Red Wine from Other Countries
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.
Don Elias Garnacha 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Spain's most expensive reds come from Priorat - a remote region of steep, high altitude vineyards. Well, off the beaten track just outside Priorat we found an extraordinary red boasting much of the black, smoothly powerful, juicy flavours that see good Priorats selling out at #15 plus a bottle. The UK press dubbed Don Elias Gil ''a great alternative to ultra-fashionable Priorat'' (The Sunday Times) and, at a third of the price, ''marvellous value for money'' (Scotland on Sunday). The family have crafted reds here since 1842 - Senor Elias Gil had never left his region until 2004! ''Big, spicy, plummy'' wrote The Times of this rich, satisfying red ... mouthfilling, velvety, brimming with bramble, black cherry and ripe strawberry. A great year, too.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Spain's most expensive reds come from Priorat - a remote region of steep, high altitude vineyards. Well, off the beaten track just outside Priorat we found an extraordinary red boasting much of the black, smoothly powerful, juicy flavours that see good Priorats selling out at #15 plus a bottle. The UK press dubbed Don Elias Gil ''a great alternative to ultra-fashionable Priorat'' (The Sunday Times) and, at a third of the price, ''marvellous value for money'' (Scotland on Sunday). The family have crafted reds here since 1842 - Senor Elias Gil had never left his region until 2004! ''Big, spicy, plummy'' wrote The Times of this rich, satisfying red ... mouthfilling, velvety, brimming with bramble, black cherry and ripe strawberry. A great year, too.
Croix des Cabustines 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing a fabulous new release that showcases one of France's greatest styles - rich, dense, smoky Syrah. It's a natural with food - you rarely see the great grape of the Rhone in its pure form at such a low price. La Croix des Cabustines is crafted by Herve Sabadeil, a Syrah expert highly rated by US critic Robert Parker. It's made from premium old-vine AOC Roussillon fruit in a vintage of outstanding quality. 2006 was so good, in fact, that Herve decided to make this wine purely from Syrah (AOC rules dictate that it must be blended) - so Vins de Pays status and a great low price! Deep purple hue with enticing blackcurrant and wild herb aromas. Masses of peppery, dark fruit and a long, warming finish. Perfect with country pates and ripe cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing a fabulous new release that showcases one of France's greatest styles - rich, dense, smoky Syrah. It's a natural with food - you rarely see the great grape of the Rhone in its pure form at such a low price. La Croix des Cabustines is crafted by Herve Sabadeil, a Syrah expert highly rated by US critic Robert Parker. It's made from premium old-vine AOC Roussillon fruit in a vintage of outstanding quality. 2006 was so good, in fact, that Herve decided to make this wine purely from Syrah (AOC rules dictate that it must be blended) - so Vins de Pays status and a great low price! Deep purple hue with enticing blackcurrant and wild herb aromas. Masses of peppery, dark fruit and a long, warming finish. Perfect with country pates and ripe cheeses.
