2020 Domaine Nudant, Ladoix Chardonnay
Regular price £47.20 Save £-47.20ABOUT THE WINE
Winemakers in Burgundy since 1453, the current generation of the Nudant family manages some 16 hectares of small parcels dotted throughout the Cote d'Or. Vineyard work is all carried out by hand, in the spirit of minimal intervention. The vines for this Bourgogne are situated in the village of Chorey-les-Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
With just the smallest touch of oak character, this is a retrained style of Bourgogne. A wine to enjoy in its youth.
FOOD PAIRING
Chicken and root vegetables, and delicately flavoured cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Easy-going Chardonnay, from a village better known for red wines. 10 000 bottles produced.
2019 Bodega Monteviejo, Lindaflor Chardonnay
Regular price £46.20 Save £-46.20NV Moet & Chandon, Brut Imperial
Regular price £53.70 Save £-53.70ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1743 by Claude Moët, Moët et Chandon is one of the most prominent producers in Champagne, producing around 28 million bottles annually. They were the first Champagne house to produce only sparkling wines, and worked tirelessly to promote the style both in the royal court of France and internationally. Today they own or lease 1,150 hectares of vineyards, and produce approximately 28,000,000 bottles of champagne annually.
TASTING NOTES
Brut Imperial is a balanced assemblage of the three vine varieties disclosing a succession of elegant and harmonious sensations, a fresh maturity, supple and refined palate. The vibrant intensity of green apple and citrus fruit is evident on the nose. On the palate is sumptuous with white-fleshed fruits, fine bubbles and a soft vivacity of citrus fruit and nuances of gooseberry.
FOOD PAIRING
Fantastic with desserts that are not too sweet, such as parts of filo pastry; also really good with lobster, shrimps and some delicate fish dishes such as oven-poached salmon steaks with mustard dill sauce.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Created from more than 100 different wines, of which 30% are reserve wines!
2019 Sequoia Grove, Chardonnay
Regular price £43.40 Save £-43.40ABOUT THE WINE
Sequoia Grove is located in the gem of the famed Napa Valley, in what’s known as the Rutherford Bench. The Bench is a very unique geological formation, as it is consisted of a special composition of soils and rocks, and is considered one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. With a mix of alluvial loams, limestone, chalk and red & black volcanic soils, it’s at the prime area for producing wine. As the legendary Napa pioneer André Tchelistcheff quoted, “it takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.” Founded in 1979, the estate is one of Napa’s cult estates for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
A quintessential Napa Chardonnay, overdelivering every expectation one can expect from a premium California Chardonnay. Mainly sourced from the cool vineyards of Los Carneros on the San Pablo Bay, the wine opens with fresh bright yellow and orange citrus notes and golden apples. The tropical pineapple manifests itself as sour pineapple. The spice of the oak is balanced but warming with toasted vanilla, yoghurt and allspice. A wine which strikes a delicious balance between rich flavour and freshness. Aged 10 months in 31% new French barriques, with lee stirring. No malolactic fermentation took place to maintain the freshness of the wine and avoid any overpowering oiliness on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Duck confit, cream chicken and broad bean falafel with smoked hummus, as well as semi-soft cheeses like Camembert.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The estate barn is blessed to be surrounded by some of the last remaining groves of huge, majestic sequoia trees. It is also known to house Napa’s first underground cellar.
NV Champagne Ruinart, Brut Rose
Regular price £96.00 Save £-96.00ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select Champagne house, 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 subtle nose of rosehip, spice and wild strawberry; on the palate the wine marries exuberant fruit with a rich velvety texture.
FOOD PAIRING
Thin slices of fine Italian prosciutto (San Daniele, Parma, etc.) A starter of salmon prepared as a Japanese 'tataki', will reveal its many facets. Leg of milk-fed lamb or a low temperature cooked veal fillet.
FRIARDOOD SAYS
Ruinart is famous for their Rosé; justly so!
