Wine between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes 2005 - £10.19
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The exceptionally low-yielding vineyards - as low as required for Chablis with Premier Cru status - for Domaine Dampt Vielles Vignes lie right above those of the incredible Grand Cru Les Clos, the ''highest regarded of all Chablis Grand Cru'' (Jancis Robinson MW). It's no wonder then that this crisp, minerally white from the spectacular 2005 vintage shares so many of the characteristics of top Chablis and beat the lot in its section in prestigious French wine competition ''Tastevinage'' last Autumn! Fresh lemon and minerally hints, with a lively finish, Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes 2005 offers a taste of top Chablis ... without the hefty price tag!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The exceptionally low-yielding vineyards - as low as required for Chablis with Premier Cru status - for Domaine Dampt Vielles Vignes lie right above those of the incredible Grand Cru Les Clos, the ''highest regarded of all Chablis Grand Cru'' (Jancis Robinson MW). It's no wonder then that this crisp, minerally white from the spectacular 2005 vintage shares so many of the characteristics of top Chablis and beat the lot in its section in prestigious French wine competition ''Tastevinage'' last Autumn! Fresh lemon and minerally hints, with a lively finish, Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes 2005 offers a taste of top Chablis ... without the hefty price tag!
Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes - £10.19
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The exceptionally low-yielding vineyards - as low as required for Chablis with Premier Cru status - for Domaine Dampt Vielles Vignes lie right above those of the incredible Grand Cru Les Clos, the ''highest regarded of all Chablis Grand Cru'' (Jancis Robinson MW). It's no wonder then that this crisp, minerally white from the spectacular 2005 vintage shares so many of the characteristics of top Chablis and beat the lot in its section in prestigious French wine competition ''Tastevinage'' last Autumn! Fresh lemon and minerally hints, with a lively finish, Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes 2005 offers a taste of top Chablis ... without the hefty price tag!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The exceptionally low-yielding vineyards - as low as required for Chablis with Premier Cru status - for Domaine Dampt Vielles Vignes lie right above those of the incredible Grand Cru Les Clos, the ''highest regarded of all Chablis Grand Cru'' (Jancis Robinson MW). It's no wonder then that this crisp, minerally white from the spectacular 2005 vintage shares so many of the characteristics of top Chablis and beat the lot in its section in prestigious French wine competition ''Tastevinage'' last Autumn! Fresh lemon and minerally hints, with a lively finish, Domaine Dampt Vieilles Vignes 2005 offers a taste of top Chablis ... without the hefty price tag!
Collezione di Paolo Chianti Riserva 2004 - £10.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Paolo Masi has been delighting fans with his authentic, hand-crafted reds for more than a decade. His flagship Chianti Riserva is a notch above most other wines of the same status thanks to Paolo's sheer dedication to quality. Top-of-the-class wine degree graduate, Paolo ensured that only the very best grapes from the 2004 harvest in Rufina - the finest area of Chianti - made it into his Riserva. The wine was then aged in oak barrels for 14 months, and then allowed to mellow and mature for another 10 before release. The result is a complex, intense wine that truly merits its position at the top of a Decanter magazine Tuscan tasting in 2007. ''Very deep and youthful in appearance with nice toasty oak and modern fruit aromas. The palate is finely textured with complex cherry, plum and spice flavours. Well structured.'' (Decanter magazine Aug 07)
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Paolo Masi has been delighting fans with his authentic, hand-crafted reds for more than a decade. His flagship Chianti Riserva is a notch above most other wines of the same status thanks to Paolo's sheer dedication to quality. Top-of-the-class wine degree graduate, Paolo ensured that only the very best grapes from the 2004 harvest in Rufina - the finest area of Chianti - made it into his Riserva. The wine was then aged in oak barrels for 14 months, and then allowed to mellow and mature for another 10 before release. The result is a complex, intense wine that truly merits its position at the top of a Decanter magazine Tuscan tasting in 2007. ''Very deep and youthful in appearance with nice toasty oak and modern fruit aromas. The palate is finely textured with complex cherry, plum and spice flavours. Well structured.'' (Decanter magazine Aug 07)
Perrin Les Cornuds 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Celebrate the elevation of Vinsobres to an appellation in its own right (it was previously Cotes-du-Rhone Villages AOC) with this thrilling Syrah Grenache blend. At 350 metres 'Les Cornuds' is 'high society' among southern Rhone vineyards and its voluptuously aromatic style and superb balance put it in a similar class to much more expensive bottles. Impressive value. Drink 2007-2013.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Celebrate the elevation of Vinsobres to an appellation in its own right (it was previously Cotes-du-Rhone Villages AOC) with this thrilling Syrah Grenache blend. At 350 metres 'Les Cornuds' is 'high society' among southern Rhone vineyards and its voluptuously aromatic style and superb balance put it in a similar class to much more expensive bottles. Impressive value. Drink 2007-2013.
