Wine List

The Witchery
This finely balanced & elegant Champagne is crafted especially for The Witchery

1er Cru Brut
Sacy

Billecart-Salmon
Well balanced, gooseberry laden sauvignon.

Brut Réserve
Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Billecart-Salmon Rosé
Consistently great non-vintage rosé, from this wonderful small house. Strawberry-scented with ultra fine bubbles.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Château Billot
A light and fresh Sauvignon/Semillon blend, with a lovely herbaceous nose.

Bergerac, France

Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and fresh with citrus, grassy aromas on the nose.

Mont de Joie, Henri Bourgeois
Loire, France

Riesling
Delicious; rich, crisp and fresh Riesling.

Fritz Haag
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

Chenin Blanc
Lightly oaked with fresh, zingy acidity and expressive, honeyed fruit.

Jordan
Stellenbosch, South Africa

Pinot Grigio
First-rate, high-altitude Pinot Grigio, from this exemplary producer.

Franz Haas
Trentino, Italy

Bourgogne Chardonnay
Elegant & bright Chardonnay, from this long-established domaine

Domaine Justin Girardin
Burgundy, France

Rosé
A first-class Provencal rosé with some lovely fresh fruit.

la Source Gabriel
Côtes de Provence, France

Frappato Incanto del Sud
Deliciously refreshing red berry fruits, balanced with smooth tannins & juicy acidity.

Baglio Gibellina
Sicily, Italy

Pinot Noir
Ripe and generous fruit-driven wine, delivering classic Pinot character.

Pencarrow
Martinborough, New Zealand

Valpolicella
Mid-weight with juicy soft berry fruits and black cherry flavours; classic Valpolicella

DOC Ilatium Morini
Veneto, Italy

Shiraz/Riesling
Big and juicy wine, that balances chewy fruit and freshness.

‘Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale’
Dandelion Vineyards, Eden Valley, Australia

Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon
Beautifully proportioned & balanced Malbec, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Amancaya, Rothschild Catena
Mendoza, Argentina.

Château Montaiguillon
Thick and ripe young claret, full of black cherries and chewy tannins.

Montagne St-Emilion
Bordeaux, France

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve
Family-owned, Billecart Brut Réserve is a fine, light and elegant Champagne; a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Pinot Meunier, sourced from the best sites in Champagne, with a quality second to none.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Vadin-Plateau ‘Renaissance' Extra Brut
This terroir-focused Grower Champagne is crafted from 100% Pinot Meunier, sourced from the Cumieres Premiere Cru vineyard, just north of Epernay. Floral and red-fruit aromas are complemented by a very fine bubble structure, and the extended bottle aging provides excellent weight and depth.

Epernay

Pol Roger Réserve
One of the fuller and fruitier styles, this is an old favourite here. Blended from an equal proportion of the three permitted varieties, to give a rounded and very sippable glass of wine.

Epernay

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Renowned for delicacy and elegance, with lovely balance between fruit aromas and light bready, yeast notes

Epernay

Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut
This extra-dry champagne is great example of the zero-dosage style; very dry, lean, crisp and refreshing.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut
Bollinger make a unique and hand-crafted wine with attention to detail from the vine to the cellar. A fuller style that benefits from ageing in old oak barrels.

Aÿ

Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin
It’s hard to say anything more about this grandest of the Champagne Grandes Marques. A full, almost rich style is produced consistently by using a high proportion of Pinot Noir.

Reims

Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
This very fine Champagne is crafted entirely using Chardonnay grapes, from five Grand Cru vineyards. Typically fine Chardonnay bubble structure, with exceptional purity and intensity on the nose and palate.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Billecart-Salmon Brut
Lovely vintage wine only ever produced in very small quantities. Youthful, with a rich fruit character and very delicate bubble structure.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Pol Roger
One of the few remaining independent Grandes Marques left in Champagne. Bright and fruity, with a delightful brioche nose and a clean, broad palate.

Epernay

Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart
One of Billecart’s top wines and possibly the best in their portfolio (and really as good as anything else in Champagne). Generous and powerful, whilst retaining restraint and elegance; the epitome of fine Champagne.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Taittinger
Now back in the hands of the family, Taittinger’s Comte is on a roll, and this is one of the best. Rich, but with an ethereal lightness and persistence on the palate.

Reims

Clos Des Goisses Philipponnat
A rarity, one of only a handful of vineyard & site-specific, terroir- driven, wines to be produced in Champagne. Seldom seen and only really known to aficionados, this is one of the greatest Champagnes you will ever try.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Cuvée R Lalou
Produced in very small quantities and released only in the very best years; made from grapes sourced from the most distinguished grand cru vineyards in Champagne, this blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir is elegant and complex.

G.H. Mumm, Reims

Dom Perignon Möet et Chandon
For many, the most prestigious of all prestige cuvées, blending 65% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir and 8% Pinot Meunier. Rich aromas of intense fresh citrus fruits, with nicely rounded biscuity acidity.

Epernay

Perrier-Jouet Belle Époque
An elegant Champagne that celebrates the artistic past of this great house. The famous bottle, with its swirl of white flowers, echoes the delicate floral style of the wine, with aromas of honeysuckle, magnolia, pear & peach.

Epernay

Krug
In a hot year that had many Champagne houses shying away from creating a vintage blend, 2000 saw Krug seize the opportunity to create this powerful, expressive Champagne, full of citrus peel, honey, brioche and candied apple character.

Reims

Cristal Louis Roederer
Once produced in crystal bottles for Tsar Alexander II, this wine offers sublime aromas of honeyed apple, toasted peaches, vanilla and honeysuckle.

Reims

Salon
One of the great names in Champagne, Salon only make this one wine, a Blanc de Blancs and only releasing it in exceptional vintages. A classic 1996 with crisp acidity; now starting to unveil its huge potential.

Mesnil-sur-Oger

Billecart-Salmon Rosé
Consistently great non-vintage rosé, from this wonderful small house. Strawberry-scented with ultra fine bubbles.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Dom Perignon Rosé Brut Moet et Chandon
Very rare wine from a great vintage. The sheer quality of D.P. rosé will be blatantly obvious to anyone fortunate enough to taste it.

Epernay

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec
This sweet and rich wine has the same cepagé as the brut, but with an elevated dosage. Full-flavoured with a fine balance between sugar, alcohol and acidity, this is a superb accompaniment to for desserts with a subtle sweetness.

Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

Prosecco Spumate, Modella
Crisp, deliciously frothy and filled with apple & citrus fruit character; this is classic Prosecco.

Italy

Cava Brut, Parxet
A delightfully fresh and zesty wine from this highly regarded traditional family firm, using organically farmed Macabeo, Xarel-lo & Parellada, the wine exhibits aromas of tropical fruit & white flowers.

Spain

Montlouis sur Loire, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups
A Pétillant Naturell Chenin Blanc from the pioneering wine maker Jacky Blot, whose organic, minimal interventionist wines now ensure that the Montelouis appellation deservedly share some of the limelight with it's better-known neighbour Vouvray.

France

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée
English sparkling wine is finally getting the attention it deserves or fulfilling its potential, whichever way you prefer to look at it. Nyetimber have long been at the forefront and can certainly give most Champagne a run for its money; crafting their Classic Cuvée from the same vinous holy trinity of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier.

England

Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz, Mollydooker
A fine example of the uniquely Australian style of sparkling red wine. Like a typical full-bodied McLaren Vale Shiraz, but with vivacious bubbles; rich red berry & cherry flavours with a hint of chocolate, well worth a try.

McLaren Vale, Australia

Moscato d’Asti Strevi, Conterno
Typically sweet and light (5% ABV), with masses of absolutely delicious sweet fruit, this is a top example of the slightly sparkling frizzante style, from this esteemed producer.

Italy

Château Clarke
One of the lesser-known properties owned by the Rothschild family, Clarke offers extremely good drinking for its price. Beautifully structured with a great generosity of fruit.

Listrac

Château Cantemerle 5ème Cru Classé
Cantemerle is situated in Macau in the Southern Médoc and has a reputation for elegance. This is fine, light and ethereal claret with unmistakeable class.

Château Roc de Cambes
François Mitjavile of Chateau Le Tertre-Rôteboeuf uses the same techniques here as in his far more expensive St-Émilion property, with equally impressive results. Very rich and lavish, yet still fundamentally Bordelaise in style.

Côtes de Bourg

Château Barrail du Blanc Grand Cru
This tiny property, just three hectares in size, is located in Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrons, planted on rather light, well-drained soils. Such terroir makes for generous & easy-drinking wines, at every stage of maturity.

Croix Canon Grand Cru
The second wine of Château Canon and under the ownership of the fashion house Chanel the quality has risen here in parallel with massive investment. Made from young vines, with the same attention to detail as the flagship wine.

Chapelle d’Ausone Grand Cru Classé
This is the ultra-rare second wine of Ausone, one of the greatest estates in Bordeaux. Made from young wines in a rich, serious and deliciously accessible style.

Château Pavie Macquin 1er Grand Cru Classé
This estate has been making great wine for some time and this great ’15 is all the proof you need. Full bodied yet elegant with lots of exotic notes on the nose and palate.

Château Canon 1er Grand Cru Classé
This Chateau has undergone a substantial revival in recent years, and the wines here have always displayed elegance and class. 2014 was a classically proportioned vintage, often overlooked in favour of the more glamorous year that followed.

