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AJ TEST
Staff Picks
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Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - International Wine Challenge. The El Enemigo Malbec 2020 is the product of one of Mendoza’s finest estates in a superb vintage. Crafted from Malbec with a little Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding further colour, it’s shaping up to be a classic Argentinean Malbec. Quite reserved – it contains a relatively modest 13.5% alcohol – it’s a wine with a real taste of place, with dusty minerals reinforcing its structure. Given 92/100 by Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, this limited release winRegular Price£26.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£21.56 -
Country: Spain, Galicia, Rias BaixasGrapes: AlbarinoABV: 12.5%Style: Dry Refreshing White90 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards. The iconic Mar de Frades Albariño is the pure expression of the unique characteristics of the Albariño grape variety, whilst reflecting the importance of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Lively and intense aromas reveal juicy pear and apricot, white gardenia flowers, and hints of tropical lychee and pineapple, with a lovely delicate streak of salinity. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points (2023) - Decanter World Wine Awards "Elegant herbacRegular Price£21.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£17.16 -
Country: Portugal, DouroGrapes: Touriga NacionalABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedRoquette & Cazes Douro Tinto, born from the collaboration between Jorge Roquette, proprietor of Quinta do Crasto, and Jean-Charles Cazes, co-owner of Château Lynch-Bages, seamlessly melds Bordeaux winemaking expertise with the distinct character of the Douro region. This exceptional wine showcases a remarkable intensity of vibrant red fruit flavours interwoven with subtle hints of delicate spices, all held together by an impressive structure characterised by luxuriously smooth tannins. VivinRegular Price£26.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£21.56 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Canon FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - La Revue du Vin de France. Located on South Facing slopes overlooking the Dordogne River, Chateau Barrabaque is located in the appellations of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac. Cuvee Hugo is a fruit forward Merlot dominated wine with barrel ageing in French oak, bringing a beautiful structure. Rated an impressive 90 points by La Revue du Vin de France and hailing from the wonderful 2019 vintage, Cuvee Hugo offers exceptional value for money. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Wine Press RatingsRegular Price£19.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£15.56
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Country: France, Bordeaux, Canon FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - La Revue du Vin de France. Located on South Facing slopes overlooking the Dordogne River, Chateau Barrabaque is located in the appellations of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac. Cuvee Hugo is a fruit forward Merlot dominated wine with barrel ageing in French oak, bringing a beautiful structure. Rated an impressive 90 points by La Revue du Vin de France and hailing from the wonderful 2019 vintage, Cuvee Hugo offers exceptional value for money. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Wine Press RatingsRegular Price£19.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£15.56 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedImmerse yourself in history with this Saint-Émilion gem! Château Galeteau, dating back to 1658, is a family-run estate nestled on the heart of Saint-Émilion's famed clay and limestone soils. Their 2022 offers incredible value, bursting with blackberries, cherries, and sweet spice. Layers of ripe dark fruit, balanced tannins, and a dark chocolate-plum finish make this a must-try. A fantastic value for money wine. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (May 2025) Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - International Wine ReRegular Price£22.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£18.36 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Blaye-Cotes de BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal Winner - Challenge International du Vin. From the fabulous 2019 Bordeaux vintage, this lovely wine from the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation is on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary on the opposite bank to the prestigious appellations of Margaux & St Julien. Benefiting from the cool sea breezes and river minerals from the Gironde, this superb Merlot-dominated wine is beautifully fresh with layers of exotic spices. A real gem from an under-valued appellation and fantasticRegular Price£16.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£13.56 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MedocGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedDelicious and incredible value for money - a must-try. This 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux was awarded the highest level of HVE environmental accreditation. Château Meilhan is vinified and bottled by Guy Bailly, owner of Château le Bourdieu in the Médoc. Located near the village of Valeyrac, his chateau was built in 1830 by Phillipe Delacourt, known as the Lord of Bourdieu. This wine has a lovely nose of black fruits and toasted notes with the structure and balance yoRegular Price£15.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£12.76 -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. Taking this approach with Pinot Noir makes a lot of sense. Pinot’s innate complexity and style means it needs no augmentation or assistance. The A23 Pinot Noir is full of fresh strawberry,Regular Price£14.