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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-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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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2020-grunlack-riesling-spatlese-schloss-johannisberg/">2023 Grunlack Riesling Spatlese, Schloss Johannisberg</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2023 Grunlack Riesling Spatlese, Schloss Johannisberg

    £4900

    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.

    This 2023 Grunlack (Green label) Riesling Spätlese opens in the glass with an exotic bouquet of orange peel, pineapple, and lime complemented by ripe, red apple and delicious mineral undertones. 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/cuvee-delos-blanc-de-blancs-grand-cru-champagne-pierre-moncuit/">Cuvée Delos Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne Pierre Moncuit</a> Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    Cuvée Delos Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne Pierre Moncuit

    £4900

    This extraordinary Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Champagne is made by the Moncuit Family, an old estate that has been family-run since 1889 located in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. They have 20 hectares of excellently located vines under the guidance of talented winemaker Nicole Moncuit, who is always determined to pull the best out of the vintage with no single style.

    It is a very pure expression of Chardonnay with a palate that is delicate and refined with citrus fruit and yeasty notes.  This wine is aged between 5-10 years, and only released when ready to drink, It’s an unbelievable price for a quality Grand Cru Champagne!

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2021-rosso-di-montalcino-ignaccio-il-marroneto/">2021 Rosso di Montalcino ‘Ignaccio’, Il Marroneto</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2021 Rosso di Montalcino ‘Ignaccio’, Il Marroneto

    £4950

    Il Marroneto produce some of the purest and most perfumed expressions of Sangiovese made anywhere. Part of the secret lies in their prime location within Brunello’s traditional top class territory, situated at 450m above sea level with a cool northern exposure. Combined with the much lauded talents of gifted winemaker Alessandro Mori, and it’s clear to see why Il Marroneto are so highly coveted by Montalcino fans worldwide.

    Alessandro Mori has always adopted a traditional approach, aiming for elegance and purity, without sacrificing depth or impact in his wines. Organic practices have been used in the vineyards since 1988, while natural fermentation occurs and there is neither fining nor filtration before bottling.

    Both the Brunello and the Rosso start their life back at the winery as Brunellos, but during their maturation journey, Alessandro will make the decision to ‘declassify’ several bottis, resulting in a small release of Rosso di Montalcino. Prior to fermentation, the grapes spend around 2 days in steel with regular stirring followed by a slow fermentation and maceration for 3 weeks. The fruit is moved into large Slavonian and French Botti for 24 months then racked off and left to settle in steel for a brief period before bottling and release into the market.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2011-pinot-noir-museum-release-dog-point-vineyard/">2011 Pinot Noir ‘Museum Release’, Dog Point Vineyard</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2011 Pinot Noir ‘Museum Release’, Dog Point Vineyard

    £4950

    Dog Point has since their first vintage in 2002, set aside a limited quantity of each vintage for later release, with this 2011 being the latest release from their museum.

    In its prime now this wonderful Marlborough Pinot Noir is a deep ruby in the glass, with aromas of spice and ripe red fruits imbued with hints of leather and mushroom, together with subtle spicy oak savouriness. On the palate, deliciously flavoured with intense red fruits, subtle sweetness and excellent balance. Well-integrated oak leads to a delicate lingering soft, supple finish.

    Dog Point Pinot is similar in production to some of the great houses of Burgundy and is made using 75% destemmed grapes and 25% whole bunches, which spends a total of 18 months in oak (30% new).

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2022-estate-reserve-cuvee-blanc-lismore-estate-vineyards/">2022 Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc, Lismore Estate Vineyards</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2022 Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc, Lismore Estate Vineyards

    £4995

    Lismore Estate is based in Greyton within the Overberg region of the Western Cape of South Africa.  It’s here with the Sonderend mountains as a backdrop that winemaker & proprietor Samantha O’Keefe makes her fabulous wines.

    This incredible blend of Roussanne, Chardonnay and Viognier has fragrant aromas of yellow plum, spice and orange blossom that lead to a beautifully balanced palate, with crisp acidity, saline mineral notes and a lemongrass embroidered finish.

