This is a dazzling Sauvignon Blanc from an estate in Marlborough renowned for its Sauvignon. But even top estates occasionally have a vat or two surplus to requirements, be that due to a bumper harvest, a cancelled order, or the need to accommodate a new vintage. Either way, our Buyer Dan springs into action when such an opportunity arises.

It’s no wonder Marlborough has such a world-class reputation for Sauvignon Blanc. It’s long sunny days and cooling breezes produce grapes with vibrant, mouth-watering flavours. This is a quintessential style for Marlborough, filled with intense gooseberry, grassy notes, and ripe tropical fruits such as guava and passionfruit. It makes a refreshing aperitif or pairs perfectly with tomato and pesto tart.

Our old pal at Flagstone, Bruce Jack, called Gerhard Swart "the best winemaker I have ever met" – high praise indeed from someone with a lot of talent himself.

With the 2010 General Smuts Trophy under Gerhard's young belt, Winemaker of the Year in 2017, 5 Stars from John Platter and many other impressive awards, it's perhaps of no surprise. Gerhard's thirst for knowledge means he's always looking for ways to improve and produce something new and exciting. Crush magazine wrote "What makes him truly exceptional is understanding the language of grapes from vineyard to cellar." You can taste that in this fresh, fruity white. A zesty blend of Chardonnay, aromatic Viognier and Chenin, it’s spot on with shellfish, and best of all with lobster.

The name William Knuttel resounds in California fine wine circles. In the 1980s, Knuttel was key to establishing Saintsbury as a leader of fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and later helped build a great reputation for Chalk Hill and Dry Creek wineries too. In 2001, he founded his own estate and today is joined by his son and daughter.

This full-bodied, velvety red is pure Cabernet, sourced from Wilson Vineyards in Clarksburg. Just east of San Francisco Bay, the site benefits from cooling sea breezes and rolling mists that encourage long, slow ripening of the grapes. 14 months ageing in French oak barrels has lent layers of gentle oak spice to the dense dark fruit of this Cabernet. A great red to serve with roasted red meats or hearty bakes.

As far back as 1982, the founder of this cellar, Pablo Morandé, was discovering the benefits of Chile's great coastal-cooled regions. That was a decade before anyone else. He set up his winery in 1996 and has won scores of awards since then, including being five times Chile's Winery of the Year. Pablo was also named a 'Winemaking Legend' by MW Tim Atkin in 2017, while James Suckling called his "a leading and innovative winery", "a bold, experimental winemaking adventure project".

His winemaker is Jorge Martinez, who has worked at cellars worldwide, including Napa's Kendall Jackson and Pauillac's Léoville Poyferré. Carignan from 40-year-old vines in the warm Maule valley, this is a velvety, dark, spiced red. An ideal match with lamb shanks.