Featured Bordeaux
Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal, Pauillac, 2009
Probably the finest Haut-Bages Liberal since the 1982, this beautifully rich wine has an inky purple colour, a big, sweet kiss of creme de cassis, incense, some background spicy oak and forest floor. Its gorgeous fruit, full-bodied opulence, impressive purity, expansive texture and broad, savory finish make for a terrific wine to drink over the next 25+ years. (Feb 2012)
Chateau Reynon, Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux, 2016
Hard to beat in terms of value for money, the 2016 Reynon has vibrant, plummy fruit character and notes of dark chocolate on the palate. The higher proportion of cabernet sauvignon (17%) this year lends the wine energy and freshness. 2019–2027.
Chateau Le Doyenne, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux,
- The 2016 La Doyenne, a Première Côtes de Bordeaux, has an understated but pure bouquet with red cherries, boysenberry jam and violet aromas that unfurl nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, fine structure, subtle but slightly tarry fruit and a gently but insistent grip on the finish.
Chateau Caronne Ste Gemme, Haut Medoc, 2014
Situated 500 metres from St Julien, adjacent to Château Gruaud Larose and Château Lascombes, this property is blessed with some very fine vineyards producing fruit worthy of Classes Growth status delivering outstanding value for money. In 2013 Francois Nony installed a new winemaking team, including Olivier Seze and Bruno Sauquet (previously at Montrose) to take this Château to the next level. This has proved to be a great decision.
Deep, almost opaque in colour, intense cassis dominates the bouquet but there is also a delicious freshness. Aged in 25% new oak, the palate is brooding, meaty and sturdy, balanced with beautifully ripe tannin and notes of cedar.
Château Lafon-Rochet, Grand Cru Classé, Saint Estèphe, 2008
A strong effort for this vintage, the 2008 exhibits a dark plum/purple color, plenty of firm, rugged, austere tannins, copious red and black fruits, admirable flavor intensity and medium body. Cellar it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 15.
Château Lafon-Rochet
Château Lafon-Rochet is a 4ème Cru Classé St-Estèphe estate that has been owned by the Tesseron family since 1959. The property has one of the best terroirs in Bordeaux: its one block of 45 hectares is on a gravelly rise not far from Pauillac, and overlooks first growth Lafite Rothschild and second growth Cos d’Estournel.
Château Tour Haut Vignoble, St Estephe, 2014
Tasting
The purple colour with garnet reflections evolves on a nose of a beautiful intensity marked by the presence of black fruit as well as toasted notes. The palate presents a fresh and minty attack. The palate confirms the nose with the presence of blackcurrant and strawberry enhanced by sweet spices. We have here a very beautiful bottle of St Estèphe.
Technical
The Château Tour Haut Vignoble is located north of the commune of Saint-Estèphe. The vineyard is planted on gentle slopes composed of gravel and clay, which allows good drainage of the plots. The wines from this estate are recognised for their power and balance. Aging in one-year oak barrels gives the wine beautiful toasted notes.
Château Rollan de By, Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, 2009
Very fleshy, this delicious red shows plum, raspberry and blackberry pâté de fruit notes backed by spice cake, anise and toasty vanilla. The finish is long and polished. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Chateau Rollan de By
The property is owned by Jean Guyon and is a leading estate in the Medoc and of the Cru Bourgeois chateaux. The wine spends 15 months in 100% new French oak barrels and consistently offers good value.
Clos Louie – ‘Louison & Leopoldine’, Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon, France 2015
A tiny organic vineyard with pre-phylloxeric vines owned by Pascal and Sophie Lucin Douteau. ‘Louison & Leopoldine’ is their second wine; with a high proportion of Cabernet Franc it has a charm and elegance and is drinking wonderfully right now.
‘Red cherry with hints of mint, creamy and smooth on the palate. Expressive and with fine depth of flavour – a good find.’ – www.bordeaux.com
Clos Louie – ‘Louison & Leopoldine’, Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon, France 2014
A tiny organic vineyard with pre-phylloxeric vines owned by Pascal and Sophie Lucin Douteau. ‘Louison & Leopoldine’ is their second wine; with a high proportion of Cabernet Franc it has a charm and elegance and is drinking wonderfully right now.
‘Red cherry with hints of mint, creamy and smooth on the palate. Expressive and with fine depth of flavour – a good find.’ – www.bordeaux.com
Clos Louie – ‘Louison & Leopoldine’, Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon, France 2016
A tiny organic vineyard with pre-phylloxeric vines owned by Pascal and Sophie Lucin Douteau. ‘Louison & Leopoldine’ is their second wine; with a high proportion of Cabernet Franc it has a charm and elegance and is drinking wonderfully right now.
