- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Frappato
- Friulano
- Garganega
- Gewürtztraminer
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- Grenache / Garnacha
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- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Catarratto
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Frappato
- Friulano
- Garganega
- Gewürtztraminer
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grillo
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Palomino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Roussanne
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Roriz
- Touriga Franca
- Touriga Nacional
- Trebbiano
- Vermentino
- Viognier
1966 Château d'Yquem, 1er Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes
Regular price £590.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
On the nose, there is some orange marmalade, honey and spice character in this wine. Turns quite woody, with lots of caramel.
Michael Broadbent. (Michael Broadbent's Vintage Wine).
"Good notes through the 1980s, a slight but noticeable deepening of colour, lovely classic honeyed, barley-sugar bouquet, quite assertive, somehow managing to be plump as well as lean.More recently overpowering and caramelly after tasting a string of Lafaurie-Peyragueys (1994)".
"Most recently, noting its surprising deep orange amber colour: caramalised barley-sugar bouquet, rich flavour.Perfect with the terrine of foie gras at Hal Lewis' "Mr Gourmet" Investiture dinner". (Peabody Hotel,Memphis,September 1999).****.
Joe Belmaati. (For Winemega.com A vertical tasting of 66 vintages of Chateau D'Yquem...1847-2000 in April 2005,Copenhagen).
"Alarmingly dark brown. Looked like liquid brown sugar in the glass. Initially the wine was firmly closed on the nose, so I let it rest for a minute. Gradually the bouquet opened up on notes of raisins and orange peel. I don't really know what I was expecting from this wine, but I must say I was shocked to learn how concentrated, intense, perfectly alive, and dizzying complex this wine was. With style and grace not really at the forefront, this wine was a powerhouse of intense flavours of raisins and prunes, mixed in the brown sugar. Yet, this wine was not diluted marmalade, it was structured and firm at the skeleton and perfectly mature for drinking with crème brulee. Wonderful". (97 Points).
1966 Climatic Conditions
Weather was mediocre in summer, but improved in autumn. The harvest was very long: 48 days' work out of 55 to bring in a very worthwhile and slightly above average crop in terms of volume. A very rich vintage.
Please Note
A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!
Specifications
Year | 1966 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Semillon & 20% Sauvignon Blanc |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.5 units |
Type | Dessert Wine / Sweet White |
Cellaring Potential |
Château d'Yquem has a very long life span: twenty, fifty, a hundred years, or more… As with all great wines, Yquem is transfigured over time, developing a host of deliciously subtle aromas and flavours. Its colour changes over the years from the brightness of dawn to the darkness of dusk, and from shimmering straw yellow to golden-brown with amber and caramel highlights, and then to mahogany. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Sauternes |
1966 Dows Vintage Port
Regular price £220.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vintage Port is a specific style of Ruby Port which is made only in exceptional years and from the ripest grapes. The fermented wine is fortified before being aged for 2 years in massive oak vats which preserve the ripe fruit character. Upon bottling, the wines continue to age and can reward patient maturation for many decades.
Dow’s Vintage Ports are powerful and austere when young. They age superbly with high purity of style. Dow’s has a firm tannic structure with spicy black-pepper and bitter chocolate flavors. The aromas are of violets when young, maturing into cinnamon with age. Dow’s Vintage Ports develop a superb racy elegance with maturity. Dows’ Vintage Port style particularly suits the years when the grapes are very ripe and generous.
Tasting Notes
From the outstanding 1966 vintage, this wonderful Dow vintage port scores 88/100 Parker points and "is a top success for that vintage; in fact, it would be hard to find a better port from that year." It is fragrant, very sweet and has a lovely dry finish.
The Quintas & Wineries
Dow’s has five of the most beautiful vineyards in the Douro valley – Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, Quinta do Santinho, Quinta de Cerdeira, and Quinta da Fonte Branca– with a total of 133 hectares under vine. These five estates form the backbone of Dow’s greatest Ports. Three wineries, two large ‘state of the art’ wineries at Bomfim and Sol and one small ‘specialist’ winery at Senhora da Ribeira, permit Dow’s to be the largest buyer of premium quality grapes in the Douro and represent a unique investment in diversified and specialized winemaking for the pursuit of quality.
Producer History
Founded in 1798, over two centuries ago, by Bruno da Silva, a Portuguese merchant from Oporto, who made a journey which was the opposite to that of the first British merchants. Bruno set up in London from where he imported wine from his native country.
Dow’s was the first British Port producer to invest extensively in premium vineyards, acquiring Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira in 1890 and Quinta do Bomfim in 1896. These superb vineyards are fundamental to the outstanding reputation that Dow’s has long enjoyed. In 1912, Andrew James Symington became a partner in Dow’s, and today six members of the family own and work in the company; Peter, Paul, Johnny, Dominic, Rupert, and Charles.
Please Note
A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!
Specifications
Year | 1966 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Touriga Franca - Touriga Nacional - Tinta Barroca - Tinta Roriz
|
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content
|
20% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 15 units |
Type | Red - Fortified |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now - 2032. |
Food Matching |
Beef, Mature and hard cheese
|
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Douro Valley |
Appellation | Porto |
2013 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir - Aged Release
Regular price £73.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%95 points - James Suckling.com | 91 points - Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
Colour
A youthful bright appearance with a core of ruby leading to a just fading rim.
Nose
Aromas of primary red berry fruits including dark cherry and plums, plenty of barrel spice and bottle development complexities. The beginnings of secondary aromas with a whisper of date and toasty spices layer in complexity and depth.
Palate
Still youthful and firm on the palate with textures from tannins and acidy leading the mouthfeel. Core fruit flavours mirror the bouquet with equal impressions of plums and cherry. An excellent example, just a little bit dry though easily marries with gently salty earthy food.
The Season
A mild spring was followed by a sunny summer and a lingering dry autumn. It was a perfect growing season with enough warmth to produce optimal ripeness but it was not too hot to destroy varietal purity or freshness.
The Vineyard & The Vines
We have about a dozen different clones of pinot noir and often these grow intermingled throughout our various blocks. The vines, many of which are nearly 30 years old and on their own roots, grow on a series of north facing, gradually descending terraces. While the site is warm during the day it is cool at night. This allows the fruit to ripen fully but slowly and to retain good acid levels of natural acidity. The drainage is helped by stones intermingled with the soil.
Harvest & Wine Making
We use traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. We picked the various blocks at different stages during late April and early May, depending on their maturity. Most of the grapes were destemed and put into small fermenting vats, retaining as many whole berries as possible. Ten percent of whole bunches were also added to these vats. They were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins.
After this time the grapes warmed enough to start fermenting. During fermentation the floating cap of grape skins was twice daily gently pushed back under the wine by hand to keep it moist and healthy. When the fermentation finished the vats were sealed and the grape remnants were left to steep in the wine for up to a week to help extract a different range of tannins that add structure and depth. The duration of this period was determined by daily tasting. Subsequently the wine was gently pressed off and put into oak barriques (30% new) from selected artisan Burgundian coopers. In the summer after harvest, when the weather warmed, the wine underwent malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. Both this and the original fermentation phase were completely natural and without added micro-organisms. After maturing for 18 months in these barriques the batches made from the many different plots of pinot were carefully blended in varying portions to produce this wine.
Accolades
95 points - James Suckling.com
A lovely and fresh late-released pinot with plum, cooked strawberry and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with layered fruit and tannins, and a savory finish. Shows plenty of ripeness. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap. (Nick Stock )
91 points - Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby colored, the 2013 Pinot Noir reveals expressive black cherry, mulberry and red currant jelly notes on the nose with hints of tar, black loam, balsamic and dried Provence herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate has elegant styling with gentle savory and red berry preserves characters framed by a lively backbone and chewy tannins, finishing with earthy nuances. (Lisa Perotti-Brown)
91 points - Stephen Tanzer (tasted in 2016)
This is a beautiful wine now with lots of ripe strawberry and cherry fruit character, with hints of iron and peppercorn. It’s full and layered with lots of fruit and firm yet round tannins. A wonderful release of a pinot noir with age. Sustainable. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.
94 points - Excellent | CamDouglasMS - Master Sommelier
Specifications
Year | 2013 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Maturation | Best drinking from 2023 through 2029+ |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Waipara Valley |
Appellation | Canterbury |
2013 Pegasus Bay Reserve Prima Donna Pinot Noir
Regular price £89.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"Prima Donna Pinot Noir is an elite barrel selection and in 2013 it is one of the greatest wines I have ever seen from this country. ….” Matthew Jukes, UK
Tasting Notes
Colour
It has a deep ruby hue.
Nose
The aromas and flavours evoke impressions of black cherries, purple plums, wild blackberries and mulberries. These are underpinned with a savoury dimension suggestive of roast game, grilled mushrooms and black olive tapenade.
Palate
There is a layer of velvety tannins that coat and refine its big body and taut muscular structure, helping to draw out its lingering aftertaste of chocolate mocha and spice. While ready to drink on release it can be expected to cellar well and evolve gracefully for many years.
