2022 Domaine de la Motte Chablis Premier Cru Vau-Ligneau
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%Tasting Notes
The bolder Michaut style deftly added to the more restrained style of Vau-Lignau to create a textural, elegant white.
Nose
Lightly toasted buttery oak on the nose.
Palate
The palate is complex and mineral yet ripe with plenty of fresh Chablis acidity. A wine which merits its Tastevinage award will be long-lived; expect at least five years' drinking.
Production Method
The lieu-dit of Vau-Ligneau (meaning little valley) is one of Chablis' more recent promotees to Premier Crus status, elevated for consistently producing superior quality wines. Chardonnay grapes are grown on 40-year-old vines in Kimmeridgian soil with a south-easterly exposure (giving a more mineral style than the Premier Cru Beauroy which comes from south / south-westerly vineyards). A deep layer of white clay gives the wine length, finesse and elegance. 20% of the wine is fermented in oak barrels (228l & 600l), the rest in stainless steel. The oaked proportion remains in barrel for 11 months.
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 which 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.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | At least 5 years |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Awaiting info |
| Food Matches | Richer style of fish dishes, shellfish, chicken and creamy sauce. |
| Origin | Burgundy |
| Appellation | Chablis |
2023 Domaine Roblin Sancerre Blanc 'Terres Blanches'
Regular price £26.99 Sale price £21.59 Save 20%
Pure, fruit-forward and fine.
Tasting Notes
Vibrant aromas of green apple and citrus. The palate is complex with ripe citrus and pear fruit, pithy grapefruit notes and an appealing stony edge to the long finish. The grapes were picked early to maintain their freshness.

Method of Production
Produced from the family's 19 hectares of vines growing in 'terres blanches' - chalky clay - soil. Vineyards are worked sustainably, organically where possible. It was cool-fermented in stainless steel and aged upon its lees for 5 to 6 months.
Producer
The small village of Maimbray, just to the north of Sancerre itself, is home to both Domaine Roblin and to Domaine du Pré Semelé. In fact the Roblins are just across the road from the Raimbaults and share a similar story of two brothers – 4th generation Matthias and Emile in this case – taking over from their father and implementing new ideas to move the family domaine forward.
They have a total of 19 hectares of vines with a terroir made up of Kimmeridgian and Portlandian chalky clay (Terres Blanches) soils, spread across 45 separate parcels of vines, on the slopes around the villages of Maimbray and Sury-en-Vaux. Their vineyards are planted with 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Pinot Noir, and in the winery their intervention is minimal: gravity does the work of pumps, and the wines see long lees ageing. The wine style is very pure, fruit-forward yet fine, and really top quality.
Sustainability
Vineyards are worked with the greatest of respect to the environment; no chemical pesticides or herbicides are used; carbon dioxide emissions are kept as low as possible; there is crop cover between rows of vines to help combat soil erosion, and green harvesting is practised to restrain yields and improve ripeness. Although not yet HVE accredited or certified organic, the Roblins employ many of the practices of both.
Awards
Gold Sommelier Wine Awards 2017 - for the 2015 vintage
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Country | France |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting Info |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Features | Sustainable farming methods, Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Origin | Loire |
| Appellation | Sancerre |
2022 Edi Simčič Rebula
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%Tasting Notes
On the nose there are intense notes of peach, lychees and other tropical fruits while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth texture and hints of stony minerality balanced by a refreshing acidity.

Usually used for everyday wines, this example is made from the very finest grapes hand-selected from 25-35 year old vines. The young wine is aged in used and new oak barrels for 12 months followed by another 6 months in the bottle to craft a rich, well-rounded white with good ageing potential.
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 | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Ribolla |
| Country | Slovenia |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring | Drink now through to 2026 - serve chilled |
| Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
| Food Matches |
A great wine to pair with creamy fish or chicken dishes as well as cheeses and risottos. |
| Origin | Goriška Brda |
2022 Off The Record Chenin Blanc
Regular price £26.99 Sale price £21.59 Save 20%Similar to Poilly-Fumé in style with a rich mouthfeel and some weight.
The fourth vintage of a very small parcel of Chenin Blanc grapes from the cool climate region of Elgin – only 2300 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine has an attractive pale straw colour.
Nose
The nose leads with appealing citrus notes, which unfold onto the palate with a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Palate
The broad spectrum of citrus, underlying minerality and gentle wooding have contributed to the complexity of this Chenin Blanc and culminate in a long lingering finish.

