2016 Chateau Calon Segur, Marquis de Calon
Regular price £49.55 Save £-49.552014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.552015 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £40.45 Save £-40.452019 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Red
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.80ABOUT THE WINE
In 1977, Jacques and Francoise Boyer embarked on a journey to create a top-quality wine estate on the slopes of the Cevennes, just north of Beziers in Languedoc. They replanted existing vineyards and extensively modernized the cellar. Today, their 110-hectare estate boasts 16 different grape varieties, producing a diverse range of wines that offer exceptional value at all quality levels.
TASTING NOTES
Aged for one year in oak barrels, this enchanting southern French blend captivates with its opulent black fruit aromas, including blackberry, prunes, and dark mulberry. Subtle hints of black pepper, earthiness, and espresso intermingle with rich undertones of mocha. The palate is sumptuous and velvety smooth, with a delicate wisp of smoke lingering on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty, robust dishes. Consider serving it alongside roast wild boar with a red wine reduction, venison braised in stout with root vegetables, or a game meat pie topped with golden puff pastry.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The unique terroir of this region is defined by its winds. The Mistral, Tramontane, and Narbonnaise winds shape the vines, cooling and cleansing the grapes while creating essential diurnal shifts between daytime and night-time temperatures. These conditions contribute to the creation of balanced, expressive wines that truly reflect their origin.
2022 Domaine de la Croix Belle, Cuvee N.7 Rose
Regular price £30.80 Save £-30.802018 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.
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.
2016 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien), Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Regular price £36.65 Save £-36.65