A Taste of the Vinorium #143


Issue #143, January 2021

I thought I would focus this weekend on a little housekeeping and wait to release our new, Margaret River agency, House of Cards until next Friday, if you agree?

International shipping is very much the bane of our lives this January as we have not seen any improvements since my December communication. To update you all – All uninsured deliveries to the EU (as per our service during 2020) remains frozen with all major UK couriers refusing to offer this service. At this point in time, there are no signs of improvement as I imagine it is much easier for UK couriers to simply turn their backs rather than face the hassle of post Brexit paperwork. On a slightly more positive note, we have received confirmation that specialist, insured wine deliveries are operational however, there is an ever-growing list of caveats.

Some EU countries are accepting small wine deliveries however, some are not – Spain being one example. We have also received some curious and hazy news concerning the maximum quantities that can be shipped to EU residential addresses. Italy has allegedly imposed a six bottle limit and France one bottle. We have asked for clarity as this is clearly going to be a huge problem. Please contact the team for all EU delivery enquiries as the situation changes on a daily basis and we will endeavour to keep you all updated with the latest guidance.

From Austria, Zalto glassware is still in lockdown with their operation working at fifty percent capacity. We have an order for three pallets sitting in the ether however, we drum our fingers whilst we wait for their UK agent to make his mind up what price he is going to charge The Vinorium. His last ten percent increase (based on supply and demand during lockdown) was naturally volleyed back with some discord and velocity. 

We are still enduring Hillebrand’s customs clearance backlog, post their December cyber-attack. I do find the lengthy delays difficult to digest. Moreover, we are not seeing any signs of Hillebrand getting back on track which does not bode well for shipments arriving during February and March. Save for any delays at sea or in port, which of course has a knock-on effect, we are resigned to a 3-4 week wait once the wines arrive in the UK port. We are in touch with other UK importers who are in the same boat…

To some good news as I am mindful my opening paragraphs have been rather grumpy, albeit necessary. Our second order from Utopos which and as per our earlier communication, is being despatched to fulfil all pre-arrival orders next Tuesday. 2017 and 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon have completely sold out (more bad news again!) and there is zero stock back in the Barossa. We do have healthy(ish) stocks of Kym’s amazing 2017 (98-99 points) and 2018 (99 points) Shiraz along with a little 2018 and 2019 MSG (the best I have sampled out of Australia). 

We have a third shipment on the water (ETA April) which contains both Shiraz vintages. One pallet is heading to our HQ and will be available by the bottle and the other pallet is off to our bonded warehouse, which will suit those wishing to purchase for storage and without paying UK duty and VAT. Prior to our Christmas break, Magda and I received tank samples which were drawn, bottled, shipped and delivered within 72 hours (take note Mr Hillebrand).

Tank samples can quickly spoil and are often difficult to assess as the wine is yet to come together in all its elemental glory. However, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 Shiraz were showing fantastically, even at this infant stage. We promised a ‘special’ 2019 Cab / Shiraz blend and Kym has delivered a beauty. Only one barrel has been made, with all its contents being offered exclusively to Vinorium customers. We are changing the label design slightly as it deserves to standalone. We have requested finished, bottled samples which should be arriving mid-to-late February. Kym likes to see his Utopos collection released around September as wines can often suffer from ‘bottle shock’ – essentially, a wine suffers muted characters, can appear disjointed or rough and edgy. It is often said that wines which have travelled great distances can be affected too however, a week’s R&R dissipates any travel sickness. But a wine going from tank or barrel into bottle can suffer hence why most winemakers will rarely release their wines immediately, post bottling. Nonetheless, we will sample and publish our notes as soon as we can. We will also offer the 2019 collection on a pre-arrival special later in February / March (do not expect to see these physically in the UK until late November).

We are thrilled to see, two new Aussie agencies arriving in the UK for the very first time. From the Margaret River, we welcome House of Cards (launching Friday 5 February) and from the Adelaide Hills, Coulter Wines (we plan to launch Coulter a week or two later). We are also expecting a raft of new releases from Stuart Pym at Flowstone.

