- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Cahors
- Chateauneuf du Pape
- Cote Chalonnaise
- Cote de Beaune
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote du Rhone
- Cotes de Thongue
- Haut Medoc
- Lussac - Saint Emilion
- Margaux
- Medoc
- Pauillac
- Pessac Leognan
- Pomerol
- Saint Emilion
- Saint Estephe
- Saint Georges - Saint Emilion
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Cahors
- Chateauneuf du Pape
- Cote Chalonnaise
- Cote de Beaune
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote du Rhone
- Cotes de Thongue
- Haut Medoc
- Lussac - Saint Emilion
- Margaux
- Medoc
- Pauillac
- Pessac Leognan
- Pomerol
- Saint Emilion
- Saint Estephe
- Saint Georges - Saint Emilion
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
French Wine
Looking for some of the best French Wines and Champagnes in London? Shop our extensive collection of French fine wines online with free delivery on orders over £75. And don't forget, you can also click and collect from our Parsons Green and Wimbledon Village stores.
Our extensive range covers many of the greatest wine-making regions in France. Nurturing our half a century-long relationships with chateaux and estates enables us to offer the finest bottles from Bordeaux & Burgundy at the most competitive prices, as well as exclusive wines from the Alsace, Languedoc, Loire, Provence and Rhone.
2005 Chateau La Lagune
Regular price £134.80 Save £-134.80ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau La Lagune and its 71.23 hectares of vineyard are located in the north of the Haut-Medoc appellation, in the commune of Ludon-Medoc. Chateau La Lagune's history can be dated back to the 16th when the vines were planted. However, it was not until 1730 that its winegrowing activity began. In 1957, Georges Brunet, a real estate entrepreneur and agricultural engineer took over the property and completely revolutionized the chateau and rebuilt the estate. He replanted the vineyard and expanded the estate. In 1964, Jeanne Boyrie became the first female estate-manager. She is renowned as one of the most conscientious, meticulous and able managers in Bordeaux. Following her death in 1986, her daughter Caroline Desverges took over. In 2000, Chateau La Lagune became the property of the Frey family.
TASTING NOTES
Its glorious 2005 has soft, sweet, ripe blackcurrant and black cherry fruit which blossoms within a lovely fragrant Margaux-style freshness and racy acidity. With lovely concentration, elegance and poise this should be a terrific bargain and looks sure to rival, if not surpass, their fabulous 1982.
FOOD PAIRING
We love this paired with some wine braised red meat or with aged cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is the finest wine made at this estate since 1982, and possibly the greatest La Lagune of all time.
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.
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.
2009 Chateau Lascombes
Regular price £70.50 Save £-70.50ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Lascombes, a Margaux ranked Second Growth in the 1855 classification, bears the name of its first owner, Chevalier de Lascombes, born in 1625. At the turn of the 18th century, Jean-Francois Lascombes, a counsellor at the Bordeaux Parliament, dedicated his wealth to making a great wine at Lascombes. The existing chateau was built in 1867 by Chaix D'Est Ange. Alexis Lichine took over the property in 1952. He completely restructured Chateau Lascombes and renovated the vineyard and cellars, giving this large vineyard new life. In 1971, he sold everything to the English brewer, Bass-Charrington. Since its purchase in April 2001 by Colony Capital, a new era has begun for this property.
TASTING NOTES
The wine has a beautiful blueberry-scented nose with hints of acacia flowers, liquorice, graphite and some subtle charcoal and background oak. Clearly a modern style of Margaux, it is pure, seamless, full-bodied and opulent, and the high glycerin and silky texture of 2009 are brilliantly displayed in this wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Venison, creamy dishes, hard cheese are a perfect pair with this wine!
2011 Chateau Lascombes
Regular price £131.50 Save £-131.50ABOUT THE WINE
Château Lascombes, 2ème Cru Classé in 1855, bears the name of its first owner, Chevalier de Lascombes, born in 1625. At the turn of the 18th century, Jean-Francois Lascombes, a counselor at the Bordeaux Parliament, dedicated his wealth to making a great wine at Lascombes. The existing chateau was built in 1867 by Chaix d'Est Ange. Alexis Lichine took over the property in 1952, and oversaw a significant restructuring of the vineyard and cellars. In 1971, he sold to the English brewer, Bass-Charrington, who sold the estate to its current owners, American company Colony Capital in 2001.
