Wine from Other Countries between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
Other Countries includes wines that did not have a country specified when we added them to our database - so may include countries originally listed in the menu.
Monasterio de Tentudia 1997 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made in the ancient enclave of Extremadura, down near the border with Portugal ... where the Iglesias Schlegel family see to it that tradition and quality thrive side by side. Isolated from the cut and thrust of the modern wine trade - there are rich rewards to be had for those who put in the miles. Though remote this phenomenally well-accoladed estate is famous throughout Spain, yet the family's Rioja-rivalling quality remains an insider's secret in the UK. Ageing is a house speciality, this tiny volume, private reserve is matured in barrels for 18 months followed by a long siesta in bottle. Brilliant ruby-red colour with aromas of dark fruit, spices and coffee. Ample mouthfuls of mellow blackcurrant and smooth vanilla flavours. Elegant and expressive. Great with duck and lamb.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made in the ancient enclave of Extremadura, down near the border with Portugal ... where the Iglesias Schlegel family see to it that tradition and quality thrive side by side. Isolated from the cut and thrust of the modern wine trade - there are rich rewards to be had for those who put in the miles. Though remote this phenomenally well-accoladed estate is famous throughout Spain, yet the family's Rioja-rivalling quality remains an insider's secret in the UK. Ageing is a house speciality, this tiny volume, private reserve is matured in barrels for 18 months followed by a long siesta in bottle. Brilliant ruby-red colour with aromas of dark fruit, spices and coffee. Ample mouthfuls of mellow blackcurrant and smooth vanilla flavours. Elegant and expressive. Great with duck and lamb.
Colucci Riserva 2003 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Here's the deliciously smooth, velvety proof that expertly crafted Italian reds are among the world's finest. Less than one bottle in 100 achieves superior Riserva status - and this rare gem has wowed some of the fussiest palates in the world, bagging two top medals at international shows, including Italy's premier wine fair! The San Martino winery sits on rocky hills in Italy's sun-drenched south. And Colucci Riserva is the pick of the lot - hand-harvested, 100% Negroamaro grapes crafted with 70 years of family know-how, in the outstanding 2003 vintage, and patiently aged in premium oak barrels ... the results are magnificent! ''Wonderfully rich flavours of black cherry and blackcurrant with smooth vanilla oak notes. Great with Italian classics like pasta bolognese.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Here's the deliciously smooth, velvety proof that expertly crafted Italian reds are among the world's finest. Less than one bottle in 100 achieves superior Riserva status - and this rare gem has wowed some of the fussiest palates in the world, bagging two top medals at international shows, including Italy's premier wine fair! The San Martino winery sits on rocky hills in Italy's sun-drenched south. And Colucci Riserva is the pick of the lot - hand-harvested, 100% Negroamaro grapes crafted with 70 years of family know-how, in the outstanding 2003 vintage, and patiently aged in premium oak barrels ... the results are magnificent! ''Wonderfully rich flavours of black cherry and blackcurrant with smooth vanilla oak notes. Great with Italian classics like pasta bolognese.''
