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Wine Heroes

This page is dedicated to our wine heroes – the wines, winery, winemakers that have shaped our vinous journey over the past 20 years.
We followed, bought and collected all the wines that feature on this page for many years and their quality vintage upon vintage is without question.
In short, these are the wines we drink, and we hope you will love them as much as we do.

Wine Heroes

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2019-chianti-classico-riserva-querciabella/">2020 Chianti Classico Riserva, Querciabella</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2020 Chianti Classico Riserva, Querciabella

    £4450

    Querciabella are serously good at making Chainti and are regarded as one the finest producers in Tuscany.

    True to the saying that “the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts”, Querciabella Chianti Classico Riserva is a blend of the finest Sangiovese grapes sourced from the estate’s vineyards in Greve, Radda, and Gaiole in Chianti.

    In the glass, aromas of coffee and mocha permeate dark red cherry, while garnishes of rosemary and sage emerge with coaxing. The palate is confidently weighted yet agile, with beautiful fruit purity of black raspberry ringing out.   This wine will gracefully age for 10+ years.  Drink 2023 – 2033.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2008-la-ciornia-shiraz-la-violetta/">2008 ‘La Ciornia’ Shiraz, La Violetta</a> Red Wine

    2008 ‘La Ciornia’ Shiraz, La Violetta

    £4500

    The inspiration for La Ciornia comes from Andrew Hoadley time spent working in Barbaresco.    Really refined bright, the aromatic nose showing sweet, pure raspberry and cherry fruit with subtle hints of meat, olive and spice. The palate is superbly elegant with pure, seamless, beautifully poised cherry and raspberry fruit. Lovely elegance and freshness   I think Matthew Jukes summed it up best for me when be said of Ciornia “I certainly had no idea that a Shiraz from Denmark could have Pinot Noir tenderness under its malevolent, vampiric exterior.”

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2012-trevarrick-riesling-skillogalee/">2012 Trevarrick Riesling, Skillogalee</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2012 Trevarrick Riesling, Skillogalee

    £4500

    “Trevarrick” was the original name of the property when it was first settled by John and Anne Trestrail in the 1850s. More than a century later, in 1970 this magnificent piece of land was planted to vines and Skillogalee was born. With each individual contour block on the estate harvested and vinified individually, the Trevarrick name is reserved for those contours which exhibit exceptional quality and varietal character.

    The grapes for this wine were selectively harvested from the highest altitude, earliest ripening contour on the property at around 500m. The stony, thin soils and topography of this part of the vineyard produce unique, high-quality grapes bursting with varietal character.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2016-syrah-boekenhoutskloof/">2016 Syrah, Boekenhoutskloof</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2016 Syrah, Boekenhoutskloof

    £4500

    Established in 1776 in the remote reaches of the Franschhoek Valley, Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa’s most esteemed wine estates. Under the visionary direction of Marc Kent, the winery has become renowned for crafting expressive, site-driven wines that reflect the unique terroirs of the Cape. The Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is a benchmark expression of Swartland Syrah, sourced from two exceptional sites: the rugged, schist-rich slopes of Porseleinberg (90%) and the sandstone-tinged Goldmine vineyards (10%) on the flanks of the Kasteelberg.

    The 2016 Boekenhoutskloof Syrah is a bold and evocative expression of the vintage. The nose is deep and brooding, revealing layers of dark fruit, blackcurrant and ripe plum, lifted by savoury notes of black olive, tar, and crushed graphite. The palate is powerful yet composed, offering luscious waves of sweet red and black berries supported by a richly textured structure. Complex flavours of black cardamom, cracked pepper, and sweet tobacco emerge, adding depth and intrigue.  Full-bodied and concentrated, the wine displays polished tannins and a persistent finish, with mineral undertones that speak clearly of its Swartland origins.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2021-stellenbosch-cabernet-sauvignon-boekenhoutskloof/">2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof

    £4500

    Founded in 1776 and situated in the secluded Franschhoek Valley, Boekenhoutskloof has become one of South Africa’s most respected wine estates. Under the visionary direction of Marc Kent, the estate is renowned for producing world-class wines that reflect both site and vintage with precision and elegance. This Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from exceptional vineyards on the Helderberg slopes and Vlottenburg hillsides, sites celebrated for their granitic soils, maritime climate, and low-yielding vines that deliver intensity, structure, and finesse.

