Staff Picks
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Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Cape TownGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteCrafted from old, dry-farmed bush vines, this Chenin Blanc is a pure expression of South Africa’s winemaking legacy. Sourced from select vineyard sites, it captures the balance of richness and freshness that defines great Chenin. Aromas of ripe pear, quince, and white peach lead to a textured palate with citrus zest, baked apple, and a refined mineral finish. Aged in a combination of oak and stainless steel, it offers depth, vibrancy, and a lingering elegance. Vivino Rating 4.2 (March 2025) TastRegular Price£34.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£27.96 -
Country: New Zealand, MarlboroughGrapes: Pinot NoirABV: 14%Style: Smooth Fruity Red93 Points - Cameron Douglas MS. A wonderful Burgundian style Pinot Noir from a producer who carefully select fruit from Marlborough's top organic single vineyards to produce wines of great elegance and complexity. An aromatic, savoury nose with notes of damson plum, dark berry, forest floor, nori, peppercorns, salami and salted, black liquorice. Medium-bodied, with plush fruit but still a seriously structured wine with layered tannins. Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Cameron Douglas MS (2021 Vint -
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 ch -
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: Italy, PugliaGrapes: Primitivo / ZinfandelABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full RedDeep, dark and tempting, and seriously seductive, Papale Oro has aromas of kirsch, plum and spicy oak, and flavours of rich dark chocolate, ripe cherries and spice. This is Puglian wine at its best, with great character and warmth, and a 'friendliness' sometimes lacking from its northern Italian cousins. It has delicious spiciness, complexity and pure fruit intensity, with ultra-plush, velvety texture. There are layers of ripe black cherry and blueberry fruit, and everything is balanced by beaut -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Cape TownGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13.5%Style: Classy Complex WhiteCrafted from old, dry-farmed bush vines, this Chenin Blanc is a pure expression of South Africa’s winemaking legacy. Sourced from select vineyard sites, it captures the balance of richness and freshness that defines great Chenin. Aromas of ripe pear, quince, and white peach lead to a textured palate with citrus zest, baked apple, and a refined mineral finish. Aged in a combination of oak and stainless steel, it offers depth, vibrancy, and a lingering elegance. Vivino Rating 4.2 (March 2025) TastRegular Price£34.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£27.96 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red96 Points - Greg Sherwood, MW. The 2019 Bill Winshaw is a Cape Bordeaux blend that embodies Winshaw Vineyards’ heritage and precision. Led by 82% Cabernet Franc, with 6% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot, it balances finesse and power. Aged for 20 months in barrel (50% new oak), it unveils luscious red cherry, cranberry, and cassis aromas, lifted by fresh herbs, rose, and a hint of pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant and structured, with silky tannins, bright acidit -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, SwartlandGrapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Tinta BaroccaABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedSwerwer's 2021 Cinsault-Grenache-Tinta Barocca: A vibrant, minimal-intervention blend from the Western Cape. Expect bright red fruit and herbal notes. Light-bodied, fresh, and versatile; enjoy chilled with light fare. A true taste of South Africa's adventurous winemaking. Vivino Rating 4.3 (March 2025) Taste Swerwer's 2021 Cinsault-Grenache-Tinta Barocca: Ruby hue, vibrant red fruit (cherry, raspberry), floral notes, and a touch of garrigue. Light-bodied, fresh, with fine tannins and a clean fin -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, SwartlandGrapes: Chenin BlancABV: 13%Style: Aromatic Floral WhiteA Swartland revelation. This is Chenin Blanc stripped back to its essence, showcasing the region's wild, mineral-rich terroir. Expect a taut, complex wine with nuanced fruit and a thrillingly fresh finish. For those seeking depth and character beyond the ordinary. Vivino Rating 4.3 (March 2025) Taste Swartland tenacity in a glass. Quince, apricot, flint, and chamomile on the nose. Taut, linear palate with rapier acidity and chalky texture. Savoury, mineral finish. A wine of contemplation, not ov -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Greg Sherwood, MW. The 2019 Winshaw Vineyards Charles Winshaw is a bold, Bordeaux-style blend showcasing the depth and complexity of Stellenbosch. Made from 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine is aged for 20 months in oak barrels, resulting in a rich, structured wine with layers of dark fruit, spice, and subtle oak influence. A perfect balance of power and finesse, it’s a standout expression of Winshaw Vineyards’ commitment -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Smooth