- 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
- 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
- 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
Hills & Harbour Gin & Rocks Glasses Gift Set
Regular price £50.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Gift Box
- 1x beautifully designed packaging
- 1x Hills & Harbour Gin - 70cl - 40%abv
- 2x Rocks glasses - 350ml
Each glass is hand-blown from 100% recycled glass. This creates a subtle green/blue hue which connects with the tones of our region and the bottle design. Each glass features our Hills & Harbour Gin roundel logo.
Tasting Notes
A smooth and vibrant gin that leads with juniper, delivers hints of the forest, tropical fruit, citrus spice, tangy sherbet and a subtle scent of the shore.
Bringing together 11 botanicals including traditional, locally foraged and world ingredients, make this gin really special. To ensure vibrancy, all of the five basic tastes are hit with elements of sweet (Mango), sour (Orange), bitter (Noble Fir from our forests) salt & umami (Bladderwrack seaweed from our shore). We also create sensation by hitting the nerves with subtle numbing Green Sichuan Pepper & tangy Bay leaf. The traditions of gin are respected with classic ingredients at the base making our gin complex but balanced and extremely moreish.
It took over 14 months and more than 90 different recipes to get close to our special blend of botanicals. As the final twist, we also wanted to involve the most important element of all - the public! 400 members of the general public received 3x variations on which they fed back to help craft a gin for the people. The end result is a gin that is entirely appealing to you all. Balanced and versatile so you can serve any way you like.
What's Crafty all about?
Here at the Crafty Distillery we have a plan. Using new technology, our own grain spirit and locally sourced ingredients we want to create tasty, wallet- pleasing spirits for everyone who likes a tipple. We're a small committed team and we believe if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.
Awards
- BEST SCOTTISH LONDON DRY GIN - World Gin Awards 2020
- DOUBLE GOLD LONDON DRY GIN TASTE - San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2019
Cocktail Suggestions
Add 50ml of Hills & Harbour Gin, 25ml of Elderflower Cordial, and a dash of Grapefruit Oleo (made with molasses sugar) to an ice-filled shaker. Add a sprig of Noble Fir and shake. Strain into a glass over ice and top with soda. Garnish with a sprig of Noble Fir and a slice of grapefruit.
A Bottle Like No Other
At Crafty we believe that a bottle design can not only look good, but also work much harder to add extra functionality. The end result is a more enjoyable experience with less impact on the environment.
MADE TO MEASURE
Our crafty measure is cleverly built into the 100% natural wood and cork stopper. It’s designed to let you pour the perfect measure every time – just fill twice for a standard 25ml serve. But it’s been created with something else in mind. To be enjoyed long after the gin’s finished – either to serve up another spirit, or to inspire some creative cocktail making.
AN EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN
Our new bottle shape is a bold and elegant evolution, with the same evocative colours of our region. What’s more, our name and lightning bolt icon now take centre stage.The illustration tells the story of our region’s landscape and natural larder. This creates added texture, which makes the bottle easier to hold and pour. You could say it’s a nice touch.
A BOTTLE DESIGNED TO KEEP ON GIVING
Our new bottle is 30% lighter by design. This helps to reduce the energy used in production, shipping and recycling.And, the short neck and unique wide opening are more than just visually striking. The bigger opening means there are lots of ways the bottle can be up-cycled once the gin is finished. Cheers to that.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Scotland, UK |
Alcohol content
|
40% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 1 unit |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
2017 Weingut Hajszan Neumann Natural Traminer
Regular price £35.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Biodynamic & Vegan Approved
Our lively wines have subtle corners and edges. And it’s good this way, because we love natural, authentic wines. Each one has a characteristic soul, which develops from the natural flavours of the grapes and the terroir. All this comes to fruition thanks to our biodynamic cultivation. We also work gently and reductively in the wine cellar.
Tasting Notes
Piquant and firm on the palate, this full-bodied Traminer is rich, tight and powerful but also finessed. The wine opens with a pure, spicy and aromatic bouquet of apricots and roses. Months of skin-on fermentation result in a strong flavour profile and delightful orange wine.
