2016 Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon
Regular price £49.55 Save £-49.552016 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £48.40 Save £-48.402018 Chateau Nouret Cru Bourgeois
Regular price £46.00 Save £-46.002016 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Brio
Regular price £45.70 Save £-45.702018 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Petit Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.55ABOUT THE WINE
The esteemed Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, a 2eme Cru classé, presents its distinguished second wine, the 2018 Petit Ducru. Owned by the Borie family, the chateau encompasses 50 hectares in the southeast of the St Julien appellation. The vineyards flourish on well-drained gravel, peppered with stones up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and in 2018, the vines' average age was 45 years.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Boasting a rich and captivating deep purple hue, the 2018 vintage of Petit Ducru showcases remarkable intensity and structure, reminiscent of the esteemed Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou. This elegant wine benefits from careful cellaring, allowing its character to gracefully evolve and develop over time. An exceptional choice for the discerning palate, this wine is poised to enchant for years to come.
TASTING NOTES
A harmonious blend of power and finesse, this wine reveals a bouquet of dark fruits, cassis, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by hints of earthy tobacco and smooth, velvety tannins. The palate is rewarded with a generous and refined fusion of blackberry, black cherry, and a touch of graphite, culminating in a long and captivating finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Savour this luxurious wine alongside a sumptuous beef Wellington, a decadent black truffle and mushroom pasta, or an extravagant cheese and charcuterie board to truly appreciate its exquisite qualities and depth.
2014 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 £-38.002019 St Francis, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma
Regular price £36.40 Save £-36.40ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1971 by Joe Founder, St. Francis has reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in and around Sonoma County for over 50 years.
Today, the vineyards of St. Francis are farmed per Certified Sustainable standards. Their estate vineyards present a stunning diversity as they are scattered around Sonoma Valley and the famous Russian River Valley, each with diverse compositions of limestone, loam, clay and black & red volcanic soils. They also buy fruit from some of the oldest vineyards in the region, farming beautifully gnarly old vine Zinfandel, by nurturing their long-standing relationships for decades.
TASTING NOTES
The fruit was sourced from estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley and from various top-quality vineyards in Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley. An expressively quintessential example of California Cabernet Sauvignon, the dark fruit characteristics of chocolate-laden cassis, blackberry, bramble and dark plums lead to liquorice, sage and subtle green pepper savouriness, together with the spice and the toast of the oak leading to a smooth and warm finish. Aged in 20% new oak barrels for 18 months.
FOOD PAIRING
Beef Wellington or Rack of Lamb with rosemary roasted potatoes
FRIARWOOD SAYS
St. Francis’ gorgeous mission-style estate and Tasting Room building is in the heart of the valley surrounded by estate-owned vineyards. Their bell tower, pictured on their labels houses a 1,000-pound bronze bell cast by the Marinelli Foundry in Italy. It chimes every hour and can be heard throughout the valley.
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.
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.
2022 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Rose
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.802018 Chateau Chasse Spleen, l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen
Regular price £30.45 Save £-30.45ABOUT THE WINE
In 1822 the vineyards of Chateau Grand-Poujeaux were broken up to form four different estates, including what would become Chateau Chasse-Spleen. The origins of the name - which means 'dispels melancholy' - have been traced to both Byron and Baudelaire but are now lost to time and speculation. Purchased on the eve of World War I by a German family the outbreak of war saw the Chateau confiscated as an enemy property and it was subsequently sold at auction in 1922. Despite being nearly 65 years old in 1976 Jacques Merlaut decided to buy the estate and his family have remained at the helm ever since. Initially comprising 40 hectares of vines this has since been doubled, and the winemaking facilities have also seen significant improvement over the years. Thanks to their efforts, and those of consultant Emile Peynaud, Chasse-Spleen is now regarded as one of the finest unclassified properties in Bordeaux. Currently run by their daughter Celine Foubet and her husband Jean-Pierre the vintages regularly outperform many of the Medocs more renowned classed growths. This, the second wine of the Chateau, is every bit in keeping with that level of quality.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, with notes of warm oriental spice, vibrant blackberry & blackcurrant fruit and fresh rose followed by shortbread biscuit, vanilla and cocoa on the finish. Powerful yet balanced with firm, supple tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for food, classically a pan-fried fillet of beef with wild mushrooms or za'atar roasted saddle of lamb. Other superb partners would be barbecued glazed pork ribs, Maroilles cheese or polpette di tonno.
2017 Saxenburg, Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESThe prime expression of Polkadraai Hills Cabernet. Despite the young but velvety tannins, it displays beautiful aromas of tobacco leaves, plums and blackcurrant leading to a finish that is nicely weighted and finely grained.
FOOD PAIRINGBarbecue cuts along with warm braised beef shank casserole.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
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 £-28.002016 Chateau Talbot, Connetable
Regular price £47.65 Save £-47.65ABOUT THE WINE
Legend has it that Chateau Talbot takes its name from a British soldier, Connetable Talbot, who was killed in a battle at Castillon in 1453; the estate was named in his honour. Since 1917, Talbot has been owned by the Cordier family. The family has invested heavily in Talbot to ensure that it achieves the quality levels of which it is capable. With 102 hectares of vineyards, Talbot is one of the largest estates in the Medoc. The second wine of this famed 4th Growth is sourced from vines of 30 years old and was vinified in stainless steel tanks, followed by an oak maturation of 15 months in 15% new barrels. The blend of the 2016 vintage consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon & 60% Merlot.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, dense fruit, extremely youthful, with plenty of potential for long-ageing. Red and black fruit, tobacco leaf and a stony mineral-character which will soften with time. Quite charming at this early stage; time will add polish to the long, smoky finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Strong flavours; lamb, beef stews, cured meat.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A fabulous Talbot to drink at 10-15 years from vintage, somewhat forward, but for the moment one to store rather than consume.
2018 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £25.20 Save £-25.202023 Les Quatre Tours, La Colline, Provence Rose
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.70ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque Les Quatre Tours estate. As the setting that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this idyllic region has been home to the production of exceptional, rich, and opulent wines for over a century. Les Quatre Tours' 2022 La Colline is their Certified Organic, higher-end rosé, embodying the essence and vibrant colours of southern France.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant, blush pink hue captivates the eye, while the nose delights with a lively bouquet of zesty grapefruit, tangy green apple, and luscious red fruits. Revel in the impeccably balanced, refreshing taste as fruity notes of pomegranate, sun-kissed strawberries, and succulent grapefruit waltz across the palate. A dry finish, accentuated by a refined minerality, leaves an unforgettable impression.
FOOD PAIRING
While exceptional as a standalone treat, this luxurious Provence rosé also pairs beautifully with sumptuous dishes like seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, or a refined lobster risotto—each dish harmoniously elevating the wine's exuberant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This sophisticated rosé makes a stunning aperitif for your next soirée or an elegant companion to refined hors d'oeuvres.
2016 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien), Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Regular price £36.65 Save £-36.652015 Chateau Nouret
Regular price £22.50 Save £-22.502014 Chateau Brane Cantenac, Baron de Brane
Regular price £21.75 Save £-21.75