2020 Pierre Mayeul, Chassagne Montrachet Blanc
Regular price £92.50 Save £-92.502020 Pierre Mayeul, Meursault
Regular price £86.00 Save £-86.002020 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru La Maréchaude
Regular price £82.50 Save £-82.50ABOUT THE WINE
The estate was created in 1926, in the heart of the village of Vergisson. Today the 4th generation of the family Guerrin cultivates their terroir with the same passion and rigour as their great-grandparents before them. The estate covers a total area of 14 hectares split between more than 35 small plots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs gives each of their wines a very distinct character.
TASTING NOTES
Hailing from the Pouilly-Fuissé premier cru vineyard La Maréchaude, this mellow yet flamboyant 100% Chardonnay is a true expression of its distinguished terroir. The nose unveils a sophisticated medley of ripe stone fruit, touched with nuances of blooming white flowers and toasty hazelnuts. On the palate, it is a symphony of balance and subtlety, combining a graceful minerality with a refined structure. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation in French oak barrels, with 20% new, followed by lees-ageing complemented by regular batonnage.
FOOD PAIRING
A gastronomic delight, this wine partners beautifully with a pan-seared sea bass served with a creamy leek fondue or a slow-roasted chicken with hazelnut and herb stuffing. An artisanal goat cheese tart with a salad of fresh greens, topped with candied walnuts, also makes for a harmonious pairing. Standalone, it serves as an enchanting aperitif that sets a sophisticated tone for any gathering.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
La Maréchaude, positioned at the northern edge of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, is famed for producing Chardonnay of distinct elegance and finesse. The vineyard's unique location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson and white limestone soils imbue the wine with a refreshing mineral character, beautifully offsetting the richness derived from lees-stirring and barrel ageing. This is a stellar expression of Pouilly-Fuissé's potential.
Billecart Salmon, Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru NV
Regular price £79.20 Save £-79.20ABOUT THE WINE
A brand synonymous with some of the finest restaurants around the world, Billecart-Salmon is located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and has been family owned since 1818. Made by the same cellar master for nearly 30 years, this cuvée is a blend of two different years revealing the special quality of the Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Creamy lemon meringue with marzipan, lime custard and yeasty sourdough bread, layered with apricots and nectarines. An exquisitely complex Blanc de Blanc following 5 years on the lees.
FOOD PAIRING
The ultimate pairing would be caviar with blini and soured cream, but butter-seared scallops are exceptional with the toasty character of this Blanc de Blanc.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Did you know that among Champagnes as prestigious as Krug & Dom Pérignon, a bottle of Billecart-Salmon was chosen as the Champagne of the Millennium in 1999?
2017 Deutz Blanc de Blanc Vintage
Regular price £77.95 Save £-77.95ABOUT THE WINE
One of the oldest members of Champagne's prestigious Grandes Marques houses, Champagne Deutz of Ay, France, has been making distinctive champagnes marked by finesse, elegance and complexity since 1838. The house has upheld the traditions of fine Champagne making handed down through five generations. Owning a significant portion of its own vineyards, Deutz selects only top rated grapes from 275 acres of vineyards in the finest crus of Champagne. The wines are slowly and carefully aged in the chalk-walled cellars far beneath the historic village of Ay.
TASTING NOTES
Notes of lemon verbena, white lilies together with the signature yeastiness of toasted brioche and a vibrant backbone of orchard fruit, reflecting the premium quality of the vintage Chardonnay grapes.
FOOD PAIRING
White fish, even ones with strong flavour like sole and a wide array of creamy rind cheeses.
2021 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Pernand Vergelesses 1er Cru Sous Fretille
Regular price £75.50 Save £-75.502021 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey White
Regular price £75.00 Save £-75.002019 Pierre Mayeul, Nuits Saint Georges Blanc
Regular price £72.50 Save £-72.502019 Madame Veuve Point, Meursault
Regular price £72.00 Save £-72.00ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Madame Veuve Point is the unique story of a woman winemaker whose wines won the Grand Prize at the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair, and have continued making excellent Burgundy wines ever since. Now, Géraldine Point is the latest generation of the family to pick up the torch and continue a hundred year old wine making tradition.