Puy de Val VdP D'Oc 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Officially opened in the early Summer of 2007, Le Chai au Quai (pronounced 'Shay OK') is a wonderful old warehouse on the quayside at Castillon, Bordeaux, where we make and age exclusive parcels of wine in order to be able to offer them to Laithwaites customers at not-so-exclusive prices! Englishman Mark Hoddy is famed for producing full-throttle reds at his top Roussillon estate. His fans include Jancis Robinson MW and his neighbour Michel Chapoutier, maker of the world's most famous Syrah ... so it's a real coup to have him on board at the Chai! Having also worked wonders with Syrah (Shiraz) in Australia's McLaren Vale, Mark knows just how to maximise the grape's natural power. Puy de Val is everything Mark is about - inky black Syrah (so rich in flavour) from ancient, high-grown Roussillon vines. He has used all his local knowledge to scout out parcels of the best 2006 fruit and all his skill to carefully oak-age the wine at the Chai. Amazing for the price! ''Inky black with intense aromas of cassis, liquorice and smoky vanilla. Powerful, smooth, not a rough edge in sight. Very long. This is terrific.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Officially opened in the early Summer of 2007, Le Chai au Quai (pronounced 'Shay OK') is a wonderful old warehouse on the quayside at Castillon, Bordeaux, where we make and age exclusive parcels of wine in order to be able to offer them to Laithwaites customers at not-so-exclusive prices! Englishman Mark Hoddy is famed for producing full-throttle reds at his top Roussillon estate. His fans include Jancis Robinson MW and his neighbour Michel Chapoutier, maker of the world's most famous Syrah ... so it's a real coup to have him on board at the Chai! Having also worked wonders with Syrah (Shiraz) in Australia's McLaren Vale, Mark knows just how to maximise the grape's natural power. Puy de Val is everything Mark is about - inky black Syrah (so rich in flavour) from ancient, high-grown Roussillon vines. He has used all his local knowledge to scout out parcels of the best 2006 fruit and all his skill to carefully oak-age the wine at the Chai. Amazing for the price! ''Inky black with intense aromas of cassis, liquorice and smoky vanilla. Powerful, smooth, not a rough edge in sight. Very long. This is terrific.''
Forbes Estate Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Scottish pioneers, the Forbes family arrived in Australia's Riverland region in 1911. Creating a thriving farming estate, they spent 80 years supplying grapes to many of the big names. In 1999, they decided to 'go it alone' with medal-winning success. ''Classic apricot aromas and filled with gently spice, tropical fruit flavours. Serve chilled with salads, poultry and creamy pasta.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Scottish pioneers, the Forbes family arrived in Australia's Riverland region in 1911. Creating a thriving farming estate, they spent 80 years supplying grapes to many of the big names. In 1999, they decided to 'go it alone' with medal-winning success. ''Classic apricot aromas and filled with gently spice, tropical fruit flavours. Serve chilled with salads, poultry and creamy pasta.''
JMS Sauvignon 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Medal-bedecked Laithwaite Sauvignon is your favourite French white and the wine that first made Jean-Marc's reputation 10 years ago. Well, JMS recently visited the Loire winemaking genius Didier Dagueneau of Pouilly-Fume. Inspired, he has since been experimenting with tiny amounts of various barrel-fermented 'super Sauvignons' ... and this one is reserved for the Chai. Not so explosively aromatic and jazzy, it gives you deeper, longer Sauvignon flavours ... add that touch of barrel-fermentation and you'll find cream, vanilla, depth and length. Superb stuff - but only four barrels made!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Medal-bedecked Laithwaite Sauvignon is your favourite French white and the wine that first made Jean-Marc's reputation 10 years ago. Well, JMS recently visited the Loire winemaking genius Didier Dagueneau of Pouilly-Fume. Inspired, he has since been experimenting with tiny amounts of various barrel-fermented 'super Sauvignons' ... and this one is reserved for the Chai. Not so explosively aromatic and jazzy, it gives you deeper, longer Sauvignon flavours ... add that touch of barrel-fermentation and you'll find cream, vanilla, depth and length. Superb stuff - but only four barrels made!
Chateau Tonnelle de Grillet 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Cotes de Blaye ... good wines at excellent prices'' (Clive Coates MW) - this 'best-ever' 2005 is a real step up in flavour concentration and finesse. Delicious! The Cotes de Blaye, on Bordeaux's 'right bank is separated from heart of the Medoc by a two mile stretch of water - the mouth of the Gironde. Chateau Tonnelle de Grillet has belonged to the Glemet family for 200 years and has an impressive cellar with 200 barrels. The 2005 is a rich blend of 80% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Malbec adding spice and depth. The vines are quite old - between 30 and 45 years and mainly harvested by hand. The vineyards are located on steep slopes which lead down to the Garonne estuary from where you can look across to Chateau Margaux.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Cotes de Blaye ... good wines at excellent prices'' (Clive Coates MW) - this 'best-ever' 2005 is a real step up in flavour concentration and finesse. Delicious! The Cotes de Blaye, on Bordeaux's 'right bank is separated from heart of the Medoc by a two mile stretch of water - the mouth of the Gironde. Chateau Tonnelle de Grillet has belonged to the Glemet family for 200 years and has an impressive cellar with 200 barrels. The 2005 is a rich blend of 80% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Malbec adding spice and depth. The vines are quite old - between 30 and 45 years and mainly harvested by hand. The vineyards are located on steep slopes which lead down to the Garonne estuary from where you can look across to Chateau Margaux.