Jaysen Collins from JC’s Own has been having fun in the USA – we’ve shipped his 2018 Sierra Nevada Foothills Chardonnay (Skin contact, barrel fermented, lees aged and wonderfully textured) and his new duo from the Adelaide Hills, 2019 Lobethal Chardonnay and 2019 Morialta Pinot Noir which we are excited to launch…

Practically, everything is in place to switch over to our new domestic carrier, DPD. Unquestionably, the customer interface and tracking facility looks smashing and is a huge improvement on DHL’s. We have been promised a delivery success rate of 99% and we’re looking forward to putting that figure to the test! Our eco-packaging will be changing too – it will remain as robust, but will be more compact, offering a better storage option for you all. When the time comes, expect a few emails from my team asking for your personal experiences as your feedback will be invaluable.

Brexit complications and the coronavirus pandemic continues at a pace with terrible consequences for much of the hospitality industry. Sadly, and at the current rate, some restaurants in the UK will not be open before May which is the correct course of action. Others, as we have witnessed, have already rung the bell and decided to close their doors for good. Wine importers are suffering as a direct result with many of their trade clients remain furloughed. One, who we have worked with for several years, is the importer of Deep Woods and Hentley Farm which are two great names to represent. But 80% of their business has disappeared due to the coronavirus and we informed them (last year) of our intention to delist these producers and focus on our own, growing army of Aussie winemakers.  

With this situation in mind, we thought we should help wherever possible, as such we have placed a significant order which we hope will bring a smile to many Deep Woods Estate and Hentley Farm fans. Below, is a great collection from both stables including one of Margaret River’s most awarded Chardonnays, Deep Woods Reserve – we have a little of the newly released 2019 in stock.  I will say that this is quite possibly our only order of the year, but it is for 1,000 bottles which should last through to the early summer. 

Magda and I are working with the Western Australian wine community in conjunction with a big, national drive to promote the wonderful growing regions (20 regions and some 490 wineries). The Vinorium has been identified as the key UK partner which is incredibly flattering. Of course, we cannot work with every winery, but I understand some 40 producers have already signed up for the big-drive. We plan to host bi-monthly Zoom tastings (the producers being the educators) – packs of samples will be delivered a few days prior to each masterclass. We are also tasked with working alongside key members of the press, but the emphasis will be on private customers which is wonderful to see. Ideas are being batted across the pond – I have been wanting to host a tasting in the style of the Judgment of Paris 1976 for a long time and the guys running the national WA drive love the idea. I would love to see some great Margaret River wines pitted against several famous names from Bordeaux and Burgundy – producer and vintage choices being crucial. Of course, this is not exclusive to the Margaret River as WA has some fabulous wine regions.

Ideally, and a bigger challenge outside of the WA regional drive would be to pitch great Aussie Cabernet, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sem / Sauv, Riesling against the big names from the USA, France and Germany / Alsace. ‘Australia takes on the world, 2021’ rather than Judgment of Paris. I'm sure you get my drift. Anyhow, the wheels are being set in motion for part one and I will keep you all updated as this is going to be a fascinating tasting…

I must thank you all for your continued support throughout the dry month of January, which I would personally veto. That said, I admire those with the willpower to abstain from great wine as I find any day which does not contain the enjoyment of a glass or two, a sad one. Website sales continue at last years’ pace, which is terrific, with January 2021 enjoying an increase of over 50% against last year. Thank goodness many of you have the same dry January beliefs as I. 

Stocks in some quarters are being depleted quicker than we envisaged with some coming close to selling out and they’ve only been in the UK for a month or two. My biggest disappointment is the sensational Ernest Allan Shiraz from Gemtree which I awarded 98 points and Magda a glowing 98++.  Mike has moved onto the next vintage which is a real shame as I was keen to take a case for myself… The team has collated a list of wines in a similar position which can be viewed below. 

Right, that’s me done for this week. I do hope you are all keeping safe and well and I look forward to next week’s communiqué and House of Cards reveal. 

Cheers, Stu

 
 
 

After an agonising wait – they are back in stock and available by the bottle & case…

 

Utopos Shiraz 2017

98-99 Points - Stuart McCloskey

"I should award 100 points as I have never sampled a wine this good, at this price level"

£34.95 per bottle

Utopos Shiraz 2018

99 Points - Stuart McCloskey

"In some ways, it possesses the same DNA found in the ’18 Standish collection."

£34.95 per bottle

Utopos Mataro Shiraz Grenache 2018

97-98 Points - Stuart McCloskey

"The palate oozes with the same sophistication found with the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignons."

