De Bortoli Premium Fortified Old Boys Barrel Aged 21 Year Old Tawny
Regular price £23.19 Sale price £18.55 Save 20%De Bortoli has an extensive collection of aged wine stocks maturing in barrel. Old Boys has been selected from the finest barrels of this aged Tawny and blended to an average age of 21 Years. This Tawny is a luscious wine with complex nut and wood aged flavours making it the perfect accompaniment for fine coffee, rich cheeses or dark chocolate.
HIghly awarded and certified 21 years old.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Classic tawny colour with streaks of amber.
Nose
An array of aromas are on display with dark raisined fruits, mocha, hints of vanillin oak and nutty aged barrel characters.
Palate
Initially luscious, nuances of mocha and coffee have integrated over time, barrel-aged flavours in harmony resulting in a smooth, lingering drying finish.

Winemaking
Producer
The De Bortoli family story is one of determination and triumph that started 90 years ago in war-torn Europe and is now told, generations later, across Australia.
Their heritage encompasses the universal story of immigrants making good in an adopted land, the rise and rise of the Australian wine industry and the tale of a hardworking and innovative family who considers good wine, good food and good friends to be among the true pleasures in life.
Reviews
"Fine aromas brimming with the aged complexity of a mediaeval souk: mahogany, date, walnut, cedar, tamarind, sandalwood and bitter orange. A volatile rancio riff services lift and freshness. This is a compelling wine on many levels. I wish the acidity was not so shrill, but there is plenty of nourishing warmth to placate it." 94 points. Ned Goodwin MW, Halliday Wine Companion 2023, Aug 2022
"Full rancio bouquet with aged, honeyed nuances. Ageing brandy complexity to the dry palate showing nice sweetness and soft spiciness." 97 Points. Winestate Magazine, Aug 2021
"Gold and brown tawny. Dense, rich and complex. The concentration and luscious texture from age evident in the liquored fruit, flavours, dried fig and nutty rancio oak characters. More physical than finessed in style." 95 Points. David Bicknell, Halliday Wine Companion 2020, Aug 2019
"A complex, nicely ageing, drier style with an elegance of lingering dried fruit characters and nutty rancio layered with chocolate/coffee-like elements and finishing quite dry." 5 Stars. Winestate Magazine, Aug 2019
"A very rich and luscious release: toffee, coffee grounds, chocolate, Christmas cake, spirit no issue. The extra age has brought an element of finesse with it." Rating: 95 James Halliday, Wine Companion 2019, Aug 2018
"Tawny or tawny port as it used to be called, is Australia's most popular fortified wine style, and De Bortoli's Old Boys Tawny is a classic. It has an average age of 21 years, which is achieved by drawing on the family's extensive collection of old wines. It is matured in oak casks, deriving vanillin oak and nutty aged barrel characters on the nose and palate." Hannah Sparks and Nick Blair, Drinks Trade, Aug 2017
"Deep, reddish tawny. Nutty, caramelised figs and raisins. Terrific piercing intensity and freshness and an intensely sweet wine. Much more grapey than a port but equal in complexity. Bitter toffee aftertaste and amazing length." Julia Harding MW, Dec 2016
"Utterly superb and moreish port-a-like from Australia" Jonathan Ray, The Field (UK), Jan 2016
Specifications
| Year | Multiple Vintages |
| Bottle Size | 500ml |
| Cultivar | Predominantly Shiraz & Grenache |
| Country | Australia |
|
Alcohol content
|
19% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
| Cellaring | With an average age of 21 years, Old Boys Barrel Aged Tawny can be cellared for extended maturation in bottle but is blended to be enjoyed on opening at any time. |
| Type | Fortified Wine |
| Residual Sugar & Acidity | 162,2g/l | 6,4g/l |
| Food Pairing | Tawnys are a traditional after dinner wine that can be savoured with a platter of cheeses or a rich fruit or chocolate dessert. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Multiregional, Bilbul |
N/V Boplaas Cape Tawny 'Port'
Regular price £18.80 Sale price £15.04 Save 20%Tasting Notes
Colour
A fiery red-brown Tawny coloured wine with flecks of olive green on the rim
Nose
The bouquet unfurls with the walnut, roast almond, honey, caramel, melange of spices, citrus, warming brandy and charred oak notes that typify Tawny.
Palate
A lusciously smooth, mouth-watering palate of brandied fruits, roast nuts, honey, caramel toffee, warm spices and hints of citrus tantalize the taste buds long after the first sip.

