- Alicante Bouschet
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Palomino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Nacional
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Zweigelt
- Alicante Bouschet
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenère
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Gewürtztraminer
- Goldmuskateller
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malbec
- Malvasia Fine
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Muscat
- Nebbiolo
- Palomino
- Pedro Ximénez
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Prieto Picudo
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Nacional
- Viognier
- Viura Blanco / Macabeu / Macabeo
- Zweigelt
2020 Project B Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £22.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Classically Sauvignon Blanc, refreshing and crisp, showing tropical aromas with pineapple husk and rainwater soft on the palate. A good balance of citrus and minerality on the lengthy finish, showing both restraint and opulence.
Production
This Sauvignon Blanc comes from a premium single vineyard located in Oliver, in the south end of the Okanagan Valley. A small portion of the blend is barrelaged Semillon also from Oliver. Michael Bartier and Eric Monnin set out to create wines that are Boutinot France in style, but honouring and respecting the land, viticulture, climate and vineyard sites of the Okanagan Valley. This cuvée Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a premium single vineyard. For a little extra magic it is blended with a thimble of barrel-aged Semillon for texture and finesse.
Producer
Boutinot’s Head Winemaker, Eric Monnin, has made it his mission to explore exciting New World regions and vineyards, from South Africa to Chile and Argentina. While exploring sites in Okanagan Valley he had an immediate connection with British Columbian Winemaker, Michael Bartier, and his deep understanding of the region’s strengths and potential.
Michael and Eric set out to create a wine that is Boutinot France in style, whilst honouring the land, viticulture and climate of the Okanagan Valley.
The first cuvée, Project B Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a premium single vineyard in Oliver and is blended with a thimble of barrel-aged Semillon from the same site for texture and finesse. A classically French, New World wine.
The name is in reference to the fact that the letter ‘B‘ surfaced as a constant in this partnership: a Boutinot-Bartier team, our first harvest from Plot B and as a special nod to the Boutinot Rhone symbol of quality, the worker Bee… a common thread that connects all elements of this project.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"There’s no doubt that this is a serious quality Sauvignon blanc - well made, multi-layered with good complexity. Stylistically it sits in the middle of the mineral, citric styles of France and the riper, tropical fruit styles of the southern hemisphere. Will make me explore Canada further. Delicious - on its own or with food." January 2023
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Semillon |
Country | Canada |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Okanagan Valley |
2021 Campogiovanni, Rosso di Montalcino
Regular price £21.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sourced from a 6 hectare plot on the Campogiovanni estate, where the vines naturally produce a brighter, more approachable and early ripening style of Sangiovese well suited to Rosso di Montalcino.
Tasting Notes
Nose
An inviting nose, warm and open, with ripe cherry and blackberry fruit combined with cedarwood and spice notes
Palate
The palate has rounded plum and red fruits balanced by fresh acidity. Spice and savoury characters and fine tannins lead to an elegant finish.
Producer
The Tenuta Campogiovanni is a sister estate to Agricola San Felice, and is located on the southern slope of the Montalcino hill, near San Angelo in Colle.
This 65ha estate comprises 19ha of vineyard across three separate parcels - amongst olive trees, woods and fields. Production here (and 14ha of vineyard) is strongly focused on Brunello, with the remainder largely used for Rosso di Montalcino. Campogiovanni Brunello is amongst the very best in the region.
1990 saw the first production of a Riserva, entitled Il Quercione, made from fruit rigorously selected from the vineyard of the same name and made only in exceptional year.
Production Method
These 6 hectares of Sangiovese vines were planted in the 1990s on the Campogiovanni estate. The vineyard is at a 250-300m altitude, south to southeast-facing. After a 12-day maceration, and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was matured for 12 months in Slavonian oak botti, followed by a further 2 months in bottle.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Pairs well with pasta in meat sauces with mushroom or truffles, pork, or veal dishes. |
Origin | Toscana |
Appellation | Rosso Di Montalcino DOC |
Champagne CH de L’Auche Brut Sélection N/V
Regular price £25.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great, well rounded, fruit-forward Champagne!
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromatic notes of juicy pear and apricot on the nose are underpinned by more mature aromas of hazelnut and fresh bread.
Palate
The texture is creamy and full-bodied with well-balanced acidity and plenty of bubbles!
Production
Grapes for this cuvée are grown in the lieu-dit of "Auche" around the village of Janvry which lies just to the west of Reims. Firstly they are pressed in small stainless steel vats, before being transferred to ceramic vats for 12 hours to allow for natural clarification of the juice. Next, the clarified juice is moved to large steel containers where it remains from September to March, during which time fermentation takes place before finally being bottled for the secondary fermentation and lees ageing. Dosage is between 9g and 10g per litre to give a richness of profile and this Brut Sélection is comprised of 60% wine from 2017 with 40% reserve wines from 2014-2016.
Producer
The Cave Co-opérative de Germigny was created in the early '60s by a handful of winegrowers who wanted to pool their resources and craft their own Champagne. They aimed to celebrate the local terroir - the western slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Today the Co-operative works 115 hectares of vineyards covering 40 different crus, of which 5 are classified as Premier Cru. The Co-op members remain passionate about their shared values of respect for nature, protecting their heritage and working together.
Awards
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 - Silver
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 - Bronze
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Pinot Meunier 85%, Pinot Noir 15% |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Dosage | 9g/l |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | A highly versatile style of champagne which could accompany canapés, mushroom-based starters, cheese and all manner of poultry dishes. Although, simply sipping it as an aperitif works very well too. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2009 Grangehurst Nikela
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Red berries with some mint, cedar and mocha aromas & flavours.
Palate
A full-bodied, elegant barrel-matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” – this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes – “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” – in England.
Origin
Selected from prime Helderberg and Simonsberg vineyards in Stellenbosch. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards – especially those in the Helderberg.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 5 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimum extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in basket presses. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any fining agents, centrifuges or filters – a natural, unhurried method of clarifying wine.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Mourvèdre – were matured in 225-litre French oak barrels for 29 months.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 750ml (also comes in a Magnum Gift Box) |
Cultivar | 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 1% Mourèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.4% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.85 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching | Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as yellowfin tuna ravioli, balsamic pan-seared chicken livers, grilled kabeljou or slow-roasted lamb shanks. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Oldenburg Cabernet Franc
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An incredibly focused and pure Cabernet Franc that echoes the Loire. In the words of the Decanter World Wine Awards: ‘Texturally very impressive, with balance, concentration and zesty vigour!’
Tasting Notes
Nose
This wine has an incredibly generous nose, with vanilla pod, mulberry black plums and liquorice at the heart of it.
Palate
The palate showcases a depth of flavour with blackcurrant leaf, thyme and grapefruit-pith adding to the plethora of aromas and flavours. A stunning acidity, well-structured chalky tannins and a delightful finish bring this wine to life.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single-cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Cabernet Franc seems to have found its home in the Banghoek Valley, and ours grows exceptionally well at the foot of Rondekop, our mystical hill.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Grapes were harvested and sorted carefully by hand, and cold soaked for 5 days before fermentation was initiated. Pumpovers were performed up to three times daily. Malolactic conversion was in barrel. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. 29% of barrels used were 225L with the balance in 300L. The wine was bottled in November 2020.
Accolades
- 93pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Food matching |
A delicate game meat such as ostrich or deer served with a cranberry and thyme jus. |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
This wine is from a cooler vintage, and has a brilliant future ahead of it, promising spectacular development over the next 15 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2009 Grangehurst Nikela Magnum Gift Pack
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Red berries with some mint, cedar and mocha aromas & flavours.
Palate
A full-bodied, elegant barrel-matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” – this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes – “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” – in England.
Origin
Selected from prime Helderberg and Simonsberg vineyards in Stellenbosch. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards – especially those in the Helderberg.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 5 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimum extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in basket presses. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any fining agents, centrifuges or filters – a natural, unhurried method of clarifying wine.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Mourvèdre – were matured in 225-litre French oak barrels for 29 months.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L Magnum |
Cultivar | 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 1% Mourèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.4% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.6 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching | Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as yellowfin tuna ravioli, balsamic pan-seared chicken livers, grilled kabeljou or slow-roasted lamb shanks. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2009 Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Magnum)
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Complex aromas & flavours of black and red berries, cassis, mocha and violets.
Palate
A full-bodied barrel matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend has been part of the Grangehurst range since our maiden vintage in 1992. As a young wine, still in barrel, the 1992 vintage was adjudged the SA Champion Wine. The 1993 vintage was Wine Magazine’s first 5-star red wine and the 1995 was a Platter 5- star wine. Other vintages of this wine have also been highly regarded, and Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a fine quality Bordeaux-style wine with a good track record.
