There 115 products in this category
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Lourens Family Wines
Franco Lourens spent some years working with the great Chris Alheit before settling to focus entirely on his own range of wines. This is a breathtakingly self-assured range and almost in the blink of an eye places Franco into the very top bracket of top-end New Wave SA producers. Franco is a leading light of South Africa’s New Wave and champion of old-vine Chenin, among others. He is inevitably set to join the likes of Chris Alheit, Eben Sadie, Adi Badenhorst, Duncan Savage et alia in the shimmering constellation of New Wave South African stars. BUT - and here's the rub - since Franco is still relatively unknown, the prices do not yet reflect how sensational the wines really are. Since mid-2020 Franco has shared cellar space with another great new vigneron Lukas van Loggerenberg in Paarl. "35% Verdelho, 21% Chenin Blanc, 19% Colombar, 18% Grenache Blanc (five days skin contact) and 7% Palomino – sourced variously from Stellenbosch, Swartland and Piekenierskloof. Expressive aromatics of pear, peach and citrus plus floral perfume and hay while the palate has good fruit definition, well integrated acidity and a gently savoury finish, some light phenolic grip adding interest. Subtle and intricate". 94/100 winemag.co.za
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Domaine des Escaravailles
Rasteau aged in Amphora by this great Southern Rhone estate. Silky smooth, with a touch more restraint. Classy stuff.
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Dom. Gayda
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Domaine Danjou-Banessy
100% Carignan from 80 year old vines. Complex floral aromas. On the palate the fruits, such as raspberry and morello cherry, are crunchy and fresh. There is also a very strong stony/mineral feeling. The finish is long and pure. A vibrant wine.
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Szepsy
The Szepsy family has been producing Tokaj wines since the 1500s and 18th generation family member, Istvàn Szepsy, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most innovative winemakers in Hungary. Szamorodni is a late-harvested style of sweet wine pioneered by Szepsy and is lighter than the Puttonyos wines. The word Szamorodni means “as it comes” that means that we harvest those bunches that contain aszú berries and healthy ripe berries as a whole (when making Aszú wine, aszú berries are picked separately) before pressing soaking eases the botrytised taste to be released. The wine contains 170g residual sugar despite of that and thanks to the method, the result is a fresh sweet wine with the taste of yellow and dried fruits, minerals and a hint of botrytis. SWA Gold Medal.
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Domaine Danjou-Banessy
A blend of Genache Blanc, Gris and Noir, from ancient 90 year old vines in the ancient and quite amazing 'C|os des Escounils' that the brothers are developing and working on re-establishing it's other potential vineyard areas. This is beautiful, racy, elegant wine that is softly textured and very ‘modern’ in its freshness and balance.
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MollyDooker
A wine that wraps your entire palate in a ‘Velvet Glove’ of exquisite, everlasting fruit flavours. This is the pinnacle of Mollydooker winemaking.
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Vega Sicilia
Vega Sicilia - Spain's most prestigious wine producer. Unico is their flagship wine, making this the crème de la crème of Spanish wines. Unico is aged for 10 years before release, and is predominantly made with Termpranillo, with some Cabernet Sauvignon. 96/100 from RobertParker.com
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Von Hovel
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Gonzalez Byass
International Wine & Spirits Awards (IWSC) 2010 Sherry Trophy winner. Gonzalez Byass is also the 2010 IWSC Winemaker of the Year. “Mid amber bronze in colour. Arresting scents of damp woodlands, earl grey tea, bitter orange, dried cherry and caramel. Classic Palo Cortado dry style with a hint of sweetness which shows how this can be easily become a superb dessert wine.” IWSC 2017 Gold
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Disznókó
Honeyed, cedar, orange peel with notes of spiced fruit, lemon marmalade and a lingering sweet finish. Heavenly!
