2006 Chateau Figeac
Regular price £315.90 Save £-315.90ABOUT THE WINE
An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES
An elegant and surprisingly approachable vintage for Figeac; sweet aromas of menthol, fruitcake, cherries, and black currants, silky tannins and an evolved, precocious style, drinking well from 2015.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled and roast lamb with garlic and rosemary.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Despite their Cabernet-driven style, this vintage shows only the vaguest hints of the green pepper notes that affected right bank wines from this year.
1997 Chateau d'Yquem
Regular price £313.05 Save £-313.05ABOUT THE WINE
Arguably the greatest sweet wine in the world, after centuries of family ownership, Château d'Yquem was sold in somewhat acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, d'Yquem enjoys some of the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sèmillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest is painstaking; 150 highly skilled pickers pass through the rows selecting grapes berry by berry to ensure that only the finest botrytized fruit is used.
TASTING NOTES
This extravagant vintage still shows incredible freshness of fresh citrus peel and lemon rind with perfumed honeysuckle and jasmine accompanied by luscious candied peached, caramel, cinnamon bark and butterscotch.
FOOD PAIRING
Often paired with cheese and sweets, try pairing this wine with crispy Peking duck with plum sauce or game meats such as guinea fowl or even pigeon in red wine sauce, as the richness of this wine will create a heavenly marriage between the strong flavours.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.
1999 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases
Regular price £304.05 Save £-304.05Also Available - 2003 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
The largest of the three ‘Leoville’ properties, with 97 hectares of vineyard spread throughout the appellation of Saint-Julien. Classified 2ème Cru, the wines of this estate are unquestionably of 1er Cru quality. The history of the estate can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one, and were the site of many winemaking and viticultural innovations which remain in use to this day. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Following acquisition in 1976, the estate has achieved ever-growing esteem under the ownership of Michel Delon.
TASTING NOTES
A really rather excellent – and long-lived, for the ’99 vintage – example of Leoville-las-Cases. Powerful, muscular, densely structured, a triumph which compares very favourably to First Growths.
FOOD PAIRING
Venison, game, red meat, complex dishes. Nothing too powerfully flavoured, as it will overwhelm this venerable wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although, by French law, they are unable to set aside their Classification, Leoville Las Cases withdrew from the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés in 1988 (the only Classified estate to have done so) on the basis that it is misleading and out of date – an unsurprising stance, since any update would almost certainly see Las Cases elevated to 1st Growth status.
2003 Chateau Figeac
Regular price £302.65 Save £-302.652010 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Regular price £301.70 Save £-301.70ABOUT THE WINE
Pichon Lalande earned its name when Therse, the daughter of the founder received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville. During the 18th century the wine-growing influence at Pichon Lalande was definitely feminine. Perhaps that explains part of the wines sensuous qualities. Pichon Lalande was essentially managed by three women: Therese de Rauzan, Germaine de Lajus and Marie Branda de Terrefort. Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville succeeded his mother taking over Pichon Lalande when he was only 19. What happened next changed the landscape of the Medoc forever. On the eve of his death in 1850, he divided the property between his five children. In modern times May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe became the new owner and general manager of Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in 1978. She made numerous investments and improvements at Pichon Lalande. She later sold Pichon Lalande to the owners of Roederer Champagne in January 2007. Once the purchase for Chateau Pichon Lalande was concluded, in 2008, a complete renovation of the estate took place.
TASTING NOTES
The nose offers a bouquet of aromas, mixing blackcurrant, cinnamon, vanilla and violet. On the palate the tannins appear mature and melted, revealing a strong affirmed structure a surprising suppleness and perfect harmony with long persistency.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with beef ragout and tagliatelle or pepper steak.
2020 Pierre Mayeul, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
Regular price £298.50 Save £-298.50ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
The elegant nose of dark cherries, blackberries, and delicate violets captivates the senses, while whispers of leather, earth, and truffle add complexity. The sophisticated oak ageing reveals notes of cedar and baking spices. On the palate, this Grand Cru enchants with a whole body, firm yet refined tannins, and beautifully balanced acidity. A symphony of flavours, including black currants, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate, culminating in a long, memorable finish.
FOOD PAIRING
To honour this outstanding wine, pair it with indulgent dishes such as a butter-basted filet mignon with a red wine reduction, or a truffle-infused risotto showcasing wild mushrooms and aged Parmesan. The wine's depth of flavour and structure also makes it a superb partner for a roasted rack of lamb with a rosemary and garlic crust, or a sumptuous duck confit with a side of parsnip puree & sautéed greens.