Origin
Selected from prime vineyard areas in Stellenbosch viz. the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain and the Simonsberg. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 8 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimal extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in a basket press. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. The malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any unnatural fining agents, centrifuges or filters. This method of clarifying wine prevents it from being stripped of flavours.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines were matured separately in 225 litre French oak barrels for 27 months prior to blending.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 1.5cl Magnum |
Cultivar | 74% Cabernet Sauvignon & 26% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.8 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching |
Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as venison carpaccio, oven-roasted vegetable pasta, Moroccan chicken or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2012 Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £31.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Massive dark fruit concentration, violets and attractive oak on the nose. Good freshness and ripe tannin.
A Note from the Winemaker
"Great wine makes one dream. Please take care of this wine as it is exceptional. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into producing this stellar wine. 2012 is our best vintage since the infamous 2009 vintage."
Vineyards
Planted in 2003 in rows running in an east-west direction. Clone 163 – fruit-driven and upfront and Clone 46 – structured and serious. Trellised in a VSP system with plantings 1.2 x 2.4m. Canopy height of approximately 1.4m with vines height of 40cm off the ground. Leaf removal on Clone 163 is done on both sides of the bunches, whilst leaf removal on Clone 46 is only done on the morning side to increase light intensity and fruit concentration. Picking dates are determined by sugar loading and berry aromatic sequence. Irrigation is done via Leaf Water Potential and determined by a pressure chamber. ‘Koffieklip’ soil of approximately 1m in depth at the bottom of the Helderberg Mountain, 8km from False Bay. All this adds to premium quality.
Vinification
Picked by hand. Berry sorting. Cold soaking of up to 14 days. Long slow natural fermentation with one punch down by hand per day. Fermentation took up to 40 days. Natural malolactic fermentation in barrels. Matured in custom-made barrels – by our suppliers: Bruno Lorenzon (Burgundy), Chassin (Burgundy) and Boutes (Bordeaux) – for for up to 16 months. The different blocks and clones were then blended and bottled with minimum filtration.
Winery
Situated in the “Golden Triangle” of wine growing, at the foot of the Helderberg mountains, Eikendal vineyards flourish in a mountain and maritime microclimate, ideal for the production of quality wine.
Accolades
-
92pts | Tim Atkin
- 90pts | Christian Eedes (Winemag) 2015
Dark fruit, violets and attractive oak on the nose. Massive fruit concentration – despite a relatively low alcohol by volume of 14.27%. Good freshness and optimally ripe tannins. Neither green nor sweet but curiously not that approachable at the moment. Almost too good to be true but will surely benefit from time in bottle.
-
4.5 Platter Stars | 2015 Platter's
2012 restrained yet compelling, as is whole range. As with previous, expressive yet refined in its silkily fresh texture, ripe, pure fruit. Crafted to last; should achieve a grand maturity.”
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Now this is interesting. The current release will be '19 or '20 so this has a good bit of bottle age. Rich, concentrated blackcurrant fruit - which either comes from old vines or as in this case bottle maturity - with fine grain tannins, great length and tremendously smooth. Didn’t throw much sediment. A cracking premium quality wine at an amazing price - this back/museum vintage is exclusive to us because we’re a top customer of our supplier." Tasted 31 Dec 2023
Specifications
Year | 2012 |
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 |
Food Matching | Pair with Roasted Pork Shoulder, Côte de Boeuf, Cheese. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
Pocketful of Stones Dr Squid Nautical Nocturne Gin
Regular price £38.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This fabulous gin - made with real squid ink - turns bright pink when you mix it with tonic!
Tasting Notes
Dr Squid Gin has been lovingly made by Pocketful of Stones Distillery down at Long Rock, Penzance.
Squid Ink is such a powerful ingredient that only a minimal amount is needed both for the distilling and colour or infusion of the gin. Vanilla was added to the base of the recipe to give a well-rounded mouthfeel and perceived sweetness, coupled with sea buckthorn for a tart, fresh fruit finish.
The gin is a savoury Mediterranean-style gin, from coriander, sea buckthorn and squid ink, with a smooth full mouthfeel from vanilla and a slight spice of pepper. Dr Squid Gin opens up when tonic is added releasing floral and citrus notes of meadow sweet and lemon.
Dr Squid pours black and when mixed with tonic turns a vivid pink. It also makes for a great Gin Mule when poured over crushed ice and ginger beer.
Also available in a rather sexy metal canister! Click here ...
PLUS as a fabulous handy keyring! See here...
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Cornwall, England |
Alcohol content
|
40% |
Units of Alcohol per single serving 25ml | 1 unit per serving |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2019 Dalla Cia Giorgio
Regular price £33.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Giorgio Dalla Cia was the pioneer of the Bordeaux blend in South Africa, during his time at Meerlust Estate. His son George now carries on the legacy, based out of Stellenbosch.
This is a left-bank Bordeaux-style blend. Cabernet Sauvignon driven, with Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet has hints of blueberries, cherries, violets, tobacco leaf and spicy cedar wood. The mouthfeel is opulent with a generous lingering aftertaste.
Accolades
-
90pts | Platter’s
Weighty & serious Bordeaux blend, 70% cab with merlot & petit verdot in 2018, showing quintessential black-fruit aromas/flavours of cherry, currant & berry. 15% alcohol & 80% new oak deftly handled, as in 2015 (93 pts), though shade less freshness because of intense fruit-sweet finish. Also in 1.5L, as Teano. No 2016, 2017 untasted.
Platter’s 2022
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | This wine has great aging potential. |
Food Matching |
Game or any red meats. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 GlenWood Grand Duc Chardonnay
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Absolute indulgence, and well-deserving of its huge critical acclaim. Full, rich and layered.
Only 2800 bottles produced.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light straw in colour.
Nose
Refined citrus and orange peel nose.
Palate
It is full, rich and layered; expect notes of butterscotch, vanilla and marmalade, with a delicious soft fruity character of ripe peach and apricot, whilst maintaining stunning acidity.
Vineyards
A low canopy allowed optimal sunlight penetration. Minimal irrigation was used. The fruit ripened slowly allowing the development of small bunches with highly concentrated flavours.
Vinification
This Chardonnay had its fruit picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was left to settle for two days and transferred to barrel, where it fermented for eight days, before ageing for a further twenty-four months on its lees in French oak. This process creates a wine that is utterly exceptional.
Accolades
-
Decanter | 95pts (Gold)
Delicate hints of white flowers open into notes of lemon meringue pie and then hazelnut, dried orange peel, and thatch. The oaky, vanilla and caramel entry into the palate is tempered by fresh acidity, which presents the core of apple pie, toasted coconut and a dollop of fresh custard.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink now or within 7 to 12 years from vintage. |
Food Matching |
Pairs well with creamy or spicy dishes and perfect with white roasts. Excels with any seafood dish like grilled lobster, or king prawns in garlic butter. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valle, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Moric Blaufränkisch 'Reserve'
Regular price £42.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%“It’s not enough for Roland Velich of Moric to be the premier producer of Blaufränkisch—his “Reserve” bottling elevates Blaufränkisch, and the Burgenland, to a new level of international importance.”
David Lynch, Sommelier & Editorial Director
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass, it is a deep ruby leaning to purple/black, reminiscent of Northern Rhône Syrah.
Nose
The aromas also summon the Northern Rhône a bit, with scents of blackberry, pomegranate, grilled herbs, violets, and licorice.
Palate
Because of its appearance, you’ll be expecting a “big” wine, but while the fruit is dark, even black, the wine is balanced, medium-plus in body, and firmly structured. Younger expressions have a nice saturation of fruit and earth without an overabundance of tannin (making them approachable on release), and with time, the exotic spices and minerality emerge more fully, as the texture softens to Burgundy-like silkiness.
Producer
Roland Velich has become an internationally recognized wine celebrity for his work with old-vine Blaufränkisch in Austria’s Burgenland DAC. His assortment of reds, including several single-vineyard bottlings of the variety, are widely considered to be the Gold Standard in the zone.
The Burgenland appellation, running along Austria’s border with Hungary southeast of Vienna, has a diverse topography and a mix of soils, with more primary rock and slate at higher locations and dense loams in the rolling hills that extend toward the Pannonian plain (a warming influence that is important in getting the late-ripening Blaufränkisch fully mature). Moric’s organically farmed vineyards—Velich has farmed organically since he founded the brand but has not sought certifications—with significant (50-100 years) age, are situated primarily in the Mittelburgenland sub-region; Velich describes the soils as varied, with some limestone and slate mixed in with loam, with vine age for this entry-level bottling ranging from eight to 50 years.
Moric’s “Reserve” represents a selection of the very best old-vine fruit from the vineyards in Neckenmarkt and Lutzmannsburg. It underwent a native yeast fermentation in open-topped oak and steel vats, followed by 24 months of aging in barrels ranging in size from 500 to 3,600 liters. Bottled without fining and filtration and with only a minimal sulfur addition, the wine is soulful, pure and soil-expressive, with a structure reminiscent of Grand Cru Burgundy (even if the fruit skews much darker). This isn’t a merely “unique,” or “unusual” red—it’s an international benchmark!