£34.95 per bottle

Utopos Mataro Shiraz Grenache 2019

97-99 Points - Stuart McCloskey

"The best and most complete Aussie MSG I have sampled to date."

£34.95 per bottle

 
 

Deep Woods Reserve Chardonnay 2019

97+ Points - Stuart McCloskey - “A very stylish / highly accomplished wine. Super-neat and tidy. The nose develops with aeration (my advice is not to serve it too cold) with pear, citrus oil and an entire array of white flowers – just a little spice in the background from a rasp of fresh nutmeg. The palate is gloriously fine, satiny in texture and provides layers of lip-smacking citrus along with waves of minerals - salinity / sea spray on the super-long, expansive finish. More tightly wound than the previous two releases which is by no means a negative. The ’19 is a superb effort that will reward time in your cellar (up to ten years). For best results, tuck it away for a year or two as this will allow some of the tension to relax. Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware”

97-98 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz - “Captivating purity, perhaps a little subdued at first but the wine develops in the glass with every minute. You are clearly in the presence of a serious Chardonnay. Hallmark aromas of lemon oil, flint and oyster shell are lifted with elegant floral notes, pears and white peaches. Clearly, this is a young, fledgling wine, but nevertheless, it shows striking balance and depth. The palate is tensile yet confident with limes, grapefruit and orchard fruit framed in richly mineral tones. Assertive acidity creates much tension on the palate while subtle cashew creaminess and spice add extra layers of texture. Impressive measure and balance, its multi-layered structure extends to a long finish. All elements suggest perfect grounds for further development. Give it 5-10 years in the cellar and watch it flourish. Sampled using Zalto Bordeaux glassware, which often brings out more savoury notes I find”.

£33.95 per bottle

Deep Woods Hillside Chardonnay 2019

The Hillside Chardonnay focuses on a some of the coolest sites in the Margaret River region so as to produce wines with great varietal character, while maintaining excellent vibrancy and freshness of acidity. Fermented in a combination of seasoned and new oak barrels, using only indigenous yeasts with no fining or acid additions, this is a wine that showcases Deep Woods’ dedication to site selection and this great variety.

Winemaker’s notes: “The wine exhibits lifted nectarine and white blossom characters. A suggestion of cedar-like oak frames the generous stone-fruit characters and complex chipped shell minerality. The palate is clean and lively with tremendous depth of ripe stone-fruit flavour nuanced by cashew notes. Bright citrusy acidity ensures a long and seamless finish providing enhanced structure and length. This wine may be enjoyed on release but will find further complexity over three to four years from vintage.”

£17.95 per bottle

Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

The Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon is a unique expression of the Margaret River wine region – one of the best Cabernet producing areas in the world. The fruit was sourced from mature vineyards in the Yallingup and Wilyabrup sub-regions of Margaret River and is crafted to be an expressive, yet drinkable, style of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaker’s notes: “Deep crimson with vivid purple hues. This wine exhibits aromas of cassis and dried herbs with hints of spice. The palate displays flavours of summer plums and dark berries with notes of sweet spice and dark chocolate from the use of both new and seasoned French oak. It is medium-bodied with fine, elegant tannin and persistent length. A true representation of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon."

£17.95 per bottle

 
 

Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Winemaker’s notes: “Herbaceous characters of mint, capsicum, tomato leaf combine with rhubarb, plum and Campari like bitter orange to create a nose that is both varietal and vibrant. The palate begins with grippy tannins that lead to a mid-palate filled with sweet fruit and rosemary. On the back black cherry and choc-mint intermingle with grippy tannins providing a long finish. Freshness and vibrancy the key to this style.”

£20.95 per bottle

 

The Marl Collection

In our favourite north-western section of the Barossa Valley, the red clay loam over marl (a friable soil deposit consisting of clay and limestone) produces the perfect balance between vine stress and availability of nutrients. This combined with the consistent climatic conditions produces red wines of the highest quality.

 
 

Hentley Farm The Marl Grenache 2018

Winemaker’s notes: “The grapes were harvested early to provide bright aromatics and a soft, succulent palate. Minimal intervention winemaking allows the fruit to speak for itself. Strawberries and green peppercorn are the main elements on the nose with boot leather and cigar box playing a supporting role. These aromas are mirrored on the front and middle of the palate before dominant red fruit takes over through the back creating great length. The wine was bottled early to capture its vibrancy.”