2015 Champagne Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut
Regular price £298.00 Save £-298.00ABOUT THE WINE
The most famous wine of the Roederer estate, Cristal was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II – the emperor asked Louis Roederer himself to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year. This exceptional champagne came in a flat-bottomed & transparent lead-crystal bottle (to foil the insertion of explosives in the indentation by would-be assassins!), hence the name. Not commercially available until 1945 it is only produced in the best of years when the Chardonnay (c. 40% of the blend) and Pinot Noir (c. 60%) have attained perfect ripeness. Cristal is then aged for 6 years in their cellars and left for a further 8 months after dégorgement. A remarkably balanced and refined style there is also tremendous aging potential; it can be kept for over 20 years without losing its freshness and character.
TASTING NOTES
Tropical fruit and brioche aromas on the nose and a silky texture complemented by a powerful mineral quality on the palate. With white stone fruit and citrus notes this is a luscious and deep flavoured champagne with a long finish – a truly harmonious marriage of the full-bodied, smooth & ripe Pinot Noir and the fresh, elegant minerality of Chardonnay.
2015 Antinori, Tignanello
Regular price £289.90 Save £-289.90ABOUT THE WINE
Produced exclusively from the 57-hectare vineyard which gives the wine its name, Tignanello has been produced by the Antinori family since 1970. The family itself has been involved in the production of wine in Tuscany since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Arte Florentina, the Winemakers Guild of Florence. Today the winery is run by Marquis Piero Antinori, with the support of his three daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia.
TASTING NOTES
Sangiovese dominates the flavour-profile. The fruit is beautifully ripe with fresh blackberry and cherry nuances, spice, leather, sweet tobacco and smoke. Rounded tannins suggesting that this will be approachable early, yet with enough structure to ensure a healthy ageing potential – drink 2020-2030.
FOOD PAIRING
Red meat, goose or veal; complex stews and aged hard cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This classic vintage is immediately accessible, generous and opulent.
1988 Chateau Lynch-Bages
Regular price £280.00 Save £-280.00ABOUT THE WINE
Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934, who remain owners to this day. The estate is unusual in Bordeaux for its use of massal selection (propagation of their own vines rather than of nursery-grown clones) to replenish ageing vines in its vineyards, which allows the vineyards and the wines produced from them to retain individuality.
TASTING NOTES
A wonderful surprise from this vintage, this wine has matured beautifully. Still deep ruby in colour, despite its age, the aromas exhibit abundant quantities of dried herbs, grilled meats, black cherry and tobacco. Medium-bodied, rewarding, at the peak of maturity, it should hold well until around 2028.
FOOD PAIRING
Works well with beef in simple dishes, pork and earthy vegetable dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A special wine, with a long aristocratic heritage, at peak drinkability… enjoy!
2010 Antinori, Tignanello
Regular price £264.50 Save £-264.50ABOUT THE WINE
Produced exclusively from the 57-hectare vineyard which gives the wine its name, Tignanello has been produced by the Antinori family since 1970. The family itself has been involved in the production of wine in Tuscany since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Arte Florentina, the Winemakers Guild of Florence. Today the winery is run by Marquis Piero Antinori, with the support of his three daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia.
TASTING NOTES
Dark cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage on this exceptional Tignanello. Not a collosal vintage, but rather a beautifully vibrant example of the terroir - driven, in this vintage, by a larger than usual proportion of Sangiovese. Firm yet silky tannin provides exceptional backbone for further ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Red meat, goose or veal; complex stews and aged hard cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A particularly fine vintage for Antinori wines.
2006 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Regular price £260.65 Save £-260.65ABOUT THE WINE
Pichon Lalande earned its name when Therse, the daughter of the founder received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville. During the 18th century the wine-growing influence at Pichon Lalande was definitely feminine. Perhaps that explains part of the wines sensuous qualities. Pichon Lalande was essentially managed by three women: Therese de Rauzan, Germaine de Lajus and Marie Branda de Terrefort. Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville succeeded his mother taking over Pichon Lalande when he was only 19. What happened next changed the landscape of the Medoc forever. On the eve of his death in 1850, he divided the property between his five children. In modern times May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe became the new owner and general manager of Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in 1978. She made numerous investments and improvements at Pichon Lalande. She later sold Pichon Lalande to the owners of Roederer Champagne in January 2007. Once the purchase for Chateau Pichon Lalande was concluded, in 2008, a complete renovation of the estate took place.
