- Abruzzo
- Alentejo Region
- Amarone DOCG
- Aude
- Bardolino DOC
- Barossa Valley
- Bordeaux
- California
- Castilla y León
- Chianti DOCG
- Colchagua Valley
- Coonawarra
- Douro Valley
- IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
- Maipo Valley
- New South Wales
- Pays du Gard
- Piedmont
- Rapel Valley
- Rioja
- Sicily
- South Australia
- Tuscany DOCG
- Valpolicella DOC
- Victoria
- Vin de France
- Western Cape
- Aglianico
- Alicante Bouschet
- Aragonês
- Bobal
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Frappato
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Malbec
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Nebbiolo
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Franca
- Trincadeira Preta
- Zweigelt
- Abruzzo
- Alentejo Region
- Amarone DOCG
- Aude
- Bardolino DOC
- Barossa Valley
- Bordeaux
- California
- Castilla y León
- Chianti DOCG
- Colchagua Valley
- Coonawarra
- Douro Valley
- IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
- Maipo Valley
- New South Wales
- Pays du Gard
- Piedmont
- Rapel Valley
- Rioja
- Sicily
- South Australia
- Tuscany DOCG
- Valpolicella DOC
- Victoria
- Vin de France
- Western Cape
- Aglianico
- Alicante Bouschet
- Aragonês
- Bobal
- Bonarda
- Brunello
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Carmenère
- Cinsault
- Corvina
- Frappato
- Glera
- Grenache / Garnacha
- Malbec
- Malvasia Nero
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Mourvèdre / Mataró / Monastrell
- Nebbiolo
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Touriga Franca
- Trincadeira Preta
- Zweigelt
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2022 Bodegas Altolandon, Mil Historias Malbec (Organic)
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Nose
Bright ruby to dark purple in colour, it promises plenty of power.The nose is complex with powerful aromas of blackberry and blueberry with, rose, rosemary, violets and floral notes as well as a hint of spice.
Palate
The palate is nicely concentrated and with fine tannis. The flavours of blueberry, plum and blackberry are big, with hints of bittersweet cocoa and a subtle stimulating flavour of mint and violet, dark cherry, blackberry, red plum, earth, espresso, tobacco, dark chocolate, black pepper, black tea, violet. Very complex.
Producer
Owner & winemaker, Rosalia Molina, makes organic wines in one of Spain's highest altitude wineries. Her mission is to make wines that express the typicity of DO Manchuela: the vineyard, the altitude and the varieties planted.
This is a climate on the edge of what is possible: at 1,100 metres above sea level, the grapes experience a large diurnal range that encourages even ripening and helps to retain natural acidity. Rosalia's vineyards are certified organic, she uses only natural fertilisers, promoting biodiversity by welcoming chickens, sheep and pigs from local farms to roam the vineyards freely. Grapes are hand harvested and vinified as naturally as possible with native yeasts and little other intervention. The wines are then aged in clay amphora and some in French oak to give texture and complexity.
Winemaking
Never harvested before the 12th October and always by hand. The colour is extracted in 6000 litre inox tank. Skin contact for 2 to 3 weeks at a controlled temperature before an alcoholic fermentation which is spontaneous, with gentle pumping over for 5 weeks. Pressed directly to 3rd use, 225 Litre French oak barrels, where the malolactic fermentation takes place, also in a natural and spontaneous way for about 4 months. Aged for 4 months in 50% oak barrel and 50% in clay amphoras. Stabilisation is also natural and during the coldest months, temperatures can go to minus 15º C.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Malbec |
Country | Spain |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Ageing in Barrels | 4 months in oak barrels |
Suggested Serving Temp | Between 16°C and 18°C. |
Food Matches | Lamb is likely the best choice. However, fragrant meat dishes like Thai beef or Cuban pork are also excellent options. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation |
|
2014 Château La Louvière Rouge (Magnum)
Regular price £99.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Precision wine making at its best!
Tasting Notes
2014 Château La Louvière is very attractive, with a beautiful dark red colour featuring multiple purple highlights. Above all, this 2014 La Louvière reflects precision winemaking to obtain the very best from the grapes. Its freshness contributes to a long aftertaste, as well as excellent ageing potential.
Production
In stainless-steel temperature-controlled tanks with patented cap-breaking system and concrete tanks with pigeage,
Producer
Château La Louvière has many fascinating facets. The sumptuous architecture of the château building dates from the late 18th century, but winegrowing here goes back more than 700 years. The first vines were planted circa 1310, although modern winemaking dates from the 17th century and was handed down by able monks from the Carthusian monastery in Bordeaux, who had acquired considerable talent as viticulturists and winemakers. The people who produce the wine in the 21st century have inherited these time-honoured methods, adding just the right amount of innovation and modernity to make the utmost of the outstanding terroir.
Specifications
Year | 2014 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L (Magnum) |
Cultivar | 30% Merlot, 70% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 19.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Cellaring Potential | 15 years |
Food Matches | Roast veal Orloff, venison stew, duck breast with porcini mushrooms. |
Origin |
Pessac Leognan
|
Appellation |
Bordeaux
|
2016 Château La Louvière Red (Magnum)
Regular price £86.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%2016 was one of the finest vintages in the past 20 years of this red wine which exudes an elegant bouquet and delicate hints of oak.....
Tasting Notes
Colour
This wine is garnet-red in colour with a few carmine highlights.
Nose
Its bouquet is wonderfully intense. On aeration, it releases black-berry fruit (blackberry, black cherry, plum) aromas, with hints of cake spices.
Palate
On the palate, this wine is very rich and well-balanced. The aftertaste is long, with slight tarry overtones. The tannin is not yet fully resolved. These characteristics are indicative of its good ageing potential: it would be best to wait two or three years to appreciate its full complexity.
Production
Deep Gravel terroir 26 year old vines, pruned by double guyot with debudding. Grapes are harvested by hand with small deep crates.
Wine making - In stainless-steel temperature-controlled tanks with patented
cap-breaking system and concrete tanks with pigeage. Aged for 12 months in oak barrels (40-50% new) with racking.
Producer
Château La Louvière has many fascinating facets. The sumptuous architecture of the château building dates from the late 18th century, but winegrowing here goes back more than 700 years. The first vines were planted circa 1310, although modern winemaking dates from the 17th century and was handed down by able monks from the Carthusian monastery in Bordeaux, who had acquired considerable talent as viticulturists and winemakers. The people who produce the wine in the 21st century have inherited these time-honoured methods, adding just the right amount of innovation and modernity to make the utmost of the outstanding terroir.
Specifications
Year | 2016 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L (Magnum) |
Cultivar | 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 19.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Cellaring Potential | 15 years |
Food Matches | Stuffed capon, succulent braised veal sweetbreads, and a selection of cheeses including robust hard sheep's milk cheese and the distinctively tangy Roquefort. |
Origin |
Pessac Leognan
|
Appellation |
Bordeaux
|
2019 Lurton Château Bonnet Réserve Rouge Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon (Magnum)
Regular price £39.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
Château Bonnet is one of Bordeaux's consistently reliable wines. Vignobles André Lurton are committed to making wines that are both full-bodied and balanced, like this Reserve cuvee, which typifies classic Bordeaux. Its faultless pedigree is revealed in its elegant balance, depth and charm.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Deep ruby-red colour.
Nose
The nose is intense, dominated by aromas of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), mingled with delicious chocolate notes.
Palate
The attack is very supple. Round and fresh on the palate. Delightful notes of black fruit accompany us throughout the tasting. This is a well-balanced, easy-drinking wine. The finish has a lovely tannic structure that melts perfectly
Production
Fermentation In stainless-steel tanks with patented cap-breaking system Fermentation temperature 28° to 30°C Malolactic Yes Wine maturing For 12 months in oak barrels (20% new) Maturing potential 8 to 15 years.
Producer
Lurton Family is one of the largest wine Dynasty in the world. Vignobles Andre Lurton is a family estate, established in the 1950s by André Lurton, and one of today’s largest and most important producers of the Bordeaux region. A visionary and force of nature, André Lurton founded the AOC Pessac-Léognan in 1987, pioneering its aromatic white wine style. Today, both reds and whites from Pessac Leognan have earned a reputation for great value. Today one his son is the leader of the company.