Chapoutier La Croix des Grives 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous, smooth and deliciously rich, La Croix des Grives displays the dedication to quality that has seen the reputation of the Chapoutier family estate rise to the very top among Rhone producers. Family head Michael Chapoutier keeps fruit yields seriously low and handpicks only the ripest, old vine Syrah and Grenache - the famous, full-flavoured grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And the sun-soaked 2006 vintage boosted flavour concentration to amazing levels - ''extraordinary'' says Robert Parker ... and we'd have to agree! This exclusive cuvee has complex mouthfuls of red fruit and lovely hints of smoky spice. Wild herb aromas with velvet-smooth brambly plumb flavours, this is world class quality at a realistic price. ''If you love the Rhone - and you'd be crazy not to - now is the time to buy!'' (The Independent).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous, smooth and deliciously rich, La Croix des Grives displays the dedication to quality that has seen the reputation of the Chapoutier family estate rise to the very top among Rhone producers. Family head Michael Chapoutier keeps fruit yields seriously low and handpicks only the ripest, old vine Syrah and Grenache - the famous, full-flavoured grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And the sun-soaked 2006 vintage boosted flavour concentration to amazing levels - ''extraordinary'' says Robert Parker ... and we'd have to agree! This exclusive cuvee has complex mouthfuls of red fruit and lovely hints of smoky spice. Wild herb aromas with velvet-smooth brambly plumb flavours, this is world class quality at a realistic price. ''If you love the Rhone - and you'd be crazy not to - now is the time to buy!'' (The Independent).
Domaine des Amadieu Cuvee des Garrigues 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous and never richer - thanks to a sun-drenched 2005 vintage, this spicy gem has already received high praise in France's most prestigious award ceremonies. Inky black in colour with abundant brambly fruit flavours - this is a seriously good red that's not to be missed!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous and never richer - thanks to a sun-drenched 2005 vintage, this spicy gem has already received high praise in France's most prestigious award ceremonies. Inky black in colour with abundant brambly fruit flavours - this is a seriously good red that's not to be missed!
Chapoutier La Croix des Grives - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous, smooth and deliciously rich, La Croix des Grives displays the dedication to quality that has seen the reputation of the Chapoutier family estate rise to the very top among Rhone producers. Family head Michael Chapoutier keeps fruit yields seriously low and handpicks only the ripest, old vine Syrah and Grenache - the famous, full-flavoured grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And the sun-soaked 2006 vintage boosted flavour concentration to amazing levels - ''extraordinary'' says Robert Parker ... and we'd have to agree! This exclusive cuvee has complex mouthfuls of red fruit and lovely hints of smoky spice. Wild herb aromas with velvet-smooth brambly plumb flavours, this is world class quality at a realistic price. ''If you love the Rhone - and you'd be crazy not to - now is the time to buy!'' (The Independent).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Voluptuous, smooth and deliciously rich, La Croix des Grives displays the dedication to quality that has seen the reputation of the Chapoutier family estate rise to the very top among Rhone producers. Family head Michael Chapoutier keeps fruit yields seriously low and handpicks only the ripest, old vine Syrah and Grenache - the famous, full-flavoured grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And the sun-soaked 2006 vintage boosted flavour concentration to amazing levels - ''extraordinary'' says Robert Parker ... and we'd have to agree! This exclusive cuvee has complex mouthfuls of red fruit and lovely hints of smoky spice. Wild herb aromas with velvet-smooth brambly plumb flavours, this is world class quality at a realistic price. ''If you love the Rhone - and you'd be crazy not to - now is the time to buy!'' (The Independent).
