Red Wine from Other Countries between £5.00 and £8.00 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.
Vi?a Tarapaca Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located in the Maipo valley, Vi?a Tarapaca is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and exciting wineries in Chile. The magnificent estate is blessed with a beautiful old colonial house nestled in the middle of a horseshoe-shaped vineyard. It also has a big headstart over other estates ... with a star winemaker and vines planted from original Bordeaux rootstock. Their chocolaty, silky-smooth, pure Merlot inspires terrific loyalty ... so make sure you order yours now while stocks last! ''Deeply coloured with ripe blackberry and spice aromas and a hint of black pepper. The rich fruit flavours and soft, round tannins make for an easy-drinking wine great on its own, or with pasta and superb company.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located in the Maipo valley, Vi?a Tarapaca is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and exciting wineries in Chile. The magnificent estate is blessed with a beautiful old colonial house nestled in the middle of a horseshoe-shaped vineyard. It also has a big headstart over other estates ... with a star winemaker and vines planted from original Bordeaux rootstock. Their chocolaty, silky-smooth, pure Merlot inspires terrific loyalty ... so make sure you order yours now while stocks last! ''Deeply coloured with ripe blackberry and spice aromas and a hint of black pepper. The rich fruit flavours and soft, round tannins make for an easy-drinking wine great on its own, or with pasta and superb company.''
Merlot Reserve de Villecours 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Savour this exclusive blend made for us by Benoit Blancheton - one of France's most illustrious winemakers. Benoit has made wine in some of the country's best vineyards including Clos de l'Oratoire in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where his wine was awarded an impressive 93-points by Robert Parker. Made from premium Merlot grapes from the famed Languedoc region of La Clape - which according to Jancis Robinson has ''one of the most tasteable terroirs anywhere'' - this soft and silken red is brimming with smoky fruit character. Elegant and refined, it would be a great partner to roast lamb or herby sausages.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Savour this exclusive blend made for us by Benoit Blancheton - one of France's most illustrious winemakers. Benoit has made wine in some of the country's best vineyards including Clos de l'Oratoire in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, where his wine was awarded an impressive 93-points by Robert Parker. Made from premium Merlot grapes from the famed Languedoc region of La Clape - which according to Jancis Robinson has ''one of the most tasteable terroirs anywhere'' - this soft and silken red is brimming with smoky fruit character. Elegant and refined, it would be a great partner to roast lamb or herby sausages.
Drakenskloof Pinotage 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For those of you yet to be seduced by rich, serious, spice infused Pinotage, this fine release from the award-winning Spier estate is a fine introduction to South Africa's star grape. It hails from rugged vineyards in the Western Cape, where scorching days give way to cool nights - and as any winemaker will tell you, this huge contrast of climate produces strikingly intense fruit. In the hands of Frans Smit, it delivers a red of rare power. ''Deep dark ruby in colour with spicy cherry and plum aromas and a generous, almost chewy mouthful of succulent black fruit and smooth oaky richness. A blockbuster BBQ red!''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For those of you yet to be seduced by rich, serious, spice infused Pinotage, this fine release from the award-winning Spier estate is a fine introduction to South Africa's star grape. It hails from rugged vineyards in the Western Cape, where scorching days give way to cool nights - and as any winemaker will tell you, this huge contrast of climate produces strikingly intense fruit. In the hands of Frans Smit, it delivers a red of rare power. ''Deep dark ruby in colour with spicy cherry and plum aromas and a generous, almost chewy mouthful of succulent black fruit and smooth oaky richness. A blockbuster BBQ red!''
