Red Wine between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
Westend Estate The Boxer Oak Aged Durif 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous three vintages of Bill Calabria's mighty Durif have won 16 awards (including 4 Golds). Lots more expected for this rich, dark new release - thanks to a super-ripe 2007 vintage! Durif is normally used as a ''turbocharge'' to add inky-black, full-flavoured fruit to lesser wines. Though increasingly popular, pure Durifs are still rare. The grape that ''takes no prisoners'' (The Observer) needs a master to tame it ... and what a master Bill is! Inky-dark in colour, with aromas of blackberry, liquorice and spice. Astonishingly smooth, with BIG flavours of ripe black cherries, chocolate and soft oak that linger on and on and on ... great with rich, meaty casseroles and rare steaks.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The previous three vintages of Bill Calabria's mighty Durif have won 16 awards (including 4 Golds). Lots more expected for this rich, dark new release - thanks to a super-ripe 2007 vintage! Durif is normally used as a ''turbocharge'' to add inky-black, full-flavoured fruit to lesser wines. Though increasingly popular, pure Durifs are still rare. The grape that ''takes no prisoners'' (The Observer) needs a master to tame it ... and what a master Bill is! Inky-dark in colour, with aromas of blackberry, liquorice and spice. Astonishingly smooth, with BIG flavours of ripe black cherries, chocolate and soft oak that linger on and on and on ... great with rich, meaty casseroles and rare steaks.
Berton Old Vine Shiraz 2007 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy, Crook road Verdelho and many more besides. But today he brings you his richest red to date ... a magnificently dark, old-vine Shiraz! Made from tiny Shiraz grapes, from the oldest (and most precious) plot in Bob's vineyard, this seductive red owes its deep flavour to Australia's sun-packed 2007 vintage! The intense, arid heat produced extremely small yields of super-concentrated grapes - perfect for making full-bodied reds like this! Inky-dark in colour with powerful blackberry and cracked pepper aromas. Velvety-smooth mouthfuls of captivating black fruit, intermingled with creamy vanilla oak. A delicious and rewarding glass on its own, or the perfect partner to steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy, Crook road Verdelho and many more besides. But today he brings you his richest red to date ... a magnificently dark, old-vine Shiraz! Made from tiny Shiraz grapes, from the oldest (and most precious) plot in Bob's vineyard, this seductive red owes its deep flavour to Australia's sun-packed 2007 vintage! The intense, arid heat produced extremely small yields of super-concentrated grapes - perfect for making full-bodied reds like this! Inky-dark in colour with powerful blackberry and cracked pepper aromas. Velvety-smooth mouthfuls of captivating black fruit, intermingled with creamy vanilla oak. A delicious and rewarding glass on its own, or the perfect partner to steak.
Gran Martinez Corta 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Virtuoso winemakers for three generations, the Martinez Corta family are blessed with low yielding vineyards in the premium Rioja Alta. Unusually for Rioja, the family own all the vineyards, so they can ensure their vines receive the best care. Entirely hand-harvested from the estate's oldest Tempranillo vines (up to 100-years old!) this intensely flavoured wine receives all-star treatment - from vineyard to bottle! Hot-shot winemaker, Felix Martinez Anzoategui aged the wine in the new French oak barrels, usually reserved for their top-flight wines, for even more luxurious depth. A warm embrace of ripe, concentrated berry fruit, intertwined with vanilla spice leading to a silky smooth finish. Enjoy with roast lamb, tomato-based chicken dishes, roasted vegetable lasagne or Manchego.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Virtuoso winemakers for three generations, the Martinez Corta family are blessed with low yielding vineyards in the premium Rioja Alta. Unusually for Rioja, the family own all the vineyards, so they can ensure their vines receive the best care. Entirely hand-harvested from the estate's oldest Tempranillo vines (up to 100-years old!) this intensely flavoured wine receives all-star treatment - from vineyard to bottle! Hot-shot winemaker, Felix Martinez Anzoategui aged the wine in the new French oak barrels, usually reserved for their top-flight wines, for even more luxurious depth. A warm embrace of ripe, concentrated berry fruit, intertwined with vanilla spice leading to a silky smooth finish. Enjoy with roast lamb, tomato-based chicken dishes, roasted vegetable lasagne or Manchego.