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Blaufränkisch |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring | Now to 2030+ decant for 1-2 hours before serving |
Food matches | Beef goulash |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Organic Farming
|
Origin | Burgenland |
2018 Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Grüner Veltliner Federspiel
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%According to myth the Rote Tor (red gate) is part of the old town wall, which was saturated with blood, during the Swedish Wars in 1630.
Tasting Notes
This is a classic Grüner, savory and lean, yet elegant with just a touch of ripe stone fruit. Federspiel is the middle-level ripeness designation in the Wachau.
The Wine
Benchmark producer Hirtzberger’s top Grüner Veltliner comes from the Rotes Tor 'red gate' vineyard in the western Wachau, a cooler site on mica and schist, leading to a wine that is extraordinarily deep and complex.
A blend from their Grüner Veltliner vineyards. The grapes are picked 2-3 weeks before the Smaragd harvest.
Accolades
- 90 points Wine Advocate
"Assembling the fruit from several vineyards that were picked in the first half of October, the 2018 Spitz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Rotes Tor offers a clear, ripe and elegant nose of tropical fruits intermixed with elegant and flinty terroir notes. Ripe and piquant on the crystalline and salty palate, this is an elegant and already pretty complex Veltliner with an aromatic and refreshing, elegant finish with good grip. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in September 2019. (SR)" (3/2020)
- 91 points Robert Parker
"The 2017 Spitz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Rotes Tor is clear, fresh and bright on the nose. Slightly buttery on the palate, this is a rich and powerful yet piquant and salty Veltliner with lush fruit and a long finish. Tasted in Spitz, September 2018." -Robert Parker
- 90 points Decanter
"Rich and sleek, this is concentrated but refreshing, with enough extract to give grip and weight. Long and complex, with good potential."
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Sustainable Farming |
Origin | Wachau |
2016 Rioja Reserva Miguel Merino
Regular price £35.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%One of the smallest and most prestigious wineries in Spain.
Only 7,380 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
Sourced from vineyards over 50 years old, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 19 months in American oak.
Nose
The nose has a great intensity of deep blackcurrant fruits with notes of vanilla and leather
Palate
Complex, well-structured and persistent on the palate with smooth tannins
Producer
Miguel Merino deservedly gained a reputation as one of Rioja's rising stars, since establishing his boutique winery in the mid 1990's.
Miguel Merino created his own winery in a restored farmhouse where he built a small vinification plant and barrel-ageing cellar. He started to buy grapes grown on small plots near Briones to produce well-made, modern wines and now his son Miguel Jr, now holding the reigns, owns and runs one of the smallest, youngest and most prestigious wineries in Spain.
Accolades
- Received 92 points at Decanter’s Affordable Excellence Red Rioja Tasting Panel, November 2022
-
93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Reserva feels like a textbook classical reserva, not easy to find in a small producer. It's elegant and has high potential for aging. It has ripeness with freshness, power and elegance achieved through a soft vinification, but it's still powerful and has abundant, grainy tannins. They selected vineyards from the 1950s and 1960s with a warmer exposition, mostly Tempranillo with some 5% to 10% Graciano that gives depth and tension. They use fine American oak barrels that give it the style but without excess, looking for elegance. 7,380 bottles were filled (LG) (7/2022)
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Tempranillo (96%) and a little Graciano (4%) |
Country | Spain |
|
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring potential |
Drinking now until 2030 |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
Marmalade Old Tom Gin
Regular price £36.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A favourite treat of Anne Boleyn and her ladies in waiting, marmalade has long been a British breakfast tradition.
Tasting Notes
We’ve taken the archetypal flavour of the Seville orange and distilled it with a gorgeous combination of botanicals, infused more Seville Orange peel and then added a slight sweetness to create a citrus- forward, contemporary gin built on the backbone of British tradition.
Old Tom Gin, as a style, is a little sweeter than a London Dry. This is no exception, but not too sweet to put off the gin purists out there. We have upped the ante on our dry gin with added seville orange peel, a little star anise and some liquorice root at the point of distillation; we’ve then infused the gin with traditional marmalade for two weeks and brought the ABV down to 40% with hand squeezed orange juice.
The result is a smooth, citrus forward gin with mouthfeel well rounded enough to drink by itself, with tonic, in a Negroni or, in the cold of winter, a Marmalade Hot Toddy.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Cornwall, England |
Alcohol content | 40% ABV |
Units of Alcohol per single serving 25ml | 1 units per serving |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2020 Edi Simčič Malvasia
Regular price £27.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Widely considered to be one of the best producers in Slovenia, Edi Simčič’s wines are truly unique, stoically traditional and proudly Slovenian.
Malvasia, or Malvazija as it is known in Slovenia, is a classic Mediterranean grape variety that is perfectly suited to the warm conditions in the Gorizia Hills. The Simcics make their version in a rich, structured style which is in direct contrast to many lighter versions from more coastal regions.
Tasting Notes
Ripe peaches and apricots define the nose along with hints of cigar box spice, woodsmoke and dried herbs from the maturation period. The first sip reveals a robust medium body, subtle tannins and a bold structure which will help the wine age gracefully over the next few years.
Information about Edi Simčič
Three generations are still at work here, passing knowledge and experience from father to son every day. Edi himself is still very much a key character at the centre of the business, with his son Aleks working alongside him and taking the winery into a new era, while Aleks’ two sons learn their trade to take up the family mantle one day. Historically, Slovenia has experienced more than its fair share of hardships, re-shaping the lives of the whole population. In the case of Goriška Brda, the whole region was under fascist rule by Mussolini’s Italy up until the end of World War II, after which it passed into Communist rule as part of the reestablished Yugoslavia.
Like many other regions in the area, Goriška Brda’s whole agricultural industry suffered greatly under Communist rule, as all growers were expected to surrender a large portion of their grapes to the government, thus leaving growers with no resources to even consider quality growing and winemaking.
Upon independence and the formation of the Repubic of Slovenia in 1991, the family spared little time in pursuing their true calling as one of the leading winemakers of the country. Today their reputation is well-established, very deservedly so. Everything about Edi himself exudes gentleness, and this certainly comes across in the wines, thanks to patient growing, gentle handling in the cellar and utter perfectionism when it comes to ageing. Down in the cool cellars, none of the wines are rushed to be ready, and a masterful use of oak results in complex and slightly (but very attractively) oxidative wines.
Within Edi’s wheelhouse is a delicious Chardonnay, a wine he considers to be the first step everyone must take to fully understand his approach, after which comes the Sivi Pinot, the local name and style of Pinot Gris. The defining grape and wine of this project and indeed region is the indigenous Rebula, the true jewel in the Edi Simčič crown. Finally the range is rounded off with a red called Duet, a harmonious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. These wines are very special, and Edi and family have worked tirelessly to show the world what their region and country is capable of. This is Slovenia.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Malvasia |
Country | Slovenia |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring | Drink now through to 2026 - serve chilled. |
Aging | The grapes are carefully selected for optimum ripeness and the young wine is matured in oak barrels for 10 months to add extra character and complexity. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | The intense flavour profile make this a great match for food including creamy fish and chicken dishes, risottos and even veal or lamb. |
Origin | Goriška Brda |
2018 Ten Minutes by Tractor 'Estate Chardonnay'
Regular price £35.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Awarded 94 points by famed Australian wine critic James Halliday, this delicate, elegant, citrusy and stone-fruit laden Chardonnay will impress an Burgundian wine lover.
Tasting Notes
A stylistic step forward, this 2017 Estate Chardonnay is a markedly divergent wine to those before it. Immediately more vital, more delicate, and elegant, with lemon and white peach characters on a taut and cool palate. Sophistication writ large, if just a bit shy.
Vintage
Grapes hand-harvested from early March to early April, whole bunch pressed and the unsettled juice fermented by indigenous yeasts in 15% new oak, some 228 litre French oak barrels, some 600 litre Austrian oak barrels. A 10 month aging in barrel with no bâtonnage to keep wines fresher and more taut. Natural partial (43%) malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and filtered.
Producer
Ten Minutes by Tractor needs little introduction, nor does the man in charge – Martin Spedding. A gently-spoken man with a background in finance and IT, in 2002 he finally acknowledged the fact that his true passion lay in wine. Despite his origins in New South Wales, he simply couldn’t get enough of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and would travel down to Victoria to immerse himself in Australia’s heartland of these noble varieties. In 2003 he visited one of his favourite small wineries on Mornington Peninsula, and was delighted to discover that it was for sale. Without a moment’s hesitation, he snapped it up, and so began Martin’s journey with Ten Minutes by Tractor.
And what a journey it has been! Along with a trusty team and his loving family, he has overseen the rise of the estate to the cult status it holds today. In 2016 Sandro Mosele (ex-Kooyong and Port Philip Estates) joined the team as head winemaker, only adding to their ‘force to be reckoned with’ status. The ‘home’ vineyards (McCutcheon, Wallis and Judd) are the three original vineyards that formed the Ten Minutes By Tractor estate. They are all located in Main Ridge, the coolest and highest part of the Mornington Peninsula.
