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- Zinfandel
- Ay
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- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Chablis
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- Cote Chalonnaise
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- Cotes de Thongue
- Dolcetto d'Alba
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- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
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- Sant'Antimo
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- Yarra Valley
Montanaro, Vermouth di Torino Bianco
Regular price £31.20 Save £-31.202021 Domaine Bonnardot, Hautes Cotes de Nuits Age Mures Rouge
Regular price £31.00 Save £-31.00Domaine Bonnardot is a family-owned vineyard with three generations of experience in soil working and a passion for producing high-quality wine while respecting the terroir and nature. They completed their conversion to organic farming in 2021 after three years of testing, and continue to experiment with sowing, tillage, and the use of herbal teas and essential oils. They also prioritize promoting biodiversity by maintaining dry-stone walls, hedges, woods, and bee hives.
TASTING NOTES
100% Pinot Noir, which is blended from two Hautes Côtes de Nuits parcels which are around fifty years old. The soils in which the grapes are grown are clay-limestone on a shallow earth layer. On the nose, this wine displays a complex aroma of black fruit and rose. The palate confirms the flavours of blackberry jam and blackcurrant. It has a long and peppery finish with supple tannins that are very present.
FOOD PAIRING
An incredible pairing would be with duck, guinea fowl, a joint of pork, salt pork with lentils, or marinated chops. It's also a great accompaniment to Soumaintrain, Morbier, or dairy Saint Nectaire cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The domaine is women-run by the third-generation daughter, Danièle Bonnardot.
2020 Domaine Bonnardot, Hautes Cotes de Nuits Clos des Oiseaux blanc
Regular price £31.00 Save £-31.00Domaine Bonnardot is a family-owned vineyard with three generations of experience in soil working and a passion for producing high-quality wine while respecting the terroir and nature. They completed their conversion to organic farming in 2021 after three years of testing, and continue to experiment with sowing, tillage, and the use of herbal teas and essential oils. They also prioritize promoting biodiversity by maintaining dry-stone walls, hedges, woods, and bee hives.
TASTING NOTES
Made from 100% Chardonnay grape variety and comes from Clos des Oiseaux, a monopoly situated on the Coteau des Oiseaux, with vines that are 33 years old. The soils are clay-limestone. The wine greets you with a rich, complex, and subtle nose of white flowers and white fruit, with lightly woody hints. The palate is very round, flowery, and slightly woody. It is complex with a powerful presence and a refreshingly salty finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine is an ideal match with scallops or bass or even sushi makis. It will also be a perfect companion to a blanquette (veal stew) or calve sweetbreads. As for cheese, it can be served with Comté, Beaufort, or dry goat cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The domaine is women-run by the third-generation daughter, Danièle Bonnardot.
2021 75CL Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 white
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.802019 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Red
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.80ABOUT THE WINE
In 1977, Jacques and Francoise Boyer embarked on a journey to create a top-quality wine estate on the slopes of the Cevennes, just north of Beziers in Languedoc. They replanted existing vineyards and extensively modernized the cellar. Today, their 110-hectare estate boasts 16 different grape varieties, producing a diverse range of wines that offer exceptional value at all quality levels.
TASTING NOTES
Aged for one year in oak barrels, this enchanting southern French blend captivates with its opulent black fruit aromas, including blackberry, prunes, and dark mulberry. Subtle hints of black pepper, earthiness, and espresso intermingle with rich undertones of mocha. The palate is sumptuous and velvety smooth, with a delicate wisp of smoke lingering on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty, robust dishes. Consider serving it alongside roast wild boar with a red wine reduction, venison braised in stout with root vegetables, or a game meat pie topped with golden puff pastry.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The unique terroir of this region is defined by its winds. The Mistral, Tramontane, and Narbonnaise winds shape the vines, cooling and cleansing the grapes while creating essential diurnal shifts between daytime and night-time temperatures. These conditions contribute to the creation of balanced, expressive wines that truly reflect their origin.
2022 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Rose
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.80In 1977 Jacques and Françoise Boyer began their project to build a top-quality wine estate on the slopes of the Cévennes, just north of Béziers in Languedoc. Existing vineyards were replanted, and the cellar underwent extensive modernisation. 110 hectares of vines planted with 16 different varieties produce a diverse range of wines offering excellent value for money at all quality levels.
TASTING NOTES
Exotic white-fruit, grapefruit and peach aromas; very delicate. Bright and refreshing on the palate, yet with an ethereal weight that is the hallmark of fine rosé made in the Provençal style. Exceptional quality.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, but also a good pairing for seafood dishes like paella.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Wind is a defining characteristic of this region; the Mistral, Tramontane and Narbonnaise winds shape the vines, cooling and cleaning the grapes and creating the diurnal shifts between daytime and night-time temperatures essential for the creation of balanced, expressive wines.