2022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 1er Cru La Maréchaude
Regular price £38.50 Save £-38.50ABOUT THE WINE
The estate was created in 1926, in the heart of the village of Vergisson. Today the 4th generation of the family Guerrin cultivates their terroir with the same passion and rigour as their great-grandparents before them. The estate covers a total area of 14 hectares split between more than 35 small plots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs gives each of their wines a very distinct character.
TASTING NOTES
Hailing from the Pouilly-Fuissé premier cru vineyard La Maréchaude, this mellow yet flamboyant 100% Chardonnay is a true expression of its distinguished terroir. The nose unveils a sophisticated medley of ripe stone fruit, touched with nuances of blooming white flowers and toasty hazelnuts. On the palate, it is a symphony of balance and subtlety, combining a graceful minerality with a refined structure. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation in French oak barrels, with 20% new, followed by lees-ageing complemented by regular batonnage.
FOOD PAIRING
A gastronomic delight, this wine partners beautifully with a pan-seared sea bass served with a creamy leek fondue or a slow-roasted chicken with hazelnut and herb stuffing. An artisanal goat cheese tart with a salad of fresh greens, topped with candied walnuts, also makes for a harmonious pairing. Standalone, it serves as an enchanting aperitif that sets a sophisticated tone for any gathering.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
La Maréchaude, positioned at the northern edge of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, is famed for producing Chardonnay of distinct elegance and finesse. The vineyard's unique location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson and white limestone soils imbue the wine with a refreshing mineral character, beautifully offsetting the richness derived from lees-stirring and barrel ageing. This is a stellar expression of Pouilly-Fuissé's potential.
2022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 'Sur la Roche' 1er Cru
Regular price £38.50 Save £-38.50Billecart Salmon, Brut Rosé NV
Regular price £79.20 Save £-79.20ABOUT THE WINE
A brand synonymous with some of the finest restaurants around the world, Billecart-Salmon is located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and has been family owned since 1818. Made by the same cellar master for nearly 30 years, this cuvée is a blend of two different years revealing the special quality of the Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Harmonious and elegant raspberry and strawberry character that’s married with whipped cream, red currants, persimmon and apricots. Fine bubbles that carry through the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Steak tartare, salmon and tuna sashimi as well as roast turkey.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Did you know that among Champagnes as prestigious as Krug & Dom Pérignon, a bottle of Billecart-Salmon was chosen as the Champagne of the Millennium?
2017 Roebuck Estates, Classic Cuvee
Regular price £35.80 Save £-35.80ABOUT THE WINE
Roebuck Estates are one of the newer players on the English wine scene (oldest vines planted in 2006), now spanning over 200,000 vines across four sites in the beautiful county of Sussex. With various soil types and plantings, including Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, the team has plenty of elements working in their favour to create award-winning, classic English sparkling wines. Despite being somewhat new, their estate is earning some much-deserved critical acclaim, winning several awards, including Best in Show, Decanter 2020. An estate on the rise!
TASTE NOTES
A refined sparkling wine bursting with citrus fruit and baked apples, perfectly balanced by rich toasted notes. Partial fermentation in the finest French oak casks, followed by long lees ageing for a minimum of 36 months, gives this wine additional richness, depth and complexity. The bubbles are delicate and linger on the palate.
2020 Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey White
Regular price £35.80 Save £-35.802013 Benjamin Bridge, Brut Rose
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.
TASTING NOTES
Light rose colour with a pale ruby hue. On the nose, hints of wild strawberry and raw cinnamon combine with a range of toastiness from grilled bread to soft ember aromas. The palate displays the wine's intensity with dynamic effervescence and a structured richness. The elevated concentration complements the wine's elegance, as freshness and earthy cherry notes keep the wine in a state of balanced harmony.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy as a palate-refreshing aperitif, or with light finger-food, great with salmon terrine!
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.
2020 Domaine Fillon, Chablis 1er Cru “Les Beauregards”
Regular price £34.30 Save £-34.302019 Madame Veuve Point, Rully Blanc
Regular price £34.20 Save £-34.20ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Madame Veuve Point is the unique story of a woman winemaker whose wines won the Grand Prize at the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair, and have continued making excellent Burgundy wines ever since. Now, Géraldine Point is the latest generation of the family to pick up the torch and continue a hundred year old wine making tradition.
