- Albarino
- Alfrocheiro
- Barbera
- Blaufrankisch
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Canaiolo
- Carignan
- Carignan Blanc
- Carmenere
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Colombard
- Cortese
- Corvina Veronese
- Corvinone
- Counoise
- Dolcetto
- Encruzado
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- Grenache Gris
- Grillo
- Gruner Veltliner
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- Malbec
- Malvasia
- Mencia
- Merlot
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- Montepulciano
- Mourvedre
- Muscadelle
- Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
- Muskat Ottonel
- Nebbiolo
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nero D'Avola
- Nero di Troia
- Petit Verdot
- Picpoul
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Nero
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Rabigato
- Ribolla Gialla
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Scheurebe
- Semillon
- Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Cao
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontes
- Touriga Francesa
- Touriga Nacional
- Trincadeira
- Ugni Blanc
- Vaccarese
- Valpolicella
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viosinho
- Viura
- Welschriesling
- Zinfandel
- Anjou
- Ay
- Barbera d'Alba
- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Brunello Di Montalcino
- Cahors
- Chablis
- Chateauneuf du Pape
- Chianti Rufina
- Condrieu
- Cote Chalonnaise
- Cote de Beaune
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote des Blancs
- Cote du Rhone
- Coteaux d'Aix en Provence
- Cotes de Thongue
- Dolcetto d'Alba
- Epernay
- Haut Medoc
- Heathcote
- Highland
- Isle of Islay
- Isle of Skye
- Kent
- Langhe
- Lussac - Saint Emilion
- Maconnais
- Maremma Toscana
- Margaux
- Medoc
- Monteregio di Massa Maritima
- Moscadello di Montalcino
- Napa Valley
- Norfolk
- Pauillac
- Pomerol
- Pouilly Fume
- Reims
- Ribera del Duero
- Rosso di Montalcino
- Rueda
- Saint Emilion
- Saint Estephe
- Saint Georges - Saint Emilion
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
- Sant'Antimo
- Sant'Antimo
- Sauternes
- Sauternes - Barsac
- Savennieres
- Sonoma County
- Speyside
- Stellenbosch
- Toro
- Valpolicella
- Vinho Verde
- Yarra Valley
- Albarino
- Alfrocheiro
- Barbera
- Blaufrankisch
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Canaiolo
- Carignan
- Carignan Blanc
- Carmenere
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cinsault
- Colombard
- Cortese
- Corvina Veronese
- Corvinone
- Counoise
- Dolcetto
- Encruzado
- Folle Blanche
- Frappato
- Garnacha
- Gewurztraminer
- Glera
- Gouveio
- Grenache
- Grenache Blanc
- Grenache Gris
- Grillo
- Gruner Veltliner
- Loureiro
- Malbec
- Malvasia
- Mencia
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Montepulciano
- Mourvedre
- Muscadelle
- Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
- Muskat Ottonel
- Nebbiolo
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nero D'Avola
- Nero di Troia
- Petit Verdot
- Picpoul
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Meunier
- Pinot Nero
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Rabigato
- Ribolla Gialla
- Riesling
- Rondinella
- Roussanne
- Sangiovese
- Sauvignon Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Scheurebe
- Semillon
- Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinta Cao
- Tinta Roriz
- Torrontes
- Touriga Francesa
- Touriga Nacional
- Trincadeira
- Ugni Blanc
- Vaccarese
- Valpolicella
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Vermentino
- Viognier
- Viosinho
- Viura
- Welschriesling
- Zinfandel
- Anjou
- Ay
- Barbera d'Alba
- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Brunello Di Montalcino
- Cahors
- Chablis
- Chateauneuf du Pape
- Chianti Rufina
- Condrieu
- Cote Chalonnaise
- Cote de Beaune
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote des Blancs
- Cote du Rhone
- Coteaux d'Aix en Provence
- Cotes de Thongue
- Dolcetto d'Alba
- Epernay
- Haut Medoc
- Heathcote
- Highland
- Isle of Islay
- Isle of Skye
- Kent
- Langhe
- Lussac - Saint Emilion
- Maconnais
- Maremma Toscana
- Margaux
- Medoc
- Monteregio di Massa Maritima
- Moscadello di Montalcino
- Napa Valley
- Norfolk
- Pauillac
- Pomerol
- Pouilly Fume
- Reims
- Ribera del Duero
- Rosso di Montalcino