The Winemaker and Winemaking
Hajszan Neumann Natural Traminer is a natural, biodynamic and organic orange wine made with the Traminer variety by Hajszan Neumann in Weinland Österreich, in the heart of Vienna (Austria). Hajszan Neumann is synonymous with quality Austrian white wines. Wines which are made in the city of Vienna itself, in the Grinzing district and which defend biodynamic precepts.
Managed by the prestigious winemaker Fritz Wieninger, this winery produces fresh, elegant and very expressive wines. Hajszan Neumann Natural Traminer originates from vineyards located at the foot of Nussberg, a mountain composed of limestone, clay and high chalk content soils. According to anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner, 100% biodynamic agriculture is practiced and the harvest is hand-selected after a meticulous selection process.
In the cellar, the crushed grapes for making Hajszan Neumann Natural Traminer ferment in concrete eggs with their skins, without any additives, for 5 months. The wine is then separated from the skins and racked in used 500-liter barrels for 6 weeks. It's bottled without clarifying or filtering. Made with the indigenous red and yellow Traminer varieties, Hajszan Neumann Natural Traminer is presented as an urban orange wine which is also sustainable. A very natural wine made in an authentic urban environment.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Traminer (Mash-fermented Traminer - 50% red Traminer, 50% yellow Traminer) |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.38 units |
Type | Orange Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Biodynamic and Vegan & Vegetarian approved |
Food Matches | Mushrooms, Oriental dishes, Roasted Pork |
Origin | Vienna |
2017 Skillogalee Trevarrick Riesling
Regular price £28.75 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Trevarrick name is reserved for wines that are of exceptional quality and varietal character. It showcases the essence of Skillogalee!
Tasting Notes
The wine shows an intense lift of Tahitian lime, bathpowder and floral perfume on the nose with a touch of orange blossom. The palate is highly structured and the mineral notes speak strongly of the Skillogalee Dolomite soils that nurtured the vines.
- Matthew Jukes Top 100 Australian Wines 2017
History
Trevarrick was the original name of the Skillogalee property, settled by John and Anne Trestrail in the early 1850’s. In 1970 it was planted to vines and renamed. Now at Skillogalee, each individual contour block on the estate is harvested and vinified separately. The Trevarrick name is reserved for wines that are of exceptional quality and varietal character.
The grapes for this wine were selectively harvested off the highest altitude, earliest ripening contour on the property at around 500m. The stony, thin soils and topography of this part of the vineyard produce unique, high-quality grapes bursting with varietal character.
The 2012 Trevarrick Riesling was made from 100% hand-picked fruit. Only first-cut free-run juice was used to ensure the varietal character was captured in the finished wine.
Winery
A family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Clare Valley in South Australia, Skillogalee is known for the exceptional quality of their red and white wines and is widely recognised as one of the region’s top estates. They also lead the way in responsible farming, having practised sustainable methodologies in the vineyard and the winery for many years. The original Skillogalee vineyards were planted in the early 1970’s on stony soils and steep, eastern-facing slopes at almost 500 metres above sea level.
The first wines were released in 1976 and quickly gained acclaim: the 1978 Dry Riesling won major trophies at the Adelaide Wine Show and the National Wine Show, putting Skillogalee firmly on the Australian winemaking map. Aware of the exceptional quality of the vineyards and their potential to produce world-class wines, current owners David and Diana Palmer acquired the property in 1989. In 2002 they purchased next-door neighbour Waninga Vineyards, with 30 hectares of 30-year-old vines, bringing the size of the estate to 60 hectares.
While production increased, the Palmers have taken great care to maintain the quality and characteristic style of the wines. Deciding to avoid the bureaucracy of organic or biodynamic certification does not stop a producer from holding soil health and sustainability as a top priority, and this is the case at Skillogalee. Every effort is taken to ensure the best quality grapes are harvested each year, the vines are hand-pruned, and the fruit is mainly hand-picked, with yields kept extremely low. All wines are produced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Riesling |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.4% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.3 units |
Type | White Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Origin | Clare Valley |
Appellation | South Australia |
2017 Château Kirwan Les Charmes de Kirwan
Regular price £39.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The wine is fresh and fruity with red and black fruit aromas on the nose and an elegant yet firm palate. A fine and elegant wine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
A rich, deep color that immediately announces the tone of the vintage. It appears as a highly concentrated wine.