Despite their close proximity and the use of similar vinification methods, the single-vineyard wines are distinctly different from one another. This is a result of their different elevations, orientations and soils. These wines can challenge Burgundy in quality and elegance and range from fine and elegant examples to richer and more opulent cuvées. They are all made with indigenous yeasts and are a true expression of each unique ‘terroir’. These much sought-after single vineyard wines are only produced in outstanding years and continue to go from strength to strength. Production is usually less than 200 dozen; they are truly limited edition wines. Outside of the original single vineyard range, the newest Coolart Road is remarkably different from the others – coming from the lowest vineyard of them all at 72m, the Pinot Noir made here is markedly different in style from the higher elevation sites. All of the wines are made with the utmost sustainability and are bottled unfined.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Mornington Peninsula |
Appellation | Victoria |
2018 Ten Minutes by Tractor 'Wallis Chardonnay'
Regular price £45.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Complexity is the name of the game with Wallis, and this iteration is no exception!
Tasting Notes
Despite the firm grapefruit acidity that is the Wallis hallmark, there are layers of flavour here – subtle hints of oatmeal from the malolactic fermentation, the white nectarine fruit cloaked in tight by all this structure. Fresh, but not facile, I feel this is just waiting to unfurl in bottle - Andrew Graham.
Vintage
Following an average rainfall and relatively warm winter, it was again the spring weather leading up to flowering which caused issues. October was our third wettest on record (96mm v 62mm average) and November saw our second coldest maximum and minimum temperatures (19.3° v 20.9°, 9.6° v 10.9°), consequently the budburst interval (budburst-flowering) was our longest ever – 87 days v an average of 75 days – and flowering was our latest ever (5 December v our 21 November average). In the end, due to the excellent February and March, hang time (budburst harvest) was average – 205 days v an average of 204 days – and harvest date was close to average – 1 April v an average of 29 March. Yields are down because of the problems around flowering but summer and early autumn saw long, slow ripening – perfect for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Wine Making
Grapes hand-harvested late March, whole bunch pressed and the unsettled juice fermented by indigenous yeasts in 15% new oak, some 228 litre French oak barrels, some 600 litre Austrian oak barrels. A 10 month aging in barrel with no bâtonnage to keep wines fresher and more taut. Natural partial (88%) malolactic fermentation before bottling unfined and filtered
Producer
Ten Minutes by Tractor needs little introduction, nor does the man in charge – Martin Spedding. A gently-spoken man with a background in finance and IT, in 2002 he finally acknowledged the fact that his true passion lay in wine. Despite his origins in New South Wales, he simply couldn’t get enough of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and would travel down to Victoria to immerse himself in Australia’s heartland of these noble varieties. In 2003 he visited one of his favourite small wineries on Mornington Peninsula, and was delighted to discover that it was for sale. Without a moment’s hesitation, he snapped it up, and so began Martin’s journey with Ten Minutes by Tractor.
And what a journey it has been! Along with a trusty team and his loving family, he has overseen the rise of the estate to the cult status it holds today. In 2016 Sandro Mosele (ex-Kooyong and Port Philip Estates) joined the team as head winemaker, only adding to their ‘force to be reckoned with’ status. The ‘home’ vineyards (McCutcheon, Wallis and Judd) are the three original vineyards that formed the Ten Minutes By Tractor estate. They are all located in Main Ridge, the coolest and highest part of the Mornington Peninsula.
Despite their close proximity and the use of similar vinification methods, the single-vineyard wines are distinctly different from one another. This is a result of their different elevations, orientations and soils. These wines can challenge Burgundy in quality and elegance and range from fine and elegant examples to richer and more opulent cuvées. They are all made with indigenous yeasts and are a true expression of each unique ‘terroir’. These much sought-after single vineyard wines are only produced in outstanding years and continue to go from strength to strength.
Production is usually less than 200 dozen; they are truly limited edition wines. Outside of the original single vineyard range, the newest Coolart Road is remarkably different from the others – coming from the lowest vineyard of them all at 72m, the Pinot Noir made here is markedly different in style from the higher elevation sites. All of the wines are made with the utmost sustainability and are bottled unfined.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring | 2019-2029 |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Kingfish and scallop ceviche with chilli oil. A wonderfully fresh, light dish for a classically refreshing white. |
Origin | Mornington Peninsula |
Appellation | Victoria |
2018 Mac Forbes Yarra Junction Pinot Noir
Regular price £31.68 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Succulent, vibrant single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Mac Forbes. A fine-boned Pinot of great elegance and finesse - a real crowd pleaser!
Tasting Notes
Mac has chosen not to provide traditional tasting notes for any of his wines. His aim is that his wines hopefully capture vineyard life and vitality. As such the wines are constantly evolving. He believes that the only tasting notes that matter are yours!
The Wine
The Yarra Junction Pinot Noir is the softest and perhaps the most generous of the 2018 suite of single-vineyard wines from Mac Forbes. It feels like the vintage has given it an extra width, not something generally associated with Mac's exquisitely fine-boned Pinot Noir expression. The perfume is sweet and floral, the mouthfeel is light and devastatingly easy to drink. It's the wine that you won't be able to keep your hands off.
The Vineyard
Yarra Junction is his coolest site located in the far eastern Yarra Valley, next to Wesburn. Situated on gravelly soils, this northeastern site receives cooling influences of the surrounding mountains and is protected from the afternoon sun. Yarra Junction will appeal to those who prefer a more accessible style. It offers femininity and fragility almost within the context of a classic European Pinot.
The Vintage
2018 growing season was broken into two halves. With a wet winter and spring, the vines surged into summer with good vigour and available soil moisture (coupled with high disease pressure). Summer shifted gear into above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall.
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure-trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink until 2027 - we recommend decanting this wine prior to serving (14-16° C). |
Maturation | 11 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
Saint Amans Gin Rosé
Regular price £39.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A newcomer to the Artisanal Gin Market, named after Saint Amans, a small village in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France and home to its producers. A gin that is smooth, fruity, floral and with a touch of spices.
Tasting Notes
From our own garden and the region of Saint Amans, we have selected the very best ingredients and botanicals for our gin. Grown from the same loving earth as the grapes themselves.
This gin is comprised of 18 different botanicals, including classic Juniper and, a French specialty, Espelette Pepper plus an extra hit of fresh raspberries for fruit and colour. Each of these components adds their special touch to the blend, truly defining the taste and character of our beloved Saint Amans
This floral gin is best served neat or paired with the following premium Indian tonic waters: Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light, Artonic or London Essence.
Producer
The South of France is a haven for winemakers; the climate producing some of the world's finest grapes. It is the love of these grapes that have formed the basis for our precious gin. Proudly named after the small hamlet in which we live, our gin is the result of a long-lived dream to create something sustainable and with purpose. Something to bring people together. Equally complex as it is balanced, we hope you will enjoy drinking it as much as we have enjoyed making it!
A Labour of love
In France, respecting the land and its produce is of great value. It seeps into everything we do and instills pride in what we create. For us, the botanical garden we have grown embodies all of this. Nestled between vineyards in the heart of Saint Amans, it is the home of our gin and a source of its ingredients.
The Perfect Match
Our partnership has brought together two very complementary interests; Anne's love of growing fruits, flowers and herbs alongside Jean-Louis' life-long fascination with 'marc de raisin' (a winemaking derivative - spirit of the grape). It's this harmony of skills that has laid the perfect foundation to create our gin.
Awards
- The Original Saint Amans has been voted Best French Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards 2020 - London Dry Category
Specifications
Bottle Size | 50cl |
Country | France |
|
40% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 1 unit |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
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 |
2019 Sepp Moser Grüner Veltliner Breiter Rain
Regular price £22.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
An inviting and voluptuous nose with spicy fruit and hints of honeysuckle. Textural and weighty on the palate - slightly honeyed with smoky notes, stone fruit, fresh balancing acidity and a long, dry finish.
Production
This wine is made from Gruner Veltliner grapes from vines (with an average age of 18 years) on the fine loess soils of the Breiter Rain, Sepp Moser's exceptional single vineyard in the Kremstal region. Average yields are only 5,000 kg/ha, which accounts for the wine's amazing concentration. 80% of the de-stemmed grapes were fermented in stainless steel and 20% in 500 litre Austrian oak barrels. 50% is aged in 500 litre Austrian oak barrels, and the other 50% matured in a big oak barrels, which have a gentle influence on the wine. Then they come together in a steal tank. 20% undergoes malolactic fermentation and is matured on the lees for 6 months. Unfiltered.
Producer
The Sepp Moser Estate was founded by the famous Austrian wine producing pioneer, Lenz Moser. Lenz Moser's son, Sepp Moser, began operating under his own name in 1987 and handed over the direction of this family-owned estate to his own son Nikolaus in the year 2000.