£16.95 per bottle

Hentley Farm The Marl Cabernet Sauvignon  2018

Winemaker’s notes: “Lifted aromatics are the key component to this pretty wine. Aromatics of boysenberry, cherry, choc mint, pine nut, lamingtons and a slightly sweet citrus zest fill the nose. Palate flavours mirror the nose and complement the soft yet full palate texture. Bottling preparation involved minimal fining and no filtration.”

£16.95 per bottle

Hentley Farm The Marl Shiraz 2018

Winemaker’s notes: “Satsuma plum and red cherry dominate this vibrant nose with some bramble fruit and green peppercorn also present. Grippy tannins line the front of the palate providing outstanding mouth feel and length. Expect rich fruit and masculine tannins throughout.”

£16.95 per bottle

 
 

Popular wines on the verge of selling out… and some have only just arrived!

 
 

Our White wine of the year 2020

Hoddles Creek 1er Chardonnay 2017

97+ to 98+ Points - Stuart McCloskey “It’s taken some time for this beauty to develop and certainly has a bright future ahead... The elegant textural element is wonderful. The purity and balance are exceptional. Structured but the flavours amplify with aeration and provide a real sense of volume.

Magical and I absolutely adore it…
Currently my favourite Chardonnay in our portfolio. 

£30.50 per bottle

** 12 bottles remain **

 
 

Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 2017

96 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Certainly, one of the best value Chardonnays in our portfolio as the flavours and structure command a much higher price...  Impeccable balance, refreshing, focused, full of energy and not a step out of place. Just a joy… Served using Zalto Bordeaux glassware. Do not overchill!”

£17.50 per bottle

** 23 bottles remain **

 
 

Our last bottles remain of Elderton’s flagship range, just 12 weeks since their arrival in the UK

 

Elderton Command Shiraz 2016

97 Points - James Halliday "122yo vines... Wears its heart on its sleeve, but there's no shame in that when it has a proud record of success for its opulent purple and black fruits and deft oak handling"

96+ Points - Joe Czerwinski  "Full-bodied and packed with dark fruit flavors and enough oak to give it shape and length.
One of the best Commands I've tried."

£49.95 per bottle

** 17 bottles remain **

SOLD OUT - IN BOND

Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

James Halliday "Full-bodied, rich and opulent, with new oak very much in evidence from start to finish. Unexpectedly, it is on the aftertaste that the fruit breaks free from the yoke of the oak."

Winemaker "Rich blackberry and cassis fruits follow on the palate, with nuances of bay leaf. The generous fruit flavours are supported by a backbone of tightly wound tannins that will further soften with medium to long term cellaring.

£41.50 per bottle

** 23 bottles remain **

1 x case (6x75cl) available In Bond @ £194.10

 
 

After Five Wine Co Single Vineyard Blend (Serata) 2017

James Halliday "Shiraz, aglianico and montepulciano, made and matured separately for 17 months prior to blending. All French oak, mostly older. The juicy plumminess of shiraz is evident, but the savoury red cherry character likely coming from its partners. More pertinent is that the blend has worked well, providing a seamless mouthfeel with length and depth of flavour."

£26.95 per bottle

** 24 bottles remain **

 

After Five Wine Co. Montepulciano 2018

Winemaker, Craig Stansborough “Vibrant colour, complex aromas of dark cherry, fennel seed, plum, herbs oregano and thyme. A powerful wine that delivers a crunchy lively textural palate showing fine tannin that is very consistent across the palate and natural acidity that drags fruit to the very back of the palate, all the elements that this variety delivers.

£22.95 per bottle

** 11 bottles remain **

 
 
 

Top Rated Cabernet Sauvignon
at the 2020 Wine Companion Awards

Flowstone Queen of the Earth Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

97-98 Points - Magdalena Sienkiewicz "The perfume is incredibly complex. It oozes gracefully with blackberries, red and black currants, pen ink, pencil shavings and a whole array of beautifully lifted floral notes.

There is an overwhelming sense of purity with svelte and slightly dusty tannins which add lovely texture and a luxurious palate feel. Impeccably crafted, impressive and immensely pleasurable."