Production
The finest Tinta Barocca and Touriga Nacional is selected by the winemaker from specific low-yielding vineyards in order to craft an inky black wine, that is then barrel-matured for a decade or more.
All the fruit is hand-harvested at optimum ripeness, fermented and fortified in small lagars, barrel matured in large seasoned oak barrels for a minimum of 8 years, blended meticulously to craft the distinctive colour and flavour profile of a fine Boplaas Cape Tawny.
Producers
It would be impossible to think of South African ‘Port’-style wines and Brandies without Boplaas (‘top farm’ in Afrikaans) springing to mind. Boplaas, in far flung Calitzdorp, has been in the Nel family since 1880 so they have had many a year to perfect their craft. This is evidenced through frequently being awarded ‘Port’ of the year by both Tim Atkin and numerous Platter 5 star awards.
Boplaas ‘Port’ wines are crafted just like they are in the Douro Valley. Only Portuguese varietals are utilised, picked at full-ripeness and fermented in large open fermenters (known as lagares), intense manual pigeage, fortifying the wine at the correct time, using the finest grape spirit, and appropriate barrel ageing.
Accolades
- 93pts | Platter's 2023
Specifications
| Year | N/V |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
Tinta Barocca (70%); Touriga Nacional (20%); Souzao (10%) |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
19.73% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 14.8 units |
| Type | Fortified & Desert Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Drink now through next 10 years |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
A versatile food-friendly fortified wine the Boplaas Cape Tawny can be served with a host of tapas, roast duck with citrus glaze, sirloin steak with café de Paris sauce, comforting Cantonese cuisines, as an aperitif with canapés, pates and roast nuts, or as a partner to decadent desserts or a selection of mature cheeses. Alternatively, serve as digestive or as a mixer with tonic water for a refreshing long drink. For best results serve chilled at 11 – 14 C or cooler in warmer climes, and serve in a white wine glass. |
| Origin | Calitzdorp |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
Krohn 10 Year Old Tawny, DOC Porto NV
Regular price £23.99 Sale price £19.99 Save 17%This 10 year old is a classic Tawny with the typical appealing aromas and flavours of wood-aged Ports, particularly nuts and caramel.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Lovely tawny colour with golden hues.
Nose
Complex aromas of ripe red fruits, damson jam, raisins and toasted nuts.
Palate
Smooth and rounded on the palate, with notes of caramel balanced by fresh acidity to give great length. A very well balanced, elegant and harmonious port wine.

Production
Made from selected red ports produced from the best vineyards of the Douro Valley, and varieties including: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão and Tinta Roriz. Aged in small oak casks, typically of around 630 litres. As the wine ages it gradually loses the ruby red colour of its youth, becoming tawny in colour, more smooth and mellow on the palate, and aromas gaining richness and complexity.
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 all A 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.
Reviews
-
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Elegant and balanced, with a good acidity. Fresh and delicious, exactly as it should be a 10 year old.”
Specifications
| Year | N/V |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca |
| Country | Portugal |
|
Alcohol content
|
20% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 15 units |
| Type | Red Blend |
| Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Serving | The wine benefits from being served slightly chilled, between 12ºC to 16ºC. The particular qualities of this wine allow it to be enjoyed over an extended period of time once opened, without losing its freshness and vibrancy. Optimum drinking time after opening the bottle is within two to three months. |
| Food Matches | The Krohn 10 Year Old Tawny is a delicious dessert wine, and harmonizes particularly well with flavours of almonds, wild berries or dark chocolate. You can also pair it with rich, blue veined cheeses. It is excellent at the end of the meal, as a culminating moment of a pleasant evening, served alone or with walnuts or toasted almonds. |
| Storage | This wine is ready to drink and does not require decanting. The bottle should be kept upright, protected from light and at a cool and constant temperature. |
| Origin | Douro Valley |
| Appellation | DOC Porto |
Quinta da Pedra Alta No 10 NV
Regular price £24.99 Sale price £19.99 Save 20%Alta No. 10 is an elegant, luscious, complex Tawny Port,
Tasting Notes
Colour
Tawny
Nose
Very complex aroma, showing lots of dried fruits, toffee, caramel and cask notes
Palate
Luscious, complex tawny with a velvety texture and a refreshing finish