Nose
The rich, complex nose confirms this impression, with a blend of black fruit and spices such as black pepper, cinnamon and vanilla.
Palate
In the mouth, the attack is at once fresh and profuse. The sense of volume continues mid-palate while velvety tannins gradually develop, giving the wine its body without ever becoming overbearing. Everything is in perfect balance. A few notes of cocoa and coffee complement the broad aromatic palette right up to the prolonged finale, supported by extremely mature tannins.
Charmes de Kirwan is typically a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot and represents a quarter of the total château production. It is the main wine’s “little brother” and is generally made from the fruit of the youngest vines and parcels of the vineyard that are less gravelly, but sandier.
Producer
Introduced in 1993, Les Charmes de Kirwan is the second wine of Château Kirwan, a third growth Margaux property in the commune of Cantenac, which has been owned by the Schyler family since 1925. Today, Jean-Henri Schyler lives in the Château and shares his passion of the terroir with his children Sophie, Nathalie and Yann. Thanks to their efforts alongside winemaker Philippe Delfaut, Château Kirwan has been producing superb wines in recent years.
Awards
- Silver Medal - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, 2019
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 13% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Food Matches |
Red meat (beef and duck) and then, when it goes older, match it with a filet mignon accompanied with prunes or noble mushrooms. |
Origin |
Margaux |
Appellation | Bordeaux |
2017 Mac Forbes EB38 'Showdown' #2 Pinot Noir, Syrah
Regular price £26.40 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Drink this slightly chilled for a super Summer red.
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!
Mac Forbes loves to tinker with new blends in his EB ('experimental batch') range: 2016 was Nebbiolo/Pinot, 2017 Pinot/Syrah.
This meeting of varieties was made famous in the Hunter Valley where some of the country's greatest wines were made half a century ago. Mac brings the blend to the Yarra with great results. The richness and spiciness of the Syrah, the prettiness of the Pinot, the varieties get along brilliantly.
Slippery, spicy, floral and delicious, this is one experiment that has definitely paid dividends for Mac.
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 | Pinot Noir & Syrah |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Now - 2024 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching | BBQ lamb chops. |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2008 Mac Forbes RS37 Medium Riesling
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This Riesling follows in the footsteps of the previous off-dry Rieslings first made in 2005.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Pale Straw
Nose
Aromatic, perfume and citrus (lemon) with higher floral notes.
Palate
Fine and expressive with great length and perseverance. Sugar is textural but the wine doesn’t show the sugar.
In the Vineyard
One of the oldest vineyards in the Strathbogie ranges, Antcliff Chase vineyard was planted in 1982 by the Bennett Family and at its highest point reaches 580m above sea level. The vineyard is dry grown (no irrigation) and crops are kept to approximately 3t/ac. The soil is predominately decomposed granitic sandy loam, which is relatively unfertile.
The Vintage
2008 in the Strathbogie couldn’t have been better. A moderate summer with minimal rain and cool nights. This was ideal conditions for growing Riesling. Harvest was in late March '08.
Winemaking
2008 provided the perfect vintage albeit on the slightly warm side. They picked the off-dry Riesling first (of three picks) and crushed/destemmed the fruit into the press where they let the juice sit on skins for about 1 hour. The juice was then gently pressed into a cold settling tank where it remained for 36 hours. The clear juice was then racked with some solids into barrel and tank to ferment wild. The tank ferment was held at 9 degrees C and when the wine became drier on the palate, they arrested the ferment by dropping the temperature and adding sulphur. No other additives were made to this wine (ie. No yeast, fining, enzymes, acid or nutrients). The wine was left on lees for about 4 months before being filtered and bottled.