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 1.5L (Magnum) |
Cultivar | 42% Merlot, 58% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 20.25 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches |
Grilled beef ribs, succulent oven-roasted duck, and creamy chicken lasagna. |
Origin | Grézillac in the Entre-deux-Mers |
Appellation |
Bordeaux
|
2022 Oldenburg Grenache Noir
Regular price £32.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A distinctive wine with a personality in place!
Tasting Notes
Nose
This Grenache offers a vibrant bouquet of rhubarb, blood orange, and watermelon, with hints of cinnamon and star anise.
Palate
On the palate, it presents a savoury sweetness, balanced by beetroot, red peppercorns, and earthy wet soil. The wine's vibrant acidity adds freshness, while elegant grainy tannins provide structure. It has excellent aging potential, with its character evolving over time. In its youth, the wine benefits from increased oxygen contact, so we
recommend decanting it to fully appreciate its intricate layers.
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
Stellenbosch, in general, played host to a perfect winter, with steady cold units being accumulated through to the end of August with even rainfall throughout the winter. The good winter cold led to a particularly even bud break. Spring was cool and dry, which favoured the flowering and fruit set for the vintage. Good summer rainfall meant the vigour needed to be kept in check. Despite a relatively hot and dry ripening period, temperatures were kept moderate due to our higher altitude and ultimately led to an exceptionally good harvest with great sugar accumulation
Winemaking & Maturation
Grapes were picked by hand from 15-year-old bush vines on granitic soil at 410m above sea level. Bunches and berries were meticulously sorted. 1/3rd whole bunch and 2/3rd whole berry fermentation. Wild fermented in a stainless-steel tank with punch-downs and pump-overs 1-2 times per day. The wine was basket pressed and malolactic
conversion took place in barrels. The wine was then matured for 14 months in old 300L French oak barrels.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Match | Excellent with meat dishes such as lamb and venison. |
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 |
2022 Schieber Pincészet Trilógia Kadarka
Regular price £11.45 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Kadarka is a very interesting grape. Most often used in Bikaver (Bulls Blood) blends, it can also produce distinctively vibrant, pale and juicy - even chillable - red wines such as this.
Tasting Notes
With a beautiful vibrant colour this wine has characteristic spicy notes on the nose along with crushed red berry fruit. Gentle handling of this dark skinned grape has resulted in a crisp and juicy pale red that is very quaffable .
Producer
The winery was established in 1978 as a family enterprise, under the name of Schieber Winery.
Vineyards are mainly located in two places – in the Baranya – valley and in the very famous Görögszó vineyard. Kadarka and Kékfrankos are mainly coming from the Baranya – valley , which is closed valley from the north. So it is very well protected from the cold northern winds. In the Baranya-valley they have ~40ha of vineyard and it has aspects for the east, west and south.
Schieber pay extra attention to producing excellent quality entry level wines, and use eco-friendly integral growing technology in the production system. The winery consists of 3 cellars with 3000 hectolitres of storage space, mainly quality red wine mellowed in wood barrels.
Production
Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks , using selected(cultured) yeast. The yeast used is a Terroir selected BIO yeast, which helps to elevate the characteristics of the terroir. Fermentation is controlled and takes about 2 weeks. With these varieties we have alcoholic and malolactic fermentations together, and this is what creates the super fruity and juicy notes in these wines! Around 10% goes to barrels so as not to overpower the varietal characteristics, but to add a bit of depth and complexity. The wine is filtered, while clarification is only done when it is necessary.
Specifications
Year |
2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Kadarka |
Country | Hungary |
Alcohol content
|
12.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9,37 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan
|
Food Matches | Pairs well with roast duck, and game dishes or, stuffed mushrooms. |
Origin | Szekszárdi Borvidék |
2021 Raats, Dolomite Cabernet Franc
Regular price £15.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Dolomite wines express great purity of fruit and balanced elegance. The nose shows dark and red cherry. Dark berries, spiciness and herbs linger on the palate. The wine has great purity of fruit with a hint of wet-stone minerality and a velvet soft finish.
Producer
After making wine around the world and honing his craft in the Cape, Bruwer Raats established Raats Family Wines in 2000, based on a policy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on two unfashionable grapes varieties at the time, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
Production
The grapes come from Stellenbosch and are grown only on decomposed dolomite granite soils. This lends itself to great acidity, freshness and an extended mineral finish. Individual vineyard blocks were hand-picked at perfect ripeness during February.
Grapes were hand sorted three times, crushed and left to cold soak on the skins for five days. After fermentation at a temperature of 28°C, the grapes were basket pressed before malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Aged in oak for 14 months.
Accolades & Awards
Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 91 Points
'Dolomite is always the most floral and approachable of Bruwer Raats' quartet of Cabernet Francs, aged in an equal combination of older oak and concrete. Tarragon, green pepper and graphite aromas are a scented prelude to a palate of tomato leaf and black cherry and a crunchy finish.' 2025-30. 91 Points, TA, 2024.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11 units per bottle |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 2023 - 2027 |
Food Matching | Perfectly complements Game Bird with Red Wine Sauce, Beef Fillet, and Pork Loin. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A lush Pinot Noir!
Tasting Notes
Fragrant scents of red cherry and plum lead into fresh, bright flavors of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, backed by hints of star anise and clove. The soft tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and a lush, velvety texture.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
A light pasta with grilled cherry tomatoes pairs wonderfully with seafood and would also be an excellent choice to accompany roast duck. |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2019 Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A rich and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon from the very first sip!
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackberry and raspberry are accompanied by notes of fragrant lilac and vanilla. Rich and expressive from first sip, this is a food friendly Cabernet Sauvignon that bursts with flavors of juicy plum, black cherry and strawberry, along with a hint of
sweet baking spices.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 14.5% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.87 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Delicious with steak |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2020 Lurton Bla Bla Merlot
Regular price £10.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Production
Vinification in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. Little maceration. Fast running off. Aged in stainless steel vats for 6 to 8 months.
Producer
Lurton Family is one of the largest wine Dynasty's in the world. Vignobles Andre Lurton is a family estate, established in the 1950's by Andre Lurton, and one of today's largest and most important producer of the Bordeaux region. A visionary and force of nature, Andre Lurton founded the AOC Pessac- Leognan in 1987, pioneering its aromatic white wine style. Today both reds and whites from Pessac Leognan have earned a reputation for great value. Today one of his son's is leader of the company.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Merlot |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
14% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Best for sharing with friends, whilst sharing stories and free from worry! |
Appellation | AOC Entre-deux-Mers |
a
2020 Lurton Bla Bla Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £10.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Production
Vinification in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. Little maceration. Fast running off. Aged in stainless steel vats for 6 to 8 months. Aged in stainless steel vats for 6 to 8 months.
Producer
Lurton Family is one of the largest wine Dynasty in the world. Vignovles Andre Lurton is a family estate, established in the 1950's by Andre Lurton, and one of today's largest and morst important producer of the Bordeaux region. A visionary and force of nature, Andre Lurton founded the AOC Pessac- Leognan in 1987, pioneering its aromatic white wine style. Today both reds and whites from Pessac Leognan have earned a reputation for great value. Today one of his son's is leader of the company.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Perfect as an appetizer to share with friends! |
Appellation | AOC Entre-deux-Mers |
a
2020 Lurton Chateau Bonnet Bordeaux Rouge
Regular price £13.59 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Production
The vineyard spans 88.50 hectares with clay-limestone and clay-siliceous soil types. Grapes are harvested manually or through a pre-machine sorting process. The rootstock used includes Riparia Gloire, 3309C, Fercal, and 101.14. Traditional plant nutrition is applied sparingly, and the vine density ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 vines per hectare. The average vine age is 17 years, predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Pruning is conducted using the Double Guyot method. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks equipped with a patented cap-breaking system, at temperatures between 28 to 30°C. Malolactic fermentation is conducted, and the wine matures in both tanks and barrels, with a potential for aging between three to seven years.
