- Cabernet Franc
- Carignan
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Friulano
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Negroamaro
- Parellada
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Verdejo
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Cabernet Franc
- Carignan
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Friulano
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Negroamaro
- Parellada
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Verdejo
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
2021 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir
Regular price £16.99 Sale price £14.44 Save 15%A lush Pinot Noir!
Tasting Notes
Fragrant scents of red cherry and plum lead into fresh, bright flavors of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, backed by hints of star anise and clove. The soft tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and a lush, velvety texture.

Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Country | United States of America |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% |
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.1 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Features | Vegetarian approved |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matching |
A light pasta with grilled cherry tomatoes pairs wonderfully with seafood and would also be an excellent choice to accompany roast duck. |
| Appellation | Lodi |
| Origin | California |
2021 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Merweh Obeidi
Regular price £16.49 Sale price £14.02 Save 15%A 50/50 blend of Merweh and Obeidi - indigenous Lebanese varieties from low yielding old vines. The Merweh vineyards are over 100 years old and have not been pruned for the last two decades, resulting in extremely low yields and concentrated flavours.
Tasting Notes
Colour
This blend of Merweh and Obeidi is golden in colour.
Nose
The nose has natural aromas of ripened grapes, apple skin and a mix of herbs and spices.
Palate
Mineral and savoury on the palate, the wine shows notes of dried figs and fresh almonds on the finish.

Production
A blend of two indigenous Lebanese varieties that likey trace their lineage back to the Phoenicians, this wine is made from very old vines grown in altitude. Merweh vineyards are spread over the mountians of Bsharreh to the west of the Bekaa Valley at 1,400m altitude, in amongst the famous cedars of Mount Lebanon. Merweh is a resistant variety which has adpated very well to the Mediterranean mountain climate and ecosystem. Due to the wild nature of the Merweh vines, the ripening was uneven abd required several passes and a skilled team to select only perectly ripe grapes. Obeidi vineyards are grown on the hills of Zahleh - the capital of Bekaa Valley - at 1,100m altitude. These 50 year old vines are trained using a pergola system to ensure they enjoy the best sun exposure to reach maximum ripeness an balance on this late-ripening grape. Obeidi is a reliable and very resitant grape, considered to be the backbone of Behaa Valley's vines throughout its winemaking history. Both varieties were cold fermented separately, using wild yeast widely present in the winery. Once fermentation was complete, the wines we blended and stored for a short period of time in stainless steel tanks to keep the original freshness of the blend.
Producer
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun and is one of the most highly acclaimed and oldest wineries still operating in Lebanon. It was also the first commercial cellar in 'modern' Lebanon to produce wines, arak and other spirits. This place has history! The Brun family owned and ran the winery up until the last descendant died in 2003 but luckily two local families - the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families - joined forces to buy the property and continue the fine tradition of winemaking.
Today, this Bekaa Valley estate is run by the three Issa children - twins Faouzi and Johanne and their sister Christiane, alongside Emile Issa-el Khoury, son of one of the co-owners. This young and dynamic combination have introduced a handful of practices in the vineyards and cellar including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, no fining or filtering, and only very small amounts of sulphur. These techniques along with fruit from 40 hectares of ancient, organically cultivated and dry-farmed vineyards (among the oldest in the valley) and a winery perfect for hands-off winemaking, make Domaine des Tourelles one of the finest boutique wineries in the Middle East.
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Obeidi 50%, Merweh 50% |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Alcohol content | 11% alcohol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Features | Vegetarian & Vegan, Organic |
| Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Try with baba ghanouj or Sea bream with smoked vegetables. |
| Appellation | Bekaa Valley |
2023 Cave de Turckheim Tradition Gewurztraminer
Regular price £15.59 Sale price £13.25 Save 15%Textbook Alsace Gewurztraminer - elegant and harmonious.
Tasting Notes
A fantastic balance of ripeness, varietal character and finesse, with a fragrant rose water and lychee nose, lemon aromas and a slight steely character. The palate is the ideal balance of richness and freshness, with notes of rose petal, honey and faint hints of lemon.

