- Aglianico
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Palomino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Verdejo
- Viognier
- Zweigelt
- Aglianico
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Palomino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Verdejo
- Viognier
- Zweigelt
2021 Soumah of the Yarra Valley d'Soumah Pinot Noir
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pinot Noir is a very selective grape. It does not like the heat but does like the sun. It likes to be on well-drained soils so not good on flat landscapes. It likes warm days but more important, cold summer nights. It is so demanding that only a few Australian regions can aspire to produce a Pinot Noir of any pedigree...the Yarra Valley being one of them.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright, cherry and raspberry aromas are supported by a palate of brooding dark fruit and deep earthy flavours.
Palate
Elegantly balanced on the palate of soft tannins and subtle spice with a lengthy finish
'
Producer
Soumah of the Yarra Valley is a producer of fine wines from the region. A hidden gem located down a country lane, in the dress circle of the cool Warramate foothills of Gruyere. Soumah set out to make wine with the charm of northern Italy but the provenance of the Yarra Valley. Situated an average of 120 meters above sea level, the vineyard is elevated above the valley floor. The ancient sandy-clay loams with broken sandstone shape the small yield and define the detail in these precise, focused expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Production Method
There are four clones of Pinot Noir on Hexham Vineyard and once combined they create a classic, cool climate style wine showing elegance and savoury spice. Fermentation is completed using indigenous yeasts followed by a lengthy maturation in premium French oak to add a layer of earthy complexity.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"More a savoury Pinot than a fruity one. There is good fruit but it’s dark and brooding and overlaid with a smoky oakiness - but it’s the savoury notes that shine through from start to finish. Very well made - smooth and with some complexity held together with soft tannins. Very good value! April 2023
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled spatchcock with braised lentils or roasted mushrooms and pecorino polenta. |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | Yarra Valley |
2021 Gnarly Head Unoaked Viognier
Regular price £16.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A refreshing, full-bodied wine with light fruit - a delicious summer wine! Perfect for a family event, barbecue, or cooking with friends.
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass, this wine shines in a bright golden yellow with glittering reflections.
Nose
It has fruity aromas of citrus blossom, ripe peach and just a hint of minerality.
Palate
On the palate, the flavors of white nectarine and peach mix and give this wine its fresh taste - simply delicious. The freshness harmonises wonderfully with the well integrated acidity and the full-bodied texture.
Producer
The unoaked Viognier from Gnarly Head from the North American wine-growing region of California is a pure grape variety, refreshing and full-bodied white wine.
The grapes for this American white wine grow in the vineyards of Lodi.
After harvesting, the grapes are immediately taken to the Gnarly Head cellar. There the grapes are destemmed, gently pressed and filled into stainless steel tanks for alcoholic fermentation. This white wine is not matured in wood.
Alan's Tasting Notes
"Just Wow!! The clue is in the label - unoaked - so no oak used in fermentation or maturation - which lets the fruit shine through in all its majesty - pure peach and nectarine - enhanced by refreshing acidity and a touch of minerality. Pure quality at a reasonably affordable price point for California - love it - and so will our customers - they just have to try it and it’ll hook all in its path." Tasted July 2022
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Viognier |
Country | USA |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Serving |
Best served chilled at 10-12C |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Try with Indian vegetable or chicken korma, shrimp and cheese quiche or black label Emmental. It also goes well with truffled risotto, curry chicken, spicy prawns, smoked fish or lightly grilled meat and schnitzel. |
Origin | California |
Appellation | Napa Valley |
Lustau Pedro Ximénez San Emilio Solera Familiar NV (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vanilla ice cream will never be the same again!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Ebony in colour with iodine highlights.
Nose
The aromas are reminiscent of figs, raisins and dates.
Palate
Enormously sweet, velvety and soft on the palate, well balanced, with a very long finish.
Producers
During the early years, Bodegas Lustau operated as an Almacenista'. The Lustau family began bottling their own sherries and exporting by 1950. In the 1980s they expanded their range and introduced the Almacenista range concept of buying and maturing casks from small bodegas to share excellent quality names and styles with enthusiasts around the world.
In 1990 the winery was bought by the family-owned Louis Caballero group. Bodegas Lustau is considered a world-class benchmark for top-quality wines. Lustau produces all styles of sherry, from Manzanilla through to Pedro Ximénez, as well as special bottlings, single cask, VOS and VORS sherries. The En Rama range, produced from select barrels from each of the three towns, is a highly anticipated release each spring.
Lustau has, over the years, won multiple medals and trophies, including Best Spanish Winery' and Best Sherry Producer' at the IWSC and the Len Evans Trophy for consistency (won in 2011 and 2016) at the IWC. Current cellar master Sergio Martínez took charge of the winery's oenological team in 2016, after more than 14 years' worth of experience with Lustau. Sergio has been awarded the Best Fortified Winemaker' Trophy by the International Wine Challenge three years in a row, following in the footsteps of the late Manuel Lozano who had won this award seven times. In 2022, Lustau celebrated its 125th birthday with a special release of three sherries in their Anniversary Collection, including a Manzanilla Pasada Papirusa, Amontillado Solera del Castillo, and a Vintage Sherry Añada 1996.
Production
Pedro Ximénez grapes are laid out in the sun after picking until they are practically raisins. After that, the fermentation starts slowly and its halted to maintain all the natural sugars.
The resulting wine ages for 12 years in contact with the air in Jerez de la Frontera.
Specifications
Year | Non Vintage |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | Pedro Ximénez |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
17% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.4 units |
Type | Fortified Wine - Sweet Sherry |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Serve with rich desserts, cakes and pastries, or pour over vanilla ice cream. A perfect companion to strong blue cheeses. Ideal as a digestive. |
Origin | Jerez |
Appellation | Jerez |
2022 Monte del Fra Bardolino
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A delicately fruity and fragrant northern Italian red from southeast of Lake Garda.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A light summery red in the classic style
Nose
A delicately fruity, fragrant, nose with notes of cherries, strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants as well as hints of spices (cinnamon, cloves, black pepper).
Palate
Dry and rounded, with the same sensations of crunchy red fruits and berries on the palate. Lightly spicy, with a well-balanced, fresh, and easy-drinking style.
Production
Bardolino sits on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda and the red wines that carry its name bears some similarities to Valpolicella which comes from nearby. This example from Monte del Frà is a Corvina-led blend that undergoes a slow temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
The result is a light and juicy wine with an aromatic nose of sweet, fresh cherries and summer berries. Fresh and easy to drink, it's got plenty of tangy red fruits, a pleasant touch of spice, and cranberry to finish.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches | With its lightness of touch it makes super summery drinking and goes well with grilled fish, or cold meats and salads. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic |
Origin | Veneto & North East Italy |
Appellation | Bardolino DOC |
2019 Umathum Sankt (Saint) Laurent
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pepi Umathum is a master of Sankt Laurent and this, his classic style, is a is fresh and lively version for everyday indulgence. Sankt Laurent is thought to be a relation to Pinot Noir (crossed with an unknown native variety).
Tasting Notes
Colour
The deep purple color comes from thicker skins which promotes slow ripening and increased phenolics.
Nose
On the nose a hint of blackcurrant jam, Earl Grey tea and light florals
Palate
The palate is big and full with grippy, fresh ripe tannins, notes of orange rind and cherry jam. A wine to partner with a rich stew.
