2016 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £150.10 Save £-150.102008 Chateau Batailley
Regular price £88.00 Save £-88.00Also available: 2016 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux's and the Casteja-family's flagship. The name is derived from the battle (bataille) that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the Hundred Years War, around 1453. Vinification is fairly standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in tank, partly in barrel, and the wine is then aged in new French oak, 60% new, for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit-character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.
TASTING NOTES
Crisp, bright red fruits; pepper and cassis on a medium-bodied palate. Hefty tannins will subside after 2022, but decanting will allow this wine to display its exceptional quality in the shorter term if temptation cannot be deferred.
FOOD PAIRING
Chateau Batailley is best served with classic meat dishes: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, and roasted, braised and grilled vegetable dishes. It can also pair well with Asian dishes and hearty fish courses like tuna-steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine never stops to surprise, glass after glass.
2006 Chateau Langoa-Barton
Regular price £86.25 Save £-86.25ABOUT THE WINE
The Barton family, the current owners of Chateau Langoa Barton are able to trace their Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722, when they left Ireland to start a new life in Bordeaux. In 1821 they bought an estate in St. Julien, Pontet-Langlois, which they renamed Langoa Barton. The 25-hectare estate is marked out by its relatively cool terroir vineyards are spread throughout the centre of the appellation, all inland away from the Gironde. Highly traditional winemaking, with only 50% new oak, makes this estate less showy than many of its counterparts, but allows it to shine with bottle-age typical recommendation is 15 years from vintage.
TASTING NOTES
The 2006 Chateau Langoa Barton has a lifted nose of small dark cherries, blackberry, incense and marmalade - quite showy for Langoa Barton, full of joie-de-vivre. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, ripe and demonstrating impressive density plus a firm grip. Mouth-coating, yet well-balanced; a delightful vintage from an ever-reliable chateau. Rewards time in the decanter.
FOOD PAIRING
Steak, beef burgers, aged hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Out of all the 1855 Classified Growths, it is the only chateau that is still in the hands of the same family who owned it at the time of the classification.
2011 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £85.20 Save £-85.202014 Chateau Giscours
Regular price £81.30 Save £-81.302016 Chateau Batailley
Regular price £80.50 Save £-80.50Also available: 2008 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux’s and the Castéja-family’s flagship winery. One of the oldest estates in the Médoc the name is derived from the battle (“bataille”) that took place during the Hundred Years’ War and where the chateau and vineyard are sited today. The estate is currently experimenting with biodynamic farming techniques on a 5- hectare parcel. Overall vinification is pretty standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in the tank, and partly in the barrel, and the wine is then aged in 60% new French oak for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.
TASTING NOTES
A rare, but beautiful blend of fresh red berries of raspberry and rose hip married with the savoury meatiness and cigar box with a sweet vanilla undertone, not to mention the charming crushed violets. A truly elegant and complex claret, which shows power in a restrained way, but still managed to have polished and gripping tannins that are dazzling and promising facing forward. This wine is now in its drinking window, and will stay there until the late 2040s…
FOOD PAIRING
Roast mallard with radicchio and pear salad, braised veal shank with winter root vegetable purée. Any seared & dry-aged beef cut should also pair impeccably.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine will never cease to surprise, glass after glass, and is unquestionably moreish. Drinking beautifully now but still retains some solid ageing potential.
2014 Clos du Marquis
Regular price £160.75 Save £-160.752018 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £79.90 Save £-79.902014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £74.00 Save £-74.002014 Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Petit Lion
Regular price £72.55 Save £-72.552004 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Regular price £72.00 Save £-72.00ABOUT 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 the 17th century when it belonged to the Sossiando family who were of Basque origin. The property was purchased by Jean Lamothe. His daughter then inherited it and in 1831. In 1969, after the succession of several owners, Jean Gautron took over the estate which had become extremely neglected, despite its excellent location. His hard-work and motivation are at the origin of the high reputation and quality of the Chateau Sociando-Mallet that we know today.
