Staff Picks
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Country: Germany, NaheGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedBringing together the Hees family’s tradition of craftsmanship and the natural advantages of their Nahe vineyards, Spätburgunder Auener Hohe 2022 is a supple, fresh, and expressive red. It exemplifies the unforced elegance and mineral-driven purity that have earned the Hees wines a devoted following and frequent critical acclaim - making it a standout for fans of nuanced, food-friendly Pinot Noir. TasteOn the palate, this Spätburgunder is smooth and inviting, revealing an array of red berry flav
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Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Casa La Rad is a winery dedicated to the environment to sustain and improve its vitality and biodiversity. From the La Rad vineyard, the grapes are handpicked and carefully selected from bush trained vines 35 years or older, before malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels of 500 and 225 litres where it will be aged for at least 14 months. A highly rated wine by the international wine press, and gold medal winning wine at the Mundus Vini awards, Casa La Rad Tinto is -
Country: Italy, PiedmontGrapes: NebbioloABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - DWWA. This Barolo comes from Cagliero's Terlo vineyard which is planted at 320 meters in elevation on clay-rich soils. It's planted with Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo sub-varieties. After hand-harvest, the grapes were macerated on the skins for 2 weeks to help extract the delicate colour and aromas of this regal grape. On the palate, supremely balanced and smooth. Ideal with grilled meats and rich stews. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Oct 2024) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points / Silver Medal - Decante -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points – Tim Atkin MW. Only 9,000 bottles of this experimental Malbec were made by the Durigutti Brothers, Hector and Pablo. It is made from five different parcels of vines, defined according to the soil profile: deep clay loam, silt loam, rocky loam, sandy loam and boulder loam. Each parcel is vinified separately in 'concrete eggs' before the final blend is created. The vineyard is at an altitude of 1,050 meters, ensuring good levels of acidity, vital in the production for high quality Malbe -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Petite Sirah, Syrah / Shiraz, GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Decanter. Orin Swift Machete, an iconic Californian red, artfully blends Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Grenache from Napa and Sonoma, aged for 10 months in French oak for vanilla-spiced depth; and layer upon layer of complexity. A full-bodied lover's delight with dominant dark fruit aromas, raspberry-plum-chocolate flavours, medium tannins, and a smooth, lasting finish—perfectly paired with grilled meats, cheese, and charcuterie. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 92 Points -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Nikela is a “Cape Blend” of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz & Roobernet. The word “Nikela” (pronounced “Ni-care-la”) is a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning “to offer a gift of dedication, respect or a tribute to one’s ancestors” - this wine being a tribute to winemaker Jeremy Walker’s late parents, Eddie and Betty, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Grangehurst, which was named after their childhood homes - “The Grange” and “Hurst Close” - in Englan -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, MalbecABV: 12.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedKleinboet (Little Brother) is a Bordeaux blend, featuring all 5 varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot aged in french oak for 24 months. The cool climate sub region of Sondagskloof, Walker Bay, brings natural acidity and minerality to the wines. Expect intense blackcurrant, lavender, black olive and fynbos on the nose with a supple and and round palate. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Sept 2024) Taste Brick red to deep purple with aromas of blackcurrant, lavender, bla -