Producer
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Saint Laurent |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features |
Organic and biodynamic practices |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Poultry, chicken, veal, pasta and risotto |
Origin | Neusiedlersee, Burgenland |
2022 Oldenburg CL White
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
This captivating wine captures attention and makes a confident statement, presenting itself as a gentle lemon hue in the glass. A divine citrus character persists on the nose, revealing an exquisite array of fragrances including invigorating lemon zest, delicate elderflowers, and enticing orange blossom. A subtle interplay of honey, luscious lemon curd, and a refreshing, mineral essence complements the aromatic profile.
Palate
On the palate, the fruit flavours shine, supported by a lively acidity that leaves the mouth pleasantly invigorated. Notes of white lilies, star jasmine, and a gentle touch of grapefruit pithiness, derived from a small portion of old vines, contribute to an enchanting tasting experience. The journey culminates with a nuanced vanilla finish that adds a delightful touch to the overall encounter.
Winemaking & Maturation
The Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc in this extraordinary blend is sourced from exclusively cooler climate vineyards that complement the name of the wine. 37% of the wine was matured in concrete eggs, and 67% was matured in older French oak barrels, ranging in sizes from 228L to 300L.
Vintage Conditions
The 2021 post-harvest period had cool and dry weather conditions, disease-free canopies, and an extended hang time for grapes. Adequate irrigation water allowed for reserve build-up. Banghoek experienced a favourable winter with steady cold accumulation and even rainfall, while spring was cool and dry. The growing season was wetter and cooler, slowing down ripening. Summer rainfall resulted in lush canopies, needing vigorous canopy management. Overall, the season maintained a slower pace despite a hot and dry ripening period.
The Range
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Equally impressive as the red. The fruit is of the orange, clementine, mandarin style. Amazingly fresh, clean acidity on the front palate, followed by a little minerality, finishing with a soft creaminess from some oak or lees influence. Fairly long palate, medium-bodied with excellent balance - a good pair of well-made wines. A pair that packs a punch at this price!
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 78% Chardonnay & 22% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Food matching | These are a pair of classy wines that deliver poise and flavour to stand up to all manner of dishes and also drink perfectly on their own. |
Type | White Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Cinsault
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Taking on other Cinsault's throughout the world! This extraordinary old vine wine comes from 50-year-old vines in the Bekaa valley and is wonderfully unique.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose has an exotic mix of ripe fig, bright red cherry and plum fruit with star anise spice, it’s lifted and pronounced.
Palate
The palate has beautifully ripe red fruit characters alongside fig and spice notes. The acidity and tannin perfectly balances the generous flavours and leaves a pure, clean finish.
Production
Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid-19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties. In 2014, Domaine des Tourelles decided to revive this grape by searching out very old Cinsault vines, over 50 years of age and located in Western Bekaa. The grapes are handpicked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats for ten days. Malolactic fermentation begins spontaneously. The wine is then aged for 1 year in concrete and then spends a further 6 months in used French oak barrels to round out the tannins. The result is a supple wine that beautifully reflects the terroir of the Bekaa Valley, with an ageing potential of several years.
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.
Awards
- Top 100 2019 The Wine Merchant (2017 Vintage)
- Silver - Sommelier Wine Awards 2018 (2015 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | Lebanon |
Alcohol content | 14% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan, Organic |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Think Mediterranean cuisine - marinated meats, grilled vegetables. BBQs. |
Appellation | Bekaa Valley |
2020 Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Regular price £16.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A perfect summer drink paired with a wide range of food
Tasting Notes
Colour
Lovely pale yellow colour with green tints.
Nose
Citrus pith and florals on the nose with a clear Sauvignon Blanc lift.
Palate
Initial flavours of citrus and melon, light cool palate at 11.5% alcohol. Grapefruit, finger lime and a zesty acidity adds to the structure.
Vinification
Fruit outside the Hunter Valley is processed to the primary juice stage before transport to the winery in the Hunter Valley for fermentation and blending. This ensures the delicate grape and fruit aromas are preserved. A small percentage (approximately 5%) of this wine was fermented in barrel.
Winemaker Comments
We’re quite proud to introduce this wine as it is the 26th vintage of the blend. The label didn’t get the full Cricket Pitch livery until the 1995 vintage, although the Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot was labelled as Cricket Pitch for the 1991 wine released in 1993. This wine is a blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon, one of the highest proportions of Sauvignon Blanc we’ve bottled. Four regions make up the blend being Cowra 85%, Hunter Valley 5%, Orange 3% and McLaren Vale 7%. This wine also highlights our desire for lower alcohol and weighs in at 12.0% and with plenty of zesty fruit lift.
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.
Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
11.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 8,63 units |
Type | White Blend |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | A dozen freshly shucked oysters and a whole baked barramundi for lunch or a spicy Asian laksa for dinner. |
Origin | Hunter Valley |
Appellation | New South Wales |
2019 Te Awanga Estate 'Wildsong' Organic Syrah
Regular price £16.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%What strikes us is the beautiful lifted floral notes and a lovely punchy mouthful of fruit and earth on the palate. Bright and vibrant in colour, with aromas of raspberries , violets and nutmeg. The palate is silky with great balance and a fine structure. A wine styled for approachability.
Vinification
From a mix of French clones the Syrah was handled similarily to the Wildflower Organic Pinot Noir with a cold soak and hot ferment.
Viticulture
Our Maraekakaho Vineyard is planted on an ancient river terrace that was formed by the Ngaruroro River which now flows around 60 meters below the vineyard. With its headwaters in the Kaweka Ranges to the west of Hawkes Bay, the river has created the landscapes through glacial melts, floods and droughts over the last few hundred thousand years. The old terraces that remain are made up of greywacke (a compressed sandstone) boulders and gravels from the ranges, and a topsoil borne of windblown loess, volcanic ash and humus created by ancient forests and vegetation.
The arrival of the New Year brought with it the long, hot, sunny summer days with moderate-cool nights for perfect ripening conditions, whilst preserving fresh acidity. Superb harvest climatic conditions provided the luxury of optimal picking decisions not hurried by the threat of rain. The result is an outstanding year for our Hawke’s Bay wines. Yields are slightly down, but with exceptional quality across all varieties. Full flavour and tannin ripeness in reds, with moderate alcohol levels. Acid retention and exciting flavour spectrums in whites.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 86% Syrah & 14% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled Meats and Vegetables, Wild game |
Appellation | Hawke's Bay |
2021 Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Guaranteed to charm and captivate, this is a full and fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc led by tropical fruit, kiwi, gooseberry, and golden delicious apples.
The 2021 Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc is their ninth vintage. As the name suggests she is a little charmer and somewhat flirtatious.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The Paul Wallace Little Flirt Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is bright and appealing with prominent gooseberry, pear, and golden delicious apple on the nose.
Palate
An explosion of fruit on the palate reveals a medley of tropical fruits, fennel, and some grapefruit coupled with a prominent mineral core. The full mouthfeel captures the purity of Elgin’s fruit, resulting in a well-balanced white wine with good length.
Delightful while young but is expected to show her pedigree and mature with stylish grace and aplomb with further time in the bottle.
Vintage
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Accolade
- National Wine Challenge 2020 - Double Gold Award
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Pairs beautifully with summer salads, fresh Cape crayfish, and all manner of seafood. Match her with oysters, mussels, seared tuna, kingklip or salmon. The Little Flirt will compliment roast chicken or pork chops with apple sauce. For dessert serve her with apple crumble or simply as an aperitif! |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
Edinburgh Gin Liqueurs - Rhubarb & Ginger 50cl
Regular price £16.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"This liqueur harnesses that classic pairing of rhubarb & ginger."
