2017 Domaine Nudant, Ladoix 1er Cru 'Les Buis'
Regular price £99.00 Save £-99.00See more wines from Domaine Nudant
ABOUT THE WINE
Winemakers in Burgundy since 1453, the current generation of the Nudant family manages some 16 hectares of small parcels dotted throughout the Cote d'Or. Vineyard work is all carried out by hand, in the spirit of minimal intervention. The 1er Cru vineyard called Les Buis recalls a sacred tree of the Druids which grew on the site.
TASTING NOTES
A delicate expression of Ladoix, with a cherry-forward fruit character supported by raspberry compote, fresh forest mushrooms and red plums. The elegant complexity is evident in the long fruity and savoury finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Pairs brilliantly with honey roast turkey, pheasant with black peppercorn jus and veal osso buco.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
An off-piste appellation which offers excellent value from some very impressive vineyard sites.
2015 Chateau Talbot
Regular price £95.40 Save £-95.40ABOUT 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; wines see 50-60% new oak, for around 15 months.
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.
1975 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £95.00 Save £-95.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
2016 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £150.10 Save £-150.102021 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Gevrey Chambertin 'La Justice'
Regular price £88.50 Save £-88.50Also available in 2019 Double Magnum
ABOUT THE WINE
The 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
Beautiful ruby colour; the aromas are elegant and complex, with notes of redcurrant and cherry and a touch of cedar and smoke. The palate is intense, with black fruit and well-integrated nutmeg spice, softly fading into vanilla aromas on the finish. Plenty of weight to the palate, with the sufficient structure for longer-term ageing.
FOOD PAIRING
Rabbit ragu with rosemary potatoes, pheasant with roasted parsnip with truffle oil and dry-aged sirloin steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A favourite of sommeliers in restaurants throughout Europe, Guyon wines are particularly well-suited to food-pairing, with bright flavours and succulent acidity.
2019 Pierre Mayeul, Gevrey Chambertin
Regular price £88.50 Save £-88.50Pierre 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
Bearing a dark ruby hue, an intoxicating aroma of wild blackberries, spicy undertones, clove notes and a whisper of raspberry reduction permeate the senses. The palate presents an exquisite tapestry of opulent dark fruits laced with nuances of espresso and a dash of black pepper. The well-integrated tannins lend a perfect depth to the vivacious fruit character, orchestrating a harmonious, velvety finish that echoes long after the final sip.
FOOD PAIRING
This delightful offering will impeccably accompany a sumptuous beef Wellington wrapped in truffle-infused mushroom duxelles, or a game pheasant adorned with a rich dark cherry sauce. A truffle and mushroom risotto or venison loin with a dark fruit compote will also provide an exceptional culinary pairing, ensuring a memorable Burgundian feast.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Sourced from the esteemed Gevrey Chambertin appellation, a region known for producing some of Burgundy's most robust and age-worthy Pinot Noirs, the 2019 iteration truly reflects the elegance and finesse typical of this illustrious appellation. Its complex flavour profile and refined structure encapsulate the exceptional conditions of the vintage, making it a wine worth savouring and cellaring. It's a vivid testament to the meticulous craft that Pierre Mayeul pours into every bottle.
2018 Domaine Vincent Bouzereau Corton rouge Grand Cru 'Les Fietres'
Regular price £88.40 Save £-88.40ABOUT THE WINE
The Bouzereau family has been vine growers for over 10 generations. An interesting feature of the estate is the interest of Vincent (and his father before him) for vine-stocks. Current vines are issued from pre-phylloxera selections, and Vincent keeps reproducing qualitative vines from his vineyards rather than following the common usage of cloning a couple of specimens only. This technique provides more bio-diversity in Vincent’s vineyards, and reflects in his sensational wines. Vincent wine-making technique is traditional, he does not add any yeast or enzyme.
TASTING NOTES
Light red in colour. Aromas of cherries and plums. Although still young the tannins are soft and has a very long finish. Powerful aromas and great intensity of flavours.
FOOD PAIRING
Delicious with veal with a rich sauce would benefit if you add mushrooms. Also good with duck and creamy cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Although 2018 was quite a warm vintage, the wines, especially the reds, have great power and balance. It could very well be one of the best vintages in this decade. This Corton can be drank now but will definitely improve with further ageing.
2020 Domaine Antonin Guyon, Chambolle Musigny 'Clos du Village' Monopole
Regular price £88.30 Save £-88.302008 Chateau Batailley
Regular price £88.00 Save £-88.00Also available: 2016 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux's and the Casteja-family's flagship. The name is derived from the battle (bataille) that took place where the chateau and vineyard are today during the Hundred Years War, around 1453. Vinification is fairly standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in tank, partly in barrel, and the wine is then aged in new French oak, 60% new, for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit-character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.
TASTING NOTES
Crisp, bright red fruits; pepper and cassis on a medium-bodied palate. Hefty tannins will subside after 2022, but decanting will allow this wine to display its exceptional quality in the shorter term if temptation cannot be deferred.
FOOD PAIRING
Chateau Batailley is best served with classic meat dishes: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, and roasted, braised and grilled vegetable dishes. It can also pair well with Asian dishes and hearty fish courses like tuna-steak.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine never stops to surprise, glass after glass.
2006 Chateau Langoa-Barton
Regular price £86.25 Save £-86.25ABOUT THE WINE
The Barton family, the current owners of Chateau Langoa Barton are able to trace their Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722, when they left Ireland to start a new life in Bordeaux. In 1821 they bought an estate in St. Julien, Pontet-Langlois, which they renamed Langoa Barton. The 25-hectare estate is marked out by its relatively cool terroir vineyards are spread throughout the centre of the appellation, all inland away from the Gironde. Highly traditional winemaking, with only 50% new oak, makes this estate less showy than many of its counterparts, but allows it to shine with bottle-age typical recommendation is 15 years from vintage.