TASTING NOTES
An unusually high proportion of Merlot was used in 2011 – easier to ripen, in this cool vintage. Bright, dark-berry fruit and dusty chocolate characterise the aromas; the palate is similarly bright and fresh, with an undertow of firm tannin. Toasty oak, blueberry, liquorice and forest floor add complexity to this exceptionally well-made wine. Approachable from 2018, with ageing potential until 2030.
FOOD PAIRING
Venison, creamy beef dishes, hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A fascinating example of how winemakers, by tossing aside the usual blend, can produce truly exceptional wines from inimical vintages.
1999 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases
Regular price £304.05 Save £-304.05Also Available - 2003 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
The largest of the three ‘Leoville’ properties, with 97 hectares of vineyard spread throughout the appellation of Saint-Julien. Classified 2ème Cru, the wines of this estate are unquestionably of 1er Cru quality. The history of the estate can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one, and were the site of many winemaking and viticultural innovations which remain in use to this day. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Following acquisition in 1976, the estate has achieved ever-growing esteem under the ownership of Michel Delon.
TASTING NOTES
A really rather excellent – and long-lived, for the ’99 vintage – example of Leoville-las-Cases. Powerful, muscular, densely structured, a triumph which compares very favourably to First Growths.
FOOD PAIRING
Venison, game, red meat, complex dishes. Nothing too powerfully flavoured, as it will overwhelm this venerable wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although, by French law, they are unable to set aside their Classification, Leoville Las Cases withdrew from the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés in 1988 (the only Classified estate to have done so) on the basis that it is misleading and out of date – an unsurprising stance, since any update would almost certainly see Las Cases elevated to 1st Growth status.
2000 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre
Regular price £232.30 Save £-232.30ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 2eme cru classe, the Saint Julien appellation is small in size, yet big on talent. In the heart of the famed Medoc vineyard, Chateau Leoville Poyferre has always been one of the most prestigious estates of this terroir. The origin of the estate dates back to 1638. At that time, Leoville was the largest domain in the Medoc. Since then, it has been fragmented over time and generations. The legacy of the grand vin of Leoville Poyferre began in 1840, consecrated as a Second Classified Growth fifteen years later. Didier Cuvelier has presided over its destiny since 1979.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
The growing season started rather badly after a mild winter follow by hot and wet spring and early summer bringing more problem with mildew. From Middle of July everything change and the weather was constantly hot till middle of September when rain came but somehow was a relief for the stressed vines, and did not affect the harvest which took place over three wonderful week ending mid-October.
2003 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases
Regular price £239.80 Save £-239.80Also Available - 1999 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 2eme cru classe, the largest of the 3 Leoville estates and with no doubt the leading one. This St Julien 97 hectares of vineyards with the main plot being surrounded by a wall are superbly sited. The wine predominantly cabernet sauvignon (65%) is matured in oak barriques (80% new) for 18 months. The wine is fermented at a lower temperature than average making it very aromatic and rich wine in his youth developing to a more powerful and concentrated wine with age.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
2003 will be remembered as one of the hottest summer ever in France, and for this reason many chateau suffer. But not all was lost on the left bank more especially St Estephe and Pauillac some stunning wine where produced.
2008 Chateau Leoville-Barton
Regular price £141.55 Save £-141.55ABOUT THE WINE
Château Léoville Barton is the smallest portion of the great Léoville estate and has been owned by the Barton family since 1826. There is no château and the wine is made at Langoa Barton. Léoville Barton's 48 hectares of vineyards are located in the east of the St-Julien wine appellation and lie on gravelly-clay soils. Since Anthony Barton took over the reins from his Uncle Ronald in the mid-80s, quality has soared at Léoville Barton and the wine has gone from being a solid mid-league performing 2ème Cru Classé to one of the most exciting and scintillating wines in St. Julien.
TASTING NOTES
Powerful, heavily-extracted, built for the long-term. Ripe, opulent aromas – blackberry, fig, cedar, smoke – and an oak-rich, grippy palate, with prune, cassis and black olive on the long, lingering finish. Best from 2020, and will age well until around 2050.
FOOD PAIRING
Smoked duck, beef stew or lamb leg are all perfect pairings.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Just entering its drinking window; drink or hold.
2011 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre
Regular price £126.65 Save £-126.65ABOUT THE WINE
The history of the Leoville estates can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Purchased in the early 1900s by the Cuvelier family, Leoville-Poyferre lagged behind the other Leoville properties in terms of quality and renown, until 1979, when Didier Cuvelier took over management of the property. Extensive modernisation and replanting followed, culminating in the hiring of Michel Rolland in 1994. This program of improvement continues, and Leoville-Poyferre is currently one of the most impressive and exciting properties in Saint-Julien.
TASTING NOTES
Another stunning wine from an off-vintage from this ever-improving chateau. Superbly complex aromas of truffle, smoke and black cherry; sweet, soft fruit on the palate, with notes of coffee and earth. Tannic and bright, with beautiful balance. A gutsy, satisfying wine, from a vintage in which many of its peers lack depth on the palate; time in bottle will bring elegance and refinement.
FOOD PAIRING
Complex beef or lamb stews; would pair well with earthy, tomato-based sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Showing well already in 2018, this is a vintage to drink before 2030.
2012 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre
Regular price £113.10 Save £-113.10ABOUT THE WINE
The history of the Leoville estates can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Purchased in the early 1900s by the Cuvelier family, Leoville-Poyferre lagged behind the other Leoville properties in terms of quality and renown, until 1979, when Didier Cuvelier took over management of the property. Extensive modernisation and replanting followed, culminating in the hiring of Michel Rolland in 1994. This program of improvement continues, and Leoville-Poyferre is currently one of the most impressive and exciting properties in Saint-Julien.
TASTING NOTES
The latest harvest since 2008; this vintage of Poyferre contains more Cabernet Sauvignon than most, adding distinction and herb-etched complexity to the usual ensemble of black fruit and vanilla. Beautifully satisfying on the palate, with luscious weight tempered by excellent structure.
FOOD PAIRING
Complex beef or lamb stews; would pair well with earthy, tomato-based sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With more edge than most Poyferre wines from recent vintages, this is one to leave until after 2022 but it has the potential to easily outshine its more accessible siblings thereafter.
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.
1988 Chateau Lynch-Bages
Regular price £280.00 Save £-280.00ABOUT THE WINE
Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934, who remain owners to this day. The estate is unusual in Bordeaux for its use of massal selection (propagation of their own vines rather than of nursery-grown clones) to replenish ageing vines in its vineyards, which allows the vineyards and the wines produced from them to retain individuality.
TASTING NOTES
A wonderful surprise from this vintage, this wine has matured beautifully. Still deep ruby in colour, despite its age, the aromas exhibit abundant quantities of dried herbs, grilled meats, black cherry and tobacco. Medium-bodied, rewarding, at the peak of maturity, it should hold well until around 2028.
FOOD PAIRING
Works well with beef in simple dishes, pork and earthy vegetable dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A special wine, with a long aristocratic heritage, at peak drinkability… enjoy!
2006 Chateau Lynch-Bages
Regular price £189.15 Save £-189.15ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 5eme Cru Classe. Daring, innovative and with a reputation for often being the last to harvest, Jean-Charles Cazes defined the style of Lynch-Bages in the 1930's. The wine's distinctive character has earned it a place amongst Pauillac's greatest. It combines structure, finesse and elegance, offering generous aromas in its youth and developing deeper complexities with bottle age. Vintage after vintage, the estate's precise and excellent winemaking techniques have served to firmly establish Lynch-Bages reputation for consistent quality.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Near opaque in the glass, the nose offers notes of ripe berry, currant, cassis and toast as well as a mineral character. A cool sense of ripeness pervades the palate. A Pauillac with effortless, silky, intense berry fruit, fine weave of fully ripe tannins and welcome vibrancy. Shows fine concentration and a layered sense of depth. Precise and well poised, with ample richness and fine, lingering minerality. Very fine and harmonious, notably so in the context of this difficult vintage.
2016 Domaine des Masques, Syrah 'Exception'
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20ABOUT THE WINE
An olive-grove since the time of the ancient Gauls, the plateau near Aix-en-Provence upon which Le Domaine des Masques rests was settled by the Knights Templar of the Order of Provence in the Middle Ages. Vines were first planted in 1992, and in 2003 the estate was bought by Carl and Sophie Mestdagh. The vineyards are tended according to organic principles, although the estate has not sought certification. With duties in the cellar overseen by the famous Rhone winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Destemmed and fermented without pressing, using natural yeast; the wine undergoes extensive pump-overs to extract tannin and colour, and then aged in barrel for a year prior to release. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with blackcurrant, blackberry and oak-spice on the palate. The finish is punctuated by white-pepper and plum nuances.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with feathered game or a vegetarian stew.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The region has a long history of growing medicinal plants; and has always been a haven for healers, herbalists and sorcerers; masco in the Provencal dialect, which have given the estate its name.
2008 Chateau Montrose
Regular price £168.95 Save £-168.95ABOUT THE WINE
Originally a hunting estate owned by Alexandre de Segur, known as La Lande de l'Escargeon, the estate that would come to be known as Montrose passed into the ownership of Etienne Dumoulin in 1778, whose son built the chateau. The name was derived from the heather-clad hills, which would turn pink when the flowers were in bloom; sailors on ships passing through the Gironde Estuary called the hill upon which the chateau was built la Mont Rose. By 1815 the estate was regarded as one of the finest in Saint-Estephe. Many owners later, the estate was purchased by the Bouygues brothers in 2006; renovations have followed, including work to expand the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon planted. The second-wine was first released in 1983, and typically accounts for 30% of the production of the estate.
TASTING NOTES
12 months in 30% new oak barrels to produce a more accessible style than the Grand Vin; this is nevertheless regarded as one of the more powerfully structured second wines from Bordeaux. In keeping with the priorities of the new owner, the second wine is dominated by Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon reserved for the Grand Vin. Bright violet colour, with cassis and raspberry aromas, and a floral, red-fruited palate with mocha, cedar and dusty, fine-grained tannin on the finish. A classic style, ready for drinking now, after 10 years.
FOOD PAIRING
Best with rich stews and beef-dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The exposed terroir of Montrose protected the estate from the dangers of rot in this vintage, providing an excess of quality fruit, of great benefit to the second-wine.
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.
2006 Chateau Palmer
Regular price £427.05 Save £-427.05ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Palmer is named after a British officer, Colonel Charles Palmer (later Maj. General), who settled in Bordeaux in 1814. It is located in the center of the Margaux appellation, and its vineyards lie on a plateau of clay and gravel soils. Historically the estate has always prided itself on the exceptional quality of its wines, declassifying whole vintages (as in 1963 and 1968) when conditions weren't conducive to the usual high standards of the property. Classified as a 3ieme Cru Classe', it punches significantly above its classification. Since the 2017 vintage they are certified 100% biodynamic.
TASTING NOTES
Maraschino cherries, cassis and tobacco characterise the bright, youthful aromatics; medium-bodied on the palate, with a succulent core of cassis and blackberry fruit. The tannic structure is super-fine, beautifully integrated into the oak character on the finish. This is a remarkably elegant wine, which has developed superbly, and will continue to do so until 2040.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for venison.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Merlot at Palmer is planted on both the clay and gravel soils of the estate; the extra drainage provided by the gravel gives Palmer its elegant opulence, hence the unusually high proportion of Merlot (often 45-50%) in the blend for a left-bank wine.
2001 Chateau Pape Clement
Regular price £216.60 Save £-216.60ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Pape Clement has a long and interesting history in Bordeaux – the first recorded grape harvest took place in 1252! The chateau is named after the property’s founder, Pope Clément V, one of the Avignon Popes during a schism in the Catholic Church in the 1300s. Today the vineyard is owned by Bernard Magrez, under whose direction the estate has flourished. 20 hectares of vines, neighbour to Haut Brion, although with a slightly cooler micro-climate. 2.5 hectares are planted to white grapes.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, perfumed aromas and superb concentration; graphite, plums, cassis and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, with tannins adding texture rather than grip. A superb achievement for the vintage, due in no small part to extremely low yields.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect for beef dishes, although the medium-weight of the wine makes it good for feathered game and chicken as well.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Located a few miles from Haut-Brion, Pape Clément has undergone significant regeneration under the stewardship of Bernard Magrez, and is increasingly able to compete with its illustrious neighbour.
2005 Chateau Pavie
Regular price £549.60 Save £-549.60ABOUT THE WINE
The largest Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe, with some 37 hectares under vine. Vines were originally planted on the property by the Romans in the 4th Century CE; and the estate was famous in the 1800s as one of the finest wines to come out of Saint-Emilion. However, when the estate was purchased in 1998 by Gerard Perse, extensive work was required to revitalise the estate, work which paid off, first in an extraordinary renaissance in wine-quality from the early 2000s, and then, in 2012, with official recognition as the estate was elevated from 1er Grand Cru Classe B to 1er Grand Cru Classe A. The estate is also 70% organic, and working towards becoming 100%. The wine is fermented in new-oak vats, and aged in 80% new oak for 18 months.
TASTING NOTES
Almost opaque, darkly-coloured, with intense flavours of blackberry, plum, liquorice, spice, truffle and chocolate; balanced perfectly by a crushed-rock, cedar, coffee-bean mineral character, and a lengthy, violet-edged finish. Opulent and compelling.
FOOD PAIRING
Rich meat stews, mushrooms, braised venison.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Chateau Pavie is a wine which rewards and requires age, 15 years is a recommended minimum for a wine of this power and majesty. For this vintage, 2025 is perhaps when it will begin to show at its finest.
2013 Chateau Eglise Clinet, La Petite Eglise
Regular price £174.40 Save £-174.40ABOUT THE WINE
Making its debut in 1986, La Petite Eglise is technically the second wine of Chateau l'Eglise de Clinet, which has become one of the finest estates in Pomerol since it was acquired by Denis Durantou in 1983. It is not regarded as a second-wine by the proprietor, however, since the terroir for La Petite Eglise is on sandy soils, rather than the more traditional deep, loamy classic Pomerol clay of the Grand Vin.
TASTING NOTES
Wild flowers, cherry fruit and even a touch of cigar-box and cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied and accessible, with red berry fruit. The finish is refined and displays superb length for a second wine; crafted for early enjoyment.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with wholesome meaty dishes, shepherd's pie would be an excellent pairing.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Bottled exclusively in magnum in this vintage.
2006 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Regular price £260.65 Save £-260.65ABOUT THE WINE
Pichon Lalande earned its name when Therse, the daughter of the founder received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville. During the 18th century the wine-growing influence at Pichon Lalande was definitely feminine. Perhaps that explains part of the wines sensuous qualities. Pichon Lalande was essentially managed by three women: Therese de Rauzan, Germaine de Lajus and Marie Branda de Terrefort. Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville succeeded his mother taking over Pichon Lalande when he was only 19. What happened next changed the landscape of the Medoc forever. On the eve of his death in 1850, he divided the property between his five children. In modern times May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe became the new owner and general manager of Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in 1978. She made numerous investments and improvements at Pichon Lalande. She later sold Pichon Lalande to the owners of Roederer Champagne in January 2007. Once the purchase for Chateau Pichon Lalande was concluded, in 2008, a complete renovation of the estate took place.
TASTING NOTES
Abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savoury, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with beef ragout and tagliatelle or pepper steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The opulence and body of this make it a great hedonistic experience wine.
2001 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Regular price £92.80 Save £-92.80ABOUT 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
Its inky/blue/purple colour is accompanied by a spectacular bouquet of lead pencil shavings, ink, blackberries, cedar, and earth. Full-bodied, with terrific texture, fabulous concentration, and moderately high tannin, this massive, atypical 2001 must be tasted to be believed. A brilliant achievement!
FOOD PAIRING
Great with roasted meats and vegetables, creamy dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Perfect drinking now.