Big Hat Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Alvaro Arriagada is as famous for making great value wines as he is for never taking off his big hat! He claims the hat is essential for protecting him from the bright sun that shines over his vineyard in Chile's beautiful Maule valley. Abundant sunshine is key to making the grapes ripe and juicy enough for his flavour-packed wine. This fantastic Merlot is entirely unoaked to allow the clean fruit-driven style shine through - you're guaranteed to adore it! Bright ruby red in colour, the wine is jam-packed with plum, cassis and chocolate flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with spaghetti bolognaise or pizza.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemaker Alvaro Arriagada is as famous for making great value wines as he is for never taking off his big hat! He claims the hat is essential for protecting him from the bright sun that shines over his vineyard in Chile's beautiful Maule valley. Abundant sunshine is key to making the grapes ripe and juicy enough for his flavour-packed wine. This fantastic Merlot is entirely unoaked to allow the clean fruit-driven style shine through - you're guaranteed to adore it! Bright ruby red in colour, the wine is jam-packed with plum, cassis and chocolate flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with spaghetti bolognaise or pizza.
Las Casas de Vaqueria Carmenere 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
If you love good Merlot you will love this soft, intensely plummy red. 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.
If you love good Merlot you will love this soft, intensely plummy red. 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
Fundo Los Naranjos Syrah/Cabernet/Carmenere 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When this super-ripe red first hit our cellars, it knocked our socks off! Jam-packed with juicy plum and raspberry flavours - this wine gets better and better with every vintage! With Chile's former 'Winemaker of the Year' Adolfo Hurtado at the helm of the production - it's no wonder! Made from a delicious blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Carmenere (a Chilean speciality) this magnificently rich red is guaranteed to impress! Beautiful, deep ruby-black hue, with generous aromas of plums, blackcurrant and ripe raspberry. A concentrated mouthful of ripe fruit, with lovely spice and chocolate hints ... effortlessly smooth.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When this super-ripe red first hit our cellars, it knocked our socks off! Jam-packed with juicy plum and raspberry flavours - this wine gets better and better with every vintage! With Chile's former 'Winemaker of the Year' Adolfo Hurtado at the helm of the production - it's no wonder! Made from a delicious blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Carmenere (a Chilean speciality) this magnificently rich red is guaranteed to impress! Beautiful, deep ruby-black hue, with generous aromas of plums, blackcurrant and ripe raspberry. A concentrated mouthful of ripe fruit, with lovely spice and chocolate hints ... effortlessly smooth.
Tenca Tree Shiraz 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Great news for Chile fans! A silky-smooth, velvet cushion of a NEW red has arrived in our cellars - it's from ''one of Chile's best wine producers'' (Peter Richards, The Wines of Chile) ... made with the country's most exciting red grape - Shiraz - AND in a vintage many are calling Chile's finest ever! With 77 awards in the last year alone (dozens of Golds and International Trophies among them) winemaker Matias Rios and his team are in Chile's premier league. And their obsession with quality is matched only by their commitment to the environment ... geese gobble up pests from the soils in the vineyards and all the workers use bicycles to get around. Add to this premium Shiraz grapes from 30-year-old vines and what Chilean winemakers are calling ''the best harvest so far'' (Casillero del Diablo's Marcelo Papa) and you have a recipe for a truly outstanding wine ... you'll love it! ''Enticing aromas of smoky, wild berry lead into BIG smooth flavours of ripe cassis, blueberry, plum and chocolate - then a lengthy mocha and vanilla finish. This is very good indeed! Smooth and full enough to enjoy on its own ... and terrific with char-grilled red meats.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Great news for Chile fans! A silky-smooth, velvet cushion of a NEW red has arrived in our cellars - it's from ''one of Chile's best wine producers'' (Peter Richards, The Wines of Chile) ... made with the country's most exciting red grape - Shiraz - AND in a vintage many are calling Chile's finest ever! With 77 awards in the last year alone (dozens of Golds and International Trophies among them) winemaker Matias Rios and his team are in Chile's premier league. And their obsession with quality is matched only by their commitment to the environment ... geese gobble up pests from the soils in the vineyards and all the workers use bicycles to get around. Add to this premium Shiraz grapes from 30-year-old vines and what Chilean winemakers are calling ''the best harvest so far'' (Casillero del Diablo's Marcelo Papa) and you have a recipe for a truly outstanding wine ... you'll love it! ''Enticing aromas of smoky, wild berry lead into BIG smooth flavours of ripe cassis, blueberry, plum and chocolate - then a lengthy mocha and vanilla finish. This is very good indeed! Smooth and full enough to enjoy on its own ... and terrific with char-grilled red meats.''