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£11.96 -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Luca Maroni. Produced from high-altitude vineyards using hand-picked Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes, the Tenute Ca 'Botta Alta Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2019 is an award-winning, critically acclaimed Italian wine that sets new standards for Valpolicella. The vines’ altitude imbues a lovely freshness and aromatics to the wine which are balanced by it being made in their patented Fermentino Ca'Botta® tank for greater richness of structure and aroma. Vivino Rating:Regular Price£19.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£15.96 -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedNicknamed by the winemaking team as their ‘Buddy’ wine, the Chateau de Gourdon 921 Le Coq Rouge Cotes du Rhone was created to be a joyous, easy-going wine. Produced from a blend of Grenache with a little Syrah, Cinsault and other local varieties, it’s a pet project only made in relatively small quantities. Fermented in concrete and stainless-steel tanks, it is fruit-driven yet has admirable depth and complexity. A cold maceration and long, slow fermentation giving a well-extracted wine that’s roRegular Price£14.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£11.96 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedChâteau d’Eyssan is located in Saint Sauveur in Bordeaux, France and surrounded by prestigious Chateaux - sharing an exceptional terroir - and delivering one of the best Price / Quality ratio in the region. This gorgeous wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Chateau d’Eyssan is a lightly wooded, fruity, and lively Haut Medoc. The 2018 Château d'Eyssan offers inviting aromas of cherries and plum are woven together with cedar, spices and hints of dried tobacco. Medium-bRegular Price£17.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£14.36 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - International Wine Challenge. The El Enemigo Malbec 2020 is the product of one of Mendoza’s finest estates in a superb vintage. Crafted from Malbec with a little Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding further colour, it’s shaping up to be a classic Argentinean Malbec. Quite reserved – it contains a relatively modest 13.5% alcohol – it’s a wine with a real taste of place, with dusty minerals reinforcing its structure. Given 92/100 by Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, this limited release winRegular Price£26.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£21.56 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points / Silver Medal - IWSC. The Morgenster Lourens River Valley is an exquisite wine artfully crafted from classical varietals, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Inspired by the Bordeaux style, the winemakers set themselves apart by choosing extended ageing, which elevates the wine's complexity. On the palate, a harmonious blend of cassis and raspberry fruit flavours mingles seamlessly with impeccably balanced cedar oak, while a subtle undercurrent of smoke and sRegular Price£25.35Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£20.28 -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14%Style: Dry Refreshing WhiteThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. The A23 Chardonnay shows how effective this approach can be. Chardonnay is a wonderfully complex, multifaceted grape and its beauty shines through here. Its inviting bouquet of red apples,Regular Price£14.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£11.96 -
Country: Germany, PfalzGrapes: RieslingABV: 12%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteNot into terroir trends? A23 captures the soul of the grape itself. This Riesling boasts a pure nose of white flowers, crisp apple & pear, with zesty citrus. The dry palate explodes with layers of green & white fruit, a hint of lemon & honey, ending with a kiss of minerals. Beyond typical Riesling - A23 delivers a unique, expressive experience. Try it today! Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Mar 2025) Taste Dry, yet full and precise, with layer-upon-layer of green and white berry fruits, a floral-Regular Price£14.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£11.96 -
Country: Spain, Galicia, Rias BaixasGrapes: AlbarinoABV: 12.5%Style: Dry Refreshing White90 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards. The iconic Mar de Frades Albariño is the pure expression of the unique characteristics of the Albariño grape variety, whilst reflecting the importance of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Lively and intense aromas reveal juicy pear and apricot, white gardenia flowers, and hints of tropical lychee and pineapple, with a lovely delicate streak of salinity. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (July 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points (2023) - Decanter World Wine Awards "Elegant herbacRegular Price£21.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£17.16 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Descorchados. The El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is a wonderfully exuberant wine that demonstrates how fine Argentinean Cabernet Franc can be. The brainchild of Adrianna Catena and soils engineer Alejandro Vigil, the winery is in Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. The El Enemigo wines are made from the grapes cultivated in the region from the vineyards of Tupungato on deep calcareous and rocky soils. To preserve the grape’s vital character, only natural yeasts are used in fermentatioRegular Price£25.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£20.76 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal Winner. Château Bois de Rolland is situated just 17 kilometres from Saint Emilion, famous for its World Class wines like Château Angelus. This cuvée, made from old vines (Vieilles Vignes) benefits from the same clay and limestone soils, perfect for the Merlot grape to show its full potential. 70% Merlot & 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this estate bottled wine has a lovely cherry red colour with an elegant nose of cinnamon, vanilla and red fruits. Nicely rounded with a good structure andRegular Price£16.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£13.56 -
