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: 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: 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: USA, California, Napa ValleyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.3%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Decanter. Thurlow Cellars Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon NV is a powerful, polished Napa Valley red that’s both modern and elegantly approachable. This non-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon results from a blend of fruit from 2019, 2021, and 2022, sourced from thirty-five-year-old vines grown in some of Napa’s highest-quality subregions. Crafted by renowned winemaker Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate and Stags’ Leap), Boomslang delivers a harmonious combination of complexity, plush tex
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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: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedSourced from some of the best sites in California, Sourced, Rancho Real, Annapolis, Del Rio, Laguna to name a few, the 2022 Slander is an example of great winemaking and the sum being greater than its parts. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Jul 2024) Taste The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that’Regular Price£48.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£39.16 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Falstaff. The Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019 isn’t just one of Perfect Cellar’s best Argentinean red wine buys, it’s one of the best wine buys on our entire list. The Catena family are known for their pioneering work in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina and the Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019 showcases the beauty of such wines perfectly. Produced from Malbec grapes sourced from the La Consulta region of Uco Valley, Mendoza, it manages to combine a huge weight of -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Primitivo / Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah / ShirazABV: 16%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Decanter. After an enforced eight-year break in the early 2010s, where they were prohibited from making Zinfandel, Orin Swift Cellars delved into various grape varieties in California to great success. The 2021 vintage of Eight Years in the Desert is the fifth instalment of a rare and cherished wine. This exceptional Zinfandel boasts a deep maroon core and opens with captivating aromas of wild blackberry, pepper, oatmeal raisin cookie, forest floor, bay leaf, and spices. The taste is -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%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 harves -
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: 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: 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: 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: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. It's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals. But, for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheet unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - The Wine Independent (2021 Vintage) 90 Points - -
Country: USA, California, Napa ValleyGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo / Zinfandel, Syrah / ShirazABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Decanter. Beau Vigne Hero Proprietary Red 2022 masterfully unites expressive mountain fruit, complex layers of dark berries and spice, and a plush, integrated structure. This wine captures the spirit of its prime California terroirs and the craftsmanship of Beau Vigne - delivering a rich, rewarding red for both collectors and anyone seeking a benchmark Bordeaux-style blend at a compelling price. Vivino Rating 4.1 (Aug 2025) TasteThe 2022 Hero opens with enticing aromas of blackberry -
Country: USA, California, Napa ValleyGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.3%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Decanter. Thurlow Cellars Boomslang Cabernet Sauvignon NV is a powerful, polished Napa Valley red that’s both modern and elegantly approachable. This non-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon results from a blend of fruit from 2019, 2021, and 2022, sourced from thirty-five-year-old vines grown in some of Napa’s highest-quality subregions. Crafted by renowned winemaker Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate and Stags’ Leap), Boomslang delivers a harmonious combination of complexity, plush tex -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThe Catena family has been at the heart of Argentine wine since 1902, pioneering the search for exceptional vineyard sites along the Andes from north to south. This smooth, characterful red is a textbook example of Argentine Malbec, and a fine showcase of the country’s winemaking craft. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Jun 2025) Taste Bold yet balanced, the Pasarisa Malbec delivers ripe black fruit, a touch of violet, and hints of spice and mocha. Smooth tannins and bright acidity keep it fresh and focused. -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15.5%Style: Rich Full RedMercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of Orin Swift and emphasises their guiding principle: Without quality grapes, great wine is impossible. It comes from the best lots from very select vineyards in Napa Valley and the wine is a testament to those vineyards, to their principle and to what is possible in Napa Valley. The Liberty Dime on each bottle symbolises winemaker Dave Phinney's favorite coin in his collection growing up and his most prized possession. Vivino Rating: 4.5 (JulRegular Price£148.95Christmas Offer - 20% OFF£119.16 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Descorchados. Over the last few years, Argentinean Cabernet Franc has got a lot of wine critics very excited. One taste of the Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc and it’s easy to see why. Argentina’s pioneering Catena family could be set to do for Cabernet Franc what they did for Malbec. Made from fruit sourced from the family´s historic high-altitude vineyards (1,090m/3,576ft above sea level) in San Carlos, the sandy loam soils are perfect for Cabernet Franc, delivering sm -
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 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - James Suckling. A fascinating new release from the Catena Institute’s historical vineyard project, The Birth of Cabernet is more than just a name — it’s a tribute to the earliest Cabernet vines planted in Mendoza in the early 20th century. Drawn from old vines in Agrelo, this 2021 is a snapshot of place and time: cool nights, low yields, and a long growing season delivering purity, poise and quiet power. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (May 2025) Wine Press Ratings 96 Points - James Suckling (202 -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Sauvignon BlancABV: 15%Style: Aromatic Floral White91 Points - Wine Spectator.Dave Phinney doesn’t make wines that whisper — even his Sauvignon Blanc has something to say. Blank Stare takes a grape known for its precision and dresses it in Californian attitude. A portion fermented in oak adds depth and texture, while fruit from Sonoma and the Russian River Valley keeps things bright and racy. It’s Sauvignon with swagger — bold, aromatic and just the right side of indulgent. Vivino Rating 4.0 (Sept 2025) Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - Wine Specta -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 15%Style: Classy Complex White94 Points - The Wine Independent. Dave Phinney doesn’t really do subtlety — and Mannequin is a classic example of that unashamed Californian swagger. This is Chardonnay dialled up to eleven: bold, textured and unapologetically hedonistic. Sourced from some of Napa and Sonoma’s best sites, it’s a wine that manages to marry power and polish without ever tipping into excess. Think of it as California sunshine in liquid form — but with the complexity and balance that Phinney’s meticulous blending al -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 14.5%J 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. 6 * J VineyardRegular Price£203.70Fine Wine Case Offer - 15% OFF£173.15 -
Country: Argentina, PatagoniaGrapes: MalbecABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity RedThis lovely refreshing Patagonian malbec originates in the San Patricio del Chañar Valley, Neuquén. Brothers Hector and Pablo are passionate about expressing the characteristics of Argentina’s various terroirs along with freshness and bright, focused fruit. The result is an exceptional Malbec produced by minimal intervention wine making. A fresh and fruit forward Malbec, with smooth tannins and a gentle touch of oak. An absolute treat for Malbec lovers ! Taste Ripe dark fruits and blackberry, wi -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.4%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Tim Atkin MW. There were only 5,000 bottles produced of this un-oaked Cabernet Franc, from vineyards situated at over 1,000 metres high. Highly praised by the International Wine Press, this is a medium bodied wine, with a wonderful complexity of herbaceous and dark fruit notes, firm tannins and a fresh acidity. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (September 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2022 Vintage) Taste Refreshing, medium-bodied with firm tannins and grains and fresh acidity.