Fruity Red93 Points - Greg Sherwood, MW. A bold yet refined expression of this classic varietal, the nose opens with an enticing bouquet of black currant and black cherry, underscored by rich notes of mocha chocolate and a hint of chargrilled meat. On the palate, the wine is both plush and vibrant, with concentrated flavours of blueberries and crème de cassis, complemented by a delicate trace of cherry kirsch liqueur. A standout example of Stellenbosch Malbec, this wine shows great finesse and complexity.Regular Price£29.95BBQ Wines - Save 20%£23.96 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: ChardonnayABV: 12%Style: Classy Complex White94 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Crafted from a single, carefully managed vineyard in the heart of Stellenbosch, the Waterford Estate Chardonnay showcases the elegance and complexity that the region is renowned for. This exceptional wine reflects a perfect balance between ripe fruit and the subtle influence of oak, bringing forward a fresh, yet rich character. With a focus on purity and expression, it highlights the unique terroir of the Helderberg Mountain, offering a Chardonnay that is both refined a -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: GrenacheABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The Waterford Estate Single Vineyard Grenache is a refined and elegant expression of one of the most captivating varietals grown in Stellenbosch. Sourced from a meticulously tended single vineyard, this wine highlights the nuanced characteristics of Grenache, offering a rare balance of ripe fruit and savoury complexity. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2022 Vintage) Taste The nose invites with fresh aromas of red cherries, subtl -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Syrah / ShirazABV: 13%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Crafted from the finest Helderberg vineyards, Waterford Estate Kevin Arnold Shiraz is a masterful showcase of balance, depth, and complexity. Named after Waterford’s founding winemaker, this refined Shiraz embodies both power and precision—perfect for those who appreciate a structured yet expressive red. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2019 Vintage) Platter’s Wine Guide (2019 Vintage) Taste Rich aromas of dark berries, violet -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Crafted in the heart of Stellenbosch’s premium Helderberg region, Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined expression of South Africa’s premier red grape. With its deep ruby hue and layered complexity, this wine captures the essence of its unique terroir—elegant, structured, and effortlessly age-worthy. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2018 Vintage) 91 Points / Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (2018 Vintage) "SwRegular Price£37.25BBQ Wines - Save 20%£29.80 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedOwner 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 clear, dark cassis fruits from an estate -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic RedAt the end of 2011, Peter Kwok (Owner of Chateau Haut Brisson and Enclos de Viaud) acquired Château Tour Saint Christophe with his daughter Karen and La Croix Saint Christophe is the second label of the Château. Traditional farming, Guyot pruning with natural grass between the rows combined with working the soil under the vine, de-budding, leaf removal and green harvest if necessary to maintain the environmental balance. 40-year-old vines, and 15 months in French Oak Barrels (60% new). A beautif -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedThe La Closerie de Fourtet Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is the second wine of the outstanding Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Clos Fourtet. It's often said that second wines in great vintages are an excellent way to enjoy fine Bordeaux without incurring a financial hangover, and that's definitely the case here. Its (relatively) high location and limestone soils produce elegant, fresh-tasting wines full of elegance and finesse. Red berries, black cherries, purple plums, minerals and fresh, redcurrant -
Country: France, Bordeaux, MedocGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - Jeff Leve. Clos Manou 2019 is a fantastic example of a great value Medoc. 2019 was a sublime vintage throughout Bordeaux and the low release prices meant they are still relative bargains. Clos Manou was founded in 1998, and as the vines get older, so the wines get better. This is an awful lot of wine for the money, and one that's worth buying by the case so you can see its development over the next decade. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Apr 2025) Wine Press Ratings 91 Points - Jeff Leve (2019 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Montagne Saint-EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedSavvy Saint-Emilion lovers often look to the neighbouring commune of Montagne Saint-Emilion. Tasting the Clos de Bouard Dame de Bouard Montagne Saint-Emilion 2017, the second wine of it's easy to see why. Packed with juicy red and black berries, black cherries, chocolate, and a touch of clay minerals to the finish, it's a lot of wine for sensible money. Drink now with cured meats, pizza, pasta or meatballs. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Apr 2025) Blend: 66% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvi -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Pessac LeognanGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Falstaff. The Chateau Bouscaut 2019 is one of the stars of this magnificent Bordeaux vintage. In common with its Grand Cru Classe peers, the Chateau Bouscaut 2019 is a rich, ripe, succulent wine that exudes style and class. Drinking well now, its bouquet is full of smoked black fruits, dusty minerals, cherries and Chinese spices. Impressive in the mouth with blackberry, chocolate and black-olive flavours, its tannins, while imposing in youth, are now adding richness and texture. V -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EstepheGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Jane Anson. Bordeaux's Saint Estephe is littered with undiscovered gems, and the Chateau Segur de Cabanac is one of our favourites. Being heavy on Cabernet Sauvignon, it enjoyed a hugely successful 2016, producing a 92-point wine according to leading critic Jane Anson. Rich and spicy with a lovely depth of flavour, bottle age has brought harmony and finesse to this cracking wine. Vivino Rating: 4.3 (Apr 2025) Wine Press Ratings 92 Points - Jane Anson (2016 Vintage) 91 Points - Wine -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Pessac LeognanGrapes: Sauvignon Blanc, SemillonABV: 13%Style: Classy Complex White93 Points - Jane Anson. A rare find indeed, the Chateau Bouscaut Blanc 2013 is a glorious example of a fully mature fine white Bordeaux. Scoring 93/100 from Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux), its vibrant citrus fruits of youth have been replaced by richer, mellower tones of apricots, dried pears, almonds and peach stones. Superb on its own, it's the perfect partner to poultry, game birds, pate, and blue cheeses. Vivino Rating 4.1 Wine Press Ratings 93 Points - Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux (2013 Vinta -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Pessac LeognanGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. The Chateau Bouscaut 2018 is one of the stars of the magnificent 2018 Bordeaux vintage. In common with its Grand Cru Classe peers, the Chateau Bouscaut 2018 is a rich, ripe, succulent wine that exudes style and class. Drinking well now, its bouquet is full of smoked black fruits, dusty minerals, cherries and Chinese spices. The palate is medium-bodied, multi-layered, broad and packed with blackcurrant, plum, earth notes, and highlights of red berries. The tannins are -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Lalande de PomerolGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - James Suckling. The Chateau Pavillon Beauregard hails from Lalande de Pomerol, a commune of Bordeaux that made the most of the fantastic 2019 vintage. Lalande de Pomerol's best wines share many of the characteristics of the wines from its more famous neighbour, while offering great value for money - something no one could accuse Pomerol of doing. The Chateau Pavillon Beauregard 2019 received 90 points from The Wine Independent, and it's easy to see why. With its plump nose of crushed -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Pessac LeognanGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedA lesser-known Bordeaux property, the Chateau Le Thil Comte Clary 2013 was rated highly by Decanter's former Consultant Editor, Steven Spurrier, who said it possessed, 'Fresh crunchy fruit, (a) good lifted Pessac-Léognan with character and charm. Now mature, it's taken on that lovely smokey, undergrowth character that is so attractive in mature red Bordeaux. Enjoy this on its own or with roast pork, venison, or cheeses. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Apr 2025) About the Producer Château Le Thil Comte Clary -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EstepheGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux. The Chateau Andron-Blanquet Saint-Estephe 2016 is a must-buy for any Bordeaux wine lover. With a host of major awards to its name, this brilliant estate offers exceptional value for money, particularly in fine vintages such as 2016. A classic blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it offers a seductively soft and fruity nose that's bordered by tones of smoke, peppers and violets. Rich, ripe, and mouth-filling, the palate is full of black fruits wi -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: MerlotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Tim Atkin, MW. The Relais de la Dominique is the second wine of Chateau La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe and neighbour of the mighty Cheval Blanc. The Relais de la Dominique 2015 proves the value of second wines in great vintages - a second wine that scores 92 from Tim Atkin MW is worth seeking out. Now mature, its bouquet is a fascinating mix of cherries, flowers, mint, earth and spices. On the palate, it shares La Dominique's open, gentle style with its beauty and brilli