Wine from Other Countries between £8.00 and £12.00 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.
Chapelle St Arnoux 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Founded in 1717, Chapelle St Arnoux is an ancient family estate whose amazing 100-year-old vines deliver intensely juicy Grenache, spicy Syrah and dark Mourvedre - the classic grapes of Chateauneuf ... never richer or riper thanks to 2005's remarkably hot Summer. Seductive black cherry and cassis fruit, coupled with subtle herb, pepper and spice notes. Intensely rich, soft and with a delicious hint of vanilla oak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Founded in 1717, Chapelle St Arnoux is an ancient family estate whose amazing 100-year-old vines deliver intensely juicy Grenache, spicy Syrah and dark Mourvedre - the classic grapes of Chateauneuf ... never richer or riper thanks to 2005's remarkably hot Summer. Seductive black cherry and cassis fruit, coupled with subtle herb, pepper and spice notes. Intensely rich, soft and with a delicious hint of vanilla oak.
Schroeder Estate Merlot 2006 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We often tell you we go the extra mile to hunt down the world's most exciting wines and here's the perfect case in point! A stunning NEW arrival direct from a region creating serious excitement among experts worldwide. When they heard a whisper about a former Argentinean Winery of the Year making top-quality wines in Patagonia, our buyers were straight on the case. An arduous journey later (plus a night stranded at Buenos Aires airport!) led them to the family-run Schroeder Estate. ''Our most exciting discovery in years! I tasted Merlot grapes from the vine - the tiniest I'd ever seen - amazing fruit concentration!'' (Peter Greet, Head Buyer) This magnificent Merlot is a silky, plum-laden masterpiece with remarkable New World purity and Bordeaux-like elegance. Schroeder Estate is on the brink of making a real impact on the fine wine arena, the world over. But they're keen to get their reds into the glasses of those who will appreciate them most - hurry for your share!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We often tell you we go the extra mile to hunt down the world's most exciting wines and here's the perfect case in point! A stunning NEW arrival direct from a region creating serious excitement among experts worldwide. When they heard a whisper about a former Argentinean Winery of the Year making top-quality wines in Patagonia, our buyers were straight on the case. An arduous journey later (plus a night stranded at Buenos Aires airport!) led them to the family-run Schroeder Estate. ''Our most exciting discovery in years! I tasted Merlot grapes from the vine - the tiniest I'd ever seen - amazing fruit concentration!'' (Peter Greet, Head Buyer) This magnificent Merlot is a silky, plum-laden masterpiece with remarkable New World purity and Bordeaux-like elegance. Schroeder Estate is on the brink of making a real impact on the fine wine arena, the world over. But they're keen to get their reds into the glasses of those who will appreciate them most - hurry for your share!
Schroeder Estate Merlot - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We often tell you we go the extra mile to hunt down the world's most exciting wines and here's the perfect case in point! A stunning NEW arrival direct from a region creating serious excitement among experts worldwide. When they heard a whisper about a former Argentinean Winery of the Year making top-quality wines in Patagonia, our buyers were straight on the case. An arduous journey later (plus a night stranded at Buenos Aires airport!) led them to the family-run Schroeder Estate. ''Our most exciting discovery in years! I tasted Merlot grapes from the vine - the tiniest I'd ever seen - amazing fruit concentration!'' (Peter Greet, Head Buyer) This magnificent Merlot is a silky, plum-laden masterpiece with remarkable New World purity and Bordeaux-like elegance. Schroeder Estate is on the brink of making a real impact on the fine wine arena, the world over. But they're keen to get their reds into the glasses of those who will appreciate them most - hurry for your share!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We often tell you we go the extra mile to hunt down the world's most exciting wines and here's the perfect case in point! A stunning NEW arrival direct from a region creating serious excitement among experts worldwide. When they heard a whisper about a former Argentinean Winery of the Year making top-quality wines in Patagonia, our buyers were straight on the case. An arduous journey later (plus a night stranded at Buenos Aires airport!) led them to the family-run Schroeder Estate. ''Our most exciting discovery in years! I tasted Merlot grapes from the vine - the tiniest I'd ever seen - amazing fruit concentration!'' (Peter Greet, Head Buyer) This magnificent Merlot is a silky, plum-laden masterpiece with remarkable New World purity and Bordeaux-like elegance. Schroeder Estate is on the brink of making a real impact on the fine wine arena, the world over. But they're keen to get their reds into the glasses of those who will appreciate them most - hurry for your share!