David Wilkinson, Head Distiller
A classic pairing, our Rhubarb & Ginger is a sweet, fruity liqueur balanced by a delicate warmth and spicy finish. A mainstay of kitchen gardens across Scotland and intensely flavoured, rhubarb is the ideal ingredient for a sweet gin liqueur. Freshly picked spring-crop rhubarb is spiked with Oriental ginger and infused with our classic Edinburgh Gin. The rhubarb and spice are left to steep for four weeks, allowing for the complex flavours to marry together.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A sweet, highly perfumed, rhubarb-filled aroma.
Palate
Bright sweetness and a sharp tang, balanced with a pop of citrus.
Finish
A lingering warmth from the ginger.
Cocktail Suggestions
INGREDIENTS
Equal parts:
- Edinburgh Gin's Rhubarb & Ginger liqueur
- Pink grapefruit juice
- Fresh thyme to garnish
METHOD
- Shake the gin and grapefruit juice with ice and thyme sprigs.
- Serve with crushed ice and a thyme sprig garnish.
For Cocktail recipes, just click HERE.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 50cl |
Country | Scotland, UK |
|
20% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 0.5 units |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2020 Painted Wolf Black Tip Mourvédre
Regular price £19.69 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Background
The Vineyards
The grapes are from Kasteelsig vineyard, owned by Billy (Guillermo) Hughes, and are organically certified. Soil is red Glenrosa with some Oakleaf – shale-rich duplex soils. The vineyards are not irrigated.
Winemaking
The grapes were fermented with natural yeast in open tanks and a small, manually-rotating steel tank (20% whole-bunches). Malolactic conversion and maturation took place in small French and American oak barrels (20% new) for 8 months. Total production 2,800 bottles.
Painted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- 2020 Painted Wolf wins trophy for Most Successful Producer Overall at 2019 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show
- Bronze at the 2023 IWC
- Double Silver at the NWC
- 4.5 starts Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Mourvèdre 85%, Syrah 15% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.22% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.7 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
This wine is delicious now but will continue to develop over ten years from vintage. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Try with braised beef shanks, sweet and sour pork, wild mushroom risotto or Mexican-style ostrich in mole, melted cheese toastie or salt-baked Gruyere |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |
2018 De Grendel Cap Classique Brut
Regular price £19.80 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale lemon colour with an exceptionally fine mousse.
Nose
Fresh, crisp and crunchy green apple, Asian pears, lemon zest and white guava comes to the fore on the nose.
Palate
Warm brioche and yeast complexity broaden the palate, leading to a long and elegant finish. Rich, velvety and effortlessly elegant, the De Grendel Cap Classique is truly one of our stalwart picks among sparkling wine aficionados.
The base wine is bottled with ‘Liquer de Tirage’ to bring about the second fermentation. The wine is then aged in the bottle for 30 months, to create a deeper complexity. Superbly elegant and multi-award winning.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage was affected by the worst drought conditions ever experienced in the Western Cape. Meticulous irrigation management supplied the precise quantity of water at the correct times to the vines. During such dry conditions diseases are restricted, resulting in the 2018 crop being entirely disease free. Furthermore, it resulted in our winemaking team having to preserve the grapes’ aromatic potential through careful viticultural practices such as limited thinning, managing nitrogen nourishment, allowing adequate plant vigour, appropriate water supply and careful selection of harvest dates.
Viticulture
The well-established Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards are trellised using the VSP system and are located on the slopes of the Tygerberg at approximately 7 kilometres from, and in sight of, the Atlantic Ocean. The 2018 vintage delivered yields varying from 8 to 10 tons per hectare.
Vinification
The De Grendel Cap Classique is a classic blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir. Grape bunches were whole bunch pressed. After settling and racking, the juice was inoculated and fermented in stainless steel tanks where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The base wine was filtered and bottled with ‘Liqueur de Tirage’, a yeast and sugar mixture which facilitates secondary fermentation in the bottle creating natural carbonation. The wine was aged on the lees in the bottle for 30 months to create that delicious biscuit like richness before ‘dégorgement’ – the process whereby the yeast is removed to leave the wine beautifully clear.
Accolades
- 89 points - Platters Guide
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Chardonnay & 20% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.93% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | Fizz |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
This Cap Classique is the ideal drink for all occasions and is the most versatile wine for food pairings. Enjoy it as an aperitif before dinner, with creamy Mascarpone scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and cream cheese canapé or a warm baked apple tarte tatin. |
Origin | Durbanville |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Tohu Awatere Valley Pinot Noir
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
A bright ruby hue in the glass
Nose
Aromatic layers of red fruit and spicy florals with hints of crushed herbs.
Palate
The palate is smoothly textured with flavours of bright cherry, red berries and finely integrated French oak. Mid-weight on the palate, this wine is balanced with refined silky tannins that lead to a long and elegant finish.
Vinification
Grapes for this wine are handpicked at optimal ripeness before being transported back to the winery for processing. Once at the winery the fruit is gently destemmed and then lightly crushed using state of the art processing equipment. Batch fermented according to block and clone in small open-top fermenters, the must undergo a cold soak lasting around 7 days before being warmed and inoculated either with selected yeasts or left to undergo a ‘wild’ ferment using indigenous yeasts found naturally on the grapes.
Once fermentation is complete the wine undergoes a short period of post-fermentation maturation on skins before being pressed directly to a combination old and new French barriques. These barrels are kept cool in a temperature controlled cellar over the winter months, before being warmed in spring, allowing the wine to undergo a secondary malolactic fermentation. Barrels are carefully monitored over this period and once the malolactic fermentation is determined to be 100% complete the final blend is carefully put together before being filtered and bottled in late March
Producer
Tohu produces award-winning New Zealand wine crafted from grapes grown in our breathtakingly beautiful, Awatere Valley vineyard. When Tohu launched in 1998 we were the world's first Maori-owned wine company. Since then we’ve grown a reputation for producing premium wine in a range of varieties, winning awards for our Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Portobello mushrooms, bacon on sourdough bruschetta with roasted garlic and drizzled truffle oil |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2020 Domaine des Tourelles Skin
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An impressive take on an orange wine from one of Lebanon's oldest wineries. The average age of the vines are 150 years old! Produced from Merweh, an indigenous Lebanese grape variety, given a dose of skin contact followed by maturation in qvevri, this is something different and with real character.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light amber in colour
Nose
The nose rises up out to the glass to greet, with waves of spice, sweet clementine-infused fruit, and what can only be described as a sense of warmth.
Palate
The palate opens up fresh and breezy, with the ripe apple and orange fruit coming through to fill up the mid-palate. While nothing like as grippy as some orange wine there's also a pleasing hit of tannins, helping give the wine real structure and definition.
Production
The grapes were harvested in October. 100% manually with intensive selection in 20kg boxes. Several rounds are needed to obtain perfect ripeness. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in 19th-century made Amphoras for 7 days on skin contact, then followed by malolactic fermentation
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 | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merweh |
Country | Lebanon |
Alcohol content | 11% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Orange Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Cellaring Potential | 2023-2030 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Bekaa Valley |
Appellation |
Bsharreh mountains (at the foothills of the Millennial cedars) |
Lustau Fino El Puerto En Rama Sherry Spring 2021 Release (500ml)
Regular price £19.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Intensely yellow with flecks of gold, it’s almost as if it has captured the sunshine.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, Fino El Puerto En Rama is like a breeze off the Atlantic, bringing with it notes of roasted almonds, hay and citrus.
Palate
Bone dry on the palate, with more briny character and a nutty bitterness in the tail.
Production
Lustau’s Fino El Puerto En Rama Sherry Spring 2021 Release was matured in the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa María. The consistently mild weather here is perfect for maintaining the yeast growth (known as ‘flor’) that gives Fino its distinctive flavour. Having spent five years ageing beneath the flor in American oak casks, it is bottled without filtering, fining or treatment of any kind.
