Staff Picks
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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- -
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: 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
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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, 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: 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: France, Bordeaux, Cotes de BourgGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedBronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards. Vincent Mercier bought Château Tertre de Samonac in 2005, and is a self made Château owner. He has been making organic wine since the early 2000's, and this lovely 100% Merlot from 25-30 year old vines has a deep concentration of fruit and a great balancing acidity and tannins. A robust, yet balanced wine on the palate with good acidity, great tannins which will soften as the wine breathes. A wine with wonderful character and elegance. Wine Press RatinRegular Price£17.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£13.47 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, FronsacGrapes: MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedIn the heart of the minuscule 1000 hectare Fronsac appellation, tucked in between Châteaux Dalem, Haut Carles and Beausejour, lies this hidden jewel on the banks of the ambling Dordogne river. The microclimate here, created by the rolling hills of clay and chalk situated by the mineral rich river have an effect on the Merlot grapes which gives them stunning acidity. Plump, soft plummy black fruit flavours, medium to full bodied and a gorgeous satisfying mouthful. A must try great quality and valRegular Price£16.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£12.72 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EstepheGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 12.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe Arnaud family, owners at the magnificent Château Pomys, have been making great Saint-Estèphe since the 18th century. This classic Saint-Estèphe - formally owned by Estournel, maker of multiple 100 points wines - marry traditional winemaking techniques with state of the art equipment allows the wine to express the characteristics of its terroir. Château Arnaud is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, well structured and rounded, aged in oak barrels in a state of the art undergroun -
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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- -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points Decanter - 'A thousand Roses'. Named after his mothers love for roses, Owner David Faure has aimed to create aromatic, rich and smooth wines, just like roses. An intense and deep purple colour, the nose is fresh, carrying floral notes and light notes of vanilla, with a subtle hint of strawberries. The palate is very fresh, lively and reveals a medium to concentrated structure. Located in the Southern Médoc with prestigious Grand Crus Classé neighbours, this Château is 100% Organic and -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: SangioveseABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - WinesCritic.com Produced exclusively with hand-picked Sangiovese grapes from the company's oldest vineyards, after careful fermentation at a controlled temperature, the wine matures in French oak barrels. Subsequently the wine spends a period of refinement in the bottle, essential to guarantee the pleasantness and complexity that have made Brunello di Montalcino famous throughout the world. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 95 Points - WinesCritic.com (2019 Vintage) "L -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Tim Atkin MW. When a producer’s ‘entry-level’ wine scores 92/100 from leading Spanish wine critic Tim Atkin MW and 93+ from Robert Parker, you know it’s something special. But then everything about Pago de Carraovejas Tinto is special. From its exceptionally well-sited high-altitude vines to its meticulous hand production, and the input from Pingus’s and Vega Sicilia's winemakers it’s a remarkable wine, one that every lover of fine Spanish red wine needs to try. Produced from a blend -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: Sauvignon BlancABV: 13.5%Style: Aromatic Floral White95 Points / Gold Medal - NZ IWS. From one of the best Marlborough vintages in living memory, the 2024 Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is a standout example of what this region does best. Rated 95 points by international critics, it’s a precision-made, intensely aromatic white with all the hallmarks of top-tier Kiwi Sauvignon—vibrant citrus, passionfruit punch and a mineral, mouthwatering finish. Proof that when the vintage delivers, Marlborough more than holds its own on the world stage. -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points / Gold Medal - Tastings.com. Owner Jose Sanfins is also the Director at the 3rd growth Château Cantenac Brown. 100% aged in oak barrels, this beautifully complex wine with a velvety finish is made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and can be aged for up to 20 years. This wine is a beautiful deep ruby colour. Richness and density are both apparent in a wine that will eventually turn into bold ripe black fruits. A wine for both the present and the future. "Well-delivered slice of Médoc with cl -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Alicante BouschetABV: 13%Style: Juicy Lively Red90 Points - International Wine Report. Originally from the island of Elba, The gorgeaus Ripalte from Tuscany is made from Alicante (Grenache) and Carignan. Picked exclusively by hand, this cuvée has lovely notes of raspberry, redcurrant, kirsch and spicy aromas. Rosso delle Ripalte has a lively ruby red colour. The nose shows a good complexity, with hints of red fruits (raspberries, currants and cherries) that go perfectly with strong spicy notes. In the mouth it is of good freshness and structuRegular Price£27.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£20.97 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Lalande de PomerolGrapes: MerlotABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Jeff Leve. Situated on the banks of the Barbanne river which separates Lalande from Pomerol, this is some of the finest terroir and one of the best-performing properties in the appellation. This medium-bodied red displays a fantastic structure with lovey fine tannins that provide plenty of structural backbone. A supple, sensual red Bordeaux with instant appeal and a long path of pleasure ahead. Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (2022 Vintage) "Black chRegular Price£32.95Christmas Offer - SAVE 25%£24.72 -
Country: Spain, Ribera del DueroGrapes: TempranilloABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - Guia Penin. Established in 1996, Pago de Los Capellanes is a renowned winery producing highly acclaimed wines through meticulous vineyard management and modern winemaking techniques. Broad, fresh, balanced, and silky, yet with a lot of structure and power, it features sweet tannins resulting from the 12 months of ageing in French Oak. A wonderful wine reflecting the high quality wines from the Ribera del Duero. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jun 2025) Wine Press Ratings 92 Points - Guia Penin ( -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Decanter. 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 (Jun 2024) Wine Press Ratings 95 Points - Decanter "Wonderfully floral cherry notes on the nose here - ripe, vibrant anRegular Price£61.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£49.56 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Haut MedocGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red'A thousand Roses'. Named after his mothers love for roses, Owner David Faure has aimed to create aromatic, rich and smooth wines, just like roses. An intense and deep purple colour, the nose is fresh, carrying floral notes and light notes of vanilla, with a subtle hint of strawberries. The palate is very fresh, lively and reveals a medium to concentrated structure. Located in the Southern Médoc with prestigious Grand Crus Classé neighbours, this Château is 100% Organic and a real hidden gem! W -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13%Style: Rich Fruity WhiteArguably the greatest dry Chenin Blanc in South Africa, the Ken Forrester The FMC is a revelation of a wine. Awarded 89 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the FMC – ‘Forrester Meinert Chenin’ sets a new standard for South African Chenin. Crafted from a tiny plot of ancient vines, long skin contact and careful use of oak give a wonderfully textured, full-flavoured wine. Melons, pears, peach stones and mouth-watering greengages are supported by nutty oak, minerals, and a fresh, kiwi fruit a -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Juicy Lively RedFinca La Mascota were recognised by the IWSC as best Argentine Producer 2014. Vineyards based in Cruz de Piedra, part of the 'Primera Zona', the traditional premium area in Mendoza, their Malbec, aged for 15 months in new French and American oak has lovely, sweet ripe and full-bodied fruit with elegantly balanced oak. Intense purple-red colour with ruby hues. Aromas of black fruits, jam and vanilla, with a subtle liquorice touch. Sweet and full bodied tannins, with a long and pleasant finish. Ex