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.
Berton Hermit's View Shiraz 2006 - £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.''
Speargrass Shiraz 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Shiraz was, for many years, Australia's most widely planted red grape and rather like Tempranillo in Spain, it's used for making everyday wines right through to the country's finest and most expensive. Shiraz's most iconic incarnation is the legendary, #100-plus 'Grange'. Speargrass is not quite in the same league but it is a very good quality wine nonetheless with authentic Shiraz characteristics. It's made at the state-of-the-art Buronga Hill winery where up until recently the Chief winemaker was Kim Hart. Her 20 years in wine have included a long spell at Margaret River's prestigious Alkoomi estate and vintages at Chateau Palmer in Margaux. There's little wonder Speargrass is such a stylish, widely appealing wine. ''Peppery plumy aromas lead to ripe blackcurrants and dark chocolate richness followed by a satisfying and lengthy finish. It's a satin-smooth partner for roast beef, wild boar sausages or mature farmhouse cheeses.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Shiraz was, for many years, Australia's most widely planted red grape and rather like Tempranillo in Spain, it's used for making everyday wines right through to the country's finest and most expensive. Shiraz's most iconic incarnation is the legendary, #100-plus 'Grange'. Speargrass is not quite in the same league but it is a very good quality wine nonetheless with authentic Shiraz characteristics. It's made at the state-of-the-art Buronga Hill winery where up until recently the Chief winemaker was Kim Hart. Her 20 years in wine have included a long spell at Margaret River's prestigious Alkoomi estate and vintages at Chateau Palmer in Margaux. There's little wonder Speargrass is such a stylish, widely appealing wine. ''Peppery plumy aromas lead to ripe blackcurrants and dark chocolate richness followed by a satisfying and lengthy finish. It's a satin-smooth partner for roast beef, wild boar sausages or mature farmhouse cheeses.''
Quinta Do Espirito Santo 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
WOW! You must try this barrel-aged, chocolaty-rich multi medal-winner from Portugal. It's made largely from Tinto Roriz - the same grape as Rioja's Tempranillo - and comes from the 'Casa Santos Lima' which has belonged to Jose Luis Oliveira da Silva's family for four generations. The estate has a terrific track record for quality having won almost 200 medals in international competitions in the last 10 years! Offering exceptional value for money, this mouth filling wine shows berry notes, raspberries and dried fruits with a very pleasant and persistent aftertaste. Serve with roast red meats and rich casseroles.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
WOW! You must try this barrel-aged, chocolaty-rich multi medal-winner from Portugal. It's made largely from Tinto Roriz - the same grape as Rioja's Tempranillo - and comes from the 'Casa Santos Lima' which has belonged to Jose Luis Oliveira da Silva's family for four generations. The estate has a terrific track record for quality having won almost 200 medals in international competitions in the last 10 years! Offering exceptional value for money, this mouth filling wine shows berry notes, raspberries and dried fruits with a very pleasant and persistent aftertaste. Serve with roast red meats and rich casseroles.
Prieure de Lauran 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This southern French gem comes from highly reputed cellars in France's sun-soaked Midi. This really is 'easy drinking excellence' and a real taste of 'terroir' courtesy of low yielding vines nestled in the foothills of the Montagne Noir. 50% of the blend is Syrah, 30% Grenache and the rest Carignan. A superb quality mix (or assemblage)! Minervois is the mountainous region between Carcassonne and Beziers, and is ''home to lots of undiscovered gems'' (The Times) - not surprisingly it has a large devoted following. The winemakers, Thierry Tesseyre and Jean-Claude Founeau both have considerable experience in other wine regions of France and Spain giving their wines a certain international appeal. Deep ruby red, intense berry fruit aromas and well-rounded, juicy cassis flavour with a peppery edge ... soft enough to drink on its own, enjoy it with cheese and game too.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This southern French gem comes from highly reputed cellars in France's sun-soaked Midi. This really is 'easy drinking excellence' and a real taste of 'terroir' courtesy of low yielding vines nestled in the foothills of the Montagne Noir. 50% of the blend is Syrah, 30% Grenache and the rest Carignan. A superb quality mix (or assemblage)! Minervois is the mountainous region between Carcassonne and Beziers, and is ''home to lots of undiscovered gems'' (The Times) - not surprisingly it has a large devoted following. The winemakers, Thierry Tesseyre and Jean-Claude Founeau both have considerable experience in other wine regions of France and Spain giving their wines a certain international appeal. Deep ruby red, intense berry fruit aromas and well-rounded, juicy cassis flavour with a peppery edge ... soft enough to drink on its own, enjoy it with cheese and game too.