The Family
The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons and two spouses involved, managing various aspects.
The Vineyards & Vine
We have about a dozen different clones of pinot noir and in some of our blocks these are intermingled. The vines, many of which are nearly 30 years old and on their own roots, grow on a series of north facing, gradually descending terraces. While the site is warm during the day it is cool at night. This allows the fruit to ripen fully but slowly and to retain good acid levels of natural acidity. The drainage is helped by stones intermingled with the soil.
The Season
A mild spring was followed by a sunny summer and a lingering dry autumn. It was a perfect growing season with enough warmth to produce optimal ripeness but it was not too hot to destroy varietal purity or freshness.
The Harvest & Winemaking
Prima Donna is part of our reserve series which we only make in exceptional years, provided it does not compromise the quality of our estate wines. It is a selection from the best barrels, coming from some of the oldest plantings in the vineyard. As with all our Pinot’s, we use traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. We picked the various blocks at different stages, depending on their maturity, aiming for a range of red and dark fruit flavours. Approximately one third of the grapes were put at the bottom of the fermentation vats as whole bunches, with the balance being destemmed on top, retaining as many whole berries as possible. The vats were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins.
After approx a week, the must started to ferment naturally. During fermentation the floating cap of grape skins was gently plunged twice daily. When the fermentation finished, the grape remnants were left to steep in the wine for up to a week to help extract a different range of tannins that add structure and depth. The exact duration of this period was determined by daily tasting. Subsequently the wine was gently pressed off and put into oak barriques (30% new) from selected artisan Burgundian coopers. In the summer after harvest, when the weather warmed, the wine underwent a natural malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. After maturing for 18 months, a selection from the best barriques (representing the many different plots & clones of pinot) was chosen and carefully blended, to produce the most complex and balanced wine possible.
Accolades
96 points. James Suckling (tasted March 2023)
This is a beautiful wine now with lots of ripe strawberry and cherry fruit character, with hints of iron and peppercorn. It’s full and layered with lots of fruit and firm yet round tannins. A wonderful release of a pinot noir with age. Sustainable. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.
96/100 James Suckling (tasted on initial release)
The refinement and brilliance of the fruit on offer here really sets this wine apart from the regular Pegasus Bay pinot noir. Deliciously rich dark cherry aromas and flavors are presented amid silky, refined and long-form tannins. A great wine, in every respect.
Matthew Jukes, UK
"Prima Donna Pinot Noir is an elite barrel selection and in 2013 it is one of the greatest wines I have ever seen from this country. ….”
92/100 Steve Tanzer.
“ …. Deep, plush, rather powerful Pinot Noir with rich, ripe tannins and excellent length.”
91/100 Lisa Perotti-Brown – Wine Advocate.
” …. mouth-filling red berry flavours supported by finely grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.”
93 Points - Erin Larkin
"The 2013 Prima Donna Pinot Noir is elegant and fine. It is evolving, no question, but it's just hitting its stride now, at 10 years of age. There are pomegranate pearls, pink peppercorns, Szechuan and bramble. The wine is starting to show arnica and white pepper, garden mint and even a hint of resin. Smart! There's plenty of acid, so this has years to go. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
95 points - Outstanding - CamDouglasMS - Master Sommelier
Specifications
Year | 2013 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | This complex, dry and vibrant wine with best drinking from 2023 through 2033. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Waipara Valley |
Appellation | Canterbury |
2017 Cortese 'Sabuci' Cerasuolo Di Vittoria Classico DOCG (Organic)
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sabuci is the name of the contrada or hamlet where Cortese has been situated since 1930. It is an historical area, perfectly suited to the production of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which is the reason why we have given the name “Sabuci” to this wine.
Sabuci has a very limited production of about 7.000 bottles per year.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine is ruby red, with flecks of garnet.
Nose
The bouquet is fruit-driven, with aromas of cherries, pomegranate and fruits of the forest, plus cocoa, leather and caramel.
Palate
The palate is elegant and complex. Hugely concentrated, the tannins are at the same time firm and persistent.
Vineyards& Vinification
The area around Cortese, in the region of Vittoria, was strongly influenced by Greek culture and the very important ancient Greek site of Kamarina is located nearby.
We have been inspired by ancient Greek culture in the way we have chosen to make our Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico.
Sabuci is made with the best selection of grapes – Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%). The grapes carefully hand-harvested at the end of September and beginning of October. The grapes are put into small containers and we lower the temperature to around 10°C.
The two grape varieties are vinified separately, in different ways: the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, enabling us to follow a really scrupulous process. We carry out “follatura” (immersion of the skins) by hand and extremely delicately. The Frappato, on the other hand, is fermented in 7hl terracotta amphorae. The natural porosity of terracotta allows the ideal oxygen exchange during the fermentation process. At the same time it also allows the wine to remain in contact with the skins for an extended period of up to 12 months. The wines are blended together and are aged for six months in barriques and botti of various sizes. The wine remains in bottle for at least 3 months before being introduced to the market
Awards
- 17/20 points - Jancis Robinson
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%) |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic |
Origin | Sicily |
2017 De Toren Z
Regular price £39.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Reveals subtle hints of spices, ripe blackberries, plum and cherries. The integrated, complex and beautifully rounded tannins of this expressive and superbly vibrant blend ensure a velvety, lingering finish. At the olfactory level, there is a subtle hint of aniseed on the nose. This full-bodied blend maintains a sleek tannin structure with an immaculate developing palate.
Charles Williams | Cellar Master
Tasting Notes
This soft, approachable ruby-hued beauty is a true testament to vines lovingly reared and winemaking raised to an art form. A Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend, De Toren Z comprises a symphonic blend of five Bordeaux varietals. You’ll find it tantalizingly soft on the tongue, with a hint of aniseed, liquorice, raspberry and cranberries lending a fresh acidity to its polished finish… plus, of course, all the finesse that makes Bordeaux-style wines so prized among the world’s most enthusiastic wine lovers.
Vintage
When the stars and all the elements collide to produce a spectacularly good harvest, the results are always felt (and tasted, of course) in the wine. Industry wide the season of 2017 was earmarked as spectacular, and for De Toren, it was no different. The year 2017 is fondly remembered by our team for the incredible craftsmanship that went into producing one of the most outstanding vintages yet of De Toren Z, our famed Right Bank Bordeaux-styled blend.It was a season when perfectly ripened vine fruits were optimally harvested; gently reaped and sorted by the hands of our team of ladies, so that only the finest grapes were put forward for pressing and maturation in the cellar. This is the journey that our cellar team at De Toren undertook to co-create a superlative wine, i.e., De Toren Z 2017 vintage, in partnership with our key collaborator, Mother Nature. The favourable weather conditions of the season contributed to making the 2017 vintage one of the finest yet. It was a year in which the vines were perfectly balanced and restrained, producing the smallest, most concentrated berries. These hand-harvested grapes were transformed by sustainable and intelligent viniculture, resulting in this coveted vintage of De Toren Z being the highest awarded vintage yet and a true collector’s prize. At De Toren, the noble Bordeaux varietals are an expression of ancient South African soils and our signature winemaking style. As a result of all these factors – terroir, timing, technique and passion – commands attention on the palate when savouring the acclaimed De Toren Z 2017.
Producer
De Toren proprietors Emil and Sonette den Dulk left Johannesburg in 1991 to establish their vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch. Situated on southern-facing slopes overlooking False Bay De Toren enjoys the cooling effect of constant ocean breezes. Taking a holistic approach to keeping vineyard soils healthy and balanced viticulturalist Ernest Manuel employs sustainable farming practices throughout the property. Infrared Aerial Imaging is used extensively in order to monitor ripeness in various vineyard blocks and determine optimal picking times although actual harvesting and production are done almost entirely by hand. The winery is operated on gravity flow principles; a 4000 liter pressure tank in an elevator shaft (the Tower from which the winery takes its name) is cleverly used to exploit gravity in transporting wine between tanks and barrels without the use of mechanical pumps. As a result of De Toren’s innovative minimal intervention production methods their wines were among the first South African bottlings to qualify for IP (Integrated Production) certification by the Wine and Spirit Board.
The Den Dulks and winemaker Albie Koch seem to have found the key to success with their simple winemaking philosophy: gentle handling no pumps and minimum manipulation. Armed with this winning formula the boutique farm has quickly risen to the ranks of South Africa’s winemaking elite with their duo of dazzling stylish and complex five-varietal Bordeaux blends: the flagship Fusion V (which debuted in the 1999 vintage and has been hailed by Wine Spectator as a consistently polished outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend) and the Merlot-based Z introduced with the 2004 vintage.
Accolades
This is indeed a decidedly beautiful wine. As a result, UK-based Master of Wine (SA), Greg Sherwood, granted the De Toren Z 2017 a remarkable 95 points. British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, was of the same opinion and awarded it a stellar 93 points. These scores make the renowned De Toren Z 2017 vintage the highest awarded vintage to date.