Vale do Bomfim 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Symington have been shipping port since 1882. They have always made a small quantity of red table wine - but it is seldom seen beyond their own dining room. Now, for the first time this great, unfortified and affordable red is available exclusively for you! The wine takes its name from one of the family's prestige vineyards in the spectacular Douro Valley, Dow's Quinta do Bomfim, source of much of the fruit for this wine. Deep cherry colour and a smoky, savoury nose. Really juicy and fruit-packed with a hint of Port-like richness and depth.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Symington have been shipping port since 1882. They have always made a small quantity of red table wine - but it is seldom seen beyond their own dining room. Now, for the first time this great, unfortified and affordable red is available exclusively for you! The wine takes its name from one of the family's prestige vineyards in the spectacular Douro Valley, Dow's Quinta do Bomfim, source of much of the fruit for this wine. Deep cherry colour and a smoky, savoury nose. Really juicy and fruit-packed with a hint of Port-like richness and depth.
Estampilla Malbec 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from premium Malbec grapes grown high in the hills of the Famantina Valley, this stunning red is one of the best value wines around. The name Estampilla refers to the stamp of approval that chief winemaker Rodolfo Griguol has given this sumptuous gem. Assisted by his 85-year old father, Rodolfo makes great value reds packed with ripe berry flavours. And 2007 looks to be the best vintage yet! A hotter-than-usual Summer provided a bumper crop of extra-ripe grapes - perfect for making flavour-rich wines packed with concentration. Few would deny that this ancient Bordeaux variety has proved to be Argentina's secret weapon, ''producing distinguished wines with real international appeal ... sturdy, full-bodied and in the right hands produces wines with chocolaty polish and class'' (The Times). Deep red in colour with smoky, clove spice aromas drift up from the glass whilst the mouthfilling palate has plenty of ripe berry fruits, smooth tannins and a lovely fresh minty finish. A perfect partner for rich winter stews and roasted vegetables.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made from premium Malbec grapes grown high in the hills of the Famantina Valley, this stunning red is one of the best value wines around. The name Estampilla refers to the stamp of approval that chief winemaker Rodolfo Griguol has given this sumptuous gem. Assisted by his 85-year old father, Rodolfo makes great value reds packed with ripe berry flavours. And 2007 looks to be the best vintage yet! A hotter-than-usual Summer provided a bumper crop of extra-ripe grapes - perfect for making flavour-rich wines packed with concentration. Few would deny that this ancient Bordeaux variety has proved to be Argentina's secret weapon, ''producing distinguished wines with real international appeal ... sturdy, full-bodied and in the right hands produces wines with chocolaty polish and class'' (The Times). Deep red in colour with smoky, clove spice aromas drift up from the glass whilst the mouthfilling palate has plenty of ripe berry fruits, smooth tannins and a lovely fresh minty finish. A perfect partner for rich winter stews and roasted vegetables.
Berton Open Basket Shiraz Cabernet 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Direct from old friend Bob Berton's brand new boutique winery, this delicious Shiraz Cabernet blend is an Aussie classic! Named after the hot air balloons that float above Bob's picturesque vineyards, this silken red is packed with exciting berry-fruit flavours that you're guaranteed to love! Working as chief winemaker at some of Australia's finest estates has obviously taught Bob a thing or two about making world-class wine - as this flavoursome red shows. Inky-black in colour and brimming with generous layers of blackberry, mocha and nutmeg - an excellent partner to roast beef. Enjoy!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Direct from old friend Bob Berton's brand new boutique winery, this delicious Shiraz Cabernet blend is an Aussie classic! Named after the hot air balloons that float above Bob's picturesque vineyards, this silken red is packed with exciting berry-fruit flavours that you're guaranteed to love! Working as chief winemaker at some of Australia's finest estates has obviously taught Bob a thing or two about making world-class wine - as this flavoursome red shows. Inky-black in colour and brimming with generous layers of blackberry, mocha and nutmeg - an excellent partner to roast beef. Enjoy!
