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- Ay
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- Cahors
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- Chianti Rufina
- Condrieu
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- Cote de Nuits
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1988 Chateau Lynch-Bages
Regular price £280.00 Save £-280.00ABOUT THE WINE
Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934, who remain owners to this day. The estate is unusual in Bordeaux for its use of massal selection (propagation of their own vines rather than of nursery-grown clones) to replenish ageing vines in its vineyards, which allows the vineyards and the wines produced from them to retain individuality.
TASTING NOTES
A wonderful surprise from this vintage, this wine has matured beautifully. Still deep ruby in colour, despite its age, the aromas exhibit abundant quantities of dried herbs, grilled meats, black cherry and tobacco. Medium-bodied, rewarding, at the peak of maturity, it should hold well until around 2028.
FOOD PAIRING
Works well with beef in simple dishes, pork and earthy vegetable dishes.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A special wine, with a long aristocratic heritage, at peak drinkability… enjoy!
2015 Antinori, Tignanello
Regular price £289.90 Save £-289.90ABOUT THE WINE
Produced exclusively from the 57-hectare vineyard which gives the wine its name, Tignanello has been produced by the Antinori family since 1970. The family itself has been involved in the production of wine in Tuscany since 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Arte Florentina, the Winemakers Guild of Florence. Today the winery is run by Marquis Piero Antinori, with the support of his three daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia.
TASTING NOTES
Sangiovese dominates the flavour-profile. The fruit is beautifully ripe with fresh blackberry and cherry nuances, spice, leather, sweet tobacco and smoke. Rounded tannins suggesting that this will be approachable early, yet with enough structure to ensure a healthy ageing potential – drink 2020-2030.
FOOD PAIRING
Red meat, goose or veal; complex stews and aged hard cheese.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This classic vintage is immediately accessible, generous and opulent.
2015 Champagne Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut
Regular price £298.00 Save £-298.00ABOUT THE WINE
The most famous wine of the Roederer estate, Cristal was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II – the emperor asked Louis Roederer himself to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year. This exceptional champagne came in a flat-bottomed & transparent lead-crystal bottle (to foil the insertion of explosives in the indentation by would-be assassins!), hence the name. Not commercially available until 1945 it is only produced in the best of years when the Chardonnay (c. 40% of the blend) and Pinot Noir (c. 60%) have attained perfect ripeness. Cristal is then aged for 6 years in their cellars and left for a further 8 months after dégorgement. A remarkably balanced and refined style there is also tremendous aging potential; it can be kept for over 20 years without losing its freshness and character.
TASTING NOTES
Tropical fruit and brioche aromas on the nose and a silky texture complemented by a powerful mineral quality on the palate. With white stone fruit and citrus notes this is a luscious and deep flavoured champagne with a long finish – a truly harmonious marriage of the full-bodied, smooth & ripe Pinot Noir and the fresh, elegant minerality of Chardonnay.
Smoked monkfish and oyster mousse, Truffled chicken ballotine with creamy morel sauce or buttered lobster & tarragon risotto would be sublime!
2020 Pierre Mayeul, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
Regular price £298.50 Save £-298.50ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Pierre Mayeul is the story of three old friends united by the same passion for Burgundy and with a shared goal to produce high-quality wines where each cuvee beautifully represents the individual terroir and 'climat' of each appellation. Each with a long history of Burgundian winemaking they vinify their wines in an old castle in Ladoix and age the wines in barrels in cellars that date back to the 17th Century situated in the very heart of Beaune.
TASTING NOTES
The elegant nose of dark cherries, blackberries, and delicate violets captivates the senses, while whispers of leather, earth, and truffle add complexity. The sophisticated oak ageing reveals notes of cedar and baking spices. On the palate, this Grand Cru enchants with a whole body, firm yet refined tannins, and beautifully balanced acidity. A symphony of flavours, including black currants, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate, culminating in a long, memorable finish.
FOOD PAIRING
To honour this outstanding wine, pair it with indulgent dishes such as a butter-basted filet mignon with a red wine reduction, or a truffle-infused risotto showcasing wild mushrooms and aged Parmesan. The wine's depth of flavour and structure also makes it a superb partner for a roasted rack of lamb with a rosemary and garlic crust, or a sumptuous duck confit with a side of parsnip puree & sautéed greens.