The Sepp Moser Estate comprises of 50 acres of vineyards in two prominent wine regions; Kremstal (22 ha) and Neusiedlersee (28 ha). In the Kremstal, Nikolaus produces an international range of varieties as well as the ever more important local varieties of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. The reds are produced on the gravelly soils of the warm southern Neusiederslee village of Apetlon. All Sepp Moser wines have been organic (and all estate wines biodynamic) since 2007.
Sustainability
The Sepp Moser estate produces a wide range of wines every year thanks to its vineyards in two diverse regions. There is one main aim in the cellar: the quality of the grapes shall be brought with as little influence as possible to the bottle. The grapes in the Sepp Moser vineyards are harvested by hand and at the cellar of the Atrium House Nikolaus Moser emphasizes gentle vinification and tries to interfere as little as possible with the process so that each wine can develop its own individual style. The fermentation starts spontaneously, and the maturing of the wine takes place on its own.
In 2006, Nikolaus officially moved the estate to biodynamic viticulture – one of the first to do so in Austria – and became Demeter certified. 2009 saw the release of Sepp Moser’s first certified organic wines. Nikolaus is very keen to reduce the amount of copper and sulphur used in the vineyards, and this year saw a reduction of two thirds over what was sprayed previously. He composts all the estates' pomace and vine trimmings, and there is an ongoing effort to plant trees around the vineyards.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Grüner Veltliner |
Country | Austria |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 8 years + |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Biodynamic |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Pair with sea-food such as lobster or gambas. |
Origin | Kremstal |
Appellation | Kremstal DAC Reserve |
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut Rosé Champagne NV (375ml Half Bottle)
Regular price £22.87 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Drinks Business Gold Medal Winner
'Aged on the lees for 3-to-5 years in cellars dug out of ancient Gallo-Roman chalk pits, this rosé Champagne is serious, and seriously delicious. Displaying a medium ‘vieux rose’ hue and narrow cordon, the wine exudes summer pudding fruits and fresh bread notes. On the palate, the wine shows finesse in its light body, zippy acidity and ‘crackling’ mousse texture. Nicely balanced with good length. Quite vinous, this wine is a lovely aperitif but will also work well with wild salmon or even light desserts.' Patricia Stefanowicz MW
Tasting Notes
This champagne has a special place in the history of the House. It is from a family plot of Pinot Noir in Cumières that this precious red wine comes, giving our blend a unique personality.
Colour
An elegant light pink colour with shards of gold. Extremely delicate, lively and regular bubbles.
Nose
The first aroma reveals gourmet aromas of cherries and red currents, followed by notes of blood orange after aeration.
Palate
Delicately straightforward in the mouth. Flavours of wild strawberries enhanced by notes of mint produce a freshness combined with a very pleasant sweetness.
History
Founded in 1825, Joseph Perrier has been owned and run by the same family since 1888. Current director Benjamin Fourmon represents the 6th generation. Champagne Joseph Perrier owns 21 hectares of vineyards, situated in the heart of the region on the right bank of the River Marne, around Hautvillers and Cumières – two villages classed 93% in the ‘échelle des crus’.
They are mostly planted with Pinot Noir but include 2 hectares of Chardonnay. The cellars stretch over three kilometers and date back to the Gallo-Roman period. The chosen name for these cuvées is no accident, nor any false claim to grandeur - ‘Cuvée Royale’ alludes to the historic relationship between Joseph Perrier and Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, as the royals’ Champagne of choice - probably the highest honour any Champagne House can hope to earn.
All the wines are made with a keen focus on freshness and purity, a theme which runs right through the range and really shows its worth in the vintage cuvées which show impressive energy and poise and remarkable ageing potential. Aside from the royal connection, Joseph Perrier has been associated with some pivotal events, which represent great human achievements, from the celebrations around Concorde’s inauguration in 1976 to, more recently, the Noble Prize in Medicine.
Aged for 3 years, the Cuvée Royale Brut of Maison Joseph Perrier brings together more than 20 different vintages with great terroirs such as Cumières, Damery, Hautvillers and Verneuil.
Accolades
- Gold Medal - The Drinks Business
- Vinum: 17/20
- The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships: Silver
Specifications
Year | Non-vintage |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier, of which about 10% is red wine from our own vineyards in Cumières. |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dosage |
7g/L |
Food Matches | With its strong personality based upon a vinous and robust fruity heart combined fresh fragrances, this wine is perfect as a summer aperitif, or as a partner to white meats, a dish of wild salmon, and desserts that are not too sweet. |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2021 Vallet Frères Bourgogne Blanc
Regular price £21.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Traditional white Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
This beautifully balanced and classic white Burgundy has a savoury, salty, baked peach and biscuity nose with a rich and broad palate that is balanced with moreish, acidity. The oak is well-integrated on both the nose and palate giving texture followed by a long, intense finish.
Method of Production
Chardonnay grapes sourced from Gevrey Chambertin and Auxey Duresses. Regular plowing and minimal fertilisers as well as minimal pruning to promote vigour and reduce yield. The grapes are hand picked and transported to the winery in small containers. Fermentation in foudre followed by transfer to 1 year old French barriques (Berthoumieu) for 12 months. During this time the barrels are rolled to stir up the lees - this happens 4 times a year after which the wine is left on its lees for a further 3 months. The wine is fined with bentonite prior to bottling but not filtered.
Producer
Founded in 1864 by Pierre Bourée, Vallet Frères is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the family, Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet. The family owns vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, in the Beaune Premier Cru of Les Epenottes, and in the Grand Cru of Charmes-Chambertin, as well as the entire monopole vineyard of Clos de la Justice, also in Gevrey-Chambertin. Vallet Frères is also a négociant, and sources the best grapes from growers in other areas, with whom it has worked closely for decades.
The wines it produces are complex, fine and authentic examples of Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Vallet family’s wines have been imported to the UK by Boutinot for over 30 years and today they’re distributed to top independent wine merchants and Michelin-starred restaurants across the country.
A Note on Sustainability
Vallet Frères is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Glam up your Roast Chicken dinner with this classic white Burgundy |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | Bourgogne |
2020 Moric Hidden Treasures NR3 Balaton Riesling/Furmint
Regular price £21.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Exceptional project by Roland Velich (Weingut Moric) in collaboration with Villa Tolnay, two young Hungarian winemakers. Gourmet wine based on riesling & furmint. Of great importance is the volcanic soil north of Lake Balaton. A gastronomic wine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Yellow-green.
Nose
This wine has very interesting and fine aromas. Very engaging, clear and fragrant, it shows a flowery, yellow stone fruit nose, pure, a little smoky and slightly herbal in the background.
Palate
This Riesling and Furmint blend is super focused and delivers lemon citrus, jasmine and steely notes. The core has a zesty acidity and is tightly wound, demonstrating excellent concentration.
Producer
The Hidden Treasures project sees the highly talented Roland Verlich of Moric Wines seeks out fellow passionate winemakers producing wines with indigenous varieties from extraordinary terroir. The 2019 collaboration is with Villa Tolnay who are located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton in Hungary. Soils here are volcanic and like all Moric wines, it's produced with minimal intervention so as to allow the truest expression of this wild terroir and the indigenous grape varieties.
Jancis Robinson's Tasting Notes
" This is a thrilling, truly unique, dry white that embodies the symbiosis of Austria and Hungary – a hark back to the Austro-Hungarian empire perhaps?
A 50:50 blend from Hungary, made by Austrian Roland Velich in conjunction with Villa Tolnay of Balaton. Such tension and refreshment here! Real grip and density. Hints of spearmint as well as the structure and acidity of these two grape varieties which, in this wine, don’t seem to cancel each other out but rather provide a brilliant combination. Dry finish and masses of substance. A sort of electric shock of a wine. Wonderful stuff. 13% alcohol 17/20 Drink 2022–2027"
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"In short - limes, honey, and white pepper - but it’s much more complex than that. Fabulous! Love it! I can't get across how fabulous this is - one of the finds of my career!" February 2023.
Specifications
Year |
2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Riesling 50%, Furmint 50% |
Country | Hungary |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Ready 2022 - 2027 |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Organic Wine, Biodynamic - Serve at between 8°-10°C
|
Food Matches | Stinky Cheeses, goat cheese, Seafood, light meat, vegetarian. |
Origin | Tokaj |
2021 Doña Paula Altitude Series 969
Regular price £21.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Its name derives from the average height of the selected parcels for this Blend.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Petit Verdot, Bonarda and Malbec compose this wine that has an intense violet color with black tint.
Nose
In the nose, Petit Verdot brings aromas of blueberries and jasmine while Bonarda adds intense aromas of blackberries and raspberries.
Palate
It stands out for its firm tannins and good volume in the mouth, Malbec offers an attractive structure and a long finish.
