Fine, Mature and Rare Wines - with no corkage!
(Quantities are extremely limited and constantly changing)
CHAMPAGNE
60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay. 8g per litre dosage. Brut Millésimé 2012 is a blend of ten Grands Crus and Premiers Crus aged for 10 years (6 years on lees) in their famous chalk tunnel cellars before release. A golden yellow colour with glints of green and very delicate but persistent effervescence. The nose is complex, with notes of candied citrus, pear and dried fruits with slight overtones of pecan, hazelnut and brioche.
RED WINES
FRANCE
Château Le Gay is one of the great Pomerol estates, a short distance from the legendary Petrus, on Bordeaux's 'right bank'. The Manoir de Gay is their second wine but is made with just as much care and attention to detail. Mostly Merlot, there is also a little Cabernet Franc in the blend and using the same barrels as the first wine, the Manoir is aged in oak for 18 months. Benefitting from the unique clay and gravel soil of the Pomerol appellation and the sublime 2010 vintage, the Manoir is all about purity of fruit balanced by perfectly integrated oak characteristics. Ideally served alongside a Sunday roast or Christmas lunch.
Made by Christine Vernay, Northern Rhône's most gifted wine-makers and is gaining increasing recognition for her red wines as well as her celebrated Condrieu. Her 'Blonde du Seigneur' Côte-Rôtie is made from 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier from mature vines (30+ years old) from 4 different lieux dits on the 'Côte Blonde' schist slopes of the Côte-Rôtie appellation. Farmed organically by hand and aged in oak. The wine has a bright floral nose with violets notes of black plum, olives and pepper and soy. Silky but dense tannins and good acidity to provide structure. Great for the cellar.
A blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Viognier from the Côte Blonde vineyards exclusively on the Côte Blonde. 100% new oak! intensely perfumed, complex, peach and apricot (from the large proportion of Viognier), violet and spiced black fruit. Full bodied but layered with complexity and a fine mineral structure. “Heady, oak-spiced red and dark berry preserve, vanilla, exotic spice and potpourri scents, along with earthier olive and licorice nuances. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, blueberry, fruitcake, mocha and vanilla flavors and a spicy jolt of cracked pepper.” Josh Reynolds 94 points.
Founded in 1835, Maison Delas Frères is a part of a very exclusive circle of the finest producers in the Rhône Valley in terms of both quality and variety of appellations. This cuvée, which is aged for 14 to 16 months (with 50% new barrels ) with regular racking, combines power from the Syrah and finesse from a splash of Viognier. Inky ruby. Vibrant, mineral-accented cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of bovril, and olive flavorsd tobacco. Energetic and juicy on the palate, offering sharply focused bitter cherry, cassis and floral pastille flavours and a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Quite developed at even just 10 years of age.
One of the most quality-driven négociants in the Rhône, a region with 2,000 years of winemaking tradition and history, Chapoutier’s biodynamic philosophy produces an earthy, full-bodied, dry Syrah. A smoky nose of dark berry, leather, baked plums and a velvety finish. Excellent with cheese.
A standout compared to previous vintages, unexpected rainfall in September 2008 added a unique complexity. This Syrah has smokiness all its own, emboldened with intense blackberry, blackcurrant, boysenberry, liquorice, black pepper and anise. Dry with a medium tannin and acidity. Michel Tardieu, and his son, Bastien, are micro négociant-éleveurs based in Lourmarin, Provence, and produce wines from the Northern and Southern Rhone.
Romain Taupenot orchestrates the work of the small family domaine of 13 hectares with his sister Virginie. Using organic practices, the dedicated siblings produce 19 different wines across 17 appellations with many being Premier or Grand Cru. His village Morey is from a tiny 0.4ha plot, part aged in new oak and from a great vintage, is taut and lithe with bright fruit. Aromas of red cherry and hints of cassis, earthy mushroom notes, and spice from the oak. On the palate the wine is fruit forward, with youthful wild red berry fruits and an earthy finish. Silky sweet tannins and a layered finish.