Westend Estate Premium Shiraz Petit Verdot 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Australia's top red gets a turbocharge ... and leaves the big brands trailing in its wake! Aussie wine writer Stuart Gregor lists Westend Estate a top tip too, stating ''Riverina is where you should go for some of the best value wines in the country''. Winemaker Bill Calabria is an old-fashioned Aussie who has been sharing wines with us since we helped him out of a pickle back in 1995. In return, you're front of the queue for every vintage. Succulent blackcurrant and cherry flavour, with toasty oak and soft tannin. Petit Verdot gives great colour and a long-lasting finish - it's a grape that used to boost Grand Vins in Bordeaux. Superb with beef and venison. Drink to 2011.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Australia's top red gets a turbocharge ... and leaves the big brands trailing in its wake! Aussie wine writer Stuart Gregor lists Westend Estate a top tip too, stating ''Riverina is where you should go for some of the best value wines in the country''. Winemaker Bill Calabria is an old-fashioned Aussie who has been sharing wines with us since we helped him out of a pickle back in 1995. In return, you're front of the queue for every vintage. Succulent blackcurrant and cherry flavour, with toasty oak and soft tannin. Petit Verdot gives great colour and a long-lasting finish - it's a grape that used to boost Grand Vins in Bordeaux. Superb with beef and venison. Drink to 2011.
Calabria Estate Shiraz Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Forever on the look-out for ways to improve their already superb and widely appreciated Shiraz wines, top Aussie winemakers like Bill Calabria have taken a leaf out of the northern Rhone wine recipe book and tried adding a drop of Viognier. Now adding white wine to red might seem an odd idea on the surface but in the world's greatest examples of Syrah - Cote Rotie and the like - it's been the norm for a century or more. What Viognier brings - and we're talking about no more than 5% here - is a more open, attractive, floral bouquet to an otherwise tightly furled wine. In the case of Calabria Esate Shiraz Viognier 2006 it's a great success. Classic bramble and black pepper-scented Shiraz with a refreshing twist of burnt orange and violets. Full and rounded in the mouth with smooth tannins padded by rich, ripe fruit flavours.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Forever on the look-out for ways to improve their already superb and widely appreciated Shiraz wines, top Aussie winemakers like Bill Calabria have taken a leaf out of the northern Rhone wine recipe book and tried adding a drop of Viognier. Now adding white wine to red might seem an odd idea on the surface but in the world's greatest examples of Syrah - Cote Rotie and the like - it's been the norm for a century or more. What Viognier brings - and we're talking about no more than 5% here - is a more open, attractive, floral bouquet to an otherwise tightly furled wine. In the case of Calabria Esate Shiraz Viognier 2006 it's a great success. Classic bramble and black pepper-scented Shiraz with a refreshing twist of burnt orange and violets. Full and rounded in the mouth with smooth tannins padded by rich, ripe fruit flavours.