Chateau La Fleur 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
In good vintages, this Saint-Emilion satellite is a treasure trove for bargain hunters - and 2005 is magnificent! This mouthfilling, Merlot-rich gem is made from the premium fruit of 50-year-old vines sharing the same terroir as some of the biggest names in Saint-Emilion - but without the accompanying price tag. Tiny volumes allow lavish cru classe levels of care and attention. A super find from the talented winemakers at Chateau La Fleur. Very limited stocks! Deep violet purple with a perfumed nose of ripe plums, cherries and vanilla. There are already lots of soft, rich damson and mulberry flavours and a delicious lick of creamy oak - and it'll improve over the next seven years.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
In good vintages, this Saint-Emilion satellite is a treasure trove for bargain hunters - and 2005 is magnificent! This mouthfilling, Merlot-rich gem is made from the premium fruit of 50-year-old vines sharing the same terroir as some of the biggest names in Saint-Emilion - but without the accompanying price tag. Tiny volumes allow lavish cru classe levels of care and attention. A super find from the talented winemakers at Chateau La Fleur. Very limited stocks! Deep violet purple with a perfumed nose of ripe plums, cherries and vanilla. There are already lots of soft, rich damson and mulberry flavours and a delicious lick of creamy oak - and it'll improve over the next seven years.
Reserve du Beauvernay 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Cru wines are the creme de la creme from the finest sites in the Beaujolais region. In 2005 the elements conspired to produce a vintage of extraordinary splendour. Perfect ripeness, stunning intensity and exquisite balance are its hallmarks. From an award-winning cellar in Julienas, we've selected one of The Wines of the Vintage. Don't miss it!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Cru wines are the creme de la creme from the finest sites in the Beaujolais region. In 2005 the elements conspired to produce a vintage of extraordinary splendour. Perfect ripeness, stunning intensity and exquisite balance are its hallmarks. From an award-winning cellar in Julienas, we've selected one of The Wines of the Vintage. Don't miss it!
Andre Dupuis 'Le Merrandier' Pinot Noir 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The name 'Merrandier' refers to the individual who selects the oak for the finest barrels whilst still 'on the tree'. Requiring a keen eye, the skill is highly prized and often passed from father to son (like truffle hunting). The resulting fine oak barrels add wonderful complexity to their wines. 2005 was a memorable year producing Burgundies with deep red fruit and the capacity to age well. Andre is famous for his devotion to quality - he lays straw in the vineyard to force his vines to work harder for water and concentrating the flavour of each grape. Rich with plum and raspberry flavours that linger. Superb served with wild mushroom omelette, pan fried pigeon breast or beef bourgignon.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The name 'Merrandier' refers to the individual who selects the oak for the finest barrels whilst still 'on the tree'. Requiring a keen eye, the skill is highly prized and often passed from father to son (like truffle hunting). The resulting fine oak barrels add wonderful complexity to their wines. 2005 was a memorable year producing Burgundies with deep red fruit and the capacity to age well. Andre is famous for his devotion to quality - he lays straw in the vineyard to force his vines to work harder for water and concentrating the flavour of each grape. Rich with plum and raspberry flavours that linger. Superb served with wild mushroom omelette, pan fried pigeon breast or beef bourgignon.
Tempesto - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Tempesto is a bold, spicy red ...the marriage of two premium grapes from Italy's two most exciting and beautiful wine islands, Sardinia and Sicily. Mario Murra is a dynamic young winemaker from Sardinia, where top bottles sell for #35 plus. On a trip to Sicily he met Mirella Lombardo, famous for her Pinot Noir, Pinot Nero del Vulcano, grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. During the 2006 wonder vintage, they created the first wine of the two islands, combining Mario's Cannonau (Chateauneuf's Grenache) with Mirella's rich, volcanic Pinot Nero. The result is a quality match to smart red Burgundy with a uniquely Italian character. Rich, spicy nose with hints of wild herbs. In the glass, it positively oozes black fruit thanks to the Med's abundant sunshine, but the unique treat is the subtle minerality from Mirella's volcanic Pinot Noir!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Tempesto is a bold, spicy red ...the marriage of two premium grapes from Italy's two most exciting and beautiful wine islands, Sardinia and Sicily. Mario Murra is a dynamic young winemaker from Sardinia, where top bottles sell for #35 plus. On a trip to Sicily he met Mirella Lombardo, famous for her Pinot Noir, Pinot Nero del Vulcano, grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. During the 2006 wonder vintage, they created the first wine of the two islands, combining Mario's Cannonau (Chateauneuf's Grenache) with Mirella's rich, volcanic Pinot Nero. The result is a quality match to smart red Burgundy with a uniquely Italian character. Rich, spicy nose with hints of wild herbs. In the glass, it positively oozes black fruit thanks to the Med's abundant sunshine, but the unique treat is the subtle minerality from Mirella's volcanic Pinot Noir!