Production
Produced traditionally by winemaker Michel Lihrmann - pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no fining and light filtration before bottling - to preserve the fruit, aroma and elegance of the grapes. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance whilst retaining freshness and harmony.
Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification. The growers are aiming for HVE Level 3 certification in late 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey, and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Gewürztraminer |
| Country | France |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
| Food Matches | Try with blue cheeses, exotic cuisine such as the lemongrass flavours of Thai food or fish/chicken curries featuring ginger, mustard seed and spice. |
| Origin |
Alsace, France
|
2020 Brotte Creation Grosset Cairanne
Regular price £17.49 Sale price £14.87 Save 15%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intense ruby colour with garnet glints.
Nose
The nose offers a combination of fresh fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Spicy notes of cinnamon and garrigue stand out. The wine will gain in suppleness over time, and in jammy aromas of raspberry and plum as well as undergrowth.
Palate
The wine is generous and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Touches of toast and sweet spices add complexity. The mouth is full and the finish is persistent.

Vinification
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest to limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking into small cases and fast transportation to the winery to avoid berries’ crushing and oxidation. Destemming, gentle crushing. Fermentation at 28°C, followed by a 3 week maceration. The wines are matured in concrete vats to develop the fruit and 100 year old large oak barrels to develop the unctuosity and length during 9 months.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics
- 90 points Wine Spectator | Offers a stream of juicy cassis, fresh red currant and dried herbs that race alongside smoked sandalwood and pencil lead shavings, with incense and floral notes adding lift. Well-built, with a firming frame of tannins bringing shape and a salty mesquite note at the close. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan. Drink now through 2025. 6,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.
- 89 points James Suckling | A weighty Southern Rhone red that’s got plenty of ripe plum and blackberry character with a touch of violet. In spite of the obvious dry tannins on the full-bodied palate, this remains rather mellow.
Alan's Personal Tasting Note
"Another delight from Brotte - all the intriguing garrique characteristics as the other reds in the range. If anything the fruit is even more generous here - verging more to the red than the black - and it’s very drinkable, soft and moreish but with enough. Backbone to go on for a while yet." September 2024
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Food Matches |
Enjoy with Serrano ham, wild mushroom risotto, grilled beef, goat cheeses. |
| Origin |
Southern Rhône |
Castel del Lupo Pinot Noir Brut N/V
Regular price £16.99 Sale price £14.44 Save 15%This appealing north Italian organic sparkler, produced from 100% Pinot Noir, has layers of honeyed fruit and toasty character.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of lemon and brioche with lightly toasty notes.
Palate
The palate is fresh and dry, with citrus and apple characters balanced by crisp acidity. The wine has a fine and persistent mousse with honeyed fruit on the long finish.

Production
Produced from a selection of estate-grown grapes in Casteggio and Calvignano - where the Pinot Noir vines are planted on south-westerly facing hillside sites (around 300m altitude), in chalky clay soils. The wine is then produced according to the Charmat method, with second fermentation in tank.
Producer
Castel del Lupo, in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, dates back centuries - and includes the eighteenth-century Palazzo Pegazzera. In 1974 three entrepreneurs took over this historic estate and began a regeneration process. Giovanni Doglio, whose father and grandfather were both Piemontese winemakers, has over 40 years of experience managing wineries. Recently joined by his daughter Federica, he has worked tirelessly to develop the estate. They have purchased more vineyards (to cover 100ha at around 300m altitude), planted new vines and built a new cellar. The vineyards are now certified organic. The winery's main focus is high-quality bottle-fermented sparkling wine, and much of the vineyard is planted with Pinot Noir for this purpose. However, these vines are also the source of fine still red wines.
A Note on Sustainability
Led by Giovanni Doglio since 1974, the team at Castel del Lupo is very keen to honour the long heritage of its estate which existed even before its inclusion on a map of the region in 1301. All of Castel del Lupos grapes are estate grown and the 100-hectare property is now fully certified organic to maintain the integrity of the environment, the ecosystem and soil fertility without resorting to artificial substances at any stage of the production processes.
Specifications
| Year | NV |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pinot Nero |
| Country | Italy |
|
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
| Type | Fizz |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information |
Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable, Organic
|
| Food Matches | A great match with rich pasta dishes and middle aged cheeses. |
| Origin | Lombardy, Italy |
| Appellation | DOP Pinot Nero Dell'ltrepò Pavese |
2020 Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel
Regular price £16.99 Sale price £14.44 Save 15%Fruit driven American Zinfandel with Best Buy Ratings
Tasting Notes
Nose
Rich, sweet aromas of cherry and raspberry lead into jammy flavours of red plum, red currant and blackberry, with a dash of baking spices and a touch of smokiness.
Palate
Structured and textured, velvety tannins weave their way from mid-palate to a lingering finish.