Alta Tierra Sangiovese Syrah 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The isolated Elqui Valley lies some 470 kilometres north of Santiago, on the very border of the Atacama Desert. Despite the arid nature of the area, the vineyards enjoy almost perfect growing conditions, with crystal clear, sunny days (indeed, some of the world's most important observatories are stationed up here), cool nights and plenty of snowmelt from the Andes available for irrigation. Despite being so suited for growing top quality grapes, up until very recently the vineyards were mainly used for the production of Pisco (pronounced as you'd think!) - a local brandy that is used to make the wonderfully refreshing Pisco Sour cocktail. But when our buyers visited the area, they found fledgling wineries, among them the Alta Tierra estate, crafting simply amazing wines ... superbly concentrated reds that are already racking up the top awards both in Chile and abroad. Beautifully concentrated, this rich, velvety red wine simply bursts with ripe cherry and blackberry fruit flavours, that merge seamlessly with subtle cinnamon and vanilla spice. Smooth and long on the finish, this exceptional red shows just how Chile is ''producing wines of real sophistication and value.'' (Jancis Robinson)
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The isolated Elqui Valley lies some 470 kilometres north of Santiago, on the very border of the Atacama Desert. Despite the arid nature of the area, the vineyards enjoy almost perfect growing conditions, with crystal clear, sunny days (indeed, some of the world's most important observatories are stationed up here), cool nights and plenty of snowmelt from the Andes available for irrigation. Despite being so suited for growing top quality grapes, up until very recently the vineyards were mainly used for the production of Pisco (pronounced as you'd think!) - a local brandy that is used to make the wonderfully refreshing Pisco Sour cocktail. But when our buyers visited the area, they found fledgling wineries, among them the Alta Tierra estate, crafting simply amazing wines ... superbly concentrated reds that are already racking up the top awards both in Chile and abroad. Beautifully concentrated, this rich, velvety red wine simply bursts with ripe cherry and blackberry fruit flavours, that merge seamlessly with subtle cinnamon and vanilla spice. Smooth and long on the finish, this exceptional red shows just how Chile is ''producing wines of real sophistication and value.'' (Jancis Robinson)
Farnese Seicento Anniversario 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
To celebrate the 600th anniversary of the castle where award-winning Farnese estate barrel mature their top reds, these Italian masters pulled out all the stops to produce a luxurious, limited edition cuvee. No-expense-spared, barrel-aged Montepulcianos of this calibre are rarely seen for under #10. Only the very best grapes, picked from high-altitude vineyards in Farnese's picturesque estate made it into this wine. The grapes were then gently pressed in order to extract only the purest juice- before undergoing a l-o-n-g period of ageing in finest oak barrels- deep in the castle's ancient cellars. With only a tiny parcel of this special occasion cuvee available, you must act quickly! ''Deepest crimson with powerful aromas of dark, spicy fruit, with a delicious richness of flavour that only the very finest of vintages procure.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
To celebrate the 600th anniversary of the castle where award-winning Farnese estate barrel mature their top reds, these Italian masters pulled out all the stops to produce a luxurious, limited edition cuvee. No-expense-spared, barrel-aged Montepulcianos of this calibre are rarely seen for under #10. Only the very best grapes, picked from high-altitude vineyards in Farnese's picturesque estate made it into this wine. The grapes were then gently pressed in order to extract only the purest juice- before undergoing a l-o-n-g period of ageing in finest oak barrels- deep in the castle's ancient cellars. With only a tiny parcel of this special occasion cuvee available, you must act quickly! ''Deepest crimson with powerful aromas of dark, spicy fruit, with a delicious richness of flavour that only the very finest of vintages procure.''
Warburn Estate Oak Aged Chardonnay 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Sam Trimboli has won more wine awards than any other Aussie producer - and judging by this awesome white - it's easy to see why! Meticulously handcrafted using parcels of premium fruit, this sumptuous Chardonnay could easily rival top-shelf Burgundy. 2007 was an exciting year for this region ... producing slowly ripened fruit - packed with a range of complex flavours. This delicious Chardonnay has bags of fresh-fruit appeal! Creamy tropical flavours are in perfect harmony with the wine's lemony freshness. Rich and decadent - it would suit a number of dishes, including oak-roasted Salmon, grilled chicken and vegetable pie.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Sam Trimboli has won more wine awards than any other Aussie producer - and judging by this awesome white - it's easy to see why! Meticulously handcrafted using parcels of premium fruit, this sumptuous Chardonnay could easily rival top-shelf Burgundy. 2007 was an exciting year for this region ... producing slowly ripened fruit - packed with a range of complex flavours. This delicious Chardonnay has bags of fresh-fruit appeal! Creamy tropical flavours are in perfect harmony with the wine's lemony freshness. Rich and decadent - it would suit a number of dishes, including oak-roasted Salmon, grilled chicken and vegetable pie.
