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2017 Eduardo Garrido Garcia Rioja Reserva
Regular price £26.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The spirited red wines of Spain | A fabulous quality and great value Reserva from a small family, producer.
Tasting Notes
Colour
In the glass a cherry red color with rusty red reflections of medium depth.
Nose
Good aromatic intensity, with balsamic notes and ripe fruit on the nose.
Palate
Soft and clean on the palate with a fresh and elegant taste and well-integrated tannins on the finish.
Producer
Positioned in La Rioja, the winery Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia offers wine enjoyment in the middle of Spain, close to the coastal region of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the town is separated from the sea by almost 40 kilometers of natural parks and mountains, cold Atlantic winds find their way to the cultivated areas and provide the necessary cooling, especially on hot summer days. Since 1923, visitors to this winery have been able to discover a surprising selection of exquisite red and white wines.
His grandfather already ensured excellent results with his passion for the taste of delicious wines. Today it is Amelia Garrido who runs the winery together with her father and protects the high quality of the products with the same care. After sustainable production, the individual bottles are transported directly to the winery's customers. This not only protects the environment, but also offers those interested personalized access to a unique taste experience.
It is important for Amelia Garrido to preserve the surrounding nature and focus on selected varieties. Strong aromas and a purple color give the winery's Vino Joven a special character that the winery wants to maintain in any case. Young, mature wines with fruity notes form the foundation of Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia. At least up to 20% of these wines have also been aged in barrels for three months.
At Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia, connoisseurs encounter wines that grow 600 meters above sea level. The vines grown there produce strong red wines and draw their support from the existing clay soils, which are also rich in calcium. Nevertheless, the Bodega Eduardo Garrido Garcia winery also takes advantage of the region's prevailing microclimate, which always guarantees sufficient sun and cool temperatures at the same time.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 80% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergy Information | Contains sulphites |
Legumes, white and red meats, cured or semi-cured cheeses, sausages. | |
Appellation | D.O.Ca Rioja |
2018 Beau Constantia 'Aidan'
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
The 2018 Aidan is a character of serious substance. A dry vintage has sculpted a wine with incredible structure, boasting flavours that lean towards the darker spectrum of fruit. This blend is predominantly Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Malbec and Merlot used as well.
Nose
At first, aromas of blackcurrant and blackberries fill the nose, until a necessary swirl allows for spices such as star anise, five spice and mace to enter the conversation.
Palate
Olive tapenade and fresh leather hint in the distance, beautifully balanced by a serious salinity that pins this offering to its maritime environment, where the vines grow on steep slopes circled by the cold Atlantic Ocean.
The Year by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe
"The 2018 vintage will long be remembered for its coolness and low disease pressure. It will also be remembered as the first real vintage to feel the effects of the famous Cape Drought that started in 2015 and worsened towards 2018. Our yields were down by 10%, but with our buffering cool climate conditions, the quality of the vintage was superlative."
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- 94pts | IWSC 2021
-
90pts | Tim Atkin
Aidan is an ambitious and – for Constantia – unusual four-way blend of mostly Syrah with 61% Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Dark, sinewy and concentrated, with lots of tannic backbone, damson and blackberry fruit and well-integrated 54% new oak. 2022-27
- 91pts | Platter’s
Syrah component raised to 39% in 2017, with petit verdot, cab & malbec, showing less muscle, more refinement than 2016 (4 stars, 89 pts). Delightful earthy notes with black cherries & cassis, plush ripe tannins. 20 months in barrel, 54% new.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 32% Syrah, 28% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 7% Merlot. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.5% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units per bottle |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | 2022-2027 |
Food Matching | Enjoy with a rosemary-crusted roast rack of lamb with root vegetables and a rich, umami gravy and other rich, savoury slow cooked dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Beau Constantia 'Stella' Syrah
Regular price £32.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Megan van der Merwe, the brilliant young winemaker at Beau Constantia, set out to make the Stella with ‘the absolute intention to preserve the site that grew the fruit’. The Syrah and Viognier for this wine grow side by side on one of the farm’s lower lying slopes – both varietals are picked together, when the Syrah is ripe, meaning that the Viognier hangs on the vine until it is a little raisined, adding a rich honey-like component to the wine. 18 months in French oak (only 28% new) adds complexity to the wine.
Floral notes of violet, spicy black pepper, dried herbs and fresh red fruit – cherry and pomegranate – are held together by savoury fine tannin. Epic!
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- 93pts | Platter's 2023
- Tim Atkin 90pts
“Stella is a Côte Rôtie style co-fermentation of Syrah with 0.05% (yes, really) Viognier and 52% whole bunches. Very much a cool climate style, it has aromas of dried herbs and white pepper, savoury tannins, perfumed 28% new wood and bright red cherry and pomegranate fruit.”
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 99.5% Syrah with a splash of Viognier |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.18% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.6 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matching | Enjoy with simple Ostrich Carpaccio covered in all kinds of Umami – try truffle, pecorino, honey or/and Dijon mustard with good quality, local, Olive oil and Carpaccio covered in truffle and parmesan or dijon mustard. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Beau Constantia 'Lucca'
Regular price £27.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
It’s a blend of near parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, harvested in the cool hours of the morning to retain freshness, from well-exposed North-East facing slopes. After natural fermentation on skins, the wine was matured in French Oak for 18 months.
Expect indulgent notes of plum, black cherry and vanilla. Savoury and herbaceous on the palate, with classic cool-climate acidity and freshness.
The Year by Winemaker Megan van der Merwe
"2019 was a pivotal year for Beau Constantia. Our terroir faced a massive shift in climate, and I was honoured enough to take over the entire winemaking process from ground to glass. Fearful? Be not. Change is the basic law of nature, and remaining in sync with our ever-changing environment is a way of life we find humbling, exciting and rewarding."
Winery
Some two decades ago, raging wildfires swept through an area of forest high up on Constantia Nek, leaving the slopes scorched and bare. When the fire had subsided, what was left was a brilliant and unique spot for planting a vineyard; 350 metres above sea level, with cooling ocean breezes and steep sun-bathed hills and so, like a phoenix, Beau Constantia rose from the ashes.
Sensing opportunity, Pierre and Cecily Du Preez acquired the 22-hectare property in 2002. With thorough soil analysis guiding their efforts, the inaugural vineyards were planted in 2003 under the careful guidance of farm manager, Japie Bronn.
The journey to establish vineyards on these challenging slopes demanded patience and unwavering commitment. Today, Beau Constantia proudly boasts 11.47 hectares under vine, a testament to the perseverance and dedication of all involved. Within these vineyards thrive a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz, and Petit Verdot, each meticulously nurtured to capture the unique essence of this extraordinary landscape.
This boutique wine farm with just over 11 hectares under vine has utterly spectacular views over the peninsula. Megan van der Merwe is the Head Winemaker, having taken over from Justin Van Wyk in 2021, after serving as Assistant Winemaker during his successful tenure. Megan believes in 'farming to perfection - just don't stuff it up in the cellar!'. This very talented winemaker is certainly one to watch.
Each of their releases is a tribute to a member of the family.
