Red Wine between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
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!
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.
Montes Lagares Rioja Reserva 2000 - £59.91
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £9.99 per bottle. Price on 05-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Montes Lagares Rioja Reserva 2000
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £9.99 per bottle. Price on 05-Sep-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Montes Lagares Rioja Reserva 2000
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine 2005 - £10.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Top quality Lirac often gives pricy Chateauneufs a run for their money - none more so than Jean-Pierre and Pascal Lafond's spicy, berry-crammed masterpiece! Jean-Pierre founded the winery almost 40 years ago - and as an avid racing enthusiast, named it after a famous racehorse, Roquepine. His son, Pascal joined him a few years later and together they have raised the bar for top-quality reds in this area. Dark ruby in colour with intense black fruit, vanilla and toasty spice notes. Long, luscious and velvety in the mouth - this is heaven as a big glass on its own!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Top quality Lirac often gives pricy Chateauneufs a run for their money - none more so than Jean-Pierre and Pascal Lafond's spicy, berry-crammed masterpiece! Jean-Pierre founded the winery almost 40 years ago - and as an avid racing enthusiast, named it after a famous racehorse, Roquepine. His son, Pascal joined him a few years later and together they have raised the bar for top-quality reds in this area. Dark ruby in colour with intense black fruit, vanilla and toasty spice notes. Long, luscious and velvety in the mouth - this is heaven as a big glass on its own!
Chateau Pontet-Barrail 2005 - £10.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Yves Bibey's finest vintage yet at excellent Chateau Pontet-Barrail has yielded a bold, cassis-laden claret of immense depth and structure.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Yves Bibey's finest vintage yet at excellent Chateau Pontet-Barrail has yielded a bold, cassis-laden claret of immense depth and structure.
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).
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.
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).
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!''