Interested in dipping your toe into the world of Fine Wine, yet not sure where to begin? Let me guide you through my personal Fine Wine treats that are in stock and ready to enjoy this Bank Holiday weekend...
Domaine Paul Thomas Sancerre 'Silex' 2018
Domaine Paul Thomas has the largest vineyard on the steeply sloping hill of Chavignol, in Les Mont Damnés, one of the finest areas for the production of top class Sauvignon Blanc. The Domaine is under the watchful eye of Raphael Thomas, who is producing some of the most exciting wines in Sancerre, including this newer bottling from the eastern part of the village with a higher flint-based soil from where the name Silex derives. Pairs wonderfully with roast Asparagus and Ricotta tart!
"Charming aromas of lime, green apple fused with underlying smoky tones. Crisp and clean on the palate with vibrant acidity, balanced by a beautiful flinty mineral streak that provides depth and adds another layer of complexity to the citrus fruit core. Bravo."
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Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2019
Kumeu River is the go-to New Zealand producer for lovers of excellent Chardonnay, creating critically acclaimed, world-class wines year after year by Michael Brajkovich MW. The Estate Chardonnay is the flagship wine; a selection of the best grapes from the six different vineyards in the Kumeu region. Fantastic, pure fruit flavours are balanced by crisp acidity and well-rounded texture - a superb wine.
"The real steal is the 2019 Estate Chardonnay. It is absolutely glorious... Some super-delicate oak on the nose (or do I just mean a hint of savoury Côte d'Or perfume?!). So pure on the nose yet with great grip on the palate and already accessible in a grapefruit sort of way. With this intensity of fruit, it will clearly evolve into something even more convincing but you could certainly enjoy it now. It has both weight and a crystalline quality." Jancis Robinson MW
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La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva 2012
Viña Ardanza is the flagship wine from La Rioja Alta, one of the most traditional wineries in Rioja (and as everyone knows, one of my favourites too). The 2012 vintage was declared as 'very good' by the Rioja DOCa and was a hot, dry year, which saw yields reduced resulting in rich, and concentrated wines. A blend of 78% Tempranillo from Fuenmayor and Cenicero blended together with 22% Garnacha from the famous 'La Pedriza' vineyard in Tudelilla - known as the Spanish CNDP thanks to its large, galet-esque stone laden soils.
"Classic and inviting nose of red cherry and black plum fused with underlying sweet spice (clove, nutmeg, and vanilla), and additional savoury, leather tones. Good weight and structure on the mid-palate with ripe, polished tannins, balanced acidity, and fruit purity. Great length to the finish with an abundance of black pepper and liquorice spice."
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Faiveley Mercurey 1er Cru 'Clos de Myglands' 2017
This is a favourite of Faiveley's Premier Crus and it is easy to see why. A combined total of 6.31 hectares of vines planted between 1963 and 1992 on a mix of clay and limestone soil where wines are well structured with beautiful purity of fruit and velvety tannins. So popular that it is now sold on allocation!
“Touch more serious and complex than the La Framboisiere. More black fruits dominated with a touch of spice and subtle oak on the nose. Slighter firmer on the palate with richer, slightly more savoury blackcurrants and cherries. Well balanced with juicy acidity and touch of spice on a smooth, generous finish.”
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Château du Glana, St Julien 2011
A fine Bordeaux estate that can trace its history back to 1870. Located on the famous D2 “Route des Chateaux”, in between the villages of Beychevelle and Saint-Julien and opposite the renowned Ch. Ducru Beaucaillou. The property was built in 1870 and started with a 5-hectare vineyard, that has been extended over the years to 44 hectares, mainly by purchasing plots from the neighbouring 3rd Growth Ch. Lagrange. An excellent wine from a hidden gem producer.
"Captivating nose of blackberry and blackcurrant puree with added sweet spice. Balanced and poised on the palate with ripe, fine tannins and a core of further dark black fruit, black pepper and toasted oak. A classic Claret drinking extremely well."
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Château Petit Védrines, Sauternes 2016
Château Petit Védrines is the second wine of the Cru Classé estate, Château Doisy Védrines. This second wine comes from the less concentrated pickings on the main estate, as well as an additional six hectares of vines that were bought in 2001 from neighbouring Château Bouyot. In fine vintages, such as 2016, when most of the crop is of excellent quality the second wine offers delicious Sauternes at a great price.
"Enticing aromas of lemon citrus, orange marmalade, crème brûlée and honeysuckle. Sweet, but not cloying due to bright acidity that intertwines with lovely botrytis flavours as well as added orange peel and fresh lemon citrus. Simply delicious."
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Free Duty Paid delivery available to UK mainland addresses on orders over the value of £200 - standard delivery is charged at £9.95 if order totals below.
