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.
2016 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £48.40 Save £-48.402014 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.
2018 Chateau Nouret Cru Bourgeois
Regular price £46.00 Save £-46.002016 Chateau Cantenac Brown, Brio
Regular price £45.70 Save £-45.702018 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Petit Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.55ABOUT THE WINE
The esteemed Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, a 2eme Cru classé, presents its distinguished second wine, the 2018 Petit Ducru. Owned by the Borie family, the chateau encompasses 50 hectares in the southeast of the St Julien appellation. The vineyards flourish on well-drained gravel, peppered with stones up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and in 2018, the vines' average age was 45 years.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Boasting a rich and captivating deep purple hue, the 2018 vintage of Petit Ducru showcases remarkable intensity and structure, reminiscent of the esteemed Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou. This elegant wine benefits from careful cellaring, allowing its character to gracefully evolve and develop over time. An exceptional choice for the discerning palate, this wine is poised to enchant for years to come.
TASTING NOTES
A harmonious blend of power and finesse, this wine reveals a bouquet of dark fruits, cassis, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by hints of earthy tobacco and smooth, velvety tannins. The palate is rewarded with a generous and refined fusion of blackberry, black cherry, and a touch of graphite, culminating in a long and captivating finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Savour this luxurious wine alongside a sumptuous beef Wellington, a decadent black truffle and mushroom pasta, or an extravagant cheese and charcuterie board to truly appreciate its exquisite qualities and depth.
2014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.552015 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £42.40 Save £-42.402015 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £40.45 Save £-40.452016 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £38.00 Save £-38.002020 Chateau Montviel, La Rose Montviel
Regular price £37.00 Save £-37.00ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Montviel was purchased by Catherine Péré-Vergé in 1985; passionate about wine, she devoted herself to the estate. 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 characterized 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. La Rose Montviel is the second wine of the Chateau.
TASTING NOTES
Bursting with cherry and juicy plum notes, followed by a touch of oak and chocolate. Medium-bodied with lovely acidity, adding freshness to the rounded palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Think braised short ribs and lamb or beef in a simple jus. For a relaxed pairing, a chargrilled beef burger would work really well.
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.
2014 Chateau Fonplegade, Fleur de Fonplegade
Regular price £33.60 Save £-33.60See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of Saint-Emilion’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
Easy-drinking red, dominated by red-berry fruit. Tannins are present yet unthreatening; a very pleasant wine from an excellent vintage for the chateau.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops… very flexible, but rich, flavourful dishes are best.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A reliable wine for dinner parties, guests will not be disappointed.
2010 Coutet (Barsac)
Regular price £33.40 Save £-33.402010 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50See 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 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 in the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and 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.
2018 Chateau Chasse Spleen, l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen
Regular price £30.45 Save £-30.45ABOUT THE WINE
In 1822 the vineyards of Chateau Grand-Poujeaux were broken up to form four different estates, including what would become Chateau Chasse-Spleen. The origins of the name - which means 'dispels melancholy' - have been traced to both Byron and Baudelaire but are now lost to time and speculation. Purchased on the eve of World War I by a German family the outbreak of war saw the Chateau confiscated as an enemy property and it was subsequently sold at auction in 1922. Despite being nearly 65 years old in 1976 Jacques Merlaut decided to buy the estate and his family have remained at the helm ever since. Initially comprising 40 hectares of vines this has since been doubled, and the winemaking facilities have also seen significant improvement over the years. Thanks to their efforts, and those of consultant Emile Peynaud, Chasse-Spleen is now regarded as one of the finest unclassified properties in Bordeaux. Currently run by their daughter Celine Foubet and her husband Jean-Pierre the vintages regularly outperform many of the Medocs more renowned classed growths. This, the second wine of the Chateau, is every bit in keeping with that level of quality.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, with notes of warm oriental spice, vibrant blackberry & blackcurrant fruit and fresh rose followed by shortbread biscuit, vanilla and cocoa on the finish. Powerful yet balanced with firm, supple tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for food, classically a pan-fried fillet of beef with wild mushrooms or za'atar roasted saddle of lamb. Other superb partners would be barbecued glazed pork ribs, Maroilles cheese or polpette di tonno.
2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Les Allees de Cantemerle
Regular price £28.65 Save £-28.65ABOUT THE WINE
The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Medoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.
Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.
TASTING NOTES
With expressive fruity and floral aromas and a mouth-filling richness harbouring tannic depth this is everything you'd expect from the 2015 vintage. Refined blackberry and dark cherry fruit is balanced with light mint, vanilla, spice and white pepper followed by a lingering smoky edge. Silky and supple, rich and aromatic, a quality claret.
FOOD PAIRING
Local favourites such as blanquette of lamb or roast poultry with ceps are highly recommended, as are less obvious choices such as creamed mushrooms in puff pastry or raw milk cheeses including Reblochon. Surprisingly the elengant nature of the wines from Cantemerle mean even river fish such as pike-perch are a good match, served with slow roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An outstanding second wine from an outstanding vintage. Although the aging potential is perhaps a little less than that of the grand vin this is a wine to drink and enjoy now and over the next few years.
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.
2018 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £25.20 Save £-25.202012 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.
2016 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien), Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Regular price £36.65 Save £-36.652015 Chateau Nouret
Regular price £22.50 Save £-22.502014 Chateau Brane Cantenac, Baron de Brane
Regular price £21.75 Save £-21.75