- Rueda
- Saint Emilion
- Saint Estephe
- Saint Georges - Saint Emilion
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
- Sant'Antimo
- Sant'Antimo
- Sauternes
- Sauternes - Barsac
- Savennieres
- Sonoma County
- Speyside
- Stellenbosch
- Toro
- Valpolicella
- Vinho Verde
- Yarra Valley
2012 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Regular price £95.80 Save £-95.80ABOUT THE WINE
The Capanna farm, owned by the Cencioni family since 1957, is situated in the Montosoli area, to the north of Montalcino. Founded by Giuseppe Cencioni and his sons, Benito and Franco, it was one of the first farms of the modern period of Brunello. The farm is still family run from both a farming and winemaking viewpoint, with 11 hecatres out of 23 devoted to olive groves.
TASTING NOTES
A deep ruby red colour with garnet hues. Delicate bouquet of red fruit and a hint vanilla. Smoke, roses and liquorice on the palate; very aromatic and persistent, with excellent round tannins and structure, and a long finish. The extra time in oak has served to mellow the tannins in the wine, creating a broader palate and a more refined drinking experience.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with roasted red meats, game and aged cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A powerful yet very elegant wine. We recommend letting it breathe at least 30 minutes before serving.
2013 Tenuta Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Macchiarelle
Regular price £406.40 Save £-406.40ABOUT THE WINE
Farmed by the Fanti family since the early 1800s, the Tenuta Fanti is a 300 hectare estate in a valley just south of Montalcino, complete with olive groves, fields of wheat and grain, and 50 hectares of vines, within the boundaries of one of the most highly regarded appellations in Italy, Brunello di Montalcino.
TASTING NOTES
Captivating; blackberry, dark plum and spice. Liquorice, black cherry, sawdust and rounded, silky tannins on the palate. Plenty of grip, open and expressive, with vanilla and cinnamon on the long, nuanced finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Best with grilled beef or lamb dishes with plenty of heft.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Produced from a single vineyard on the estate, with vines over 40 years old.
2015 Chateau Talbot
Regular price £95.40 Save £-95.40ABOUT 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; wines see 50-60% new oak, for around 15 months.
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.
1975 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £95.00 Save £-95.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
2016 Sequoia Grove, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Regular price £94.00 Save £-94.00ABOUT THE WINE
Sequoia Grove is located in the gem of the famed Napa Valley, in what’s known as the Rutherford Bench. The Bench is a very unique geological formation, as it is consisted of a special composition of soils and rocks, and is considered one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. With a mix of alluvial loams, limestone, chalk and red & black volcanic soils, it’s at the prime area for producing wine. As the legendary Napa pioneer André Tchelistcheff quoted, “it takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.” Founded in 1979, the estate is one of Napa’s cult estates for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
A real terroir wine of Napa Valley, despite not being shy at all with its incredible opulence. Concentrated notes of blackcurrants, strawberry jam, black mulberries, blackberries and blueberries, with a spicy, fresh eucalyptus edge. The intensity of the tannins are married to the velvety, chocolatey texture of the wine. It gets more delectable with the cocoa, tobacco and clove notes coming from the premium French barriques which were used. 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot help support the structure and complexity of the wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Southern barbecued ribs, lamb shank casserole with baked beans and chili con carne.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The estate barn is blessed to be surrounded by some of the last remaining groves of huge, majestic sequoia trees. It is also known to house Napa’s first underground cellar.