Such has been the demand for this superior wine that most of this reputable vintage’s production, limited-edition bottles have already found their place with eager oenophiles. There is however a small reserve still available since De Toren has finally released the last few cases for acquirement one last time. Lovers of fine wine and serious collectors alike should not hesitate to claim the last few remaining bottles. This wine will reward at nearest enjoyment and promises to be even more exceptional in time as it carries an aging potential of 18 years plus.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
16% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 54% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring Potential | Drink from 2022 to 2036 |
Food Matches | This wine is a very versatile food pairing wine due to its great acidity and weight. It works exceptionally well with very fine spicy foods. Its aromass of mulberries and blueberries perfectly complements rich fish, lamb, duck, beef and poultry. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Eduardo Garrido Garcia Rioja Reserva
Regular price £26.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The spirited red wines of Spain | A fabulous quality and great value Reserva from a small family, producer.
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass a cherry red color with rusty red reflections of medium depth.
Nose
Good aromatic intensity, with balsamic notes and ripe fruit on the nose.
Palate
Soft and clean on the palate with a fresh and elegant taste and well-integrated tannins on the finish.
Producer
Positioned in La Rioja, the winery Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia offers wine enjoyment in the middle of Spain, close to the coastal region of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the town is separated from the sea by almost 40 kilometers of natural parks and mountains, cold Atlantic winds find their way to the cultivated areas and provide the necessary cooling, especially on hot summer days. Since 1923, visitors to this winery have been able to discover a surprising selection of exquisite red and white wines.
His grandfather already ensured excellent results with his passion for the taste of delicious wines. Today it is Amelia Garrido who runs the winery together with her father and protects the high quality of the products with the same care. After sustainable production, the individual bottles are transported directly to the winery's customers. This not only protects the environment, but also offers those interested personalized access to a unique taste experience.
It is important for Amelia Garrido to preserve the surrounding nature and focus on selected varieties. Strong aromas and a purple color give the winery's Vino Joven a special character that the winery wants to maintain in any case. Young, mature wines with fruity notes form the foundation of Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia. At least up to 20% of these wines have also been aged in barrels for three months.
At Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia, connoisseurs encounter wines that grow 600 meters above sea level. The vines grown there produce strong red wines and draw their support from the existing clay soils, which are also rich in calcium. Nevertheless, the Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia winery also takes advantage of the region's prevailing microclimate, which always guarantees sufficient sun and cool temperatures at the same time.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Legumes, white and red meats, cured or semi-cured cheeses, sausages. | |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
2017 Nicolas Feuillatte Vintage Collection Blanc de Blancs Brut
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Bright & Gourmet
Tasting Notes
Colour
Attractive pale gold and extremely bright, in perfect harmony with the effervescence. A lively stream of exquisitely delicate bubbles in the glass.
Nose
Exquisite primary pastry aromas of brioche and custard. As the wine begins to breathe, new, floral, spicy aromas come to the fore, reminiscent of magnolia and star of anise.
Palate
Initially generous, fresh and thirst-quenching, underpinned by citrus notes of kumquat, accompanied by wisps of hazelnut and even liquorice. Elegant on the finish, with stunning, delicately tangy length recalling Granny Smith apples and pink grapefruit.
The 2017 Vintage
To describe the weather conditions for the 2017 vintage as chaotic would be an understatement. The season began amid icy conditions with the vines covered in frost, recording 24 days of frost 10cm above the ground in January alone.
After a relatively mild start to spring, bone-chilling Polar air hit France mid-April, causing significant, frost across the greater part of its vineyards, in places to devastating effect, particularly in Aube, Aisne and Haute Marne.
By mid-May the situation in the region completely turned around, with heatwave conditions setting in for two months, and temperatures in places nudging 35°C in the shade!
The weather took another dramatic turn in mid-July, with the arrival of rain and frequent storms, sometimes accompanied by hail, prompting the first signs of Botrytis. In August, the Champagne region faced subtropical conditions.
The harvest was early, and shrouded in wet weather, forcing growers to ruthlessly sort the grapes on the vine, and remain constantly on guard. The Chardonnays were less affected given their greater resistance to excess rainfall, and are a total stand-out.
Elaboration
Vinified in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks.
Aged at least 5 years in the cellars. The Chief Winemaker adapts dosage levels to each champagne in order to enhance flavours and aromas. The selection process while selecting the blend is paramount and takes a whole range of factors into consideration, including the proportion of cru wines, harvest year, grape varieties and vinification and ageing methods, in order to preserve the intrinsic style of each cuvée.
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Collection Vintage 2017 Blanc de Blancs, is 100% pure chardonnay, the white grape variety of the Champagne Appellation, and more than lives up to its name. It reflects the remarkable character of the vintage, having more than proved its resistance and resilience faced with the many uncertainties experienced in the Champagne vineyards in 2017.
Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the prestigious premier and grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, and more generous Chardonnay from the Vallée de la Marne, not forgetting the crus from Sézannais and Vitryat. It is a fresh, exquisite wine.
Specifications
Vintage | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 75cl |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Quite rightly considered an excellent choice as an aperitif, Collection Vintage 2017 Blanc de Blancs also excels with shellfish, trout rillettes with dill, sea bream ceviche, carpaccio of veal or Mâconnais goat cheese made with raw milk AS AN APERITIF: best served at 8-9°C. WITH FOOD: best served at 10-12°C. |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2018 Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge. GOLD Mundus Vini, 91 Points John Platter Winemag, Double Gold Gilbert & Gaillard
Tasting Notes
Intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, blackberries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak with a hint of mint to ensure freshness. The palate has density and concentrated flavours of dark fruit with elegant tannins to create a well-balanced wine with a long finish. Concentrated fruit, great structure and the ability to age well.
About the Harvest
Although very dry, the ripening season leading up to the 2018 harvest provided exce lent conditions for optimal ripeness and flavour development that resulted in exceptional fruit concentration and elegance in the wines of this vintage.
In the Cellar
This wine was fermented in open tanks with pump overs and punch downs being performed four times daily to extract all possible flavours from the berries. After alcoholic fermentation the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by 18 months ageing in 30% new French oak barrels.
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Accolades
-
Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 TOP 100 SA Wine
- 91 Points Winemag | "This is a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from Dornier in South Africa. Located in the 'Golden Triangle' area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention. Their Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon has an exuberance of concentrated fruit, intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, black berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak and a hint of mint to ensure freshness. Stunning value at under £20."
- The 2018 vintage of Dornier Equanimity Cabernet has received abundant local and international recognition having thus far received a Gold Medal from Mundus Vini Germany in 2022, 93 Points & Double Gold from Gilbert & Gaillard and now Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | From 2021 for up to 8 years |
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 |
2019 Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Swartskaap’ translates to ‘Black Sheep’ from Afrikaans. HPF’s iconic Cabernet Franc that really stands out from the herd!
The odd one out. He goes about life in ways different to the rest of the Family. He’ll zig while others zag. When they shake their heads, it means deep down they’re proud of him…
Tasting Notes
This wine is the heart and soul of HPF. Delicious now, but also has very good ageing potential.
Nose
Bright red and purple fruit, raspberries and blackcurrants; black olive; green herbal spice
Palate
Generous offering; density and fruit intensity; milk chocolate praline; supple and full with persistent length; sweet herbal spice (rosemary, thyme, mint) providing freshness on the palate
Vinification
Our iconic Cabernet franc! This wine is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do…no surprise that this vineyard is planted in the “heart” of our property! As a single varietal wine, Cabernet franc poses a great challenge both in the vineyard and the cellar due to its robust nature. The wine ages in old (50%) and new (50%) French oak barrique (50%) and pigeons (50%) for a 24 month period. Post bottling, we then cellar the wine for a further 24 months before the wine is released onto the market. Our aim is to be meticulous creating something that will not just please but hopefully shift boundaries. On the palate this wine embodies our wine philosophy of BALANCE,ELEGANCE, FRESHNESS, DRINKABILITY, LONGEVITY! These wines will age for 10 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions.
History
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Accolades
- 94 points - Platters 2024
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.05% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 10 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
The wine is aged in old (50%) and new (50%) French oak 225L barrique (50%) and 500L pigeons (50%) for a 24 month period. It then undergoes a further 24 months of cellaring before release. |
Food Matches |
A hearty homemade beef lasagna, be generous with the italian herbs as they’ll compliment the slight herbaceousness of Cabernet Franc perfectly. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Smalltown Vineyards Clovella Mataro Grenache
Regular price £16.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
It starts with cassis, a nose full of promise. Clove and black pepper spice. The palate is dark and sultry with a dried fruit appeal. It finishes with a gentle lick of oak from the time the wine spends in oak.
Production
Clovella is a field planting of roughly 60/40 Grenache and Mataro. It is a 40 year old vineyard from the Gomersal sub-district of the Barossa Valley that Rolf Binder has been cultivating himself for many years. The wine spends 22 months in older French oak. The purpose of this wine is to show Mataro and Grenache with some development rather than the super-juicy-young-bright Grenache of the moment.
