Red Wine between £5.00 and £8.00 per bottle
Speargrass Shiraz 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Classically warming, full, spicy red from Down Under - this is Aussie Shiraz at its distinctive best. Made at the awesome Buronga Hill winery near Mildura on the River Murray, it's a perfect example of why Aussie Shiraz is such a popular style. Given that senior winemaker Kim Hart has worked at Alkoomi in Western Australia and worked a vintage at Chateau Palmer in Margaux, it's no surprise that quality is so consistently excellent ... and what's more, the wine is much better value than many more famous Australian brands. Deep red crimson in colour, spicy, jammy fruit aromas. Smooth and juicy ripe plum flavour and a fresh, brambly finish. In a blind tasting the 2002 vintage of this wine beat a host of famous, illustrious names including Masi Amarone (#18), Cote-Rotie (#20), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (#13)!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Classically warming, full, spicy red from Down Under - this is Aussie Shiraz at its distinctive best. Made at the awesome Buronga Hill winery near Mildura on the River Murray, it's a perfect example of why Aussie Shiraz is such a popular style. Given that senior winemaker Kim Hart has worked at Alkoomi in Western Australia and worked a vintage at Chateau Palmer in Margaux, it's no surprise that quality is so consistently excellent ... and what's more, the wine is much better value than many more famous Australian brands. Deep red crimson in colour, spicy, jammy fruit aromas. Smooth and juicy ripe plum flavour and a fresh, brambly finish. In a blind tasting the 2002 vintage of this wine beat a host of famous, illustrious names including Masi Amarone (#18), Cote-Rotie (#20), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (#13)!
Buronga Growers Holthill Shiraz 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Esteemed winemaker Kim Hart helps a band of growers bottle this dark, oaky Shiraz. It's their dedication that yields such terrific fruit - especially in glory years like 2005 - and Kim is blessed with a winemaking talent to match. The 2005 vintage is also being hailed Down Under for its unambiguously high quality ... and extra richness means the much-loved Buronga style at its finest! ''Velvety, full-throttle Shiraz richly packed with juicy blackberry and a creamy swathe of vanilla oak. Enjoy on its own or with ripe farmhouse cheeses.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Esteemed winemaker Kim Hart helps a band of growers bottle this dark, oaky Shiraz. It's their dedication that yields such terrific fruit - especially in glory years like 2005 - and Kim is blessed with a winemaking talent to match. The 2005 vintage is also being hailed Down Under for its unambiguously high quality ... and extra richness means the much-loved Buronga style at its finest! ''Velvety, full-throttle Shiraz richly packed with juicy blackberry and a creamy swathe of vanilla oak. Enjoy on its own or with ripe farmhouse cheeses.''
Prieure de Lauran 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Syrah-rich southern French red from highly reputed cellars in France's sun-soaked Midi - easy drinking excellence and a real taste of 'terroir' courtesy of low yielding vines nestled in the foothills of the Montagne Noir. 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. 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.
Syrah-rich southern French red from highly reputed cellars in France's sun-soaked Midi - easy drinking excellence and a real taste of 'terroir' courtesy of low yielding vines nestled in the foothills of the Montagne Noir. 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. 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.
Bastiana 1561 Syrah 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A classic blackberry-and-pepper charged Syrah, from grapes grown high in the Argentine Andes and crafted by the makers of South America's iconic, #30-plus Almaviva. This award-winning red is full of flavour. Powerful aromas of bramble, dried figs and pepper, leading into a soft, velvety palate. No oak here, just maximum blackberry fruit flavours and a long, satisfying finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A classic blackberry-and-pepper charged Syrah, from grapes grown high in the Argentine Andes and crafted by the makers of South America's iconic, #30-plus Almaviva. This award-winning red is full of flavour. Powerful aromas of bramble, dried figs and pepper, leading into a soft, velvety palate. No oak here, just maximum blackberry fruit flavours and a long, satisfying finish.
Palacio de Gaviria Oak Aged Tempranillo 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Purple red with violet hints, ripe red fruit aromas - bursting with raspberries, redcurrant and a floral hint of violets. Spicy, smokey character ... nicely balanced, with soft, rounded tannins. Fresh and fruity. Clean, juicy and long finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Purple red with violet hints, ripe red fruit aromas - bursting with raspberries, redcurrant and a floral hint of violets. Spicy, smokey character ... nicely balanced, with soft, rounded tannins. Fresh and fruity. Clean, juicy and long finish.