    The 2021 vintage offers a dark, brooding bouquet of cassis, black plum, and wild berries, layered with notes of sweet spice, violet, and a graphite-like minerality, an unmistakable hallmark of its Stellenbosch origins. The palate is plush and polished, with concentrated dark fruit, blueberries, mulberries, and ripe black cherries, complemented by hints of dark chocolate, pencil shavings, and subtle earthiness.

    Framed by refined tannins and lifted by fresh acidity, the wine shows both power and poise. A touch of blueberry crumble and sweet tobacco lingers on the long, savoury finish, completing a Cabernet of exceptional depth, clarity, and elegance.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2021-semillon-boekenhoutskloof/">2021 Semillon, Boekenhoutskloof</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2021 Semillon, Boekenhoutskloof

    £4500

    Founded in 1776 in the remote Franschhoek Valley, Boekenhoutskloof has become one of South Africa’s most iconic wineries, known for crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines. At the heart of this legacy lies a deep respect for heritage vineyards, none more profound than the historic Semillon parcels that form the backbone of this extraordinary wine. Made from Certified Heritage Vineyards, planted in 1902, 1936, and 1942, this Semillon represents one of the most compelling and age-worthy white wines in the Cape.

    The 2021 vintage reflects the quiet power and depth that only old vines can deliver. Pale straw in colour, the wine opens with an initially reserved bouquet that gently reveals delicate aromas of melon, kumquat, acacia flower, and jasmine, layered with hints of ginger spice and apple blossom. On the palate, it is pure, textured, and elegant, showcasing flavours of poached pear, quince, lemon zest, and starfruit, with well-integrated oak lending gentle complexity.   Subtle nuances of angelica, chamomile, and a light saline edge carry through to the finish, which is persistent, refined, and ever-so-slightly spicy.  A small addition of historic Muscat d’Alexandrie, planted in 1902, brings a whisper of aromatic lift, while naturally occurring Semillon Gris adds structure and intrigue.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2021-grunlack-riesling-spatlese-schloss-johannisberg/">2021 Grunlack Riesling Spatlese, Schloss Johannisberg</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2021 Grunlack Riesling Spatlese, Schloss Johannisberg

    £4600

    The legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history. The vineyards were planted on the orders of the Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Planted solely with Riesling grapes in 1720, Schloss Johannisberg was the world’s first Riesling Estate and plays a significant part in wine history. It was here in 1775 that the Spätlese quality was discovered using late-picked grapes suffering from “noble rot”. Following this discovery, in 1787 the estate gave Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese to the wine world.

    The Grunlack Riesling Spätlese is a rich and fragrant Spätlese, with an exotic bouquet of orange peel, pineapple, and lime complemented by ripe, red apple and delicious mineral undertones. The initial sweetness is perfectly balanced by a juicy freshness on the palate and a delicately creamy finish.

    The south-facing vineyard is steep, with a gradient of 45° and climbs from 114 to 181 metres above sea level. The Riesling vines are grown in quartz stone from the Taunus hillsides interspersed with red clay and topped with loam and rich loss, which retains water and the heat of the day. This unique vineyard sees the 50° parallel run directly through the vineyard and the forest on the top of the Taunus hillsides protects the vines from cold winds. The vines produce limited yields and the grapes are carefully harvested by hand. Spätlese is translated as “late harvest”: the grapes are harvested at least seven days after the normal harvest, so they are riper, have higher sugar content and produce wines of greater intensity.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2018-chardonnay-clonal-selection-kershaw/">2018 Chardonnay ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2018 Chardonnay ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw

    £4750

    An exceptional Chardonnay from the amazing cool-climate region of Elgin.  Restrained, mineral style focussed on elegance with a white fruit character, some oatmeal and some complexity gained from percipient applied wood.  Only 15982 bottles and 70 Magnums.