Graced by a château which has been in the same family for six centuries, a church with an elegant steeple, beautiful homes and parks, Rully (pronounced Ruilly) is a very old village. This appellation produces mostly white whines. The white Chardonnay vine is able to express itself perfectly in these climates with rocky limestone and clay soils. The slopes are sheltered by a part of the mountain of la Folie and have an ideal Southeastern exposure. Its high altitude (230 to 300 meters) forces the winemakers to be more patient in awaiting the harvest than in nearby Côte de Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
This Rully Blanc has a golden color with green highlights in the glass. It has a fine nose with notes of “flowering shrubs” such as acacia, hawthorn and honeysuckle along with notes of fruits like lemon and white peaches. It has a fruity palate, with a lively, round flavor which is full-bodied and very slightly woody. In aging, its color will evolve toward buttercup and notes of honey, quince and dried fruit will be revealed.
FOOD PAIRING
With its beautiful fullness in the mouth, this wine is the ideal with tender-fleshed delicacies such as pan-fried river fish, sea fish in a white sauce or warm shellfish. It is an ideal accompaniment to hard cheeses such as Comté, with which it shares its fruitiness. It will elevate poultry in cream sauces. It can also be drunk as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
To really amplify its aromatic elegance, try decanting before serving!
2021 Jean Pierre et Alexandre Ellevin Chablis 1er Cru 'Vosgros'
Regular price £32.60 Save £-32.602021 Jean Pierre et Alexandre Ellevin Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaucoupin'
Regular price £32.60 Save £-32.60ABOUT THE WINE
For as far back as they can trace their history, the Ellevin family has always been making wine. In 1975, Jean-Pierre Ellevin and his wife started to develop the family domaine; in 2003, their son Alexandre joined them. The estate covers 16 hectares, planted exclusively with Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant golden hue captivates the eye. The nose is alluringly expressive, revealing elegant hints of citrus, sweet pea, and a lively zest. On the palate, indulge in a refined and velvety texture, enhanced by an exceptional yoghurty framework. This wine offers a seamless blend of vibrant minerality and a lingering, graceful finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Unveil the exquisite potential of this Chablis 1er Cru when savoured alongside a delicately poached sea bass, a luxurious lobster risotto, or a vibrant beet and goat cheese salad, each masterfully complementing the wine's tantalizing nuances.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A delightful 1er Cru, a little softer than the Vosgros from this producer.
2020 Domaine Bonnardot, Hautes Cotes de Nuits Clos des Oiseaux blanc
Regular price £31.00 Save £-31.002021 75CL Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 white
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.802022 Domaine Guerrin & Fils, Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
The estate was created in 1926, in the heart of the village of Vergisson. Today the 4th generation of the family Guerrin cultivates their terroir with the same passion and rigour as their great-grandparents before them. The estate covers a total area of 14 hectares split between more than 35 small plots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs gives each of their wines a very distinct character.
TASTING NOTES
A captivating bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and a hint of almond melds effortlessly with the wine's subtle oak influence. The palate is marked by a refined balance of fruit, minerality, and delicate oak integration. As it evolves, the wine reveals flavours of nectarine, lemon zest, and a touch of brioche, culminating in an elegant, satisfying finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This Pouilly Fuisse 'Vieilles Vignes' shines when paired with dishes that emphasize its complexity and depth, such as pan-seared sea bass with a lemon herb sauce, chicken and wild mushroom fricassée, or a grilled vegetable and goat cheese tart. Its harmonious character also makes it a delightful choice for sipping as an aperitif.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Hailing from a prime location on the slopes of the Roche de Vergisson, this wine benefits from the fresh, mineral character imparted by the east winds. The careful balance of flavours, achieved through lees-stirring (batonnage) and barrel-ageing, showcases the essence of Pouilly-Fuissé in this outstanding expression.