TASTING NOTES
Sociando Mallet's big, extracted, rich, classic 2004 boasts a deep ruby/purple hue as well as aromas of charcoal, wet stones, cold steel, and abundant black currant and cassis fruit. This medium to full-bodied, structured, powerful wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring. It should last for two decades.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with roasted meats and vegetables, creamy dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Give it another 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 30 years.
1998 Chateau Nenin
Regular price £69.00 Save £-69.00ABOUT THE WINE
Located just outside the village of Catusseau, this estate boasts 32 hectares of clay-gravel vineyards located in a large area of parkland, southwest-facing on a high plateau. Purchased by Domaines Delon in 1997, it has since seen significant investment, and changes in the cellar and vineyards have imbued the wines with greater purity and depth of fruit.
TASTING NOTES
Exceptionally smooth, aged character; soft, cooked plum and dark fruits, with a rich, smoky chocolate-touched finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with rare beef, or pork, dishes with subtle flavours will allow the wine to shine through.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This estate has always been a particular favourite of the British royal family.
2015 Chateau Marquis d'Alesme
Regular price £68.10 Save £-68.10ABOUT THE WINE
Château Marquis d'Alesme is a distinguished wine producer that has been tending to an exceptional terroir in the heart of the Bordeaux region since 1616. With a unique combination of mystique and classicism, the estate is a land of culture and passion that consistently delivers premium Margaux wines.
The vineyard, spanning 15 hectares, is managed in a meticulously individual manner, much like a beautiful garden, with utmost care and craftsmanship by the team.
TASTING NOTES
The grapes of this wine were carefully selected by hand and underwent rigorous sorting in both the vineyard and cellar. Fermentation took place in 80 hl truncated wooden and stainless steel vats, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, consisting of 65% new and 35% first-fill barrels, with 3 months spent on lees. This Margaux wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. The nose is complex and rich, with fragrances of black fruit such as dark mulberries, liquorice, and smokiness. The palate has a lively vibrancy, followed by powerful yet, silky and elegant tannins. This wine is not shy but provides lush exuberance with layered, deep fruit notes with savoury complexity, which linger in the long, showy finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Juicy and tender grilled lamb chop with a balsamic reduction with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and mushroom duxelles
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The vines, averaging 40 years of age, are planted on clay-limestone, silica-gravel and silica-marl soils.
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.
2016 Chateau Gloria
Regular price £130.75 Save £-130.75ABOUT THE WINE
One of the better-known Crus Bourgeois of the Medoc, still at reasonable prices. Chateau Gloria is made up of holdings of classified Crus and would deserve to be classified in its own right. Recent vintages have found all their character again, in the tradition of the great Saint-Julien wines.
TASTING NOTES
A majority Cabernet Sauvignon blend, expect beautiful aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries. The body is full, with very fine tannins that are strong and bright. Drinking very well right now, and will continue to develop over the next two decades and beyond.
2018 Vintage also available
2018 Chateau Gloria
Regular price £130.75 Save £-130.75ABOUT THE WINE
One of the better-known Crus Bourgeois of the Medoc, still at reasonable prices. Chateau Gloria is made up of holdings of classified Crus and would deserve to be classified in its own right. Recent vintages have found all their character again, in the tradition of the great Saint-Julien wines. A surprising wine if you are prepared to wait.
2016 Vintage also available
2018 Chateau Le Gay, Manoir de Gay
Regular price £63.85 Save £-63.85ABOUT THE WINE
Château Le Gay has a long history in Pomerol, with the estate dating back to the 1840’s. Shortly after World War I, Chateau Le Gay became the property of the Robin family, eventually passing down to the famous Robin sisters in 1946 who also owned the famous estate of Chateau Lafleur! In late 2002, Catherine Pere-Verge expanded her portfolio of quality-focused estates by purchasing Chateau Le Gay and immediately began to plant additional hectares of vines to grow the estate. In 2006, those vines were included in the Grand Vin for the very first time, and Mchel Rolland was brought in as a consultant, along with Marcelo Pelleriti as winemaker. The vineyard is tended to using sustainable farming technique and yields are kept low, producing opulent wines. This is a Pomerol property on the rise!