Production
he grapes are handpicked, hand sorted and destemmed into granite lagars, where
they are foot-stomped for up to four hours. The must is then fermented by wild yeasts
at temperatures ranging from 20-25°C, and spirit is then added at the appropriate time
to stop fermentation. At the end of the maceration the ferments are drained,
pressed, and transferred to old port casks to undergo maturation, before eventual blending and bottling. As with all ports, blending is the key and we use a variety of aged parcels, with different levels of sweetness and acidity including a small proportion of some really old barrels (at least 40 years old). The aim is to deliver an elegant, complex Ten-Year-Old Tawny style where the sweetness takes a back seat and the Pedra Alta acidity provides the focus. This is the first Ten-Year-Old produced on the estate and is a fitting tribute to the positive impact João has had on the estate since he started in 2009.
| Year | N/V |
| Bottle Size | 500ml |
| Cultivar |
Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca |
| Country | Portugal |
|
Alcohol content
|
19.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | Red Blend |
| Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Cellaring | Drink now, but will gain further complexity over the next 20+ years. |
| Food Matches | Picture this: a rich, velvety Chocolate Delice, a sumptuous Sticky Toffee Pudding, and a robust, creamy Milk Cheese. |
| Origin | Douro Valley |
| Appellation | DOC Porto |
Lustau East India Solera Sherry (500ml)
Regular price £21.99 Sale price £17.59 Save 20%East India Solera is a sweetened Oloroso. The name refers to the East India Company, a British trading company that transported cotton, silk, spices, tea, saltpetre and other commodities from the East Indies. As a fortified wine (which lasted longer), sherry was taken along as ballast and to serve the ship’s crew on its transatlantic journey.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark mahogany in colour with green-amber edge.
Nose
It offers vibrant notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, shoe polish, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, all very well integrated.
Palate
On the palate, it is smooth and rich at the beginning, full of prune and burned oranges peel flavours. Provocative spicy notes appear just before the nuttiness and terrific acidity cuts through the sweetness. With a truly unforgettable finish.

Production
Each wine (Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez) is matured, separately in its own solera for 12 years. Once blended together, the resulting sherry is returned to a 45-cask solera for a further 3 years ageing. In centuries gone by, casks with sherry were lashed to ships sailing for the Indies and were found to develop an extraordinary smoothness and complexity. Lustau has revived this style of sherry in the East India wine.
Producers
Founded in 1896, Lustau has been a standard bearer for Sherry for more than a century. For more than the last few decades, it has been applying a boutique concept to its winemaking, building up a selection of some thirty wines from its own Soleras and others chosen from the stocks of the small Almacenista producers, and independent Sherry artisans. These are aged in all three of the cities of the Sherry area: Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Now Lustau has taken this quality approach a step further, releasing two Finos and a Manzanilla all En Rama. “En Rama” means “from the branch”, the idea being that this is Sherry in its rawest and most natural form, straight from the barrel with no filtering or fining. For us, this is the finest way to drink Sherry.
History
In the 17th century, they started to notice that the wine actually improved after such a trip, becoming smoother and more complex. This can be explained by the constant movement (i.e. more interaction with air and wood) and by the exposure to high temperatures. East India Sherry which was brought back after a trip became very popular (and expensive), just like East India Madeira. Even whisky was ‘improved’ this way.
The tradition faded in the 19th Century with the introduction of steamships, but the idea had a small revival in 1958 when a butt of Valdespino Solera 1842 was shipped on the Ben Line and compared to bottles that had stayed at home. The improvement was clear.
Awards
- Gold Mundus Vini
- IWSC Silver 2020
- Decanter Silver
- 90 points Wine Enthusiast
- 90 points Decanter
Specifications
| Year | Non-Vintage - Average age 15 years |
| Bottle Size | 500ml |
| Cultivar | 80% Palomino & 20% Pedro Ximénez |
| Country | Spain |
|
Alcohol content
|
20% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol | 10 units |
| Type | Fortified Wine - Sweet Sherry |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
This wine is a perfect companion to light desserts and cakes, but can also be served with creamy cheeses or foie-gras. Try it also on the rocks with a slice of orange, simply delicious. Serve slightly chilled, between 10 – 12ºC.
|
| Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
| Appellation | Jerez |
Equipo Navazos, I Think Amontillado, Montilla (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £19.49 Sale price £15.59 Save 20%This amontillado is a rare and exclusive treasure, with just 1,000 375ml bottles available, each drawn from a single cask that boasts an average age of 15 years. Its elegance and finesse are unmatched, and with a natural alcohol strength, it remains unfortified, preserving its authentic character.
Tasting Notes
This embodies finesse with its rich, gourmet and wonderfully unique character. The perfect Amontilado from DO Montilla-Moriles, combines elegance with complexity and has a sensory appeal which shows a definite sense of place.
Production
The white chalky soils of the hills South of Montilla (Sierra de Montilla) and surrounding Moriles (Moriles Altos) are ideal for the cultivation of Pedro Ximénez grapes which produce the traditional wines for which Andalucía is well known among wine lovers. The Montilla-Moriles appellation, located in the province of Córdoba some 200 km away from Jerez, have produced for centuries these traditional wines.
Producers
Equipo Navazos was born out of a group of friend’s passion to share the authentic, traditional wines of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Montilla … legitimately some of the greatest wines of the world!
These wines come from soleras and individual casks that remain, relatively neglected by the market in corners of many of Andalusia’s most prestigious bodegas. These unexpected yet fortunate findings have been made available to wine lovers around the world in limited quantities under the La Bota series (consecutively numbered editions, with the date of each saca or withdrawl date on the label) … in doing so respecting generations of expertise and care for these rare and beautiful wines. Today their efforts are increasingly focused on producing their own exceptional wines, such as Florpower, that truly express the character of Sanlúcar and its unique terroir. Outside of Andalusia, Equipo Navazos have collaborated with winemakers including Dirk Niepoort and Sergi Colet to develop authentic and individual wines that never fail to impress.
Accolades