£41.95 per bottle

** 21 bottles remain **

 
 

Artisans of Barossa Six Origins Shiraz 2018 (Case 6x75cl)

There is no 2019 release for the Six Origins Shiraz collection. It will be a long wait until 2020 is released and shipped to the UK…

The 2018 collection includes:

Ebenezer Shiraz – John and Tim Duval, John Duval Wines

2018 Keyneton Shiraz – Greg and Allison Hobbs, Hobbs of Barossa Ranges

High Eden Shiraz - Peter Schell, Spinifex Wines

2018 Gomersal Shiraz – John Lienert, Jack West Wines

Light Pass Shiraz – Jason Schwarz, Schwarz Wine Co.

2018 Angaston Shiraz – Corey Ryan and Simon Cowham, Sons of Eden

£205.95 per case of 6

** 7 cases remain **

 
 

71 Wines that are down to their final bottles
and selling fast

 
 

Delisted Wines: Highlights

 

Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Gold Medal at 2015 Decanter World Wine Awards

97 Points – James Halliday "Margaret River, Coonawarra. Full red-purple; a potent, powerful cabernet, the focus on blackcurrant fruit, complexity provided by bay leaf/black olive/mint nuances; French oak is where is should be (on the shoulder of the fruit) and the tannins, while firm, hold no terrors."

Was £37.50 per bottle
Now £31.45 per bottle

** 10 bottles remain **

 

Kaesler Alte Reben Shiraz 2015

96 Points - James Halliday "Fruit off the estate's Marananga vineyard planted in 1899. The wine is matured in 35% new French oak and aged 16 months. It's full-bodied, bold and rich with densely packed tannins and all manner of dark fruit, spice and gravelly/ironstone notes. Retains purity, even a brightness."

£55.95 per bottle
or £266.35 per case of 6 IB

** 3 bottles remain at our HQ**

 
 

Mewstone Pinot Noir 2018

Wine Companion - Best New Winery of The Year 2019

96 Points - James Halliday "Estate-grown, wild-fermented with 30% whole bunches, matured in used French oak. Excellent colour, hue and clarity. High class canopy management and clear vision about style, hence vinification, has resulted in the full canvas of red and black cherry, fruits, spice and a perfectly judged winemaker thumbprint."

£39.95 per bottle

** 15 bottles remain at our HQ**

Hughes + Hughes Pinot Noir 15%
Whole Bunch 2018

Wine Companion - Best New Winery of The Year 2019

95 Points - Campbell Mattinson "Squeaky clean yet laden with character. Stalk, spice, nut and leaf matter notes steer a savoury course but the core of cherry-berry flavour is bright, juicy and ripe. The fundamentals are covered, the flair is then applied. Dry, herb-flecked tannin tethers the finish to the future."

£26.95 per bottle

 
 

Mazza Tempranillo 2006

James Halliday "Some colour development; cigar box and spice nuances to the bouquet, then some bottle-developed complexity, moving the black cherry fruit towards the sour cherry; has overall balance; less than 500 dozen made."

Was £21.95 per bottle
Now £18.95 per bottle

** 11 bottles remain **

 
 

"In short, this is brilliant.. Think expensive Bordeaux Second-Growth and you’ll be right on the money”.

 

Grant Burge Corryton Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “A heavenly nose of cassis, plum, soy, graphite and lots of mineralite at play here. With time, cedar / pencil box aromatics unfold. The palate speaks more of finesse than power. Incredibly complex and not overly tannic. The entry is sweet, ambitious with ripe, silky black fruits. Texturally, and impossible to miss, is the sense of finesse and grace which weaves its magic and is seldom seen in the Barossa. Cedar and graphite-infused fruit emerge but I keep coming back to the wines beguiling poise. Svelte and sensuous with a little wood dust which adds a lovely texture. The finish seems endless – clove and fennel seed leading to orange peel? I could go on, but I must stop. In short, this is a brilliant and uncompromising Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon. Think expensive Bordeaux Second-Growth and you’ll be right on the money”. Served in Zalto Bordeaux glass.

£24.95 per bottle
or £111.40 per case of 6 IB

 
 

"Parting is such sweet sorrow"

We say goodbye to some of our oldest vintages

Gibson Old Vine Collection Grenache 2003

94 Points - Robert Parker "
...The 2003 Old Vine Collection Grenache is not terribly dissimilar from an old Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape. Peppery kirsch and raspberry liqueur-like notes jump from the glass of this medium ruby-coloured, pure Australian Grenache. Striking minerality, precision, elegance, complexity, and wonderful density."