Martin Zahn Tokay Pinot Gris 2004 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Tokay Pinot Gris is the star grape in France's Alsace region.'' (The Observer) Richly textured Alsace Pinot Gris with generous lychee and apricot flavours and savoury, smoky notes
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Tokay Pinot Gris is the star grape in France's Alsace region.'' (The Observer) Richly textured Alsace Pinot Gris with generous lychee and apricot flavours and savoury, smoky notes
Sowman Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Terry and Lynley Sowman's pristine estate, set in Marlborough's 'Golden Mile', used to supply finest quality Sauvignon grapes to the region's most demanding winemakers. When the Sowmans, renowned growers of top-quality Sauvignon, decided to bottle their own wine, they turned to veteran winemaker John Forrest for expertise. John - whose wines are rated above the revered Cloudy Bay - has crafted a thrillingly intense white. Herbaceous aromas with hints of tropical fruit. Explosive guava and gooseberry flavours are kept lively and fresh under screwcap. Ideal with asparagus dishes, delicate fish and summer salads.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Terry and Lynley Sowman's pristine estate, set in Marlborough's 'Golden Mile', used to supply finest quality Sauvignon grapes to the region's most demanding winemakers. When the Sowmans, renowned growers of top-quality Sauvignon, decided to bottle their own wine, they turned to veteran winemaker John Forrest for expertise. John - whose wines are rated above the revered Cloudy Bay - has crafted a thrillingly intense white. Herbaceous aromas with hints of tropical fruit. Explosive guava and gooseberry flavours are kept lively and fresh under screwcap. Ideal with asparagus dishes, delicate fish and summer salads.
Wrangles Chardonnay Viognier Riesling 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made exclusively for our loyal customers, this is boutique wine at its finest! It's a mouth-tingling combination of Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling - three of the finest quality white grapes there are. And as you'll soon see, there is an amazing synergy of flavours between them. Chardonnay forms a rich, creamy base with peach-scented fruit. Viognier adds exotic apricot and honeysuckle aromas while Riesling adds finesse and racy acidity. All the fruit was grown in Orange, NSW where altitude makes for a moderate and even growing season. Cool nights have the effect of emphasizing the grapes' aromatic qualities. The mastermind behind this wine is Philip Shaw - a wine trade 'guru', well known to long-standing Rosemount Estate fans and now the proud owner of a brand new winery of his own in Orange. If you had to choose just one new wine for the Summer, we couldn't recommend anything more refreshing or rewarding. Serve chilled with barbecued seafood kebabs, king prawns or a chicken and mango salad.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made exclusively for our loyal customers, this is boutique wine at its finest! It's a mouth-tingling combination of Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling - three of the finest quality white grapes there are. And as you'll soon see, there is an amazing synergy of flavours between them. Chardonnay forms a rich, creamy base with peach-scented fruit. Viognier adds exotic apricot and honeysuckle aromas while Riesling adds finesse and racy acidity. All the fruit was grown in Orange, NSW where altitude makes for a moderate and even growing season. Cool nights have the effect of emphasizing the grapes' aromatic qualities. The mastermind behind this wine is Philip Shaw - a wine trade 'guru', well known to long-standing Rosemount Estate fans and now the proud owner of a brand new winery of his own in Orange. If you had to choose just one new wine for the Summer, we couldn't recommend anything more refreshing or rewarding. Serve chilled with barbecued seafood kebabs, king prawns or a chicken and mango salad.
Vi?a Izadi Crianza 2004 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Forward-looking producer with a range of critically acclaimed wines made by the massively talented Angel Ortega. Recent vintages have won numerous medals and trophies and topped Decanter's 2004 Spanish tasting. Easily the equal of many Reservas - but in a fruit-first, gently oaked style. Succulent, black fruits with hints of Winter spices ... a mouthwatering, exceptionally impressive wine.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Forward-looking producer with a range of critically acclaimed wines made by the massively talented Angel Ortega. Recent vintages have won numerous medals and trophies and topped Decanter's 2004 Spanish tasting. Easily the equal of many Reservas - but in a fruit-first, gently oaked style. Succulent, black fruits with hints of Winter spices ... a mouthwatering, exceptionally impressive wine.
