in tanks for a further 12 months. The Premier Cru Les Perrières is a wine of great elegance that reveals extraordinary aging potential. The color is clear and has lemon-yellow tones. The aromatic profile is fresh and powerful with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and green apple followed by mineral and smoky hints. The minerality returns strongly on the palate. It has a medium body and a marked acidity that gives it a youthful and refreshing character. The finish is long. Try it with chicken and shrimp stir fry, with scallops au gratin, or with pumpkin ravioli.
      
638. Chateau De Fieuzal Blanc 2015 : 8Wines : GBP57.98
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This white from the banks of the Gironde is a focused, medium to full-bodied wine, bursting with aromas of white flowers, orchard fruits, buttered pastry, and ripe citrus fruits. It was made with Sauvignon Blanc, bringing considerable structure and attack, and Sémillion, which brings a strong aromatic quality and sweet fruit notes. The land around Chateau de Fieuzal has been recognised for its quality since the 19th century when its bottles sat on the tables of Pope Léon XIII. In the history of the winery, it has passed through the hands of five different families, before being acquired by Irish business duo Brenda and Lochlann Quinn in 2001. Chateau de Fieuzal’s Blanc begins with a silky, harmonious palate of grapefruit and green apple, nutmeg, minerality, and plenty of oak. It’s rare to find a white wine of this calibre, balancing power and elegance perfectly. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant fruit, accounting for about 65% of the blend, and both the Sauvignon and Sémillion spent a year ageing in French oak before release. The finish is long and packed with ginger zest. Consider pairing this wine with roast poultry or rich fish dishes.
      
639. Chateau De Fieuzal Blanc 2019 : 8Wines : GBP57.98
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This white from the banks of the Gironde is a focused, medium to full-bodied wine, bursting with aromas of white flowers, orchard fruits, buttered pastry, and ripe citrus fruits. It was made with Sauvignon Blanc, bringing considerable structure and attack, and Sémillion, which brings a strong aromatic quality and sweet fruit notes. The land around Chateau de Fieuzal has been recognised for its quality since the 19th century when its bottles sat on the tables of Pope Léon XIII. In the history of the winery, it has passed through the hands of five different families, before being acquired by Irish business duo Brenda and Lochlann Quinn in 2001. Chateau de Fieuzal’s Blanc begins with a silky, harmonious palate of grapefruit and green apple, nutmeg, minerality, and plenty of oak. It’s rare to find a white wine of this calibre, balancing power and elegance perfectly. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant fruit, accounting for about 65% of the blend, and both the Sauvignon and Sémillion spent a year ageing in French oak before release. The finish is long and packed with ginger zest. Consider pairing this wine with roast poultry or rich fish dishes.
      
640. Chateau De Fieuzal 2019 : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located near the French Gironde estuary, in the Pessac-Léognan AOC, Château de Fieuzal has very ancient origins dating back to the 16th century, when it was founded by the Gardères family. In the following century, the estate became the property of the Fieuzal family until 1851, when the last descendant of the family died. Since 2001, the business has been owned by Irish husband and wife team Brenda and Lochlann Quinn, and since 2007 operations have been managed by Stephen Carrier. The company vineyards extend over more than 70 hectares planted with vines of about 30 years of age, which benefit from an exceptional terroir with soils covered with millenary gravel. The blend includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. After the manual selection of the grapes and controlled temperature fermentation, the wine was aged in oak barrels for 12-18 months. Château de Fieuzal has a deep red color and a broad and complex aromatic profile with notes of blackberry, black cherry, and forest berries and some hints of spice and mineral nuances. On the palate, the wine is dense with a well-balanced structure and silky, well-integrated tannins. The long and concentrated finish recalls fruity notes. Perfect with Filet Mignon or a juicy Chateaubriand.
      
641. Geantet-pansiot Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2022 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant it but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Burgundy, the Domaine Geantet Pansiot was founded in 1954 and is now managed by the son and grandson of the founders Edmond Geantet and Bernadette Pansiot. The company now covers 13 hectares of vines, distributed in some of the most prestigious dominations of the region: Clos Vougeot, Gevrey Chambertin, Marsannay, Charmes Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny, and Bourgogne. Their motto "Être sobre, c'est boire bon", written on the label, sums up the hedonistic spirit of these wines, with a concentrated and elegant character. The Pinot Fin of Domaine Geantet-Pansiot is a wine of great elegance. The Pinot Noir grapes come from young vines planted on a clayey-limestone terroir. The wine is aged for 14 months in barrels (of which 30% is new oak). The result is a perfumed wine that displays all the elegance and finesse typical of the wines of the Domaine. The aromatic profile of the wine reveals intense notes of raspberries, currants, wild berries, and dried flowers followed by spicy hints. On the palate, the wine is full and soft, fresh and fruity, with fine tannins. The finish is long and refreshing. It goes beautifully with tuna and salmon and also with quail.
      
642. Chateau La Garde 2019 : 8Wines : GBP24.67
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan area of ​​the Bordeaux wine region, Château La Garde has been part of the Maison Dourthe since 1990. The estate's vineyards span over 52 hectares in a single plot in the municipality of Martillac, and benefit from a very varied terroir (27 different types of soil, with veins of clay and sand) which guarantees the production of a harmonious and elegant wine. Chateau La Garde is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in almost equal parts with a small addition of Petit Verdot. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, one-third of which are new. The wine reveals a deep and brilliant red color with some shades tending towards purple. Its aromatic profile is deliciously fruity with notes of ripe strawberry and dark plum, currants, and other wild berries followed by hints of tobacco and sweet spices. On the palate, it is fresh and exuberant, juicy and intense, warm and soft. It has a good structure and marked fine tannins. The finish is long with a slightly spicy aftertaste. Try it with a rack of lamb or roast beef. It is also excellent with semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda or Mimolette.
      
643. Domaine A.f. Gros Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Clos Des Guettes 2021 : 8Wines : GBP66.96
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for an hour before serving. Clos des Guettes opens with an expressive nose of red cherries, raspberries, iron-rich earth, violets and spice, with subtle umami hints of mushroom as it opens up. Made with 100% Pinot Noir, it was sourced from a prestigious old-growth vineyard in Savigny-lès-Beaune, planted on gravelly, well-drained soils. Domaine A.F. Gros takes its name from Anne-Francoise, who inherited the land from her father in 1988. It is a small-scale family winery, these days owned and operated by Anne’s children, Julie, Paul, and Marine. Like the three other Gros family wineries in Burgundy, it is mostly associated with the appellation of Vosne-Romanee, where the soils are perfectly suited for top-class Pinot Noir. The younger generation, however, have expanded the estate outside of the family's traditional lands, and vinify their grapes in Beaune. In the mouth, this wine is medium-bodied and well-structured, with flavours of red hedgerow berries and sour cherry. Fine tannins and crisp acidity dance around subtle notes of cassis and forest floor. This is a superb Premier Cru at a reasonable price, with plenty of room for ageing in the cellar. Consider pairing it with roasted poultry, braised meats, or aged cheeses.
      
644. Domaine A.f. Gros Chambolle Musigny 2022 : 8Wines : GBP102.37
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for an hour before serving. This Chambolle-Musigny by A.F. Gros is an ethereal, garnet-coloured wine with an elegant bouquet of cassis, red currant, and liquorice and purple flowers, with underlying hints of herbs and red earth. It is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, plucked from across 5 plots and 10 hectares that wrap around this famous village in the Côte de Nuits. The Gros family and the region of Vosne-Romanee go hand in hand. In 1988, the family estate was divided, and Anne-Francoise inherited a significant portion of the domain from her father Jean. It encompasses 11 hectares of prime Pinot Noir soil, and has since spread outside of the family’s home region, to famous appellations such as Beaujolais and the picturesque Chambolle-Musigny. This wine is silky and refined - it melts in the mouth with flavours of sweet black cherry jam, red currant, bramble raspberry, and more than a hint of liquorice, cinnamon, and dried herbs. Velvety tannins impart a viscous feeling in the mouth and marry with vibrant acidity to impart a considerable structure. It will soften with some time in the cellar. Consider pairing it with roasted red meats, aged cheeses, or truffle dishes.
      
645. Domaine A.f. Gros Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Enjoy now or cellar for a few more years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. This Pinot Noir is a vibrant, ruby-red wine with an inviting bouquet of red hedgerow berries, ripe cherries, and subtle earthy notes of mushroom. It is an excellent showcase of France’s premier Pinot Noir region, using grapes sourced from three separate parcels, from estate-owned vineyards in Pommard and Volnay. Domaine A.F. Gros is a small-scale family winery, created in 1988 when the Gros family split the estate. This branch was taken over by Anne-Francoise, a renowned winemaker, who handed over the reins to her children in 2019. It is one of three Gros-owned estates founded in Vosne-Romanee, spanning 11 hectares in some of Burgundy’s finest appellations, such as Pommard, Volnay, and Beaujolais. This is a silky, light- to medium-bodied affair, with a hint of that famed Pommard attack and sharp flavours of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, supported by crisp acidity. Before release, the wine spent 12 months ageing in oak barrels. It is made for enjoying in its youth and inherits a vibrant energy from the calcareous soils where it was grown. It will pair wonderfully with poultry, charcuterie, and vegetarian pasta dishes.
      
646. Domaine A.f. Gros Vosne-romanee Aux Reas 2023 : 8Wines : GBP109.63
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for an hour before serving. Aux Réas is A.F. Gros’ signature wine, a complex, medium- to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a deep core of red fruits. It is a deep ruby in the glass, exhibiting an elegant bouquet of sour red cherries, wild raspberries, and violets, with hints of gravel and Burgundy earth. It was sourced from the prestigious Vosne-Romanée appellation, the winemaking homeland of the Gros family. A.F. Gros is one of three Gros family wineries located within the renowned region of Vosne-Romanee, established in 1988 when it was handed down by Jean Gros to his daughter Anne-Francoise. These days it is run by her children, who source their grapes from 11 hectares of ideal Pinot Noir-growing soil, and vinify their wines in the appellation of Beaune. Aux Réas is wound around a core of ripe red fruits - look for notes of cranberry, raspberry, and cherry, with hints of liquorice and forest floor as the wine opens up. It shows an excellent structure, and is consistently one of the greatest wines in the A.F. Gros range. Finely grained, grippy tannins and balanced acidity lead into a satisfying finish with a cleansing minerality. Aux Réas will be a superb partner for roasted game, poultry, aged cheeses, or a charcuterie board.
      
647. Guigal Hermitage Rouge 2018 : 8Wines : GBP54.68
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded by Etienne Guigal in 1946, Domaine Guigal is a renowned winery in the Rhone Valley with vineyards spread across the most prestigious appellations in the area, including Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Condrieu. Since 1961, the company has been led by Marcel, Etienne's son, who is now supported by his son Philippe. Over the years, the Domaine has also acquired other properties such as Château d’Ampuis, in 1995. Domaine Guigal’s Hermitage Rouge is a benchmark among the region’s wines. The Syrah grapes are harvested manually from vines of around 30 years old located in Beaumes, Méal, Bessards, and Hermite on calcareous-clayey and sandy-gravelly soils. After vinification in stainless steel, the finished wine is aged in oak barrels (50% new). In the glass, the wine displays a splendid intense ruby ​​color with brilliant purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with notes of small red fruits and spices interspersed with light woody notes. On the palate, it is intense and full-bodied, concentrated and juicy with firm and well-integrated tannins and a long finish that recalls licorice and spices. It is the ideal wine to serve with lamb tagine or canard confit.
      
648. Chateau De Nalys Chateauneuf Du Pape 2019 : 8Wines : GBP58.33
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Chateau de Nalys is one of the oldest and most iconic estates in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Rhone Valley. Its origins date back to the 17th century when it was owned by the Nalys family. The estate, acquired by Domaine Guigal in 2017, now has around 52 hectares of vineyards in organic conversion. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Vaccarèse from vines planted on red sandstone and pebble soils. After manual harvesting and fermentation in wooden truncated cone-shaped vats, the finished wine rests for 18 months in a mix of barrels, demi-muids, and foudres and for the following 6 months in concrete vats. The result is a complex and expressive wine that well represents this prestigious French appellation. In the glass, the wine reveals a broad aromatic profile with notes of wild berries and dark fruits, hints of leather, licorice, and anise. On the palate, it is full, generous, rich, and deep with firm but well-integrated tannins and a long finish that recalls notes of licorice. It is a characterful, powerful, and elegant wine that can age well for a couple of decades but is already enjoyable now. Try it with a game stew.
      
649. Chateau De Nalys Chateauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys 2019 : 8Wines : GBP32.75
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Rhone Valley, in Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau de Nalys has a very long tradition dating back to the 17th century when it was founded by the Nalys family. Today, this prestigious estate, considered one of the most emblematic in the region, extends over 50 hectares of vineyards, and is owned by Maison Guigal, who acquired it in 2017. The wine is a blend of mostly Grenache with additions of Syrah, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, and Terret Noir from vineyards with an average age of around 45 years located in 3 exceptional sites (Le Crau, Bois Sénéchal and Nalys). After manual harvesting and vinification in temperature-controlled tanks, the finished wine rests for 18 months in vats and a further 6 months in concrete tanks. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby ​​color and an elegant and broad aromatic profile with notes of fresh red fruit and baking spices. On the palate, it is soft, round, and full-bodied with velvety tannins and a fresh acidic vein. The finish is long and rich and recalls spicy notes. It is excellent with grilled meat and lamb chops.
      
650. Guigal Cote Rotie Brune Et Blonde 2020 : 8Wines : GBP71.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Domaine E. Guigal is a family-run winery founded in Ampuis in the Rhone Valley in 1946. Today, the company, which has vineyards in the most prestigious areas of the region such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph, is led by Marcel Guigal and his son Philippe, an oenologist. Their wines are widely regarded by the public and critics for their excellent elegance and aging potential. Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a classic blend of Syrah with small additions of the white variety Viognier. The grapes are selected and harvested from plots located on steep terraces in Côte-Blonde (on schistose and silico-calcareous soils) and Côte-Brune (on soils rich in iron oxides). After vinification in steel tanks, the finished wine is aged in oak barrels (50% new) for at least 3 years. This elegant Cote Rotie reveals a brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones and an expressive and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of ripe red berries and blackberries, spices, and toasted notes. On the palate, it is rich and intense with a pleasant fruit concentration and velvety tannins. It has a light refreshing acidity that gives balance and a long and pleasantly spicy finish. It is excellent with pigeon or roast duck and game stews.
      
651. Guigal Cote Rotie Brune Et Blonde 2021 : 8Wines : GBP71.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Domaine E. Guigal is a family-run winery founded in Ampuis in the Rhone Valley in 1946. Today, the company, which has vineyards in the most prestigious areas of the region such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph, is led by Marcel Guigal and his son Philippe, an oenologist. Their wines are widely regarded by the public and critics for their excellent elegance and aging potential. Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is a classic blend of Syrah with small additions of the white variety Viognier. The grapes are selected and harvested from plots located on steep terraces in Côte-Blonde (on schistose and silico-calcareous soils) and Côte-Brune (on soils rich in iron oxides). After vinification in steel tanks, the finished wine is aged in oak barrels (50% new) for at least 3 years. This elegant Cote Rotie reveals a brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones and an expressive and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of ripe red berries and blackberries, spices, and toasted notes. On the palate, it is rich and intense with a pleasant fruit concentration and velvety tannins. It has a light refreshing acidity that gives balance and a long and pleasantly spicy finish. It is excellent with pigeon or roast duck and game stews.
      
652. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2023 : 8Wines : GBP73.14
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded by Etienne Guigal in 1946, Domaine Guigal is located in the Cote Rotie, more precisely in Ampuis. Today, the estate, which has vineyards in the most prestigious appellations of the region (including Condrieu, Gigondas, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph), is run by the third generation of the family. Viognier grapes are selected and harvested by hand from vineyards on steep slopes with granite soils. The vines, which are about 35 years old, are grown according to sustainable agriculture practices. After harvesting and vinifying, the wine rests in small new oak barrels for about a year. Condrieu La Doriane is an expressive and intensely fragrant wine, with a broad and complex aromatic profile that reveals notes of stone fruit and yellow fruit, followed by hints of orange blossom in the background. On the palate, it is rich and round, powerful and elegant with a delicately viscous texture typical of Condrieu wines. It is fresh and well-balanced with a long and floral finish. It is a wine capable of aging very well but can be enjoyed now with pumpkin risotto, pork chops in apple sauce, or goose liver escalope.
      
653. Chateau Gloria 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.19
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Chateau Gloria is an up-and-coming Bordeaux estate that’s gained a committed following for its accessible yet ageworthy wines. Despite its unclassified status, this St-Julien property easily rivals more prestigious chateaux thanks to the vision and foresight of Henri Martin who took over the estate in 1942. Henri bought up promising vineyards from renowned wineries like Talbot, Lagrange and Léoville-Barton, and by the mid 1960s he had some 50 hectares dispersed across the appellation. Today the property is run by Henri’s son-in-law Jean-Louis Triaud who is also in charge of the family’s other estates including the Grand Cru Chateau St. Pierre. Their Grand Vin is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a smaller proportion of Merlot and a drop of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The young wine is aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 14 months prior to bottling. Chateau Gloria tends to be a lighter, more elegant expression of St-Julien than some of its neighbours, although it still has an opulent dark fruit core and is best kept in the cellar for several years following the vintage. On the nose there are luscious notes of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry which are kept in check on the palate by a gentle streak of acidity, firm tannins and a well-developed structure.
      
654. Champagne Michel Gonet Authentique Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru 2005 : 8Wines : GBP102.71
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant. Michel Gonet has always worked with great passion with the aim of creating unique Champagnes. In 1973 he developed and modernized the family winery, founded in 1802. Since then, he has never stopped improving the quality of the work in the vineyard and in the cellar. His goal has always been to produce pure and distinct champagnes in total respect for the environment, and now his mission is carried out by his daughter Sophie. Michel Gonet winery has thus become one of the essential references of the region. Manual harvests, long bottle aging, attention to detail and a lot of passion make Michel Gonet's Champagnes absolutely distinguishable and exceptional. The grapes are carefully picked by hand and then pressed with the utmost care. They are vinified by fermentation at a low temperature in stainless steel tanks. The wine ages for 11 years in the bottle. This Champagne shows a pale golden yellow color with straw reflections. The foam is creamy, and the perlage is extremely fine. On the nose, the wine surprises with rich aromas of pineapple, ripe yellow apple, but also bread crust and fresh ricotta. The taste is intense and persistent, full, round. It is a highly drinkable and complex wine with a very pleasant finish and a boiled chestnut aftertaste. Try it with raw or grilled red prawns, fried squid, rabbit ragout, or pork.
      
655. Champagne Michel Gonet Rose : 8Wines : GBP33.89
Drink it now. No need to decant it. In 1802, Charles Gonet created the Gonet Champagne house, a company that can now count seven generations of winemakers. In 1973, Michel Gonet modernized and expanded the cellars with the aim of further improving the quality and making wines that were able to be a reference in the region. The vineyard extends for 40 hectares around Avize (15 km south of Epernay) in the Côte des Blancs, the stronghold of the Grands Crus. The vines (80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir) favor the finesse and elegance of the wine over a terroir composed exclusively of chalk. The Côte des Blancs enjoys a quite exceptional climate: protected from the cold north winds by a providential hill, the south-facing slopes are spared from the rains that fall into the valley. These ideal climatic conditions associated with this exceptional terroir allow the Gonet vineyard to be classified as Grand Cru, the highest recognition of Champagne. This 100% Pinot Noir has a coppery color and a lively and powerful nose. On the palate, the fruity flavors are characterized by a juicy intensity, with notes of wild strawberries and raspberries. The flavors are long and persistent with final notes of butter and brioche deriving from the long aging in the bottle. The bubbles are fine and persistent. Try it with salmon, tuna, or even grilled pork.
      
656. Champagne Michel Gonet Vindey Montgueux Blanc De Blancs : 8Wines : GBP33.53
Enjoy it now or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This champagne begins with glistening, lively bubbles and a generous bouquet of lemon zest, green apple skin, herbs, and freshly toasted bread. These classic champagne aromas are underpinned by a strong minerality. The grapes were sourced from two terroirs within the Cǒtes des Blancs - Vindey, and Montgueux, which is famous for its chalky soil. Michel Gonet is a celebrated champagne house in the heart of the Cǒtes des Blancs. The Gonet family have a deep history in the region, with their first endeavour, Gonet and Sons, dating back to 1802. In the 1970s, Michel left the family estate to begin his own champagne cellar, gradually expanding to famous regions such as Bordeaux, and becoming one of the most renowned wine-makers in France. This is a “blanc de blancs” champagne, created from 100% Chardonnay. It has a wonderfully round, textural palate, with a tart and extremely dry character. Look for intense notes of orchard fruits, citrus, yeast, and minerals, with a long, crisp finish. It is a pure and elegant champagne, ideal for serving on any special occasion. Consider serving it as an aperitif, or alongside seafood.
      
657. Domaine Gautheron Agnes Gleizes Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1809, Domaine Gautheron is a 7-generation family winery located in Fleys in Chablis and currently led by Cyril Gautheron. The estate's vineyards extend over approximately 30 hectares cultivated with respect for nature and the terroir, to produce high-quality wines that express the exceptional value of this splendid French region. The Chardonnay grapes for Chablis Vieilles Vignes come from vines over 60 years old planted on clay-limestone soils, which give the wine a marked minerality. The vineyards also benefit from a continental climate particularly favorable to Chardonnay with hot summers and cold winters that guarantee the full ripening of the grapes and the preservation of freshness. In the glass, the wine shows a bright color with pale gold tones and an expressive and fragrant aromatic profile with citrus and floral notes, mineral and vegetal hints. On the palate, it is rich and generous, fresh and lively. It has a marked mineral note and a balanced acidity. The finish is long and recalls notes of hazelnut. In food pairings it is a versatile wine: it is excellent with scallops, oysters, grilled fish, and poultry in white sauce.
      
658. Domaine Gautheron Agnes Gleizes Chablis Premier Cru Vaucoupin 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.68
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Guatheron is a winery in the Chablis region founded in 1809 and passed down from father to son for 7 generations. The company, which today owns about 30 hectares of vineyards, has been led by Cyril Gautheron since 2001 and produces high-quality wines in the various Petit-Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru appellations. The Chardonnay grapes for this refined Chablis come exclusively from the 1st Cru Vaucoupin vineyard, located on the right bank of the river (close to the Grands Crus appellations). The vines, aged between 20 and 40 years, benefit from a south, south-west exposure and a terroir of white Kimmeridgian limestone. After traditional vinification in temperature-controlled vats, the finished wine is aged in vats. The result is an elegant wine of remarkable complexity. Chablis Gautheron Premier Cru Vaucoupin reveals a brilliant pale gold color with slight greenish reflections. Its aromatic profile is young and expressive, with fruity notes of citrus, green apple, and pear, followed by floral notes and a touch of honey and hazelnut. On the palate, it is lively, mature, complex, and soft, with a well-balanced acidity and a clear mineral vein. The finish is long and recalls light saline notes. Pair it with baked sea bass or poultry.
      
659. Domaine Gautheron Agnes Gleizes Agnes Gleizes Chablis Premier Cru Mont De Milieu 2023 : 8Wines : GBP35.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Gautheron is a renowned Chablis winery with a long tradition dating back to 1809. The estate today extends over approximately 30 hectares of vineyards managed by Cyril Gautheron, the seventh generation of the family. The Chardonnay grapes come from the 1er Cru Mont de Milieu, whose name refers to its ancient position on the border between the Duchy of Burgundy and the County of Champagne. Here, the vines, about 35 years old, are rooted in a unique terroir composed of limestone and rich in Kimmeridgian marine fossils, and enjoy a south/southeast exposure and protection from the winds. As usual in Chablis wines, the climate and soil play a fundamental role in producing wines with great freshness and minerality. After fermentation, the wine rests in vats. In the glass, the wine reveals a pale gold color and a ripe and intense aromatic profile with notes of citrus, stone fruit, and wildflowers. On the palate, it is generous and broad, fresh and lively. It reveals a perfect balance of fruit and mineral notes with an elegant character and a long refreshing finish. It is a versatile wine when paired with food: it is excellent with scallops, escalope of foie gras, chicken in mushroom sauce, or stuffed guinea fowl breast.
      
660. Domaine Gautheron Agnes Gleizes Chablis Premier Cru Les Fourneaux 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.68
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Chablis wine region, Domaine Gautheron is a historic estate, which today extends over approximately 30 hectares of vineyards spread across various appellations. The company, which has been passed from father to son since 1809, is today led by Cyril Gautheron who carries on the family tradition with great dedication. The Chardonnay grapes come from the 1er Cru Les Fourneaux, on the right bank (where the Grands Crus are also located), on a poor soil composed of clay and stones. After selection and harvest, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and the finished wine then rests in vats, according to tradition. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear color with pale gold tones, and a broad and mature aromatic profile, with notes of tropical fruits and apricot, floral hints, vanilla, and a balsamic and spicy touch. On the palate, it is powerful, fruity, expressive and fresh. It has a meaty texture, a well-balanced acidity, and a mineral vein that lingers in the finish. Try it with mussels with mushroom cream sauce or crab.
      
661. Chateau Giscours 2019 : 8Wines : GBP69.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in the 14th century by Pierre de Lhomme who planted the first vines there in 1552, Château Giscours is one of the most important estates in the Margaux appellation, located in the Haut-Médoc north of the city of Bordeaux. After a period of financial and family succession problems, the estate was taken over in 1995 by Eric Albada-Jelgersma, a Dutch businessman. Today the vineyard covers 80 hectares planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon and the vines benefit from particularly favorable conditions in terms of exposure and drainage and from gravelly soil on a sand and gravel base. This elegant wine from Haut-Médoc is a Bordeaux blend with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon. The harvest is manual and the fermentation takes place in thermoregulated cement tanks. The finished wine is aged for one year in French oak barriques. Chateau Giscours has a deep red color with crimson hues and an intense aromatic profile with notes of red fruits and light woody hints. On the palate, it has a good body and firm but well-integrated tannins. There is a good concentration of fruit and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and persistent. It is a wine that goes very well with red meat and can remain in the cellar for several years and evolve splendidly.
      
662. Domaine Du Grand Tinel Cuvee Alexis Establet Chateauneuf Du Pape 2022 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Originally founded in the late 1700s under the name Chateauneuf Calcernier, Domaine du Grand Tinel is actually one of the Southern Rhone’s oldest wineries and amongst the first to start bottling their own Chateauneuf du Pape wines in 1906. These days the domaine holds some 56 hectares of vines including some 100-year old Grenache and other plots of old vines which help to produce exceptionally complex and age worthy wines. Their Cuvee Alexis Establet was first produced in 1997 and is only produced during the best vintages. The wine is crafted from 100% old vine Grenache from the revered La Gardiole lieu-dit. Made in a modern style, the young wine is aged in a complex mixture of new French oak barrels, used barrels, and larger casks for up to 18 months. On the nose there are seductive aromas of plums soaked in brandy, figs, and crushed dark berries while the first sip reveals intense flavours of dark cherries, currants and raisins seasoned with hints of dried herbs and baked earth. Full-bodied and well-rounded on the palate, the complexity and intensity of this wine makes it a great contender for extended cellaring or pairing with heavy red meat dishes.
      
663. Domaine Du Grand Tinel Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP31.85
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. With its 54 hectares in the AOC Chateauneuf Du Pape and the 18 hectares in the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, the Domaine du Grand Tinel produces a wide range of refined wines. The company was founded in 1972, following the marriage between Christiane Establet and Elie Jeune, but in reality, both families of origin have a long wine tradition. Elie's father, Lucien Jeune, owned vines in Chateauneuf Du Pape, while Georges Establet acquired plots in La Gardiole in 1846 which still today represent the heart of the property. The wine is produced with a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc, manually harvested from plants that are over thirty years old. The harvest takes place in the early hours of the morning to enjoy cool temperatures that can guarantee the good maintenance of the health of the grapes. The Roussanne grapes and part of those of Grenache are vinified in new barrels, the rest in stainless steel. The white Chateauneuf Du Pape of the Domaine du Grand Tinel is one of the reference wines of the appellation. The aromatic profile is fragrant with notes of lemon peel, stone fruit, and quince often accompanied by some floral notes (white flowers). On the palate, the wine shows impressive freshness and vivacity. It is a wide and deep wine able to evolve with elegance with some time in the cellar. It goes very well with fish, shellfish, white meats, and medium-aged cheeses.
      
664. Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur Fixin Premier Cru Clos Du Chapitre Monopole 2020 : 8Wines : GBP59.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur is a family-run Burgundy winery founded over 400 years ago in Nuits-Saint-Georges and run today by Yvan Dufouleur. The estate's vineyards span over approximately 28 hectares. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced and harvested manually from a vineyard with an average age of 65 years in the Clos du Chapitre Monopole, north of the Cote de Nuits. Here, the vines, located at an altitude of 320 meters with eastern exposure, are rooted in clayey-limestone soils, deep and slightly marly. After the pre-fermentation cold maceration and the following vinification, the finished wine rests for 12 months in oak barrels, before blending and a further 3 months in stainless steel. Fixin Premier Cru Clos du Chapitre Monopole has a bright and deep color with dark ruby ​​tones and a complex and broad aromatic profile. On the nose it reveals a pleasant fruity intensity with notes of blackcurrant, blueberry, and blackberry and then wild and earthy hints, nuances of truffle and licorice. On the palate, it is powerful and characterful, round and elegant. It has firm but fine and well-integrated tannins and a good acidity. The finish is long and gently oaky. Pair it with game stew or goulash, polenta with porcini mushrooms, and mature cheeses.
      
665. Henri Champliau Cremant De Bourgogne Authentique Brut : 8Wines : GBP26.09
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Burgundy, and more precisely in Mercurey, in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, the Henri Champliau winery was founded in 2016 by Alexandre Graffard, who named it after his grandfather. The company produces sparkling wines in the Burgundy style, following the traditional method, from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Brut Authentique is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, where the former is clearly dominant, giving power and complexity to the wine. The addition of Chardonnay instead brings freshness and a lean character. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand from vineyard plots dedicated only to the production of Crémant. After vinification, the wine is bottled for secondary fermentation, according to the Champenoise method (the same as Champagne) for approximately 12 months. This elegant Crémant de Bourgogne shows a clear and brilliant straw color, enlivened by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile expresses the typical red fruit notes of Pinot Noir, followed by notes of quince and green apples. On the palate, it is fresh, fruity and long with a delicate mousse. It is the ideal wine for an informal aperitif or to accompany seafood recipes or white meat.
      
666. Henri Champliau Cremant De Bourgogne Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Family-run winery, located in the Côte Chalonnaise in Burgundy, Henri Champliau owes its name to the grandfather of the founder Alexandre Graffard. Since 2016, the company has been making excellent Cremant de Bourgogne, focusing its production mainly on Pinot Noir with limited yields and manual harvests. The company operates as a 'negociant', working directly with growers without intermediaries to select high-quality grapes for its wines. Cremant de Bourgogne Rose Brut is a blend of Pinot Noir, with additions of Chardonnay and Gamay. The grapes are gently pressed and vinified separately. After the blend, the wine is refermented in the bottle according to the traditional Champenoise method and is then left to rest on its yeasts for 12 months. This process favors the development of a more complex aromatic profile. The wine reveals a beautiful salmon-pink color with fine bubbles. On the nose, it shows aromas of small red fruits, red apples and grapefruit, white flowers, and light hints of brioche. On the palate, it is lively and elegant. Chardonnay and Gamay add freshness and texture respectively. The finish is fresh and accompanied by a creamy mousse. Try it with baked salmon, salmon trout or with fresh cheese.
      
667. Henri Champliau Cremant De Bourgogne Petrone 68 Blanc De Blancs Brut : 8Wines : GBP15.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in 2016 by Alexandre Graffard, the Henri Champliau winery produces sparkling wines in the heart of Burgundy, more precisely in Mercurey, with the Charmat or Champenoise method. The company, which bears the name of the founder's grandfather, a great lover of horse racing and wine, works as a negociant, personally selecting the grapes for the production of its wines, in order to guarantee the highest quality. The name of the wine is a tribute to Henri Champliau's passion for horse racing and Petrone's victories at Paris Longchamp and in the United States. The wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Colombard, and Ugni Blanc. The grapes are fermented in a horizontal tank to encourage contact with the grape lees and the extraction of maximum aromatic potential. Before being placed on the market, the wine is aged for 3 months to achieve perfect integration of the bubbles. The Cremant de Bourgogne Petrone 68 Blanc de Blancs Brut has a lively, clear color and fine, persistent bubbles. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of yellow fruit, in particular apple and pear, and some citrus notes. On the palate, it is fresh, round, and soft with a long and delicately citrus finish. It is perfect as an aperitif, also used in cocktails, and pairs well with vegetarian starters.
      
668. Henri Champliau Wild Miss 55 Methode Ancestrale Rose : 8Wines : GBP12.80
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Henri Champliau is a family-run Burgundian winery, founded by Alexandre Graffard who named it after his grandfather. The company produces exclusively sparkling wines with both the Champenoise and Charmat methods, directly purchasing the grapes from selected winemakers. The wine, produced with Gamay grapes, is a tribute to Alexandre's grandfather Henri and to his passion for horse races. In particular, the label refers to the victories of his horse Wild Miss in 1955. Fermentation takes place in special horizontal tanks, to guarantee maximum contact with the lees and the full development of the aromatic range. According to the ancestral method, fermentation is then interrupted by lowering the temperature. Wild Miss 55 Methode Ancestrale Rose has a clear color with pink tones, brightened by a dense and fine mousse. The aromatic profile is rich, fresh, and intensely fruity, with notes of grapes, cherries, and raspberries. On the palate, the wine is lively with a marked acidic streak that well balances the natural sugar residue of the unfermented grape sugars. The finish is persistent and recalls fruity notes. It's the perfect wine for a delicious summer aperitif with some spicy Asian recipes or with a red fruit tart.
      
669. Domaine Hubert Lamy Saint Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly 2022 : 8Wines : GBP138.98
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1973 in Saint Aubin, the Hubert Lamy winery owns approximately 18.5 hectares of vineyards spread across 18 appellations (including the prestigious Grand Cru Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet). The company has a long winemaking tradition. The Lamy family has been involved in viticulture since the 17th century, but it was Hubert Lamy who founded the winery and then passed it on to his son, Olivier, who manages it today. The vineyards are cultivated according to the principles of organic farming (not certified), with complete respect for nature and the terroir. The Premier Cru En Rémilly remained virtually abandoned until the 1980s, when Hubert Lamy decided to plant Chardonnay and lease part of the land. The calcareous, stony soils, facing south, immediately proved ideal for this grape variety, which expresses itself elegantly here. After fermentation, the wine ages in oak barrels before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a broad and expressive aromatic profile with notes of yellow fruit and spicy nuances. On the palate, it is rich, smooth, and fruity. It has a lively, refreshing acidity and a mineral touch that lingers on a long, delicate finish. It's an elegant wine that can age for several years, but it can also be enjoyed now, paired with sole meunière, seafood, and veal ossobuco.
      
670. Champagne Henri Giraud Esprit Nature : 8Wines : GBP63.25
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This is a golden Champagne wine, created from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. It begins with a harmonious nose, as red berries and citrus fruits walk side-by-side. You can also find hints of fresh dough, apricot and vanilla essence. The fruits were sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru level vineyards, before being blended in a 50/50 ratio with “perpetual reserve wine” from previous years. Henri Giraud is a generation-spanning Champagne house in the heart of Aÿ, now run by Claude Giraud. The region of Aÿ is deeply intertwined with the region of Champagne as a whole and is widely considered to be one of the greatest appellations in the world. Until 1887, sparkling wines from Champagne were known as “wines of Aÿ”. Esprit Nature is bright and medium to full-bodied in the mouth. It’s alive with notes of strawberry, raspberry and candied lemon, with background hints of white pepper, brioche and vanilla. In the final stretch, a pleasant bitterness appears, redolent of almonds and minerality. This is a world-class wine from an important appellation and is perfect for celebrations. Consider pairing it with oysters, caviar or salmon.
      
671. Champagne Henri Giraud Blanc De Craie : 8Wines : GBP60.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in the heart of the Marne Valley, and more precisely in the village of Ay, the Maison Henri Giraud has a long history dating back to the 17th century, when it was founded by the Hémart family. At the beginning of the 20th century, after the marriage between Madeleine Hémart and Léon Giraud, the company began its growth. Today the Maison Henri Giraud, managed by the twelfth generation, in the person of Claude Giraud, produces approximately 260 thousand bottles of Champagne, with a prevalence of Pinot Noir. Since the 2016 harvest, the company no longer makes wine in steel, but only in wood or amphora. The Chardonnay grapes for this Blanc de Blancs come from the Vallée de la Marne (55% from the grand cru of Ay) and the Montagne de Reims, and the wine owes its name to the high concentration of chalk ('craie' in French) in the soils on where the grapes are grown. Fermentation takes place in Argonne forest barriques and concrete eggs. Champagne Blanc de Craie has a brilliant straw yellow color with golden reflections and a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile reveals notes of flowers and stone fruit, exotic fruit, and some citrus scents. On the palate it has a mineral character, it is fresh and tasty, broad and fruity. The finish is long and delicate. Perfect as an aperitif and with shellfish.
      
672. Champagne Henri Giraud Fut De Chene Ay Grand Cru Rose : 8Wines : GBP243.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded by the Hémart family in 1625, Henri Giraud is a family champagne house located in Ay, in the Marne Valley. Despite its very ancient traditions, it was the marriage between Léon Giraud and Madeleine Hémart in the early 1900s that led to real growth for the company. Today the winery, led by the twelfth family generation, produces champagne from the best terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, favoring Pinot Noir grapes and conducting fermentations in wood or amphorae. The Fut de Chene Rosé Champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir grapes vinified in both red and white and a small addition of Chardonnay, all coming from the Grand Cru village of Ay. The Pinot Noir grapes vinified in red are selected from a vineyard that is approximately 70 years old and then fermented in amphorae. The other grapes are instead fermented and aged in wood. After vinification and second fermentation, the wine remains on the lees for approximately 60 months before disgorgement. This splendid Rosé Champagne shows a color with salmon tones and slightly orange reflections. The nose is intense and elegant with aromas of mandarin and dried flowers, spices, and stone fruit, with some mineral hints. On the palate, it reveals a complex and round character with a saline touch and strong minerality. The finish is long and recalls slightly smoky notes. Try it with salmon, grilled prawns, and scallop risotto.
      
673. Hubert Meyer Cremant D'alsace Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a couple of years. Serve chilled, no need to decant. While Hubert Meyer only became a winery in 1976, the Meyer family has a history of grape-growing that dates back 10 generations. Founder Hubert has passed the torch to his son Pierre, who uses his deep knowledge of the region to produce an incredible selection of wines, both sparkling and still. If one thing is evident in the Meyer family’s wines, it's that they know the terroir of Blienschwiller in Alsace better than anybody else. For their sparkling wines, Hubert Meyer winery uses Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a pair of cool climate varietals that thrive in the mountainous region of Alsace. This Rosé Cremant is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, in the classic Champagne style. The wine spends 18 months ageing on grape sediment before being bottled, imparting a wonderfully round texture. This wine is an appealing bright pink, with a generous bouquet. You’ll discover scents of strawberry, rose petals, and plenty of mouth-watering sour fruits - green apple, lemon zest and red berries are all present. It’s pleasantly dry in the mouth, with flavours of red fleshy fruit, honey and citrus. There is also a delightful yeasty hint, which calls brioche and sourdough bread to mind. This is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a versatile and food-friendly wine. Try pairing it with ice cream, fruit tarts, or even fried chicken.
      
674. Champagne Mandois Cuvee Victor Vieilles Vignes 2013 : 8Wines : GBP46.91
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant. Maison Mandois is a 9-generation family-run Champagne house. Their history began with the purchase of vineyards in the Epernay area in 1735, and today the company, which has been based in Pierry since the early 1900s, cultivates approximately 40 hectares planted mainly with Chardonnay grapes and spread across 12 villages. The Chardonnay grapes are selected from low-yielding vineyards over fifty years old located in Chouilly and Vertus, and from an old vineyard on the Côte de Sézanne on soils of red clay, chalk, limestone and flint. About a third of the grapes are treated in the traditional way in oak barrels as Victor Mandois used to do, to add roundness and structure to the wine, while the rest is worked in steel. The wine then rests for 9 years on the lees in the Maison's underground cellars, dating back to the 18th century. The Cuvee Victor Vieilles Vignes is a structured and very elegant champagne with a straw color with golden reflections and a broad and fresh aromatic profile with notes of white fruit and citrus, followed by hints of hazelnut and brioche. On the palate it has a creamy texture and a good acidity. It is concentrated and balanced, with a long and persistent finish that recalls mineral notes. It is delicious with risotto with scallops or stuffed guinea fowl.
      
675. Champagne Mandois Blanc De Blancs Premier Cru 2020 : 8Wines : GBP52.24
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. The Mandois Champagne House was founded in 1862 by Victor Mandois, using vineyards purchased by his great-grandfather Jean in 1735. Today, this family business owns around 40 hectares of vineyards located in the Epernay and in the Sezannais area, where the cultivation focuses mainly on Chardonnay. The cellars, which date back to the 17th century, are located under the church of Pierry. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested manually from different vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and Epernay, specifically from Chouilly, Vertus, and Pierry. The vinification takes place 80% in steel tanks and 20% in oak barrels, to preserve the fruity character and delicate flavors of this splendid Blanc de Blancs. The dosage is low and the wine rests for about 4 years in the cellar on its lees, before disgorgement. Champagne Mandois Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru reveals a brilliant color with golden tones and a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is fresh and broad with floral and fruity notes and hints of brioche. On the palate it is broad and complex, balanced and refreshing. The bubbles create a pleasant and velvety texture and the finish is long and slightly salty. It is excellent with smoked salmon or trout, with seafood and fresh cheese.
      
676. Champagne Mandois Brut Origine : 8Wines : GBP31.75
Drink it now or hold it for 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Pierry, near Epernay, Champagne Mandois is a 9-generation family-run winery. The history of this company began in 1735 with the purchase of some vineyards, but the foundation took place in 1862. Initially based in Epernay, in 1905, Champagne Mandois moved to Pierry. Today, the company owns just under 40 hectares of vineyards spread across 12 different villages in the Côte des Blancs, Côte d'Epernay, Coteaux de Sézanne and Côte des Bars, planted mainly with Chardonnay grapes. The Brut Origine is a classic blend of a majority of Chardonnay with equal parts of the red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and a small addition of base wines. The wine remains in the cellar for 3 years before being released on the market. This elegant Champagne has a golden color enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it reveals a rich and broad aromatic profile with notes of ripe fruit and fresh hints of lime, followed by toasted nuances. On the palate, it is lively, balanced and round. It has a velvety texture and a fine mousse. The long, and elegant finish recalls toasted and honeyed notes. It makes an excellent aperitif for a special occasion, but it also pairs well with shellfish appetizers and white meat.
      
677. Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Grand Cru Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP46.91
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Bouzy, the family-run champagne house Pierre Paillard was founded in 1946. Its history dates back to the 18th century when the family purchased the first vineyards in this prestigious Grand Cru appellation. Today the estate, which extends over approximately 11 hectares of vineyards divided into 30 parcels, is managed by Antoine and Quentin, the eighth generation of the family. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for this elegant champagne are selected and obtained from 22 parcels located in Bouzy, one of the historic crus of the Montagne de Reims area. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and the wine is then left to rest on the yeasts for 3 years. Champagne Les Parcelles Grand Cru Extra Brut is a wine with an intense and brilliant color with golden tones embellished with a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it is fragrant and lively with aromas of white flowers and Mediterranean herbs and then hints of yeasts and brioche. On the palate, it is lean and fresh, elegant and smooth with a marked mineral vein and a finish that recalls salty hints. It is perfect with deep-fried appetizers, seafood, and all fish. For a special treat, try it with prawn tempura.
      
678. Domaine Changarnier Monthelie Premier Cru Les Clous 2022 : 8Wines : GBP37.19
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Changarnier is a family-run Burgundy winery, located in Monthelie since the XVIII century and managed today by brothers Claude and Antoine with the collaboration of winemaker Fabrice Groussin. The small estate has about 5 hectares of vineyards spread across 13 appellations and cultivated according to organic standards, respecting the terroir to produce high-quality wines that are expressive of the typicity of the various appellations of Burgundy. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected and harvested manually, from the vineyard located in the Premier Cru Les Clous on a slope with a steep slope in the upper part where the soil is marly. In the lower part, the soil is clay-limestone. The 40-year-old vines benefit from east/southeast exposure. The Monthelie Premier Cru Les Clous is an elegant and balanced wine with a powerful and broad aromatic profile that reveals notes of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, followed by spicy and slightly toasted hints. On the palate, it is soft and round, broad and well-structured with firm but well-integrated tannins and a long, slightly spicy finish. It is excellent with partridge, roast guinea fowl, or rabbit.
      
679. Domaine Changarnier Monthelie Premier Cru Champs Fulliot 2023 : 8Wines : GBP41.59
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Monthelie, on a hill at about 365 meters above sea level overlooking the green valleys of Auxey-Duresses and Meursault, Domaine Changarnier is an ancient family-run Burgundian estate dating back to 1720. Taken over in 2004 by the Changarnier brothers Claude and Antoine, today the estate extends over about 5 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to the standards of organic farming in full respect of nature and terroir. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected and harvested by hand from a plot planted in 1979 in the Premier Cru Champs Fulliot, the largest in the appellation, on red clay and marl soil with a rocky subsoil, with an east/southeast exposure, on the border between the Meursault and Volnay appellations. After vinification, the wine rests in oak barrels. Monthelie Premier Cru Champs Fulliot is an elegant and fragrant wine that reveals aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and violet on the nose, followed by hints of vanilla and delicate spices. On the palate, it has a good structure and a firm and well-integrated tannic backbone. It is fruity, and flavorful with a long finish that recalls notes of vanilla. It is a classy wine with an excellent quality/price ratio that can age for a few years in the cellar but is ready to be enjoyed immediately with a roast lamb.
      
680. Henri Magnien Aloxe-corton Premier Cru La Coutiere 2021 : 8Wines : GBP63.55
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Established in the 17th century in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits, Domaine Henri Magnien is one of the most renowned estates in the Gevrey Chambertin appellation. It owns approximately 7 hectares of vineyards, including several plots in the prestigious Premier Cru Lavaut Saint Jacques, Cazetiers, and Champeaux. The estate is now managed by Charles Magnien, who has undertaken a modernization process while remaining faithful to traditional production methods. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a 0.75-hectare plot in the Premier Cru La Coutiere, located in the municipality of Ladoix-Serrigny at an altitude of 340 meters. Here, the 60-year-old vines enjoy eastern exposure and grow in reddish-brown soils composed of abundant calcareous-flint debris. After vinification, the finished wine ages in oak barrels (70% used) for a year. In the glass, the Aloxe-Corton Premier Cru La Coutiere reveals a brilliant crimson-ruby color and a broad, captivating aromatic profile with notes of fresh red fruits such as strawberry and cherry, wild berries, and hints of undergrowth in the background. On the palate, it is succulent and rounded with a medium body and light tannins. It has good concentration and a long finish that recalls hints of oak. Try it with roast pigeon or duck breast with mushrooms.
      
681. Henri Magnien Cote De Nuits-villages Queue De Hareng Clos Francois Thurot Monopole 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.65
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Gevrey-Chambertin, in the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Henri Magnien is a Burgundy winery founded in 1656 and still family-run today. The estate covers approximately 7 hectares of vineyards between Gevrey-Chambertin and Corton, and is now managed by Charles Magnien, the twelfth generation of the family. Production focuses on Pinot Noir using a proprietary clone called Pinot Magnien, characterized by a high level of concentration and complexity in the wines. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a small, enclosed plot located in the Queue de Hareng vineyard, above the village of Brochon, and a few meters from Fixin. Here, the vines are planted on a slope with limestone soils and enjoy north/south exposure. After spontaneous fermentation, the finished wine ages for a year in French oak (25% of which is new). The Côte de Nuits-Villages Queue de Hareng Clos Francois Thurot Monopole is an elegant wine with a broad and complex aromatic profile revealing ripe notes of cherry, raspberry, and small red berries, alternating with hints of spice and undergrowth. On the palate, it is soft and medium-structured with velvety, rounded tannins. It is juicy, smooth, and lively, with a medium-long finish and delicate hints of wild berries. Try it with roast partridge or guinea fowl.
      
682. Henri Magnien Gevrey Chambertin 2023 : 8Wines : GBP73.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Henri Magnien is one of Burgundy's historic estates, founded in the 17th century in Gevrey-Chambertin, in the Côte de Nuits. Today, the estate, led by Charles Magnien, owns approximately 7 hectares of vineyards that include some of the appellation's finest parcels. The company produces some of the area's most elegant Pinot Noirs, thanks to meticulous vineyard management that respects the terroir and promotes older Pinot Noir selections (including the proprietary Pinot Magnien clone). The Pinot Noir grapes are carefully selected and harvested from seven plots situated at the foot of the Gevrey-Chambertin hill, in the lowest part of the appellation, where the soil is predominantly clayey. After vinification with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine ages in French oak (75% of which is used) for twelve months. In the glass, the Gevrey Chambertin Henri Magnien reveals an intense ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is rich and fragrant, with notes of raspberry and cranberry, blackberry, and small wild berries, followed by delicate spicy notes. On the palate, it is elegant, round, and fruity. It has a smooth texture, soft tannins, and a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and silky. It is perfect with veal or pork escalopes with mushrooms, or stuffed guinea fowl breast.
      