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!
Alan's Personal Notes
"Just loving Mac's R37 - high in acidity and a fair whack of residual sugar, but what an extremely well made and balanced glass of wine. Searing fresh acidity matched by complex honeyed sugar characteristics. Stunning and a perfect 'pair o'teeth!"
Specifications
Year | 2008 |
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 |
Food Pairings |
Pork, Shellfish, Poultry, Appetizers and snacks, Cured Meat |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Requirements | Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly |
Origin |
Strathbogie Ranges |
Appellation | Victoria |
2017 Mac Forbes Wesburn Chenin
Regular price £40.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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 Mac Forbes Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This may be Mac’s ‘entry level’ Chard but the wonderful 2017 vintage has offered up a top drink here. This is one of those 'cult following' wines that always sells out and offers terrific value.
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 Vineyards
The Yarra Valley is one of the homes of Australian Chardonnay and is definitely an area of expertise for Mac Forbes.
All of his Chardonnays strike that lovely balance between old-world elegance and finesse, with new world fruit and freshness. They’re superb. It's a blend of fruit from our Healesville, Hoddles Creek and Woori Yallock vineyards, designed to capture the essence of Yarra Valley Chardy.
Critical Acclaim
The 2017 Chardonnay is a light-bodied, slightly creamy-textured wine, fermented and aged in older oak. White peach and pineapple notes dominate, with some custard-like leesiness to add layers and length. Enjoy over its first several years of life.
The 2017 will mature beautifully as noted by Gary Walsh in his 93+ point review.
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 | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Chardonnay |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11.5% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | White Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Generally, they can be enjoyed young but cellaring will reward with increased complexity. Drink until 2027 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
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 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 |
Doña Paula Altitude Series Gift Pack
Regular price £50.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Altitude Series contains some of the most recognizable labels from the Doña Paula winery. Its three members are blends that seek to reflect the expression of the different farms, and in particular the different dreams and altitudes at which the vines are planted. But at the same time, the common thread that sustains the line - and the winery - is clear: freshness.
Tasting Notes
The line begins with 2021 Doña Paula Altitude Series 969 : its yellow line logo represents the clay soil of Finca El Alto, located 969 meters above sea level in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza). It is a cut of Petit Verdot (55%), Bonarda (40%) and Malbec (5%) with an intense violet colour. On the nose, Petit Verdot brings aromas of blueberries and jasmine while Bonarda adds intense aromas of blackberries and raspberries. It stands out for its firm tannins and good volume in the mouth, Malbec offers an attractive structure and a long finish.
The 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1350, with a greyish-white logo, comes from the stony and calcareous soils of Finca Alluvia, Gualtallary, Valle de Uco (Mednoza). It is a blend of Cabernet Franc (50%), Malbec (45%) and Casavecchia (5%) with an intense violet color. Cabernet Franc provides spicy and floral notes, while Malbec provides berries notes. It presents a good length and it is very persistent due to its tannins. It is an elegant blend with a great structure.
Finally, 2019 Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100, the one with the red logo, comes from pink caliche soils from Finca Los Indios located in El Cepillo, San Carlos. Uco Valley (Mendoza). It combines Malbec (60%), Syrah (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) blended to create this complex and balanced wine of a deep violet color. In the nose, it has floral aromas – such as violet and rosehip – typical of the Malbec variety. The Syrah contributes spicy notes, good volume in the mouth and silky tannins, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the blend with a great structure.
