2012 Capanna, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Regular price £95.80 Save £-95.80ABOUT THE WINE
The 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 hecatres 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 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 at least 30 minutes before serving.
2012 Trinite Estate, Acaibo
Regular price £66.00 Save £-66.00ABOUT THE WINE
The 2012 vintage, is the first vintage produced by Claire and Gonzague Lurton, who are part of great Bordeaux families. Acaibo is nestled in the hills in a small corner of the Chalk Hill area. The estate sits in an intimate bowl between three valleys: the Russian River Valley, the Alexander Valley, and Knight's Valley. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
TASTING NOTES
The Acaibo is remarkable for its very intense, almost seductive expression of aromas. The bouquet offers an elegant combination of floral notes (violets), spices (pepper, cinnamon, liquorice and vanilla), red fruit (blackberries and raspberries) and earthy undertones.
FOOD PAIRING
Goes well with steak, beef fillet and rack of lamb.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is the first ever vintage of this American project. Sold out at the winery, this wine is now a collector's item.
2012 Benjamin Bridge, Brut
Regular price £35.25 Save £-35.25ABOUT THE WINE
In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time-proven techniques, expertise, and most importantly to its acclaimed, distinctive wines. Located in the Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia, the vines benefit from the moderating influence of the Bay of Fundy, resulting in a climate remarkably similar to that found in Champagne.
TASTING NOTES
In the glass, pale golden colour with a light straw hue. On the nose, suggestions of freshly squeezed lime juice are complicated by hints of smoke and sea minerals. On the palate, notes of baked green apples and natural almonds lead to a long invigorating finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled salmon and rice, clams spaghetti with creme fraiche, pancakes and strawberries.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A product for those who love champagne but are adventurous enough to try something else.
2012 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Regular price £33.75 Save £-33.75ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Sociando-Mallet is located in the commune of Saint-Sevrin-de-Cadourne, in the north of Pauillac. Its 85 hectares of vineyard are very well situated with an amazing view on the Gironde estuary. The estate dates back to 1633 when it belonged to the Sossiando family, of Basque origin. In 1969, after the succession of several owners, including a naval captain by the name of Mallet who added his name to the estate, Jean Gautreau took over the estate which had become extremely neglected, despite its excellent location, and included less than 7 hectares of vines. Through new plantings and purchases, and extensive investment in the winemaking facilities, Jean Gautreau expanded the vineyard-area to 85 hectares, and cemented the reputation of Sociando-Mallet as a superb estate capable of challenging classified growths in terms of consistency and quality.
TASTING NOTES
Deep and dark, with lovely, concentrated flavour. Herb-tinged and peppery, with cassis on the palate and a long, earthy finish. This is a classic; and as such will reward ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with roasted meats and vegetables, creamy dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Likely best from 2020; although it will reward the impatient if given time in the decanter.
2012 Chateau Mauvesin Barton
Regular price £25.05 Save £-25.05ABOUT THE WINE
Although originally constructed as a real fort - the estate as a whole having been first acquired by Jean de Foix Grailly in 1457 - the Chateau as we know it today was commissioned in 1853 by the last Marquis of Mauvesin, Lodois Le Blanc de Mauvesin. Lilian Barton Sartorius acquired the property in 2011 and despite extensive renovation the unique essence of the Chateau has, however, remained totally unscathed. A direct descendant of the famous Thomas Barton, Lilian worked hand-in-hand with her father Anthony for 30 years, sharing the responsibilities of his wine merchant company as well as the family estates Chateau Leoville Barton and Chateau Langoa Barton.
The Moulis-en-Medoc appellation nestles between Margaux and Saint-Julien and is the oldest of all the AOCs in the Medoc. It sits a little off the famous 'chateaux road' and taking advantage of being slightly distanced in this way Moulis has developed its own identity and this personality can be found in the wines. The vineyard itself is beautifully balanced, partly clay-gravel which is perfectly adapted for the development of Cabernet Franc and Merlot with another part comprising fine gravel and gritty sand allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full ripeness.
TASTING NOTES
A classic claret - red fruits mingle with vanilla, sweet spice and woody, toasty notes. Overall a beautifully balanced wine, elegant yet structured with silky soft tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Classically an entrecote with Bordelaise sauce or game terrine; it also pairs nicely with veal chops in a mushroom and white wine sauce as well as Saint-Marcellin and other softer cheeses.
2012 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £21.60 Save £-21.60ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Grand Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion, dating back to the 15th century. The beautiful chateau was constructed in the 1800s. In the late 1990s, Anabelle Cruse and her sisters purchased the shares of Chateau Grand Corbin from the other family shareholders and took over complete ownership of the 15.5-hectare estate. In December 2010, the estate was purchased by the Groupe SMABTP, who combined it in 2012 with the vineyards of Chateau Haut Corbin and Chateau Le Jurat to form a new 24.5-hectare estate under the Grand Corbin name.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with meaty pasta dishes, or lamb meatball with tomato sauce.
2012 Chateau des Landes, 'Tradition'
Regular price £12.55 Save £-12.55ABOUT THE WINE
Located in the appellation of Lussac Saint Emilion, Chateau des Landes is a family winery founded in 1952. At the start Paul Lassagne had to manage working at the local tile factory during the night and during the day in his vineyards. His dream, to leave the factory and fulfill his passion for making wine. In 1979, Daniel, Paul's son, joined with his father, his wine studies completed, to develop the family property. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc.
TASTING NOTES
Dense garnet color with haloed purple highlights. Heady aromas of red fruits entangled in menthol and spice. The taste is structured and greedy, like a giant fruit basket.
FOOD PAIRING
Steak, grilled vegetables, lasagne, roast duck, veal loin.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine is probably still a bit young so give it plenty of air if drinking it now, or hold onto it for another year or two and enjoy it even more.