TASTING NOTES
The 2006 Chateau Langoa Barton has a lifted nose of small dark cherries, blackberry, incense and marmalade - quite showy for Langoa Barton, full of joie-de-vivre. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, ripe and demonstrating impressive density plus a firm grip. Mouth-coating, yet well-balanced; a delightful vintage from an ever-reliable chateau. Rewards time in the decanter.
FOOD PAIRING
Steak, beef burgers, aged hard cheeses.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Out of all the 1855 Classified Growths, it is the only chateau that is still in the hands of the same family who owned it at the time of the classification.
2009 Domaine Loic Mahe, Savennieres 'Sectilis Terra'
Regular price £85.50 Save £-85.50ABOUT 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
Produced only in exceptional years, from 'green-harvested' vines which are able to concentrate on feeding only 3 or 4 grapes clusters per vine. Harvested by hand, sometimes with small amounts of botrytis-affected grapes, the wine undergoes a slow, natural vinification of 18 months in oak barrels. Golden colour with amber shades, derived from a period of skin-contact prior to fermentation. The nose combines fruity, mineral and woody notes. On mouth it is ample, pure, rich and fresh. Incredibly long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
An exquisite wine to go with rich fish like turbot, brill or a poulet de Bresse or even fatty duck breast. We also recommend pairing with rich baked cheeses, like Comte and Beaufort.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
A great sensory experience! A great wine to drink now but with an ageing potential of 30 years. We recommend decanting for 30 minutes before serving.
2011 Chateau Grand Corbin
Regular price £85.20 Save £-85.201979 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £85.00 Save £-85.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
1980 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £85.00 Save £-85.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
2015 Chateau Lagrange (Saint Julien)
Regular price £81.45 Save £-81.452014 Chateau Giscours
Regular price £81.30 Save £-81.301977 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £81.00 Save £-81.002016 Chateau Batailley
Regular price £80.50 Save £-80.50Also available: 2008 Vintage
ABOUT THE WINE
Chateau Batailley is Borie-Manoux’s and the Castéja-family’s flagship winery. One of the oldest estates in the Médoc the name is derived from the battle (“bataille”) that took place during the Hundred Years’ War and where the chateau and vineyard are sited today. The estate is currently experimenting with biodynamic farming techniques on a 5- hectare parcel. Overall vinification is pretty standard, with hand-harvested grapes fully de-stemmed before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place partly in the tank, and partly in the barrel, and the wine is then aged in 60% new French oak for about 16 months before bottling. Since 1995, subtle changes have seen the wines achieve more delicacy and purity of fruit character, resulting in wines of greater finesse which still remain true to their Pauillac roots.
TASTING NOTES
A rare, but beautiful blend of fresh red berries of raspberry and rose hip married with the savoury meatiness and cigar box with a sweet vanilla undertone, not to mention the charming crushed violets. A truly elegant and complex claret, which shows power in a restrained way, but still managed to have polished and gripping tannins that are dazzling and promising facing forward. This wine is now in its drinking window, and will stay there until the late 2040s…
FOOD PAIRING
Roast mallard with radicchio and pear salad, braised veal shank with winter root vegetable purée. Any seared & dry-aged beef cut should also pair impeccably.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
This wine will never cease to surprise, glass after glass, and is unquestionably moreish. Drinking beautifully now but still retains some solid ageing potential.
2014 Clos du Marquis
Regular price £160.75 Save £-160.751982 Friarwood, Vieil Armagnac
Regular price £80.00 Save £-80.001981 Friarwood, Vieil-Armagnac
Regular price £80.00 Save £-80.00ABOUT THE SPIRIT
This Armagnac is specially bottled by Eric Artiguelongue, previously a cellarmaster at a renowned Armagnac estate. Eric's Armagnac are aged in oak barrels until they have reached their optimum quality and then stored in glass to maintain their peak condition. Eric then bottles the Armagnacs himself. In a region often stymied by tradition, Eric's Armagnacs excite in all their un-manipulated glory. There's no use of boise, caramel or sweeteners here.
TASTING NOTES
Round, full-bodied palate displays fresh, fruit-forward flavors, while a touch of warming spice adds depth and complexity to the long finish.
FOOD PAIRING
Enjoy lightly chilled, and let it warm up in your glass. Matches perfectly with dark chocolate treats.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
These Armagnacs are unique small batch-bottlings, bottled on request for Friarwood. On each label, you can find the exact bottling date.
2018 Chateau Figeac, Petit Figeac
Regular price £79.90 Save £-79.902017 Domaine de la Ferte, Givry
Regular price £79.70 Save £-79.70Billecart Salmon, Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru NV
Regular price £79.20 Save £-79.20ABOUT THE WINE
A brand synonymous with some of the finest restaurants around the world, Billecart-Salmon is located in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and has been family owned since 1818. Made by the same cellar master for nearly 30 years, this cuvée is a blend of two different years revealing the special quality of the Chardonnay.
TASTING NOTES
Creamy lemon meringue with marzipan, lime custard and yeasty sourdough bread, layered with apricots and nectarines. An exquisitely complex Blanc de Blanc following 5 years on the lees.
FOOD PAIRING
The ultimate pairing would be caviar with blini and soured cream, but butter-seared scallops are exceptional with the toasty character of this Blanc de Blanc.
FRIARWOOD SAYS
Did you know that among Champagnes as prestigious as Krug & Dom Pérignon, a bottle of Billecart-Salmon was chosen as the Champagne of the Millennium in 1999?