Background
The Uncensored Version – a project of heart, and a collaboration between brothers, Mark and Bobby Wallace.
Vinification
Wild ferment and barrel aged for 10 months in 2nd , 3rd & 4th fill barriques. The wine underwent partial Malolactic fermentation in barrel. No added enzymes, yeast and fining agents were used in the making of this wine.
Accolades
- 92pts | Tim Atkin
Bobby Wallace, son of Elgin producer Paul, is an exciting new face on the South Africa wine scene. This cool climate Chenin Blanc – one of the few produced in the region – is flinty, fresh and almost Pouilly-Fumé like. Aniseed, nettle and wet stone notes are complemented by underlying grip and some leesy weight. 2023-26 | Tim Atkin 2022 SA Report
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Drink 2023-2026 |
| Food Matching |
Spicy food, mild and soft cheese, shellfish, and lean fish. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Elgin |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2022 Domaine G. Saumaize Pouilly Fuissé Grande Réserve Maillettes
Regular price £34.69 Sale price £27.75 Save 20%Fine, full-bodied white Burgundy.
Tasting Notes
Expressive, almost exotic aromas and flavours with a lovely touch of oak that adds a slightly nutty character to the lush, ripe Chardonnay fruit. Rich but restrained, there is a real finesse and elegant balance to this very classy white Burgundy.
Production
Grapes are grown on the limestone and clay soils of Solutré and Vergisson. Fermented in barriques, this wine then spent 12 months in a mixture of new and older French oak.
Producer
The 14.5 hectare Domaine G. Saumaize (formerly Domaine des Maillettes) is now wholly run by Guillaume Saumaize, follwing the recent retirement of his mother, Annie. Tending to more than forty parcels of vines (up to 80 years old) spread across four Mâconnais communes (Vergisson, Davayé, Solutré and Prissé), he produces Pouilly-Fuissé and a range of other Mâcon AOC wines.
In 2018, the Saumaize family invested in a new barrel cellar, giving them much more flexibility to vinify individual parcels of grapes separately and thus express their terroir even more clearly. The Chardonnays are classically styled, with part or full vinification in oak for richness and complexity.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol content |
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & no other allergens |
| Serving Suggestion | Serve between 10°C and 12°C |
| Food Matches | A versatile white that will drink beautifully with poultry, fish and hearty salads. |
| Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
| Appellation | Mâconnais |
| Origin | Burgundy |
2017 Tohu Whenua Awa Single Vineyard Chardonnay
Regular price £41.99 Sale price £28.99 Save 31% Select fruit from our Awa Block, Awatere Valley, fermented in 500L French oak puncheons to create integrated body and complexity. Flinty, fruity and generous.
Nose
Aromas of juicy ripe stonefruit, pink grapefruit and soft smoky oak.
Palate
Richly textured palate of citrus, summer fruits and subtle mealy characteristics. Seamless balance, refinement and length.

Vineyard
Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand. Awa (River) Block. Planted 2010. 1.10ha. Silt-loam terraced block renowned for its long, cool ripening period.
Vinification
The 2016/2017 growing season began with a frost-free spring and good early shoot growth. Warm still dry conditions in the late summer, unaffected by early autumn rains in other parts of the region. Warm and settled weather in the latter part of the harvest period allowed extra ripening time.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes, gently whole-bunch pressed • unsettled juice then moved to old French oak barriques for fermentation. Fermentation with natural ‘wild’ yeasts, with a cultivated yeast added partway through fermentation to assist the wine to dryness . Post-fermentation, each barrel underwent twice-weekly batonage (yeast stirring). Malo-lactic fermentation occurred once the weather warmed in the spring. Individual barrel assessment, with only the best deemed exceptional enough to make the final blend.
Bottled March 2018 - 4140 bottles produced
Accolades
- Gold - International Wine Challange 2020 - 95 points
Specifications
| Year | 2017 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | New Zealand |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Chicken, truffles and Potato Gratin |
| Appellation | Marlborough |
2021 Beau Constantia 'Cecily' Viognier
Regular price £26.99 Sale price £21.59 Save 20%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 |
2022 Chateau Montelena Potter Valley Riesling
Regular price £46.99 Sale price £37.59 Save 20%
Chateau Montelena shot to fame in 1976 at the iconic Judgement of Paris that shook the wine world to its core when their 1973 Napa Valley Chardonnay won first place against an enviable line-up of top French Burgundies. The result was a shock to the wine trade all over the world and changed the history of California wine - and Chateau Montelena - forever.
Tasting Notes
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity
Winemaker Matt Crafton best describes the experience associated with this unique wine:
“I love sharing our Riesling when I travel. Primarily, it’s because very few people actually know that we make Riesling and even fewer have tried it. But, secondarily, and this is my favorite part, I really enjoy the responses I get when I offer someone a glass. By far, the most common reply is some flavor of ‘No thank you. I don’t drink sweet wine.’ Once I coax them into a taste, however, few don’t finish the glass. “
Many years ago, Chateau Montelena selected a certified organic vineyard in the Coastal Mendocino Mountains from which, even today, it sources the fruit for the Potter Valley Riesling. The basic winemaking truth — “The Right Grape in the Right Place”—drove that decision then, and it is every bit as valid now. The Riesling grape is a noble variety that requires moderate days and cool nights to allow proper ripening and mature flavor development.
Nose
Aromas of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petals are immediately apparent with a quick swirl of the glass. They’re followed by ripe strawberry, fresh-cut melon, and cinnamon.
Palate
On the palate, the wine evolves slowly but beautifully. The lively acidity is juicy and mouth-coating; gradually giving way to apricots, pineapple, and lemon candy. There’s a subtle spiciness that carries through the midpalate and balances the viscosity and texture – all hallmarks of the 2014 vintage. The finish is rich and refreshing, lingering past lemon meringue and kaffir lime.