The Meursault vineyard occupies the southern part of the Côte de Beaune and extends over gentle slopes. The vineyard finds its excellence in its limestone soils, creating some of the best Chardonnay wines in the Côte de Beaune!
TASTING NOTES
Its golden appearance, clear and brilliant, is accompanied by silvery highlights. On the nose you'll find notes of almond, grilled hazelnuts, butter and honey, white flowers (hawthorn, elder, fern, linden, and verbena) and mineral (flint). In the mouth, the combination is structured around a rich, full body with flavors of hazelnut and toasted bread. There is an excellent balance between fullness and freshness.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine has the breadth to accompany poultry and meats in cream sauce. It pairs perfectly with shellfish, both grilled and in sauce such as shrimp or lobster. Blue cheeses and foie gras are an excellent match too.
NV Moet & Chandon, Rose Imperial
Regular price £61.50 Save £-61.50ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1743 by Claude Moët, Moët et Chandon is one of the most prominent producers in Champagne, producing around 28 million bottles annually. They were the first Champagne house to produce only sparkling wines, and worked tirelessly to promote the style both in the royal court of France and internationally. Today they own or lease 1,150 hectares of vineyards, and produce approximately 28,000,000 bottles of champagne annually.
TASTING NOTES
Lively and expressive, revealing intense aromas of fresh red summer berries, strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant with floral notes of rose, hawthorn and a light peppery touch.
FOOD PAIRING
Salmon, mussels, red fruit tarte; all are good accompaniments.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Such attractive balance. Interestingly, more than 20% of production at Moët et Chandon is rosé, around twice the average for the region.
2016 Deutz Brut Vintage
Regular price £60.00 Save £-60.00NV Bollinger, Rose
Regular price £60.00 Save £-60.00ABOUT THE WINE
Athanase de Villermont, the youngest son of a noble family inherited an extensive estate from his family in the Ay area. He immediately foresaw the extraordinary potential of the wines of Champagne, but as an aristocrat he was forbidden to become involved in trade. He then met Joseph Bollinger, a widely travelled German who had left his country of birth to learn about the Champagne wine trade, and Paul Renaudin, a local man who was fascinated by the world of wine. The firm of Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie was founded on 6th February 1829. Joseph took care of sales and Paul of the cellar. Athanase had founded a champagne House that was to endure through the centuries.
TASTING NOTES
Nice bronze tones combined with the intense depth of a great red wine. On the nose the nobility of red berries: hints of red currant, cherry and wild strawberry with a spicy touch. A subtle combination of structure on the palate, length and vivacity, with a tannic finish due to the adjunction of red wine Bubbles as fine as velvet. Flavours of wild berries.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect for a picnic on a summer afternoon, as a pre-dinner drink or served with a fruity and tart dessert.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Cellar aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation, this is a great rose!
2020 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey 1er Cru 'La Mission' White
Regular price £57.70 Save £-57.70NV Louis Roederer Collection 244 Brut Champagne
Regular price £56.00 Save £-56.00ABOUT THE WINE
First founded in 1776 as Dubois Père et Fils, the house was inherited and renamed by Louis Roederer in 1833. The company, which now includes vineyard-holdings and estates throughout France and around the world, remains under the ownership of his descendants. Unusual for large Champagne houses, Roederer owns a large proportion of the vineyards which contribute to their wines: vintage expressions, including Cristal, are sourced entirely from their own grapes, and only a third of their overall production is made from bought-in grapes. They have been undertaking experiments with biodynamic viticulture in their vineyards since 2000.
The Collection 242 was launched in September 2021 to replace the flagship Brut Premier. The radical idea of changing the flagship NV cuvée stemmed from battling the fierce challenges climate change had brought to Champagne in terms of vintage variation. Hence, to “fight for freshness" this new cuvée was created. The perpetual reserve, which had been in the works since 2013 is mainly used as the "freshening element" and makes up 34% of the blend. The rest is 10% oak reserve wines and 56% from only the 2017 harvest.
