AJ TEST
AJ TEST
Staff Picks
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Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full RedWith its saturated purple-red colour and multifaceted bouquet of black berries, prunes, black cherries, raspberries and savoury minerals, El Enemigo Malbec 2020 makes a great first impression. The palate is rich, weighty and intense, but has a level of refinement – almost austereness – that is uncommon in Argentinean Malbec. Offering a range of black fruits and red berries with creamy and savoury tones add texture and interest, this gorgeous wine was made to go with roasted red meats, strong wh -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: SusumanielloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe Puglia Pop Fico Susumaniello is another wonderfully innovative wine from Puglia on Italy's southern Adriatic coast. Made from the native Susumaniello grape, Puglia Pop's mission is to produce unorthodox wines that are an authentic reflection of grape and place. In the case of the Puglia Pop Fico Susumaniello, this has resulted in a red wine that's powerful, complex, fruit-driven and delicious. Taste With its bright ruby red colour and inviting nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, strawberriRegular Price£29.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£23.96 -
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. Vivin -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93-94 Points - James Suckling. One of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Grand Cru's, located right next door to the famed Château Cheval Blanc. From the oldest surviving wine producing château in Saint-Émilion comes this incredible Grand Cru Classe wine from a fabulous vintage. A sensationally moreish, fragrant and textured wine created by the renowned Olivier Decelle. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93-94 Points - James Suckling "A dense and linear fruit. Gorgeous already." 91-
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Country: France, Bordeaux, Canon FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe nose needs to be decanted. It reveals notes of spices, pepper and more of the fresh/varietal flowers that are associated with small touches of cassis as well as a fine toasted tip. The palate is fruity and offers a tangy structure, juiciness, flavour, a fine salinity, roundness, a good finesse of the texture, freshness, as well as a certain tension in finesse. This wine expresses notes of juicy blackberry, juicy/pulpy cassis, and more red berries with touches of pulpy / tangy plum, hints of -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Blaye-Cotes de BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedBordeaux's Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux is one of the less well-known communes of this famed region. Subsequently its wines are often excellent value for money, especially in near-perfect vintages like 2019. The Chateau Crusquet de Lagarcie is Merlot-based and offers masses of pump black berry, plum, and cherry fruit, with cassis, spice and green pepper flavours coming from the firmer Cabernet. With its long, smouldering finish, this is an outstanding claret for the money, one that will continue t -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Cotes de BourgGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThis delightful Merlot-Cabernet blend is built on centuries of Bordeaux tradition. This prestigious estate, boasting six generations of craftsmanship, offers exceptional value. The Lafons, honouring tradition and utilising modern techniques, produce a stunning 2019. This medium bodied red offers a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity. Fresh florals, ripe cherry, and a mineral finish with hints of tobacco create a classic Bordeaux experience, all at a great price point. About the Producer SixRegular Price£16.45Christmas Offer - SAVE 35%£10.70 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full RedWith its saturated purple-red colour and multifaceted bouquet of black berries, prunes, black cherries, raspberries and savoury minerals, El Enemigo Malbec 2020 makes a great first impression. The palate is rich, weighty and intense, but has a level of refinement – almost austereness – that is uncommon in Argentinean Malbec. Offering a range of black fruits and red berries with creamy and savoury tones add texture and interest, this gorgeous wine was made to go with roasted red meats, strong wh -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13.5%Style: Juicy Lively RedBronze Medal Winner - IWSC. The SpaceNine A23 Pinot Noir shatters the myth that you can't get great Pinot Noir that offers great value for money. Rated 4.0 on Vivino, it's a soft, rounded style of Pinot that gives plenty of fresh red berry fruit with cherries, cream, and spicy vanilla to the finish. Wine Press Ratings Bronze Medal Winner - International Wine and Spirits Challenge. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Mar 2025) 'The Spacenine A23 Pinot Noir isn’t produced by the side of the Brighton Road as the -
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. Rich dark ruby red colour with a pretty pink rim, the bouquet is a classic mix of stewed blackberries, raspberries and black pepper. Juicy and lively on the palate, there’s a lovely balance between black fruits, red berries, cherries, and spices. Perfect with hard cheeses, red meats or mushroom dishes. Produced from a blend of Grenache with aRegular Price£15.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£12.76 -
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: 4.3 (Jun 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Luca Maroni (2018 Vintage) 90 Points / Silver Med -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14%Style: Dry Refreshing WhiteAn inviting bouquet of red apples, melon, citrus and a hint of honey coupled with the rich, well-balanced palate of stone fruits, lemons and crushed nuts make for a gorgeous glassful. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Mar 2025) About SpaceNine The 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 -
Country: Germany, PfalzGrapes: RieslingABV: 12%Style: Aromatic Floral White93 Points - IWSC. Not 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! Wine Press Ratings 93 Points / Silver Medal - International Wines and Spirits Challenge Vivino Rating: 4.0 (M -
Country: France, Loire Valley, Pouilly-FumeGrapes: Sauvignon BlancABV: 13.5%Style: Aromatic Floral White17/20 - Jancis Robinson. The great Sauvignon Blancs from Pouilly-Fumé are known (much like their neighbours in Sancerre, Menetou-Salon and Quincy) for their complex minerality and the richness of facets that their respective micro-terroir brings with them. The Domaine de la Croisee Magma Pouilly-Fume's bouquet offers scents of white fruits, chamomile, and freshly mown grass. Creamy on the palate, with ripe mango and pineapple flavours. The spicy mineral finish presents a fascinating contrast to -
