Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV
Charles Heidsieck is one of the great names of Champagne and produces some of the finest of all champagnes. Founded in 1851 by Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the original 'Champagne Charlie', the foundation of its modern fame rests on the unrivalled quality of its wines, which receive countless awards and accolades year after year.
The grapes for the Brut Réserve are sourced from 60 different ‘crus’ across the region; fermentation and ageing of the base wines takes place primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness; it is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Meunier, including at least 40% reserve wines, the average age of which is 10 years; and finally, the Brut Réserve is aged in bottle on its lees for at least three years prior to release.This really is one of the best NV wines coming out of Champagne! Beautiful.
Amarone, Musella
Musella make very special wines! What makes them unique is that they look for harmony and balance in the wine, not just power and intensity. Don't get me wrong, this is still a full-bodied wine, made with dried grapes in the usual way, but it isn't too intense or too alcoholic like a lot of modern Amarone. This is deliciously drinkable; more than one glass won't knock you out! Maddalena Pasqua is passionate about her vineyards and the land on which she lives; she makes wines that shine with this love. All the vineyards and farmed Biodynamically and the wines made by hand.
A great wine to finish the meal and can accompany a range of cheeses including complex Cheddars such as Montgomery or Pitchfork, or soft blues like Beauvale.
Barolo, Giacomo Fenocchio, Piemonte
Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco, Piemonte
In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco. The first three vintages were made in the church basement, and then in the winery built across the square from where the Produttori is still located. United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village.
The Produttori del Barbaresco now has 50 members and 100 hectares (250 acres) of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appellation, which amounts to almost a sixth of the vineyards of the area. The most important thing, however, is that quality is always the highest priority and in Aldo Vacca, they have one of the World's most respected winemakers.
We buy this wine every year and it never disappoints; every vintage is different, reflecting the year itself, but has the hallmark of class and quality. The thing I like most about this is the amazing perfume; great Nebbiolo has a unique nose that is hard to beat! These wines age gracefully for decades and really represent great value in the context of Piemonte's top producers.
A great wine for the cheeseboard but also, venison and duck; when young the tannins are firm, so the food does need some richness and fat. As they age, the tannins soften but strong, hard cheeses (Old Winchester, Double Barrel, Cornish Kern...) are still my favourite match.
Henschke ‘Keyneton Euphonium’
Available to pre-order for delivery/collection from Thursday Oct 7th66% Syrah/Shiraz , 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet FrancThe Henschke family have been making wine at their estate in the Eden Valley since 1868. Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke took over running the winery in 1979. Through a combination of great viticulture from Prue, named ‘Outstanding Viticulturalist 2020’, who is at the forefront of re-introducing native plants into their vineyards to improve biodiversity, and winemaking from Stephen, they have built upon their inheritance and turned this traditional producer into one that is celebrated all around the world.Keyneton Euphonium is a beautiful composition of Shiraz from up to 50-year-old vines growing in the Eden and Barossa Valleys, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from selected vineyards in both regions, some of which were planted by Cyril Henschke at his Eden Valley property in the 1960's. The Barossa hills village of Keyneton, pioneered by pastoralist Joseph Keynes in 1842, was a musical and cultural focus for the early settlers, and was home to the Henschke Family Brass Band, founded in 1888. It featured wind instruments such as a B flat euphonium, a large brass wind instrument, which has been lovingly restored and remains in the Henschke family.While the Hill of Grace and Mount Edlestone Shiraz fetch high prices, i think this wine is the jewel in the Henschke crown; The depth of fruit and complexity is incredible and it is affordable!A wine for big steaks, roast beef and classy barbecues!
Cartology 2022, Alheit Vineyards
90% Chenin Blanc/10% SemillonCartology has become one of South Africa's most iconic wines and tiny amounts are available on allocation...we have a few bottles left!Chris and Suzaan Alheit started their winery in 2011 and due to their focus on old vineyards and attention to detail at every step, they immediately caused quite a stir; they showed what was capable with Cape varieties from old, dry-farmed vineyards."The goal was clear: we wanted to make wines with a clear Cape identity. We wanted to show that the Cape’s vinous heritage is worth celebrating and protecting, that old vineyards and “ordinary grapes” are in fact wonderful, and that we’re only just scratching the surface of what’s possible in the Cape." - Chris AlheitOne of my all time favourite white wines, each vintage is an exciting discovery; the 2019 is a truly beautiful wine. It is a multi-vineyard, multi-regional blend that brings together grapes from unique vineyards across the Western Cape. The nose is complex and intriguing, with aromas of honey, toast and peach mingling to make something really unique. The palate is rich with orchard fruit flavours and has amazingly bright minerally acidity which makes the wine so alive and vibrant.
This wine is young and fresh at the moment but will gain even more complexity if aged for a few years. I have older vintages at home and whenever one is opened, it is such a treat; Chenin has a great ability to age magnificently and this is a prime example.A fine accompaniment to dishes that are rich and fatty like roast pork with apples (crackling!) or a simple roast chicken. Also, buttery and herby fish dishes work well.
Ataraxia Pinot Noir
Ataraxia was founded by Kevin and Hanli Grant in 2004 near the coastal village of Hermanus in the Hemel-en Arde region.Hemel-en-Aarde is Afrikaans for “heaven and earth” and the claim is justified. The estate sits on a particularly heavenly stretch of land beneath a lofty peak of the Babylon’s Tower mountain range. In addition to its unrelenting beauty, Ataraxia is home to some of the most spectacular terroirs South Africa has to offer.Almost two decades on, they are associated with crafting wines of incredible finesse, balance and depth; wines that proudly hold their own on the international wine stage.This Pinot Noir is my favourite discovery of the year! Perhaps my favourite wine in our range!
The wine has the perfect balance of rich fruit and light structure alongside the most gorgeous perfume.A stunning wine, that pairs perfectly with soft, mould-ripened cheeses such as Baron Bigod.
Harrow & Hope Brut Reserve NV
From Marlow, Henry & Kaye Laithwaite make some stunning sparkling wines. This Brut Reserve is a classic Champagne blend which has real elegance and balance. A seriously good fizz that is superior to most NV Grand Marques…and it’s from Buckinghamshire. We love this wine; the quality is amazing, the packaging is beautiful, it makes the perfect gift and is a local business doing a world class job!