- Alfrocheiro
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- Alfrocheiro
- Barbera
- Blaufrankisch
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Canaiolo
- Carignan
- Carmenere
- Corvina Veronese
- Corvinone
- Counoise
- Dolcetto
- Frappato
- Garnacha
- Grenache
- Malbec
- Mencia
- Merlot
- Molinara
- Montepulciano
- Mourvedre
- Nebbiolo
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nero D'Avola
- Nero di Troia
- Petit Verdot
- Pinot Nero
- Pinot Noir
- Pinotage
- Primitivo
- Rondinella
- Sangiovese
- Syrah
- Tempranillo
- Touriga Nacional
- Vaccarese
- Valpolicella
- Zinfandel
- Barbera d'Alba
- Barolo
- Blaye - Cotes de Bordeaux
- Brunello Di Montalcino
- Cahors
- Chateauneuf du Pape
- Chianti Rufina
- Cote Chalonnaise
- Cote de Beaune
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote du Rhone
- Cotes de Thongue
- Dolcetto d'Alba
- Haut Medoc
- Heathcote
- Langhe
- Lussac - Saint Emilion
- Maremma Toscana
- Margaux
- Medoc
- Monteregio di Massa Maritima
- Napa Valley
- Pauillac
- Pessac Leognan
- Pomerol
- Ribera del Duero
- Rosso di Montalcino
- Saint Emilion
- Saint Estephe
- Saint Georges - Saint Emilion
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Julien
- Sancerre
- Sant'Antimo
- Sant'Antimo
- Sonoma County
- Stellenbosch
- Toro
- Valpolicella
- Yarra Valley
Looking for some of the best Red Wines in London? Shop our extensive collection of Red 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.
2005 Chateau Leoville-Barton
Regular price £189.05 Save £-189.05Château 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. Harmonious & elegant with complexity & finesse their 2005 is clearly one of the best wines to join us from this near-mythical vintage.
TASTING NOTES
Concentrated and rich yet with gentle moderation being provided by a wonderful freshness and elegance this is a wine in absolutely perfect balance. The deep fruit notes of blackberry, bilberry and crème de cassis are married to the earthy, spicy characters of leather; mocha; liquorice allsorts; cedar; minerals and cigar box. All wrapped in sweet, floral, perfumed oak and with a long, persistent finish. A multi-dimensional delight!
FOOD PAIRING
Smoked duck, beef stew or lamb leg are all perfect pairings.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Drinking beautifully now but with tremendous cellaring potential - from the present until 2050.
2018 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Chambolle Musigny 'Clos du Village' Monopole
Regular price £374.50 Save £-374.50The second generation now manages this domaine, founded by Antonin in the 1960s. Based in Savigny-les-Beaune, they own vines throughout the Cote d'Or, including parcels in some of the finest Premier and Grand cru vineyards. Harvest is by hand, with initial sorting in the vineyard; no more than 50% new oak is used, and the wines of the domaine have a classic freshness and purity to them.
TASTING NOTES
Lovely aromas of violets and perfumed red cherries. Beautifully concentrated, with excellent structure and intensity, this wine may be kept for up to 25 years. A robust expression of the appellation, this wine is best enjoyed with food, at least 5 years from vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with game birds, or even pork.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A special appellation; the wines of Chambolle-Musigny combine ethereal delicacy with powerful flavour. This is perhaps the most age-worthy wine from this domaine.
2016 Chateau Saint Georges (Saint Emilion)
Regular price £38.00 Save £-38.00Saint Georges Saint-Emilion is in the very heart of Bordeaux. In the centre of a triangle between Saint Emilion, Montagne and Pomerol, the 45 hectare vineyard is situated on a hill and dominates the entire appellation of Saint Georges Saint Emilion. With its generous character, full-bodied flavour, rich bouquet and propensity for perfect aging, Chateau Saint Georges Saint Emilion ranks among the first class wines of France's Bordeaux region.
