Bodegas O Fournier B Crux 2004,

Mendoza

Without doubt our red discovery of last year from the wonderful Bodegas Fournier in Argentina. This is a blend of Tempranillo, Malbec and Merlot aged in a mixture of French and American oak. There are black cherries, blackcurrants and toast notes followed by a beautifully balanced palate with great length. This is neither heavy nor a blockbuster but impeccably balanced red wine.

£9.99 Bottle

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007,

Marlborough

Despite the (over) hype, Cloudy Bay continues to prove itself as one of the world’s very best Sauvignon Blancs and the 2007 vintage is a cracker! This is just wonderful mouth-watering wine with passion fruit and limes. A full vintage analyse is available on request.

Very limited – last few bottles.

£13.95 Bottle

Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005,

Stellenbosch

This Bordeaux blend – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc – seems to have won more awards than is good for it! However it is quite simply beautifully balanced wine with great complexity. It shows spices and red fruits - it is almost a hypothetical blend of the new and the old world. Thankfully the current 2005 vintage is as good as the multi award winning 2003 vintage that first brought this wine to our attention.

£9.60 Bottle

Turkey Flat Rosé 2006/7, Barossa
 

Our favourite rosé, which is worth every penny. Made up the historic Turkey Flat Estate in the Barossa Valley, this is a highly original blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Dolcetto.

“Even Australia is coming up with convincing rosé such as the 2006 Turkey Flat Rosé, a super charged dry pink in the mould of Tavel only with more richness of flavour – a rose, even a good Aussie bloke can drink without blushing.” Anthony Rose, The Independent

£9.35 Bottle

Pikes The Red Mullet" 2005
Clare Valley

Surely wins the award for this year’s best-dressed bottle - luckily what’s inside the bottle is pretty good too!

An eccentric blend of Shiraz, Sangiovese, Merlot and Tempranillo (must be the world’s first?), this is thoroughly delicious with spice and chocolate all wrapped up in a smooth, easy to drink palate.

£7.20 Bottle

Ayala Brut Majeur NV, Champagne

Since its acquisition by Champagne Bollinger, this has become one of Champagne’s best kept secrets. Fantastic quality and still a relative bargain.

“Owned by Champagne Bollinger, this is the big brand’s baby sister, but she’s growing up fast and taking on a lot of the same attributes – notably a wonderful richness, great finesse and beautiful styling. A superb and extremely classy Champagne.” Matthew Jukes

£18.45 Bottle

Download "First Sips" to Print

Top =