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Fantini
The idea of this ??wine came out during a curious meeting between “wine experts”: Valentino Sciotti, today CEO of the “Farnese Group”, Filippo Baccalaro, chief winemaker of the same group and third generation of Piedmontese winemakers, Hugh Johnson, the most famous wine journalist in the world, and Jean Marc Sauboua of the third generation of Bordeaux winemakers. During that particular meeting, 18 years ago, Hugh Johnson launched a challenge to the two young winemakers: that of creating a “great wine” with the character of “Southern Italy”, forged with the best varietals of that territory; a wine with the modest name of “table wine”, but with the soul of “a great wine”, that stands out for its ability to be unique and extraordinarily superior to what the market offers. Montepulciano, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Sangiovese & Malvasia Nera. Astonishing 3-time winner of 99/100 Luca Maroni "Best Italian Red 2018". Previous IWC Abruzzo Trophy. Grower voted best in Italy 3 times. Massive, Epic wine. 100% new oak (60% American 40% French)
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Felton Road
Intense nose of real concentration. Vibrant and jewelly – like essence of Central Otago but with a drier finish than many. Still very youthful and savoury. Great stuff! 2020 Vintage Jancis Robinson MW
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Greywacke
A seductive combination of white nectarine, pink grapefruit and candied orange rind mingles with the more savoury aromas of roasted chestnuts and hot buttered brioche – an elaborate concoction infused with linseed and woodsmoke. The savouriness carries through onto a wonderfully dry palate that has great texture and concentration, with distinct flintiness, tight structure and terrific ageing potential.
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Chateau Musar
The latest vintage from the legend of Lebanon.
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Ch. Cadet Bon
A beautifully put-together claret, made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from vineyards located on cool limestone soils. The terrific Stephane Derenencourt consults here. Lovely extraction with lots of fruit, ripe tannina nd acidity. Long and complex and able to age although beautiful now.
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Felton Road
The complete epitome of this iconic wine. Dark fruits, crushed herbs, silky but palpable texture, weightless power, chocolate tannins with wafts of smoky mocha, followed by the length that defines its reputation. When a wine is this true to its hallmarks, one is left with very little to say. Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Felton Road...consistently reviewed by this publication since the 1997 vintage... pacesetting biodynamic producer." "I almost feel like Felton Road should need no introduction by now. If two decades of excellence isn't enough to convince you to try these wines, what more can I say?" The Wine Society "...legendary status for making some of New Zealand's, and the world's finest pinot noir" Berry Brothers and Rudd "Superb Pinot Noir wine, one of the best examples from outside Burgundy..." Jamessuckling.com Felton Road: The Handsome Prince of New Zealand Pinot. “If Central Otago was the Cote de Nuits, then Bannockburn would be likely be the Vosne Romanee, and I’m ging to hang it right out and say that Felton Road would be the top gun, the DRC.” Decanter Top Scoring Wines of 2021 Felton Road the only NZ 100/100. Wine Spectator Felton Rd no. 12 in the Top 100 Wines of the Word 2018. Drinks International 2023 19/100 World’s most-admired wine brands. Felton Road was the second New Zealand company to join International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) and is a Gold Member.
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Domaine Comelade
Lionel Comelade produces this stunning wine from ancient vine Macabeu and Grenache Gris grown on amazing black and white schist soil vineyards between Estagel and Latour de France in the Roussillon. Both white grapes were harvested later in the season in 1990 with high sugar levels. The grapes were partially fermented in concrete vats and then neutral brandy was added to stop fermentation and keep natural sweetness in the wine. Then the wine was passed to second use oak barrels and left in the cellar for 32 years before bottling (to order). No ‘topping up’ of the barrels occurred in the 33 years. The wine is tremendous, possibly surpassing the 1988. It is ‘ambre’ in colour. A bright, wild nose with orange rind, orange oil and warm spices. The palate is thrilling with great complexity and depth with thrilling, wild acidity which really charms. Astonishing and quite unique. The wine is one of the best value fortified wines in the world. 33 years of age, so interesting and delicious. A steal at this price.
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Rivetto
The outstanding Barbera d'Alba DOC "Loirano Soprano" is from the upper part of Zio Nando vineyard situated at the top of the Lirano hill at Sinio at 390m altitude, enjoying a splendid position on the crag with western exposure. The soils are sandy-limestone, with the presence of bluish marl at a depth of one metre. Soil with sub-alkaline reaction, low in nitrogen but rich in magnesium. These conditions guarantee a wine with a potency and refinement that is unique in Langa. Optimal tannic and aromatic development over time. Vinified only in the best vintages for Barbera grapes. Manually harvested, wildly fermented and raised for two years in French oak barrels. Limited production. This rarely makes it out of its homeland.