Las Casas Malbec/Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This stunning red hails from the award-winning Donoso estate, one of the oldest in Chile's remote Maule Valley. High in the hills of this region, the pure sunshine, abundant water from mountain snowmelt and a cooling draught from the Andes give this wine superb purity of fruit. Malbec is the dark, bold and rich-fruited Bordeaux grape that has made a name for itself in South America. Donoso's gifted winemaker Alvaro Arriagada, one of Chile's rising stars, has crafted a superbly rich Malbec with a healthy splash of soft-berried Merlot to produce a wine that's luscious and wonderfully easy-drinking. ''A wealth of warming plum and damson notes with underlying hints of cinnamon and blackcurrant, make this great with wild mushroom risotto, venison sausages, grilled vegetables with couscous or tomato-based chicken dishes''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This stunning red hails from the award-winning Donoso estate, one of the oldest in Chile's remote Maule Valley. High in the hills of this region, the pure sunshine, abundant water from mountain snowmelt and a cooling draught from the Andes give this wine superb purity of fruit. Malbec is the dark, bold and rich-fruited Bordeaux grape that has made a name for itself in South America. Donoso's gifted winemaker Alvaro Arriagada, one of Chile's rising stars, has crafted a superbly rich Malbec with a healthy splash of soft-berried Merlot to produce a wine that's luscious and wonderfully easy-drinking. ''A wealth of warming plum and damson notes with underlying hints of cinnamon and blackcurrant, make this great with wild mushroom risotto, venison sausages, grilled vegetables with couscous or tomato-based chicken dishes''
Casa del Rio Verde Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Teeming with generous wild berry aromas, this outstanding red really knocked our socks off when we first tried it! Handcrafted by Chile's 'Winemaker of the Year', Adolfo Hurtado, from small bunches of ripe Merlot grapes, it offers plenty of luscious fruit character at a very wallet-friendly price! Adolfo believes passionately in environmentally friendly methods to care for his vineyards and much of the winery's vines are certified organic. Any live pests that do appear are removed by cellar's flock of geese! Astonishingly intense with lashings of ripe plum-filled character and warming spice. Velvety-smooth mouthful with oodles of concentrated damson, blackberry and strawberry flavours. A perfect accompaniment to hearty lamb stew.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Teeming with generous wild berry aromas, this outstanding red really knocked our socks off when we first tried it! Handcrafted by Chile's 'Winemaker of the Year', Adolfo Hurtado, from small bunches of ripe Merlot grapes, it offers plenty of luscious fruit character at a very wallet-friendly price! Adolfo believes passionately in environmentally friendly methods to care for his vineyards and much of the winery's vines are certified organic. Any live pests that do appear are removed by cellar's flock of geese! Astonishingly intense with lashings of ripe plum-filled character and warming spice. Velvety-smooth mouthful with oodles of concentrated damson, blackberry and strawberry flavours. A perfect accompaniment to hearty lamb stew.
Fundo los Naranjos Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Handcrafted by Chilean wine genius, Adolfo Hurtado from premium Cabernet grapes, this super-smooth red is stacked with layers of berry-rich flavour! Despite only being 36, Adolfo has accumulated more Gold medals and trophies than we have room for here - including Chile's prestigious 'Winemaker of the Year' accolade. Made along the organic lines, this juicy red is overflowing with pure fruit character. Adolfo insists upon using as little mechanical intervention as possible in the estate - his winemaking team cycle to work every day and even use their bikes to ride around the vineyards, checking on the vines! Brilliant ruby red in colour, with generous aromas of plums, blackcurrant and fresh raspberry. A concentrated mouthful of ripe fruit, with lovely spice and chocolate hints ... effortlessly smooth, even for Chile!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Handcrafted by Chilean wine genius, Adolfo Hurtado from premium Cabernet grapes, this super-smooth red is stacked with layers of berry-rich flavour! Despite only being 36, Adolfo has accumulated more Gold medals and trophies than we have room for here - including Chile's prestigious 'Winemaker of the Year' accolade. Made along the organic lines, this juicy red is overflowing with pure fruit character. Adolfo insists upon using as little mechanical intervention as possible in the estate - his winemaking team cycle to work every day and even use their bikes to ride around the vineyards, checking on the vines! Brilliant ruby red in colour, with generous aromas of plums, blackcurrant and fresh raspberry. A concentrated mouthful of ripe fruit, with lovely spice and chocolate hints ... effortlessly smooth, even for Chile!
Gaspard de Besse Merlot 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Handcrafted using the highest quality Merlot grapes, by a fantastic little estate that specialises in producing the premium wines that are helping this corner of Provence - better-known for its rose wines - to develop a real reputation for reds. Sun-soaked 2006 provided ideal conditions for grapes to flourish in this region, producing a wealth of fleshy, plum-filled Merlot berries - ''everything that makes the charm of Provence wines.'' (La Revue du Vin de France). Bright cherry-red in colour with ripe damson and plum flavours and a powerful, peppery nose. Rich and warming on the finish, it's ideal with the strong cheeses of the region.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Handcrafted using the highest quality Merlot grapes, by a fantastic little estate that specialises in producing the premium wines that are helping this corner of Provence - better-known for its rose wines - to develop a real reputation for reds. Sun-soaked 2006 provided ideal conditions for grapes to flourish in this region, producing a wealth of fleshy, plum-filled Merlot berries - ''everything that makes the charm of Provence wines.'' (La Revue du Vin de France). Bright cherry-red in colour with ripe damson and plum flavours and a powerful, peppery nose. Rich and warming on the finish, it's ideal with the strong cheeses of the region.
