2016 Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon
Regular price £49.55 Save £-49.552014 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £48.70 Save £-48.70See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of St. Emillion's most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Lots of fruit, already showing an appealingly soft roundedness. Incredibly smooth tannins are supported by a wonderful acidity that provides a remarkably long finish. Deep purple colour. A modest amount of grapes from somewhat younger vines is also incorporated into the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and a tannic structure.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops, barbecue.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an absolutely brilliant wine, and probably the best to date from this American-owned Chateau, which has been completely renovated and is now enjoying a resurrection/renaissance in quality.
2014 Chateau Berliquet
Regular price £48.25 Save £-48.25ABOUT THE WINE
Berliquet is one of the oldest vineyards in Saint-Emilion, able to trace its history back to 1794. 9 hectares of vineyards are superbly sited on the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, adjoining those of Chateau Canon and Chateau Magdelaine. Until 1978 Berliquet's wine was made by the local co-operative; since 1978 the wine has been vinified and matured at the chateau and the wines have improved significantly, earning promotion to Grand Cru Classe' in 1985. Typically a blend of 67% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
TASTING NOTES
Red and black fruit, with notes of fruitcake and roasted herbs; medium-bodied and fairly easy-going. Fragrant and appetising.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with grilled steak, aubergine pasta or bacon tartlet.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Early-drinking Saint-Emilion, from a very reliable estate.
2016 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Brio
Regular price £45.70 Save £-45.702014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.552015 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £42.40 Save £-42.402014 Conti di San Bonifacio, Docet
Regular price £41.30 Save £-41.30The estate, in the Maremma region of Tuscany, was purchased in 2002 by the Conte di San Bonifacio, Manfredo, and his English wife Sarah. They have since transformed it into a spectacular wine resort and wedding venue, with olive groves, beautifully manicured vineyards and a restaurant serving exceptional meals created using locally sourced ingredients. The first vines were planted in 2004 and the vineyard now comprises 7 hectares. Winemaker Luca d'Attoma has an exceptional talent for crafting Tuscan wines using international varieties.
Dense and earthy, with a Bordeaux-like graphite note. Opens up on the palate to reveal subtle cherry and blackberry fruit, with ripe, structured tannins and a long finish.
Ideal with lamb or game, barbecued or roasted. Excellent with stew too.
Cabernet Franc brings aromatic complexity, while the Cabernet Sauvignon brings depth on the palate and full bodied character. A wine which benefits from time in the decanter.
2015 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £40.45 Save £-40.452016 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £38.00 Save £-38.002020 Chateau Montviel, La Rose Montviel
Regular price £37.00 Save £-37.00ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Montviel was purchased by Catherine Péré-Vergé in 1985; passionate about wine, she devoted herself to the estate. This indefatigable perfectionist also owned Châteaux La Gravière, Le Gay and La Violette, and vineyards in the New World. The property's 10.1 hectares is characterized by clayey gravel and 30-year-old vines planted with 80% Merlot & 20% Cabernet Franc. With Michel Rolland and Marcelo Pelleriti as the oenologists, you can expect exceptional quality production, continuing the legacy of Péré-Vergé in Pomerol. La Rose Montviel is the second wine of the Chateau.
TASTING NOTES
Bursting with cherry and juicy plum notes, followed by a touch of oak and chocolate. Medium-bodied with lovely acidity, adding freshness to the rounded palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Think braised short ribs and lamb or beef in a simple jus. For a relaxed pairing, a chargrilled beef burger would work really well.
2012 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Regular price £33.75 Save £-33.75ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Sociando-Mallet is located in the commune of Saint-Sevrin-de-Cadourne, in the north of Pauillac. Its 85 hectares of vineyard are very well situated with an amazing view on the Gironde estuary. The estate dates back to 1633 when it belonged to the Sossiando family, of Basque origin. In 1969, after the succession of several owners, including a naval captain by the name of Mallet who added his name to the estate, Jean Gautreau took over the estate which had become extremely neglected, despite its excellent location, and included less than 7 hectares of vines. Through new plantings and purchases, and extensive investment in the winemaking facilities, Jean Gautreau expanded the vineyard-area to 85 hectares, and cemented the reputation of Sociando-Mallet as a superb estate capable of challenging classified growths in terms of consistency and quality.
TASTING NOTES
Deep and dark, with lovely, concentrated flavour. Herb-tinged and peppery, with cassis on the palate and a long, earthy finish. This is a classic; and as such will reward ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with roasted meats and vegetables, creamy dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Likely best from 2020; although it will reward the impatient if given time in the decanter.
2014 Chateau Fonplegade, Fleur de Fonplegade
Regular price £33.60 Save £-33.60See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of Saint-Emilion’s most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Easy-drinking red, dominated by red-berry fruit. Tannins are present yet unthreatening; a very pleasant wine from an excellent vintage for the chateau.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops… very flexible, but rich, flavourful dishes are best.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A reliable wine for dinner parties, guests will not be disappointed.
2019 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Red
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.80ABOUT THE WINE
In 1977, Jacques and Francoise Boyer embarked on a journey to create a top-quality wine estate on the slopes of the Cevennes, just north of Beziers in Languedoc. They replanted existing vineyards and extensively modernized the cellar. Today, their 110-hectare estate boasts 16 different grape varieties, producing a diverse range of wines that offer exceptional value at all quality levels.
