2014 Conti di San Bonifacio, Docet
Regular price £41.30 Save £-41.30The estate, in the Maremma region of Tuscany, was purchased in 2002 by the Conte di San Bonifacio, Manfredo, and his English wife Sarah. They have since transformed it into a spectacular wine resort and wedding venue, with olive groves, beautifully manicured vineyards and a restaurant serving exceptional meals created using locally sourced ingredients. The first vines were planted in 2004 and the vineyard now comprises 7 hectares. Winemaker Luca d'Attoma has an exceptional talent for crafting Tuscan wines using international varieties.
Dense and earthy, with a Bordeaux-like graphite note. Opens up on the palate to reveal subtle cherry and blackberry fruit, with ripe, structured tannins and a long finish.
Ideal with lamb or game, barbecued or roasted. Excellent with stew too.
Cabernet Franc brings aromatic complexity, while the Cabernet Sauvignon brings depth on the palate and full bodied character. A wine which benefits from time in the decanter.
2014 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £48.70 Save £-48.70See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of St. Emillion's most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Lots of fruit, already showing an appealingly soft roundedness. Incredibly smooth tannins are supported by a wonderful acidity that provides a remarkably long finish. Deep purple colour. A modest amount of grapes from somewhat younger vines is also incorporated into the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and a tannic structure.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops, barbecue.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is an absolutely brilliant wine, and probably the best to date from this American-owned Chateau, which has been completely renovated and is now enjoying a resurrection/renaissance in quality.
2014 Domaine Loic Mahe, Savennieres 'Les Fougeraies'
Regular price £38.70 Save £-38.70ABOUT THE WINE
Having worked as a consultant for other wineries, Brittany-born Loïc couldn't wait to start his own, and so in 2011 he purchased 11 hectares spread between Savennières and La Franchaie, Certified organic and non-interventionist, Loïc prefers to let the effects of the seasons and terroir dominate the character of his wines. Grapes are exclusively picked by hand, with careful sorting to ensure quality fruit. Fermentation is slow, using natural yeasts and minimal sulphites, with maturation in oak barrels or small tanks.
TASTING NOTES
A Savennières of pleasure that combines the power of the terroir with a beautiful structure. Very dry, yet generous, with an unctuous character balanced by fresh acidity and impressive complexity - apple and pear fruit, with a hint of nuttiness and a touch of earth on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with fish, especially where they are cooked in powerfully flavoured sauces, but it will also be a good match with white meat (chicken, pork, veal) and creamy sauces.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
With a white of this complexity it is advisable to decant 30 minutes to an hour before serving; this wine will age beautifully for up to 15 years from vintage.
2014 Chateau Fonplegade, Fleur de Fonplegade
Regular price £33.60 Save £-33.60See more wines from Chateau Fonplegade
ABOUT THE WINE
For centuries, the vine rows of Chateau Fonplegade have been the source for some of Saint-Emilion’s most coveted grapes. Since 2004, new owners from California, Stephen and Denise Adams, have invested time and passion to elevate the wines of Fonplegade to new heights.
TASTING NOTES
Easy-drinking red, dominated by red-berry fruit. Tannins are present yet unthreatening; a very pleasant wine from an excellent vintage for the chateau.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast beef, stews, lamb chops… very flexible, but rich, flavourful dishes are best.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A reliable wine for dinner parties, guests will not be disappointed.