2017 Tokar Estate, Chardonnay
Regular price £29.60 Save £-29.60ABOUT THE WINE
The Tokar Estate vineyard was planted in the late 1990s, in the heart of the Yarra Valley's 'golden mile', on Maddens Lane, Coldstream. It is a small boutique estate focusing on sustainable farming and quality wines.
TASTING NOTES
Bright yellow. Nice buttery nose with zesty aromas of lemon drop, white flowers, crushed stone and noble herbs.
FOOD PAIRING
A perfect match for pan fried fish and veal.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Picked when the flavours are in the citrus to stone fruit spectrum and wild fermented in French oak (mostly 500L puncheons).
2018 Domaine Ellevin, Chablis 1er Cru 'Vosgros'
Regular price £63.20 Save £-63.20ABOUT THE WINE
For as far back as they can trace their history, the Ellevin family has always been making wine. In 1975, Jean-Pierre Ellevin and his wife started to develop the family domaine; in 2003, their son Alexandre joined them. The estate covers 16 hectares, planted exclusively with Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Delicate, floral aromas; light and fresh on the palate, with pleasantly ripe pear and red apple fruit. Stony minerality on the finish; this is sharper and more linear than its Vaucoupin stablemate.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with shellfish, salmon and white meats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Classic Chablis, one for the purists.
2021 St Francis, Chardonnay
Regular price £27.50 Save £-27.50ABOUT THE WINE
Established in 1971 by Joe Founder, St. Francis has reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in and around Sonoma County for over 50 years.
Today, the vineyards of St. Francis are farmed per Certified Sustainable standards. Their estate vineyards present a stunning diversity as they are scattered around Sonoma Valley and the famous Russian River Valley, each with diverse compositions of limestone, loam, clay and black & red volcanic soils. They also buy fruit from some of the oldest vineyards in the region, farming beautifully gnarly old vine Zinfandel, by nurturing their long-standing relationships for decades.
TASTING NOTES
Fruit for Chardonnay is sourced from the coolest vineyards where maritime Pacific mist and winds help retain the fresh acidity of the fruit. This wine blends the fragrant fruitiness of Fuji apples, pears and melon with a refreshing citrus zestiness, covered by the warming blanket of oak ageing. Adding to complexity with sweetcorn, yoghurt and allspice notes, with a silky mouthfeel, leading into a lingering decadent finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine gets along perfectly with cream sauces, such as Bearnaise, bechamel and carbonara, where its freshness cuts through the fat while the richness accompanies the mouthfeel.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
St. Francis’ gorgeous mission-style estate and Tasting Room building is in the heart of the valley surrounded by estate-owned vineyards. Their bell tower, pictured on their labels houses a 1,000-pound bronze bell cast by the Marinelli Foundry in Italy. It chimes every hour and can be heard throughout the valley.
2019 Saxenburg, Private Collection Chardonnay
Regular price £26.90 Save £-26.90Adrian & 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 NOTESSourced from the most prime sandstone & granite parcels in Polkadraai Hills, Stellenbosch, this Chardonnay greatly balances oak influence and freshness. The nose shows lemon, cut green apples, fresh bread, nuts and a hint of beeswax. The palate is long and lingering, with crisp acidity. Superbly complex.
FOOD PAIRINGCarbonara pasta or baked white fish along with chicken Madeira will make perfect pairings.
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.
2021 Pierre Mayeul, Bourgogne Chardonnay
Regular price £26.90 Save £-26.90ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
The bouquet reveals an enticing fusion of crisp green apple, citrus blossom, and a whisper of minerality. Delicate oak ageing imparts hints of crème brûlée and toasted almond. This inviting Chardonnay is medium-bodied with a creamy texture and invigorating acidity. Tastes of juicy pear, lemon zest, and a touch of flintiness establish an elegant equilibrium, culminating in a smooth, enduring finale.
FOOD PAIRING
Experiment with this Chardonnay by serving it alongside cauliflower and Gruyère cheese gratin, where the nutty flavours will enhance the wine's fruity and creamy characteristics. Alternatively, try a pan-seared halibut with a citrus and herb salsa, or a Moroccan chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives. This versatile wine also pairs beautifully with a rich butternut squash risotto.