Monte Leon Shiraz 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Monte Leon comes from the leading family-owned estate Santa Emiliana and was crafted by highly respected winemaker Cesar Morales. The estate was one of the first in Chile to produce biodynamic wines. Part aged in oak barrels it shows rich Syrah character - blackberries and black pepper - with hints of vanilla. It has a deep purple colour, a soft, lush palate and a sweet, jammy, lingering finish. Serve with rare lamb cutlets or roast beef.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Monte Leon comes from the leading family-owned estate Santa Emiliana and was crafted by highly respected winemaker Cesar Morales. The estate was one of the first in Chile to produce biodynamic wines. Part aged in oak barrels it shows rich Syrah character - blackberries and black pepper - with hints of vanilla. It has a deep purple colour, a soft, lush palate and a sweet, jammy, lingering finish. Serve with rare lamb cutlets or roast beef.
Conde Galiana Reserva 2001 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Powerful, perfectly mellow flavours of 'Old Spain'. 26 months in premium American oak and now four years in bottle ... a superb Reserva at a great price. What sets this Reserva apart from the pack is the top quality blend of hand-harvested grapes. Rioja's Tempranillo grape dominates while 20% Cabernet Sauvignon adds significant class. Garnacha and Cari?ena from 60 year-old vines contribute real depth and complexity. Once again the consummate professionals at the Elias Gil family winery have shown what they're capable of. Good colour with aromas of plum jam and berry fruits against a subtle spicy backdrop of vanilla and black pepper. Full bodied and savoury with gentle tannins and a long finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Powerful, perfectly mellow flavours of 'Old Spain'. 26 months in premium American oak and now four years in bottle ... a superb Reserva at a great price. What sets this Reserva apart from the pack is the top quality blend of hand-harvested grapes. Rioja's Tempranillo grape dominates while 20% Cabernet Sauvignon adds significant class. Garnacha and Cari?ena from 60 year-old vines contribute real depth and complexity. Once again the consummate professionals at the Elias Gil family winery have shown what they're capable of. Good colour with aromas of plum jam and berry fruits against a subtle spicy backdrop of vanilla and black pepper. Full bodied and savoury with gentle tannins and a long finish.
Monte Leon Carmenere 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Although once coveted by Bordeaux winemakers, Carmenere is better known today as Chile's speciality red grape. It produces reds of unbeatable power and purity of flavour. This stunning example has more layers of depth and complexity than most - exceptional quality at a fantastic price. Monte Leon Carmenere comes from the leading family-owned estate Santa Emiliana and was crafted by highly respected winemaker Cesar 'the bear' Morales. The estate was one of the first in Chile to produce biodynamic wines. Deep ruby red with a rich and brambly character, smooth textured tannins and copious, mouth-filling fruit. It's ripe and pure reflecting fine winemaking and one of the best grape-growing climates in the world.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Although once coveted by Bordeaux winemakers, Carmenere is better known today as Chile's speciality red grape. It produces reds of unbeatable power and purity of flavour. This stunning example has more layers of depth and complexity than most - exceptional quality at a fantastic price. Monte Leon Carmenere comes from the leading family-owned estate Santa Emiliana and was crafted by highly respected winemaker Cesar 'the bear' Morales. The estate was one of the first in Chile to produce biodynamic wines. Deep ruby red with a rich and brambly character, smooth textured tannins and copious, mouth-filling fruit. It's ripe and pure reflecting fine winemaking and one of the best grape-growing climates in the world.