Pere la Force Cabernet Merlot 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Offering some of the most dynamic, terroir-driven wines in France'' (The Independent), the South has undergone something of a revolution over the last decade or so. Winemakers are now enjoying the freedom to experiment with grape varieties previously never seen in the region, and this deliciously fruity Cabernet Merlot from the Oc is a superb example of one of the 'new generation' Southern French wines. Ripe bramble and blackcurrant flavours from the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the blend, and smooth plum notes from the Merlot. With a hint of liquorice and warm spice, this is perfect with rare beef or mature cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Offering some of the most dynamic, terroir-driven wines in France'' (The Independent), the South has undergone something of a revolution over the last decade or so. Winemakers are now enjoying the freedom to experiment with grape varieties previously never seen in the region, and this deliciously fruity Cabernet Merlot from the Oc is a superb example of one of the 'new generation' Southern French wines. Ripe bramble and blackcurrant flavours from the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the blend, and smooth plum notes from the Merlot. With a hint of liquorice and warm spice, this is perfect with rare beef or mature cheeses.
Conti Leopardi Rosso Piceno Superiore 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The noble, celebrated Leopardi family have been making wine since 1500, and are famed for low volume, supreme quality, limited release wines. Our buyers met recently with the present Count, Pierfrancesco at his lavish, centuries-old Palazzo, and persuaded him to create a red exclusively for us! Using succulent Montepulciano and cherry-scented Sangiovese, Leopardi winemakers linked up with the Trophy-winning Moncaro cellar for this new star red, which displays all the vivid fruit quality of Italy's exceptional 2004 vintage. A deliciously moreish red of great charm - an astonishing buying coup, and an amazing bargain to boot! Bright ruby red. Intense red fruit and floral aromas. Gentle, juicy, fresh and well-balanced, its red berry, plum and cherry flavours make it ideal with dishes from pork and veal to ravioli and lasagne.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The noble, celebrated Leopardi family have been making wine since 1500, and are famed for low volume, supreme quality, limited release wines. Our buyers met recently with the present Count, Pierfrancesco at his lavish, centuries-old Palazzo, and persuaded him to create a red exclusively for us! Using succulent Montepulciano and cherry-scented Sangiovese, Leopardi winemakers linked up with the Trophy-winning Moncaro cellar for this new star red, which displays all the vivid fruit quality of Italy's exceptional 2004 vintage. A deliciously moreish red of great charm - an astonishing buying coup, and an amazing bargain to boot! Bright ruby red. Intense red fruit and floral aromas. Gentle, juicy, fresh and well-balanced, its red berry, plum and cherry flavours make it ideal with dishes from pork and veal to ravioli and lasagne.
Circular Quay Shiraz 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rich, spicy and warm-hearted ... this reflects beautifully the ripe berry fruit from flavours typical of the warm 2006 vintage. Three cheers for the excellent Rossetto family and three cheers for James Busby, who arrived at Circular Quay, Sydney, with the first Shiraz vines - now Australia's classic red - in the 1830s. Heady black fruit aromas with notes of cedar wood, juicy, peppery blackcurrant plus a spicy vanilla finish ... delicious proof that big, ripe wines are New South Wales's strongest suit.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rich, spicy and warm-hearted ... this reflects beautifully the ripe berry fruit from flavours typical of the warm 2006 vintage. Three cheers for the excellent Rossetto family and three cheers for James Busby, who arrived at Circular Quay, Sydney, with the first Shiraz vines - now Australia's classic red - in the 1830s. Heady black fruit aromas with notes of cedar wood, juicy, peppery blackcurrant plus a spicy vanilla finish ... delicious proof that big, ripe wines are New South Wales's strongest suit.
The Delver Petit Verdot 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Petit Verdot has a thoroughbred pedigree, originating from Bordeaux where it is traditional used to add backbone and colour to the very best Grand Cru clarets. Prone to under-ripeness in the cool maritime climate, Australia heat brings out the best in this grape variety. The Delver showcases the grape's hallmark power, inky dark colour and bramble fruit alongside spicy violet notes. Silky tannins make this a great choice for barbecued fillet steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Petit Verdot has a thoroughbred pedigree, originating from Bordeaux where it is traditional used to add backbone and colour to the very best Grand Cru clarets. Prone to under-ripeness in the cool maritime climate, Australia heat brings out the best in this grape variety. The Delver showcases the grape's hallmark power, inky dark colour and bramble fruit alongside spicy violet notes. Silky tannins make this a great choice for barbecued fillet steak.