TASTING NOTES
Keeping some of the fruity complexity of its early youth, affirming itself and is giving way to a spicy, toasted bouquet with floral notes. Its elegance is confirmed by the good balance in the mouth from tannins which are already well developed and where the floral and toasted elements combine well together in harmony.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with highly flavoured dishes and all red meats. Best served at 16°C
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Nice complexity, this is a wine to savour with food.
2018 Chateau Vignol Red
Regular price £14.80 Save £-14.80The Doublet family has been rooted in the vineyards of Bordeaux since the end of the 18th century, when the Chateau was re-designed after a southern Louisiana mansion. The property was once owned by the famous philosopher Montesquieu, who believed wine helped him think.
TASTING NOTES
Red fruit, dried leaves, with hints of oak before developing into powerful red and sour cherries notes. On the finish the wine has hints of truffles and oak, before softening into a balanced aftertaste.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with tartar, grilled veal and lamb cutlets. The wine is a staple for BBQ season on the patio with friends or as a after dinner with hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Very easy drinking and soft, perfect for a barbecue dinner.
2011 Chateau du Cayrou Chateau du Cayrou
Regular price £18.70 Save £-18.70Since 2009, Chateau du Cayrou belongs to the family Georges Douin. This family vineyard of 30 ha is located in the heart of Cahors. The 17th century castle, the park designed and planted in 1856 and the winery over 1000 m2 make it one of the most beautiful wine estate of the area. Cayrou means gravel in reference to its soil. This specificity allows the soil to drain, which facilitates ripening and softens the tannins key for the king grape variety of cahors: Malbec.
TASTING NOTES
Dark ruby colour, Dark fruit aromas with hints of licorice, plum and black cherry. The wine is rich but elegant with soft tannins, just a high quality wine.
FOOD PAIRING
Great with beef especially stews. Also strong hard cheeses like Manchego.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Malbec from the original place in France where Malbec originated.
2015 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien)
Regular price £81.45 Save £-81.45Sold as Baron Saint Julien during the 18th Century when under the ownership of the Baron de Brane, Lagrange dates back to the middle ages, with definitive documentation going back to 1631. Originally one of the largest estates in the region, over the centuries Lagrange saw significant reductions in vineyard area, as plots were sold off to cover debts accrued by its owners. In 1983 the estate was purchased by the Japanese Suntory company, which proceeded to invest heavily in renovation and modernisation. A proportion of Petit Verdot was planted in 1988, white grapes were added in 1996; and the wines saw significant improvement, culminating in a number of exceptional vintages beginning in the year 2000.
TASTING NOTES
Cherry blackcurrant, liquorice and pepper; cool and elegant with a rich, spicy undertone that will carry the wine for further decades.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with pork dishes, which will not diminish the elegance of the wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Produced from vines with an average age of 32 years.
2018 Domenico Fraccaroli,Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC
Regular price £61.10 Save £-61.10In 1958 Domenico Fraccaroli began producing wines on a small piece of paradise in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, producing wines from local varieties. In 2002, his son, Tiziano Fraccaroli, purchased an estate in Verona, in the town of Lavagno, the Grotta del Ninfeo, allowing the family to expand their range and produce the wines of Valpolicella. The third generation, Domenico and Luca, and now in charge of the estate, continuing their family tradition.
TASTING NOTES
Red fruit mingles with delicate wood spice from 12 months in French oak tonneaux (large barrels which give less oak-influence than barriques); the palate is wonderfully refined, soft and elegant, with a complex red fruit and raisin-etched finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal for feathered game dishes, rabbit or lighter red meat dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Ripasso is produced by putting Valpolicella wine in a tank with the leftover pressed grape skins and stems of Amarone. The sugar remaining in the pressed grapes begins a secondary fermentation, adding extra alcohol and complexity, while retaining the more delicate character of Valpolicella.