Producer
Lurton Family is one of the largest wine Dynasty in the world. Vignovles Andre Lurton is a family estate, established in the 1950's by Andre Lurton, and one of today's largest and morst important producer of the Bordeaux region. A visionary and force of nature, Andre Lurton founded the AOC Pessac- Leognan in 1987, pioneering its aromatic white wine style. Today both reds and whites from Pessac Leognan have earned a reputation for great value. Today one of his son's is leader of the company.
Awards
Gilbert & Gallard - Gold
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | France |
Alcohol content
|
13,5% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | This wine, noted for its good drinkability, pairs well with a platter of cold cuts as an appetizer, as well as with a quiche, soup, or grilled meat. |
Appellation | AOC Entre-deux-Mers |
a
2021 Teliani Valley Glekhuri Kisiskhevi Saperavi Qvevri
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Beautifully structured, dense and complex Qvevri Saperavi.
Tasting Notes
Kisiskhevi is a superb terroir within the wider Kakheti region, particularly for Saperavi. The best grapes are selected for fermentation in Qvevri, resulting in a deep coloured and structured wine that is still remarkably approachable due to its vibrant primary fruit and roasted nut aromas.
Production
A limited harvest of 5-7 tons per hectare from this excellent site for Saperavi, Kisiskhevi. Whole bunches are hand selected before being placed into underground qvevri, where fermentation takes place for 7-9 days with selected yeasts - being underground, the qvevri maintains the perfect temeperature at all times. Due to the size of the qvevri, production is limited to 6500 bottles only. Once fermentation is complete, the grape skins are removed and the wine spends further time maturing in the qvevri before bottling.
Producer
Teliani Valley was established in the 1990s by a group of enthusiastic young winemakers. Originally a converted car workshop was their home, but with their tremendous vineyards and skill for making quality wines, they have gone from strength to strength and are now one of the biggest producers in Georgia, with annual production of 5 million bottles.
Although their roots go back years and their connection with traditional winemaking is still strong, Teliani Valley today attracts and supports the most exciting winemakers in Georgia. Their team of innovative winemakers are given the time, equipment, fruit and support they need to create really exciting modern style wines, and we think that is evident in the selection we have here.
Awards
2021 Vintage International Wine Challenge 2023 - Bronze
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Saperavi |
Country | Georgia |
Alcohol Content | 13.5% |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Grilled meats or portabello mushroom. |
Allergy Info | Contains sulphites and no other allergens |
Origin | Kakheti, Georgia |
Appellation | Kisiskhevi |
2023 La Bacca Nerello Mascalese
Regular price £8.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Nerello Mascalese is widely considered Sicily's premier red grape variety, contributing to many of its most acclaimed wines, especially those from Etna. It serves as an excellent introduction to the varietal, offering a lively, youthful red brimming with cherry flavors, presented in a juicier, more approachable style than the typically more structured Sicilian reds.
Tasting Notes
Bright aromas of redcurrants and cherry. The palate is soft and juicy with ripe plum, red berry and cherry flavours, gentle tannins, and fresh acidity on the finish.
Production
The Nerello Mascalese was sourced from a long-standing partner of Adria Vini in western Sicily and was vinified in stainless steel.
Producer
Established in 2003, Adria Vini is a winemaking venture jointly owned by Boutinot and Araldica Castelvero, the leading co-operative in the Monferrato hills of Piemonte. Our aim is to produce authentic, well-priced still and sparkling wines from local grape varieties. All aspects of production, from grape selection through to vinification, maturation, blending and bottling are meticulously overseen by Araldica's winemaking team of Claudio Manera and Lella Burdese - assisted by Boutinot's Tony Brown MW. We source from a range of private growers and cooperatives, with whom we have long term relationships, principally in Veneto, Friuli, Lombardy, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sardinia.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
13% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Pairs well with pork wrapped in prosciutto, sausages, and tomato-based pasta dishes. |
Origin |
Sicily, Vini IGP |
2023 Pierre Bourée Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Regular price £23.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A classic and expressive Bourgogne Pinot Noir, crafted well and showcasing true typicity.
Tasting Notes
Translucent ruby red in colour with youthful wild strawberry fruit on the nose. Wonderfully pure and expressive flavours on the palate with mouthwatering acidity balancing the gentle, ripe tannins and elegant, savoury red fruit.
Production
Grapes are hand-harvested and are sourced from several parcels in Couchey, Meursault and Gevrey-Chambertin. Up to 50% of the bunches are destemmed and these grapes along with the remaining whole bunches are put into open top wooden tanks and gently crushed followed by daily pumping over. Since yeasts are an expression of the individual vintage and vineyard only the natural grape yeasts are used for the fermentation. The wine has a traditionally long vatting period of around 20 days and is then decanted into oak barrels of which 20-30% is well toasted new oak. After at least 6 months on the fine lees, the wine is racked, blended and rests for a month before bottling.
Producer
In the latter years of the nineteenth century, Pierre Bourée took over a wine business in Gevrey-Chambertin and gave it his name. In 1922, his son, Bernard, succeeded him and renamed the house as Pierre Bourée Fils. In 1945, Bernard Bourée began to train his nephew, Louis Vallet, who eventually became director of the house, assisted by his brother, François. Together, they expanded the cellars and the winery, and developed the business outside Europe. As well as putting their own unique stamp upon the business, each successive generation added to the house's vineyard holdings. Today, Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet run the house alongside their sons, Pierre and Louis Henry.
This winery represents everything that we are proud to be associated with: attention to detail, careful selection of the best grapes, and above all a passion for making superb wines. All Pierre Bourée wines are vinified in their cuverie in Chambolle-Musigny, and are then matured in their cellars at Gevrey-Chambertin.
A Note on Sustainability
Pierre Bourée et Fils is keen to work in an as environmentally friendly method as possible, using techniques such as regular maintenance of the soil by ploughing, applying the minimum of phytosanitary treatments and the controlling of vine vigour and yields through careful pruning. The Vallets tend their vines very traditionally and advancements in the vineyards have been limited: for example, only manure has been used as fertiliser for the last half a century which has encouraged wild asparagus to grow amongst the vines. Harvesting is manual, as the family is opposed to the use of mechanical techniques.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Pinot Noir |
Country | France |
|
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Features | Vegan & Vegetarian |
Food Matches | Traditionally paired with Coq au Vin, this wine also complements roast chicken or young game birds beautifully. For vegetarians, a young Bourgogne Rouge pairs delightfully with pasta bakes or ratatouille. |
Origin | Burgundy |
Appellation | AOP Bourgogne |
2022 Odfjell Armador Carmenère
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Armador is the Spanish word for “ship owner” and is the name of the original line of wines, launched in 1999.
Tasting Notes
Alluring purplish-red in colour with aromas of dark fruits and liquorice as well as hints of spice notes such as black pepper and cloves. The palate is long and refreshing with ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins.
Production
The quest of Odfjell is to make wines that are a true expression of the terroir of our vineyards. Their low yield vineyards are handled with individual care, where they handpick the grapes bringing the fruit to the cellar as intact as possible. They began planting vineyards on the estate over 15 years ago, selecting only red varieties. Today they have 85 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, aromas of cherries, figs, violets and white fruit aromas such as apricots and pears. Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Malbec planted in Maipo. They have also acquired vineyards in Cauquenes and Curico with old vines of Carignan and Malbec where we practice organic farming. Odfjell is committed to be a leader in progressive vineyard management, dedicated to elevate the image and practice of viticulture in Chile. The aim of this work is to produce the best possible wines in the vineyards, together with a long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and "green" winemaking practices.
The grapes were picked and the bunches were destemmed but not crushed. The whole berries then underwent a cold maceration at 14ºC for four to six days prior to fermentation in 40,000-liter tanks using selected and native yeasts, followed by a 10-day post-fermentation maceration at 25ºC. Malolactic fermentation took place spontaneously in tanks.
Producer
One of the best boutique organic wineries in Chile, Odfjell Vineyards are committed to producing wines with elegance and poise, from their vineyards in the Maipo, Lontué and Maule valleys.