683. Henri Magnien Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru Les Cazetiers 2023 : 8Wines : GBP104.51
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Henri Magnien is a small family-run Burgundy estate located in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, with a long tradition dating back to the 17th century. Today, the estate covers approximately 7 hectares of vineyards and is managed by Charles Magnien, the twelfth generation of the family. The winery is renowned for its elegant Pinot Noirs. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a parcel in the Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin called Les Cazetiers, located next to the Clos St. Jacques. Here, the vines, sheltered by an oak forest, enjoy a privileged position with an eastern exposure and calcareous, marly soil rich in pebbles. After vinification, the finished wine ages for a year in oak. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense ruby ​​color with bright purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex, with notes of red fruits such as blackcurrant, raspberry, and cherry, followed by hints of sweet spices, on a background of humus and undergrowth. On the palate, it is deep, dense, and generous. It has a concentrated character and supple, well-integrated tannins. It is elegant with a medium body and a long, smooth finish. It pairs well with meat stews, or with pork tenderloin with chanterelle mushrooms.
      
684. Domaine Alain Chavy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP28.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. The Domain Alain Chavy is a small family business located in Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy. Its vineyards extend over 6.5 hectares, part of which are located in the Puligny Montrachet appellation and planted between 1965 and 1974. Among these, some are located very close to Meursault and are characterized by clayey soils. The company carries out a philosophy focused on respect for the territory and tradition in winemaking practices for the production of wines of great quality. The Chardonnay grapes for this classy regional wine, hailing from the younger vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet, are selected and harvested manually. After fermentation, the wine is aged on fine lees for one year in oak barrels to add structure. Domaine Alain Chavy Bourgogne Chardonnay is a lively and elegant wine that reveals fragrant notes of green apple and citrus fruits and delicate hints of vanilla. On the palate, it is fresh and full-bodied with a good concentration of fruit, especially citrus and apple, and a creamy mouthfeel. It has a long finish that recalls a marked mineral vein, typical of Puligny-Montrachet wines. It is a great value wine that works perfectly with chicken dishes, served with creamy sauces, or with elegant shellfish-based recipes.
      
685. Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-montrachet Les Charmes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP73.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, in the Côte de Beaune, the Domaine Alain Chavy was born in 2003, following the partition, between the two brothers Alain and Jean-Luis, of the land that once belonged to the family business Gérard Chavy et Fils. Today the estate extends over 6.5 hectares of vineyards, cultivated according to the Lutte Raisonnée criteria, a philosophy that limits the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The Chardonnay grapes come from vineyards located in the Lieux-dit Les Charmes, at an altitude of about 200-350 meters above sea level, in the municipality of Puligny-Montrachet on the border with the area of the Meursault Premier Cru of the same name. The vines planted on soils rich in clay and limestone have an average age of about 30 years. The harvest is manual and fermentation takes place in French oak barrels. The finished wine is then aged for 16 months in barriques. The Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes of Domaine Alain Chavy has a beautiful straw yellow color with golden reflections. The aromatic profile is complex with hints of stone fruit, melon, and apple, citrus notes and buttery nuances, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is elegant and full-bodied, with a rich character and a marked mineral vein. The finish is long and spicy. Try it with trout, veal or chicken Caesar Salad.
      
686. Domaine Alain Chavy Saint Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly 2023 : 8Wines : GBP73.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Alain Chavy is a small Burgundy estate founded in 2003 when Alain inherited a portion of the family vineyards. The estate now has around 6.5 hectares of vineyards, spread across two of Puligny Montrachet's finest Premier Cru sites (Folatières and Clavoillon), as well as a small holding in Les Pucelles. Renowned for producing excellent value wines, the estate also owns the deepest underground cellar in the village. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested manually from vines over 20 years old. After fermentation in oak barrels with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests on the lees in barrels (30% of which are new) for 1 year and for a further 6 months in tanks. Saint Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly has a rich and captivating aromatic profile with delicious notes of ripe citrus and floral scents, followed by a final touch of minerality. On the palate, it reveals a medium body and a sharp acidity. It is elegant and balanced, fruity and linear, complex and silky, with a pleasant fruit concentration and a long and persistent finish that recalls clear mineral notes. It is a wine ready to enjoy now with salmon or smoked trout, with veal or poultry, but can also remain in the cellar for a few years.
      
687. Antoine Lienhardt Cote De Nuits-villages Les Essards 2023 : 8Wines : GBP50.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. After years of experience in the world of wine in France and abroad, in 2011 Antoine Lienhardt took over the family business located in Burgundy, between Dijon and Beaune, in the Côte de Nuits, and founded by his great-grandfather in the second half of the 19th century. Joined by his sister Heloise in 2017, Antoine carries on a philosophy of total respect for nature, which has led to the estate being certified organic since 2019. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from the plot called Les Essards located in the village of Comblanchien. Here the vines, planted in the 60s, sink their roots into a soil composed of clay and stones on the surface, with deep limestone. After manual harvesting and vinification, the wine rests for 7 months in used barrels. The Cote de Nuits-Villages Les Essards is a mature and complex wine that reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of red fruits and delicate sweet spices followed by floral notes. On the palate, it is well structured and elegant, juicy, and fresh. It has fine, well-integrated tannins and a long, pleasantly fruity finish. It is excellent with rabbit stew or grilled duck breast.
      
688. Antoine Lienhardt Bourgogne Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP39.00
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Antoine Lienhardt is a family winery in Burgundy with a tradition of 4 generations. Founded in the 19th century by Antoine's great-grandfather, Gustave Guyot, the company was taken over in 2011 by Antoine, who now runs it with his sister Heloise. The estate is located in the Côte de Nuits, between Dijon and Beaune, and has been certified organic since 2019. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from the two plots L'étaing and La Platerre located below the village of Comblanchien. Here the vines, of about 50 years of average age, sink their roots into clay-limestone soils. After vinification, the finished wine rests in concrete vats and old barrels, to favor the full development of its aromatic expressiveness. Antoine Lienhardt Bourgogne Rouge is a concentrated and elegant wine with a broad and captivating aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals notes of red fruits, kirsch, and leather. On the palate, it is fresh and light, juicy and soft with a strong, well-balanced acidity and ripe tannins. The finish is long and recalls notes of red fruits. It is a wine that can be left in the cellar for a few years or enjoyed now with roast guinea fowl.
      
689. Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023 : 8Wines : GBP48.49
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for a couple of hours. Located in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, north of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Domaine Charvin was founded in 1851 by Guillaume Charvin and is now run by Laurent Charvin, the sixth generation of the family. The estate is known for its preference for organic methods and a non-interventionist approach to viticulture. The use of pesticides and herbicides is avoided in the vineyard to promote a healthy ecosystem and produce wines that reflect the terroir of origin. Domaine Charvin's Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, hand-picked in one of the coolest areas of the appellation. After fermentation, the wine rests in concrete vats for 18 months before bottling. The wine has a bright and intense dark ruby ​​color and a broad and exuberant aromatic profile with ripe red fruits, floral notes of rose and violet, and spicy touches. On the palate, it is ripe, juicy and powerful. It has a medium body and a fleshy texture. It has a dense tannic backbone and a long and concentrated finish. It is an elegant and complex wine capable of aging for a couple of decades, but can already be enjoyed now paired with grilled meats, veal ossobuco, and mushroom pies.
      
690. Domaine Charvin Cotes Du Rhone 2023 : 8Wines : GBP14.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. Founded by Guillaume Charvin in 1851, Domaine Charvin is a renowned wine estate in the southern Rhône Valley, run by the Charvin family for 6 generations. The vineyards, cultivated according to organic methods, are located in the coolest area of ​​the appellation, north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate produces wines acclaimed by critics and the public for their ability to express with elegance and power the terroir of the region. Domaine Charvin's Côtes-du-Rhône is a blend of mostly Grenache, with additions of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. The winemaking operations are carried out with the same care and attention as Chateauneuf du Pape. Fermentation occurs with whole bunches and the finished wine rests for almost a year and a half in vats before bottling. The wine reveals a bright and clear color with intense ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is fresh and broad with typical notes of red fruit, sweet spices, and floral scents. On the palate, it is soft and well structured, fleshy, and with good concentration. It is elegant and balanced with velvety tannins and a good refreshing acidity. It is excellent with rabbit or pheasant and with liver pâtés.
      
691. Chateau D'issan 2017 : 8Wines : GBP73.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Named Third Grand Cru Classé in the famous Médoc wine classification of 1855, Château d'Issan is a splendid estate located in the heart of the Margaux vineyard. The wine has an incredible reputation and has been in the major European courts for centuries: as early as 1152 it was served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet of England. For this reason, the label bears the Latin motto Regum Mensis Aris que Deorum which means "For the table of kings and the altar of the gods". In the vineyards of the estate, planted on an exceptional terroir of deep gravel, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are grown, and small quantities of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The vinification takes place with great care for the health of the grapes, exercising a very delicate pumping over, and the finished wine is aged for about 18 months in 50% new and 50% second passage barrels. The Château d'Issan reveals an intense red color with ruby nuances. Its aromatic profile is intense and concentrated with notes of black cherries and ripe berries, cassis, and raspberries, followed by hints of spices and tea leaves. On the palate, it is delightfully fruity with a medium to full body and a backbone of well-integrated, velvety tannins. The finish is fresh and persistent and recalls light mineral notes. It goes splendidly with veal served with truffles or duck breast.
      
692. Remi Jobard Meursault En Luraule 2021 : 8Wines : GBP100.97
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Meursault in the venerated Burgundy wine region, Domaine Remi Jobard is a small family estate spanning approximately 8 hectares of vineyards, including some high-altitude plots in Meursault and several 1er cru parcels. The estate has been certified organic since 2011. The Chardonnay grapes come from a small parcel of less than half a hectare adjacent to the 1er Cru Gouttes d'Or. Here, the vines, over 30 years old, are grown according to organic farming standards and rooted in chalk-rich soil. After harvest, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine rests half in barrique and half in foudre before aging for 6 months in stainless steel and bottling. In the glass, Remi Jobard Meursault En Luraule reveals a yellow color with greenish highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with fruity notes of citrus and plums, white flowers, and a few vegetal nuances. On the palate, it is fresh and concentrated, juicy and lively, with a refreshing acidity and a long finish with light saline and mineral notes. It is very versatile when paired with food: it goes well with Dover sole and swordfish, mac & cheese, and roast chicken with Provençal herbs.
      
693. Champagne Jeeper Grand Rose Brut : 8Wines : GBP48.65
Enjoy it now or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. This Brut Rosé from Champagne Jeeper is bright pink in the glass, with a vibrant perlage. It’s crafted from 88% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Noir, which imparts a light blush. On the nose, you can discover delightful flowery notes, hints of sharp citrus rind, and a smattering of orchard fruits. Jeeper is a Champagne house in the northwest of the renowned region, in the picturesque commune of Faverolles et Coëmy. The winery’s director, Nicolas Dubois, sources his grapes from 50 hectares of prime winemaking land, dotted across Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Marne Valley. The distinctive Jeeper-style bottle was first released in 2014, and the winery has sold 3.5 million of them since then - an impressive testament to the wine’s quality. The Jeeper Rosé has a refined, charming palate, packed with dry citrus fruits. There are subtle hints of raspberry and strawberry, but it is the clean Chardonnay character that dominates, with notes of peach, lemon rind and green apple. The finish is long, dry and deeply refreshing. Consider drinking this wine as an aperitif, or pairing it with caviar, smoked salmon, or fried chicken.
      
694. Champagne Jeeper Grande Reserve Blanc De Blancs : 8Wines : GBP54.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Faverolles et Coëmy, in the north-west of the Champagne wine region, Maison Jeeper was founded in 1949 by Armand Goutorbe. The company's name comes from the fact that, due to a disability (acquired during World War II), Armand drove around the vineyards in a Willys Jeep. Today, the company is run by Nicolas Dubois and Michel Reybier's team. Champagne Jeeper Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs is a highly refined wine, produced with Chardonnay grapes from eleven of the finest vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Pays de Vitryat. After fermentation, 40% of the base wine is aged in oak barrels for two years before being further aged on the lees for five years. In the glass, the wine reveals a pale golden color, enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is lively and expressive, with notes of citrus and white fruit followed by mineral and honey hints. On the palate, it has a creamy texture. It is fruity and balanced, with a pronounced citrus acidity that refreshes the palate and continues on the long finish. It is a wine with a strong aromatic character that makes an excellent aperitif but also pairs well with food, especially fish and seafood.
      
695. Champagne Jeeper Naturelle Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP45.92
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1949 by Armand Goutorbe, son of winemakers, Maison Jeeper Champagne owes its name to the Willys Jeep that Armand used to travel through the vineyards. In 2009, the company was acquired by Nicolas Dubois, who, since 2013, has been joined in partnership by Michel Reybier, owner of Château Cos d'Estournel, and, since 2022, by former basketball player Tony Parker. Today, Maison Jeeper produces prestigious Champagnes known and appreciated throughout the world. The wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The organic grapes are hand-picked. A small portion of the Chardonnay is aged in oak, and the finished wine rests for at least five years on the lees before disgorgement. In the glass, the Naturelle Extra Brut displays a clear and brilliant golden color enhanced by fine bubbles. Its aromatic profile is broad and elegant, with notes of apple and ripe citrus, floral hints on a background of brioche and bread crust. On the palate, it is intense and concentrated, with a distinctive minerality and a pronounced, refreshing acidity. It is rounded and velvety, with a long finish that recalls notes of ripe fruit. It is excellent as an aperitif, with vegetable tempura and fish and shellfish appetizers.
      
696. Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Trois Terres Vieilles Vignes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP60.90
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Trois Terres is crafted from old Pinot Noir vines, sourced from three vineyards within the Marsannay region: Longeroies, Es Chezots, and Clos du Roy. It exhibits a deep garnet colour, and a stunning bouquet of sour red cherry, cranberry, rose petal, spice, and umami scents of wet forest floor. Although the winery itself was founded in 1962 by Jean Fournier, the Fournier family is one of the oldest winemaking families in the region of Marsannay. Their history dates back to the 17th century, and the reign of King Louis XIII. These days, the winery has turned to fully organic winemaking techniques, thanks to the stewardship of Laurent, the son of founder Jean. Trois Terres is a mature, well-rounded expression of Marsannay. In the mouth it is perfectly balanced and layered, with intertwined flavors of red and black fruits, subtle spice, and a touch of gravelly minerality. Finely grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide excellent structure, making this Pinot Noir suitable for longer-term cellaring. It will be a great wonderful partner for herby meats, roasted poultry, or pungent cheeses, such as Comté.
      
697. Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Le Chapitre 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.06
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Le Chapitre begins with an aromatic bouquet of sour red cherry, wild raspberry, baking spice, wet soil, and purple flowers. It is a medium-bodied wine, crafted from a mixture of 15- and 75-year-old Pinot Noir vines, exhibiting a rich crimson colour in the glass. It is a delicious, effortlessly drinkable expression of the Marsannay region. The Fourniers are one of the oldest winemaking families in the region, with a recorded history dating back to the 17th century. The winery itself was founded in 1962, by Jean Fournier, and his considerable legacy is carried on by his son, Laurent, who has overseen the estate’s transition to completely organic viticulture. Mouthfuls of fresh strawberry and raspberry explode on the palate, which is marked by a vivacious acidity and fine tannins that lend an elegant structure. It was fermented with whole bunches before being aged in oak barrels for 12 months. There is a strong undercurrent of earth and spice, typical of Burgundy, with subtle hints of gravel minerality, forest floor, and cinnamon. Le Chapitre will be an excellent partner for roast poultry, mushroom risotto, or pungent cheese.
      
698. Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Clos Du Roy Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP44.28
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Notes of apricot, orchard fruits, lemon zest, and salinity leap from this delicious bottle of white Burgundy. It is made from 100% Chardonnay vines, planted between 1970 and 2015 in the Clos du Roy – an esteemed vineyard in the northernmost part of Marsannay, with mineral-rich clay-limestone soils that provide this wine with excellent depth. Founded in 1962 in the heart of Marsannay by Jean Fournier, this winery offers one of the most celebrated and well-rounded ranges of wine in the region. These days it is owned and operated by Jean’s son, Laurent, the latest in a very long line of Fournier winemakers and grape growers, dating all the way back to the 17th century. The Clos du Roy Blanc is an elegant and aromatic wine, with a gorgeous pale gold colour. It envelopes the mouth in flavours of pear, green apple skin, lemon curd, and delicate white flowers. Undercurrents of saline minerality and honeysuckle sweep through to the finish. You can also discover a racy acidity, providing the wine with structure and a distinctly fresh character. Consider pairing this wine with seafood, chicken, or a soft, pungent cheese.
      
699. Domaine Jean Fournier Marsannay Les Longeroies Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP44.28
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Les Longeroies Blanc bursts with scents of citrus zest, delicate white flowers, orchard fruits, and peach. It is made from 100% Chardonnay, from the Longeroies vineyard – a name that means “long and narrow”, it being one of Marsannay’s largest vineyards. With regards to the Longeroies Rouge, this wine is another side to the same coin – it is packed with sun-baked fruits, dry undergrowth, and great depth of flavour. The Fournier’s are a winemaking family with a rich heritage in the Marsannay region, with a recorded history dating back to the 17th century. The modern winery was founded in 1962 by Jean Fournier and is continued today by his son, Laurent, who has ushered in an age of organic cultivation and minimal intervention. This wine is deep and velvety on the palate mirroring its golden colour. You can discover luscious flavours of ripe green apple, toasted nuts, pear, lemon curd, and acacia. Its creamy side is balanced out by an elegant vein of acidity, which drives the experience into a mineral-laden finish. This is an excellent Marsannay white, perfect for pairing with summery salads, seafood, or poultry.
      
700. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP34.70
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard is a jewel nestled in the heart of Savigny-les-Beaune, a charming village in the Burgundy region. Jean-Jacques is still at the helm, creating a stellar range of Premier Cru wines with his son Victor. While they own plots of land across the appellations of Pommard, Volnay and Corton-Charlemagne, Savigny-les-Beaune is the land that they know best. This wine is sourced from “Les Lavières”, a sloping plot with vines planted as far back as 1943. The name refers to a type of flat limestone lying under the site’s thin soils. Widely considered one of the best Premier Cru’s in Savigny-les-Beaune, “Les Lavières” is a fantastic place to start exploring the intricacies of red Burgundy wine. Notable for its rich, summery character, the nose of “Les Lavières” is alive with notes of raspberry, strawberry and cassis. There is also an earthy, slightly masculine side to the wine as a whole, which is typical of this vineyard. The fruits were aged in oak for 11 months before bottling. On the palate, look for a medley of cherry, strawberry, blackberry and pomegranate. There are spice accents to be found, as well as a wonderful fresh acidity and hints of oakiness. Enjoy it alone, or alongside coq au vin, filet mignon, or a rich mushroom risotto.
      
701. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Pernand-vergelesses Premier Cru Les Vergelesses 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.53
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard is one of the biggest wineries in Savigny-Les Beaune, comprising 40 acres of vineyards in appellations such as Pommard, Volnay, and the origin for this Burgundy red, Pernand-Vergelesses. Head wine-makers Jean-Jacques and Victor Girard have a wealth of knowledge to draw from - their family has been growing grapes in this region for over 500 years. Pernand-Verglesses is an underrated part of Burgundy, spanning picturesque hillsides between Aloxe-Corton and Savigny-Les Beaune. “Les Vergelesses” is one of the Premier Crus of the appellation, lying between 250 and 350 metres above sea level. It shows a vibrant, generous nose, redolent of raspberry, blackberry and cassis, with undertones of sweet spice and flowers. The Pinot Noir grapes were harvested from a small parcel of vines, just 0.42 hectares in all, and ranging between 30 and 85 years old. The palate is a gorgeous medley of hedgerow berries, supported by an invigorating vein of acidity and spice. The finish is long and packed with tart red fruits. This is an excellent wine, worthy of cellaring for several years or enjoying alone. If you choose to pair it with food, consider something Burgundian, such as chicken Dijon, beef bourguignon or parsleyed ham.
      
702. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Beaune Premier Cru Clos Du Roi 2023 : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Continuing a long family tradition dating back to 1500, Jean-Jacques Girard founded his winery in Savigny les Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. The estate, which extends over 15 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Savigny les Beaune, Aloxe Corton, Volnay, Pernand-Vergelesses, Pommard, and Beaune, is today managed by Jean Jacques with his son Vincent. Their approach to the vineyard reflects their enormous passion and respect for the environment and the pure expression of the terroir. After the harvest and traditional vinification, the finished wine rests for 15 months in oak barrels. The result is a refined and well-structured wine that can evolve beautifully for over a decade. Beaune Premier Cru Clos du Roi is a Pinot Noir with a clear and brilliant color and ruby ​​tones. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant and fruity aromatic profile with notes of small red fruits, blueberries, fresh grapes, and light hints of tobacco in the background. On the palate, it is smooth, round, and medium-bodied with silky tannins and a long and elegant finish that recalls fruity notes. It is the ideal wine for game birds: try it with stewed pheasant, roasted partridge, or mallard.
      
703. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Peuillets 2023 : 8Wines : GBP31.76
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. The Girard family have spent the last 5 centuries etching their own distinct character into the landscape of Savigny-Les-Beaune. Jean-Jacques Girard is an enterprising seventh-generation grape grower - the first in the family to create his own winery. He was joined by his son Victor in 2008, and together, they create a remarkable range of Burgundy wine. This example was sourced from a Premier Cru vineyard in the village of Savigny-Les-Beaune, bordering the Beaune appellation. The vines of “Les Peuillets” are planted at an average altitude of 250 metres above sea level, producing potent, almost beefy Pinot Noirs, worthy of any collector’s cellar. “Les Peuillets” is equal parts bright and complex, opening with a bouquet of ripe red berries, sweet spices and ground pepper. As with the rest of Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard’s Premier Cru wines, this spent 15 months ageing in oak barrels before bottling. There are hints of oaky complexity on the tongue, but the palate is dominated by a round mouthfeel, concentrated jammy notes of raspberry and cherry, and a distinct minerality. This is a beautifully balanced wine, designed for pairing with exquisite dishes. It will complement roast duck wonderfully or more traditional Burgundy dishes, such as beef bourguignon.
      
704. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Pernand-vergelesses Premier Cru Sous Fretille 2023 : 8Wines : GBP48.60
Cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a stunning Premier Cru Chardonnay, packed with scents of peach, nectarine, pear, grapefruit, and baking spice. It exhibits a beautiful light golden colour in the glass. The fruits were harvested from the Sous Frétille vineyard, which grows on the Corton-Charlemagne hill overlooking the scenic village of Pernand-Vergelesses. With a history of grape growing dating back almost 500 years, it’s safe to say that the Girard family have made their mark on Burgundy. Jean-Jacques and his son Victor, the current winemakers at the head of the family, have a wealth of winemaking knowledge to draw from. They craft a gorgeous range of wine from their headquarters in Savigny-Les-Beaune, surrounded by a 15-hectare patchwork quilt of top-tier Burgundy vineyards. This particular patch grows on white marl soil, which has proven to be an excellent foundation for quality Chardonnay. On the palate, Sous Frétille coats the tongue in zesty flavours of lemon and lime, with rich tones of green apple, woody spice, vanilla, and butter. There is a pure, cleansing minerality to be found on the finish. Consider pairing this expressive Chardonnay with creamy pasta, soft cheese, or chicken.
      
705. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Bourgogne Chardonnay Monopole Combe D'orange 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. Jean-Jacques and his son Vincent carry a legacy of seven generations on their shoulders, crafting classically Burgundian wines in the quaint commune of Savigny-Les-Beaune. Summed up in a few words, the wines from Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard are incredible value for money. Their family-owned vineyards cover a modest 15 hectares, comprising some of the finest plots in Burgundy. Combe d’Orange is a fresh, youthful wine, bursting with scents of grated lemon zest, sun-drenched stone fruit, ripe orchard fruits, melted butter, and minerality. It is crafted from 100% Chardonnay, harvested from environmentally certified vineyards. This is a versatile white wine, and a born crowd-pleaser, perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods and occasions. On the palate, it expands into a medley of green apple, pear, quince, and subtle, salty minerality. Look for notes of hazelnut, citrus, and vanilla, singing quietly in the background. The grapes spent 10 months ageing in oak barrels, imparting a subtle oaky structure that supports the wine’s soft acidity. It was made for enjoyment in its youth and will be an excellent partner for cream of vegetable soup, shellfish, or roast chicken.
      
706. Domaine Jean-jacques Girard Pernand-vergelesses Les Belles Filles 2024 : 8Wines : GBP28.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Savigny-les-Beaune, in the Cote d'Or, Burgundy, Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard is a family-run winery with a long tradition that spans over 5 centuries. Today, the estate, which extends for about 15 hectares of vineyards, is in the hands of Jean-Jacques Girard, who runs it with the help of his wife Agnès and their son Vincent. The company, which practices sustainable agriculture, produces high-quality wines from 22 appellations that include several Premiers and Grands Crus. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vineyards located in the commune of Pernand-Vergelesses. After vinification, the finished wine rests in oak barrels for 10 months before bottling. Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles shows a bright straw yellow color. On the nose, it reveals a delicate aromatic profile with a fresh bouquet made of white flowers and juicy apples, followed by some mineral notes. On the palate, it is soft and elegant with a good concentration of fruit and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and persistent. This wine is an excellent choice for a classy aperitif and it makes a great match with seafood or pan-fried veal sweetbreads.
      
707. Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Premier Cru Les Gravieres Numerus Clausus 2021 : 8Wines : GBP60.94
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Those at Domaine Jessiaume have been creators and purveyors of top-quality Burgundy wine for almost two centuries. The stalwart winery was founded in 1850 by the Jessiaume family and has since been acquired by Dr Jean-François Le Bigot, who has steered the cellar into a new era of minimal intervention viticulture. Domaine Jessiaume has its fingers in many of the finest pies across the Côte de Beaune. The winery is the largest owner of the “Les Gravières” Premier Cru vineyard in Santenay, with over 3.8 hectares of fertile, mineral-rich soil to harvest from. Numerus Clausus (“closed number” in Latin) is crafted in limited amounts, from the oldest vines in Les Gravières. 80 years of previous experience grants this wine an incredibly nuanced character. There is a deep well of earthy scents to be discovered on the nose, along with pleasant notes of wild hedgerow berries, including blackberry and raspberry. It’s a perfect balance of rich body and wiry acidity in the mouth, with a long, powerful finish. As the wine opens up, you can also discover notes of menthol, liquorice, herbs and minerals. Pair it with a slice of aged cheese, braised beef, or a rich and herby roast lamb dish.
      
708. Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Premier Cru Les Gravieres Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP52.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Santenay, in the heart of the Côte-d'Or, Burgundy, Domaine Jessiaume has a long winemaking tradition, having been founded in 1850, and purchased by François Le Bigot, current owner in 2020. The company, which has passed to organic certification, brings forward a philosophy of minimal intervention, favoring work by gravity, and the minimal use of sulfites. The Chardonnay grapes come from one of the historic plots of the Domaine: 0.77 hectares of vineyard with an average age of 40 years located in the Les Gravières cru. Here the soil rich in gravel and limestone of the Combe de Saint-Aubin and the south-east exposure guarantee the production of fresh and fruity wines characterized by a strong mineral vein. Santenay Premier Cru Les Gravieres Blanc has a light and clear color with lemon-yellow tones. The nose reveals elegant fruity aromas of apple, pear, and yellow plum, followed by hints of pastry and mineral notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and has a delicious juiciness. It is fresh, elegant, and round. The finish is long and persistent and recalls evident chalky notes. Try it with trout or veal filet.
      
709. Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Clos Genet 2023 : 8Wines : GBP28.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Santenay, in the renowned French wine region of Burgundy, Domaine Jessiaume boasts nearly 10 hectares of vineyards, where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate. Production is primarily concentrated in the Santenay area, but the estate also produces wines in other appellations. Today, the domaine is owned by Dr. Jean-François Le Bigot, who has been working to develop the estate with the help of cellar master William Waterkyhnn. The Pinot Noir grapes come from the Clos du Clos Genet, a plot that is property of the domain and it’s enclosed within the Clos Genet. After manual selection and harvesting, and a five-day cold maceration, fermentation occurs spontaneously, and the finished wine ages for a year in oak barrels, a quarter of which are new. In the glass, Domaine Jessiaume Santenay Clos Genet displays an intense and brilliant ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, followed by floral and spicy hints. On the palate, it has good structure. It is soft, elegant, and balanced with fine tannins and a velvety texture. It has a pleasant freshness and a long finish reminiscent of ripe strawberries. It is a youthful wine that can evolve well over a few years in the cellar. Try it with grilled duck breast.
      
710. Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume is located in the town of Santenay in Burgundy. The estate covers approximately 10 hectares of vineyards planted primarily with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the region's flagship grape varieties. Once owned by Sir David Murray, one of Scotland's richest men, the domaine was purchased by Dr. Jean-François Le Bigot, who manages it with winemaker William Waterkyhnn. Part of the Chardonnay grapes for this Burgundy wine come from the estate's vineyards, while the rest is sourced from other winemakers. After manual harvesting and whole-bunch pressing, fermentation occurs spontaneously in oak, and the finished wine then ages on the lees in oak (used) for approximately 10 months. The result is a lively and fresh wine with an expressive and broad aromatic profile that reveals notes of tropical fruit and yellow flowers, with hints of lime and almond. On the palate, it is juicy, smooth, and easy to drink. It has a refreshing acidity and a savory, mineral vein that lingers on the finish. It is a youthful and immediate wine that pairs well with seafood, vegetarian recipes, and chicken and also makes an excellent aperitif. For a special treat, try it with a Lobster BLT sandwich.
      
711. Domaine Jessiaume Beaune Premier Cru Les Cents Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP40.72
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Let us introduce you to Domaine Jessiaume, one of the finest wineries to grace the scenic landscape of Burgundy. It was founded by the Jessiaume family in 1850, but these days it is in the safe hands of Dr Jean-François Le Bigot, who has ushered the winery into the modern era of organic and minimal intervention viticulture. Domaine Jessiaume gets its grapes from a variety of fantastic appellations and Premier Cru’s within the Côte de Beaune - many of which are important stops on your journey through Burgundian wine. “Les Cents Vignes” is one such Premier Cru, with a wonderful clayish limestone soil that gifts its wines with a strong earthy and mineral vein. Les Cents Vignes is a 100% Pinot Noir wine, appearing with a vivid scarlet hue in the glass. Inquisitive notes of mulberry, raspberry, damp earth and pepper rise to the forefront of the nose. It is a medium-bodied wine but contains an intense, focused backbone of pure fruit that gives it a formidable character. Look for a core of red cherry, raspberry, lilac and mushroom, with a subtly mineral finish. When pairing this wine, try it alongside a thick mushroom risotto, soft cheese, or a hearty lamb chop.
      
712. Domaine Jessiaume Volnay Premier Cru Les Brouillards 2023 : 8Wines : GBP52.24
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting is optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. On the quest for the Burgundy wine that best suits your tastebuds, Domaine Jessiaume is a vital stop. This winery creates some of the finest bottles in the Côte de Beaune and has been doing so for approximately 200 years. It was founded in 1850 by the Jessiaume family but has now found its way into the hands of Dr Jean-François Le Bigot, who combines quality with an immense respect for the terroir. Along with their principles of minimal intervention and organic viticulture, part of the secret to Domaine Jessiaume’s success is access to pristine vineyards. “Les Brouillards” is a highly sought-after Premier Cru in Volnay - an appellation known for its crisp, aromatic reds. This Volnay is light on the nose at first but opens up with time. Look for hints of leather, cherry pie, wild blackberry and hints of spice. On the palate, this wine shows impressive character. It has a solid tannic structure, interlaced with plenty of crisp acidity. Its flavours are soft, yet filling - discover notes of dry plum, coffee, leather and earth, with hints of spice in the finish. This wine will be an excellent companion for a meaty charcuterie board, beef bourguignon or a piece of soft cheese.
      
713. Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded by the Jessiaume family in 1850, Domaine Jessiaume is now owned by Dr. Jean-François Le Bigot, who purchased it from Scottish businessman Sir David Murray, in turn owner until 2020. To reinvigorate the image and prestige of this ancient domain of Burgundy, Le Bigot has decided to focus everything on quality, keeping the oenological team but with new investments in the cellar and the transition to organic cultivation. After the selection and harvest of the Pinot Noir grapes, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then rests for about 10 months in used oak barrels. The Bourgogne Pinot Noir from Domaine Jessiaume has a brilliant and clear color with light red tones. On the nose, it is fresh and lively with a fragrant and fruity aromatic profile with notes of strawberry and raspberry. On the palate, it is juicy, with a medium body and refreshing acidity. The finish is long, lively and fruity. It is a wine with a characteristic fruity profile to be enjoyed in its youth or kept in the cellar for a few years. It makes a great pairing with guinea fowl or Coq au Vin.
      
714. Jeremy Recchione Cote De Nuits-villages 2022 : 8Wines : GBP41.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Jeremy Recchione is a young and promising French winemaker from Burgundy who started producing his wines in 2013, initially buying grapes from several vintners. In 2019, he acquired his first vineyard (Les Cerisiers in Messanges) located in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits, continuing his personal project. The company, which today owns properties in Gevrey, Saint Romain, Meursault, and Fizin, is based in Gevrey Chambertin. Jeremy applies artisanal methodologies, working the vines in the healthiest way possible, with total respect for nature, and practicing manual harvests. Even in the cellar, he favors a natural approach: he prefers to ferment with indigenous yeasts and the use of sulfur is reduced to a minimum. This fresh and youthful Pinot Noir reveals a fragrant aromatic profile with notes of blueberry, berries, and flowers, followed by hints of cinnamon and licorice and earthy nuances. On the palate, it has a light to medium body. It is soft, fresh, and juicy with a lively and well-integrated acidity and a long fruity finish. It is a very approachable wine that lends itself well to food pairings. Try it with tomato tarte tatin or some Vietnamese beef dishes.
      
715. Champagne Jm Gobillard Et Fils Prestige Brut Millesime 2019 : 8Wines : GBP43.22
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. A beautiful golden colour in the glass, this Champagne is bursting with ripe scents of dried fruits and nuts, white flowers, and buttery brioche. It is a careful blend of 40% Pinot Noir and 60% Chardonnay, which go through a blind taste-testing process before being included in the Prestige range. The Gobillard family’s foray into winemaking began in 1933, when Gervais Gobillard spent his life’s earnings on a single hectare of vineyards in Hautvillers, home of the world-famous Dom Perignon. However, the company as we know it today was established in 1983, when the “fils” of the family – Philippe, Jean François, Thierry, and Françoise – founded the modern-day cellar. The Prestige Millésime is intense and full-bodied in the mouth, with some fantastic tertiary flavours from ageing on the lees. It spends a minimum of 5 years in the cellar before disgorgement. The Prestige range is the crown jewel of JM Gobillard et Fils, packed with mature flavours of lemon rind, orchard fruits, white peony flowers, and a smattering of nuts and pastries. It is perfect for special occasions, and deserves to be paired with a fine seafood dish, creamy cheese, or caviar.
      
716. Champagne Jm Gobillard Et Fils Prestige Brut Rose Millesime 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.43
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. An appealing salmon pink colour in the glass, this Rosé showcases a subtle raspberry nose, with flashes of red and green apple, rose petals, and hints of cream. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, which were macerated with the skins. The fruits were plucked from old, low-yielding vines, and the resulting wines were then blind taste-tested before being selected for the Prestige blend. Champagne JM Gobillard et Fils had humble beginnings. The family’s winemaking venture began in 1933, when Gervais Gobillard spent his life’s savings on one hectare of vineyards in Dom Perignon’s home village of Hautvillers. From there, a mighty winery grew, expanding into the family-run Champagne house that we know today. This Rosé Champagne treads the line between elegant and fleshy on the palate, with striking acidity and a chalky side, obtained from the Hautvillers soil. You can discover flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and zesty lemon, alongside hints of brioche and nuts, which come from 4 years of ageing in the Gobillard cellar. Enjoy it alongside a charcuterie board, as an aperitif, or pair it with a fine seafood dish.
      
717. Champagne Jm Gobillard Et Fils Grande Reserve Premier Cru Brut : 8Wines : GBP30.96
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This Grande Reserve wine is a blend of the three main Champagne grapes: 50% Chardonnay, with 25% each of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It also includes 35-40% of reserve wines, allowing for great consistency across years, and a mature character. Look for a bouquet of green apples, pure lemon, and white flowers, with tertiary notes of brioche as it opens up. The company behind Champagne JM Gobillard et Fils was officially founded in 1983 by the four sons of Jean Marie: Philippe, Jean François, Thierry, and Françoise. Over the first few years, they expanded the winery’s cellar and opened a tasting cellar, before building a site in Dizy. This would become their second home, after the small village of Hautvillers, where Gervais Gobillard first planted vines in 1933. The fruits for this wine were harvested from Premier Cru sites in Hautvillers (the home of the great Dom Perignon), Dizy, and Cumières. It is velvety and generous in the mouth, with ripe flavours of orchard fruits, citrus, and classic Champagne notes of buttery pastries. It spent a minimum of 3 years in the cellar before release. Consider pairing this Premier Cru wine with a creamy chicken dish, seafood, or soft cheese.
      
718. Champagne Jm Gobillard Et Fils Tradition Brut : 8Wines : GBP36.90
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is a classic and timeless Champagne, composed of an almost equal blend of the region’s three main grapes: 30% Chardonnay, with 35% each of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The nose showcases scents of green and red apples, alongside vivacious citrus and buttery brioche, gained from 2 years of maturing on the lees. The Gobillard family's winemaking venture dates back to 1933, when against the wishes of his family, Gervais Gobillard spent his life’s earnings on one hectare of vineyards in Hautvillers (the home of Dom Perignon). These days, the winery has become one of the most respected in Champagne, having been revolutionised by Jean Marie Gobillard himself, and his four sons, Philippe, Jean François, Thierry, and Françoise. This wine’s perlage is fine and persistent on the palate, bursting into flavours of apple, pear, and quince. Look for further notes of hazelnut and French pastries, balanced out by acidic citrus notes. It is a well-balanced and agreeable Champagne, a great entry point into JM Gobillard et Fils’ range, and perfect for serving on special occasions. Consider pairing it with fine seafood and a plate of soft cheese.
      
719. Domaine Jean-jacques Confuron Nuits-saint-georges Les Fleurieres 2019 : 8Wines : GBP63.25
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Fourth generation Burgundian landowner Sophie Meunier and her husband took on Domaine Jean-Jacques when her father could no longer manage the property in the mid-1980s. The couple had studied winemaking together and converted the estate to organic viticulture after an inspiring lecture by Claude Bourguignon, an expert in soil microbiology. In total they have eight hectares of vineyards across 12 appellations in the Côte de Nuits. This fine cuvee comes from Confuron’s Les Fleurieres plot in Nuits-Saint-Georges. It’s an elegant introduction to the domaine’s philosophy of “power without weight” expressed by an intense depth of flavor carefully balanced with freshness and poise. The grapes are hand selected in the vineyard for optimum quality and then completely destemmed before fermentation in temperature-controlled cement tanks. After a period resting on the lees the wine moves to oak barriques for 15-18 months before bottling. Meticulous winemaking and exceptional terroir give this wine an undeniable grace in the glass with delicate aromas of bitter licorice, earthy truffles, and crushed red cherries and redcurrants. The first sip reveals a medium body, silky yet firm tannins, and a bright streak of acidity that brings clarity and focus to the overall flavor profile. A magnificent bottle to enjoy now or cellar for a few more years.
      
720. Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray 2014 : 8Wines : GBP174.23
Drink now or cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled. This majestic vintage Champagne is crafted by one of the region’s top producers, Champagne Jacquesson, from a fantastic 1 hectare plot named “Corne Bautray” which was planted with Chardonnay in 1960. This single vineyard is located in the Grand Cru of Dizy in the Valle de la Marne and sits on a steep south-west facing slope with chalk and gravel soils ideal for crafting a top quality Blanc de Blancs. In the winery the Jacquesson philosophy is centred around the terroir and purity of fruit along with very long lees ageing. This cuvee is aged for nine years in the bottle on the lees before being disgorged without any added dosage. The result is a remarkably polished and poised vintage Champagne which will continue to evolve and develop beautifully in the bottle over the coming years. Champagne Jacquesson is run by brothers Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet who have brilliantly guided the house to claim its place amongst Champagne’s finest producers. As well as sourcing a small amount of fruit from partner growers, the brothers have their own excellent vineyards in the Grande Vallée de la Marne and in the Côte des Blancs with the winery itself based in Dizy.
      
721. Champagne Jacquesson Avize Champ Cain 2014 : 8Wines : GBP172.38
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled. Champagne Jacquesson is run by brothers Jean-Hervé and Laurent Chiquet who over the past couple of decades have successfully cemented the house’s position amongst Champagne’s top producers. Based in Dizy in the Valle de la Marne, Jacquesson has a selection of exceptional vineyards in the Grande Vallée de la Marne and in the Côte des Blancs including prime Grand Cru plots in Aÿ, Avize and Oiry. This magnificent single vineyard vintage Champagne is crafted from a 1.3 hectare plot which was planted with Chardonnay in the 1960s. Jasquesson’s signature style includes zero dosage and extended lees ageing as well as a laser-like focus on terroir and purity of flavour. This particular cuvee ages for eight years on the lees in the bottle and is very highly sought-after thanks to the tiny production which is only done in the best of vintages. Jacquesson’s Champ Cain has previously enjoyed rave reviews by top wine publications like Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate which gave the 2008 vintage 97 points. The nose is wonderfully complex with notes of toasted almonds, brioche, and honeysuckle while the palate reveals a delicate mousse, refreshing zesty and nutty flavours, and a dry finish thanks to the zero dosage. A marvellous Champagne to serve now for a special occasion or to hold for another decade or so.
      
722. Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee 748 : 8Wines : GBP59.72
Cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled. Champagne Jacquesson has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is frequently ranked among Champagne’s top producers. The house is headquartered in Dizy with vineyards in two main areas, the Grande Vallée de la Marne and in the Côte des Blancs, which include Grand Cru plots in Aÿ, Avize and Oiry. Heading up the business are the Chiquet brothers who follow a philosophy of minimal dosage coupled with extended lees ageing to produce powerful and refined Champagnes that rival the region’s very finest. The Jacquesson Cuvee 746 is a fantastic non-vintage Extra Brut Champagne crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes with a low dosage of just 1.5 grammes per litre. Grapes are sourced from Jacquesson’s prime vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs and the finalised cuvee is aged on the lees in the bottle for three years before disgorging and release to the market. On the nose there are uplifting notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and subtle toasted wood while the first sip reveals a crisp acidity, medium body and delicate mousse from the fine bubbles. An ideal partner for seafood and fish dishes, this dry Champagne also makes a great aperitif to prepare the palate before a special dinner or family celebration.
      
723. Joseph Burrier Chateau De Beauregard Pouilly-fuisse 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Fuissé, Burgundy, Chateau de Beauregard owes its name to its strategic and isolated location on top of the plateau overlooking the Pouilly Fuissé vineyard. The estate, the flagship of the Burrier family, extends over approximately 37 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. The Chardonnay grapes are selected and hand-picked from vineyards located in the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, in the southern part of Burgundy, at an average altitude of 200-300 meters. Here the vines enjoy an east/south-east exposure and are rooted in Jurassic clay-limestone soils. After vinification, the finished wine rests on the lees for 9 months, half in steel and half in barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals a straw yellow color with golden reflections and a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with delicate notes of pear, apple, and peach and hints of acacia flowers and honey. On the palate, it is fresh, elegant, and balanced with a medium body and a pleasant refreshing acidity. The finish is long and recalls clear mineral notes. It is a characterful and complex wine that can age well, developing buttery and toasted notes, but is very enjoyable now with lemon roast chicken, scallops, or goat cheese.
      
724. Joseph Burrier Chateau De Beauregard Fleurie Poncie 2024 : 8Wines : GBP17.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Chateau de Beauregard is a renowned estate in southern Burgundy, located in Fuissé and owned by the Burrier family for 6 generations. The estate, now managed by Frederic Marc Burrier, has approximately 37 hectares of vineyards, including 5 located in Fleurie, one of the most prestigious crus of Beaujolais, in the hamlet of Poncie, on steep slopes overlooking the Saône plain. Gamay grapes are hand-harvested from 40-year-old vineyards planted on sandy-looking, rotten rock granite sand soils, and located at an altitude of 300-400 m. After vinification, which takes place in the former Maison Tournissoux in Fleurie, the finished wine ages half in vats and half in barrels. In the glass, Fleurie Poncie reveals a clear and brilliant ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with floral notes of iris, violet, and rose petals, followed by fruity aromas and spicy hints in the background. On the palate, it is elegant and well-structured, velvety, and full of flavor. The finish is long and recalls gentle spicy notes. It pairs well with roast lamb, bangers and mash, and also with poultry in cream and mushroom sauces.
      
725. Joseph Burrier Domaine De La Rochette Macon Milly-lamartine Montagne De Cra 2024 : 8Wines : GBP14.57
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Domaine de la Rochette is situated in Milly-Lamartine, within the Mâconnais region. Since 2016, it has been part of Maison Joseph Burrier, alongside Château de Beauregard, Domaine Georges Burrier in Fuissé, Château du Clos in Pouilly, and Domaine Joseph Burrier in Fleurie. The estate covers approximately 8 hectares of vineyards spread across the Montagne de Cra. The Mâcon Milly-Lamartine Montagne de Cra is made with Chardonnay grapes from vineyards located approximately 400 meters above sea level and cultivated without herbicides or insecticides. Here, the vines benefit from a high-altitude terroir composed of lean, stony, and shallow limestone, capable of producing wines of excellent quality. After harvesting and slow vinification in 35-liter barrels, the finished wine ages for approximately 10 months on the lees before bottling. The result is an elegant and pure wine with a brilliant straw-yellow color and a broad, fragrant aromatic profile. On the nose, this elegant white Burgundy reveals notes of citrus and pear, floral hints of acacia blossom, and a mineral, saline undertone. On the palate, it is lively, fresh, and well-balanced, with a rounded texture and a well-integrated acidity. It is taut and juicy, with a long finish that evokes saline and citrus notes. It pairs beautifully with sushi, grilled white fish, and fish carpaccio.
      
726. Jean Baptiste Hardy Muscadet Fief De Chaintre 2023 : 8Wines : GBP24.31
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Jean-Baptiste Hardy is a young and talented winemaker who, after years of winemaking experience in various corners of the world (including New Zealand and Patagonia), returned to France in 2018 to take over the family business in the Loire Valley. Muscadet Fief de Chaintre is a white wine made with Melon de Bourgogne grapes, from a plot located in the municipality of Mouzillon. Here the vines, planted in 1960, benefit from a northern exposure and sink their roots into a clay soil with a subsoil of gabbro. After manual harvesting and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests on the lees in barrels for a year and for a further 6 months in glass-lined, underground vats. The result is a fine and characterful wine, capable of aging well for a few years. On the nose, the wine reveals a powerful and broad aromatic profile with floral and fruity notes (especially apple, pear, and yellow plum), and herbaceous and wet stone hints. On the palate, it is crisp and lean, structured and dense with a lively acidity and a marked mineral vein. The finish is long, persistent, and recalls saline notes. It is the ideal wine to pair with seafood and shellfish but also goes well with vegetable soups and ricotta and spinach ravioli seasoned with butter and sage.
      
727. Jean Baptiste Hardy Muscadet Clos De Lozangere 2023 : 8Wines : GBP24.31
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Jean-Baptiste Hardy is a winery in the Loire Valley, located in the commune of Mouzillon within the Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine wine district. Jean-Baptiste took over the family business in 2018, and obtained his first harvest in 2020. The Melon de Bourgogne grapes for the Cuvée Clos de la Lozangère come from a plot located in the commune of Mouzillon. Here the vines, planted in 1950, enjoy a southern exposure and a soil composed of gabbro. The oceanic climate tempered by the proximity of the Loire river favors the production of fresh wines with excellent aromatic complexity. After fermentation, the wine remains in barrels on the lees for 1 year, followed by an additional 6 months in glass vats. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright straw-yellow color and a broad and complex aromatic profile with lively citrus and yellow fruit notes and floral scents on a slightly iodine background. On the palate, it is expressive, crisp, and mineral with a strong acidity and a silky texture. It is elegant and balanced with a long, fresh, and vaguely salty finish. It is an easy-to-approach and youthful wine but shows a good capacity to evolve. Try it with oysters or goat cheese.
      
728. Champagne Paul Bara Grand Cru Special Club 2016 : 8Wines : GBP67.90
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. Paul Bara’s “Special Club” Champagne is only created in years of exceptional quality. It is composed with a majority of Pinot Noir and about 30% Chardonnay – a higher portion than any of the winery’s other cuvées. It showcases a compelling bouquet of orchard fruits and hedgerow berries, with hints of white flowers, mint, and freshly cut grass. The Bara family have lived in the Champagne region since the 1600s, with their current property, and their first forays into winemaking, being established in the 1860s. However, they did not sell wines under the family name until the 1950s, when Paul Bara took charge. Today, the winery is run by Chantale, Paul’s daughter, the face of and the driving force behind the modernised winery. Despite being one of Bara’s most elegant wines, Special Club is still an intense experience on the palate. You can find powerful flavours of wild strawberry, lemon zest, white-fleshed fruits, and honeysuckle. It contains a mineral edge, which expands as the wine breathes. Perfect for special occasions, consider pairing Bara’s Special Club with seafood and soft cheese, or serving it as an aperitif.
      