    The grapes come from eight to 10 small parcels of vineyards in several locations in the Elgin Valley. Elgin is the coolest wine region in South Africa and is situated on an inland, hexagonal-shaped plateau, at an altitude of 300 metres. The region is surrounded by mountains and lies just over six miles from the Atlantic Ocean, which brings occasional sea-borne mists. February is the hottest month of the year, with daytime temperatures peaking at 23°C and night-time temperatures dipping to 14°C. The benefit of this cooler climate is that the grape cluster stays connected to its roots for longer, so it develops complex characteristics and achieves physiological ripeness more gradually, resulting in lower sugar levels and consequently lower alcohol levels.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2018-chardonnay-g-p-s-series-kershaw/">2018 Chardonnay ‘G.P.S Series’, Kershaw</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2018 Chardonnay ‘G.P.S Series’, Kershaw

    £4750

    Restraint, minerality, freshness of fruit and a chiselled edge reflect limestone’s soil properties. This 2018 reveals clean, bright aromas of lemon blossom, wet chalk and powdered stones. Penetrating intensity, animated acidity with a rich mid-palate weight; this wine has purity of fruit – orange peel, yellow cling peaches and grapefruit peel – with complexing oatmeal and lemon cream biscuits to crème fraiche textures and a long finish.   Only 2128 bottles were produced.

    The G.P.S. (Grape Positioning System) series is made from exciting small parcels of fruit selected from carefully chosen vineyards outside the Elgin Valley. The Chardonnay grapes come from a small parcel of vines which are grown as a single vineyard block in Lower Duivenhoks River district, in the Western Cape. The pure limestone soil is something of a rarity in the Western Cape; it is a soil in which Chardonnay flourishes and produces elegant, fresh wines. The Dijon clone CY95 vines thrive in this warm Mediterranean climate, which is tempered by the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Duivenhoks River. The wide diurnal temperature ranges create a long hang time during which the grape cluster stays connected to its roots for longer, developing complex characteristics and achieving physiological ripeness more gradually, balanced by natural acidity.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2017-syrah-clonal-selection-kershaw/">2017 Syrah ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2017 Syrah ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw

    £4750

    A subtle, precise style of Syrah built on fine tannins that educe harmony and freshness with flavours of black fruits, iodine and ground white peppercorns.  Only 9253 bottles and 33 Magnums.

    The grapes come from five small vineyard parcels in several locations in the Elgin Valley. Elgin is the coolest wine region in South Africa and is situated on an inland, hexagonal shaped plateau, at an altitude of 300 metres. The region is surrounded by mountains and lies just over six miles from the Atlantic Ocean, which brings occasional sea-borne mists. February is the hottest month of the year, with daytime temperatures peaking at 23°C and night-time temperatures dipping to 14°C. The benefit of this cooler climate is that the grape cluster stays connected to its roots for longer, so it develops complex characteristics and achieves physiological ripeness more gradually, resulting in lower sugar levels and consequently lower alcohol levels.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2017-syrah-g-p-s-series-kershaw/">2017 Syrah ‘G.P.S Series’, Kershaw</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2017 Syrah ‘G.P.S Series’, Kershaw

    £4750

    An outstanding Syrah and easily one of South Africas best examples.

    It is restrained, yet with intent and subtle power, wines from this vineyard are characterised by piercing black pepper flavours and powdery tannins complete with rich textures and a prodigious breadth of black-orientated fruit.  The 2017 shows a mid-ruby colour, a nose heady with aromas of black pepper, cinnamon stick, star anise and black cherry panna cotta.  Succulent in texture, this medium-bodied Syrah is voluminous with a core of juicy Morello cherries, liquorice and molasses complexed with gorse bush, baked plums, bay leaf and angostura bitters underpinned with fine grippy tannins and a long lush finish.  Only 1765 bottles were produced.