Andrew McPherson's The Full Fifteen 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a ''no nonsense'' innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a ''no nonsense'' innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Las Casas de Vaqueria Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made by one of the oldest estates in Chile, situated in the Maule region, where the first grapes arrived from Bordeaux in the 1800s, this is textbook Chilean Cabernet - ''one of the New World's great bargains'' (Tim Atkin, The Observer) Huge temperature variations in the Maule Valley from day to night - some 20 degrees Celsius - mean the grapes offer a superb intensity of fruit flavours and crisp acidity, unique to Chilean Cabernet ... and with Casas de Vacqueria winemaker, Alvaro Arriagada fast gathering coveted awards for his wines - both at home and worldwide - this is definitely one to savour! ''Plenty of fresh black and red currant fruit flavours, laden with spice and menthol. Medium to full bodied, with a restrained, elegant finish. Drink with roast and grilled meats or hard cheeses.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made by one of the oldest estates in Chile, situated in the Maule region, where the first grapes arrived from Bordeaux in the 1800s, this is textbook Chilean Cabernet - ''one of the New World's great bargains'' (Tim Atkin, The Observer) Huge temperature variations in the Maule Valley from day to night - some 20 degrees Celsius - mean the grapes offer a superb intensity of fruit flavours and crisp acidity, unique to Chilean Cabernet ... and with Casas de Vacqueria winemaker, Alvaro Arriagada fast gathering coveted awards for his wines - both at home and worldwide - this is definitely one to savour! ''Plenty of fresh black and red currant fruit flavours, laden with spice and menthol. Medium to full bodied, with a restrained, elegant finish. Drink with roast and grilled meats or hard cheeses.''
Las Casas de Vaqueria Merlot 2006 - £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.''
Vega Robledo Tempranillo 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From Spain's Don Quixote country, this is an essential buy for anyone who loves their reds smooth and packed with ripe berry fruit. Close to the hot, arid plains, the vineyards here enjoy plenty of sunshine making the vines work hard for their moisture, producing richly concentrated fruit - so its no wonder that Rioja's top producers are making a beeline for the region. Super-ripe with rich 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.
From Spain's Don Quixote country, this is an essential buy for anyone who loves their reds smooth and packed with ripe berry fruit. Close to the hot, arid plains, the vineyards here enjoy plenty of sunshine making the vines work hard for their moisture, producing richly concentrated fruit - so its no wonder that Rioja's top producers are making a beeline for the region. Super-ripe with rich red fruit aromas and silky raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry flavours. Enjoy with roast lamb, tapas and pasta dishes.
Clocher des Dames 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Make sure you snap up this classic, satin-smooth Corbieres ... The reds of the Corbieres village of Talairan are famously rich and wild, thanks to some of the oldest vines in Europe. The risk for grape growers here is drought, so imagine the flavour concentration they achieve ... and smoothness of spicy blackberry and raspberry fruit flavours. In a bid to win back Brits, feared lost to the New World, they're offering this special red ... 100% hand-selected from the finest grapes of 2006 - the finest vintage here in 15 years says winemaker Gilles Cutilles - ''magnifique''!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Make sure you snap up this classic, satin-smooth Corbieres ... The reds of the Corbieres village of Talairan are famously rich and wild, thanks to some of the oldest vines in Europe. The risk for grape growers here is drought, so imagine the flavour concentration they achieve ... and smoothness of spicy blackberry and raspberry fruit flavours. In a bid to win back Brits, feared lost to the New World, they're offering this special red ... 100% hand-selected from the finest grapes of 2006 - the finest vintage here in 15 years says winemaker Gilles Cutilles - ''magnifique''!
Grande Pavone 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From Puglia, Grande Pavone marries southern Italy's ancient, hero grapes - Negroamaro and Primitivo included - to power-packed, spicy perfection. Winemaker Giuseppe Caragnolo has revived some very old traditions to create a style that's been enjoyed here for centuries (some of his wines are even made by the time-honoured technique of foot treading)! Quality starts in the vineyard with low-yielding old bush vines - the grapes all picked by hand and fermented in old-fashioned, open-top fermenters. The reward is a red of great depth and colour, with robust black fruit, warming raisiny notes and a long, spicy finish. Rich, smooth and absolutely perfect alongside anything savoury and Italian.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From Puglia, Grande Pavone marries southern Italy's ancient, hero grapes - Negroamaro and Primitivo included - to power-packed, spicy perfection. Winemaker Giuseppe Caragnolo has revived some very old traditions to create a style that's been enjoyed here for centuries (some of his wines are even made by the time-honoured technique of foot treading)! Quality starts in the vineyard with low-yielding old bush vines - the grapes all picked by hand and fermented in old-fashioned, open-top fermenters. The reward is a red of great depth and colour, with robust black fruit, warming raisiny notes and a long, spicy finish. Rich, smooth and absolutely perfect alongside anything savoury and Italian.