Specifications
Altitude Series 969 | Altitude Series 1350 | Altitude Series 1100 | |
Year | 2021 | 2019 | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml | 750ml | 750ml |
Cultivar | 55% Petit Verdot, 40% Bonarda, 5% Malbec. |
50% Cabernet Franc - 45% Malbec - 5% Casavecchia |
60% Malbec, 30% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Argentina | Argentina | Argentina |
Alcohol content | 14% alc vol | 14.4% alc vol | 15% alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units | 10.8 units | 11.2 units |
Type | Red Wine | Red Wine | Red Wine |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 15°C and 18°C. | Between 15°C and 18°C. | Between 15°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | Perfect to enjoy special dishes, such as a rack of lamb with sautéed mushrooms. | Delicious to enjoy with a rib-eye steak with quinoa risotto. | Beef tenderloin, blue cheese and spinach wrapped in pastry, and served with sweet potato purée and roasted pepper coulis. |
Dietary Information | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly | Gluten-free, Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites | Contains sulphites | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | El Alto, Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoz | Alluvia, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley | Los Indios, El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley |
Hills & Harbour Gin & High Ball Glasses Gift Set
Regular price £50.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The Gift Box
- 1x beautifully designed packaging
- 1x Hills & Harbour Gin - 70cl - 40%abv
- 2x High-ball glasses - 350ml
Each glass is hand-blown from 100% recycled glass. This creates a subtle green/blue hue which connects with the tones of our region and the bottle design. Each glass features our Hills & Harbour Gin roundel logo.
Tasting Notes
A smooth and vibrant gin that leads with juniper, delivers hints of the forest, tropical fruit, citrus spice, tangy sherbet and a subtle scent of the shore.
Bringing together 11 botanicals including traditional, locally foraged and world ingredients, make this gin really special. To ensure vibrancy, all of the five basic tastes are hit with elements of sweet (Mango), sour (Orange), bitter (Noble Fir from our forests) salt & umami (Bladderwrack seaweed from our shore). We also create sensation by hitting the nerves with subtle numbing Green Sichuan Pepper & tangy Bay leaf. The traditions of gin are respected with classic ingredients at the base making our gin complex but balanced and extremely moreish.
It took over 14 months and more than 90 different recipes to get close to our special blend of botanicals. As the final twist, we also wanted to involve the most important element of all - the public! 400 members of the general public received 3x variations on which they fed back to help craft a gin for the people. The end result is a gin that is entirely appealing to you all. Balanced and versatile so you can serve any way you like.
What's Crafty all about?
Here at the Crafty Distillery, we have a plan. Using new technology, our own grain spirit and locally sourced ingredients we want to create tasty, wallet-pleasing spirits for everyone who likes a tipple. We're a small committed team and we believe if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.
Awards
- BEST SCOTTISH LONDON DRY GIN - World Gin Awards 2020
- DOUBLE GOLD LONDON DRY GIN TASTE - San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2019
Cocktail Suggestions
Add 50ml of Hills & Harbour Gin, 25ml of Elderflower Cordial and a dash of Grapefruit Oleo (made with molasses sugar) to an ice-filled shaker. Add a sprig of Noble Fir and shake. Strain into a glass over ice and top with soda. Garnish with a sprig of Noble Fir and a slice of grapefruit.
A Bottle Like No Other
At Crafty we believe that a bottle design can not only look good, but also work much harder to add extra functionality. The end result is a more enjoyable experience with less impact on the environment.
MADE TO MEASURE
Our crafty measure is cleverly built into the 100% natural wood and cork stopper. It’s designed to let you pour the perfect measure every time – just fill twice for a standard 25ml serve. But it’s been created with something else in mind. To be enjoyed long after the gin’s finished – either to serve up another spirit, or to inspire some creative cocktail making.
AN EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN
Our new bottle shape is a bold and elegant evolution, with the same evocative colours of our region. What’s more, our name and lightning bolt icon now take centre stage.The illustration tells the story of our region’s landscape and natural larder. This creates added texture, which makes the bottle easier to hold and pour. You could say it’s a nice touch.
A BOTTLE DESIGNED TO KEEP ON GIVING
Our new bottle is 30% lighter by design. This helps to reduce the energy used in production, shipping and recycling.And, the short neck and unique wide opening are more than just visually striking. The bigger opening means there are lots of ways the bottle can be up-cycled once the gin is finished. Cheers to that.
Specifications
Bottle Size | 70cl |
Country | Scotland, UK |
|
40% |
Units of Alcohol per single 25ml serving | 1 unit |
Type | Spirit - Gin |
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 |
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 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 |
2022 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 |