729. Champagne Paul Bara Grand Millesime Grand Cru 2018 : 8Wines : GBP49.52
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. This Grand Cru Champagne is composed of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. It has a charming and graceful character, made from the finest grapes in the aptly named commune of Bouzy. It opens with scents of wildflowers, cut grass, and ground herbs, with citrus notes of tangerine and lemon zest. The Bara family have a history in the region of Champagne dating back to the 1600s. Today’s owner Chantale is the daughter of the eponymous Paul Bara, who was equal parts historian and winemaker. Paul began selling wine under the Bara name in the 1950s, and penned a book on the people of the village of Bouzy, and their very special fizzy wines. Typical of Paul Bara Champagnes, this wine is powerful and concentrated on the palate, with a pleasing moussey mouthfeel. It is crisp and dry, revealing notes of smoke and minerality as it decants. Look for flavours of orange, lemon, and herbal undergrowth, as well as cream and yeast – it spent a minimum of 5 years ageing on the lees, adding deep textures. Consider pairing this wine with seafood, creamy cheese, or crisp salads.
      
730. Champagne Paul Bara Grand Cru Brut Reserve : 8Wines : GBP52.26
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Paul Bara’s Grand Cru Champagnes are largely based on Pinot Noir, which grows in the village of Bouzy. This Brut Reserve is no exception, containing just 15% Chardonnay. It opens with a vinous nose of raspberry, lemon zest, and wild flowers – compelling and elegant, with hints of mint and freshly cut grass. The Bara family property, which still serves as the base of operations for the family’s winemaking, was built in the 1860s. The family has an incredibly long history in the region, but it was not until the 1950s that Paul Bara began selling wine under the family name. Today, the winery is run by his daughter, Chantale, the face of the winery, and the driving force behind its modern renovations. On the palate, the Brut Reserve boasts a fine perlage, with sharp flavours of lemon zest, strawberry, and lime. As it opens up, you can also discover creamy hints of brioche, thanks to a long stretch of time spent ageing on the lees. Well-integrated acidity accentuates its mineral elements, which make it a perfect companion for seafood. You can also consider using it as an aperitif for special occasions, or to compliment a plate of soft cheeses.
      
731. Champagne Krug Grande Cuvee Edition 173 : 8Wines : GBP241.81
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant but best to open it 20-30 minutes before service. Maison Krug, founded by Joseph Kug in 1843 and today directed by Olivier Krug with chef de cave Eric Lebel, is one of the legendary Champagne companies and has been part of the LVMH group since 1999. The Krug Grande Cuvée Edition 173 is an extraordinary wine, made starting from the 2017 harvest, with a blend of 150 wines from 13 different years, including the oldest from 2001. The Chef de Cave wanted to highlight the diversity of the delicate aromatic expressions to create a wine of great elegance and complexity. 2017 was a vintage characterized by particular climatic conditions with continuous variations between cool and hot periods, drought, and intense storms. However, this contrasting climate had a positive effect on the grapes, preserving their freshness and ensuring an effect of great heterogeneity throughout the region. The wine rests for about 7 years before degorgement. This Champagne with a unique character shows a complex and intense olfactory profile with aromas of ripe fruit and citrus, fresh flowers and sweet spices, honey, almonds, and dried fruit. On the palate, the bubbles are fine and persistent. The wine is fresh, citrus rich and elegant. It goes very well with crustaceans and seafood but it can also pair with light truffle dishes.
      
732. Louis Bouillot Perle D'aurore Cremant De Bourgogne Rose : 8Wines : GBP22.14
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. This charming sparkling wine is a unique Crémant de Bourgogne thanks to the delicate pink hue which comes from the blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay grapes. Ideal for drinking as an aperitif or in a relaxed setting with friends, this delicious bubly offers attractive aromas of redcurrants, raspberries and aromatic white flowers. The first sip reveals a smooth mousse, vibrant freshness and seductive ripe red berry flavours which make it an excellent partner for cheeses, charcuterie, or light salads. To create the attractive pale rosy hue, the grapes are carefully macerated for a short time to gain a small amount of colour from the skins. The fruit is then pressed with each varietal being handled separately until the final blending phase. The grape must is then fermented according to the traditional method which is exactly the same winemaking process used for Crémant de Bourgogne’s more famous cousin, Champagne. The sparkling wine is then aged for 12 months to preserve freshness while adding extra complexity and structure. Louis Bouillot is one of the top producers of Cremant de Bourgogne and the estate has been producing these elegant sparkling wines since 1877. Today the estate combines their heritage and generations of winemaking experience with modern techniques and equipment which allow them to produce stunning examples of these traditional sparkling wines.
      
733. Louis Bouillot Perle De Vigne Cremant De Bourgogne : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. The Louis Bouillot house has been crafting elegant sparkling wines since 1877 and skilfully combine their noble heritage with the latest technology and winemaking knowledge to reinterpret the traditional Cremant de Bourgogne for a new age. Their Perle de Vigne or “Pearl of the Vine” is a perfect example of the Louis Bouillot style which blends complexity and refined structure from extended lees ageing with a light, fresh fruit character. Designed to show drinkers the uniqueness of the Burgundian terroir and the Louis Bouillot estate’s skill in winemaking, this vibrant sparkling wine is made with the regions’ main four indigenous varietals; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté and Gamay. The nose offers enticing red berry aromas which carry through onto the palate where there is a bright acidity and smooth, small bubbles. The well-rounded structure and freshness make this an ideal gastronomic wine with potential for pairing with everything from salads and charcuterie to fresh seafood and grilled fish. To ensure the winery only works with the best quality raw material, the grapes are hand picked and carefully fermented according to the traditional method which is the same as that used for Champagne. Following the second fermentation in the bottle, the wine is aged for 12 months on the lees to add extra complexity and character to the finished wine.
      
734. Champagne Larmandier Bernier Longitude Blanc De Blancs Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP82.22
Cellar for up to 9 years. Serve chilled. Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is run by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier who have farmed the estate biodynamically for the past couple of decades. The couple own around 15 hectares of vines in the Côte des Blancs which include Grand Cru vineyards in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize and Premier Cru plots in Vertus. To ensure they begin with the very finest raw ingredients the Larmandiers do not use any herbicides and harvest all of their fruit manually. In the winery they work with wild yeasts for fermentation rather than using commercial yeasts. This particular Champagne, Longitude, is named for its great length and pure style with fruit sourced from Vertus, Oger, Avize, and Cramant which lie close to the 4th Meridian. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, this Blanc de Blancs begins life with an initial fermentation in oak barrels followed by maturation in the bottle for at least two years. When the Champagne is ready to be disgorged a tiny dosage of just 3 grammes of sugar per litre is added to give a touch of softness. The result is a vibrant Champagne with remarkable minerality and precision of flavour. A great Champagne to serve as an aperitif or cellar for a few more years.
      
735. Champagne Larmandier Bernier Latitude Blanc De Blancs : 8Wines : GBP67.46
Cellar for up to 9 years. Serve chilled. The Larmandier family have been crafting excellent Champagnes for eight generations, but it is the current generation represented by Pierre and Sophie who are pioneering an exciting new direction. The couple converted to biodynamic and organic agriculture over twenty years ago and strive to work in harmony with Mother Nature to produce the very best fruit possible. Today they have some 15 hectares of vines in some of the best spots in the Côte des Blancs including Grand Cru vineyards in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize. This stunning Champagne is named “Latitude” after the fact that the Chardonnay grapes used for it all come from the same latitude south of Vertus. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness and gently pressed in the winery. The juice is then fermented in oak barrels and then ages in the bottle on the lees for at least two years before disgorging. For this Champagne the Larmandiers add a small dosage of just 4 grammes per litre to add a very subtle touch of sweetness. The result is an elegant and harmonious Champagne that is very easy to drink and makes a fantastic aperitif with plenty of citrus fruit flavours and refreshing acidity.
      
736. Chateau Larrivet Haut-brion 2017 : 8Wines : GBP40.54
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Owned by the Gervoson family since 1987, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is located in the heart of Pessac Léognan, in the Bordeaux wine region. The estate extends over approximately 72 hectares of land, with vines of between 25 and 30 years of average age, planted on predominantly gravelly soil. Thanks also to the consultancy of Michel Rolland, Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is considered one of the most prestigious in Pessac Leognan. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. After fermentation which takes place in stainless steel vats and a maceration period lasting from 3 to 5 weeks, the finished wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels (50% new). Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is a dark red wine with an intense and complex aromatic profile. The nose reveals fragrant aromas of ripe red fruit, especially cherry and ripe strawberry, followed by hints of flowers, coffee and tobacco. On the palate it is round and full. It has a strong acid streak and fine tannins. The finish is long and persistent and recalls smoky notes. It is an elegant wine, ready to drink now with a grilled steak but can be left in the cellar to evolve for a while.
      
737. Louis Picamelot Cremant De Bourgogne Espoutieres 2020 : 8Wines : GBP21.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Maison Louis Picamelot is a historic Burgundy winery founded in 1926 in Rully and now managed by Philippe Chautard, grandson of Louis Picamelot. Today the estate extends across approximately 17 hectares of vineyards and produces excellent Crémant de Bourgogne wines, including single-vineyard wines. Produced for the first time in 2018, Crémant de Bourgogne En Espoutières is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a single historic vineyard once owned by the monks of the Prieure de Bonvaux, located near the Ecrin des Climats area in the municipality of Talant. After manual harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the wine rests on its lees for three years before disgorging and dosage with liqueur d'expedition. The result is an elegant wine with a bright straw-yellow color. On the nose, the wine reveals a fragrant bouquet with notes of apple, pear and peach, hints of hazelnut and brioche, and a citrus and floral undertone. On the palate, it is ample, generous, and round, with a pleasant creaminess generated by the fine and persistent bubbles. It is fresh and succulent, with a long finish that recalls mineral notes. Try it with sushi, pasta with clams, and shrimp tempura.
      
738. Louis Picamelot Cremant De Bourgogne Les Terroirs Brut : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Founded in Rully in 1926, Maison Louis Picamelot is a pioneer in the production of traditional-method sparkling wines in Burgundy. The company owns approximately 17 hectares of vineyards and purchases approximately half of its grapes from trusted growers. In the tradition of Cremants de Bourgogne, production focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with other local white varietals. The company also makes some single-vineyard wines, a pure expression of a precise and distinctive terroir. Crémant de Bourgogne Les Terroirs Brut is an elegant blend of almost equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the addition of Aligoté and a small trace of Gamay. After careful manual harvesting and vinification, the finished wine rests on its lees for at least 18 months. The resulting wine is golden in color, enhanced by a lively and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of yellow fruit and wildflowers, and hints of frangipane, bread crust, and brioche. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, fruity and flavorful. It is balanced and has a creamy texture. The finish is long and aromatic. Enjoy it alone as an aperitif or with fried fish or vegetable tempura.
      
739. Louis Picamelot Cremant De Bourgogne Les Terroirs Brut Rose : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Located in Rully, Burgundy, Maison Louis Picamelot is a family-run winery founded in 1926 and remains one of the oldest producers of Crémant de Bourgogne. The estate, which extends across approximately 17 hectares of vineyards and also sources grapes from local partners, has been led by Philippe Chautard since the late 1980s. The Cremant de Bourgogne Les Terroirs Brut Rosé is made with Pinot Noir grapes from hillside vineyards in the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune. Here, the vines are rooted in clay-limestone soils and enjoy a continental climate. After manual harvesting and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine ages on the lees for 12 months before disgorgement. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, bright rosé color and fine, persistent bubbles. Its aromatic profile is lively and fragrant, with notes of red berries and wild strawberries. On the palate, it is fresh and crisp, fruity and smooth, with a distinctive acidity and a vibrant, juicy character. It is youthful and elegant, harmonious and easy to drink, with a medium-long, slightly tart finish. It pairs deliciously with mixed fruit salads, prosciutto and melon, and grilled vegetables and also makes an excellent summer aperitif.
      
740. Clau De Nell Cabernet Franc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in the Loire Valley, this estate has been owned by Anne-Claude Leflaive, of the famous Puligny-Montrachet estate since 2008 and has been managed by Sylvain Potain since 2009. The company focuses its production on the local Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Grolleau, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines and cultivates its vineyards biodynamically and the work is carried out according to the rhythms of the biodynamic calendar. The grapes benefit from clay-limestone soils, with red sandstone and flint. The wines are aged for 12 -24 months in old barrels stored inside troglodyte caves. Cabernet Franc grapes come from vineyards aged between 45 and 55 years. After manual selection and harvest, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts and minimal interventions. The finished wine is then aged 12 months on the fine lees in Burgundy barrels and then a further 6 months in vats. This Cabernet Franc is a brilliantly colored wine with ruby red tones. On the nose, it reveals a fruity and sweet aromatic profile with floral hints and some spicy notes. On the palate, it is fruity and juicy, balanced and with delicate tannins. The finish is pleasant and recalls notes of cooked fruit. It is a splendid example of Loire Cabernet Franc and pairs beautifully with pork and some vegetarian recipes.
      
741. Clau De Nell Chenin Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Clau de Nell is a biodynamic winery located in the Loire Valley and acquired by Anne-Claude Leflaive and her husband Christian Jacques in 2008. Since then, the estate has been renovated, the vineyards have been expanded and Sylvain Potain has taken over the management. The company concentrates its production on local grape varieties, operations in the vineyard and in the cellar follow the indications and rhythms of the biodynamic calendar and minimal interventions. The Chenin Blanc grapes, grown biodynamically, are gently pressed in whole bunches. The winemaking takes place with natural yeasts according to the biodynamic calendar and the finished wine is then aged in used Burgundy barrels for about a year and for another 6 months in vats, always in the cellars dug into the tuff. The wine reveals a brilliant color with golden tones. The nose is intense, elegant, and fresh with captivating aromas of ripe stone fruit and banana, cooked apple and Mediterranean herbs, and some hints of pastry. On the palate, it is soft, velvety, and fruity with a long and slightly citrus finish. It is a wine with a sensual character that pairs well with seafood, scallop carpaccio, or white asparagus served with hollandaise sauce.
      
742. Laurent Ponsot Beaune Cuvee Du Noyer Premier Cru 2018 : 8Wines : GBP73.97
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decanting is optional, for up to 30 minutes before serving. This is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy, an elevated, highly drinkable wine with scents of blackberry, raspberry, forest floor, warm spice, and herby garrigue hints. A gorgeous deep purple in the glass, it was sourced from 8 different Premier Cru vineyards, sourced through a network of grape growers – just one of the aspects that makes Laurent Ponsot unique among his peers. Following almost four decades at Domaine Ponsot, Laurent Ponsot started a new company under his own name in 2017, with the help of his son, Clémente. It is far from being a traditional winery – although Laurent Ponsot owns 7 hectares of vineyards in Meursault, he also plays the role of “negociant”, assembling wines from a variety of different growers. The winery aims to create avant-garde wines, and uses packaging infused with ground-breaking technology, bringing the concept of "Haute Couture" wine to the world stage. Cuvée Du Noyer is vibrant and pure in the mouth, loaded with flavours of red currant, raspberry, Christmas spices, mushroom, and dried herbs. It wraps the tongue in wiry acidity, and the tannins are firm, allowing it to evolve further in the cellar. This is a great Burgundy for pairing with turkey, tomato-based stews, or a mushroom risotto.
      
743. Laurent Ponsot Beaune Cuvee Du Noyer Premier Cru 2020 : 8Wines : GBP73.97
Cellar for 10 years or more. Decanting is optional, for up to 30 minutes before serving. This is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir from Burgundy, an elevated, highly drinkable wine with scents of blackberry, raspberry, forest floor, warm spice, and herby garrigue hints. A gorgeous deep purple in the glass, it was sourced from 8 different Premier Cru vineyards, sourced through a network of grape growers – just one of the aspects that makes Laurent Ponsot unique among his peers. Following almost four decades at Domaine Ponsot, Laurent Ponsot started a new company under his own name in 2017, with the help of his son, Clémente. It is far from being a traditional winery – although Laurent Ponsot owns 7 hectares of vineyards in Meursault, he also plays the role of “negociant”, assembling wines from a variety of different growers. The winery aims to create avant-garde wines, and uses packaging infused with ground-breaking technology, bringing the concept of "Haute Couture" wine to the world stage. Cuvée Du Noyer is vibrant and pure in the mouth, loaded with flavours of red currant, raspberry, Christmas spices, mushroom, and dried herbs. It wraps the tongue in wiry acidity, and the tannins are firm, allowing it to evolve further in the cellar. This is a great Burgundy for pairing with turkey, tomato-based stews, or a mushroom risotto.
      
744. Champagne Pol Roger Rose Vintage 2018 : 8Wines : GBP128.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Epernay, where it was founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of the historic and most prestigious Champagne houses. Since 1975, the company has produced a cuvée named after Winston Churchill, a great admirer of its wines and a great friend of Maurice Pol Roger's daughter-in-law, Odette. This elegant vintage champagne is a blend of a majority of Pinot Noir with additions of Chardonnay. The grapes are selected from the best vineyards in the Montagne Des Reims and Cote Des Blancs areas respectively. The rosé color comes from the addition of 15% red wine from Pinot Noir, before the second fermentation in the bottle. The finished wine then rests for about 7 years on the lees. The long aging gives the wine richness and depth. Champagne Pol Roger Rose Vintage reveals a lively color with bright pink tones and a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, its aromatic profile is fragrant with juicy red fruits such as wild strawberries and raspberries and buttery and vanilla notes. On the palate, it is energetic and intense with a beautiful creamy consistency and a marked acidity that balances the whole. The finish is long and elegant. It is the wine to choose for a sushi dinner or with a seafood risotto.
      
745. Champagne Pol Roger Vintage 2018 : 8Wines : GBP77.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant. Located in Epernay, Pol Roger has been producing great Champagnes for over 170 years. The company, one of the few remaining family-run in the region, has 92 hectares of vineyards and the coldest and deepest cellars in Champagne, located 33 meters underground. The Pol Roger vintage Champagne blend is made with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as per the house tradition. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand from 20 plots located in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. After vinification and a period of rest in steel, the wines are bottled for the second fermentation. The bottles are stored in historic cellars buried 33 meters underground, where they remain on their lees for 8 years. Produced in limited quantities, this champagne has a golden color, brilliant reflections, and a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it reveals great elegance with a broad aromatic profile characterized by notes of citrus and juicy fruit such as apricot, peach, and plum followed by hints of rose petals, honey, and brioche. On the palate, it is round and creamy, silky and lively. It has a full body and a soft texture. It is elegant and well-balanced. The finish is long and recalls notes of ripe yellow fruit. It is a perfect aperitif and pairs well with fish tartare or risotto with scallops.
      
746. Champagne Pol Roger Reserve Brut : 8Wines : GBP51.18
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1849, the prestigious Champagne house Pol Roger is located in Epernay and is still managed today by the descendants of the Roger family. The company's vineyards extend over 92 hectares. Pol Roger is also famous for its underground cellars, the coldest in the region, and for being Sir Winston Churchill's favorite Champagne brand. Pol Roger's Champagne Brut Reserve is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The grapes are carefully selected from 30 crus. After the first fermentation, at a controlled temperature, and blending, the wine is bottled for the second fermentation. The finished wine then rests in the cellar on the lees for 4 years. This elegant Champagne has a brilliant golden color, enlivened by fine bubbles. Its aromatic profile is rich and intense with notes of exotic fruit such as mango and passion fruit, and then pear and yellow apple. There are also hints of honey, brioche, and freshly baked biscuits. On the palate, it is soft, rounded and creamy. It has a strong acidic backbone and a subtle saline streak. The finish is long and juicy. Served chilled it is an excellent aperitif but it also goes deliciously with all kinds of seafood.
      
747. Domaine Larue St Aubin Premier Cru Murgers Dents De Chien 2022 : 8Wines : GBP50.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1945, Domaine Larue is a third-generation family winery located in Saint Aubin. The estate's vineyards extend over approximately 15 hectares and are worked in a sustainable way with complete respect for the diversity of the region's terroirs. In the cellar, the winemaking operations are carried out in a traditional way to produce elegant wines with excellent aging potential. The Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Cuvée Murgers des Dents de Chien is an elegant white Burgundy made with Chardonnay grapes from Les Murgers, the most prestigious site in Saint-Aubin. This parcel is located in the highest part of the appellation, with breathtaking views of the Côte d'Or below. Here, the vines enjoy limestone soil and moderate exposure from south to southeast. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant golden color with greenish highlights. On the nose, it releases an elegant and fresh aromatic profile with notes of citrus and white fruit, wildflowers, and mineral hints. On the palate, it is balanced and complex with a creamy texture and a well-defined mineral vein. It is fresh with a long fruity finish. In food pairings, it is very versatile: it pairs well with seafood, soft cheeses, or poultry with white sauces.
      
748. Domaine Lavantureux Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2022 : 8Wines : GBP74.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the northern part of the Chablis wine region, in the village of Lignorelles, Domaine Lavantureux extends over approximately 20 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellation and is today managed by the two sons of founder Roland Lavantureux. The Chardonnay grapes come from less than one hectare of Grand Crus parcels of the Vaudésir appellation located in the village of Chablis on the right bank of the Serein River. Here the vines enjoy a south/southwest exposure and deep clay-limestone soils. After fermentation in steel tanks, the wine rests for over 10 months in a mix of steel (20%) and barrels (80%). The soil and climate conditions combined with careful work in the cellar guarantee the production of powerful, balanced, and mature wines. The Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir is an intense, mineral, and characterful wine with a rich and broad aromatic profile with notes of yellow and tropical fruit, and vanilla hints. On the palate, the wine reveals a perfect balance between power and freshness. It is rich and dry, crisp and mineral. The finish is long and gently spicy. It is very versatile in food pairings: it goes well with lobster, capon, and foie gras.
      
749. Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon Pauillac 2017 : 8Wines : GBP29.22
Drink today or cellar for up to 25 years. Decant before drinking. Situated in the Bourdeaux AOC of Haut-Medoc, Chateau Peyrabon is celebrated for making wines that express terroir with strong personality. The owner Patrick Bernard, of the wine merchant Millésima, was drawn to the 50 hectare estate in 1998 due to its location on promising gravel terroir, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. Today with 34 plots planted to traditional Left Bank black grape varieties - some vines at 24-years old - Bernard and his team, led by winemaker Xavier Michelet, work passionately to produce honest wines that capture elegance, freshness and fruit. From five hectares of vines of the prestigious Pauillac appellation within Haut-Medoc comes the Cru Bourgeois Château La Fleur Peyrabon. It joins the small circle of five Crus Bourgeois that make up the Pauillac AOC. Château La Fleur Peyrabon is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new barrels and is a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend. The wine showcases notes typical to Pauillac, cigar box, pencil shavings, black fruits, tar, and charred wood. The palate is a burst of cassis, dried herbs and baking spices. Firm tannins, balanced acidity, and vegetal characteristics make this wine a classic example of the Old World. Allow to open over time as the wine will evolve in the glass and decanter. Enjoy with lamb dishes, rare cooked beef, mature cheeses, and a variety of game.
      
750. Chateau Malartic Lagraviere 2019 : 8Wines : GBP50.22
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Chateau Malartic Lagraviere in Graves was previously owned by the Laurent- Perrier Champagne house up until 1997 when it was bought by Belgian couple Michele and Alfred-Alexandre Bonnie. The couple opted to work with renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland to improve the quality of the chateau’s wines and raise it to a new level of excellence. This is their Grand Vin that’s typically composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The fruit is fermented in a combination of wooden vats and stainless steel tanks before being transferred to 50% new oak barrels for 15 months of ageing. The classic Malartic Lagraviere style tends to be elegant and well-balanced for their red wines with a great potential to develop beautifully in the cellar over a decade or more. The nose is bursting with dark fruit aromas including cassis, blackberry and dark cherry, while the first sip reveals a solid structure, dense tannins, and a well-developed structure that will help this wine age well. The finish is long and complex, with hints of spice and toast from the oak mingling with luscious berry notes.
      
751. Domaine Michelot Meursault Les Narvaux 2022 : 8Wines : GBP100.06
Cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Owned by the Michelot family for six generations, Domaine Michelot is currently run by young winemaker Nicholas Mefre who took over from his father aged just 23 in 2009. The domaine is traditional in its approach, but in recent years Nicholas has begun experimenting with vinifying a small amount of fruit from prized crus in concrete eggs. Oak influence is kept minimal overall, with just 20% new oak used for the remaining parcels aged in barrels. This stunning Meursault comes from the Les Narvaux “lieu-dit” or named vineyard area. The plot is located on a slope at 300 metres of altitude above the famous Genevrières premier cru vineyards. This helps to give it a distinctive elegance and freshness, with extra depth and complexity from vinification in a combination of large casks and smaller barriques. Enchanting hints of almond blossom, ripe peach and toasted almonds dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a brilliant acidity, well-rounded texture, and a solid core of orchard fruit flavours which linger on the tongue. The finish is refined and graceful, with hints of zingy lemon and mouthwatering freshness that acts as a great palate cleanser. Cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with roast chicken, salmon, or creamy pasta dishes.
      
752. Mordoree Lirac Rouge La Reine Des Bois 2020 : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. The Mordoree estate is fairly young, dating back to 1986 when Francis Delorme and his son Christophe decided to start making their own wine in this corner of the southern Rhone Valley. The domaine takes its name from the humble woodcock bird which is currently an endangered species and reflects the family’s commitment to making wine in way that is sustainable and respects the natural world. Today the estate is run by Christophe’s wife and daughter who farm the whole estate organically and also apply biodynamic practices in both the vineyard and in the winery. As well as striving to produce the best possible wines from their land, the family takes a long-term view and tries to preserve the estate in perfect condition for the next generation who will come after them. This refined Lirac red is made with Grenache, Mourverde, and Syrah grapes which are harvested by hand. 10% of the wine is then fermented in used oak casks while the rest is fermented in stainless steel tanks. This creates a rich and deeply concentrated red that exudes bewitching aromas and flavours of dark berries, dried violets and toast. The soft tannins and full body make this an ideal partner for game, hard cheeses or rich tomato-based pasta dishes.
      
753. Mordoree Chateauneuf Du Pape La Dame Voyageuse 2022 : 8Wines : GBP48.70
Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. Decant for 1 hour before serving. This magnificent Châteauneuf-du-Pape is carefully composed of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise, and Vaccarese grapes sourced from the Delorme family’s estate. All of the grapes are harvested by hand from 60 year old vines that are planted on pebbly limestone soils which help to intensify the concentrated and aromatic flavour profile found in the finished wine. When they arrive at the vineyard the grapes are destemmed and then undergo an extended maceration and fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is then aged in a combination of used oak casks and stainless steel tanks to help preserve freshness and the pure varietal character. The result is a charming Chateauneuf-du-Pape which opens with crushed strawberry, raspberry and violet aromas. The first sip reveals a full body and firm structure which is artfully balanced by a fresh acidity and intense dried fruit, ripe plum and licorice flavours. The soft, ripe tannins and long finish make this an ideal wine to serve with rich foods like cooked hams, a fine steak or a hearty beef stew. It is also an excellent partner for mature cheeses, charcuterie, and red meats served in a rich tomato sauce.
      
754. Mordoree Chateauneuf Du Pape La Reine Des Bois 2022 : 8Wines : GBP51.25
Cellar for up to 9 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Founded by Christophe and Fabrice Delorme in 1986, over the years the Mordoree estate has flourished to become one of the most dynamic and consistent producers of quality wines in the southern Rhone Valley. The estate’s 55 hectares of vineyards cover a range of appellations, microclimates, and soil conditions, allowing the Delorme family to craft a diverse portfolio which captures the essence of the region. The estate produces several red Chateauneuf du Pape wines with the La Reine des Bois considered the iconic wine of Mordoree. The blend includes Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Syrah and Vaccarese grapes which are sourced from the well-sited La Clau vineyard which boasts an average vine age of 60 years. On arrival at the winery the grapes are fully destemmed and vinified with the young wine subsequently aged in a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Over the years the amount of oak has decreased in recognition of the intense richness of the wine which needs only a small touch of oak to bring out its true character. The result is a remarkably concentrated and generous Chateauneuf du Pape which bursts with deep dark berry, licorice, dried herb, and earthy notes which linger long on the palate.
      
755. Mordoree Tavel Rose La Reine Des Bois 2024 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1986 by Francis Delorme and his son, Domaine de la Mordorée is located in the Rhône Valley, and more precisely in Tavel, near the picturesque city of Avignon. The vineyards of the estate extend over 60 hectares and are divided into 38 parcels located in the AOC appellations of Tavel, Lirac, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône and Condrieu. La Reine des Bois Tavel Rosé from Domaine de la Mordorée is a lively blend of Grenache, Clairette, Syrah, Cinsault, and Bourboulenc. The grapes are selected and hand-harvested from vines with an average age of 40 years planted in a 3-hectare vineyard located on the Plateau de Vallongue on pebble soil, and a sandy clay base. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature to retain aromatic freshness. The wine has an intense and brilliant pink color. The nose reveals a fragrant bouquet of floral and fruity notes. There are aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, and on the finish, some slight nuances of menthol. On the palate, it is fresh, fruity, lively, and refined with a nice mineral streak. It perfectly expresses all the elegance and richness of a Tavel wine. Perfect with Provençal recipes based on summer vegetables, like ratatouille, gratin tomatoes, and vegetable tarts. Served chilled, it also makes an excellent summer aperitif.
      
756. Chateau La Mascaronne Provence Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now. No need to decant. Located on the side of a cliff, Chateau La Mascaronne vineyards extend over 60ha. Here, the soils are worked so that the roots develop in depth and the vine is thus more resistant to drought and does not need irrigation. The plantations are mainly done in a north-south orientation to benefit from the best exposure, and old vines are an essential part of the winery's heritage. The blend is made of 20% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and 15% Rolle. The harvest, always early in the morning, is done exclusively by hand. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, and the bunches are selected in the vineyard and in the cellar, to preserve only the best quality fruits. Château La Mascaronne Rosé is a true expression of its terroir: its quality is due not only to the grape varieties used in its blend, but also to the characteristics of the soils on which they are planted. Its rather typical Provencal color, a beautiful pale pink, shows bright reflections. On the nose, the wine reflects its aromatic character. It is subtle and intense and stands out for its great complexity with notes of small white flowers and orchard fruits, in particular peach, supported by a citrus note. On the palate, it is round and lively, with delicate fruity freshness and a nice finish. It is delicious as an aperitif and with grilled mullet filets or white meats.
      
757. Marc Colin Et Fils Saint Aubin 1er Cru En Montceau 2021 : 8Wines : GBP85.32
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. The rolling hills of Côte de Beaune in Burgundy are where Domaine Marc Colin et Fils makes its home. Here, the noble grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow alongside each other, providing the world with a delicious taste of the French countryside. Marc Colin set up shop back in the 1970s, inheriting vineyards from the Colin and Ponavoy families - some of which are over 100 years old. Saint Aubin is one of the Côte de Beaune’s hidden gems, praised for its quality and affordability. It contains 30 Premier Cru vineyards, and “en Montceau” is one of them. It is found right in the heart of the appellation, planted on a hillside composed of limestone soil, which brings a mineral edge to this fine Chardonnay wine. The nose is packed with pungent peach aromas and citrus fruits - orange blossom, lemon zest and tangerine. It is medium-bodied, fleshy and unctuous in the mouth, but the minerality that is unique to “en Montceau” comes to the fore. The palate gives flavours of honeysuckle, juicy white fruits, and grapefruit, supported by crisp acidity. It will be at its very best when served slightly chilled, with a plate of sea bream, lobster or succulent chicken.
      
758. Marc Colin Et Fils Puligny-montrachet Le Trezin 2023 : 8Wines : GBP100.07
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine Marc Colin et Fils has been around since the 1970s, producing a delicious range of wines in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy. It is a proud family winery, now under the guidance of Marc Colin’s two children, Caroline and Damien. The estate sources grapes from a humble 12 hectares in some of the Côte de Beaune’s finest patches of land, an eclectic collection of Premier Cru, Grand Cru, regional and communal appellations. “Le Trézin” is a vineyard that sits at the top of a slope in Puligny-Montrachet. As is typical of Domaine Marc Colin, this is a terroir-driven wine, an embodiment of everything that makes Côte de Beaune such a fantastic wine region. This wine is a perfect balance of fleshy body and wiry acidity. On the nose, you will discover hints of white peach, hazelnut and wet stone minerality, as well as classic citrus notes. It’s a pale lemon colour in the glass, which is reflected on the palate. Sharp notes of lemon zest are present, along with apple skin, orange and peach, all driven along by the marvellous acidity. This offering from Domaine Marc Colin will be an excellent partner for meaty fish, such as halibut or cod, or buttery shellfish.
      
759. Marc Colin Et Fils Chassagne Montrachet Margot 2023 : 8Wines : GBP78.38
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine Marc Colin et Fils can be found deep within Burgundy’s vineyard-dotted landscape, in the beautiful appellation of Côte de Beaune. It is a family endeavour, founded by Marc Colin in the 1970s and continued by Caroline and Damien, his two children. From a modest yet focused collection of 12 hectares of vineyards, the estate produces a fabulous range of terroir-driven wines. For a long time, Chassagne-Montrachet has held a reputation as one of the world’s best white wines, and this example from Marc Colin is no exception. This is a stunning blend of the appellation’s most exceptional plots, made from 100% Chardonnay. It offers a precise nose with citrus aromas of lemon zest and orange, along with hints of verdant herbal tea and chalk. In the glass, the wine appears an attractive light gold. It is medium-bodied, with a velvet smooth mouthfeel and a considerable backbone of acidity, making it a great wine to enjoy with food. On the palate, you’ll find flavours of tangerine and a deep well of stone fruit. On the lingering, dry finish, a pleasant touch of salinity appears. Consider pairing it with some delicate shellfish dishes, trout almondine, or soft, triple-cream cheeses.
      
760. Marc Colin Et Fils Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP46.68
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This is a Burgundian Pinot Noir, sourced from low-lying, clay-rich soils in the commune of Chassagne-Montrachet. The region is known for its vividly coloured wines, and this one is a purple-red colour in the glass, with a sumptuous bouquet of sour cherry, gooseberry, raspberry, warm soil, and spice. Founded in the 1970s, Domaine Marc Colin et Fils is located in the sunny interior of the Côte de Beaune, spanning just 12 hectares of vineyards. Now owned and operated by Marc Colin’s two children, Caroline and Damien, the winery is perhaps better known for its range of white Burgundy, but as a mark of their skill, they create a tremendous range of red Burgundy too. The old vine Chassagne-Montrachet is sumptuous and well-rounded in the mouth, showing supple tannins and rollicking acidity. Accents of mushroom and forest floor appear on the palate, with deep notes of raspberry, red cherry, and minerality. The grapes came from 65-year-old vines, and were aged in oak for 15 months before release. The finish is long and smooth, with delicate earthy notes. Consider pairing this wine with beef bourguignon, Gruyère, or a charcuterie board.
      
761. Domaine Jean-marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains 2018 : 8Wines : GBP46.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Domaine Pavelot is a family winery in Burgundy managed today by Jean-Marc and his son Hugues. The company, located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, extends over approximately 13 hectares of vineyards characterized by a strong geological and topographical diversity that is revealed in the typicity of their wines, which fully express the uniqueness of the Burgundy terroir. The Pinot Noir grapes are harvested by hand from the Cru Aux Gravains located in the alluvial fan of the Combe d'Orange streams on low slopes. Here the vines, some 80 years old and others 40 years old, rest on a soil with mixed sediments and gravel (hence the name of the cru). After fermentation, the wine rests in oak barrels (1/4 of which are new) for 1 year. Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains has an intense and brilliant color with carmine tones and garnet nuances. On the nose, it reveals intense aromas of ripe black fruits and spices. On the palate, it is deep and concentrated with velvety tannins and a long finish that recalls balsamic notes. Keep it in the cellar for a few years, or enjoy it now with a game stew.
      
762. Domaine Jean-marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres 2019 : 8Wines : GBP45.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the commune of Savigny-lès-Beaune in Burgundy, the estate of Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot covers approximately 13 hectares of vineyards that also include plots in Aloxe-Corton and Beaune and are planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Their elegant wines are characterized by the great geological and topographical diversity of the vineyards located between 220 and 360 meters above sea level. The estate, passed down from generation to generation, practices manual harvests and aging in oak barrels. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected from vines of about 50 years of age from the lower slopes where the soil is mainly calcareous with thin and flat rocks in the subsoil (hence the name of the cru Les Lavieres), a characteristic that ensures excellent drainage of the soil. After vinification, the wine rests for 12 months in barrels (of which 1/4 new). Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres has an elegant and broad aromatic profile with notes of blackberries and small ripe red fruits, followed by light toasted notes. On the palate, it is rich and ripe, fresh and fleshy with fine and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine for game birds (especially partridge) and hare stew.
      
763. Domaine Jean-marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru La Dominode 2020 : 8Wines : GBP59.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot is a family-run Burgundy winery, passed down from generation to generation, that owns approximately 13 hectares of vineyards spread across several appellations in the communes of Savigny-Les-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Beaune. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected from the Premier Cru La Dominade vineyard (from the latin word ‘dominus’) located on a gentle slope between Les Marconnets and Les Jarrons 1er cru. The vines of various ages (80, 40, and 10 years) sink their roots into a clayey soil rich in sand. After vinification, the finished wine rests in oak barrels (30% new) for 12 months. Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru La Dominode is a powerful and characterful wine with a deep garnet red color. On the nose, it reveals a broad and complex aromatic profile with ripe red fruits, sweet spices, and hints of undergrowth and moss. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, fleshy and round with velvety tannins and a very long and smooth finish that recalls spicy notes. It is a wine that shows excellent aging potential but is already enjoyable now. Try it with wild boar fillet or beef stew.
      
764. Domaine Jean-marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres 2021 : 8Wines : GBP48.49
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the commune of Savigny-lès-Beaune in Burgundy, the estate of Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot covers approximately 13 hectares of vineyards that also include plots in Aloxe-Corton and Beaune and are planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Their elegant wines are characterized by the great geological and topographical diversity of the vineyards located between 220 and 360 meters above sea level. The estate, passed down from generation to generation, practices manual harvests and aging in oak barrels. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected from vines of about 50 years of age from the lower slopes where the soil is mainly calcareous with thin and flat rocks in the subsoil (hence the name of the cru Les Lavieres), a characteristic that ensures excellent drainage of the soil. After vinification, the wine rests for 12 months in barrels (of which 1/4 new). Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres has an elegant and broad aromatic profile with notes of blackberries and small ripe red fruits, followed by light toasted notes. On the palate, it is rich and ripe, fresh and fleshy with fine and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine for game birds (especially partridge) and hare stew.
      
765. Domaine Jean-marc & Hugues Pavelot Savigny Les Beaune Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP28.15
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. A renowned winery in the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, Domaine Jean-Marc and Hugues Pavelot carries a long vinegrowing tradition passed down from father to son. The estate spans some 13 hectares of vineyards, where Jean-Marc and his son Hugues produce a dozen wines that reflect with great class the strong diversity of the terroirs at their disposal. Savigny les Beaune Blanc from Domaine Pavelot is a blend of mostly Chardonnay with small additions of Pinot Blanc. The grapes come from two plots. The first, called Les Planchots, is planted with 55-year-old vines on deep, sandy soils. The second, called Les Vermots, is much younger (about 15 years old) and is located on a hillside on limestone soils. The blend of the two vineyards produces a balanced and captivating wine, with an aromatic character, which rests for 12 months in barrels (25% new). In the glass, the wine reveals a bright color with golden reflections and a fragrant and broad aromatic profile with fruity notes of citrus and stone fruit, followed by mineral hints and nuances of dried fruit. On the palate, it is rich and round, juicy and full-bodied, with a harmonious acidic vein and a long finish that recalls a distinct mineral vein. It works deliciously with poultry, grilled prawns, and cheese soufflé.
      
766. Champagne Fleur De Miraval Exclusivement Rose Er3 : 8Wines : GBP205.56
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve it chilled. Fleur de Miraval Champagne House is the project born from the partnership between Brad Pitt and the Perrin family, which is dedicated exclusively to the production of Rosé champagne. The Péters family, producers of Champagne in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger since 1919, joined the adventure by bringing their own experience and oenological know-how. Through its association of Chardonnay (75%) from vines of different ages and Pinot Noir (25%) from young vines of very small plots of Vertus, this Edition Rosé number 3 (ER3) by Fleur de Miraval manages to offer a unique and very representative expression of the great Champagne terroirs. This cuvée also pays homage to the Countess de Miraval, born in Provence, who, according to legend, only drank rosé champagne. Champagne Fleur de Miraval Exclusivement Rose ER3 reveals an elegant pale pink color and a complex flavor profile with notes of white flowers, currants, and wild strawberries, followed by a gentle smoky note. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant with a fine and persistent perlage. Citrus and white fruit aromas overlap with more complex notes of candied fruit, sweet spices, and toasted almonds. The finish is persistent and characterized by a nice chalky minerality. It makes a wonderful aperitif and pairs well with oily fish.
      
767. Marcel Deiss Grasberg 2020 : 8Wines : GBP34.75
Cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled. Domaine Marcel Deiss is regarded as one of Alsace’s finest produces thanks to the hard work and vision of maverick winemaker Jean Michel Deiss who is the grandson of the estate’s founder. The Deiss family have been making wine in the charming village of Bergheim since 1744 and today Jean Michel uses a combination of traditional artisanal winemaking techniques and innovative approaches in the vineyard. Amongst Jean Michel’s more unconventional methods are the replanting of his Grand Cru with field blends and his adoption of forgotten Alsatian grape varieties which are not permitted under the regulations of the Alsace appellation. His Grasberg Premier Cru is an expression of the estate’s most calcareous and minerally terroirs which is planted with Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. This unique terroir produces an incredibly elegant and refined wine which sings with aromatic notes of white flowers, lemon zest, dried herbs, and spices. With a bright streak of acidity, a well-developed structure, and intense fruit flavours this is a wine which will continue to evolve and develop over the next decade in the cellar. It is also ideal to enjoy now alongside dishes like smoked salmon, mature cheeses, and fresh seafood.
      
768. Marcel Deiss Engelgarten 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.92
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. One of the most famous terroirs in all of Alsace, Engelgarten is planted on gravelly limestone soils which drain exceptionally well and are perfectly suited to the aromatic Muscat, Riesling, and Pinot Gris varieties. Jean Michel’s vineyard here is farmed organically and planted with old vines which give an extra intensity and depth to the character of the finished wine. In the winery Jean Michel prefers to use a light touch, pressing the grapes slowly over a 12 hour period and using only wild yeasts for the fermentation. The young wine is then aged in ancient huge casks for a year to allow the personality of the blend to develop and the zingy acidity to soften slightly. Although ideal to drink now, this is a wine which will continue to develop and evolve if cellared over the next 5 years or so. On the nose there are charming notes of soft white peaches, jasmine, and ripe tropical fruit while the first sip reveals plenty of mouthwatering freshness, a smooth texture, and lingering fruit flavours. As well as making a terrific aperitif, this delicious white wine also pairs well with white fish, fresh seafood, and spicy dishes like Asian curries, salads, and noodles.
      
769. Domaine Denis Mortet Gevrey Chambertin Mes Cinq Terroirs 2021 : 8Wines : GBP147.58
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Denis Mortet started out working for his father Domaine Charles Mortet, before taking over winemaking there in the mid-1980s. Around that time he met the legendary Burgundian winemaker Henri Jayer, with the two soon becoming lifelong friends. In 1991 his father retired and Denis was able to found his own domaine with his 4.5 hectare inheritance. Denis sadly passed away in 2006, and today the estate is run by his son, Arnaud, who never stops working to improve the quality of his sensational wines. This stunning Gevrey-Chambertin is made from manually-harvested fruit from five top “lieux-dits”, or named plots, on the appellation’s northern slope which is known as the Côteau de Brochon. The average age of the vines is 50 years, with some plots like Combe du Dessus and En Derée planted with much older vines. They typically produce small, very concentrated grapes which give the wine the classic rich fruit and opulence of a Gevrey-Chambertin. Once in the winery the fruit is carefully sorted and fermented using wild yeasts which occur naturally in the environment. The wine then spends 18 months maturing in oak barrels before its deemed ready for release, helping to add subtle hints of toast and spice to the velvety tannins and generous medium body. Intensity and power balanced by a bright streak of acidity make this a great wine to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with favourite red Burgundy pairings like roast duck and game.
      
770. Jean-michel Guillon & Fils Gevrey Chambertin Les Crais 2023 : 8Wines : GBP60.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Based in the prestigious appellation of Gevrey Chambertin in Burgundy, Jean-Michel Guillon established his winery in 1980. A former engineer, Jean-Michel began with just two hectares of vineyards, and today he cultivates around 40 hectares spread throughout Gevrey-Chambertin. Today, the management of the estate is taken over by his son Alexis, who together with his father, continues a family winemaking tradition based on a passion for wine and the spectacular terroirs of Burgundy. The vineyards are meticulously tended and the work is mainly manual. In the cellar, vinification is carried out in a traditional manner with minimal human intervention. One of the particularities of this estate is the use of only new oak for the aging of the wines: a step that gives structure and complexity. In the glass, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Crais reveals a brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is broad and intense with notes of ripe berries, followed by hints of licorice and leather, and light balsamic and spicy touches in the background. On the palate, it is powerful, rich, and vigorous with supple tannins. It has excellent fruit concentration and a vibrant acidity that balances the overall taste. The finish is long and mineral. This is a characterful wine that will evolve well for over a decade. If you can't wait, try it with a rib eye or roast partridge.
      
771. Chateau Malescot Saint Exupery 2018 : 8Wines : GBP75.74
Drink now or cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant before serving. Marguax is not short of exemplary chateaux like this historic estate which dates back to 1697 when it was originally founded by the Escousses family. The property is named after two historic owners, Maitre Simon Malescot who was an advisor to King Louis XIV and Jean-Baptiste Saint-Exupery, the great-grandfather of the famous aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Since the 1950s it’s been owned by the Zuger family who have succeeded in building up the vineyard holdings from just 7 hectares to 30 hectares today. They also undertook extensive renovations of the property and cellars, equipping the chateau to produce top quality wines which are appreciated by Bordeaux lovers across the world. This is their iconic cuvee that’s typically made from around 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and a dash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Following vinification according to traditional techniques, the young wine is matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 12-14 months depending on the vintage. The result is a powerful, ageworthy Margaux with a complex, multi-layered flavour profile combining rich dark fruit from the Merlot with hints of spice, leather, and wood shavings on the long finish.
      
772. Champagne Michel Gonet Brut 6g : 8Wines : GBP30.98
Enjoy it now, or within two years of vintage. No need to decant before serving. Michel Gonet is a family winery of six generations, nestled among 40 hectares of scenic vineyards in Côte des Blancs, Champagne. The Gonet’s journey with wine-making officially began in 1802 when Charles Gonet founded his own champagne house. For a long time, the family operated under the name “Gonet et Fils”, until Michel Gonet founded his own cellar in 1973. This winery is now in the skilled hands of his daughter, Sophie. Michel Gonet winery produces several “Blanc des Noirs” wines, delectable, white sparkling wines made from the red Pinot Noir grape. The Côte des Blancs boasts a unique range of natural features for cultivating this delicate fruit, including the Reims Mountains. They form a natural shield, protecting vineyards from austere northerly winds. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this lively Champagne is a perfect introduction to the delights of Michel Gonet winery. “Brut 6g” is a stunning golden colour in the glass. After two years of ageing on the lees, it is given a healthy dose of six grams of sugar per litre - making it a perfect choice for lovers of dry sparkling wines. You will discover a bouquet of delightful strawberry notes, hints of brioche, and refreshing menthol. On the palate, these notes evolve and reveal hints of salinity, lively citrus and aromatic flowers - it is an extremely food-friendly wine. The finish is long and extremely satisfying. Try pairing it with classic French food, such as seafood appetisers, fried mushrooms, or a florentine pastry.
      
773. Chateau De Meursault Savigny Les Beaune Rouge 2021 : 8Wines : GBP37.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Chateau de Meursault is an ancient Burgundy estate with over a thousand years of history, having passed through various owners. In the early 19th century, the Serre family significantly expanded the vineyards, which today span nearly 65 hectares spread across 110 parcels, including Premier and Grand Cru sites such as Les Charmes Dessus, Les Charmes, and Les Perrières. Since 2012, Château de Meursault has been owned by the Halley family. The Pinot Noir grapes for Château de Meursault's Savigny-Lès-Beaune come from several hilltop parcels. Here, the vines, currently in organic conversion, are rooted in brown clay-limestone and stony soils. After manual harvesting, a period of pre-fermentation cold maceration, and alcoholic fermentation, the finished wine ages for 15 months in barrels (30% new). On the nose, the wine reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with a distinct fruity character and underlying notes of licorice and menthol. On the palate, it is structured and soft, concentrated and smooth. It has a good acidity that adds freshness, velvety tannins, and a long, fruity finish. It pairs perfectly with herb-crusted rabbit, tagliatelle with mushrooms, and soft cheeses like Chaource.
      