Elliott Estate Single Vineyard Malbec 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Malbec's a traditional French grape, grown in a handful of Aussie vineyards - but here's what it can do, helped by the best Oz vintage in decades. ''Mulberries, spiced mocha and fine tannins make for lovely, complex mouthful. Delicious with BBQ ribs and roast leg of goat (or lamb).'' Very limited volumes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Malbec's a traditional French grape, grown in a handful of Aussie vineyards - but here's what it can do, helped by the best Oz vintage in decades. ''Mulberries, spiced mocha and fine tannins make for lovely, complex mouthful. Delicious with BBQ ribs and roast leg of goat (or lamb).'' Very limited volumes.
Domaine du Vieux Cerisier 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Beaujolais crus... these wines can achieve extraordinary heights. After a good spell of bottle-ageing, which the best wines invariably demand, they can come to resemble Burgundian Pinot Noir. And they represent good value, especially at the higher price levels.'' (Richard Ehrlich, The Independent on Sunday) Julienas is the most northerly of the Beaujolais cru and the wines made here are real charmers - especially in a year such as 2005, the likes of which have not been seen for decades. Domaine du Vieux Cerisier ('the old cherry tree estate') won Gold in 2005. To win Gold in any vintage is remarkable, in a year as great as this the wine has to be truly phenomenal. And it is! Well padded with incredibly delicious red and black fruit flavours. It's fragrant, smooth, rich and utterly seductive. Deserves to be served with duck in plum sauce, turkey and cranberry sauce, or gourmet sausages with caramelised onion marmalade.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Beaujolais crus... these wines can achieve extraordinary heights. After a good spell of bottle-ageing, which the best wines invariably demand, they can come to resemble Burgundian Pinot Noir. And they represent good value, especially at the higher price levels.'' (Richard Ehrlich, The Independent on Sunday) Julienas is the most northerly of the Beaujolais cru and the wines made here are real charmers - especially in a year such as 2005, the likes of which have not been seen for decades. Domaine du Vieux Cerisier ('the old cherry tree estate') won Gold in 2005. To win Gold in any vintage is remarkable, in a year as great as this the wine has to be truly phenomenal. And it is! Well padded with incredibly delicious red and black fruit flavours. It's fragrant, smooth, rich and utterly seductive. Deserves to be served with duck in plum sauce, turkey and cranberry sauce, or gourmet sausages with caramelised onion marmalade.
Harman's Road Shiraz 2004 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A secret deal with a super-exclusive Margaret River winery (that must remain anonymous so as to protect their brand) brings you Harman's Road Shiraz 2004. Last year you snapped up a thrilling, pure Cabernet - then we received a second urgent call: ''stunning wine ... buyer urgently needed''. It was from one of the very greatest estates in the heartland of the beautiful Margaret River region - their flagship red is currently selling in the UK at #30 a bottle - and this is a meticulously crafted, oak-matured gem. The fruit for this perfect Shiraz comes from a little further south in the renowned Frankland River region of the state. The climate here is 'cool' by Aussie standards - but still not far off that of Syrah's homeland, the northern Rhone! Rich ruby colour, wonderful bouquet of dark berries with a peppery edge. Seriously big but rounded and infused with subtle oak from a degree of barrel ageing. Excellent value.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A secret deal with a super-exclusive Margaret River winery (that must remain anonymous so as to protect their brand) brings you Harman's Road Shiraz 2004. Last year you snapped up a thrilling, pure Cabernet - then we received a second urgent call: ''stunning wine ... buyer urgently needed''. It was from one of the very greatest estates in the heartland of the beautiful Margaret River region - their flagship red is currently selling in the UK at #30 a bottle - and this is a meticulously crafted, oak-matured gem. The fruit for this perfect Shiraz comes from a little further south in the renowned Frankland River region of the state. The climate here is 'cool' by Aussie standards - but still not far off that of Syrah's homeland, the northern Rhone! Rich ruby colour, wonderful bouquet of dark berries with a peppery edge. Seriously big but rounded and infused with subtle oak from a degree of barrel ageing. Excellent value.