Gran Tarapaca Viognier 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Every time our Buyers return from a trip to Chile, they rave about Tarapaca! Situated in the Maipo Valley, just below the Andes, the historic estate (founded in 1874) is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is surrounded by vineyards which benefit from ideal grape-growing conditions. Cool breezes and abundant sunshine infuses the grapes with aromatic freshness and a full, ripe flavour. Vi?a Tarapaca uses state-of-the-art equipment, together with traditional, quality-driven techniques to keep all the pure flavours of their refreshing Viognier intact - from vine to glass! Elegant and vibrant - this delicious white is bursting with personality! Abundant peach, apricot and honey-blossom flavours are complimented by subtle marzipan notes. Fantastic on its own or with roast chicken or fish dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Every time our Buyers return from a trip to Chile, they rave about Tarapaca! Situated in the Maipo Valley, just below the Andes, the historic estate (founded in 1874) is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is surrounded by vineyards which benefit from ideal grape-growing conditions. Cool breezes and abundant sunshine infuses the grapes with aromatic freshness and a full, ripe flavour. Vi?a Tarapaca uses state-of-the-art equipment, together with traditional, quality-driven techniques to keep all the pure flavours of their refreshing Viognier intact - from vine to glass! Elegant and vibrant - this delicious white is bursting with personality! Abundant peach, apricot and honey-blossom flavours are complimented by subtle marzipan notes. Fantastic on its own or with roast chicken or fish dishes.
Familia Martinez Bujanda Blanco 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Bujanda family of Rioja has a worldwide reputation for wines of extraordinary grace and purity. In fact you'd need to look to the finest chateaux of Bordeaux to see similar 'no expense spared' commitment to quality - in the vineyard, winery and barrel hall ... as The Independent says, the family has created ''a new benchmark of quality''. Thanks to a longstanding friendship with the family going back over 20 years, you get exclusive access to the Bujanda Rioja cellar ... and gems like their creamy white Rioja! Premium Viura grapes were rushed from the vineyard to the cool cellars to capture the precious aromas of white flowers, citrus and apricot blossom ... before luxurious oaking added a nutty, buttery richness. A delicious choice for fine dining.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Bujanda family of Rioja has a worldwide reputation for wines of extraordinary grace and purity. In fact you'd need to look to the finest chateaux of Bordeaux to see similar 'no expense spared' commitment to quality - in the vineyard, winery and barrel hall ... as The Independent says, the family has created ''a new benchmark of quality''. Thanks to a longstanding friendship with the family going back over 20 years, you get exclusive access to the Bujanda Rioja cellar ... and gems like their creamy white Rioja! Premium Viura grapes were rushed from the vineyard to the cool cellars to capture the precious aromas of white flowers, citrus and apricot blossom ... before luxurious oaking added a nutty, buttery richness. A delicious choice for fine dining.
Laithwaite Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and aromatic, this stunning Viognier was made by consultant Jean-Marc Sauboua, who carefully selected top quality fruit from the premium hillside vineyards of southern France where Viognier ripens to perfection. He then fermented the wine the very finest French barrels to add integrated layers of complex oak. In the Rhone where Viognier comes from, this kind of complexity would normally cost at least #20 a bottle! If you've yet to try Viognier, make this one your first! Big, rich and concentrated. Full of honey, ripe apricots and creamy oak, kept clean by crisp citrus notes. Bold enough to cope with a myriad of flavours.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and aromatic, this stunning Viognier was made by consultant Jean-Marc Sauboua, who carefully selected top quality fruit from the premium hillside vineyards of southern France where Viognier ripens to perfection. He then fermented the wine the very finest French barrels to add integrated layers of complex oak. In the Rhone where Viognier comes from, this kind of complexity would normally cost at least #20 a bottle! If you've yet to try Viognier, make this one your first! Big, rich and concentrated. Full of honey, ripe apricots and creamy oak, kept clean by crisp citrus notes. Bold enough to cope with a myriad of flavours.
