2022 Les Quatre Tours, La Colline, Provence Rose
Regular price £24.70 Save £-24.70ABOUT THE WINE
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Alps, in the heart of Provence, lies the picturesque Les Quatre Tours estate. As the setting that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne, this idyllic region has been home to the production of exceptional, rich, and opulent wines for over a century. Les Quatre Tours' 2022 La Colline is their Certified Organic, higher-end rosé, embodying the essence and vibrant colours of southern France.
TASTING NOTES
A radiant, blush pink hue captivates the eye, while the nose delights with a lively bouquet of zesty grapefruit, tangy green apple, and luscious red fruits. Revel in the impeccably balanced, refreshing taste as fruity notes of pomegranate, sun-kissed strawberries, and succulent grapefruit waltz across the palate. A dry finish, accentuated by a refined minerality, leaves an unforgettable impression.
FOOD PAIRING
While exceptional as a standalone treat, this luxurious Provence rosé also pairs beautifully with sumptuous dishes like seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc, a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, or a refined lobster risotto—each dish harmoniously elevating the wine's exuberant character.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This sophisticated rosé makes a stunning aperitif for your next soirée or an elegant companion to refined hors d'oeuvres.
2012 Trinite Estate, Acaibo
Regular price £66.00 Save £-66.00ABOUT THE WINE
The 2012 vintage, is the first vintage produced by Claire and Gonzague Lurton, who are part of great Bordeaux families. Acaibo is nestled in the hills in a small corner of the Chalk Hill area. The estate sits in an intimate bowl between three valleys: the Russian River Valley, the Alexander Valley, and Knight's Valley. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
TASTING NOTES
The Acaibo is remarkable for its very intense, almost seductive expression of aromas. The bouquet offers an elegant combination of floral notes (violets), spices (pepper, cinnamon, liquorice and vanilla), red fruit (blackberries and raspberries) and earthy undertones.
FOOD PAIRING
Goes well with steak, beef fillet and rack of lamb.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This is the first ever vintage of this American project. Sold out at the winery, this wine is now a collector's item.
2019 Conti di San Bonifacio, Monteregio
Regular price £25.60 Save £-25.60ABOUT THE WINE
The 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.
TASTING NOTES
Wonderfully intense red fruit along with notes of blueberry, cocoa, oak and hint of cinnamon on the nose. Densely textured and persistent on the palate with a savoury freshness. It fully respects the character of the Sangiovese grape from the Monteregio hills with a nice length on the smooth finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Very flexible wine for pairing with a wide range of full-flavoured pasta and risotto dishes. You can also try it with a herb-roasted pork or for a classic Italian pairing, serve with prosciutto and Tuscan salami.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A delightful wine, excellent value for the quality, and perfectly balanced! A real charmer for the dinner table.
2022 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Viognier
Regular price £13.10 Save £-13.102014 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.
2019 Cascina Ebreo, Rosso
Regular price £23.80 Save £-23.80ABOUT THE WINE
In 1991, Peter Weimer gave up corporate life in Switzerland and moved to Piedmont, purchasing Cascina Ebreo. They released their first vintage in 1996, and have since won great acclaim for their unusual, expressive wines.
TASTING NOTES
Deep, red fruit, slightly jammy, on the aromas, with a savoury edge. The palate shows the same red fruit, fresher, with a hint of wet earth, balanced acidity and soft, dusty tannin which coats the palate on the finish. Very impressive; this drinks like a wine double the price, and has the potential to last ten years in the bottle - but it'll be drunk long before then.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with charcuterie and hard cheeses, or with tomato-based pasta dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
While the producer prefers to avoid the term ‘natural’ for his wines, these are certainly minimal intervention, in both the vineyard and the cellar. Farming is organic, with some biodynamic practices, and the only addition in the cellar is a minimal quantity of sulphur dioxide.
2015 Conti di San Bonifacio, Sustinet
Regular price £45.50 Save £-45.50ABOUT THE WINE
The 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 has an exceptional talent for crafting Tuscan wines using international varieties.
TASTING NOTES
Another powerful vintage! Dense and complex on the palate layered with spice and savoury notes. We recommend opening for 30 minutes prior to enjoying.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with lamb or game, barbecued or roasted.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
14 months in French oak, 6 months in bottle before release. A very impressive wine.
2019 Reva, Barolo
Regular price £105.10 Save £-105.10ABOUT THE WINE
The Reva winery, established in Monforte d'Alba in 1867, embarked on a modern journey in 2013 under the ownership of Czech Republic native Miroslav Lekes. He enlisted Gianluca Colombo as oenologist and devotedly pursued the perfection of the wines crafted on the intimate 7.5-hectare estate, with an emphasis on sustainability. The current team, comprising young and professional winemakers, cherishes both tradition and innovation, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to preserve the pristine quality of the harvested fruit. Their goal is to employ cutting-edge techniques that accentuate the vineyard's efforts and the expressiveness of the diverse wines and their varietal traits. While uncertified, 100% organic vineyard practices are employed, and the grapes for this Barolo are handpicked from meticulously chosen vineyards in Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Serralunga d'Alba, and Grizane Cavour. After spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 30-35 days, this Barolo matures in oak barrels for an additional 24 months.