Château Bélair-Monange 1er Grand Cru Classé
Bélair-Monange (formerly Bélair) was taken over by the Moueix family in 2008 and has gone from stalwart to superstar. The considerable investment here shows in this near perfect and lavishly proportioned wine.

Château Angelus 1er Grand Cru Classé
Angelus has been making waves since the late 80’s and is now ranked alongside Bordeaux’s best. One of the best and most long-lived wines of the ’07 vintage.

Château Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé
Figeac has always been a bit of a dark horse in St-Émilion but has really come into its own since the mid 2000’s. Drinking beautifully now with a very long plateau ahead of it.

Château Pavie 1er Grand Cru Classé
Pavie was elevated it the latest (and last?) classification of St-Emilion in 2012 to Class A, along with Cheval Blanc and Ausone. A monumental wine rated by some as one of the greatest clarets of the last half-century.

Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé (A)
The eighty-fives have always been seen as pretty, but possibly a bit short term. This however is first class; up there with the great Cheval Blancs. Mature and quite lavish on the nose and palate, with no rough edges.

Château Ausone 1er Grand Cru Classé (A)
The eighty-fives have always been seen as pretty, but possibly a bit short term. This however is first class; up there with the great Cheval Blancs. Mature and quite lavish on the nose and palate, with no rough edges.

Château La Grave à Pomerol
Fine Pomerol from a consistent but slightly overlooked property. A great effort and a truly fine wine in a vintage that was a classic rather than a blockbuster.

Château Hosanna
Hosanna is a tiny parcel of vines situated between Petrus, La Fleur and Vieux Château Certain, producing some of the most lavish wines in Pomerol. A rich and lavish wine transcending the usual traits of this vintage.

Château Gazin
Gazin is a large estate by Pomerol’s standards, so lovers of the region will find it good to hear that the quality is steadily on the rise. Very fine and luscious wine, with enough structure to go the distance.

Pensées de Lafleur
Not quite the second wine of the legendary Château Lafleur as since 1999 this has been made from a specific clay-rich plot of the Lafleur vineyard. Soft, gentle and harmonious whilst still rich, this is close to perfection.

Château La Fleur-Pétrus
One of the great names in Pomerol; beautifully situated with an illustrious track record. The 2010 is a stone-cold classic from the greatest vintage this century; ready now, but with a long future ahead of it.

Château l’Evangile
This is the Pomerol outpost of Lafite-Rothschild and since gaining complete control around 2001 the property is now one of the giants of the region. 2010 is a year that shines brightly in the annals of Bordeaux and l’Evangile encapsulates this illustrious vintage perfectly.

Petrus
Fully mature and exemplifying the longevity and sense of grandeur that you would expect from this great estate. The palate still impresses with silky, rich fruit. Plenty of blackberry and chocolate character and a medium finish.

Petrus
A medium-bodied Petrus retaining some grippy tannins on the palate, with complex black fruits and a hint of rose petal on the nose. Open now and ready for rewarding early drinking.

Petrus
Very serious Petrus from the wonderfully approachable 1989 vintage. Beautifully open now, like the 1990 this is a blockbuster wine; intense, rich & massively concentrated.

Petrus
One of the finest wines ever to be produced at Petrus, or for that matter, all of Pomerol. A big, black, viscous glass of wine, this exhibits huge amounts of ripe, black, almost caramelised fruits on the nose and lots of rich multi-layered fruit, tannin and rich oak on the palate.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classé
One of the top estates in Pessac, making very polished wines, whilst retaining the commune’s elegant touch. Absolutely delicious wine from a vintage rated for drinkers rather than investors.

Château La Mission Haut-Brion Cru Classé
This big, structured wine is built for the long haul and is now starting to drink well.s situated in Macau in the Southern Médoc and has a reputation for elegance. This is fine, light and ethereal claret with unmistakeable class.

Château Haut-Brion 1er Cru Classé
A very classically structured wine from one of the best vintages of the nineties. Tightly concentrated, with lovely balance; rewarding now and for the long haul; displaying a luxuriant nose of tobacco, black fruits & dried herbs.

Château Haut-Brion 1er Cru Classé
Very good Haut–Brion from a vintage that excelled on the right bank and in Pessac-Leognan. Typically elegant with a ripeness of fruit in the middle, only found in the estates finest wines; while sweet black fruits, black olives, cinnamon, smoke & earth dominate the nose.

La Dame de Montrose
As Montrose has risen in status and quality so has this superb second wine. Full and rich, with the delightful elegance associated with this vintage.

Château Calon-Ségur 3ème Cru Classé
Calon-Ségur has been a little bit overlooked for some time but is now up there with Cos and Montrose in terms of quality. A superb example from the legendary millennium vintage, refined and drinking beautifully.

Château Montrose 2ème Cru Classé
Montrose is now regarded as a true super second and this is one of the finest wines to ever produced there. Full scale and still firm with tannins, this is just starting to open up.

Château Cos d’Estournel 2ème Cru Classé
Since Bruno Prats took over winemaking here in 1978, the quality has soared, making this a true ‘super-second’ growth. Elegant, finessed and beautifully balanced, from the wonderful ’04 vintage.

Château Langoa-Barton 3ème Cru Classé
Polished & classically-proportioned claret from this very well-respected property.

Château Branaire-Ducru 4ème Cru Classé
For a long time Branaire-Ducru was sold mainly in France, making it undeservedly obscure. The accent here is on quality and terroir, rather than modernity, as seen in this stunning ’03.

Château Léoville-Barton 2ème Cru Classé
A grand old property with a history for age worthy claret and a loyal following in the UK. This is one of the all-time greats produced here and is ready for rewarding drinking right now.

Château Léoville-Poyferre 2ème Cru Classé
An estate that has risen in quality over the last 25 years and is now consistently producing some of the finest wines in the Medoc. A big wine for the vintage, still showing youthful vibrancy but still approachable.

Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2ème Cru Classé
After a bit of a shaky period in the late eighties, Ducru returned to form with a vengeance, in the mid-nineties. A real powerhouse, with lots going on aromatically, and a reassuring weight on the palate.

Château Léoville-Las Cases 2ème Cru Classé
As far as quality and critical appraisal go this estate easily holds its own with the first growths. A near perfect example from a near perfect vintage, this is a hedonistic treat that has just opened up for drinking.

Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2ème Cru Classé
This is one of the great estates in Pauillac, with a reputation for elegance (partly due to the relatively high proportion of Merlot) This wine shows great balance & class rather than massive concentration or extract.

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5ème Cru Classé
Although eclipsed by the first growths and super seconds Grand-Puy-Lacoste epitomises all that is great about Pauillac. Drinking well now, this is elegant and mature.

Château Pontet-Canet 5ème Cru Classé
On the up since 1994 and now rightly regarded as one of the estates to watch in Pauillac. Firm, but not unapproachable, with enough body to support its tannins.

Château Lynch-Bages 5ème Cru Classé
This excellently situated Château is a super second growth in all but name. Possibly the finest wine made here since the 1990 vintage; combining all the attributes of classic Bordeaux, with a ripeness that makes it easily approachable.

Château Lafite-Rothschild 1er Cru Classé
This wine typifies the style and complexity of a grand Bordeaux, now drinking beautifully.

Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Classé
A great wine from an insider’s vintage and probably the best Mouton of the nineties. Typically firm for the vintage, but with a super-ripe core of fruit now overcoming some serious tannin.

Château Latour 1er Cru Classé
A magnificent Latour still in the early stages of its very long drinking window. Classically proportioned with everything in the right place, this is possibly the wine of the vintage, as is often the case with Latour.

Château Latour 1er Cru Classé
A monumental wine, just ready for those who like their Claret concentrated, yet suavely balanced. Classic Latour with the richness and power you would expect, now entering maturity with a great degree of elegance.

Château Latour 1er Cru Classé
Once again Latour produces possibly the finest wine of this excellent vintage. A very serious Cabernet-dominated effort that is at the start of its drinking window (this is from the 2016 release).

Château Lafite-Rothschild 1er Cru Classé
An awesome wine that is drinking surprisingly well, given the rather austere nature of the vintage, in fact it’s hard to imagine it getting much better. Massively fruity, with an almost regal opulence, with supple, rather than hard tannins.

Château Mouton-Rothschild 1er Cru Classé
One of the greatest Moutons ever, still remarkably youthful and adolescent rather than fully mature. A rich and opulent; perfectly open now after a fairly long tannic slumber.

Château Brane-Cantenac 2ème Cru Classé
What should be one of the finest properties in Margaux has upped its game in recent decades and is producing racy, elegant but still very traditional claret. An open and accessible example from a great drinking vintage.

Château Rauzan-Ségla 2ème Cru Classé
Now up there with Palmer and Margaux itself, this is deep and powerful, with the sophistication expected from a Margaux. The 2009 vintage is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon & 42% Merlot: full-bodied, yet subtle with a long & spicy finish.

Château Palmer 3ème Cru Classé
Palmer is a third growth usually thought of as one of the super-seconds and these days produces wines to rival the firsts. A beautiful Palmer showing the great elegance that could be achieved in this very underrated vintage.

Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé
From an overlooked vintage that has gained plaudits over time, this is a great Margaux. Medium-bodied, richly perfumed, this has a voluptuous touch; definitely not a tannic behemoth.