2018 Tar & Roses, 'The Rose'
Regular price £29.60 Save £-29.60Born into a grape-growing family, Don Lewis spent 32 years working for the Mitchelton winery in Heathcote, where he forged an enduring partnership with Narelle King. In 2004 Don left Mitchelton to work as a consultant, most notably in Priorat, Spain. His time in Europe cultivated his fascination with the wines of Italy and Spain, and in 2006 he and Narelle set up Tar and Roses in order to show how these varietals could be grown in the diverse terroirs of Central Victoria.
TASTING NOTES
Dazzling; a barrel-selection release culled from their Heathcote Shiraz. Taken from two vineyards, one on Terra Rossa Cambrian soil giving depth and power, and the other on well-drained gravel, bringing more delicate aromatics and fresh acidity to balance the wine. Black fruit and liquorice aromas, with eucalyptus and mint developing in the background. On the palate, soft black fruit, tobacco, white pepper and vanilla dominate. Perfect silky tannins and excellent potential for further development in the bottle.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with beef, or anything from the barbecue. Slightly caramelised vegetables would also be a great match.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An Australian classic, yet the European influence visible on the other wines from this producer remains, this has more in common with a beautifully refined Cote Rotie than the standard sun-drenched Aussie fruit-bomb style of Shiraz.
2018 Nittnaus, Blaufrankisch Altenberg Reserve
Regular price £33.80 Save £-33.80Gebrüder Nittnaus winery lies on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl in the heart of Gols, at the centre of one of the largest wine-producing communities in Austria. The family has owned vineyards for more than 300 years and has been running their own winery since 1986. They cultivate 57 hectares in Gols, spread out over more than 70 different vineyard parcels. Almost two-thirds of this area is planted with red wine, primarily indigenous varieties. They cultivate their vines in accordance with organic agricultural principles. The latest generation of Nittnauses, Andreas and Hans Michael, is now responsible for running the winery.
TASTING NOTES
Complex, delicate wine, with violet and blackberry fruit mingling with a pinch of tobacco from 12 months in French barriques. Structured tannins, well-integrated flavours ; this is very impressive.
FOOD PAIRING
Wonderfully delicate, yet full of flavour; best with lighter meat dishes and hard cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Organic viticulture. A superb example of this unusual grape variety.
2012 Chateau Mauvesin Barton
Regular price £25.05 Save £-25.05ABOUT THE WINE
Although originally constructed as a real fort - the estate as a whole having been first acquired by Jean de Foix Grailly in 1457 - the Chateau as we know it today was commissioned in 1853 by the last Marquis of Mauvesin, Lodois Le Blanc de Mauvesin. Lilian Barton Sartorius acquired the property in 2011 and despite extensive renovation the unique essence of the Chateau has, however, remained totally unscathed. A direct descendant of the famous Thomas Barton, Lilian worked hand-in-hand with her father Anthony for 30 years, sharing the responsibilities of his wine merchant company as well as the family estates Chateau Leoville Barton and Chateau Langoa Barton.
The Moulis-en-Medoc appellation nestles between Margaux and Saint-Julien and is the oldest of all the AOCs in the Medoc. It sits a little off the famous 'chateaux road' and taking advantage of being slightly distanced in this way Moulis has developed its own identity and this personality can be found in the wines. The vineyard itself is beautifully balanced, partly clay-gravel which is perfectly adapted for the development of Cabernet Franc and Merlot with another part comprising fine gravel and gritty sand allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full ripeness.
TASTING NOTES
A classic claret - red fruits mingle with vanilla, sweet spice and woody, toasty notes. Overall a beautifully balanced wine, elegant yet structured with silky soft tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
Classically an entrecote with Bordelaise sauce or game terrine; it also pairs nicely with veal chops in a mushroom and white wine sauce as well as Saint-Marcellin and other softer cheeses.
2015 Chateau Potensac
Regular price £40.45 Save £-40.45Chateau Potensac is named for its location on top of the Potensac plateau. Owned by the Delon Family the estate is planted with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the area, the aim being to produce a softer, more approachable wine. The wine is made by the same team as Leoville Las Cases, and aged for 14-16 months in old French oak barrels previously used for the Clos du Marquis.