TASTING NOTES
This exquisite Nebbiolo, adorned in a captivating garnet hue, is a sublime embodiment of this distinguished grape. The nose presents an enchanting interplay of verdant aromas, black cherry, velvety vanilla, delicate dog rose, and a whisper of tobacco. A full-bodied yet refined red, it offers a tantalizing blend of red berry fruit, morello cherry, clove, and peppery undertones. This delightful fusion of intensity and finesse is enveloped in soft, embracing tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Indulge in a harmonious culinary experience by pairing this exceptional wine with an opulent osso buco, a lavish truffle-infused risotto, or a refined duck confit, each dish impeccably complementing the wine's intricate nuances.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The Réva Estate is something to behold, with scenic pools and terraces, it is more than just a winery, but a destination to visit and stay in the picturesque wine heaven that is Piemonte.
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.
2016 Cascina Ebreo, Segreto Barbera
Regular price £47.20 Save £-47.202010 Chateau Fonplegade
Regular price £30.50 Save £-30.50See 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 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 in the blend, adding voluptuous black fruit notes and 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.
2022 Domaine de Mont Auriol, Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £13.10 Save £-13.102012 Benjamin Bridge, Brut
Regular price £35.25 Save £-35.25ABOUT THE WINE
In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time-proven techniques, expertise, and most importantly to its acclaimed, distinctive wines. Located in the Gaspereau Valley in Nova Scotia, the vines benefit from the moderating influence of the Bay of Fundy, resulting in a climate remarkably similar to that found in Champagne.
TASTING NOTES
In the glass, pale golden colour with a light straw hue. On the nose, suggestions of freshly squeezed lime juice are complicated by hints of smoke and sea minerals. On the palate, notes of baked green apples and natural almonds lead to a long invigorating finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled salmon and rice, clams spaghetti with creme fraiche, pancakes and strawberries.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A product for those who love champagne but are adventurous enough to try something else.
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.
2013 Benjamin Bridge, Brut Rose
Regular price £35.25 Save £-35.25ABOUT THE WINE
In little more than a decade, Benjamin Bridge has distinguished itself by its dedication to time-proven techniques, expertise, and most importantly to its acclaimed, distinctive wines.
TASTING NOTES
Light rose colour with a pale ruby hue. On the nose, hints of wild strawberry and raw cinnamon combine with a range of toastiness from grilled bread to soft ember aromas. The palate displays the wine's intensity with dynamic effervescence and a structured richness. The elevated concentration complements the wine's elegance, as freshness and earthy cherry notes keep the wine in a state of balanced harmony.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy as a palate-refreshing aperitif, or with light finger-food, great with salmon terrine!
2018 Domaine des Masques, Blanc 'Essentielle'
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60ABOUT 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 Rhône winemaker, Yves Cuilleron, the estate is in excellent hands, and producing exceptional wines.
TASTING NOTES
Harvested a little earlier than the Exception, to preserve the fresh fruit-character of the wine. Vinification is in sealed vats to limit exposure to oxygen. Delicate citrus, peach, apple and pear aromas; fresh yet full-bodied on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent aperitif, also perfect with grilled fish. A lovely wine with a cold lunch-spread.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The reductive (oxygen-free) winemaking allows for the bare minimum of sulphur to be used in this wine.
2008 Chateau Pontet Canet
Regular price £131.60 Save £-131.60ABOUT THE WINE
Classified as a 5eme Cru Classe, own by the Tesseron family also owner of Lafon Rochet in St Estephe. Today, Chateau Pontet-Canet is owned and run by Alfred and Michel Tesseron. Pontet Canet 78 hectares are planted mainly with Cabernet sauvignon 63%, Merlot 32% and cabernet franc 5%. The Tesserons have vastly improved the quality of the Pontet-Canet wines which are now full-bodied and packed with ripe, chewy, black fruits and fine tannins with great aging potential.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
This is a mixed vintage with some good wines, but not great wines. Pomerol and Pauillac were the most successful regions. Another vintage saved by some better weather at the end of the season.
2017 Cascina Ebreo, Sinche Sauvignon Blanc
Regular price £37.90 Save £-37.902021 Nittnaus, Gruner Veltliner Selection
Regular price £19.70 Save £-19.702010 Domaine Loic Mahe, Savennieres 'Equilibre'
Regular price £49.30 Save £-49.30ABOUT 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
Golden yellow in colour, very complex nose with honey, citrus, brioche and quince on the nose. Very bright and fresh with some nutty and toasted notes. On the palate is powerful and structured. Good minerality, medium weight and a long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with any fish, preferably with a strong flavoured spice or sauce. Sweetbread or veal kidneys in a rich cream sauce will also complement the wine nicely, along with a locally produced goat or sheep's milk cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The name 'Équilibre' symbolises a meeting point where the terroir-driven approach in Loïc's biodynamic vine-growing and the natural style of winemaking combine to create a wine which embodies the best of both philosophies.
2019 Castra Rubra Dominant White
Regular price £17.85 Save £-17.852014 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.
2022 Domaine des Trois Cellier, Chateauneuf du Pape blanc "Cuvee Insolente"
Regular price £35.30 Save £-35.30