TASTING NOTES
Abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savoury, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with beef ragout and tagliatelle or pepper steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The opulence and body of this make it a great hedonistic experience wine.
2003 Chateau d'Yquem
Regular price £256.05 Save £-256.05ABOUT THE WINE
Arguably the greatest sweet wine in the world, after centuries of family ownership, Château d'Yquem was sold in somewhat acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, d'Yquem enjoys some of the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sèmillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest is painstaking; 150 highly skilled pickers pass through the rows selecting grapes berry by berry to ensure that only the finest botrytized fruit is used.
TASTING NOTES
2003 was a definitive vintage that was marked by a very warm summer and just the perfect conditions for noble rot during autumn. So much so that it is said that these conditions were similar to the ones that led to the making of the first-ever botrytised wines in Sauternes.
An incredibly voluptuous and rich wine with stunning tropical fruits, creamy white chocolate and Madagascan vanilla ice cream, and a touch of toasted coconut and candied orange zest on the finish. A massive, but elegant and complex wine that will undoubtedly only get more rewarding with decades, if one can wait and resist the urge that is…
FOOD PAIRING
Blue cheese, foie gras and any kind of dessert.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.
Coravin Timeless Three+ Wine Preservation System - Black
Regular price £249.99 Save £-249.99ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Pour your favourite wines without pulling the cork, with the Coravin Timeless Three+ Wine Preservation System. The Three System is the perfect introduction to Coravin's Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years. Three+ in black contains Timeless Three in Black including two Coravin Pure™ Argon Capsules, two Coravin Screw Caps and a Coravin Aerator.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The ultimate in wine preservation systems for the home. These make a great gift to yourself or the wine lover in your life!
2008 Domaine de Chevalier, Blanc
Regular price £482.50 Save £-482.502012 Chateau Palmer, Alter Ego de Palmer
Regular price £246.25 Save £-246.25NV Krug, Grande Cuvee 171eme
Regular price £242.00 Save £-242.00ABOUT THE WINE
The House of Krug was founded in 1843 in the city of Reims by Joseph Krug. His vision was that the House should produce two Champagnes in every vintage, one which exemplified the circumstances of the vintage, and one which would be altered through the addition of reserve wines to create the most “generous expression of Champagne”. In pursuit of this, the House vinifies every parcel of vines separately, in used oak barrels which allow for some controlled oxidation (providing the basis for the ‘generosity’ that characterises the House style), and maintains a library of some 150 reserve wines for up to 15 years to provide blending material for their Grande Cuvée. These wines are kept separate until the final blending process, after which the finished wines are aged in bottle for at least 7 years.
TASTING NOTES
The palate is full and round, in classic Krug style, with hazelnut, rich citrus fruit, brioche and toasted almond, giving way to a crisp, clean finish.
FOOD PAIRING
The weight and power of this Champagne makes it extremely versatile for food-pairing; it will go well with anything from cured meats to mature hard cheeses. It is also well-suited to lighter styles of Indian cuisine and seafood, especially grilled shrimp.
2003 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases
Regular price £239.80 Save £-239.80Also Available - 1999 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 2eme cru classe, the largest of the 3 Leoville estates and with no doubt the leading one. This St Julien 97 hectares of vineyards with the main plot being surrounded by a wall are superbly sited. The wine predominantly cabernet sauvignon (65%) is matured in oak barriques (80% new) for 18 months. The wine is fermented at a lower temperature than average making it very aromatic and rich wine in his youth developing to a more powerful and concentrated wine with age.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
2003 will be remembered as one of the hottest summer ever in France, and for this reason many chateau suffer. But not all was lost on the left bank more especially St Estephe and Pauillac some stunning wine where produced.
2019 Domaine des Perdrix, Echezeaux Grand Cru
Regular price £237.10 Save £-237.10ABOUT THE WINE
Managed by Bertrand & Christiane Devillard and their children Amaury & Aurore since 1996, the Domaine des Perdrix, located in Cote de Nuits spread over 12 hectares in the best terroirs within the villages of Nuits Saint Georges and Vosne Romanee. Nearly 5 hectares of the estate produce Nuits Saint Georges 1 er Cru, among which the excellent “Aux Perdrix” is a quasimonopole (99%). The quality of the vineyards, their rigorous management and vinification have established the Domaine des Perdrix as a renowned Domaine.