Accolades & Awards
- Tim Atkin | 91 Pts
“Cabernet Franc led for the first time; Lucca is a blend with 47% French clone Merlot. Green, tangy and bright, this reflects the cooler 2019 growing season in Constantia and has appealing cedarwood, black cherry and cranberry flavours complemented by fine-boned tannins.”
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 53% Cabernet France, 47% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 14.7% abv |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine - Bordeaux Blend |
Cellaring Potential | 2023 - 2027 |
Food Matching | Roasted red peppers or spiced monkish. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Constantia |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2016 Cafaggio Basilica del Cortaccio Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £39.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Cafaggio Cortaccio is a stunning 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with delicate aromas of cassis, tobacco and cedar. The robust palate delivers mature plum, clove and espresso alongside chewy tannins. Long and pleasant finish. Certified organic.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Aromatic notes of coffee, juicy ripe fruits, various spices, and jam.
Palate
Its mid-palate is energetic and vibrant, with not just blackcurrant aromas and flavours but that split-leaf herbaceousness that works so well from glorious Cabernet Sauvignon. Such a fresh, attractive scent. The nose also carries hints of cedar, spice, and blackberry, with a velvety, harmonious palate.
Vinification & Aging
Manual harvesting in mid-October, alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, breaking and soaking of the marc through manual pressing and pump-overs with air, spontaneous malolactic fermentation, maturation for 18 months in French oak (Tronçais and Allier) barriques that have been used once previously (medium-toasted), and bottle-aged for six months before sales start.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Review
- 96 points with Decanter
-
Susan Hulme MW: "Lovely complex nose cedar, spice and blackberry, very smooth and harmonious palate."Andrea Briccarello: "Clean, coffee notes, roasted and intense notes of juicy fruits, charming spices and jam."Annette Scarfe MW: "Pure blackcurrant leaf with an energetic vibrant mid-palate – fresh and attractive."
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2021 - 2035 |
Food Matching | An excellent wine to pair with red meats and hearty sauces. Particularly suited for traditional Sunday Roast recipes featuring lamb. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Sustainable Farming, Practising Organic | |
Appellation | Tuscany |
2020 Cafaggio Chianti Classico
Regular price £21.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Ripe, deliciously berry, slightly earthy and herbal aroma. The medium-bodied taste repeats the berry aromas of the fragrance. The wine also has a slight smokiness, a hint of pine, cranberry and sour cherry.
Palate
In the mouthfeel, the wine is fruity, because the acidity and slightly drying tannins give the whole thing an edge. The wine leaves a ripe cranberry and lingonberry aftertaste, slightly astringent. The earthy flavours and aromas become more pronounced as the wine matures and develops. Oak maturation also adds spicy and vanilla notes.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Nuanced and developed wines go well will rustic meat dishes. You can also pair them with cheese or enjoy them on their own. Try with reindeer steak, entrecôte or hard, aged cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan or Manchego. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tuscany |
2017 Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva
Regular price £33.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Villa Cafaggio Chianti Classico Riserva is obtained exclusively from Sangiovese grapes. Grown on land owned by the estate, the vineyard, situated in Panzano in Chianti, extends along the sunny slopes of the 'Conca d'Oro' (Golden basin), a wine- growing area of great value.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This opens with aromas of black-skinned berries, leather, and baking spices.
Palate
Silky, with nutty fruit and a hint of bitter chocolate character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish.
Producer
Since the Renaissance and beyond, Cafaggio's conca d'oro vineyards—which can also be translated as "golden shell," "golden bowl," or "golden basin"—have been renowned for the exceptional wines they produce at an altitude ranging from 300-400 meters above sea level and encompassing a surface area of about 60 hectares.
The conca, as its name suggests, is a steep, naturally occurring amphitheater with a southern exposure that is perfect for the growth of grapes that will be transformed into wines with intense flavor, distinct structure, and significant aging potential.
The conca d'ora is situated in the center of Panzano commune, one of the five Chianti Classico DOCG villages (the only five townships where Chianti Classico can be produced today) where Chianti was first manufactured.
The soil types, in combination with the height and exposure, offer the vines exceptional vigor as their roots look for the water table, making the estate's vineyards one of the most sought-after quality wine-growing locations in all of Tuscany.
Cafaggio is an active participant in the 1995-founded Unione Viticoltori di Panzano (Panzano Grape Grower and Winemaker Union), a group that supports and aids in the promotion of the township's wineries.
Review
- 91 Points Wine Enthusiast
- Bronze Medal at the 2021 International Wine Challenge
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Tuscany |
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 |
2015 Château De Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan
Regular price £27.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A very fruity, velvety, rich Pessac-Léognan, with well-balanced tannins.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Garnet red
Nose
Intense, with notes of fresh red fruits, slightly spicy
Palate
Elegant and balanced, with notes of red fruits, round and harmonious tannins
Estate
Château de Rochemorin belonged in the 18th century to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, author of the famous Persian Letters. The latter willingly became the ambassador of Rochemorin red wines to his friends, men of letters and other notables, during his numerous trips to Europe, never forgetting to praise the beautiful complexity and the mineral notes on the nose and on the palate balanced and fine, their melted and fine tannins in the finish make them a sure value of the appellation.
The vines of Château de Rochemorin which give rise to this Pessac-Léognan red occupy no less than 87 hectares on a gravel terroir typical of the appellation. Two grape varieties are represented: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from vines with an average age of 20 years. The result is a very fruity, velvety, rich wine, with well-balanced tannins.
This vast vineyard is harvested by hand and machine with mechanical sorting for plot vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, before aging for 12 months in barrels comprising 30 to 40% new wood.
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This red wine can be accompanied by: red meat, dishes in sauce, furry and feathered game, poultry, terrines, strong goat's and cow's cheeses (brie, old chavignol, munster), coffee or chocolate desserts. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C. |
Cellaring Potential | A wine to keep, the vintage offers the potential to keep for around 15-20 years. |
Appellation |
Pessac-Léognan Contrôlée
|
2010 Château De Rochemorin Pessac-Léognan
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The 2010 vintage was a strong one. This winery is located in southwestern France in the Graves district of Bordeaux where the wines tend to be blacker, deeper and oakier than other Bordeaux districts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Loads of oak and smoke on the nose and palate of this robust Bordeaux red wine from generous oak barrel aging.
Palate
Boasts a tobacco and roasted cedar frame, with a sanguine edge that guides the lightly mulled plum and red currant fruit. The supple, stylish finish lingers.
Estate
Château de Rochemorin belonged in the 18th century to the philosopher, Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu, author of the famous Persian Letters. The latter willingly became the ambassador of Rochemorin red wines to his friends, men of letters and other notables, during his numerous trips to Europe, never forgetting to praise the beautiful complexity and the mineral notes on the nose and on the palate balanced and fine, their melted and fine tannins in the finish make them a sure value of the appellation.
The vines of Château de Rochemorin which give rise to this Pessac-Léognan red occupy no less than 87 hectares on a gravel terroir typical of the appellation. Two grape varieties are represented: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, from vines with an average age of 20 years. The result is a very fruity, velvety, rich wine, with well-balanced tannins.
This vast vineyard is harvested by hand and machine with mechanical sorting for plot vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, before aging for 12 months in barrels comprising 30 to 40% new wood.