TASTING NOTES
As the second wine of Chateau Le Gay, Manoir de Gay opens up with a real explosion of fruit aroma. 90% Merlot gives body & fruit to the palate with the remaining 10% of Cabernet Franc providing roundness. Showing silky tannins with great depth and length on the finish. Excellent quality.
FOOD PAIRING
Serve with classic meat roasts from beef to lamb and game. For a vegetarian option, a rich mushroom pasta dish would make a fine pairing.
2018 Chateau L'Enclos
Regular price £53.30 Save £-53.30ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled in the heart of Pomerol and neighbored by Le Pin and Château Clinet, Château L'Enclos is an estate synonymous with classic opulence. With guidance from renowned oenologist Michel Rolland, continuous enhancements in both the vineyard and cellar have propelled this estate to ever-greater heights. The 2018 vintage showcases the exceptional qualities of this prestigious appellation.
TASTING NOTES
Indulge in the sumptuous, velvety notes of ripe blackberries, intertwined with nuances of dark chocolate and a hint of black cherry. The 2018 vintage presents an elevated expression of Pomerol, carrying the richness of its predecessor while exhibiting its own unique charm.
FOOD PAIRING
Superbly suited to dishes like rosemary-infused rack of lamb, duck confit, or a porcini mushroom risotto, Château L'Enclos pairs harmoniously with the depth and complexity of these culinary delights.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Approachable now, this Pomerol will continue to evolve and impress until 2033. Château L'Enclos remains a property to watch in the Pomerol appellation.
2019 Chateau Montviel
Regular price £50.50 Save £-50.50ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Montviel was purchased by the late Catherine Péré-Vergé in 1985 who’s passion and devotion to the estate was undeniable. This indefatigable perfectionist also owned Châteaux La Gravière, Le Gay and La Violette, and vineyards in the New World. The property's 10.1 hectares is characterised by clayey gravel and 30 year old vines planted with 80% Merlot & 20% Cabernet Franc. With Michel Rolland and Marcelo Pelleriti as the oenologists, you can expect exceptional quality production, continuing the legacy of Péré-Vergé in Pomerol.
TASTING NOTES
Plum, cherry and chocolate on the nose, followed by a medium-body, packed with juicy dark fruit and liquorice accents. Smooth palate with balanced tannins and a savoury finish. Drinking well now, and will last well into the 2030s and beyond.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with Filet Mignon or roast beef. If you are pairing with cheese, Gorgonzola or blue cheese would be excellent.
2016 Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon
Regular price £49.55 Save £-49.552014 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £48.70 Save £-48.70See 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 are 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 into the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and a 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.
2014 Chateau Berliquet
Regular price £48.25 Save £-48.25ABOUT THE WINE
Berliquet is one of the oldest vineyards in Saint-Emilion, able to trace its history back to 1794. 9 hectares of vineyards are superbly sited on the limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, adjoining those of Chateau Canon and Chateau Magdelaine. Until 1978 Berliquet's wine was made by the local co-operative; since 1978 the wine has been vinified and matured at the chateau and the wines have improved significantly, earning promotion to Grand Cru Classe' in 1985. Typically a blend of 67% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
TASTING NOTES
Red and black fruit, with notes of fruitcake and roasted herbs; medium-bodied and fairly easy-going. Fragrant and appetising.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with grilled steak, aubergine pasta or bacon tartlet.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Early-drinking Saint-Emilion, from a very reliable estate.
2016 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Brio
Regular price £45.70 Save £-45.702014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.55