Was £29.95 per bottle
Now £25.00 per bottle

** 10 bottles remain **

Gibson Old Vine Collection Grenache 2004

94 Points - James Halliday 

"A very pure bouquet, the palate no less so; unmistakable grenache sweetness, but doesn't descend into jammy confectionery mode; oak and tannins are afterplay to the main action."

Was £29.95 per bottle
Now £25.00 per bottle

** 18 bottles remain **

 
 

Kusuda
Riesling 2017

95 Points - Bob Campbell 

"Quite a concentrated riesling with lime, white flowers and oyster shell mineral character supported by taut, ripe acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. An impeccable wine with Kusuda trademark purity and power."

Was £35.95 per bottle
Now £32.50 per bottle

** 16 bottles remain **

Kusuda Riesling
TBA 2015 Half

99 Points - Bob Campbell 
"Only 840 half-bottles. Golden colour. Quite sweet without any suggestion of being at all cloying or syrupy, in fact, the wine has an incredibly pure and ethereal texture. Very complex with honeycomb, grapefruit marmalade, dried mango, apricot and exotic floral characters to name just a few of the more obvious flavours. An amazing wine with a strong Kusuda signature."

£82.95 per bottle

** 5 bottles remain **

 
 

Dry River Lovat
Syrah 2009

Bob Campbell "Deep, intense wine with strong pepper/spice and oak supported by dark berry with hints of floral characters. Quite firm tannins give a drying and almost bitter chocolate finish. Powerful syrah with great cellaring potential."

£49.95 per bottle

** 15 bottles remain **

Dry River Lovat
Syrah 2011

95 Points – Bob Campbell "Dense, vibrant and youthful Syrah with raspberry, black pepper, violet, leather and cigar box flavours. Powerful and slightly edgy wine with a structure of fine tannins and gently tangy acidity. Will age well."

£49.95 per bottle

 
 

Dry River Pinot Noir 2012

Bob Campbell "Fine and slightly edgy Pinot Noir with plum, red cherry, spice and dried herb flavours. Less robust and perhaps more varietal than usual. The wine has a good structure of fine tannins and acidity that suggest good cellaring potential."

£58.95 per bottle

** 14 bottles remain **

Dry River Viognier 2014

95 Points – Bob Campbell "Rich, ripe Viognier with orange blossom, apricot, wildflowers and Oriental spices. Big, concentrated and powerful wine with mouth-filling flavours and an almost chewy texture. High alcohol of 14.5% heightens the sense of voluptuousness and adds warmth to the lengthy finish. The wine really evolved as it sat in the glass and will certainly benefit from decanting."

£36.50 per bottle

** 11 bottles remain **

 
 

Devotus Aprentis Pinot Noir 2018

Deep ruby red colour with depth, lighter on the edge. On the nose this wine entices with aromas of dark fruit (plums) and red floral notes. There are layers of aromatics consisting of earth, spice and dark cherry. Medium-full bodied, the palate has a core of rich, sweet and luscious red fruit flavours. There are dark herbs, a fine-grained tannin structure with balanced, refreshing acidity. Overall style is one of low intervention, a pure expression of the 2018 vintage, of the Martinborough Terrace, and particularly of the vineyard.

Was £28.95 per bottle
Now £23.50 per bottle

Also available In Bond @ 
£238.25 per case of 12

Devotus Reserve Pinot Noir 2018

Visually very dark ruby-red colour. The nose is proportioned with aromas of red cherry and concentrated dark-red berry with savoury notes of whole bunch stalk, earth, and dark herbs. Medium-full bodied, the palate is concentrated, with a dense core of dark red fruits (ripe plums and dark cherries) and herbs. There is a firm structure, with fine-grained tannins, balanced with fresh acidity. Matured in French oak barrels (20% new oak) for 11 months. No fining. No filtering. 

Was £57.95 per bottle
Now £44.50 per bottle

Also available In Bond @ 
£488.25 per case of 12

 
 

Muddy Water Hare's Breath Pinot Noir 2013

96 Points - Bob Campbell "Attractively scented pinot noir with cherry, violet, cassis, fresh herb and subtle chalk-mineral flavours. A bright, fresh, high-energy wine with a backbone of fruity acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. Delicious now but shows potential."