Château Margaux 1er Cru Classé
After an inauspicious start, the nineties produced a series of decent vintages beginning with the excellent 1995. Margaux excelled in this year and this is first growth claret in all of its majesty.

Château Grand Village
A stunning white Fronsac (70% Sauvignon Blanc/30% Semilion) from the owners of Château Lafleur. Dry, but with a depth of flavours not always found in white Bordeaux.

Blanc de Lynch-Bages
A very good example of the rare white from this top-flight Pauillac estate. A fine pear-scented nose shows hints of citrus, with a lovely lively finish on the palate.

Château Guiraud 1er Cru Classé
After a lot of time and investment Guiraud has risen from relative anonymity to become one of the finest estates in Sauternes. They are renowned for making powerful wines in a poised style, that even in hot vintages like '03 don’t become too fat.

Château Rieussec 1er Grand Cru
Since being purchased by Lafite-Rothschild in 1984 Rieussec has shown its potential as one of the finest estates in Sauternes. The style here is unashamedly opulent and supported by generous amounts of new oak.

Château Climens 1er Cru Classé
From one of the finest estates in Barsac, Climens’ wines are the epitome of delicacy and complexity. This ’03 is an outlier from an unusually hot vintage showing more power and concentration.

Château de Fargues 1er Cru Classé
De Fargues was the sister estate of Yquem that remained with the Lur-Saluces family after LVMH bought its illustrious sibling. The selection here is as strict as Yquem and the élevage as lavish and lengthy, resulting in one of the finest wines in Sauternes.

Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur
Among all the wines of Bordeaux only Yquem has its own classification. While others strive for perfection Yquem reaches it, albeit with awe-inspiring effort and attention to detail; many acolytes believe this 2007 to have the promise of being one of the true greats. (Chilled to order)

Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur
The last of a triumvirate of great vintages (preceded by 1988 & 1989) this behemoth is one of the richest wines ever made here. Intensely botrytised and seamlessly full; truly profound wine. (Chilled to order)

Château d’Yquem 1er Cru Supérieur
One of the finest Yquems of the nineties, starting to open up at this comparatively youthful stage. A great big wine (Yquem embraced the plus-size trend long ago) bursting with exotic scents, ranging from honeycomb to white peach. (Chilled to order)

Bourgogne Rouge
A lovely Pinot Noir with a touch of firmness to it; from one of the most reputable producers in Burgundy.

Albert Bichot
Burgundy

Nuits–St.–Georges 1er Cru Clos Des Fôrets St.–Georges Domaine de L’Arlot
A beautifully situated monopole vineyard, owned by a very well-regarded property. Delicate but with great length and depth.

Côte de Nuits

Gevrey-Chambertin La Romanée 1er Cru Monopole Domaine des Varoilles
La Romanée is a tiny 1er Cru that is in sole ownership of the domaine. It is characterised by its low-yielding shallow soils and planted with 60-year-old vines. Flavours of cherry, earth and iron are supported by well-integrated tannins that provide a long, elegant finish. This is a wine of considerable style and finesse.

Côte de Nuits

Chambertin Grand Cru Domaine Louis Remy
Remy’s wines are known among collectors as Burgundy with a good deal of finesse. This Chambertin really knocks it out of the park offering an elegance that most wines can only dream of.

Côte de Nuits

Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Jacques Prieur
Clos de Vougeot is one of the largest and famously most fragmented Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. The powerful and well-structured wines have a rustic side when very young, but the conscious decision to pick relatively late here has resulted in an approachably flamboyant wine. Rather dense with a black fruitiness enhanced by spicy notes and fresh digestible tannins.

Côte de Nuits

Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru Joseph Drouhin
First rate wine from the smallest of Morey’s Grand Crus. Mature but still fresh and opulent, with a lot to offer in the long run.

Côte de Nuits

Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Joseph Drouhin
The Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru tends to provide lighter and fresher wines than those of its neighbours. Ripe red fruits, Chinese spice and hints of forest floor; the flavours are rich and harmonious, yet never too heavy. The fine and noble tannin imparts a silky and elegant texture.

Côte de Nuits

Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
Made from the young vines from the domain’s Musigny vineyard. Brooding and intense, this is one of the finest examples of this wine ever released.

Côte de Nuits

Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
Stunning wine from one of the greatest names in Burgundy and the largest landholder in this great vineyard. Known for their longevity, the wines only start getting into their stride after ten years.

Côte de Nuits

Clos de Tart Grand Cru Monopole Domaine Clos de Tart
Once regarded as the finest of the Grand Crus of Morey-St-Denis, this wonderful wine is well on the way to regaining that reputation. A forward wine from a ripe vintage with a very long future ahead of it.

Côte de Nuits

Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 1er Cru Joseph Drouhin
At this level Drouhin’s wines are the equal of any in Burgundy. This singular premier cru is easily on par with the finest grand crus in Burgundy.

Côte de Nuits

Échézeaux Grand Cru Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
A decent sized Grand Cru vineyard with many landowners making wine here, unsurprisingly DRC are the cream of the crop. Fresh and balanced, this is easily of the best recent examples made here.

Côte de Nuits

Romanée-St.-Vivant
Once the ugly duckling of DRC’s offerings, this is now one of the most beautiful of their swans. Both elegant and powerfully structured this is a wine built for the long haul.

Côte de Nuits

Richbourg Grand Cru Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
Richbourg is DRC’s crowd-pleaser showing even more opulence than the Romanée-Conti itself. The ’06 is a stone-cold classic that is starting to open up and show its pedigree.

Côte de Nuits

La Tâche Grand Cru Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
La Tâche is pretty much the pinnacle of red Burgundy and this is a truly great example. An exotic peacocks tail of a nose is supported by fine grained tannins that will ensure this wine lasts for decades.

Côte de Nuits

Pernand-Vergelesses Domaine Rollin
From the charmingly named ‘Sous le Bois de Noël et Belles Filles’ vineyard, which produces gloriously fragrant & fruity, easy to drink wine, supported by supple tannins.

Côte de Beaune

Beaune 1er Cru Clos du Roi Luc Camus-Bruchon
Luc Camus is a wine maker who gets better with every vintage. This is from a tiny plot of Beaune 1er Cru from which Luc makes a gloriously ripe and silky wine. This is Burgundy at its most ravishing, elegant and full of fruit.

Côte de Beaune

Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremeits Domaine Marquis D’Angerville
From one of the great domaines in Burgundy; this is an excellent example of the most improved of the premier crus here, elegant and full of fruit.

Côte de Beaune

Pommard 1er Cru Combes-Dessus Domaine Marquis D’Angerville
The vines of Combes-Dessus are on Pommard's border with Volnay but share little similarity with its neighbour. The complex nose melds black cherry, licorice, violet, and spice, along with a faint leathery nuance. Very ripe but not overly so. Sinister, brooding and masculine - just what Pommard should be. Impressive.

Côte de Beaune

Pommard Cuveé Raymond Cyrot Hospices de Beaune
The wines of Pommard are the fullest in the Côtes de Beaune and closest to the Côtes de Nuits in style & this delicious example has plenty of freshness for the long haul.

Côte de Beaune

Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru Cuveé Madeleine Collignon Hospices de Beaune
This cuveé, the Hospices’ only vineyards in the Cotes de Nuits, is always one of the stars of the famous auction. Lots of hedonistic forest fruit aromas on the nose, with a decent amount of grip on the palate.

Côte de Nuits

Volnay 1er Cru Champans Domaine Marquis D’Angerville
From one of the great domaines in Burgundy; this is an excellent example of the most improved of the premier crus here, elegant and full of fruit.

Côte de Beaune

Beaune 1er Cru Clos de Mouches Joseph Drouhin
Drouhin’s wines are some of the finest in Burgundy and exemplify elegance and a deftness of touch, overweight and extraction. One of their signature wines from a near monopole vineyard and an excellent vintage.

Côte de Beaune

Corton Grand Cru Bonneau du Martray
This estate’s long history dates back to the Roman era, making wines exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. This has real character, a slightly sauvage element to the aromatics and an opulence to the fruit. Superb definition and focus toward the finish. A distinctive offering from Burgundy's largest Grand Cru.

Côte de Beaune

Brouilly La Folie Vieilles Vignes Laurent Martray
A wonderfully elegant and persistent Beaujolais, from this small producer operating at the highest level. Made in old barriques to add a touch of complexity, this is easy, delicious and hard to beat.

Beaujolais

Moulin-À-Vent Cœur de Terroirs Vieilles Vignes Domaine Labruyère
Beaujolais is becoming fashionable again, as many are seeking lighter, more gastronomic wines, and Labruyère excel at making some of the very best. Crafted with the elegance of fine Burgundy, whilst remaining a true Beaujolais in style.

Beaujolais

Fleurie Clos Vernay Domaine Lafarge-Vial
This is the quality-led Beaujolais outpost of the famed Lafarges of Volnay. Unsurprisingly reminiscent of fine Côte de Beaune, this is high-level winemaking with a very fine structure.

Beaujolais

Chablis Domaine de Chantemerle
From a producer committed to crafting Chablis in a natural and authentic way. Unfined, unfiltered and unoaked – a pure expression of Chablis with citrus and crisp apple flavours and a chalky, saline mineral character.