Harman's Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From one of the greatest names in the heartland of the Margaret River region comes this stunning Cabernet. Although many won't have heard of Harman's Road before, the wine that is inside the bottle comes from a very famous source. After a hush-hush tip-off from our winemaking friends in Australia, we came to the aid of a premium, multi-gold medal winning winery that was facing cash flow problems. We agreed not to name the winery and they agreed to let us have the wine at over 40% less than it would 'normally' go for. And what a wine! Only the purest fruit and finest oak barrels are used, creating its dense, ripe berry and subtle creamy vanilla flavour. The flagship wines from this producer goes for as much as #30 a bottle... and in our opinion, this wine under its own branding wouldn't go for much less ''Vibrant purple with scents of smoky blackberry, dried herbs and blackcurrants with a cool climate elegance of rich, pure-tasting black fruits. Classic Cabernet and perfect for special occasions.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From one of the greatest names in the heartland of the Margaret River region comes this stunning Cabernet. Although many won't have heard of Harman's Road before, the wine that is inside the bottle comes from a very famous source. After a hush-hush tip-off from our winemaking friends in Australia, we came to the aid of a premium, multi-gold medal winning winery that was facing cash flow problems. We agreed not to name the winery and they agreed to let us have the wine at over 40% less than it would 'normally' go for. And what a wine! Only the purest fruit and finest oak barrels are used, creating its dense, ripe berry and subtle creamy vanilla flavour. The flagship wines from this producer goes for as much as #30 a bottle... and in our opinion, this wine under its own branding wouldn't go for much less ''Vibrant purple with scents of smoky blackberry, dried herbs and blackcurrants with a cool climate elegance of rich, pure-tasting black fruits. Classic Cabernet and perfect for special occasions.''
Chateau Mayne Guyon 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing an exciting NEW addition to our cellars. Fresh from Premieres Cotes de Blaye - a region that represents ''undeniable quality and value'' (Robert Parker) this sumptuous claret is packed with rich, elegant fruit. Since Bernard Cazeneuve took over Chateau Mayne Guyon 15-years ago, wine quality has soared! With every single vintage in the last ten years winning at least a silver medal (2005 won a Gold) - the wines are rivalling illustrious neighbours just across the river in Margaux. Bernard says that Chateau Mayne Guyon 2005 is the best vintage he's ever produced, packed with ''massive concentration and fruit''. Made using 80% Merlot, the wine is overflowing with ripe brambly fruit flavours. Irresistibly soft, your guests will love you for sharing this!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Introducing an exciting NEW addition to our cellars. Fresh from Premieres Cotes de Blaye - a region that represents ''undeniable quality and value'' (Robert Parker) this sumptuous claret is packed with rich, elegant fruit. Since Bernard Cazeneuve took over Chateau Mayne Guyon 15-years ago, wine quality has soared! With every single vintage in the last ten years winning at least a silver medal (2005 won a Gold) - the wines are rivalling illustrious neighbours just across the river in Margaux. Bernard says that Chateau Mayne Guyon 2005 is the best vintage he's ever produced, packed with ''massive concentration and fruit''. Made using 80% Merlot, the wine is overflowing with ripe brambly fruit flavours. Irresistibly soft, your guests will love you for sharing this!