‘Red cherry with hints of mint, creamy and smooth on the palate. Expressive and with fine depth of flavour – a good find.’ – www.bordeaux.com
Chateau Sociando-Mallet, Jean Gautreau, Haut-Medoc, 2010
This wine has wonderfully rounded tannins and a woodland, cedary palate. The property is situated north of Saint- Estèphe and always makes big, fairly structured traditional wines.
Chateau Kirwan, Margaux, 2015
Opulent, lush, forward style of Margaux with good florality, sweet, ripe, round red fruits, a touch of smoke, cocoa and tobacco leaf, plush, polished tannins and a soft, silky finish. Still young, without much secondary development, give it at least 5 more years, or maybe a bit longer.
Chateau Kirwan, Margaux, 2014
It is indeed a great Margaux classic. Wine Advocate-Parker : The 2014 Kirwan has a brisk raspberry and wild strawberry nose, a touch confit with rose petal scents emerging with time, the vanilla aspect observed in barrel now completely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity.
Chateau Phelan Segur, St Estephe, 2006, Bordeaux, 37.5cl
Château Phélan Ségur 2006 is a red wine from Saint-Estèphe that is based on merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc and has an alcoholic strength of 12%. It is the ideal red to combine with roasted red meat. It obtained the following scores with robert parker: 88 and wine spectator: 90.
TASTING NOTES:
- To the eye: 2006 Château Phélan Ségur shows a dark red
- On the nose: nose evokes fruits like raspberry, currant and a touch of fresh herbs.
- In the mouth: the palate displays an active tannic but well balanced. Middle and elegant finish.
Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, 2005
Château Rieussec is a wine producer located in Fargues, in the Sauternes appellation in Bordeaux. It makes sweet wines from a classic Bordeaux blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, and was classified as a first growth in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac, alongside the finest sweet white wines the region.
About the wine:
Ownership: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).
Producer: Chateau Rieussec
Region / Appellation: Sauternes
Country Hierarchy: Bordeaux, France
Wine Style: Dessert – Lush and Balanced
Grape / Blend: Sauvignon Blanc – Semillon
Drinking Window: 2010 – 2045
Food Suggestion: Blue Cheeses
Alcohol: 12.5%
Review and tasting notes by Tom Cannavan
2005 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2007
As usual, a brilliant performance. Rieussec is all mellow honey and rounded, deeply ripe and concentrated fruit. The palate displays lovely botrytis, with a mouth-filling presence and terrific orangy verve and sharpness. Lovely structure here and real length.
Chateau Senejac, Haut Medoc, 2016
Château Sénéjac 2016 presents a deep red colour with garnet reflections. The first nose is very open, precise with notes of black cherries and blackberries. After stirring, the nose takes on its fullness, with complex notes of red fruits, associated with the toasted vanilla from the barrel. The palate is dense and opulent. The texture is very precise, thanks to very good quality tannins and good management of our extractions during vinification. Sénéjac 2016 is powerful while remaining very elegant and is expressed by a good length in the mouth, silky and well-integrated tannins. This vintage is one of the best of the property. It combines concentration and gluttony and it is undoubtedly a very good aging potential.
Chateau Sociando Mallet, Haut Medoc, 2015
The wines of Sociando-Mallet are characterized by a very deep and dark colour, complex aromas of red fruits and a well-integrated, fine, oaky touch. They are by tradition long-keeping wines. The wines are full-bodied, straight and elegant, with a lot of freshness and depth.
Some graphite and toasted spicy fruits, which create an impressive opening. Iodine and dark berries follow. The palate has a similarly spicy start, which builds waves of fine, ripe tannin, that hold impressively fresh and deep.
Chateau Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois, Moulis, 2009
2009 Poujeaux shows the estate made a big jump in quality since it was purchased by the owners of Chateau Clos Fourtet in St. Emilion. Stephane Derenoncourt is lending his skills to the winery as well. The 2009 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Ripe blackberries, cassis, olives, spice and pepper make up the perfume. This thick, rich, full bodied, powerful wine should drink well young.
Current Offers
‘Renaissance’, Pen-Y-Clawdd Vineyard, 2018, – 6 bottle offer – Buy 5 – get one free!
Renaissance is a dry, crisp, still white wine produced from the 2018 harvest from Reichensteiner, Phoenix & Schönburger grapes.
It has aromas and flavours of green apple, fennel and stone fruit with refreshing citrus notes,
Perfect as an aperitif, with grilled fish, seafood, white meat or goat’s cheese.