Sanchez Romate Hermanos, Don Jose Oloroso
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.80At the end of the 18th century, the busy streets of Jerez de la Frontera were proof of the bustling activity in the city, which was thriving thanks to the exports of its renowned wines.Juan Sanchez de la Torre established the foundations of the firm Sanchez Romate Hermanos, one of the few remaining wineries in the Jerez Designation of Origin which is still in the hands of local owners.Today, the wines and brandies of Sanchez Romate maintain their international spirit, with a firm commitment to expansion across the rest of the world.
TASTING NOTES
Mahogany, old gold, bright, intense colour. On the nose is round, deep, with classical nuances of old oak and a nutty finish Smooth, permanent and full bodied on the palate, with hints of oak and nuts.
FOOD PAIRING
A top pick for lamb burgers, aged cheese, and pork chops.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Sherry is a good alternative to wine if you like bigger bolder flavours.
2018 Tokar Estate, Pinot Noir
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50ABOUT THE WINE
Since 1995, when Mr. and Mrs. Tokar stumbled across the location that would become the estate, their small boutique winery has been a pioneer of the Yarra Valley ‘Golden Mile’ of high-quality, family-owned producers. The small boutique estate practices sustainable farming on a beautiful vineyard which was originally intended to be little more than a hobby! Now, with the second generation working alongside them, the Tokar’s attention on detail both in the vineyards and in the cellar is showing results, with numerous inter-national accolades and awards.
TASTING NOTES
Bright red core with a light crimson hue. Fragrant ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas stream out of the glass followed by a mix of dried herbs, forest floor and light spicy cedar. Delicious ripe cherry and strawberry flavours have a juicy supple feel and savoury edge. Nice bright finish with velvet like tannins and a moreish ripe red berry aftertaste.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent accompaniment to a roast duck dish, complementing the natural fattiness of the duck. Also great with hard cheeses, such as Manchego and Comte.
2010 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of St. Emillion's most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Lots of fruit, already showing an appealingly soft roundedness. Incredibly smooth tannins supported by a wonderful acidity that provides a remarkably long finish. Deep purple colour. A modest amount of grapes from somewhat younger vines is also incorporated in the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and tannic structure.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops, barbecue.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an absolutely brilliant wine, and probably the best to date from this American-owned Chateau, which has been completely renovated and is now enjoying a resurrection/renaissance in quality.
2018 Chateau Chasse Spleen, l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen
Regular price £30.45 Save £-30.45ABOUT THE WINE
In 1822 the vineyards of Chateau Grand-Poujeaux were broken up to form four different estates, including what would become Chateau Chasse-Spleen. The origins of the name - which means 'dispels melancholy' - have been traced to both Byron and Baudelaire but are now lost to time and speculation. Purchased on the eve of World War I by a German family the outbreak of war saw the Chateau confiscated as an enemy property and it was subsequently sold at auction in 1922. Despite being nearly 65 years old in 1976 Jacques Merlaut decided to buy the estate and his family have remained at the helm ever since. Initially comprising 40 hectares of vines this has since been doubled, and the winemaking facilities have also seen significant improvement over the years. Thanks to their efforts, and those of consultant Emile Peynaud, Chasse-Spleen is now regarded as one of the finest unclassified properties in Bordeaux. Currently run by their daughter Celine Foubet and her husband Jean-Pierre the vintages regularly outperform many of the Medocs more renowned classed growths. This, the second wine of the Chateau, is every bit in keeping with that level of quality.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, with notes of warm oriental spice, vibrant blackberry & blackcurrant fruit and fresh rose followed by shortbread biscuit, vanilla and cocoa on the finish. Powerful yet balanced with firm, supple tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for food, classically a pan-fried fillet of beef with wild mushrooms or za'atar roasted saddle of lamb. Other superb partners would be barbecued glazed pork ribs, Maroilles cheese or polpette di tonno.
2022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
The estate was created in 1926, in the heart of the village of Vergisson. Today the 4th generation of the family Guerrin cultivates their terroir with the same passion and rigour as their great-grandparents before them. The estate covers a total area of 14 hectares split between more than 35 small plots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs gives each of their wines a very distinct character.
TASTING NOTES
A captivating bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and a hint of almond melds effortlessly with the wine's subtle oak influence. The palate is marked by a refined balance of fruit, minerality, and delicate oak integration. As it evolves, the wine reveals flavours of nectarine, lemon zest, and a touch of brioche, culminating in an elegant, satisfying finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes' shines when paired with dishes that emphasize its complexity and depth, such as pan-seared sea bass with a lemon herb sauce, chicken and wild mushroom fricassée, or a grilled vegetable and goat cheese tart. Its harmonious character also makes it a delightful choice for sipping as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Hailing from a prime location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson, this wine benefits from the fresh, mineral character imparted by the east winds. The careful balance of flavours, achieved through lees-stirring (batonnage) and barrel-ageing, showcases the essence of Pouilly-Fuissé in this outstanding expression.