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, 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.
Specifications
Year | Non Vintage |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | Palomino |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 7.75 units |
Type | Fortified Wine - Dry Sherry |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
It makes a stunning accompaniment to sashimi, tuna tartar, Marcona almonds, preserved lemon and quinoa salads, green olives and anything with capers in it. But we also recommend tasting it side by side with the other two wines in the range, just to experience the Sherry terroir or this collection.
|
Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
Appellation | Jerez |
2020 Cafaggio Sangiovese di Toscana
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The wine shows an intense ruby-red color with purple hues. The smell of red fruits recalls cherry, sour cherry, raspberry and blueberry. The scent will outline light spicy notes of coffee and black pepper.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Review
- Rated 91 by James Suckling
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches |
It goes well with red meat, both to the plate and stewed, particularly tasty and spicy. Its youth and vivacity ensure a perfect marriage also with meats, sausages, and fresh hams. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tuscany |
2021 Eikendal Charisma
Regular price £16.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The Shiraz (Rhône Valley) lends a tight, fresh structure with aromatic and seasoned undertones. Petit Verdot (Bordeaux) contributes a rich berry character and the Sangiovese, in true Italian style, adds fruity flavours with flair on the palate. The result is a bold, charming, seductive and ultimately elegant wine.
Vineyards
Shiraz (Eikendal): 20 year old block planted at the top of the farm overlooking False Bay, planted in a north/south row direction, 3 333 Vines/ha, under irrigation. Petit Verdot (Eikendal): 12 year old block planted next to the Shiraz. Planted in a north/south row direction, 3 333 Vines/ha, under irrigation. Sangiovese: 19 year old block from a producer in Stellenbosch. Planted in a north/south row direction, 3 333 Vines/ha.
Vinification
All three cultivars are handpicked and cooled down. Only destemmed and not crushed. 10-15 day cold soaking before spontaneous fermentation. Shiraz: one pump over per day. Petit Verdot: two punch downs per day and Sangiovese: one walk through per day. After fermentation the wine is allowed to settle clean. Shiraz and Petit Verdot go into 500ℓ old Burgundian barrels and the Sangiovese will be blended into the previous vintage Charisma. All three cultivars are handpicked and cooled down.
Only destemmed and not crushed. 10-15 day cold soaking before spontaneous fermentation. Shiraz: one pump over per day. Petit Verdot: two punch downs per day and Sangiovese: one walk-through per day. After fermentation the wine is allowed to settle clean. Shiraz and Petit Verdot go into 500ℓ old Burgundian barrels and the Sangiovese will be blended into the previous vintage Charisma – meaning, for example, in Charisma 2018 the Shiraz and Petit Verdot are 2018 vintage but the Sangiovese is the 2019 vintage. The idea with this is to blend that beautiful freshness and Italian passion into the wine.
Accolades
92pts | Tim Atkin
"In its way, this is every bit as impressive as the Janina Chardonnay and could be viewed as its value-for-money twin. Made from the unusual trio of mostly Syrah with 17% Petit Verdot and 30% Sangiovese, it’s floral and refined with red cherry and raspberry fruit and filigree tannins. 2022-28"
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
67% Shiraz, 32% Petit Verdot, and 1% Sangiovese |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Up to 6 years if cellared correctly |
Food Matching | Serve between 18ºC-20ºC. Pair with Mushroom & Chorizo Risotto, Veal, Chocolate Truffles |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 MOKOBlack Pinot Noir Marlborough
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nose
This Pinot Noir reveals a bright nose of fresh cherries and raspberry jelly.
Palate
On the palate, there's dark cherry flavours with a lick of oak.
Production
Our Pinot Noir came from 2 vineyards - 87% Rapaura Gravels and 13% Omaka Valley clay soils which included a number of clones, 667,777,115, Abel and Clone 5. Both vineyards were pruned to 2 cane VSP and yields were naturally around the 7T/Ha mark. After green thinning on the vine the fruit was harvested over a period of 10 days from late March through to early April. Each parcel was kept separate and fermented in small open-top tanks and hand plunged up to 4 times daily. Post pressing, wine was sent to a mixture of stainless steel and French oak for Malo and ageing.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches |
Serve slightly chilled with delicate, rich and aromatic food such as duck dim sums, tempura fried vegetables and oriental salads. |
Appellation | Marlborough |
2021 Michael Opitz Buddy Talk Red
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%No Tricks, Just Wine
Organically produced
Tasting Notes
Buddy Talk Red is a unique blend of organically grown Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Roesler grapes. It exhibits aromas of black and red fruits like blackberry and cherries, and plums along with light spice notes on the palate.
Producer
Modest Michael Opitz feels passionately about sustainability and quality and so decided to take the small family winery into being organic and as natural as possible on every level. All the wines are defined by their environment. The Neusiedlersee or Seewinkel, is a saltwater lake that, in this flat, warm part of Austria, brings tempering breezes, freshness and protection from disease. The wines as a result are tremendously pure, fresh, fragrant and yet salty.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Blaufränkisch 35% Zweigelt 15% Roesler |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic, Biodynamic and Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
Food Matches | Good friends and a great conversation! Soft cheese, cured salami and some cornichons will also work well |
Origin | Burgenland |
N/V La Jara Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow with greenish reflections.
Nose
Delicate aromas of white flowers, golden apple, slight notes of banana and peach.
Palate
Fresh, aromatic and velvety with light scents of acacia honey with a pleasant roundness.
Producer
The River Piave, in its early life, came tumbling out of the eastern edge of the Dolomites, full of energy. It bumped into the hills around Valdobbiadene, carved a cleft in them and carried on towards the marshy delta that is the eastern side of Venice.
At near exhaustion by its journey, it dumped large deposits of limestone pebbles and stones, known locally as Jara, which has proven a good challenge for vines to produce nuanced, vital fruit and pure wines. This soil absorbs the warmth of the day, and gently releases it at night, providing a steady transition between day and night for the grapes on the vines.
Driving from Venice northwards, there's not much to tell you that you've moved from the over-fertile flatlands that produce so much anonymous, intensively produced Prosecco, to the equally rather flat but charming, stony, organic vineyards of La Jara. Now well established in harmony with nature, the vines are uniform, drawing on a deep bank of nutrients from the ground-down mountain. To this phenomenon the estate credits the delicate floral aromas of their Glera (Prosecco) and Pinot Grigio grapes; combined with a dedication to organic viticulture, they make affordable wines of outstanding quality. In their own words. "We like to think that Nature is a perfect mechanism, whom it is our duty to indulge. day-to-day attention to the vineyard renders our grapes and our wines truly exceptional."
These days, La Jara is a story of two brothers. Massimo, who reminds one of a flamboyant Bond villain, and Paolo who makes the wine. And Giovanni, their sales director of many years, who keeps everyone on track. Their goal has always been to produce bright, easy and pure wines; they are always a joy.
Year after year they've added to their organic plantings, consistently choosing the best sites, and equally, they've kept their wine-making technology and operational know-how up to date, which is crucial in an area that is famously humid and flat.
Awards
- International Wine Challenge: AWC Vienna Gold 2022
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Glera |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 11.5% |
Units of Alcohol | 8.6 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food Matches | Perfect as an aperitif. Ideal with velvety pumpkin soup, risotto, grilled vegetables and summer salads |
Features | Organic, Vegetarian & Vegan Approved |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contain sulphites |
Origin | Treviso |
Appellation | Veneto |
2019 Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay
Regular price £21.99 Sale price £16.99 Save 23%This wine showcases the strength of Margaret River for Chardonnay with a restrained, modern, elegantly structured wine from one of the great Margaret River vineyards.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine displays fresh green tinges on a pale straw colour.