As one of the founding members of Chilean Organic Winegrowers, Odfjell’s certified organic, biodynamic and sustainable portfolio consists of superlative old vine Carignan, in addition to more traditional varieties and blends. Cover crops and beehives amongst the vineyards aid biodiversity, whilst small Fjord horses work the land. Established by Norwegian, Dan Odfjell, with winemaking now in the very capable hands of Francisca Palacios (who takes over from Arnaud Hereu after 25 years at the winery). The two worked together on vintages since 2019, and with Francisca’s meticulous approach, work with native yeasts and deft touch, the wines of Odfjell will no doubt continue to grow in terms of quality and reputation over the coming years
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 92% Carmenère; 8% Syrah |
Country | Chile |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic, Sustainable |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Lamb shanks braised in a tanine, chicken madras, sweet potato cakes with poached eggs. |
Origin | Central Valley |
Appellation | Central Valley |
2022 Brotte Crozes-Hermitage La Rollande
Regular price £20.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value! Freshness and Harmony are two words that can sum up this wine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
This wine is of a dark colour with hints of deep purple.
Nose
On the nose it has intense blackcurrant and violet aromas with spicy notes of white pepper, liquorice, vanilla, black olives and a hint of laurel leaves.
Palate
A harmonious and firm palate, suggestive of cherries and blackcurrant with long and well defined tannins on the finish. The long and flavourful finale reveals black fruits notes.
Vinification
Ploughing of the soils, de-leafing and green harvest during the year. The grapes are hand harvested at full maturity. Grapes are then de-stemmed and crushed. The maceration last 15 days in stainless steel vats at a medium temperature (26°C – 28°C) in order to preserve primary fruit aromas. The wine is then aged in 100 year old oak vats and concrete vats for 12 months.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Alan's Personal Tasting Notes
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Shiraz / Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 12.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 9.4 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with duck breast in green pepper sauce with potato dauphinois, veal prune and almond tagine, soft cheeses or even ice cream with chocolate & star anise sauce. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Brotte Gigondas la Marasque
Regular price £24.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Dark ruby color.
Nose
Good intensity with notes of spices, red stone fruits, vanilla, liquorice and raisins. Complex, powerful and generous with hints of cherry liqueur, black and red fruit jam.
Palate
This flamboyant wine shows perfect harmony between nose and palate.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture with ploughing and harvesting by hand. Traditional vinification with partial de-stalking and a gentle crushing . The maceration last 4 weeks with alcoholic fermentation at high temperature (around 28°C) in order to obtain a good extraction of the grapes substance. The wine is aged in 100 year old oak vats during 12 months, with a percentage in French oak barrels.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics
- 91 points Wilfred Wong of Wine.com | The 2021 Brotte Gigondas La Marasque is lovely and well-structured with a smooth palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers balanced aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, aromatic herbs, and subtle earth notes. Enjoy it with a savory lamb stew. (Tasted: June 13, 2024, San Francisco, CA)
- 91 points Wine Spectator | Reveals red licorice, strawberry puree, creme de violette and fresh cherry flavors that are focused, perfumed and grounded by charred apple wood and smoky, graphite mineral depth. Silky and smooth, this is a pretty wine with nice harmony and medium length. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases made, 150 cases imported.
- 90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | A 70-30 blend of Grenache and Syrah, Brotte's 2021 Gigondas la Marasque delivers pretty strawberry and raspberry shadings, tinged with violets. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and easy-drinking, plump and expansive, nicely balanced and elegant.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache & Syrah |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with wild boar terrine, beef stew with carrots, poultry dishes, tuna steak in red wine sauce. This Gigondas matches also spicy dishes such as Indian and Mexican cuisine. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2020 Brotte Creation Grosset Cairanne
Regular price £17.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
Intense ruby colour with garnet glints.
Nose
The nose offers a combination of fresh fruits such as raspberry and redcurrant. Spicy notes of cinnamon and garrigue stand out. The wine will gain in suppleness over time, and in jammy aromas of raspberry and plum as well as undergrowth.
Palate
The wine is generous and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Touches of toast and sweet spices add complexity. The mouth is full and the finish is persistent.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest to limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking into small cases and fast transportation to the winery to avoid berries’ crushing and oxidation. Destemming, gentle crushing. Fermentation at 28°C, followed by a 3 week maceration. The wines are matured in concrete vats to develop the fruit and 100 year old large oak barrels to develop the unctuosity and length during 9 months.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics
- 90 points Wine Spectator | Offers a stream of juicy cassis, fresh red currant and dried herbs that race alongside smoked sandalwood and pencil lead shavings, with incense and floral notes adding lift. Well-built, with a firming frame of tannins bringing shape and a salty mesquite note at the close. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan. Drink now through 2025. 6,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.
- 89 points James Suckling | A weighty Southern Rhone red that’s got plenty of ripe plum and blackberry character with a touch of violet. In spite of the obvious dry tannins on the full-bodied palate, this remains rather mellow.
Alan's Personal Tasting Note
"Another delight from Brotte - all the intriguing garrique characteristics as the other reds in the range. If anything the fruit is even more generous here - verging more to the red than the black - and it’s very drinkable, soft and moreish but with enough. Backbone to go on for a while yet." September 2024
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with Serrano ham, wild mushroom risotto, grilled beef, goat cheeses. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2021 Brotte Esprit Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Regular price £12.50 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A great wine with character, elegant and typical, honouring the historic grape variety and king of the southern Rhône Valley: Grenache Noir.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Medium intensity with aromas of small berry fruits and delicately spicy hints of pepper, thyme and garrigue.
Palate
Supple, silky, full-bodied and elegant with very fine tannins. Notes of undergrowth and liquorice accompany the aromas of wild red fruits and black cherries on the finish.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Critics Review
- 89 points James Suckling | Very fresh red-cherry and floral aromas for this appellation, together with some healthy tannins on the full-bodied, but lively palate. Slight warmth from alcohol at the supple finish.
- 89 points Wilfred Wong of Wine.com | The 2021 Brotte Esprit Cotes du Rhone is rustic and savoury with lovely berries. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavours of ripe berries, rustic spices, and earthy notes. Pair it with a slow-cooked lamb stew. (Tasted: October 17, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches | Enjoy with a fresh mushroom omelette, beef tenderloin, homemade burger, veal blanquette or couscous. Or with a creamy cow's cheese such as Romans d'Isère. |
Origin |
Southern Rhône |
2020 Brotte Les Hauts de Barville Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge
Regular price £29.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Only 7 miles along the road from Châteauneuf-du-Pape but not as well known globally so represents much better value!
Tasting Notes
Colour
This wine is ruby with purple glints.
Nose
Rich symphony of red fruits (strawberry dominates), spices, truffles and guarrigue (scrub land).
Palate
Rich and unctuous, with long lasting aromas of red fruits and spices, the cuvée will seduce the amateurs of fruit in its youth, and those who will age the wine (up to 10 years) to savour its full potential and unique truffles and garrigue notes.
Vinification
Sustainable viticulture, de-budding, de-leafing and green harvest limit the yield and increase the quality. Hand-picking,, de-steming, gentle crushing are followed by a controlled fermentation at 28°C, and a 3 to 4 week maceration. The tannic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in French oak barrels, while the softer Grenache is matured in concrete vats and 100 year old large oak casks to preserve the fruit.
History
Since 1880, five generations of the Brotte family have been making wines with passion and authenticity. The fruit for this wine comes from selected small wine producers in the Rhône Valley, all of whom have been partners of Maison Brotte for several decades. The vines are planted on a very beautiful clay-silt terroir and which benefit from a lot of sunshine. The hot and dry climate therefore favours the ripening of the grapes and the good health of the vineyard.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Grenache, Shiraz/Syrah, and Mourvedre |
Country | France |
Alcohol Content | 14.5% alc vol |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Food Matches |
Enjoy with beef in black olives sauce, grilled rib steak in pepper sauce, beef & vegetable stew, fresh goat cheeses, chocolate fondant. |
Origin |
Chateauneuf du Pape AOC |
2020 Dornier Moordenaarskloof Tinta Barocca
Regular price £17.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
This is a full bodied and aromatic wine with hints of raspberry, mulberry and aromatic spices. On the pallet the wine is concentrated with richness and structure. The tannins are fine, ripe and creamy and in balance with the fruit. The wine has a long finish. This wine is a true reflection of Tinta Barocca from old vines in the Swartland.