Specifications
Year | 2010 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | This red wine can be accompanied by: red meat, dishes in sauce, furry and feathered game, poultry, terrines, strong goat's and cow's cheeses (brie, old chavignol, munster), coffee or chocolate desserts. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C. |
Cellaring Potential | For enjoyment now and for the next few years. |
Appellation |
Pessac-Léognan Contrôlée
|
2015 Lurton Chateau Bonnet Reserve Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon (Magnum)
Regular price £33.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Thanks to expressive fruit – but without excessive concentration – Château Bonnet's red wine is unquestionably charming. In fact, it is a benchmark in Bordeaux. The wine is best enjoyed on the young side, although the quality tannin ensures good ageing for several year. With its fresh red cherry notes, this wine makes a great pairing for grilled meats and cheese platters.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep ruby-red color scattered with purple highlights.
Nose
The nose is very attractive and fruity, revealing a delicious array of fresh fruit notes (cherry), underpinned by subtle hints of spice.
Palate
This beautiful Bonnet starts out straightforward on the palate, becoming very round, delicious and sweet. Fresh red fruit aromas (cherry) follow through to the palate.
Production
Grapes come from clay-limestone hilltop vineyards of Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers. Aged 12 months in 20% new oak barrels.
Rating
- 91 points from Decanter Magazine
Specifications
Year | 2015 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L (Magnum) |
Cultivar | 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Nuanced and developed wines go well with rustic meat dishes. You can also pair them with cheese or enjoy them on their own. Try with reindeer steak, entrecôte or hard, aged cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan or Manchego. |
Origin | Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers |
Appellation |
Bordeaux
|
2019 Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £29.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%One of SA’s most exciting producers? Yes. From one of SA’s premium Cab growing regions? Yep. Banging Cab? Absolutely!
Tasting Notes
Nose
The slopes of Rondekop provide the ideal terroir for our spectacular Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has a deep ruby core and a depth of black fruits on the nose. Black cherries, black plums and blackcurrant are present, along with spicier notes of baking spice, cigar box and lavender.
Palate
A beautifully defined palate with long-grained tannins and a mouth-watering acidity carries the fruit and the spices to an emphatic finish.
A bold, yet elegant, Cabernet Sauvignon brimming with black fruit and cassis. In addition to the black fruit there is a bouquet of spice, ranging from tobacco to cedar. Grippy long-grained tannin and beautiful mouth-watering acidity carry the wine on the palate to a long finish. An exceptional wine to be enjoyed now, or in the next 8–10 years.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Grapes were hand-picked and meticulously hand-sorted before destemming and crushing. After 5 days of cold soaking fermentation began, using on wild yeast. 1 to 3 pumpovers, at the expense of punchdowns, were done per day for optimal extraction. Post fermentation wine completed malolactic conversion and spent 18 months maturing in French oak barrels (27% new).
Accolades
- 94 points | Tim Aitkin
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Match | Beef Burger with vintage mature cheddar and red wine caramelised onions. |
Cellaring Potential |
An exceptional wine to be enjoyed now, or in the next 8–10 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Oldenburg Syrah
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A Rhône Valley lovers’ Syrah. Spicy, full of red fruit and lightly oaked.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A bouquet of red fruit – red cherries, rhubarb and cranberries – are interwoven with spicier notes of black pepper, lavender, parmesan shavings and grapefruit pith.
Palate
Refreshingly light in alcohol with a delicate grip from the whole bunch and 25% new wood.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Hand harvested and hand sorted to ensure that only the best fruit makes its way into the bottle. Whole berry fermentation took place, using only natural yeasts, in two batches – the first batch was 30% whole bunch and the second was 100% whole bunch. Punch downs were used 1 – 3 times per day for optimal extraction. 14 months of maturation, in 300L and 500L French oak (25% new), followed by fermentation. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Accolades
- 92pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
9.2% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Food matching |
Barbequed pork ribs- and don’t be scared to get a bit of char on the ribs from the flames! |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Oldenburg Cabernet Franc
Regular price £35.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%An incredibly focused and pure Cabernet Franc that echoes the Loire. In the words of the Decanter World Wine Awards: ‘Texturally very impressive, with balance, concentration and zesty vigour!’
Tasting Notes
Nose
This wine has an incredibly generous nose, with vanilla pod, mulberry black plums and liquorice at the heart of it.
Palate
The palate showcases a depth of flavour with blackcurrant leaf, thyme and grapefruit-pith adding to the plethora of aromas and flavours. A stunning acidity, well-structured chalky tannins and a delightful finish bring this wine to life.
Winery
Oldenburg; a hot topic from a cool climate. Anyone who knows anything about South African wine should have Oldenburg fully on their radar – they are producing outrageously good wine and have, very arguably, the most beautiful tasting room to visit in the Cape. Oldenburg, situated in the Banghoek Valley of Stellenbosch, has one of the coolest microclimates in the region. A combination of a mountain amphitheatre, high altitude and cooling winds result in growing conditions about 5 degrees cooler than the rest of Stellenbosch.
Oldenburg aims to best reflect their remarkable terroir through the Oldenburg Vineyards (OV) range of wines – a range of single-cultivar wines. There is minimal intervention in the vineyards and the wines are made in an uncompromising manner.
Cabernet Franc seems to have found its home in the Banghoek Valley, and ours grows exceptionally well at the foot of Rondekop, our mystical hill.
Vintage Conditions
While winter had a late start, it was characterised by good rainfall, leading to an even budbreak. A turbulent start to flowering season improved towards the onset of summer. Warmer weather in November contributed to even vineyard growth. A moderate January and February was followed by an initially hot February, while cool and wet conditions dominated from the end of February through March, creating challenging harvest conditions. Despite the wetter conditions, our microclimate allowed the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness.
Winemaking & Maturation
Grapes were harvested and sorted carefully by hand, and cold soaked for 5 days before fermentation was initiated. Pumpovers were performed up to three times daily. Malolactic conversion was in barrel. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. 29% of barrels used were 225L with the balance in 300L. The wine was bottled in November 2020.
Accolades
- 93pts | Platter's
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Food matching |
A delicate game meat such as ostrich or deer served with a cranberry and thyme jus. |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
This wine is from a cooler vintage, and has a brilliant future ahead of it, promising spectacular development over the next 15 years. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2009 Grangehurst Nikela Magnum Gift Pack
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Red berries with some mint, cedar and mocha aromas & flavours.
Palate
A full-bodied, elegant barrel-matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” – this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes – “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” – in England.
Origin
Selected from prime Helderberg and Simonsberg vineyards in Stellenbosch. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards – especially those in the Helderberg.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 5 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimum extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in basket presses. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any fining agents, centrifuges or filters – a natural, unhurried method of clarifying wine.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot and Mourvèdre – were matured in 225-litre French oak barrels for 29 months.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L Magnum |
Cultivar | 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 1% Mourèdre |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.4% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.6 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching | Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as yellowfin tuna ravioli, balsamic pan-seared chicken livers, grilled kabeljou or slow-roasted lamb shanks. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2009 Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Magnum)
Regular price £49.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These three words epitomise Jeremy Walker’s winemaking, with one notable omission – Delicious. By ‘Unhurried’, Jeremy is alluding to the fact that he doesn’t release a wine until he believes it is ready to be enjoyed, which is evident in the current vintages being 2008 and 2009!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby/garnet colour
Nose
Complex aromas & flavours of black and red berries, cassis, mocha and violets.