2016 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £150.10 Save £-150.10An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES
A supple, expressive wine laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, liquorice and leather. Open and accessible, this is a delightful, Cabernet-dominated second-wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, veal and venison. Steak pies. Beef daubes, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Petit Figeac may lack the longevity of the grand vin, but serves up a greater generosity of fruit and an earlier-drinking style.
2021 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Gevrey Chambertin 'La Justice'
Regular price £88.50 Save £-88.50Also available in 2019 Double Magnum
ABOUT THE WINE
The second generation now manages this domaine, founded by Antonin in the 1960s. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, they own vines throughout the Cote d'Or, including parcels in some of the finest Premier and Grand cru vineyards. Harvest is by hand, with initial sorting in the vineyard; no more than 50% new oak is used, and the wines of the domaine have a classic freshness and purity to them.
TASTING NOTES
Beautiful ruby colour; the aromas are elegant and complex, with notes of redcurrant and cherry and a touch of cedar and smoke. The palate is intense, with black fruit and well-integrated nutmeg spice, softly fading into vanilla aromas on the finish. Plenty of weight to the palate, with the sufficient structure for longer-term ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Rabbit ragu with rosemary potatoes, pheasant with roasted parsnip with truffle oil and dry-aged sirloin steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A favourite of sommeliers in restaurants throughout Europe, Guyon wines are particularly well-suited to food-pairing, with bright flavours and succulent acidity.
2019 Pierre Mayeul, Gevrey Chambertin
Regular price £88.50 Save £-88.50Pierre 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.
TASTING NOTES
Bearing a dark ruby hue, an intoxicating aroma of wild blackberries, spicy undertones, clove notes and a whisper of raspberry reduction permeate the senses. The palate presents an exquisite tapestry of opulent dark fruits laced with nuances of espresso and a dash of black pepper. The well-integrated tannins lend a perfect depth to the vivacious fruit character, orchestrating a harmonious, velvety finish that echoes long after the final sip.
FOOD PAIRING
This delightful offering will impeccably accompany a sumptuous beef Wellington wrapped in truffle-infused mushroom duxelles, or a game pheasant adorned with a rich dark cherry sauce. A truffle and mushroom risotto or venison loin with a dark fruit compote will also provide an exceptional culinary pairing, ensuring a memorable Burgundian feast.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Sourced from the esteemed Gevrey Chambertin appellation, a region known for producing some of Burgundy's most robust and age-worthy Pinot Noirs, the 2019 iteration truly reflects the elegance and finesse typical of this illustrious appellation. Its complex flavour profile and refined structure encapsulate the exceptional conditions of the vintage, making it a wine worth savouring and cellaring. It's a vivid testament to the meticulous craft that Pierre Mayeul pours into every bottle.
2018 Domaine Vincent Bouzereau Corton rouge Grand Cru 'Les Fietres'
Regular price £88.40 Save £-88.40ABOUT THE WINE
The Bouzereau family has been vine growers for over 10 generations. An interesting feature of the estate is the interest of Vincent (and his father before him) for vine-stocks. Current vines are issued from pre-phylloxera selections, and Vincent keeps reproducing qualitative vines from his vineyards rather than following the common usage of cloning a couple of specimens only. This technique provides more bio-diversity in Vincent’s vineyards, and reflects in his sensational wines. Vincent wine-making technique is traditional, he does not add any yeast or enzyme.
TASTING NOTES
Light red in colour. Aromas of cherries and plums. Although still young the tannins are soft and has a very long finish. Powerful aromas and great intensity of flavours.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with veal with a rich sauce would benefit if you add mushrooms. Also good with duck and creamy cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although 2018 was quite a warm vintage, the wines, especially the reds, have great power and balance. It could very well be one of the best vintages in this decade. This Corton can be drank now but will definitely improve with further ageing.