Calabria Saint Macaire Oak Aged 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's fantastic Saint Macaire - a huge red from a long-lost Bordeaux grape variety - is fast becoming a cult classic. This knockout grape variety was named after a charming French village not far from Bordeaux. Years ago it was grown aplenty but they might as well call the village St. Merlot these days because there's no St. Macaire planted anymore. All the village's vineyards are now filled with more recognisable Merlot and Cabernet. It seems all the Saint Macaire has gone to Bill's estate - where his magic touch has crafted a rich, mouthfilling red from the gnarled sixty year-old vines. ''Intense dark red with ripe blackcurrant aromas. Rich blackberry, plum and toasty oak flavours are supported by supple tannins. Delicious with roasted lamb with fresh herbs, and vintage cheeses.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's fantastic Saint Macaire - a huge red from a long-lost Bordeaux grape variety - is fast becoming a cult classic. This knockout grape variety was named after a charming French village not far from Bordeaux. Years ago it was grown aplenty but they might as well call the village St. Merlot these days because there's no St. Macaire planted anymore. All the village's vineyards are now filled with more recognisable Merlot and Cabernet. It seems all the Saint Macaire has gone to Bill's estate - where his magic touch has crafted a rich, mouthfilling red from the gnarled sixty year-old vines. ''Intense dark red with ripe blackcurrant aromas. Rich blackberry, plum and toasty oak flavours are supported by supple tannins. Delicious with roasted lamb with fresh herbs, and vintage cheeses.''
Alta Tierra Syrah/Viognier 2006 - £8.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Alta Tierra Syrah first made the world sit up and take note at the inaugural Wines of Chile Awards in 2004 - scooping overall BEST Wine of Show Trophy. Back then judge and fine wine critic Steven Spurrier likened it to top Rhone Valley Syrah - the kind that starts at #20 per bottle. High praise indeed! Now try the winery's take on Cote-Rotie - the ultra-rare (famously pricey) Rhone Syrah. Just as in Cote Rotie, a dash of exquisite white grape Viognier is added to dark and spicy Shiraz - with uplifting, hedonistic results. Near-endless Elqui sunshine and winemaker Aldo Olivier's deft touch make for an opulent, brambly, pepper-edged Syrah. Viognier adds the most delicious aromatic lift. Enjoy with a prime cut of red meat.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Alta Tierra Syrah first made the world sit up and take note at the inaugural Wines of Chile Awards in 2004 - scooping overall BEST Wine of Show Trophy. Back then judge and fine wine critic Steven Spurrier likened it to top Rhone Valley Syrah - the kind that starts at #20 per bottle. High praise indeed! Now try the winery's take on Cote-Rotie - the ultra-rare (famously pricey) Rhone Syrah. Just as in Cote Rotie, a dash of exquisite white grape Viognier is added to dark and spicy Shiraz - with uplifting, hedonistic results. Near-endless Elqui sunshine and winemaker Aldo Olivier's deft touch make for an opulent, brambly, pepper-edged Syrah. Viognier adds the most delicious aromatic lift. Enjoy with a prime cut of red meat.
Campo Viejo Reserva 75cl - £50.16
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.36 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
On the palate it is smooth and balanced, with an elegant, full mouth feel and along, lingering finish in which you can find cocoa and coffee flavours.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.36 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
On the palate it is smooth and balanced, with an elegant, full mouth feel and along, lingering finish in which you can find cocoa and coffee flavours.
Tamada Saperavi Reserve 2005 - £8.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Authentic, original and thoroughly delicious, Tamada Reserve makes a great conversation point - because unless you're dining with those 'in the know', you can bet no-one else will have brought a Georgian wine! This rare gem comes from vineyards that were prized by Russian nobility, and draws on 3,000 years of winemaking heritage. Made from Georgia's Saperavi grape, Tamada is very long-lived - you can enjoy it now or cellar as you would fine claret. Perfect for dinner party drinking - elegant black fruit with a creamy, vanilla richness that comes from 12 months' ageing in French barrels. This seriously rich and smooth red goes beautifully with all kinds of food especially roasts and casseroles.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Authentic, original and thoroughly delicious, Tamada Reserve makes a great conversation point - because unless you're dining with those 'in the know', you can bet no-one else will have brought a Georgian wine! This rare gem comes from vineyards that were prized by Russian nobility, and draws on 3,000 years of winemaking heritage. Made from Georgia's Saperavi grape, Tamada is very long-lived - you can enjoy it now or cellar as you would fine claret. Perfect for dinner party drinking - elegant black fruit with a creamy, vanilla richness that comes from 12 months' ageing in French barrels. This seriously rich and smooth red goes beautifully with all kinds of food especially roasts and casseroles.