Producer
Established in 1882 and located in Calistoga, California– the Montelena Estate is one of the oldest and most notable wine-producing properties in the Napa Valley.
Chateau Montelena Winery, originally called A.L. Tubbs winery after its founder Alfred Tubbs, was constructed in 1888 and intended as a barrel-aging facility. The Chateau was unique in materials, plan, size, and style for its era. In nineteenth-century Napa Valley, the majority of wineries were constructed of wood. Instead, the Chateau is made of stone with walls three to twelve feet thick, which provides natural insulation against outside heat or cold. Similarly, the structure built into a hillside, to further regulate temperature - something necessary for producing quality wines but uncommon at the time. Also rare among Napa Valley wineries, the Chateau resembles an English Gothic castle gatehouse complete with rusticated stone walls, battlement with crenels and merlons, narrow arched windows, large arched door in the place of a portcullis, and bartizans with faux arrow slits.
Accounts of the stone winery’s designer, masons and source of materials vary. The design has been attributed to Hamden McIntyre, the well-known local winery designer; however, McIntyre relocated to Vina in 1887 where he took charge of the vineyard and winery of Leland Stanford. The building is unlike McIntyre's other wineries, none of which were designed in a Gothic style. Some sources also suggest that while in Europe, Tubbs hired a French architect to draw plans for the building, brought back French masons to build it, and imported European stone for the walls. Other accounts suggest the design was inspired by the Cellar of Chateau Lafite in France.
Originally, the interior was one large space with a second-story crushing floor, but in 1960, a second-floor apartment was inserted so the Chateau could be used as a home. The space was then converted into our current tasting room though parts of the private residence remain and are used on occasion today for family guests and private events.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
| Country | USA |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Barrel Aging |
6 months in a combination of French oak and stainless steel |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Enjoy Potter Valley Riesling with Asian cuisines, such as spicy pad Thai, or perhaps with citrusy grilled shrimp |
| Origin | California |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
2023 Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Regular price £34.49 Sale price £27.59 Save 20%A very proper, full-bodied, organic white from the southern Rhône.
Tasting Notes
Intense and vinous on the nose, leading into a bright, mineral-inflected yet rich palate that is subtly floral and beautifully textured with a full, long finish.
Producer
Château Maucoil’s vineyards are primarily located in the sandy-soiled northwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, but its white grape varieties are planted in Urgonian limestone soils close to the river in the southwest of the region.
Vineyards have been managed organically (certified in 2014) and yields are kept to around 25 hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand and grapes are sorted before vinification.
After a cold skin maceration and pressing, alcoholic fermentation is maintained at 18°C and malolactic fermentation is prevented in order to preserve the wine’s freshness and acidity. The wine is unfined and aged in vats to bring out the varietal aromas and body, synonymous with white wines from the southern Rhône.
Did you know?
Maucoil is one of the few Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates that has conserved all thirteen of this famous appellation's original grape varieties, and grapes must pass through three rigourous stages of manual sorting before being deemed of high enough quality to be made into wine.
The estate's old vines (the youngest are merely 40 years old; the oldest date back to 1895!)
Château Maucoil (pronounced “moh-kwahl”) originally served as a base for Roman legions who were attracted by the spring that runs through the property!
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
|
| Country | France |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Blend |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information |
|
| Food Matches | Pair with rich cuisine, shelfish, grilled salmon, veal cutlets with chanterelle mushrooms. |
| Origin | Rhône, France |
| Appellation | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
2021 Brokenwood Chardonnay
Regular price £24.99 Sale price £20.99 Save 16%A very modern Australian Chardonnay that will age perfectly.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Perfect, pale green colour and lifted grapefruit aromas.
Nose
The finesse on both aroma and palate comes from earlier picking dates and older, large format French oak. Some ‘bran meal’ notes but the fruit takes centre stage with stone fruit and zesty citrus characters.
Palate
The minimal oak sits nicely with the fine, juicy citrus flavours on the palate accompanied by subtle bran meal. The driving force of this wine is the acidity – long and pure. Approximately 90% from Beechworth and the balance from Orange, the final components of this wine basically selected themselves. Another top-notch vintage!
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production.
Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Astounding balance of fresh fruit and oak in this beauty. Lots of zesty citric fruits are tempered by a really soft, round oak influence. The oak is larger format and older than standard Australian practices - which tempers the influence over the fruit. Perfect balance and poise, lovely complexity - all the attributes for good bottle ageing - so will hide a few of these for later years!" May 2022
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | Australia |
|
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.3 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Rich seafoods, pasta and light meat dishes. |
| Origin | Hunter Valley |
| Appellation | New South Wales |
2015 Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon (11% abv)
Regular price £53.99 Sale price £39.99 Save 26%The ILR (Iain Lesley Riggs - Chief Winemaker) Reserve Semillon is released from the best years and this is a beauty.
Light-bodied and lithe, it is silky, weightless and immensely complex.
Tasting Notes
Colour
At 6 years of age on release, the colour is just starting to show some development with yellow tints complimenting the green edges.
Nose
Lifted almond bread and the floral notes heading to beeswax and toast.
Palate
Lively lime juice, Bickford cordial characters and backed by a superb zesty acidity. The magic of Hunter Valley Semillon on display with texture, fruit weight and great length from a wine that sees no oak.

Vinification
Harvesting all by hand. The fruit was crushed, chilled and pressed immediately. Neutral yeasts were used for the fermentation, bottled in July. No oak and no malolactic ferment, only stainless steel.
Winemaker Comments
Brokenwood’s 41st vintage got underway a lot earlier than anticipated. The continued dry weather across the eastern half of Australia intensified in early January with a run of above average temperatures including a new January record high of 45.7C in Sydney. Tasmania suffered through bush fires, Victoria and NSW were also on high alert. The heavy rain that disrupted the 2012 red harvest gave way to a typical dry winter and even drier spring when only 92mm of rain fell in the 4 months July to October. La Nina seemed to be on the way out. November, December and the early part of January were also dry, leading to lighter canopies to go with the lighter crop load. Semillon started rolling into the winery on January 16th and well over half was picked before a tropical deluge of 150mm after Australia Day. Guess La Nina wasn’t quite gone.
About Brokenwood Wines
Founded in 1970 as a hobby venture by three Sydney-based solicitors - Tony Albert, John Beeston and Australian wine critic James Halliday - Brokenwood is perhaps best known for their Cricket Pitch label, which was first sourced from a 4-hectare block at the foothills of the Hunter Valley’s Brokenback Ranges. The block was originally earmarked as the local cricket ground before they decided to plant a vineyard instead.
Similarly, Brokenwood purchased their neighbouring block, which was intended to be the local cemetery, and instead planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, becoming their critically acclaimed flagship wine, the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.
Chief Winemaker and Managing Director Iain Riggs (ILR) joined Brokenwood in 1982 and introduced new winery equipment and facilities specifically for premium white wine production. Since 1983, white wine makes up a significant part of total production and their Semillon is widely recognized as one of the finest in the world. Iain has also been the driving force behind Brokenwood’s expansion into the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Beechworth in Victoria, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Orange in New South Wales. Despite their expansion, they have managed to remain fiercely committed to producing unique and high-quality expressions of Australian terroir.
Ratings
- 97Pts James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2019
Awards
- 4 Gold Medals
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Not cheap but a real treat! 6 years old but still very young. Wonderful citric fruit with aromas of beeswax- a classic hunter valley Semillon descriptor. Great weight, wonderful balance and a complexity that will see it evolve for many years yet. Simply sublime and a real star and keeper. Will be interesting to see how it develops!" February 2020
Specifications
| Year | 2015 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Semillon |
| Country | Australia |
|
|
|
| Units of alcohol per bottle | 8.25 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches | Asian food, any seafood especially freshly shucked oysters. |
| Origin | Hunter Valley |
| Appellation | New South Wales |
2023 MA'D Moser MM5 Furmint Dry, Tokaj
Regular price £27.49 Sale price £21.99 Save 20%Today marks the dawn of a new epoch, with Mád Moser at the helm, ushering in a 'new' grape onto the global stage. This initiative is set to revolutionize the wine industry, sparking a fresh enthusiasm, generating excitement, and allowing the distinguished quality of dry Furmint to carve out its own distinct niche.
Tasting Notes
This zesty dry Furmint leads the way with aromas of citrus fruits, jasmine and freshly cut pineapple. It has delightful flavours of apple, peach and quince with a nice amount of heft on the palate. There’s a great deal of minerality and the finish is creamy at the same time. Well balanced with a crisp, clean long finish.