TASTING NOTES
A delightful Champagne, which sees the bright, youthful character of the base wines enhanced by extended lees-ageing and 10% barrel-aged reserve wines, which add a creamy texture to the palate, mingling with citrus, glazed fruit and toast flavours. A hint of smoke adds complexity to the finish; a very fine non-vintage Champagne.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, it would pair very well with smoked salmon or scallops fried in butter.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
242 represents the number of times Roederer has made a non-vintage since founded in 1776 and it's aged for 3 years on the lees, with a further 6 months ageing following disgorgement to allow the wine to settle before release. 10% reserve wine is used, which has been aged in oak barrel for between 2 and 5 years.
2022 75CL Domaine Nudant, Ladoix White 1er Cru Les Gréchons
Regular price £54.50 Save £-54.502019 Pierre Mayeul, Santenay white
Regular price £53.00 Save £-53.00ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune.
The grapes were gently pressed in a bladder press, after which the juice is settled for a day. Post-fermentation the wine is aged in 30% in French oak barriques, with regular stirring of the lees, and aged for a further 15 months.
TASTING NOTES
An elegant and complex wine with a beautiful bouquet of roasted nuts, honeyed pear, and vanilla custard. The palate is layered with flavours of creamy carbonara sauce, earthy wild mushrooms, and a hint of truffle oil. The wine's silky texture is balanced by bright acidity and finishes with a long, lingering note of toasted pumpkin seeds.
FOOD PAIRING
Linguine carbonara with pancetta, parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce, Creamy risotto with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, and Butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and a dollop of crème fraîche.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The wine is a testament to Mayeul's dedication to sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking practices, resulting in a rich and complex wine.
2019 Pierre Mayeul, Ladoix White
Regular price £53.00 Save £-53.00ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune. Matured in 50 % new oak barrels, with a slow fermentation with batonnage during ageing for 15 months.
TASTING NOTES
This wine has a yellow-gold colour. The nose is intense, and precise, with fresh honey and fine, yellow fruits. The wood is discreet, showing itself as brioche bread. The attack is round, and juicy, with citrus flavours. Thanks to its bright acidity, the mid-mouth is fresh. The finish has a fleshy texture and the persistence is long; the purity of the fruit makes it for a luscious final.
FOOD PAIRING
To be enjoyed with pan-fried scallops, filet mignon with morels, and Brie.
NV Bollinger, Brut
Regular price £53.00 Save £-53.00ABOUT THE WINE
Athanase de Villermont, the youngest son of a noble family inherited an extensive estate from his family in the Ay area. He immediately foresaw the extraordinary potential of the wines of Champagne, but as an aristocrat he was forbidden to become involved in trade. He then met Joseph Bollinger, a widely travelled German who had left his country of birth to learn about the Champagne wine trade, and Paul Renaudin, a local man who was fascinated by the world of wine. The firm of Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie was founded on 6th February 1829. Joseph took care of sales and Paul of the cellar. Athanase had founded a champagne House that was to endure through the centuries.
TASTING NOTES
A classic yellow gold in colour, Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne exudes richness and decadence in its appearance. It also has an exceptionally fine mousse, and a steady stream of fine bubbles running throughout the champagne. Nose: Ripe fruit aromas including pear and exotic orange peel are balanced by creamy toffee and biscuits in the Brut Champagne, which contains many classic Bollinger characteristics. Palate: Complex, crisp and brilliantly pure, an indulgent blend of peaches, cream and butter are present, accompanied by a long, lingering finish with an aftertaste of honey and warm brioche.
FOOD PAIRING
While Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne is perfect as an aperitif or party drink, it can also be paired with seafood such as sushi, lobster, scallops and grilled sea bass, and also works well with soft, delicate cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
80% of the harvest is fermented in oak barrels, making the finished wines well-suited to extended ageing and contributing body and depth of flavour.