Babich Family Reserve Pinot Grigio 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''The next big thing in New Zealand will be Pinot Grigio'' - Jancis Robinson MW Marlborough is renowned for world-class Sauvignon ... but did you know it also produces equally impressive Pinot Grigio? Very few do. Imagine crisp, irresistibly refreshing Pinot Grigio given the same star treatment as New Zealand's famously concentrated Sauvignon. Strikingly pure and deliciously crisp, not to mention rare. Great care is taken to capture every nuance of vibrant fruit flavour from the Babich's premium Pinot Grigio - night harvesting seals in the freshness and cool fermentation intensifies all those gorgeous flavours. From the first waves of ripe peach, pear and lime to the lasting tingle of minerals and spice, this is top Pinot Grigio given extra power by the masters of intensely fresh whites.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''The next big thing in New Zealand will be Pinot Grigio'' - Jancis Robinson MW Marlborough is renowned for world-class Sauvignon ... but did you know it also produces equally impressive Pinot Grigio? Very few do. Imagine crisp, irresistibly refreshing Pinot Grigio given the same star treatment as New Zealand's famously concentrated Sauvignon. Strikingly pure and deliciously crisp, not to mention rare. Great care is taken to capture every nuance of vibrant fruit flavour from the Babich's premium Pinot Grigio - night harvesting seals in the freshness and cool fermentation intensifies all those gorgeous flavours. From the first waves of ripe peach, pear and lime to the lasting tingle of minerals and spice, this is top Pinot Grigio given extra power by the masters of intensely fresh whites.
Castellari Bergaglio Rolona 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Gavi is to Italy what Chablis and Sancerre are to France - as increasing numbers of you are discovering. Pour yourself a glass and you'll see why Gavi's currently in such demand! The finest Gavi comes from fruit grown in vineyards around the town of Gavi itself (hence Gavi di Gavi). The small family winery of Castellari Bergaglio is amongst the very finest producers making Gavi of 'Premier Cru' standard, consistently recommended in every major Italian wine guide. Elegant aromas of fresh cut hay, lime blossom and citrus fruits. Praised for its ''very fragrant, limey, rich textured fruits'' (Rose Murray Brown MW) with crisp, stony minerality and fresh, zesty grapefruit flavour. Enjoy chilled on its own or serve with delicate seafood dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Gavi is to Italy what Chablis and Sancerre are to France - as increasing numbers of you are discovering. Pour yourself a glass and you'll see why Gavi's currently in such demand! The finest Gavi comes from fruit grown in vineyards around the town of Gavi itself (hence Gavi di Gavi). The small family winery of Castellari Bergaglio is amongst the very finest producers making Gavi of 'Premier Cru' standard, consistently recommended in every major Italian wine guide. Elegant aromas of fresh cut hay, lime blossom and citrus fruits. Praised for its ''very fragrant, limey, rich textured fruits'' (Rose Murray Brown MW) with crisp, stony minerality and fresh, zesty grapefruit flavour. Enjoy chilled on its own or serve with delicate seafood dishes.
Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir Cuvee Adelie 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Burgundy's seductive Pinot Noir is highly coveted by collectors the world over. This is a rare chance to pick up a stunning example - from a top vintage and acclaimed cellar - for a very affordable price. The Bichots are one of Burgundy's elite wine families and are as proud of their Bourgogne as they are their famous village wines. It is, after all, made in good vintages only. Trademark Bichot purity and elegance. Fresh raspberry aromas, silky palate and the added richness of this remarkable ''must-buy vintage'' (Decanter).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Burgundy's seductive Pinot Noir is highly coveted by collectors the world over. This is a rare chance to pick up a stunning example - from a top vintage and acclaimed cellar - for a very affordable price. The Bichots are one of Burgundy's elite wine families and are as proud of their Bourgogne as they are their famous village wines. It is, after all, made in good vintages only. Trademark Bichot purity and elegance. Fresh raspberry aromas, silky palate and the added richness of this remarkable ''must-buy vintage'' (Decanter).