    The grapes come from the Greyton ward in the Western Cape, which has been designated by SAWIS in recognition of the special terroir of this region. The vineyards are planted on steep slopes in decomposed shale over clay at 300 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range. Here the climate plays an important role: the low mean February temperature lends to an extended ripening period that results in a harvest that takes place three to four weeks later than traditional wine growing regions in South Africa. The Cuvée Blanc is a blend of 90% Roussanne, 5% Viognier, 5% Chardonnay; the Roussanne vines were grafted onto the trunks following the estate fire which destroyed vines in 2019. The roots are from 2016 and are planted on the coolest slope on the farm, which makes it the last variety to be picked. The intense citrus notes and the lingering finish are consistent hallmarks of Lismore’s specific terroir.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/nv-rose-1er-cru-gaston-chiquet/">Champagne Rosé 1er Cru, Champagne Gaston Chiquet</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    Champagne Rosé 1er Cru, Champagne Gaston Chiquet

    £4995

    Champagne Gaston Chiquet is one of finest grower estates in the Grand Vallée de la Marne.  Chiquet’s wines combine a generous depth of fruit with a pronounced character of place — if you want to know what the wines of the Grande Vallée should feel like, these are an excellent introduction.

    With a luminous pink-orange hue, the Gaston Chiquet Rosé 1er Cru is an elegant Champagne produced from a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier and 30% Pinot Noir. Gaston Chiquet has been run by eight generations of the Chiquet family. Currently, the two brothers Antoine and Nicolas assure continuity while respecting their ancestral roots.

    In the glass it has aromas of fresh peach, red berries, mint, green apples, rhubarb and pastry cream. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, crisp and fleshy, with a charming core of fruit, racy acids and a lingering, flavourful finish.

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  • Offer <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/esprit-nature-champagne-henri-giraud/">Esprit Nature, Champagne Henri Giraud</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    Esprit Nature, Champagne Henri Giraud

    Original price was: £6300.Current price is: £4995. 21% saving

    Esprit Nature is Champagne Henri Giraud’s compelling expression of Grand Cru terroir from the historic village of Aÿ, seamlessly merging nature, craftsmanship, and innovation. This cuvée embodies the house’s forward-looking philosophy: a return to nature through minimal intervention, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and pure expression of the land. Esprit Nature is both a statement of intent and a celebration of Champagne’s ancestral viticultural wisdom.

    In the glass, Esprit Nature reveals a luminous golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is pure and expressive, opening with aromas of fresh pear, white peach, citrus blossom, and grated ginger, followed by subtle notes of toasted hazelnut, wild herbs, and chalky minerality. On the palate, it is crystalline and energetic, showcasing crisp orchard fruit, hints of lemon zest, and a gentle touch of spiced brioche from oak ageing. The texture is silky, yet driven by a lively acidity and precise chalky grip, leading to a long, dry, and refreshing finish.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2008-the-florita-riesling-jim-barry/">2008 The Florita Riesling, Jim Barry</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2008 The Florita Riesling, Jim Barry

    £5000

    This legendary dry Riesling from Jim Barry has matured under optimum conditions and displays the complexities that fine Australian Riesling develops over time.

    The Florita Story

    This story is best told by famous Australian wine writer, Huon Hooke and head of the Barry Family, Peter Barry who below tell the wonderful story of Florita…..

    It starts in 1946, just after the war, when Leo Buring bought land at Watervale and planted Pedro ximénez for sherry – the preferred wine of Australians at the time. He named the vineyard Florita, which is Spanish for ‘little flower’ – a reference to the sherry flor (or flower), the film of yeast that covers the dry flor sherry as it matures in its ullaged casks.  Public tastes shifted, table wine became fashionable, and in 1962 Buring’s winemaker John Vickery began to remove Pedro and plant riesling. “He started to make riesling (wine), which began to be seen as the future of Australian white wine,” says Barry. Indeed, Vickery and the Leo Buring brand became almost synonymous with riesling.   “In 1986 Philip Morris (the tobacco company which owned the Leo Buring brand at the time) had six years supply of riesling in its cellars, and no-one was drinking it – chardonnay was the new fashion. They decided to sell the Florita vineyard.