Chablis

Chablis Domaine Long-Depaquit
Though its single vineyard wines are fêted, this domain’s A.C. Chablis are a benchmark of depth and quality; typifying what is great about Chablis, with firm acidity & a complex, chalky finish.

Chablis

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit
Long-Depaquit’s wines are held in high regard, and they are widely seen as one of the best half dozen or so producers here. The wines are steely, focused and un-oaked with good depth on the palate.

Chablis

Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy Laurent Tribut
The Tributs produce miniscule quantities of great wine at their tiny five-hectare domain. Lean, edgy and terroir driven; a great expression of Chablis.

Chablis

Chablis Grand Cru Valmur Prieuré Saint Côme
Chablis of the first order, this is traditionally made, vinified in vats and aged in neutral large oak foudres for a year before bottling. Fresh and bright but carrying that extra weight and complexity you would expect at Grand Cru level.

Chablis

Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Domaine Drouhin-Vaudon
Les Clos is the best situated of all the grand crus in Chablis and Drouhin have some of the best holdings within it. Made in the manner of Joseph Drouhin's house style; refined and understated, but immediately engaging.

Chablis

Chablis Grand Cru Moutonne Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit
Long-Depaquit are the sole owners (‘Monopole’) of this vineyard at the heart of Grand Cru Chablis. Elegant and subtle white stone fruits, with citrus and floral notes on the nose, the palate is full and supple yet fresh and light, with a touch of oak and exceptional length, this is classic Grand Cru Chablis.

Chablis

Viré Clessé ‘Quintaine’ Domaine Michel
Clessé is one of the most highly thought-of villages in the Mâconnais and this cuvée must surely be one of the top wines in the A.C., its robust charm backed up with complex layers of fruit, exotic oils, minerals and gentle acidity.

Mâconnais & Côte Chalonnaise

Mâcon-Verze Domaine Leflaive
Now a fixture in this renowned domain’s portfolio, this delicious Mâcon shows the grandeur of the wines made here, but at a slightly less grand price. Made for rewarding drinking on release and from one of a run of fine white vintages in Burgundy.

Mâconnais & Côte Chalonnaise

Bourgogne Aligoté de Bouzeron A et P de Villaine
Over the last few decades, most Aligoté vines have been ripped up and replaced with the more profitable Chardonnay. This Aligoté is one of the best available, from the owner of Romaneé-Conti.

Mâconnais & Côte Chalonnaise

Montagny 1er Cru Les Bonneveaux Olivier Leflaive
Olivier Leflaive has cemented his reputation as an innovator, both as negociant and grower. Classic Montagny from a rich, forward vintage with fine mineral and slightly toasty characteristics.

Mâconnais & Côte Chalonnaise

Pouilly-Fuissé Le Clos Reyssier Esprit Leflaive
An exciting wine from an innovative new venture by Domaine Leflaive, expanding out from their known heartland of Puligny-Montrachet. The ‘Clos Reyssier’ vineyard is exposed to the southeast, and flourishes with a full-bodied expression of Pouilly-Fuissé. It’s riper characteristics are accentuated with exotic pineapple and passion fruit flavours, supported by notes of grilled almonds. A powerful and rich wine.

Mâconnais & Côte Chalonnaise

Marsannay Source des Roches Domaine Bruno Clair
Marsannay is the northernmost appellation of the Cote de Nuits and is a region that is fast restoring the high reputation it held in the past. The Source des Roches is from several parcels on the upper slopes, and has a small amount of Pinot Blanc blended in with the usual Chardonnay.

Côte de Nuits

Puligny-Montrachet Les Nosroyes Domaine Génot Boulanger
Located just below the exceptional premier cru Les Perrières, this Domaine takes a non-interventionist approach to wine making, here producing their first organic Puligny; stylish, suave, generous yet balanced, with notes of plum fruit, quince & a citrus twist on the finish.

Côte de Beaune

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes Jean-Nöel Gagnard
Beautifully open, yet fresh and well-balanced Chardonnay, with classic Gagnard Chassagne buttery, honeyed & deliciously ripe stone fruits, with a touch of lemony citrus to balance, typifying this renowned producers’ style & all-round excellence.

Côte de Beaune

Clos des Mouches Blanc Joseph Drouhin
One of the first vineyards acquired by Drouhin in the 1920's. Today, one half is planted half with Chardonnay, the other with Pinot Noir. The Clos des Mouches Blanc captivates with its elegant, bright golden-yellow colour and a velvety, light character; round, but never heavy. Wonderful notes of white truffle, citrus, honey and nutmeg, are elegantly melded together.

Côte de Beaune

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Bonneau du Martray
Bonneau du Martray have a long track record as one of the top producers of white wine in Burgundy. A great example, drinking beautifully now but with a long future.

Côte de Beaune

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clavoillon Domaine Leflaive
One of Burgundy’s most famed producers demonstrate their finessed approach to the art of supremely elegant Chardonnay. Citrus fruits harmoniously combine with vanilla on the nose & palate, with great subtlety & balance.

Côte de Beaune

Meursault 1er Cru Sous le Dos d’Ane Domaine Leflaive
An exceptional premier cru that was previously planted with Pinot Noir before being regrafted with Chardonnay in 1996. This Mersault is fleshy, lively and generous, whilst bearing the hallmark chalky notes characteristic of the climat.

Côte de Beaune

Le Montrachet Grand Cru Marquis de Laguiche Joseph Drouhin
An excellent offering from the largest holding on Burgundy’s greatest white wine. Still holding up beautifully (this wine will age for decades even in lesser vintages) and displaying the exotic depth and complexity that Montrachet can achieve.

Côte de Beaune

Cairanne Réserve des Seigneurs Domaine L’Oratoire St Martin
Like most wines from around here this is made predominantly from Grenache, though this has an unusually high proportion of Mourvèdre, adding considerable richness. Big, luxurious and capable of giving any Châteauneuf a run for its money.

Southern Rhône

Lirac La Fermade Domaine Maby
In the last thirty years Lirac has been transformed from the rustic big brother of Tavel, into an extremely alluring alternative to increasingly costly Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Mabys make a delicious round, smooth and quaffable wine.

Southern Rhône

Gigondas Domaine Saint Gayan
For over fifty years this Domaine has exemplified this appellation’s ability to make great wine. Dominated by Grenache, with some Syrah and Mourvèdre, this has a delightfully spiced nose with hints of violets, white pepper and black cherries.

Southern Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 38 Parcelles Famille Quiot
From one of the oldest family-owned estates in the Rhône, the Famille Quiot blend 7 of the 13 permitted varietals to produce this expertly executed Châteauneuf-du-Pape; vivacious red & black fruit characteristics, with a pepper edge and earthy nose, finely balanced with soft elegant tannins.

Southern Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Charvin
Described by one notable critic as the “Richebourg of Châteauneuf” and very close in style to Rayas. Rich and generous, whilst remaining soft, accessible and delicious.

Southern Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château de Beaucastel
Beaucastel has been at the forefront of fine wine production in the Southern Rhône for some time and is still the benchmark for great Châteauneuf. This is a great wine from an excellent, well- proportioned vintage.

Southern Rhône

Crozes Hermitage Yann Chave
This wine is ripe, firm and has oodles of black cherry and spiced aromas, with earthy flavours, giving it great depth and good concentration.

Northern Rhône

Crozes Hermitage Alain Graillot
Since his first vintage in 1985, Graillot’s reputation has risen so fast, that he is now regarded as one of the appellations top producers. His style of winemaking is a heady, eclectic mix of tradition and modernity, resulting in big, pungent wines that may need a little time to open up in the glass.

Northern Rhône

Saint Joseph Domaine Bernard Gripa
Fantastically bright and focused Syrah, from this oddly underrated AC. Aromatic with little oak, this exemplifies the mid-weight, food-friendly wines made here.

Northern Rhône

Côte Rôtie Robert & Patric Jasmin
This four-hectare domaine exemplifies the individualism achieved by small growers, rather than the international, homogeneous style of many larger negociants. An elegant wine, light in colour and abundant in fruit with very little oak yet possessing great finesse.

Northern Rhône

Hermitage J.L.Chave
To many Chave’s wines are the best in Hermitage and this must be rated as one of the greatest estates in the world. Still relatively youthful and from a great vintage, this can be enjoyed now and for decades to come.

Northern Rhône

Hermitage L’Ermite M.Chapoutier
Michel Chapoutier has spent the last few decades revitalising this large firm, and his Sélection Parcellaires wines have received massive, positive critical attention. A great wine that shows an aristocratic balance of breadth and precision.

Northern Rhône

Côte Rôtie La Landonne E. Guigal
In 1978 Guigal produced his first vintage of this single vineyard wine. The wine is opaque in colour with aromas of toasted oak and vanilla, the palate is medium-sweet with ripe blackberry and plum flavours with a finish of glorious soft ripe tannins.

Northern Rhône

Côte Rôtie La Turque E. Guigal
This is one of the rarest and most talked-about wines. All Guigal’s single vineyard wines are remarkably fine, but in 1985 the first vintage of La Turque raised the stakes in quality and longevity and is testament to this producers’ skills & belief in long oak-aging.

Northern Rhône

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes Château de Beaucastel
Beaucastel is the foremost property in Chateauneuf for both red and their age-worthy whites, and this is a fine example of their craft; Predominately Roussanne with some Grenache Blanc; producing honeyed, tropical fruit aromas, terrific acidity and a long mineral finish.