Les Parettes Jean et Frederic Touzot - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from 100% old vine Chardonnay from the esteemed Touzot family estate located in the heart of the Macon region - this quintessential dinner-party white is extremely good value for money! The Times recently called Macon-Villages ''one of the claims to greatness of Burgundy 2005'' - so these wines won't be around for long! Luxuriously creamy with swathes of buttery richness - this glorious barrel-aged Chardonnay gives classic Meursault a run for its money! A delicious partner to roast chicken - stock up today!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from 100% old vine Chardonnay from the esteemed Touzot family estate located in the heart of the Macon region - this quintessential dinner-party white is extremely good value for money! The Times recently called Macon-Villages ''one of the claims to greatness of Burgundy 2005'' - so these wines won't be around for long! Luxuriously creamy with swathes of buttery richness - this glorious barrel-aged Chardonnay gives classic Meursault a run for its money! A delicious partner to roast chicken - stock up today!
Calabria Estate Viognier 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's take on pure, hedonistic Viognier - the grape famous for the #20-a-bottle, finest whites of the Rhone. Bill's grapes come from a favoured slope, are night-harvested and ever-so-carefully handled to capture the full array of apricot and peach flavours, enhanced by gentle barrel-ageing. ''Dazzling with a fragrant aroma of apricot, orange blossom and musk. Rich, fruity sweet peach and spice flavours with a citrus twist. Delicious with Asian cuisine, tempura and chicken salad.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's take on pure, hedonistic Viognier - the grape famous for the #20-a-bottle, finest whites of the Rhone. Bill's grapes come from a favoured slope, are night-harvested and ever-so-carefully handled to capture the full array of apricot and peach flavours, enhanced by gentle barrel-ageing. ''Dazzling with a fragrant aroma of apricot, orange blossom and musk. Rich, fruity sweet peach and spice flavours with a citrus twist. Delicious with Asian cuisine, tempura and chicken salad.''
Alta Tierra Syrah Carmenere 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Alta Tierra is based in Chile's Elqui Valley ... home to the world's highest vineyards - which means disease free vines, cooler nights (that help seal in freshness) and steep slopes that make the vines work hard for their fruit, delivering a real taste of terroir. Last year's vintage of this delicious Carmenere Syrah blend, was a Decanter 5-star Wine of the Year - and in our humble opinion, the 2007 tastes even better! Inky black with an enticing peppery and wild blackberry nose that merges seamlessly with smooth vanilla oak flavours - this is the ultimate barbeque wine. Order now!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Alta Tierra is based in Chile's Elqui Valley ... home to the world's highest vineyards - which means disease free vines, cooler nights (that help seal in freshness) and steep slopes that make the vines work hard for their fruit, delivering a real taste of terroir. Last year's vintage of this delicious Carmenere Syrah blend, was a Decanter 5-star Wine of the Year - and in our humble opinion, the 2007 tastes even better! Inky black with an enticing peppery and wild blackberry nose that merges seamlessly with smooth vanilla oak flavours - this is the ultimate barbeque wine. Order now!
Duca di Saragnano Riserva 2005 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing one of the richest, smoothest reds in our cellars - Duca di Saragnano Riserva 2005 is a rare, traditional blend of black cherry-scented Sangiovese, with a healthy splash of aromatic local varieties. The Barbanera family cellars (established 1938) are highly regarded in Italy for producing superb quality reds that are bursting with character. Current winemaker Simona Barbanera insists on using premium fruit from the winery's best vineyard sites. Hand-harvesting and painstaking selection of their ripest Sangiovese are key to the dark berry intensity in every glass. Six months in fine oak adds spicy complexity. Deep purple with abundant aromas of ripe red berries. A succulent mouthful of cherry and plums with a l-o-n-g spicy finish. All fine Italian reds like this one, take on a wonderful character with food - red meat dishes, rich meat sauces and mature cheeses - but it's a delight on its own too.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing one of the richest, smoothest reds in our cellars - Duca di Saragnano Riserva 2005 is a rare, traditional blend of black cherry-scented Sangiovese, with a healthy splash of aromatic local varieties. The Barbanera family cellars (established 1938) are highly regarded in Italy for producing superb quality reds that are bursting with character. Current winemaker Simona Barbanera insists on using premium fruit from the winery's best vineyard sites. Hand-harvesting and painstaking selection of their ripest Sangiovese are key to the dark berry intensity in every glass. Six months in fine oak adds spicy complexity. Deep purple with abundant aromas of ripe red berries. A succulent mouthful of cherry and plums with a l-o-n-g spicy finish. All fine Italian reds like this one, take on a wonderful character with food - red meat dishes, rich meat sauces and mature cheeses - but it's a delight on its own too.