    My brothers and I went to the auction. I was 24.  Mum said ‘You’re not allowed to buy it’. She said we already had plenty of vineyards. We told Dad he’d better buy it, and that would let us off the hook.
    Southcorp (the precursor of Treasury Wine Group) owned the Florita trademark at the time, and although the Barrys began using the grapes immediately, they couldn’t use the name.
    “I had to wait eight years until the registration period was up, but then Southcorp renewed it for another 10 years, so I had to wait 18 years all told, and I registered the name Florita two days after it lapsed.

    Eighteen years is a long time to wait for a drink.”

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2020-pinot-noir-sanford/">2020 Pinot Noir, Sanford</a> Red Wine

    2020 Pinot Noir, Sanford

    £5150

    This Pinot Noir is dark ruby in colour and is very spice-driven on the nose with fresh cherry, wild strawberry, spice cake that are complemented by white pepper and rose. The palate delivers spice and savoury, dark fruits, espresso, and leather with balanced acid and suave tannin structure, which carries the lovely finish. The wine was aged in French Oak barrels (25% new oak) for 11 months where it gained complexity and elegance.

    The grapes come exclusively from the two estate vineyards in the cool-climate area of Sta. Rita Hills AVA: the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and the La Rinconada Vineyard. The unusual east-west orientation of the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains allows the cooling maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean- just seven miles away- to flow over the vineyards, bringing with them cooling morning fog. Afternoon breezes dry out any residual moisture and reduce disease pressure. Temperatures rarely exceed 27°C, which suits the delicate Pinot Noir vines. The vineyard is split into 52 blocks and each block has an individual soil composition. Broadly, the marine-based soil in the ‘Sanford & Benedict Vineyard’ is a mixture of clay, loam, fractured shale and chert (a rocky soil), which forces the vine’s roots to dig deep for nutrients and hydration. The result is naturally low yields of small-berried, concentrated fruit delivering excellent minerality and acidity. The ‘La Rinconada Vineyard’ is made up of sandy, gravelly soil which imparts precise minerality to the wine. There are 33 different Pinot Noir clones planted across the vineyard and 40% of the vines are from the original 1972 ungrafted plantings

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2018-pinot-noir-clonal-selection-kershaw/">2018 Pinot Noir ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2018 Pinot Noir ‘Clonal Selection’, Kershaw

    £5200

    A world-class Pinot Noir from Richard Kershaw M.W and easily one of South Africa’s best.  This Pinot Noir is characterised by its captivating floral attributes underscored by purity, focus and freshness framed by fine powder tannins yet cushioned by a succulent texture and flavours of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and raspberry. Only 8056 bottles & 33 Magnums produced.

    The grapes come from 11 tiny 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/2020-estate-reserve-chardonnay-lismore/">2022 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Lismore</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2022 Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Lismore

    £5200

    Lismore Estate is based in Greyton within the Overberg region of the Western Cape of South Africa.  It’s here with the Sonderend mountains as a backdrop that winemaker & proprietor Samantha O’Keefe makes her fabulous wines.

    A stunning example of a restrained, cool-climate Chardonnay. Intense citrus aromas and classic soft fruits, jasmine and walnut are layered with honey and vanilla notes.  The palate is beautifully balanced with refreshing, crisp acidity and a distinct minerality. Concentrated and refined, with a crisp, clean citrus finish.

    Having pioneered a new extreme cool climate region in South Africa, Samantha chose to release an Estate Reserve range to illustrate what the vineyards are capable of. The wines are produced from very low yielding vines. The vineyard is planted at 300 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2015-ilr-reserve-semillon-brokenwood/">2015 ILR Reserve Semillon, Brokenwood</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2015 ILR Reserve Semillon, Brokenwood

    £5495

    This is, without a doubt, one of the best Semillons produced anywhere in the world.  Consistently regarded as the definition of Semillon and it has the ability to age for decades.

    At 6 years of age on release, the colour is just starting to show some development with yellow tints complimenting the green edges. Lifted lemon curd and floral notes heading to beeswax, brioche and toast. Lively lime juice, lime cordial characters are backed by a superb zesty acidity. The magic of Hunter Valley Semillon is on display with texture, fruit weight and great length from a wine that sees no oak. The ILR Reserve Semillon is only released from the best years and 2015 is a beauty. Drinking well now but will improve for many years to come.

    The fruit for the 2015 ILR Reserve is sourced from Murphy’s Vineyard on Wilderness Road, on the banks of Black Creek in Lovedale.

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