Southern Rhône

Saint Peray
Admittedly on the obscure side, but at this level the wines offer a great alternative to white Burgundy. Marsanne with a touch of Rousanne, but with more focus and edge than you often find; bordering on exceptional.

Les Pins Domaine Bernard Gripa

Viognier Le Pied de Samson
Domaine Georges Vernay is a long-established, family-owned wine domaine, famous for the revival of the Viognier vine. This particular wine hails from a vineyard on the upper plateau of the valley, just above the boundary of the famed Condrieu appellation, and offers an excellent alternative. Vibrant, fresh and bursting with a floral perfume of honeysuckle, orange blossom and apricot.

Domaine Georges Vernay

Hermitage Blanc Tardieu-Laurent
Criminally overlooked, white Hermitage has the potential to be one of France’s best and certainly most age-worthy dry whites. Made from old vine Marsanne with a touch of Rousanne, this opulent apricot-scented wine is one for the true connoisseur.

Condrieu Coteau de Vernon Domaine Georges Vernay
The name Georges Vernay is inseparable with the history of Condrieu and Viognier, his fifty years of experience possibly making him the authority on both subjects. Vernay’s patience and attention to detail, help produce this stand-out example of this uniquely peachy and aromatic wine.

Pouilly-Fumé
A classic example of this appellation’s wines. Subtle gooseberry aromas combine with a characteristic gun-smoke nose brought together with clean acidity.

Domaine de la Loge

Sancerre
First-rate Sancerre from this passionate winemaking family, dedicated solely to the pursuit of making perfect Sauvignon Blanc. Delicate aromas of lime and ripe fruit on the nose, with the kind of racy acidity you won’t find anywhere else.

Domaine du Nozay

Sancerre Les Calcaires
A blend from several parcels on the estate featuring Oxfordian limestone soils (hence the name ‘Les Calcaires’) This is a focused and linear style of Sancerre, with green citrus aromas overlying the characteristic mineral base-notes. Appreciable acidity delivers freshness with a long-lasting finish.

Lucien Crochet

Montlouis Sur Loire Remus
Always the bridesmaid to Vouvray’s bride, Montlouis seemed destined to remain in obscurity until Jacky Blot realised this AC’s potential to make some of the world’s greatest Chenin Blanc. Made from low-yielding single site old vines with no malolactic, this is precise and concentrated wine.

Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups

Anjou Blanc Sec
Very fine Anjou from a tiny producer who is on top form at the moment. Micro-management in the winery and vineyard allow a minimalist approach to intervention, producing seriously concentrated and age-worthy Chenin Blanc.

Thibaud Boudignon

Sancerre Monts Damnés
A neighbour of the highly fashionable François Cotat, the wines here are less edgy, but no less good. Meticulously hand-crafted from vineyard to cellar; it’s hard to imagine better Sancerre.

Gérard Boulay

Sancerre Rosé Cuvée Maulin Bèle
Fantastic rosé from this first-rate producer, in this popular AC. Salmon-pink in colour and perfectly poised on the palate.

Sancerre Rouge Cuvée Maulin Bele
A full-flavoured example of this typically very light wine, from an extremely consistent producer. Distinctive Pinot Noir characteristics on the nose, and a pleasingly grippy palate make this the ideal partner for fish and white meats.

Andre Vatan

Samur-Champigny Vieilles Vignes
Produced from very low yielding Cabernet Franc vines between 50 & 100 years old, the Filliatreau’s top red wine shows amazing concentration on it’s deep dark fruit palate, balanced with some decent tannic grip.

Domaine Filliatreau

Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg 1er Trie
Since these wines can really last a century, it’s fair to describe this as a young example. This is the top selection made from the botryised and raisined grapes, picked in the harvester’s final pass through the vineyards.

Gaston Huet

Viognier Cuvée Elisabeth
From this expert wine-maker of over 2 centuries, this is deliciously luscious, indulgent and full-bodied; exhibiting the classic apricot & peach aromas you would expect, with fresh acidity holding things together on the voluptuous palate.

Domaine de la Baume, Languedoc-Roussillon

Agrumes & Caetera
Difficult to pronounce but a pleasure to drink! Made from a blend of indigenous grape varieties. Green citrus and floral aromas, with a distinctive flinty character, this wine is vibrant and refreshing.

Domaine Capmartin, AOP Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

Savagnin Ouillé
The first release from the new Jura venture of Marquis d’Angerville maker of the finest wines in Volnay. Very light and elegant, but with persistent length; think Chablis Premier Cru style-wise.

Domaine du Pélican, Arbois, Jura

Arbois Poulsard
Poulsard is the most widely planted of the Jura's red grape varieties, producing lightly structured and delicate wines. This particular example is unoaked to highlight the character of the fruit; offering flavours of red berries, spice and earth with just a slight floral touch.

Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot, Jura

Cahors Malbec
Malbec from this part of the world tends to be a bit more ‘serious’ than its Argentine counterpart. The ‘En Pente’ vineyard where this wine is grown is situated on terraces of Kimmeridgian limestone, which showcases the bright and fresh characteristics of the fruit.

'En Pente' Causse du Théron

Domaine Richeaume
An organic blend of Grenache, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon; it has brambly berry aromas with herby, cassis flavours, supported by silky tannins.

Cuvée Tradition, Côte de Provence

Bandol
Predominately Mouvedre (balanced with some Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan) this is powerful & voluptuous; elegance can be an extremely rare quality for most Mourvèdre, but patently not for this fine example, perhaps one of the most under-rated of all France's great wines, with notes of leather, wild herbs and layers of sweet black fruit.

Château Ste. Anne, Provence

Arbois Trousseau
Very on trend right now. The wines here are light, like good Loire Cabernet Franc; focused and precise. Light with a very edgy complexity; much more to this than it’s “hipster wine” reputation may lead you to believe.

Lucien Aviet & Fils, Côtes du Jura, Rosière, Cuvée des Géologues

Roc d’Anglade
Previously in partnership with René Rostaing in Côte Rôtie, Rémy Pedreno produces this predominantly Carignan blend (Mouvèdre Syrah & Grenache make up the rest of the cépage) Finessed and fresh, with floral and spicy notes on the nose, with hints of dark chocolate and black cherry on the palate, leading to a silky finish.

Vin de Pays du Gard, Languedoc Roussillon

Riesling Riquewihr
From a producer known for crafting wines of great finesse and elegance, with minimal intervention. This dry Riesling displays floral and stony aromas, with zesty citrus flavours on the palate. A versatile wine suited for challenging dishes.

Domaine Trapet

Gewurztraminer
Incredibly intense aromas and extremely full on the palate, this bench-mark wine epitomises all that is great and unique about these wonderfully rich wines; their signature Gassman sweet edge, superbly balanced by the vibrant acidity of the fruit.

Rolly Gassmann

Gewurztraminer
Dry, in the signature Trimbach style, but so rich it almost seems sweet (it isn’t!). Lots of floral and lychee aromas on the nose, balance with a fresh chalky minerality on the palate.

Trimbach Cuvée des Seigneurs De Ribeaupierre

Pinot Gris
Produced in small quantities and only when the vintage permits. Made from late harvested grapes that have not been affected by botrytis, this is rich and lavish but never overdone.

Vendange Tardive Trimbach

Pinot Gris
Grown in a beautifully situated monopole vineyard this may well lay claim to the title of World’s best Dry Pinot Gris. Coming from one of the best white wine makers around, this may be technically considered ‘dry’ but still carries around 38g/l of residual sugar making for a lavish and expansive wine.

Grand Cru Clos St Urbain Rangen de Thann Zind Humbrecht

Riesling
Trimbach believe that Alsatian wines are meant to be dry & their concentrated, linear Rieslings are some of the region’s best. Focused & minerally with lovely definition, this cuvée is hugely regarded.

Cuvée Frédéric Emile Trimbach

Tokay Pinot Gris
Hugel are one of the biggest players in Alsace and their sweet cuvées are undoubtedly amongst the very best available. Dark and sticky with an elevated botrytis nose and a long, intense palate.

Selection de Grains Noble Hugel

Gewurztraminer
Off dry, deep and rich, this is quite possibly at the pinnacle of wine making in Alsace, with very complex spicy mineral aromas with hints of citrus fruit, developing in the glass to show its noble limestone origin.

Clos Windsbuhl Zind Humbrecht

Riesling
This exceptionally rare wine can lay a very strong claim to be the best dry Riesling in the world. The absolute epitome of Trimbach’s rich, whilst remaining completely dry, style.

Clos Ste. Hune Trimbach

Purist Riesling Kabinett Trocken
Axel Pauly is a rising star on the German wine scene since taking the reins of the family estate. This an incredibly well-balanced example of the Trocken style; lean without being mean.

Axel Pauly
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Riesling Graacher Feinherb
Willi Schaefer is the head of a small family domaine and is considered one of Mosel's top producers. This Riesling is a lighter, aromatic style, showing lime peel and white peach, with an underlying note of flint. The evident acidity is finely counterbalanced with just a touch of residual sweetness.

Willi Schaefer
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Riesling Kabinett Maximin Grünhauser Abtsberg
This is just about the perfect example of Mosel Kabinett and has few rivals for sheer pleasure in the glass.

