NV Champagne Ruinart, Blanc De Blancs
Regular price £52.70 Save £-52.70ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select, Champagne house which is steeped in history. It dates back to the 17th century, the time of the famous Dom Perignon. It was founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in the city of Reims, the year after a Royal Decree in 1728 whereby Louis XV gave his consent for sparkling wines to be shipped in baskets containing 50 to 100 bottles. This opened the gates of Europe to champagne and thus makes Ruinart the oldest Champagne House. Since the Second World War the house has become synonymous with class and its production of only 1.7 million bottles per annum is small compared to other grande marques.
TASTING NOTES
A distinctive golden yellow colour with subtle green highlights. Its delicate colour is heightened by the transparent bottle. The substantial effervescence and delicate bubbles decorate the glass with a ribbon around its inner edge while revealing an elegant radiance and purity. On the nose fresh fruit (mostly citrus) combined with aromas of white flowers & white fruits (peach).
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful with seafood, grilled sole or sashimi with white fish. For dessert, a lemon tart or grapefruit sorbet would be an excellent partner.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With the finest grapes, skilful blending, extensive ageing in its 2000-year-old cellars, and a uniquely shaped bottle, Ruinart defines its commitment to excellence and luxury.
2016 Chateau Talbot, Connetable
Regular price £47.65 Save £-47.65ABOUT THE WINE
Legend has it that Chateau Talbot takes its name from a British soldier, Connetable Talbot, who was killed in a battle at Castillon in 1453; the estate was named in his honour. Since 1917, Talbot has been owned by the Cordier family. The family has invested heavily in Talbot to ensure that it achieves the quality levels of which it is capable. With 102 hectares of vineyards, Talbot is one of the largest estates in the Medoc. The second wine of this famed 4th Growth is sourced from vines of 30 years old and was vinified in stainless steel tanks, followed by an oak maturation of 15 months in 15% new barrels. The blend of the 2016 vintage consists of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon & 60% Merlot.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, dense fruit, extremely youthful, with plenty of potential for long-ageing. Red and black fruit, tobacco leaf and a stony mineral-character which will soften with time. Quite charming at this early stage; time will add polish to the long, smoky finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Strong flavours; lamb, beef stews, cured meat.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A fabulous Talbot to drink at 10-15 years from vintage, somewhat forward, but for the moment one to store rather than consume.
2017 Tenuta Fanti, Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio
Regular price £136.90 Save £-136.90Tenuta Fanti is owned by the Fanti family since the early 18th Century and has always been a reference for the production of wine, extra-virgin olive oil and cereals in the area of Montalcino. Today, thanks to Filippo's forty years of experience as a wine grower and to the energy and determination of Elisa, his daughter who joined the family company in 2007, the reputation of the Fanti brand keeps growing. The strong eco-friendly approach to agriculture and the respect for the soil and the natural cycles allow Tenuta Fanti to offer top-quality products to its consumers.
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby colour. The charming nose of ripe red fruit such as blackcurrant and cherry, spices and a hint of liquorice. The palate is rich, full-bodied and complex. The tannins are dense, already well integrated and supported by the structure of the wine. Fresh and slightly savoury long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs very well with mushrooms, grilled red meat, duck breast and aged cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This Brunello is made from grapes coming from 4 vineyards, containing vines 35 years old on average, located in the area named Vallocchio at the heart of the estate.
2016 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £150.10 Save £-150.10An 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
A supple, expressive wine laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, liquorice and leather. Open and accessible, this is a delightful, Cabernet-dominated second-wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, veal and venison. Steak pies. Beef daubes, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Petit Figeac may lack the longevity of the grand vin, but serves up a greater generosity of fruit and an earlier-drinking style.
2018 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino
Regular price £120.00 Save £-120.00The 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, helped by his sons Benito and Franco, it was one of the first farms of the modern period of Brunello. The farm is still family-run from both a farming and winemaking viewpoint.
TASTING NOTES
Boasting an intense ruby red colour with captivating garnet undertones. The bouquet is beautifully complex, featuring lush red cherries, subtle hints of spice and vanilla undertones. It showcases a remarkable persistence and aromatic evolution. Harmonious and well-rounded, the wine possesses excellent tannin structure, resulting in a finish that lingers, demonstrating the true depth of the 2018 vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine elegantly complements a wild boar ragu served over pappardelle pasta, or a Neapolitan pizza topped with buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A Florentine steak grilled to perfection or a rich, creamy spaghetti alla carbonara also make delightful pairings.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino showcases an elegant balance of power and finesse. To fully appreciate the wine's complexities, we suggest decanting at least 30 minutes prior to serving. The prolonged aging potential of this vintage makes it a true gem for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
2012 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Regular price £209.10 Save £-209.10The Capanna farm, owned by the Cencioni family since 1957, is situated in the Montosoli area, to the north of Montalcino. Founded by Giuseppe Cencioni and his sons, Benito and Franco, it was one of the first farms of the modern period of Brunello. The farm is still family-run from both a farming and winemaking viewpoint, with 11 hectares out of 23 devoted to olive groves.
TASTING NOTES
A deep ruby red colour with garnet hues. Delicate bouquet of red fruit and a hint of vanilla. Smoke, roses and liquorice on the palate; very aromatic and persistent, with excellent round tannins and structure, and a long finish. The extra time in oak has served to mellow the tannins in the wine, creating a broader palate and a more refined drinking experience.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with roasted red meats, game and aged cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A powerful yet very elegant wine. We recommend letting it breathe for at least 30 minutes before serving.