2017 Saxenburg, Private Collection Syrah
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESThe wine opens up with a pretty bouquet of black cherries, red berries and a hint of pepper spice. The seamless palate is elevated with fine-grained tannins. Hints of crushed granite and floral elements bring freshness, making it a classic Rhone-style Syrah with a new world edge.
Seared pork belly with black cherry reduction as well as charcuterie is sublime with this savoury and fruity Syrah.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
2017 Saxenburg, Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESThe prime expression of Polkadraai Hills Cabernet. Despite the young but velvety tannins, it displays beautiful aromas of tobacco leaves, plums and blackcurrant leading to a finish that is nicely weighted and finely grained.
FOOD PAIRINGBarbecue cuts along with warm braised beef shank casserole.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
Bloody Bens, Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
Regular price £30.00 Save £-30.00ABOUT
Anything but ordinary is the Mission for Ben. It started with Ben’s Canteen, his restaurant in South West London. The plan then was to create more drinks that were anything but ordinary. This top quality Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur will help you make the best Espresso Martinis and Coffee Negronis. They've collaborated with Brighton's best coffee roaster, the brilliant Redroaster who roast their beans fresh in Kemptown.
TASTING NOTES
Expect milk chocolate flavours with a strong but delicious coffee aftertaste and just the right balance of sweetness.
FOOD PAIRING
It tastes great over ice, or with milk for boozy iced lattes, or why not try it to add some punch to your Affogato or Tiramisu?
2021 Capanna, Sant'Antimo Rosso
Regular price £29.80 Save £-29.80ABOUT THE WINE
The Capanna farm, owned by the Cencioni family since 1957, is situated in the Montosoli area, to the north of Montalcino. It was founded by Giuseppe Cencioni and his sons, Benito and Franco, and was one of the first estates to form part of the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. The family still manages both viticulture and winemaking on the estate. Their approach is very classic, with structured, powerful reds and intense, complex whites in a traditional, sweet style.
TASTING NOTES
Deep red ruby colour. Intense nose of first ripped blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry and it then opens to spices and liquorice aromas. Excellent structure, quite soft and round, well balanced, pleasant and enveloping tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Roasted red and white meats, cold cuts and slightly aged cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Sant’Antimo is the appellation that may be used by Brunello producers when the wine is not 100% Sangiovese. This very permissive DOC allows for the production of a wide range of differing styles, including, as in this case, a Super Tuscan.
2018 Tar & Roses, 'The Rose'
Regular price £29.60 Save £-29.60Born into a grape-growing family, Don Lewis spent 32 years working for the Mitchelton winery in Heathcote, where he forged an enduring partnership with Narelle King. In 2004 Don left Mitchelton to work as a consultant, most notably in Priorat, Spain. His time in Europe cultivated his fascination with the wines of Italy and Spain, and in 2006 he and Narelle set up Tar and Roses in order to show how these varietals could be grown in the diverse terroirs of Central Victoria.
TASTING NOTES
Dazzling; a barrel-selection release culled from their Heathcote Shiraz. Taken from two vineyards, one on Terra Rossa Cambrian soil giving depth and power, and the other on well-drained gravel, bringing more delicate aromatics and fresh acidity to balance the wine. Black fruit and liquorice aromas, with eucalyptus and mint developing in the background. On the palate, soft black fruit, tobacco, white pepper and vanilla dominate. Perfect silky tannins and excellent potential for further development in the bottle.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with beef, or anything from the barbecue. Slightly caramelised vegetables would also be a great match.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An Australian classic, yet the European influence visible on the other wines from this producer remains, this has more in common with a beautifully refined Cote Rotie than the standard sun-drenched Aussie fruit-bomb style of Shiraz.
2017 Tokar Estate, Chardonnay
Regular price £29.60 Save £-29.60ABOUT THE WINE
The Tokar Estate vineyard was planted in the late 1990s, in the heart of the Yarra Valley's 'golden mile', on Maddens Lane, Coldstream. It is a small boutique estate focusing on sustainable farming and quality wines.
TASTING NOTES
Bright yellow. Nice buttery nose with zesty aromas of lemon drop, white flowers, crushed stone and noble herbs.
FOOD PAIRING
A perfect match for pan fried fish and veal.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Picked when the flavours are in the citrus to stone fruit spectrum and wild fermented in French oak (mostly 500L puncheons).