2010 Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Regular price £301.70 Save £-301.70ABOUT THE WINE
Pichon Lalande earned its name when Therse, the daughter of the founder received the estate as a dowry when she married Jacques de Pichon Longueville. During the 18th century the wine-growing influence at Pichon Lalande was definitely feminine. Perhaps that explains part of the wines sensuous qualities. Pichon Lalande was essentially managed by three women: Therese de Rauzan, Germaine de Lajus and Marie Branda de Terrefort. Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville succeeded his mother taking over Pichon Lalande when he was only 19. What happened next changed the landscape of the Medoc forever. On the eve of his death in 1850, he divided the property between his five children. In modern times May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, daughter of Edouard Miailhe became the new owner and general manager of Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in 1978. She made numerous investments and improvements at Pichon Lalande. She later sold Pichon Lalande to the owners of Roederer Champagne in January 2007. Once the purchase for Chateau Pichon Lalande was concluded, in 2008, a complete renovation of the estate took place.
TASTING NOTES
The nose offers a bouquet of aromas, mixing blackcurrant, cinnamon, vanilla and violet. On the palate the tannins appear mature and melted, revealing a strong affirmed structure a surprising suppleness and perfect harmony with long persistency.
FOOD PAIRING
Perfect with beef ragout and tagliatelle or pepper steak.
2003 Chateau Figeac
Regular price £302.65 Save £-302.65An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES
A vibrant Saint-Emilion exhibiting a dark ruby colour along with a note of cedar wood and a strong Cabernet character which permeates this vineyard. Fruitcake, currants, dried herbs and tobacco; a delightful wine, full-bodied and expressive, and just entering its peak, should age gracefully until 2030.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled and roast lamb with garlic and rosemary.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An excellent vintage for the Cabernet-led Figeac style, allowing for optimal ripeness. Merlot-dominated estates on the right bank fared less well in the heat of 2003.
1999 Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases
Regular price £304.05 Save £-304.05Also Available - 2003 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
The largest of the three ‘Leoville’ properties, with 97 hectares of vineyard spread throughout the appellation of Saint-Julien. Classified 2ème Cru, the wines of this estate are unquestionably of 1er Cru quality. The history of the estate can be traced back to 1638, when all three Leoville properties were one, and were the site of many winemaking and viticultural innovations which remain in use to this day. After the French Revolution, the estate was split into the Leovilles Barton, Poyferre and Las Cases. Following acquisition in 1976, the estate has achieved ever-growing esteem under the ownership of Michel Delon.
TASTING NOTES
A really rather excellent – and long-lived, for the ’99 vintage – example of Leoville-las-Cases. Powerful, muscular, densely structured, a triumph which compares very favourably to First Growths.
FOOD PAIRING
Venison, game, red meat, complex dishes. Nothing too powerfully flavoured, as it will overwhelm this venerable wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although, by French law, they are unable to set aside their Classification, Leoville Las Cases withdrew from the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés in 1988 (the only Classified estate to have done so) on the basis that it is misleading and out of date – an unsurprising stance, since any update would almost certainly see Las Cases elevated to 1st Growth status.
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.
2006 Chateau Figeac
Regular price £315.90 Save £-315.90ABOUT THE WINE
An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES
An elegant and surprisingly approachable vintage for Figeac; sweet aromas of menthol, fruitcake, cherries, and black currants, silky tannins and an evolved, precocious style, drinking well from 2015.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled and roast lamb with garlic and rosemary.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Despite their Cabernet-driven style, this vintage shows only the vaguest hints of the green pepper notes that affected right bank wines from this year.
2010 Chateau Figeac
Regular price £318.35 Save £-318.35An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed; a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES
An intense and complex nose with earth and black forest fruits followed by an opulent spice bouquet of clove & cinnamon follow through to velvety and dense finish that covers the wine like a silk blanket. A wine with considerable depth and richness that deserves to be enjoyed properly.
FOOD PAIRING
Grilled and roast lamb with garlic and rosemary.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Following the 2009 vintage, 2010 does not disappoint at all and follows suit in terms of richness and opulence. Outstanding.
2000 Chateau La Conseillante
Regular price £342.20 Save £-342.20ABOUT THE WINE
The name of La Conseillante appears in the middle of the 18th century. It has been given by Mrs Catherine Conseillan, who ran the estate almost 300 years before today. In 1871, the Nicolas family buy the property, which surface and plots remain unchanged during this period. Today, the estate is managed by the fifth generation, assuring continuity and the attachment of a family to a great wine. D. Bertrand Nicolas and Jean-Valmy Nicolas are the managers of La Conseillante, and Jean-Michel Laporte is the Director.
TASTING NOTES
Ruby/plum/purple colour and an unbelievably expressive nose of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, incense, toast, and liquorice. Full-bodied yet ethereal in the sense that it seems to combine power along with eloquence and delicacy, this is a beautifully pure wine that has just hit its plateau of full maturity, although ideally it would benefit strongly from another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink well for two to three decades.