Tinta Barocca is one of the most commonly planted grape varieties in the Douro, Portugal. It is one of the five varieties allowed in the production of port. Tinta Barocca was the first Portugese variety planted in South Africa. It is used in to make port style wines and has historically been a very important part of blended red wines because of its good colour and natural acidity. Tinta Barocca from older vines lends itself to the production of premium red wines with great character and complexity.
In the Vineyard
In the Cellar
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Awards
- Platter's Wine Guide | 4 stars
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tinta Barocca |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
2020 - 2028 |
Food Matching | Best paired with grilled, roasted and braised meat and game dishes. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Swartland |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2021 Dornier Cocoa Hill Ruby Red
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Among them was Long Ben – as fierce as he was tall,
he looted and pillaged and scavenged from all.
Ben fast became known for being up to no good,
and so fled from the seas and gave up his loot.
He planted some vines, as was the way,
and peered out towards the ocean almost every day.
Long Ben would have gazed longingly at the vista of Table Bay
from where our vines grow today, on Cocoa Hill.”
Tasting Notes
Aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of eucalyptus. The palate is full, fresh and lively with a subtle and well-balanced tannin structure.
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Fermentation & Aging
All components of this blend were fermented separately in vineyard specific batches with pump-overs for colour and tannin extraction being performed five times daily. The wine was barrel matured for 12 months in French oak barrels and a small un-oaked component was used to provide a fresh and lively character.
Vintage Conditions
The vines are planted on our Groenkloof farm on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountain. The soil is composed of coffee coloured decomposed granite. The vines get full sun which allows for optimum development of rich berry characters in the grapes.
Accolades
- 4.5 John Platter Stars
- TOP 100 SA Wines
- Veritas Silver Outstanding
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar |
Merlot (34%), Shiraz (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (19%), Malbec (14%) and Petit Verdot (3%) |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
15% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Up to 5 years |
Food Matching | Braised oxtail, Boeuf bourguignon, charcuterie platter and smoked kudu Carpaccio. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2018 Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £18.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge. GOLD Mundus Vini, 91 Points John Platter Winemag, Double Gold Gilbert & Gaillard
Tasting Notes
Intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, blackberries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak with a hint of mint to ensure freshness. The palate has density and concentrated flavours of dark fruit with elegant tannins to create a well-balanced wine with a long finish. Concentrated fruit, great structure and the ability to age well.
About the Harvest
Although very dry, the ripening season leading up to the 2018 harvest provided exce lent conditions for optimal ripeness and flavour development that resulted in exceptional fruit concentration and elegance in the wines of this vintage.
In the Cellar
This wine was fermented in open tanks with pump overs and punch downs being performed four times daily to extract all possible flavours from the berries. After alcoholic fermentation the wines underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel followed by 18 months ageing in 30% new French oak barrels.
History
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in The Golden Triangle area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention which are expressive of the unique terroir of The Golden Triangle whilst showcasing the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varieties planted at Dornier. Reverence for tradition is salient at Dornier as is difference where it leads to improvement.
Dornier Wine Estate is located on 3 different farms in the Upper Blaauwklippen Valley namely Groenkloof, Heldemeer and Stellenrust (Homestead) the latter of which includes a historic Sir Herbert Baker designed homestead and one of the first wine cellars ever built in Stellenbosch in the late 1600s.
Dornier proudly boasts an A rating with IPW (Integrity and Sustainability) given its ongoing efforts incorporated and devotion towards sustainable farming practises with integrity.
Dornier also holds an A Rating with WIETA - a pro-active world-class and sustainable ethical trade programme for the South African wine industry and aligned sectors. given its efforts incorporated and devotion towards facilitating fair working conditions and sustainable ethical trade within the wine industry and its aligned sectors.
Accolades
-
Dornier Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 TOP 100 SA Wine
- 91 Points Winemag | "This is a gorgeous cabernet sauvignon from Dornier in South Africa. Located in the 'Golden Triangle' area of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley Stellenbosch. The primary focus at Dornier lies in the production of premium quality wines with minimal intervention. Their Equanimity Cabernet Sauvignon has an exuberance of concentrated fruit, intense black cherry colour with a full bouquet of cassis, black berries, cigar box, pencil shavings and subtle oak and a hint of mint to ensure freshness. Stunning value at under £20."
- The 2018 vintage of Dornier Equanimity Cabernet has received abundant local and international recognition having thus far received a Gold Medal from Mundus Vini Germany in 2022, 93 Points & Double Gold from Gilbert & Gaillard and now Top 100 Wine Status from the National Wine Challenge.
Specifications
Year | 2018 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.9 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | From 2021 for up to 8 years |
Food Matching |
Good as an aperitif or served with starters, seafood or cold white meat. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |
2020 Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel
Regular price £16.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Fruit driven American Zinfandel with Best Buy Ratings
Tasting Notes
Nose
Rich, sweet aromas of cherry and raspberry lead into jammy flavours of red plum, red currant and blackberry, with a dash of baking spices and a touch of smokiness.
Palate
Structured and textured, velvety tannins weave their way from mid-palate to a lingering finish.
Winemaking Notes
Working with top growers in Lodi where Zinfandel reigns supreme, our Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel embodies all the beloved characteristics of the grape.
Background
Cycles Gladiator was founded in 2005 with the mission to create high quality, affordable wines that honour the iconic artwork on the label by empowering and inspiring women. Proudly sourced from some of California’s top wine growing regions , award- winning winemaker Adam LaZarre crafts each wine with passion and care from grape to glass.
Accolades
- 20+ Best Buy Ratings by Wine Enthusiast
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matching |
Try this fruit-driven Zinfandel with lamb or hearty pasta dishes. |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
Zero Regrets Primitivo (Alcohol Free)
Regular price £7.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%0% Alcohol, Vegetarian/Vegan certified.
Made with grapes from a Puglian origin - this alcohol free wine is a juicy, plush alternative to the 'real thing'!
Tasting Notes
This Primitivo is rich and ripe, with an abundance of dark berry fruit on the nose, and a plush, smooth texture on the well-balanced palate.
Production
Primitivo grapes are transported in small containers and softly destemmed, taking care to keep the skins intact. Temperature controlled fermentation around 22°C with frequent pumping over of the must achieves optimal extraction of colour, a fruity bouquet and soft tannins in the finished wine. Vacuum distillation at around 30°C to preserve primary aromas.
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Primitivo |
Country | Puglia/Belgium |
Alcohol content
|
0% alc vol
|
Units of alcohol per bottle | 0 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Calories |
83 per 100ml |
Carbohydrates |
4.5g per 100ml |
Food Matches |
The perfect accompaniment to meaty pasta dishes. |
Origin | Puglia |
Appellation | Puglia/Belgium |
2022 Wildeberg Red
Regular price £19.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%A fine, distinctive blend of 90% Syrah with 10% Cabernet Franc, each from a single vineyard parcel in the Franschhoek valley. A natural approach to winemaking gives a fresh, expressive style with attractively wild berry fruit characters.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Warm and spicy on the nose, aromas of fresh crushed raspberries and black cherry mingle with black pepper, allspice and woodsmoke.
Palate
The palate has breadth and natural juiciness combining fresh cranberry and red berry fruit with spicy, peppercorn flavours. Best served at cool room temperature.
Production
Wildeberg is our small farm in Franschhoek. Only 10ha can be planted to vines, the rest is wild. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm. A blend of roughly 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, both parcels of fruit were hand-harvested then allowed to macerate carbonically without press. These wild ferments were left to themselves with just one daily manual punchdown followed by 12 months ageing in 600 ltr French oak barrels.
Producer
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Sustainability
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 90% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content | 13% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Vegetarian & Vegan |
Dietary Information | Contains Sulphites |
Food Matches | Great with charcuterie, a juicy steak or traditional South African Bobotie. |
Appellation | WO Franschoeck |
2021 Logan Apple Tree Flat Shiraz
Regular price £12.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Once upon a time, in a little town called Apple Tree Flat, a humble winemaker created quality, true varietal wines that were affordable enough to enjoy every day.
Luckily, this story is true.