Producer
Robert Mondavi said ‘a vision always comes first’....
... and in 2022, the vision became reality with the collaboration between Lenz Moser, Rita Takaro, Karoly Kovas, the owner of the famed Mad Wines in Hungary and winemaker Gabor Urban, to re-invent dry Furmint from Tokaj under the Mád Moser project. Their goal is to bring an exciting new interpretation of dry Furmint from one of the great, yet forgotten wine regions to the world’s attention. Their wines represent freshness, great complexity, and structure with unique individual character. Tokaj’s importance dates back to the early 16th Century, when it became a symbol of distinction amongst the upper classes and aristocracy in Europe. It was a luxury wine, associated with nobility but communism put an end to this. With its collapse in Hungary in 1989 local enthusiasm, a focus on quality focus, and plenty of foreign investment took hold in the Tokaj region, led by the likes of Vega Sicilia and Hugh Johnson, to restore its wines to their former glory – and to even vinify it to new heights! But today we look to a new era, led by Mád Moser to bring this ‘new’ grape to the world stage, and create a new attitude and category to the wine drinker … igniting the spark, creating the buzz and permitting the quality of dry Furmint to have its own momentum.
Production
The grapes were picked from the vineyards of the Mad Wine Winery, located around the village Mad. Soils are volcanic rocks and clay minerals from the South-Zemplén Mountains, primarily zolite and riolit.
Grapes are destemmed, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with lees contact until bottling.
Specifications
| Year |
2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Furmint |
| Country | Hungary |
|
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic Practices
|
| Food Matches | Perfect with seafood, shellfish, oysters, sushi, spicy foods, chicken and most vegetables. |
| Origin | Tokaj |
2019 Cosme Palacio Rioja Reserva Blanc
Regular price £25.99 Sale price £20.79 Save 20%
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light yellow with a hint of lemon.
Nose
The aroma is elegant and intense. Aromas of white flowers and fruits with a spicy background.
Palate
The palate is crisp, with a creaminess of bread and butter complemented by ripe white flesh. Balanced, full-bodied, with a refreshing acidity on the finish that energises the whole. A joy to carry the aroma of the Rioja landscape.

Winemaking
With grapes from old vineyards in Viura de Rioja Alavesa, this wine recovers the classic way of making Rioja whites, which was to age them in barrels to extend their longevity. A careful process in which this white has been aged for 10 months on the lees in French oak barrels from different cooperages, to have more profiles of aromas and flavour nuances.
Producer
A man of his time, an essential figure in the political and social life of Bilbao at the end of the 19th century, in 1894 Cosme Palacio Bermejillo took over the reins of the family winery that his father founded in Laguardia in 1863 to turn it into the most advanced winery in the Rioja Alavesa. With his characteristic vision of the future and with his sights set on the main wine reference, Bordeaux, he introduced fundamental changes that laid the foundations for modern DO Ca. Rioja wine.
At the end of the 1980s, Cosme Palacio marked a before and after in the history of the wines of this land, creating a style of winemaking at the forefront of its time. Today, Cosme Palacio enjoys great international recognition for being considered the bridge between the Classic Rioja style and the Modern Rioja.
Specifications
| Year | 2019 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Viura |
| Country | Spain |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Cellaring Potential | Drink now - 2028 |
| Type | White Wine |
| Food Matches | Chicken, Pork, Risotto, Turkey |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Origin | Rioja |
| Appellation | DOCa Rioja |
2020 Edi Simčič Malvasia
Regular price £27.00 Sale price £21.60 Save 20%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 |
2020 Metzer Maritime Chenin Blanc
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%
Tasting Notes
The vineyard’s pure fruit quality radiates pear, white peach and lemon. Bright stone fruit follows through on the palate which is marked by a rich texture and a thrilling line of acidity. The wine has a persistent finish showing subtle hints of white spice and orange blossom.

