Le XV is known to thousands as our ‘King of the Big Reds’. It owes its intensity to Grenache from vines, some over 100 years old, that grow on the rocky slopes of the Pyrenean foothills in the Montagne Noire and yield only tiny quantities of grapes. Le XV also benefits from the painstaking care of self-confessed southern French wine aficionado Mark Hoddy, whose draconian selection process sees him earmark in advance every vineyard he intends to harvest and micro-manage every stage of the winemaking. This takes time, but you can taste the result in every delicious glass!

Richly textured, with layers of ripe bramble fruit kept smooth by warming alcohol and soft, ripe tannins, this is a red to enjoy with roast lamb, steak or a hearty stew.

Domaine Saint Michel is a small family run estate that for years has been supplying grapes to the mighty Chapoutier. One of the most prestigious names in the valley, Chapoutier would snap up the whole vintage to add richness to their own Côtes du Rhône. When new generation Vincent took over, he dearly wanted to bottle his own. He knew it was more than good enough.

Well, the beautiful property does lie close to top crus Rasteau, Vinsobres and Cairanne. It shares the same stony soils and arid climate as its neighbours and produces from 40 year old vineyards small concentrated grapes. That’s all the better for flavour and richness. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan combine in this tasty red. It's great on its own or with pasta with pesto, or chops.

The label's also been a favourite of the papacy since 1958, when Pope John XXII blessed Cuvée du Vatican. Their gorgeously rich and spicy Réserve Côtes du Rhône is a delicious way to experience this very fine estate at an excellent price. Look forward to red berry jam, tobacco, wood smoke and wild herb complexity. Superb.

L’Épiphanie is our prestige ‘secret’ label. And when we say prestige, we mean it! In 2019, out of over 800 châteaux in Bordeaux’s storied Saint-Émilion appellation, only four were ranked Premier Grand Cru Classé ‘A.’ Cheval Blanc and Ausone (first classified in 1955) were the originals. Angélus and Pavie (classified in 2012) became equally famous. Their wines sell for thousands of dollars per bottle and are usually the province of the very wealthy elite.

However, only a certain amount of Grand Vin from these top estates is allowed to be made each year. What do the wineries do with the surplus fruit? Many times they call us, because they know we are always looking for very special wines to share with our valued customers, and can be relied upon not to reveal any names.

So, no names – but let’s just say that we were VERY pleased to be able to secure this magnificent wine for you. To be clear, this is not the Grand Vin. But it’s made with the same grapes, from the same vineyards, and with the same no expense spared attention to detail – and it’s available to you at a frankly extraordinary price.

Decant to let the sublime flavours unfurl and serve with your finest roast meats. This is superb. Add some extreme luxury to your banquet table with this exceptional Premier Grand Cru Classé ‘A’ Saint-Émilion.