Merlot de Carsac 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
More than a match for good 'petit chateau' red Bordeaux! The most highly sought after Merlot-dominated wines may be the clarets of Pomerol and St-Emilion, but to enjoy this classic grape's spicy, plum and fruit cake flavours at a value-for-money price ... look to the satellite appellations. The Cave de Gurson in the tiny village of Carsac is situated just south of Bordeaux in historic Bergerac, as close to being a Bordeaux satellite as you can get. And the long established vineyards mean wonderfully concentrated fruit. Their unoaked, 100% Merlot is deliciously dark ruby in colour, with fresh plum aromas and bursting with soft ripe fruit. Ideal with meaty pasta dishes, steak and roast vegetables.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
More than a match for good 'petit chateau' red Bordeaux! The most highly sought after Merlot-dominated wines may be the clarets of Pomerol and St-Emilion, but to enjoy this classic grape's spicy, plum and fruit cake flavours at a value-for-money price ... look to the satellite appellations. The Cave de Gurson in the tiny village of Carsac is situated just south of Bordeaux in historic Bergerac, as close to being a Bordeaux satellite as you can get. And the long established vineyards mean wonderfully concentrated fruit. Their unoaked, 100% Merlot is deliciously dark ruby in colour, with fresh plum aromas and bursting with soft ripe fruit. Ideal with meaty pasta dishes, steak and roast vegetables.
Las Casas de Vaqueria Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When the new owners of Vaqueria took over the estate they found neglected Bordeaux vines from the late 1900s in virtual ruin. Months of painstaking restoration and heavy investment has paid off. The vineyards have returned to their former glory and are now producing exceptionally ripe, concentrated fruit and the property is waiting to gain officially recognised status as an organic producer. ''Ripe plum and blackberry fruit flavours with a touch of vanilla and spice. Will partner well with herb-crusted roast lamb or meaty pasta dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When the new owners of Vaqueria took over the estate they found neglected Bordeaux vines from the late 1900s in virtual ruin. Months of painstaking restoration and heavy investment has paid off. The vineyards have returned to their former glory and are now producing exceptionally ripe, concentrated fruit and the property is waiting to gain officially recognised status as an organic producer. ''Ripe plum and blackberry fruit flavours with a touch of vanilla and spice. Will partner well with herb-crusted roast lamb or meaty pasta dishes.''
Vi?a Tarapaca Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Tim Atkin of The Observer recently noted that ''Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is without doubt one of the New World's great bargains''. Well, this particular example comes from the exceptional Vi?a Tarapaca estate AND the 2007 vintage - looking to be one of the Maipo Valley's finest ... you can be sure you're in for a REAL treat! Conditions in 2007 were cooler than normal, giving the grapes a longer ripening season ... a sure sign of an outstanding harvest and a good indicator of rich, flavour-packed reds. Give Tarapaca's highly skilled winemaker Cristian Molina a harvest like that, and you know you're in for something extra-special. Fastidious attention to detail gave Cristian one of the juiciest Cabernets he's ever produced. With credentials like this it's sure to sell out fast - order yours now! ''Deep ruby red in colour, with delicious ripe berry fruit aromas plus classic Cabernet hints of mint leaf. Intense layers of fresh blackcurrant and damson. No oak, just pure, vibrant fruit.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Tim Atkin of The Observer recently noted that ''Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is without doubt one of the New World's great bargains''. Well, this particular example comes from the exceptional Vi?a Tarapaca estate AND the 2007 vintage - looking to be one of the Maipo Valley's finest ... you can be sure you're in for a REAL treat! Conditions in 2007 were cooler than normal, giving the grapes a longer ripening season ... a sure sign of an outstanding harvest and a good indicator of rich, flavour-packed reds. Give Tarapaca's highly skilled winemaker Cristian Molina a harvest like that, and you know you're in for something extra-special. Fastidious attention to detail gave Cristian one of the juiciest Cabernets he's ever produced. With credentials like this it's sure to sell out fast - order yours now! ''Deep ruby red in colour, with delicious ripe berry fruit aromas plus classic Cabernet hints of mint leaf. Intense layers of fresh blackcurrant and damson. No oak, just pure, vibrant fruit.''