774. Chateau De Meursault Meursault Du Chateau 2022 : 8Wines : GBP78.37
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Chateau de Meursault is a prestigious Burgundy estate with around 1,000 years of history and traditions. Over the centuries the estate passed under different owners. The vineyards were expanded especially in the 19th century by the Serre family, the owners at the time. Finally, in 2012, the castle was acquired by the Halley family. Today the estate extends over approximately 65 hectares, divided into over 100 plots. The Chardonnay grapes come from a low hill vineyard, planted on brown calcareous-clayey soil, with east/south-east exposure. The harvest is manual, as for all Chateau de Meursault wines, and the fermentation takes place in barrels and lasts for approximately 15 days. The finished wine then ages on its lees for just over a year to acquire roundness and complexity. Meursault du Chateau is a fragrant wine with aromas of stone fruit, apples, and pears, followed by elegant notes of white flowers. On the palate, it is round and broad, fresh and fruity. It has a medium body and a strong mineral vein. The finish is long and persistent. It makes a great aperitif and it’s the ideal wine with salmon tartare, crab or scampi-based recipes and also with veal.
      
775. Chateau De Meursault Savigny Les Beaune Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving For centuries, Chateau de Meursault has been a focal point for wine production in Burgundy. The estate owns 65 hectares of vineyards in the Côte de Beaune region, including parcels of 5 Grand Crus and 18 Premier Crus. Operating out of a chateau in the heart of Meursault, the winery produces a range of incredibly tasty wines, perfectly reflecting the beautiful landscape of the region. Since 2012, the winery has been under the ownership of the Halley family, who have overseen a quality revolution here, and in the nearby Chateau de Marsannay. Savigny-Les-Beaune is one of the most prolific appellations in the region and is the place of origin for this succulent Chardonnay wine. Full-bodied and ripe with aromas, this white is bursting with yellow fruits, citrus, and nutty elements of almond and hazelnut. The fruits for this wine are grown on the top of the hillside, in gravel and clay-limestone soil. Despite its delightful roundness on the nose, pinpoint levels of acidity appear on the palate, supporting notes of ripe peach, apple, and limoncello. The finish is long and rich with minerality. It will be a beautiful pairing for a seafood platter or a subtly seasoned cut of ham.
      
776. Chateau De Meursault Bourgogne Terroir D'exception Chardonnay 2022 : 8Wines : GBP73.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. With its thousand-year history, Chateau de Meursault is one of the most important estates in the Cote de Beaune and Burgundy. Its vineyards extend between Puligny Montrachet and Aloxe Corton over an area of approximately 60 hectares. The vines are grown according to sustainability principles and operations in the vineyard are manual. The Chardonnay grapes for the Bourgogne Terroir d'Exception of Chateau de Meursault come from a small plot bordering the Meursault Perrière parcel, with eastern exposure. Here the vineyards can benefit from Jurassic limestone soils and marl which guarantee great finesse and minerality in the wines. The harvest is manual and the fermentation takes place in oak barrels for 15 days. The finished wine then ages in a barrel, on the yeasts for 12-15 months, before bottling. The wine has a bright, clear yellow color and a rich, aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals notes of white flowers and yellow fruits, followed by delicate toasted hints. On the palate, it is generous and complex, with a medium body and a surprising mineral vein. The finish is elegant and fresh. The wine pairs perfectly with medium-aged cheeses, vegetarian or seafood risottos.
      
777. Chateau De Meursault Meursault Du Chateau Clos Des Grands Charrons Monopole 2022 : 8Wines : GBP121.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located on the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, the legendary Château de Meursault boasts a thousand-year history, during which it has changed owners several times. Today, the estate, which extends over 65 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards, belongs to the Halley family. Below the castle, the ancient cellars date back to the 12th century and have recently been renovated. The Chardonnay grapes for the Meursault du Chateau Clos des Grands Charrons Monopole come from vineyards located on hard Jurassic limestone soils and enjoy an east / south-east exposure. After manual harvesting and fermentation in barrels, the finished wine is aged 15-18 months on the lees. This top-class Meursault is certainly one of the most iconic whites of the estate. In the glass, it reveals a clear and bright color with golden reflections and a broad and complex aromatic profile with notes of white fruits and wildflowers, buttery and smoky hints. On the palate, it is round and generous, ample and fresh, with a well-balanced acidity and a long fruity finish. It is a very versatile wine in food pairings: it is excellent with salmon, roasted guinea fowl, or tagliolini with truffles.
      
778. Domaine Merlin Moulin-a-vent 2018 : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1987, Domaine Merlin is located in southern Burgundy, a short distance from Macon. The estate initially extended over 4.5 hectares of vineyards acquired from Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sorlin, then was expanded with the purchase of several parcels in La Roche-Vineuse, Moulin-à-Vent and Pouilly Fuissé. The Gamay grapes for this Moulin a Vent come from the Les Brasses, Les Hantes, Les Vérillats, and La Roche plots located at about 230 meters above sea level and purchased in 2006. Here, the vines enjoy a south-east exposure with a slight slope and a granite soil rich in manganese. The work in the vineyard is manual and with the help of horses for plowing. After the harvest, fermentation takes place in wooden vats. The finished wine then rests for about a year and a half in oak barrels before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense and brilliant color with dark ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is lively and expressive, with floral and fruity notes on a background of delicate spices. On the palate, it is concentrated, round, and soft with a medium body, silky tannins, and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and fruity, with spicy hints. Try it with a rack of veal or a chicken escalope.
      
779. Domaine Merlin Macon La Roche Vineuse Vieilles Vignes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP19.13
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Corinne and Olivier Merlin founded Domaine Merlin in the late 1980s, taking over an old winery in La Roche Vineuse. Today, the company extends over approximately 15 hectares of vineyards distributed in the Mâconnais and Moulin à Vent appellations. The vineyards are worked manually according to the fundamental principles of good viticulture. In the cellar, traditional practices are preferred. Since 2017, their sons Paul and Theo have joined their parents to carry on the company philosophy and the family spirit of the estate. Macon Villages Vieilles Vignes is made with Chardonnay grapes from four different parcels of vines that have an average age of approximately 65 years (the oldest were planted in the 1920s). The harvest is manual and after a light pressing, fermentation takes place in barriques (10% new). The finished wine is aged for a year in barrique. The result is a complex and deep wine, with surprising depth and elegance for a Macon. The old vines ensure the production of a wine of great concentration, rich and balanced. The nose reveals a ripe and buttery aromatic profile with notes of yellow fruit and hints of minerality and light toastiness. On the palate, it has a creamy texture. It is soft and smooth with a bright acidity that balances the fruity sweetness. The finish is long and recalls delicate oak notes. Excellent with fried scallops, crab bisque, and herb-roasted chicken.
      
780. Domaine Merlin Macon La Roche Vineuse Les Cras 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Olivier Merlin founded his company in 1987 with his wife Corinne in La Roche-Vineuse, in the southernmost part of Burgundy. The first vineyards acquired were part of an old estate, and over the years, the company expanded with the purchase of several plots. Today, Domaine Merlin cultivates the typical Burgundian grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay and practices sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking to maximize the terroir. The Chardonnay grapes come from a vineyard at about 300 meters above sea level in the municipality of La Roche Vineuse. The vines, aged between 5 and 30 years, enjoy a south-west exposure and are rooted in clay-limestone soils. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in oak barrels, and the finished wine then rests for about a year and a half in barriques. Mâcon Les Cras is a rich and complex wine with a broad aromatic profile characterized by notes of exotic and stone fruit, pear, and hazelnut, followed by mineral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, powerful and juicy, with a strong minerality that lingers on the long finish. Try it with fried frog legs and snails Burgundy style.
      
781. Domaine Merlin Moulin-a-vent La Rochelle 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in southern Burgundy, in the village of La Roche-Vineuse, Domaine Merlin is a prestigious family winery founded in the late 80s by Olivier and Corinne Merlin with the purchase of an old vineyard from Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sorlin. Today the estate, which has grown in size and popularity over the years, makes Burgundian wines that strongly express their terroir of origin, also thanks to a very respectful approach to the environment and the use of artisanal practices in the cellar. The Gamay grapes come from a plot with old bush vines located in Chenas, about 30 km from La Roche Vineuse, at an altitude of about 280 meters. Here, the vines, 85% of which were planted in 1937 and the rest in 1962, enjoy a south-east exposure and very poor sand-granite soil. After manual harvesting, the wine is fermented under carbon dioxide in wooden vats, and the finished wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep red color with bluish reflections. Its aromatic profile is intense and fragrant, with notes of cherry and black pepper, followed by hints of chocolate. On the palate, it is dense and concentrated, ripe and round with firm and velvety tannins and a long and persistent finish. It makes an excellent match for grilled meat.
      
782. Chateau Des Quarts Pouilly-fuisse Premier Cru Aux Quarts 2022 : 8Wines : GBP63.25
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. This fabulous Pouilly-Fuisse is the masterpiece of a collaboration between Burgundian legends Olivier Merlin and Dominique Lafon who united in 2012 after Merlin acquired a unique monopole here. The 2.23 hectare Clos de Quarts is a rather special walled vineyard that features Chardonnay vines planted back in 1917. Conditions here are perfect for top-level winemaking, including an east-facing aspect and clay soils rich in limestone. Aux Quarts is the magnificent expression of this historic plot which was awarded Premier Cru status in 2020. Merlin and Lafon press the whole clusters of grapes and use native yeasts to ferment in used oak to highlight the character of the fruit and terroir. The young wine then ages for at least 18 months in the barrel and is bottled with limited filtration and no fining. The result is one of the finest Pouilly-Fuisse currently on the market, combining refreshing elegance and subtle hints of minerality with ample fruit and a rich, full body. Succulent stone fruit and oaky hints dominate on the nose, followed by citrus and subtle spiced notes on the long finish. This wine would do well if cellared for a few more years, although it’s also ideal for enjoying now alongside richer seafood, fish, or chicken dishes.
      
783. Chateau Des Quarts Pouilly-fuisse Premier Cru L'orangerie Du Clos Des Quarts 2022 : 8Wines : GBP34.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Two Burgundy greats, Olivier Merlin and Dominique Lafon, came together to found Chateau des Quarts in 2012. The domaine centres around the unique 2.23 hectare Clos de Quarts monopole in southern Pouilly‑Fuissé. Some vines in this beautiful walled vineyard date back to 1917 and sit on superb clay and limestone soils facing east. The excellent conditions are exactly why this terroir was designated Premier Cru in 2020. L’Orangerie du Clos des Quarts comes from a 0.48 hectare plot planted right next to a historic orangery that was built in 1857. The Chardonnay vines are farmed organically and harvested by hand to ensure optimal quality. In the vineyard there’s a light touch with fermentation and ageing in used oak barrels and a further six months in stainless steel tanks. Bottles are just lightly filtered and unfined to avoid interfering with the natural beauty of the fruit. Fine toasty notes and intense aromas of ripe orchard fruit and zingy citrus dominate on the palate, with hints of almonds and a salivating acidity on the long finish. There’s a pleasing balance between freshness and voluptuous fruit, with a solid full body and rich texture. A great wine for roast chicken, seafood risotto, or creamy pasta dishes.
      
784. Domaine De Marcoux Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2021 : 8Wines : GBP52.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Orange, in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Domaine de Marcoux is one of the most acclaimed wineries in the region. The estate covers approximately 18 hectares of vines and is now managed by Sophie Armenier with her son Vincent Estevenin. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape of Domaine de Marcoux is a blend of a majority of Grenache, with additions of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault. The organically grown grapes come from 13 plots, distributed throughout the denomination, which therefore include a wide range of soil types (sand, red clay and galets, limestone, white clay, and gravel). Each plot is vinified separately with spontaneous fermentation, and the wines rest in concrete vats and large oak barrels, before blending. The result is a balanced and ethereal wine, elegant and fragrant that reveals a broad aromatic profile with intense notes of red and dark fruits, followed by spicy aromas, notes of garrigue, dried flowers, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, it is flavorful, medium-full-bodied and round. It has a lively acidity that refreshes the palate and fine and velvety tannins. It is characterful and rich with a long and concentrated finish. It is excellent with hare stew or roast lamb shoulder.
      
785. Domaine De Marcoux Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Owned by the Armenier family for several generations, Domaine de Marcoux has roots that date back to the 11th century and is now run by Sophie Armenier and her son Vincent Estevenin, following the retirement of Catherine, Sophie's sister. The estate has around 18 hectares of vineyards certified organic since the 1990s, of which approximately half are planted with white grape varieties and the other half with red. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of Roussanne and Bourboulenc, with small additions of Clairette and Grenache Blanc. The grapes are hand-picked from the Les Esqueirons and Les Bousquets parcels planted between 1987 and 2020 and located respectively on the western and eastern slopes of the hill of the village of Bourboulenc. After vinification, the wine rests on fine lees in stainless steel tanks and demi-muids. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright color with golden hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and ripe with notes of pear and pineapple, honey, and white flowers. The palate is full and rounded, expressive and rich. It has a velvety texture and a long finish that recalls honeyed notes. It is an elegant and well-structured wine that pairs well with poultry, especially if served with white sauces, and roast turkey.
      
786. Chandon Argentina Brut Rose : 8Wines : GBP20.00
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. A wonderful peachy pink in the glass, this sparkling rosé bursts with fresh, fruity aromas. Look for scents of sour black cherry on the nose, with hints of rose petal, citrus, white peach, and a core of minerality. This Argentinian rosé is an exciting blend of Chardonnay, Malbec, and Pinot Noir, harvested from estate-owned vineyards at the foot of the Andean Mountains. Chandon Argentina was founded in 1959 by Robert-Jean de Vogüé, an offshoot of the original Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley. Today, the winery is spearheaded by Diego Ribbert, a Mendoza native who relishes the extreme climate in his home nation’s winemaking heartland. Some of their vineyards grow up to 1,700 metres above sea level, and they have their sights on some even more challenging locations. The Chandon Argentina Rosè is crisp and creamy in the mouth, with lively notes of raspberry, lemon zest, cherry, and minerality, coupled with a yeasty, dried fruit finish, akin to fruit loaf. It received a light dosage of 6 grams per litre, giving it a wonderfully balanced, dry mouthfeel. Best served chilled, alongside salmon steaks, seafood pasta, or alone, as an aperitif.
      
787. Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Nathalie and Gilles met when they were both studying enology in Dijon. Many years later they continue to make fantastic Chablis wines alongside their daughter Julie who also trained as an enologist. The whole Fevre family are passionate advocates both for Chablis and for the environment. They use sustainable methods wherever possible in their vineyards and vinify with small stainless steel tanks which allow them to vinify each individual plot separately. This classic white Bourgogne is a great introduction to the Fevre house style which typically shows off the character of both the Chardonnay grape and the terroir. Grapes are grown on rich clay soils on a specific 1.65 hectare plot of the Fevre family vineyards in the village of Fontenay-Près-Chablis. After careful handling the young wine is aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks. In the glass you’ll immediately notice the delicate aromatics of spring orchard blossom and toasted almonds followed by hints of green apple, zingy citrus, and fresh pair. On the palate there’s a refreshing acidity paired with a light body and smooth texture thanks to the lees ageing. The combination of freshness and aromatics makes it a great match for roast chicken, lobster dishes, or a rich seafood pasta.
      
788. Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023 : 8Wines : GBP74.90
Cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled. The Fevre family are key players in Chablis thanks to Bernard Fèvre’s role in founding the La Chablisienne cooperative in 1923 where he and his son both served as president. In recent years Bernard’s grandson Gilles and his wife Nathalie have steered the family in a new direction by building their own winery and bottling under the family name for the first time. The Fevres also stand out for their commitment and dedication to the land; they operate from a belief that great wines must begin with great grapes. Gilles takes charge in the vineyards using organic and sustainable methods wherever possible, while Nathalie has optimised the winery using gravity flows and small temperature-controlled tanks so each plot can be vinified individually. Les Preuses is the family’s iconic Grand Cru set on a prime 2.30 hectare plot with deep marl and chalk soils on the right bank of the Serein river. The slope here is exposed to the south which means it benefits from maximum sunlight during the summer ripening period. In the winery Nathalie complements this exceptional terroir with 15 months of ageing on the lees, with 30% of the wine aged in new oak barrels. This helps add a touch of generosity and richness to the ripe orchard fruit and subtle streak of minerality. This is a perfect partner for grilled scallops or lobster as well as creamy chicken dishes.
      
789. Champagne Canard-duchene Blanc De Blancs Iconic : 8Wines : GBP43.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. The Maison Canard-Duchêne, founded in 1868 by Victor Canard and Léonie Duchêne, has been located since its creation in Ludes, in the renowned Montagne de Reims area. Since 2004, the company, which enjoys an international reputation and was a member of the court circle of Tsar Nicholas II, has been committed to sustainable development and environmental practices. This exceptional cuvée, created to celebrate the centenary of the Maison Canard-Duchene, is made only with Chardonnay grapes sourced from vineyards grown in the most prestigious crus of Nogent, Avize, and Vertus. After the first fermentation, the wine rests on the lees in the cellars of the Maison for a period of at least 4 years. The Champagne Grande Cuvée Charles VII Blanc de Blancs from Maison Canard-Duchene shows a beautiful straw yellow color with a fine and persistent perlage. The aromatic profile is elegant and captivating with notes of fresh exotic fruit and white flowers, followed by hints of brioche. On the palate, its delicate bubbles give it a silky and enveloping sensation. The wine has refreshing fruit flavors and lively acidity. It is the perfect wine with scallops, seafood-based appetizers, and white fish carpaccio.
      
790. Champagne Canard-duchene Blanc De Noirs Iconic : 8Wines : GBP43.39
Cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. This Blanc de Noirs Champagne is a bold and expressive bubbly wine with a rich golden hue and a fine, mousse-like perlage. The nose is bursting with aromatic notes of red apple, lemon zest, black stewed cherry, and wild berries. It is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, a majority of which were harvested from Premier and Grand Crus in Champagne, such as Aÿ, Mailly, and Cumière. In the beginning, Canard-Duchene was a love story. It was founded in 1868 by Victor Canard, a barrel maker, and Léonie Duchêne, a grape grower, in the heart of Montagne de Reims. These days, it has grown into a prestigious Champagne house, with vineyards in some of the finest plots of land across Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. On the palate, it showcases flavors of ripe raspberry, plum, sour cherry, and subtle forest-floor earthiness, balanced by a creamy mousse and shimmering acidity. Half of the Pinot Noir grapes came from reserve wines, adding a certain depth to the experience. This is a versatile and interesting expression of Champagne, lying on the fuller-bodied side, making it perfect for pairing with rich and savoury foods, such as roasted duck, grilled meats, or mushroom risotto.
      
791. Champagne Canard-duchene Rose Iconic : 8Wines : GBP43.39
Enjoy it now, or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. A stunning pink with veins of copper in the glass, the Rose Iconic is loaded with scents of strawberry, raspberry, red currant, and hints of rose petals. It represents the pinnacle of rosé from the Champagne region, created with 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and a smaller portion of Pinot Meunier. Champagne Canard-Duchêne is the result of a love story, founded in 1868 by Victor Canard, a barrel maker, and Léonie Duchêne, a grape grower. It can be found in the heart of Montagne de Reims and utilises classic Champagne grapes from all across its home region and the Côte des Blancs. This Rosé is the perfect option for romantic occasions and special celebrations, or to be used as an aperitif before a gourmet meal. It exhibits an elegant, moussey palate, with detailed flavours of sour red cherry, lemon curd, red currant, and small purple flowers. A fifth of the blend is composed of top-class reserve wines, held over from previous harvests. An uplifting acidity courses through each sip, paired with a distinct minerality in the aftertaste, reminiscent of the limestone-rich soils of the region. It will pair wonderfully with light dishes, such as seafood, salads, or fruit-based desserts.
      
792. Champagne Nathalie Falmet Le Val Cornet Brut : 8Wines : GBP57.98
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. Nathalie Falmet is based in the Aube region of Champagne and has been making wine for her namesake boutique Champagne house since 1999. Falmet is known for her innovative and sustainable approach to winemaking. She uses only organic and biodynamic grapes, and her vineyards are carefully tended to produce grapes of exceptional quality. She is also committed to low-intervention winemaking techniques that allow the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes to shine through. This signature Blanc de Noir Brut is a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes from the Le Val Cornet vineyard which are carefully selected at optimum ripeness and harvested by hand. The grapes are then fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in oak barrels before undergoing a secondary fermentation in the bottle. In the glass you can expect a beautiful golden color with a fine and persistent stream of bubbles. On the nose the Champagne has a complex bouquet of citrus, apple, and white floral notes with hints of toasted bread and honey, while on the palate it is fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced with a long and satisfying finish. The elegance of this Brut Champagne makes it a great choice to enjoy as an aperitif or alongside fresh salads, seafood, sushi or spicy dishes.
      
793. Domaine Antonin Guyon Meursault Premier Cru Les Charmes-dessus 2022 : 8Wines : GBP115.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1960 by Antonin Guyon and now managed by his children Dominique and Hombeline, Domaine Antonin Guyon is a family-run winery in the Côte d'Or, Burgundy. The estate extends across approximately 50 hectares of vineyards spread across the area's most prestigious appellations, including Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Aloxe-Corton, Volnay, and Savigny-lès-Beaune. The cellars are located in Aloxe-Corton and Savigny-lès-Beaune and date back to the 18th century. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Les Charmes Dessus parcel, a 0.69-hectare premier cru plot characterized by white marl soils. Here, the vines, averaging 30 years old, enjoy eastern exposure. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in oak barrels at a low temperature, and the finished wine then ages for 15 months in oak barrels, 30% of which are new. Meursault Premier Cru Les Charmes-Dessus has a clear and brilliant golden color with some greenish highlights. The nose reveals a broad bouquet with notes of white flowers and honey, ripe yellow fruit, and hazelnut. On the palate, it is rich and generous, elegant and balanced with well-integrated acidity and a long, complex finish. It is quite versatile with food. It pairs well with white meats, grilled shellfish, or lobster. But for a special treat, try it with foie gras escalope.
      
794. Chateau La Negly La Clape La Porte Du Ciel 2022 : 8Wines : GBP121.88
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Chateau La Negly is a renowned winery in Languedoc, located in the heart of the AOP La Clape, about 20 km from Narbonne. Here the vineyards, which extend over about 50 hectares, enjoy exceptional soil and climate conditions thanks to the proximity of the Mediterranean and sandy soils, resulting from very porous calcareous screes that guarantee excellent water reserves for the vines. La Clape La Porte du Ciel wine is a blend of Syrah and Grenache from vineyards located on sandy-clayey soils, which are very stony. After manual harvesting, the wine is made in truncated cone-shaped vats for about 60 days. The finished wine then rests in barrels for 2 years. This powerful and warm red reveals an intense color with bright and dense purple tones. Its aromatic profile is rich with notes of blackberry, cherry and red fruits, cocoa and vanilla and some hints of tobacco leaves. On the palate it is round and deep. It has a velvety texture and a good fruit concentration. It is powerful and intense with a medium-full body and ripe and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and warm. Excellent with hare and pheasant meat.
      
795. Chateau La Negly La Clape La Falaise 2023 : 8Wines : GBP25.30
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least one hour. Spread over approximately 50 hectares of vineyards, Chateau La Negly is a Languedoc winery owned by the Paux-Rosset family who, after purchasing it in 1992, completely redeveloped the vineyards. The company is located in the La Clape wine area, in a strategic position a short distance from the sea, where the vines enjoy excellent conditions for the production of quality wine. Since 2006, the estate has also included the Domaine de Boede, with its 25 hectares of vineyards. La Clape La Falaise Rouge is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre, coming from the south-eastern slopes of the Clape Massif on the typical soils of the area, of a sandy-clayey limestone nature, very stony. The harvest is manual with careful selection of the grapes. The Syrah vinifies in wooden vats and ages in barrels for 12 months, while the other grapes vinify in cement tanks and age in wooden vats. The wine has an intense and brilliant ruby ​​color. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant aromatic profile with notes of blackberry and raspberry, cocoa and licorice, toasted hints, and black olives. On the palate, it is round and concentrated, powerful and velvety with soft and ripe tannins and a long finish that recalls notes of licorice. Try it with beef filet in porcini mushroom sauce.
      
796. Chateau La Negly Domaine De Boede Les Gres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP19.91
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Owned by the Paux-Rosset family since 1992, Chateau La Negly extends over 50 hectares of vineyards located in Languedoc and more precisely in the La Clape wine region, in the heart of the homonymous massif and a short distance from Narbonne. The company, which underwent a complete renovation and redevelopment in the 90s, focuses its attention on the production of quality wines. In 2006, Chateau La Negly purchased the neighboring La Boede estate with its 25 hectares of vineyards. The wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre harvested manually from the Domaine de Boede vineyard, planted on clayey limestone soil with a high presence of stones. After vinification Grenache and Mourvedre rest in wooden vats, while Syrah in barrels, for 12 months. Domaine de Boede Les Gres is a powerful wine with a dense color with purple tones. On the nose it reveals a rich aromatic profile with notes of dark fruits such as blackberry and cassis, spicy hints of pepper and cinnamon and some nuances of coffee. On the palate it is full and round, warm and balanced, with a fresh finish. Try it with roast lamb with herbs or with beef stew.
      
797. Chateau La Negly Languedoc La Natice Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP13.72
Drink it now. No need to decant. Located in the Languedoc region of France, in the heart of the Clape massif, Château La Négly has been owned by Jean Paux-Rosset since 1992. Since then, winemaking practices have focused on producing high-quality wines, with replanted vines and redesigned cultivation and winemaking methods. In 2006, the Paux-Rosset family also acquired the Domaine de Boede, together with Alain Wittner. Today, the estate spans approximately 50 hectares, plus 25 hectares of Boede, which are cultivated sustainably and yield low crops. La Natice Rosé is a delicious blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvédre, and Syrah from the estate's vineyards. Here, on the southern slopes of La Clape, the vines enjoy the warm sunshine of the South of France, as well as the mitigating effects of the nearby sea. The vines are rooted in soils composed of sandy loam, derived from limestone debris. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright color with delicate pastel pink hues. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with fresh notes of currant, strawberry, and raspberry, and hints of peach and lemon. On the palate, it is joyful and lively, elegant and delicate, with good structure and a rounded texture. The finish is long and fruity. Served well chilled, it makes the perfect partner to fish soup, tuna or salmon tartare, or tomato tarte tatin.
      
798. Champagne Nicolas Maillart Rose Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP52.18
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. This delicious Rosé Premier Cru was elaborated from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes. The fruit expressed for this wine are only the finest 1er Crú and Grand Crú grapes which are hand picked for a small production. The alcohol content is 12.5%. This Champagne has an inviting salmon pink color and a mesmerizing fine bead that lasts. The nose is intense with red fruits dressed in pink and warm toasted vanilla. The first taste is of white cherry compote, fleur de sel, toasted brioche with cream. Tertiary nuances of orchard blossom lend a delicate floral note. Fresh, fruity and vinous with mouthwatering acidity. Ginger and citrus zest take the main stage for a grandiose finale. Serve chilled, at 7°C. Enjoy with red fruit (especially berries) or cooked salmon as an aperitif or accompanying light meals, mild cheeses, and fresh or steamed vegetables. The Maillart family has been cultivating grapes since 1753. Nicolas Maillart is the ninth generation to oversee the vineyards in Chamery. Remaining loyal to the traditions of the Champagne region, the Maillart estate is only planted with Pinot Noir (75%) and Chardonnay (25%). The bulk of the vines is planted mid-slope, in Bouzy terroir, which is favorable for cultivating and harvesting in the cool climates. The grapes undergo 52 hours of maceration to impart the beautiful color. The bottles are rested on the lees for at least one year and disgorged right before release.
      
799. Champagne Nicolas Maillart Brut Platine Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP47.44
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Comprised of a blend of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay (20%). Only hand picked Grand and 1er Cru grapes were used to express this Platine Premier Cru Champagne. You will find its light golden color charming and inviting as you watch the fine, close-packed beads swizzle their way up to tickle your nose as you inhale the intoxicating aromas wafting up from the flute. Toasted brioche, hazelnuts, and almonds, oak, stone fruits, ripe peach, and pear all present themselves in clean layers. White peach explodes on the palate followed by oak and tertiary orchard fruits. This Champagne is light and crisp in all the right places; slightly sweet and seductively tangy minerality. Upon the first sip, it may appear almost too dry. Keep sipping to unlock the richness hidden deep in this Brut Platine 1er Cru. Enjoy this Champagne chilled at 7°C. The dryness of this wine pairs particularly well with creamy cow or goat milk cheeses, fresh apples, pears, and stone fruits, cold meats, salads, fish and shellfish dishes, spicy Asian fare, and rice dishes. Nicolas Maillart took control of the family winery in 2003 after completing studies in engineering and enology. The family history can be traced back to 1753, although there are documents suggesting the Maillart family has been in the vine-growing business since the 1500s. The Maillart family cultivates only Pinot Noir (75%) and Chardonnay (25%) grapes on their estate, maintaining the traditions of the Champagne region
      
800. Nicolas Rossignol Pommard Premier Cru Charmots 2019 : 8Wines : GBP83.26
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Coming from a family of winemakers with a long tradition, Nicolas Rossignol created his own winery in 1997, after years of working in various wineries in France and abroad. The vineyards, cultivated according to methods inspired by biodynamics, extend over approximately 17 hectares and are distributed across 30 appellations. The Pinot Noir grapes for this elegant Burgundy wine are sourced from vines of about 50 years, located in the Combe de Pommard, at a fairly high altitude with limestone soil with stones, characterized by a steep slope and southern exposure. The Pommard Charmots 1er Cru is a classy and expressive wine with a clear and dense color with dark ruby ​​tones and a broad and complex aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals notes of ripe red fruits and violets, hints of incense, earthiness, and undergrowth. On the palate, it is round and concentrated with a medium body and a well-balanced vein of freshness. The tannins are fine and velvety and the finish is long and gently spicy. It is a wine that expresses all the elegance of the Pommard terroir, and can age well and for a long time in the cellar. For those who can't resist, it is worth trying with braised rabbit, duck sausages, or roast pork belly.
      
801. Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf Du Pape 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.04
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Chateau La Nerthe dates back at least as far as 1560 when it was originally founded by the Tulle de Villefranche family. Today the property has over 92 hectares of vineyards split into 57 different plots planted on sandy clay soils and large galets stones which are so typical of the region. Although Grenache makes up some 62% of the plantings, all 13 of the varieties permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are planted here with an average vine age of over 40 years old. To create their classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape red the grapes are carefully hand picked and sorted to ensure quality control. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented in vats and then aged in large oak casks and barrels for 12 months before the final blend is created. The wine then rests for another 6 months before bottling. The first thing you’ll notice when you pour out a glass of this Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the striking deep inky red hue and enticing aromas of blackcurrants, dried violets, and ripe figs. On the palate there’s a cascade of brooding dark berries followed by more savoury notes of cedar, spice, and dried herbs from the oak ageing. The excellent balance and poise combined with tannic power makes this a great match for rich red meat dishes like stews, braised meats, or game.
      
802. Chateau La Nerthe Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP51.35
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. One of the oldest and largest châteaux in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the historic Chateau La Nerthe estate can be traced right back to 1560 when it was founded by the Tulle de Villefranche family. In recent years it has established a reputation for well-made Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds as well as the lesser-known white Châteauneuf-du-Pape like this bottling. In total the chateau has 92 hectares of vineyards which are divided into 57 distinct plots, allowing the winemakers to pick and choose exactly what goes into each cuvee. This particular white is composed of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne along with a dash of Clairette and Bourboulenc for extra complexity. The vines are planted on sandy soils scattered with the region’s characteristic large galets stones which are thought to enhance the elegance and finesse of the wine. There’s also a natural stream and woodland close by which helps to cool down the vineyards at night during the warm summer months to preserve freshness and varietal typicity. In the glass there’s an enticing golden yellow hue with hints of ripe apricots, peaches, and vanilla spice from the 9 months of ageing in oak barrels. On the palate there’s a solid core of ripe orchard fruit balanced by zingy citrus and hints of ginger on the long finish. Thanks to the intensity and purity of this wine, it’s a great option to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with dishes like roast chicken, risottos, or grilled fish served in a creamy sauce.
      
803. Domaine Boisson Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Les Belles Cotes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP38.75
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Son of the renowned Bernard Boisson, founder of the homonymous estate in the 1980s, Pierre took over the family business with his sister Anne (also a winemaker) in 2017. Both retained part of the vineyards to produce their own wines. Pierre in particular works on approximately 3.5 hectares of vineyards located near Meursault, in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Les Belles Côtes is an elegant and refined white Burgundy that reflects the winemaker experience and his attentive, traditional style. Made from Chardonnay grapes, the wine displays a luminous straw-yellow color with silver highlights. Its aromatic profile is expressive and fragrant, with the mineral character typical of wines from the Côte de Beaune. On the nose, it opens with aromas of peach, lemon, and white fruit, followed by floral notes of acacia and honeysuckle on a flint background. On the palate, it is lively and fruity, generous, and silky. It has a crisp acidity that cleanses and refreshes the palate, and a clear minerality that lingers on the long finish, accompanied by light toasted notes. It's very versatile when pairing with food: it's excellent with lobster, seafood, roast turbot, scallop or truffle risotto, and even pairs well with poultry.
      
804. Domaine Boisson Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Murgey De Limozin 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.91
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in the 1980s by Bernard Boisson, Pierre's father, Domaine Boisson is a family estate today managed by Pierre and his sister Anne. In 2017, following their father's retirement, the two siblings modernized the cellar. In addition to producing wines under the family label, they each independently manage a portion of the vineyards for their own lines. The Bourgogne Murgey de Limozin is an elegant white wine made from Chardonnay grapes grown on plots on the edge of the Meursault appellation in the Côte de Beaune. Here, the region's typical clay-limestone soils produce expressive wines with a strong mineral character, capable of evolving beautifully over the years. Pierre Boisson's manual labor in the vineyard adds even greater attention to ensuring his wines are a refined interpretation of the terroir. In the glass, the wine reveals a straw-yellow color with light golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and expressive, with initial notes of white and yellow fruit, citrus and floral notes, and a mineral and toasted hazelnut undertone. On the palate, it is rounded and smooth, juicy and fresh, with a pronounced acidity and the typical minerality of the great Burgundy whites. The finish is long and reveals slightly toasted notes. It is excellent with oysters, grilled white fish, and Brie cheese.
      
805. Domaine Boisson Macon Villages 2023 : 8Wines : GBP23.40
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Meursault in the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, Domaine Boisson was founded by Bernard Boisson and his wife in the 1980s. Over the years, the estate acquired several vineyards, mainly located around Meursault. When Bernard Boisson retired in 2017, the family estate passed into the hands of his children, Pierre and Anne, who also manage some of the family plots separately. The Chardonnay grapes for this Mâcon-Villages are selected from the Mâconnais mountains, a group of hills separated by parallel faults, particularly suited to quality viticulture. Here, the clay-limestone soils and a moderate continental climate with semi-Mediterranean influences favor the production of fresh, lively, and mineral wines. In the glass, the wine presents an elegant and fresh character, characterized by a brilliant straw-yellow color and golden highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with fruity notes of citrus, white fruit, and peach, as well as floral hints of acacia and rose. On the palate, it is mineral, supple, and balanced. It has good fruit concentration and a well-integrated acidity. It's a youthful, easy-drinking wine that pairs beautifully with oysters and all seafood, but also makes a delicious aperitif on its own.
      
806. Domaine Boisson Pierre Boisson Bourgogne Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. A renowned estate in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, Domaine Boisson is a family business founded by Bernard Boisson and now managed by his children, Pierre and Anne. In addition to the family vineyards, both produce their own wines separately. Pierre Boisson, in particular, makes a range of wines from his 3.5 hectares of vineyards. His Bourgogne Blanc is a precise, elegant, and mineral wine, in keeping with the estate's style. The vines are cultivated with respect for the terroir, without the use of synthetic substances. The Chardonnay grapes come from high-altitude vineyards planted on stony, limestone soils. These conditions favor the production of a fresh, taut wine with a mineral character. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear, bright color with silvery highlights. Its aromatic profile is lively and fragrant with fresh citrus and green apple notes, followed by floral nuances and hints of butter and chalk. On the palate, it is balanced, fruity, and tense, with a crisp acidity and a well-defined mineral touch. It is vibrant, with a long finish that realls toasted notes. It is the ideal wine with seafood, but also pairs well with goat cheeses and lemon-roasted chicken.
      
807. Domaine Boisson Pierre Boisson Meursault Blanc 2023 : 8Wines : GBP77.51
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Boisson is a family estate located in the municipality of Meursault, in the heart of Burgundy. Founded in the 1980s by Bernard Boisson, the winery was taken over by his children in 2017. Pierre and Anne renovated the cellar and now manage the business together while continuing their own separate productions. Pierre Boisson's Meursault Blanc is an extremely elegant Chardonnay that perfectly combines the minerality of the Meursault terroir with the estate's minimalist style. The Chardonnay grapes come from vineyards planted on clay-limestone soils, which lend it freshness and a silky texture. In the glass, the wine displays a clear and brilliant pale golden yellow color with silvery highlights. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex. The nose opens with notes of ripe lemon, pear, and white flowers, followed by hints of butter and toasted hazelnuts with a gentle smoky finish. On the palate, it is taut and deep, concentrated and energetic with a silky texture. It is full-bodied, lively, and generous, with a balanced character that combines richness and minerality. The finish is long and slightly buttery. It is excellent with roast poultry served with white sauces, scallops, or white fish such as sea bass and turbot. A must-try with Comté cheese.
      
808. Domaine Boisson Auxey-duresses Rouge 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Boisson is located in Meursault, one of the most prestigious appellations of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. The estate, founded in the 1980s by Bernard Boisson and his wife, passed into the hands of their children, Pierre and Anne, in 2017. The estate's vineyards are concentrated around Meursault. Auxey-Duresses Rouge is a balanced Pinot Noir, elegantly combining freshness and smooth tannins, revealing all the elegance of the Domaine Boisson style. The grapes come from vineyards located in the Auxey-Duresses appellation on the clay-limestone soils typical of the Côte de Beaune, which give the wine an elegant minerality. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright, clear ruby ​​color with light garnet highlights. Its aromatic profile is elegant and broad, with initial notes of fresh red fruit such as raspberry, cranberry, and cherry, followed by hints of violet and pepper on a mineral background. On the palate, it is lively and soft, delicate and fruity. It has a good structure and rounded, smooth tannins. It has balanced, refreshing acidity and a long finish that evokes spicy and mineral notes. Try it with roast poultry or veal escalopes, pork or rabbit terrines, and the famous French Brie cheese.
      
809. Chateau Minuty Prestige Rose 2025 : 8Wines : GBP25.64
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. Chateau Minuty is a family winery with a history dating back to the 1930s, primarily concerned with creating classic Provençal rosé. Run by third and fourth-generation vintners Jean-Etienne, Anne-Victoire and François Matton, it occupies a prime spit of land on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, as well as 80 hectares in the surrounding hills of Vidauban and Ramatuelle. The Minuty Prestige Rosé is a showcase of Provençal grandeur, sourced from some of the best vineyards around the French Riviera. It is a blend of four southern grape varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle, each adding depth and complexity to this crisp wine. The Prestige Rosé is extremely light pink in the glass, with shining white hues. The nose is generous and floral, exhibiting hints of lemon zest, pepper and lively white flowers. It is classic Provence on the palate, showcasing a sharp and refreshing mouthfeel, with crunchy red fruit textures, subtle spice and mineral notes of sea salt. The finish is long and detailed, with further mineral notes and hints of white pepper. This benchmark wine is best served well chilled, at approximately 8 °C. Consider pairing it with niçoise salad, seafood and creamy cheese, or having it as an aperitif.
      
810. Chateau Minuty Rose Et Or 2025 : 8Wines : GBP34.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant. Founded by Gabriel Farnet in 1936, Château Minuty is located on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, in Gassin, in the heart of French Provence. A long winemaking tradition combines with high-level craftsmanship and great respect for nature and the vineyards, to produce prestigious rosé, white, and red wines. The estate extends over approximately 200 hectares, enjoying a privileged location between land and sea. The company is part of the LVMH luxury group. Château Minuty Rosé et Or is a delicious blend of mostly Grenache, with smaller percentages of Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle from vineyards located in the Côtes de Provence AOP on diverse soils of schist, clay, and sand. After manual harvesting and cold fermentation, the wine is bottled without malolactic fermentation. The result is a youthful, fresh, and vibrant wine, with an intense and exuberant aromatic profile that reveals fragrant notes of exotic and stone fruit and a touch of citrus. On the palate, it is exceptionally crisp, juicy, and fresh, with a smooth texture and an intriguing saline note. The acidity is well-integrated, and the finish is long and satisfying. It is extraordinarily versatile with food. Try it with shrimp or shellfish, bouillabaisse, pad thai, prosciutto and melon, or a caprese salad.
      
811. Chateau Minuty M Rose 2025 : 8Wines : GBP17.21
Chateau Minuty M Rose 2025
      
812. Saint Hilaire Cremant De Limoux Rose : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Initially named Société des Producteurs de Blanquette de Limoux, the Sieur D'Arques is the Limoux cooperative, founded in 1946, by the union of a handful of local winemakers. Located in the heart of the Limoux wine region, one of the westernmost appellations of the Languedoc, the vineyards of Sieur d'Arques extend over 1570 hectares. The technical team is led by Guilhem Marty. The cooperative is considered the greatest ambassador of the wines of the appellation. Limoux is the historic land of sparkling whites, the result of a discovery of which the monks of the Saint Hilaire abbey were the inventors in the 16th century. Here, the strategic location at the foot of the Pyrenees and the influence of the Mediterranean breezes create a unique microclimate where the white-berried vines thrive, producing excellent sparkling and still wines. The Saint Hilaire Cremant de Limoux Rosé is a wine with lively citrus notes and a vinous and warm flavor. On the palate it is fresh, clean and long. The perlage is elegant and persistent. This is a wine with a defined character that goes perfectly with salmon and pork filet, as well as succulent vegetarian dishes. Serve it well chilled at a temperature between 6 and 8 °C.
      
813. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Carte D'or Brut : 8Wines : GBP34.81
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. The Veuve Olivier & Fils brand was created in 1955 by Liliane Olivier and her son Pierre, but in reality, the company has existed since 1922, when Liliane's great-grandfather Edmond produced and sold his champagne under the name of “Terroir des Buttes ". The winery has always been extremely careful to preserve the authenticity of its terroirs. The 18 hectares of vineyards located in the heart of the Marne Valley, on the south-facing slopes, are managed with sustainable viticulture by Sandrine, who is now in charge of the company. The blend of this elegant Champagne, which beautifully represents the style of the house, is dominated by Pinot Meunier, a vine that produces wines with great freshness and good fruit concentration, with captivating exotic nuances. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Carte d'Or Brut is a soft, full wine, with fragrant citrus notes that add freshness and liveliness on the nose. In the mouth, it shows a very pleasant softness and great crispiness with an anise and mint finish. Perfect as an aperitif, it is an absolute must-try with grilled shrimp and scallops, cod filet, or pork filet Mignon. It also works deliciously with Mont d'Or cheese. Enjoy it well chilled at 8 – 10°C.
      
814. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Perle De Lumiere Brut : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Created in 1955 by Liliane Olivier, on the estate founded in 1922 by her father Edmond, the Domaine Veuve Olivier Fils is located on the right bank of the Marne. Today it is the great-granddaughter of the founder, Sandrine Charpentier-Olivier, who takes care of the family vineyard. The grapes of the Domaine are pressed slowly and progressively in the latest-generation Coquard presses. The vinification by plot allows for the production of wines that represent the typicality of the terroir. All these elements give the Champagne Veuve Olivier et Fils freshness, fantastic aromaticity, balance on the palate, and great maturity. The wine is obtained from a blend of the three Champagne vines with a majority of red grapes (especially Pinot Meunier). The result is a fruity nose, and a palate focused on the vivacity, with a perceptible dosage. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Perle de Lumiere Brut displays a bright gold color. It is a rich and vinous, joyful, and fragrant wine. On the nose, the wine shows a beautiful citrus fragrance with delicate chalky notes and white fruit (pear, apricot, and mirabelle plum). In the mouth, it is generous and lively with good freshness and a thirst-quenching finish. Delicious as an aperitif or in combination with scallops.
      
815. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret De Cave Brut : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Created in 1922 by Edmond Olivier and formally founded as a brand by his daughter Liliane in 1955, the Champagne Veuve Olivier estate now has 21 plots spread over 18 hectares. Pinot Meunier is the main grape grown in the estate, but there are also Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which are also used to make this specific blend. Today the company, known as "Recoltant-Manipulant", as it grows its own grapes and produces its own wines, is managed by Sandrine Charpentier-Olivier, Edmond's great-granddaughter. Each plot is vinified individually in order to fully express the flavors of each of the terroirs. Reasoned viticulture is practiced throughout the company. Champagne Veuve Olivier & Fils Secret de Cave Brut is a wine characterized by a bright and luminous yellow color. On the nose, it shows a rich and complex aromatic profile with aromas of stone fruit and spicy dried fruit. In the mouth, it offers a lively and creamy consistency, with fine and persistent bubbles. It is a fleshy and generous Champagne, with a mature character. The finish is long and persistent with delicious notes of honey, undergrowth, and dried fruit. Serve it chilled with white fish dressed with creamy sauces, with roasted chicken or pan-fried foie gras.
      
816. Champagne Andre Goutorbe Brut Tradition : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The Goutorbe family has been growing grapes since the late 19th century, but its wines began to be marketed only in the early 20th century, thanks to Victor Goutorbe. The company was later developed by André Goutorbe, who created the current brand in the 1980s. Today, the estate is managed by David, André's son and the fifth generation of the family, who carries on the winery tradition with great respect and passion. Champagne Andre Goutorbe Brut Tradition is a blend of equal parts of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, with approximately 30% reserve wine added. The grapes come from the marly-limestone soils typical of the Marne Valley. After vinification in stainless steel, the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, and the wine ages on its lees for 2-3 years. In the glass, the wine reveals a straw-yellow color with golden highlights, enhanced by a lively and elegant effervescence. The nose is fresh and fragrant with notes of stone fruit, Red Delicious apple, grapefruit and pomegranate peel, floral and almond notes on a chalky background. On the palate, it is soft, fresh, and mineral, with a creamy texture and a pleasant fruit concentration. It has a citrus acidity and light notes of small red fruits that extend into a long, persistent finish. It's excellent as an aperitif, but pairs beautifully with seafood, white fish, and sushi. A must-try with scallop risotto.
      
817. Domaine Bonnet Cotton Regnie 2022 : 8Wines : GBP19.13
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Bonnet Cotton is a winery initially founded in 1856 by Joseph Sanvers, taken over in 1976 by Evelyne and Guy Cotton, and today led by Pierre Cotton and Marine Bonnet who take care of the 12 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Beaujolais, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Régnié, and Fleurie. Régnié is a red wine made from Gamay grapes from an old vineyard of about 0.8 hectares planted on alluvial soil composed mainly of yellow granite. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in concrete tanks, where the wine macerates on the skins for about 20 days. The finished wine ages for 6 months in foudres and used barrels. The wine shows a clear and deep color with garnet tones. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and broad with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries, and cherries followed by spicy and aromatic herb notes. On the palate, it is lively, fresh and elegant. It has a medium body and a velvety structure. The tannins are smooth and the finish is long and mineral. It is excellent with goose terrine, rabbit, or guinea fowl with herbs, or with a mixed charcuterie board.
      
818. Domaine Bonnet Cotton Cote De Brouilly 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Odenas, in the Beaujolais wine region, Domaine Bonnet Cotton is a young winery that owns around 12 hectares of vineyards spread across the appellations of Beaujolais, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Régnié and Fleurie. The winery is housed in the old cellar once owned by the Sanvers family and founded in 1856. The Gamay grapes come from an organically farmed plot located next to the winery in Odénas, with vines around 65 years old. The soil has a unique composition: a mixture of pink granite and diorite. After vinification in concrete vats, the finished wine ages in foudres for 8 months. Côte de Brouilly is the estate's signature wine and the first cuvée created. It is a youthful, fragrant, and light wine that maintains all the liveliness and freshness typical of Gamay, but also has a strong character. Its clear and brilliant color has dark ruby ​​tones. On the nose, it reveals fragrant aromas of dark fruits and Mediterranean herbs with a mineral background. On the palate, it is dry and balanced, with a medium body, a good concentration of fruit, and an acidic backbone of good intensity. The finish is persistent and recalls mineral traits. It is the ideal wine with pork stew and also pairs well with pasta recipes with sauce such as the classic Amatriciana.
      
819. Bouchard Pere & Fils Pommard Premier Cru 2016 : 8Wines : GBP60.08
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1731, Bouchard Père et Fils is a winery in the Cote d'Or, in Burgundy, rich in history and tradition and since 1995 it has been owned by the Maison Champagne Henriot. The company, now led by Stéphane Follin-Arbelet, owns approximately 130 hectares of vineyards in some of the most prestigious appellations of Burgundy, such as Chevalier-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, and Clos Vougeot. The Pinot Noir grapes come from vineyards located in the heart of the Pommard appellation on soils of limestone origin with traces of iron. After vinification, the finished wine rests in French oak barrels (20-30% of which are new) for approximately 1 year. The Pommard Premier Cru du Bouchard Pere & Fils is an elegant and well-structured wine with a brilliant dark ruby red color. On the nose, it shows a broad aromatic profile with notes of blackberry and black cherry, hints of undergrowth and wood. On the palate, it is firm and full-bodied with dense and well-integrated tannins. It has a strong character and a long and fruity finish. It is ready to drink now but can remain in the cellar for several years. Excellent with Coq au Vin and roast guinea fowl.
      
820. Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Le Pas De L'aigle 2022 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Founded in 1929, the family-owned Pierre Amadieu estate is one of the best kept secrets in the Rhone thanks to their modern-style Gigondas wines. The family have been growing grapes here for generations and have expanded their holdings from 7 hectares when the estate was first founded to around 140 hectares today. “Le Pas de l’Aigle” or “The Eagle’s Pass” is the name of the Amadieu family’s highest vineyard in the appellation of Gigondas. Conditions here are ideal for premium winemaking thanks to the cooling mountain breezes and north-north westerly exposure which helps to protect against the fierce summer sun. The plot has old Grenache and Syrah vines that were planted here some 50 years ago and produce tiny yields of very concentrated fruit. To ensure the fruit arrives at the winery in optimum condition it’s harvested by hand before being fermented for one month on the skins to extract plenty of deep colour, and intense flavours. The young wine then ages in oak barrels for 24 months to fully integrate the different components and soften the punchy tannins. The bold flavour profile and well-built structure make this a great wine to cellar for a decade or two, although it can also be enjoyed now alongside a rich beef stew or roasted red meats.
      
821. Pierre Amadieu Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.64
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Amadieu family have been making wine in this corner of the Rhone Valley for generations. In 1929 Pierre Amadieu decided to start bottling wine under his own name, sourcing grapes from his family’s prized 7 hectares of vines in Gigondas. Over the intervening years the estate has expanded to around 140 hectares with Pierre Junior running the winery and his uncle Claude looking after their vineyards. Amadieu’s vines are surrounded by 200 hectares of garrigue and oak trees and planted on hillsides at 230 to 500 metres above sea level. The vineyards are north-northwest facing which helps protect the vines from too much sun during the hot summer months, ensuring optimum ripeness with plenty of ripe, rich dark fruit flavours and smooth tannins. This charming Gigondas red is crafted from the family’s older vines set in the highest part of the vineyard at 400 metres above sea level. The grapes are all carefully picked by hand, usually long after the rest of the appellation. After vinification the young wine is then aged in a mixture of barrels and foudres for 18 months. Succulent cassis, black cherry and wild berries dominate on the nose along with hints of thyme, black olives, and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. The powerful full body and firm tannins make this a great wine to keep in the cellar for a few more years or to pair with hearty red meat dishes.
      
822. Philippe Colin Bourgogne Chardonnay 2023 : 8Wines : GBP22.14
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine Philippe Colin is a piece of Burgundy history. The winery was officially founded in 2004, but the Colin family’s heritage can be traced all the way back to the 1850s when they first arrived in the region. Philippe Colin sets himself apart from the rest of the competition in Burgundy by the liveliness of his wines, and in the case of this particular wine, the use of oak-ageing. The winery can be found within the appellation of Chassagne-Montrachet, but the grapes for this Bourgogne were also sourced from choice parcels in Saint-Aubin, adding an undeniable summery character to the wine. This 100% Chardonnay wine is a light, sunshiney yellow, with green hues. The nose is youthful and energetic, wafting aromas of green apple, citrus, honey and white flowers. The bouquet and the palate both exhibit strong, creamy notes from oak barrel fermentation, which took place over 11 months. Look for round flavours of ripe fruits, such as peach, pineapple and citrus, backed up by racy acidity. Subtle spices and hints of butter emerge on the finish. This is a young, exciting and extremely delicious wine. Pair it with citrus-infused dishes, such as scallops, baked lemon chicken, or any creamy white fish dish.
      
823. Philippe Colin Chassagne Montrachet 2023 : 8Wines : GBP84.34
Cellar for up to 10 years. Serve chilled. Striking a careful balance between tradition and modernity, Philippe Colin’s superb domaine was founded in 2004 following a mutual decision with his brother to split from Colin-Deleger and seek their own individual directions. Philippe’s 11.5 hectares includes some exceptional Chassagne Premier Cru plots and some prized St. Aubin as well. Like the man himself who is reserved but incredibly talented, the domaine’s wines are renowned for their subtlety and grace with genuine purity of flavour and a distinctive minerality. Wherever possible he practices minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the terroir and the grape variety to shine through in his masterful bottlings. Philippe’s Chassagne Montrachet opens with a fragrant nose full of white peach, honeysuckle and lemon zest underscored by gentle hints of vanilla and hazelnuts from the barrel maturation. The palate offers a voluptuous flavour profile with plenty of ripe stone fruit tempered by a fresh acidity and seasoned with toasted nuts. The fruit for this wine is sourced from prime 35-45 year old vineyards just below Chassagne’s Premier Cru plots and ages in French oak barrels for 11 months with regular lees stirring to add complexity and a creamy, full texture.
      
824. Philippe Colin Chassagne Montrachet Les Chenevottes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP104.39
Cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Philippe Colin set up his winery in the industrial zone of Chassagne Montrachet where he crafts gorgeous wines from his 11.5 acres of vineyards inherited from both his father’s and his mother’s families. Robert Parker described him as “a man of few words, but that’s fine when your wines have so much to say”. Although not as well known as other Burgundian winemakers, his wines are made with meticulous attention to detail from a selection of exceptional parcels. Les Chenevottes is set on the edge of Chassagne Montrachet just across the road from the famous Le Montrachet Grand Cru. It’s a flat vineyard planted with 45-80 year old vines on heavy clay soils which retain plenty of water. Like Philippe’s other vineyards, the plot is farmed sustainably with minimal use of chemicals and regular plowing. All of the fruit is harvested by hand with the young wine aged for 12 months in a mixture of standard and larger French oak barrels. Graceful and complex, this is a fantastic example of Chassagne Montrachet with vibrant notes of white peaches, citrus, and green apples mingling with hints of toast and vanilla spice. On the palate there’s a solid core of orchard fruit, a rich and creamy texture, and a long finish with a bright streak of acidity for balance. A fantastic wine to cellar for a few more years or savour now alongside grilled fish, salmon, roast chicken, or a rich cream-based pasta dish.
      
825. Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Reservee 2021 : 8Wines : GBP52.14
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Domaine du Pegau is owned by the Feraud family who can trace their roots right back to the 17th century in the Southern Rhone. Daughter Laurence and father Paul work tirelessly to produce traditional-style Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Regarded as one of the region’s top producers, Pegau has 11 parcels of prime vineyards in Courthézon, La Solitude and Bédarrides which cover around 47 acres in total. Their Cuvée Reserve is predominantly composed of Grenache along with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre, Counoise and other varieties. All of their grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented without destemming to add complexity. The young wine is then aged in large oak foudres for an average of 24 months. There is no fining or filtering before bottling to preserve the authentic character of the wine. The nose opens with dark berry notes, licorice, leather and dried herbs while the first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and very long finish. On the palate there are intense cherry, plum and cassis notes seasoned with black pepper, tobacco leaf and hints of cigar box spice from the oak maturation. A great addition to the cellar or partner for hearty red meat dishes.
      
826. Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Laurence 2021 : 8Wines : GBP66.19
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Established in 1987, French Domaine du Pegau is owned by the Feraud family, which boasts a long winemaking tradition dating back to the 17th century. After a period of expansion and growth, in 2012, the Feraud family also acquired approximately 41 hectares of vineyards, not far from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhône Valley, establishing Château Pegau. The name 'pegau' refers to a terracotta vessel used for wine in the 14th century. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a blend of mostly Grenache, with minor additions of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other local varieties. The grapes are sourced from vineyards planted on soils composed of a mixture of clay and limestone, with iron, sand, and pebbles on the surface. After manual harvesting, the different varietals are fermented together in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. The finished wine then ages in large oak barrels for a period of four years. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense garnet color and a broad, complex aromatic profile that alternates fruity aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrub, undergrowth, spice, and leather. On the palate, it is round, distinctive, and layered with velvety tannins and an elegant complexity of flavors. The finish is long and slightly spicy. It is a wine that can be cellared for over a decade or enjoyed immediately with grilled lamb chops.
      
827. Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Reservee 2022 : 8Wines : GBP52.14
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Domaine du Pegau is owned by the Feraud family who can trace their roots right back to the 17th century in the Southern Rhone. Daughter Laurence and father Paul work tirelessly to produce traditional-style Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Regarded as one of the region’s top producers, Pegau has 11 parcels of prime vineyards in Courthézon, La Solitude and Bédarrides which cover around 47 acres in total. Their Cuvée Reserve is predominantly composed of Grenache along with a smaller proportion of Syrah and Mourvèdre, Counoise and other varieties. All of their grapes are harvested by hand and then fermented without destemming to add complexity. The young wine is then aged in large oak foudres for an average of 24 months. There is no fining or filtering before bottling to preserve the authentic character of the wine. The nose opens with dark berry notes, licorice, leather and dried herbs while the first sip reveals a full body, firm tannins and very long finish. On the palate there are intense cherry, plum and cassis notes seasoned with black pepper, tobacco leaf and hints of cigar box spice from the oak maturation. A great addition to the cellar or partner for hearty red meat dishes.
      
828. Domaine Du Pegau Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Reservee Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP43.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the heart of the appellation area, Domaine Pegau has been owned by the Feraud family for generations and today has around 22 hectares of vineyards predominantly planted with Grenache, as well as other varieties among the 12 others authorized in the Châteauneuf du Pape blend. The white grape vines are farmed according to biodynamic principles. Produced in limited quantities, Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee Blanc is a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne. The grapes are selected and harvested manually from vineyards located on clay-limestone soils. After fermentation in steel at a controlled temperature, the wine always rests in steel for 8 months to enhance the fresh character of Clairette. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright color with pale golden tones. Its aromatic profile is lively and fragrant with clear notes of citrus, pear, and stone fruit, intertwined with hints of white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy, with a marked acidic vein and a medium-light body. The finish is long and elegant and recalls notes of lemon. It is the ideal wine for sushi and fish carpaccio and also goes well with all seafood.
      
829. Domaine Du Pegau Pink Pegau 2025 : 8Wines : GBP11.29
Drink it now. No need to decant. Located in Châteauneuf du Pape in the Rhone Valley, Domaine du Pegau has a history dating back to the 17th century, when the Feraud family was already growing grapes. In 1964, Paul Feraud decided to sell his bottled wine, but the foundation of the domaine as it is today dates back to the late 1980s. In 2012, Chateau Pegau was added to the original estate with the acquisition of 41 hectares of vineyards south of Châteauneuf du Pape. The Cinsault grapes for Pink Pegau come from the estate vineyards in Sorgues, just 6.5 km south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a wine region particularly suited to the production of red wines. This splendid and captivating rosé is a mouthwatering and fresh wine, with a crisp and fragrant character. In the glass, it displays a brilliant pale pink color with salmon highlights and a broad and complex aromatic profile, with initial notes of red fruits, melon, and peach, followed by floral and delicately spicy notes. On the palate, it is vibrant, fruity, lean, and endowed with brisk acidity. It is a dry wine, lively but not frivolous. The finish is long and refreshing, with notes of strawberry mingling with citrus. It is excellent on its own as an aperitif, but is also versatile with food. Try it with grilled shrimp, seafood salads, ratatouille, and tomato tarte tatin.
      
830. Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut : 8Wines : GBP45.04
Enjoy it now or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. The Royale Réserve Brut is the pinnacle of the Philipponnat range, a stunning, golden-robed wine, composed of 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier. It erupts with scents of red berries, citrus rind, juniper, and honey, with yeasty hints of fresh bread. The fruits were harvested from a mixture of Grand and Premier Crus, in the heart of the Champagne region. Philipponnat is a family-run Champagne house, with a deep, tapestried history in the world-famous region. The family can trace their roots all the way back to Apvril le Philipponnat, who cultivated vines in Le Léon in 1522. The winery is well-known for using the solera method, which involves keeping the best, reserve grapes from each year in oak barrels, and including them in non-vintage blends. In this way, the Royale Réserve Brut serves as both a nod to the past, and a foundation for the future. The palate begins with a blast of tart fruits - raspberry, redcurrant and citrus. This evolves into a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel, with hints of honey and florality. The wine spent 3 years ageing on the lees, a great deal longer than the 15 months that the Champagne appellation calls for. The yeast influence comes into play at the finish, where you can detect notes of biscuit and toasted bread. Pair this Champagne with caviar or fried mushrooms.
      
831. Champagne Philipponnat Royale Reserve Non Dose Brut : 8Wines : GBP43.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in Mareuil-sur-Ay in 1522, the Philipponnat Maison is one of the most prestigious Champagne-producing companies in the world, universally known for its great history (it was the supplier of the King of France Louis XIV) and for the excellence of its wines. Located right in the center of the Champagne wine region, the company owns approximately 20 hectares of vineyards, including the highly prestigious Clos des Goisses. The cuvée Royale Réserve Non-Dosé is a blend of classic Champagne grapes (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier) all coming from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards located in Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. The cuvée involves the use of approximately 20-30% reserve wines aged in wooden barrels. After the second fermentation, the wine rests on the lees for 3 years. After disgorging, no dosage is added to maintain the pure expression of the terroir as much as possible. Perfect as an aperitif, with sushi or fish carpaccio, Philipponnat Royale Reserve Non-Dose Brut Champagne has a golden color with brilliant reflections and a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, it reveals fresh aromas of hawthorn and lime blossom, hints of brioche and bread crust, citrus notes, and exotic fruit. On the palate, it has a marked minerality and a refreshing streak. The finish is long and elegant.
      
832. Champagne Philipponnat Rose : 8Wines : GBP57.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Mareuil-sur-Ay, the Maison Phillipponnat boasts approximately 5 centuries of history and tradition and is today led by Charles Philipponnat, who carries on the enormous prestige acquired over time. The company is universally acclaimed for the excellence of the wines produced including the Clos des Goisses, with grapes coming from the 5.5-hectare vineyard of the same name. The rest of the company's vineyards are distributed between Mareuil, Ay, Mutigny, and Avenay. The Rosé is a blend with a majority of Pinot Noir, additions of Chardonnay, and a pinch of Pinot Meunier. The grapes are sourced in Grand and Premier Cru vineyards located in Mareuil-sur-Ay. The fermentation takes place partly in steel and partly in barrels. The wine then ages for 36 months on the lees. It is an elegant and mature Champagne, delicate and fruity with a salmon pink color and orange nuances. The nose is fragrant and broad and reveals aromas of small red fruits, cherries, strawberries, and citrus peels. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and juicy. It reveals an excellent balance between refreshing acidity and fruity character. The finish is long and pleasant. It is excellent as an aperitif with salmon, smoked fish, and also with white meats.
      
833. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Savigny Les Beaune Les Grands Picotins 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, Burgundy, since 1946, Domaine Pierre Guillemot has been a renowned family-run winery for eight generations. The estate, which began converting to organic farming in 2020, extends across approximately 10 hectares of vineyards spread across the Savigny-lès-Beaune and Corton appellations, planted primarily with Pinot Noir. The estate also produces white wines based on Chardonnay and Aligoté. Harvests are done manually, and the winemaking process follows traditional techniques with minimal intervention to allow the grape varieties and their terroir of origin to fully express themselves. Made with Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from vines that are over 50 years old, the Savigny les Beaune Les Grands Picotins is an elegant and complex red, capable of aging well and evolving for over a decade. The nose reveals a fruity aromatic profile with notes of ripe strawberry and cranberry, over a herbaceous and forest floor background. On the palate, it is structured and medium-bodied with bright acidity and a pleasant fruit concentration. It has velvety tannins and a soft mouthfeel. The long finish reveals tertiary aromas of tobacco and wood. Try it with a steak sandwich or a succulent burger.
      
834. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Serpentieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP57.98
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting optional, for up to 30 minutes before serving. Les Serpentieres is a vineyard in the heart of Savigny-les-Beaune, known for its fruity, fleshy Pinot Noirs. This one was crafted by Domaine Pierre Guillemot, a small winery, run by brothers Vincent and Pierre. The winery was founded by their grandfather in 1946, but the winemaking tradition in the Guillemot family goes back six generations, to the négociant, Phillipe. It begins with scents of ripe red hedgerow fruits, rose petals, star anise, and baking spice. It is a beautiful deep purple-red in the glass, packed with complex character and a medium to full body, thanks to the reddish brown soils that Les Serpentieres grows upon. In the mouth, it is laden with flavours of sour cherry, plum, and redcurrant, with warm, earthy hints of truffle, liquorice, and cinnamon. It has a rich, velvety mouthfeel, with subtle, finely-grained tannins, and a thick vein of acidity. Domaine Pierre Guillemot’s Burgundy’s are fermented in oak barrels, making them suitable for extended ageing. Consider pairing this one with roast chicken, vegetable tagine, or a mushroom burger. Les Serpentieres is an excellent place to start exploring the multifaceted terroir of Burgundy.
      
835. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru 2023 : 8Wines : GBP92.76
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decanting for up to 1 hour before serving. Le Rognet et Corton is a youthful Grand Cru wine and Domaine Guillemot’s only Grand Cru wine. It begins with brilliant aromas of orange rind, sour cherry, plum, and small, red hedgerow berries. The vineyard is considered one of the finest in the area, occupying a prime spot on the slopes of Corton, where the soils are red and rich in iron. Domaine Pierre Guillemot is a small winery, located on the edge of a picturesque town square, in the centre of Savigny-les-Beaune. It is run by two brothers, Vincent Pierre, who took the reins from their grandfather, the man who founded the winery in 1946. However, the winemaking tradition in the Guillemot family goes back even further than that - they draw from approximately six generations of winemaking knowledge. In the mouth, Corton le Rognet is a medium- to full-bodied Pinot Noir, with vivacious acidity and tannic hints of cigar box, spice, and cured wood. However, fruit leads the way, with round hints of cranberry, strawberry, and sour cherry, along with notes of truffle, enveloping the palate with each sip. Time in the cellar will only add complexity and character. Enjoy this Pinot alongside a mushroom risotto, roasted poultry, or mature cheese.
      
836. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting for up to 30 minutes before serving. This is a top-class Burgundy red, imbued with Domaine Pierre Guillemot’s unique woody and spicy style. It begins with a bouquet of warm soil, cigar box, nutmeg, clove, and a smattering of red hedgerow berries. Right now it is youthful, with hints of green herbs, but it will develop more complexity and character with some time in the cellar. Founded in 1946, Domaine Pierre Guillemot is a small winery, with 8 hectares of vineyards across the region of Burgundy. It is located in Saivgny-les-Beaune’s charming town square, where two brothers, Vincent and Pierre, craft their stunning range of red wines. They represent the sixth generation of Guillemot winemakers - the line goes all the way back to Philippe, who was a négociant. In the mouth, this well-rounded Bourgogne Pinot Noir is loaded with flavours of raspberry, cranberry, mushroom, warm spices, and slight etchings of minerality. It lies on the lighter-bodied side, with a crisp and youthful character - look for finely grained, oaky tannins and heightened acidity. A premium wine at a less-than-premium price, from an underrated part of Burgundy. Consider pairing it with soft, pungent cheese, a mushroom burger, or roasted turkey.
      
837. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Aux Gravains 2023 : 8Wines : GBP57.98
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting for up to 30 minutes before serving. This wine was crafted from about a quarter of a hectare of the Premier Cru Aux Gravains, a notably earthy vineyard near the village of Savigny. It is deep and savoury on the nose, with slightly reductive hints of burnt caramel, pure cranberry, raspberry, and notes of nutmeg, clove, and smoked meat. Domaine Pierre Guillemot is a small Burgundian winery, located in Savigny-les-Beaune’s picturesque town square. It is owned and operated by Pierre and Vincent, two brothers who source their fruits from 8 hectares of vineyards. They represent the sixth generation of Guillemot winemakers - their grandfather founded the winery in 1946, but the family obsession with grapes goes back much further. The Aux Gravain vines that form the basis of this concentrated red are approximately 50 years old. In the mouth, it is mineral-driven, thanks to the limestone-rich soils, and hints of cassis, sour cherry, and raspberry mingle on the creamy mid-palate. The tannins are dense and mouth-coating, bringing excellent structure and potential for ageing, and complementing the heightened acidity. Consider enjoying it with classic Pinot Noir pairings, such as beef bourguignon, mushroom burgers, or a fine cheese.
      
838. Domaine Pierre Guillemot Hautes Cotes De Beaune Le Mont Et Foret 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Domaine Pierre Guillemot was founded in 1946 and occupies a charming corner of Savigny-les-Beaune’s town square. It is run by brothers Vincent and Pierre, who source their grapes, both red and white, from 8 hectares of land, spread across the green fields of Burgundy. They represent the sixth generation of Guillemot winemakers and have a wealth of generational knowledge to draw from. This is the winery’s first pure Chardonnay bottling. On the nose, you can discover scents of limestone minerality, white flowers, hazelnuts, and lemon and orange peel. It was crafted with grapes from a sparse, rocky site above the Côte de Beaune region, exhibiting a different side of Burgundy - as the Guillemot family see it. These rich, mineral notes continue into the palate, along with a delicate creaminess, hints of toasted nuts, and vibrant acidity. Look for notes of citrus zest, candied lemon, acacia, wet stone, sea shells, and tart orchard fruits. It is a refined, classy wine, the perfect choice for those seeking an underrated white Burgundy, from an esteemed winemaking family. Consider pairing it with soft cheese, creamy pasta, or a roast chicken.
      
839. Champagne Pierre Peters Cuvee De Reserve Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP53.90
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1919, Maison Pierre Peters is situated in the Côte des Blancs, in Mesnil-sur-Oger, south of Épernay. Renowned for its high-quality Blanc de Blancs champagnes, the company has been family-run for six generations and owns approximately 19 hectares of vineyards that benefit from the region's exceptional limestone hillside terroir. The Cuvée Réserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is produced from a blend of over 20 vintages. The Chardonnay grapes are all selected and harvested from various villages in the Côte des Blancs. Vinification takes place in small vats, and the wines are then aged on the fine lees. These processes ensure the production of a wine that fully expresses the richness of its terroir, preserving the typical character of Chardonnay. In the glass, the wine presents a clear and brilliant appearance, with a golden hue and subtle greenish highlights, and a persistent and fine perlage. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with floral, citrus, and white fruit notes, followed by hints of almond and fresh bread. On the palate, the wine has a creamy texture. It is fresh, rounded, and fruity, with a pleasant minerality and an elegant and lingering finish that recalls delicate citrus notes. Try it with scallop risotto, tagliatelle with vegetables, or fish tempura.
      
840. Chateau Prieure Lichine Margaux 2021 : 8Wines : GBP42.34
Cellar for up to 25 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. This prized Margaux estate was originally a priory for Benedictine monks who made their own wines here until the property was seized and broken up during the French Revolution. In 1951 the estate was purchased by wine merchant Alexis Lichine who reportedly picked it up for a bargain price as the vineyards were in such bad condition. Thanks to Lichine’s dedication and passion for the property, the chateau soon blossomed to include 58 hectares of vineyards spread across the Margaux appellation. After Lichine’s death chateau was run by Lichine’s son, Sacha, who enlisted the help of world-famous consultant Michel Rolland until the sale of the estate in 1999. Their Grand Vin is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a relatively high proportion of Merlot compared with their neighbours and a smaller amount of Petit Verdot. Each parcel is vinified separately to allow maximum control over the final blending. Before bottling the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. Due to the relatively large amount of Merlot, this is a silky, supple style of Margaux with a perfumed nose and a great depth of flavour. Cassis, dark plums and blackberries along with subtle hints of cigar box spice and tobacco burst out of the glass while the first sip reveals crushed dark berries and spice with firm tannins and a very long finish.
      
841. Montille Chateau De Puligny Montrachet Bourgogne Clos Du Chateau 2022 : 8Wines : GBP41.11
Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled. “Le Clos du Chateau” is the name of the five hectare viineyard which sits right in front of the Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet and is entirely enclosed by walls. The site includes Chardonnay vines which are up to 80 years old, producing a wine with intense fruit character and minerality from the prized Puligny terroir. The grapes are all harvested by hand to ensure they arrive in the winery in optimum condition. Two-thirds of the grape must is fermented and aged in oak barrels while the remainder is vinified in neutral tanks. On the nose there are inviting hints of fresh peaches, lemon zest and lime blossom while the first sip reveals a bright freshness, medium body and subte toasty hints from the fermentation and maturation in oak. The estate has enjoyed a dramatic revival since the arrival of Etienne de Montille in 2001 and the subsequent purchase of the property by Etienne and a group of investors in 2012. Etienne has introduced significant changes including converting the estate to organic and biodynamic grape growing and reducing the influence of oak barrels in the winery. This hard work has already begun to pay off with the quality of the wines soaring in recent years and receiving serious attention from international wine critics.
      
842. Chateau Palmer Alter Ego 2021 : 8Wines : GBP95.62
Drink now or cellar for up to 17 years. Decant 2 hours before serving. Chateau Palmer takes its name from the British army general who purchased the property in 1814, although the original estate dates right back to the 17th century. Although officially ranked as a third growth chateau in 1855, today Chateau Palmer is considered one of the region’s top “Super Seconds” and a close rival to its neighbour, the first growth Chateau Margaux. In good vintages the wines of Chateau Palmer regularly compete with Bordeaux’s finest and the estate also leads the region for their commitment to biodynamic viticulture. As well as their stunning Grand Vin which needs several decades to reach optimum maturity, Chateau Palmer also produces Alter Ego which is designed to be more approachable in its youth. Like the Grand Vin this cuvee is primarily composed of Merlot along with plenty of Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Petit Verdot. Cassis, black cherry, cinnamon and cedar wood are first out of the glass followed by subtle hints of bitter licorice, mint and baking spice. On the palate there’s a very firm structure, taut tannins and a robust full body which will help this wine to age beautifully in the cellar over the next decade and beyond. If you do decide to enjoy it now, pair this powerful red with hearty dishes like steak, venison, beef bourguignon or even barbecued meats.
      
843. Domaine Potinet-ampeau Puligny-montrachet 2020 : 8Wines : GBP95.54
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in the village of Monthelie, bordering Meursault, Volnay, and Auxey-Duresses, in the heart of the Côte Sud de Beaune, Domaine Potinet-Ampeau extends across approximately 10 hectares of vineyards averaging 30 years old, equally divided between white and red varietals. The estate is family-run, and the work in the vineyard and cellar is carried out using traditional Burgundian methods. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the prestigious, sustainably farmed Ampeau vineyard. After manual selection and harvest, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks to preserve the grapes' aromatic character and freshness. The finished wine then rests on the lees before bottling. The result is an elegant Puligny Montrachet, the quintessential expression of this appellation and of Burgundy white wines. In the glass, it reveals a deep, straw yellow color. Its aromatic profile is broad and multifaceted, with floral and citrus notes on a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is rich, balanced, and rounded. It has a medium body and lively acidity. The long finish evokes distinctive mineral notes. Try it with scallops in white wine, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, or grilled sweetbreads.
      
844. Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie 2022 : 8Wines : GBP49.32
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Coming from a family with a very long tradition of winemaking dating back to the 16th century, Pierre Morey founded his estate in 1971 in Meursault in one of the most prestigious areas of Burgundy. The company, run today by Pierre together with his daughter Anne, has been producing organic and biodynamic wines since the 1990s with grapes from approximately 10 hectares of vineyards spread across the municipalities of Meursault, Monthelie, Pommard, and Puligny-Montrachet. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a vineyard of just over one hectare, planted in 1965 on clayey-limestone and stony soils, and located around the village of Monthelie, in the heart of the denomination. After manual harvesting and vinification, the wine ages in oak barrels. Domaine Pierre Morey Monthelie is a refined and balanced wine. On the nose, it reveals a mature and broad aromatic profile with notes of dark berries and violet, spicy hints, and hints of licorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and soft, fresh and balanced. It has ripe and well-integrated tannins and a long fruity finish. Excellent with grilled lamb fries or roast duck.
      
845. Chateau Pedesclaux Fleur De Pedesclaux 2020 : 8Wines : GBP25.66
Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Set in the heart of the prized Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, Chateau Pedesclaux punches high above its Fifth Growth status with this delicious and accessible second wine. Pedesclaux takes its name from founder Urbain Pierre Pedesclaux who established the estate here in 1810 not far from famous names like Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet. Today it is run by the Lorenzetti family who have transformed the estate with cutting-edge winemaking technology, detailed studies of the soils, and a firm commitment to sustainability. In total they have 36 hectares under vine on gravelly clay soils with some limestone. Unusually for Pauillac, the Fleur de Pedesclaux is predominantly made from Merlot along with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot depending on the vintage. Hand harvesting ensures the grapes arrive at the winery in optimum condition and they are then carefully sorted. Following vinification the young wine is transferred to French oak barrels for 16 months to soften Pauillac’s notoriously firm tannins. Packed with velvety rich dark berry flavours, a powerful full body, and a well-built structure, this is an excellent value Pauillac that’s ideal to enjoy now with hearty red meat dishes or keep for a few more years in the cellar.
      
846. Domaine De La Pepiere Muscadet Sevre Et Maine Sur Lie Les Gras Moutons 2023 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. Serve chilled. Marc Ollivier grew up in the little helmet of Pepiere which comes from the Old French word “pépie” meaning “thirst”. As he developed as a winemaker he became fascinated with the complex local terroir and made it his mission to interpret this through the wines of Domaine de la Pepiere which he founded in 1984. Marc was one of the first here to bottle by individual cru and helped lay the groundwork for later classifications. Today the domaine operates according to organic and biodynamic principles to preserve the land for the next generations. This cuvee showcases the 1.7 hectare lieu-dit of “Les Gras Moutons” which is set on a south-facing slope over the Maine river. The vines here are 20-70 years old and grow on fantastic gneiss and clay soils which help create intense, mineral-driven whites. Harvesting is done by hand with the grapes spontaneously fermented in large cement or stainless steel tanks. They stay here for 8-9 months with regular battonage or lees stirring to increase the complexity of the final cuvee. The result is a dynamic, harmonised white that’s bursting with crisp lemon, ripe pear and hints of stony minerality and white flowers. The mouthwatering freshness and creamy texture make it a great partner for seafood, seared scallops or grilled fish.
      
847. Domaine Marquis D'angerville Meursault Premier Cru Santenots 2018 : 8Wines : GBP141.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Founded in 1804 by Baron du Mesnil, Domaine Marquis d'Angerville is a family-run winery with a long history. The estate was purchased by the Marquis d'Angerville after the European phylloxera crisis and restored by replanting Pinot Noir. Since then, the winery has remained in family hands, first with Jacques, the Marquis's son, who took over the estate in 1952, and then with Guillaume d'Angerville in 2003. The Chardonnay grapes come from a plot of approximately one hectare planted by Sem d'Angerville in 1905, in this area of the Meursault appellation. This terroir, very similar to that of Volnay in terms of soil and climate, is characterized by marly soils capable of producing exceptional white and red wines. After the harvest, the wine is fermented and aged in barrels. Meursault Premier Cru Santenots from Domaine Marquis d'Angerville is an elegant and fragrant wine that reveals fruity aromas of peach, exotic fruit, acacia, hazelnut, and anise on the nose. On the palate, it is rounded and fresh, rich and fruity, with a refreshing acidity and a pleasant savory and mineral note that lingers into the long finish. It is the ideal wine with poultry, but also pairs well with fish and seafood.
      
848. Champagne Domaine La Borderie De Quoi Te Meles Tu Blanc De Noirs Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP46.91
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in 2013 in Bar-sur-Seine by Simon and Marie Normand, the young Champagne house La Borderie owns about 11 hectares of vines that are about 50 years old, located in the Côte des Bar on clay-limestone soils. The house works with limited yields and vinifies the grapes separately by vineyard of origin to produce wines of excellent quality and great character. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a single plot located in Neuville sur Seine, Côte des Bar, facing north, planted in 1980. Vinification takes place mainly in vats and only a small part in barrels, to ensure the purest expression of the fruit. The wine rests in the cellar on the lees for 30 months. This Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut reveals a brilliant golden straw color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with mineral and limestone notes, fruity hints of apple and blackcurrant, wild strawberry and pink grapefruit and finally nuances of sweet spices, almond and honeysuckle. On the palate it is fresh and concentrated, soft and fruity. It has a creamy texture and a pleasant freshness. The finish is long and balanced. Try it with salmon lasagna, with oysters au gratin, pasta with crab sauce or roast turbot.
      
849. Champagne Domaine La Borderie Trois Contrees : 8Wines : GBP54.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in Bar-sur-Seine, in the Côte de Bars, the Champagne House La Borderie was founded in 2013 by Simon and Maria Normand who work the 11 hectares of family vineyards with great attention and care to produce elegant and high-quality wines. Trois Contrees is a Champagne produced from three different grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc) from three different vineyards (Val Moré, Les Devoix and Clos Bidaut) each with a different exposure. The grape variety with the highest percentage is Pinot Noir which is partially vinified in wood. A 15% of reserve wine is also added. The Champagne rests in the cellar on the lees for 30 months. Its color is golden, with some light nuances tending towards amber. Its aromatic profile is fragrant and broad. On the nose it reveals elegant notes of pink grapefruit and red berries, white flowers and sweet spices. On the palate it is elegant and lively. It has a well-balanced acidity and a creamy consistency. The finish is long and recalls gentle notes of brioche. It is excellent with tuna or salmon tartare, or with avocado toast with either poached egg or smoked salmon.
      
850. Champagne Domaine La Borderie La Confluente Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP56.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in 2013 by siblings Simon and Marie Normand, La Borderie is a young Champagne house located in Bar-sur-Seine, born from the acquisition of the family vineyards. Production focuses on vintage wines from single plots to best express the terroir's diversity. The estate covers approximately 11 hectares located in the Côte des Bar, the southernmost section of Champagne. La Confluente is a delicious Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made primarily from Chardonnay and supplemented with a touch of Pinot Blanc. The grapes come from two parcels, Les Devoix, located in Merrey-sur-Arce and Val Moré near Bar-sur-Seine. A small percentage of the wine is vinified in oak barrels, and it ages on the lees for 45 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear lemon-yellow color with greenish highlights and a fine, persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is broad and lively, with fruity notes of lime, grape, and peach, along with floral and mineral notes. On the palate, it has a velvety texture. It is juicy and round, with a refreshing and well-balanced acidity. The finish is long, crisp, and citrusy. It pairs beautifully with oysters, sushi, and goat cheeses.
      
851. Domaine Roger Belland Santenay Premier Cru Les Gravieres 2023 : 8Wines : GBP30.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Santenay, Domaine Roger Belland is a large estate covering some 24 hectares, including several Premier Crus and a Grand Crus. Roger Belland, joined by his daughter Julie since 2003, manages the winery, which produces an excellent range of high-quality wines with great aging potential. The Pinot Noir grapes are selected and harvested from a plot in Les Gravières, one of the most prestigious crus of the Santenay appellation. Here the vines, planted in the late 60s, enjoy excellent exposure and predominantly rocky clay-limestone soil. After traditional vinification, the finished wine rests in French oak barrels (30% new) for a year. Santenay Premier Cru Les Gravieres is a generous and rich wine, capable of aging elegantly for over a decade. In the glass, it reveals a bright ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is broad and elegant with notes of red and black fruits, violets, and sweet spices, with a touch of minerality in the background. On the palate, it is well structured, dry, and concentrated with firm but well-integrated tannins and a subtle refreshing acidity. The finish is long and persistent. Try it with a beef and mushroom pie or a beef Bourguignon.
      
852. Thierry Allemand Reynard Cornas 2017 : 8Wines : GBP235.21
Cellar for up to 20 years Ideally decant for a few hours for this vintage. Dark opaque ruby, almost inky, in colour with deep violet hues glimmering in the light near the edges. This wine, emerging from the heart of the much-treasured Cornas, presents a bright, deep nose of blackberries, cassis red fruits, winter spices, leather and apt expressions of the granitic soils that cultivated these grapes. Earthy, floral undertones emerge, still with a certain shyness, as the bouquet opens slowly to reveal some hints of tobacco and pepper, all to be expected of the steady elegance that comes with the renowned pedigree of this classic selection. Juicy, rugged floral flavours of sour cherry, chokecherry and licorice that are stunning in their intensity leads to a savoury, full-bodied and thick palate that is dense and round but showing a meticulously harmonious undercurrent that will develop nuances and quality definition with time. Excellent core with a concentrated, generous and somewhat chewy mouthfeel. Good, although still slightly tight, tannins and balanced acidity. Long, abundant finish with a calculated, muted sweetness extends the strong floral component to this excellent wine that is full of heart. Its delightful deepness is best viewed as contextual and is actually quite subtle when compared alongside the dramatic nature of previous vintages. The density of the structure here is built to last, and a number of years in the cellar will really enhance and liven the complexity, but with some patient decanting, this young Syrah is a very enjoyable, almost otherworldly offering and a must for collectors looking for a good staple for this varietal. Pairs well with red meat, veal or pasta.
      
853. Chateau Branaire-ducru 2018 : 8Wines : GBP65.09
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Bordering the Château Beychevelle, the Branaire-Ducru estate extends over a 50-hectare parcel located on Quaternary gravel land. The Chateau which has been known since the 17th century and was elevated to the rank of 4ème Cru in 1855 is considered one of the most important in the Saint-Julien wine area. The modern cellar is equipped with gravity systems (without pumping), which guarantee the preservation of the integrity of the fruit. Château Branaire-Ducru is a classic Bordeaux blend with a majority of Cabernet-Sauvignon, with additions of Merlot, Petit-Verdot, and Cabernet-Franc. The grapes come from plants that have an average age of 35 years (with some that are even more than 100 years old), planted on gravelly-siliceous Quaternary alluvial soil, recognized as one of the warmest terroirs in the region, which is particularly favorable for the development of late ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine reveals a deep and intense red color with garnet hues. Its aromatic profile is fresh and complex with notes of ripe red fruit and some spicy and chocolate hints. On the palate, it is solid, powerful, and meaty but also well-balanced. It is a fresh and mature wine, dense and refreshing that goes very well with grilled red meats.
      
854. Domaine Robert Groffier Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020 : 8Wines : GBP65.32
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Groffier estate in Morey-Saint Denis has been in the hands of the Groffier family for four generations, with many prized plots added in the 1930s by Jules Groffier. Today it’s one of the most important names in Côte de Nuits thanks to the efforts of father and son team Robert and Serge. In total they have 8 hectares of prime parcels including Bonnes Mares and Chambertin Clos de Bèze. Their coveted Bourgogne Pinot Noir shows off the family’s reputation for exceptional quality at reasonable prices for top tier Burgundy. Grapes are sourced primarily from Vougeot and Morey St Denis with cold maceration for up to seven days before fermentation to delicately extract color, flavor and tannins. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks with natural yeasts followed by ageing in two year old oak barrels. On the nose subtle hints of crushed rose petals are layered with ripe raspberry, redcurrant and earthier hints of undergrowth and tobacco. A vivacious streak of acidity provides balance for the rich fruit core, along with elegant tannins and a medium body that make this bottle a natural keeper for the next couple of years. Alternatively you can enjoy it now paired with game dishes or rich stewed and braised red meats.
      
855. Champagne A. Margaine Special Club Blanc De Blancs 2018 : 8Wines : GBP60.94
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving. The Special Club Blanc de Blancs opens with a beautiful bouquet of orchard fruits and white flowers, with a twist of lemon and a notable mineral undercurrent. It is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grown around the village of Villers-Marmery. The “Special Club” tag denotes that this was only crafted from the finest grapes, harvested from the Premier Cru sites of Ruelles, Alouettes, and Montmedy. The Champagne A. Margaine estate is situated in Villers-Marmery, an oasis of Chardonnay amidst fields of Pinot Noir. It is inhabited by seventh-generation winemakers, the Margaine family, who create a stunning selection of Champagne. The family can follow their winemaking history back to 1796, when Louis Margaine first began farming vines. This Champagne brings a moussey texture to the palate, which is balanced out by a striking elegance and sharp acidity. In the finish, incisive citrus flavours shine through. Look for notes of apple, pear, and salty minerality on the mid-palate. The wine spent 6 years ageing before release, and was fermented in 30% oak. There was no malolactic fermentation during the process, allowing the pure nature of the grapes to come through. Consider pairing it with oysters, sushi, or any big occasion.
      
856. Champagne A. Margaine Le Brut Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This is Champagne A. Margaine’s flagship wine, a delicious and pure expression of the family winery’s terroir. It is crafted from 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, with 70% of the total coming from reserve wines. It bursts with character from the beginning, with rich scents of green and red apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and spice. The Margaine family, a father, mother, and daughter unit, live in the heart of their estate in Villers-Marmery. It is a terroir specially suited for white grapes, an oasis in the middle of Pinot Noir-growing land in Montagne de Reims. The family can trace their history all the way back to 1796, when Louis Margaine first planted vines in the region. The grapes for this wine come solely from Premier Cru vineyards in Villers-Marmery. It is deeply harmonious and textured on the palate, with a perfect balance of citrus and orchard fruits. In all, 70% of the mixture did not go through malolactic fermentation, adding an acidic bite to balance out the moussey mouthfeel. A perfect entryway into the Margaine’s world, consider pairing this wine with soft cheese, seafood, or thinly sliced meats.
      
857. Champagne R.h. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP42.17
Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant. This is a ‘blanc de noirs’ Champagne, crafted from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. It comes from the village of Ambonnay, one of the most distinguished areas for Pinot Noir in the Champagne region. It opens with ripe scents of apple, pear, and red berries, with hints of sourdough and yeast. Like many of the domaines in Champagne, R.H. Coutier is a family business, run by René Coutier. His father was the first winemaker to plant Chardonnay in Ambonnay, which agrees well with the region’s rich clayish soils. As they cultivate just 9 hectares of vineyards, and sell up to 80% of their grapes to a local cooperative, each Coutier vintage is a collector’s item. In terms of taste, this is a low-dosage Champagne, allowing the fresh and wiry acidity to shine through. It is rich and moussey on the tongue, with dancing flavours of orchard fruits, cream, blackberries, toasted nuts, and lemongrass. On the long finish, there are clear notes of minerality and hints of brioche. With time in the cellar, it can also develop tertiary notes of dried fruit. This is a great wine for pairing with pastries, delicate fish, or soft cheese.
      
858. Champagne R.h. Coutier Cuvee Rose Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This gorgeous Grand Cru Rosé is from the village of Ambonnay in Champagne, a location best known for its Pinot Noir. The wine is crafted from 40% Pinot Noir and 60% Chardonnay. It is vibrant from the beginning - a light red colour with pink bubbles, bursting with scents of red berries, orange peel, dried herbs, and tropical hints of watermelon. The family winery is currently run by René Coutier, whose father was the first person to plant Chardonnay in the region’s rich clayish soils. Coutier wines are an affordable and delicious way to start exploring Champagne’s Grand Crus. On top of that, the Coutier family sells 80% of their grape yields to a local cooperative, so each of their bottles is something of a collector's item. This rosé brings a fine, persistent perlage to the mouth, which is a sign of a great Champagne. It is rich and layered, offering flavours of strawberry, grapefruit, caramel, and lime zest. The Coutier family’s 9 hectares are packed with nutritious soils, which lend a crisp minerality to the finish. This Rosé is perfect for pairing with chicken, soft pungentcheese, and fresh summer salads.
      
859. Champagne R.h. Coutier Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP33.50
Drink it now or cellar for 10 years. No need to decant before serving. This ‘blanc de blancs’ is a rarity in the village of Ambonnay, a part of Champagne that is best known for its Pinot Noir. Made from 100% Chardonnay, this wine is elegant and deeply creamy, with a beautiful golden colour. It opens up with strong scents of grated lemon, brioche, toasted nuts, and ripe orchard fruits. Chardonnay was first planted in Ambonnay by René Coutier’s father. The Coutier family farm 9 hectares around the village, where the soils are deep and rich in clay. In all, the family sells 80% of their grapes to a local cooperative, so each Coutier vintage is somewhat collectible. They are a great way to start exploring Champagne’s Grand Crus without breaking the bank. In the mouth, it is extremely elegant and well balanced. Notes of citrus zest carry through from the bouquet, alongside tropical bursts of pineapple, pear, freshly baked bread, and clear minerality. It contains a low dose of added sugar, allowing the terroir of Ambonnay to shine through and provide a lively, vinous character. This ‘blanc de blancs’ is an excellent wine for pairing with buttered shellfish, soft cheese, or crispy starters.
      
860. Chateau D'armailhac 2018 : 8Wines : GBP77.93
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Located in Pauillac, south of the Château Mouton Rothschild, Château d'Armailhac has been Grand Cru Classé since 1855. The estate bears the name of the d'Armailhac family who purchased the property around 4 centuries ago, but the Chateau is now owned by Camille and Philippe Sereys de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, grandchildren of Philippe de Rothschild who purchased it in 1933. The estate extends over approximately 76 hectares of vineyards, with vines of an average age of 40 years distributed over 3 hills. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with minor additions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The grapes are harvested manually from the estate's vineyards where the soil, composed of deep gravel and clay, and limestone subsoil, guarantees the production of grapes rich in sugar and tannins and, consequently, wines of excellent quality and longevity. Chateau d'Armailhac reveals a splendid red color with garnet nuances. On the nose, it shows an exuberant and broad aromatic profile with notes of ripe red fruit such as morello cherries, black raspberries, and plum jam followed by hints of spices and bitter chocolate. On the palate, it is succulent and powerful, complex and well-structured. It has chewy, well-integrated tannins and excellent acidity. The finish is very long and recalls fresh notes of menthol and licorice. Have it with roast pigeon.
      
861. Champagne Roger Coulon L'hommee Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP63.25
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1806, the Maison Roger Coulon is located in Montagne de Reims and owns vineyards in 5 villages, divided into approximately one hundred different parcels, all Premier Cru. The vineyards, which enjoy south-east exposure and are planted on calcareous and clayey soil, have an average age of 38 years and are cultivated according to organic farming standards. L'Hommée de Roger Coulon is a blend of approximately 2 thirds Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Noir, with small additions of reserve wines. The grapes are sourced from some of the most iconic parcels with fifty-year-old vines, located at an altitude between 150 and 230 meters, planted on soils composed of sand and white chalk. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in vats and small barrels and the finished wine refines in demi-muid for 10 months. This Champagne is expressive and intense with a broad aromatic profile of peach and apricot, ripe apple and pear, lime blossom, and some honeyed and spicy hints. On the palate, it is elegant and delicate with a pleasant fruity juiciness and a marked mineral vein. It is fresh and well-balanced with a soft mouthfeel and a fine and persistent effervescence. Excellent as an aperitif and with scallops.
      
862. Petit-roy Altesse 2021 : 8Wines : GBP22.61
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in Chorey-Les-Beaune, Burgundy, Domaine Petit-Roy was founded in 2016 by Seiichi Saito, originally from China, who after various experiences in Japan and Beaune decided to settle permanently in France to produce his wines. Today the estate extends over just over 2 hectares of vineyards, cultivated according to biodynamic standards (but without certification). The Altesse grapes, a white variety indigenous to the Savoy region, are purchased from a vineyard located in Montagnieu. Here the vines enjoy a south-west exposure, and a cool microclimate, and are rooted in hard limestone soil. After fermentation, the wine rests in used barrels for 12-15 months and then in tanks for another 3-5 months before bottling. The Altesse from Domaine Petit Roy is a fresh and youthful wine with a clear straw-yellow color. On the nose, it reveals a lively aromatic profile characterized by notes of lemon and grapefruit and mineral and buttery hints. On the palate, it is tense, vibrant and juicy. It has a medium-light body and a pleasant refreshing acidic vein. The finish is long and recalls an elegant chalky note. It is a wine to be enjoyed now as an aperitif or with lake fish, Savoyard cheeses, and seafood salads, but it can also remain in the cellar for a couple of years.
      
863. Petit-roy Hautes Cotes De Beaune Mainbey Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.85
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Petit-Roy was founded in Chorey les Beaune by Seiichi Saito, a Chinese winemaker who settled in Burgundy. Despite the small size of his estate (just over 2 hectares distributed in regional appellations), Seiichi's wines immediately attracted the attention of the public and critics for their pure character and exceptional quality. The company practices biodynamics in the vineyard (although without certification), and applies a philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentations, minimal use of SO2, and bottling without fining or filtration. Hautes Côtes de Beaune Mainbey from Domaine Petit-Roy is an elegant white wine made only with Chardonnay grapes grown on typical Burgundian clay-limestone soil. Fermentation takes place with whole bunches and the finished wine rests in used oak barrels. In the glass, the wine reveals an intense straw-yellow color with almost golden reflections. Its aromatic profile is fresh and expressive with notes of citrus, ripe pear, and apple and hints of honey and brioche. On the palate, it is juicy and round, elegant and harmonious, with a pleasant refreshing acidity and a long finish that recalls notes of brioche and baking spices. It is excellent as an aperitif, served with fish and seafood appetizers, and also pairs well with pasta Carbonara and chicken Caesar salad.
      