TASTING NOTES
Earthy, structured wine, lifted by cassis fruit. Loam, wet leaves and tobacco flavours mingle with red fruit on the palate. Still very youthful.
FOOD PAIRING
Robust dishes; winter stews and game.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Excellent value
2015 Chateau Cantemerle, Les Allees de Cantemerle
Regular price £28.65 Save £-28.65ABOUT THE WINE
The Cantemerle estate has a long history in the Haut Medoc with the first mention as early as 1147 - of the Pons de Cantemerle - the estate's lord having proudly adopted Canta Merla (or blackbird's song) as his name. Mention of viticulture dates back to 1354 with the Ponset de Cantemerle recorded as paying a debt in wine, a tonneau of clairet. In the past the status of Cantemerle as an original 1855 classification wine had been erroneously questioned since it was not included in the first publication of the classification - it has in fact been included in all the listings dated after the 16th Sept. 1855.
Located in the far south of the Medoc peninsula, almost on the outskirts of Bordeaux itself, the estate has become renowned for producing complex, well-balanced and refined wines thanks in large part to this unique terroir. Today the Chateau owns 190 hectares of land with 87 hectares under production with Les Allees - their second wine - being produced mainly from the younger vines. It is however made just like its elder brother - with the same attention given to selection and quality - and possesses all the same personality as the grand vin.
TASTING NOTES
With expressive fruity and floral aromas and a mouth-filling richness harbouring tannic depth this is everything you'd expect from the 2015 vintage. Refined blackberry and dark cherry fruit is balanced with light mint, vanilla, spice and white pepper followed by a lingering smoky edge. Silky and supple, rich and aromatic, a quality claret.
FOOD PAIRING
Local favourites such as blanquette of lamb or roast poultry with ceps are highly recommended, as are less obvious choices such as creamed mushrooms in puff pastry or raw milk cheeses including Reblochon. Surprisingly the elengant nature of the wines from Cantemerle mean even river fish such as pike-perch are a good match, served with slow roasted tomatoes and Mediterranean vegetables.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An outstanding second wine from an outstanding vintage. Although the aging potential is perhaps a little less than that of the grand vin this is a wine to drink and enjoy now and over the next few years.
2018 Chateau Chasse Spleen, l'Heritage de Chasse Spleen
Regular price £30.45 Save £-30.45ABOUT THE WINE
In 1822 the vineyards of Chateau Grand-Poujeaux were broken up to form four different estates, including what would become Chateau Chasse-Spleen. The origins of the name - which means 'dispels melancholy' - have been traced to both Byron and Baudelaire but are now lost to time and speculation. Purchased on the eve of World War I by a German family the outbreak of war saw the Chateau confiscated as an enemy property and it was subsequently sold at auction in 1922. Despite being nearly 65 years old in 1976 Jacques Merlaut decided to buy the estate and his family have remained at the helm ever since. Initially comprising 40 hectares of vines this has since been doubled, and the winemaking facilities have also seen significant improvement over the years. Thanks to their efforts, and those of consultant Emile Peynaud, Chasse-Spleen is now regarded as one of the finest unclassified properties in Bordeaux. Currently run by their daughter Celine Foubet and her husband Jean-Pierre the vintages regularly outperform many of the Medocs more renowned classed growths. This, the second wine of the Chateau, is every bit in keeping with that level of quality.
TASTING NOTES
Medium-bodied, with notes of warm oriental spice, vibrant blackberry & blackcurrant fruit and fresh rose followed by shortbread biscuit, vanilla and cocoa on the finish. Powerful yet balanced with firm, supple tannins.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for food, classically a pan-fried fillet of beef with wild mushrooms or za'atar roasted saddle of lamb. Other superb partners would be barbecued glazed pork ribs, Maroilles cheese or polpette di tonno.