Westend Estate The Boxer Oak Aged Durif 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous three vintages of Bill Calabria's mighty Durif have won 16 awards (including 4 Golds). Lots more expected for this rich, dark new release - thanks to a super-ripe 2007 vintage! Durif is normally used as a ''turbocharge'' to add inky-black, full-flavoured fruit to lesser wines. Though increasingly popular, pure Durifs are still rare. The grape that ''takes no prisoners'' (The Observer) needs a master to tame it ... and what a master Bill is! Inky-dark in colour, with aromas of blackberry, liquorice and spice. Astonishingly smooth, with BIG flavours of ripe black cherries, chocolate and soft oak that linger on and on and on ... great with rich, meaty casseroles and rare steaks.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous three vintages of Bill Calabria's mighty Durif have won 16 awards (including 4 Golds). Lots more expected for this rich, dark new release - thanks to a super-ripe 2007 vintage! Durif is normally used as a ''turbocharge'' to add inky-black, full-flavoured fruit to lesser wines. Though increasingly popular, pure Durifs are still rare. The grape that ''takes no prisoners'' (The Observer) needs a master to tame it ... and what a master Bill is! Inky-dark in colour, with aromas of blackberry, liquorice and spice. Astonishingly smooth, with BIG flavours of ripe black cherries, chocolate and soft oak that linger on and on and on ... great with rich, meaty casseroles and rare steaks.
Gran Tarapaca Casablanca Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Casablanca has been hailed as a source of Chile's ''most exciting whites'' by Tim Atkin MW, so it's little wonder that Tarapaca are seriously proud of their dazzling Sauvignon from this exciting region. The secret to the success of white wines here are the cool breezes that drift in from the Pacific Ocean, helping to lengthen the ripening season and give wonderfully concentrated fruit flavours. Winemakers Ed Flaherty and Cristian Molina - who has several Parker-rated wines to his name - selected only the very best Sauvignon grapes (less than 0.6% of their total harvest!) to go into Gran Tarapaca, and treated a fraction of the wine to 4 months in French oak barrels to add a hint of vanilla richness. This attention to detail, combined with one of the best vintages Chile has ever seen, makes for a truly stunning wine! Intense aromas of kiwi and passion fruit merge seamlessly with savoury asparagus flavours and hints of minerality. An outstanding aperitif, it will also make a delicious partner to traditional Chilean ceviche (raw fish 'cooked' with lemon juice, onions and red peppers), sushi or a crisp green salad with grilled goat's cheese.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Casablanca has been hailed as a source of Chile's ''most exciting whites'' by Tim Atkin MW, so it's little wonder that Tarapaca are seriously proud of their dazzling Sauvignon from this exciting region. The secret to the success of white wines here are the cool breezes that drift in from the Pacific Ocean, helping to lengthen the ripening season and give wonderfully concentrated fruit flavours. Winemakers Ed Flaherty and Cristian Molina - who has several Parker-rated wines to his name - selected only the very best Sauvignon grapes (less than 0.6% of their total harvest!) to go into Gran Tarapaca, and treated a fraction of the wine to 4 months in French oak barrels to add a hint of vanilla richness. This attention to detail, combined with one of the best vintages Chile has ever seen, makes for a truly stunning wine! Intense aromas of kiwi and passion fruit merge seamlessly with savoury asparagus flavours and hints of minerality. An outstanding aperitif, it will also make a delicious partner to traditional Chilean ceviche (raw fish 'cooked' with lemon juice, onions and red peppers), sushi or a crisp green salad with grilled goat's cheese.