La Manta Rayada Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This magnificent NEW discovery hails from Chile's prized vineyards, where hours of sunshine and cool, mountain-fresh breezes provide optimum conditions for Merlot grapes to flourish. 2007 is already being called ''one of the best vintages of all time'' by leading winemakers in Chile, so now's definitely the time to stock up! Bright ruby in colour with distinct aromas of redcurrant, cranberry and fig. Wonderfully smooth mouthfuls of juicy strawberry, plum and chocolate are harmonised by toasty vanilla oak. Marvellous on its own or even better with herby sausages and creamy mash!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This magnificent NEW discovery hails from Chile's prized vineyards, where hours of sunshine and cool, mountain-fresh breezes provide optimum conditions for Merlot grapes to flourish. 2007 is already being called ''one of the best vintages of all time'' by leading winemakers in Chile, so now's definitely the time to stock up! Bright ruby in colour with distinct aromas of redcurrant, cranberry and fig. Wonderfully smooth mouthfuls of juicy strawberry, plum and chocolate are harmonised by toasty vanilla oak. Marvellous on its own or even better with herby sausages and creamy mash!
Las Casas Carmenere 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Try this! Las Casas is an intensely rich red from star winemaker, Alvaro Arriagada. Made from 100% hand-harvested Carmenere (a Chilean speciality) from high-altitude vineyards of the Donoso estate - every vintage has scooped first prize at some of the world's most illustrious wine competitions. And 2007 promises to be the best vintage yet! An extremely hot summer meant that grapes were ripened to perfection - ideal for producing rich, flavour-packed wines of incredible concentration. Deep purple colour and aromas of ripe plums and cinnamon. Spicy damson and blackberry flavour alongside earthy, savoury notes. Lovely Summer sipper that will stand up to all kinds of barbecued meats from sausages to steaks and lamb kebabs.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Try this! Las Casas is an intensely rich red from star winemaker, Alvaro Arriagada. Made from 100% hand-harvested Carmenere (a Chilean speciality) from high-altitude vineyards of the Donoso estate - every vintage has scooped first prize at some of the world's most illustrious wine competitions. And 2007 promises to be the best vintage yet! An extremely hot summer meant that grapes were ripened to perfection - ideal for producing rich, flavour-packed wines of incredible concentration. Deep purple colour and aromas of ripe plums and cinnamon. Spicy damson and blackberry flavour alongside earthy, savoury notes. Lovely Summer sipper that will stand up to all kinds of barbecued meats from sausages to steaks and lamb kebabs.
Chateau Yaldara Estate Tempranillo 2005 - £6.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Unique Tempranillo from Down Under - with a generous dash of Australia's signature Shiraz grape from the Barossa Valley (prime region) for top class reds and the awesomely good 2005 vintage. The excellent Yaldara Estate was founded by Hermann Thumm in 1947 with the aim of building a winery to rival a smart Bordeaux Cru Classe Medoc. With many Gold medals and Trophies over the years he did just that ... and the success continues now. Deep purple in colour. The berries and dark stone fruit aromas have a lovely, smokey bacon character too. Rich mouthfuls of ripe berry fruit and plum flavours. Soft velvety tannins, slighlty oaked and very well balanced ... a treat!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Unique Tempranillo from Down Under - with a generous dash of Australia's signature Shiraz grape from the Barossa Valley (prime region) for top class reds and the awesomely good 2005 vintage. The excellent Yaldara Estate was founded by Hermann Thumm in 1947 with the aim of building a winery to rival a smart Bordeaux Cru Classe Medoc. With many Gold medals and Trophies over the years he did just that ... and the success continues now. Deep purple in colour. The berries and dark stone fruit aromas have a lovely, smokey bacon character too. Rich mouthfuls of ripe berry fruit and plum flavours. Soft velvety tannins, slighlty oaked and very well balanced ... a treat!