The Trading Post Bonarda Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This exciting new discovery comes from the remote Famatina Valley, (a full 16 hours' drive across the desert from Buenos Aires). Locals have long known that the quality of their fruit, grown in tiny plots, was good enough to make world-class wines, BUT it wasn't until 2007, when they pooled their very finest grapes that it's been possible. It was a fantastic vintage - and results are seriously impressive. Bonarda again features. ''Star grape'' (The Guardian)Bonarda with a lick of cassis-laden Cabernet Sauvignon produces a red with real depth and elegance - you'll love it. Smooth, ripe and vibrant, with juicy mouthfuls of cherry and spiced oak. Delicious as a glass on its own or with lasagne or pizza.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This exciting new discovery comes from the remote Famatina Valley, (a full 16 hours' drive across the desert from Buenos Aires). Locals have long known that the quality of their fruit, grown in tiny plots, was good enough to make world-class wines, BUT it wasn't until 2007, when they pooled their very finest grapes that it's been possible. It was a fantastic vintage - and results are seriously impressive. Bonarda again features. ''Star grape'' (The Guardian)Bonarda with a lick of cassis-laden Cabernet Sauvignon produces a red with real depth and elegance - you'll love it. Smooth, ripe and vibrant, with juicy mouthfuls of cherry and spiced oak. Delicious as a glass on its own or with lasagne or pizza.
Berton Hermit's View Shiraz 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Dynamic winemaker, Bob Berton, has left behind some of Australia's finest estates to branch out on his own - setting up his own boutique winery. Bob's been a mate for 20 years so gives us best prices from his new winery (a famous hermit lived in the hills here). He still rides a Harley and loves to thrill customers with full-throttle reds like this. ''Deeply-coloured with wonderful black cherry, blackberry and sweet toasty oak aromas. Rich. intense fruit flavours and a dash of spice. Enjoy with hearty dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Dynamic winemaker, Bob Berton, has left behind some of Australia's finest estates to branch out on his own - setting up his own boutique winery. Bob's been a mate for 20 years so gives us best prices from his new winery (a famous hermit lived in the hills here). He still rides a Harley and loves to thrill customers with full-throttle reds like this. ''Deeply-coloured with wonderful black cherry, blackberry and sweet toasty oak aromas. Rich. intense fruit flavours and a dash of spice. Enjoy with hearty dishes.''
Don Cayetano Carmenere 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The abundance of sunshine in Chile's Colchagua Valley allows the grape to thrive ... combined with the expertise of Luis Felipe Edwards and his team at Don Cayetano - ''one of Colchagua Valley's strongest projects (Wine International) - the resulting wines are deliciously full yet soft, bursting with ripe, dark fruit flavours. And 2007 is being described as the best vintage yet! This Carmenere is even richer than normal, with huge amounts of ripe plum and damson fruit. Rich and smooth, with plenty of red and blackberry fruit flavours which linger on and on ... finishing with a hint of spice, this great value red is a winner with garlic-roasted lamb, spicy empanadas (a Chilean version of pasty) ... or simply enjoy on its own!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The abundance of sunshine in Chile's Colchagua Valley allows the grape to thrive ... combined with the expertise of Luis Felipe Edwards and his team at Don Cayetano - ''one of Colchagua Valley's strongest projects (Wine International) - the resulting wines are deliciously full yet soft, bursting with ripe, dark fruit flavours. And 2007 is being described as the best vintage yet! This Carmenere is even richer than normal, with huge amounts of ripe plum and damson fruit. Rich and smooth, with plenty of red and blackberry fruit flavours which linger on and on ... finishing with a hint of spice, this great value red is a winner with garlic-roasted lamb, spicy empanadas (a Chilean version of pasty) ... or simply enjoy on its own!