Barooga Station Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Classic Bordeaux blend blackcurrant-rich Cabernet plus soft, succulent Merlot crafted by that multi-medalled wine wizard of Oz, Sam Trimboli. Sam works hard for his success though he recognises that getting the best from your vines often means knowing when to be 'hands-off'. The innovative estate is a keen supporter of environmentally friendly and economically sustainable vineyard care - and the benefits speak for themselves. ''Inviting bright crimson colour with bags of raspberry, plum and cassis aromas plus a hint of captivating spice. Plenty of smooth fruit flavour and ripe tannins too. Delicious with gourmet pizza or char-grilled lamb cutlets.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Classic Bordeaux blend blackcurrant-rich Cabernet plus soft, succulent Merlot crafted by that multi-medalled wine wizard of Oz, Sam Trimboli. Sam works hard for his success though he recognises that getting the best from your vines often means knowing when to be 'hands-off'. The innovative estate is a keen supporter of environmentally friendly and economically sustainable vineyard care - and the benefits speak for themselves. ''Inviting bright crimson colour with bags of raspberry, plum and cassis aromas plus a hint of captivating spice. Plenty of smooth fruit flavour and ripe tannins too. Delicious with gourmet pizza or char-grilled lamb cutlets.''
Don Cayetano Merlot 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
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 find in this joyous, richly plummy new Merlot. It's made by Don Cayetano, certainly one of the best-value estates in Chile. The Don Cayetano story began when the family 'rescued' prime, high altitude vineyards from an old estate in the Colchagua Valley. They went on to plant Sauvignon, Cabernet, Merlot and other internationally adored grape varieties. Decades later, under the direction of expert winemaker Luis Felipe Edwards, Don Cayetano is ''one of Colchagua Valley's strongest projects'' (Wine International), and you can now enjoy the rewards of all the family's hard work - and the bounties of a perfect harvest ... ''Deep ruby in colour, with intense strawberry and plum fruit aromas. Delightfully smooth and full, it's great enjoyed on its own or with grilled meats and pasta dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
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 find in this joyous, richly plummy new Merlot. It's made by Don Cayetano, certainly one of the best-value estates in Chile. The Don Cayetano story began when the family 'rescued' prime, high altitude vineyards from an old estate in the Colchagua Valley. They went on to plant Sauvignon, Cabernet, Merlot and other internationally adored grape varieties. Decades later, under the direction of expert winemaker Luis Felipe Edwards, Don Cayetano is ''one of Colchagua Valley's strongest projects'' (Wine International), and you can now enjoy the rewards of all the family's hard work - and the bounties of a perfect harvest ... ''Deep ruby in colour, with intense strawberry and plum fruit aromas. Delightfully smooth and full, it's great enjoyed on its own or with grilled meats and pasta dishes.''
Ramon Roqueta Tempranillo 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemakers in the mountains of Pla de Bages since 1199, the Roqueta family are blessed with incredibly healthy, high-altitude fruit. You'll note straight away the vibrant colour of this silkily smooth, oak-aged Tempranillo. Today the 12th century property is renowned in northern Spain for the quality of its wines. Indeed the Roqueta name features on the star-studded list of Spain's El Bulli - widely held to be one of the world's finest restaurants. Rich aromas and flavours of redcurrant and bramble. Mouthfilling texture and great concentration. Look too for notes of vanilla pods, spicy cloves and supple tannins. Perfect for meaty tapas dishes, mature cheeses and charcuterie.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winemakers in the mountains of Pla de Bages since 1199, the Roqueta family are blessed with incredibly healthy, high-altitude fruit. You'll note straight away the vibrant colour of this silkily smooth, oak-aged Tempranillo. Today the 12th century property is renowned in northern Spain for the quality of its wines. Indeed the Roqueta name features on the star-studded list of Spain's El Bulli - widely held to be one of the world's finest restaurants. Rich aromas and flavours of redcurrant and bramble. Mouthfilling texture and great concentration. Look too for notes of vanilla pods, spicy cloves and supple tannins. Perfect for meaty tapas dishes, mature cheeses and charcuterie.