Vinification
This Chenin Blanc has been fermented and aged as naturally as possible, without intervention and in search of an authentic reflection of its origin. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning hours to preserve fruit integrity. The fruit was then gently pressed after a brief period of skin contact. The juice was settled overnight without the use of settling enzymes and from here it was fed directly to French oak barrels (all seasoned oak) where fermentaion occured spontaneously. The wine was aged on its lees in barrel for 9 months, with no batonage. The wine was bottled after a coarse filtration in November 2020.
Accolades
- 95 points Tim Atkin
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"From a coastal Old Bush Vines but somehow it feels riper than the Metzer Montane (also Bush Vine but inland). Non-interventionist winemaking at its purest. Clean, fresh fruit, with a seam of bright acidity & salinity. Some complexity due to some time on lees possibly? No real oak Inuence but a perfectly drinkable fresh, clean, linear white with good fruit intensity and that interesting mineral salinity. Maybe a touch pricey at £24 but a good, well-made wine - nevertheless.
We had this with curry and the palate felt a little subdued but on it's own it’s showing really well with multiple layers, impressive fruit delivery and perfect poise & balance - with good, holding length."
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar |
100% Chenin Blanc |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
13.4% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential |
The wine delivers immediate drinking pleasure but will gain in complexity with further cellaring. Optimum drinking: 2022 - 2027 (8° C). |
| Food Matching | Serve with a seafood risotto or a mussel pot - white fish, hard cheese and pork |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Mac Forbes Wesburn Chenin
Regular price £40.00 Sale price £29.99 Save 25%Amazing Chenin Blanc from Mac's final Wesburn release. A special wine.
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
This is the final release of Wesburn Chenin Blanc. Mac feels that this variety matches perfectly with the Wesburn vineyard. It's a textural, flinty version of the variety. Immensely cellar-worthy and finely detailed.
On the list of the country's best Chenin Blancs, this sits in the top echelon. A phenomenal final release of this unique wine, Wesburn Chenin going out with a bang. This will unwind in the bottle for the next decade or more.
The Vintage
"2016 was a year that tested the vine and tested us. Ripening was condensed in a manner we have not witnessed and freshness came and went in a blink. So with all our picking crews working overtime, not to mention the staff in the winery, we went to work and didn’t stop until the last grape was squeezed to barrel. However, it is becoming very exciting that we have sites that can and do cope with such an array of seasonal challenges."
Alan's Tasting Notes
"This is really interesting. Fully dry but with a lovely, honey mouthful initially which gives way to a refreshing, mineral acid rich mouth feel. Oozes class, depth, and interest and I suggest this will develop well in bottle and continue to change its spots over the next few years."
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 | 2017 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Country | Australia |
| Alcohol content | 12.5 % alc vol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Maturation | 9 months in old oak |
| Cellaring Potential | Drink until 2027 |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Yarra Valley |
| Appellation | Victoria |
2022 Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Setzberg Riesling Smaragd
Regular price £69.99 Sale price £49.99 Save 29%From the World Heritage Site and enchanting feel-good landscape - that is the Wachau, the narrow Danube valley between Melk and Krems. A great Riesling—full and generous, yet focused with precise acidity. An aromatic bouquet of yellow apple, pear, lemon, and pineapple. Elegant and balanced with a long, lovely finish.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Medium greenish yellow, silver reflections.
Nose
Inviting nuances of fresh tropical fruit, underlaid with vineyard peach and fresh orange zest, a hint of lime, seductive bouquet.
Palate
Full-bodied, tight-knit, shows fine fruit expression, fresh acidity, yellow peach, mineral-taut finish, very good length. Secure ageing potential, already very inviting and accessible in its youth. Please let it mature!

Producer
The Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful historic landscapes in the world and has been included, since 2000, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Here in between the Danube on the one side and the mountains on the other side is the village of Spitz.
Five generations of Hirtzbergers have lived here, tending the vines which have been planted in the Wachau Valley in the 13th Century. Today wine is produced with all the modern know-how at our disposal, but still following the tradition of the Wachau Valley and our family.
Accolades
- 96-98 points - Falstaff 2020
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
| Country | Austria |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Should be stunning in 5-10 years. |
| Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan Approved, Sustainable Farming |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Origin | Wachau |
2021 White wine Lerici Beykush
Regular price £39.99 Sale price £31.99 Save 20%A striking Ukrainian white wine!
Tasting Notes
A structured palate with pears in honey, apples, almonds in caramel, floral and spices. Full bodied which finishes with a clean lingering freshness.

Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Timorasso |
| Country | Ukraine |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches | Delicious with with grilled seafood, white meats, risotto and creamy pasta dishes. |
| Origin | Ukraine |
| Appellation | Northern Black Sea |
2022 Equipo Navazos, La Bota No 119 Florpower MMXXII
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%Obscure yet delicious premium Spanish White!
Tasting Notes
This is the tenth vintage of Florpower (MMXXII, i.e., 2022), and released as La Bota 119 in the series. An unfortified white wine which follows vintage 2010 and 2012 (releases 44, 53 and 57) in origin and winemaking practices, and even more the 2014-2021 vintages (releases 67-114). With 2022 they continue to search for the point of balance and freshness, the perfect expression of the vineyard through the biological ageing process, which is now shorter than in the pioneering vintages.
Production
Exclusively from Palomino Fino sourced from vines aged between 55 and 85 years old in the blessed plot known as Pago Miraflores La Baja, Sanlúcar. In this vintage they have dispensed with tenuous ageing under flor in steel tanks after intense biological aging in traditional 600-litre Sherry casks. The wine is fermented in the same casks in which they later aged under flor for eight months until bottling at the end of May 2023.
Producers
Equipo Navazos was born out of a group of friend’s passion to share the authentic, traditional wines of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Montilla … legitimately some of the greatest wines of the world!
These wines come from soleras and individual casks that remain, relatively neglected by the market in corners of many of Andalusia’s most prestigious bodegas. These unexpected yet fortunate findings have been made available to wine lovers around the world in limited quantities under the La Bota series (consecutively numbered editions, with the date of each saca or withdrawl date on the label) … in doing so respecting generations of expertise and care for these rare and beautiful wines. Today their efforts are increasingly focused on producing their own exceptional wines, such as Florpower, that truly express the character of Sanlúcar and its unique terroir. Outside of Andalusia, Equipo Navazos have collaborated with winemakers including Dirk Niepoort and Sergi Colet to develop authentic and individual wines that never fail to impress.
Accolades

Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Palomino Fino |
| Country | Spain |
|
|
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.6 units |
| Type | White wine |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches |
Serve chilled with slated almonds, hard cheese and an abundance of seafood.
|
| Origin | Cadiz, Andalucia |
| Appellation | Jerez |
2022 Vallet Frères Auxey-Duresses
Regular price £38.99 Sale price £31.19 Save 20%Fine, expressive white Burgundy!
TASTING NOTES
Expressive and very appealing sandalwood spice on the nose, the palate is ripe and concentrated with pithy citrus notes and a pleasant twist of acidity on the finish.

Production
The Vallets source only the best quality Chardonnay grapes from Auxey-Duresses in the Côte de Beaune. Traditional practices remain in both in the vineyard and cellar. Grapes are hand-harvested, no artificial yeasts are used and the wine is fermented and aged in barrel for at least 12 months with regular batonnage to stir the fine lees. The wine is racked a month before bottling.
Producer
Founded in 1864 by Pierre Bourée, Vallet Frères is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the family, Jean-Christophe Vallet. The family owns vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin including the entire monopole of Clos de la Justice and in the Grand Cru of Charmes-Chambertin. Vallet Frères also act as a négociant sourcing the best grapes from growers in other parts of Burgundy, 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 by Boutinot for over 40 years and are distributed to top independent wine merchants and Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the UK.
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 | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
|
Alcohol content
|
12% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
| Food Matches | Auxey-Duresses goes extremely well with baked fish and poultry in creamy sauces or a classic herb omelette. |
| Origin | Burgundy |
| Appellation | AOP Auxey-duresses |
2022 Domaine Les Vieux Murs Pouilly Fuisse
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%A well-balanced elegant white Burgundy
Tasting Notes
This appellation is often overlooked, a crime! An intense mineral and citrus character with strong hints of complex nutty, buttery flavours. Very well balanced with crisp acidity and good texture, this is a concentrated yet elegant wine.

Production
The Fuissé region in the south of Burgundy is 250-300 metres above sea level. The soil there is predominatly argilo-calcareous. At Fussiacus the average vine age is 25 years so that the plants are in balance and at their peak of production. The techniques are those of organic farming albeit not certified. The harvest here is by hand.
This Pouilly Fuissé is produced in the traditional Burgundy style, with entirely manual grape harvesting. The grapes are gently pressed using a pneumatic press. The must is then fermented in French oak "Foudres" of 25 hectolitres using only natural yeast. The wine goes through malolactic fermentation in oak and is matured for a further 9 months.
Producer
Jean-Paul Paquet began to work the vines of Les Vieux Murs in 1978.
The Chardonnay grape thrives on the limestone and clay soils of the Mâconnais vineyards of Burgundy. At Domaine Les Vieux Murs the 30 to 50 year old vines are in perfect balance to produce fruit of optimum ripeness. Jean-Paul has now been joined by his son Yannick in the family business. Yannick has travelled widely to broaden his knowledge and is quickly earning himself a great reputation.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol content |
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites & no other allergens |
| Serving Suggestion | Serve between 10°C and 12°C |
| Food Matches | Fantastic with fish starters, veal and white meats in cream sauces. |
| Features | Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
| Appellation | Mâconnais |
| Origin | Burgundy |
2022 Beau Constantia 'Pierre' Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £29.99 Sale price £23.99 Save 20%A classic cool climate Sauvignon blanc made from grapes grown at high altitude on incredibly steep NE-facing slopes. These low-yielding, windswept vines are determined to survive and produce fruit of incredible flavour concentration.
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm situated at the top of Constantia Nek overlooking False Bay. These lovingly nurtured vines are spoilt with panoramic views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain ranges.
Tasting Notes
A true reflection of a ‘sense of place’, this wine highlights the incredibly close proximity of Beau Constantia to the cold Atlantic Ocean with its profound minerality. The minerality serves to add flesh to the nervy acidity (high-altitude Sauv Blanc vines and cooling winds) and fine tannin structure (from skin contact and lees contact).
Notes of blackcurrant, ripe granadilla and buchu are complimented by the minerality, lively acid profile and tannin structure.

The Vintage by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe
"2022 was challenging, but challenges are what make a vintage unique, and overcoming them is what makes a vintage meaningful."
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.
Accolades & Awards
- Tim Atkins | 93 points
‘’Two pickings across five different parcels are the building blocks of this blend, made from a pairing of Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon. Wild yeasts and some skin contact, as well as a variety of fermentation vessels, add complexity, mixing notes of nettles, elderflower and oyster shell with a dab of cream.’’
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | Sauvignon Blanc & 7% Semillon |
| Country | South Africa |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% abv |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.4 units per bottle |
| Type | White Wine |
| Food Matching | Asparagus and pea risotto with lemon zest and basil. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Constantia |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2023 Vallet Frères Marsannay Blanc
Regular price £26.99 Sale price £21.59 Save 20%Marsannay is described as 'the Golden Gate' to the Côte de Nuits and this is a classic example from Vallet Frères.
Tasting Notes
Soft creamy oak notes on the distinctive Vallet nose. Lemons and hints of cloves and vanilla follow with surprisingly but pleasantly taught and savoury notes; the lemon zings through and the acidity is well judged.