Croix Sainte Colombe 2005 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The fantastic wines of Fitou are seriously rich and wild thanks to some of the oldest vines in France. Fans include the UK's top wine writer, Hugh Johnson, who praises their ''superior quality and power''. Yet while Fitou is a classic of southern France (and more exclusive than nearby Corbieres), wineries are losing out to international mass brands - in spite of making far superior wines! Award-winning winemaker Michel Marty is ''determined to win genuine wine lovers back'' and oak-matured Croix Sainte Colombe is just the wine to do it. Remarkably rich with deeply spiced raspberry and blackberry, kept deliciously smooth by a gentle touch of oak. Great with casseroles, roasts and - of course - barbecues.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The fantastic wines of Fitou are seriously rich and wild thanks to some of the oldest vines in France. Fans include the UK's top wine writer, Hugh Johnson, who praises their ''superior quality and power''. Yet while Fitou is a classic of southern France (and more exclusive than nearby Corbieres), wineries are losing out to international mass brands - in spite of making far superior wines! Award-winning winemaker Michel Marty is ''determined to win genuine wine lovers back'' and oak-matured Croix Sainte Colombe is just the wine to do it. Remarkably rich with deeply spiced raspberry and blackberry, kept deliciously smooth by a gentle touch of oak. Great with casseroles, roasts and - of course - barbecues.
Grand Gaillard Merlot 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This pure, super-charged Merlot gives many a claret from nearby Saint-Emilion a run for its money. On the other side of the mighty Dordogne, in Bergerac, the soils and climate are very similar to Bordeaux's most famous appellation - hence the supple, food-friendly tannins and succulent berry fruit. The Grand Gaillard name has, for many years, stood for reliability and wonderful value for money. For vintage after vintage fans have made a beeline for this elegant Merlot. Beautifully deep red in colour with aromas of damsons and redcurrants. There is the fleshy richness and succulence that claret lovers adore thanks to ripe bramble and soft plum flavours. Perfect with barbecued steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This pure, super-charged Merlot gives many a claret from nearby Saint-Emilion a run for its money. On the other side of the mighty Dordogne, in Bergerac, the soils and climate are very similar to Bordeaux's most famous appellation - hence the supple, food-friendly tannins and succulent berry fruit. The Grand Gaillard name has, for many years, stood for reliability and wonderful value for money. For vintage after vintage fans have made a beeline for this elegant Merlot. Beautifully deep red in colour with aromas of damsons and redcurrants. There is the fleshy richness and succulence that claret lovers adore thanks to ripe bramble and soft plum flavours. Perfect with barbecued steak.
Quinta do Casal Branco Oak Aged 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Deep ruby coloured with a fragrant nose of spicy blackberry fruit. Intensely ripe fruit flavours with soft, smooth tannins and elegant jammy notes. Enjoy with red meat dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Deep ruby coloured with a fragrant nose of spicy blackberry fruit. Intensely ripe fruit flavours with soft, smooth tannins and elegant jammy notes. Enjoy with red meat dishes.''
Oxley's Shiraz 2006 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously easy-drinking Shiraz - the red wine style Australia has made its own. ''Deeply coloured with aromas of plum fruit, hints of exotic spice and subtle French oak. Ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins. Perfect with barbecued meats.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously easy-drinking Shiraz - the red wine style Australia has made its own. ''Deeply coloured with aromas of plum fruit, hints of exotic spice and subtle French oak. Ripe fruit flavours and soft tannins. Perfect with barbecued meats.''
Sierra Noble Tempranillo 2004 - £6.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A must for Rioja fans, Sierra Noble is made from 100% Tempranillo - Rioja's noble red grape - in the exciting region of La Mancha. Here traditional old bush vines and arid conditions produce rich concentrated flavours - and top Rioja houses have been investing heavily to get in on the action. In 2004, the La Mancha ''reported their best quality vintage ever'' (Decanter Harvest Report) so now is the perfect time to discover these delicious wines. ''Jampacked with gorgeously ripe black fruit, we think you'll love it! Smooth and soft with ripe forest fruit aromas and a hint of spicy vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious with beef, lamb or the local Manchego cheese.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A must for Rioja fans, Sierra Noble is made from 100% Tempranillo - Rioja's noble red grape - in the exciting region of La Mancha. Here traditional old bush vines and arid conditions produce rich concentrated flavours - and top Rioja houses have been investing heavily to get in on the action. In 2004, the La Mancha ''reported their best quality vintage ever'' (Decanter Harvest Report) so now is the perfect time to discover these delicious wines. ''Jampacked with gorgeously ripe black fruit, we think you'll love it! Smooth and soft with ripe forest fruit aromas and a hint of spicy vanilla and cinnamon. Delicious with beef, lamb or the local Manchego cheese.''