Palate
A full-bodied barrel matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins.
History
Jeremy Walker founded Grangehurst in 1992, when he converted his fathers’ squash court into a makeshift wine production cellar. He used the ‘squash court cellar’ to make his first 6 vintages, only moving out after the 1998 vintage.
Jeremy was invited to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild in 1996 and was one of the longest standing members when, in order to let a young winemaker take his place in the sun, he elected to step down in 2021.
The Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend has been part of the Grangehurst range since our maiden vintage in 1992. As a young wine, still in barrel, the 1992 vintage was adjudged the SA Champion Wine. The 1993 vintage was Wine Magazine’s first 5-star red wine and the 1995 was a Platter 5- star wine. Other vintages of this wine have also been highly regarded, and Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a fine quality Bordeaux-style wine with a good track record.
Origin
Selected from prime vineyard areas in Stellenbosch viz. the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain and the Simonsberg. The southerly summer sea-breezes that blow over the cool waters of False Bay contribute greatly to the quality of the grapes from these vineyards.
Fermentation
After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 8 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimal extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in a basket press. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. The malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels.
Clarification
This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any unnatural fining agents, centrifuges or filters. This method of clarifying wine prevents it from being stripped of flavours.
Barrel Maturation
The various component wines were matured separately in 225 litre French oak barrels for 27 months prior to blending.
Bottling
Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered.
Specifications
Year | 2009 |
Bottle Size | 1.5cl Magnum |
Cultivar | 74% Cabernet Sauvignon & 26% Merlot |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 21.8 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential |
Recommended drinking up to 20 years from vintage. |
Food Matching |
Enjoy this wine with fine cuisine such as venison carpaccio, oven-roasted vegetable pasta, Moroccan chicken or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Paul Wallace Braveheart Pinot Noir
Regular price £25.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape!
Tasting Notes
Colour
The Brave Heart Pinot Noir proudly introduces itself with a bright ruby red colour enticing you to explore it further.
Nose
A complex nose defined by a combination of ripe black and sour red cherries, watermelon and white pepper, together with a hint of salinity prepares your tastebuds for a sensorial sensation.
Palate
The palate reveals cherry and cranberry, supported by a spicy core that is further embellished by fine silky tannins imparted by the subtle use of Burgundian oak barriques. Finishes with a lovely, lingering aftertaste so typical of Elgin's cool climate Pinot Noirs.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The 2019 Paul Wallace Brave Heart Pinot Noir is our seventh vintage. The name is a tribute to William Wallace, a man of great principle and heart, who we would like to believe is one of our ancestors. It is also a play on the Pinot Noir cultivar’s nickname – the Heart Break grape. Fortunately, our 2019 Pinot Noir offering has once again captured our hearts and is anything but a disappointment. Production was very limited – only 10 barrels / 2400 liters of this vintage were vinified.
Pristine grapes (Clone PN115, Guyot pruned) selected from three different slopes on our farm Wallovale Vineyards, were vinified with much love and gentle attention at the Almenkerk Wine Estate. Whole berry fermented in open fermenters, basket pressed and taken to barrel where it completes malolactic fermentation. After 10 months on wood (20% new wood, 45% second fill, 35% third and fourth fill), the wine was prepared for bottling. Bottling date: 7th February 2020.
Accolade
- National Wine Challenge 2020 - Double Silver
- IWSC 2020 - Bronze Medal
- Michelangelo International Wine Awards – Bronze
- Platter Wine Guide 2021 – 4*
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
12.3% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.2 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Brave Heart Pinot Noir is so very versatile and will complement a wide range of foods. Too delicate to serve with a curry or very creamy dish but superb with plum-glazed duck, roast turkey, chicken dishes, mushroom risotto, or a beautiful side of salmon. It is recommended that in the hot summer months you serve this wine ever so slightly chilled. |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Las Jaras, Fuentes Del Silencio
Regular price £22.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%These expertly crafted, artisanal wines were borne out of a passion project to revive old vines in this corner of Spain, and have helped put Jamuz back on the wine-producing map.
Tasting Notes
"The 2019 vintage is very open and expressive, showing an abundance of perfume and floral elements, alongside bramble fruit, warm spice and subtle balsamic notes. The Prieto Picudo adds ample acidity to the softer Mencia, as well as a tannic backbone. " Lenka Sedlackova MW
Producer
Fuentes de Silencio was founded in 2013 on the banks of the Jamuz River, to the south of the province of León. The winery gets its name from the fact that this town had many water reserves and was called the town of fountains.' This passion project is led by oenologist Marta Ramas along with owners Miguel Angel Alonso and his wife Maria Jose Galera.
With old pre-phylloxera vines yards, many of which are over 100 years of age they grow the native varieties of Mencía and Alicante Bouschet in very carefully dictated plots. They currently have 24 hectares of vineyards and plantings of Mencía, Alicante Bouschet, Prieto Picudo, Palomino and Godello. Galician influence here is notable, characterised by the presence of sandy soils and Mencia at high altitudes (800m above sea level) and a continental climate.
Although wine has long been produced in Jamuz, it has done so quietly. This small team is working to bring the essence of the territory back to life and ensure that each of their small plots reaches their highest potential while implementing environmentally-friendly winemaking practices and placing importance on the use of traditional methods. Not only are they the team creating high-quality, exceptional wines of very limited production but they are adding new value to this tiny, relatively unknown region. Jamuz is back on the map.
Production
The grapes are harvested by hand in 15 kg boxes with manual selection in the vineyard before whole bunches are aged in French oak. Macerated for 35 days, the malolactic fermentation takes place in oak vats and concrete tanks, where it rests for nine months.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 60% Mencía, 30% Prieto Picudo and 10% Alicante Bouschet or Garnacha Tintorera from old vines |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 14% Alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegan and Vegetarian, Organic & Biodynamic |
Food Matches | Enjoy with rich Mediterranean tomato-based dishes, steak, or grilled chicken. |
Origin | Castilla y Leon |
2019 Paul Wallace Crackerjack Bordeaux Blend
Regular price £25.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This wine came about as an indulgence to the lady of the house, who is particularly partial to fine Bordeaux-styled blend. Together Paul and Nicky Wallace have put together a "cracker" of a wine, blending and showcasing the versatility of Elgin.
Tasting Notes
The alluring bright colour immediately invites one to explore this wine further. Merlot driven (think Bordeaux Right Bank) and power packed with fresh fruits encompassing both the red and black fruit spectrums, with a savoury core.
Notes of fresh cherry, cranberry, plum and blackcurrant on the palate, with chocolate and vanilla on the finish. Rich and opulent, yet bright and feminine, this little “cracker” is the perfect example of how the whole sum is better than the parts and of how the individual components support and enhance one another.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The grapes all originate for the Elgin region, a high-lying basin surrounded by mountain ranges. Naturally the Malbec hails from Paul and Nicky’s farm, Wallovale Vineyards, whilst the other three grape varieties were bought in from Elgin grape producers with whom Paul has a direct involvement. A Cabernet Franc vineyard has been planted on Paul and Nicky’s farm but the first commercial harvest is only expected in 2020.