Nose
The nose exhibits aromas of fresh-cut pear and honeydew melon with some zesty citric notes. There are no overt woody or buttery aromas with the primary fruit characters expressed with clarity and definition.
Palate
The palate is fresh and lively with clean crisp acidity complementing the vibrant fruity flavours. The palate has very good extension and ends clean and bright. This is a restrained style of Australian Chardonnay and highlights how far we have come with this style of wine over the last decade.
Producer
We have worked with Michael Kerrigan for more than 25 years, and we are continually impressed with his talent and capacity for reinvention. Former winemaker at Howard Park and Madfish, Michael struck out on his own when his dream vineyards in the key quality region of Wilyabrup came up for sale. With more than 30 years of winemaking under his belt, and 12 years going solo with Hay Shed Hill, this man is one of the most experienced, respected and revered winemakers in Australia - and rightly so. He is also a strong purveyor of classically blunt Aussie pearls of wisdom: “It’s all in the detail - you quite simply visit the vineyard every day. I’m not interested in being epic, I just want to make wine I like to drink”. He likens Margaret River’s climate to “Bordeaux in a perfect year”, and attributes the region’s success to its maritime climate, meaning a low diurnal range, very important in a country that is known for its extremes in temperature, and pretty much everything else!
Michael produces wines under two labels - the entry-level ‘Pitchfork’ range and the estate, single vineyard ‘Hay Shed Hill’ wines. The Pitchfork range represents unprecedentedly good value considering that all of the grapes are grown in Margaret River – very unusual for a wine at the entry-level from this region, and yet another example of Michael’s commitment to quality over all else.
There are 4 lip smackingly good, everyday wines in this range. Everything under the Hay Shed Hill label is single-vineyard, which Michael explains: “I make single vineyard and single block wines because they express a particular character – otherwise what’s the point?” All of the vines are dry farmed and made from free run juice only. The vineyards are around 20 years old and they are all farmed organically, but without certification. The Chardonnay sees 25% new oak and represents the ‘modern Australian Chardonnay’, in the words of its maker.
Reviews
95 Points | James Halliday Estate-grown. The bouquet is very pure, pointing to the restraint of the palate, where white stone fruit, apple and grapefruit do the talking. It was barrel-fermented, which has left its imprint on both the bouquet and palate. The way the wine has developed to date makes me certain it will grow old with grace a long way down the track. Great value.
93 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Guide 2020 Great fruit from this vintage has pumped some seriuos quality into this excellent chardonnay. Retains a bright and lively mouthfeel, but with layers of complex meal and grapefruit character. Oak is neatly judged, with the 11 months maturation adding further complexity. Rich middle palate with a fine edge of melon and pear to finish. Nice wine.
92 Points | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit Delightfully fruited and elegantly expressed, the wine shows white flesh nectarine, rockmelon, nougat and lemon zest aromas on the nose, leading to a beautifully rounded palate that’s succulent and creamy. It’s splendidly composed and styled, offering lovely drinking.
91 Points | James Suckling, UK This has an array of lemons, lime juice, pears and melon with quite a fine, pared-back and taut textural stance.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Features | Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Margaret River |
Appellation | Western Australia |
2022 Castello di Montepò JeT Rosé
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Its pale pink hue with bright peach shimmers is complemented by a delightful nose of wild raspberries and citrus fruits. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, fresh and floral with good strength of character and subtle salinity, offering an excellent persistence.
Producer
In the heart of Maremma, Jacopo Biondi Santi and his children are writing a new chapter in their family’s history of winemaking excellence.
The Biondi Santi family has gained a special place in the history of Italian winemaking thanks to the lively and passionate inventiveness of its members. The roots of this centuries old adventure go back to the 1800s when Ferruccio Biondi Santi planted the first Montecino vineyard with vines of the selected Sangiovese clone called Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello, it was the first step towards a new way of making wine that would soon become an international success.
Production
Hand harvested in September the liquid spent a short time on skins to extract colour before fermentation in steel tanks. The wine is released after three months relaxing in the bottle. It has been made to be a Premium Rosé, fresh and zesty and youthful with fruit intensity.
Specifications.
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Rosé Wine |
Food Pairings |
Pair with grilled chicken, pork, fish tacos, tortellini with ricotta and spinach or tomato and mozzarella di bufala
|
Other Information | Sustainable practises |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring Potential |
Drink now and over the next 4 years |
Origin |
Tuscany
|
Appellation | Tuscany IGT |
2021 GlenWood Vigneron's Selection Chardonnay
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%GlenWood Estate is in the Robertsvlei Valley, close to Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Their wines are multi-award winning and have become synonymous with incredible quality and diligent winemaking.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw-yellow in the glass
Nose
Subdued nose with vanilla and marmalade.
Palate
They carry on to the palate with citrus peel, almonds and butter. Lengthy and refined with steely minerality on the finish.
Vineyards
Vine age:12 years. A low canopy allowed optimal sunlight penetration. Minimal irrigation was used. The fruit ripened slowly allowing the development of small bunches with highly concentrated flavours.
Vinification
This Chardonnay had its fruit picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was left to settle for two days and transferred to barrel, where it fermented for nine days, before ageing for a further nine months on its lees in French oak.
Accolades
-
Platters 2023 | 95pts
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching |
Creamy chicken pasta with grated lemon zest and parmesan. |
Cellaring Potential | Drink through 2030. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valley, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
De Toren Délicate NV
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Redolent of roses and ripe-for-the-picking strawberries, the refreshing De Toren Délicate is an elegant red blend that combines red’s seductiveness with the undeniable drinkability of white.
Medium-bodied and immeasurably gentle, it offers up an abundance of juicy fruit and velvety, smooth tannins that lead to a sophisticated finish. Delicious on its own as an apéritif, it’s also the perfect consort to the lingering pleasures of Spanish tapas or a platter of the finest French charcuterie.
Tasting Notes
A seductive, elegant red blend from this Stellenbosch based red wine specialist.
Notes of juicy red fruit dominate on this wine, with some freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries and a touch of rose. Medium-bodied, velvety tannins and deliciously drinkable.
Behind the Wine
An innovative reimagining of red wine, the French-inspired De Toren Délicate is a fresh and light cépage that reveals its best assets when served slightly chilled. While it displays intense red undertones, this limited-production wine is soft and delicate on the palate, making it the perfect culinary consort, not to mention the reason a number of the world’s top dining establishments choose it specifically for their dedicated tasting menus.
Maturation
The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are carefully matured in third fill French oak barrels for twelve months. The Malbec is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to retain the primary fruit aromas and freshness of the wine.
Accolades
- 87pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | Non vintage |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Malbec 49%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 16%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring Potential | De Toren Délicate should be enjoyed immediately, due to the low tannins. We want wine lovers to enjoy the wine as was intended from the beginning. |
Food Matches |
Perfect on its own as an aperitif or with a lunchtime salad, a tantalizing Spanish tapas or cheese platter, including a beautiful array of preserves, homemade jams, matured cheese and cured meats. This wine has very versatile food pairing possibilities. To release all the wonderful flavours of this wine, it is recommended to decant this wine at least one hour before the time and to serve this wine slightly chilled (11 - 13 degrees Celsius). |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Sepp Moser Fundamental Grüner Veltliner
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A natural wine in every sense of the word. Slightly wild but with enough balance and restraint to retain classic Grüner characters. From Sepp Moser's organic, biodynamic estate.