864. Petit-roy Hautes Cotes De Beaune Vignes Vilon 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.85
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. After years of winemaking experience in Japan and then in France at prestigious wineries, Seiichi Saito decided to set up his own business in Chorey les Beaune in 2016. His young company has about 2 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to biodynamic regimes. In addition, Saito sources high-quality grapes in smaller appellations to produce his wines, which in just a few years have already achieved great popularity and critical acclaim. The Pinot Noir grapes come from a plot in the municipality of Cormot-le-Grand, where the vines, planted between 1958 and 1988, enjoy clay-marl soil and a north-west exposure. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and the finished wine then rests for a year in used barrels and for another 6 months in a tank before being bottled and released onto the market. Petit-Roy Hautes Cotes de Beaune Vignes Vilon is an elegant wine with an intense and brilliant ruby ​​color. On the nose, it reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of cherry and wild berries, followed by slightly spicy hints and some nuances of undergrowth. On the palate, it is well structured and rich, round and concentrated with firm but velvety tannins and a pleasant refreshing acidic vein. The finish is long and recalls mineral notes. It is the ideal wine for guinea fowl or roast duck, but it also goes well with mushroom-based preparations.
      
865. Domaine Roger Perrin Chateauneuf Du Pape Reserve Vieilles Vignes 2020 : 8Wines : GBP53.76
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Domaine Perrin is a boutique family-run winery which was founded in 1972 by Roger Perrin who began bottling and selling his own wines after taking over the estate from his winemaker father-in-law, Paul Bravay. Today Roger’s daughter, enologist Veronique Perrin-Rolin, and her son Xavier take care of the estate with a view to handing it over to future generations of the family when the time is right. Despite its recent foundation, Domaine Perrin boasts several parcels which were planted in the early twentieth century and is blessed with some vines which are over a century old. These ancient vines are the source of the grapes used for this wine and help create a generous, full-bodied red which is bursting with complex layers of ripe dark fruit, sweet spices, leather, and hints of Mediterranean herbs. Predominantly crafted from Grenache grapes which give a rich, opulent character to the wine and a silky smooth texture, the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months to fully integrate the different components of the blend. The bold flavour profile of this wine makes it an ideal match for pheasant, quail and partridge dishes or, if you prefer to keep things simple, a juicy ribeye steak.
      
866. Domaine Roger Perrin Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.11
Drink now or cellar for up to 13 years. Decant two hours before serving. Hints of Provençal lavender, tarragon, and sunbaked earth on the nose evoke the aromatic landscape that shaped this classic Châteauneuf du Pape, followed by bright red plums and dark cherries which carry through on to the palate. As this full-bodied wine opens up, spicy black pepper from the Syrah comes to the fore along with heady incense and vanilla notes and juicy black and red fruit flavours linger long on the tongue. The hot, dry Mediterranean summers help to ensure silky smooth tannins and a generous, well-rounded texture. Blessed with both power and freshness, this sumptuous Châteauneuf du Pape will continue to evolve and soften in the bottle and can be cellared up until 2030. When you do decide to open it, try pairing with succulent roast lamb or grilled game seasoned with herbs de Provence for a truly memorable meal. Producer Domaine Roger Perrin is a family-run winery which is currently headed by enologist Veronique Perrin-Rolin and her son Xavier. Although the estate was only founded in 1972, many of their vineyards were planted at the beginning of the twentieth century. The vines used for this wine have an average age of 75 years old and the grapes are harvested by hand before undergoing a vigorous manual selection process to ensure optimal quality. The wine is then aged in a mixture of large oak casks, stainless steel tanks and barriques for 12 to 15 months.
      
867. Roger Sabon Chateauneuf Du Pape Prestige 2021 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink now or cellar for up to 12 years. No need to decant before serving. Described by legendary wine critic Robert Parker as “one of the more intellectual vignerons in Chateauneuf-du-Pape”, Roger Sabon founded his namesake domaine in 1952. The Sabon family were first mentioned in the region in documents dating back to 1540, with Roger’s father, Seraphin Sabon, the first to bottle wine under the family name. Roger Sabon is recognised as one of the appellation’s finest producers thanks to their exceptional terroir and old vines dating back to the early 1900s. Today the domaine has 18 hectares in northeastern Chateauneuf-du-Pape planted on fine limestone and sandy soils. Their Prestige cuvee is a typical local blend featuring plenty of Grenache along with Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and tiny amounts of other indigenous varieties. The wines are aged in the traditional way, in old 40 hectolitre foudres and 600 litre demi-muids. This insistence on minimal oak influence helps to showcase the natural character of the terroir and the Grenache. There’s a solid core of dark fruit, predominantly ripe plum, blackberry, and cassis, along with subtle hints of baking spice, leather, and smoked meat which linger on the tongue. The punchy profile makes this a great wine to pair with earthy game dishes like venison or pheasant, or a wild boar ragu served with fresh pasta.
      
868. Roger Sabon Chateauneuf Du Pape Renaissance Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. The Sabons have deep roots in Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the first mention of the family name appearing in a document dating to the 1540s. In recent years the Roger Sabon domaine has been making waves on the Italian wine scene with traditional-style wines that are aged in large oak foudres to showcase the natural beauty of the grapes and the local terroir. The property was originally founded in 1952 with the family continually adding prized vineyards to their holdings over the years. They now have some 18 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape which include some very old vines planted in the early 1900s. This elegant white is made in the classic Roger Sabon style from 40-50 year old Roussanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc vines planted on excellent sandy and limestone soils. All of the fruit is harvested by hand to ensure quality before being gently pressed into an old 25 hectolitre French oak cask. In total the young wine spends 7 months maturing on the lees in the cask, adding subtle hints of spice and toast to the luscious orchard fruit notes. On the palate there’s a rich, creamy texture and long finish which ends with a distinctive salty minerality. This combination of power and elegance makes this a great match for roast chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty porcini risotto.
      
869. Champagne Ruinart Blanc De Blancs Second Skin : 8Wines : GBP100.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Founded in Reims in 1729, Maison Ruinart has always stood out as a company strongly focused on innovation and respect for tradition. Currently, attention to environmental problems is one of the pillars of the company philosophy, which devotes great effort to reducing the carbon footprint of packaging. The new Ruinart Second Skin recyclable case is made from 100% paper and is nine times lighter than the previous pack. Made according to rigorous environmental standards and modeled on the iconic profile of the Ruinart bottle, its chalky texture recalls the walls of the ancient Champagne cellars. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a top-of-the-range Champagne, produced from a 100% Chardonnay blend from different vintages. The grapes mostly come from Premiers Crus vineyards of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, famous for their aromatic finesse, with small additions of Sézannais wines which are renowned for their roundness. The color is golden and extremely bright. The nose reveals ripe and lively citrus notes, followed by aromas of white flowers and stone fruit. On the palate, it is soft and harmonious, round and superbly fresh. The finish is mineral, long and refreshing. It is a perfect Champagne for an aperitif, but it goes very well with all seafood, shellfish, and fish tartare.
      
870. Champagne Ruinart Rose Second Skin : 8Wines : GBP100.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Officially founded in 1729, the Maison Ruinart is the oldest in the entire Champagne region. However, its history is much older and its origins date back to the seventeenth century when the Benedictine monk Dom Thierry Ruinart began to collaborate with the abbot Dom Perignon, from whom he learned the secrets of the Champenoise method. Champagne Rosé Second Skin is a new version, made with revolutionary packaging that follows the line of the bottle, it’s recyclable and comes from paper sourced from trees in eco-managed European forests. The eco-design is inspired by the Crayeres, Ruinart's wonderful UNESCO heritage limestone cellars. The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne and Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The two varieties are vinified in white separately. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the Champenoise method, with aging on the lees for at least 48 months. This beautiful Champagne has a rosé color and light orange nuances. The bubbles are fine and persistent. On the nose, it reveals fresh and delicate aromas of small red fruits and notes of pomegranate. In the mouth, it is clean and refreshing but with good richness and fruity notes. The finish is persistent and recalls notes of pink grapefruit. Try it with salmon or rainbow trout. It also goes well with Italian ham or shellfish.
      
871. Benjamin Leroux Vosne Romanee 2018 : 8Wines : GBP130.20
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. With a glittering career that began at the tender age of 15 working in the vineyard, Benjamin Leroux is today regarded as the “spiritual heir” of the legendary Henry Jayer. His golden touch became aparrent aged just 24 when he took over from his mentor Pascal Marchand at Domaine Comte Armand. His first vintage there cemented his reputation for producing some of the finest wines anywhere in Burgundy. Since 2007 he has poured his heart into his own winery in Beaune where he makes sublime Burgundies across the spectrum from superb Bourgogne Rouge to princely Grand Crus. Leroux takes a thoroughly modern approach, focusing on freshness and finesse and purchasing only the grapes that meet his lofty standards each vintage. This silky Vosne-Romanée is a complex patchwork of top-tier plots including two that sit right below the northern 1er Crus of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Leroux vinifies each plot individually and ages the wines in predominantly used oak barrels for a more gentle touch. Expect a delicate medium body and graceful tannins overlaid with perfumed notes of rose petals, strawberries, and redcurrants. This is a great introduction to this rising star that will continue to develop beautifully in the cellar over the next couple of decades.
      
872. Saint Hilaire Blanquette De Limoux : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. The famous story of Blanquette de Limoux dates back to 1531 when the monks of the Abbey of Saint Hilaire in the Languedoc made the world’s very first sparkling wine. Four centuries later a handful of local winemakers banded together to create their own enterprise, the Sieur d’Arques cooperative, which is dedicated to producing top quality sparkling wines as well as still red and white wines made with traditional local grape varieties. Their classic Blanquette de Limoux is made using Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and the little-known aromatic Mauzac grape which is indigenous to the region and must be used in all Blanquette wines. Sieur d’Arques vinifies each of the varieties separately before deciding on the exact composition of the blend. The wine is then bottled and a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle to create the bubbles in the wine. After nine months this process is complete and the bottles are disgorged and released to the market. The result is a refreshing dry sparkling wine with delicate aromas of apples, white peaches, flowers and freshly-cut grass. On the palate the bubbles are fine and soft and the rich fruity flavours are balanced by a crisp acidity that invites you to take another sip. It’s a perfect wine to drink on a hot summer’s day as an aperitif or to serve alongside creamy dishes like a gorgonzola risotto or elegant tarte tatin.
      
873. Sieur D'arques Premiere Bulle Rose Cremant : 8Wines : GBP15.47
Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled. The seductive jewel-like pink hue of this elegant bubbly immediately catches the eye, while the nose offers tempting aromas of peaches, nectarines and hints of toast and brioche which carry through onto the palate. The first sip reveals silky smooth bubbles, refreshing acidity levels and a long, clean finish. This is an easy-going, dry Cremant which is ideal to enjoy as an aperitif or to serve alongside pan-fried fish, fresh seafood or simply a generous platter of French cheeses. Like most Cremant de Limoux wines, the base of this wine is Chardonnay which is grown on the Sieur d’Arques’ exceptional chalky vineyards close to the foothills of the Pyrenees. This helps to create an elegant, refined sparkling wine which displays a subtle chalky minerality on the palate. The winemakers also add a smaller amount of Chenin Blanc as well as a dash of Pinot Noir which gives the wine its distinctive hue. The Sieur d’Arques cooperative make this wine according to the traditional method which is the same process used to create Champagne. The wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle and it is then left to age with the lees for 12 months which helps to create a rich, well-rounded texture and gentle notes of pastries, nuts and freshly-baked bread.
      
874. Sieur D'arques Premiere Bulle Brut : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled. Sparkling wines have been made in this corner of the Languedoc close to the foothills of the Pyrenees ever since 1531 when monks at the nearby Abbey of Saint Hilaire created the very first sparkling wine in the world. Today one of the region’s most respected producers is the Sieur d’Arques cooperative which was founded in 1946 by several passionate local winemakers. As is traditional for sparkling wines from the Limoux, this dry bubbly has a base of Chardonnay grapes sourced from the cooperative’s exceptional calcareous vineyards which add a certain finesse and delicacy to the wine. They also add a smaller amount of Chenin Blanc as well as a dash of the little-known indigenous Mauzac grape to add an aromatic character to the blend. Just like Champagne, this sparkling wine is made using the traditional method whereby the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle with the yeast. The wine is then left to enjoy an extended beauty sleep of 18 months to add a generous, rounded texture and subtle notes of toast, nuts and brioche to the wine. This helps to create an elegant sparkling wine which is ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying alongside a simple summer salad.
      
875. Chateau De Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2018 : 8Wines : GBP99.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the heart of the Gigondas appellation in the Rhone Valley, Château de Saint Cosme has around 15 hectares of vineyards, which have been organically farmed since the 1970s and biodynamically farmed since 2010. Remains of ancient Gallo-Roman vats have been found beneath the castle, testifying to the site's long winemaking tradition. The estate has been in the hands of the Barruol family since the end of the 15th century, but the production of quality, non-bulk wine dates back to the mid-1900s. The Grenache grapes are selected from an ancient vineyard located in Le Claux, opposite the Hominis Fides vineyard, planted on calcareous marl soils from the Miocene. After fermentation, the wine rests in a mix of new and used barrels for 12 months, before being bottled without filtration. Gigondas Le Claux is an elegant and harmonious wine, with a broad and fragrant aromatic profile that shows notes of ripe raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants, followed by peppery hints, leather, and truffle. On the palate, it is generous and smooth, rich and well structured with firm and well-integrated tannins and a good refreshing acidity. The finish is long and balanced and recalls gentle notes of undergrowth. It is excellent with pepper-crusted filet of beef or Lebanese roast leg of lamb.
      
876. Chateau De Saint Cosme Gigondas 2021 : 8Wines : GBP43.43
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Château de Saint Cosme is one of the historic estates of Gigondas. Owned by the Barruol family since 1490, it is now managed by Louis Barruol, who converted the vineyards to biodynamic agriculture in 2010. The estate covers approximately 15 hectares of vineyards, on a site where viticulture dates back to Roman times. This intense and full-bodied Gigondas is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with small additions of Cinsault. The grapes come from parcels located on soils of limestone, marl, and sand from the Miocene. After the harvest, fermentation takes place in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged for approximately 2/3 in barrels and 1/3 in concrete, before being bottled. In the glass, the wine reveals a fragrant and concentrated character with a broad bouquet of plum, berries, black cherry, and dried strawberry, followed by hints of aromatic herbs, licorice, and cocoa. On the palate, it is deep and concentrated, rich and fruity. It has lively acidity, firm but ripe tannins, and a long finish that recalls notes of pepper and ripe fruit. Leave it in the cellar for a few years or open a bottle and enjoy it with grilled red meats or herb-roasted lamb.
      
877. Chateau De Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2021 : 8Wines : GBP117.01
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the heart of the Gigondas appellation in the Rhone Valley, Château de Saint Cosme has around 15 hectares of vineyards, which have been organically farmed since the 1970s and biodynamically farmed since 2010. Remains of ancient Gallo-Roman vats have been found beneath the castle, testifying to the site's long winemaking tradition. The estate has been in the hands of the Barruol family since the end of the 15th century, but the production of quality, non-bulk wine dates back to the mid-1900s. The Grenache grapes are selected from an ancient vineyard located in Le Claux, opposite the Hominis Fides vineyard, planted on calcareous marl soils from the Miocene. After fermentation, the wine rests in a mix of new and used barrels for 12 months, before being bottled without filtration. Gigondas Le Claux is an elegant and harmonious wine, with a broad and fragrant aromatic profile that shows notes of ripe raspberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants, followed by peppery hints, leather, and truffle. On the palate, it is generous and smooth, rich and well structured with firm and well-integrated tannins and a good refreshing acidity. The finish is long and balanced and recalls gentle notes of undergrowth. It is excellent with pepper-crusted filet of beef or Lebanese roast leg of lamb.
      
878. Chateau Suduiraut 2013 : 8Wines : GBP60.90
Drink now or cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled. The noble Chateau Suduiraut is one of the top producers of Sauternes, the lusciously sweet dessert wine that uses the noble rot fungus to help intensify the flavours and sugars in the grapes. Located close to the legendary Chateau d’Yqyem, the original chateau building dates back to 1580 and is surrounded by some 90 acres of vineyards which have an average age of 30 years. Suduiraut takes a traditional approach to winemaking, vinifying and ageing their wines in French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months depending on the particular characteristics of the vintage. This adds extra complexity and polish to the finished wine, with delicate notes of exotic spice, toasted nuts, and woodsmoke mingling on the palate with succulent tropical fruit, honey, and floral notes from the fruit. The rich sweetness of this classic Sauternes make it a magnificent alternative to dessert or accompaniment to a wide variety of food ranging from blue cheeses, foie gras, fresh seafood, and even spicy Asian dishes. For those who have a little more patience, the robust flavour profile mean it will age beautifully in the cellar over the next decade or more.
      
879. Chateau Phelan Segur Saint Estephe 2017 : 8Wines : GBP46.86
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. One of Saint Estephe’s benchmark producers, Phelan Segur was founded by Bernard Phelan who united two neighbouring properties, Clos de Garramey and Segur, and added his name in keeping with the traditions of the time. In 1860 his son, Frank Phelan, built the stunning country house on the estate which by this time was the largest in the Saint Estephe appellation. In 2017 the property sold for a record €90 million to Belgian investor Philippe Van de Vyvere. Today the property has 70 hectares of vineyards planted on exceptional terroir, sitting on a ridge of clay and gravel soils above the Gironde estuary. As the saying goes, "the greatest terroirs look to the water", and Phelan Segur’s wines offer both power and character with excellent potential for extended ageing in the cellar over the next decade and beyond. The estate’s Grand Vin is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a smaller proportion of Merlot and a drop of Cabernet Franc. To allow for precise blending, each parcel of vines is vinified separately with ageing taking place in 50% new French oak barrels for 16-18 months. This helps to soften the firm tannins and add subtle hints of woodsmoke and spice to the luscious cassis, blackberry and dark plum fruit.
      
880. Champagne De Saint Gall Orpale Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru 2012 : 8Wines : GBP95.45
Enjoy it now, or cellar for 20 years or more. No need to decant before serving. Orpale opens with an intense bouquet of citrus zest, golden apple, cream, peach and brioche. It is the most distinguished wine of Champagne De Saint Gall’s entire range and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Champagne, full stop. It is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, some of which do not go through malolactic fermentation, preserving the magnificent freshness of the Côte des Blancs. Champagne De Saint Gall can be located in the heart of the region, in the green fields surrounding the commune of Avize. Its wines are crafted in cellars belonging to Union Champagne - a large Champagne “cooperative of cooperatives”, composed of 15 other winemaking collectives. The two entities have worked together for over 50 years, ensuring that Champagne continues to live up to its name. Orpale has a stunning palate - layered, complex and generous. In its mousse-like depths, you can discover notes of apple pie, orange zest, lemon meringue, and white peach. These full flavours are balanced out by a remarkable freshness, as sharp notes of minerality and grapefruit appear on the long finish. It is a wine with a story to tell. Orpale can be enjoyed now, but due to its excellent structure, it can also be aged in a cellar for many years. Drink it alongside caviar, buttered scallops, or almonds.
      
881. Champagne De Saint Gall Tradition Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Enjoy it now, or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. Le Tradition is a beautiful golden Champagne, with pungent scents of ripe orchard fruits, citrus and baked goods, such as bread and apple pie. You can also discover the faintest hints of spice, from the 36% of Pinot Noir that makes up this blend. The rest is Chardonnay, and all of the grapes are harvested from Premier Cru plots in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions of Champagne. Champagne De Saint Gall is one of Champagne’s premier wineries, located in the picturesque commune of Avize. For over 50 years, it has been a part of Union Champagne, a “cooperative of cooperatives” that forms the backbone of high-quality wine in the Champagne region. De Saint Gall strikes a perfect balance between tradition and technology to create a stunning range of wine from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. On the palate, you can discover a beautiful marriage of those two famous Champagne grapes. Red apple, ginger and cinnamon meet intense notes of pear, shortbread and pure lemon. The finish is long and chalky, and the entire experience is driven by cleansing acidity and delicate bubbles. Despite its name, Le Tradition brings an intriguing new perspective on traditional Champagne. Consider pairing it with vegetable stir-fry dishes or sesame beef.
      
882. Champagne De Saint Gall Blanc De Blancs Premier Cru : 8Wines : GBP43.33
Enjoy it now, or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. This is the flagship Blanc de Blancs Champagne from De Saint Gall, bursting with aromas of beeswax, lemon zest, cream and acacia flowers. It is made of 100% Chardonnay, from Premier Cru vineyards dotted around the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims regions of Champagne. Behind the label Champagne De Saint Gall, there is Union Champagne, an enormous wine cooperative that has played a large part in maintaining Champagne’s spot at the top of the sparkling wine food chain, since 1966. Union was founded by grape growers, with plots in some of Champagne’s finest Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. These days it employs oenologists from 15 separate cooperatives and continues to grow, in both quality and reputation. The Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs is a fantastic starting point for Champagne beginners. It has a fresh, lively palate, packed with minerality and floral flavours. Look for notes of white peach, yellow plum and pure lemon, supported by subtle hints of honey and cream. It is a dry and refreshing drink, with longevity and an astoundingly balanced character. It will be perfect as an aperitif. You can also consider pairing it with richly textured fish or goat's cheese.
      
883. Champagne De Saint Gall Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP39.77
Enjoy it now, or cellar for several years. No need to decant before serving. This Blanc de Blancs is the purest Champagne in De Saint Gall’s incredible range. It contains delicate aromas of orchard fruits, fresh lemon, and buttered, toasted bread. There is minimal added sugar, meaning that the Chardonnay grapes need to be of the very highest quality to capture the essence of the terroir. The fruits came from Grand Cru vineyards, throughout the regions of Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Champagne De Saint Gall is one of the many arms of Union Champagne, an enormous cooperative founded by grape growers in 1966. It encompasses 15 other cooperatives, whose vineyards cover some of the finest Grand and Premier Cru plots in Champagne. De Saint Gall is based in Avize, a picturesque commune located in the heart of Champagne’s green, rolling landscape. This Grand Cru wine introduces itself with fresh, mouth-drying acidity, which quickly evolves into fruity, juicy mid-palate. You can discover clean notes of white-fleshed fruits, lemon and orange rind, and sparkling minerals. It is a beautiful straw yellow, with enticing, persistent bubbles. Perfect for lovers of refreshing and invigorating wines, or those seeking an unadulterated taste of Champagne. Consider pairing it with Comté, fish in creamy sauces, or chicken.
      
884. Champagne Le Brun Servenay Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Blanc De Blancs 2012 : 8Wines : GBP67.03
Drink it now or cellar for 20 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in 1965 by the union of two winemaking families, the Champagne house Le Brun Servenay has been a family business for four generations, today managed by Gauthier Le Brun. The vineyards extend over approximately 7 hectares in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, occupied mainly by Chardonnay and a small part by Pinot Noir and Meunier. The Chardonnay grapes come from old Grand Cru vineyards between 80 and 100 years old located in Avize, Cramant, and Oger. After vinification, the wine rests on the lees for 9 years. This is a vintage Champagne of great character and complexity that reveals all the elegance of the Avize terroir, the minerality of Oger, and the freshness of Cramant. In the glass, it shows a bright color with intense yellow tones and golden reflections. Its aromatic profile is broad and mature with notes of yellow fruit and honey, floral scents, and a clear mineral note. On the palate, it is fresh and citrusy, lively and refined. It has a well-balanced acidity and clear mineral hints that return in the long finish. It is a champagne that can age well for a couple of decades but is ready to uncork immediately. Try it with oysters and all seafood.
      
885. Champagne Le Brun Servenay Melodie En C Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP41.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Located in Avize, in the heart of the Cote des Blancs, the Champagne House Le Brun Servenay has been managed since 1996 by Patrick Le Brun, supported in recent years by his son Gauthier, the fifth generation of this renowned family of winemakers. The estate extends over approximately 7 hectares of vineyards, at least 80% of which are planted with Chardonnay, and spread across 3 Grand Cru villages. Here, the clay-limestone soils with good drainage guarantee the production of fresh and mineral wines. The Melodie en C Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is an elegant and delicate Champagne produced with only Chardonnay grapes that rests on its lees for years before disgorgement. This Blanc de Blancs has a lively and fresh aromatic profile with notes of citrus, apple, and white flowers, followed by a light iodine vein. On the palate, it is soft and lean, with a marked acidic vein and a strong mineral character. It is balanced and vibrant with a long and persistent finish and a very pleasant and fine mousse. Served chilled, it makes a classy aperitif, but it also pairs very well with oysters and sushi.
      
886. Chateau Mangot Saint Emilion Grand Cru Todeschini Distique 2020 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located east of the Saint-Emilion DOC, in the commune of Saint-Etienne de Lisse, the Château Mangot has very ancient origins dating back to about 5 centuries ago. In 1954, the estate was acquired by Simone and Jean Petit who, with a lot of work, managed to join the estate of Château La Brande, located within the AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. The company, now managed by Karl and Yann, nephews of Simone and Jean, is certified organic and practices sustainable viticulture, without the use of synthetic products to reduce the impact on the environment. The vineyard, which extends over 34 hectares between slopes, terraces, plateaus, and flat areas on calcareous soil, is exposed in full south. The large percentage of limestone in the soil enriches the structure of the wine, guaranteeing a good mineral vein. The finished wine is aged for about 15 months in oak barrels. The result is an elegant wine with a strong character, capable of aging well. The wine has an intense ruby color and a pleasant aromatic profile rich in notes of ripe red fruits and sweet spices. On the palate, it is full and well-structured with soft tannins and a well-integrated acid vein. The finish is long and seductive with light spicy notes. It is excellent with grilled red meats or lamb.
      
887. Champagne Soutiran Signature Brut Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP40.74
Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve well chilled. The story of Champagne Soutiran starts with a child who tragically lost his parents at the age of 11. Fortunately, Gérard Soutiran was taken in by a viticulturist who raised him and taught him the trade that would become his passion. When his military career came to an end in the 1950s, Gérard decided to found his own Champagne house by taking over the care of his adopted father’s vines. Today his legacy lives on with his granddaughter Valérie and her husband Patrick guiding the house into the future. At the heart of the Soutiran philosophy is an insistence on craftsmanship and allowing their Champagnes sufficient time to mature and develop in the bottle. All of their Champagnes spend at least five to eight years resting in the cellar before disgorging. The Signature Grand Cru is the house’s hallmark Champagne, boasting expressive aromas of star anise, pears and baked peaches. On the palate hints of wild red berries from the 65% Pinot Noir emerge to combine harmoniously with a salty minerality typical of the chalky Champagne terroir. This is a full-bodied Champagne with a delicate, creamy mousse which is equally at home gracing the table of a special occasion dinner or casually enjoyed with family and friends.
      
888. Champagne Soutiran Blanc De Blancs Brut Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP46.03
Cellar for up to 7 years. Serve well chilled. The uplifting nose enchants with aromas of green apples, pears and lime zest which are carried through on the palate. The Soutiran tradition of extended ageing in the cellar, in this case seven years, has imparted a firm structure, creamy mouthfeel and subtle hints of toast and marzipan. Crafted using 100% Chardonnay grapes from spectacular Grand Cru vineyards in the village of Ambonnay, this Blanc de Blancs is a pure, clean expression of an exceptional terroir. Although Ambonnay has a strong reputation for producing some of the Champagne region’s most powerful Pinot Noirs, the south-facing vineyards planted on slopes also favour the small quantities of Chardonnay vines planted here. The terroir signals its presence in this Blanc de Blancs with a well-defined, chalky minerality which makes this Champagne an exquisite match for oysters. The generous full body also make this an attractive option to accompany turbot pan-fried in brown butter or paired simply with a creamy Saint-Félicien cheese as a stylish way to finish a meal. While ready to drink now, a few additional years of ageing in optimal cellar conditions will further intensify the brilliance of this distinctive Blanc de Blancs.
      
889. Champagne Soutiran Rose De Saignee Brut Grand Cru : 8Wines : GBP51.25
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru village in the Champagne wine region, Maison Soutiran is a family-run business, now managed by Valérie, the third generation of the family, along with her husband, Patrick Renaux. The estate extends across approximately 10 hectares of vineyards, where Pinot Noir is the dominant grape. Thanks to the family tradition and maintaining a limited production, the company focuses on enhancing the terroir, producing a range of wines of great character and expressiveness. Rose de Saignee Brut Grand Cru is made with Pinot Noir grapes sourced from old Grand Cru vineyards. After harvesting, the grapes are left to macerate for three days, a step that guarantees a brilliant, deep pink color. The finished wine then rests on the lees for 12 years before being released for sale. In the glass, the wine reveals an elegant and bold character and a fresh and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of rose, strawberry, rhubarb, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich, fruity, and well-structured. It has a lively character and a pleasant minerality. It is a slightly atypical rosé Champagne, intense and generous with a vaguely bitter and chalky finish. Try it with stuffed guinea fowl, quail, or roasted partridge.
      
890. Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr Riesling Sentiment 2023 : 8Wines : GBP15.59
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of Alsace, Domaine Charles Sparr is the result of the union between Charles Sparr, who comes from a family of wine merchants for 12 generations, and Amélie Buecher, daughter of Alsace winemakers. Today, the estate covers just under 20 hectares of vineyards cultivated according to organic and biodynamic standards. The Riesling grapes for Sentiment come from several plots located on the outskirts of the village of Wettolsheim. Here the vines, aged between 10 and 30 years, sink their roots, in predominantly limestone soils, with granite and clay. After manual harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine ages in tanks for 12 months on the lees. In the glass, Riesling Sentiment reveals a clear color with straw-yellow highlights, and bright golden reflections. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with notes of ripe peach, quince and citrus, acacia flowers, and hazelnuts, on a slightly smoky background. On the palate, it is fresh, dry, and crisp. It has a good fruit concentration, a medium body, and a well-defined acidic vein. It is balanced and generous with a long finish that recalls smoky notes. Try it as an aperitif with vegetable and seafood appetizers, or paired with fresh mixed salads.
      
891. Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr Pinot Noir Jardin D'eden 2023 : 8Wines : GBP29.50
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Alsatian village of Wettolsheim, Domaine Charles Sparr extends over approximately 20 hectares of vineyards distributed around the town with parcels in some of the most prestigious Grand Crus of the region. Jardin d'Eden is a youthful Alsatian Pinot Noir produced with select grapes in the single Vogelgarten vineyard, at about 250 meters above sea level in the village of Sigolsheim. Here the vines, with an average age of 20 years, and cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, are rooted in mixed soils of marl and limestone. After the harvest and fermentation with indigenous yeasts in tanks, the wine ages for a year and a half in oak tonneaux. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant color with intense ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile opens with notes of ripe cherry, red berries, violets, and wild herbs. On the palate, it is rich, lively, and fresh with a medium-light body and a well-balanced acidity. It is juicy with a light savoury vein that extends into the long finish. In food pairings it is versatile: it goes well with cured meats, with fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, and meatballs in tomato sauce.
      
892. Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr Pinot Blanc Pensee 2023 : 8Wines : GBP13.80
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. The Sparr family has a long winemaking tradition that dates back nearly 400 years and 12 generations. Today, the estate is managed by Charles Sparr, who after studying in Burgundy and California, decided to return to Alsace to produce his wines. In 2013, with the marriage with Amélie Buecher, the estate expanded, thanks to the joining of the vineyards of the two families. The Alsace Pinot Blanc Pensée is an elegant white made from hand-picked grapes mainly from the vineyard located around the village of Sigolsheim on stony soils. After harvesting and gentle pressing, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in steel tanks with only indigenous yeasts (as with all the estate's wines). The finished wine then rests on the lees in stainless steel for just under a year, before bottling. The result is an expressive wine, with a fragrant and delicate aromatic profile with floral notes, followed by hints of straw, yellow plum, and candied lemon. On the palate, it is juicy and ripe with a succulent fruit concentration and a fresh and lively character. It has a well-balanced acidity and a medium-light body that make it ideal with salads, pan-fried sea bass, and seafood.
      
893. Domaine Besson Chablis Premier Cru Mont De Milieu 2021 : 8Wines : GBP24.25
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Chablis, Domaine Besson is a family-run wine estate that extends over 21 hectares of vineyards, spread across several appellations. The estate was founded in 1902 by Eugene Besson and is now managed by the fourth generation of the family. The Chardonnay grapes come from a plot of around one hectare located in the Premier Cru Mont de Milieu on clay/limestone soils. After harvesting and a slow low-pressure pressing, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in steel for 95% of the must, and in oak barrels for the remainder. The finished wine then rests on the lees for 18 months, partly in steel and partly in barriques. The result is a distinctive and elegant wine that maintains a fresh and easy-drinking character. The Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu from Domaine Besson has an intense yellow color brightened by brilliant golden reflections and a fruity and fresh aromatic profile. On the nose, it reveals aromas of citrus and stone fruit, aromatic herbs, and mineral notes. On the palate, it is silky and balanced with a well-defined mineral vein and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and smooth. Try it with baked scallops.
      
894. Domaine Besson Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of Chablis, Domaine Besson covers nearly 21 hectares of vineyards. The estate is owned by Alain Besson, who took over the business from his father, also a winemaker, in 1981 and now manages the vineyards and the cellar with his children Camille and Adrien. The Chardonnay grapes come from a vineyard of less than 2 hectares, planted on clay-limestone soil, rich in fossil oysters of Exogyra virgula. After a careful selection and manual harvesting, fermentation takes place mostly in steel and only a small part in oak barrels. The wine then ages for 18 months on the lees in stainless steel vats and partly in barrels. The Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir has a clear straw yellow color with beautiful golden reflections. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with floral and honey notes, followed by generous buttery and mineral aromas. On the palate, it is round and balanced with a good concentration and a marked mineral vein. It is fresh and lively with a long, pleasant finish. It is delicious as an aperitif or with fresh cheeses and also pairs well with shellfish and poultry.
      
895. Domaine Servin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2022 : 8Wines : GBP53.93
Enjoy it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. “Les Clos” has often been referred to as the king of Chablis’ Grand Cru vineyards. This expression of the famous site, from Domaine Servin, proves the nickname. It is bursting with scents of tart stone fruits, citrus rind, spice and minerality. It’s both powerful and taut, worthy of keeping in your cellar for a decade or more. Domaine Servin has been a part of the Chablis landscape for a very long time - while they may not have always been winemakers, the monks of Saint Martin referred to members of the Servin family as “vineyard owners” since the 16th century. Today, the winery pays its dues to tradition, while also incorporating modern technology for the highest quality of wine possible. This Grand Cru Chablis exhibits a velvety, full-bodied palate, with complex flavours of peach, nectarine, apple, and a generous helping of wet stone minerality. The soils in “Les Clos” are rich in limestone and clay. With sharp acidity, it maintains a certain edge, despite the silky, round mouthfeel. If you’re a fan of Chardonnay, Chablis is the logical conclusion. This wine will be perfect for pairing with shellfish, soft cheese, or fish in a white sauce.
      
896. Domaine Servin Chablis Premier Cru Montee De Tonnerre 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.88
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10-15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the northwest of Burgundy, Domaine Servin is one of the most prestigious in the Chablis area, with a long family tradition that dates back to the second half of the 17th century. The estate, which today extends over approximately 35 hectares of vineyards, distributed in all the main appellations, can produce a wide variety of different wines based on the various microclimates and peculiarities of the soil. The Chardonnay grapes come from the Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre on the right bank of the Serein River. Here, the vineyards have an average age of 39 years and are planted on Kimmeridgian soils composed of calcareous and clayey marl which give the wine intense mineral and fruity aromas. The wine has a brilliant color with straw yellow tones and golden reflections. Its aromatic profile is intense and broad with notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, and white fruits. On the palate, it is rich and intense with a well-balanced freshness and a good concentration of fruity flavors. The finish is elegant and long with a pleasant mineral vein. Excellent with red mullet, seafood, or salmon in hollandaise sauce.
      
897. Chateau Cos D'estournel Goulee 2017 : 8Wines : GBP27.88
Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. In the 2000s the legendary Chateau Cos d’Estournel acquired some prime vineyards in the northern Medoc set on rolling hills facing the Gironde river. Goulee once used to be an island in the Gironde, and the soils are thus composed of deep layers of well-draining gravel. Goulee’s vineyards are treated exactly the same as the vines at the Cos estate, with careful attention to detail and labour-intensive methods like crop-thinning. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified by the Cos d’Estournel team to the estate’s exacting standards. La Goulee is predominantly composed of around 70-80% Merlot along with 10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon and a drop of Cabernet Franc. The young wine is matured in French oak barrels for 12 months before release. The result is a powerful and robust modern-style Bordeaux which can either be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat and vegetarian dishes or can be cellared for another decade or more. On the nose there are tantalising notes of cassis, mulberry and sour black cherry while the first sip reveals firm tannins, a well-built structure, and hints of cigar box spice, graphite, leather and crushed wild berries.
      
898. Domaine Thillardon Chenas Vibrations 2022 : 8Wines : GBP26.35
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Thillardon is a family winery founded in 2008 by Paul-Henri Thillardon in the Chenas appellation of the Beaujolais wine region. It is now managed by Paul-Henri and his brothers. Today, the estate owns approximately 12.5 hectares spread across the terroirs of Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, with some plots taken over from their parents' estate in southern Beaujolais. Chenas Vibrations by Domaine Thillardon is a modern Beaujolais, an organic and natural wine. The Gamay grapes are selected from vineyards located in the Chenas appellation, from old vines planted on granite, quartz, and alluvial soils, and grown using biodynamic practices. After harvest and semi-carbonic whole-bunch maceration, the finished wine rests half in cement and the other half in used wood for 8 months. The wine reveals a clear and bright color with intense purple tones and a lively and energetic aromatic profile with notes of raspberries and cherries, dried flowers and orange peel, and then hints of pink pepper, herbs, and licorice. On the palate, it is silky and characterful, fresh and fruity. It has a light body and a well-integrated acidic vein. The finish is long and juicy. It is the ideal wine to pair with game birds.
      
899. Domaine Thillardon Chenas Chassignol 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Paul-Henri Thillardon in 2008 with 2 hectares of vineyards, Domaine Thillardon is now managed by Paul-Henri together with his brothers. The young winery, located in the Chenas appellation, now extends over 12.5 hectares in various areas of Beaujolais and produces organic and natural wines that have quickly achieved great success among critics and the public. Chenas Chassignol red is a single-plot cuvée made with Gamay grapes from one of the most beautiful sites of the estate, with over a hundred-year-old vines planted on a slope with a granite and quartz terroir. The work in the vineyard is done manually or with the help of livestock. After spontaneous vinification, with whole-bunch maceration, the wine rests in vats and barrels and is then bottled without filtration. The wine reveals a fragrant and elegant aromatic profile with a broad bouquet of dried flowers and red fruits, supported by a spicy and mineral background. On the palate, it is intense, juicy, and mineral with velvety tannins and a harmonious acidic vein. The finish is long and fruity. It pairs well with quail and partridge, veal escalopes or ossobuco.
      
900. Chateau Talbot 2016 : 8Wines : GBP84.11
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Chateau Talbot is one of the oldest and most renowned estates in the Medoc, 4th Grand Cru Classé. Since 1918, the estate has been in the hands of the Cordier family and is now managed by Nancy Bignon-Cordier and her husband Jean-Paul Bignon. Chateau Talbot is a Bordeaux blend with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small additions of Petit Verdot. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand from a vineyard of over 100 hectares and an average age of over 60 years, located in Saint-Julien on the banks of the Gironde estuary, on alluvial gravel soils typical of the Médoc. After vinification in wooden vats, the finished wine rests in barrels, half new and half used. In the glass, the wine reveals a dense color with dark red tones. Its aromatic profile is intense and broad, with floral (rose and lavender) and fruity (blackberry and cherry) notes, followed by tertiary aromas of wood, tobacco, coffee, and balsamic hints. On the palate, it is complex and tasty, round and balanced. It has smooth and ripe tannins and a silky texture. It has a well-balanced refreshing streak and a long, flavorful finish. Leave it in the cellar for a decade or more, or try it now with a rib eye steak or roast pork.
      
901. Champagne Thienot Vintage 2015 : 8Wines : GBP53.99
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Based in Taissy, near Reims, Maison Thienot was founded in 1985 by Alain Thienot and is now run by his children Garance and Stanislas. The company, which has quickly reached wide popularity, is considered a pioneer in Champagne in the use of winemaking technologies aimed at minimizing the addition of sulphites. The Vintage Champagne of Maison Thiénot is a classic Champenoise blend with a majority of Pinot Noir, the addition of Chardonnay and small parts of Pinot Meunier. To preserve the freshness and aromas of the wine, the vinification takes place in steel vats. The wine then rests for 7 years before being disgorged and released on the market. The wine reveals a bright color with golden straw tones, and fine and persistent bubbles. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant, with notes of pear and ripe apple and hints of bergamot. On the palate, it is elegant and delicate, juicy and fresh with a good concentration of fruit and a well-balanced acidity. The effervescence gives it a creamy texture. The finish is long and refreshing. It is excellent with creamed chicken, Italian veal with tuna sauce, or fish tempura.
      
902. Champagne Thienot Brut : 8Wines : GBP43.22
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded in 1985 by Alain Thienot, the Thienot Champagne House is a young winery that has quickly become one of the most renowned companies in the region. Located in Taissy, near Reims, the company is now led by Alain's sons, Garance and Stanislas Thiénot. The cellar operations are managed by Laurent Fédou. Champagne Brut from Maison Thienot is a blend of the traditional grape varieties of the region, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier with an addition of 35-45% of reserve wines, which guarantees the production of a wine that best represents the style of the company. After the first fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for 4 years. This delicate and fresh Champagne reveals a brilliant color with golden tones and a fine and persistent perlage. Its aromatic profile is exuberant with intense fruity notes of apple, pear, peach and quince. On the palate it is round and juicy, lively and well balanced, with a creamy texture and a good fruit concentration. The finish is long and fresh. Serve it chilled for an elegant aperitif, or taste it with oysters, shellfish, sushi or a fish tartare.
      
903. Theo Dancer Bourgogne Aligote 2023 : 8Wines : GBP48.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Théo Dancer took over the family business in 2020, expanding production with a small négociant operation. His philosophy is based on low yields, a respectful approach to terroir, and natural winemaking techniques that allow the grapes to fully express themselves. The Aligoté grapes come from vineyards located near Nantoux on the plateau overlooking the Pommard denomination, in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. Here, at an altitude of approximately 400 meters, the vines are rooted in thin, calcareous soils, where the grapes ripen slowly, developing a broad aromatic profile. After harvest, fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the finished wine then ages primarily in large barrels before a period in tank. The result is a balanced and complex wine with a fragrant character. On the nose, it reveals a broad and expressive bouquet with notes of aromatic herbs and menthol, fruity aromas of plum, grapefruit, and Granny Smith apple, followed by hints of chlorophyll and fir buds. On the palate, it is fruity, juicy, and energetic. It is rich, concentrated, and fresh, with a lively acidity that balances the taste and a light bitter aftertaste on a lingering spicy finish. It pairs deliciously with seafood, sushi, and oysters, and is a must-try with classic Burgundian dishes such as fried frog legs and snails.
      
904. Theo Dancer Jurassique Savagnin 2023 : 8Wines : GBP81.84
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Theo Dancer is a young French winemaker who, in 2020, took over the family business, founded by his father Vincent in 1996 in Chassagne-Montrachet. The estate extends across approximately 6 hectares of vineyards, converted to organic farming in 2012, and located in several prestigious Burgundy appellations such as Chassagne, Puligny, Meursault, Beaune, and Pommard. In addition to implementing family practices of low yields and natural winemaking, Theo has started a small negociant business and also acquired Domaine Roc Breïa, in the Mâconnais region. The Savagnin grapes, the most representative variety of the Jura region, come from vineyards planted on marly-limestone soils, which enhance their fresh and mineral character. Theo sources his grapes, selecting them from winemakers who work the vineyards with respectful practices. Vinification occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The result is an expressive wine that remains true to its character, with a bright, clear straw-yellow color and golden highlights. On the nose, the wine reveals a lively and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of lemon and grapefruit, followed by hints of green apple and wildflowers on a mineral and slightly spicy background. On the palate, it is energetic and crisp, elegant and taut, with a pronounced minerality and lively acidity. The finish is long and pleasantly thirst-quenching. Try it with freshwater fish or Comté cheese.
      
905. Domaine Courbis Cornas Champelrose 2021 : 8Wines : GBP40.06
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Plumes of blackberry, plum, black pepper, violet, and liquorice come from the nose of this 100% Syrah wine. It is a classic and distinguished Rhône Valley red, harvested from a 2.5-hectare plot of vines with an average age of approximately 100 years. The granite soils of the area impart a clean minerality to the palate. Domaine Courbis has a long history on the right bank of the Rhône, having been passed from father to son since the 16th century. The modern cellar was built about 20 years ago, into the side of one of the Rhône’s rolling hills. These days it is owned and operated by Laurent and Dominique, two brothers who oversee the domaine from the confluence of the Isère and Rhône rivers. Before bottling, the wine spent 16 months ageing in oak. The tannins are very fine and sumptuous, and the palate as a whole is broad and generous. Look for flavours of dark hedgerow berries, oak, tobacco smoke, eucalyptus, and pepper, with a mineral edge. The Cornas Champelrose is ideal for pairing with duck and turkey, roasted chestnuts, or hard pungent cheeses.
      
906. Chateau Thivin Cote De Brouilly Cuvee Zaccharie 2022 : 8Wines : GBP46.38
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. An ancient Beaujolais estate whose origins date back to the 16th century, Château Thivin was purchased in 1877 by Zaccharie Geoffray and his wife Marguerite Bernard. Since then, the estate, located in Odenas, on the slopes of the Brouilly hill, has remained in the hands of the Geoffray family, now in its sixth generation, and still produces some of the finest wines of the area. The company's most prestigious wine, which pays homage to the founder Zaccharie Geoffray, is produced with Gamay Noir grapes harvested by hand in the best plots of the Côte de Brouilly, and especially in the oldest vineyards La Chapelle and Godefroy where the vines have an average age of 50 years. Here the vines enjoy a soil composed of porphyry stones and clay characterized by excellent drainage. After vinification, the wines are aged separately in a mix of new and used barrels for 10-11 months before blending. The Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Zaccharie reveals a deep and brilliant color with ruby ​​tones and a fruity and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of blackcurrant, ripe cherry, and blackberry followed by hints of sweet spices. On the palate, it is round and soft, complex and concentrated, with fine tannins and a well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and slightly spicy. It goes well with roast pork, grilled duck breast, and Comté cheese.
      
907. Les Asteries Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2007 : 8Wines : GBP84.34
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. Les Asteries is a single vineyard Bordeaux wine, harvested from limestone-rich soils between Chateau Fonroque and Clos Fourtet in the heart of Saint Emilion. It begins with a nose of blackberry and blackcurrant, with a rich undertone of cocoa, coffee, leather, and prune. It is a classic Saint Emilion blend, composed of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc. Les Asteries is a 1.2-hectare vineyard, with vines as old as eighty years. In 2005, it was acquired by Jonathan Maltus, an English winemaker with a patchwork selection of premium vineyards all across Saint Emilion - including the ones behind Le Carre, Chateau Laforge, and Chateau Teyssier. The latter is where the grapes from Les Asteries are actually fermented, in 100% new French oak barrels. This silky blend hits the palate with a medley of black and red fruits - look for raspberry and cassis among the earthy notes of leather, coffee, and baking spice. It has a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel, with gorgeous, round tannins and incisive acidity. It’s also a deeply versatile wine, suitable for pairing with an equally mature cheese, tender meat cuts, or a tomato-rich broth.
      
908. Le Carre Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2011 : 8Wines : GBP100.75
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. Le Carré is a single vineyard wine from the Right Bank of the Gironde, bursting with scents of ripe black fruit, dried herbs, leather, and chocolate with a vein of graphite minerality. It is a classic, velvety Saint Emilion blend, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Le Carré, meaning “The Square”, is another section of Bordeaux owned and operated by Jonathan Maltus, an English entrepreneur and winemaker with stakes in Chateau Laforge, Le Dome, and Chateau Teyssier. It’s an ideal location for bold red wines, as the vines grow on a white limestone base with a thin layer of clayish soil, and the winery itself is located near the centre of the town of Saint Emilion. On the palate, Le Carré is delightfully smooth and ripe, with succulent tannins and heightened acidity. Look for notes of blackberry, raspberry, and boysenberry, supported by a side of dark chocolate, raisin, dried herbs, and an animalistic musk. The finish reveals an excellent, chalky minerality. It is approachable for drinking now, but can also be cellared for some time. Consider pairing it with tender beef, pungent cheese, or an eggplant Parmesan.
      
909. Vieux Chateau Mazerat Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2011 : 8Wines : GBP104.48
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. This is a top-tier rendition of Saint Emilion, composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, harvested from a vineyard in the heart of the famous Bordeaux appellation. It offers a compelling nose of blackberry, raspberry, cassis, and chocolate, with layers of graphite, leather, and dried herbs. Vieux Chateau Mazerat is one of Jonathan Maltus’ sterling Saint Emilion projects, located just to the east of Angélus. It comprises 5 hectares in all, and like Maltus’ other scaled-down projects (Le Carré and Les Asteries included), it is fermented and bottled in the Chateau Teyssier headquarters, on the right bank of the Gironde. This Grand Cru wine begins with a meaty, full-bodied palate, showing dense tannins and vibrant acidity. However, despite its big character, it still retains a classic right-bank silkiness. In terms of flavour, you can discover chewy, satisfying notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis, with strong secondary hints of cocoa, liquorice, black olive, and crushed stone minerality. It ends with a lingering, spicy finish. Enjoyable in its youth, but can also be aged for 20 years or more after the bottling date. Consider pairing this wine with osso bucco, prime rib, or a rich stew.
      