Each parcel of grapes was harvested at its own optimum ripeness and vinified separately at Eikendal Winery, Somerset West. Each wine was inoculated with Zymalore Xpure, a yeast recommended for wines with high aromatic purity, enhanced expression of black fruit notes and a great smoothness of mouthfeel. Post fermentation the wine was left for 14 days on the skins. Thereafter each wine was transferred to barrel where they completed Malolactic fermentation. The wines spent a minimum of 24 months in 225 lit French oak barriques prior to blending. The wine received a light filtration before bottling on 8th July 2021.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 40% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Malbec. |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red White |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
We recommend the Crackerjack as the perfect accompaniment to your Sunday roast lamb, lasagna and tomato-based stews. Enjoy! |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 Mac Forbes Villages Coldstream Pinot Noir
Regular price £34.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%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 our warmest Pinot vineyard," says Mac, "so we are conscious of protecting the fruit from hot prevailing winds and high temperatures. The soils hold much of the afternoon heat so this is usually the first vineyard picked. Due to the increased exposure, this wine displays greater fruit punctuation supported by a firm yet dense tannin bed."
The Vintage
The 2019 growing season was warm and dry. Below-average rainfall and warmer conditions placed huge demands on the plants. Thankfully, in early February the vines welcomed two weeks of cool days and nights returning freshness and vigour. Overall small bunches and small berries characterised the season with above-average structure and fruit weight.
Sub Region - Coldstream
At the entrance to the Valley floor, this subregion is low elevation with grey/loam clay-based soils. Ripping winds from the north slow transpiration in summer but the cooler overnight temperatures aid the plants ability to regulate after hot days. Ironstone/mudstone is a consistently big influence, building full mid-palate structure with soft, melting tannins.
Review
"Alluringly savoury and saline, with forest berries, fragrant cherries, wild raspberries layered along elongated, fine, structural tannins. Acidity is cranberry tart, and the body is slight." Anthony Gismondi on Wine. Dec 2020 | 91 Points
About Mac Forbes
If you love premium and artisanal Australian wine, Mac Forbes is a name you need to know. He’s not only one of the country’s most talented winemakers, but he’s one of the most influential spokesmen for promoting the concept of Australian ‘terroir’, believing that wine should represent a time and a place.
Mac specialises in single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet from the Yarra Valley. His wines are delicate and finely etched, characterised by subtlety and grace.
His Pinot Noirs are fine-boned, Chardonnays are loved by those who look for fruit purity rather than winemaking artifice in the variety, his array of off-dry Rieslings from the Strathbogie Ranges are some of the country's most unique.
And his ever-expanding range of experimental wines is a treasure trove for the curious drinker and he is honestly one of the most genuine and affable winemakers you'll ever meet!
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 11 alc vol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.25 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
We recommend decanting this wine prior to serving. (14-16 degrees) |
Maturation | 11 months in old oak |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Coldstream, Yarra Valley |
Appellation | Victoria |
2020 Jacopo Biondi Santi Castello di Montepo 'Sassoalloro' Toscana IGT
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sassoalloro is pleasant, particularly soft and balanced, with extremely silky tannins.
Tasting Notes
It shows a beautiful compact ruby red color and at the opening it spreads hints of black pepper and fruity notes of blackberry and cherry in alcohol, combined with floral aromas of violet, graphite and earthy hints. The taste is decidedly full and responsive, with great balance.
Jacopo Biondi Santi Castello di Montepò Sassoalloro is a bright, dynamic Sangiovese with an impressive pedigree. The name Sassoalloro (first vintage 1991) references a volcanic boulder on which legends have been built.
Producer
The Biondi Santi family has earned a place in the tradition of Italian wine thanks to the lively and passionate inventiveness that has distinguished it since the very beginning. The roots of this brilliant adventure go back to the 1800s, when Ferruccio Biondi Santi planted the first Montalcino vineyard with vines of a selected clone of Sangiovese, called Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello: it was the first step towards a new way of making wine that would soon in the history of Italian wine. Today it continues to improve under the leadership of Jacopo with the future secure thanks to help from his children, Tancredi, Clemente and Clio.
Biondi Santi is the historic cellar that has its roots in time and has marked the history of Brunello di Montalcino; a brand that has become the owner of several estates in the magical terroir of China, including that of Castello di Montepò near Pancole, where the Sassoalloro grapes are grown, a grandiose version of pure Sangiovese Grosso that oozes territoriality from every drop.
The Wine
A wine, in some ways, new to the tradition of Biondi Santi. Fermented and aged for about 14 months in Tronçais oak barriques, a short period that comes out of the company schemes which provides for long aging. A wine to drink practically immediately, but with a life potential that can reach 15 years.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Sangiovese Grosso |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Pair with red meat dishes such as lamb, pasta in herby tomato sauces or any Tuscan foods. Ideal with aged cheeses too and perfect in combination with finocchiona and excellent with sausages and beans. |
Aging Potential | Now or up to 15 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Maremma, Tuscany |
Appellation | Tuscany |
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 |
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 |
2019 Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec
Regular price £25.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A memorable wine with a lot of character; one that embodies the elegance of Elgin fruit. It is named after Paul’s beefy black shadow, a cross Labrador/Rottweiler, named Jake. The Malbec grape is also known as the Black Grape and it is this characteristic that has been incorporated into the name.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Lean, dark and intense
Nose
The Black Dog Malbec presents with an intriguing somewhat exotic nose, conjuring up hints of blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrants and juicy red plums.
Palate
The entry onto the palate is a satisfying fruit-filled mouthful of both red and black fruits linked by a thread of spice and held together with silky tannins – just enough to contribute to food friendliness.
Winery
Paul Wallace Wines is a small family-run business with the farm located in Elgin, previously best known for its apples and pears, which is one of the most exciting developing wine regions within the South African wine industry and indeed internationally.
Vinification
The three individual blocks that comprise their Malbec plantings each have their own unique profile due to different row direction and training systems. Each block was harvested separately, each contributing it’s own unique building block. Left on the skins, post-fermentation before being transferred into 225 and 300-lit French oak barriques, where MLF took place. The wine spent approximately 18 months in wood with a 20% new wood component. 15% was matured in a concrete egg, contributing towards the fruit driven profile and adding yet another building block to the final compilation.
Accolade
- 90 points | 2022 Platters Guide (2018 Vintage)
- 90 points Silver | IWSC (2018 Vintage)
- 92 points Winemag.co.za (2018 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches |
The ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, beef steak, game or slow-roasted lamb or should it take your fancy, sit in front of a fire, sip slowly and dip into a bowl of pistachio nuts or biltong. |
Origin | Elgin |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2017 Quinta da Falorca Traditional Blend
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%From the heart of the River Dão - a classic profile, colour and flavour of the region.
Only 6823 bottles produced
Tasting Notes
A full-bodied and elegant wine, extremely well-balanced with red fruit aromas. Ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, floral and earthy notes, in addition to menthol and spice touches. Fruit forward backed up by a good core of moderate tannins. It’s a lip-smacking, delicious wine with a finish that lingers in the mouth.