Alta Tierra Carmenere Syrah 2005 - £8.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From low-yielding vineyards on the edge of the Atacama Desert, this is a real discovery - only one other winery operates so far in the Elqui valley but the quality is attracting world-wide interest. The brainchild of Aldo Olivier and his cousin Giorgio Flessati, the Alta Tierra vineyards were first planted in 1995 and bore their first fruits for vintage in 2000. The sheer hard work (blasting rock to set up irrigation systems, shifting soil) and the wait are proving to be worth it ... the lack of pollution and consequent crystal-clear nights and sunny days giving amazingly concentrated, pure juice. This beauty combines Chilean success story Carmenere with the more international Syrah to great effect. Inky black with a medley of woodland fruits, warm spices and tobacco. Smooth and rounded, this is a most memorable modern classic.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From low-yielding vineyards on the edge of the Atacama Desert, this is a real discovery - only one other winery operates so far in the Elqui valley but the quality is attracting world-wide interest. The brainchild of Aldo Olivier and his cousin Giorgio Flessati, the Alta Tierra vineyards were first planted in 1995 and bore their first fruits for vintage in 2000. The sheer hard work (blasting rock to set up irrigation systems, shifting soil) and the wait are proving to be worth it ... the lack of pollution and consequent crystal-clear nights and sunny days giving amazingly concentrated, pure juice. This beauty combines Chilean success story Carmenere with the more international Syrah to great effect. Inky black with a medley of woodland fruits, warm spices and tobacco. Smooth and rounded, this is a most memorable modern classic.
Domaine des Carbonnieres 2005 - £8.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Prime-sited vines in top villages enable this superb cellar to make world class reds with plenty of stuffing - emphasized by this peppery, brambly release from Seguret. Aromatic hints of sage, thyme and other herbs which grow among the vines ... then masses of dark fruit - this is the perfect accompaniment to bangers and mash!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Prime-sited vines in top villages enable this superb cellar to make world class reds with plenty of stuffing - emphasized by this peppery, brambly release from Seguret. Aromatic hints of sage, thyme and other herbs which grow among the vines ... then masses of dark fruit - this is the perfect accompaniment to bangers and mash!
Fortaleza de Imas 2005 - £8.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Incredibly, Rioja 2005 has officially outscored the highly acclaimed 2004 vintage in terms of colour and flavour - which is great news for Rioja fans! Better still, this cherry and vanilla-scented treat was crafted by Gonzalo Rodriguez (who used to make Spain's most expensive wine, #150-a-bottle Vega Sicilia). Indeed you would be hard pushed to find a better assurance of quality than the Baron de Ley winery at Fortaleza de Imas on the left bank of Rioja's Ebro river. 100% Tempranillo barrel-aged for six months creates a beautifully smooth, richly concentrated Rioja that will continue to develop for nearly a decade!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Incredibly, Rioja 2005 has officially outscored the highly acclaimed 2004 vintage in terms of colour and flavour - which is great news for Rioja fans! Better still, this cherry and vanilla-scented treat was crafted by Gonzalo Rodriguez (who used to make Spain's most expensive wine, #150-a-bottle Vega Sicilia). Indeed you would be hard pushed to find a better assurance of quality than the Baron de Ley winery at Fortaleza de Imas on the left bank of Rioja's Ebro river. 100% Tempranillo barrel-aged for six months creates a beautifully smooth, richly concentrated Rioja that will continue to develop for nearly a decade!
Oyster Bay Merlot 75cl - £50.96
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.49 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Elegant, assertive wines with glorious fruit flavours.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.49 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Elegant, assertive wines with glorious fruit flavours.
Domaine Marguerite Carillon Cdn75 - £51.02
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.50 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Domaine Marguerite Carillon Cdn75
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.50 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Domaine Marguerite Carillon Cdn75
Jacobs Creek Reserve Shiraz 75cl - £51.13
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.52 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Intense blackberry & cherry with lively black pepper notes. Full bodied with strong palate presence. It demonstrates soft silkiness and firm tannin backbone. Expressive Smokey cedar oak characters compliments a wine with great length of flavour
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.52 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Intense blackberry & cherry with lively black pepper notes. Full bodied with strong palate presence. It demonstrates soft silkiness and firm tannin backbone. Expressive Smokey cedar oak characters compliments a wine with great length of flavour
Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot Noir 75c - £51.24
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot Noir 75c
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Tesco Finest Marlborough Pinot Noir 75c
Cortegiara Ripasso Valpol Superiore 75cl - £51.24
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Cortegiara Ripasso Valpol Superiore 75cl
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Cortegiara Ripasso Valpol Superiore 75cl
Caves Saint Pierre Preference Gigondas 75cl - £51.24
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Tasting reveals this to be a jewel of a wine, purple in colour with hints of ripe pears, and fresh pepper. There are mocha and caramel notes in the middle which create a rounded and intense finish.
Caves Saint Pierre were established in the 50s, Over time, Caves Saint-Pierre broadened its knowledge of the surroundings vineyards. Solid partnerships were established with local winegrowers and Caves Saint-Pierre became deeply involved in every aspect o
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £8.54 per bottle. Price on 07-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Tasting reveals this to be a jewel of a wine, purple in colour with hints of ripe pears, and fresh pepper. There are mocha and caramel notes in the middle which create a rounded and intense finish.