2020 Saxenburg, Guinea Fowl Red
Regular price £18.10 Save £-18.10Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESA blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 19% Cabernet Franc & 18% Merlot. This classic Bordeaux blend shows an abundance of dark fruit aromas like blackcurrant, plums, and crushed blueberries, supported by whiffs of freshly roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate. The palate is beautifully weighted, with a dense but finely grained tannin structure. A delightful New World red blend with elegance and balance.
FOOD PAIRINGSouth African Biltong may be an obvious choice, but game meat such as venison as well as grilled t-bone steak will be compatible with this ripe but elegant blend.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
2017 Saxenburg, Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESThe prime expression of Polkadraai Hills Cabernet. Despite the young but velvety tannins, it displays beautiful aromas of tobacco leaves, plums and blackcurrant leading to a finish that is nicely weighted and finely grained.
FOOD PAIRINGBarbecue cuts along with warm braised beef shank casserole.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
2017 Saxenburg, Private Collection Syrah
Regular price £30.20 Save £-30.20Adrian & Birgit Bührer took ownership of Saxenburg in 1989, trading their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for the Cape Winelands. They changed their familiar surroundings of Switzerland for a dilapidated homestead in the Cape Winelands. Today, the estate is run by the second-generation Bührer Family custodians: Fiona and Vincent. Their ambition is to shine a light on the Polkadraai Hills appellation in Stellenbosch, as it is one of the most exceptional terroirs in South Africa. Together with a passionate team, they produce thought-provoking wines.
TASTING NOTESThe wine opens up with a pretty bouquet of black cherries, red berries and a hint of pepper spice. The seamless palate is elevated with fine-grained tannins. Hints of crushed granite and floral elements bring freshness, making it a classic Rhone-style Syrah with a new world edge.
Seared pork belly with black cherry reduction as well as charcuterie is sublime with this savoury and fruity Syrah.
FRIARWOOD SAYSFound in great numbers in the region, the guinea fowls that adorn the Saxenburg emblem have become symbolic of their winemaking philosophy, and it’s now the heart, the mind and the soul of Saxenburg.
2020 Tar & Roses, Sangiovese Heathcote
Regular price £22.70 Save £-22.70Born into a grape-growing family, Don Lewis spent 32 years working for the Mitchelton winery in Heathcote, where he forged an enduring partnership with Narelle King. In 2004 Don left Mitchelton to work as a consultant, most notably in Priorat, Spain. His time in Europe cultivated his fascination with the wines of Italy and Spain, and in 2006 he and Narelle set up Tar and Roses in order to show how these varietals could be grown in the diverse terroirs of Central Victoria.
TASTING NOTES
Wild thyme, earthy and spicy characteristics on the nose, with hints of blackberry and cherry. The palate is full and savoury, with hints of fresh tobacco leaf, sweet black cherry and hints of aniseed—mouth-filling powdery tannin, well balanced with a sweet cherry finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Carpaccio with parmesan, stew, grilled lamb and game.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Beautifully refined, aged in old oak barrels for an extra dose of smokey complexity.
2020 Domaine des Trois Cellier, Chateauneuf du Pape "Cuvee Marceau"
Regular price £35.70 Save £-35.70In 2007 Marceau (Marc) Cellier decided to retire and hand over his vineyards to his three children (Ludovic, Julien and Benoit) and Nathalie (Ludovic's wife). They are the 8th generation of the Cellier family to work the vine and to make top-class Rhone wines. Domaine les 3 Cellier was thus born on August 1st, 2007, with the breakup of Domaine Saint Benoit. The Cellier family retained 13.4 hectares of vines, all within the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
TASTING NOTES
45% lees ageing in new French oak; production is only 250 cases per vintage. Medium-bodied, with red fruit, soft texture and a forward, approachable character accentuated by herb-touched complexity. A real charmer.
FOOD PAIRING
It is excellent with beef-dishes, but can also pair beautifully with lighter meats like pork.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Named in honour of their father, this is a special expression of the Cellier family vineyards, a wine which gives immense pleasure.