The beauty of these wines can be found inside the bottle and out. The labels feature hand-drawn illustrations depicting the people, places and experiences of our winemaker’s home and winery. Whilst inside the bottle you'll find fruit driven wines with excellent regional expression that represent astounding value for mone
Despite such humble beginnings, Apple Tree Flat wines make big waves in Australia and around the world.
Tasting Notes
The lovely 2021 Apple Tree Flat Shiraz has inviting aromas of raspberry, bayleaf and a slight floral lift, before a warm welcome to the palette of red berries, clove, smooth peppers and soft tannins.
Winemaking
After crushing the grapes were fermented in stainless steel. The cap was pumped over twice a day during the 7- day fermentation period, then 100% matured in stainless steel. The wine was filtered before bottling.
Vintage
The Shiraz grapes for this dry red were harvested at 12.63° Baumé on the 29th March 2021. The 2021 growing season was a tough one in the NSW Central Ranges, although overall quality was high. Yields in the Orange region were pitifully low, about 10-15% of an average year, due to a hangover from the 2018-2020 drought, snow in November and some large rain events late in the growing season which required us to remove any mould or fungus affected grapes.
Yields in Mudgee were healthier but still a little down on average. Temperatures were cooler than average leading to slow, steady ripening, however the sunshine throughout produced clearly varietal wines, generally with lower alcohol levels.
Specifications
Year | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Shiraz |
Country | Australia |
Alcohol content | 13% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
9.75 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Sustainably Farmed |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Origin | Australia |
2020 Boneshaker Old Vine Zinfandel
Regular price £27.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Boneshaker is a robust, full-throttle “old vine” Zinfandel from Lodi, California, a region known for its warm growing season and sandy soils
Tasting Notes
Colour
A vibrant ruby red in colour
Nose
Dark cherry, blackberry, subtle notes of spice and a hint of leather on the nose
Palate
Perfectly ripe red berry and fruit flavours are accompanied by a balanced structure with firm ripe tannins and a touch of warm spices on a gentle toasty finish.
Background
Older vines make bolder Zinfandel. Bruella Vineyard and Fathom Ranch are owned by Jason and Kimberly Eells, whose multi-generational family has sold grapes to Hahn Family Wines for over 20 years. These vineyards produce exceptional fruit with a character only found in California, yielding Zinfandel as rich and spicy as their history.
Region
This Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from two historical vineyards – Bruella Vineyard and Fathom Ranch – both located in the Mokelumne River AVA, a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA that is home to more Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards than any region in the U.S. The heritage, head-trained Zinfandel vines in these lowyielding vineyards range from 60 to over 100 years old, with roots that reach deep into well-drained, sandy loam soils. With a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, sunny days and evenings cooled by breezes off the Sacramento River Delta, the Lodi AVA has long been recognized as one of the finest AVAs for growing intensely flavored Zinfandel. Certified sustainable under the highly respected Lodi Rules for Sustainable Farming program, these vineyards promote biodiversity, soil and water health, and community and employee well-being.
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Zinfandel |
Country | United States of America |
Alcohol content | 15% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
11.3 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Features | Sustainably Farmed |
Food Matches | BBQ ribs, tri-tip, grilled vegetables. |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Lodi |
Origin | California |
2023 Ermita de San Felices Rioja Tinto Joven
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Light, elegant with plenty of summer-pudding red berry fruit. Light oak adds weight and concentration. The vibrant violet, cherry fruit is typical of good Tempranillo Rioja.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Red colour with blackish tones
Nose
Good intensity, fresh, floral and red berries.
Taste
Medium body, easy drinking, fruity and fresh with mouth-watering acidity.
Producer
Santiago Ijalba has been making wines for over half a century and founded Bodegas Santalba (a fusion of his first and last name) in 1964. Joined by his son Roberto and daughter Laura over the last decade, Roberto concentrates his wine making expertise on the more modern styles, while Laura focuses her attentions on the marketing side, making Bodegas Santalba a real family affair.
Specifications
Year | 2023 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Tempranillo |
Country | Spain |
Alcohol content | 14% |
Units of Alcohol per Bottle
|
10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Food Matches |
Drink with barbecues, rice dishes such as risottos, beef carpaccio with parmesan, beans or pulses and vegetables, pork in mustard, fresh pasta, curried chicken, Eastern and spicy dishes. Serve around 16C. |
Features | Vegetarian approved |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Appellation | Rioja Alta |
Origin | DOCa Rioja |
2021 Domaine de la Rochette Touraine Gamay
Regular price £12.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This is Gamay Noir with white juice. The vines resulting from massal and clonal selections are between between 10 and 30 years old. Planting density is 6500 vines per hectare. Average yields are 50 to 55 Hl/Ha, barely a liter of grape juice per vine.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Ruby-red colour, bold, garnet red highlights.
Nose
Aromatic, elegant, subtle violet aromas, intense fresh fruit aromas, subtle strawberry aromas, generous raspberry aromas, subtle cinnamon aromas.
Palate
Elegant, delicate, smooth, violet overtones, generous fresh fruit hints, vanilla hints, fresh tannin, round, slightly mineral, light body, good intensity, long length.
Soil
The soil type "Perruche" is made of flint clay with more or less silica and gravel. Most of the plots are on the first Cher's hillsides, with good exposure and a fairly large slope allowing the flow of excess water.
Vinification
The berries are picked and sorted for quality. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, which allows a natural micro-oxygenation of the juice. The fermentation is of “semi carbonic” type, which is to stay shielded from air and in an environment of carbon dioxide, making it possible to obtain more elegant and fruity aroma.
The history of Domaine de la Rochette en Loire
Domaine de la Rochette has been in Vincent Leclair's family for four generations. Taking over his father's fifty hectares of vines in 2014, Vincent Leclair has made a few changes to the management of the vineyard, adding his own touch. For example, he keeps the grass in the rows to enrich the soil via other types of plant, and he has also stopped using insecticides, preferring instead sexual confusion hormones: a highly effective means of combating insects harmful to the vines. He then invested in new equipment, much more precise in its application.
These include new tanks and new tractors. Although he is an enthusiast of organic viticulture, he admits that it is rather difficult to implement because the Touraine region experiences a lot of rain throughout the year, resulting in a higher risk of disease. With his new equipment, he has nevertheless managed to reduce his treatments by around 50%. Treatments against mildew and powdery mildew, two diseases that are rampant in the vineyards, are therefore carried out as little as possible. The estate is HVE certified.
Accolades
- Silver Medal - Concours des vins des Vignerons Indépendants 2023
- Gold Medal - Concours international Gilbert et Gaillard 2023
Specifications
Vintage | 2021 |
Bottle Size | 75cl |
Cultivar | 100% Gamay |
Country | France |
Alcohol content | 12% alcohol |
Units of Alcohol per bottle | 9 units of alcohol |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential |
Drink within 3 years at a temperature of around 8-10°C. |
Food Matching |
Enjoy with red meats, cold cuts, and goat's cheese |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Origin | Loire Valley |
Appellation |
AOC Touraine |
2022 Coterie by Wildeberg Grenache Syrah
Regular price £13.49 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Wildeberg’s rationale is to source the finest vineyards available to us across Franschhoek and the Coastal Region, from which cuvées the eyes are plucked to make Wildeberg and the Terroir Series releases. In doing so there remains a small yet definitive expression of all the vineyards we worked with, and its these cuvees that are again selected to go into Coterie by Wildeberg. All fruit is hand-harvested in February from selected sites in Franschhoek and Paarl. Both cultivars are fermented whole bunch, with some whole berry fruit, there is no crush, just a daily pump over during the natural fermentation. We want to express place over cultivar so this slow, gentle extraction gives wines truer of origin than winery. The components are racked to French and Austrian oak, new and old, for 8 months before the blend is decided. This blend is then allowed to marry for 6 weeks prior to coarse filtration and bottling on the farm.
Producer
The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.
The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.
A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.
Sustainability
Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.
This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.
Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.
All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.
Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.