Winemaking Notes
Working with top growers in Lodi where Zinfandel reigns supreme, our Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel embodies all the beloved characteristics of the grape.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Accolades
- 20+ Best Buy Ratings by Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
| Country | United States of America |
| Alcohol content | 14% |
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Features | Vegetarian approved |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matching |
Try this fruit-driven Zinfandel with lamb or hearty pasta dishes. |
| Appellation | Lodi |
| Origin | California |
NV Krohn Ruby Port, DOC Porto
Regular price £16.59 Sale price £14.10 Save 15%Rich and full Ruby Port, with a smooth, soft finish. Krohn's 'entry-level' is in a different category to most Ruby Ports - mature and versatile.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep red colour.
Nose
Fresh, plummy fruit aromas with a hint of spice.
Palate
The palate has plenty of lively cherry and curranty black fruit - rich and full with a soft finish

Production
Traditional grape varieties are sourced from Krohn's own vineyards, and supplemented by fruit from neighbouring farms working in partnership with Krohn. Here old vines are planted in schistous soils. Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, which is interrupted by the addition of grape spirit to preserve a certain degree of natural sweetness. This wine is a blend of different grapes, vineyards and vintages. Maturation - aged for 2 to 3 years in large, old oak barrels.
Producers
Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two Norwegians - Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn - shipping initially to Scandinavia and Germany. In the century and a half since its foundation, Krohn has built up an outstanding reputation. Long renowned for the quality of their sublime Colheitas (single vintage tawnies), they produce a remarkably complete range for a small house, and each wine excels in its category. Much of the secret lies in the high quality of their vineyards - the magical combination of terroir, locality, aspect, incline and low-yielding vines. Their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in Sarzedinho, in the Rio Torto valley (where vinification takes place), is an grade vineyard. Indeed Krohn only work with grapes from A-graded vineyards across all of their ports, and their top wines are still trodden by foot. Since 2013 Krohn has been part of the Fladgate Partnership - alongside Taylor's, Fonseca and Croft.
Sustainability
The Krohn estate - which is part of the Taylor Fladgate portfolio has long been committed to the ecological well-being of their vineyards and the Douro valley. To this aim they have developed a model for sustainable vineyard cultivation designed for the steep hillsides of the Douro, where 28,000ha of vineyard (62% of the vineyard area of the region) is planted on hillsides with a gradient over 30%. This involves the construction of narrow terraces inclined at 3º to the horizontal – to allow the perfect balance between rainwater run-off and its penetration of the soil. This avoids top soil erosion which is a key challenge in mountain viticulture.
These terraces each support just one row of vines, and alongside the vines a temporary carpet of selected plant species is sown. This flourishes between November and late spring, preventing invasive plants from taking hold, and eliminating the need for herbicides to control unwanted vegetation.
The cover crop dies back naturally with the onset of summer, when the vines are active. The terrace system leaves tracks between the single row of vines and the foot of the bank, allowing access for machinery to mow any unwanted vegetation into a natural mulch. The mulch reduces water loss and restores natural organic matter to the soil. The absence of herbicides means that vegetation can regenerate easily and naturally each year. They also work hard to ensure the correct selection of vine varieties and their distribution within the vineyard, so that varieties can thrive naturally in each location, developing their own unassisted natural resistance to drought, disease and vineyard pests.
Alongside this Sustainable viticulture model the estate produces renewable energy with photovoltaic panels and has robust energy, water and waste management policies.
This vineyard model earned the Partnership the prestigious BES Biodiversity prize in 2009 (recognising achievement in the fields of conservation and environmental sustainability).
Specifications
| Year | NV |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa,Tinta Barroca |
| Country | Portugal |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 15 units |
| Type | Red Blend |
| Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches | Serve after a meal as a digestif with hard cheeses, chestnuts, cashews and hazelnuts. Works as a perfect accompaniment to berries, summer pudding and chocolate too! |
| Origin | Douro Valley |
| Appellation | DOC Porto |
2022 Château Tirecul La Gravière Les Pins, AOP Monbazillac (50cl) [Organic]
Regular price £15.99 Sale price £13.59 Save 15%Make no mistake, this is world-class territory. Robert Parker has praised the sweet wines of Tirecul as among the finest from anywhere in the world. Les Pins serves as the estate's entry-level sweet wine!
Tasting Notes
More of a tropical, laid back feel to this - pineapple fruit with bright acidity to keep you coming back for more.