Don Cayetano Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - £6.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chile just creams the opposition'' (Oz Clarke) and the quality of this full, cassis-flavoured Cabernet from Chile's Colchagua Valley is enough to send a shiver down many a claret maker's spine! Luis Felipe Edwards is a family owned estate that has invested huge sums of money planting new vines and building one of the most beautiful (and opulent!) wineries imaginable - they even have chandeliers in the tank hall! With great enthusiasm and expertise they have crafted this stunning blackcurrant and black cherry Cabernet, with hints of paprika and toast. Superb with roast beef.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chile just creams the opposition'' (Oz Clarke) and the quality of this full, cassis-flavoured Cabernet from Chile's Colchagua Valley is enough to send a shiver down many a claret maker's spine! Luis Felipe Edwards is a family owned estate that has invested huge sums of money planting new vines and building one of the most beautiful (and opulent!) wineries imaginable - they even have chandeliers in the tank hall! With great enthusiasm and expertise they have crafted this stunning blackcurrant and black cherry Cabernet, with hints of paprika and toast. Superb with roast beef.
Route 40 Shiraz 2007 - £6.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Named after the country's 5,000km highway (one of the world's greatest drives!), full-flavoured Route 40 is rich, dark, elegant - with a lovely purity of berry fruit. Clear proof that Argentina now produces ''cracking Shirazes to rival its Malbec!'' (Wine and Spirit) ... with a whole lot of flavour for a great value price! Inky purple in colour with masses of concentrated fruit flavour and hints of chocolate and spice. A great partner to spicy, chorizo sausages
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Named after the country's 5,000km highway (one of the world's greatest drives!), full-flavoured Route 40 is rich, dark, elegant - with a lovely purity of berry fruit. Clear proof that Argentina now produces ''cracking Shirazes to rival its Malbec!'' (Wine and Spirit) ... with a whole lot of flavour for a great value price! Inky purple in colour with masses of concentrated fruit flavour and hints of chocolate and spice. A great partner to spicy, chorizo sausages
Laborie Chamont Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2003 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Each year at the cellar in Valvigneres (valley of the vines) we install our very own team of winemakers. This year John Adams - Joe Cockers taller brother - no kidding! Soon after John's arrival on site the best parcels of lavishly ripe Merlot and Cabernet had been earmarked. The grapes, grown by Laborie and Chamont from mature (25 year old) vines are handpicked from these top-notch sites. Made in a classic style the wine underwent a slow, cool fermentation to extract the maximum in deep, rich fruit flavours. Fantastic to drink in its youth, leave it a little while longer and you'll experience a claret-like refinement without the price-tag.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Each year at the cellar in Valvigneres (valley of the vines) we install our very own team of winemakers. This year John Adams - Joe Cockers taller brother - no kidding! Soon after John's arrival on site the best parcels of lavishly ripe Merlot and Cabernet had been earmarked. The grapes, grown by Laborie and Chamont from mature (25 year old) vines are handpicked from these top-notch sites. Made in a classic style the wine underwent a slow, cool fermentation to extract the maximum in deep, rich fruit flavours. Fantastic to drink in its youth, leave it a little while longer and you'll experience a claret-like refinement without the price-tag.
Legenda Pinot Noir 2005 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Legenda Pinot Noir comes from the remote vineyards of the Tvarditsa Estate in distant Moldova - way off the well-trodden wine map, but oozing winemaking history that goes back over 2000 years. In more recent times these ancient vineyards supplied the tsars of imperial Russia and the Kremlin elite. The hand-picked grapes, excellent growing conditions (the estate lies on the same latitude as Burgundy) and ageing in small oak barrels give Legenda real class - all the finesse of red Burgundy at an extraordinary low price. We think you'll find Legenda Pinot Noir a revelation! Dark ruby colour (much deeper than Burgundy!) with ripe red fruit and 'forest floor' aromas. Luxurious flavours of damson, tobacco leaf and spice, thanks to patient ageing in French oak barrels. Great Pinot Noir to be enjoyed with your finest dishes!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Legenda Pinot Noir comes from the remote vineyards of the Tvarditsa Estate in distant Moldova - way off the well-trodden wine map, but oozing winemaking history that goes back over 2000 years. In more recent times these ancient vineyards supplied the tsars of imperial Russia and the Kremlin elite. The hand-picked grapes, excellent growing conditions (the estate lies on the same latitude as Burgundy) and ageing in small oak barrels give Legenda real class - all the finesse of red Burgundy at an extraordinary low price. We think you'll find Legenda Pinot Noir a revelation! Dark ruby colour (much deeper than Burgundy!) with ripe red fruit and 'forest floor' aromas. Luxurious flavours of damson, tobacco leaf and spice, thanks to patient ageing in French oak barrels. Great Pinot Noir to be enjoyed with your finest dishes!