Producer
Smalltown Vineyards express many of the Barossa’s prized districts form Gomersal, Kalimna as well as the Eden Valley and beyond. We work with exceptional vineyards simply expressed using minimal intervention, basket press where relevant, natural ferments in open-top fermenters to best capture the Barossa’s magical flavours. We have a lot of fun with labels because, well because we can. It’s only wine after all…
A note about Sustainability
As of the 1st July, 2019, Australia changed from its previous sustainable programme called EntWine to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Smalltown Vineyards is a participant in this programme, which assists with tools and resources to enhance business sustainability, meeting customer sustainability requirements and sustainability claims made by participants.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Grenache, 40% Mataro |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Braises and stews: long slow cooked roasts of pork or lamb. |
Origin | South Australia |
Appellation | Barossa Valley |
2020 Boneshaker Old Vine Zinfandel
Regular price £27.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Boneshaker is a robust, full-throttle “old vine” Zinfandel from Lodi, California, a region known for its warm growing season and sandy soils
Tasting Notes
Colour
A vibrant ruby red in colour
Nose
Dark cherry, blackberry, subtle notes of spice and a hint of leather on the nose
Palate
Perfectly ripe red berry and fruit flavours are accompanied by a balanced structure with firm ripe tannins and a touch of warm spices on a gentle toasty finish.
Background
Older vines make bolder Zinfandel. Bruella Vineyard and Fathom Ranch are owned by Jason and Kimberly Eells, whose multi-generational family has sold grapes to Hahn Family Wines for over 20 years. These vineyards produce exceptional fruit with a character only found in California, yielding Zinfandel as rich and spicy as their history.
Region
This Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from two historical vineyards – Bruella Vineyard and Fathom Ranch – both located in the Mokelumne River AVA, a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA that is home to more Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards than any region in the U.S. The heritage, head-trained Zinfandel vines in these lowyielding vineyards range from 60 to over 100 years old, with roots that reach deep into well-drained, sandy loam soils. With a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, sunny days and evenings cooled by breezes off the Sacramento River Delta, the Lodi AVA has long been recognized as one of the finest AVAs for growing intensely flavored Zinfandel. Certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program, these vineyards promote biodiversity, soil and water health, and community and employee well-being.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 15% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Sustainably Farmed |
Food Matches | BBQ ribs, tri-tip, grilled vegetables. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2020 Brotte Creation Grosset Cairanne
Regular price £17.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intense ruby colour with garnet glints.
Nose
The nose offers a combination of fresh fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Spicy notes of cinnamon and garrigue stand out. The wine will gain in suppleness over time, and in jammy aromas of raspberry and plum as well as undergrowth.
Palate
The wine is generous and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Touches of toast and sweet spices add complexity. The mouth is full and the finish is persistent.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest to limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking into small cases and fast transportation to the winery to avoid berries’ crushing and oxidation. Destemming, gentle crushing. Fermentation at 28°C, followed by a 3 week maceration. The wines are matured in concrete vats to develop the fruit and 100 year old large oak barrels to develop the unctuosity and length during 9 months.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics
- 90 points Wine Spectator | Offers a stream of juicy cassis, fresh red currant and dried herbs that race alongside smoked sandalwood and pencil lead shavings, with incense and floral notes adding lift. Well-built, with a firming frame of tannins bringing shape and a salty mesquite note at the close. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan. Drink now through 2025. 6,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.
- 89 points James Suckling | A weighty Southern Rhone red that’s got plenty of ripe plum and blackberry character with a touch of violet. In spite of the obvious dry tannins on the full-bodied palate, this remains rather mellow.
Alan's Personal Tasting Note
"Another delight from Brotte - all the intriguing garrique characteristics as the other reds in the range. If anything the fruit is even more generous here - verging more to the red than the black - and it’s very drinkable, soft and moreish but with enough. Backbone to go on for a while yet." September 2024
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cairanne |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with Serrano ham, wild mushroom risotto, grilled beef, goat cheeses. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2020 Brotte Les Hauts de Barville Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge
Regular price £29.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
This wine is ruby with purple glints.
Nose
Rich symphony of red fruits (strawberry dominates), spices, truffles and guarrigue (scrub land).
Palate
Rich and unctuous, with long lasting aromas of red fruits and spices, the cuvée will seduce the amateurs of fruit in its youth, and those who will age the wine (up to 10 years) to savour its full potential and unique truffles and garrigue notes.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking,, de-steming, gentle crushing are followed by a controlled fermentation at 28°C, and a 3 to 4 week maceration. The tannic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in French oak barrels, while the softer Grenache is matured in concrete vats and 100 year old large oak casks to preserve the fruit.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache, Shiraz/Syrah, and Mourvedre |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with beef in black olives sauce, grilled rib steak in pepper sauce, beef & vegetable stew, fresh goat cheeses, chocolate fondant. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2020 Cortese 'Senia' Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC (Organic)
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%When they created Senia, they took their inspiration from traditional fermentation techniques. For this reason the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, in small quantities of around 150 litres. Senia has a extremely limited production of about 8.000 bottles per year.
Tasting Notes
Colour
An extremely intense ruby red in colour.
Nose
On the bouquet there are prominent dark fruit notes of plums and blackberries, with nuances of balsamic, liqorice and carob.
Palate
A very full-bodied wine, with a refreshing acidity, and a long finish showing soft and intense tannins.
Vineyards & Vinification
We ferment the grapes in open top barriques in small lots of around 150 litres. Using this method, it’s not possible to control the temperature during fermentation, but it never exceeds 18-24C°. The small volume allows it to adjust itself naturally.
The grapes undergo fermentation for 10-12 days. The use of open top barrels allows us to carry out “follatura” (manually pushing down the skins) as often as is necessary for the natural and delicate extraction of colour and tannins from the skins.
We leave the wine in contact with the skins for about 20 days after the fermentation and then for a total of 30-35 days.
Once the maceration on the skins has ended, the wine is placed in barriques for the malolactic fermentation, after which it remains in barrel for 12 months before bottling. The wine stays a further 6 months in bottle before being released on to the market.
Accolades
91 pts points | James Suckling
I like the dried-spice, tobacco and ash character to the black plum and black cherry fruit. It’s medium- to full-bodied with plenty of spicy and smoky flavours. Soft tannins. Delicious now.
17/20 points | Jancis Robinson
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Nero d'Avola |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic |
Origin | Sicilia DOC |
2020 Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fruit driven American Zinfandel with Best Buy Ratings
Tasting Notes
Nose
Rich, sweet aromas of cherry and raspberry lead into jammy flavours of red plum, red currant and blackberry, with a dash of baking spices and a touch of smokiness.
Palate
Structured and textured, velvety tannins weave their way from mid-palate to a lingering finish.
Winemaking Notes
Working with top growers in Lodi where Zinfandel reigns supreme, our Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel embodies all the beloved characteristics of the grape.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Accolades
- 20+ Best Buy Ratings by Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Try this fruit-driven Zinfandel with lamb or hearty pasta dishes. |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2020 Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Rouge
Regular price £47.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A superb Châteuneuf-du-Pape from vines in their prime.
Tasting Notes
Intense and inky dark, with a concentrated, rich and complex nose of kirsch, bay and graphite. Very full bodied and weighty with some evident tannins, and there's a brooding power from such low yields. Despite its heft, the old vines provide great complexity and interest and we are left with a lovely juicy finish.
Production Method
Alex Favier inherited 37 different blocks of vineyards from his mother, Marie-Paule Sabon, comprising 50 hectares in total, making Domaine Chante Cigale one of the larger domaines of this most famous of French appellations. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of three different soil types and those domaines with vines on all three consequentially gain in complexity For his reds, Alex has a typically large palette of varieties but his ‘old vine’ cuvée uses only Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre as these are his oldest vines and they provide the wine with great intensity and longevity. The vines for this bottling are over 65 years old, some as old as 100, and they are some of the oldest vines to be found on the plateau de Carbières (close to Château Montredon).The yield of these ‘Vieilles Vignes’ is very, very low indeed; the oldest vines may only yield a miniscule 15hl/ha, most others around 22-23 hl/ha, bringing the average to around 20hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand, with selective sorting of the grapes. Alex learned about viticulture and vinification from his father and took over from him whilst finishing his last year at school in 1999; eventually taking full control of the domaine in 2002. Each variety is vinified separately and undergoes an 18-24 day fermentation and a 32-36 day maceration period. Malolactic fermentation and ageing takes place in a combination of new oak barriques and concrete vats. Alex no longer uses the traditional larger casks known as ‘foudres’ for his Vieilles Vignes.
Producer
Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.
Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.
A note on Sustainability
As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
|
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
|
Food Matches | Meat such as lamb, beef or venison, either grilled or with a spicy or peppery sauce, or with duck paté. |
Origin | Rhône, France |
Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
2020 Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes Carignan
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The second Vielles Vignes project from enigmatic winemaker Faouzi Issa.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose has an exotic mix of ripe fig, bright cranberry and rasberry fruit with notes of liquorice , it’s lifted and pronounced.