En Beauvoir Bourgogne AOC 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Affordable great white Burgundy is no longer a mythical beast! Our wonderful Chai on the quayside of Castillon in Bordeaux allows us to source fantastic parcels of wine, age them to perfection and then release them to you at realistic prices. We asked Bernard Derain - our best man in Burgundy - to source us a parcel of super-premium Chardonnay. And what a vintage to open with! 2006 has been rated even better for white Burgundy than 2005 (a year of new superlatives)! Bernard settled on the En Beauvoir vineyard whose low-yielding vines average 40 years of age ... then carefully barrel-fermented the hand-picked grapes in his cellar before the wine reached Le Chai where it's still maturing in the finest French oak. One top writer (he'll remain anonymous to save his blushes) rated it the finest Meursault he'd tasted all year ... very satisfying! ''Aromas of creamy citrus and buttery apricot. Enticingly creamy and elegant - unmistakably fine Burgundy. Enjoy to 2010.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Affordable great white Burgundy is no longer a mythical beast! Our wonderful Chai on the quayside of Castillon in Bordeaux allows us to source fantastic parcels of wine, age them to perfection and then release them to you at realistic prices. We asked Bernard Derain - our best man in Burgundy - to source us a parcel of super-premium Chardonnay. And what a vintage to open with! 2006 has been rated even better for white Burgundy than 2005 (a year of new superlatives)! Bernard settled on the En Beauvoir vineyard whose low-yielding vines average 40 years of age ... then carefully barrel-fermented the hand-picked grapes in his cellar before the wine reached Le Chai where it's still maturing in the finest French oak. One top writer (he'll remain anonymous to save his blushes) rated it the finest Meursault he'd tasted all year ... very satisfying! ''Aromas of creamy citrus and buttery apricot. Enticingly creamy and elegant - unmistakably fine Burgundy. Enjoy to 2010.''
Babich Family Reserve Riesling 2006 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
New Zealand's award-winning Babich family are fast gaining a cult following for their tiny-volume Reserve Riesling - and not just among astute white fans ... successive vintages has won a string of top medals and countless press accolades. Fresh orange blossom aromas with a hint of lime citrus. Green apple flavours and a crisp finish. Ideal with Asian cuisine, mussels and, for a touch of Kiwi authenticity try kumara patties drizzled with lime mayonnaise.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
New Zealand's award-winning Babich family are fast gaining a cult following for their tiny-volume Reserve Riesling - and not just among astute white fans ... successive vintages has won a string of top medals and countless press accolades. Fresh orange blossom aromas with a hint of lime citrus. Green apple flavours and a crisp finish. Ideal with Asian cuisine, mussels and, for a touch of Kiwi authenticity try kumara patties drizzled with lime mayonnaise.
Chateau Maison Blanche 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Bordeaux 2005 - the best vintage in 10, 50, even 100 years!'' (Decanter) ... this Merlot-rich gem is the fullest, smoothest and most succulent release we've tried from this estate thanks to 'perfect 2005'. Chateau Maison Blanche has 17 hectares of vines, planted with 67% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is unusual as most Left Bank wines are Cabernet dominated. As a result, the wines tend to be very round and soft in character. The vines are now 25 years old, and at the optimum maturity for producing really concentrated flavours. The current generation of the Bouey family have made changes in vineyard management to improve qualityand similarly, have made investments in the cellar too. The wine is matured in oak barrels for ten months. This Merlot-based claret has a good, deep colour and a lovely soft mouthfeel, with toasty oak aromas and flavours of damsons mulberries and blackcurrants. It will be delicious with roast meats, especially lamb with garlic, game dishes such as venison or rabbit with prunes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Bordeaux 2005 - the best vintage in 10, 50, even 100 years!'' (Decanter) ... this Merlot-rich gem is the fullest, smoothest and most succulent release we've tried from this estate thanks to 'perfect 2005'. Chateau Maison Blanche has 17 hectares of vines, planted with 67% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is unusual as most Left Bank wines are Cabernet dominated. As a result, the wines tend to be very round and soft in character. The vines are now 25 years old, and at the optimum maturity for producing really concentrated flavours. The current generation of the Bouey family have made changes in vineyard management to improve qualityand similarly, have made investments in the cellar too. The wine is matured in oak barrels for ten months. This Merlot-based claret has a good, deep colour and a lovely soft mouthfeel, with toasty oak aromas and flavours of damsons mulberries and blackcurrants. It will be delicious with roast meats, especially lamb with garlic, game dishes such as venison or rabbit with prunes.
