Wine Enthusiast calls Amarone “one of 15 icons in Italian wine”. They are certainly some of the country’s most treasured reds. Rooted in the ancient tradition of sun-drying grapes before fermentation, Amarone wines offer exceptional richness and a glorious combination of power and complexity that cellars well, too. No wonder they are sought after worldwide. This 2020 from esteemed Cantina Negrar pays tribute to 18th century poet Bartolomeo Lorenzi, whose epic poems celebrating rural life made Valpolicella wines famous.
The grapes are from the ancient, dry, stone terraces of the cool Marano Valley, where they ripen slowly. They are then air-dried for 120 days to intensify flavours. Decant early and enjoy with hearty dishes, or cellar.
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Dubbed as the “Princess of Champagne” by the press, Virginie Tattinger worked alongside her father in the world-famous Tattinger Champagne empire for 21 years. But she left in 2006, now makes excellent Champagne in her own right.
We are flying the flag for one of France’s newest appellations – showcasing a French red of sophisticated quality and exceptional value. We trust you will be as excited about this wine as we are.
The Pic Saint-Loup was elevated to AOC status in 2016 in recognition of the region’s consistently outstanding wines. Named after the peak which bears the same name, the waters here are pristine, and the south-facing vineyards embrace the cool breezes of the Mediterranean.
La Closiere is an 80/20 split of the region’s iconic Syrah and Grenache. Small barrels are used for the Syrah (half of them new), while the Grenache is left to its own devices in larger 2,000L foudres. At 15% alcohol level, this is a hefty beast of a red but retains a beautiful elegance thanks to exquisite craftsmanship.
Château Lavabre La Closerie 2018 has been racking up some excellent scores from the world’s top wine critics…
“… a blockbuster bouquet of black fruits, camphor, graphite, ground pepper, and cured meats. With a touch more finesse and focus compared to the appellation release, it's full-bodied and has a beautifully balanced, concentrated, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish…”
“Blueberries, blackberries and licorice notes mark the nose, supported by hints of crushed stone and spicy oak. It's full-bodied and ripe but still balanced, with a more streamlined feel than the other Lavabre reds, along with silky tannins and a long, licorice-laden finish.”
“Opulent! Incredibly concentrated… Lots of sweetness but at the same time it isn't sweet. Fig molasses. Coal dust. Graphite. Caraway. Lots of texture on those tannins… Huge power and broad, glossy, muscled shoulders. Nothing understated about this wine."
Foraged seasonal flora from the internationally important Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are a big part of what makes this gin unique.
The famous gardens in London have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. They span 320 acres, employ 750 staff (a third are scientists) and house a truly extraordinary collection of trees, plants and fungi. For distiller Darren Rook Kew Gardens offer a cornucopia of botanicals, though he does supplement these with other organic botanicals from around the world. The gin is distilled in Battersea in a 140 litre copper pot still known as Christina (all stills are given names!). It is non-chill filtered, hand bottled and hand labelled, featuring a design inspired by the many plant drawings in Kew’s archives.
Barbera is often thought as the second grape of premium Piedmont. This is a fabulous, dark, cherry and plum-scented red from a legendary vintage and a third-generation estate. Immense power and length.
The grapes that make up VIRGINIE T. Champagne Rosé are derived solely from the cuvee (first flush). They come from 15 crus from the three major regions of Champagne, including 11grape varieties that are classified «Premier and Grand Cru».
Highly anticipated fourth release of a distinguished fizz that celebrates both the phenomenal rise of English Quality Sparkling Wine and the rebirth of Windsor Great Park Vineyard. Lovely biscuity aromas and taste with creamy apricot fruit.
In 2003 Barbara Laithwaite and Cherry Thompson planted 4,000 vines in a hectare of the Chiltern Hills. Just 10 years later, their 2009 took top position at the prestigious Judgement of Parsons Green, the 2010 won two Trophies, 91 Decanter points and medals galore, and this 2011 has just scooped its second Gold to add to four Silvers. You can enjoy it at the renowned Le Manoir restaurant too. Barbara has now planted another hectare of vines next to the first. Crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this 2011 is testament to meticulous viticulture and the winemaking skills of Ridgeview’s Roberts clan and Barbara's winemaker son, Henry. Who needs Champagne when you have English bubbly this good? Serve at your next celebration.
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