Champaron 2003 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Boasting a mention by Robert Louis Stevenson in his ''Travels With A Donkey...'', the tiny Rhone village of Valvigneres (population 89) has a developed a strong reputation for its charming wines - taking on the big guns of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and winning! The strong, dynamic character of the Cave de Valvigneres' President, Jean-Luc Faugere,has been pivotal in this success, building on the winemaking heritage of the area (wine has been made here since Roman times.) His efforts are reflected in the array of medals for the Cave's superlative, warming reds. ''Dark ruby red. Ripe black cherry and plum flavours, with a touch of sweet tobacco. Medium bodied with medium tannins. A true Rhone cocktail.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Boasting a mention by Robert Louis Stevenson in his ''Travels With A Donkey...'', the tiny Rhone village of Valvigneres (population 89) has a developed a strong reputation for its charming wines - taking on the big guns of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and winning! The strong, dynamic character of the Cave de Valvigneres' President, Jean-Luc Faugere,has been pivotal in this success, building on the winemaking heritage of the area (wine has been made here since Roman times.) His efforts are reflected in the array of medals for the Cave's superlative, warming reds. ''Dark ruby red. Ripe black cherry and plum flavours, with a touch of sweet tobacco. Medium bodied with medium tannins. A true Rhone cocktail.''
Domaine du Bousquillon 2005 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Next-door to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the little-known Tricastin region offers similar depth as the iconic region ... at a much friendlier price. Delicious!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Next-door to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the little-known Tricastin region offers similar depth as the iconic region ... at a much friendlier price. Delicious!
Colina de Piatra Alba Pinot Noir 2006 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Haunting, elegant, silky, seductive, 'sexy' even ... just a few of the evocative words used to describe great Pinot Noir. We say the best way to understand Pinot is to get it in your biggest glass and savour every soft, succulent mouthful. Why not start with this elegant beauty from Romania. You may be surprised to learn that this far-flung European country has ''what could be some of Europe's greatest cool-climate vineyards.'' (Hugh Johnson's Wine Companion). Pale brick red with pronounced aromas of strawberries and sweet spice. Gently mouthfilling flavours and supple tannins with a long, pure red berry fruit finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Haunting, elegant, silky, seductive, 'sexy' even ... just a few of the evocative words used to describe great Pinot Noir. We say the best way to understand Pinot is to get it in your biggest glass and savour every soft, succulent mouthful. Why not start with this elegant beauty from Romania. You may be surprised to learn that this far-flung European country has ''what could be some of Europe's greatest cool-climate vineyards.'' (Hugh Johnson's Wine Companion). Pale brick red with pronounced aromas of strawberries and sweet spice. Gently mouthfilling flavours and supple tannins with a long, pure red berry fruit finish.
Pere la Force Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
One of the 'new generation' of Southern French wines, this is ripe, full-bodied Cabernet direct from a region offering ''hand-crafted French wines with real individuality'' (Jancis Robinson) ''The South of France has become a haven for good value Reds'' (Joanna Simon). Winemakers here are enjoying the freedom to experiment with grape varieties previously never seen in the region. And with a harvest nearly a month later than the previous year, there's plenty of concentrated flavour to show for it. Deep garnet colour with powerfully concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, liqourice and nutmeg aromas. Quaffable cassis flavours with elegant tannins and a long, fruity finish. Ideal served with roast beef, stews and fine cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
One of the 'new generation' of Southern French wines, this is ripe, full-bodied Cabernet direct from a region offering ''hand-crafted French wines with real individuality'' (Jancis Robinson) ''The South of France has become a haven for good value Reds'' (Joanna Simon). Winemakers here are enjoying the freedom to experiment with grape varieties previously never seen in the region. And with a harvest nearly a month later than the previous year, there's plenty of concentrated flavour to show for it. Deep garnet colour with powerfully concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, liqourice and nutmeg aromas. Quaffable cassis flavours with elegant tannins and a long, fruity finish. Ideal served with roast beef, stews and fine cheeses.
