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£26.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£21.56 -
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’ -
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
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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£26.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£21.56 -
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 fermentatio -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points - Robert Parker. 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 harvest -
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 ofRegular Price£19.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£15.96 -
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: 4.6 (Sep -
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’ -
Country: Chile, Colchagua ValleyGrapes: CarmenereABV: 14%Style: Rich Full RedThe Caballo Loco Grand Cru Apalta 2022 is one of the best Chilean red wines you can buy. The flagship brand of multi-award-winning Valdeviso winery it is crafted from a blend of old vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah in the renowned Apalta region of Chile's Colchagua Valley. Apalta grapes are highly prized by fine wine producers. The region’s Pacific-cooled Mediterranean climate is ideal for producing grapes that are complex, aromatic, fresh-tasting and well-balanced. The poor (apalta -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14.3%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - James Suckling. Located in the heart of Los Carneros, Napa Valley, summer temperatures are tempered by the cooling fog rolling in off the nearby San Pablo Bay, providing perfect conditions for producing beautifully balanced and complex wines that showcase the vineyard-driven character of this cool-climate estate. 10 months in French oak barrels (33% new) gives this Pinot Noir a spectrum of bright red and black fruits, notes of lilac and ginger weave into the fresh berry, cherry and p -
Country: Canada, Niagara PeninsulaGrapes: RieslingABV: 9.2%Style: Sweet and FortifiedThe unique climate of the Niagara Peninsula allows for this harmonious combination of luscious fruit, refreshing acidity and complexity, with the end result being a truly hedonistic wine. Taste Aromas of elderflower cordial are predominant in this exquisitely made dessert wine, whilst also possessing a rich viscosity and flavours of caramelized pineapple. The finish on the wine is full and well-rounded with a distinctive character of creamy and rich peach melba. Nectar in a glass. Awards/Press A -
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: 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, 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: 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 no -
Country: Argentina, PatagoniaGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.3%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: 13.5%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: 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£203.70Case Offer - 10% off£183.33 -
Country: Chile, Limari ValleyGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 14%Style: Rich Full RedThe Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Limari is another of Valdivieso’s flagship wines, one that utilises fruit from their best plantings of Syrah, Carmenere, Malbec, and Pinot Noir grapes. While Limari is one of the finest of Chile’s wine regions, it’s also one of the most inhospitable. Annual rainfall of around 90mm (3.5 inches) combined with poor clay and chalk soils mean that vines struggle and the resulting fruit can be superb. A blend of Syrah, Carmenere, Malbec and Pinot Noir may not soun -
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 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2022 Vintage) Taste Refreshing, medium-bodied with firm tannins and grains and fresh acidity. Subtle -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red92 Points - The Wine Independent. The best grapes make the best wine" is the philosophy applied by the Winery's founder, Louis M. Martini. Implemented at the estate since its creation in 1938, this exacting philosophy has enabled the winery to become one of the leading names in Californian wines. With its vineyards in the sumptuous Sonoma and Napa Valleys and its many award-winning wines, the estate is now world-renowned for its great Cabernet Sauvignons. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Dec 2024) Wine PressRegular Price£49.75Bin End Sale - 25% off£37.32 -
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, 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 isRegular Price£52.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£42.36 -
Country: Chile, Maipo ValleyGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The Garage Wine Co Pirque Vineyard Cabernet Franc Lot 90 is a classic example of what this innovative winery is all about. The fruit for this comes from a high-altitude (600 metres above sea level) vineyard which was established in the 1980s. Sadly, for a combination of reasons it was subsequently abandoned leaving the vines to grow wild and old. The team rejuvenated it by deploying regenerative practices and since 2016 it has become one of their most acclaimed wines. -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14.1%Style: Savoury Classic RedOlivet Grange Vineyard (OGV) is the Inman Family's sensitively farmed estate vineyard - using regenerative farming practices and only certified organic-fertilizers and pesticides. Displaying aromas of black cherry, dried rose petals, classic Russian River cola, and a touch of white pepper, the palate reveals raspberries, tart cherry, pomegranate, cola, and savory spices. Rich, elegant and powerful, with a texture of silk satin shrouding "grippy" tannins and mouth-coating tastiness. Only 579 caseRegular Price£69.95Bin End Sale - 25% off£52.47 -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, MalbecABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Wine Enthusiast. The Pahlmeyer Jayson Red 2020 is a bold Napa blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. Bursting with black cherry, wild strawberry, and earthy undertones, it’s vibrant yet polished. Aged 15 months in 65% new French oak, this wine delivers rich layers of berry fruit with silky tannins and a lasting finish. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Jan 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast "This bold and fully ripe-tasting wine showers t