910. Le Carre Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 : 8Wines : GBP100.75
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. Le Carré is a single vineyard wine from the Right Bank of the Gironde, bursting with scents of ripe black fruit, dried herbs, leather, and chocolate with a vein of graphite minerality. It is a classic, velvety Saint Emilion blend, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Le Carré, meaning “The Square”, is another section of Bordeaux owned and operated by Jonathan Maltus, an English entrepreneur and winemaker with stakes in Chateau Laforge, Le Dome, and Chateau Teyssier. It’s an ideal location for bold red wines, as the vines grow on a white limestone base with a thin layer of clayish soil, and the winery itself is located near the centre of the town of Saint Emilion. On the palate, Le Carré is delightfully smooth and ripe, with succulent tannins and heightened acidity. Look for notes of blackberry, raspberry, and boysenberry, supported by a side of dark chocolate, raisin, dried herbs, and an animalistic musk. The finish reveals an excellent, chalky minerality. It is approachable for drinking now, but can also be cellared for some time. Consider pairing it with tender beef, pungent cheese, or an eggplant Parmesan.
      
911. Les Asteries Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 : 8Wines : GBP128.03
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. Les Asteries is a single vineyard Bordeaux wine, harvested from limestone-rich soils between Chateau Fonroque and Clos Fourtet in the heart of Saint Emilion. It begins with a nose of blackberry and blackcurrant, with a rich undertone of cocoa, coffee, leather, and prune. It is a classic Saint Emilion blend, composed of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc. Les Asteries is a 1.2-hectare vineyard, with vines as old as eighty years. In 2005, it was acquired by Jonathan Maltus, an English winemaker with a patchwork selection of premium vineyards all across Saint Emilion - including the ones behind Le Carre, Chateau Laforge, and Chateau Teyssier. The latter is where the grapes from Les Asteries are actually fermented, in 100% new French oak barrels. This silky blend hits the palate with a medley of black and red fruits - look for raspberry and cassis among the earthy notes of leather, coffee, and baking spice. It has a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel, with gorgeous, round tannins and incisive acidity. It’s also a deeply versatile wine, suitable for pairing with an equally mature cheese, tender meat cuts, or a tomato-rich broth.
      
912. Chateau Teyssier 2019 : 8Wines : GBP30.07
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Château Teyssier is a grand cru of Saint-Émilion founded at the beginning of the 18th century in Vignonet. The estate was acquired in 1994 by Jonathan and Lyn Maltus, Englishmen from the former Rhodesia. At the time of purchase, the estate consisted of 5 hectares of vineyards. Today the estate covers around 50 hectares of vineyards in Saint-Émilion and surrounding areas and produces 10 wines from different appellations, with a few single-appellation wines made in very limited quantities. The Chateau Teyssier is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, aged in new French oak, in perfect Saint-Emilion style. The color is dark and deep red with violet reflections. The aromatic profile is intense and complex with notes of black forest fruit typical of Merlot, especially blackberry, blueberry, currant, and plum, followed by vanilla and toasted hints. On the palate, it is soft and juicy, rich and round. The tannins are velvety, the body is medium-full and the finish reveals an elegant acidity that gives it balance and elegance. It is the ideal wine with pork tenderloin, a nice rare steak, and aged cheeses such as Parmesan or Comté.
      
913. Chateau Laforge Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2020 : 8Wines : GBP33.61
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for 2 hours or more before serving. This stunning Bordeaux is packed with red and black fruits, and a wealth of spice and mineral character. It appears a reddish-purple colour in the glass, hinting at the luxurious palate to follow. The fruits are an interesting blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and all were harvested from inside the Saint Emilion AOC, on the right bank of the Gironde. Since 1998, Chateau Laforge has been owned and operated by Jonathan Maltus, an English winemaker who also has stakes in Chateau Teyssier and Le Dome. Before Maltus, the domain allegedly belonged to a blacksmith, who assembled the estate piece by piece, which explains the winery’s patchwork selection of vineyards that spread across Saint Emilion. In the mouth, the Saint Emilion Grand Cru is loaded with fresh acidity and finely-grained tannins, giving it a youthful character, despite its long ageing ability. Look for notes of boysenberry, sour cherry, rose petals, and gingery fruit cake, with an edge of crushed stone minerality and an aromatic finish. This is a classic, smooth Right Bank Bordeaux, and deserves to be paired with a mature cheese, a fine steak, or a plate of roast vegetables.
      
914. Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils La Genese 2022 : 8Wines : GBP21.73
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Domaine Raymond Usseglio was founded in 1964, by Rhone Valley power couple Raymond and Danielle Usseglio. Since then, the domaine has grown into a true Southern Rhone establishment, producing a range of stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuveés, both red and white. Raymond and Danielle’s son, Stéphane, took over in 1999. He enjoys using concrete fermenting tanks for his wines but also employs some other, unusual methods. “La Genese” is 100% Grenache, fermented and aged in a huge clay vessel nicknamed “The Drunk Turtle”. “La Genese” shows an attractive bouquet of blackberry and black cherry, coupled with hints of tobacco and herb. This is a decadent, drinkable wine, with a generous, round mouthfeel, refreshing acidity and luscious tannins. On the palate, you’ll find further notes of red and black fruit, with hints of vanilla and chocolate. The Grenache fruits were sourced equally between the stony soil of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the sandy soil of Lirac. The finish is persistent, with notions of balsamic vinegar and spice. “La Genese” will be a brilliant pairing for richly scented red meat dishes, such as barbecued beef ribs, or oxtail soup.
      
915. Stephane Usseglio Chateauneuf Du Pape Fragments 2022 : 8Wines : GBP30.96
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The Usseglio family has been producing wine in the wine region in the southern Rhône Valley since 1948. Francis Usseglio was the first to start the business after emigrating from Italy. His son Raymond expanded the surface area of ​​the land, and finally, today it is Stephane who takes care of the company. The vineyards extend over 24 hectares and are cultivated organically. Châteauneuf Du Pape Fragments is a mostly Grenache blend, with additions of Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, and Clairette, coming from different plots, so that the various terroirs create a balanced and complex whole. The winemaking takes place half in cement eggs and half in clay amphorae, to guarantee the maximum fruity expression of the wine. The result is a lively and fragrant wine with intense aromas of red fruits (especially mulberry and blueberry), Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, marjoram, and lavender, and some hints of licorice. On the palate, it reveals deep and dynamic with a pleasant fruity intensity and a full body. The tannins are well integrated and the finish is long, fresh, and persistent. It's a great match for Greek-style roast lamb.
      
916. Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Domaine Raymond Usseglio is a generation-spanning estate, located in the Southern Rhone Valley. The winery's vineyards are comprised of 5 hectares in the Côtes du Rhône appellation and 18 inside Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Stéphan Usseglio is the grandson of Francis, who founded the estate's predecessor back in 1948. Under Stéphane’s exemplary leadership, the estate produces a fantastic range of Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuveés, 4 red and 3 white. This is their classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape expression, a potent red blend spearheaded by Grenache, and supported by Cinsault, Mourvedre, Counoise and Syrah. It is deep garnet in the glass, with hints of violet. It exhibits a nose of dark forest fruits, tobacco and subtle hints of black liquorice. The blend is fermented and aged entirely in concrete vats, to obtain the purest expression of fruit possible. It is luscious in the mouth, and the flavours of plum and cherry are supported by chocolate hints and ripe tannins. It has a perception of sweetness, which sticks around during the long finish. Perfect for those seeking a classic taste of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It will pair well with rich meaty main courses, such as lamb chops, cassoulet, or a hearty mushroom dish.
      
917. Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf Du Pape 2023 : 8Wines : GBP56.51
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Officially founded in 1964, but with a family legacy going back to 1948, Domaine Raymond Usseglio is one of the Rhone Valley's most stalwart estates. It is currently under the leadership of Stéphane Usseglio, a third-generation wine-maker who took over operations at age 22. Stéphane has overseen the winery's transition to biodynamic farming, and since 2015, Domaine Raymond Usseglio has been fully certified as organic. Stéphane prefers to use concrete vats to ferment his wines. Of the estate’s cuvée’s, their definitive Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend and this, the “Impériale”, are aged entirely in concrete. “Impériale” is a Grenache-based red blend, packed with floral scents of roses, ripe raspberry, cherry, thyme and exotic spices. The fruits are sourced from old vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, planted as far back as 1901. 15% alcohol is not to be shrugged at, but there is no perceptible heat. Instead, the palate is saturated with delectable fruits, red forest berries and cherry cola, all underpinned by peppery herbs and a solid earthiness. The finish is rich and juicy, topped with a vegetal, lavender note. Pair “Impériale” with thyme-infused lamb, beef stew or a veggie casserole.
      
918. Domaine D'ardhuy Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Founded in the late 1940s by Gabriel Liogier d’Ardhuy and his wife Eliane, Domaine d'Ardhuy is a family-run winery in Burgundy that extends over approximately 40 hectares of vineyards, including 125 parcels in six grands crus and fifteen 1er crus, spread from Puligny-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin. Since 2016, the winery has been managed by winemaker Vincent Bottreau. The grapes for the Bourgogne Chardonnay come from plots located mainly in the Mâconnais in La Roche-Vineuse. The vines, which have an average age of 15 years, rest their roots on varied soils (clay-limestone, clay-silt, and flint). This variety of terroirs guarantees the production of a balanced and harmonious wine. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in steel tanks. The wine reveals a clear and brilliant color with light golden tones. Its aromatic profile is fresh and fragrant with notes of citrus and green apple, and hints of white flowers and acacia. On the palate, it is lively and elegant, smooth and slender with hints of fresh fruit and a well-balanced acidity. It is soft and harmonious and has a long and refreshing finish. It is excellent with poultry, and a must-try with snails.
      
919. Domaine Seguin-manuel Savigny Les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres 2022 : 8Wines : GBP48.49
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Seguin-Manuel has a long tradition spanning approximately 200 years. It was acquired in 2004 by Thibaut Marion, who expanded production and converted the vineyards to organic farming. The estate, based in Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine region, now covers just under 9 hectares of vineyards. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a vineyard over 40 years old, located halfway up the slope, on soils of clay, iron oxide, limestone, and flat stones, with a southern exposure. The selection and harvest in the vineyard are manual, and after fermentation, the finished wine ages for 12 months in oak before bottling. The Domaine Seguin-Manuel Savigny les Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavieres is an expressive and fragrant wine that reveals aromas of strawberry, cherry, and small berries against a background of woody notes. On the palate, it is velvety and medium-bodied, with fruity notes and a balanced profile, complemented by smooth tannins and a pleasant minerality that lingers on the long finish. It is an elegant Burgundy red that can age for a few years in the cellar or be enjoyed now with veal escalopes or stuffed guinea fowl breast.
      
920. Domaine Seguin-manuel Vosne-romanee Aux Communes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP75.74
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Seguin-Manuel is a family-run estate located in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, renowned for the quality of its wines. Founded in 1824 and acquired by Thibaut Marion in 2004, the estate emphasizes traditional, artisanal winemaking. The vineyards, organically farmed (and certified since 2015), cover approximately 8.5 hectares. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from a plot located near the most famous crus of the Côte de Nuits, such as La Tâche and Romanée-Conti. Here, the vines benefit from excellent exposure and are rooted in mineral-rich clay-limestone soil, ideal for Pinot Noir, which guarantees the production of elegant, long-lived wines. After manual harvesting and fermentation, the wine ages in oak barrels (30% new) for 16 months. The Domaine Seguin-Manuel Vosne-Romanée Aux Communes is a wine with an intense ruby ​​color and purple highlights. On the nose, it reveals a broad aromatic profile with notes of red fruits, alternating with spicy and undergrowth hints. On the palate, it is elegant and balanced. It has good structure and concentration. It is soft and smooth with fine, well-integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish that recalls delicate spicy notes. Try it with lamb or game birds, mushroom risotto, and medium-aged cheeses.
      
921. Domaine Seguin-manuel Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 : 8Wines : GBP20.02
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy, Domaine Seguin-Manuel was founded in 1824 and acquired by Thibaut Marion in 2004. Today, the estate covers approximately 8.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. In recent years, Thibaut Marion has also expanded his wine portfolio to include several Burgundy grands crus such as Charmes-Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Bèze, Clos Vougeot, and Échezeaux. The Pinot Noir grapes come from several plots located in different villages of the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise, including (depending on the vintage) Pommard, Chorey-lès-Beaune, Monthélie, Volnay, and Auxey-Duresses. Here, the clay-limestone soils and the microclimate, characterized by three main influences (southern, oceanic, and continental), favor the production of a balanced and easy-drinking wine. After harvesting and vinification, the wine is aged for a year in oak barrels. In the glass, Domaine Seguin-Manuel Bourgogne Pinot Noir reveals a clear, dark ruby ​​color. Its aromatic profile is fresh and fragrant, dominated primarily by notes of red fruits and dried flowers. On the palate, it is elegant and balanced, easy to drink, and rounded. It has good fruit concentration and fine, well-integrated tannins. It's versatile with food, pairing well with hearty fish like salmon, or duck, and mountain hams.
      
922. Domaine Seguin-manuel Savigny Les Beaune Vieilles Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP37.94
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1824 and acquired in 2004 by Thibaut Marion, Domaine Seguin-Manuel is located in Beaune, in the prestigious Burgundy wine region. The estate covers approximately 8.5 hectares of vineyards, certified organic since 2015. The production brings together a wide range of white and red wines from various appellations, thanks to Marion's work to acquire new vineyards and expand the business. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from three plots located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, with vines over fifty years old planted on clay-limestone soils, with sand, stones, and small pebbles. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in wooden vats, and the finished wine then ages for a year in oak barrels before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright, intense ruby ​​color and a broad aromatic profile with fragrant notes of red fruit and currant followed by hints of licorice. On the palate, it is soft and generous, fruity and silky, with fine, ripe tannins and a long finish that recalls delicate spicy notes. It is the ideal wine with magret de canard, coq au vin, or a mildly spicy beef stew.
      
923. Domaine Seguin-manuel Vire-clesse 2023 : 8Wines : GBP27.41
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in the prestigious French wine region of Burgundy, Domaine Seguin-Manuel boasts a history spanning over 200 years. However, it wasn't until 2004 that Thibaud Marion acquired the estate. Since then, he has carried out a renovation that included the purchase of additional vineyards and the obtaining of organic certification. Today, the estate makes a wide range of highly regarded, traditional-style Burgundy wines. The Chardonnay grapes come from a vineyard located in the village of Viré, in southern Burgundy, north of Mâcon. Here, the old vines are planted on clay-limestone hillsides. After harvest and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, the wine ages on the lees in oak barrels for approximately nine months. The Vire-Clesse Domaine Seguin-Manuel is a straightforward and easy-to-drink wine. In the glass, the wine reveals a golden color and a fresh aromatic profile with fragrant notes of stone fruit and plums, supported by mineral hints. On the palate, it is expressive and fruity, juicy and concentrated, with a lively, refreshing acidity. The finish is long and recalls the mineral nuances typical of the Vire-Classe appellation. Served chilled, it is ideal as an elegant aperitif with vegetarian amuse-bouche, Mediterranean appetizers, and seafood.
      
924. Domaine Seguin-manuel Meursault Les Clous 2024 : 8Wines : GBP69.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant. Currently managed by Thibaut Marion, who took over in 2004, Domaine Seguin-Manuel was founded in 1824 in the Côte de Beaune. Marion comes from a family of 10 generations of winemakers and worked for years in the family business before embarking on this new project. Since 2004, he has acquired new vineyards, converted to organic farming, and expanded his product range. The Chardonnay grapes come from a plot located in the center of the Meursault appellation, on the highest slopes. Here, the organically farmed vines enjoy eastern exposure and grow in clay-limestone soils, with yellow marl and pebbles. Harvesting is done by hand, and after pressing, fermentation takes place in oak barrels. Meursault Les Clous is an expressive and structured wine that reveals an elegant character representative of its terroir. Its color takes on pale golden hues. Its aromatic profile displays a perfect balance between fruity and woody aromas. On the palate, it is generous, fresh, and juicy. It has a soft texture and a pronounced acidity. The finish is long and pleasantly mineral. It is an ideal wine with roasted fish, but also pairs very well with some vegetarian dishes, such as asparagus in hollandaise sauce, and with poultry.
      
925. Domaine Seguin-manuel Puligny-montrachet Les Reuchaux 2024 : 8Wines : GBP69.61
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it half an hour before service. Known for its excellent wines from several Burgundy appellations, Domaine Seguin-Manuel has been located in the Côte de Beaune since 1824. In 2004, the estate was acquired by Thibaud Marion, who expanded the vineyards and production while maintaining a style that combines tradition and innovation. In 2015, the domain received organic certification. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-picked from a vineyard located at the foot of the Montrachet hill, north of the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, on clay-limestone soil with some sand. After harvesting and fermenting in oak barrels, the finished wine rests on the lees for approximately one year before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a golden color with bright highlights. Its aromatic profile is fresh and expressive, with notes of white fruit and citrus, floral hints, and nuances of vanilla on the finish. On the palate, it displays the distinctive linearity of Puligny wines, with a pleasant minerality and a lively, crisp character. It is lean, energetic and elegant, with a long, complex finish. Try it with grilled langoustines, scallops in white wine sauce, or French Cantal cheese.
      
926. Domaine Seguin-manuel Cremant De Bourgogne : 8Wines : GBP22.63
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Coming from a family with a long winemaking tradition, Thibaut Marion took over Domaine Seguin-Manuel in 2004. This prestigious Burgundy estate, founded in 1824, and based in Beaune, today extends over approximately 8.5 hectares of vineyards that have been converted to organic farming. Domaine Seguin-Manuel's Cremant de Bourgogne is a blend of mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with small additions of Aligoté, sourced from regional vineyards in Burgundy. After harvesting and vinification, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, following the traditional method (the one used for Champagne). The wine then rests on the lees for over a year before being released for sale. The result is a fresh and lively wine with a fine and persistent perlage that enhances its beautiful golden color. On the nose, the wine reveals fruity aromas of strawberry and currant, citrus, ripe apple, and pear, followed by light hints of brioche. On the palate, it is rounded and velvety, medium-bodied, and has a well-integrated acidity. It is an elegant Cremant with a youthful character that is ideal as an aperitif and pairs well with eggs Benedict or fried fish. It is also an excellent choice for an elegant brunch.
      
927. Champagne Cuillier Grande Reserve Extra Brut : 8Wines : GBP34.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Founded in 1904 northwest of Reims, in the heart of the Saint-Thierry massif, the Cuillier Champagne house is now run by Patrick Cuillier with his son Vincent, who also launched two cuvées under his name in 2020, in addition to the winery's 6 cuvées. The estate covers approximately 6.5 hectares of vineyards located in Pouillon, Chenay, and Trigny, in the Marne area. La Grande Réserve is an elegant and balanced champagne made with a classic blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay in equal parts. The grapes are selected and harvested manually and the wine ages for 48 months in the cellar on its lees. The wine displays an intense golden color, enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose it reveals a mature and complex aromatic profile with notes of apple, pear, and dried fruit, followed by hints of honey and brioche. On the palate, it is round and mineral, lively and fresh with a savory touch and a good concentration of flavors. The bubbles give it a creamy and velvety texture. The finish is long and recalls notes of exotic fruit. It pairs deliciously with grilled giant prawns and sautéed scallops.
      
928. Champagne Cuillier L'arbre Nature : 8Wines : GBP51.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Located in the Marne, northwest of Reims, the Maison de Champagne Cuillier was founded in the early 1900s and has been run by Patrick Cuillier since the 1970s, now supported by his son Vincent, the fourth generation of this family of Champagne winemakers. The estate covers approximately 6.5 hectares of vineyards planted mainly with Pinot Noir on soils consisting of heavy limestone and sand. L'Arbre Nature is a beautiful pure Pinot Meunier. The grapes are selected and hand-picked from the only parcel of Voyet located in the village of Pouillon. The vinification takes place in vats and barrels and the wine is then aged for 36 on the lees. Of course, being a natural champagne, there is no added dosage. The wine has a bright color with golden tones and fine bubbles. On the nose, it is complex and broad, deep and vinous with notes of pears and chamomile, dried flowers, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is round and rich, refreshing and well-balanced with a persistent and chalky finish. It is excellent as an aperitif but pairs perfectly with fried fish and vegetables or with roasted white meat.
      
929. Louis Latour Pouilly-fuisse 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.60
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1797, Domaine Louis Latour is a renowned winery in Burgundy's Côte d'Or. For over 200 years, it has been independently managed by the Latour family, now in its seventh generation. The estate's vineyards span approximately 50 hectares, 30 of which are in Grand Cru appellations (including Corton Charlemagne, Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Chambertin). The company, which has two locations (in Beaune and Aloxe-Corton), also purchases grapes from trusted winemakers in the region. Chardonnay grapes are hand-picked from vineyards located within the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, from vines averaging 30 years old and planted on soils composed of limestone and heavy clay. After temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, the finished wine ages in stainless steel for 8-10 months. Pouilly-Fuissé by Louis Latour is an elegant and delicate wine, characterized by a bright straw-yellow color and a lively, fragrant aromatic profile that reveals notes of acacia blossoms and honeysuckle, with hints of honey and almond. On the palate, it is broad and round, with a medium body and refreshing acidity. The finish is persistent and recalls floral notes. It is the ideal wine to pair with shellfish, seafood pasta, and fresh cheeses.
      
930. Louis Latour Meursault 2023 : 8Wines : GBP78.32
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most prestigious and esteemed wineries. It has been family-run for over 200 years and is now managed by Louis Fabrice, the seventh generation of the family. The estate's vineyards span approximately 50 hectares, spread across the finest appellations of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, and the company also owns plots in Ardèche and Var. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vines averaging 25 years old, planted on marly limestone soils. After manual harvesting and fermentation in oak barrels, the finished wine ages in medium-toasted French oak barrels (15% new) for 8 to 10 months. The result is an elegant wine that perfectly expresses the extraordinary character of the Meursault terroir. In the glass, it reveals a bright, straw-yellow color and a seductive, fragrant aromatic profile with notes of white flowers and honey, as well as hints of peach and brioche. On the palate, it is fresh, taut, and lively, with a well-integrated acidity and a long, refreshing, and fruity finish. It is a versatile wine when paired with food. It pairs well with white fish, mussels, all seafood, and salmon tartare, but also with veal escalopes and roast poultry.
      
931. Louis Latour Domaine Latour Aloxe-corton 2023 : 8Wines : GBP54.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Burgundy, Domaine Louis Latour was founded in 1797 and remains a family-run winery, led today by Louis-Fabrice, the seventh generation of the family. With its rich history and tradition, the estate is one of the most renowned in the region, owning vineyards in some of the most prestigious Grand Crus. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from vineyards averaging 30 years old, planted on limestone, alluvial sand, and gravel soils in the Aloxe-Corton appellation, located around the village of the same name in the northern Côte de Beaune. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place traditionally in open vats, and the finished wine then ages in medium-toasted French oak barrels (15% new) for 10-12 months before bottling. In the glass, Domaine Louis Latour Alowe Corton displays a clear, brilliant ruby color and a broad, elegant aromatic profile. The nose reveals notes of fresh red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by an undertone of spices and licorice. On the palate, the wine is round and fruity, with smooth tannins and a pleasant freshness. It has a medium body and a long finish that evokes delicate woody notes. Try it with Coq au Vin, pork tenderloin, or veal escalopes with mushrooms.
      
932. Louis Latour Vosne-romanee 2023 : 8Wines : GBP99.79
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 1797, Maison Louis Latour is a family-run Burgundy winery operating as a negociant-eleveur (merchant and owner). The estate, considered among the most prestigious in the region, extends across approximately 50 hectares of vineyards, over half of which are located in the grand cru appellations of the Côte d'Or. The Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from vineyards averaging 30 years old, located in the prestigious Vosne-Romanée appellation in the Côte de Nuits on clayey, ferruginous soils. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place traditionally in open vats, and the finished wine then ages for approximately one year in medium-toasted French oak barrels (20% new). Louis Latour's Vosne-Romanée is an elegant and seductive wine that expresses all the finesse of its terroir. In the glass, it reveals an intense ruby ​​color and an aromatic profile rich with notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, underbrush, violets, and spices, with hints of mocha in the background. On the palate, it is soft and full-bodied, fresh and concentrated with silky tannins and a smooth texture. The lively acidity creates a perfect balance. The finish is long and recalls notes of underbrush. It is perfect with beef stew with porcini mushrooms or venison in red fruit sauce.
      
933. Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet 2024 : 8Wines : GBP86.44
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1797, Louis Latour is a renowned family-run French winery that has been producing fine Burgundy wines for over two centuries. The estate owns approximately 50 hectares of vineyards in the most prestigious areas of the Côte d’Or (27 of which are classified as Grand Cru) and also purchases some of its grapes from trusted local growers. The winery, now run by Louis-Fabrice, the seventh generation of the family, is also a member of the prestigious Henokiens association, which brings together companies that have been continuously family-run for over 200 years. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from a vineyard approximately 30 years old, planted on chalky, clayey soils in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation, south of Puligny-Montrachet. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place traditionally in oak barrels, and the finished wine ages in medium-toasted French oak barrels (15% new) for 8 to 10 months. Louis Latour's Chassagne-Montrachet has a bright straw-yellow color with greenish highlights. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant aromatic profile with notes of stone fruit and yellow fruit, and hints of almond. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant, round and generous, with lively acidity and a long, persistent finish. Try it with seafood and goat cheeses.
      
934. Louis Latour Puligny-montrachet 2024 : 8Wines : GBP86.77
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Situated in Burgundy, with locations in Beaune and Aloxe-Corton, Maison Louis Latour boasts a long winemaking tradition. The family has been active in the sector since the 1600s, and the winery was founded in 1797. Since then, the company, which today owns approximately 50 hectares of vineyards and also purchases grapes from other local producers, has remained in the hands of the Latour family. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-picked from plots located in the Puligny-Montrachet appellation, nestled between the Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet regions and renowned for the extraordinary quality of its white wines. Here, the vines, averaging 30 years old, are rooted in calcareous soil with sediment. After harvest, the vinification takes place in oak barrels, and the finished wine ages for 8-10 months in medium-toasted oak barrels (85% used). In the glass, Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet reveals a bright, clear color with brilliant straw yellow hues. Its aromatic profile is expressive and youthful, with fragrant notes of quince and stone fruit, followed by light spicy notes on a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is elegant and balanced, with a delicious fruit concentration balanced by a fresh acidity. It has a well-defined minerality that lingers on the long finish. It pairs perfectly with sea bream, sea bass, and white meat. A must-try with veal escalopes.
      
935. Louis Latour Meursault 2024 : 8Wines : GBP78.32
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most prestigious and esteemed wineries. It has been family-run for over 200 years and is now managed by Louis Fabrice, the seventh generation of the family. The estate's vineyards span approximately 50 hectares, spread across the finest appellations of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, and the company also owns plots in Ardèche and Var. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vines averaging 25 years old, planted on marly limestone soils. After manual harvesting and fermentation in oak barrels, the finished wine ages in medium-toasted French oak barrels (15% new) for 8 to 10 months. The result is an elegant wine that perfectly expresses the extraordinary character of the Meursault terroir. In the glass, it reveals a bright, straw-yellow color and a seductive, fragrant aromatic profile with notes of white flowers and honey, as well as hints of peach and brioche. On the palate, it is fresh, taut, and lively, with a well-integrated acidity and a long, refreshing, and fruity finish. It is a versatile wine when paired with food. It pairs well with white fish, mussels, all seafood, and salmon tartare, but also with veal escalopes and roast poultry.
      
936. Champagne Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rose 2015 : 8Wines : GBP84.47
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The modern Veuve Clicquot estate is one of the largest and most impressive in Champagne, spanning 390 hectares in all. The current owners carry a legacy of about 250 years on their shoulders, dating back to the “Grande Dame of Champagne”, Madame Clicquot, who revolutionized Champagne’s quality in the early 19th century. In addition to being the pinnacle of premium wine, a bottle of modern-day Veuve Clicquot represents the benchmark in quality for the entire Champagne region. This bottle is crafted from 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, all harvested from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. It begins with a complex nose of orange peel, tropical fruit, cassis, and liquorice, with underlying hints of freshly baked bread. The Vintage collection is notable for its use of wines that have been aged in large oak casks, adding a certain steel to the sparkling wine. This rosé is broad and powerful in the mouth, exhibiting notes of mandarin, sour cherry, and lemon rind, alongside earthier hints of spice and coffee. Veuve Clicquot is the perfect choice for special occasions. Consider pairing it with caviar, salmon, or any delicate seafood dish.
      
937. Champagne Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2015 : 8Wines : GBP77.47
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. A classic expression of Veuve Cliquot’s enduring, inviting elegance. Luminescent medium to light yellow in colour with subtle golden glimmers. This vintage presents a very fine, subtle yet persistent mouse. The fruity and floral nose opens with springlike fragrances, lilac and violet, which open and extend delightfully into an invited complexities of aromas of toasted apples, dates, fresh raspberries unearthing spicy, minty undertones. This is a full-bodied sparkling wine that is both complex and charming with many well-structured, textural components. Generous, silky mouthfeel with a creamy texture of grilled pear, fresh almond, brioche and small red berries on the palate. Pure sensation on the tongue. Delectable flavours of apple, toast and citrus and a slight nuttiness melt together and give rise to this selection’s many layered, harmonious points of detail. The long, powerful finish lingers with a welcome mineral smokiness. This was a very strong year for the region, and in line with Madame Clicquot's revolutionary presentation of a Champagne from a single, exceptional vintage back in 1810, this is an exquisite offering that effortlessly exceeds the high expectations held of vintages from this paramount Champagne house, blending together its Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir varietals to perfection, with the Pinot Noir playing a more obvious role than in some previous vintages for a tense expression of sophistication. An iconic choice for any occasion worth remembering. Equally ideal for a luxe wedding reception or early evening aperitifs with friends. Serve on its own or with meat, seafood, sea bass or possibly lobster-stuffed ravioli. Best served chilled.
      
938. Champagne Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 2018 : 8Wines : GBP174.12
Cellar for up to 25 years. No need to decant before serving. Centuries later, Veuve Clicquot carry on the legacy of the “Grande Dame of Champagne”, Madame Clicquot, through their unmistakable sparkling wines. The Clicquot name has been producing and shipping Champagne internationally since 1772 when Philippe Clicquot made his first shipment to Venice. The contemporary estate of Veuve Clicquot own one of the finest vineyards in Champagne, 390 hectares in all, largely found on sloping hills that provide maximum sunlight. Champagne is not Champagne unless it is grown here. The region's natural characteristics, chalky soils, and cool temperatures all contribute to the wine’s iconic luxurious taste. La Grande Dame Brut is bursting with floral and vanilla notes, honeysuckle and vine flowers emerge on the nose, followed by the fruitiness of ripe pear and peach. This Champagne is composed of 10% Chardonnay and 90% Pinot Noir, a famously delicate grape that brings something different every year. It is more complex in the mouth, apricot and apple are driven along by a deep, crisp minerality. The silky and smooth mouthfeel is followed by a finish that is long, mouth-puckering, and deeply satisfying. Well paired with foods as decadent as the wine, consider steaks and roasted or cured meats.
      
939. Vincent Girardin Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2022 : 8Wines : GBP86.77
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. Vincent Girardin set up shop in 1980, with a modest 2 hectares of vineyards in Côte de Beaune, inherited from his family. That has grown into a patchwork collection of the region’s Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, which are used to create a gorgeous range of classic Burgundy wines. Meursault is one of the most consistently great appellations in the Côte de Beaune, regarded just as highly as its southerly neighbour, Puligny-Montrachet. With their roots in limestone-rich soil, the vines here produce a distinguished, mineral-edged taste of Burgundy. This wine is made from 50-year-old Chardonnay vines and is a truly stunning example. The nose is dominated by notes of minerality, fresh vegetation, citrus fruits and toasted nuts. It spent 15 months ageing in French oak barrels, imparting an undeniably round and buttery mouthfeel. If given some time to age, this Meursault wine will become even smoother, and oaky notes will develop further. In a mouthful, you will discover a delightful nutty side, along with notes of lime and citrus blossom, lemon verbena and buttery toast. It shows a significant acidic backbone, and can easily be aged for 10 years. Consider pairing it with chicken in a creamy sauce, blue cheese, or seafood.
      
940. Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Cuvee Saint-vincent Rouge 2022 : 8Wines : GBP28.72
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decanting optional, up to 30 minutes before serving. Although he hails from a famous winemaking family, Vincent Girardin set off on his own in the early 1980s, blazing his own trail with 2 hectares of inherited vineyards in the Côte de Beaune. That initial plot has grown exponentially over the decades, turning into a patchwork quilt of land that covers some of the most significant vineyards in Burgundy. This cuvée comes from some of the best plots in Vincent’s metaphorical backyard of the Côte de Beaune, largely growing on clayish-limestone soils. The Cuvée Saint-Vincent begins with a refined nose of red hedgerow berries. Look for scents of wild strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant - though it is a rich scent of sour cherry that comes to the fore, reflecting the deep Maraschino colour of the wine. The Pinot Noir fruits were picked by hand from 45-year-old vines, before ageing for 10 months in 10% new French oak barrels. It is a brilliant balance of power and softness on the palate, with supple tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of dark cherry envelope the mouth, with background hints of garrigue, minerality, and forest floor. It is an excellent Burgundy, suitable for pairing with beef bourguignon, roast turkey, and cranberry sauce.
      
941. Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Cuvee Saint-vincent Blanc 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant it. The Domaine Vincent Girardin is located in Meursault, in the Côte de Beaune, in Burgundy. It was founded in 1980, when Vincent Girardin, who came from a family of Santenay winemakers, began to produce wine independently from two hectares of vineyards inherited from his parents. Soon, the quality of his wines was recognized worldwide and allowed him to expand his business by focusing mainly on the great whites and reds of the Côte de Beaune (Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, Chassagne Montrachet, Saint Aubin, Santenay, Savigny Les Beaune, Aloxe Corton, Volnay and Pommard). In 2012 Vincent Girardin sold his business to Mr. Nié, Président de la Compagnie des Vins d'Autrefois in Beaune. The Cuvee Saint Vincent Blanc comes from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The 35-year-old vines, located in the Côte de Beaune regional appellation area, grow on clayey limestone soils. The grapes are pressed, then decanted and the must is placed in 500-liter French oak barrels in which fermentation takes place. Refinement lasts 10 months on the lees. One month before bottling, the wine is placed in stainless steel vats for blending. The wine shows intense aromas of white fruit, peach, jasmine, and some hints of citrus. In the mouth it is lean and sharp, fresh, and delicately mineral. It is ready now, but can stay a bit longer in the cellar. Have it with white fish served with a white sauce, or with poultry.
      
942. Vincent Girardin Puligny-montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2023 : 8Wines : GBP94.75
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1982 by Vincent Girardin, part of an 11th-generation family of winemakers, the homonymous Burgundy estate extends over 20 hectares of vineyards. Since 2012, the domain has been owned by Compagnie de Vins d'Autrefois and is now managed by Eric Germain. The Chardonnay grapes are selected and harvested from vineyards located in the terroirs of Les Tremblots, Rue au Vaches, Houillères, Paupillots, and Nosroyes in the municipality of Puligny-Montrachet. The vines, approximately 40 years old, are rooted in brown limestone soils with layers of clay-limestone marl of varying depths. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in 228-liter French oak barrels (15% new oak). The finished wine then ages on the lees for approximately 14 months before being blended and bottled according to the lunar calendar. In the glass, Vincent Girardin Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes reveals a broad and complex aromatic profile with fruity notes of green apple and ripe grapes, hints of fern, hawthorn, and lemongrass, followed by nuances of marzipan, honey, and hazelnut. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, with a distinct minerality that lingers on the refreshing finish. Try it with lobster or foie gras.
      
943. Domaine Vincent Pinard Sancerre Chene Marchand 2020 : 8Wines : GBP50.05
Cellar for up to 12 years. Serve chilled. Vincent Pinard’s family have been making wine in Sancerre for 20 generations, so it was little surprise he would want to found his own domaine in 1995. The estate is set in the heart of the Sancerre region in the town of Bué and is now run by his sons, Florent and Clément, who continue the family tradition of natural-style winemaking with very limited intervention in the winery. At Domaine Vincent Pinard the quality of the wines begins in the vineyard where the family insist on farming their vines organically and harvesting the fruit by hand. In total they have 17 hectares of vines and produce several single vineyard wines which show off the brilliance of the local terroir. This superb Sancerre Chene Marchand is crafted from a selection of the best plots in Bué set on south-facing slopes which enjoy maximum exposure to sunlight. The soils here heat up quickly during the ripening season, helping to produce a generous style of Sancerre with plenty of luscious stone fruit flavours and a well-rounded texture carefully balanced by a bright streak of acidity. A complex and ageworthy wine that can be cellared for another decade or enjoyed now with chicken or fish dishes served in a creamy sauce, full-flavoured salads, or a generous platter of cheeses.
      
944. Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 2023 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Vincent Paris is a talented French winemaker from the Rhône Valley who manages 10 hectares of vineyards, including six in the Cornas appellation and two in the Saint Joseph appellation. From his vineyards, Vincent produces wines of great purity, with fruity aromas, which are accessible from a young age, but can also age beautifully for many years. The Syrah grapes for this Cornas come from 3 hectares of young vines with an average age of 15 years, located on granite slopes with a 30% inclination. After harvesting, the grapes undergo cold maceration for a week. Fermentation takes place without the addition of yeasts at a controlled temperature. The wine is aged for 3 months in vats and then a year in oak barrels aged between 2 and 8 years. The result is a wine with an accessible character from its earliest years but with excellent aging potential. The Cornas Granit 30 by Vincent Paris shows a very intense red color. The aromatic profile is fresh and intoxicating with aromas of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, the wine is round with silky tannins and a long, spicy finish. It is the perfect wine for risotto with mushrooms and grilled red meat.
      
945. Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 2023 : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Vincent Paris is one of the best-known and most appreciated in the Rhône Valley for the production of Cornas. Located on the Chemin des Peyrouses, at the end of the village of Cornas, the estate extends over 10 hectares of vineyards where the vines are grown in the most natural way possible, without insecticides or chemical fertilizers, in total respect of the terroir. The Cornas Granit 60 by Vincent Paris takes its name from the 60-degree inclination of the plots from which the Syrah grapes come. In these vineyards, the soils are granite and stony and the vines have an average age of about sixty years. The harvest is manual and, after fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests for 3 months in vats and is then aged for a year in used oak barrels, with the aim of preserving the flavors of this unique terroir. This powerful and elegant wine has an aromatic profile full of black fruits, spices, and licorice with pleasant subtle notes of violet. On the palate it is round and of great personality with firm tannins and a persistent finish that recalls spicy and peppery notes. It is perfect to drink now but can also age beautifully for a few decades. It goes perfectly with a lamb tagine with prunes or a tournedos Rossini.
      
946. Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale 2023 : 8Wines : GBP43.38
Cellar for up to 30 years. It is recommended to decant it for at least an hour. Located in Cornas, Ardèche, Vincent Paris started his business and founded his Domaine in the late 1990s, with a few hectares of vineyards inherited from the family estate. Since then, Vincent Paris has acquired more land and become one of the most sought-after producers of Cornas. Today, his vineyards extend over about 10 hectares cultivated in total respect for the soil and the environment without the use of chemicals. The Syrah grapes for the Cornas La Geynale de Vincent Paris come from the locality of the same name near Reynard. Here the vines are spread over steep hills facing south where the terroir, of exceptional quality, is made up of decomposing granite and gneiss. The vines with an average age of 80 years guarantee the production of incredibly concentrated and complex wines that age in used oak barrels (ranging in age from 1 to 8 years) for one year. This wine reveals an aromatic profile of great purity with spicy notes, a great richness of black fruit, and some fresh violet notes. On the palate, the wine is rich and powerful, complex and well balanced by a pleasant mineral note. The tannins are firm but perfectly integrated, and the finish is long and fresh. Try it with lamb or hare.
      
947. Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 2024 : 8Wines : GBP26.12
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Vincent Paris is a talented French winemaker from the Rhône Valley who manages 10 hectares of vineyards, including six in the Cornas appellation and two in the Saint Joseph appellation. From his vineyards, Vincent produces wines of great purity, with fruity aromas, which are accessible from a young age, but can also age beautifully for many years. The Syrah grapes for this Cornas come from 3 hectares of young vines with an average age of 15 years, located on granite slopes with a 30% inclination. After harvesting, the grapes undergo cold maceration for a week. Fermentation takes place without the addition of yeasts at a controlled temperature. The wine is aged for 3 months in vats and then a year in oak barrels aged between 2 and 8 years. The result is a wine with an accessible character from its earliest years but with excellent aging potential. The Cornas Granit 30 by Vincent Paris shows a very intense red color. The aromatic profile is fresh and intoxicating with aromas of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, the wine is round with silky tannins and a long, spicy finish. It is the perfect wine for risotto with mushrooms and grilled red meat.
      
948. Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 2024 : 8Wines : GBP34.82
Drink it now or cellar for up to 25 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Vincent Paris is one of the best-known and most appreciated in the Rhône Valley for the production of Cornas. Located on the Chemin des Peyrouses, at the end of the village of Cornas, the estate extends over 10 hectares of vineyards where the vines are grown in the most natural way possible, without insecticides or chemical fertilizers, in total respect of the terroir. The Cornas Granit 60 by Vincent Paris takes its name from the 60-degree inclination of the plots from which the Syrah grapes come. In these vineyards, the soils are granite and stony and the vines have an average age of about sixty years. The harvest is manual and, after fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine rests for 3 months in vats and is then aged for a year in used oak barrels, with the aim of preserving the flavors of this unique terroir. This powerful and elegant wine has an aromatic profile full of black fruits, spices, and licorice with pleasant subtle notes of violet. On the palate it is round and of great personality with firm tannins and a persistent finish that recalls spicy and peppery notes. It is perfect to drink now but can also age beautifully for a few decades. It goes perfectly with a lamb tagine with prunes or a tournedos Rossini.
      
949. Vincent Paris Selection Crozes-hermitage 2024 : 8Wines : GBP17.40
Vincent Paris Selection Crozes-Hermitage 2024
      
950. Vincent Paris Granit Blanc 2025 : 8Wines : GBP16.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant. Located in the village of Cornas, in the Rhône Valley, the Domaine Vincent Paris was founded in the 90s from a few hectares of vines. Over the years, the estate has been expanded and today covers 10 hectares which include high-quality parcels in both the Saint-Joseph and Cornas appellations. The vines are grown in a sustainable way, without insecticides or chemical fertilizers, and limiting treatments to the bare minimum. The winery produces wines of excellent quality and widely appreciated by critics. The Granit Blanc by Vincent Paris is produced from a blend of Viognier and Roussanne from vineyards that are about twenty years old, located in the northern area of the Cornas appellation, where the cool climatic conditions guarantee optimal maturation for white grapes without any alcohol excess. The terrain is typical of the Cornas appellation, with very disintegrated, almost sandy granite. Production is limited to around 4,000 bottles a year. The wine has an aromatic character with scents of stone fruit and exotic fruit and delicate notes of white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant, with a pleasant creamy texture. It is a well-balanced and juicy wine that makes a great aperitif but also pairs deliciously with fish carpaccio, poultry or creamy cow cheeses such as Saint Marcellin.
      
951. Albert Grivault Meursault Premier Cru Perrieres 2022 : 8Wines : GBP156.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Meursault, Domaine Albert Grivault is one of Burgundy's historic estates. Founded in 1897, the winery has been passed down from father to son for four generations, overcoming crises and wars and maintaining an essential bond with the land, respect for the terroir, and a deep love of wine. The Chardonnay grapes come from a plot of less than one hectare, located in the middle of the prestigious Premier Cru Les Perrieres. Here, the vines, over fifty years old, are rooted in marly clay soil with many pebbles (hence the name of the Cru, since in French, “perrier” means gravel path). In the glass, the wine displays a straw yellow color with bright highlights. On the nose, it reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with notes of white flowers, apricot, peach, candied citrus, and tropical fruit on a mineral undertone. On the palate, it is soft and creamy, rich, and balanced. It has lively acidity and a pronounced minerality that lingers into the long finish. It is an extremely elegant wine, capable of aging beautifully. Leave it in the cellar for a few years, or if you can't resist, serve it with shellfish in sauce or truffle risotto.
      
952. Champagne Vik La Piu Belle Millesime 2009 : 8Wines : GBP168.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. Serve it chilled. Founded in 2004 by Norwegian entrepreneurs Carrie and Alex Vik, Viña Vik is a Chilean winery located in the Cachapoal Valley. After gaining international attention for its extraordinary wines, the company decided to expand its portfolio and in 2022, it announced the release of VIK La Piu Belle Champagne, made from the finest grapes sourced in the Champagne DO area of Ay. The wine is part of the La Piu Belle line, a range created as a tribute to the art of winemaking. The unique label, created by artist Elena Trailina, depicts a woman with intricate gold details. Obtained from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, sourced from the best Crus in the Côte de Blancs, vinified with the traditional Champenoise method, and blended in France, VIK La Piu Belle is a rare and sophisticated dry cuvée, aged for 12 years in the traditional Champagne cellars, dug out of the chalk. The Chardonnay grapes, harvested earlier, add to the blend a fresh minerality while the Pinot Noir grapes, characterized by a high aromatic concentration, produce a rich and complex wine showing perfect maturity. Its color is bright gold. On the nose, it reveals a complex and persistent bouquet made of citrus, quince, Mirabelle, plum, and hazelnut aromas with a light mineral finish. On the palate, it is lively, fresh, expressive, and full of character, with an elegant perlage and well-balanced acidity. The finish reveals the characteristic minerality of its terroir. It pairs deliciously with rich fish like salmon or tuna, or with shellfish, but it also makes a perfect aperitif on its own.
      
953. Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf Du Pape Blanc 2024 : 8Wines : GBP41.39
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1979, with the marriage of Lucien and Marie-José Michel, Le Vieux Donjon has over 15 hectares of vineyards spread between the plateau overlooking the town of Chateauneuf du Pape and the sandy soils to the south. The vines, cultivated according to the principles of sustainable agriculture, are quite old, up to 80 years old. In addition to the excellent reds, the estate also produces small quantities of white wines. The wine is a blend of local Roussanne and Clairette grapes from old vineyards, planted on Saxon soils. The low yields give grapes of great quality and concentration. After vinification in steel at a controlled temperature, the wine rests in steel to preserve its natural freshness and aroma. Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc by Le Vieux Donjon has a bright color with golden reflections and a lively and broad aromatic profile with citrus and floral notes, and spicy and mineral hints. On the palate, it is juicy and fresh, with a medium body and a pleasant acidic vein. The long finish recalls floral notes. It is the ideal wine for scallops and white fish but also goes well with poultry.
      
954. Xavier Vignon Arcane Les Amoureux 2016 : 8Wines : GBP23.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Originally from Picardy, Xavier Vignon is a renowned French winemaker who, after graduating in oenology in Montpellier, and working as a consultant around the world, decided to focus his energies on the production of his wines, choosing the Rhone Valley as his home. Arcane Les Amoureux is a blend composed mainly of Grenache (from centuries-old vines) with additions of 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Caladoc from the 5 cru vineyards. After the harvest and a long maceration, the finished wine rests for 15 months in a mixture of new barrels, small concrete tanks, and vats before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright and intense color, with dark red tones and an expressive and broad aromatic profile with notes of dark cherry and blackberry, thyme, garrigue, and spices. On the palate, it is soft and concentrated with soft tannins and a vein of acidity that balances the taste. The finish is long, persistent, and warm. It is excellent with roast lamb with herbs, roast duck, or beef ribs.
      
955. Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Anonyme 2021 : 8Wines : GBP48.70
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Considered one of the most iconic producers of the Southern Rhône Valley, Xavier Vignon has been making his own wines since the early 2000s, after studying in Montpellier, gaining experience in France and Australia, and founding his own oenological laboratory in Vaucluse. The partially ‘anonymous’ blend of this elegant Chateauneuf du Pape is composed primarily of Grenache, with additions of Mourvèdre and Syrah along with a multitude of other varietals that include Vaccarèse, Counoise, Cinsault, Terret Noir, and Muscardin and come from all types of terroirs typical of the appellation. After manual harvesting, the vinification takes place at low temperatures, and the finished wine rests in equal parts in a mix of concrete vats, truncated conical vats, and old demi-muids for a year and a half. In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby ​​color and a broad bouquet of red and dark fruits (raspberry, currant, and plum), with aromas of cedar, spices, pepper, and violets and hints of chocolate in the background. On the palate, it is full-bodied, round, and well-structured with a full to medium body and a lively freshness. It has fine and well-integrated tannins and a long and concentrated finish with fruity notes and mineral hints. It is the ideal wine for roast pigeon, quail with mushrooms, or mallard.
      
956. Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf Du Pape 2022 : 8Wines : GBP27.86
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Considered one of the most modern and inspiring winemakers in the Rhone Valley, Xavier Vignon only began producing his own wines in 2002. Today, his estate extends over some 35 hectares of vineyards from which he produces excellent wines based on local grape varieties that best express the region's terroirs. Xavier Vignon's Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of mostly Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Clairette. The grapes are carefully selected from 40 plots characterized by different types of soils, including limestone, red sandstone, or even rolled pebbles (locally called galets roulés) and brown soils. Vinification takes place separately for each variety in a mix of stainless steel, concrete tanks, and truncated conical tanks. The wines are then aged for over a year in a mix of steel, terracotta, and wood. The wine has a clear and bright color with pale red tones. On the nose, it reveals a wide bouquet with aromas of black cherry, small red fruits, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is soft, rich, concentrated, and well-structured with fine and velvety tannins and a pleasant refreshing acidity. The finish is long and recalls pleasant fruity notes. It is an elegant and balanced wine that can stay in the cellar for a few years or enjoyed immediately with game birds or lamb.
      
957. Domaine Yves Girardin Chateau De La Charriere Chassagne-montrachet Les Champs De Morjot 2023 : 8Wines : GBP60.06
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. “The Fields of Morjot” is an elegant white Burgundy, made from 100% Chardonnay. It opens up with scents of white-fleshed orchard fruits, citrus, white flowers, and chalky minerality. It comes from an excellent location in the region of Chassagne-Montrachet, capable of competing with some of the finest Premier Crus in terms of quality. Château de la Charrière is owned by Yves Girardin, a member of the esteemed winemaking family with a history dating back 13 generations. The family acquired the Château in the 1960s, and Yves took over in 2003, and set about building a new cellar, while also purchasing vineyards in Pommard and Chassagne-Montrachet, expanding his holdings to 21.5 hectares in all. This Chardonnay is concentrated and powerful in the mouth, with an excellent acidic structure and hints of oak. It balances flavours of chalky minerality with zesty white fruits, toasted nuts, and a long saline finish. It is remarkably full-bodied, perfect for those who love top-class buttery Chardonnays. Before bottling, it spent up to 12 months ageing in French oak barrels. Consider pairing it with roast chicken, sharp cheese, or white fish.
      
958. Domaine Yves Girardin Chateau De La Charriere Chassagne-montrachet Les Champs De Morjot 2024 : 8Wines : GBP60.06
Enjoy it now, or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. “The Fields of Morjot” is an elegant white Burgundy, made from 100% Chardonnay. It opens up with scents of white-fleshed orchard fruits, citrus, white flowers, and chalky minerality. It comes from an excellent location in the region of Chassagne-Montrachet, capable of competing with some of the finest Premier Crus in terms of quality. Château de la Charrière is owned by Yves Girardin, a member of the esteemed winemaking family with a history dating back 13 generations. The family acquired the Château in the 1960s, and Yves took over in 2003, and set about building a new cellar, while also purchasing vineyards in Pommard and Chassagne-Montrachet, expanding his holdings to 21.5 hectares in all. This Chardonnay is concentrated and powerful in the mouth, with an excellent acidic structure and hints of oak. It balances flavours of chalky minerality with zesty white fruits, toasted nuts, and a long saline finish. It is remarkably full-bodied, perfect for those who love top-class buttery Chardonnays. Before bottling, it spent up to 12 months ageing in French oak barrels. Consider pairing it with roast chicken, sharp cheese, or white fish.
      
959. Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-vent Les Michelons 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. After extensive experience at various wineries around the world, Yohan Lardy decided to return to France in 2012 and acquire a small, old vineyard of about 2 hectares to produce his own wines, also leasing other vineyards from local winemakers. His winery now comprises about 7 hectares spread across the Beaujolais wine region between Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, and Chénas. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, the approach is sustainable and fully respectful of nature and the terroir, free of pesticides and chemical inputs and with minimal use of sulfites, only during the bottling process. The Gamay grapes come from a plot located in the commune of Michelons, one of the most renowned in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. Here, the vines, perched on a hillside at about 300 meters above sea level and planted between 1911 and 1950, enjoy southern exposure. After manual harvesting and whole-cluster vinification with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine rests in oak barrels. In the glass, Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons reveals the distinctive character of the appellation's wines with a lively and fruity aromatic profile featuring notes of strawberry, cherry, and blackcurrant, followed by delicate floral hints. On the palate, it is ample, juicy, and taut, with soft, well-integrated tannins and a pleasant minerality that lingers on the finish. It pairs excellently with all game birds.
      
960. Yohan Lardy Fleurie Le Vivier 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Coming from a family of winemakers, Yohan Lardy began his career as a winemaker abroad before returning to France and producing his first vintage in 2012. The domaine is located in Romanèche Thorins in the Beaujolais wine region and today extends over approximately 7 hectares of vineyards, including a prestigious 2-hectare plot of old vines on the hills of the Cru Moulin à Vent. Yohan Lardy's Fleurie Le Vivier is a youthful and easy-drinking wine made with Gamay grapes from vineyards located in the appellation at approximately 200 meters above sea level on soils of decomposed granite and light sand. After manual harvesting, semi-carbonic fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel and cement vats with indigenous yeasts. In the glass, the wine reveals an ethereal and approachable character with a light ruby ​​color and a fruity and broad aromatic profile. On the nose, it releases notes of blackcurrant and strawberry, followed by floral aromas of violet and peony against a delicately spicy background. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant, silky and lean with soft tannins and a smooth texture. It has a pleasant, refreshing acidity and a long finish that recalls saline notes. Try it with a mixed charcuterie board, ratatouille, or Coq au Vin.
      
961. Yohan Lardy Beaujolais Blanc Les Bruyeres 2024 : 8Wines : GBP18.97
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Domaine Yohan Lardy is an emerging winery located in Beaujolais that has quickly gained popularity and recognition for its production of elegant, natural wines offering excellent value. The estate covers approximately 7 hectares of vineyards, 2 of which are located in the prestigious Les Michelots parcel in the Moulin-a-Vent appellation. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced and selected from the organically farmed Les Bruyères vineyard, located approximately 150 meters above sea level on a plateau near the entrance to the village of Fleurie. Here, the vines enjoy a sunny position and a clay-loam soil that favors the full expression of the Chardonnay's aromas. After manual harvesting, the vinification takes place naturally and spontaneously, and the finished wine then ages on the lees for four months. In the glass, Beaujolais Blanc Les Bruyeres reveals a brilliant golden yellow color and a fragrant aromatic profile with notes of citrus, apple, and melon, followed by lightly toasted and buttery aromas, and hints of nutty fruit. On the palate, it is smooth, harmonious, and elegant, with good minerality and a balanced, refreshing acidity. The finish is medium-long and recalls delicate honeyed notes. Try it with grilled chicken or white fish.
      
962. Domaine Charly Nicolle Chablis Per Aspera 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.08
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the small village of Fleys, Domaine Charly Nicolle is a family-run winery with approximately 26 hectares of vineyards in the Chablis wine region. Chablis Per Aspera is made with Chardonnay grapes selected from the estate's historic vineyards on the right bank of the Serein River in the villages of Chablis, Fleys, Béru, and Chichée. The vines, averaging 35 years old, are rooted in the typical region's clay-limestone soils, with a Kimmeridgian base. After harvesting and spontaneous fermentation at a controlled temperature, the wine remains on the lees in a mix of stainless steel and oak for approximately one year before bottling. Its name is inspired by the Latin motto "per aspera ad astra," which translates as "through the roughness to the stars," and is intended as a tribute to the power of nature and the work of man. In the glass, the wine reveals a beautiful, intense straw yellow color with golden highlights and a broad, elegant aromatic profile with notes of white fruit and wild flowers on a mineral, iodine-rich background. On the palate, it is complex, juicy, harmonious, and rounded, with a smooth texture and a refreshing, well-balanced acidity. The finish is long with a distinctive minerality. It is the perfect wine to pair with oysters and sushi.
      
963. Domaine Charly Nicolle Chablis Premier Cru Les Fourneaux 2023 : 8Wines : GBP32.69
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in the early 2000s, Domaine Charly Nicolle is located in the Chablis wine region, France. Charly comes from a long-established family of winemakers, and today he manages the estate, which extends across approximately 26 hectares of Chardonnay vineyards, together with his wife, Lucie Thieblemont. The Chardonnay grapes come from a 6-hectare vineyard located in the 1er Cru Les Forneaux, in the municipality of Fleys. Here, the vines, between 50 and 60 years old, are rooted in clay and limestone soils on the Kimmeridgian base typical of the Chablis wine region, which impart great minerality and purity to the wines. After harvesting and fermenting at a controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine ages on the lees in steel tanks and barrels (only 15% of it) for a year. The result is a full-bodied and well-balanced wine with a bright straw-yellow color and a fragrant aromatic profile revealing notes of citrus, apple, and pear, followed by floral hints, with a touch of almond and honey. On the palate, it is soft and rich, fresh and lively, with a balanced character and good versatility in food pairings. It goes well with veal, roast poultry, and foie gras escalope.
      
964. Domaine Charly Nicolle Chablis Premier Cru Mont De Milieu 2023 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Domaine Charly Nicolle is located in the Chablis wine region of French Burgundy. Charly comes from a sixth-generation family of winemakers and wine merchants. After studying in Beaune, he established his own business with the support of his wife and family, producing excellent Chardonnay-based wines from the estate's 26 hectares of vineyards. The Chardonnay grapes come from a one-hectare vineyard in the Premier Cru Mont de Milieu, located in the municipality of Fleys. Here, the vines, between 50 and 60 years old, are rooted in Kimmeridgian marl soils. After harvesting and fermenting at a controlled temperature with indigenous yeasts, the finished wine ages for just over a year in a mix of steel tanks and oak barrels (approximately 20%). In the glass, the wine reveals a bright pale gold color. Its aromatic profile is delicate and fresh, with fragrant notes of citrus and acacia blossoms on a mineral and iodine background. On the palate, it is juicy and concentrated, crisp and rich, with a smooth texture and a well-defined minerality. It is refreshing with a citrus finish and toasted, saline notes. Try it with guinea fowl breast stuffed with mushrooms or with Comté cheese.
      
965. Domaine Charly Nicolle Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Nature : 8Wines : GBP18.95
Drink it now or cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant. Domaine Charly Nicolle continues the long tradition and winemaking experience of the Nicolle family. Founded by Paul Nicolle in the 1950s, it was acquired by his grandson Charly, who gave it his name in the early 2000s. Today, the estate, situated in the small village of Fleys, encompasses approximately 26 hectares of vineyards and produces exceptional Chablis wines. Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Nature is a sparkling Blanc de Noirs wine made from Pinot Noir grapes with no added sugar. The grapes come from a small vineyard in Molosmes, on the border with the Champagne region, on stony, calcareous soils. After harvesting and gentle pressing, fermentation takes place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, and the wine rests on the lees for two years before disgorgement. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear, intense yellow color, shimmering with a very fine perlage. Its aromatic profile opens with fragrant notes of peony and red berries, followed by hints of stone fruit and custard. On the palate, it is round, creamy, and structured, with a lively character and a long, clean finish. It's a great choice for brunch and works very well with deep-fried appetizers and shrimp tempura.
      
966. Screaming Devil Cotes De Provence Rose 2024 : 8Wines : GBP13.75
Drink it now. No need to decant. Screaming Devil is a rosé wine from the prestigious French appellation of Cotes de Provence. In this picturesque region, the vines enjoy a Mediterranean climate with long sunny days tempered by the sea breezes, and are rooted in mineral-rich soils that provide the wine with a mineral character. After harvest, the grapes are quickly pressed to preserve their freshness and their bouquet, and fermentation takes place in stainless steel. The result is a fresh, joyful, and youthful wine that fully embodies the quintessential Provence, with an expressive and aromatic character. In the glass, the wine reveals a crystalline color with pale salmon tones. On the nose, it opens with lively fruity aromas of ripe strawberries, white peaches, and currants, followed by floral notes of rose and lavender on a background of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, dry and crisp, harmonious and fruity. It has a light body, an intense and balanced acidity and a long finish that recalls mineral notes. It's the ideal wine for a summer picnic, as an aperitif, or paired with seafood salads, grilled vegetables, Pizza Marinara, pasta salads, or Nasi Goreng. Serve it chilled and enjoy its exceptional value for money!
      
967. Domaine Zind-humbrecht Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst 2021 : 8Wines : GBP55.64
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in the late 1950s by the union of the Alsatian estates Humbrecht and Zind, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most prestigious wineries in the region and produces a range of excellent quality wines from its extraordinary vineyards (which include some of the most renowned Crus of Alsace). The Gewurztraminer grapes come from two old plots located in the south/southeast of the Grand Cru Hengst, planted between the 1920s and the early 1950s, as a result of a massal selection. It is an old variety with a spicier and less fragrant character and with a thicker skin. The vineyard enjoys particularly favorable soil and climate conditions for the production of quality wines with a red Oligocene limestone soil, rich in iron and a dry and warm climate that favors a slow and complete maturation. The resulting wines have an austere and complex style with a tannic backbone that guarantees excellent aging potential. Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst is an elegant wine with a sober but complex aromatic profile with spicy, mineral, and exotic fruit notes. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, harmonious and ripe with a lively and refreshing acidity that extends into the long finish. It is excellent with blue cheeses and Asian fish recipes.
      
968. Domaine Zind-humbrecht Riesling Roche Calcaire 2022 : 8Wines : GBP25.60
Cellar for up to 20 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Members of the Humbrecht family have harvested grapes from the steep hills of Alsace for centuries. In 1959, their livelihood took a revolutionary turn, with the marriage of Léonard Humbrecht and Geneviève Zind. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht began to bottle and sell wines under their name for the first time, and have since become one of the most revered names in Alsace. Nowadays the winery is under the leadership of Olivier Humbrecht, who is gradually guiding the winery into an era of organic farming. His family know the terroir of Alsace better than anybody, and the grapes that suit it best. They craft an incredible range of wines from Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and of course, the delicious Riesling grape. “Roche Calcaire” is sourced from several vineyards in the village of Gueberschwihr, which were planted by Léonard Humbrecht in the 1960s and 70s. The wine is pale gold, with a shy nose of tangerine, lemon peel and lime, slowly building into a full bouquet. Zesty lemon is a prominent flavour on the palate too. With its strong yet precise activity, this wine has a juiciness in the mouth that is supported by hints of flinty minerality. It will be fantastic paired with seafood, particularly sushi, or soft cheese such as Camembert.
      
969. Domaine Zind-humbrecht Riesling Grand Cru Brand 2023 : 8Wines : GBP69.66
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most prestigious wineries in Alsace, France. It was created in 1959 by the union of the two estates Humbrecht in Gueberschwihr and Zind in Wintzenheim, following the marriage of Geneviève Zind and Leonard Humbrecht. Over the years, the vineyards have expanded with the acquisition of some of the best Alsatian Crus such as Rangen or Brand. The Riesling grapes come from the renowned Grand Cru Brand hill, a site long known as one of the best terroirs in Alsace. Here the vines enjoy sunny conditions, with a southern exposure, on a steep slope at the exit of the valley. The soil composed of biotite granite is able to absorb solar energy during the day, releasing it at night and ensuring the production of mature, balanced and exuberant wines, with a mineral character and excellent aging potential. Riesling Grand Cru Brand is a vibrant wine that reveals a bright color with pale gold tones. Its aromatic profile is complex with notes of ripe citrus and medicinal plants supported by mineral touches in the background. On the palate, it is dry and crisp, dynamic and lively. It has a brisk acidity and a lean structure. The finish is long and recalls mineral and citrus notes. Keep it in the cellar for a few years or serve it now with oysters or a pork tenderloin.
      
970. Domaine Zind-humbrecht Riesling Clos Hauserer 2023 : 8Wines : GBP51.65
Drink it now or cellar for up to 30 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1959, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a prestigious Alsatian winery, created by the union of the estates of the two families Zind and Humbrecht. Today, the estate, which extends over 40 hectares of organically and biodynamically cultivated vineyards, is managed by Oliver and his son Pierre-Emile, the second and third generations of the Humbrecht family since the founding of the Domaine. The Riesling grapes come from the Clos Häuserer vineyard planted in 1973 by Leonard Humbrecht, in the municipality of Wintzenheim at the foot of the Grand Hengst. Its name comes from the rural road that runs alongside it and translates as 'the path that leads to the houses', probably an old reference to the presence of ancient Roman settlements. Here, the vines enjoy an eastern exposure and are rooted in deep Oligocene marl-limestone soils. After the harvest, fermentation takes place slowly in foudres, and the finished wine rests on the lees until bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a bright and lively color with straw yellow tones. Its aromatic profile is delicate and fresh with citrus notes and mineral hints. On the palate, it is tense and characterful, dry and crisp. It has a marked, invigorating acidity and a clear mineral vein. It is thirst-quenching with a long finish that recalls salty touches. Try it with oysters or shrimp curry.
      
971. Badagoni Saperavi 2018 : 8Wines : GBP29.52
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Kakheti wine region, Badagoni is a renowned Georgian winery, founded in 2006, which, in its approximately 20 years of operation, has quickly gained popularity among critics and the public for its excellent wines. The company owns approximately 400 hectares of vineyards, distributed in all micro-zones of the region, and focuses its production on indigenous grape varieties using modern technologies, without forgetting the ancient winemaking traditions that make Georgia such a unique wine country. Produced with the best Saperavi grapes, selected and harvested in the Badagoni vineyards located in the Kahk area, this wine is a clear expression of winemaker Donato Lanati’s passion for this native Georgian vine. Badagoni Saperavi is an elegant wine with a clear and brilliant color, characterized by dark ruby ​​tones. Its aromatic profile is broad and intense with fruity notes of cherry, typical of this variety, and delicate hints of blackberry, herbs, and dried fruit. On the palate, it is round, soft, and generous, without ever becoming opulent. It is a balanced wine with a silky texture. It has a medium body and smooth tannins. The finish is long and persistent. It is excellent with lamb or pork chops, or with beef kebab.
      
972. Badagoni Alaverdi Tradition Red 2020 : 8Wines : GBP30.07
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Founded in 2006, the Georgian Badagoni winery produces award-winning, premium wines using indigenous grape varieties, grown in the company's 400 hectares of vineyards, traditional methods, and cutting-edge technology. The winemaking and aging operations take place in the historic cellar, located in the ancient Alaverdi Monastery and restored in 2005, under the watchful eye of the famous winemaker Donato Lanati. Alaverdi Tradition Red is a powerful red wine made from pure Saperavi grapes, selected and hand-picked from the estate's vineyards located near the Alaverdi Monastery. After vinification, the wine rests in oak barrels for over 12 months. In the glass, the wine reveals a clear cherry-red color with dark tones. On the nose, it shows a broad and complex aromatic profile with notes of cherry and ripe red fruits, hints of olives, spices, and tobacco, and a light smoky touch in the background. On the palate, it is generous and round, full-bodied and bold. It has a well-balanced acidity, smooth tannins, and a long lingering finish. It is a characterful wine that calls for meat: try it with roast lamb or duck breast in port sauce.
      
973. Bedoba Orange 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.58
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Georgia's renowned wine region of Kakheti, Bedoba is a winery with a long history. It was founded in 1700 by the Konchosvilli family, and the ancient cellars date back to that era. The company's name translates to "Day of Fortune," while the image on the label depicts Saint Nina, the woman who introduced Christianity to Georgia. Bedoba Orange is a Georgian orange wine made from the indigenous Rkatsiteli and Kisi grapes. Vinification occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in a mix of qvevri amphorae and stainless steel, and the finished wine then ages on the skins for six months. The result is a wine with a strong character, a unique expression of Bedoba's dedication to blending ancient winemaking traditions with modern winemaking methods. In the glass, the wine reveals an amber color and a broad, powerful aromatic profile with intense notes of orange zest, dried flowers, honey, and wild herbs, wrapped in a delicate hazelnut aftertaste. On the palate, it is rich, complex, and full-bodied, with a pleasant acidity and a long, deep finish reminiscent of dried fruit. Pair it with Lebanese cuisine or spicy white meat dishes.
      
974. Bedoba Saperavi 2023 : 8Wines : GBP21.62
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The origins of Georgian winery Bedoba date back to 1737, when it was founded by the Konchoshvili family. Today, the estate is in the hands of winemakers Nugzar Ksovreli and Thierry Fontannaz, who focus on the country's indigenous grape varieties, creating wines of great intensity and elegance. Saperavi grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards over 30 years old, located in the Kindzmarauli and Kvareli microzones on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the Kakheti region. Here, the vines benefit from altitudes that are over 400 meters above sea level and black slate soils. These conditions favor the production of mineral wines with a good structure balanced by a lively freshness. After harvesting and fermenting partly in amphorae and partly in stainless steel tanks, the finished wine then ages in a mix of 225- and 5,000-liter barrels and terracotta amphorae (traditional Georgian qvevri). Bedoba Saperavi has a dark color with purplish hues. On the nose, it reveals an intense and ripe aromatic profile with notes of blackberry and dark forest berries, herbs, and spices. On the palate, it is rich and juicy with smooth tannins and a long finish reminiscent of spicy notes. It pairs deliciously with grilled red meats and herb-roasted pork.
      
975. Binekhi Otskhanuri Sapere 2021 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Located in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, Binekhi is an award-winning winery founded in 1994, that produces high-quality wines and spirits from indigenous and international grape varieties. The company vineyards extend for approximately 90 hectares and are distributed in various wine regions of the country, including the fertile Kakheti area. The wine is made in an artisanal way from the indigenous Georgian grape variety, Otskhanuri Sapere. The grapes are sourced from the best vineyards within the Imereti wine region. After fermentation, carried out in terracotta amphorae, according to the traditional Qvevri method, the finished wine rests for 6-12 months in oak barrels, before being bottled and released on the market. Binekhi Otskhanuri Sapere has a clear and intense color with cherry red tones and violet reflections. On the nose, it reveals a fragrant and pleasantly fruity aromatic profile with notes of red and black fruits, especially blueberries and black cherries, and hints of spices and cream. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied with soft tannins and a balanced acidity. The finish recalls light spicy notes. Try it with roast pork, a rich meatloaf, and meatballs with tomato sauce.
      
976. Barbale Rkatsiteli Khikhvi 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.00
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant it. Located in the central-eastern Georgian region of Kartli, near the historic village of Bolnisi and the Mashavera River, the Barbale winery has been producing excellent quality organic and natural wines since 2016. The name of the company refers to Saint Barbara, a Greek martyr and symbol of fertility. The company, led by winemaker Berdia Berishvili, grows local grape varieties (some of them quite rare), using traditional winemaking methods, to give the world a taste of Georgia's winemaking heritage through its creations. Rkatsiteli and Khikhvi are two indigenous Georgian vines of ancient tradition. The first, in particular, is considered one of the oldest vines in the world and is the most widespread in the country. The grapes, coming from the Kvareli microzone, in the Kakheti region, are fermented on the skins in amphora with wild yeasts. After fermentation and blending, the finished wine matures for 10 months in terracotta amphorae locally called Qvevri. The wine reveals a clear and brilliant amber color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex with floral notes and citrus peel, honey, and figs, followed by hints of ripe peach. On the palate, it is balanced, warm, and round with soft tannins and hints of cardamom. The finish is long and harmonious with a pleasant freshness. Excellent with mature cheeses and Middle Eastern cuisine.
      
977. Barbale Shavkapito Reserve 2022 : 8Wines : GBP33.73
Drink it now or cellar it for up to 10 years. No need to decant it but best to open it half an hour before service. Barbale Winery is a relatively young company located in one of the oldest wine producing areas in Georgia. It produces organic wines under the guidance of the oenologist Berdia Berishvili, from indigenous grapes from the subregions of Kartli and Kakheti. Founded in 2016, it was named in honor of a Georgian goddess who represents fertility. Shavkapito is a rare indigenous grape variety from eastern Georgia, and more precisely from the Kartli region, which exhibits similar characteristics to the more common Saperavi but with a thinner profile and a slightly lighter body. The grapes for this Exceptional Harvest wine are organically grown and come from the Shida Kartli sub-area around the historic village of Mejvriskhevi. The aromatic palette is rich in notes of ripe black cherry, then black currant jam, plum, cherry tart, sweet spices and wood smoke tones. On the palate, all the wild berries flavors come back together with elegant and velvety tannins, and a full body. The acidity is moderate and perfectly integrated, and the spicy aftertaste is long and pleasant. Overall, the wine is extremely affordable and food friendly. It works deliciously with grilled meat and roast pork.
      
978. Barbale Kisi Mtsvane Rkatsiteli 2022 : 8Wines : GBP20.00
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant it. The Barbale winery, founded in 2016, is headed by winemaker Berdia Berishvili who produces unique vintages with ancient traditional Georgian methods. The vineyards are located in the Kartli and Kakheti regions, famous for their wine history. The company cultivates native and rare vines with unique characteristics to produce ‘exceptional harvest’ organic wines. The three most important native white grape varieties of Kakheti, Kisi (70%), Rkatsiteli (10%), and Mtsvane (20%) come together in this special blend to create a typical Kakheti orange wine produced with the traditional Qvevri method which consists of long fermentation, maceration, and subsequent aging of the wine in underground terracotta pots. The Barbale Kisi Mtsvane Rkatsiteli shows the typical orange wine character with a beautiful amber color and a balanced tannin-acid structure. The nose is spoiled with delicate aromas of apples, pears and plums. The palate is lively, clear, and slightly warm. A light, fine spice note accompanies every sip, reminiscent of ginger, orange zest, and honey. This is the perfect wine for all fish dishes and for rich vegetarian tarts. It is ready now, but can also stay a couple of extra years in the cellar.
      
979. Chateau Buera Kisi Qvevri Reserve 2020 : 8Wines : GBP16.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Château Buera is a family-run winery founded by Goga Maisuradze, also owner of the Lopota Spa Resort, to promote the region's tourism and winemaking development. Viticulture here has ancient roots, and Château Buera cultivates 5 hectares of vineyards to produce first-class wines from indigenous, even rare, varieties. Their approach is minimally interventionist, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and traditional Georgian techniques are combined with the most innovative technologies. Produced in limited quantities (less than 2,000 bottles), Kisi Qvevri Reserve is an amber-colored wine made from hand-picked grapes sourced from the estate's vineyards. After traditional vinification in Georgian qvevri clay amphorae, with maceration on the skins, the finished wine ages for one year in barrel and one year in bottle. The result is an elegant and aromatic wine that reveals a broad and delicate bouquet of stone fruit and ripe oranges, mango, dried fruit, and tea leaves on the nose. On the palate, it is rich and complex, rounded and velvety. It has well-balanced acidity and a long, intense, and gently spicy finish. It pairs deliciously with chicken and shrimp curries, falafel, and salmon with tahini sauce.
      
980. Chateau Buera Rkatsiteli Reserve 2021 : 8Wines : GBP16.46
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. The Georgian winery Château Buera was founded in 2018 in the Napareuli winemaking microzone. The estate, owned by the family of founder Goga Maisuradze, boasts approximately 5 hectares of land where local grape varieties are grown for the production of premium wines. The Rkatsiteli grapes, one of the most widespread and famous indigenous Georgian varieties, are harvested by hand and selected from the company's vineyards located in the Kakheti region. After traditional vinification in qvevri clay amphorae with maceration on the skins, the wine ages for approximately two years (one in barrel and one in bottle) before being released to the market. Production, like most of the winery's wines, is limited. The Rkatsiteli Reserve from Chateau Buera is an expressive wine that reveals a deep amber color in the glass. Its aromatic profile is broad and fragrant with notes of yellow fruit (especially plum, pear), hints of citrus and fennel, and some light woody nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rounded, balanced and fresh with a lively acidity and a long finish that recalls gentle oaky notes. Try it with chicken stew, frogs' legs, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
      
981. Chelti Mukuzani 2020 : 8Wines : GBP20.42
Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. The Mirianashvili family have been making wine in the village of Shilda in Georgia for over a century, although it was only in 2001 that Giorgi Mirianashvili founded the Chelti winery here. The 80 hectare property is home to the family’s prized vineyards, cellars and winemaking facilities, allowing them to take care of every part of the process and craft top quality wines from local grape varieties. This attractive red is made from Georgia’s ancient Saperavi variety which has been grown here for thousands of years. The grapes for this particular cuvee are sourced from the Mukuzani sub-region which is especially suited for growing Saperavi and has strict rules to ensure quality production. Once in the winery the fruit is fermented according to traditional methods and the young wine is then matured in oak barrels for 6 months. On the nose you’ll immediately notice the intense notes of blackberries, cassis and crushed wild berries and the deep red hue in the glass. The first sip reveals a luscious hit of dark fruit complemented by a balancing acidity and a long, pure finish. The elegance and poise of this cuvee makes it a great choice to serve alongside charcuterie and hard cheeses.
      
982. Chelti Saperavi Qvevri 2020 : 8Wines : GBP17.30
Drink now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant before serving. When Giorgi Mirianashvili founded Chelti Winery in 2001 he was building on a legacy that had begun over a century ago when his ancestors built their first cellar here on this land. Today Giorgi’s family has over 80 hectares which includes rolling vineyards at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, a modern winery, and historic cellars set 7 metres underground which naturally remain cool year round. Georgia is probably best known for its iconic qvevri wines which are made in unique large clay amphora vessels usually set into the floor of the winery. This ancient method of winemaking continues today at wineries like Chelti and this Saperavi makes a great introduction to this impressive type of wine. The grapes are fermented in the qvevri and the young wine is then left to mature in the vessel for over a year before bottling. As soon as you pour out a glass you’ll notice the deep red hue which is so typical for the Saperavi grape along with intense notes of crushed dark cherries, blackcurrant, spice and earthy notes from the ageing process. The depth and boldness of this wine make it a great match for hearty meat stews and barbecued dishes.
      
983. Chelti Saperavi 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.76
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The story of Chelti winery in the ancient winemaking country of Georgia dates back over a century ago when the Mirianashvili family built their own cellar here in the charming village of Shilda. In 2001 Giorgi Mirianashvili founded the modern day winery here on the same land,enabling the family to craft quality wines from their own vineyards planted on the 80 hectare property. Saperavi is one of Georgia’s iconic and ancient indigenous grape varieties which is especially known for producing deep, inky black wines. This striking example is produced using traditional methods from grapes grown at the foot of the mighty Caucasus mountain range. The fruit is then carefully fermented and left to mature in neutral vessels for two years before bottling. These bottles are then stored in the cellar for an additional ageing period. The result is an intensely-hued red wine that is bursting with enticing aromas of black cherry, plum, and wild forest berries along with hints of undergrowth and fresh mint. Although it is ideal to serve alongside red meat dishes and charcuterie, it can also be enjoyed on its own or kept in the cellar for a few more years if desired.
      
984. Chelti Kindzmarauli 2024 : 8Wines : GBP16.87
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. The Mirianshvili family built their first cellar on their property in Shilda village almost a century ago, although it was only in 2001 that Giorgi Mirianashvili founded the modern-day Chelti Winery here to produce and export top quality Georgian wines. The stunning 80 hectare estate has everything the family needs to craft their own wines, including expansive cellars set 7 metres underground and immaculate vineyards. As well as embracing modern winemaking technology, the family also uses traditional Qvevri or large clay vessels to produce their wines. This particular cuvee is a great example of a semi-sweet Georgian red wine crafted from their iconic Saperavi grape. The fruit is all sourced from the Kindzmarauli sub-region of Kakheti where growers must adhere to a strict set of regulations designed to ensure quality and consistency. On the nose expect plenty of rich, ripe fruit aromas including dark cherry, cassis, blackberry and plums along with hints of raisins, figs, and prunes. The first sip reveals a gentle sweetness, smooth tannins, and a streak of freshness which is characteristic of Saperavi and helps to balance out the residual sugar. A great choice to serve alongside dark chocolate, blue cheeses or fruit-based desserts.
      
985. Danieli Mountain Saperavi 2021 : 8Wines : GBP20.03
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded by Olaf Malver and Eka Tchvritidze in 2013, Danieli Winery is a small family-run business located in Argokhi village in the north-eastern part of the Kakheti wine region of Georgia. The company grows its vines organically and applies a modern European-style approach in the cellar while honoring Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions and techniques. The Saperavi grapes for this wine come from some of the highest vineyards on the estate, located at 6-700 meters above sea level. Here the cool microclimate and the particular terroir with alluvial/sandy soils favor the production of wines with marked acidity and a strong aromatic character. The harvest is manual and the fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel. After 4 months of cold stabilization, the wine is bottled with minimal filtration. The Mountain Saperavi from the Danieli winery has an intense and brilliant red color. On the nose, it reveals a rich and fruity aromatic profile with notes of dark fruits, cherry, and blueberry. On the palate, it is full and velvety with a good acidity and soft, well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and persistent. Try it with grilled red meat.
      
986. Danieli Kisi 2023 : 8Wines : GBP13.92
Drink it now or cellar for 3 years. No need to decant it. Olaf, and Eka are the enthusiastic couple who runs the Danieli winery. The organically grown grapes are carefully selected from south facing vineyards located in the rolling foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, in the main Northwestern Georgian wine region of Khakheti, near the small village of Argohky. In addition to Kisi, the Danieli winery produces wines based on other indigenous white grape varieties such as Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli, as well as the noble Mukuzani di Saperavi variety. The Danieli Kisi is made with 100% Kisi grape, an indigenous white variety with ancient origins, local to the area of Kakheti, one of the most prestigious wine regions of Georgia. Despite its high quality, the grape was abandoned and almost extinct until 2000, also due to the decline of Georgian vineyards following the Soviet collapse, but has been recently rediscovered. This European style Kisi wine shows a beautiful straw color and intense notes of tropical fruits, pear, apple, peach and melon. The taste is fresh and dry with medium alcohol and balanced tannins. It’s crisp on the finish and easy to drink. Try it with seafood or steamed fish.
      
987. Dakishvili Family Selection Saperavi 2021 : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant up to an hour before serving. Dakishvili Family winery can be found in the village of Shalauri, in the centre of the ancient wine-making region of Kakheti, Georgia. The winery’s legacy dates back four generations and it is currently under the expert leadership of Giorgi and Temuri Dakishvili. Giorgi was formerly chief wine-maker at Teliani Valley but now works alongside his son to create an elegant range of native Georgian wines. The family’s vineyards are located in the Tsinandali PDO, surrounding Kondoli village. Vines are planted on the clayish, sandy soils of the Alazani riverbank, at a relatively high altitude of 400 metres. The vineyards showcase a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon and indigenous fruits, such as Mtsvane, Kisi, and the pervasive Saperavi, Georgia’s flagship grape. Scents of rich blackberries, cassis and a hint of coffee burst from the bottle. This wine is a beautiful dark ruby in colour, typical of Saperavi. The grapes were fermented in Qvevri for 6 months, before being bottled without filtration. Tannins are well-structured, and combine with the taste of plum, jammy berries and a certain smokiness in the mouth, making this wine a delectable, full-bodied delight. Pair it with traditional Georgian dishes, grilled meats or mature cheeses.
      
988. Dakishvili Family Selection Cuvee Red 2021 : 8Wines : GBP21.73
Enjoy now or hold for up to 10 years. Decanting optional, up to one hour before serving. Spearheaded by Giorgi and Temuri Dakishvili, a father and son combination, the Dakishvili Family winery creates a range of traditional Georgian wines with class. The winery is situated near the city of Telavi in Kakheti, in the small village of Shalauri. The Dakishvili’s winemaking legacy reaches back as far as Giorgi’s great-grandfather, so the winery has a huge amount of knowledge and expertise to draw upon. Dakishvili Family produce their wines from family-owned vineyards, all located on the right bank of the Alazani River in the Tsinandali appellation. The majority of these vineyards are planted with native Georgian varietals, such as Saperavi and Mtsvane, but Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found in the clayish, sandy soils of the riverbank. This red blend is a meeting place between Georgia and France, made of 60% Saperavi and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, there is an earthy bouquet of berries, leather and dark chocolate. It is fermented underground, in clay Qvevri jugs, giving the wine a distinctly Georgian twist. Flavours of ripe cherry and blackberry envelope the mouth, with notes of rich cocoa and a slight hint of coffee. This wine has a long, sumptuous finish, retaining strong flavours. Enjoy now and for up to the next 10 years, and serve with grilled meat, salty cheeses or traditional Georgian dishes.
      
989. Dakishvili Family Selection Kisi Amber 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.39
Drink now or hold for up to 10 years. No need to decant, may benefit from breathing for an hour before serving. Situated in the classical wine-making region of Kakheti, near the village of Shalauri, Dakishvili winery is a family affair. Father and son Giorgi and Temuri are at the helm right now, carrying on a legacy that extends back four generations. This generational knowledge, as well as the ancient wine-making tradition in Georgia, enables the pair to create a delicious range of wines. Dakishvili Family own vineyards on the right bank of the Alazani River, where they grow a variety of indigenous Georgian grapes. They also employ time-honoured methods of prolonged skin contact, and clay fermenting pots called Qvevri, to create some gorgeous dry amber wines. Aromas of tree fruit, toasted almonds and sweet spice emerge from this 100% Kisi wine. The grapes are sourced from old vineyards in the Akhmeta region, planted by Giorgi’s great-grandfather in the 1930s. They grow on well-drained clayish soils, before being aged for 6 months in Qvevri jugs, giving the wine its distinctive copper gold colour. Orange peel, apricot and the typical bold papaya flavours of Kisi are prominent on the palate, along with smooth notes of honey. This amber wine can be paired with a variety of dishes, from barbecued meats to the umami-heavy flavours of sushi.
      
990. Iago Chinuri 2024 : 8Wines : GBP30.36
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant it but best to open it half an hour before service. Iago Bitarishvili is a Georgian winemaker of great intellect and ability, the first to have obtained biodynamic certification in his country. In his small vineyard of about two hectares, in the village of Chardakhi, in the Kartli region, on calcareous soil, he meticulously cultivates the ancient native vine called Chinuri. The vinification process is carried out traditionally. The harvest is entirely manual and the pressing is done with the feet in wooden presses (locally called Satsnaheli). The grapes are then macerated on their skins for 6 months. Maceration is followed by spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in amphora. The final wine is left unclarified and unfiltered. Production is limited and amounts to about 2000 bottles. The Iago Chinuri shows a beautiful deep golden color. On the nose, it releases strong aromas of fresh fruit and sweet spices, with traces of menthol and hydrocarbon. On the palate, the wine is energetic and lively, with an important acid backbone, accompanied by a soft component that makes it well-balanced and extremely pleasant. It goes wonderfully with appetizers, fish first courses, white meats, and vegetarian preparations.
      
991. Labara Saperavi 2022 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Labara is a young winery located in the village of Vartsikhe, in an area renowned for its long and prestigious winemaking tradition. Here in Georgia's Imereti region, Labara founders Dato Gagua and Shalva Sikharulidze produce top-notch natural wines from indigenous grape varieties on their 12 hectares of vineyards, spread between Vartsikhe and Salkhino. Labara Saperavi is a dry red wine that fully expresses the intense character of the Saperavi grape, an ancient Georgian variety, which thrives in the Kakheti region. The vines enjoy a particularly favorable climate and are rooted in mineral-rich soils. These particular conditions and the unique and noble profile of the Saperavi give the wine depth and power. In the glass, it reveals a bright, intense ruby red color. Its aromatic profile is broad and complex, with initial notes of plums, ripe cherries, and wild berries, followed by spicy peppery notes and a hint of wood in the background. On the palate, it is bold and vigorous, full-bodied and balanced with firm yet smooth tannins and a lively acidity. It is juicy and concentrated, with a long finish that evokes notes of wild berries interspersed with vanilla aromas. Try it with braised beef, venison served with chocolate sauce, or tangy aged cheeses.
      
992. Labara Otskhanuri Sapere 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.23
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Founded by Dato Gagua and Shalva Sikharulidze, Labara Winery is located in Georgia's Imereti wine region. The estate covers approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, spread across western Georgia, in Vartsikhe and Salkhino, where Dato and Shalva grow native grape varieties such as Otskhanuri Sapere, Tsolikouri, Tsitska, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, Ojaleshi, and Dzelshavi. In this area rich in winemaking history, the subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for ensuring full ripening of the grapes and achieving good balance in the wines. The Otskhanuri Sapere grapes, a relatively rare native Georgian grape variety, are carefully sourced from sustainable vineyards. After manual harvesting and fermentation in qvevri (terracotta jars traditionally used in Georgian winemaking) on the skins, the finished wine rests in qvevri for 12 months. The result is an exceptional, one-of-a-kind wine. In the glass, Labara Otskhanuri Sapere reveals a deep, dark garnet color with purple highlights. Its aromatic profile is intense and mature, with notes of blueberry, black cherry, and raisin, followed by earthy nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, energetic and juicy, with a long, fruity finish. Leave it in the cellar for a few years or enjoy it now with herb-roasted chicken or pheasant stew.
      
993. Labara Ojaleshi 2023 : 8Wines : GBP17.23
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Labara Winery was founded in 2017 by Dato Gagua and Shalva Sikharulidze, who left the US and returned to their home country to pursue their passion for winemaking and introduce the Georgian wines of Vartsikhe to the world. This small village located in the Imereti region has a long winemaking tradition. The climatic conditions here favor quality viticulture. The estate, which has approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, produces natural wines from indigenous grape varieties using both modern technologies and traditional Georgian methods. Labara Ojaleshi is a dry red wine made from the native Ojaleshi grape, grown in the estate's vineyards in Samegrelo, in the Salkhino microzone. After manual harvesting, fermentation takes place in traditional qvevri (terracotta jars traditionally used in Georgian winemaking) buried underground for a month. In the glass, the wine reveals a vibrant dark ruby color and an intense and complex aromatic profile with notes of black cherry, berries, and blackcurrant, followed by hints of tobacco and wild herbs. On the palate, it is concentrated and medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and a lively, well-balanced acidity. It has a rounded and soft texture and a long, lingering finish with fruity overtones. It is excellent with game birds and chicken cacciatore.
      
994. Lagvinari Mtsvane Kakhuri 2021 : 8Wines : GBP27.79
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. Dried apricot, white peach, melon and hints of smoke emerge on the nose of this deeply coloured amber wine. Mtsvane is a white grape variety indigenous to Georgia, translating to “green” - as in new, young, or fresh. The fruits for this orange wine were harvested from the region of Kartli, before being fermented underground in clay amphorae, known as qvevri. Lagvinari is a Kakheti winery, located on the right bank of the stunning Alazani River, near the small village of Bakurtsikhe. It was founded by Doctor Eko Glonti, a former cardio anesthesiologist, whose stellar wines have made it to the menus of multiple Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. His former life in medicine has infused a great amount of care into his winemaking, as he tends the vineyards with minimal intervention and fully organic methods. Lagvinari’s Mtsvane Kakhuri is a tannic and full-bodied amber wine, with flavours of dried tropical fruits, apple and pear, coupled with hints of herbs, smoke, and resin. It is dry and refreshingly acidic, leading into a long finish with hints of bitter walnut. A fantastic wine, rustic and crisp, from one of the oldest wine regions in the entire world. Let it breathe for a few minutes before serving it alongside a goat’s cheese salad, chicken, or herby, grilled fish.
      
995. Lagvinari Rkatsiteli 2021 : 8Wines : GBP27.79
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. This unusual white wine comes from the small mountainous country of Georgia which is one of the oldest winemaking countries in the world. Lagvinari winery was founded by Eko Glonti, a former medical doctor who later became a geologist, who is passionate about sustainable, organic, and natural winemaking. Eko made his first wines at the age of 49 in collaboration with esteemed natural wine journalist Isabelle Legeron. The estate is located in Georgia’s premier wine region, Kakheti, where winemaking practices have remained unchanged for generations. This cuvee is made from the indigenous Rkatsiteli grape and is fermented and matured for 9 months in qvevri or giant clay pots that are buried underground. The first thing you’ll notice is the deep amber hue which comes from the 6 months of skin contact in the qvevri. This traditional process also adds enticing notes of pine, spice and toasted nuts to the ripe apple, quince and pear notes from the grape variety. On the palate there’s a solid medium body, smooth tannins, and a long, complex finish. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or serve now alongside spicy Indian dishes or Lebanese and Turkish cuisine.
      
996. Lagvinari Tsitska 2020 : 8Wines : GBP27.79
Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. Lagvinari’s Tsitska is an intriguing light amber in the glass, with a fragrant nose of starfruit, quince, dried herbs and chamomile tea. It is a traditional Georgian wine, composed of 100% white Tsitska grapes, fermented underground in clay casks, known as qvevri. The Tsitska grapes were plucked from the left side of the Kvirila River, in the beautiful region of Imereti. Lagvinari was founded by Doctor Eko Glonti, a medical doctor who has adopted an organic approach in his winemaking. He works in several of Georgia’s best-renowned regions, but the winery itself can be found in the small village of Bakurtsikhe, in rural Kakheti. The winery is known for providing its top-quality wines to numerous Michelin-star restaurants, and has received multiple medals at the International Wine Awards. In the mouth, it is full-bodied and packed with tannins. As with the nose, the palate is novel and low in fruit, showing flavours of Earl Grey tea, herbal hints of bay leaf and vegetal hints of bell pepper, supported by notes of quince, yellow plum, and kiwi fruit. High levels of acidity bring a fresh, invigorating edge to the wine. It is an ideal choice for those seeking something new, and a reliable one for fans of amber wine. Allow this Tsitska to aerate for a few minutes, and pair it with goat’s cheese, chicken, or salmon sushi.
      
997. Lagvinari Krakhuna 2022 : 8Wines : GBP29.18
Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. The country of Georgia is known for its impressive winemaking heritage which is thought to date back some 8,000 years. Many experts believe that the country’s traditional winemaking practices are similar to those used in ancient times, including the qvevri or large clay pots which are set into the ground and used as fermentation vessels. Founded by the former doctor and geologist Eko Glonti, Lagvinari winery specialises in producing natural wines made using sustainable methods wherever possible. Eko made his very first vintage in 2011 at the age of 49 in collaboration with the famous natural wine journalist Isabelle Legeron. Krakhuna is one of Georgia’s classic white wine varieties that is little-known outside of the country. This cuvee is created by fermenting the juice with the skins for 1 month and then ageing the young wine for 8 months in qvevri. The result is a punchy orange wine that has a bold amber hue and enticing notes of apple, pear, and honeyed notes. On the palate there are firm tannins, a medium body, and a long finish seasoned with hints of dried herbs, spice, and tobacco leaf.
      
998. Lukasi Saperavi 2022 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Cellar for 15 years or more. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Lukasi Winery is a boutique cellar in the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia. It was founded in 2011 by Katevan Gersamia and Mamu Dolidze, a husband and wife duo who place a strong emphasis on quality over quantity and utilise a wide range of indigenous Georgian grapes in their work. The first vintage ever released by Lukasi was a Saperavi in 2013, which went on to win gold at the Georgian wine expo. The winery has been racking up awards ever since, winning medals at the Decanter Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge. However, Lukasi winery has not only won the favor of critics, but also the admiration of the public. This Saperavi is a continuation of that original, award-winning vintage. Its rich nose is redolent of blueberry and blackcurrant, with strong oaky elements and hints of brown sugar and vanilla. It strikes a perfect balance between smoothness and mouth-drying tannicity on the palate and brings an excellent structure, suitable for long-term ageing. Upon sipping, the tongue is wrapped in flavours of ripe plum, blackberry and cherry, layered with earthy notes of chocolate and tobacco. Serve this wine at room temperature with bold meats, such as venison, roasted lamb or a steak.
      
999. Marani Satrapezo 10 Qvevri Rkatsiteli 2020 : 8Wines : GBP31.62
Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. Marani are based in the historic wine-making region of Kakheti and own three vineyards that span both sides of the gorgeous Alazani River. While a small portion of their vineyards are devoted to international varieties of grape, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, the majority is given over to native Georgian fruits. They remain innovative, but Marani also cultivate a strong connection to Georgia’s ancient wine-making history. Archaeological digs in Georgia have discovered enormous clay amphoras for fermentation, known as Qvevri, dating back 4 thousand years. Marani pay homage to this, receiving numerous awards for their Qvevri wines, including gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition and the Mundus Vini Summer Tasting in 2021. Complex and balanced, a bouquet of white fruit, subtle spices, and toasted almonds emerge from this attractive golden wine. Rkatsiteli fruit is harvested by hand from Marani’s Kondoli vineyard, before being buried under the earth in Qvevries for 6 months. The resulting silky mouthfeel is unmistakable. Sweet pear and dried apricot spearhead this dry wine, supported by notes of coconut, vanilla, and soft, velvety, tannins. The Rkatsiteli is versatile, delicious alone, and with a variety of foods. Consider some soft spiced lamb, aubergine, or a traditional Georgian bean-based dish.
      
1000. Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi 2020 : 8Wines : GBP14.78
Cellar for up to 10 years. Enjoy immediately or decant for up to an hour. Marani’s headquarters can be found deep in the belly of Georgia’s historic wine-making region, Kakheti, in the stunning Alazani River Valley. Marani have been producing the highest quality Georgian wine for over a century, combining innovation with a deep respect for Georgia’s ancient wine-making culture. The Saperavi is Georgia’s flagship grape - originating from the Kakheti region, it has now spread to other Eastern European regions and as far away as Australia. It is robust and powerful, perfect for long-term cellaring. The Saperavi that provided this red wine were grown on the finest tracts of Marani’s Kondoli vineyard, among a variety of other gorgeous native Georgian grapes. An intoxicating mixture of black fruits and spice emerges on the nose of this dry red, with notes of licorice and tobacco. This wine won gold at Mundusvini 2020, and it is easy to see why. Bold, sweet fruit flavours mingle seamlessly on the palate with soft tannins and notes of dark cherry and cassis. Enjoy now, or hold for a few years. It will pair well with a range of food - consider some gamey meats, roasted lamb, hard cheeses, or a Georgian dish.