Vineyards
In our Finca El Alto in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, we chose the stoniest plots that have the presence of Calcium carbonate, to plant the Petit Verdot at 1030 meters above sea level. In the lowest part of the same vineyard, at about 908 meters of height we have Bonarda, it has the most clay dominate soil with gravel and pebbles. The yield per hectare is 7 to 10 tons, and the irrigation is by drip. The climate of this is farm characterized by its warm days and cool nights, with a thermal amplitude of 14 ° C and an average annual rainfall of 250 mm. The training system used is double cordon. At Doña Paula we have always managed our vineyards with sustainable farming practices.
Vinification
The harvest begins with Malbec at the end of March, then the Petit Verdot in the first week of April and Bonarda in the middle of the same month. A manual harvest and a destemming without breaking grains is carried out. Traditional elaboration of each variety is carried out separately we call it of minimal intervention in cement eggs. After the alcoholic fermentation, the blend is made to begin the short aging in the same cement egg and immediately after malolactic fermentation has finished, the wine is bottled to keep the fruity and floral aromas in their freshest possible state.
Awards
- 91 points - Robert Parker
- 92 points - Tim Atkins Argentia Report
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
55% Petit Verdot, 40% Bonarda, 5% Malbec. |
Country | Argentina |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | Perfect to enjoy special dishes, such as a rack of lamb with sautéed mushrooms, or a rib-eye steak with quinoa risotto. |
Dietary Information | Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation |
|
2021 De Grendel Op die Berg Pinot Noir
Regular price £21.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A consistent winner of both national and international wine awards, our Pinot Noir is nourished by the unique ‘terroir’ of the Graaff family farm in the Witzenberg Mountain range in Ceres. A fabulous vintage!
Tasting Notes
Clear, bright garnet in colour with a plush array of fresh strawberries, ripe cherries, and a hint of forest mushrooms. A complex wine delivering excellent balance between fruit and oak flavours.
Vintage
High on the Witzenberg Mountain range in Ceres, at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, this unique ‘appellation’ exhibits South Africa’s only truly continental climate with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. The later-than-usual and slow harvest of 2021 was definitely worth the wait.
Wine lovers can really look forward to remarkable wines from the 2021 crop. The cooler weather enabled producers to harvest their grapes at exactly the right time, and we are especially excited about good colour extraction, low pH levels and high natural acidity, which all point to exceptional quality wines. These growing conditions ensure that the new 2021 Op Die Berg Pinot Noir will age remarkably well over the next few years.
Vinification
30% of the hand-picked harvested batch was destalked while the remaining 70% was whole-bunch fermented. Before fermentation, cold maceration was allowed for 4 days. The juice was inoculated with yeast and the fermenting must gently, and only partially, punched down twice a day using the aerated pumpover method. The partial punch-down ensures a longer fermentation period resulting in more colour and flavour development. Following a gentle basket pressing, the wine was transferred to new French Oak barrels for malolactic fermentation before being transferred to a combination of older barrels to mature for 13 months.
Accolades
2021 Vintage
- Veritas Awards 2022 Double Gold
2020 Vintage
- IWSC 2022 Silver (90 Points)
- Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2022 Gold
- SA Terroir Wine Awards 2022 National Winner
- Tim Atkin Report 2022 90 Points
2019 Vintage
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2021 Gold
- Platter's Guide 2022 4 ½ Stars (94 Points)
- Veritas Awards 2021 Gold
- Winemag Pinot Noir Report 2021 Top 10 (93 Points)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Mushroom risotto will complement the earthy notes of the wine beautifully. Pinot Noir is light and elegant enough to be enjoyed with poached salmon or even a leek and pecorino tart. Also try it with chicken liver fettuccine, cripsy duck, and trout. |
Origin | Ceres |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 De Grendel Amandelboord Pinotage
Regular price £21.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A beautifully crafted ‘newer style’ of Pinotage. Expect a medium-full body and soft tannins to accentuate the red fruit and spice flavours.
An exceptionally exciting new addition to De Grendel's flagship range, released not only to celebrate our cellar’s 10th anniversary, but also made to honour Sir De Villiers Graaff’s grandfather and namesake, the 2nd Baronet, Sir De Villiers Graaff.
Pinotage, especially if it was from the Durbanville Ward, was a favourite cultivar of his grandfather. The wine is inspired by fond memories of the Almond Orchard through which the young Sir De Villiers Graaff would go horse riding with his grandfather.
Tasting Notes
The Amandelboord Pinotage presents a beautiful intense, deep purple colour with a magenta meniscus. Maraschino cherries, black plums, prunes and banana-flavoured Wilson toffee aromas are depicted on the nose, followed by medium acidity and medium alcohol. The palate presents young tannins that will soften with age and aeration. A slight toastiness is detected on the mid-palate followed by sweet, stewed prunes.
Vintage
The season presented a cold winter and a cold spring with good rainfal and a very moderate growing period during summer. This resulted in a later-than-usual harvest and grapes were harvested 14 days later compared to 2020
Viticulture
The Pinotage vineyards are planted in weldrained blue, broken shale at 250 metres above sea level on the Western slope of the Tygerberg 7 kilometres from, and in sight of, the Atlantic Ocean. Employing the VSP trelis system, a typical harvest produces 7 to 8 tons per hectare.
Vinification
Grapes were hand-picked just before dawn, then crushed and open-fermented while undergoing pneumatic punchdowns four times a day. The wine was basket-pressed and transferred to tanks for malolactic fermentation. On completion of MLF, the wine was racked and transferred to 225 litre barrels to mature for 12 months in a combination of French and American Oak of which 12% was new oak
Accolades
2020 Vintage
- Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits 2022 Gold
- Tim Atkin SA Report 2022 94 Points
2019 Vintage
- Tim Atkin South African Report 2020 93 Points
- Winemag Pinotage Report 2020 90 Points
- Winemag Pinotage Report 2021 Top 10
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinotage |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.93% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
Traditional South African fare such as braaivleis (BBQ), wildspotjie (game stew), Cape Malay bobotie (an oven-baked dish of spiced mince and dried apricots topped with an egg-custard), biltong (beef jerky) and samp with beans will be a true delight to enjoy with Pinotage. Non-conformists can try Pinotage with sushi, especialy sashimi with pickled ginger and soy sauce to complement the spicy and umami flavours of the wine. |
Origin | Durbanville |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Domaine de la Motte Chablis Vieilles Vignes
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Complex and full-flavoured expression of Chablis from vines averaging over 50 years of age.
Tasting Notes
More full-bodied, complex, and intense than the regular Chablis from Domaine de la Motte. The nose is very much Chablis with an earthy, chalky element. The palate is rounder, however, with ripe fruit and herbs - the small amount of oak influence in this cuvée gives the wine a rounded aspect with old vines bringing depth and complexity.
Production Method
Low-yielding vines grow on north-facing kimmeridgian and chalky clay soils surrounding the village of Beine. From here Adrien selects parcels from vines approaching a minimum age of 50 years for his Chablis Vieilles Vignes. Harvesting is both by hand and machine 50/50. After a short cold maceration and gentle pneumatic pressing, the wine is racked and fermented in stainless steel for 15 days at 21ºC. Around 10% is fermented in large (600l) oak barrels for 15 days and remains in oak for 8-12 months - the rest in stainless steel. Malo follows the alcoholic fermentation in early January.
Producer
Domaine de la Motte is a 25 hectare, family-run winery handed down from father to son since 1950. Now under the stewardship of Bernard Michaut, an ex-chef, who works with his son Adrien. Their winemaking is meticulous and the wines are benchmarks for the region. They are fastidious about producing concentrated, mineral and very precise wines that reflect the particular terroirs of Chablis, with vines on both Portlandian and Kimmeridgian soils. Motte's wines are regularly chosen for the Tastevinage label, a rigorous selection by the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin of wines they regard as offering the best of the region in terms of quality and style.
Awards
-
2022 IWSC Silver Medal (2020 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | The perfect match for Burgundian cheeses such as Epoisses; slightly creamy, richer meals with chicken or fish; moussaka; spinach and ricotta pie. |
Origin | Chablis, Burgundy |
Appellation | Chablis |
2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From the heart of the River Dão - a classic profile, colour and flavour of the region.
Only 6823 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
A full-bodied and elegant wine, extremely well-balanced with red fruit aromas. Ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, floral and earthy notes, in addition to menthol and spice touches. Fruit forward backed up by a good core of moderate tannins. It’s a lip-smacking, delicious wine with a finish that lingers in the mouth.
Production
Quinta Vale das Escadinhas is also known as Quinta da Falorca. In the hands of the fifth generation of the Figueiredo family, the winery is located in the heart of Dão - Silgueiros - and is essentially dedicated to the production of DOC wines using principles of sustainable agriculture. There are thirteen hectares of vineyards that produce red varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Afrocheiro, Tinta Pinheira and Jaen, and white varieties, such as Encruzado and Malvasia. Since 2000 the winery has been producing its Premium wine, Quinta da Falorca, and has several wines with 95 points on the Robert Parker scale
They are among the secret heroes of the international wine world. In his wines, wine lovers will find the individuality that is often lost in times of increasing globalization of wine taste: authentic, traditionally prepared wines with a radiant regional character, made from indigenous grape varieties in a small edition.