Domain Saint Orban Merlot 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This sumptuous red is named in honour of Saint Orban - a pope who was martyred in AD 230 and is the patron saint of vine growers, protecting the fruit from frost. And he certainly seems to have been looking particularly favourably on this vintage! In 2006, a late, sun-soaked Summer and early Autumn provided perfect conditions for grapes to flourish. The cellar, built in 1820, proves with this flavour-packed gem that Hungary (so long an insider's tip) is producing serious reds that exhibit a claret-like elegance, but for a fraction of the price! Aromatic and concentrated with bags of lovely bright red fruit flavours and sumptuous, sweet tannins. Delicious with lamb chops and rosemary. Comes with our highest recommendation!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This sumptuous red is named in honour of Saint Orban - a pope who was martyred in AD 230 and is the patron saint of vine growers, protecting the fruit from frost. And he certainly seems to have been looking particularly favourably on this vintage! In 2006, a late, sun-soaked Summer and early Autumn provided perfect conditions for grapes to flourish. The cellar, built in 1820, proves with this flavour-packed gem that Hungary (so long an insider's tip) is producing serious reds that exhibit a claret-like elegance, but for a fraction of the price! Aromatic and concentrated with bags of lovely bright red fruit flavours and sumptuous, sweet tannins. Delicious with lamb chops and rosemary. Comes with our highest recommendation!
Grand Gaillard Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Dordogne - right next door to Bordeaux's illustrious Saint Emilion region - Grand Gaillard has, for many years, offered reliability and superb value for money. Hence why it's the bestselling Merlot in our history! This spectacular 2007 vintage is the tastiest yet - and with hot new winemaker Lionel Condeau at the helm, it's no wonder! His enthusiasm and commitment to quality deserves mention - like green harvesting, which removes all but the healthiest fruit weeks before harvesting ... leaving vines to focus on fewer grapes. Yields down ... but quality sky-high! Seductively rich with aromas of plums, damsons and redcurrants. The fleshy richness and succulence that claret lovers adore, and a long, fruit-filled finish. A superb value alternative to Bordeaux!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Nestled in a quiet corner of the Dordogne - right next door to Bordeaux's illustrious Saint Emilion region - Grand Gaillard has, for many years, offered reliability and superb value for money. Hence why it's the bestselling Merlot in our history! This spectacular 2007 vintage is the tastiest yet - and with hot new winemaker Lionel Condeau at the helm, it's no wonder! His enthusiasm and commitment to quality deserves mention - like green harvesting, which removes all but the healthiest fruit weeks before harvesting ... leaving vines to focus on fewer grapes. Yields down ... but quality sky-high! Seductively rich with aromas of plums, damsons and redcurrants. The fleshy richness and succulence that claret lovers adore, and a long, fruit-filled finish. A superb value alternative to Bordeaux!
The Barbarian Shiraz Barbera 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A mouthfilling combination of spicy Shiraz and a dash of cherry-scented Barbera - this blockbusting red is the latest arrival from Bob Berton's boutique winery. Originally from Italy, Barbera is a deliciously juicy grape that flourishes in the sun-soaked vineyards of Australia. Despite this, it's still extremely rare and Bob remains one of the leading pioneers of the variety! Deep crimson in colour, with a full and fragrant nose invoking wild blackberry, forest fruits, exotic spices and Turkish coffee aromas. The palate is a hedonist's delight with full black damson and kirsch flavours. Drink with pan-fried venison, cottage pie and a slow-cooked lamb or beef stew.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A mouthfilling combination of spicy Shiraz and a dash of cherry-scented Barbera - this blockbusting red is the latest arrival from Bob Berton's boutique winery. Originally from Italy, Barbera is a deliciously juicy grape that flourishes in the sun-soaked vineyards of Australia. Despite this, it's still extremely rare and Bob remains one of the leading pioneers of the variety! Deep crimson in colour, with a full and fragrant nose invoking wild blackberry, forest fruits, exotic spices and Turkish coffee aromas. The palate is a hedonist's delight with full black damson and kirsch flavours. Drink with pan-fried venison, cottage pie and a slow-cooked lamb or beef stew.