Production
Quinta Vale das Escadinhas is also known as Quinta da Falorca. In the hands of the fifth generation of the Figueiredo family, the winery is located in the heart of Dão - Silgueiros - and is essentially dedicated to the production of DOC wines using principles of sustainable agriculture. There are thirteen hectares of vineyards that produce red varieties, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Afrocheiro, Tinta Pinheira and Jaen, and white varieties, such as Encruzado and Malvasia. Since 2000 the winery has been producing its Premium wine, Quinta da Falorca, and has several wines with 95 points on the Robert Parker scale
They are among the secret heroes of the international wine world. In his wines, wine lovers will find the individuality that is often lost in times of increasing globalization of wine taste: authentic, traditionally prepared wines with a radiant regional character, made from indigenous grape varieties in a small edition.
At Falorca, they always bring the Traditional Blend to the market after 4-5 years. This is purposefully kept off the market until they start drinking at their best especially as the Touriga is a grape with great aging potential and needs time to mature. The vineyards are on average 40-year-old vines with some vineyards over 70 years old. These contain over 30 different Touriga clones and this important genetic strain is carefully preserved by grafting cuttings from existing old vines onto new roots.
One of the reasons Quinta da Falorca wines are among the very best Portuguese wines is because the Falorca vineyards are able to produce ripe tannins and sugar levels in Touriga Nacional at 13-13.5% alcohol so the wines remain unprecedentedly elegant and don't become alcoholic bombs.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Touriga Nacional 33%, Rufete 28%, Jaen 21%, Alfrocheiro 12% and Tinta Roriz 6% |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red |
Food Matches | Grilled red meats with mushroom-based sauces, lamb chops, pork fillet, game meats, sausages and hard cheese |
Cellaring Potential | 2022- 2029 |
Information | Sustainable farming methods |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Dão DOC - Silgueiros |
2017 Alasia Barolo
Regular price £21.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Araldica's top-tier Barolo from selected vineyards. An approachable, richly-flavoured style expertly blended by Lella Burdese.
Tasting Notes
A fine, expressive style with Barolo's classic combination of mature, lightly floral aromas with richness and structure.
Nose
Dark plum, leather and delicate violet aromas, plus notes of woodsmoke and brown spice.
Palate
A full, firm and ripe red with rich, powerful flavours. All are balanced by ripe tannins, complex savoury notes and a long finish.
Production
Vines are trained on a low Guyot trellis at 4-5,000 vines/ha. The grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and then crushed to small fermenters, for 12 days, with daily pumping-over. The wine was drained off at dryness, and the skins transferred to a small press. After pressing the wine was settled for two days, and then racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. After three years maturation in 50hl Slavonian oak casks it was racked from oak and gently fined.
Producer
Araldica is Piemonte's most forward-thinking co-operative, situated in Castel Boglione, in the heart of Barbera d'Asti territory. Here they work with 230 grower members to source quality grapes from around 690ha of vineyards. Many of their members joined the cooperative in the 1950s and have a long and loyal relationship with the winery. They produce wines from Piemonte's main DOC / DOCG regions - predominantly Barbera, Gavi and Moscato, but also including Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero Arneis.
Founded in 1954 by Livio Manera, father of the current Managing Director and winemaker Claudio Manera, Araldica has developed over the past 60+ years to become a major winemaking force in Piemonte, supplying wines across the globe. Claudio's wife Lella heads up quality control at Araldica, where she is responsible for the blending and approval of all wines.
Their son Carlo, also a qualified winemaker, is now part of the Araldica winemaking team. Livio pioneered developments in winemaking techniques - especially with regard to the production of Barbera - and Araldica have since continued to be instrumental in the distribution of Barbera and Gavi within the UK market and internationally. As Claudio states their aim is "...to provide a range that is both understandable and accessible. Quite simply, wine for drinking and enjoying."
Awards
- Silver IWSC 2021 (2016 Vintage)
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nebbiolo |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Decant and drink with roasted red meats and game. |
Cellaring Potential | 2 years |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Piedmont |
2021 Mac Forbes EB77 Big Willy Nebbiolo
Regular price £30.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Perfumed, lithe and floral this is Nebbiolo at its most ethereal.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Oh so pale ruby in colour, with a slight rusty Neb tinge.
Nose
A floral and plump nose, red rose, red apple, confected cherry and ripe blood plum.
Palate
The palate is so, fresh and underpinned by sneaky hallmark Neb tannin. High acid, low alcohol, plenty of raspberry, cherry, spice, and savory tannin carrying the wine all the way to the back of the mouth. A lighter approach to the variety, a great light red pour or with a pizza!
It’s pure, fresh, and light as a feather. Delightful.
When Mac Forbes’ resident Brit Willy P accidentally blew the top off a puncheon, he inadvertently created the perfect open-top fermenter for making Nebbiolo and EB77 was born.
Fruit from Dixons Creek was fermented for 28 days in the newly crafted (!) open top fermenter and aged for 7 months in a combination of small and large old oak.
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 | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nebbiolo |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content
|
11.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 8.63 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2031 |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin |
Yarra Valley
|
Appellation | Victoria |
2017 Chateau Mangot Saint-Emillion Grand Cru
Regular price £27.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A plush and appealing, classic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from this progressive Château.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Complex aromas of bramble fruit with herbal notes and a touch of spice.
Palate
The palate is plush with ripe plum and berry characters, fine tannins, well-integrated oak, and fresh acidity giving balance on the long and elegant finish.
Producer
Nestled in the far eastern reaches of the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Mangot consists of 37 hectares with a diversity of clay-limestone soils. Whilst vines are naturally the star of the show for the estate’s current guardians, the Todeschini family, 15% of the estate consists of hedges, woods and embankments, which contribute to a rich biodiversity. Brothers Yann and Karl look after the vineyard management and winemaking themselves and are committed to following sound ecological practises.
A lightness of touch and genuine care flows through everything they do; from protecting the soils using only natural fertilisers, to the use of native yeasts and only the very tiniest amount of SO2 in the winery. They do not “make” the wines, but rather guide them into fulfilling their potential as pure, precise and quality expressions of the terroir. The estate was promoted to Grand Cru Classé status in 2022 in recognition of their consistently well-made, polished wines and their commitment to biodiversity and the environment.
Production
The grapes - predominantly Merlot with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - are cultivated on a selection of different soil types and aspects, from clay-limestone hillsides to a limestone plateau, at 35-90 m altitude. Average age of the vines is 40 years - and the vineyard is maintained according to environmental principles. At harvest time the grapes are selected, de-stemmed and undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration before gentle vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 4 weeks. The wine is then aged for 13-15 months in barrels of diffferent ages - with 10% remaining in stainless steel. The wine is then blended and bottled, 18-20 months following the harvest.
