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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-il-marroneto/">2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Marroneto</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Marroneto

    £11200

    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/2009-reva-syrah-alban-vineyards/">2009 Reva Syrah, Alban Vineyards</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2009 Reva Syrah, Alban Vineyards

    £12000

    Established in 1989, Alban Vineyards represents California’s first winery and vineyard dedicated exclusively to the varietals of the Rhône.  Pioneered by John Alban at a time when anything that was neither Cabernet nor Chardonnay was barely grown in California, Alban was a groundbreaking project and has gone on to be regarded as one of the U.S.A’s best and most influential producers.

    It is the Syrah releases from Alban which, justifiably, receive the most attention. Reva Syrah is Alban’s much-coveted, hard to come by top release; a 100% single vineyard Syrah which is aged in oak for 42 months before release. Upfront and highly varietal on the nose, this cult wine exudes aromas of cassis, wild herbs, violet, earth and smoke. The palate is incredibly full-bodied and decadent with immense depth and wonderful freshness. Flavours of dark fruit, coffee, toasty oak and perfumed spice build on an intense mid-palate before continuing on a long, momentous finish. We believe that this is California’s greatest example of this grape variety and will age gracefully over the next 20 years and beyond.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2014-dolce-far-niente/">2017 Dolce, Far Niente</a> Wine Republic Heros Dessert Wine, Port & Dessert Wine

    2017 Dolce, Far Niente

    £12000

    Dolce is Napa’s true Sauternes-style dessert wine.  Dolce embraces the pursuit of perfection in the art of late harvest winemaking. Created in 1985 by the partners of Far Niente, Dolce stands as a standard-bearer for this type of wine in America. With a classic blend of late harvest Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc inspired by the Sauternes region, Dolce is the only American winery dedicated to producing a single late harvest wine.

    After nearly three years in French oak, this luxurious vintage shows lifted and youthful aromas of orange zest, vanilla bean and butterscotch with subtle notes of minerality and oak-derived spices. The entry is juicy, and Dolce’s signature texture is lively and enduring on the palate leading to a mouthwatering finish. Flavours of orange, pear and dried apricot mingle together with rich caramel notes and hints of minerals that make this vintage a delicious expression of the season’s exceptional ripeness.

    Dolce’s 20 acres of vineyard are located in Coombsville, east of the city of Napa, and are situated at the base of the Vaca Mountains, which define the eastern border of the valley. The volcanic soil is loose and well-drained, and the west-facing vineyard is protected from the prevailing winds so that the damp, morning fog of autumn (a very important factor in the development of Botrytis cinerea) hangs longer amongst the vines, often until midday. A combination of high humidity followed by drying conditions encourages, but does not guarantee, the growth of Botrytis. As it develops, its coverage is seemingly random with individual berries succumbing to Botrytis at different rates, if at all.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2000-tokaji-aszu-eszencia-imperium-chateau-dereszla-375ml/">2000 Tokaji Aszu Eszencia ‘Imperium’, Chateau Dereszla, 375ml</a> Wine Republic Heros Dessert Wine, Port & Dessert Wine

    2000 Tokaji Aszu Eszencia ‘Imperium’, Chateau Dereszla, 375ml

    £12000

    Château Dereszla is world-renowned for its sweet wines made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea, also known as “noble rot”. The wine is made from hand-picked grapes from Chateau Dereszla’s finest plots and made into a paste, which is then added to a base wine for fermentation for 14 days.  The wine is then aged in French oak for more than 2 years prior to bottling.  The elegant label replicates a design created by Carl Faberge for Dereszla’s centenary in 1907.

    This is a sensational Tokaji Aszu Eszencia from Dereszla.  Only produced in the very finest years, (made twice by Dereszla in the last 22 years), and now a defunct classification, this is a very rare slice of history in a bottle.  Incredibly sweet yet with perfectly poised acidity, the wine has a complex apricot and Seville orange marmalade fruit character mingled with spice and gingerbread notes. With an impressive 252 grams per litre of sugar, it is no wonder the wine is syrupy and very rich, but the constant freshness provided by the acidity keeps the wine balanced and makes it a wonderful match to dark chocolate desserts, good quality cheeseboards and rich pates.

     

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2015-valpolicella-superiore-romano-dal-forno/">2015 Valpolicella Superiore, Romano dal Forno</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2015 Valpolicella Superiore, Romano dal Forno

    £12500

    Legendary Romano Dal Forno has made wine at his family estate since 1983. His Amarone is the pinnacle of his production, but he uses the same care and attention to his Valpolicella, which is superior to many other producers’ Amarone. A traditional Corvina-based blend, fermented in steel before 24 months in oak barrique.