Las Casas Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located high in the hills of Chile's sun-soaked Maule valley, where huge day and night temperature variations (some 20 degrees celsius!) give grapes a superb intensity of fruit flavours and crisp acidity, unique to Chilean Cabernet. And 2007 is one of Chile's best vintages yet - ''the quality is great'' says Wine Spectator - and the wines from this stunning year are hallmarked by concentration and elegance ... qualities which you'll soon taste in this indulgently rich Cabernet. Smooth and juicy with plenty of fresh black and red currant fruit flavour, laden with toasty spice and mint. Superb as a mouthfilling glass on its own, or with an assortment of roasted meats.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located high in the hills of Chile's sun-soaked Maule valley, where huge day and night temperature variations (some 20 degrees celsius!) give grapes a superb intensity of fruit flavours and crisp acidity, unique to Chilean Cabernet. And 2007 is one of Chile's best vintages yet - ''the quality is great'' says Wine Spectator - and the wines from this stunning year are hallmarked by concentration and elegance ... qualities which you'll soon taste in this indulgently rich Cabernet. Smooth and juicy with plenty of fresh black and red currant fruit flavour, laden with toasty spice and mint. Superb as a mouthfilling glass on its own, or with an assortment of roasted meats.
Palacio del Conde Gran Reserva 2001 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
No time to lose! We've an exciting discovery to share with you ... a small parcel of beautifully mature, 2001 Gran Reserva. Palacio del Conde is 100% Tempranillo, from prized 50-year-old vines, patiently aged for three years in fine French oak and four in bottle. Its silky, irresistible flavours have notched up yet another Gold medal for this award-winning winery ... found tucked away in Valencia - a thriving region praised as ''Spain's undiscovered Mediterranean'' (Wine Spectator). Take a look in Spain's leading Pe?in wine guide and you'll find regular mention of this award-winning cellar. What's more 2001 is a real collector's vintage too - officially declared ''excellent'' in Valencia (and 5-stars in Rioja, where you pay double for Gran Reserva of this quality and maturity). Deep cherry red with deliciously complex aromas of forest fruits and vanilla. Mouthcoatingly rich, brimful of ripe, spicy strawberry and mellow, creamy oak. Lovely long finish too. Perfect with a hunk of mature cheese.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
No time to lose! We've an exciting discovery to share with you ... a small parcel of beautifully mature, 2001 Gran Reserva. Palacio del Conde is 100% Tempranillo, from prized 50-year-old vines, patiently aged for three years in fine French oak and four in bottle. Its silky, irresistible flavours have notched up yet another Gold medal for this award-winning winery ... found tucked away in Valencia - a thriving region praised as ''Spain's undiscovered Mediterranean'' (Wine Spectator). Take a look in Spain's leading Pe?in wine guide and you'll find regular mention of this award-winning cellar. What's more 2001 is a real collector's vintage too - officially declared ''excellent'' in Valencia (and 5-stars in Rioja, where you pay double for Gran Reserva of this quality and maturity). Deep cherry red with deliciously complex aromas of forest fruits and vanilla. Mouthcoatingly rich, brimful of ripe, spicy strawberry and mellow, creamy oak. Lovely long finish too. Perfect with a hunk of mature cheese.
Vega Robledo Tempranillo 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Fans of Rioja (and bargain lovers!) take note: this is an essential buy for anyone who likes their reds smooth and packed with ripe berry fruit. La Mancha is one of Spain's rising star regions, producing top value wines that are bursting with flavour. The vineyards here enjoy plenty of sunshine making the vines work hard for their moisture, producing richly concentrated fruit - so it's no wonder that Rioja's top producers are making a beeline for the region! Magnificently rich with bright red fruit aromas and silky raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry flavours. Enjoy with roast lamb, tapas and pasta dishes
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Fans of Rioja (and bargain lovers!) take note: this is an essential buy for anyone who likes their reds smooth and packed with ripe berry fruit. La Mancha is one of Spain's rising star regions, producing top value wines that are bursting with flavour. The vineyards here enjoy plenty of sunshine making the vines work hard for their moisture, producing richly concentrated fruit - so it's no wonder that Rioja's top producers are making a beeline for the region! Magnificently rich with bright red fruit aromas and silky raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry flavours. Enjoy with roast lamb, tapas and pasta dishes
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.