Carl von Schubert
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Riesling Spätlese Wehlener Sonnenhur
Wehlener Sonnenhur is one of the middle Mosel’s finest vineyards and Prüm produce their signature wines here. Sumptuous now and built for the long haul.

Joh Jos Prüm
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Riesling Auslese Wehlener Sonnenhur
A rich but not sticky or fully botrytis wine. Full and opulent on the palate but never tiring; you may wonder why you would ever drink anything else.

Joh Jos Prüm
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Riesling Kabinett Oberhäuser Leistenberg
Helmut Dönnhoff produces some of Germany’s most intense, bewitching and mouth-watering wines, that mixes Rheingau body with Mosel minerality; truly compelling Riesling.

Dönnhoff
Nahe

Riesling Auslese Monzinger Halenberg
Werner Schönleber produces some of the top wines in Nahe, and today the estate stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in Germany. A beautiful Auslese of medium-weight and delicate aromatics.

Emrich Schönleber
Nahe

Riesling Fruhlingsplatzchen Grosse Gewachs
If you are slightly confused by Germany’s delightfully precise labelling laws prepare to be bewildered. Grosse Gewachs are grand crus or first growths denoting historic vineyards and the style resembles a dry Auslese. The result is simply gorgeous.

Emrich Schönleber
Nahe

Nebbiolo Langhe
Subtly perfumed black fruits, with hints of tobacco dominating the nose, whilst the palate is chewy, with very firm tannins. Textbook Nebbiolo from this very fine producer.

Paolo Scavino
Piemonte & the North-West

Barbera d’Alba
Vajra produce some of Piedmont’s most pure and understated wines, respecting tradition but not hampered by it. Vibrant, generous and beautifully balanced.

G.D.Vajra
Piemonte & the North-West

Barolo
Scavino was one of Barolo’s great modernisers of the eighties, introducing vineyard specific crus and small oak barriques. The oak is now toned down, and these wonderfully harmonious wines are firm favourites here.

Paolo Scavino
Piemonte & the North-West

Barbera d’Alba
Conterno’s Barolos are some of the greatest wines on Earth and the Barbera is a real treat as well. Rich and complex, but with such hedonistic purity that’s impossible not to like.

Cascina Francia Giacomo Conterno
Piemonte & the North-West

Barbaresco
Bruno Giacosa produces some of the finest expressions of Nebbiolo to be found and is renowned for incredible consistency. A fine and complex bouquet with violet and wild berry notes, whilst flavour is full, velvety, harmonious and firm on the palate.

Asili Bruno Giacosa
Piemonte & the North-West

Barolo
Few would disagree that Voerzio produces some of the very finest Barolo available. Young-ish, yet approachable, you can’t find a more text-book example of the ‘tar and roses’ character of Nebbiolo.

Brunate Roberto Voerzio
Piemonte & the North-West

Barolo
Voerzio is often regarded as a producer of new wave Barolo, which roughly translated means smaller barrels and softer tannins. A more feminine expression of Barolo, with a complex high tone nose and a firmly youthful palate.

Rocche dell'Annunziata Torriglione Roberto Voerzio
Piemonte & the North-West

Barolo
Elio Altare was one of the pioneers of the new style of Barolo in the eighties and is now seen as one of the greatest and most consistent producers in all of Italy. The single vineyard Crus are the pinnacle of his production, with the Brunate rarely producing more than 100 cases.

Brunate Elio Altare
Piemonte & the North-West

Barolo
This estate produces what is regarded as the pinnacle of traditional Barolo. Long aging in large wooden vessels, gives these wines an almost unrivalled complexity.

Cascina Francia Giacomo Conterno
Piemonte & the North-West

Valpolicella Superiore
The grapes here have been air-dried for 20 days, resulting in a deliciously ripe Valpolicella halfway to an Amarone; well-structured and balanced with fresh black fruits in harmony with velvety tannins.

Prognai ILatium Morini
Veneto & the North-East

Valpolicella Superiore
Quality-wise this estate is approaching the likes of Quintarelli and Dalforno. Classic new wave Valpolicella, full of delectable black cherry flavours and nicely integrated oak.

Azienda Agricola Marion
Veneto & the North-East

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Whilst not attaining the stratospheric prices of Quintarelli or Dal Forno, Allegrini’s wines are still class-leaders. Very much a modernist, with generous use of new wood, and favouring a richer, sweeter finish; Amarones don’t get much better than this.

Allegrini
Veneto & the North-East

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Bertani are one of the oldest estates in Valpolicella and have a long and highly respected tradition of Amarones. The style here is restrained in comparison with some supercharged modern interpretations, coming across as balanced and wholly irresistible.

Bertani
Veneto & the North-East

Valpolicella Classico Monte Lodoletta
Romano Dal Forno is now widely regarded as the pre-eminent producer of fine wine in Valpolicella. Their Valpolicella is Amarone in everything but name (being made from 100% air-dried grapes since the 2002 vintage) and is a truly massive wine.

Romano Dal Forno
Veneto & the North-East

Valpolicella Classico Superiore
Quintarelli have long been respected for pushing the boundaries of quality of Valpolicella and at their best they are peerless. The wine is rich yet elegant, without ever feeling forced.

Quintarelli
Veneto & the North-East

Rosso di Montepulciano
A really delicious, fruit-driven wine from one of very top producers in Montepulciano. Very fine and approachable Sangiovese, with good depth and only moderate tannins.

Poliziano
Tuscany

Chianti Colli Senesi
From a sustainably run estate producing organic wines and olive oil; eschewing the use of oak in order to make a wine where the fresh fruit is at the forefront, this in unapologetically easy-going and enjoyable.

Torre alle Tolfe
Tuscany

Chianti Classico
Terrific Chianti from a top estate that rates among Tuscany’s best. Aromatic with good grip and texture, and hints of black cherry.

Fontodi
Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino
Il Poggione is that rare thing; a good-sized producer making decent quantities of excellent wine at a fair price. Another truly fine wine from a run of great recent vintages, from a producer with a very solid track record.

Il Poggione
Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino
Meticulously made from organically-grown old vine Sangiovese grapes, this is very fine Brunello from one of the best young estates in the region, now drinking beautifully.

Le Ragnaie
Tuscany

Cepparello
This is a different take on Super-Tuscan, as it flouts Chianti regulations by being a 100% Sangiovese, rather than using international varieties. Rich, yet elegant, this stands shoulder to shoulder with the best Chianti or Brunello.

Isole e Olena
Tuscany

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Barbi are one of the oldest and most respected names in Montalcino, with a large estate producing everything from wine to cheese to salami. The wines are on top form now; dark and brooding with firm, but not forbidding tannins.

Fattoria dei Barbi
Tuscany

Tignanello
Made from Sangiovese with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc, this proudly wears the badge of Super Tuscan IGT, even though it could now be called a Chianti. Fresh and savoury, with well-integrated oak notes and a long persistent finish.

Marchesi Antinori
Tuscany

Sassicaia
Now honoured with its own D.O.C., this Cabernet is the precursor to all other Super-Tuscans. Taking its influence from the classic wines of the Haut-Medoc, it is stylistically similar, but with more forward fruit.

Tenuta San Guido
Tuscany

Pipoli
This wine is from a small co-operative in the heart of the isolated Aglianico del Vulture zone, in the Basilicata region. The vines are planted on volcanic soils at altitudes of up to 800m, producing a wine that is bold and structured with highly complex aromas.

Vigneti del Vulture, Aglianico del Vulture
The South & The Islands

Etna Rosso
Marco de Grazia is one of the pioneers rediscovering the black soils on the slopes of Mount Etna. Made from Nerello Mascalase and Nerello Mantellato, with vines ranging from ancient to just very old, this is a complex wine that stylistically leans towards Barolo.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere
The South & The Islands

Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Planeta are famed for their mastery of international varietals, but here they show they are equally adept at handling local varietals. A blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato, with lots of red berry fruits on the nose and a long supple palate.

Planeta
The South & The Islands

Elegia Primitivo Reserva
Vinified from fruit harvested from 50-year-old bush vines located in the Manduria area of Puglia, this wine shows a degree of restraint in comparison its new-world Zinfandel counterparts. Ripe red fruits, and spicy balsamic-like notes are supported by silky, structuring tannin. Full and rich without being over the top.

Produttori Di Manduria
The South & The Islands

Passorosso IGT Tenuta di Passopisciaro
Etna reds are the next big thing in certain circles and Andrea Franchetti is probably making the best. Made entirely from Nerello Mascalese, the style lies between Barolo and Burgundy, with firm tannins and enthrallingly complex aromatics.

Franchetti
The South & The Islands

Gavi di Gavi
Ascheri produce great wines and are driven by a holistic view of food and wine’s ability to enhance each other. This is classic Gavi with some serious depth to it.

Ascheri
Piedmont & the North-West

San Vincenzo
Frustrated by the regulations for producing Soave DOC, quality-driven wine-maker Roberto Anselmi has confected this delicious blend, mostly Garganega with some Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Pinot Bianco and Incrocio Manzoni; Aromas of tropical fruit, apricot, peach & lemon zest on the nose, with juicy well-balanced acidity on the palate with a lovely mineral finish.