Was £35.95 per bottle
Now £33.65 per bottle

** 6 bottles remain **

 
 

Novum Pinot Noir 2016

94 Points - Bob Campbell "First release of a brand new wine brand. Quite a rich, flavoursome and oaky red with cigar box, plum, dark berry, anise, spice and liquorice flavours. A weighty, textural wine with appealing spicy complexity. Accessible now but should age well."

Was £31.95 per bottle
Now £29.75 per bottle

Novum Chardonnay 2017

95 Points - Bob Campbell "First release of a new Marlborough chardonnay. Full-flavoured, with salty, briny, citrus, toasty yeast lees and spicy oak flavours. Lively, tangy wine with a pleasing texture and lengthy finish. Intensity and power suggest good cellaring potential. Clearly one to watch."

Was £31.95 per bottle
Now £29.75 per bottle

** 3 bottles remain **

 
 

Gramercy Cellars John Lewis Syrah 2015

98+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck "Another tour de force, the 2015 Syrah John Lewis offers more lavender, violets, and minerality, as well as incredible black and blue fruits. This peppery, meaty, rich, full-bodied effort has building tannin, awesome purity, and integrated acidity, and it's certainly one of the finest Syrahs in the vintage."

Was £74.95 per bottle
Now £61.75 per bottle

Also available In Bond @
£710.00 per case of 12

Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Syrah 2015

98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck "Always one of my favorite releases from this estate, the 2015 Syrah Lagniappe is 100% Syrah. Deep ruby/plum-colored and loaded with Côte Rôtie-like (Côte Blonde?) notes of black raspberries, crushed flowers, tapenade, and crushed flowers, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, seamless, and silky on the palate, with incredible finesse and elegance. It’s unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage."

Was £51.95 per bottle
Now £46.25 per bottle

Also available In Bond @
£480.00 per case of 12

 
 

Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir 2014

Wine Enthusiast "Crafted from 12 different clones planted throughout the estate vineyard, farmed to perfection, this is a delicious and exuberant expression of blueberry crumble that's succulent and inviting in every way. Full bodied, it retains enough acidity to remain mouthwatering and yet complex, a subtlety of white pepper and cardamom biting at the its heels."

Was £112.50 per bottle
Now £100.25 per bottle

** 5 bottles remain **

 
 

De Martino Vigno Old Vine Carignan 2016

97 Points - Luis Gutiérrez (Robertparker.com) "Single Vineyard la Aguada is no longer mentioned on the label of the 2016 Vigno, which is also part of the Old Vines series. This wine is nothing short of spectacular, with a complex nose intermixing aromas of smoked bacon, wild flowers and berries, earth and tree bark, in a rare combination of power and elegance that takes them to a completely different profile than the rest of the Vigno association. Other than the intoxicating nose, the palate also reveals strong minerality and the austere and serious tannins from the granite soils. This is not only among the best Vigno bottlings, it's also one of the finest wines from Chile. This Carignan-based field blend matured in 5,000-liter oak foudres for 24 months. It has to be the finest year for the De Martino Vigno, very varietal, pure, precise, elegant and powerful. 6,439 bottles were filled in April 2018."

£33.50 per bottle

** 11 bottles remain **

 
 

De Martino Reserva Legado Chardonnay 2017

Julia Harding (Jancisrobinson.com) 
"Intense and mixed fruit aromas: apple, melon, pear and stone fruit. No oak flavour but the firm and gently creamy texture and light spice suggests this has had some old oak influence. (I found out later that it was fermented in older oak with indigenous yeasts and only 10% went through malo.) Well-balanced acidity, giving a serious Chardonnay with impressive range of flavours and length for the price. Not quite as edgy as some De Martino wines, but deep and persistent with quite a savoury, lees finish. Good Value"

£13.50 per bottle

** 12 bottles remain **

De Martino Estate Carmenere 2017 (Case 6x75cl)

Only available in cases of six - just £9.50 per bottle

This Carmenere has appealing aromatics of spice, paprika and ripe dark berries. Palate is dense and silky with a soft round texture and silky tannins while retaining fruit freshness. It is very balanced showing clear varietal tipicity, depth and a long finish. Made ina a approachable style this wine is ready to drink and is a excellent pairing for stews, pastas and spicy dishes. 100% Carmenere.

£57.00 per case of 6

** 4 cases remain **

 
 

47 Wines Delisted & Discounted