Production
Could be labelled as Sélection de Grains Nobles but they aren’t always aged for the minimum 18 months before release. With 140g/l residual sugar the finish is much drier due to the fabulous acidity (a recurring theme in these wines).
Producer
Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world. A lot is written about terroir, soil and microclimates. You often question how much of it is true, how do people know exactly why the wines work out the way they do? At Tirecul however, you can really see it in front of you. There aren’t many estates where you can see all the vineyard in one block. At the bottom of the hill it is too open, and the top of the hill it is too windy. It’s only in two little pockets that the fog sits to create the conditions for some truly phenomenal botrytis wines. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks site, all the quirks of nature are ‘just right’ (I haven’t tried any Tirecul in my porridge, but I am going to now).
90% of the 9ha vineyard is planted with an even split between Semillon and Muscadelle, the latter is a fascinating variety, often in the background but it can be the real star of the show. The balance is Sauvignon Blanc and the recently allowed Chenin. The exact blend of the sweet wines is unknown because the grapes are picked when they are showing the best elements of botrytis and fermented together. Bruno Bilancini has run the estate since the early 1990s, in the last few years has also produced very good dry white and red which are showing real promise.
Sustainability
Bruno Bilancini took over the estate in 1992, and has treated the environment with utmost respect since then. It was in 2009 that Chateau Tirecul started to convert to organics, with all wines beyond 2012 being certified as well as vegan.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 500ml |
| Cultivar | Semillon 60%, Muscadelle 40% |
| Country | France |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.25units |
| Type | Dessert Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
| Food Matches |
A posset, a syllabub.... one of those desserts that you're not entirely sure what it is...
|
| Origin |
|
| Appellation | Monbazillac AOC |
2022 Baleia Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £16.99 Sale price £14.44 Save 15%Baleia is Portuguese for whale and the striking labels are inspired by St Sebastian Bay, the Whale Nursery of South Africa.
Discover a place of whales and wonder, where wines are born from rocky limestone soil in a remote and unspoilt corner of the Cape South Coast.
Here vines overcome fierce elements to create fruit with singular character and depth of flavour. Beyond evocative wine, Baleia is also about finding harmony between self, others and nature in pursuit of life's perfect equilibrium.
Tasting Notes
Pale, greenish gold. Reflecting classic aromas of elderberry flower and green fig on the nose.
Lovely juicy, tropical fruits such as litchi, forrel pear and a hint of sea mist. The lush balanced palate entertains with granadilla, guava and a Prickly pear.