    The G.P.S. (Grape Positioning System) series is made from exciting small parcels of fruit selected from carefully chosen vineyards outside the Elgin Valley. The grapes for this wine come from the Klein River ward, which is one of the smallest wine wards in South Africa. Almost 20 years ago, the first Syrah vines were planted in an area that has traditionally been used for sheep and wheat farming. Three hectares were set aside for Syrah, on shale-derived Glenrosa soil. These soils are normally the hallmark of warmer areas, but these vines nestle against the Klein River Mountain range, which combined with the nearby Akkedis Valley, provide a portal through which the cool sea breezes from the Walker Bay penetrate, creating a mild meso-climate in summer.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2018-estate-grown-pinot-noir-sleepy-hollow-vineyard-talbott/">2018 Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Talbott</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2018 Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Talbott

    £4800

    Talbott Vineyards is defined by its iconic Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, where the conditions are ideal for exceptional, cool-climate Pinot Noir. Located in the northern area of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, it has been designated one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards by Wine Enthusiast in 2016, for its ability to produce exceptional wines year after year. The vines were first planted in 1972 at an elevation of 168 metres and cover 228 hectares. Due to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean and the east-to-northeasterly exposure, cooling fog and frequent ocean breezes temper the warm sunshine, giving Sleepy Hollow one of the longest growing seasons in California and allowing each grape to develop concentrated flavours.

    This Pinot Noir offers a distinct earthiness, minerality with hints of nutmeg and clove mingling with notes of ripe black cherry, raspberry and vanilla bean to deliver a rich, mouth-filling texture through to a complex finish.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2019-brunello-di-montalcino-docg-banfi/">2019 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Banfi</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2019 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Banfi

    £4895

    Brunello di Montalcino was Italy’s first wine to be accorded DOCG status, a testament to its aristocracy, balance and fabulous proclivity for aging.

    An intense and elegant Brunello.  On the nose, it is characterised by an intense bouquet with sweet notes of blackberry and blackcurrant, combined with floral hints of rose, which contribute freshness and vitality. The body is full and powerful. Soft, smooth tannins are well integrated with a marked acidity. A Brunello that represents the synthesis of power and depth.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/sotto-di-ferro-charles-melton/">Sotto di Ferro, Charles Melton</a> Wine Republic Heros Dessert Wine, Port & Dessert Wine

    Sotto di Ferro, Charles Melton

    £4900

    Charles Melton is the only Australian producer of a vin-santo styled dessert wine, he calls it, Sotto di Ferro.   Made from Pedro Ximenez and Muscadelle grapes that are hung and dried in bunches under the rafter of old iron sheds on the Melton property.   From the trickle of juice gathered from the shrivelled grapes comes this wine showing rich, luscious dried apricot and nut characters.  This is not a wine to rush.   Take your time and allow it to impress you with its sweet complexity that develops in the glass.

    For those interested in the winemaking process this from the winery:  Pedro Ximenez and Muscadelle bunches are carefully hand-picked and placed in small crates before being taken to our ‘hanging shed’. There, an experienced team tie six to eight bunches of grapes onto strings which are then suspended from the rafters for up to eight weeks.  The grapes dehydrate naturally as they are exposed to air, and when the team at Charles Melton Wines deems the grapes to be concentrated enough, the bunches will be pressed in a basket press. The juice is then yeasted and fermented in small 60-litre old oak casks known as ‘Caratelli’ for 18 months. After fermentation completes, the wine will remain in barrel for a further four years before it is bottled.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/brut-reserve-champagne-charles-heidsieck/">Brut Réserve Champagne, Charles Heidsieck</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    Brut Réserve Champagne, Charles Heidsieck

    £4900

    This is an extraordinary Champagne and in recent years the best non-vintage Champagne in the world.   This statement is backed up by dozens of gold medals, trophies and winemaker of the year awards it wins EVERY year around the world. In short this is what Champagne is meant to be – extraordinary.

    In the glass it has a radiant pale gold colour with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is characterised by complex pastry aromas, with an opulent combination of ripe apricot, mango and greengages, dried fruits, pistachio and almond. The palate begins with a silky-smooth sensation, developing into ripe fleshy apricot, melon and enticing plum pastry notes and delicate spice. There is a perfect balance of freshness and generosity.

    Charles Heidsieck has built exceptional relationships with the best growers across Champagne. Precise selection of grapes takes place from 60 specific sites. Vineyards which are integral to producing grapes that sustain the house style are Oger for Chardonnay for its texture, floral notes and ageing ability, Ambonnay for Pinot Noir for its power, vinosity and fruit, and Verneuil for Pinot Meunier for its acidity, body and aromatics.

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