Pigassou - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A welcome throw-back to the days when French wines were French wines and the New World had yet to be discovered ... well almost! Pigassou - patois for the Black Pig - has an irresistible rustic charm about it. From its retro label through to the use of grapes no one has heard of (except specialist, old school, southern French winemakers), this wine is a trip back in time. Full-flavoured and dark, Pigassou is packed with ripe berry fruit and hints of herby garrigue - ideal with a rack of ribs or spicy chilli con carne. Guaranteed to delight anyone who has ever spent a memorable Summer holiday in France in the company of great friends sampling magical local food and wine.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A welcome throw-back to the days when French wines were French wines and the New World had yet to be discovered ... well almost! Pigassou - patois for the Black Pig - has an irresistible rustic charm about it. From its retro label through to the use of grapes no one has heard of (except specialist, old school, southern French winemakers), this wine is a trip back in time. Full-flavoured and dark, Pigassou is packed with ripe berry fruit and hints of herby garrigue - ideal with a rack of ribs or spicy chilli con carne. Guaranteed to delight anyone who has ever spent a memorable Summer holiday in France in the company of great friends sampling magical local food and wine.
Domaine Lalande Petit Verdot 2005 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This delectable Petit Verdot - Bordeaux's potent secret weapon - is rarely seen anywhere else in the world in its purest form! The grape, named for its small berries, is used by top Bordeaux chateaux to add complexity to their Grand Vins. The berries have thick skins too - it's the skins that give colour, body and flavour ... and this wine has all three by the shed load! Owner Pierre Degroote was the first ever to plant Petit Verdot wines in the region, and the cool climate of Domaine Lalande has perfect conditions for concentrating fruit - notoriously difficult to ripen elsewhere, hence the rarity. Almost opaque, with mouthfilling richness of spicy black fruits and soft vanilla oak. Perfect with strong cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This delectable Petit Verdot - Bordeaux's potent secret weapon - is rarely seen anywhere else in the world in its purest form! The grape, named for its small berries, is used by top Bordeaux chateaux to add complexity to their Grand Vins. The berries have thick skins too - it's the skins that give colour, body and flavour ... and this wine has all three by the shed load! Owner Pierre Degroote was the first ever to plant Petit Verdot wines in the region, and the cool climate of Domaine Lalande has perfect conditions for concentrating fruit - notoriously difficult to ripen elsewhere, hence the rarity. Almost opaque, with mouthfilling richness of spicy black fruits and soft vanilla oak. Perfect with strong cheeses.
Aresti Estate Merlot 2006 - £6.55
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chile ... no other country in the world delivers so much red wine flavour for the price'' Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide. And with quality vineyards, low yields and expert winemaking, Chile is a natural for this classic Old World grape from noble Bordeaux. The 2006 release from Aresti is Merlot at its succulent, mouth-caressing best. So much red fruit flavour ... this is an enormously expressive wine. Horseback is the transport of choice at Aresti and the beautiful estate makes its wines along very organic lines. Succulent, plummy with velvety blackberry and loganberry flavours and a fresh, herby finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chile ... no other country in the world delivers so much red wine flavour for the price'' Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide. And with quality vineyards, low yields and expert winemaking, Chile is a natural for this classic Old World grape from noble Bordeaux. The 2006 release from Aresti is Merlot at its succulent, mouth-caressing best. So much red fruit flavour ... this is an enormously expressive wine. Horseback is the transport of choice at Aresti and the beautiful estate makes its wines along very organic lines. Succulent, plummy with velvety blackberry and loganberry flavours and a fresh, herby finish.