Winemaking Philosophy
Making Sauvignon Blanc one is often faced with the temptation of making something frivolous, upfront and flirty which results in very upfront wines that lack a sense of place. With Baleia, they have chosen to take the road less travelled by choosing texture and minerality from the site to portray the beauty of the terroir.
Vineyard Philosophy
Baleia believes that living soils = strong roots = healthy vines = perfectly ripened fruit. They believe that through science and meticulous farming with attention to the details, they can produce grapes that truly reflect the terroir in which they are grown.
Vintage Notes
The 2022 vintage was characterised by heavy winter rains and a wet Spring which resulted in optimum reserve build-up. A drier flowering and ripening period ensured for a decent crop size.
Accolade
- Jancis Robinson 16.5 points
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Country | South Africa |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | St Sebastian Bay, Cape South Coast |
| Appellation | Western Cape |
2023 Hermanuspietersfontein Bloos Rosé
Regular price £15.99 Sale price £13.59 Save 15%‘Bloos’ is the Afrikaans word for blush, which describes the delicate pink hue of this wine.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fresh red fruits with creamy undertones and pleasant floral notes
Palate
Perfect balance between freshness and texture, effortless weight and length

Vinification
A wine designed for everyday enjoyment with a focus to be approachable and accessible. The wine is predominantly a blend of Malbec and Merlot to create a fruit-forward rosé aimed to please all palates. A small percentage of the wine ferments in contact with French oak to broaden the palate without compromising the refreshing sensation of this wine. Our aim is to create a wine that showcases fresh red fruit (strawberries) and floral notes, with a creamy finish.
On the palate this wine presents the perfect balance between freshness and texture, with effortless weight and length. This wine was not made with the intention to age, but rather to be enjoyed immediately.
History
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
Predominantly Malbec and Merlot (85%) |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.84 units |
| Type | Rosé |
| Cellaring Potential |
This wine was not made with the intention to age, but rather to be enjoyed immediately |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Maturation in Oak |
1 month with French oak alternatives |
| Food Matches |
Salmon gravlax with lemony creme fraiche and dill on crostini. |
| Origin | Hermanus |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Raats, Dolomite Cabernet Franc
Regular price £15.49 Sale price £13.17 Save 15%Tasting Notes
Dolomite wines express great purity of fruit and balanced elegance. The nose shows dark and red cherry. Dark berries, spiciness and herbs linger on the palate. The wine has great purity of fruit with a hint of wet-stone minerality and a velvet soft finish.

Producer
After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
Production
The grapes come from Stellenbosch and are grown only on decomposed dolomite granite soils. This lends itself to great acidity, freshness and an extended mineral finish. Individual vineyard blocks were hand-picked at perfect ripeness during February.
Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation at a temperature of 28°C, the grapes were basket pressed before malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged in oak for 14 months.
Accolades & Awards
Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 91 Points
'Dolomite is always the most floral and approachable of Bruwer Raats' quartet of Cabernet Francs, aged in an equal combination of older oak and concrete. Tarragon, green pepper and graphite aromas are a scented prelude to a palate of tomato leaf and black cherry and a crunchy finish.' 2025-30. 91 Points, TA, 2024.
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
| Country | South Africa |
|
|
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11 units per bottle |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | 2023 - 2027 |
| Food Matching | Perfectly complements Game Bird with Red Wine Sauce, Beef Fillet, and Pork Loin. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Raats Family Wines, Original Chenin Blanc, Polkadraai Hills.
Regular price £15.49 Sale price £13.17 Save 15%Tasting Notes
100% Chenin Blanc, this has a distinctive yellow apple and pineapple core, alongside notes of green melon and limes. The wine is bursting with fresh fruit flavours ending with zesty citrus flavours, and has a long mineral finish. A very clean and satisfying hand-picked Chenin Blanc that's a versatile wine for food pairing.

Producer
After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
Production
From vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Vines are grown in both decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. A combination of trellised and bush vines, irrigated as well as dry land that yield approximately 7 – 8 tons per hectare.
Grapes grown from the two soil types are fermented separately, the decomposed granite bringing a lime and mineral character, while the sandstone more topical fruit and structure. The juice was cold settled for 2 to 3 days, then cold fermented (14º - 16ºC) in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees for 6 months before bottling. No wood ageing.
Accolades & Awards
2022 – 89 Points Tim Atkin MW
2022 – 4.5 Star John Platter
2022 – 92 Points Winemag
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Country | South Africa |
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units per bottle |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Food Matching | An easy to pair wine since it has a wide flavour profile, but we especially recommend it with curry or similar spicy dishes as well as sushi and oysters. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Passitivo Primitivo 'Organic' Appassimento
Regular price £15.49 Sale price £13.17 Save 15%A bold, rich organic Primitivo!
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red; pronounced ripe cherry and black cherry, with spicy notes and hints of coconut and chocolate. Well structured body, with smooth tannins and a lingering finish of ripe forest fruits.