Chateau Le Doyenne, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux,
- The 2016 La Doyenne, a Première Côtes de Bordeaux, has an understated but pure bouquet with red cherries, boysenberry jam and violet aromas that unfurl nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, fine structure, subtle but slightly tarry fruit and a gently but insistent grip on the finish.
Casal Mendes – Rosé, Bairrada, Portugal, 6 bottle offer
A delicious Portuguese classic – serve it cold
Refreshing and fruity rosé, bursting with aromas of strawberries and raspberries. On the palate the wine is soft and fruity with a light spritz. Nice fresh acidity and a touch of sweetness on the finish
Pinot Grigio DOC Vivolo di Sasso, 2019, 6 bottle offer
It has an intense straw colour and also an ample, lasting fruity bouquet. The palate is dry, soft and well balanced due to its full body.
Chianti Classico DOCG Botter, 2017, 6 bottle offer
Aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months. Deep ruby red colour, intense and persistent. This wine is characterized by fruity notes of cherry, followed by delicate spicy notes of black pepper.
Chianti DOCG Riserva, Val di Botte, 2014, 6 bottle offer
A full bodied Chianti showing wild red and black berry flavours along with wild herbs, spice and savoury notes supported by a refreshing acidity and structured tannin.
Arché – Sangiovese Rubicone IGT, 2018, 6 bottle offer
This medium-bodied wine has a pleasant, fresh bouquet with a dark cherry and plum nose. Very easy on the palate with light tannin and a smooth finish.
Arché – Trebbiano Rubicone IGT, 2018, 6 bottle offer
A beautiful tropical fragrance entices you in whilst the palate is fresh and crisp with lovely citrus fruits.
Chateau Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois, Moulis, 2010
2010 Poujeaux shows the estate made a big jump in quality since it was purchased by the owners of Chateau Clos Fourtet in St. Emilion. Stephane Derenoncourt is lending his skills to the winery as well.
2010 Poujeaux is produced from 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The perfume is filled with boysenberry, earth and mocha. In the mouth, the wine offers spicy, chocolate covered cassis, round textures and tannins to age
Chateau Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois, Moulis, 2009
2009 Poujeaux shows the estate made a big jump in quality since it was purchased by the owners of Chateau Clos Fourtet in St. Emilion. Stephane Derenoncourt is lending his skills to the winery as well. The 2009 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Ripe blackberries, cassis, olives, spice and pepper make up the perfume. This thick, rich, full bodied, powerful wine should drink well young.
Chateau Rieussec, Sauternes, 2005
Château Rieussec is a wine producer located in Fargues, in the Sauternes appellation in Bordeaux. It makes sweet wines from a classic Bordeaux blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, and was classified as a first growth in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac, alongside the finest sweet white wines the region.
About the wine:
Ownership: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).
Producer: Chateau Rieussec
Region / Appellation: Sauternes
Country Hierarchy: Bordeaux, France
Wine Style: Dessert – Lush and Balanced
Grape / Blend: Sauvignon Blanc – Semillon
Drinking Window: 2010 – 2045
Food Suggestion: Blue Cheeses
Alcohol: 12.5%
Review and tasting notes by Tom Cannavan
2005 Vintage Tasted: Jan 2007
As usual, a brilliant performance. Rieussec is all mellow honey and rounded, deeply ripe and concentrated fruit. The palate displays lovely botrytis, with a mouth-filling presence and terrific orangy verve and sharpness. Lovely structure here and real length.
Bela Sombra, triple, wooden gift box
Quinta da Alorna 2013 Bela Sombra Reserva Red (Tejo) Limited edition
A superb gift of 3 bottles presented in a triple wooden box
Smoky, spicy and rich, this dense wine is full of firm tannins that keep it structured and concentrated. This limited-edition wine brings out berry fruits and final acidity that gives a juicy character to the aftertaste. Perfect for drinking now.
Sauvignon blanc mixed case
Easily one of the most popular grape varieties. Sauvignon Blanc produces fresh, dry, aromatic wines all over the world, from the intensely aromatic wines of Marlborough, New Zealand, to the more traditional flinty wines of France.
We’ve put together a selection of varying styles spanning 5 countries, India, Portugal, Italy, France and New Zealand offering an ideal opportunity to try something new!
As we sell of our remaining wine in preparation for our retirement this offer is changing to reflect stock levels. Featherdrop & San Simone are now sold out so this mixed case will contain 2 Sauvignon Grain d’Automne Pays d’Oc & 2 Fairfields Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough as replacements.
2 x Fairfields – Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, 2019 New Zealand
A delicious, crisp dry white wine with vibrant fresh herbal aromas and ripe gooseberry overtones.