Martin Zahn Tokay Pinot Gris - £9.99
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
Scarpantoni Unwooded Chardonnay - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Gone are the days of heavily oaked Aussie Chardonnays. Wood-free, fruit-laden delights like this are now the preferred style. The Scarpantoni brothers do it so very well. Not surprising really for a, estate that won the country's most soughty-after award - 2007 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy. 'Pop' Scarpantoni came out to Australia from Italy after the war and settled in the McLaren Vale. He worked for Thomas Hardy and Sons and then as a vineyard manager at Seaview introducing innovative, water-saving 'contour' vineyards in the 1960s. Today his sons Fil and Michael carry on the great family tradition of doing things their way and winning hundreds of medals in the process. Fresh nose and crisp stone fruit flavours. Lovely balance - very classic, modern Aussie style.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Gone are the days of heavily oaked Aussie Chardonnays. Wood-free, fruit-laden delights like this are now the preferred style. The Scarpantoni brothers do it so very well. Not surprising really for a, estate that won the country's most soughty-after award - 2007 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy. 'Pop' Scarpantoni came out to Australia from Italy after the war and settled in the McLaren Vale. He worked for Thomas Hardy and Sons and then as a vineyard manager at Seaview introducing innovative, water-saving 'contour' vineyards in the 1960s. Today his sons Fil and Michael carry on the great family tradition of doing things their way and winning hundreds of medals in the process. Fresh nose and crisp stone fruit flavours. Lovely balance - very classic, modern Aussie style.
Reserve du Beauvernay 2006 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
If you like your reds soft, seductive and brimming with smooth Summer fruit character, then this is the wine for you. Reserve de Beauvernay is luscious Cru Beaujolais from Julienas ... the most consistently delicious of all the region's top quality villages. The vineyards of Julienas have been highly prized since the reign of Julius Caesar, thanks to its wonderfully sheltered, sun-kissed slopes. This gives the grapes more time to ripen, developing rich, concentrated red berry flavours. Enticing aromas of strawberry and raspberry lead to silken mouthfuls of ripe red fruit. Serve gently chilled as a lavish aperitif or with charcuterie, game or even seared salmon.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
If you like your reds soft, seductive and brimming with smooth Summer fruit character, then this is the wine for you. Reserve de Beauvernay is luscious Cru Beaujolais from Julienas ... the most consistently delicious of all the region's top quality villages. The vineyards of Julienas have been highly prized since the reign of Julius Caesar, thanks to its wonderfully sheltered, sun-kissed slopes. This gives the grapes more time to ripen, developing rich, concentrated red berry flavours. Enticing aromas of strawberry and raspberry lead to silken mouthfuls of ripe red fruit. Serve gently chilled as a lavish aperitif or with charcuterie, game or even seared salmon.
Jean-Marc Lafont Cote du Py 2006 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
With their Cote du Py, dynamic duo Jean-Marc and Annick Lafont provide sumptuous proof that wines from the Crus and a reputable source rarely disappoint. There is a massive quality step up from Beaujolais-Villages to one of the ten Cru, particularly a Morgon - whose wines (along with Moulin a Vent and Chenas) are the big ones of Beaujolais. Jean-Marc and Annick attribute the meaty intensity of their Morgon to the miserly yields of 50-year-old vines ... and obsessive attention to detail from the hand harvesting through to bottling assures the purity of flavours in the glass. Brimful of rich cherry and plum flavours, enhanced by mineral and spice notes - soft, succulent and structured excellence.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
With their Cote du Py, dynamic duo Jean-Marc and Annick Lafont provide sumptuous proof that wines from the Crus and a reputable source rarely disappoint. There is a massive quality step up from Beaujolais-Villages to one of the ten Cru, particularly a Morgon - whose wines (along with Moulin a Vent and Chenas) are the big ones of Beaujolais. Jean-Marc and Annick attribute the meaty intensity of their Morgon to the miserly yields of 50-year-old vines ... and obsessive attention to detail from the hand harvesting through to bottling assures the purity of flavours in the glass. Brimful of rich cherry and plum flavours, enhanced by mineral and spice notes - soft, succulent and structured excellence.
Selection de la Hante - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Moulin a Vent is hailed as the King of Beaujolais for its ''powerful and concentrated'' wines (Parker). Didier Rageot's boasts intense blackberry fruits and award-winning complexity ... it took all of our buyer's skill to secure this tiny parcel - don't miss out!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Moulin a Vent is hailed as the King of Beaujolais for its ''powerful and concentrated'' wines (Parker). Didier Rageot's boasts intense blackberry fruits and award-winning complexity ... it took all of our buyer's skill to secure this tiny parcel - don't miss out!