Palate
The palate had more beautifully ripe red fruit characters, along side lively fig and date notes, the acidity perfectly balances the generous flavours and leaves a pure, clean finish.
Production
Domaine des Tourelles have a 50 year old block of Carignan in their Amik vineyard in the Bekka Valley. The fruit from here provides an excellent component for the acclaimed Domaine des Tourelles Red, but winemaker Faouzi believed it could produce great wine in it’s own right. This first vintage highlights his belief in the project. The wine only sees concrete during production, being both fermented and aged for 24 months in his old but perfectly formed tanks.
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% Carignan |
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 |
Marinated mediteranian spiced meats, grilled vegetables. BBQs. | |
Appellation | Bekaa Valley |
2020 Domaine Germain 'Beaune to be Wild' Hautes Cotes de Beaune
Regular price £31.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
"When this matures it will be an absolute beaut! At the moment it’s all primary raspberry and cherry fruit but as it oxidises it will continually evolve to expose its secondary and tertiary Pinot noir characteristics of farmyard stinkiness. Real, proper, Burgundian Pinot as it used to be - can’t wait to keep my eye - actually - it’s keep my nose on this one over the coming years.
Incredibly intense, concentrated, complex yet balanced. Some earthiness just beginning to show through oxidation in the glass - this will become really earthy and vegetal through time - with mushrooms and truffle coming to the fore as the fruit begins to take on its secondary characters - then it’s onto those stinky, manure, farmyardy aromas as it hits its tertiary stage. Stunning!! | Alan's Personal Notes Tasted April 2024
Winemaking
Manual harvesting Integral vinification in half muids of 500 liters from 2018 5-day pre-fermentation maceration, then hot maceration during fermentation alcoholic up to 32°C for 12 days. Daily drum rotations at the rate of 8 turns morning and evening until the end of the sugars, then 2 rounds morning and evening in post-vinification.
Passage of two days in stainless steel tank in order to eliminate the coarse parts and keep only the fine lees. Ageing in French oak barrels for 8 months, no new wood. No addition of SO2 after malolactic fermentation or bottling to preserve the freshness and drinkability.
NB: This wine has a significant dissolved CO2 content. This is voluntary to protect the wine during its years in the bottle, it is enough just to carafe it energetically to chase away this surplus of gas and thus obtain a silky wine.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
12.5 alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Ready to drink now but can also be cellared
|
Maturation | 8 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food matches | Tomato sauces and Game birds and pork. Serve between 16-17C |
Additional Info | Environmentally certified |
Origin |
Burgundy
|
Appellation | AOC Bourgogne |
2020 Dornier Moordenaarskloof Tinta Barocca
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This is a full bodied and aromatic wine with hints of raspberry, mulberry and aromatic spices. On the pallet the wine is concentrated with richness and structure. The tannins are fine, ripe and creamy and in balance with the fruit. The wine has a long finish. This wine is a true reflection of Tinta Barocca from old vines in the Swartland.
Tinta Barocca is one of the most commonly planted grape varieties in the Douro, Portugal. It is one of the five varieties allowed in the production of port. Tinta Barocca was the first Portugese variety planted in South Africa. It is used in to make port style wines and has historically been a very important part of blended red wines because of its good colour and natural acidity. Tinta Barocca from older vines lends itself to the production of premium red wines with great character and complexity.
In the Vineyard
In the Cellar
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Awards
- Platter's Wine Guide | 4 stars
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tinta Barocca |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
2020 - 2028 |
Food Matching | Best paired with grilled, roasted and braised meat and game dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet (Bordeaux Blend)
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Kleinboet’ translates to ‘Little Brother’ from Afrikaans. This alludes to the fact that this Bordeaux Blend is incredibly elegant, with only 12.5% alcohol, compared to other South African Bordeaux Blends.
Although quite the lad, he’s not too big for his boots
Larger than life, there’s nothing small about him! The agile charmer, living life to the full. Simple, down to earth. With energy and a second breath, he’s not the kind to be second guessed…
Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary).
Palate
Generous offering form entrance to finish; supple and full without over-saturating the palate with tannin; persistent with good length.
Vinification
A Bordeaux blend that is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and comprises of all five ‘noble’ varietals (Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet franc and Malbec). The use of 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill oak over 24 months ensures a beautiful “marriage” between the different varietals. The wine showcases bright red and purple fruit such as raspberries and blueberries; savoury notes; dried herbs (oregano and rosemary). On the palate this wine presents a generous offering from entrance to finish.
History
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
48% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 11% Petit Verdot 11% Cabernet franc 11% Malbec. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 5 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
24 months in French Oak 80% in old (4-10 years of age) French oak Foudres (6000L) 10% in new French oak barriques (225L) 10% in second/third fill French oak barrique (225L) |
Food Matches |
Roast or grilled lamb chops (or other richly flavoured cuts of red meat). Barbequed or ‘braai-ed’ aubergine topped with rich sun-dried and oregano tomato sauce is a great option for non-meat eaters. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Louis de Grenelle Crémant de Loire
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Vibrant, crisp & delicate | Complex and honeyed, to be enjoyed with close friends
Tasting Notes
Colour
The pale golden yellow colour is flecked with a stream of persistent bubbles with a creamy foam developing on the surface.
Nose
Clean and fresh, the nose is distinguished by its delicate aromas of warm brioche which give way to a generous fruit basket with mingling peach and pear.
Palate
The smoothness of the foam gives a lovely mouthfeel. The pure freshness of the attack is a lovely contrast to a full, vinous and generous finish of gingerbread, brioche and hazelnut. On the mid-palate, a silky, full body delicately coats the taste buds. Superb harmony.
Producer
Over 150 years of History! Founded in 1859, this independent and family run Maison Louis de Grenelle has passed down its expertise through the generations. It continues the tradition of making sparkling wines in the depths of its cellars burrowed underneath Saumur in the heart of the Valley of Kings, the Val de Loire.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | Fizz |
Food matches | An excellent sparkling wine for sharing, making this the perfect accompaniment to your evenings with friends. It compliments crayfish mousseline or prawn salad with lime as well as subtle vanilla and gingerbread desserts. Also try Foie gras club sandwich with caramelised apples & Cuban chicken fajitas! Serve between 5-6C. |
Dosage | Brut |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | AOC Crémant de Loire |
Origin | Saumur, Loire Valley |
2020 Ronchi di Manzano Pinot Grigio
Regular price £20.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw-yellow in colour
Nose
A fragrant and crisp aroma with unmistakable floral notes and hints of ripened pear.
Mouth
Its taste is dry and minerally, acidic yet balanced, and is both intense and enduring.
Background
Roberta Borghese, the owner of these Ronchi (steep slopes), has understood their true values and is enthralled by the rhythm and beauty of nature.
The Ronchi di Manzano winery was established in 1969, but its vineyards have an ancient tradition of centuries. Everything started with the Counts of Trento, who had a special predilection for the Ronchi di Manzano, both for its location and for its soil composition. Its vineyards were considered to be some of the best in the whole area and the wines produced were very often requested by French and Savoy noblemen.
Vineyard
The grapes are destemmed soon after arrival at the winery followed by an immediate cooling of the de-stemmed grapes and a soft pressing to extract the juice.
Vinification and fermentation are done in stainless steel temperature-controlled tanks. The wine is bottled in March and is refined in bottles for a period of approximately two months, only then is it ready for release to the marketplace.
Accolades
- James Suckling 91 points
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Grigio |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food & Serving Information |
Enjoy it as an aperitif, or with deli meats, starters, fish, soups, pastas, rice dishes like risotto, or white meats at an ideal temperature of 8-10°C. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Friuli Colli Orientali |
Appellation | Friuli DOC |
2020 Waterkloof 'Circle of Life' Red
Regular price £14.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A rewarding and satisfyingly juicy mix of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Circle of Life tells the story of Waterkloof: a once conventionally farmed property transformed into a living, breathing organic and regenerative vineyard by Farm Manager Christiaan Loots and his team.
Tasting notes
A harmonious blend that combines the spiciness of Syrah, the ripe, youthful fruits of Petit Verdot and the juiciness from Cabernet Franc. The beginning is fresh and full of fruit with good acidity, evolving into riper flavours with lightly spicy notes. Elegant tannins and fine, bright acid on the finish.