SPAIN
La Rioja Alta is not only a benchmark for quality, it is also one of the most steadfastly traditional bodegas in the region, still favouring only American oak and long cask ageing. The 874 Reserva from the spectacular 2016 vintage, is a blend of 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha, spending 2 years in oak and a further year in bottle. Classic strawberries and cream on the nose, the wine shows-off La Rioja Alta's signature style, combining savoury fruit, a soft texture and an elegant, mooreish finish. A great match for game with mushrooms, or shepherd's pie.
90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano to add lightness and freshness. Aged 4 years in (old) American oak. 'Selección Especial' is a term used by La Rioja Alta only in the very finest vintages, years where the growing conditions produce a wine so extraordinary it must be celebrated. This is the first 904 to be granted 'Selección Especial’ as the 2015 vintage was praised by winemaker José Saenz as "without a doubt, one of the best ever for us in Rioja". This wine has a lot of aromatic complexity, with notes of wild strawberry, red cherry, plum, blackberry and cranberry combined with aromas of tobacco, brioche, ground coffee, caramel, cedar and cinnamon blossom. The alcohol and acidity are elegantly balanced on the palate and its polished, gentle tannins and freshness provide a smooth and refined mouthfeel. 98 Points James Suckling; 96 Points Tim Atkin.
95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano from Rioja Alavesa sub-region. Ric, ,smoke-tinged red cherry and berry flavours lifted from the fresh acidity. Development has now added some additional ripe black fruits, olives, leather and mocha. Very smooth and seamless tannins that have matured in the bottle still allowing for an impressively long finish. Both French and American oak provide toasty earthy cedar and vanilla notes. In a perfect spot now!
ITALY
Serra is one of the coldest vineyards in Serralunga and fantastically steep. The land gives the wines a finesse which is both austere and youthful. The 2015 nose of ripe and sour cherry, charcuterie and rose petal. Palate fresh and savoury with soft, fully integrated tannins. Classic Serralunga finesse!
A descendant of one of the most famous Piedmont winemaking dynasties, Virna Borgogno was the first Italian woman to complete a degree in oenology and oenological techniques. Virna's finest wines hail from the legendary Cannubi hill and in this case the Cannubi Boschis vineyard, from the outstanding 2010 vintage. Aged in the traditional way using both large casks and tonneaux, this is classic Barolo Cannubi, showing aromas of dark cherries, spices and dried fruit. The palate is savoury with the hallmark licorice from Cannubi soils, before the delicious acidity and tannins take over. Ideal with game, the best steak money can buy or porcini on toast.
The Marquese Antinori Riserva is produced exclusively from their Tignanello domaine by the Antinori family, who have been making wine since 1385. While not their top ’Tignanello’ wine- at a quarter of the price this drinks extremely well. A ’super-Tuscan’ blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautifully layered wine loaded with personality and character, in a style that is more fresh and elegant than bold although 2015 was a warm year in Tuscany. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, wild herbs and sweet spice along with the additional tertiary flavours of dried fruits, tobacco and leather after 9 years maturation!
Brunello di Montalcino is Tuscany's most famous DOCG and the region's best expression of Sangiovese. This Brunello di Montalcino has notes of black and red cherry, nutmeg, white pepper, leather, balsamic and hints of raspberry in the nose. Tannins that have softened over time, with a soft lingering taste. Full-bodied and dry. Best to drink now, through to 2028.
The cool n north-west of Italy provides ideal conditions for the likes of Pinot Noir. Providing wild flowers on the nose, and the bright energy of ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry and dried strawberry) but with hints of lavender, leather and light smoke and spicy notes towards the end. The finish is and pure and clear but also with some structured tannins and minerality. An unusual and interesting combination.