Awards for 2022 Vintage
- Bronze - 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 67% Grenache, 33% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14% ABV |
Units of alcohol per bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
Dietary Information | Vegan & Vegetarian Approved |
Food Matches | Grilled meats, especially lamb and spiced meat dishes. |
Appellation | W.O. Coastal Region |
Krohn 10 Year Old Tawny, DOC Porto NV
Regular price £14.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%This 10 year old is a classic Tawny with the typical appealing aromas and flavours of wood-aged Ports, particularly nuts and caramel.
Tasting Notes
Colour
Lovely tawny colour with golden hues.
Nose
Complex aromas of ripe red fruits, damson jam, raisins and toasted nuts.
Palate
Smooth and rounded on the palate, with notes of caramel balanced by fresh acidity to give great length. A very well balanced, elegant and harmonious port wine.
Production
Made from selected red ports produced from the best vineyards of the Douro Valley, and varieties including: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cão and Tinta Roriz. Aged in small oak casks, typically of around 630 litres. As the wine ages it gradually loses the ruby red colour of its youth, becoming tawny in colour, more smooth and mellow on the palate, and aromas gaining richness and complexity.
Producers
Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two Norwegians - Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn - shipping initially to Scandinavia and Germany. In the century and a half since its foundation, Krohn has built up an outstanding reputation. Long renowned for the quality of their sublime Colheitas (single vintage tawnies), they produce a remarkably complete range for a small house, and each wine excels in its category. Much of the secret lies in the high quality of their vineyards - the magical combination of terroir, locality, aspect, incline and low-yielding vines. Their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in Sarzedinho, in the Rio Torto valley (where vinification takes place), is all A grade vineyard. Indeed Krohn only work with grapes from A-graded vineyards across all of their ports, and their top wines are still trodden by foot. Since 2013 Krohn has been part of the Fladgate Partnership - alongside Taylor's, Fonseca and Croft.
Reviews
-
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“Elegant and balanced, with a good acidity. Fresh and delicious, exactly as it should be a 10 year old.”
Specifications
Year | N/V |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca |
Country | Portugal |
Alcohol content
|
20% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 15 units |
Type | Red Blend |
Dietary Information |
Vegetarian, Vegan |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Serving | The wine benefits from being served slightly chilled, between 12ºC to 16ºC. The particular qualities of this wine allow it to be enjoyed over an extended period of time once opened, without losing its freshness and vibrancy. Optimum drinking time after opening the bottle is within two to three months. |
Food Matches | The Krohn 10 Year Old Tawny is a delicious dessert wine, and harmonizes particularly well with flavours of almonds, wild berries or dark chocolate. You can also pair it with rich, blue veined cheeses. It is excellent at the end of the meal, as a culminating moment of a pleasant evening, served alone or with walnuts or toasted almonds. |
Storage | This wine is ready to drink and does not require decanting. The bottle should be kept upright, protected from light and at a cool and constant temperature. |
Origin | Douro Valley |
Appellation | DOC Porto |
2020 Cortese 'Senia' Nero d'Avola Sicilia DOC (Organic)
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%When they created Senia, they took their inspiration from traditional fermentation techniques. For this reason the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, in small quantities of around 150 litres. Senia has a extremely limited production of about 8.000 bottles per year.
Tasting Notes
Colour
An extremely intense ruby red in colour.
Nose
On the bouquet there are prominent dark fruit notes of plums and blackberries, with nuances of balsamic, liqorice and carob.
Palate
A very full-bodied wine, with a refreshing acidity, and a long finish showing soft and intense tannins.
Vineyards & Vinification
We ferment the grapes in open top barriques in small lots of around 150 litres. Using this method, it’s not possible to control the temperature during fermentation, but it never exceeds 18-24C°. The small volume allows it to adjust itself naturally.
The grapes undergo fermentation for 10-12 days. The use of open top barrels allows us to carry out “follatura” (manually pushing down the skins) as often as is necessary for the natural and delicate extraction of colour and tannins from the skins.
We leave the wine in contact with the skins for about 20 days after the fermentation and then for a total of 30-35 days.
Once the maceration on the skins has ended, the wine is placed in barriques for the malolactic fermentation, after which it remains in barrel for 12 months before bottling. The wine stays a further 6 months in bottle before being released on to the market.
Accolades
91 pts points | James Suckling
I like the dried-spice, tobacco and ash character to the black plum and black cherry fruit. It’s medium- to full-bodied with plenty of spicy and smoky flavours. Soft tannins. Delicious now.
17/20 points | Jancis Robinson
Specifications
Year | 2020 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Nero d'Avola |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic |
Origin | Sicilia DOC |
2017 Cortese 'Sabuci' Cerasuolo Di Vittoria Classico DOCG (Organic)
Regular price £20.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Sabuci is the name of the contrada or hamlet where Cortese has been situated since 1930. It is an historical area, perfectly suited to the production of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which is the reason why we have given the name “Sabuci” to this wine.
Sabuci has a very limited production of about 7.000 bottles per year.
Tasting Notes
Colour
The wine is ruby red, with flecks of garnet.
Nose
The bouquet is fruit-driven, with aromas of cherries, pomegranate and fruits of the forest, plus cocoa, leather and caramel.
Palate
The palate is elegant and complex. Hugely concentrated, the tannins are at the same time firm and persistent.
Vineyards& Vinification
The area around Cortese, in the region of Vittoria, was strongly influenced by Greek culture and the very important ancient Greek site of Kamarina is located nearby.
We have been inspired by ancient Greek culture in the way we have chosen to make our Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico.
Sabuci is made with the best selection of grapes – Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%). The grapes carefully hand-harvested at the end of September and beginning of October. The grapes are put into small containers and we lower the temperature to around 10°C.
The two grape varieties are vinified separately, in different ways: the Nero d’Avola is fermented in open top barriques, enabling us to follow a really scrupulous process. We carry out “follatura” (immersion of the skins) by hand and extremely delicately. The Frappato, on the other hand, is fermented in 7hl terracotta amphorae. The natural porosity of terracotta allows the ideal oxygen exchange during the fermentation process. At the same time it also allows the wine to remain in contact with the skins for an extended period of up to 12 months. The wines are blended together and are aged for six months in barriques and botti of various sizes. The wine remains in bottle for at least 3 months before being introduced to the market
Awards
- 17/20 points - Jancis Robinson
Specifications
Year | 2017 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | Nero d’Avola (60%) and Frappato (40%) |
Country | Italy |
Alcohol content
|
14.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Dietary Information | Organic |
Origin | Sicily |
2022 Waterkloof Circumstance 'Seriously Cool' Cinsault
Regular price £13.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Tasting Notes
Vibrant red fruits on the nose with a savoury, fynbos finesse. On the palate it has ripe, black cherry fruit offset by cranberry freshness and texture with taut acidity on the finish.
Production
Seriously Cool Cinsault is crafted from 30 to 35 year old bush-vine vineyards on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. The vineyards are close to the ocean, which ensure a long growing season and allows for ripe fruit with good concentration and a balanced acidity. Production from these grand dames of South African viticultural heritage is a miserly 4 tons/hectare. Grapes are hand-harvested and brought to the cellar, where the bunches are hand-sorted and fermented whole-bunch in large wooden fermenters. Alcoholic fermentation starts spontaneously inside the berry from the naturally occurring yeast. After around 3 days of this intracellular fermentation the grapes are punched down twice daily with feet to ensure that the berries are broken slowly and softly and not over extracted. The wine is kept on the skins for a minimum of 30 days. ‘Powered’ through gravity alone, the wine runs down to a tank below. The remaining berries, fall into the basket press where they are gently pressed. The soft pressing and the free-run are then placed together in second and third fill 600L French oak barrels to finish malolactic fermentation and the wine is then aged for 8 months. This wine expresses the grapes in their purest form and no fining agents were added. Only sulphur was added and no other additions, such as tartaric acid or enzymes were allowed.
Producer
Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned farm using organic practices. The farm is perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils, naturally low yields and a long growing season help provide talented Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard with naturally balanced grapes that are imbued with a truly defining sense of origin. Those grapes are then transformed into wine with a minimum of intervention. The resulting wines are fine, inimitable and best enjoyed with food.