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Merlot 80%, Cabarnet Franc 15%, Cabarnet Sauvignon 5% |
Country | Bordeaux France |
Alcohol content |
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Drink with lamb or beef, or keep it simple with rich tomato-based pasta dishes.
|
Origin | Montagne de Saint Émilion |
Appellation
|
Saint-Emillion Grand Cru |
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 |
2022 Off The Record Syrah
Regular price £31.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%"One of those serendipitous discoveries that puts a smile on your face for the rest of the day, this is a remarkable new release from Bobby Wallace that rates among the best Syrahs in South Africa." 95 Points | Tim Aitken
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine has an attractive deep red hue.
Nose
The nose leads with appealing spicy aromas – white pepper supported by notes of both red and black berries, some violets and a hint of fynbos.
Palate
Dark fruits follow through onto the palate with an appealing juicy entrance supported by savoury white pepper notes, a touch of salinity and rounded off with fine subtle tannins. A wonderful example of high altitude Syrah. A wine, whilst still youthful, displays the finesse we expect from cool climate, high altitude wines yet shows enormous maturation potential should you be patient enough to cellar the wine.
Background
Seizing the opportunity when it presented itself has culminated in this remarkable wine.
This is the second vintage of the Off the Record Syrah, produced from a small parcel of Shiraz grapes, sourced from a truly unique site. This vineyard, situated on the Ceres Plateau, is planted in fertile Bokkeveld shale soils at an astounding altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Not many vineyards in South Africa can boast that they are covered in snow over the winter months.
Only 1 540 bottles were produced from the 2021 release.
Vinification
This wine was 100% whole-bunch fermented in two small batches before being pressed and undergoing maturation in 4th fill barrels for a period of 10 months. No commercial yeasts, enzymes or fining agents were used in the production of this wine. The wine received a light filtering prior to bottling.
Accolades
-
95 Points | Tim Aitken
-
One of those serendipitous discoveries that puts a smile on your face for the rest of the day, this is a remarkable new release from Bobby Wallace that rates among the best Syrahs in South Africa. Showing the freshness and perfume of its high altitude terroir on the Ceres Plateau, it’s graceful and refined, with rose petal and fynbos aromas, undertones of fennel and blood and a juicy, refined, silky, red-fruited palate. An awesome début. 2023-29. Tim Atkin 2022 SA Report
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz/Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Drink 2023-2029 |
Food Matching |
Beef, lamb, poultry, and game. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Ceres Plateau |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2019 De Toren Fusion V
Regular price £42.00 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The iconic Left Bank-based blend from De Toren Fusion V is meticulously crafted from Bordeaux’s ‘Noble Five’ varietals and, with its complex flavours of liquorice, black cherry, cedar and dark berries, it offers a stylish departure for sophisticated oenophilic tastes. Soft as spun silk, with a lingering hint of sweet fruit on the back palate, this is a wine that will only improve with age.
Tim Atken - UK (95 Points)
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, a bouquet of ripe sweet red cherries, blueberries, sweet spice, and subtle nuances of oak prevail, accentuating the fruit. Seamlessly integrated and immensely elegant.
Palate
The taste profile of Fusion V 2019 is vibrant and moderately full bodied. Fine-grained, yet polished tannins are present in this wine. The red cherry bouquet is unmistakable, leaving the 2019 vintage creamy, layered and delightfully well-balanced for its age.
Producer
De Toren proprietors Emil and Sonette den Dulk left Johannesburg in 1991 to establish their vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch. Situated on southern-facing slopes overlooking False Bay De Toren enjoys the cooling effect of constant ocean breezes. Taking a holistic approach to keeping vineyard soils healthy and balanced viticulturalist Ernest Manuel employs sustainable farming practices throughout the property. Infrared Aerial Imaging is used extensively in order to monitor ripeness in various vineyard blocks and determine optimal picking times although actual harvesting and production are done almost entirely by hand. The winery is operated on gravity flow principles; a 4000 liter pressure tank in an elevator shaft (the Tower from which the winery takes its name) is cleverly used to exploit gravity in transporting wine between tanks and barrels without the use of mechanical pumps. As a result of De Toren’s innovative minimal intervention production methods their wines were among the first South African bottlings to qualify for IP (Integrated Production) certification by the Wine and Spirit Board.
The Den Dulks and winemaker Albie Koch seem to have found the key to success with their simple winemaking philosophy: gentle handling no pumps and minimum manipulation. Armed with this winning formula the boutique farm has quickly risen to the ranks of South Africa’s winemaking elite with their duo of dazzling stylish and complex five-varietal Bordeaux blends: the flagship Fusion V (which debuted in the 1999 vintage and has been hailed by Wine Spectator as a consistently polished outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend) and the Merlot-based Z introduced with the 2004 vintage.
Barrel Maturation
Aged in a climatized barrel/ maturation room (16 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 12 months in approximately 50% new and 50% second fill, 225 Litre Oak barrels. French Oak is predominantly used during maturation, with a portion of the Malbec receiving the benefit of American Oak.
Accolades
- Tim Atken - UK (95 Points)
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml (also available in a Magnum Gift Pack) |
Cultivar | Cabernet Sauvignon 56.9%, Malbec 14.4%, Cabernet Franc 9.6%, Merlot 14.4%, Petit Verdot 4.7% |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.48% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Cellaring Potential | If stored in optimal conditions, this wine should last up to 20 years plus. |
Food Matches |
With nuanced and complexed flavours, our renowned De Toren Fusion V wine pairs exceptionally well with perfectly tender grilled or roast lamb, with garlic, rosemary and a hint of honey lemon. For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption. It is recommended to serve this wine at optimal temperature (15 – 18 degrees Celcius). |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
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 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 |
2020 Prieler Leithaberg Blaufrankisch
Regular price £39.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%The small Burgenland town of Schützen am gebirge, on the edge of the Neusiedler See nature park, is an oasis of sensual pleasure and enjoyment. Deep, sandy loam, very rich in iron, can be found on the Johanneshöhe. There, the Blaufränkisch variety produces fruity, juicy wines with a peppery flavor - Burgenland classics with real character. It is particularly important to the Prielers to cultivate this traditional wine and make it shine, and so international wine critics agree: this wine from the Prielers has class!
Tasting Notes
Bouquet of ripe, dark berries, delicately of dried figs, complex yet fine, salty minerality, aging in oak barrels. Fresh, lively, and wonderfully balanced on the palate, with an elegant texture and an enchanting glaze.
From the Producer
Blaufränkisch is in our genes. By “our”, I mean my family and the vintners of Leithaberg. We know this variety’s moods and demands. Blaufränkisch in not an easy variety – whether for us or for you. It is capricious, challenging and stubborn. Rooted in limestone, it wants the sun; growing on schist, it requires refreshing winds. It rests preferably in wood, yet the barrels shouldn’t be too small. Of you, it demands patience. Blaufränkisch needs time. If you yield yourself to Blaufränkisch, you will understand why we fulfil all of this variety’s desires. For me, it is one of the few varieties in the world that perfectly balances two elements: energy and clarity.
In the Cellar & Vineyards
The grapes are carefully crushed and fermented at closely controlled temperatures in steel tanks or wooden casks. The character of the variety and the vineyard determines where the wine will mature. For example, the Seeberg pinot blanc will remain in stainless steel to maximize freshness and clarity, the blaufränkisch from Johanneshöhe will be raised in large oak casks, and top crus like Goldberg will mature in barrique.