Production
Traditional practices have remained relatively unchanged both in the vineyard and cellar since Vallet-Frères formation in 1864. Very low yields are controlled by strict pruning practices. Limestone/clay soils are ploughed, and the grapes are hand harvested. Rigorous grape selection and no destemming (Vallet, like Domaine de la Romanee-Conti are just one of a number of producers who still favour this technique). Grapes undergo immediate pneumatic pressing (to avoid oxidization) and fermentation in oak barrels with "batonnage" every day. Barrels are rolled to gently combine the lees and wine. After 14-16 months in cask the wine is bottled following a light filtration.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
"Well well - this was a pleasant surprise! To be honest - I wasn’t expecting too much from this 12 YO burgundy from a very traditional producer - but it’s delicious. Initial high toast aromas (signifying new oak) prevailed but soon gave way to a lovely rich creaminess. The fruit has a lovely savoury element to it and the still high lemony acidity keeps it fresh. Worked perfectly with my fabulous wife’s bacon & tomato risotto. The wine also evolved well in the glass through a little oxidation and developed very well with time. A 2011 vintage could easily have been over the hill but this is still fresh, vibrant and very together - and will still improve in bottle for another 2-5 years." Tasted July 2023.
Specifications
| Year | 2023 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | 2025-2028 |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Dietary Information | Vegetarian & Vegan approved |
| Food Matches | Of course match with classic Burgundian chicken dishes, such as Poulet de Gaston Gerard (plump chicken in a mustard sauce), but this Marsannay can be matched to sushi when drunk young, and the lemony notes would suit a grilled sea bass. If you decide to cellar it, then try with a regional cheese such as Epoisses. |
| Origin | Marsannay |
| Appellation | Burgundy |
2010 Mac Forbes RS20 Medium Riesling
Regular price £30.00 Sale price £22.99 Save 23%Rare museum release of Tasmanian Riesling from the Mac Forbes cellar. This is a glorious wine drinking right at its peak! It's not often that you come across Australian Riesling with this amount of bottle age but when you do, you should jump at the chance.
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!
It's a Riesling crafted in 2010 from Tasmania. It's off-dry in style with just 20 grams/litre of residual sugar. The balance as a young wine must have been spot on because it's in a magic spot at the moment.
The intense acidity this showed as a young wine has softened, the fruit has blossomed in the bottle, it's honeyed and absolutely at its drinking peak right now.
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 | 2010 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
| Country | Australia |
| Alcohol content | 9.5 % alc vol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 7.13 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Now until 2022 |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Tasmania |
| Appellation | Tasmania |
2017 Weinhofmeisterei Zier Riesling Federspiel
Regular price £24.99 Sale price £20.49 Save 18%Tasting Notes
Colour
Bright yellow green, silver reflections.
Nose
Delicate bouquet, somewhat restrained, with nuances of yellow tropical fruit, and a hint of meadow herbs.
Palate
Elegant, fine sweet fruit, refined acid structure underlay, mineral and long-lasting, with a lemony touch on the back palate, it has development potential.

Producer
Mathias Hirtzberger had a brief career in banking before finding himself drawn back home to the Wachau. His brother Franz is now well established at the famous Franz Hirtzberger estate in Spitz, and wine production seemed more attractive than the world of corporate finance. By happy chance, some family vineyards farmed by another (retiring) Hirtzberger became available at Wösendorf in 2014, and Mathias jumped at the chance to create his own domaine.
More vines from another property in the village also became available to rent at the same time, so he now has 9 hectare estate. He has named the estate Weinhofmeisterei Hirtzberger, and taken some heraldic themes for his labels and wine names, to reflect some of the traditions of the area. The labels feature the coat of arms of St Florian. The monastery of St Florian, located in Upper Austria, had a wine production site in the village from the 13th Century until mid-20th C. A new smart red brick winery was completed just in time for the 2017 harvest.
Accolades
- Falstaff 92 points (2018 tasting)
Specifications
| Year | 2017 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
| Country | Austria |
| Alcohol content | 12.6% alc vol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Origin | Wachau |
2020 Fuentes Del Silencio Mataperezosa
Regular price £39.99 Sale price £29.99 Save 25%These expertly crafted, artisanal wines were borne out of a passion project to revive old vines in this corner of Spain, and have helped put Jamuz back on the wine-producing map.
Tasting Notes
"The 2020 vintage is more restrained and elegant, showing white flowers and hints of nectarine. On the palate, the broadness of Palomino comes in, giving a hint of honeycomb and peach, alongside pastry notes from oak influence. The acidity is very bright and vertical, bringing harmony to the finish." Lenka Sedlackova MW