2020 Baglio Inca, Nero D'Avola
Regular price £16.90 Save £-16.90A family-owned winery, founded in 1940 by Antonio Casano, located in the far west of Sicily, in the town of Marsala. The history and vine-growing heritage of the region is reflected in the nature of the vineyards, the soils and the historic buildings in which the wines of Baglio Inca are vinified. Most of the wines produced are from indigenous varieties.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of ripe plum, cocoa, wild fruit, and a hint of spice, typical of this variety. Full-bodied on the palate, with rounded, plush tannins and juicy fruit, with a hint of mocha on the finish from the portion which was aged for 6 months in French oak barrels.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs well with risotto, red meats, lamb and savoury, hard cheeses. It pairs perfectly Spaghetti alla Norma, a traditional Sicilian dish with eggplant and smoked ricotta cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Over time, as the popularity of the Marsala fortified wines has waned, vine-growers in the area have turned to indigenous red wine varieties.
2012 Opus One, Opus One
Regular price £538.50 Save £-538.50A joint venture between the Robert Mondavi company (the family are no longer involved) and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild, based in the Oakville appellation within Napa Valley. One of the finest wines in California, and revered throughout the world. Initially a selection of the finest lots from the Mondavi Winery, since 1991 certain vineyard parcels came to be associated with Opus One, most notably the To-Kalon vineyard, which since 2005 has provided the core of the wine.
TASTING NOTES
Blackberry, rose petals and mocha aromas, with earth, cassis and leather providing nuance. Supremely silky on the palate, with rounded tannin and a bright mineral character; violet and lavender, a hint of mint and plenty of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum fruit. Supple and lingering, with truffle and charcoal on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Best enjoyed with substantial, yet subtle, foods which will allow the wine to shine - a fine steak with delicate seasoning, perhaps.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
The 2012 is considered one of their greatest vintages; just entering its drinking window, this wine will continue to improve until 2030.
2019 Domaine des Masques, Rouge Cuvee Essentielle
Regular price £19.60 Save £-19.60An 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
Pressed gently to minimise extraction of tannins; 6 months in barrel prior to release. Fresh and spicy, with blackberry fruit and white-pepper spice aromas. Supple on the palate; very easy to enjoy.
FOOD PAIRING
Ideal with cold-cuts; also a good choice for spare ribs.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Certified organic. Best enjoyed young, although this wine should age well until 2025.
2006 Chateau Cantenac Brown
Regular price £115.50 Save £-115.50ABOUT THE WINE
At the start of the 19th century, the well-known Scottish, animal painter, John Lewis Brown purchased the estate and Bordeaux wine vineyards. As was the tradition in the Medoc at the time, he renamed the estate Cantenac Brown. More recently, in 1989 AXA, the massive insurance company with several Bordeaux chateaux in their portfolio including Pichon Baron in Pauillac, and estates in Pomerol and Sauternes bought the vineyard. AXA sold the property in 2006 to the Halabi family.Today, the Simon Halabi family are the owners of Chateau Cantenac Brown. One of the first moves made by the new owners was to place Jose Sanfins in charge of the wine making at Cantenac Brown.
TASTING NOTES
Aromas of blackberry, cherry, currant and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Very refined. Best to drink now.
FOOD PAIRING
Any game, red meat, super creamy cheese and fatty fish cooked with complex herbs and spices.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Cantenac Brown is typically Margaux in character - fragrant and perfumed on the nose and medium bodied and harmonious on the palate.
2018 Chateau Gloria
Regular price £130.75 Save £-130.75ABOUT THE WINE
One of the better-known Crus Bourgeois of the Medoc, still at reasonable prices. Chateau Gloria is made up of holdings of classified Crus and would deserve to be classified in its own right. Recent vintages have found all their character again, in the tradition of the great Saint-Julien wines. A surprising wine if you are prepared to wait.
2016 Vintage also available