Anselmi
Veneto & the North-East

Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is made on the slopes of the San Gimignano village. The wine is perfumed, light and fresh with a hint of crisp acidity.

Riccardo Falchini
Tuscany

Pinot Grigio
A substantial wine that offers an intensity not often seen from this part of the world. The grapes are harvested late and vinified after a short period of skin maceration, to provide extra weight, depth and concentration. Flavours of pear, white peach and brioche are well balanced with the finely integrated acidity. v

Cesconi
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia

Capo Martino
Blending old-vine Frulian whites; Tocia Friulano, Malvasia, Ribolla Gialla, & Picolit and, this is an absolutely beautiful wine. Intensely aromatic, invoking scents of perfumed white flowers and citrus fruits bound together with fresh acidity on the palate.

Vinnaioli Jermann
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia

Verdicchio Classico Superiore
Bucci are at the top of their game and this is one of the finest white wines in Italy. Complex and mineral, with good aging potential, but utterly delicious right now.

Villa Bucci
Marche

La Segreta
Planeta are possibly the most celebrated young winery in Sicily, consistently gathering accolades at home and abroad. This delicious blend of mainly Grecanico and Chardonnay, epitomises their clean fresh style that never disappoints.

Planeta
The South & The Islands

Rosato Cantine Nervi
Conterno craft this almost luminous pink rosato (rosé) from 100% Nebbiolo. This dry, zesty rosé shows great intensity energized by vibrant acidity and a hint of tannic structure. Delicious drinking on its own, but also lending itself very well to food pairings.

Conterno
Piedmont & the North-West

Etna Rosato
Marco de Grazia can be credited as one of the pioneers rediscovering the black soils on the slopes of Mount Etna and who helped bring renewed interest to Sicily. His Rosato is bright, fresh, salmon pink and strawberry-scented, whilst balancing juiciness, softness and elegance.

Tenuta delle Terre Nere
The South & The Islands

Rioja Seis de Luberri
Satisfying and juicy in equal measure, this is a great everyday Rioja, with a touch of spice and oak nuances, overlaying more-ish red and black fruit notes.

Luberri
Rioja

Rioja Crianza
A lovely, ripe crianza, from this small new-ish Bodega. Lots of succulent red fruits on the nose, supported by gentle vanilla oak tones, and long on the palate.

Gorrebusto Bodega Torre San Millan
Rioja

Rioja Reserva
Luis Cañas has been running this estate as one of the most progressive in Rioja since the 70’s. This is a fabulous reserva with lots of ripe fruit, wrapped up in spicy oak.

Seleccion de la Familia Luis Cañas
Rioja

Rioja Gran Reserva 904
The reserve 904 is a great example of fine old-school Rioja. The wine has tremendous structure, great body and mature flavours of liquorice, leather and fine, ripe fruit.

La Rioja Alta
Rioja

Viña Tondonia Reserva
Tondonia’s lengthy aging & vineyard specific bottling make their wine’s paragons of both place and process. Superb in the traditional style, with the emphasis on mature tertiary aromas rather than primary fruit.

Lopez de Heredia
Rioja

La Cueva del Contador
Benjamín Romeo’s wines are some of the most prized and lauded in Rioja. As none of the flagship ‘Contador’ was produced in this vintage, here is a great example of his second wine.

Bodegas Contador
Rioja

Rioja Gran Reserva 890
Only ever released after many years and only in the best vintages. Full, soft aromas and a satin-smooth palate make this a fine example of a grand old Rioja.

La Rioja Alta
Rioja

Castillo Ygay Tinto, Gran Reserva Especial
From one of the most highly rated vintages of recent years, full-bodied with excellent balance between fruit and sweet oaky vanilla, this is a cracking wine.

Marques de Murrieta
Rioja

Psi Peter Sisseck
A great expression of Ribera Del Duero fruit, fully harnessed by both traditional and modern techniques.

Dominio De Pingus
Ribera Del Duero

Finca Villacreces
Wonderfully full and expressive Ribera from this meticulously run property; well-balanced fruit and oak, with notes of dark plums, cherries & blackberries, with smoky tannins on the lengthy palate.

Ribera Del Duero

Flor de Pingus
This, the second wine of the fabulously expensive Pingus, is made from ancient, low-yielding Tempranillo vines; the wine is deep, almost black, with sweet black cherry on the nose and dense, dark creamy fruit on the palate.

Dominio De Pingus
Ribera Del Duero

Valbuena 5˚
The second wine of Vega Sicilia has an ardent following, and some even think that the less vigorous oak aging gives a fresher, more vital wine.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera Del Duero

Único
The millennial offering from Vega is a full-scale wine with great depth and backbone, rather than fat and extraction; built to last yet utterly delicious now.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera Del Duero

Único
Vega Sicilia has long been held as the pinnacle of Spanish wine and this excellent example illustrates why. Meticulously produced from fruit from its unusual Bordeaux-influenced vineyard, the wine has a plummy depth and roundness that seems to go on forever.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera Del Duero

Único
Unico is without a doubt the finest wine in Spain and sits shoulder to shoulder alongside the world’s greatest. A big nineties release that ranks with the best wines ever produced here.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera Del Duero

Único
Always stunning, this is one of the best releases of the single- vintage bottling from Vega Sicilia. Dense, full-bodied and concentrated.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia
Ribera Del Duero

Clos de Tafall
This family run estate in Priorat was established in 1999; situated above a century old manganese mine that has been partially restored. This wine is predominantly Grenache and Syrah, supported by a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. Generous and lively with well-integrated tannin.

Clos Berenguer
Catalonia

Mas La Mola
A stunning offering from this young boutique winery; as good as anything else in Priorat, this is full bodied and powerful, with ripe tannins, mouth-watering acidity and a long, fruit-driven finish.

Catalonia

Vermell
Aiming to produce more authentically Valencian wines, this unique winery blends Garnacha, Arco and Mando grapes which are then aged in clay amphora, to produce this bright, fresh and fruity red; medium-bodied and well-balanced with fine tannins & delicious acidity.v

Celler del Roure
Valencia

Pizarras Y Esquistos Mencia
From the ancient, terraced slopes of Galicia’s Ribeira Sacra region, where the Atlantic air and schist soils yield wines with distinct character. This Mencia shows wonderful aromatic intensity, with bright fruit and floral aromas. A real crowd pleaser!

Ponte de Boga
Galicia

Jarrate Blanco
A unique blend of indigenous grape varieties supported by a small proportion of Torrontes and Tempranillo Blanco. A charming wine, driven by fresh stone fruit and floral aromas, unhindered by the use of oak.

Abel Mendoza
Rioja

Rioja Blanco
Remelluri produce only tiny quantities of this outstanding white. The winery has a special dispensation within the Rioja D.O.C. to use international varietals such as Viognier and Marsanne, to produce what is quite possibly the best white wine in Spain.

Remelluri
Rioja

Txakoli
This fairly obscure region in the Basque country produces one of the most interesting and individual white wines in Spain. Crisp and dry with a slight spritz, this is a wonderful and unique wine.

Bodegas Agerre
Guetaria

Albarino
Albariño is probably the most fashionable white wine in Spain right now. From one of the leading producers in Galicia, this is typically bright and aromatic on the nose, but with a mineral length and depth of flavour rarely achieved here. v

Pazo Señorans
Riax Baixas

Cullerot
Made in ancient amphora from a blend of classic Spanish & local old vine varietals, this is beautifully fresh white with a citrus peel character.

Celler del Roure
Valencia

Vinho Verde
An easy-drinking wine displaying bright citrus and tropical fruits, with a crisp mineral finish. Light-bodied and low alcohol, with a refreshing touch of spritz; a classically proportioned style from this relatively young winery.

Marques de Lara

Branco
Niepoort have transformed native Portuguese varietals into this refreshing yet balanced Burgundian-style wonder.

Redoma Niepoort Douro

Redoma Rosé
Banish any preconceptions of Portuguese rosé; this is fat and luscious, with heady layers of complexity; refreshing & lovely.

Niepoort

Drink Me
Niepoort deftly marry the complexity of classic Douro wines with an easily approachable lightness of touch, wherein soft tannins are balanced with a refreshing minerality.

Niepoort Douro

Dão 'Rótulo'
Dirk Niepoort's quest for quality vineyards outside of his traditional home of the Douro led to the inception of Rótulo in Dão in 2012. This medium-bodied offering shows typical Neipoort elegance and restraint.

Niepoort Quinta da Lomba

Touriga Nacional
Quinta dos Carvalhais has been instrumental in pioneering the quality revolution of the Dão region; combining knowledge and tradition with modern winemaking techniques. This single-varietal wine presents itself as an excellent example of the noble Touriga Nacional and is only released in years of exceptional quality.

Quinta dos Carvalhais Dão

Reserva Old Vines
A field blend of around 30 different varieties, sourced from a parcel of individually catalogued, 70-year-old vines at the Quinta. Rich and full, with complex aromas of tobacco leaf, cedar, vanilla, and spiced Douro fruit. This wine is a great showcase of the concentration that is characteristic of low-yielding, old vines.

Quinta do Crasto Douro

Barca Velha
The finest dry red made in Portugal; although it has been in production since 1952 this is only the 18th release. Still young and showing an abundance of fruit, tannin and acidity.