Producer
Fuentes de Silencio was founded in 2013 on the banks of the Jamuz River, to the south of the province of León. The winery gets its name from the fact that this town had many water reserves and was called the town of fountains.' This passion project is led by oenologist Marta Ramas along with owners Miguel Angel Alonso and his wife Maria Jose Galera. With old pre-phylloxera vines yards, many of which are over 100 years of age they grow the native varieties of Mencía and Alicante Bouschet in very carefully dictated plots. They currently have 24 hectares of vineyards and plantings of Mencía, Alicante Bouschet, Prieto Picudo, Palomino, and Godello. Galician influence here is notable, characterised by the presence of sandy soils and Mencia at high altitudes (800m above sea level) and a continental climate.
Although wine has long been produced in Jamuz, it has done so quietly. This small team is working to bring the essence of the territory back to life and ensure that each of their small plots reaches their highest potential while implementing environmentally-friendly winemaking practices and placing importance on the use of traditional methods. Not only are they the team creating high-quality, exceptional wines of very limited production but they are adding new value to this tiny, relatively unknown region. Jamuz is back on the map.
Production
A blend of Palomino and Doña Blanca, from very old (some pre-phylloxera) vines. Fermentation takes place in a mix of Cocciopesto (a type of amphora) and Austrian oak. Whole bunches are pressed and vatted to settle in the night-time cold. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels where it remains for up to 12 months on its lees, with periodic batonnage.
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 50% Palomino; 50% Doña Blanca |
| Country | Spain |
| Alcohol content | 12% Alc vol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring | Awaiting info |
| Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
| Food Matches | Pairs exceptionally well with curries and spicy dishes, or chicken and turkey with hearty roasted vegetables |
| Origin | Castilla y Leon |
2019 Mac Forbes Woori Yallock ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Regular price £49.50 Sale price £36.50 Save 26%Woori Yallock has gained cult status for Mac and its not hard to see why.
Only 1,500 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
This is not about fruit, but about structure, with lemon pith, rock salts, pear skin running the taut, vibrant palate, to a humming and saline finish. Very much in youth, this is powerful now, just starting to reveal itself, and will certainly continue to impress over the coming years in your cellar.
The Wine
This is arguably the finest Chardonnay to ever be produced by the hands of Mac Forbes. The Woori Yallock vineyard is Mac's baby. Planted in 1995, the 'School House Block is owned by the Ferguson family. Mac has been working the vineyard since 2012 and the resultant wines have been spectacular. This is a Chardonnay with amazing intensity. It's wound tight but has a glorious generosity of fruit. Oak sits firmly in the background, Mac allowing the site to shine in the glass.
The Vineyard
Sitting behind the Waramate hills, this area encompasses both red volcanic and grey loam soils making it slightly more complicated to pinpoint a clear identity of this subregion. The undulating hills provide protection from the drier winds, the rainfall is slightly higher and the perfume, weight and structure appears more dense and effortless, pulling through seamlessly to the back palate.
De-stemmed and crushed before pressing, partial malo 10 months in old oak, indigenous, no fining, sterile filtration.
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 | 2019 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | Australia |
| Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential |
Drink 2022 until 2030 We recommend decanting this wine prior to serving. (10-15 degrees) |
| Maturation |
De-stemmed & crushed before pressing. 10 months in old oak. - not very noticeable |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Woori Yallock, Yarra Valley |
| Appellation | Victoria |
2022 Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Côtes du Jura La Poirière
Regular price £28.99 Sale price £23.19 Save 20%A distinctive wine has recently enjoyed a revival in popularity, while always remaining a cherished choice among connoisseurs.
Tasting Notes
A nice blend of citrus fruit and minerality with a very light touch of toasty oak.

Production
Manual harvest, pressing of the whole grapes, ageing for 12 months in oak barrels with stirring the lees and topping up of the barrels to prevent oxiadtion. About 5-10% of the oak is new.
Producer
Jean Berthet-Bondet has been working his land since 1984.
With a humble 15 hectares of 30 year old vines, this estate may well be small but it is steeped in history and heritage. Half of Jean's land is in the Château Chalon appellation which is home to the Savagnin grape, renowned for making the revered Vin Jaune. A unique wine that has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years, but has always been appreciated by the knowledgeable few.
Specifications
| Year | 2022 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
|
|
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | For immediate enjoyment |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Food Matches | Excellent with fish, seafood and white meat. |
| Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
| Origin | Cotes du Jura |
| Appellation | Cotes du Jura |
2020 Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard, Savigny-Lès-Beaune Blanc
Regular price £33.99 Sale price £27.19 Save 20%From one of Burgundy's finest estates.
Tasting Notes
Fruit from 30 year old vines gives the wine impressive weight and concentration. Rich and intense with attractive peachy fruit and a long, persistent citrus backbone.

Producer
Following the construction of a new winery, the whites are now fermented and aged in separate cellars which has temperature control to allow for greater precision in the vinification and élevage.
The wine undergoes a cool fermentation and ages for just under a year in 225-litre oak barrels, of which 25% are new, incorporating a small proportion of new oak.
Oak Ageing:- Duration: 6 Month - Barrel Size: 225 Litres- Percentage of Wine Oaked: 100%- Percentage of New Oak: 25%
Producer
Around five centuries ago, Jean Girard began cultivating vines in Savigny-Les-Beaune. Seven generations later, Jean-Jacques Girard created his own estate to carry on the family tradition. In 2008, his son Vincent joined him on the farm.
Today, the family farm covers some 15 hectares. It produces around 100,000 bottles a year. Its agriculture is based on a deep respect for the terroir and the environment. To make these wines, she combines traditional know-how with new technologies.
Specifications
| Year | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
|
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches |
The body and intensity of this wine pair nicely with crayfish and langoustine, goat cheese tart, and pork filet mignon.
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| Origin |
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2020 GlenWood Grand Duc Semillon
Regular price £39.99 Sale price £31.99 Save 20%Only 600 bottles produced.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Straw yellow in colour.
Nose
Made in the oxidative style, citrus compote with touch of botrytis and fine oak nuances.
Palate
Complex wine with a serious mid palate and length.
Vintage
A better crop compared to 2019, owing to favourable post-harvest conditions and moderate temperatures during ripening.
Vinification
Grapes were picked at 20°C, gentle crushed and was cold macerated on the skins for 8 hours before pressing. The juice was left to settle for two days and racked to barrel. Using only wild yeast, fermentation occurred over an 8-day period. The wine spent 36 months in a 3rd fill 500L French oak barrel.
Accolades
-
Gold Medal - Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2023
Specifications
| Year | 2021 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 100% Semillon |
| Country | South Africa |
|
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Cellaring Potential | Drink now or within 7 to 12 years from vintage. |
| Food Matching |
Enjoy with seafood. |
| Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
| Origin | Robertsvlei Valle, Franschhoek |
| Appellation | WO Western Cape |