Country: Spain, Murcia, YeclaGrapes: Monastrell / Mourvedre / MataroABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red98 Points - Guía Gourmets. The De Nariz Edición Limitada Yecla 2022 is a limited-release wine that captures the essence of Yecla’s unique terroir. Crafted by Vinos de Nariz, a winery known for its sustainable approach and minimal intervention, this wine represents the best of the region. Rich and complex, it showcases deep fruit flavours balanced with subtle spice and earthy notes. With its concentrated character and exceptional structure, this is a wine for those seeking quality, craftsmanship,Regular Price£54.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£43.96 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Cotes de BourgGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe Chateau Tertre de Viaud 2022 highlights the quality of both the Cotes de Bourg and the 2022 Bordeaux vintage. Inky purple with a charming pink rim, the nose offers ripe notes of plum, cherry, kirsch, baked earth, spices, and blueberries. In the mouth, it's medium-bodied with a lovely purity to the bramble, red and black berries, and damson fruit. Supporting notes of tobacco, green peppers, and flowers make for a mesmering and complete drinking experience. Bravo! 92 Points - Wine Enthusia -
Country: Germany, MoselGrapes: RieslingABV: 9%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteThe Peter Mertes Gold Edition Riesling Kabinett Feinherb 2023 is another outstanding wine from this award-winning producer. White gold with amber highlights, the bouquet offers lovely fragrant notes of white blossom, green apple, pears and grapefruit. The quality of the excellent (if capricious!) 2023 vintage shines through, with mouth-watering flavours of honeydew melon, dried apple and citrus, all of which are set off by minerals and a touch of lemon zest. Off-dry, with fragrant notes of whi -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: Tempranillo, GrenacheABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - James Suckling. We’re proud to bring you Alma La Rad Rioja DOCa, the flagship wine from Bodegas Casa La Rad, with only 2,000 bottles produced. Awarded an impressive 93 points by James Suckling, this 50/50 blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha is grown at 500m altitude and fermented in large French oak barrels. Crafted by an environmentally focused estate committed to biodiversity, Alma La Rad is both complex and elegant — a rare Rioja to enjoy now or cellar for years to come. Wine Press -
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 and -
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£21.45Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£16.09 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Chateau Laroze Labatisse is a relatively modern estate that builds on ancient winemaking roots. The passion project of Gérard Bougès, it started life in 1983 when Gérard decided to develop some family-owned land in Fournas, in the town of Saint Sauveur, just inland from the prized commune of Pauillac. Seeing the land's potential for producing top-flight wines, he began assembling small, high-quality plots and released his first vintage in 1988. Ever the perfectionist -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedThe Puglia Pop Luminaria Primitivo di Manduria is a brilliantly innovative wine from Puglia on Italy's southern Adriatic coast. Made from the native Primitivo grape, Puglia Pop's mission is to produce unorthodox wines that are an authentic reflection of grape and place. In the case of the Puglia Pop Primitivo di Manduria, this has resulted in a wine that's big, bold, spicy and exotic. Taste Deep purple with ruby highlights, the heady nose is comprised of sweet and sour cherries, plums, chocolate -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Another star of our great value Bordeaux wine list, the Chateau les Vimieres 2021 was awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast. The tiny (0.45-hectare) estate is home to seventy-year-old vines that produce minuscule quantities of super-concentrated grapes. Created by Eric Boissenot, consultant to Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite in the challenging 2021 vintage, it’s rich, velvety, loaded with black fruits and supported by a fine structure. An awful lot of wine for the m -
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, medium-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 beauti -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: SusumanielloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe Puglia Pop Fico Susumaniello is another wonderfully innovative wine from Puglia on Italy's southern Adriatic coast. Made from the native Susumaniello grape, Puglia Pop's mission is to produce unorthodox wines that are an authentic reflection of grape and place. In the case of the Puglia Pop Fico Susumaniello, this has resulted in a red wine that's powerful, complex, fruit-driven and delicious. Taste With its bright ruby red colour and inviting nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, strawberriRegular Price£29.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£23.96 -
Country: France, Languedoc-RoussillonGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedBronze Medal Winner - IWSC. The 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 o -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red91 Points - Tim Atkin. A wine produced only in excellent vintages from over 60 year old vines situated in the Rioja Alta. This is a classic Rioja with a modern touch characterising the Ramón Bilbao style and philosophy. Elegant and complex nose with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry, plum, hints of cherry. Spicy with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, there is a clear presence of oak barrels and hints of sweet spices, pastries and nougat combined with roasted flavours and cocoa. Vivino rating: 4.2 -
Country: Italy, PugliaGrapes: VerdecaABV: 12.5%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteThe Puglia Pop Riccio Verdeca is a brilliantly innovative wine from Puglia on Italy's southern Adriatic coast. Made from the native Verdeca, Puglia Pop's mission is to produce unorthodox wines that are an authentic reflection of grape and place. In the case of the Puglia Pop Riccio Verdeca, this has resulted in a wine that's fresh and minerally, but with richness and intensity. Taste Straw gold in colour with pale emerald highlights, the bouquet is fresh and zingy with green apple, lychee, pine