2020 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Chambolle Musigny 'Clos du Village' Monopole
Regular price £88.30 Save £-88.30The second generation now manages this domaine, founded by Antonin in the 1960s. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, they own vines throughout the Cote d'Or, including parcels in some of the finest Premier and Grand cru vineyards. Harvest is by hand, with initial sorting in the vineyard; no more than 50% new oak is used, and the wines of the domaine have a classic freshness and purity to them.
TASTING NOTES
Lovely aromas of violets and perfumed red cherries. Beautifully concentrated, with excellent structure and intensity, this wine may be kept for up to 25 years. A robust expression of the appellation, this wine is best enjoyed with food, at least 5 years from vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
Roasted pigeon with wine sauce, crispy Peking duck, beef cheek Bourguignon and lentil dhal.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A special appellation; the wines of Chambolle-Musigny combine ethereal delicacy with powerful flavour. This is perhaps the most age-worthy wine from this domaine.
2008 Chateau Batailley
Regular price £88.00 Save £-88.00Also available: 2016 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux's and the Casteja-family's flagship. The name is derived from the battle (bataille) that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the Hundred Years War, around 1453. Vinification is fairly standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in tank, partly in barrel, and the wine is then aged in new French oak, 60% new, for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit-character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.
TASTING NOTES
Crisp, bright red fruits; pepper and cassis on a medium-bodied palate. Hefty tannins will subside after 2022, but decanting will allow this wine to display its exceptional quality in the shorter term if temptation cannot be deferred.
FOOD PAIRING
Chateau Batailley is best served with classic meat dishes: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, and roasted, braised and grilled vegetable dishes. It can also pair well with Asian dishes and hearty fish courses like tuna-steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine never stops to surprise, glass after glass.
2006 Chateau Langoa-Barton
Regular price £86.25 Save £-86.25ABOUT THE WINE
The Barton family, the current owners of Chateau Langoa Barton are able to trace their Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722, when they left Ireland to start a new life in Bordeaux. In 1821 they bought an estate in St. Julien, Pontet-Langlois, which they renamed Langoa Barton. The 25-hectare estate is marked out by its relatively cool terroir vineyards are spread throughout the centre of the appellation, all inland away from the Gironde. Highly traditional winemaking, with only 50% new oak, makes this estate less showy than many of its counterparts, but allows it to shine with bottle-age typical recommendation is 15 years from vintage.
TASTING NOTES
The 2006 Chateau Langoa Barton has a lifted nose of small dark cherries, blackberry, incense and marmalade - quite showy for Langoa Barton, full of joie-de-vivre. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, ripe and demonstrating impressive density plus a firm grip. Mouth-coating, yet well-balanced; a delightful vintage from an ever-reliable chateau. Rewards time in the decanter.
FOOD PAIRING
Steak, beef burgers, aged hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Out of all the 1855 Classified Growths, it is the only chateau that is still in the hands of the same family who owned it at the time of the classification.
Nikka, Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky
Regular price £86.25 Save £-86.25ABOUT THE WHISKY
In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, the son of a sake-brewing family, was sent to Scotland to study Scottish whisky. He returned to Japan at the end of 1920, with his Scottish wife, Rita, and was employed by the Kotobukiya Group (later renamed Suntory) to build the Yamazaki Distillery, the first whisky distillery in Japan. At the end of his contract Masataka left to found his own distillery in 1934 on the northern island of Hokkaido in the coastal town of Yoichi, where the cold climate, sea breezes and local peat bogs mirrored conditions in Scotland. Initially called 'Dai Nippon Kaju' (The Great Japanese Juice Company), the company released its first whisky under the name Nikka in 1940, and the name was officially changed in 1952. Following the death of Rita in 1961, Masataka became increasingly focused on his work to improve the Nikka blends, importing Coffey column-stills from Scotland, which operated from a plant in Nishinomiya. In 1969 the Miyagikyo Distillery was completed in the rolling hills of northern Honshu; large, steam-heated stills and exceptionally pure water from the Nikkawa River give this distillery a bright, clean, fresh-fruit character. Masataka died in 1979, his legacy secure as the founding father of Japanese whisky.