Ramirez de Velazco Bonarda Shiraz 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Argentina certainly knows how to make richly textured, fruit-packed red wines that perfectly compliment a chargrilled steak ... after all, it's their national dish! Little surprise, then, that this dark, smoky red features on the wine lists of many exclusive ''parillada'' restaurants (traditional Argentinian grill houses) in Buenos Aires. The vineyards when this berry-fruit gem was made lie in the Famatina Valley, of ''Valley of Fire'' as it's known in the region. Famous for the intensity of its sunlight and super-low rainfall, this high-altitude site is perfect for red winemaking. Vibrant, deeply flavoured wine with mouthfuls of raspberry, black cherry and spiced plum, and plentiful black pepper notes from the Shiraz. Pair with ... well, what else but a thick, juicy steak?!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Argentina certainly knows how to make richly textured, fruit-packed red wines that perfectly compliment a chargrilled steak ... after all, it's their national dish! Little surprise, then, that this dark, smoky red features on the wine lists of many exclusive ''parillada'' restaurants (traditional Argentinian grill houses) in Buenos Aires. The vineyards when this berry-fruit gem was made lie in the Famatina Valley, of ''Valley of Fire'' as it's known in the region. Famous for the intensity of its sunlight and super-low rainfall, this high-altitude site is perfect for red winemaking. Vibrant, deeply flavoured wine with mouthfuls of raspberry, black cherry and spiced plum, and plentiful black pepper notes from the Shiraz. Pair with ... well, what else but a thick, juicy steak?!
Alto Los Romeros Shiraz 2007 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chilean wine continues to improve ... Shiraz performed outstandingly, showing complexity and elegance'' says Decanter magazine ... it's small wonder, then, that Luis Felipe Edwards scooped a whopping 24 awards last year for his intense 2006 Shiraz. What gives Alto Los Romeros such incredible concentration of flavour are the Colchagua Valley vineyards where the Shiraz vines are grown. Here warm, sunny days and cool nights - the temperature variation can reach 20 degrees Celsius - give pure fruit flavours and crisp acidity in the grapes, something of a trademark for wines from this region of Chile. 2007 was a terrific vintage for Chile and Luis Felipe Edwards fully expects this new vintage to do even better than the last. As he said of his dark, lip-staining spicy Shiraz ''the results are magnificent - deep colour, intense aromas and soft, rounded fruit.'' Delicious! ''With its rich, spicy, bramble fruit flavours this wine is a joy to drink on its own. Its gentle smokiness also makes it a sure-fire winner with herby sausages and mash, lamb chops or casseroles.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Chilean wine continues to improve ... Shiraz performed outstandingly, showing complexity and elegance'' says Decanter magazine ... it's small wonder, then, that Luis Felipe Edwards scooped a whopping 24 awards last year for his intense 2006 Shiraz. What gives Alto Los Romeros such incredible concentration of flavour are the Colchagua Valley vineyards where the Shiraz vines are grown. Here warm, sunny days and cool nights - the temperature variation can reach 20 degrees Celsius - give pure fruit flavours and crisp acidity in the grapes, something of a trademark for wines from this region of Chile. 2007 was a terrific vintage for Chile and Luis Felipe Edwards fully expects this new vintage to do even better than the last. As he said of his dark, lip-staining spicy Shiraz ''the results are magnificent - deep colour, intense aromas and soft, rounded fruit.'' Delicious! ''With its rich, spicy, bramble fruit flavours this wine is a joy to drink on its own. Its gentle smokiness also makes it a sure-fire winner with herby sausages and mash, lamb chops or casseroles.''
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