Production
Circle of Life Red is neither defined by grape varietals, nor indeed a specific block within the vineyard, but instead encapsulates the myriad soils, aspects, altitudes and grape varieties found on this windswept, biodynamic farm. The windswept vineyard blocks are all south facing (less sun exposure), 200-350m above sea-level and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Production is a miserly 4 tons/hectare. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar by horses for hand-sorting. Bordeaux varietals are de-stemmed, whilst Rhone varietals are whole bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with wild yeast in large, open-top wooden fermenters with foot-pressing or manual punch-downs 1-2 times per day. The wine is left on skins for 30 days before going through malolactic fermentation in mainly old barrels, then ageing for 20 months in the same vessels. The components are then blended and the wine ages futher in large wooden foudre. No fining, just a light filtration. No additons other than sulphur. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned farm using organic practices. The farm is perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. A member of The Integrated Production of Wine Scheme, a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established by the South African wine industry in 1998, and of The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association, a multi-stakeholder, non-profit voluntary organisation which actively promotes ethical trade in the wine industry, it is has also been a member of the World Wildlife Fund’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative from its inception. Through a partnership between the IPW and the BWI, Waterkloof is a WWF Conservation Champion and has in place a formal nature conservation plan that includes: clearing approximately 55 hectares of land from alien invader species and restoring the Cape’s precious indigenous flora and fauna; re-establishing natural vegetation in previously disturbed areas; introducing preventive erosion control measures; providing migration corridors for species between isolated areas of natural vegetation; mulching of winter cover crops to create a healthy environment for the natural predators of vine pests and installing perches for birds of prey for natural rodent control measures.In the vineyards, drip irrigation is used only on young vines as a more efficient system to conserve water. Most of Waterkloof is dry-farmed; the biological control of pests is employed as an alternative to chemical spraying; annual legume cover crops are sown to add nitrogen to the soil and annual grain cover crops are sown in alternate rows as a carbon source and to return nutrients to the soil; earthworms are farmed and their casts are used to make a tea, which is used on the cover crops and soil as a living fertiliser; 380-400 tons of compost a year are made each year to boost carbon matter in the soil, to enhance its water holding capacity, and to boost the level of microbes in the soil keeping it fertile and alive; and, as part of the estate’s biodynamic regime, various foliar feeds are made. No damaging herbicides, pesticides or fungicide are used, only natural predatory fungi and metabolites to control mildew and to build the plants’ immunity. Six Percheron horses are used to plough, compost, spray and harvest the vineyards to reduce damage to the soil and vines and to reduce carbon emissions. Using the horses also teaches the handlers the rare skill of training these horses. A flock of chickens reduces the number of pests in the vineyard and returns nitrogen to the soil and compost, as well as providing fresh, free-range eggs for the restaurant. A small herd of cows is kept, which is key to producing biodynamic composts and teas, and a flock of sheep and a herd of goats are allowed to graze in the vineyards in winter to naturally reduce the level of weeds and vegetation between vine rows, as well as to put nitrogen back into the soil.
In the cellar, waste water gets pumped through a stainless-steel filter into a bioreactor where it is combined with the rest of the waste water from the building. Aerobic bacteria remove most of the contaminants before the water is pumped into a sand bed to remove any solids. From there, it runs into a reed bed for a final clean up and it is then used to irrigate the young vines. Peroxide is used a cleaning agent in the cellar as it breaks down in water after 15 minutes, leaving no residue. The cellar itself is built into the hillside to maintain a stable temperature, to avoid pumping the wines and hence reducing energy usage. Used boxes, dividers, bottles, screwcaps, plastics, paper and labels are recycled with an external company that take everything away for recycling. Old, unused bottles are sold to bottle recyclers who wash and resell them.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 38% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 16% Petit Verdot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
This very versatile wine will complement numerous dishes from a tomato based stew to meat on the bone. | |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2020 Waterkloof Boreas
Regular price £29.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A wine is only bottled under the Waterkloof label when one of the vineyard blocks on the Schapenberg offers up something extraordinary. This fourth such release from a great vintage for reds is a wonderfully complex Bordeaux blend, predominantly Cabernet Franc.
Tasting notes
Sublimely complex aromas of redcurrant, plum and red cherry with cedary spice and a hint of pencil shaving. The predominance of Cabernet Franc gives a wine of subtlety and elegance with lifted berry fruit and a supple, finely structured mid palate. Firm yet fine tannins frame the spicy, ethereal finish.
Production
A wine is made under the Waterkloof label, only when one of their vineyard blocks on The Schapenberg offers up something extraordinary. They made their first in 2005 – a Sauvignon Blanc. Finally, seventeen years later their best block of Chenin made the grade and so a second was borne from the outstanding white wine vintage of 2021. Since taking over as winemaker in 2013, having previously been assistant since 2009, Nadia Langenegger and her team have really begun to get the best out of Waterkloof’s red grapes. They believe in evolution rather than revolution and a few modifications were implemented, notably, foot-treading to extract the juice and tannin more gently. Hard work indeed, but also quite fun…well at least the first couple each year are. They have 20 wooden fermenters to get through! The changes have really paid off, even throughout the challenging drought vintages of 2017-2019, but even more so with the help of the fantastic red wine vintage of 2020. Testament to this improvement was a first Platter’s 5 Star Award for not just one but two of our red wines in 2021 – Circle of Life Red 2019 and The Last of The First Pinotage 2020. With the long drought having finally broken, tasting the 2020 red wines from barrel we quickly realized that this would be the first vintage to offer up a Waterkloof red and along came Waterkloof Syrah 2020. However, such was the quality of the red wines across various blocks and grapes on Waterkloof, we also trialed a blend from their best parcels of Bordeaux grape varieties (51% Cabernet Franc/25% Merlot/14% Petit Verdot/10% Cabernet Sauvignon). The result? Waterkloof’s vinous apogee, named after the fiercest wind god and face of Waterkloof – BOREAS. A selection of grapes from across the estate's best blocks of Bordeaux varieties grown at an altitude of 240-250m. Average yield 17 hl/ha. Hand-picked and hand-sorted grapes were whole bunch pressed (other than Cabernet Sauvignon) and naturally fermented in old, open-top, French oak foudres. Gentle maceration with foot treading and manual punch-downs. Ageing took place in French oak barriques and 9,000 ltr old oak foudres for 27 months. No fining, minimal filtration, no additions other than sulphur. 13,390 bottles 2020 produced. Offering great enjoyment in its youth, especially once decanted for a couple of hours, BOREAS has a long future ahead and will develop in complexity over the next 10-15+ years.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. To learn more please visit their website.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Cabernet Franc 51%, Merlot 25%, Petit Verdot 14% |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Decant the wine two hours prior to serving to perfectly complement a rib of beef or a similar dish. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Stellenbosch |
2021 Brotte Esprit Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Regular price £12.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great wine with character, elegant and typical, honouring the historic grape variety and king of the southern Rhône Valley: Grenache Noir.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Medium intensity with aromas of small berry fruits and delicately spicy hints of pepper, thyme and garrigue.
Palate
Supple, silky, full-bodied and elegant with very fine tannins. Notes of undergrowth and liquorice accompany the aromas of wild red fruits and black cherries on the finish.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics Review
- 89 points James Suckling | Very fresh red-cherry and floral aromas for this appellation, together with some healthy tannins on the full-bodied, but lively palate. Slight warmth from alcohol at the supple finish.
- 89 points Wilfred Wong of Wine.com | The 2021 Brotte Esprit Cotes du Rhone is rustic and savoury with lovely berries. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavours of ripe berries, rustic spices, and earthy notes. Pair it with a slow-cooked lamb stew. (Tasted: October 17, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Enjoy with a fresh mushroom omelette, beef tenderloin, homemade burger, veal blanquette or couscous. Or with a creamy cow's cheese such as Romans d'Isère. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Brotte Gigondas la Marasque
Regular price £24.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby color.
Nose
Good intensity with notes of spices, red stone fruits, vanilla, liquorice and raisins. Complex, powerful and generous with hints of cherry liqueur, black and red fruit jam.
Palate
This flamboyant wine shows perfect harmony between nose and palate.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture with ploughing and harvesting by hand. Traditional vinification with partial de-stalking and a gentle crushing . The maceration last 4 weeks with alcoholic fermentation at high temperature (around 28°C) in order to obtain a good extraction of the grapes substance. The wine is aged in 100 year old oak vats during 12 months, with a percentage in French oak barrels.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics
- 91 points Wilfred Wong of Wine.com | The 2021 Brotte Gigondas La Marasque is lovely and well-structured with a smooth palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers balanced aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, aromatic herbs, and subtle earth notes. Enjoy it with a savory lamb stew. (Tasted: June 13, 2024, San Francisco, CA)
- 91 points Wine Spectator | Reveals red licorice, strawberry puree, creme de violette and fresh cherry flavors that are focused, perfumed and grounded by charred apple wood and smoky, graphite mineral depth. Silky and smooth, this is a pretty wine with nice harmony and medium length. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases made, 150 cases imported.
- 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | A 70-30 blend of Grenache and Syrah, Brotte's 2021 Gigondas la Marasque delivers pretty strawberry and raspberry shadings, tinged with violets. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and easy-drinking, plump and expansive, nicely balanced and elegant.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache & Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with wild boar terrine, beef stew with carrots, poultry dishes, tuna steak in red wine sauce. This Gigondas matches also spicy dishes such as Indian and Mexican cuisine. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Cave de Turckheim Baron D’Alsace Gewurztraminer
Regular price £15.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great introduction to the heady delights of Gewurztraminer.