Producer
The cellars occupy a total area of about 24,000 square meters. The first is located in the heart of the Salice Salentino DOC (San donaci) the second, inaugurated in August 2020, is located at the gates of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC (Monteparano).
They are equipped with a state-of-the-art winemaking plant, a large barrel cellar and a modern cutting-edge bottling line capable of reaching 7000 bottles per hour. The winery is flanked by the farm Masseria Carritelli that is surrounded by vineyards.
Viticulture
In mid-August, when the grapes have reached perfect ripeness, a pre-harvest withering technique called "Il giro del Picciolo" is applied. It consists in choking the stem of the bunches in order to prevent the nutrition of the berries, thus inducing a natural drying in the plant. The bunches are left to dry for about 12 days, losing about 25-30% of their weight in liquids, and concentrating aromas and flavors before harvesting. After destemming, the grapes are gently crushed, allowing the skins to remain intact for a better extraction of colour. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 22-25 °Cfor 8-10 days. In order to obtain greater aromas and soft tannins, frequent pumping over and délestage are carried out. After racking takes place the malolactic fermentation. 6 months in 2°passage American oak barrels, 6 months in stainless steel tanks.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Primitivo |
| Country | Italy |
| Alcohol content | 14% |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle
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10.5 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Food Matches | Main courses based on red sauces, meat and game; well-seasoned risotto, mushrooms, mature cheeses and cold cuts. |
| Cellaring Potential | 2029 |
| Features | Vegan & Vegetarian, organic, sustainable |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Appellation | Puglia IGP |
| Origin | Puglia |
2021 Domaine de la Pigeade Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (500ml)
Regular price £16.99 Sale price £14.44 Save 15%The Muscat from La Pigeade is characterized by its freshness and finesse and is to be found in many of the leading restaurants of the Rhone Valley.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A light gold wine, shiny with golden reflections.
Palate
The complex aromatic palette combines pear with rose water and exotic fruits.

Soil cultivation
Sustainable cultivation for over 30 years; grassing controlled mechanically (hoeing). Scribbling is practiced several times a year at different depths depending on the case.
Vinification
Hand harvested and sorted before 100% de-stemming and maceration on skins for 10 hours at 3°C before pressing. Cool-fermented to reach a natural alcohol of 5 % before the ferment is arrested by the addition of grape spirit to reach a minimum of 15 % alcohol, with a minimum of 110 g/l residual sugar. Matured on fine lees in tank for two months prior to bottling.
History
Very little sweet Muscat was made before 1945 when Muscat de Beaumes de Venise was classified an AOC for its vin doux naturel, but by the 1970’s and 1980’s its popularity in northern Europe was probably greater than Sauternes or sweet German wines. The wines, by law, must have an ABV of 15% and at least 110g/L residual sugar. Domaine de la Pigeade was purchased by the Vaute family in 1960 who came from wine families but this domaine was the first generation of winemakers. Up until 1996 all fruit from the 25ha estate was sent to the cooperative but with the succession of the second generation, Thierry and his wife Marina, a cellar was built and the wine-making was brought in house. The domaine sits outside the village of Beaumes, which is sandwiched in between the Dantelles de Montmirail and Mount Ventoux. Of the 25ha around 20 are Muscat blanc à petits grains averaging 35 years of age. The vines are planted on a argilo-calcaire and all weed control is manual. The fruit is harvested at a very low 30hl/ha.
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 500ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol content | 16% |
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Units of Alcohol per Bottle
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11.3 units |
| Type | Dessert Wine / natural sweet wine |
| Food Matches |
It is an ideal aperitif and also goes well with many desserts, especially ones with chocolate, or a fruit salad, or strawberries where some is also poured over the fruit. It is also a perfect companion for many blue cheeses. Drink young and always very fresh (around 7°) |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Appellation | Muscat de Beaumes de Venise |
| Origin | Southern Rhône Valley |
2020 Waterkloof 'Circumstance Mourvèdre'
Regular price £16.49 Sale price £14.02 Save 15%Mourvèdre is perfect for Waterkloof, with its head in the sun and feet in the sea, and is the most planted red grape on this biodynamic farm. The outstanding 2020 may be the best vintage yet!
Tasting notes
An elegant rendition of this often unruly varietal. Ripe, dark fruit with graphite notes on the nose with wild herb and lifted red berry aromas. Robust and concentrated with the dense yet fine tannins typical of the variety and with a freshness and lightness of touch, thanks to high natural acidity and moderate alcohol.