Country: Italy, SicilyGrapes: Nero d'AvolaABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis multi award winning Nero d'Avola from Sicily is a bold, full-bodied and complex red from a producer who has been making wine since 1895. Already in 1926, Giovanni's wines were awarded the gold medal at important oenological displays of the time. Deep in colour with intense aromas, this is your perfect Sunday Roast accompaniment. Taste It is an intense red wine, with a vinous aroma with hints of almond blossoms, dry and full-bodied flavour. Ideal with roasts, red meats and game. About theRegular Price£15.75Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£12.60 -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: Grenache, Syrah / ShirazABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedThe Chateau de Gourdon Terrasse a l'Ombre is made under the relatively rarely seen Côtes du Rhône Village "Suze-la-Rousse”. A blend of old vine Grenache and Syrah, each plot is harvested individually and several ‘tries’ may be attempted to ensure only perfectly ripe grapes are picked. To ensure the wines reflect the character of the vine and vineyard, they are fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Mar 2025) Taste With its wonderfully deep, saturated colour and boRegular Price£32.65Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£26.12 -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe husband-and-wife team behind A23’s wines, Thomas and Gunhild, have a unique approach to winemaking. Above all else, they aim to produce wines that capture the essence of the grape they are using. While many winemakers are all about terroir and a taste of place, for Thomas and Gunhild, the grape’s the star. The A23 Syrah is a fantastically complex, silky-textured, well-structured wine. Deeply coloured, the bouquet blends black fruits and black pepper with a touch of purple flowers. The powerfRegular Price£14.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£11.96 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedHandcrafted – Traditional – Unhurried. Grangehurst Winery is a boutique wine cellar on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, aged for 15 years in their own cellar before release, this particular wine is a must try, full-bodied barrel matured red wine with smooth, ripe tannins, especially if you like a great quality Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot / this wine has the benefit of not having to age in the bottle yourself. Typically, Jeremy only releases his wines once they are beautifuRegular Price£29.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£23.96 -
Country: Germany, MoselGrapes: RieslingABV: 9%Style: Aromatic Floral WhitePeter Mertes take meticulous care in making their wines. Only the finest, fully ripe grapes were selected – essential in 2023 – where they are sorted and carefully broken up. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to ensure the delicate aromas and balance are preserved. Once completed, the wine spends time on its lees to extract further character. Off-dry, with fragrant notes of white blossom, green apple, pears and grapefruit. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Oct 2024) TRegular Price£15.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£12.76 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: SemillonABV: 12.5%Style: Rich Fruity White91 Points - Hudun.com. The A de Château d’Arche Bordeaux Blanc is the dry white wine from the Sauternes Grand Cru Classe, Château d’Arche. 2021 was an outstanding vintage for white Bordeaux wines as growers were able to harvest before the rains came. A blend of 85% Semillon and 15% Sauvignon Blanc, the grapes came from selected plots that weren’t affected by botrytis, the fungus that makes Sauternes sweet. The grapes were hand-harvested and hand-sorted before being gently pressed and fermented iRegular Price£21.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£17.16 -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: Corvina, RondinellaABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red94 Points - Luca Maroni. This is produced using hand-picked Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Corvinone grapes and the age-old Ripasso, double fermentation technique. It then receives length ageing in small French barrels, adding further complexity and depth. This Decanter World Wine Awards Silver Medal winner is the ideal partner for dark red meats, mushroom dishes, and strong cheeses. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Feb 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Luca Maroni (2018 Vintage) 90 Points / Silver MedRegular Price£24.45Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£19.56 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, GravesGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedGold Medal - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. 90+ point Graves Bordeaux is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot from an historic listed Château on a terrace overlooking the Garonne River. Spiced red hedgerow fruit with well balanced tannins and a fresh finish. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Apr 2025) Awards / Wine Press Ratings Gold Medal - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (2020) 90 Points - Decanter (2019) "An intensely fragrant nose of bramble fruits and fresh strawberries. Immediately alive and sRegular Price£19.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£15.96 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red98 Points - James Suckling. The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2020 is one of the jewels in Argentina’s wine crown. It’s produced from vines that are up to 90 years old from the Catena Zapata Family Vineyards, Nicasia and Angélica vineyards, which lie at between 920m and 1095 metres above sea level. With their mix of gravel, loam and clay, these sites provide a wonderfully vivid and varied palate from which the winemakers can work. Such is the diversity that several weeks can pass between harvesRegular Price£82.95Bank Holiday Special - 20% off Sitewide£66.36