Bodegas Primicia Carravacas Reserva 2003 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bodegas Primicia's deliciously mature Reserva is crafted with real polish from the 'first fruit' (primicia) of top local vineyard, Carravacas. The estate has seen great success over the years, including being named among Rioja's Top 20 houses in Decanter magazine by John Radford, the UK's leading Rioja authority. ''Deep, chocolaty with fresh strawberry, vanilla and subtle tobacco leaf flavours. Years to go!''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bodegas Primicia's deliciously mature Reserva is crafted with real polish from the 'first fruit' (primicia) of top local vineyard, Carravacas. The estate has seen great success over the years, including being named among Rioja's Top 20 houses in Decanter magazine by John Radford, the UK's leading Rioja authority. ''Deep, chocolaty with fresh strawberry, vanilla and subtle tobacco leaf flavours. Years to go!''
Chateau Leboscq 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous vintage won Decanter's Wine of the Year and this one's a 2005! Concentrated old-vine fruit is fermented and aged in oak at the multi award-winning Chateau Leboscq. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, the property was bought by Claude Lapalu in 1972. The estate featuring a beautiful 19th century building is in St Christoly Medoc, with vines overlooking the Gironde estuary. Winemaker Jean-Michel Lapalu, Claude's son, produced the stunning 2005 which he aged in top quality Merrain oak barrels - known for lending depth and structure to fine claret without overpowering the fruit. Bright ruby colour, with enticing ripe fruit aromas and a subtle hints of clove and vanilla. Good depth of flavour and lovely weight in the mouth. Ripe, rounded, full of crushed berries and minerals, full-body & fine tannins. This complex and expressive claret is gorgeous with Sunday roasts, rare fillet steaks or even wild mushroom risotto.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous vintage won Decanter's Wine of the Year and this one's a 2005! Concentrated old-vine fruit is fermented and aged in oak at the multi award-winning Chateau Leboscq. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois in 1932, the property was bought by Claude Lapalu in 1972. The estate featuring a beautiful 19th century building is in St Christoly Medoc, with vines overlooking the Gironde estuary. Winemaker Jean-Michel Lapalu, Claude's son, produced the stunning 2005 which he aged in top quality Merrain oak barrels - known for lending depth and structure to fine claret without overpowering the fruit. Bright ruby colour, with enticing ripe fruit aromas and a subtle hints of clove and vanilla. Good depth of flavour and lovely weight in the mouth. Ripe, rounded, full of crushed berries and minerals, full-body & fine tannins. This complex and expressive claret is gorgeous with Sunday roasts, rare fillet steaks or even wild mushroom risotto.
Chateau de Montpatey 2005 - £10.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wait until you taste this ... a silky-smooth, gloriously rich 2005 from winemaking legend Alain Servau, whose Grand Cru reds sell out for #50-#100 a bottle, win huge acclaim and are a must-have for collectors worldwide. Alain describes conditions as ''perfect'' in 2005 ... Pinot Noir grapes, hand-picked from the steep slopes of Chateau de Montpatey's tiny vineyard, came in bursting with health ... and incredibly deep flavours. ''One great advantage of 2005 is the quality and value of Bourgogne Rouge - gorgeous, with intense, silky palates'' (The Times) As Alain says, you do very little with fruit this good - just let the Pinot Noir flavours sing ... amplified in such a top year and rounded out by fine oak ageing. ''Delicious red Burgundy from a vintage that'll be talked about for years! Has Alain's trademark purity and elegance. Intense, classic raspberry and violet aromas lead to a velvety, voluptuous palate with impressive length of flavour. Perfect with rich game dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wait until you taste this ... a silky-smooth, gloriously rich 2005 from winemaking legend Alain Servau, whose Grand Cru reds sell out for #50-#100 a bottle, win huge acclaim and are a must-have for collectors worldwide. Alain describes conditions as ''perfect'' in 2005 ... Pinot Noir grapes, hand-picked from the steep slopes of Chateau de Montpatey's tiny vineyard, came in bursting with health ... and incredibly deep flavours. ''One great advantage of 2005 is the quality and value of Bourgogne Rouge - gorgeous, with intense, silky palates'' (The Times) As Alain says, you do very little with fruit this good - just let the Pinot Noir flavours sing ... amplified in such a top year and rounded out by fine oak ageing. ''Delicious red Burgundy from a vintage that'll be talked about for years! Has Alain's trademark purity and elegance. Intense, classic raspberry and violet aromas lead to a velvety, voluptuous palate with impressive length of flavour. Perfect with rich game dishes.''