Specifications
| Year | Non Vintage |
| Bottle Size | 375ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Pedro Ximénez |
| Country | Spain |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6,18 units |
| Type | Fortified Wine - Dry Sherry |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
Raw oysters, cheeses of medium to intense flavour, charcuterie, spicy Asian food.
|
| Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
| Appellation | Jerez |
2020 Helmut Lang Beerenauslese Chardonnay (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £25.99 Sale price £17.99 Save 31%Tasting Notes
Full-bodied. Velvety, strong body. Subtle freshness. Ripe composition of pear, apple and honeydew melon. Light buttery tones. A delicately bitter spicy note supports the sweetness very elegantly. Long strong finish.

Wine
These black and mouldy grapes manage to produce an amazing, sweet, dessert wine at the hands of Helmut. Think pears, apples and Honeydew. A slight butteriness and a hint of spice.
Producer
The Langs have been cultivating around 18 hectares in Illmitz, the heart of the Seewinkel in the Neusiedler See wine-growing region, for three generations. The microclimate of the Seewinkel and the partially pure sandy soils create the best conditions for viticulture in the region.
His son, Helmut Jnr, has caught the wine bug too, and now in his mid-20s, is training to take over eventually from his dad. Helmut’s speciality is sweet wines, both from botrytised but also frozen grapes.
In the past, this area of Austria was consistently blessed, year after year, with ideal conditions for the production of sweet wines – both from botrytis-affected and frozen grapes. But times have changed. In recent years the opportunities for Eiswein, which require a minimum nighttime temperature of minus 8 Celcius, have been very rare. Botrytis has become more difficult too: drier conditions increase phenolics and thickness of skins, so these grapes are much less sensitive to the botrytis fungus so vital for the ‘noble’ sweet wines. So paradoxically, harvest dates for these kinds of wine have become later and later.
But somehow Helmut manages to turn out the same great sweet wines year after year, even if quantities are much reduced. It’s astonishing how apparently filthy grapes, still on the vine in January, looking black and very sorry for themselves can transform from ugly duckling to beautiful princess; perfumed and diaphanous. It is a mystical transformation, but one which Helmut manages with great experience and huge skill. His vineyards are located on the Eastern side of the lake around Illmitz. The vines are immaculately trained and all located in the National Parkland which surrounds the lake.
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 375ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | Austria |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 4.5 units |
| Type | Dessert Wine |
| Food Matching | Pairs perfectly with desserts and cheeses - serve at between 8-10C |
| Dietary Information |
Vegetarian & Vegan |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Illmitz |
| Appellation | Burgenland |
Fernando de Castilla White Vermut NV
Regular price £21.00 Sale price £16.80 Save 20%Fernando de Castilla have added another vermouth to their portfolio - made from Palomino and Moscatel grapes and produced in Jerez.
Tasting Notes
The nose has pronounced moscatel grape and spice aromas. Semi-sweet and persistent on the palate, with characteristic wormwood notes alongside clove and thyme.