    It is an Amarone in all but name, made entirely from appassimento berries – grapes dried for 20-25 days. The 2015 vintage was exceptional for Valpolicella, as in much of Northern Italy, bringing incredible levels of concentration to the wine. The wine has a deep crimson, rim-staining colour. The nose is rich, full of high-toned aromatics, neroli floral scents, dried cherry, raisins and sweeter vanilla tones. The palate is impressively structured, the oak tannins melding with the rich red cherry fruit, bringing great depth to the palate. There is a great balance of flavours beyond the sweet, dried fruit, with savoury fresh tobacco and sweeter almond pastry notes. Despite the immense concentration, there is plenty of acidity keeping the palate vibrant. With such richness and structure, this will give a good 10-15 years’ drinking pleasure.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2020-blanc-etc-domaine-didier-dagueneau/">2020 Blanc Etc, Domaine Didier Dagueneau</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2020 Blanc Etc, Domaine Didier Dagueneau

    £12700

    Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre are the global benchmarks for Sauvignon Blanc, and there is no bigger name or more highly regarded producer in the area than Domaine Didier Dagueneau. Now under the guidance of Didier’s talented son Louis-Benjamin, the wines still follow his ethos that authentic Pouilly Fumé requires healthy fruit from low yielding, old vines to produce the purest, and most intense and vibrantly fresh wine. That’s not to say these wines are typical of the appellation. Given the severely low yields and approach to élevage, Dagueneau wines emphasise a creamy texture rather than bracing acidity, and combine mineral flavours with exotic fruits to supreme effect.

    Previously labelled as Blanc Fumé de Pouilly, now reborn as Blanc Etc… and looking better than ever. Generally speaking this is the most approachable wine in the range, and since Louis-Benjamin came aboard the wine is now far closer in quality and class to the other releases. While each of the other wine focus on a single soil type or terroir, Blanc etc… blends some young vine parcels on their Saint-Andelain hill with two parcels planted on flinty clay and limestone white clay soils nearby. It was fermented in a mix of new and three-four year old barrels and then matured in both wood and tank.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2001-riesling-auslese-urziger-wurzgarten-goldkapsel-dr-loosen/">2001 Riesling Auslese, Ürziger Würzgarten Goldkapsel, Dr. Loosen</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2001 Riesling Auslese, Ürziger Würzgarten Goldkapsel, Dr. Loosen

    £14500

    The Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard is blazing red and insanely steep, it fills a picturesque amphitheatre formed by a dramatic bend in the Mosel river. Although it is directly adjacent to the vineyards of Erden, this site produces a completely different kind of wine, with exotic, spicy aromas and a mesmerizing earthiness. No other vineyard on the Mosel produces wines so bursting with tropical fruit flavours. Many of the Dr Loosens estate’s oldest vines are found here.

    This Auslese is which means selected out of the harvest is a luscious, medium-sweet wine made from clusters of very ripe grapes that have been partially affected by botrytis.   This classic example is now 20 years old and in majestic condition.  Stored since purchase many moons ago in our cellar and last sampled in 2019 with its sister the 2001 Riesling Auslese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr – both were extraordinary.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2020-pouilly-fume-pur-sang-didier-dagueneau/">2020 Pouilly Fume Pur Sang, Domaine Didier Dagueneau</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2020 Pouilly Fume Pur Sang, Domaine Didier Dagueneau

    £14900

    Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre are the global benchmarks for Sauvignon Blanc, and there is no bigger name or more highly regarded producer in the area than Domaine Didier Dagueneau. Now under the guidance of Didier’s talented son Louis-Benjamin, the wines still follow his ethos that authentic Pouilly Fumé requires healthy fruit from low yielding, old vines to produce the purest, and most intense and vibrantly fresh wine. That’s not to say these wines are typical of the appellation. Given the severely low yields and approach to élevage, Dagueneau wines emphasise a creamy texture rather than bracing acidity, and combine mineral flavours with exotic fruits to supreme effect.

    Pur Sang is a superstar in the Dagueneau cellar, and is widely considered one of the great white wines of the world.

    Pur Sang translates as thoroughbred, this wine coming from a densely planted, 30-year-old vineyard called La Folie, five kilometres north of Saint-Andélain. Hidden between two parcels of woodland, the vineyard – whose name literally translates as `madness` – is named for the local farmers who thought Didier Dagueneau was crazy when he purchased the land, which was not a vineyard and was full of huge boulders. It was not even registered as part of the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. But Didier had done his homework, as not only was La Folie an historical Pouilly vineyard, but its vein of pure flint, as well as its gently sloping, south/south-east exposure, made it potentially one of Pouilly’s finest. Very pale colour, aromas recall grilled pink grapefruit with a hint of white peach – beautifully expressive. Palate is full, having a rich, floral, complex, aromatic core, creamy texture, and a satisfyingly long finish.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2013-graveyard-shiraz-brokenwood/">2013 Graveyard Shiraz, Brokenwood</a> Wine Republic Heros Red Wine

    2013 Graveyard Shiraz, Brokenwood

    £15500

    This is one of the most iconic wines in Australia and world renowned as an exceptional example of cool climate Shiraz.  The Graveyard Vineyard is the jewel in the Brokenwood crown, responsible for the company’s flagship wine. The vineyard was planted with Shiraz vines in 1970 – extremely heavy clay soils, yields are low, but fruit flavour is intense through the employment of meticulous vinification techniques.