Sustainability
As well as being ECOCERT certified as organic, and working biodynamically, Waterkloof goes much further than many in its efforts to be a highly sustainable winery. A member of The Integrated Production of Wine Scheme, a voluntary environmental sustainability scheme established by the South African wine industry in 1998, and of The Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association, a multi-stakeholder, non-profit voluntary organisation which actively promotes ethical trade in the wine industry, it is has also been a member of the World Wildlife Fund’s Biodiversity & Wine Initiative from its inception. Through a partnership between the IPW and the BWI, Waterkloof is a WWF Conservation Champion and has in place a formal nature conservation plan that includes: clearing approximately 55 hectares of land from alien invader species and restoring the Cape’s precious indigenous flora and fauna; re-establishing natural vegetation in previously disturbed areas; introducing preventive erosion control measures; providing migration corridors for species between isolated areas of natural vegetation; mulching of winter cover crops to create a healthy environment for the natural predators of vine pests and installing perches for birds of prey for natural rodent control measures.
In the vineyards, drip irrigation is used only on young vines as a more efficient system to conserve water. Most of Waterkloof is dry-farmed; the biological control of pests is employed as an alternative to chemical spraying; annual legume cover crops are sown to add nitrogen to the soil and annual grain cover crops are sown in alternate rows as a carbon source and to return nutrients to the soil; earthworms are farmed and their casts are used to make a tea, which is used on the cover crops and soil as a living fertiliser; 380-400 tons of compost a year are made each year to boost carbon matter in the soil, to enhance its water holding capacity, and to boost the level of microbes in the soil keeping it fertile and alive; and, as part of the estate’s biodynamic regime, various foliar feeds are made. No damaging herbicides, pesticides or fungicide are used, only natural predatory fungi and metabolites to control mildew and to build the plants’ immunity. Six Percheron horses are used to plough, compost, spray and harvest the vineyards to reduce damage to the soil and vines and to reduce carbon emissions. Using the horses also teaches the handlers the rare skill of training these horses. A flock of chickens reduces the number of pests in the vineyard and returns nitrogen to the soil and compost, as well as providing fresh, free-range eggs for the restaurant. A small herd of cows is kept, which is key to producing biodynamic composts and teas, and a flock of sheep and a herd of goats are allowed to graze in the vineyards in winter to naturally reduce the level of weeds and vegetation between vine rows, as well as to put nitrogen back into the soil.
In the cellar, waste water gets pumped through a stainless-steel filter into a bioreactor where it is combined with the rest of the waste water from the building. Aerobic bacteria remove most of the contaminants before the water is pumped into a sand bed to remove any solids. From there, it runs into a reed bed for a final clean up and it is then used to irrigate the young vines. Peroxide is used a cleaning agent in the cellar as it breaks down in water after 15 minutes, leaving no residue. The cellar itself is built into the hillside to maintain a stable temperature, to avoid pumping the wines and hence reducing energy usage. Used boxes, dividers, bottles, screwcaps, plastics, paper and labels are recycled with an external company that take everything away for recycling. Old, unused bottles are sold to bottle recyclers who wash and resell them.
Alan's Personal Tasting Note
"This is divine - lots of vibrant soft attractive fruits - but are they black or red or a combo of both? There’s also a lovely savouriness to the palate plus prominent herb notes - all kept fresh with a beautiful balancing activity. Real quality winemaking and lots of moreish flavour for the price. Fabulous value. It is seriously cool and serving it cool sounds attractive. It’s more a bright, vibrant lunchtime summer red than a heavier, warm, rich autumnal style." tasted August 2024
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cinsault |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
13.5% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.1 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | Awaiting info |
Features | Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable, Natural |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Would pair nicely with duck, pigeon and also a rack of lamb. Lightly chilled it's a great match with a plate of spicy charcuterie. |
Origin | Stellenbosch |
Appellation | South Africa |
2022 False Bay Old School Syrah
Regular price £9.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%RedProduction is ‘old-school’ with wild yeast (partially whole-bunch) fermentation and maturation in large wooden casks. A fine, spicy style...definitely more Syrah than Shiraz.
Tasting Notes
Full yet elegant with bramble fruits and also some earth and meaty aromas. The palate is structured and well balanced with fresh red fruit characters, gently spicy notes, fine tannins and a refreshing natural acidity.
Production
The grapes for False Bay Old School Syrah stem primarily from two vineyards in Stellenbosch. The attraction to these coastal, vineyards were the cooler temperatures and low yields of small, naturally balanced and concentrated berries. Made by Waterkloof's talented young Cellarmaster Nadia Barnard. Balanced grapes are hand harvested, fermented spontaneously with wild yeast (a small portion whole-bunch) and then raised in large wooden casks (or 'foudre' en Francais). No additions other than sulphur as a preservative. Grown, made and bottled in South Africa. Vegan friendly wine from sustainably faremed vineyards.
Producer
An independent company, owned by Waterkloof founder Paul Boutinot, False Bay Vineyards aims to make 'real' wine affordable. These are sustainable certified wines bottled in South Africa and naturally crafted from mature and often old vineyards that, crucially, are naturally in balance. This means that, unusually at the price, the grapes from these coastal gems can be transformed into wine with wild yeast and an absolute minimum of intervention.
False Bay Vineyards is proud to be a WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Biodiversity Champion and certified by WIETA (Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association). All of their wines are Vegan friendly.
Specifications
Year | 2022 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Syrah |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14 % alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Dietary Information | Vegan and Vegetarian |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Food Matches | Ideal with spicy dishes, red meats and rich Mediterranean dishes. |
Origin | WO Coastal Region |
2019 Hermanuspietersfontein Swartskaap
Regular price £26.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%‘Swartskaap’ translates to ‘Black Sheep’ from Afrikaans. HPF’s iconic Cabernet Franc that really stands out from the herd!
The odd one out. He goes about life in ways different to the rest of the Family. He’ll zig while others zag. When they shake their heads, it means deep down they’re proud of him…
Tasting Notes
This wine is the heart and soul of HPF. Delicious now, but also has very good ageing potential.
Nose
Bright red and purple fruit, raspberries and blackcurrants; black olive; green herbal spice
Palate
Generous offering; density and fruit intensity; milk chocolate praline; supple and full with persistent length; sweet herbal spice (rosemary, thyme, mint) providing freshness on the palate
Vinification
Our iconic Cabernet franc! This wine is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do…no surprise that this vineyard is planted in the “heart” of our property! As a single varietal wine, Cabernet franc poses a great challenge both in the vineyard and the cellar due to its robust nature. The wine ages in old (50%) and new (50%) French oak barrique (50%) and pigeons (50%) for a 24 month period. Post bottling, we then cellar the wine for a further 24 months before the wine is released onto the market. Our aim is to be meticulous creating something that will not just please but hopefully shift boundaries. On the palate this wine embodies our wine philosophy of BALANCE,ELEGANCE, FRESHNESS, DRINKABILITY, LONGEVITY! These wines will age for 10 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions.
History
You’ve probably heard of the quaint beach town of Hermanus, situated on South Africa’s famous Whale Coast. Between 1855 and 1902, it was called Hermanuspietersfontein. In 1902, the local postmaster decided to shorten the name of the town to make addressing letters to the locals easier.
150 years later, the wine farm Hermanuspietersfontein, or HPF for short, craft outstanding wines with a serious sense of place. Their grapes come from Sondagskloof, which competes with Elgin and the Ceres Plateau for South Africa’s coolest wine growing region.
Accolades
- 94 points - Platters 2024
Specifications
Year | 2019 |
Bottle Size | 750ml |
Cultivar | 100% Cabernet Franc |
Country | South Africa |
Alcohol content
|
14.05% alc vol
|
Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 10.5 units |
Type | Red Wine |
Cellaring Potential | 10 years and beyond, provided stored under optimum conditions |
Allergen Information | Contains sulphites |
Maturation in Oak |
The wine is aged in old (50%) and new (50%) French oak 225L barrique (50%) and 500L pigeons (50%) for a 24 month period. It then undergoes a further 24 months of cellaring before release. |
Food Matches |
A hearty homemade beef lasagna, be generous with the italian herbs as they’ll compliment the slight herbaceousness of Cabernet Franc perfectly. |
Origin | Sondagskloof, Walker Bay near Hermanus |
Appellation | WO Western Cape |