Caves Saint Pierre were established in the 50s, Over time, Caves Saint-Pierre broadened its knowledge of the surroundings vineyards. Solid partnerships were established with local winegrowers and Caves Saint-Pierre became deeply involved in every aspect o
L'Homage Joseph Rivier 2004 - £8.59
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and spicy, Hommage a Joseph Rivier 2004 is a very special red indeed. Handcrafted from premium, old vine fruit, in the celebrated Rhone village of Chusclan. It's named after a local winemaking hero, the founder of the cellar with which we've had a friendship going back over 30 years. Winemaking traditions in Chusclan however go back a little futher to pre-Roman times in fact, and its wines were well-known in the time of Louis XIV. Consistant quality led to it being one of the first Rhone villages alongside Gigondas to be allowed to put the village name on the label. Even today that totals only 16. Generous mouthfuls of blackberry and cherry with a sprinkle of spicy black pepper from the Chateauneuf style blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Smooth textured with soft tannins to be enjoyed alongside juicy stews and casseroles.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Deliciously rich and spicy, Hommage a Joseph Rivier 2004 is a very special red indeed. Handcrafted from premium, old vine fruit, in the celebrated Rhone village of Chusclan. It's named after a local winemaking hero, the founder of the cellar with which we've had a friendship going back over 30 years. Winemaking traditions in Chusclan however go back a little futher to pre-Roman times in fact, and its wines were well-known in the time of Louis XIV. Consistant quality led to it being one of the first Rhone villages alongside Gigondas to be allowed to put the village name on the label. Even today that totals only 16. Generous mouthfuls of blackberry and cherry with a sprinkle of spicy black pepper from the Chateauneuf style blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Smooth textured with soft tannins to be enjoyed alongside juicy stews and casseroles.
Dezzani Malvasia - £8.59
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This unique, lightly sparkling sweet red is a speciality from Northern Italian's Piedmont loved by the wine press as a really delicious taste experience. Malvasia Don Bosco is a great summer wine that's low in alcohol, so you don't need to worry so much about a sore head, and a real talking point with friends. This family-made gem comes from grapes left longer on the vine to gain natural sweetness and then hand-harvested to preserve the flavours. ''Spritzy, grapey and sweet - yet wonderfully crisp and light.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This unique, lightly sparkling sweet red is a speciality from Northern Italian's Piedmont loved by the wine press as a really delicious taste experience. Malvasia Don Bosco is a great summer wine that's low in alcohol, so you don't need to worry so much about a sore head, and a real talking point with friends. This family-made gem comes from grapes left longer on the vine to gain natural sweetness and then hand-harvested to preserve the flavours. ''Spritzy, grapey and sweet - yet wonderfully crisp and light.''
Bergsig Estate Lategan Touriga Nacional Reserve 2007 - £8.59
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located near Worcester on the Breede River, Bergsig Estate benefits from a warm, sun-strewn climate that ripens grapes to perfection! The winery has been in the Lategan family since 1843 - and today every member still lends a hand. De Wet Lategan is the chief winemaker, while his brothers Louis and Plum manage the vineyards under the watchful eye of their father, Prop Lategan. Touriga Nacional is one of the principal grapes used to make Port, and it's really taking off in the sun-soaked vineyards of the New World! Picked at maximum ripeness, this is our most powerful red yet, drinking beautifully now and over the next couple of years. Perfect with char-grilled steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Located near Worcester on the Breede River, Bergsig Estate benefits from a warm, sun-strewn climate that ripens grapes to perfection! The winery has been in the Lategan family since 1843 - and today every member still lends a hand. De Wet Lategan is the chief winemaker, while his brothers Louis and Plum manage the vineyards under the watchful eye of their father, Prop Lategan. Touriga Nacional is one of the principal grapes used to make Port, and it's really taking off in the sun-soaked vineyards of the New World! Picked at maximum ripeness, this is our most powerful red yet, drinking beautifully now and over the next couple of years. Perfect with char-grilled steak.
Chateau Faure-Beausejour 2004 - £8.69
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For top-notch, dinner party claret - at a price that won't upset thebank manager - it's worth looking a little further afield ... to Chateau Faure-Beausejour for example in sleepy Fronsac. Home to some of Bordeaux's prettiest countryside, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the wines here were far more famous (and sold much more) than neighbouring Pomerol and St-Emilion. Owned by the Sudrat family since those glory days, it still makes high quality, concentrated reds like this. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested and the wine is patiently oak-aged for 18 months before bottling.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For top-notch, dinner party claret - at a price that won't upset thebank manager - it's worth looking a little further afield ... to Chateau Faure-Beausejour for example in sleepy Fronsac. Home to some of Bordeaux's prettiest countryside, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the wines here were far more famous (and sold much more) than neighbouring Pomerol and St-Emilion. Owned by the Sudrat family since those glory days, it still makes high quality, concentrated reds like this. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested and the wine is patiently oak-aged for 18 months before bottling.