With lifted aromas of dark berries, cherries and vanilla, the palate displays ripe plum characters and lashings of spice. Soft tannins lead to a smooth and full finish giving this easy drinking Merlot a warming, quaffable quality.
Lifted aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and melon follow through to the palate where the fresh fruit flavours are complemented by touches of vanillin. Soft and full, this will be a fantastic partner to all manner of seafood and fish dishes.
2001 is a very attractive vintage to drink now and this Grand Cru is typical of the ripe, fleshy wines produced on the right bank. With a complex nose of black cherry, sandalwood and forest floor, the palate has a minerality and verve making it a perfect match to the traditional Sunday roast.
With plantings by the Jesuits dating back to 1851, the Clare Valley is one of Australia's longest established wine regions. From very low yielding vines, intense flavours of blackberry, plum and cherry underpin the rich textural palate while underlying hints of menthol and chocolate intertwine beautifully with spicy French oak. An elegant nose with understated violet aromas completes this classy Clare Valley Shiraz.
Aromas of passionfruit and pineapple are complemented by delicate floral notes, whilst the full-flavoured yet fresh and lively palate is brimming with sweet tropical fruit that lingers on and on. Fresh seafood or goats cheese would be great food matches for this delightfully balanced and pleasantly complex Sauvignon Blanc.
"The finest Côtes-du-Rhone Chapoutier has yet made, it rivals Guigal's offering as one of the best negociant Côtes-du-Rhone produced. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of blackberries, cherries, road tar, and earth. Medium-bodied with silky tannins as well as gobs of luscious fruit, it should be enjoyed over the next several years." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, 89 points
Smooth and elegant, this classic red Burgundy is bursting with strawberry and cherry fruit flavours complemented by well-balanced, silky tannins and a satisfying length. This wine delivers exceptional value for money and at this incredible price, we would encourage you to take advantage whilst stocks last.
"The Brunate comes across as the most masculine of the wines. It is a powerhouse, with layers of potent, backward dark red fruit that unfold in the glass, along with notes of spices and eucalyptus and a very Brunate-esque balsamic note on the finish. Despite its size, this is a wine of supreme elegance. Roberto Voerzio has been excited about the quality of his 2003s for some time, saying "I consider 2003, along with 1997 and 2000, to be my best vintages since 1996." While few producers would list 2003 as a top-quality vintage, it is hard to disagree with Voerzio when it comes to his wines. I have tasted these 2003s twice over the last six months and they are simply magnificent Barolos of the highest level. They capture the ripe, exotic quality of the vintage, but without the hard tannins that are typical of so many wines. Several of these Barolos are likely to be among the vintage's top wines when they are released." Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate
From the vineyards of the old village of Puichéric, 20km east of Carcassone, this is a dry, fresh and fruity Sauvignon which offers a powerful nose of gooseberry, citrus and freshly cut grass with hints of more exotic fruits. Crisp and refreshing, it will make an excellent aperitif or partner salads, fish and light chicken dishes to perfection.
A great example of Pouilly-Fumé, exhibiting aromas of limes and freshly cut grass which intermingle with smoky gun-flint and a dry steeliness culminating in a crisp, balanced finish which will accompany seafood dishes to perfection.
A stylish wine from one of Burgundy's most reliable and well-reputed producers. Crisp and elegant with citrus and apple fruit characters alongside a lovely streak of minerality. Refined and classy, this is a superb introduction to this famous region's wines.
Domaine Thibert uses natural practices to reduce yields and therefore improve concentration and quality in their wines. This is evident in this classic white Burgundy: the nose is packed with tropical fruit characters, with apricots and citrus fruits on the rich, rounded but fresh palate.
An extremely well balanced wine, showing classic Sauvignon Blanc flavours. Ripe, but not overly tropical, and green without being too vegetal. Given an extra richness and dimension by the additon of 14% Semillon.
A perennial favourite in the UK, Calon-Ségur turns out excellent, undervalued wines year after year. Now fully mature this 1989 is expressive with deep, red fruit and a soft tobacco and spice aroma. Elegant rather than full-bodied, so drink with simply prepared food from now-2010.