TASTING NOTES
One of the finest villages for red Burgundy, Echezeaux provides muscular fruit that's riper, but still very elegant. Candied red cherries and fresh raspberries along with shiitake mushrooms and toasty vanilla and cinnamon coming from the new French oak barrel ageing. A wine which will age gracefully.
FOOD PAIRING
Wood-fire roasted pigeon or beef bavette steak with creamed parsnips and warm cherry compote.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Needs time to reveal its potential and perfumes of fruits and spices which will get stronger and stronger with maturation. Tannins are firm but ripe and silky.
2000 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre
Regular price £232.30 Save £-232.30ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 2eme cru classe, the Saint Julien appellation is small in size, yet big on talent. In the heart of the famed Medoc vineyard, Chateau Leoville Poyferre has always been one of the most prestigious estates of this terroir. The origin of the estate dates back to 1638. At that time, Leoville was the largest domain in the Medoc. Since then, it has been fragmented over time and generations. The legacy of the grand vin of Leoville Poyferre began in 1840, consecrated as a Second Classified Growth fifteen years later. Didier Cuvelier has presided over its destiny since 1979.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The growing season started rather badly after a mild winter follow by hot and wet spring and early summer bringing more problem with mildew. From Middle of July everything change and the weather was constantly hot till middle of September when rain came but somehow was a relief for the stressed vines, and did not affect the harvest which took place over three wonderful week ending mid-October.
2013 Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon
Regular price £230.00 Save £-230.002008 Chateau L'Evangile
Regular price £226.90 Save £-226.90
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau l'Evangile has always been considered among the first great growths of Pomerol. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chaperon owned this small Pomerol estate the mid-19th Century and their direct descendants, the Ducasse Family, have since kept the property in their able hands. In 1990, Mrs. Luis Ducasse, wishing to ensure the long term stability of the vineyard and wanting to maintain the subtle quality of the most elegant wine of the area, brought in as a partner, Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite).
TASTING NOTES
2008 is a blend of 88% Merlot & 12% Cabernet Franc. A wine characterised by delicacy and elegance with notes of rose petal, orange peel, crushed violets and dried cherries. The domination of Merlot is evident with an attractive plum bouquet and precise, but balanced oak treatment. A wine that's in its ideal drinking window as of 2022.
FOOD PAIRING
A Bordeaux that will pair beautifully with roasted, wild mallard and pork loin roast, but also with stronger fishes like monkfish and John Dory with mushroom sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
One of the most impressive Pomerols of the vintage.
2001 Chateau Pape Clement
Regular price £216.60 Save £-216.60ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Pape Clement has a long and interesting history in Bordeaux – the first recorded grape harvest took place in 1252! The chateau is named after the property’s founder, Pope Clément V, one of the Avignon Popes during a schism in the Catholic Church in the 1300s. Today the vineyard is owned by Bernard Magrez, under whose direction the estate has flourished. 20 hectares of vines, neighbour to Haut Brion, although with a slightly cooler micro-climate. 2.5 hectares are planted to white grapes.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, perfumed aromas and superb concentration; graphite, plums, cassis and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, with tannins adding texture rather than grip. A superb achievement for the vintage, due in no small part to extremely low yields.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect for beef dishes, although the medium-weight of the wine makes it good for feathered game and chicken as well.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Located a few miles from Haut-Brion, Pape Clément has undergone significant regeneration under the stewardship of Bernard Magrez, and is increasingly able to compete with its illustrious neighbour.
2008 Vieux Chateau Certan
Regular price £212.10 Save £-212.10
ABOUT THE WINE
One of the oldest known growths in Pomerol. Its unique Scottish heritage is one of a kind in Bordeaux, as the chateau was founded by the Scottish Demay family in the 16th century. The chateau buildings were built by the second owner Charles de Bousquet. The current owner acquired the chateau in 1924, which also happened to be a Flemish wine merchant.
The chateau’s vineyards are made up of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The whole harvest is done by hand every year and the wines are aged in 100% new French oak barrels and aged for 18 to 22 months.
TASTING NOTES
The 2008 vintage was a vintage for early drinking charm, meaning that they are at their peak drinking maturity right now as of 2022, and for the next 5 to 8 years. The charming rusticity of its character crowns the wine with subtle cedar, dried cranberry, prune, allspice and dried cherry notes. The perfumed red crushed violets show elegance and complexity. An effortless example of elegant beauty rather than power and opulence.
FOOD PAIRING
Pair with braised lamb shank in Madeira jus, Roast goose and grilled wild pigeon.
2012 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Regular price £209.10 Save £-209.10