TASTING NOTES
Attractive Sherry-influenced aromas, with floral, woody notes and the scent of ripe tropical fruit. The palate is soft and smooth, with continuing ripe apple, pear, peach and floral character. The finish is characterised by rising heat which lingers pleasantly, with a hint of wood-varnish and warm dough.
FOOD PAIRING
Best enjoyed neat; this is quite a delicate whisky. It would pair nicely with savoury biscuits and moderately flavoursome cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Production for a Japanese malt whisky is effectively the same as for Scotch, with one significant difference: after mashing, a Scottish distillery will typically allow some of the solids from the malted barley to pass through to the washback, and sit with the fermenting wort. Japanese distilleries do not permit such untidiness, and their wort is typically clear, resulting in a 'cleaner' spirit with less malt-character.
Nikka, Yoichi Single Malt Whisky
Regular price £86.25 Save £-86.25ABOUT THE WHISKY
In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru, the son of a sake-brewing family, was sent to Scotland to study Scottish whisky. He returned to Japan at the end of 1920, with his Scottish wife, Rita, and was employed by the Kotobukiya Group (later renamed Suntory) to build the Yamazaki Distillery, the first whisky distillery in Japan. At the end of his contract Masataka left to found his own distillery in 1934 on the northern island of Hokkaido in the coastal town of Yoichi, where the cold climate, sea breezes and local peat bogs mirrored conditions in Scotland. Traditional coal-fired stills and the use of peat-smoke give whiskies from this distillery their distinctive character. Initially called 'Dai Nippon Kaju' (The Great Japanese Juice Company), the company released its first whisky under the name Nikka in 1940, and the name was officially changed in 1952. Following the death of Rita in 1961, Masataka became increasingly focused on his work to improve the Nikka blends, importing Coffey column-stills from Scotland, which operated from a plant in Nishinomiya. In 1969 the Miyagikyo Distillery was completed in the rolling hills of northern Honshu. Masataka died in 1979, his legacy secure as the founding father of Japanese whisky.
TASTING NOTES
Warm apple-pie and distant bonfires on the nose, along with pear-drop, old brine and candle wax. The peat is evident on the palate, melding beautifully with the fresh fruit character. Bracing and youthful, with impressive complexity; the finish lingers, with wood-varnish, red apple and rock-salt flavours.
FOOD PAIRING
A good whisky for charcuterie; best enjoyed neat.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Production for a Japanese malt whisky is effectively the same as for Scotch, with one significant difference: after mashing, a Scottish distillery will typically allow some of the solids from the malted barley to pass through to the washback, and sit with the fermenting wort. Japanese distilleries do not permit such untidiness, and their wort is typically clear, resulting in a 'cleaner' spirit with less malt-character.
2009 Domaine Loic Mahe, Savennieres 'Sectilis Terra'
Regular price £85.50 Save £-85.50ABOUT THE WINE
Having worked as a consultant for other wineries, Brittany-born Loïc couldn't wait to start his own, and so in 2011 he purchased 11 hectares spread between Savennières and La Franchaie, Certified organic and non-interventionist, Loïc prefers to let the effects of the seasons and terroir dominate the character of his wines. Grapes are exclusively picked by hand, with careful sorting to ensure quality fruit. Fermentation is slow, using natural yeasts and minimal sulphites, with maturation in oak barrels or small tanks.
TASTING NOTES
Produced only in exceptional years, from 'green-harvested' vines which are able to concentrate on feeding only 3 or 4 grapes clusters per vine. Harvested by hand, sometimes with small amounts of botrytis-affected grapes, the wine undergoes a slow, natural vinification of 18 months in oak barrels. Golden colour with amber shades, derived from a period of skin-contact prior to fermentation. The nose combines fruity, mineral and woody notes. On mouth it is ample, pure, rich and fresh. Incredibly long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
An exquisite wine to go with rich fish like turbot, brill or a poulet de Bresse or even fatty duck breast. We also recommend pairing with rich baked cheeses, like Comte and Beaufort.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A great sensory experience! A great wine to drink now but with an ageing potential of 30 years. We recommend decanting for 30 minutes before serving.