Tasting Notes
Intensly perfumed Gewurztraminer with a rich palate of honeyed and rose-scented flavours.
Production
Produced in the traditional manner by winemaker Jean Michel Lihrmann in Cave de Turckheim's gravity fed cellar - pneumatic pressing, temperature controlled fermentation, no finings and light filtration before bottling - all to preserve fruit and aromatic qualities and elegance. His philosophy is to make wines with good acidity and fruit balance, based on the belief that all the qualities of the wine are already present in the grapes.
Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach that combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification. The growers are aiming for HVE Level 3 certification in late 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey, and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Gewürztraminer |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
Food Matches | A classic match for spicy dishes (especially Thai) but can also be served as an alternative to red wine with strong cheeses. |
Origin |
Alsace, France
|
2021 Château Tirecul La Gravière, AOP Monbazillac (50cl) [Organic]
Regular price £16.25 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Make no mistake, we are in world class territory. Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world.
Tasting Notes
Intense richness and bright acidity. Driven by orange peel marmalade and saffron aromatics.
Production
No one’s really sure why concentration comes from older vines, but here it is in evidence. 175g/l
Producer
Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world. A lot is written about terroir, soil and microclimates. You often question how much of it is true, how do people know exactly why the wines work out the way they do? At Tirecul however, you can really see it in front of you. There aren’t many estates where you can see all the vineyard in one block. At the bottom of the hill it is too open, and the top of the hill it is too windy. It’s only in two little pockets that the fog sits to create the conditions for some truly phenomenal botrytis wines. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks site, all the quirks of nature are ‘just right’ (I haven’t tried any Tirecul in my porridge, but I am going to now).
90% of the 9ha vineyard is planted with an even split between Semillon and Muscadelle, the latter is a fascinating variety, often in the background but it can be the real star of the show. The balance is Sauvignon Blanc and the recently allowed Chenin. The exact blend of the sweet wines is unknown because the grapes are picked when they are showing the best elements of botrytis and fermented together. Bruno Bilancini has run the estate since the early 1990s, in the last few years has also produced very good dry white and red which are showing real promise.
Sustainability
Bruno Bilancini took over the estate in 1992, and has treated the environment with utmost respect since then. It was in 2009 that Chateau Tirecul started to convert to organics, with all wines beyond 2012 being certified as well as vegan.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | 60% Semillon, 40% Muscadelle |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 6.25units |
Type | Dessert Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable farming |
Food Matches |
Foie Gras and a clear conscience!
|
Origin |
|
Appellation | Monbazillac AOC |
2021 Cortese Vanedda Bianco Organic
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Pure class! Amazingly refined and almost Southern Chablis in style. Limited in production.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intensely golden in colour.
Nose
Prominent notes of coconut and tropical fruit with an undercurrent of gentle spices.
Palate
Richly textured with well-integrated acidity and a long length.
Viticulture
The 100% organic grapes come only from the Cortese’s own vineyards grown near Contrada Sabuci, in the Vittoria area of South East Sicily. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested into small baskets and only the best quality are selected to make Vanedda. The baskets of grapes are refrigerated at 10°C for around 24 hours.
Winemaking
After this is completed the wine is carefully de-stemmed and fermented on the skins for at least 2 days, after which we separate the wine from the skins and finish the fermentation in 30 hl oak botti. Following fermentation, the wine stays on the lees for at least 7 months and remains in bottle for a further 6 months before being released on to the market.
Producer
Azienda Agricola Cortese is Stefano Girelli’s new estate in Sicily, in the South East near Ragusa. Cortese has a rich history in winemaking, and under Stefano’s guiding hand, has been brought back to life.
Cortese farms in a traditional way, using organic farming techniques from a time where organic was not a choice, but the only option. The dry, sun drenched Sicilian climate provides perfect conditions for organic farming. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Biodiversity is encouraged.
Traditional winemaking techniques are also adopted, such as fermentation in terracotta.
Cortese brings together respect for biodiversity, exclusively organic cultivation, the meeting of traditional techniques & contemporary technology and the vibrancy and colour of Sicilian life.
La Selezione is the top tier from Cortese. Distinguished by their excellent terroir, these are wines in a class of their own, without any obvious comparisons.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 50% Grillo & 50% Catarratto |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Food Matching | Goes perfectly with seafood and rich roasts a-like. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, certified Organic |
Origin | Italy |
Appellation |
Terre Siciliane IGP |
2021 Coterie by Wildeberg Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc
Regular price £12.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Production
Wildeberg’s rationale is to source the finest vineyards available to us across Franschhoek and the Coastal Region, from which cuvées the eyes are plucked to make Wildeberg and the Terroir Series releases. In doing so there remains a small yet definitive expression of all the vineyards we worked with, and its these cuvees that are again selected to go into Coterie by Wildeberg. Chenin and Grenache Blanc complement each other well. Both varietals love the Coastal Region’s arid soils and Mediterranean climate due to their inherent tolerance to drought. Both components were naturally fermented in 600 litre French oak barrels. The Chenin is from an old, low-yielding Franschhoek vineyard planted in 1962 (65%). This brings freshness and tightness to the blend, the old vines also bring Wildeberg’s hallmark texture. The Grenache Blanc is from vibrant, younger plantings Paarl (35%), adding body and structure with this cultivars naturally exotic notes of jasmine and white spice. 65% 2nd fill and 35% 3rd fill barrels.
Producer
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Sustainability
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Awards
- Silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards (2022 Vintage)
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Another Coterie delight - you don’t see these 2 varietals together many places in the world - but this certainly works here to produce a stunning, textural white. I’m picking up some old vine vibes and malolactic creaminess. A very well balanced and interesting white - it’s also got a good dollop of oak in the finish." July 2024
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 65% Chenin Blanc, 35% Grenache Blanc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | This is a rich, textural wine whose body and exotic jasmine notes would ably marry with gentle Malay and Thai green fish curries, dishes with lemongrass and coriander, or just simply braai-ed linefish |
Appellation | W.O. Coastal Region |
2021 Cycles Gladiator Chardonnay
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This Chardonnay showcases the richness and complexity of its terroir.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The golden colour in the glass
Nose
Bright aromas of stone fruit and golden apple, underscored by rich, toasted oak.
Palate
Ripe, round tropical flavours of pineapple and mango are complimented by notes of vanilla and butter.
Winemaking Notes
The 2021 vintage saw a late harvest with great quality fruit. All grapes were taken directly to press as whole clusters, gently pressed into tanks, cold-settled, racked as clean juice, and fermented over a two-month period at very cool temperatures. Once primary fermentation was completed, select lots ofthe wine went through a complete secondary fermentation to add a rich, buttery component.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Accolades
- Top 25 Best Buy Ratings by Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | California (68% Monterey, 32% Paso Robles) |
Origin | California |
2021 Domaine de la Pigeade Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (500ml)
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Muscat from La Pigeade is characterized by its freshness and finesse and is to be found in many of the leading restaurants of the Rhone Valley.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A light gold wine, shiny with golden reflections.
Palate
The complex aromatic palette combines pear with rose water and exotic fruits.
Soil cultivation
Sustainable cultivation for over 30 years; grassing controlled mechanically (hoeing). Scribbling is practiced several times a year at different depths depending on the case.
Vinification
Hand harvested and sorted before 100% de-stemming and maceration on skins for 10 hours at 3°C before pressing. Cool-fermented to reach a natural alcohol of 5 % before the ferment is arrested by the addition of grape spirit to reach a minimum of 15 % alcohol, with a minimum of 110 g/l residual sugar. Matured on fine lees in tank for two months prior to bottling.
History
Very little sweet Muscat was made before 1945 when Muscat de Beaumes de Venise was classified an AOC for its vin doux naturel, but by the 1970’s and 1980’s its popularity in northern Europe was probably greater than Sauternes or sweet German wines. The wines, by law, must have an ABV of 15% and at least 110g/L residual sugar. Domaine de la Pigeade was purchased by the Vaute family in 1960 who came from wine families but this domaine was the first generation of winemakers. Up until 1996 all fruit from the 25ha estate was sent to the cooperative but with the succession of the second generation, Thierry and his wife Marina, a cellar was built and the wine-making was brought in house. The domaine sits outside the village of Beaumes, which is sandwiched in between the Dantelles de Montmirail and Mount Ventoux. Of the 25ha around 20 are Muscat blanc à petits grains averaging 35 years of age. The vines are planted on a argilo-calcaire and all weed control is manual. The fruit is harvested at a very low 30hl/ha.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 500ml |
Cultivar | 100% Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 16% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
11.3 units |
Type | Dessert Wine / natural sweet wine |
Food Matches |
It is an ideal aperitif and also goes well with many desserts, especially ones with chocolate, or a fruit salad, or strawberries where some is also poured over the fruit. It is also a perfect companion for many blue cheeses. Drink young and always very fresh (around 7°) |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Muscat de Beaumes de Venise |
Origin | Southern Rhône Valley |
2021 Domaine de la Rochette Touraine Gamay
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is Gamay Noir with white juice. The vines resulting from massal and clonal selections are between between 10 and 30 years old. Planting density is 6500 vines per hectare. Average yields are 50 to 55 Hl/Ha, barely a liter of grape juice per vine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Ruby-red colour, bold, garnet red highlights.