2018 Tar & Roses, Nebbiolo Heathcote
Regular price £29.60 Save £-29.60ABOUT THE WINE
Born into a grape-growing family, Don Lewis spent 32 years working for the Mitchelton winery in Heathcote, where he forged an enduring partnership with Narelle King. In 2004 Don left Mitchelton to work as a consultant, most notably in Priorat, Spain. His time in Europe cultivated his fascination with the wines of Italy and Spain, and in 2006 he and Narelle set up Tar and Roses in order to show how these varietals could be grown in the diverse terroirs of Central Victoria.
TASTING NOTES
Eponymous tar and rose flavours on this bold Aussie expression of this Piedmontese grape. Black liquorice, leather and olive tapenade add a savoury character, with bright cherry and cranberry fruit.
FOOD PAIRING
Beef oxtail, New Zealand Rack of Lamb with mint sauce and beef ragu pasta with tomato sauce.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Australian growers are increasingly willing to experiment with new varietals from southern Europe, with Tar and Roses at the forefront of this new wave in winemaking.
2022 Guillopees, Sancerre Cuvee Henri du Vernoy
Regular price £29.20 Save £-29.20ABOUT THE WINE
The history of Guillopées begins in 1963, when some vine growers joined forces to face up the economic challenges of the time, creating a quality-focused co-operative cellar in the heart of Sancerre. It remains the only co-operative in the appellation, producing wines with all the classic minerality and poise for which the appellation is revered.
TASTING NOTES
This wine portrays a wonderful classic style of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre - white blossoms, citrus fruits, followed by beautiful acidity, a rich palate and a lasting finish.
FOOD PAIRING
To be served as an aperitif, with fish, shellfish, white meats or goat's cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Classic Sancerre, ideal drinking with a platter of light snacks on a warm day.
2018 Domaine Ellevin, Chablis 1er Cru 'Vosgros'
Regular price £63.20 Save £-63.20ABOUT THE WINE
For as far back as they can trace their history, the Ellevin family has always been making wine. In 1975, Jean-Pierre Ellevin and his wife started to develop the family domaine; in 2003, their son Alexandre joined them. The estate covers 16 hectares, planted exclusively with Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Delicate, floral aromas; light and fresh on the palate, with pleasantly ripe pear and red apple fruit. Stony minerality on the finish; this is sharper and more linear than its Vaucoupin stablemate.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with shellfish, salmon and white meats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Classic Chablis, one for the purists.
2022 Domaine Nudant, La Chapelle Notre Dame
Regular price £29.00 Save £-29.00ABOUT THE WINE
Winemakers in Burgundy since 1453, the current generation of the Nudant family manages some 16 hectares of small parcels dotted throughout the Cote d'Or. Vineyard work is all carried out by hand, in the spirit of minimal intervention. La Chapelle de Notre Dame is located around the hill of Corton, as a crest-shaped vineyard area. It is one of 3 designations which could be used in conjunction with Bourgogne AOC. The Notre Dame de Chemin which was built on the path to the vineyard was once a stopping place for the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.
TASTING NOTES
Red cherries burst from the glass with raspberries, cranberries and red plums, supported by a tarragon herbaceousness and earthy undertones. A fresh but weighty palate makes for a rich Pinot Noir experience with a long tart, berry finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Seared and braised duck legs in red wine jus and glazed carrots. Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry compote and roasted chestnuts.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An approachable, supple wine; with excellent value.
2018 Domaine des Masques, Syrah Cuvee Exception
Regular price £29.00 Save £-29.00ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, and this is a certified organic wine. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhone winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Destemmed and fermented without pressing, using natural yeast; the wine undergoes extensive pump-overs to extract tannin and colour, and then aged in barrel for a year prior to release. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with blackcurrant, blackberry and oak-spice on the palate. The finish is punctuated by white-pepper and plum nuances.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with feathered game or a vegetarian stew.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The region has a long history of growing medicinal plants; and has always been a haven for healers, herbalists and sorcerers; masco in the Provencal dialect, which have given the estate its name.
2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Les Allees de Cantemerle
Regular price £28.65 Save £-28.65ABOUT THE WINE
The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Medoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.
Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.
TASTING NOTES
With expressive fruity and floral aromas and a mouth-filling richness harbouring tannic depth this is everything you'd expect from the 2015 vintage. Refined blackberry and dark cherry fruit is balanced with light mint, vanilla, spice and white pepper followed by a lingering smoky edge. Silky and supple, rich and aromatic, a quality claret.
FOOD PAIRING
Local favourites such as blanquette of lamb or roast poultry with ceps are highly recommended, as are less obvious choices such as creamed mushrooms in puff pastry or raw milk cheeses including Reblochon. Surprisingly the elengant nature of the wines from Cantemerle mean even river fish such as pike-perch are a good match, served with slow roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An outstanding second wine from an outstanding vintage. Although the aging potential is perhaps a little less than that of the grand vin this is a wine to drink and enjoy now and over the next few years.