2019 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £19.95 Save £-19.952020 Tres Palacios, Family Vintage Merlot
Regular price £19.50 Save £-19.50ABOUT THE WINE
The 'Tres Palacios' winery is a family business, founded in 1996 by Don Patricio Palacios and his wife, Maria Inés Covarrubias. With patience—and much passion—they began their search for an area that had never before been used for winemaking.
They settled on the Cholqui sector of the Maipo Valley, 16 km (10 miles) from the city of Melipilla. The unique location of the vineyard protects them from extremes of heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. In a setting reminiscent of the crater of a volcano, this terroir is unlike any other in Chile’s Central Valley.
This wine has 10 months in oak barrels and a further 7 months in bottle before release.
TASTING NOTES
Intense red with violet tints, this wine has aromas of black pepper and cloves, along with notes of mocha and toasted coffee which are integrated into a base of black fruit. The fruit continues on the palate. Overall a round, velvety, easy to drink, complex and balanced wine with a long and spicy finish. Has potential to age for up to 7 years and is best served at 16 - 18 degrees.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal to accompany pasta, semi-ripe cheeses, chicken, stews and casseroles.
2011 Chateau du Cayrou Chateau du Cayrou
Regular price £18.70 Save £-18.702020 Saxenburg, Guinea Fowl Red
Regular price £18.10 Save £-18.10Adrian & 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 NOTESA blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Cabernet Franc & 18% Merlot. This classic Bordeaux blend shows an abundance of dark fruit aromas like blackcurrant, plums, and crushed blueberries, supported by whiffs of freshly roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. The palate is beautifully weighted, with a dense but finely grained tannin structure. A delightful New World red blend with elegance and balance.
FOOD PAIRINGSouth African Biltong may be an obvious choice, but game meat such as venison as well as grilled t-bone steak will be compatible with this ripe but elegant blend.
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.
2018 Chateau Vignol Red
Regular price £14.80 Save £-14.802020 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Merlot
Regular price £13.10 Save £-13.10ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled in the Hérault region near the Mediterranean Sea, Domaine de Mont Auriol boasts a rich history as a former Royal Estate. The property has been in the Sarret family for an impressive thirteen generations. Among the estate's 350 hectares, 110 are dedicated to vineyards that cascade down south-facing hills overlooking the Golfe du Lion. The estate employs organic and biodynamic practices, avoiding herbicides and using organic fertilizers. The 2020 vintage is aged 22% in oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
Admire the enticing ruby hue, which unveils a subtle bouquet of toasted cocoa and spicy pepper. On the palate, the silky tannins intertwine with exuberant notes of dark berries, offering a harmonious experience.
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful on its own, it also pairs beautifully with roasted pork, succulent venison, or sumptuous dishes adorned with rich sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An exceptional value wine, Mont Auriol captivates with its drinkability and versatile potential for enjoyment.
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.
2015 Chateau Lucas, Grand de Lucas 'Prestige'
Regular price £20.00 Save £-20.00ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Lucas, founded 1876, is located in the heart of Lussac-Saint-Emilion Appellation. Generation after Generation, the Vauthier Family has been the owner of this beautiful property. For more than 20 years, Frederic Vauthier has managed the estate focusing on adapting his family know-how to the new techniques of viticulture and vinification. The vineyard covers more than 20 hectares and only 6 hectares allow the production of this cuvee Grand de Lucas Cuvee Prestige.
TASTING NOTES
A very aromatic bouquet blending fruity notes such as raspberry and blackcurrant, jammy fruits like plum and vanilla notes. The tannins are quite velvety, the mouth is round and well balanced. Long finish. A grand wine, almost crunchy, which will reward with a little time in the cellar.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with red meat and lamb. Perfect also with pork stew and hard cheeses such as Comte or Beaufort.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, accessible already, but capable of extended ageing.