The 2021 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is a terrific introduction to the range and the vintage. Bright and floral, with striking depth, the 2021 bristles with energy. Lavender, spice, menthol and licorice abound in this vibrant, beautifully delineated Syrah from Joey Tensley.

"I love making this wine every year because blending the wines gives me so many options. The majority of the blend is Syrah but still has large amounts of Grenache, Mourvedre and a little white wine in to lift the nose. Savory and fruity is hard to accomplish but this wine delivers both. Next time you are having a family outing open this out by the BBQ or fire and watch it evolve over time. Unmistakable California fruit but nuances enough to make you think about the little things this wine offers." Joey Tensley

Long-established star winery of Santa Barbara. Creamy vanilla, rich but all in balance. Impressive. Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of the Au Bon Climat style. The flinty, stony aromas stand out while in the background is a hard spice note from sur lie barrel aging. There are notes of lemon-lime and soft vanilla.

When you order wines En Primeur you buy wines that are as yet not available for physical delivery but are available for purchase. They are sold without Excise and VAT taxes and an invoice is issued soon after order, for payment. Excise and VAT may become payable when the wine physically arrives in the UK. When a wine arrives in the UK is a matter of when it becomes available from the producer and when we are able to import it. Normally wines will be shipped 2-3 years after harvest, but it can take longer or less than that. When the wines are shipped to the UK they can either be transferred, under bond, to an account in a Bonded warehouse or delivered Sold En-Primeur. An incredibly limited and rare bottling of Ridge Monte Bello to be delivered in 2026. The core blend of Monte Bello 2023 was assembled by the production team over two days in February. Out of twenty-six candidate lots, fourteen were selected at this stage, with a few earmarked as potential additions at the next blending session. The team reconvened on May 3rd for the second and final assemblage of 2023 Monte Bello. The panel of eight determined that, of the three further lots being presented, just one had the qualities consistent with Monte Bello. The addition of this lot will result in a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The typically intense dark purple colour of a young Monte Bello belies the vivid aromatics: the nose opens with a wonderful floral aroma over the precise berry fruit. There is copious structure, but it is very fine-grained even at this early stage. Splendid balance and harmony already, with an ultra-long finish indicating the great potential of this wine.

The 2021 Optimus is an elegant, polished blend of 55% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. It takes plenty of air to reveal maraschino cherry, blueberry, leather, aniseed, gravel dust and garrigue aromas. The full-bodied palate offers expansive, spicy fruit framed by powdery tannins and focused acidity, and it has a long, latent finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle.

Decanter 95/100: "multi-layered and intensely flavoured with freshly baked bread, spiced white peach, and tangy acidity... very engaging and accomplished". Jancisrobinson.com 17.5 "very confident". Roederer's superb cool-climate California estate, since the 80s and on best-ever form now.

Bright and crisp with refreshing notes of citrus, apple, ripe pineapple and tropical fruits and a creamy mouthfeel. And it has the Hoopes family beloved dog Dante on the label. How adorable!

A refreshing, dry white with citrus lemon/lime notes, flinty minerality, and crisp finish. In the mouth the wine is rich and textural, from the time spent on lees in the barrel. This is a great match with shellfish of any kind, or richer white meats such as turkey or duck.

This enticing wine displays gorgeous aromas of blackberry, plum, dark red fruit, and cranberry, with hints of caramel and exotic spices. The luxurious berry notes are echoed on the palate, where they are supported by supple, refined tannins and an energetic mouthfeel that carries the wine to a long, lush finish.

This vibrant Pinot Noir embodies its cool-climate roots with enticing aromas of wild strawberry, Bing cherry and plum, as well as subtle undertones of dried herb, forest floor, sweet vanilla and baking spices. On the palate, the lush red berry flavours are framed by smooth, refined tannins and a silky texture, with a tantalizing hint of bright acidity lingering on the long, focused finish.

From one of the great Pinot vineyards of the world. The wine has a nose of perfumed red and black cherries, star anise and earth. The palate is silky and expansive with nuanced, spice-laced berry flavor layers energized by lip-smacking acidity, with a long finish. Scored 95+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 94 points Wine & Spirits Magazine; 92 points Wine Enthusiast; 90 points Vinous.

"The wine is a vibrant blend delineated from the region’s cooling fog and warm afternoon sunshine to allow balanced ripening of lush varietal flavors and natural acidity that can be derived from our venerated vineyards." - Paul Hobbs Winery

Decanter Panel Tasting 92/100 "Intense aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry with oaky and leathery notes. Crunchy acidity on the palate with polished tannins."

Serious classic, a benchmark of Burgundian style in California. Broad-boned, multi-layered savoury/saline/mineral complexity. Packs an impressive punch at the price.

Opens with bold aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and a bevy of vanilla nuances. On the palate, this wine is fruit-driven with flavours of pomegranate, black cherry, fresh cranberry and nutmeg.

The Crusher Pinot Noir is powerfully aromatic, with notes of pomegranate, rose petal and nutmeg. Juicy and spicy on the palate, this wine exudes flavours of plum, glazed strawberry and cinnamon bread from 12 months of French oak aging.

From one of California’s top-rated vineyards, this outstanding Chardonnay displays fleshy brioche and ripe citrus flavours. Made in more of a Burgundian style rather than the big, rich, overly oaked examples that are becoming past fashionable. Beautifully constructed, fresh pear and white peach scents are sharpened by citrus notes. Great food wine, chicken or creamy cheeses pair especially well.

From its plush, refined tannins to its rustic undertones, this alluring Merlot offers juicy layers of black cherry, raspberry and plum. On the palate, the flavors are pure and polished, with a mouth-coating texture that carries the wine to a luxurious, fruit-filled finish. Established more than 30 years ago by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, our roots run deep at Decoy. This California Merlot showcases the elegance of Merlot and highlights the bold fruit flavors. Reflecting the character of each growing season and the diversity of our vineyard sources, Decoy has established itself as a wine of distinction. From vine to bottle, we craft our wines to the highest standards, only using grapes from exceptional vineyards.

Long-established star winery of Santa Barbara. Creamy vanilla, rich but all in balance. Impressive. Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of the Au Bon Climat style. The flinty, stony aromas stand out while in the background is a hard spice note from sur lie barrel aging. There are notes of lemon-lime and soft vanilla.

Fuller bodied and off-dry with a juicy, fruity finish. Low alcohol at 9.5%.

A fantastic rosé from California's flagship variety. Delicate ripe watermelon, appealing strawberry and a hint of dried cranberry swirl together with a gentle sweetness and a crisp, balanced finish. Try with grilled prawns or seared salmon steaks.

From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavours of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.

The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a vibrant bouquet of black cherry, toasted oak and captivating pepperiness. Graceful in the mouth, with a silky texture and lively dark berry fruit, flavors of plum and dark chocolate expand on the palate.

Strawberries and blackberries aromas slowly rise out of the glass. Overtime, more of the anise and clove will mix with these other aromas. Currently, the wine is young with mouth filling intensity and suppleness. Complexity will increase as the wine ages, but this wine should stay “fresh” for 6 or 7 years. In its youth, match this wine with lamb or dried meats. After a few years, as the flavors coalesce, it will pair better with salmon or mild red sauce with pasta.