Production
Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. The Mourvèdre comes from two windswept, south-facing blocks 270-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production was just 2 tonnes per hectare in 2020. Mourvèdre is one of the few varietals with enough wind-resistance to plant as bush-vine on Waterkloof. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bunches are sorted and whole-bunch fermentation happens spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters. Manual punch-downs or foot-pressing take place 1-2 times per day and the wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in old 600 litre barrels then ageing for 24 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, regeneratively farmed wine. 10 barrels made.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. To learn more please visit their website.
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Mourvèdre |
| Country | South Africa |
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | Red Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches | It can be paired with a variety of dishes but should show well with wild boar or lamb on the grill. |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2024 Les Eglantiers Tavel Rose AOC
Regular price £16.49 Sale price £14.02 Save 15%“Bold. Elegant. Unapologetically Tavel.”
Tasting Notes
Colour
Beautiful vivid pink with bright glints. Revealing fresh fruit flavours of wild strawberry, this rosé has gentle acidity showing a smooth elegance and intensity with a plump finish.
Nose
Reminiscent of small red fruits (red cherry, strawberry) with nuances of white-fleshed stone fruits (white peach, nectarine).
Palate
Revealing fresh fruit flavours of wild strawberry, this rosé has gentle acidity showing a smooth elegance and intensity with a plump finish.

Vinification
Direct pneumatic pressing after a cold maceration on skins for 12 – 24 hours to extract tannins and colour. Racking of the must during 36h followed by alcoholic fermentation in temperature regulated stainless steel vats for 8 to 10 days at 18 – 20°C. No malolactic fermentation to preserve the freshness of the wine. The wine is matured on fine lees. Aged in stainless steel vats for 3 months.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Blair's Personal Tasting Note
" 'Proper’ rose, fabulous colour & depth. Aromas/flavours of primarily strawberry but also a touch of red cherry, refreshing acidity and delightful complexity & length. Drinks very well on its own but got the depth to stand up to fairly serious food flavours. Extremely well made and tastes around £20 worth. Anything less and it’s stunning value." August 2025
Specifications
| Year | 2024 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
80% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol Content | 13% alc vol |
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | Rose Wine |
| Food Matches |
Serve as an aperitif or enjoy with cold fish starters, seafood pasta, herb sausages, chicken and pomegranate salad, sheep cheeses or fresh slices of melon. |
| Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Cave de Turckheim Baron D'Alsace Gewurztraminer
Regular price £15.99 Sale price £13.59 Save 15%A great introduction to the heady delights of Gewurztraminer.
Tasting Notes
Intensly perfumed Gewurztraminer with a rich palate of honeyed and rose-scented flavours.

Production
Produced in the traditional manner by winemaker Jean Michel Lihrmann in Cave de Turckheim's gravity fed cellar - pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no finings and light filtration before bottling - all to preserve fruit and aromatic qualities and elegance. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance, based on the belief that all the qualities of the wine are already present in the grapes.
Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification. The growers are aiming for HVE Level 3 certification in late 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey, and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Gewürztraminer |
| Country | France |
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Alcohol content
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13% alc vol
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
| Food Matches | A classic match for spicy dishes (especially Thai) but can also be served as an alternative to red wine with strong cheeses. |
| Origin |
Alsace, France
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