2011 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £85.20 Save £-85.20Chateau 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.
TASTING NOTES
Relatively light in this cooler vintage; made for relatively early-enjoyment, with accessible red-berry aromas and earthy undertones. Black fruit comes through on the palate, along with wood-spice; classic austerity on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with meaty pasta dishes, or lamb meatball with tomato sauce.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A beautiful wine, the first vintage produced under the new owners, with Hubert de Bouard (owner of Chateau Angelus) as Consultant Oenologist.
1979 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £85.00 Save £-85.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
1980 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £85.00 Save £-85.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
Inchgower 14YO Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish Whisky
Regular price £84.95 Save £-84.95ABOUT THE WHISKY
Part of the James Eadie independent bottling range. This 14 year old Scotch is finished for 28 months in a first fill Amontillado Hogshead sherry casks. Just 322 bottles.
James Eadie was a renowned Scottish brewer and publican, and he established a reputation for producing high-quality whiskies. In recent years, "James Eadie" has been revived to pay homage to the original James Eadie and his legacy in the whisky world with a series of limited edition bottlings.
TASTING NOTES
The nose is fresh and bursting with tropical fruits - think manuka honey, passion fruit, mango, vanilla ice cream and salted milk chocolate. The palate, like the nose, well-rounded, chewy and full of tropical fruits, with passionfruit, mango and starfruit alongside salted olives, orange chocolate and spiced almonds. Lovely sweet and spicy finish, ending on salted caramel digestives and pepper.
1985 Kopke Colheita Port
Regular price £84.10 Save £-84.10The history of the Kope Port House began in 1638, when Nicolau Kopke, Consul General of the Hanseatic League of Baltic states, began shipping wine to northern Europe. In 1781 a farm in the Douro was purchased, and the House began producing their own wines. The company remained in the hands of the Kopke family into the 1800s, when the great-great grandson of the founder was elevated to the title of Baron of Vilar. In 1922, the Quinta de San Luiz was purchased, an A-grade 125-hectare estate which would become the home of Kopke.
TASTING NOTES
Wood and cherry aromas, a hint of resin and raisin, remarkably vibrant and fresh. Superbly nutty on the palate: walnut, cashew, hazelnut, with a delightful honey-fruit background. This is an incredible drinking experience, from one of the finest Port vintages in history.
FOOD PAIRING
Beautiful on its own as a winter-warmer, or with cheese, especially a creamy blue. Pairs well with savoury snacks like salted nuts or olives in brine. Best served lightly chilled.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A Colheita Port is single-vintage Port aged in wood for at least 7 years, but usually for far longer – the current batch of the 1985 was bottled in 2020, which means that this wine has been ageing in barrel for 35 years.
2020 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.
2015 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien)
Regular price £81.45 Save £-81.45Sold as Baron Saint Julien during the 18th Century when under the ownership of the Baron de Brane, Lagrange dates back to the middle ages, with definitive documentation going back to 1631. Originally one of the largest estates in the region, over the centuries Lagrange saw significant reductions in vineyard area, as plots were sold off to cover debts accrued by its owners. In 1983 the estate was purchased by the Japanese Suntory company, which proceeded to invest heavily in renovation and modernisation. A proportion of Petit Verdot was planted in 1988, white grapes were added in 1996; and the wines saw significant improvement, culminating in a number of exceptional vintages beginning in the year 2000.
TASTING NOTES
Cherry blackcurrant, liquorice and pepper; cool and elegant with a rich, spicy undertone that will carry the wine for further decades.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with pork dishes, which will not diminish the elegance of the wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Produced from vines with an average age of 32 years.
2014 Chateau Giscours
Regular price £81.30 Save £-81.30