    “Forty-five year old vines. All French oak. This release streets the field. Some wines, even medium-bodied wines, just show us all how it’s done. Completely, cleanly, a whisper of nonchalance to the overt authority. The fold of tannin here does it but the fruit is velvety and sure, the complexity unforced; natural. It shows brilliant length, all components contributing. Licorice, five spice, cherry, mineral and slips of smoky oak. Ever so elegant, and ever so balanced. Completely immaculate.”   96 points, Campbell Mattinson, Wine Front, May 2015

    “Simply a Hunter classic: a savoury, spicy and elegant dry red of medium weight with a remarkably gentle but surprisingly firm palate that culminates in a fresh and lingering finish. It’s dusty and floral, with delicate aromas of black and red berries, cherries and plums overlying nuances of fiery, meaty fruit. Long and seamless, with a fine, chalky spine of mouthwatering tannins, it extends with great drive and purity towards a refreshing and lively finish. Likely to become quite smoky and gamey with age.”  Jeremy Oliver, 95 Points

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/pr-90-20-champagne-henri-giraud/">PR 90-20, Champagne Henri Giraud</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    PR 90-20, Champagne Henri Giraud

    £15500

    Time is integral to all exceptional wine, but it is the critical component in Henri Giraud’s PR 90-19. Drawing inspiration from philosophy and physics, the “Perpetual Reserve” is a voyage through Henri Giraud’s vintage history.

    The imagery on the bottle offers a metaphysical nod to the role of time in every aspect of this wine. The design features a stylised equation symbolising the compression of time and space, representing the span of vintages and spatial distances captured in this single cuvée.

    100% solera-based, PR 90-20 is an 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay blend. 1/3 Grand Cru reserve wine from the solera started in 1990, which is designated for Giraud’s MV Fût de Chène, and 2/3 would be from an older “Esprit Nature” solera dating to the 1950s.

    In the glass, PR 90-20 from Champagne Henri Giraud reveals a luminous golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is expressive and complex, unfolding layers of grapefruit zest, ripe pear, white flowers, and toasted brioche, interwoven with subtle hints of spice, chalk, and orange peel. On the palate, the wine is impeccably balanced, rich and vinous, yet precise and energetic with flavours of candied citrus, green apple, and delicate pastry notes. The signature chalky minerality of Aÿ’s Grand Cru terroir is complemented by the elegant integration of Argonne oak, adding texture and depth without overshadowing the fruit. A creamy mousse and refined acidity lead to a long, focused finish with lingering notes of clove, citrus oil, and fine salinity. This is a Champagne of poise and power, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and terroir-driven philosophy of Henri Giraud.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/1993-picolit-livio-felluga/">1993 Picolit, Livio Felluga</a> Wine Republic Heros Dessert Wine, Port & Dessert Wine

    1993 Picolit, Livio Felluga

    £16500

    Picolit is Friuli’s noblest wine, but its origins are still a matter for debate. It is only since 1750, thanks to the writings of Count Fabio Asquini, that we have any accurate documentation of this “nectar produced by the meagre berries of the bunch.” The peculiarity of this odd, delicate vine is the partial fertilization of its flowers. This means that only a few, very concentrated berries ripen in each bunch. A complex wine the color of old gold, Picolit marries sweet and acidulous sensations, releasing a pervasive aroma of candid peel, vanilla and spring flowers. In the past, Picolit was the wine of Europe’s nobility.

    In the glass the colour is an intense golden yellow. The nose is complex, captivating, and ripe with sweet sensations; it has notes of Calla lily, white rose blossoms, ginger, dates, quince jelly, trifle, sultana grapes, dried figs and white cherry. The palate is rich, full, persistent and lasting; the powerful tastes of honeycomb, a fruit blend of apricot, syrup and yellow peach, layered with hints of cream and crème brûlée. These flavours fade into an elegant, sapid vanilla ice cream finish.  Picot is truly an age worthy with old examples hard to find – This stunning 1993 vintage rivals any Sauternes.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/champagne-collet-cuee-no-21-nv/">Champagne Collet Cuvee No. 21</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    Champagne Collet Cuvee No. 21

    £16995

    Champagne Collet, established in 1921 as part of the oldest Champagne cooperative in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, is proud to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. To celebrate its centenary, Champagne Collet has made a commemorative bottling called “Cuvée n°21”. It is a blend of 21 of the Champagne House’s best years dating back to 1961. Aged for 7 years in Collet’s century-old chalk cellars, this wine is exclusively sourced from the Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages of Cramant, Ambonnay, Mailly, Avize, Hautvillers, Villers Marmery, Vertus, Verzenay and Chouilly. This one-of-a-kind Champagne was made in very limited quantity and will never be seen again.

    Disgorged and blended in 2021 this rare Champagne is comprised of the 21 best vintage which includes: 1961, 1969 1971, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, & 2012.

    Refined bouquet of fresh honeysuckle, buttered toast and almonds. Incredible aged characteristics in this blend. Tiny, delicate bubbles with rich and decadent flavours of caramel, roasted nuts, nectarine and candied ginger. A very long, elegant and silky Champagne.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/mv19-fut-de-chene-champagne-henri-giraud/">MV19 Fut de Chene, Champagne Henri Giraud</a> Wine Republic Heros Champagne & Sparkling Wine

    MV19 Fut de Chene, Champagne Henri Giraud

    £17500

    Prepare for one of the most extraordinary Champagne experiences, Henri Giraud’s MV19 Fût de Chêne.

    Robert Parker, two decades ago, said: “This may be the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of”. Since then, the world has heard of Henri Giraud, and especially the house’s flagship wines Fût de Chêne and Argonne, which are now world-renowned and highly sought after.

    Crafted in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, this exceptional cuvée is a testament to the house’s unwavering dedication to terroir, where the unique characteristics of their vineyards are brought to life in every bottle. Henri Giraud is renowned for its masterful use of oak barrels sourced exclusively from the ancient Argonne Forest, where only the finest wood is selected to enhance the depth and character of their wines.

    The MV19 is a blend of one-third perpetual reserve wine, dating back to 1990, and two-thirds from the 2019 vintage. This intricate combination, aged with the utmost care, imparts a richness and complexity that is simply unparalleled.

    Sébastien Le Golvet, the cellarmaster, oversees every detail, from the geo-positioning of each oak tree in the Argonne Forest to the precise toasting of the barrels. His dedication ensures that the barrel perfectly complements the minerality-charged terroir of Henri Giraud’s Grand Cru vineyards and trees.

    This Champagne undergoes an extended ageing process, further contributing to its remarkable complexity and richness. The MV19 is the epitome of luxury, a Champagne that showcases the harmonious union of vineyard, oak, and time.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/1991-occhio-di-pernice-avignonesi-375ml/">1991 Occhio di Pernice, Avignonesi, 375ml</a> Wine Republic Heros Dessert Wine, Port & Dessert Wine, Red Wine

    1991 Occhio di Pernice, Avignonesi, 375ml

    £19500

    The Occhio di Pernice is made from Sangiovese grapes, locally known as Prugnolo Gentile.   It undergoes the same process as the Vin Santo, resulting in a wonderful array of liquid caramel, candied berry fruits and plum marmalade.

    The winemaking process is fascinating and starts with the grapes being carefully placed in small wooden boxes.  They are then laid out on straw mats to dry and only pressed the following spring. The winemaker receives only small amounts of juice, but it is full of extracts and with a very high density (Oechsle).  The grape must is then sealed for 10 years in used wooden barrels called Caratelli where it vinifies and matures in them without the barrels ever being opened. The Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo then matures in the bottle for a further six months before release.

    The name Occhio di Pernice means “eye of the partridge” in German and is derived from the amber colour of the grapes as they ripen.

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  • <a href="https://wine-republic.co.uk/product/2019-chardonnay-vine-hill-vineyard-kistler/">2019 Chardonnay ‘Vine Hill Vineyard’, Kistler</a> Wine Republic Heros White Wine

    2019 Chardonnay ‘Vine Hill Vineyard’, Kistler

    £19500

    2019 marks the 40th vintage of Kistler and what a vintage it is!

    “This is a gorgeous set of wines from Kistler. The 2019 Chardonnays show the pedigree of the vintage in their nuance, character and site expression.”   Antonio Galloni of Vinous.com

    The 2019 Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay as described by the winemaker: Green-tinged pale yellow. Bold aromas of freshly peeled Gravensteins, lime blossom, powdered rock, deep earthen undertones and roasted grains. Expressive and deeply concentrated while tightly wound given its low pH nature. A long lingering finish speaks to the purity of the extract. One of the best examples of the mineral tones informed by the growing medium of certain soils and a classic manifestation of the seamless tension between weight and energy from the sands of the Vine Hill Vineyard.

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