FOOD PAIRING
Game, red meat, roasted or barbecued.
2008 Chateau Palmer
Regular price £383.75 Save £-383.75ABOUT THE WINE
Château Palmer is named after a British officer, Colonel Charles Palmer (later Maj. General), who settled in Bordeaux in 1814. It is located in the centre of the Margaux appellation, and its vineyards lie on a plateau of clay and gravel soils. Historically the estate has always prided itself on the exceptional quality of its wines, declassifying whole vintages (as in 1963 and 1968) when conditions weren’t conducive to the usual high standards of the property. Classified as a 3ème Cru Classé, it punches significantly above its classification. Since the 2017 vintage, they have been certified 100% biodynamic.
TASTING NOTES
A blend of 51% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Petit Verdot. The dense, purple-hued wine has loads of smoke, liquorice, incense, blackberry, leather, and forest floor notes. It is extraordinarily intense and full-bodied with velvety and muscular tannins. On the palate, it has black cherry and bilberry, accompanied by complex baked earth, black truffles, and saffron spice. The finish is spicy and long. Aged in 60% new oak which adds to its complexity. The 51% Merlot blend is quite unusual for 2008 and for Palmer, making it quite sophisticated and idiosyncratic. The sweet start and soft, rich texture make it quite seductive and lively. With a slightly minty and cool finish, it is quite electric and comes with a 13.4% alcohol content.
FOOD PAIRING
A decadent wine marries with decadent flavoured dishes such as cornish game hen with wild rice stuffing and grilled quail with pomegranate glaze as well as Spice rubbed and seared pork tenderloin with cherry compote.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A stunning wine that’s concentrated and complex, that is delicious currently but will continue to age beautifully for decades to come.
2019 300CL Domaine Antonin Guyon, Gevrey Chambertin 'La Justice'
Regular price £395.50 Save £-395.502006 Chateau Palmer
Regular price £427.05 Save £-427.05ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Palmer is named after a British officer, Colonel Charles Palmer (later Maj. General), who settled in Bordeaux in 1814. It is located in the center of the Margaux appellation, and its vineyards lie on a plateau of clay and gravel soils. Historically the estate has always prided itself on the exceptional quality of its wines, declassifying whole vintages (as in 1963 and 1968) when conditions weren't conducive to the usual high standards of the property. Classified as a 3ieme Cru Classe', it punches significantly above its classification. Since the 2017 vintage they are certified 100% biodynamic.
TASTING NOTES
Maraschino cherries, cassis and tobacco characterise the bright, youthful aromatics; medium-bodied on the palate, with a succulent core of cassis and blackberry fruit. The tannic structure is super-fine, beautifully integrated into the oak character on the finish. This is a remarkably elegant wine, which has developed superbly, and will continue to do so until 2040.
FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for venison.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Merlot at Palmer is planted on both the clay and gravel soils of the estate; the extra drainage provided by the gravel gives Palmer its elegant opulence, hence the unusually high proportion of Merlot (often 45-50%) in the blend for a left-bank wine.
2018 Domaine des Perdrix, Echezeaux Grand Cru
Regular price £435.10 Save £-435.10ABOUT THE WINE
Managed by Bertrand & Christiane Devillard and their children Amaury & Aurore since 1996, the Domaine des Perdrix, located in Cote de Nuits spread over 12 hectares in the best terroirs within the villages of Nuits Saint Georges and Vosne Romanee. Nearly 5 hectares of the estate produce Nuits Saint Georges 1 er Cru, among which the excellent “Aux Perdrix” is a quasimonopole (99%). The quality of the vineyards, their rigorous management and vinification have established the Domaine des Perdrix as a renowned Domaine.
TASTING NOTES
Dark ruby colour with a powerful nose. Opening with notes of spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), followed by dark fruits (blackcurrant, blueberry). Beautiful complexity with a powerful & dense palate.
FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with lamb & game meat.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Needs time to reveal its potential and perfumes of fruits and spices which will get stronger and stronger with maturation. Tannins are firm but ripe and silky.
2004 Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon P2
Regular price £445.00 Save £-445.00ABOUT THE WINE
The name Dom Perignon, a registered but unused brand under the ownership of Champagne Mercier, came into the possession of Moët et Chandon in 1927 by marriage. In 1936 a short-release of older-vintage wine caused a stir in the press, and Marketing Director Robert-Jean de Vogüé struck upon the idea of releasing an expensive prestige cuvee under the Dom Perignon brand. This cuvee was, initially, simply a re-bottling of the Moet 1921 vintage, but from 1943 the brand became increasingly separate from the rest of the company. Vineyards, some of the finest in the region, have been purchased exclusively to produce Dom Perignon. P2 is a late-bottle vintage from the famous Champagne house, with about 15 years in the cellar before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
With its remarkable ease and generosity, the 2004 winemaking year stands out in the history of Dom Pérignon. A rather cool August was followed by a few weeks of dry heat that made the vintage. The wine balances on the edge with immediacy and surprise, evolving between tension and weightlessness.