Casa Ferreirinha Douro

Warre's
Possibly a bit underrated Warre’s Ports straddle the fine line between restraint and opulence. Still relatively young and sweet, this is a powerhouse of a wine.

Gould Campbell
Flying slightly under the radar this is the least known of the six Symington Port houses. Made to celebrate their 200th anniversary this is an excellent wine with serious structure and fruit.

Croft
A convincing return to form from this venerable name and also the first time the grapes were trodden by foot since 1963. An opulent palate with freshness and balance; starting to drink nicely now.

Smith Woodhouse
One of the lesser-known houses in the Symington portfolio Smith Woodhouse produce wine that show immense depth and concentration. Made in a slightly drier style and built for the long haul this is drinking beautifully now.

Dow
One of the all-time great Dow’s from one of the best, and almost universally declared, vintages of the last 40 years. A big and opulent Port, drinking well now and for a long time to come.

Fonseca
Fonseca consistently produce some of the most polished wines in the Douro. Smooth with plenty of ripe fruit still evident this is one of the best of this little declared vintage.

Taylor's
To many Taylor’s wines are the pinnacle of Vintage Port production and this is one of their finest of the modern era. A big wine from a hot vintage, this is a young and magnificently opulent wine.

Grüner Veltliner
Willi Bründlmayer’s excellent wines show thoughtful balance between the winemaker and the land. Spicy on the nose with medium body and lively acidity.

Kamptaler Terrassen Weingut Bründlmayer Kamptal

Riesling Smaragd
Knoll are right up there with the best in Wachau, with decent holdings in the best vineyards. The style here is tight and concentrated with depth and power, whilst avoiding being tiring or over-exuberant.

Loibenberg Weingut Knoll Wachau

Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
F.X. Pichler is the biggest name in the Wachau and has trail-blazed the international perception of the region. The ‘M’ selection Grüners are made from the best grapes in the finest plots and are hedonistic brews.

M’ F.X Pichler Wachau

Riesling Smaragd
Perhaps the world’s finest dry Riesling, certainly Austria’s. Superlatives aplenty for this stunning wine.

Unendlich F.X Pichler Wachau

Château Musar
This mid-weight vintage is perfectly balanced with excellent acidity & fine tannins; sweet bramble & hedgerow fruits linger sumptuously on the nose and lengthy palate.

Serge Hochar
Bekka Valley

Chardonnay
Steve Kistler is without doubt at the forefront of Chardonnay production in California, and his wines can sit comfortably with the world’s finest. This is typical of his style of massive, sensual wines, where every component seems full-throttle, yet perfectly balanced.

Les Noisetiers Kistler Sonoma Coast
Sonoma County

Chardonnay
Full, voluptuous fruits & a gentle toasty-oak element combine to make a truly Epicurean premium Chardonnay, from one of Napa’s rising stars.

Red Shoulder Ranch Shafer Carneros
Napa and Carneros

Chardonnay
One of the most respected winemakers in California, David Ramey is making some of the very best Chardonnays in the US. Full of intense tropical fruit and supported by floral notes allowing the oak to integrate beautifully.

Hyde Vineyard Ramey Carneros
Napa and Carneros

‘Deux Grenouilles’
A rare white blend from SQN; based on Rousanne, Chardonnay & Viognier, bursting with expressive aromas of apricot, buttered citrus & dried fruits. Creamy, rich & lush, without ever becoming clumsy.

Sine Qua Non Ventura County
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

Cabernet Sauvignon
The Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from this winery is built in a full and open style; its rich and sumptuous character makes it a perennial favourite.

Silver Oak Alexander Valley
Sonoma County

Pinot Noir
Kistler are renowned for making some of California’s best Chardonnays, but their equally impressive Pinot is rarely seen over here. Elegant and mid-bodied, with abundant fruit.

Russian River Valley Kistler Sonoma Coast
Sonoma County

Pinot Noir
In the world of high-end Californian Pinot Noir, Littorai are at the top of the game, making wines that are exemplars of balance and longevity. The style here is not overly showy, letting the delicate, savoury character of Pinot shine through. v

The Pivot Vineyard Littorai Sonoma Coast
Sonoma County

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cakebread have been producing very serious wines since 1973, eschewing trends & producing thoughtful, tightly structured Cabernets. This excellent example epitomises that style, with a Bordelais structure, lifted by black fruits and blessed by the Californian sunshine.

Cakebread Rutherford
Napa and Carneros

Syrah
From the joint venture between Aubert de Villaine of DRC in Burgundy & Larry Hyde in Napa. Very well-defined & balanced Syrah, reminiscent of fine Crozes-Hermitage.

Californio Hyde de Villaine Caneros
Napa and Carneros

Cabernet Sauvignon
Renowned for quality, Stag’s Leap wines balance richness with structure. The Fay vineyard is a particular Napa ‘hot-spot’ and the wines produced there exhibit very forward and opulent fruits.

Fay Vineyard Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Napa and Carneros

Cabernet Sauvignon
Paul Hobbs single vineyard Cabernets are amongst the very finest in Napa. Opulent, assertive & powerful, yet polished; with a lengthy finish.

Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard Paul Hobbs St. Helena
Napa and Carneros

Cabernet Sauvignon
Joe Heitz was one of the pioneers of Napa Cabernet and his Martha’s Vineyard set the standard that many others have striven to emulate & typifies the power and finesse expected from top-flight Napa Cabernet.

Martha’s Vineyard Heitz Cellars St. Helena
Napa and Carneros

Maya
Established in the 1980’s, praised in the 1990’s, Dalla Valla’s super cuvee was the wine of the vintage in 2000. Produced in minute quantities from a four-acre hillside site, this is one of California’s rarest and most collectable wines.

Dalla Valle Oakville
Napa and Carneros

Cabernet Sauvignon RBS
Schrader are right at the top of the tree in Napa, producing some of the most highly rated and collectable Cabs. Made from single berry section this is an incredibly opulent offering from a tough vintage.

Beckstoffer To Kalon Schrader Oakville
Napa and Carneros

Opus One
This iconic winery started as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi – skillfully melding conventional and contemporary practices. This Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend possesses a myriad of subtle accents fully in bloom. Beautifully ripe and finishing with an epic persistence beautifully displaying promises of longevity to come. An iron fist in a velvet glove.

Oakville
Napa and Carneros

Monte Bello
Opening up and ready to drink, this is a relatively youthful example of the longest-lived of all the great Californian Cabernet Sauvignons. Voluptuous and concentrated, with seemingly never-ending layers of blackcurrants and cassis.

Ridge Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains
Santa Cruz & Monterey

Estate Grenache
John Alban is the great pioneer of Rhône varietals, and as others have fallen by the wayside the wines here have grown in stature. Only 300 cases of this vintage were produced with a big 98 score from Parker, making this very collectable and hard to find.

Alban San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘The Line’ Grenache
A rare chance to try a great release from this idiosyncratic and hugely collectable winery.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘The Thrill of Stamp Collecting’ Syrah
Manfred Krankle’s Rhône-inspired wines are amongst the most highly prized wines in California.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Upside Down’ Grenache
Big wine that doesn’t want for freshness or finesse. Grenache with a seasoning of Syrah and Mouvedre.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Stock’ Syrah
And some more Sine Qua Nonsense. The Syrah is the one to go for in this vintage and is full without going overboard.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘♂ Male’ Syrah
Tired of simply giving each wine a different name every year Manfred Krankle has started to use symbols instead. Once more the flavours are copious, the experience hedonistic.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Dirt Vernacular’ Grenache
Showcasing a new phase in SQN’s production, with varieties from newer vineyards being used in greater proportions. Full-on decadent and full-bodied, though indelibly blessed with freshness and vibrancy.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Rätsel’ Syrah
Originally called ‘Cypher 16’ but renamed ‘Rätsel’ (German for ‘puzzle’) due to potential legal issues. The sensational 2016 vintage resulted in wines of massive concentration and intensity. Pure perfection in Syrah.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Pictures’ Grenache
Probably the best Grenache in California and fêted by some as the best in the new world. The accent here is on a feeling of graceful completeness rather than sheer attack of fruit.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Dark Blossom’ Syrah
Syrah with a couple of other Rhône varietals added for complexity. Full-scale and lavish in the Sine Qua Non style.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘This Is Not An Exit’ Syrah
From the estate Eleven Confessions Vineyard in Santa Rita, this is a blend of 80% Syrah, 12% Grenache, 7% Roussanne & 1% Viognier. Aged in new French oak for almost 42 months, this is rich, voluptous and complex; liquid hedonism!

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Testa dei Cherubini’ Grenache
An extended age release (38 months in oak) from SQN’s Eleven Confessions vineyard. This lengthy élevage results in a very stable wine, that is sure to age gracefully for decades to come.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Patine’ Syrah
One of SQN’s hyper-rare late releases. Dense and concentrated, this bears some resemblance to Giugal’s top La La Cote Rôtie’s.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

‘Ode to E’ Syrah
And it is at this point that things get very silly indeed. The top wine in a series of occasional releases, this has spent four years in wood and is released in microscopic quantities, with huge Parker points hence the funny money price.

Sine Qua Non Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo

Pinot Noir
Beaux Frères is a joint venture involving über-critic Robert Parker that is much talked about but seldom seen in the UK. A rich, smooth and plump Pinot, that should be a real crowd pleaser.

Beaux Frères Willamette Valley
Oregon