Chateau Muret Haut Medoc - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bordeaux fans take note. It's not every day we can offer you beautifully mature, nine-year-old claret of such acclaimed quality ... and at such a bargain price! Chateau Muret 1999 is plum-drenched Merlot and silky, cassis-rich Cabernet from some of the best vineyards in the Haut-Medoc (they overlook #40-a-bottle Chateau Sociando-Mallet), aged a year in fine French oak ... and now drinking perfectly after a further eight years in bottle. France's wine bible Le Guide Hachette was so impressed with its ''powerful and long finish'', they awarded it their highest honour - a Coup de Coeur! Only 5% of any vintage wines receive such an accolade. Classic cassis, plums, spice box and tobacco with great body, structure and elegance. A textbook mature claret, drinking perfectly now or for years to come!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bordeaux fans take note. It's not every day we can offer you beautifully mature, nine-year-old claret of such acclaimed quality ... and at such a bargain price! Chateau Muret 1999 is plum-drenched Merlot and silky, cassis-rich Cabernet from some of the best vineyards in the Haut-Medoc (they overlook #40-a-bottle Chateau Sociando-Mallet), aged a year in fine French oak ... and now drinking perfectly after a further eight years in bottle. France's wine bible Le Guide Hachette was so impressed with its ''powerful and long finish'', they awarded it their highest honour - a Coup de Coeur! Only 5% of any vintage wines receive such an accolade. Classic cassis, plums, spice box and tobacco with great body, structure and elegance. A textbook mature claret, drinking perfectly now or for years to come!
Farnese Casale Vecchio 2006 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Farnese's flagship red has won top medals every year since first released in 1998 ... the reason being that it's meticulously handmade by Filippo Baccalaro from just a few rows of Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo's highest, oldest - and according to many - greatest vineyard. As you'd expect of Farnese's top-of-the-range red there's a seemingly endless depth of flavour here. And this year the grapes ripened during ''Italy's best vintage in many years'' (Decanter)... picking up another two big awards! Strong ruby red colour with violet hues, richly fruity with a strong aroma of wild berries and prunes and warming, spicy notes from ageing in oak barriques. Soft, well-balanced and perfectly harmonious.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Farnese's flagship red has won top medals every year since first released in 1998 ... the reason being that it's meticulously handmade by Filippo Baccalaro from just a few rows of Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo's highest, oldest - and according to many - greatest vineyard. As you'd expect of Farnese's top-of-the-range red there's a seemingly endless depth of flavour here. And this year the grapes ripened during ''Italy's best vintage in many years'' (Decanter)... picking up another two big awards! Strong ruby red colour with violet hues, richly fruity with a strong aroma of wild berries and prunes and warming, spicy notes from ageing in oak barriques. Soft, well-balanced and perfectly harmonious.
The Yelverton Reserve Margaret River Barrel Aged Shiraz 2005 - £9.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Crafted at an ''outstanding winery ... producing wines of the highest calibre, 5 stars'' (James Halliday) this sumptuous Shiraz was offered to us with an incredible saving, providing we didn't disclose the true identity of the estate. Their flagship wines rarely sell for less than #30 a bottle - so an offering at this price demands secrecy! One sip and you'll agree that this is an astonishing bargain! The fruit for this succulent Shiraz comes from the Margaret River - ''one of the great wine regions of the world'' (The Sunday Times) - never riper thanks to a pitch-perfect 2005 vintage. Deep ruby colour, wonderful aromas of dark berries with a peppery edge. Seriously big but rounded and infused with subtle oak from a degree of barrel ageing. Excellent value.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Crafted at an ''outstanding winery ... producing wines of the highest calibre, 5 stars'' (James Halliday) this sumptuous Shiraz was offered to us with an incredible saving, providing we didn't disclose the true identity of the estate. Their flagship wines rarely sell for less than #30 a bottle - so an offering at this price demands secrecy! One sip and you'll agree that this is an astonishing bargain! The fruit for this succulent Shiraz comes from the Margaret River - ''one of the great wine regions of the world'' (The Sunday Times) - never riper thanks to a pitch-perfect 2005 vintage. Deep ruby colour, wonderful aromas of dark berries with a peppery edge. Seriously big but rounded and infused with subtle oak from a degree of barrel ageing. Excellent value.