At Falorca, they always bring the Traditional Blend to the market after 4-5 years. This is purposefully kept off the market until they start drinking at their best especially as the Touriga is a grape with great aging potential and needs time to mature. The vineyards are on average 40-year-old vines with some vineyards over 70 years old. These contain over 30 different Touriga clones and this important genetic strain is carefully preserved by grafting cuttings from existing old vines onto new roots.
One of the reasons Quinta da Falorca wines are among the very best Portuguese wines is because the Falorca vineyards are able to produce ripe tannins and sugar levels in Touriga Nacional at 13-13.5% alcohol so the wines remain unprecedentedly elegant and don't become alcoholic bombs.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Touriga Nacional 33%, Rufete 28%, Jaen 21%, Alfrocheiro 12% and Tinta Roriz 6% |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | Grilled red meats with mushroom-based sauces, lamb chops, pork fillet, game meats, sausages and hard cheese |
Cellaring Potential | 2022- 2029 |
Information | Sustainable farming methods |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Dão DOC - Silgueiros |
2017 Pittnauer St Laurent
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The origins of St Laurent are not known, we do know that it is a cross of Pinot Noir but with what we are unsure. It is the oldest parent grape of Zweigelt and gives its wines a flavour profile expected of their lineage.
Peppery, light and undeniably juicy due to new oak.
Tasting Notes
On the nose you are first met with subtle herbal spices alongside juicy red berries such as red cherry and redcurrant. A fresh and authentic red with balance, nice tannins, good fruit and length.
Producer
Gerhard and Brigitte are now well-known trailblazers, with a great international reputation. They have an amazing winery that seems to double as a Modern Art Gallery. What has not changed is their love of what they do, their modesty and their kindness in sharing this enthusiasm.
The estate now stretches over 20 hectares in Gols and nearby Weiden on the northeast side of Lake Neusiedl. Despite Gerhard’s recent enthusiasm for skin and lees-contact white wine, it is still essentially a red wine estate. Right from the start of his career, St Laurent has been the estate’s calling card, and he is one of very few producers to have championed this challenging grape variety and made success of it in both blends and as single vineyard wines. But Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch are important here too, as is Pinot Noir, and we sell all with equal enthusiasm.
Traditionally made. Low yield. No filtering. Hand-picked.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% St Laurent |
Country | Austria |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring | 3-5 years |
Food matches | Goes wonderfully with spicy dishes or as a white substitute for grilled fish. Drink it slightly chilled. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
|
Origin | Burgenland |
2016 Bodegas de la Marquesa Valserrano Reserva
Regular price £20.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%One of the smallest and most prestigious wineries in Spain.
Marrying Tempranillo with 10% Graciano, it's compact, focused, and well-balanced, with crunchy black cherry and blackberry fruit framed by spicy, aromatic oak.
Tasting Notes
Aged for 24 months in American and French oak.
Nose
Deep violet with chocolate and vanilla
Palate
Compact focused, and well-balanced, with crunchy black cherry and blackberry fruit mocha, soft cinnamon, and smooth vanilla framed by spicy, aromatic oak.
Producer
Valserrano is a long established family Bodega that lies in the best part of the region, on the limestone ridges of the Alavesa area in the Rioja Alta near Haro. It is based on the same principal as a good French Château which is to use fruit only from their own vineyards, set rigorous standards in the cellars and, following fermentation in stainless steel, they age the wine in oak part of which is renewed each year. The wines have elegance and pungency combined with the soft spicy allure that only well made Tempranillo can offer. They are very good indeed and have received really high score from renowned wine critics
Vineyards
Valserrano estate lies on 65 hectares of vineyards that belong to the family. The domaine is planted with 80% of Tempranillo, the basis of any good Rioja wine and Mazuelo, Garnacha, Graciano and Viura.
The family recently planted a vineyard with Maturana red and another with Chardonnay to see how these minority varieties perform in the Rioja Alavesa. Once fermented, their wine mature in underground natural cellars over 200 years old.
Accolades
- Received 92 points at Decanter’s Affordable Excellence Red Rioja Tasting Panel, November 2022
- 93 points Tim Atkin's Rioja 2022 Special Report
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano |
Country | Spain |
|
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring potential |
Drinking now until 2025 |
Food Matches | Rioja is a very versatile wine for food matching. Steaks and roasted lamb dishes are a fantastic pairing but do try with some simple tapas such as spicy or sweet Artisan Chorizo, or Iberico Pata Negra cured ham with some cheeses. |
Appellation | Alavesa, D.O.Ca Rioja |
2021 Beau Constantia 'Cecily' Viognier
Regular price £26.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Colour
Golden yellow in the glass
Nose
One is quite surprised by the floral perfume and hints of white peach, apricot and tangerine that seduce the senses with their delicacy.
Palate
On the palate, an unusual equilibrium between waxy weight and a gobsmacking acidity is neatly held together by our small site’s signature hint of salinity.
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Awards & Accolades
- 92pts | IWSC 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"White flowers and peach lead to a voluptuous palate where apricot rises. Such purity of fruit shows great typicity. Absolutely loving the lingering freshness here."
- Tim Atkin | 91 pts (2021 Vintage)
“Cecily has gained in subtlety and finesse under winemaker Megan van der Merwe, with less cream and more freshness on the palate. Fermented in old barrels and for 21% of the blend, a concrete egg, this is leesy and refined, with aniseed and honeysuckle notes, a hint of clementine and a fresh finish.”
Di's Personal Tasting Note
"A fabulously, well balanced, graceful & elegant white. Initial fruits of peach & apricot balanced by fresh lemon/lime citric acidity. With a lovely creamy mouth feel from extended lees contact. Drinking beautifully in its youth but has the complexity & balance to mature for a good few years yet. I would definitely say that this will be one of our top whites from South Africa. Can close my eyes whilst drinking & visualise the wonderful view from Beau Constantia." April 2024
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.4 units per bottle |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Delicious now, with huge potential to age. |
Food Matching | Try it with fragrant Thai curry or roasted poultry. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva
Regular price £33.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva is obtained exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. Grown on land owned by the estate, the vineyard, situated in Panzano in Chianti, extends along the sunny slopes of the 'Conca d'Oro' (Golden basin), a wine- growing area of great value.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This opens with aromas of black-skinned berries, leather, and baking spices.
Palate
Silky, with nutty fruit and a hint of bitter chocolate character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Review
- 91 Points Wine Enthusiast
- Bronze Medal at the 2021 International Wine Challenge
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tuscany |
2017 Champagne Gremillet Brut Vintage (Gift Pack)
Regular price £44.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Approachable yet very proper vintage Champagne - perfectly expressing the very particular character of Pinot Noir from the Aube.
Tasting Notes
Fine persistent 'bulles', lovely nose - a mix of ripe Pinot fruit and classic baked biscuit, the palate has Gremillet's characteristic gentle, ripe fruit, some nice complexity balanced with a long fresh finish.
Production
Vines are mainly planted in the Côte des Bars on limestone-clay soil on steep, sun-drenched hillsides. The first-press juice is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (16° for the alcoholic and 18° for the malolactic) followed by secondary fermentation in bottle. The wine is then matured on lees for a minimum of 5 years, and disgorged with a 9g/l 'liquer de dosage' made from their own finished wine.
Producer
The Gremillet estate was founded by Jean-Michel Gremillet in 1979 when he inherited a plot of vines from his mother, Lulu. Today, the house possesses over 40 hectares of vineyards and is situated in a small village 45 kilometres from Troyes - the historic capital of Champagne - and 180 kilometres south of Reims. The vines lie on steep, sun-drenched hillsides in Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. Pinot Noir is king here, and constitutes around 94% of Gremillet’s plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, ideal for creating a classic, baked biscuit, rich, fruit-flavoured Champagne.
A Note on Sustainability
This family-owned and run Champagne house is HVE 3 certified, and as much as possible it restricts its use of chemicals in the vineyards. One of its cuvées is certified organic by ECOCERT and hopefully, this is the start of a bigger process.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Champagne |
Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
Matured on the Lees | 22 Months minimum |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites & Milk |
Food Matches | Pair with rich fish dishes |
Features | Vegetarian |
Origin | Champagne - France |
Appellation | AOC Champagne |
2015 Château De Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan
Regular price £27.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A very fruity, velvety, rich Pessac-Léognan, with well-balanced tannins.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Garnet red
Nose
Intense, with notes of fresh red fruits, slightly spicy
Palate
Elegant and balanced, with notes of red fruits, round and harmonious tannins
Estate
Château de Rochemorin belonged in the 18th century to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, author of the famous Persian Letters. The latter willingly became the ambassador of Rochemorin red wines to his friends, men of letters and other notables, during his numerous trips to Europe, never forgetting to praise the beautiful complexity and the mineral notes on the nose and on the palate balanced and fine, their melted and fine tannins in the finish make them a sure value of the appellation.