Tasting Notes
Complex aromas of baked fruits and white spice with savoury characters. Stone fruit flavours, with hints of pepper and flint in the mouth. Citrus acidity gives depth and length to the textured, mineral palate.
Production
Grown on various sites, grapes are hand-harvested at the end of September and immediately destemmed, crushed and pressed. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place with elevation on fine lees. The wine is bottled at the end of June without any filtration or addition of sulphur.
Producer
The Sepp Moser Estate was founded by the famous Austrian wine producing pioneer, Lenz Moser. Lenz Moser's son, Sepp Moser, began operating under his own name in 1987 and handed over the direction of this family-owned estate to his own son Nikolaus in the year 2000.
The Sepp Moser Estate comprises of 50 acres of vineyards in two prominent wine regions; Kremstal (22 ha) and Neusiedlersee (28 ha). In the Kremstal, Nikolaus produces an international range of varieties as well as the ever more important local varieties of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The reds are produced on the gravelly soils of the warm southern Neusiederslee village of Apetlon. All Sepp Moser wines have been organic (and all estate wines biodynamic) since 2007.
Sustainability
The Sepp Moser estate produces a wide range of wines every year thanks to its vineyards in two diverse regions. There is one main aim in the cellar: the quality of the grapes shall be brought with as little influence as possible to the bottle. The grapes in the Sepp Moser vineyards are harvested by hand and at the cellar of the Atrium House Nikolaus Moser emphasizes gentle vinification and tries to interfere as little as possible with the process so that each wine can develop its own individual style. The fermentation starts spontaneously, and the maturing of the wine takes place on its own.
In 2006, Nikolaus officially moved the estate to biodynamic viticulture – one of the first to do so in Austria – and became Demeter certified. 2009 saw the release of Sepp Moser’s first certified organic wines. Nikolaus is very keen to reduce the amount of copper and sulphur used in the vineyards, and this year saw a reduction of two thirds over what was sprayed previously. He composts all the estates' pomace and vine trimmings, and there is an ongoing effort to plant trees around the vineyards.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Biodynamic, Sustainable Farming |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Smoked salmon or trout with asparagus or light pasta dishes. |
Origin | Kremstal |
Appellation | DAC Kremstal |
2022 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner Löss
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Fresh apple fruit with tart spice, also nutty hints, very lively; slim, but juicy, very light fruit nuances, animating with a clear good balance, conveys pure drinking pleasure.
Production
The soft formed hills around Langenlois are an entrance to the Waldviertel. Loess is a sandy soil – brought to the region by winds ten thousand years ago from the Alpine regions. This limy soil gives the Grüner Veltliner its classical structure of elegance and its unique character.
Producer
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. Schloss Gobelsburg specialises in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and produces authentic and noble wines from different single vineyards, villages, and regional appellations. The winery is a member of the association 'Österreichische Traditionsweingüter', which is working on a vineyard classification project for the Danube area.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matching | Serve around 5C with Salmon tartare, Tempura or Ceviches |
Origin | Kamptal |
2019/20 Cape of Good Hope 'Riebeeksrivier Chenin Blanc'
Regular price £16.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Oatmeal, macadamia nuts and creamy stone fruit on the nose.
Palate
The palate echoes those flavours with its richness and breadth. Peach pip, nectarine and stone fruit are fresh and lively while the oak supports it in a well-defined cradle. Again oatmeal and nutty flavours are apparent but not overwhelming. The wine is powerful yet refined and structured. Nothing is superfluous and its perfectly proportioned with a long tail of flavour that ends with a delightfully pithy citrus twist.
The Riebeeksrivier farm is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, overlooking the Swartland. Its unique terroir, especially the shale soils, expresses itself strongly in the wine with unique varietal characteristics. The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length.
In the Vineyard
The bush vine Chenin Blanc vineyards, planted in 1988, yield fruit of great intensity and richness balanced by bright acidity and length. A small 0.8ha bush vine vineyard (Clone 880) was planted in 2013, producing outstanding quality fruit used in the production of this wine.
About the Harvest
Fermentation occurred in both stainless steel tanks (65%) and French Oak barrels (17% new) and the wine spent 8 months on the lees before being blended and bottled.
In the Cellar
The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. Whole bunches were pressed and the juice settled overnight.
History
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm, L`Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, who passed away in 2001, the farm was eventually taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the brand named after him. It was Johann Rupert who constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and the beginnings of what is now a sprawling enterprise.
The focus is on terroir specific wines and therefore it would seem obvious that the brand is made up of an impressive portfolio of farms representing the best in grape producing locations. The portfolio is made up of L`Ormarins situated in Franschhoek, Rooderust in Darling, Riebeeksrivier in the Swartland and Altima in isolated Elandskloof. Individually each site offers optimum varietal specific growing conditions, allowing Anthonij Rupert Wyne to adhere to the requirements of their different brands.
Specifications
Year | 2019/20 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 5-10 years |
Food Matching | Perfect with White Fish, Soft Cheese, Seafood and Salmon |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Riebeeksrivier, Swartland |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
The Seasalter is wonderfully expressive on the nose and the palate with captivating notes of black current, stone fruit and green apple together with hints of fynbos and kelp, sea-breeze and a touch of oak.
Palate
Rich, layered and long, this subtly powerful blend is intense but not weighty: an elegant well-balanced wine showing typical Darling minerality, vibrant acidity and some leesy complexity before a saline finish.
In the cellar
30% of the Sauvignon Blanc was fermented and aged for 8 months in a 300-litre French Oak barrels. The remaining components were fermented in stainless steel tanks and left on the fine lees.
Accolades
- 2022 Michelangelo Awards - Gold
- 2021 Veritas Awards - Silver
- 2021 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show - Bronze
- 2021 Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge - Gold
- 2020 Michael Angelo - Gold
- 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – Winemag Awards - Top 10 Award
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"It’s good, in fact, it’s very good and very moreish. On entry, it’s more like a Loire Sauv Blanc than a Marlborough SB - good acidity and with a flinty/mineral streak running through it - so I presume early picking cool climate terroir with maritime influence? The only thing that gives it away as Southern Hemisphere is a sweet, almost sherbet edge to the finish. Very well-balanced, elegant, classy, and moreish. It’s certainly got complexity and a few layers to delve into." January 2023.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | WO Western Cape |
Appellation | Darling |
2018 Lurton Chateau Bonnet Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £16.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Thanks to expressive fruit – but without excessive concentration – Château Bonnet's red wine is unquestionably charming. In fact, it is a benchmark in Bordeaux. The wine is best enjoyed on the young side, although the quality tannin ensures good ageing for several year. With its fresh red cherry notes, this wine makes a great pairing for grilled meats and cheese platters.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep ruby-red color scattered with purple highlights.
Nose
The nose is very attractive and fruity, revealing a delicious array of fresh fruit notes (cherry), underpinned by subtle hints of spice.
Palate
This beautiful 2018 Bonnet starts out straightforward on the palate, becoming very round, delicious and sweet. Fresh red fruit aromas (cherry) follow through to the palate.
Production
Grapes come from clay-limestone hilltop vineyards of Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers. Aged 12 months in 20% new oak barrels.
Rating
91 points from Decanter Magazine
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Nuanced and developed wines go well with rustic meat dishes. You can also pair them with cheese or enjoy them on their own. Try with reindeer steak, entrecôte or hard, aged cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan or Manchego. |
Origin | Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers |
Appellation |
Bordeaux
|
2015 Ontañon Rioja Reserva
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Supple, full-flavoured Rioja Reserva, drinking beautifully.
Tasting Notes
Reservas are only produced in years of exceptional quality - and from the most select vineyards.
Nose
Aromas of bramble fruit with spice and lightly floral notes
Palate
On the palate, plum and ripe blackberry fruit flavours combine with ample acidity, minerality, and earthy notes. Tannins are smooth and supple as you would expect from an eight-year-old wine, and it is drinking beautifully
Production
Reservas are only produced in years of exceptional quality - and from the most select vineyards. The Tempranillo is sourced from La Pasada, and the Graciano from La Montesa vineyard. After a long maceration, the wine spends 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak (both used and new), followed by 24 months in bottle.
Producer
Bodegas Ontañón is a 5th generation family-owned and run winery in Rioja Baja (now Rioja Oriental). Here Raquel, Rubén and Maria Pérez Cuevas continue their father Gabriel's work to develop Bodegas Ontañón into one of the most highly-regarded wineries in Rioja. Ontañón has vast swathes of vineyard in this part of Rioja. Whilst wine production in the region is typically very dependent on contracts with grape growers, the Pérez Cuevas family has seen fit to invest heavily in the purchase of its land and vines. Its 250ha is a testament to the importance it places on controlling grape quality.
The family's vineyards sit high in the Sierra Yerga mountains in the prestigious region surrounding Quel, defying misconceptions that Rioja Baja is one of the lesser sub-regions within Rioja. Many of their vineyards are planted at altitudes on a par with, or above, those in Rioja Alta and Alavesa; (La Pasada is their highest vineyard at 800m above sea level, planted in 1979 it is used for Reserva and Gran Reserva wines). The hot and dry Mediterranean climate allows for consistent ripening of the grapes with little disease and this has enabled them to pursue organic production across 57 hectares of vines.
Sustainability
Currently run by the fifth generation of the Pérez Cuevas family to carry on the tradition of grape growing in the southern part of Rioja, they take great pride in maintaining their vineyards in the most sustainable manner possible as it is their land that supports their family’s craft. As well as farming organically and producing a range of organic wines, Bodegas Ontañón employs a range of other sustainable processes.
These include controlled irrigation systems to reduce water usage and evaporation; planting vineyards in cooler, well-ventilated areas to reduce irrigation requirements and phytosanitary treatments; using plant/grass cover in vineyards to improve soil texture, to reduce tractor working hours and to lower carbon dioxide emissions; using environmentally friendly phytosanitary products that break down quickly and harmlessly; planting several hectares of pine forest near the vineyards in Ausejo and tidying and maintaining the oak forest near the vineyards in Quel. They are a carbon-neutral operation, meaning the facilities no longer emit CO2 to the atmosphere. The watering systems in the vineyards are supplied through solar power. It encourages its workers to carpool from its winery to its vineyards to reduce emissions.
Awards
- Silver at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards (2015 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Tempranillo 95%, Graciano 5% |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring potential |
Drinking now until 2030 |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
2017 Ventisquero 'Grey Glacier' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £15.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Head Winemaker Felipe Tosso joined Vina Ventisquero in 2000. After seriously considering alternate careers as a tennis pro and classical guitarist, he elected to enter the wine business, describing it as “one of my big passions because it’s more than work – it’s a lifestyle.”
Tasting Notes
Colour
Yellow-green colour
Nose
Citrus aromas, mixed with notes of green chili
Palate
Fresh and great volume, this is a wine structured in the palate and high in acidity that gives tension with a minerality in the mouth, granting a clean and persistent final where is left to feel slight saline touches, making this, a wine with high complexity in the mouth.
Vinification
The must first underwent a cold maceration for a period of between 6 and 8 hours. The must was protected from contact with the air throughout the process, the fermentation took place slowly at a constant low temperature of 120C to 150C so that the yeast activity could draw out the maximum varietal aromas and the expression of the northern Chile desert. After fermentation, the wine was aged over its lees for ten months and battonage was used to gently move it so as to maximize the contribution made by the wine coming into contact with the fine sediment.
Winemaker
Tosso’s winemaking travels have taken him to Napa, Sonoma, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, back to Concha Y Toro in Chile and then finally to Vina Ventisquero. In 2003, Felipe began a close collaboration with John Duval (ex Penfolds) in the production of icon wines Pangea and Vertice, a partnership which continues to this day.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal to accompany oysters, sea urchins, and fresh seafood in general. Also cebiches, fish, white meats and goats cheese. |
Origin | Atacama Valley |
2022 Weingut Stadt Krems Steinterrassen Riesling
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Made by Falstaff Winegrower of the Year 2020, Fritz Miesbauer.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow-green, silver reflections.
Nose
Inviting fresh tropical fruit nuances of passion fruit and papaya, a hint of tangerine zest underneath.
Palate
Juicy, fine peach fruit, freshly structured, lively, easy-drinking style, lemony touch on the finish.
Producer
The Weingut Stadt Krems is not only located in the center of the city of 28,000 - it also belongs to it. The entire 31 hectares of vineyards are within the city limits. With a history spanning more than 550 years, the winery is one of the oldest in Europe. As a member of the "Austrian Traditional Wine Estates" association, we have committed ourselves to maintain historic, venerable locations.
The young team of winemakers has one goal: to produce puristic terroir wines. Here everything revolves around the varieties Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The wines tell of the origin of the grapes, the character of the region, and the individuality of the grape varieties. Authenticity always comes first.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Riesling |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Sustainable
|
Origin | Kremstal, Niederosterreich, Weinland |
2021 Dornier Moodenaarskloof Chenin Blanc
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Bright, pale straw colour with delicate scent of wild flowers and fruit, especially Cape Honeysuckle. White peaches and pineapples with a delicate underlying minerality. The palate fully matches the nose with a creamy sensation and a texture that combines elegance and intensity and concentrated fruit flavours.
Vintage Conditions
Dornier is one of a select few wineries situated on the slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain. The Chenin Blanc vineyard used for the Moordenaarskloof is planted on the Keerweerder property on a site that has proven to be suited for making wines that express characteristics of quality and elegance. The vineyard was planted in 1986 at the foot of the Moordenaarskloof at an elevation of 230 metres above sea level. Although the plot is small it consists of three very different soil types that contribute to the complexity and many faces of this wine. The vineyard is also known for the natural balance between growth and yield displayed every year.
Fermentation & Aging
The grapes were harvested by hand during the cool mornings of early February. After gentle pressing of the bunches and cold natural clarification of the juice, fermentation was completed in old 300-litre French oak barrels. The wine was left on the lees until bottling as is unmistakable in the texture on the pallet. The wine was made with minimum interference to reflect the true character of the Moordenaarskloof vineyard.
Accolades
- Double Gold National Wine Challenge 2022 (2021 Vintage)
- 4.5 John Platter Stars
- 91 Tim Atkin Points
For all those wondering what 'Moordenaarskloof' means - it translates as 'Murderers Gorge' (there must be a story there!).
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Up until 2025 |
Food Matching |
Good as an aperitif or served with starters, seafood or cold white meat. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017/18 Skillogalee Riesling
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw like in appearance with a green tinge.
Nose
The nose has a perfumed lift of white flowers, lime blossom and musk.
Palate
The palate is full-flavoured with pronounced fruit weight and texture. Flavours of Tahitian lime zest and pith prevail, with hints of citrus spice and succulent, juicy acidity emerging thereafter. Structurally, this wine has impressive length, a lively natural acid backbone and a mouth-wateringly powerful finish.
Information on Skillogalee Wines
A family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Clare Valley in South Australia, Skillogalee is known for the exceptional quality of their red and white wines and is widely recognised as one of the region’s top estates. They also lead the way in responsible farming, having practised sustainable methodologies in the vineyard and the winery for many years. The original Skillogalee vineyards were planted in the early 1970’s on stony soils and steep, eastern-facing slopes at almost 500 metres above sea level.