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Duckhorn Vineyards
A classic expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, this wine begins with enticing aromas of bright cranberry, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry, as well as savory hints of black tea, dried herbs, pennyroyal and saddle leather. The lush fruit notes are echoed on the flavorful palate, where they mingle with layers of moist earth and wild mushrooms, with firm tannins and bright acidity carrying the wine to a poised and polished finish. "Super-classy, elegance personified. Full and rich." Clive Pawsey
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Domaine les Pallieres
Not only is the magnificent Gigondas estate 500 years old, it's owned by Daniel and Frédéric Brunier. Know the name? They are behind Châteauneuf's leading estate, Vieux Télégraphe. Meting out the same care, they produce this rich, old-vine Gigondas. And Daniel reckons that 2019 is his best vintage to date. A perfectly balanced wine, finely poised and with great length.
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Cantina di Negrar
Colour is ruby red, dense and compact. Nose has big intensity and persistence, ethereal, fruity with hints of cherries and dried prunes, dried flowers, sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is densely structured and smooth, perfectly balancing its rich endowment of velvety tannins.
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Charles Melton
A softer structure than its valley floor brethren, the cooler climate ‘Grains of Paradise’ Shiraz balances Melton's house style richness within a more nimble framework, retaining the sweet fruit but balancing the weight. Deep crimson in colour with aromas of dark chocolate, black fruits and pepper. The palate has round tannins and a smooth finish.
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Iona
10% off selected wines.
Cool climate freshness and fragrant sweet, ripe cherry and blackberry flavours, with firm, ripe tannins. Blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Mouvedre, Viognier. Drinking well now and suitable for cellaring for at least 10 years.
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Domaine du Landreau
This Loire Valley sweet wine has a lovely golden colour with rich aromas of peach and pear giving a "chewing the fruit" sensation. A very complex, persistent and well balanced wine.
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Chateau Laroque
This Claret is fresh and balanced. The blend is Merlot-based and the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, giving a nice aroma of spice and wood smoke. The palate is fleshy with a hint of plum, the tannins fine and firm, leading to a generous finish. Drink now to 2036
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Drappier
Impressively rich and savoury, Drappier’s flagship wine shows complex, mature notes of dried fruit, toast and wax, alongside vivid stone fruit and citrus flavours. The palate is graceful despite its underlying power, and finishes extremely long.
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Billecart-Salmon
Famously delicate and sexy pink At the March 2022 Taste Champagne (300 wines) I have to say this stood out as one of the most delicious "drinking Champagnes" on show - and there were some very Showy wines on show that day. A huge success for us, easy to forget just how gorgeous it is - firstly it is so very savoury, forget the cherry fruits, it's more like Xmas cake, rhubarb, forest floor, nettle and nutmeg. When the glass is empty the aromas persist. This is Grand stuff, the stuff of deluxe cuvee, truly epic. And a dinner wine too. A cunning counsel for you - don't serve it too cold, err on the cellar-temperature side. March 2022. Of course the whole Billecart range is exceptional and impressive but the 'basic NV is a STEAL! Seriously, super-tight with Silex and citrus, grippy and bracing. On best-ever form.
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Breitenbach
A rare Tokaji from the small Breitenbach estate. Rich, waxy, honied, buttery. Hugely compex, with layers of flavour that linger for minutes. Delicious on it's own, but also a beautiful match to balanced desserts or rich cheeses. Founded in 2006 the Breitenbach winery is nestled in the heart of Hungary's Tokaji wine region. With just 6 hectares of 40-80 year old vines their focus is on the native grapes Furmint and Hárslevel?. Viticulture is done by hand and the mission is quality not quantity which is evident in their wines.
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Greywacke
Right from the get-go, this sets itself apart from the rest of the pack with a level of polish, complexity and balance. The nose has ripe peach and mango fruits; gentle savoury, yeasty complexity adds biscuity aromas too. The palate has an immediate sense of concentration and the textural richness builds in smooth layers; there’s pear and nectarine, and a juicy, precise finish. Scents of a summer orchard: juicy nectarines, plump sun-dried apricots and tree-ripened lemons mingled with musky oriental spices. The palate is silky and sumptuous – warm honeyed stone fruit with almonds and shortcake. A lithe, textural wine of intense richness, laced with a citrusy, sherbet-like zest.