Country: Italy, AbruzzoGrapes: MontepulcianoABV: 12%Style: Juicy Lively RedVilla degli Olmi is a cellar with a long tradition for the quality and distinctiveness of its wines. This Montepulciano is an intense ruby red wine, incredibly pleasant on the nose with typical notes of liquorice and fresh mint. The taste is dry with soft tannins. It combines perfectly with elaborate meats, such as braised or roasted, and with aged cheeses. This Montepulciano D'Abruzzo from Villa Degli Olmi is a great value wine that impresses beyond its price tag. Taste Deep crimson hue with vi -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively Red90 Points - Tim Atkin MW. This 90+ point Rioja from a modern style, family run winery is incredible value for a wine with this amount of complexity and style. The Solarce Tinto is a blend of Tempranillo, Grenache, Mazuelo & Graciano and is aged for 8 months in American and French oak barrels. Full-bodied and silky smooth with layers of fruit and spice. Fantastic Value for money for this superb Rioja. Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - James Suckling (2021 Vintage) "Lightly chewy, showing some drRegular Price£15.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£11.97 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedBronze Medal Winner. 2021 was a glorious year for Bordeaux and the vintage’s quality filtered down to the petit chateaux as the Bois de Rolland Cuvee Prestige 2021 shows. A year of extremes that saw everything from drought to deluges, hail to heat waves, all set against the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a vintage where winemakers needed to be on their guard. Those who were watchful saw reduced harvests of exceptionally ripe grapes that produced wines of wonderful quality. Awards Bronze Medal - Decan -
Country: Italy, VenetoGrapes: CorvinaABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedProduced from vineyards that lie at altitudes of over 500m, the Tenute Ca' Botta Rubicondo Rosso blends freshness with power. Created using a hand-picked mix of traditional Venetian grapes including Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella, this moreish wine is well-structured and delicious. Expert winemaking, including a long, slow fermentation, and ageing in small, 225-litre barrels has created a wine of admirable complexity that’s fit to rank alongside some of Veneto’s best (and far more expensive) r -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedSituated in an enviable small enclave among the classified growths of Saint-Julien, 5 hectares of vines are surrounded by the grand crus classés of Leoville Barton, Gruaud Larose, Beychevelle and Talbot. "The Château Moulin de la Rose Saint-Julien is a wonderful showing. It instantly starts off with aromas of red and dark berries woven together with flowers, spices, new leather and toast all unwinding in the glass. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied with excellent structure and wonderfu -
Country: Spain, ToroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedA powerful and expressive wine from the Toro region, this Tempranillo showcases the bold character and depth of the land. With rich dark fruit flavours, a touch of spice, and a smooth finish, it offers a perfect balance of intensity and elegance. Wine Press Ratings 86 Points - Decanter (2023 Vintage) "Sweet touch of black cherries, blueberries and plums. Oak is evident with hints of vanilla and cigar box." Taste Rich and bold, this Tempranillo bursts with dark berries, plum, and warm spices. VelRegular Price£17.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£13.47 -
Country: Spain, RiojaGrapes: Tempranillo, GrenacheABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedA fine estate-grown and bottled Rioja, crafted in the modern style, this wine has been aged for over five years in both barrel and bottle, allowing it to develop a complexity and elegance that stands out in the region. With a bright garnet hue and a refined profile, it’s a wine that speaks to both tradition and careful, contemporary winemaking. Taste The nose is perfumed with high-toned aromas of blackberry, liquorice, wild herbs, and creamy vanilla, while the palate delivers a long, resonating -
Country: France, ProvenceGrapes: GrenacheABV: 13%Style: Elegant Crisp RoséIs this the best Whispering Angel ever? Probably. Chateau d'Esclans' Whispering Angel 2024 Rosé is a dry, refined wine with a pale salmon hue, featuring a delicate nose of fresh strawberries, white peach, and citrus blossom. The palate offers notes of wild berries, cherries, pink grapefruit, and stone fruits with a silky, soft texture and vibrant acidity. There's more weight and extract than in the 2023 (a very tricky year), and it finishes with a clean, elegant finish of summer fruits, minera -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Rich Full RedOrin Swift Palermo, a captivating blend with a core of Cabernet Sauvignon that mirrors Napa Valley's spirit, unfolding intense aromas of dark fruit and blackberry pie, leading to a velvety palate of black cherry, vanilla, and spice, all embraced by seamlessly integrated tannins, delivering a gratifying finish - making it your ideal companion for hearty delights like grilled steak or braised beef, sure to leave a lasting impression on your wine journey. Vivino Rating: 4.5 (Oct 2024) Tasting Note -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: Sauvignon BlancABV: 13%Style: Aromatic Floral White92 Points - Cameron Douglas, MS. The Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is one of New Zealand’s finest Sauvignons and is the winner of 5 international gold medals. The 2023 was awarded 94 points by Wine Orbit which described it as "Wonderfully fruited and fresh on the nose showing Granny Smith apple, nettle, lime zest and white floral aromas, it's intensely flavoursome on the palate offering excellent fruit purity and persistency, making it delicious and highly enjoyable.” Classic and class -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Decanter. Orin Swift Abstract is a meticulously crafted red wine known for its rich and complex character. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours. The wine exhibits a deep, visually striking hue and a captivating aroma profile that ranges from fruity to floral, with subtle notes of dark chocolate and spice. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with robust tannins and a bold, fruit-forward taste. The finish is long a -
Country: England, KentGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 12%Style: Elegant Crisp RoséSilver Medal - Global Rosé Masters. Folc's 2023 Dry English still rosé is crispier, fresher & brighter. Crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir Precoce, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Bacchus, and Ortega grapes sourced from family-run vineyards in Kent, Suffolk & Sussex, including the legendary Kits Coty. Consistently winning accolades, in 2021, it received a Gold at the Independent English Wine Awards and one of the only two medals for still English rosé at the Internatio -
Country: Chile, Curico ValleyGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A true standout from Chile, Caballo Loco Grand Cru Sagrada Familia 2021 is a rich and expressive red that blends power with finesse. Sourced from the warm Curicó Valley, this wine is bursting with ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and spice, all wrapped in velvety tannins. Crafted by Valdivieso’s innovative Caballo Loco project, this Grand Cru captures the essence of its terroir while delivering depth, complexity, and a long, satisfying finish. Drink n -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint JulienGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Wine Enthusiast. St Julien is the commune in Bordeaux with the highest proportion of Classed Growths, and its superlative wine growing land make it a go to destination for high quality Bordeaux. Château les Ormes is made up of 2 principal parcels of vines. One touching the western border of Château Léoville Barton (in fact Anthony Barton sold this parcel to Chateau les Ormes in 1989) and the second further south and juxtaposed between Château Gruaud Larose, Saint Pierre and Beychevel -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red100% Cabernet franc and the only single block wine in the HPF portfolio. Swartskaap (Black Sheep) is recognised as one of South Africa’s best in what is considered a challenging cultivar. European in style and offering nuances of black olive, generous fruit and fynbos spice finishing with finesse & complexity. Vivino Score: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Taste Violet to ruby red, aromas of black olive, fynbos, spice, on the palate minerality, elegance, finesse & complexity. Maturation: New and 2nd fil -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteJ Vineyards bright and appealing Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool-climate region. Aromas of citrus and orange blossom open with every swirl. Smooth and beautifully balanced, notes of yellow apple, meyer lemon and pear layer with suggestions of toasted macadamia and creamy almond. Hints of light toast and spice lift the fruit characteristics. The palate is rich, full and beautifully textured before finishing with a crisp and delicate flourish. Wine Press Rat -
Country: France, Rhone ValleyGrapes: GrenacheABV: 15%Style: Rich Full RedA traditional blend of Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%), Chateau de Gourdon Vase de Pierre Cotes du Rhone is unusual in being so elegant and refined. Despite boasting an impressive 15% alcohol, its structure is fine and complex. This is achieved by de-stemming the Syrah, giving both grapes long (30 day), cool fermentations and keeping oak ageing to a minimum. The result is an impressively intense, but beautifully rounded wine. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jul 2025) Taste Deep purple, the bouquet is dominat -
Country: Spain, RuedaGrapes: VerdejoABV: 13.5%Style: Dry Refreshing WhiteMalvid, an up-and-coming brand, found itself at a crossroads in 2020. The pandemic and dwindling demand from wineries compelled them to shift their focus from cultivation to crafting their own wine. Seleccion Sobre Lias is a singular limited production Verdejo made from a rigorous selection of grapes, seeking to achieve the greatest expression of the Verdejo variety by ageing on its own lees to enhance the expressiveness of the wine. Complex on the nose, with hints of white fruit and aromatic heRegular Price£17.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 35%£11.67