Production
Producer
Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla is located in the historic centre of Jerez. Its story began with the aristocratic Andrada-Vanderwilde family, who for two centuries provided grapes and wine for the production of sherry in the area. In 1972 Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde took over some old sherry cellars and brandy soleras from a couple of local bodegas, and changed the name of the company from Fernando III to Fernando de Castilla.
In 1999 Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with 15 years experience at Osborne, bought the company and also acquired a neighbouring almacenista, José Bustamente. He also formed a partnership with a local grape grower – to ensure consistent supply of high quality grapes – unusual for the smaller bodegas, who usually have to rely on co-operatives. He decided to focus entirely on high-end, complex sherries - in the process upgrading the bodega to one of the most interesting and highly regarded of the small independent sherry houses in Jerez.
Whilst the company also produces Sherry Vinegar, and their own range of brandies, the Sherries produced here are amongst the finest in Jerez - from the pale, dry and elegant fino to the most unique antique wines.
There are two ranges: Classic, and the premium Antique range. It is the excellence of the Antique range of intensely pure and complex single solera Sherries that has largely driven Fernando de Castilla's reputation as masters in the production and ageing of fine, unblended, untreated Sherries (they do not fine, clarify or aggressively filter any of their wines).
Specifications
| Year | Non Vintage |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Palomino, Moscatel |
| Country | Spain |
|
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.2 units |
| Type | Fortified Wine - Vermut |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches | Serve over ice with a slice of lemon or lemon peel, and alongside a dish of olives and roasted almonds. Or to make an extra-special Martini. |
| Origin | Jerez |
| Appellation | Jerez |
Fernando de Castilla Vermut NV
Regular price £21.00 Sale price £16.80 Save 20%A fantastic Jerez vermouth made from old Pedro Ximenez and oloroso sherry combined with 27 botanicals. Vermut has been brought back to life!
Tasting Notes
Marvellously mahogany in colour with rich aromas of dried fruit, nuts and herbal notes. Full-flavoured, silky and sweet with a characteristic, refreshing, yet bitter bite from the wormwood.

Production
Producer
Bodegas Rey Fernando de Castilla is located in the historic centre of Jerez. Its story began with the aristocratic Andrada-Vanderwilde family, who for two centuries provided grapes and wine for the production of sherry in the area. In 1972 Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde took over some old sherry cellars and brandy soleras from a couple of local bodegas, and changed the name of the company from Fernando III to Fernando de Castilla.
In 1999 Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with 15 years experience at Osborne, bought the company and also acquired a neighbouring almacenista, José Bustamente. He also formed a partnership with a local grape grower – to ensure consistent supply of high quality grapes – unusual for the smaller bodegas, who usually have to rely on co-operatives. He decided to focus entirely on high-end, complex sherries - in the process upgrading the bodega to one of the most interesting and highly regarded of the small independent sherry houses in Jerez.
Whilst the company also produces Sherry Vinegar, and their own range of brandies, the Sherries produced here are amongst the finest in Jerez - from the pale, dry and elegant fino to the most unique antique wines.
There are two ranges: Classic, and the premium Antique range. It is the excellence of the Antique range of intensely pure and complex single solera Sherries that has largely driven Fernando de Castilla's reputation as masters in the production and ageing of fine, unblended, untreated Sherries (they do not fine, clarify or aggressively filter any of their wines).
Specifications
| Year | Non Vintage |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Palomino 70%; Pedro Ximenez |
| Country | Spain |
|
Alcohol content
|
17% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.5 units |
| Type | Fortified Wine - Vermut |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
Serve as an aperitif - over ice with a slice of orange and soda. Alternatively use in cocktails such as the classic Negroni, or Manhattan.
|
| Origin | Jerez |
| Appellation | Jerez |