NV Champagne Ruinart, Blanc De Blancs
Regular price £52.70 Save £-52.70ABOUT THE WINE
Ruinart is a low profile, yet select, Champagne house which is 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 distinctive golden yellow colour with subtle green highlights. Its delicate colour is heightened by the transparent bottle. The substantial effervescence and delicate bubbles decorate the glass with a ribbon around its inner edge while revealing an elegant radiance and purity. On the nose fresh fruit (mostly citrus) combined with aromas of white flowers & white fruits (peach).
FOOD PAIRING
Delightful with seafood, grilled sole or sashimi with white fish. For dessert, a lemon tart or grapefruit sorbet would be an excellent partner.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With the finest grapes, skilful blending, extensive ageing in its 2000-year-old cellars, and a uniquely shaped bottle, Ruinart defines its commitment to excellence and luxury.
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.
2019 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £19.95 Save £-19.95In the centre of a triangle between Saint-Émilion, Montagne and Pomerol, the 45 hectare vineyard of Château Saint-Georges is situated on a hill and dominates the entire appellation of Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion. With its generous character, full-bodied flavour, rich bouquet and propensity for perfect aging, Chateau Saint Georges ranks among the first class wines of its appellation.
TASTING NOTES
This is a sunny vintage, radiating with aromatic intensity and freshness. You'll notice baked black cherries, plum and dark fruits. It's medium to full-bodied, with well balanced freshness and an earthy finish. The wine spends 12 months spent in oak and is ideally balanced between sugar and acidity. Extremely enjoyable in its youth, while also having great ageing potential.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with highly flavoured dishes and all red meats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Perfectly located on a hill overlooking its own sloping vineyards with a view over the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, Château Saint-Georges is an extraordinary image of grandeur elegance and strength.
2018 Chateau Les Ormes De Pez
Regular price £25.20 Save £-25.20Known as Domaine de Pez in the 1500s, the current name was taken after the French Revolution, and refers to the elm trees that used to grow on the estate, around the town of Pez. The château has been in the Cazes family since 1940 when it was purchase by Jean-Charles Cazes. The winemaking facilities were renovated in 1993, and the winemaking team is shared with Chateau Lynch-Bages. New oak is used to add extra richness to the wine, and over time the percentage of Merlot has gradually increased. A well-earned reputation for consistency and quality has made Ormes de Pez one of the most sought after Cru Bourgeois wines.
TASTING NOTES
Fruity, with tobacco and herbal spice notes adding complexity. Finished on a dusty red cherry note. Medium-bodied; from an exceptional vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
The high proportion of Merlot in the blend lends this to lighter stews and meat dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Youthful; this is best enjoyed from 2023.
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!