Fantastic wines under £20

Winemaker "Elegant, driven & focused. Aromas of Fresh stonefruit and fig with hints of macadamia, the palate is fresh and approachable - attractive peach and nectarine, supported by a soft underlying acidity and creamy texture with harmonious oak. Drink now or cellar confidently for 5+ years."

Winemaker: In homage to the classics of Tuscany, this vino evokes the essence of Italy. Wild fermented Sangiovese with a splash of Merlot, it is captivating and filled with charm. Vespa red in colour it oozes with scents of cherries, violets and red currants. Medium bodied and light on its feet with subtle tannin, the palate is driven by raspberry and cherry fruit. Defined by fresh acidity and savoury curves that give length, depth and lineage. Pure charisma and Italian style... Bella!

We loved this Semillon, our full tasting note coming soon...

Winemaker "Sourced from the Howard family Somerset Vineyard where I once worked; I know this vineyard almost as well as my own. Planted in 1969 over fine sandy loam soils, the fruit was hand picked in early February. The juice was fermented on solids in tank/ neutral oak and given extended lees contact to building complexity and texture. The wine shows the character of the old gnarled vines, balancing fruit with minerality."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Light, bright yellow colour with a malty, almond meal-like bouquet that overlies the lemony varietal notes. Very pleasant. The palate is similar: light-bodied, soft and rounded, with a mild personality but refreshing acidity on the back-palate and finish. Soft, round, harmonious. Good drinking. Generous fruit."

Raymond Chan "Very dark, deep, purple-hued ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim and youthful in appearance. This has a fresh, voluminous nose of vibrant, primary fruit aromas of dark raspberries and notes of blackberries entwined with dark-red and violet florals, unfolding white and black pepper fragrances, with savoury spices and suggestions of game. Medium-bodied, the fruit flavours of dark raspberries, black and white pepper, herbs and spices are restrained in expression. The fruit is underlined by grainy tannin extraction that provides a dry mouthfeel and line. The acidity is softly ripe and integrated, allowing the textures to prevail. The flavours recede as the wine leads to a dry, textured finish. Showing good aromatic volume, this Syrah is restrained in fruitiness, and carried by grainy textures and structure. Match with slow-cooked game meat and semi-hard cheeses over the next 3+ years."

97 Points  - Stuart McCloskey “I love the nose with its steely freshness – racy and cool climate, sweetened with a whiff of poached pears. The palate is much fuller than the Upper Ngumby and will appeal (enormously so) to those seeking a richer style. There’s a lovely combination of depth and mouth-watering freshness. The fruit is evidently sweeter and fills the mid-palate gloriously. Stony minerality keeps the wine in perfect check. This is a chardonnay on full parade, just bumptious and proud to be. A touch of salinity on the super long finish. Bloody brilliant – it’s as simple as that. Drink now to 2025.”

Winemaker Notes - "Originally just a Shiraz / Malbec blend, we added Cabernet Sauvignon to this wine to give greater textural diversity. The grapes are sourced from the same vineyards every year, fully and gently de-stemmed, hand plunged and basket pressed. The wine is then matured for up to 23 months in older French and American oak barriques, hogsheads, and large format vats, as well as some concrete vats for added complexity. Yellow Hammer Hill is a wonderful all round red wine to be enjoyed with almost any occasion."

Our full tasting note coming soon...

93+ Points - Neal Martin

The 2015 Doisy-Vedrines has a lovely nose, a little fatter than its Barsac peers with dried honey, apricot, acacia and a touch of melted wax on the nose. I admire the delineation and intensity here. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, viscous in texture with honey, mango and quince toward the finish that feels more linear and perhaps more focused than some of the wines a decade ago. Great potential.

Winemaker "It took us a while to get this one right, when we were first experimenting with Petite Sirah the tannins were so pronounced that tasters actually started howling as it crossed their palate. We later planted other naturally tannic varietals Tannat and Saperavi, softening the tannins so the only howl we hear now is one of enjoyment. Taken from Dadd’s Block on the high side – sandy loam with long sunlight hours and low rainfall. The best of these varieties is selected each year, either on their own or as a blend."

96–97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “The nose is more classical – herbal, rusty metal, cranberry, warm earth, leather and tea. The flavour profile is expansive and impeccably pure. Less flamboyant compared to the Hexham but the open-knit complexity is a delight. Finely tuned with a delicacy and a gentleness which I really enjoy. I am intrigued to see how this develops over the coming 5 years. Ambitious yet sensitive winemaking. Unforced and natural. Admirable length and will offer immediate pleasure”.

96 Points - James Halliday "From a single vineyard; free-run juice only used. Remarkable wild yeast wine with no additions until bottling. Beautiful nutty infused strawberry and cherry flavours, mouthfeel, balance, length. All boxes (and then some) ticked. 13% alc, screwcap."