Prieler’s meticulous work in the vineyard and in the cellar has earned them awards from Falstaff Magazine (2009 “Vintner of the Year”), Vinaria Magazine (“Best wines of Austria” 2012/2013) and was among Jancis Robinson’s top picks for Austrian red wines. Peter Moser, editor-in-chief of Falstaff wrote, “We were extremely impressed by the Prieler family’s high standards in all wine categories and by their sensitive approach to the specific properties of the respective types of vine and the selection of just the right terroir.”
Accolade
-
Critic tasting note: "A touch of tar, a hint of bitter almond and brooding black cherry fruit mark the nose and spread freely across the palate with dark but delicious intent. This is dense and firm, with drying tannins but no heaviness. There is freshness and intensity to the dark, brooding fruit that will show its true colors with some more age—but all the aromatic promise is already here. Drink 2020–2035." - 95/100, Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Blaufränkisch |
Country | Austria |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring | 2020 - 2035 |
Food matches | Enjoy with entrecote, fillet of beef, wildfowl, pigeon |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
|
Origin | Leithaberg DAC |
2020 Prieler Ried Johanneshöhe Blaufränkisch
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This wine represents outstanding value. The red “Prieler Classic”: a typical Blaufränkisch vinified in large wooden cask.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Brilliant cherry to ruby red
Nose
Classic varietal bouquet with lush fruit aromas (juicy blackberries), fine notes of pepper and elegant spice
Palate
Robust on the palate with a strong structure and fullness, the clear blackberry fruit is juicy the entire palate and lingers on for a long time in the finale!
From the Producer
Blaufränkisch is in our genes. By “our”, I mean my family and the vintners of Leithaberg. We know this variety’s moods and demands. Blaufränkisch in not an easy variety – whether for us or for you. It is capricious, challenging and stubborn. Rooted in limestone, it wants the sun; growing on schist, it requires refreshing winds. It rests preferably in wood, yet the barrels shouldn’t be too small. Of you, it demands patience. Blaufränkisch needs time. If you yield yourself to Blaufränkisch, you will understand why we fulfil all of this variety’s desires. For me, it is one of the few varieties in the world that perfectly balances two elements: energy and clarity.
In the Cellar & Vineyards
The grapes are carefully crushed and fermented at closely controlled temperatures in steel tanks or wooden casks. The character of the variety and the vineyard determines where the wine will mature. For example, the Seeberg pinot blanc will remain in stainless steel to maximize freshness and clarity, the blaufränkisch from Johanneshöhe will be raised in large oak casks, and top crus like Goldberg will mature in barrique.
Prieler’s meticulous work in the vineyard and in the cellar has earned them awards from Falstaff Magazine (2009 “Vintner of the Year”), Vinaria Magazine (“Best wines of Austria” 2012/2013) and was among Jancis Robinson’s top picks for Austrian red wines. Peter Moser, editor-in-chief of Falstaff wrote, “We were extremely impressed by the Prieler family’s high standards in all wine categories and by their sensitive approach to the specific properties of the respective types of vine and the selection of just the right terroir.”
Accolades
91 points James Suckling
"A very attractive blaufrankisch that shows wild cherries, dark plums and a light touch of mocha and coffee. Full-bodied with grippy, chewy tannins and lots of bright blueberries and roasted herbs. Drink now." (12/2019)
91 points Wine Enthusiast
"A hint of tar clings to the plummy and dark-fruit notes on the nose. The palate is laced with freshness that tames that dark dense juicy fruit while peppery hints add interest. It is a very juicy, compact but layered wine with a dry finish. (AK) " (7/2019)
Wine Spectator
"Light- to medium-bodied, with a juicy core of dark berry fruit, blood orange and rooibos tea hints. Sufficient tannins impart a slight grip on the moderately long finish. (AZ, Web Only-2020) "
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Blaufränkisch |
Country | Austria |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matching | Serve with juicy roast beef with gently braised vegetables, wild game ragouts and wild fowl or with medium-strong soft cheeses. Serve at around 18°C. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
|
Origin | Burgenland |
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 |
2021 Weingut Moric Blaufränkisch
Regular price £24.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Moric is considered one of the benchmark producers of Blaufränkisch in Austria, and his wines are some of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed in the country.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Raspberry and black cherry with a hint of nutmeg and some leafy black tea notes.
Palate
The palate is plump and round with banana, cranberry and a dollop of vanilla ice-cream.
Production
The Moric Blaunfränkisch is fermented in large wooden vats with natural yeasts, then transfered to 600-4,500 liter old French and Austrian oak barrels to age for one year before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Boasting vines up to 85 years old on schist and limestone soils and relatively high elevation, these parcels in the foothills of the Odenburger Mountains provide extremely high-quality fruit that Rolan deftly crafts into expressive wines with a definite sense of place.
Producer
Morich was founded in 2002 by Roland Velich, who believed that the moderate climate and cool nights of Burgenland could make exceptional red wines from Blaufränkisch.
He has a passion for Blaufrankish so much so that he has set up his own wine label to focus on this delicious variety. He talks of the grape being similar to Nebbiolo or Northern Rhone Syrah and on this wine we see why.
Roland wanted to make wines that focused on elegance and delicacy rather than the powerful examples other winemakers were pursuing. To do so, he sought out old vines from some of Burgenland's top terroirs, and found them in Lutzmannsburh and Neckenmarkt, from which he started making wines of stunning expression and finesse.
Today, Moric is considered one of the benchmark producers of Blaufränkisch in Austria, and his wines are some of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed in the country.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Blaufränkisch |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food matches | Try this with a rabbit or vegetable lasagna. |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Burgenland, Weinland |
2014 Umathum Pinot Noir Unter den Terrassen
Regular price £34.61 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%'Under the Terraces'
Tasting Notes
Colour
Light ruby red
Nose
Extremely spicy on the nose, hints of raspberry, reminiscent of dried oranges, with hints of chocolate.
Palate
Very fine impressions of fennel, thyme and Mediterranean herbs on the palate, fresh finish.
Producer
Specifications
Year | 2014 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.8 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features |
Organic and biodynamic practices |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Enjoy with chicken, pork, cheeses and fish too. Perfect as an aperitif. |
Origin | Neusiedlersee, Burgenland |
2019/20 Umathum Zweigelt
Regular price £20.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Zweigelt is Austria’s second grape with 15,000 acres of vineyard!
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine has a deep ruby color.
Nose
On the nose, the wine shows flavours of red cherries, raspberries and sour cherries with spicy tone that appears on the palate.
Palate
The palate reveals ripe red fruit, full body, elegant tannins, and a long soft aftertaste.
The Wine
The fermentation is carried out on the skins in order to extract the red color and tannins. To help this process, the juice is repeatedly pumped over the pomace hat. After two weeks, the young wine is separated from the skins, transferred to wooden barrels and the malolactic fermentation is started. The wine matures over two winters without filtration in old oak barrels to achieve stability and maturity.
Producer
Specifications
Year | 2019/20 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zweigelt |
Country | Austria |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.6 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features |
Organic and biodynamic practices |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Charcuterie, noodle dishes, spätzli, pork, grilled sausages, chicken, vegetables, cheeses. |
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 |