NV Champagne Ruinart, Blanc De Blancs
Regular price £52.70 Save £-52.70ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select, Champagne house which is steeped in history. It dates back to the 17th century, the time of the famous Dom Perignon. It was founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in the city of Reims, the year after a Royal Decree in 1728 whereby Louis XV gave his consent for sparkling wines to be shipped in baskets containing 50 to 100 bottles. This opened the gates of Europe to champagne and thus makes Ruinart the oldest Champagne House. Since the Second World War the house has become synonymous with class and its production of only 1.7 million bottles per annum is small compared to other grande marques.
TASTING NOTES
A distinctive golden yellow colour with subtle green highlights. Its delicate colour is heightened by the transparent bottle. The substantial effervescence and delicate bubbles decorate the glass with a ribbon around its inner edge while revealing an elegant radiance and purity. On the nose fresh fruit (mostly citrus) combined with aromas of white flowers & white fruits (peach).
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful with seafood, grilled sole or sashimi with white fish. For dessert, a lemon tart or grapefruit sorbet would be an excellent partner.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With the finest grapes, skilful blending, extensive ageing in its 2000-year-old cellars, and a uniquely shaped bottle, Ruinart defines its commitment to excellence and luxury.
2011 Benjamin Bridge, Brut Reserve
Regular price £51.15 Save £-51.15ABOUT THE WINE
In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time proven techniques, expert guidance, and most importantly its acclaimed, distinctive wines. When legendary Champagne oenologist Raphael Brisbois passed away in 2013, he left behind a legacy at Benjamin Bridge. From the moment his name was suggested by world-renowned sparkling wine critic, Tom Stevenson, to his more than a decade of blending and winemaking exploration at Benjamin Bridge, Brisboi, expertise and influence can be tasted in every sparkling bottle.
TASTING NOTES
In the glass, a vibrant yellow gold colour. On the nose, suggestions of lemon rind and minerals abound. On the palate, vibrant and expressive notes of sweet Devonshire cream and baked green apples lead to an enticing rich finish. The finesse and creaminess of the wine's effervescence is both mouth coating and persistent. A definitive cellar keeper with 20+ years of aging potential.
FOOD PAIRING
With white fish or seafood (oysters) in a buttery white sauce, a sublime mix of the soft and fresh, lemony and crisp.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
From the outset, Benjamin Bridge has been dedicated to producing only those styles of wines that the Nova Scotian micro-climate is perfectly suited to.
2020 Domaine Nudant, Ladoix Chardonnay
Regular price £47.20 Save £-47.20ABOUT THE WINE
Winemakers in Burgundy since 1453, the current generation of the Nudant family manages some 16 hectares of small parcels dotted throughout the Cote d'Or. Vineyard work is all carried out by hand, in the spirit of minimal intervention. The vines for this Bourgogne are situated in the village of Chorey-les-Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
With just the smallest touch of oak character, this is a retrained style of Bourgogne. A wine to enjoy in its youth.
FOOD PAIRING
Chicken and root vegetables, and delicately flavoured cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Easy-going Chardonnay, from a village better known for red wines. 10 000 bottles produced.
2019 Bodega Monteviejo, Lindaflor Chardonnay
Regular price £46.20 Save £-46.20NV Moet & Chandon, Brut Imperial
Regular price £53.70 Save £-53.70ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1743 by Claude Moët, Moët et Chandon is one of the most prominent producers in Champagne, producing around 28 million bottles annually. They were the first Champagne house to produce only sparkling wines, and worked tirelessly to promote the style both in the royal court of France and internationally. Today they own or lease 1,150 hectares of vineyards, and produce approximately 28,000,000 bottles of champagne annually.
TASTING NOTES
Brut Imperial is a balanced assemblage of the three vine varieties disclosing a succession of elegant and harmonious sensations, a fresh maturity, supple and refined palate. The vibrant intensity of green apple and citrus fruit is evident on the nose. On the palate is sumptuous with white-fleshed fruits, fine bubbles and a soft vivacity of citrus fruit and nuances of gooseberry.
FOOD PAIRING
Fantastic with desserts that are not too sweet, such as parts of filo pastry; also really good with lobster, shrimps and some delicate fish dishes such as oven-poached salmon steaks with mustard dill sauce.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Created from more than 100 different wines, of which 30% are reserve wines!