TASTING NOTES
Aged for one year in oak barrels, this enchanting southern French blend captivates with its opulent black fruit aromas, including blackberry, prunes, and dark mulberry. Subtle hints of black pepper, earthiness, and espresso intermingle with rich undertones of mocha. The palate is sumptuous and velvety smooth, with a delicate wisp of smoke lingering on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty, robust dishes. Consider serving it alongside roast wild boar with a red wine reduction, venison braised in stout with root vegetables, or a game meat pie topped with golden puff pastry.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The unique terroir of this region is defined by its winds. The Mistral, Tramontane, and Narbonnaise winds shape the vines, cooling and cleansing the grapes while creating essential diurnal shifts between daytime and night-time temperatures. These conditions contribute to the creation of balanced, expressive wines that truly reflect their origin.
2010 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of St. Emillion's most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Lots of fruit, already showing an appealingly soft roundedness. Incredibly smooth tannins supported by a wonderful acidity that provides a remarkably long finish. Deep purple colour. A modest amount of grapes from somewhat younger vines is also incorporated in the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and tannic structure.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops, barbecue.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an absolutely brilliant wine, and probably the best to date from this American-owned Chateau, which has been completely renovated and is now enjoying a resurrection/renaissance in quality.
2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Les Allees de Cantemerle
Regular price £28.65 Save £-28.65ABOUT THE WINE
The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Medoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.
Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.
TASTING NOTES
With expressive fruity and floral aromas and a mouth-filling richness harbouring tannic depth this is everything you'd expect from the 2015 vintage. Refined blackberry and dark cherry fruit is balanced with light mint, vanilla, spice and white pepper followed by a lingering smoky edge. Silky and supple, rich and aromatic, a quality claret.
FOOD PAIRING
Local favourites such as blanquette of lamb or roast poultry with ceps are highly recommended, as are less obvious choices such as creamed mushrooms in puff pastry or raw milk cheeses including Reblochon. Surprisingly the elengant nature of the wines from Cantemerle mean even river fish such as pike-perch are a good match, served with slow roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An outstanding second wine from an outstanding vintage. Although the aging potential is perhaps a little less than that of the grand vin this is a wine to drink and enjoy now and over the next few years.
2019 Bodega Monteviejo, Petite Fleur Blend
Regular price £28.00 Save £-28.002019 Conti di San Bonifacio, Monteregio
Regular price £25.60 Save £-25.60ABOUT THE WINE
The estate, in the Maremma region of Tuscany, was purchased in 2002 by the Conte di San Bonifacio, Manfredo, and his English wife, Sarah. They have since transformed it into a spectacular wine resort and wedding venue, with olive groves, beautifully manicured vineyards and a restaurant serving exceptional meals created using locally sourced ingredients. The first vines were planted in 2004 and the vineyard now comprises 7 hectares. Winemaker Luca d'Attoma has an exceptional talent for crafting Tuscan wines using international varieties.
TASTING NOTES
Wonderfully intense red fruit along with notes of blueberry, cocoa, oak and hint of cinnamon on the nose. Densely textured and persistent on the palate with a savoury freshness. It fully respects the character of the Sangiovese grape from the Monteregio hills with a nice length on the smooth finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Very flexible wine for pairing with a wide range of full-flavoured pasta and risotto dishes. You can also try it with a herb-roasted pork or for a classic Italian pairing, serve with prosciutto and Tuscan salami.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A delightful wine, excellent value for the quality, and perfectly balanced! A real charmer for the dinner table.
2014 Chateau Brane Cantenac, Baron de Brane
Regular price £21.75 Save £-21.752016 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £21.70 Save £-21.702012 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £21.60 Save £-21.60ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Grand Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion, dating back to the 15th century. The beautiful chateau was constructed in the 1800s. In the late 1990s, Anabelle Cruse and her sisters purchased the shares of Chateau Grand Corbin from the other family shareholders and took over complete ownership of the 15.5-hectare estate. In December 2010, the estate was purchased by the Groupe SMABTP, who combined it in 2012 with the vineyards of Chateau Haut Corbin and Chateau Le Jurat to form a new 24.5-hectare estate under the Grand Corbin name.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with meaty pasta dishes, or lamb meatball with tomato sauce.
2015 Chateau Potensac, Chapelle de Potensac
Regular price £21.20 Save £-21.20ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Potensac is named for its location on top of the Potensac plateau. Owned by the Delon Family the estate is planted with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the area, the aim being to produce a softer, more approachable wine. This is the second wine of the estate, made by the same team as Leoville Las Cases.
TASTING NOTES
An attractive, medium-bodied wine for early-drinking. Red cherry and plum fruit, with a hint of mint and dark spice.
FOOD PAIRING
Robust dishes; winter stews and game.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent value from a very drinkable Bordeaux.
2015 Chateau Lucas, Grand de Lucas 'Prestige'
Regular price £20.00 Save £-20.00ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Lucas, founded 1876, is located in the heart of Lussac-Saint-Emilion Appellation. Generation after Generation, the Vauthier Family has been the owner of this beautiful property. For more than 20 years, Frederic Vauthier has managed the estate focusing on adapting his family know-how to the new techniques of viticulture and vinification. The vineyard covers more than 20 hectares and only 6 hectares allow the production of this cuvee Grand de Lucas Cuvee Prestige.
TASTING NOTES
A very aromatic bouquet blending fruity notes such as raspberry and blackcurrant, jammy fruits like plum and vanilla notes. The tannins are quite velvety, the mouth is round and well balanced. Long finish. A grand wine, almost crunchy, which will reward with a little time in the cellar.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with red meat and lamb. Perfect also with pork stew and hard cheeses such as Comte or Beaufort.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, accessible already, but capable of extended ageing.