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Meerlust
Big heady scent of dark fruit, leather and tobacco. Much more medium bodied compared to some of the recent vintages with good acidity and balance. Length is good with dry tannins, many years of life over which this will be enjoyed Meerlust's gorgeous iconic Bordeaux blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot.
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Vega Sicilia
2013 is a subtle, elegant, fresh, vertical, complex, silky, and well-defined vintage. This wine is a true paradox, enjoyable to drink now, but timeless when allowed to age in bottle. The rainy end to the harvest left its imprint on the wine from this vintage. 2013 was a year to spend time in the vineyard, tend to it with care, and not rest on your laurels during harvest. A more elegant, subtle, and complex profile. The grapes are harvested from the 40 hectares used to produce Unico, a wine that ages at least ten years between barrel and bottle, representing one of the world's longest ageing processes. For the first phase, we used 225-litre French and American oak barrels to start to structure the wine; the second phase involved using 22,000-litre wooden vats. A long, complex, yet wonderful wine construction, during which they obtain endless nuances, definition, texture, and depth over time. This incredible terroir and the unique ageing process make our wines timeless when they aged.
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Domaine Gayda
Winemaker Vincent Chansault is particularly happy with this release of Gayda's top, single vineyard Syrah from a beautiful site high up in La Liviniere. Extrememly limited. One for Cote-Rotie lovers. The 'Dream House' in question was built by the owner in the vineyards for his ailing wife to spend her last days. She miraculously recovered and her story inspired Vincent to make his dream wine from Syrah in La Liviniere.
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Billecart-Salmon
mature and complex NV
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Gian Luca Colombo
After Gian Luca completed his Masters in Viticulture and Oenology after 11 years of study and worked as a wine consultant across Italy in 2011 he started his own small winery in the heart of his native Langhe. Within 3 years he won the Gambelli award for Young Winemaker of the Year. His small Segni di Langa estate is located in Roddi in Barolo country and working sustainably he takes a very minimal interventionist approach allowing each vintage to showcase itself. Making his wines in the 'garage' beneath his house he typifies the small scale, high quality, personal style of winemaking. Magliano Alfieri village, 290m, 88y-old vines. Roddi village 200-250m, 45 to 60y-old vines. Part of this wonderful Barbera d'Alba comes from a vineyard by Gian Luca's house. The wines has so much lovely fruit and richness with such vibrant freshness. It isn't in the least bit 'blockbuster'. No heaviness, no 'make up'. Simply a beautiful drink that delivers sheer class and great pleasure. Not blockbuster, but it is knock-out good.
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Luis Canas
Ripe red fruits combine with interwoven oak to give touches of spice, cherries and a hint of licquorice. A beautifully elegant, lasting finish. 12 months in French oak & 6 months in American oak
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Clos de Gat
10% off selected wines.
Syrah Har’el is 100% Syrah, aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak. This is an intense and complex Har'el Syrah, elegant in the mid-palate, but tasty and fragrant with caressing texture. This is nicely balanced and rather sensual, sweet on the finish as well as aromatic at the start. Beautifully structured as well, it starts to sing after being aired out for a couple of hours.
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Henri Prudhon & Fils
Les Enseignères is one of those stealth values in the complex world of Burgundy. Its western border forms the eastern edge of Batard-Montrachet, and it is one of the rare spots in the Cote d’Or where a grand cru slopes directly down into village-level territory with no premier cru in between. The Prudhons own just shy of a hectare of quite old vines here between 30 and 80 years of age.
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Château de Géraud
Owned by the Gerardin family since the beginning of the 20th Century this dessert wine comes from the Monbazillac region of South West France. Similar grapes varieties and conditions to Sauternes are experienced in Monbazillac, with the development of noble rot in late autumn. Old vines of 50+ years are used to make this golden aromatic dessert wine which shows botrytis aromas of smoke, marmalade, honey. A good but not very high level of residual sugar and bright acidity make for a delicious and easy to drink wine to match with fruit desserts, pastries and blue cheeses.
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Bodegas R. Lopez de Heredia
Vibrant, brick red leading slightly towards amber. Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry, undergrowth, polished wood, dried fruitsand nuts. Scented with age and red-fruit and old-oak sweetness. Rich, very dry, smooth, developed. Firm tannins and good balance.