USA
Trefethen are one of the original Napa pioneers of the late 1960's with family owned vineyards in the Oak Knoll District. In the southern reaches of the Napa Valley, the Oak Knoll District's position in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains and proximity to San Pablo Bay, means it is one of Napa's cooler areas, known for producing Bordeaux style wines. The 2016 vintage in Napa was outstanding, being the first in five years not to be classified as drought affected, helping to produce a wine with real concentration of fruit, yet balanced by freshness. Whilst labelled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine also contains small quantities of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Aged in new French oak, the wine is now velvety smooth showing dark berry fruit, chocolate and fresh herbs with lively acidity. Very food-friendly, pair with fine Tuscan cuisine or grilled meats.
WHITE WINES
FRANCE
The premier grand cru classé Château Coutet in Barsac, a commune within Sauternes famed for its sweet wines, is advised by the technical staff from Château Mouton Rothschild. The Opalie is a first of its kind dry white, a blend of 47% Semillon and 53% Sauvignon Blanc from vines over 40 years old. With some airing, the nose shows fresh fruit notes, especially white peach and citrus, mingling with white blossom and boxwood. On the palate the Opalie is lush yet bright, balancing creamy texture with vibrant acidity. Flavours of grapefruit, lemon zest, and stone fruits like peach and apricot are well-defined, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish with a whisper of oak from 9 months in French oak. This wine pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses.
Like minerality? This is like lightning. Crisp and fresh it’s an assault of green apples and citrus, followed by smokey notes and a creamy richness from malolactic fermentation. The project of rising star Vanessa Cherruau. Vanessa works biodynamically continuing the legacy of bone-dry Chenin from grapes otherwise destined for sweet wines. 93 points Antonio Galloni.
La Chablisienne, Montée de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 £75 Delicious earthy notes of honey, apple, lemon and line, and a crisp acidity. A zesty, floral nose, with orange peel, thyme and grapefruit, and a balanced and lively palate. A refreshing and long, chalky finish, with a hint of sea-spray and wet stone.
A great example of a rich, oaked Meursault, with plenty of bottle development to put it right into it’s peak drinking window if you like developed white Burgundy. Rich honeyed lemon, caramelised apples, and vanilla oak with a backbone of fresh acidity to give it freshness at this age, A perfect match for Christmas turkey.
PORTUGAL
It doesn’t get much rarer than this. Part of the “experimental” series from the Portuguese behemoth SoGrape, this wine is crafted from 100% Sercialinho (renowned for its vibrant acidity). It is Riesling-like in its structure with dominant grapefruit and saline flavours. It’s as subtle as it is complex with a long lingering finish which seems to open up producing flavours of apricot.
OTHER WINES
One of the classic Chateau’s in Sauternes. Note of quince, honeyed apricot and ginger spice, along with some tropical fruits and hints of rosewater and peach on the long finish. This is a typically rich wine but with clean freshness coming from the bright acidity. 94 points from Neal Martin (Wine Advocate).
Owned by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Rieussec is one of Sauternes finest premier cru classé estates, known for producing some of the richest and most exotic sweet wines. The 2008 Rieussec, a vintage known for balance and expressive ripeness, is a blend of 86% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. The nose exudes subtle but ethereal fruit scents, light hints of wood, flowers, peach, apricot and dried fruit, whilst the palate offers a honey coated attack combined with crème brûlée, orange peel, marmalade and quince. Serve with the finest blue cheeses, or a rhubarb pie.
Concentrated red and black berries, cherries, spices and a long, sweet finish made lighter with extensive ageing. This excellent vintage (which was declared unanimously) is ripe for drinking.
Qunita Vesuvio in the upper Duoro, with it’s history dating back to the 16th century are renowned for fermenting in their huge granite “lagares’ rather than steel or oak. The 2000 Vintage Vesuvio is rich and opulent port, darker than many of its peers, with a classic violet nose and a rich palate of plums, chocolate and berries, along with smoke earth and spices.