The vines of Château de Rochemorin which give rise to this Pessac-Léognan red occupy no less than 87 hectares on a gravel terroir typical of the appellation. Two grape varieties are represented: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from vines with an average age of 20 years. The result is a very fruity, velvety, rich wine, with well-balanced tannins.
This vast vineyard is harvested by hand and machine with mechanical sorting for plot vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, before aging for 12 months in barrels comprising 30 to 40% new wood.
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This red wine can be accompanied by: red meat, dishes in sauce, furry and feathered game, poultry, terrines, strong goat's and cow's cheeses (brie, old chavignol, munster), coffee or chocolate desserts. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C. |
Cellaring Potential | A wine to keep, the vintage offers the potential to keep for around 15-20 years. |
Appellation |
Pessac-Léognan Contrôlée
|
2020 Weingut Weszeli Riesling Loiserberg
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Agile, dynamic and straightforward.
Of all our Rieslings Loiserberg is the most uncompromising and coolest, pulling its tracks straight forward on the palate. Ends juicy, mineral, invigorating and long. Single Vineyard site - most Northern, highest & coolest.
Tasting Notes
Elegant fruit melange of citrus and stone fruit with a touch of pineapple, a tinge of ciabatta, fragrant, delicately floral, balanced and discreet. Juicy mid-weight, elegantly with a lot of fruit in the entree, tighter behind with a fine bite and a pleasantly dry finish.
Producer
Weingut Weszeli, in Langenlois, a now-famous wine village located on the river Kamp where it wends its way down to the Danube at Krems. There is a crazy patchwork of Burgundy-like Cru vineyards which have helped put Austria on the map as a source of world-class whites.
The story of this winery echoes that of many others. A former city-slicker, Davis Weszeli struck out in search of something new, with one clear goal: to feel closer to nature. He discovered his calling in the form of a traditional Kamptal winery in 2011, and from then on he has been on a mission to create authentic, unique wines whilst always prioritising sustainability in organic viticulture, and a principle coined by Davis himself: Terrafactum, the importance of the unique nature of the earth and terroir of Kamptal.
Davis makes charming and impressive Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, the two grapes he feels best suit the climate and soils of Kamptal.
Location
The first thing that strikes you when you stand at the top of the Loiserberg is its meagre, rocky soil. It consists almost exclusively of Gföhler gneiss, covered only by a shallow layer of humus. Our Riesling vines are growing at an altitude of 380 metres; there is no higher point around Langenlois. And you can feel this in every sip. Although the vines look to the sun all day long, they are properly cooled as soon as twilight falls over the vineyards. As a result, full ripeness always arrives in late October, when the grapes have crystal-clear aromatics and immense vitality.
Altitude means everything at the Loiserberg. If you are at the crest of the hill, where our largest parcel is located, you’ll soon feel that the conditions here are quite different from those down below. Although our vineyard lies under the sun almost all day long, its power is relativised by the altitude and the wind that whistles through the vines.
Riesling also benefits from the climatic conditions mentioned earlier. Sun and dryness in combination with nocturnal cooling allow the grapes to ripen slowly. And finally, when it’s the right time to harvest, there’s an ideal balance of precise aromas, energy and acidity structure.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.38 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Appetizer Salad, Antipasta, beef or rabbit in aspic |
Origin | Kamptal |
2019 Oldenburg Syrah
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A Rhône Valley lovers’ Syrah. Spicy, full of red fruit and lightly oaked.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A bouquet of red fruit – red cherries, rhubarb and cranberries – are interwoven with spicier notes of black pepper, lavender, parmesan shavings and grapefruit pith.
Palate
Refreshingly light in alcohol with a delicate grip from the whole bunch and 25% new wood.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Hand harvested and hand sorted to ensure that only the best fruit makes its way into the bottle. Whole berry fermentation took place, using only natural yeasts, in two batches – the first batch was 30% whole bunch and the second was 100% whole bunch. Punch downs were used 1 – 3 times per day for optimal extraction. 14 months of maturation, in 300L and 500L French oak (25% new), followed by fermentation. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Accolades
- 92pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
9.2% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Food matching |
Barbequed pork ribs- and don’t be scared to get a bit of char on the ribs from the flames! |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
GlenWood Grand Duc Noblesse (Sweet) N/V
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Noblesse takes its name from ‘noble rot’, a winemaking process which accentuates sugar, and reduces water content in grapes, making them perfect for sweet wine production.
A wine in this style is the result of painstaking attention to detail in the vineyard, and the cellar.
Tasting Notes
This wine is 100% Semillon, and has the tell-tale notes of honey, dried apricots, butterscotch and ripe mango. Make sure to serve it well chilled.
Vineyards
Vine age: 19 years.
Density: 2,800 vines per hectare.
Normal vineyard yield: 8-9 tons per hectare.
Soils are well-drained compromised lightly structured Clovelly and Avalon.
Vines are planted 1.4 m apart to avoid density as Semillon can be vigorous in growth. Intensive leaf and shoot management in October allow for even ripeness and provided shade to achieve maximum fruit concentration.
Vinification
An intensive, 4-stage, harvest selection in which only noble rot berries were selected containing sugar of between 34 and 36°B. Prior to pressing the berries went through another selection process to ensure that only 100% noble rot berries were pressed. Pressing occurred over a three-day period with a minimal 95 Litres per ton of Semillon recovered. Juice was settled and racked to small 225 Litre selected French oak barrels. No yeast inoculation occurred and the juice fermented naturally down to 150 grams residual sugar per litre. The wine has spent 28 months in barrel before stabilisation and bottling.
Winemaker Comments
"This wine has developed into a well-integrated sweet wine with enticing nutty and honey flavours. We are proud to release this wine with delicate similarities to the revered French Sauternes which was one of our main objectives. Enjoy now or age for 10 to 15 years to develop further complexity."
Accolades
-
95pts | Platter’s 2022
2017 botrytised semillon 50% sweeter than last, 2014 (4.5 stars, 93 pts), but so perfectly balanced, the enjoyment is unimpaired, and scores higher. Older barrel fermented/aged 28 months: candied citrus, apricot, with enough brightening acidity to offset the richness. 375 ml.
-
94pts | Tim Atkin 2022 SA Report
Noblesse is a reference to the botrytis (noble rot) that affected the berries on this delicious pure Semillon from Franschhoek. Well-balanced between acidity, 156 grams of sugar and a restrained volatile lift, this has honey, peach and orange zest flavours and a sheen of toasty oak spice. 2021-25
Specifications
Year | N/v |
Bottle Size | 375ml |
Cultivar | 100% Semillon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 4.88 units |
Type | Dessert Wine |
Food Matching |
Try it with homemade apple crumble and vanilla ice cream, or mature Stilton cheese. |
Cellaring Potential | Enjoy now or age for 10 to 15 years to develop further complexity. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Robertsvlei Valley, Franschhoek |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Paul Wallace Braveheart Pinot Noir
Regular price £25.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape!
Tasting Notes
Colour
The Brave Heart Pinot Noir proudly introduces itself with a bright ruby red colour enticing you to explore it further.
Nose
A complex nose defined by a combination of ripe black and sour red cherries, watermelon and white pepper, together with a hint of salinity prepares your tastebuds for a sensorial sensation.
Palate
The palate reveals cherry and cranberry, supported by a spicy core that is further embellished by fine silky tannins imparted by the subtle use of Burgundian oak barriques. Finishes with a lovely, lingering aftertaste so typical of Elgin's cool climate Pinot Noirs.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The 2019 Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir is our seventh vintage. The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape. Fortunately, our 2019 Pinot Noir offering has once again captured our hearts and is anything but a disappointment. Production was very limited – only 10 barrels / 2400 liters of this vintage were vinified.
Pristine grapes (Clone PN115, Guyot pruned) selected from three different slopes on our farm Wallovale Vineyards, were vinified with much love and gentle attention at the Almenkerk Wine Estate. Whole berry fermented in open fermenters, basket pressed and taken to barrel where it completes malolactic fermentation. After 10 months on wood (20% new wood, 45% second fill, 35% third and fourth fill), the wine was prepared for bottling. Bottling date: 7th February 2020.
Accolade
- National Wine Challenge 2020 - Double Silver
- IWSC 2020 - Bronze Medal
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Bronze
- Platter Wine Guide 2021 – 4*
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.3% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.2 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Brave Heart Pinot Noir is so very versatile and will complement a wide range of foods. Too delicate to serve with a curry or very creamy dish but superb with plum-glazed duck, roast turkey, chicken dishes, mushroom risotto, or a beautiful side of salmon. It is recommended that in the hot summer months you serve this wine ever so slightly chilled. |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |