2003 Chateau d'Yquem
Regular price £256.05 Save £-256.05ABOUT THE WINE
Arguably the greatest sweet wine in the world, after centuries of family ownership, Château d'Yquem was sold in somewhat acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, d'Yquem enjoys some of the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sèmillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest is painstaking; 150 highly skilled pickers pass through the rows selecting grapes berry by berry to ensure that only the finest botrytized fruit is used.
TASTING NOTES
2003 was a definitive vintage that was marked by a very warm summer and just the perfect conditions for noble rot during autumn. So much so that it is said that these conditions were similar to the ones that led to the making of the first-ever botrytised wines in Sauternes.
An incredibly voluptuous and rich wine with stunning tropical fruits, creamy white chocolate and Madagascan vanilla ice cream, and a touch of toasted coconut and candied orange zest on the finish. A massive, but elegant and complex wine that will undoubtedly only get more rewarding with decades, if one can wait and resist the urge that is…
FOOD PAIRING
Blue cheese, foie gras and any kind of dessert.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.
2012 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £21.60 Save £-21.60ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Grand Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion, dating back to the 15th century. The beautiful chateau was constructed in the 1800s. In the late 1990s, Anabelle Cruse and her sisters purchased the shares of Chateau Grand Corbin from the other family shareholders and took over complete ownership of the 15.5-hectare estate. In December 2010, the estate was purchased by the Groupe SMABTP, who combined it in 2012 with the vineyards of Chateau Haut Corbin and Chateau Le Jurat to form a new 24.5-hectare estate under the Grand Corbin name.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with meaty pasta dishes, or lamb meatball with tomato sauce.
2014 Chateau Branaire Ducru
Regular price £43.55 Save £-43.55Chateau Branaire Ducru has a long history that goes all the way back to 1680. Patrick Maroteaux bought Branaire Ducru in 1988 from the Tapie family who had owned the chateau since 1919. Extensive technical improvements have allowed Branaire Ducru to become one of the most impressive wines to come out of Saint-Julien. Typically, there is a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, which contributes to the wine's distinctive style and quality.
TASTING NOTES
65% Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage; deep ruby colour with jammy black raspberry, spice and toasty oak perfume. Strong, ripe tannins, with fresh cassis, black olive and blackberry on the palate; complex, perfectly balanced, probably the best vintage of Branaire Ducru yet!
FOOD PAIRING
Great with mushroom risotto, lamb with spicy vegetables and aged hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Exceptional value relatively to quality; and a very special, iconic vintage for the chateau. Showing best after 2020.
1997 Chateau d'Yquem
Regular price £313.05 Save £-313.05ABOUT THE WINE
Arguably the greatest sweet wine in the world, after centuries of family ownership, Château d'Yquem was sold in somewhat acrimonious circumstances to Louis Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy in 1999. However, its former owner and director Alexandre de Lur-Saluce remains in charge. Located on the highest hill in Sauternes, d'Yquem enjoys some of the best growing conditions in the whole appellation. The 110-hectare vineyard is planted with 80% Sèmillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvest is painstaking; 150 highly skilled pickers pass through the rows selecting grapes berry by berry to ensure that only the finest botrytized fruit is used.
TASTING NOTES
This extravagant vintage still shows incredible freshness of fresh citrus peel and lemon rind with perfumed honeysuckle and jasmine accompanied by luscious candied peached, caramel, cinnamon bark and butterscotch.
FOOD PAIRING
Often paired with cheese and sweets, try pairing this wine with crispy Peking duck with plum sauce or game meats such as guinea fowl or even pigeon in red wine sauce, as the richness of this wine will create a heavenly marriage between the strong flavours.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.