Citrusy notes of pink grapefruit and blood oranges gently cede to figs. The additional time on the lees elevates the minerality of the vintage. You'll find notes of Cocoa, mocha, roasted nuts, brioche and honey. The sensations come together in a persistent and elegant finish, underlined by sappy, licorice notes.
FOOD PAIRING
The wine is vibrant, especially when paired with lobster, molé verde and cardamom. The combination of veal, dashi broth and spirulina will bring out the paradoxical facet of the wine while pigeon, pistachio and kalamanci baklava will highlight its levity. The wine is tactile: a green tomato sorbet will magnify its silky, creamy character. The wine exhibits a balanced tension: a facet that can be explored when paired with roasted pineapple, candied citrus peel and aniseed.
2002 Dominus Estate
Regular price £445.50 Save £-445.50ABOUT THE WINE
In 1982 Christian Moueix, owner of Chateau Petrus, having fallen in love with Napa Valley during his studies in the 1960s, discovered the legendary Napanook Vineyard on the Rutherford Bench. In 1995 he purchased a section of the vineyard, and created Dominus Estate, with a mission to produce an iconic Napa Valley wine. The vineyard contains vines over 100 years old, and has contributed to some of the finest and most long-lasting wines Napa Valley has ever produced. The Estate Red is aged in oak barrels, of which 1/3 are new, for 15 months, a serious rival to Opus One...
TASTING NOTES
Poised and vibrant; not the classic Napa Valley blockbuster, yet by no means without weight and power, the structure of the wine has allowed it to age spectacularly, resulting in a seamless integration of tannin, oak and acidity. Kirsch and blackcurrant intermingles with dried tobacco, damp earth, cocoa and cedar; the finish is silken and multi-layered, as the complexity of the palate carries through. Will happily age for another 15 years, but we recommend succumbing to the temptation.
FOOD PAIRING
Beef, preferably steak, or tenderloin; the meat needs to have sufficient structure to match to the wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Decanting several hours in advance is recommended for this extremely distinctive Napa Valley wine.
1999 Chateau Palmer
Regular price £453.30 Save £-453.302012 Vega Sicilia, Unico
Regular price £506.90 Save £-506.902006 Chateau d'Yquem
Regular price £520.90 Save £-520.90ABOUT 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
An Yquem with more tropical undertones, showing toasted coconut, candied pineapple and pure vanilla at the beginning. This is followed by the pleasantly expected notes of clove, dried apricots and baked golden apples with brown butter. A bottle shows that the dynamic nature of Yquem can pleasantly surprise from vintage to vintage.
FOOD PAIRING
An exquisite pairing would be a posh cheeseboard with this more richly fruit forward vintage. Think Morbier, Tallegio & Epoisse with spicy mango chutney and chili sourdough crackers. Also brilliant with white chocolate and fruit tarts.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A wine for special occasions, of great elegance and distinction.
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.
2005 Chateau Pavie
Regular price £549.60 Save £-549.60ABOUT THE WINE
The largest Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe, with some 37 hectares under vine. Vines were originally planted on the property by the Romans in the 4th Century CE; and the estate was famous in the 1800s as one of the finest wines to come out of Saint-Emilion. However, when the estate was purchased in 1998 by Gerard Perse, extensive work was required to revitalise the estate, work which paid off, first in an extraordinary renaissance in wine-quality from the early 2000s, and then, in 2012, with official recognition as the estate was elevated from 1er Grand Cru Classe B to 1er Grand Cru Classe A. The estate is also 70% organic, and working towards becoming 100%. The wine is fermented in new-oak vats, and aged in 80% new oak for 18 months.
TASTING NOTES
Almost opaque, darkly-coloured, with intense flavours of blackberry, plum, liquorice, spice, truffle and chocolate; balanced perfectly by a crushed-rock, cedar, coffee-bean mineral character, and a lengthy, violet-edged finish. Opulent and compelling.
FOOD PAIRING
Rich meat stews, mushrooms, braised venison.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Chateau Pavie is a wine which rewards and requires age, 15 years is a recommended minimum for a wine of this power and majesty. For this vintage, 2025 is perhaps when it will begin to show at its finest.