The first wines were released in 1976 and quickly gained acclaim: the 1978 Dry Riesling won major trophies at the Adelaide Wine Show and the National Wine Show, putting Skillogalee firmly on the Australian winemaking map. Aware of the exceptional quality of the vineyards and their potential to produce world-class wines, current owners David and Diana Palmer acquired the property in 1989. In 2002 they purchased next-door neighbour Waninga Vineyards, with 30 hectares of 30-year-old vines, bringing the size of the estate to 60 hectares.
While production increased, the Palmers have taken great care to maintain the quality and characteristic style of the wines. Deciding to avoid the bureaucracy of organic or biodynamic certification does not stop a producer from holding soil health and sustainability as a top priority, and this is the case at Skillogalee. Every effort is taken to ensure the best quality grapes are harvested each year, the vines are hand-pruned, and the fruit is mainly hand-picked, with yields kept extremely low. All wines are produced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards.
Accolades
"Grown on the highest slops of the Skillogalee vineyard – at around 500 metres above sea level. Rich, flavoursome style. Beautiful for drinking, particularly in its youth. Lime, spice, a whisper of tropical fruit, a reasonable amount of texture too. It all swings nicely through the palate, no problems at all."
90 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front, August 2018
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is yummy! Pretty full flavoured - lots of lime and tropical fruit, with a bit of honey and a touch of spice with a searing fresh acidity. Rich, long & complex - a complete wine with no rough edges or indiscretions. Well worth the sub £20 price point." February 2023
Specifications
Year | 2017/18 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Australia |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | Drink now with fish, seafood or white meat dishes, or cellar for up 2024. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Clare Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
2021 Soumah of the Yarra Valley d’Soumah Chardonnay
Regular price £16.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'% A fabulous value, contemporary Chardonnay made with great care and focus. Really has the balance between Australian joy and Old World restraint for a really glorious glass of Chardonnay that shows contemporary Yarra Valley at its best.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A nose of toasted hazelnuts, cold butter and a slight struck-match lift over classic varietal stone-fruit notes.
Palate
The palate is a delicious combo of hazelnuts, basil leaves, creme-fraiche acidity and the Mendoza-clone's signature clementine tang with a taut, structured finish.
Producer
Soumah of the Yarra Valley is a producer of fine wines from the region. A hidden gem located down a country lane, in the dress circle of the cool Warramate foothills of Gruyere. Soumah set out to make wine with the charm of northern Italy but the provenance of the Yarra Valley. Situated an average of 120 meters above sea level, the vineyard is elevated above the valley floor. The ancient sandy-clay loams with broken sandstone shape the small yield and define the detail in these precise, focused expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Production Method
Chardonnay was early as we can to ensure a fresh line of citrus fruit and crisp natural acidity on the palate. Structure is developed in the wine by predominantly barrel fermenting the juice and allowing it to mature gracefully for eight months before bottling a wine with balanced weight and silky texture.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"This is good. It is cool climate-restrained chardonnay - but we are in Oz so it’s got a lot of ripe peach & apricot fruit for me - not as citric as the 'tasting note led me to believe. The strong oakiness masked it initially but through time the fruit exposes itself. Don’t get the hazelnuts in the tasting note but it is very toasty - I guess from the barrel ferment and maturation. Medium-bodied, medium to high acidity, good length, and altogether well made - but I’m guessing not as classy as the Mac Forbes Chardonnay (which is obviously at a different price point!) - but very good value indeed." April 2023
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Barbecued baby squid on a bed of fragrant fresh fennel, basil, coriander and bay leaves, or for something a little heartier, earthy mushroom and taleggio risotto. |
Origin | Victoria |
Appellation | Yarra Valley |
2021 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Merweh Obeidi
Regular price £16.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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 |
2020 Weingut Weszeli Grüner Veltliner Felix (11.5% abv)
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Grüner Veltliner ‘Felix’ introduces us to the grape in its simplest, most charming form: ‘Austria in a glass’
Tasting Notes
The grapes going into Felix are picked from vineyards undergoing organic conversion and tended with a priority to protecting the natural biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Slightly cool and spicy nose, with pronounced varietal characteristics on the palate: orchard fruit and a hint of green beans. Very light-bodied and lean with citrus notes, subtle juiciness and a bittersweet, slender finish.
Producer
Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites. The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature.
He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal. Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suit the climate and soils of Kamptal.
There are three levels of Grüner Veltliner - Felix, Langenlois & Käferberg ÖTW, offering a fascinating journey into a grape oft-overlooked for its more famous stablemate, Riesling.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan |
Food Matches | Great as an aperitif, with fish, shellfish, Japanese cuisine, tofu. |
Origin | Kamptal |
Edinburgh Gin Liqueurs - Elderflower 50cl
Regular price £16.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"This liqueur is the essence of summer’s abundant crop of delicate elderflowers in every sip."
David Wilkinson, Head Distiller
One of our trio of gin liqueurs, Edinburgh Gin’s Elderflower Liqueur is distilled using the best native ingredients, locally sourced from the rural landscapes which surround Edinburgh. Subtle yet complex, this floral liqueur is made with freshly-picked elderflowers.
Elderflowers have a distinctive floral aroma and flavour that marry beautifully with gin botanicals. The summer’s elderflowers are handpicked in full bloom and then infused with our classic Edinburgh Gin. The flowers are then left to macerate for a month for full flavour extraction.
Tasting Notes
Nose - Highly aromatic with floral aromas.
Palate - Sweet but delicately so, with a hint of lemon.
Finish - Lingering hints of pear, peach and grapefruit zest.
Cocktail Suggestions
INGREDIENTS
- 40ml Edinburgh Gin
- 20ml Edinburgh Gin's Elderflower Liqueur
- 20ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 20ml lemon juice
- 10ml sugar syrup
METHOD
- Add all the ingredients to a tall glass and stir.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add a splash of tonic water.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
For Cocktail recipes, just click HERE.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 50cl |
Country | Scotland, UK |
Alcohol content | 20% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 0.5 Units |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2022 Painted Wolf Teardrop Viognier
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Background
In 2005, Emma and Jeremy Borg's vinous adventure began when they were approached to make their own wine. Despite Jeremy's two decades of experience in the world of winemaking and Emma's expertise with wine photography, the couple was thrown into the deep end and had to bottle and cork the bounty of their friend's surplus grapes by hand.
The endeavor sparked their dreams of creating their own brand and so Painted Wolf was born. The inspiration came from the endangered African wild dog - highly social, organised, persistent and efficient hunters true to Emma and Jeremy's own vineyard hunts for their expanding range of wines.
Consequently, a percentage of profits from each bottle is donated to support charities dedicated to the conservation of the species, and the painted wolf proudly graces each of their labels. From organic Swartland vineyards to Cape South Coast cool climate sites, the couple has since established a network of esteemed growers and winemakers to ensure quality as grapes are hand-selected and some wines are
TPainted Wolf Wines supports the conservation of the highly endangered painted wolf (African wild dog) and the protection of the diminishing wild spaces of Africa, through its donations to the EWT – www.ewt.org.za and Tusk – www.tusk.org.
Awards
- Double Silver – National Wine Challenge/Top100 wines 2019
- 4 stars, 88 points – Platter 2020
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Now - 2025 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Pairs well with mild Indian curries like korma and tikka masala. It is wonderful with roast pork with a mustard and apple sauce or a creamy seafood dishes. Viognier is a great partner to washed rind cheese. |
Appellation | W.O. Swartland |