1 x Quinta da Alorna – Sauvignon Blanc, Tejo, 2019 Portugal
Ripe notes of pineapple, blood orange and guava intertwine with herbal notes of asparagus and freshly mown grass. Dry, fresh and crisp on the palate with good persistence. An excellent aperitif or pair with goats’ cheese salad. Enjoy over the next couple years.
2 x Sauvignon “Grain d’Automne” Pay’s d’Oc IGP Domaine Bergon, 2019 France
This wine is sourced from vineyards near the town of Beziers. Very fresh grassy Sauvignon grape character. Full rich flavour with good acidity.
1 x San Simone – Sauvignon, Prestige Line, Friuli Grave, 2019 Italy
Light straw yellow colour with slight greenish hints. Broad, varietal, aromatic on the nose, with citric notes of grapefruit, yellow pepper, tomato leaf, sage and balsamic aromas. On the palate it is rich, fragrant and aromatic, with natural acidity and a persistent and pleasant slight bitter aftertaste.
1 x Sula – Sauvignon Blanc, Nashik, 2018 India
Sula Vineyards is at the forefront of the Indian wine revolution. The wines are served in the best restaurants worldwide. Herbaceous, crisp and dry, with aromas of bell peppers, freshly cut green grass and refreshing acidity on the palate.
Featherdrop, Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 New Zealand (Sold out)
Classic Marlborough style with zesty citrus and gooseberry flavours but with a twist of fresh mint and minerality on the finish.
Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old Cognac
- Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Cognac is a new take on an old favorite, with some subtle differences. The first is the age of the cognac. The normal Cordon Bleu is an XO quality, but, as the name suggests, this new model is an Extra Cognac. Whilst it still has a lot in common with the original Cordon Bleu blend (a large proportion of Borderies eaux-de-vie and candied fruit aromas), this brand new product delights with its depth and taste sensations.
Black Pig Distillery – Costa Alentejana Gin (50cl – 40% Vol.)
– The Gin Black Pig Costa Alentejana (Alentejo Coast) is a sensory experience, that reflects an immense blue sea, golden beach sands, monumental cliffs and breath taking views of an alentejo coast full of colors and aromas. This incredible coast has the climate that serves as a sanctuary for the gin’s botanicals that inspire this gin. The citric flavours, filled with freshness from the alentejo lemons, wild fragancies from the dune’s junipers, the delicate flower touch of the rosemary are the essence of this gin. Symbol of the preservation, respect and harmony with the ecosystem, the “Pata Negra”, is the flagship of the Alentejo, representing a territory where he always lived. From this perfect symbiosis between nature, the alchemy of aromas and the production process, an ecological cycle is created, from the harvest to the bottle. More than a gin, a perfume, that essence that makes you close your eyes and to do that time travel that awakes your senses and remembers you of the aromas from the trails, dunes and sea of the Alentejo Coast.
– This gin won the gold medal in the Frankfurt International Trophy 2019 and in the Women ́s wine and spirits awards 2019
– Botanicals: Alentejo Lemon, Gumrock rose, pennyroyal, french lavender, rosemary, ginger and other botanicals picked up from the Vicentine route.
Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape – Les Sinards 2014
Famille Perrin
Domaine Perrin is a reputable family owned and run négociant business situated in the Southern Rhone. They are owners of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Château de Beaucastel along with other well-known estates such as Mirival in Provence.
The Wine
The Family’s other Châteauneuf! Les Sinards comes from the young vines at Beaucastel and from a neighbouring vineyard that they farm.
The 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape les Sinards is a solid effort in the vintage and while it functions as a young vine/second wine cuvee for the Perrin Family, it trumps many an estate’s top cuvee. Floral, elegant and perfumed with lively notes of plums, blackberry, underbrush, pepper and licorice, it has good acidity, medium-bodied richness and outstanding length. It will drink nicely for 7-8 years. – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
Château Filhot Grand Cru Classé, Sauternes, 2011 (375ml)
Intense aromas of beeswax and honey combine with a luscious, full-bodied palate of ripe tropical fruit, bitter orange and quince with lovely fresh acidity to balance the richness of this delicious sweet wine.
Château Filhot
Classified a Second growth Cru Classé in 1855, Château Filhot is a famous Sauternes property producing wonderful sweet wines from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The vineyard originally dates back to the seventeenth century and the Château was built in 1709. Now covering 62 hectares on deep gravel, sand and clay soils, Filhot displays the classic characteristics of Sauternes produced from low-yielding, nobly-rotted grapes individually picked by hand.