Nose
Aromatic, elegant, subtle violet aromas, intense fresh fruit aromas, subtle strawberry aromas, generous raspberry aromas, subtle cinnamon aromas.
Palate
Elegant, delicate, smooth, violet overtones, generous fresh fruit hints, vanilla hints, fresh tannin, round, slightly mineral, light body, good intensity, long length.
Soil
The soil type "Perruche" is made of flint clay with more or less silica and gravel. Most of the plots are on the first Cher's hillsides, with good exposure and a fairly large slope allowing the flow of excess water.
Vinification
The berries are picked and sorted for quality. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, which allows a natural micro-oxygenation of the juice. The fermentation is of “semi carbonic” type, which is to stay shielded from air and in an environment of carbon dioxide, making it possible to obtain more elegant and fruity aroma.
The history of Domaine de la Rochette en Loire
Domaine de la Rochette has been in Vincent Leclair's family for four generations. Taking over his father's fifty hectares of vines in 2014, Vincent Leclair has made a few changes to the management of the vineyard, adding his own touch. For example, he keeps the grass in the rows to enrich the soil via other types of plant, and he has also stopped using insecticides, preferring instead sexual confusion hormones: a highly effective means of combating insects harmful to the vines. He then invested in new equipment, much more precise in its application.
These include new tanks and new tractors. Although he is an enthusiast of organic viticulture, he admits that it is rather difficult to implement because the Touraine region experiences a lot of rain throughout the year, resulting in a higher risk of disease. With his new equipment, he has nevertheless managed to reduce his treatments by around 50%. Treatments against mildew and powdery mildew, two diseases that are rampant in the vineyards, are therefore carried out as little as possible. The estate is HVE certified.
Accolades
- Silver Medal - Concours des vins des Vignerons Indépendants 2023
- Gold Medal - Concours international Gilbert et Gaillard 2023
Specifications
Vintage | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 75cl |
Cultivar | 100% Gamay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 9 units of alcohol |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Drink within 3 years at a temperature of around 8-10°C. |
Food Matching |
Enjoy with red meats, cold cuts, and goat's cheese |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Loire Valley |
Appellation |
AOC Touraine |
2021 Felline I Monili Primitivo,Tarantino
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is an approachable and unoaked style of Primitive with bright acidity.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromas of red berry and cherry, with a touch of eucalyptus and liquorice.
Palate
The palate has bright bramble fruit, soft tannins, minerality and some spice on the finish.
Production
The Primitivo vines grow in red, iron-rich soils. The grapes are harvested at the end of August / start of September. Fermentation is in stainless steel.
Producer
The Felline winery is in Manduria, Puglia, around 10km from the coast above the Gulf of Taranto. It was founded by Gregory Perrucci in 1992, the 3rd generation of a wine family, born and raised in Manduria. He has dedicated his life to one of the classic varieties of the region - the Primitivo grape - perfectly suited to the sunny, dry climate.
The winery has 120 hectares of vineyard across carefully selected plots and with soils ranging from sand, loam, tuff and clay on a base of limestone rock. Grapes sourced from these different soil types are vinified separately to harness their individual characteristics. His aim is to produce ‘real’ wines inspired by the traditions of the region.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Primitivo |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Main courses based on red sauces, meat roasts |
Cellaring Potential | awaiting info |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tarantino IGP |
Origin | Puglia |
2021 Logan Apple Tree Flat Chardonnay
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Once upon a time, in a little town called Apple Tree Flat, a humble winemaker created quality, true varietal wines that were affordable enough to enjoy every day.
Luckily, this story is true.
The beauty of these wines can be found inside the bottle and out. The labels feature hand-drawn illustrations depicting the people, places and experiences of our winemaker’s home and winery. Whilst inside the bottle you'll find fruit driven wines with excellent regional expression that represent astounding value for mone
Despite such humble beginnings, Apple Tree Flat wines make big waves in Australia and around the world.
Tasting Notes
Floral honeysuckle, peach and pear make up the aroma, with a smooth palate of lemon, nashi pear and nectarine before a long lingering finish.
Winemaking
After crushing and gentle pressing, the juice was clarified by flotation. The pressings were oxidatively handled as juice while the free run was treated anaerobically. The fermentations were carried out by wild yeasts and took place over 18 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine remained on yeast lees for 8 months
Region
The chardonnay grapes for this dry white were harvested at 12.5° Baumé on the 26th February and 14th March 2019 in Mudgee and Orange, New South Wales. The chardonnay vineyards were 46 and 19 years old respectively.
The 2019 growing season was warm and very dry in the NSW Central Ranges, however enough well-spaced rain events across the season allowed the grapes to progress through to ripeness without suffering undue stress. These conditions resulted in a compact harvest period with clean fruit and yields per vine a little lower than average. Ripeness occurred at low sugar levels resulting in generally low alcohol in the wines.
One vineyard is trained to Geneva Double Curtain Trellis type, with the other being Vertical Shoot Position (VSP).
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Mudgee & Orange Regions |
Origin | Australia |
2021 Logan Apple Tree Flat Shiraz
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Once upon a time, in a little town called Apple Tree Flat, a humble winemaker created quality, true varietal wines that were affordable enough to enjoy every day.
Luckily, this story is true.
The beauty of these wines can be found inside the bottle and out. The labels feature hand-drawn illustrations depicting the people, places and experiences of our winemaker’s home and winery. Whilst inside the bottle you'll find fruit driven wines with excellent regional expression that represent astounding value for mone
Despite such humble beginnings, Apple Tree Flat wines make big waves in Australia and around the world.
Tasting Notes
The lovely 2021 Apple Tree Flat Shiraz has inviting aromas of raspberry, bayleaf and a slight floral lift, before a warm welcome to the palette of red berries, clove, smooth peppers and soft tannins.
Winemaking
After crushing the grapes were fermented in stainless steel. The cap was pumped over twice a day during the 7- day fermentation period, then 100% matured in stainless steel. The wine was filtered before bottling.
Vintage
The Shiraz grapes for this dry red were harvested at 12.63° Baumé on the 29th March 2021. The 2021 growing season was a tough one in the NSW Central Ranges, although overall quality was high. Yields in the Orange region were pitifully low, about 10-15% of an average year, due to a hangover from the 2018-2020 drought, snow in November and some large rain events late in the growing season which required us to remove any mould or fungus affected grapes.
Yields in Mudgee were healthier but still a little down on average. Temperatures were cooler than average leading to slow, steady ripening, however the sunshine throughout produced clearly varietal wines, generally with lower alcohol levels.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Sustainably Farmed |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Australia |
2021 Tiki Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, North Canterbury
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Colour
Intensely and brightly coloured wine with a ruby-red hue
Nose
Ruby red in colour this wine has a bright cherry nose supported by complex red and dark fruits, spiced cherry, cedar, mushroom and floral characters on the nose
Palate
The palate highlights bitter chocolate, cherry and cinnamon spice notes supported by fine acidity and a flowing finish. Nicely balanced and drinking beautifully.
Vintage
The 2021 vintage in Waipara, North Canterbury was warm and dry - good growing conditions. Heat summation was well up on average while rainfall was 50% less than normal over the last three months before harvest. The lower rainfall meant that disease pressure was not present, allowing the winemaker to be patient and instruct the picking of the fruit in absolute pristine condition and when tasted at their premium. The effects of this were enhanced fruit flavours creating a wine of great balance.
Winemaking
The fruit was harvested in excellent condition and gently handled in the cellar using traditional burgundian methods and aged for 12 months in French oak barriques.
Awards & Accolades
- 5 Stars - 93pts | Wine Orbit
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | New Zealand |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2022 to 2025 – will continue to develop for a further 5 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect wine for any season - enjoy on a picnic with cheese, cold meats, patés and terrines. A wonderful match too with a mushroom risotto or with a delicious steak off the BBQ. |
Appellation | Waipara Valley, North Canterbury |
2021 Wildeberg White
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Classic ancient vine Semillon selected from 2 small plots, the oldest planted in 1905. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm
Tasting Notes
Nose
Restrained, delicate aromas with bright citrus fruit offset by savoury, waxy notes.
Palate
The palate has an impactful attack of taut, stony, highly textural citrus tang and terrific mouthfeel. A subtle, beautifully balanced wine with layers of expression.
Production
Sourced from ancient, dry grown bush vines in the Franschhoek Valley in the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s Coastal Region. Franschhoek is amongst the oldest planted regions in the Cape, with Sémillon having been planted here in 1679 by French Huguenot settlers. Naturally-fermented in new and older oak at our Franschhoek farm, there is very little magic involved other than the fruit itself.
Producer
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Sustainability
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Semillion |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with delicate fish dishes, fresh oysters and prawns. |
Appellation | WO Franschoeck |