Showing all 6 results

• Red Wine

  2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Vallons de la Solitude’, Domaine de la Solitude

  £3595

  Rich, smooth and flavoursome with complex layers of black-berried fruit, brambly notes, a touch of the local wild garrigue and gentle spice. Elegant yet sumptuous.

  This Domaine stretches from the high terraces of the ‘La Crau’ and descends into the Solitude Valley. The estate covers a patchwork of soils, from sandy soil known as ‘Safres’, which offer good drainage, to clay and pebble. The vineyard has an abundance of rounded quartzite stones, known as “Galet Roulés”, which derive from the Villafranchian period. These stones absorb heat during the day then radiate it at night, promoting full grape maturity.

  Purchase & earn 36 points!Add to Basket
• Red Wine

  2017 The Ironstone Pressings GSM, d’Arenberg

  £3750

  The Ironstone Pressings is named because most of McLaren Vale’s acclaimed and historic vineyards are impregnated with ancient, decomposed laterite granite known as ironstone. Its extraordinary rusty red-brown colour is derived from the iron oxides present in the stone. The larger pieces were cleared from the vineyards in the late 1880s and utilised in many of the buildings at d’Arenberg, most notably the old stables.

  The 2017 vintage is an aromatic wonder, initially, the nose is dominated by fragrant red fruits over spices and liquorice/earthy notes. As it breathes more obvious notes of loganberries, cranberry and mulberry fruits with maraschino cherry, dark chocolate and intense plum notes. There is an impressive background of fine-grain, cedary oak notes.  The palate is immense and beautifully structured with complex layers of exotic fruit flavours mixed with silky fine acidity. The mineral edged tannins are superb, almost elegant. Ripe red-fleshed cherries and dark ripe plums, spice and bell peppers are mixed with summer flowers. Dried herbs such as jasmine & lavender linger on and on; the finish has excellent intensity. Let it sit in a decanter and a continuous stream of characters will evolve.

  While enjoyable in youth, this wine will reach its full potential with bottle age up to at least 20 years. The considerable structure and depth will ensure that the fruit characters will develop over time revealing more complexity and providing immense interest.

  Purchase & earn 38 points!Add to Basket
• Red Wine

  2016 Mourvèdre, Fore Family Vineyards, Benevolent Neglect

  £4200

  We’re absolutely in love with this Mourvèdre. From warm, sheltered Lake County (north of Napa) where the conditions for the late-ripening Mourvèdre are ideal. Slightly carbonic on the nose with aromas of blackberries and black cherries, violets and iris, mocha, mint, leather, earth, and game. Smooth, velvety tannins on the palate and vibrant acidity. Wonderfully fresh for a full-bodied wine – sophisticated yet extremely drinkable.   Mourvedre’s reputation of wildness is present in this wine if you look for it.  56 cases produced!

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• Red Wine

  2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de la Solitude

  £4250

  Domaine de la Solitude’s wines are renowned for their characteristic elegance whilst expressing the true origins of their terroir.    This 2021 is a rich and opulent wine with ripe blackcurrant aromas layered with notes of the garrigue and cistus (a hardy shrub) flowers. Full-bodied but with a soft texture on the palate; this wine retains the estate’s characteristic elegance whilst embracing a modern style of winemaking. Ripe fruits combine with notes of cocoa and cherry and a hint of liquorice on the finish.

  Domaine de la Solitude has one of the best terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with its abundance of rounded quartzite stones from the Villafranchian period. These stones absorb heat during the day then radiate it at night, promoting full grape maturity. Yielding just 30 hectolitres per hectare, the vines are carefully managed throughout the year. The grapes are hand-harvested, once each variety has reached full maturity, which is based on tastings undertaken by an expert panel. The vineyard is farmed sustainably; the domain promotes and develops biodiversity in the vineyard by maintaining a flourishing wine-growing ecosystem.

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• Red Wine

  2016 ‘GSM’ Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Benevolent Neglect

  £4500

  The nose is intoxicating and perfumed, with a heavy proportion of florals, specifically violets, with nuanced, understated berry fruits and an intriguing mineral/graphite component emerging with time in the glass. The palate is sumptuous, plump and satisfying while retaining restraint, the oak beautifully integrated and suggested as a slight lick of caramel on the lengthy finish, which is all framed by restrained tannins and a lingering, mouthwatering finish of red fruits and savoury game. The guys from Benevolent make delicious, unique wines with soul.

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• Red Wine

  2010 The Ironstone Pressings GSM, d’Arenberg

  £4900

  The Ironstone Pressings is named because most of McLaren Vale’s acclaimed and historic vineyards are impregnated with ancient, decomposed laterite granite known as ironstone. Its extraordinary rusty red-brown colour is derived from the iron oxides present in the stone. The larger pieces were cleared from the vineyards in the late 1880s and utilised in many of the buildings at d’Arenberg, most notably the old stables.

  Unctuous blackberry and plum notes lay at the heart of this classic d’Arenberg example of a Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (GSM).  A spattering of exotic spices the likes of star anise, cardamom and nutmeg cling to the sweet, dark fruits and of course, it wouldn’t be a d’Arenberg wine without a rousing dose of earthy, gamey character.   The palate is fleshy and juicy with an almost velvet-like texture. Abundantly warm and generous but sufficiently structured to suggest this wine can go the long hall.

  While enjoyable in youth, this wine will reach its full potential with bottle age up to at least 20 years. The considerable structure and depth will ensure that the fruit characters will develop over time revealing more complexity and providing immense interest.

  Purchase & earn 49 points!Add to Basket