Wine over £12.00 per bottle
La Crema Chardonnay 2004 - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery, founded in 1979, is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fermented and aged in new French oak, the 2004 is just coming into its own. It shows the ripeness and balance of a fabulous vintage with smooth, unobtrusive oak flavours thanks to the skills of winemaker Melissa Stackhouse. Fresh aromas of citrus, butterscotch and lemon peel with hints of jasmine and nutmeg. In the mouth it's rich and buttery with pear and citrus fruit plus toast and caramel richness and a long, lingering finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery, founded in 1979, is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fermented and aged in new French oak, the 2004 is just coming into its own. It shows the ripeness and balance of a fabulous vintage with smooth, unobtrusive oak flavours thanks to the skills of winemaker Melissa Stackhouse. Fresh aromas of citrus, butterscotch and lemon peel with hints of jasmine and nutmeg. In the mouth it's rich and buttery with pear and citrus fruit plus toast and caramel richness and a long, lingering finish.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz was crafted at our RedHeads studio by Henry Laithwaite, who learned his trade under the expert tuition of legendary McLaren Vale winemaker Michael Fragos. Henry follows the RedHeads philosophy of making, in his own words, ''ultra-rich, complex and fascinating wines ... good enough to stand up with the best in the world, without the extortionate price tag''. His weighty, raspberry-packed Shiraz certainly lives up to Henry's expectations - world-famous wine expert Robert Parker gave it 92 points, Decanter magazine gave it 4 stars AND it won a coveted Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. A seriously good buy! Rich, powerful and inky purple in colour. Spicy bramble fruit merges with soft, vanilla oak flavours. Delicious enjoyed with grilled or barbecued meats and strong cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz was crafted at our RedHeads studio by Henry Laithwaite, who learned his trade under the expert tuition of legendary McLaren Vale winemaker Michael Fragos. Henry follows the RedHeads philosophy of making, in his own words, ''ultra-rich, complex and fascinating wines ... good enough to stand up with the best in the world, without the extortionate price tag''. His weighty, raspberry-packed Shiraz certainly lives up to Henry's expectations - world-famous wine expert Robert Parker gave it 92 points, Decanter magazine gave it 4 stars AND it won a coveted Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. A seriously good buy! Rich, powerful and inky purple in colour. Spicy bramble fruit merges with soft, vanilla oak flavours. Delicious enjoyed with grilled or barbecued meats and strong cheeses.
Baron de Barbon Gran Reserva - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A rare release from the excellent 2001 vintage. Tiny amounts of this impressive wine were made from a few parcels of ancient vines on the highest slopes of the sun-drenched, terraced vineyards. These ancient plots yield complex, multi-layered wines - rarities well worth tracking down. Powerful damson and berry fruit, earthy truffles and nutmeg and a complex finish that lingers for hours. Please don't miss your chance to secure this superb Gran Reserva.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A rare release from the excellent 2001 vintage. Tiny amounts of this impressive wine were made from a few parcels of ancient vines on the highest slopes of the sun-drenched, terraced vineyards. These ancient plots yield complex, multi-layered wines - rarities well worth tracking down. Powerful damson and berry fruit, earthy truffles and nutmeg and a complex finish that lingers for hours. Please don't miss your chance to secure this superb Gran Reserva.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz 2005 - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz was crafted at our RedHeads studio by Henry Laithwaite, who learned his trade under the expert tuition of legendary McLaren Vale winemaker Michael Fragos. Henry follows the RedHeads philosophy of making, in his own words, ''ultra-rich, complex and fascinating wines ... good enough to stand up with the best in the world, without the extortionate price tag''. His weighty, raspberry-packed Shiraz certainly lives up to Henry's expectations - world-famous wine expert Robert Parker gave it 92 points, Decanter magazine gave it 4 stars AND it won a coveted Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. A seriously good buy! Rich, powerful and inky purple in colour. Spicy bramble fruit merges with soft, vanilla oak flavours. Delicious enjoyed with grilled or barbecued meats and strong cheeses.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wilson Gunn Shiraz was crafted at our RedHeads studio by Henry Laithwaite, who learned his trade under the expert tuition of legendary McLaren Vale winemaker Michael Fragos. Henry follows the RedHeads philosophy of making, in his own words, ''ultra-rich, complex and fascinating wines ... good enough to stand up with the best in the world, without the extortionate price tag''. His weighty, raspberry-packed Shiraz certainly lives up to Henry's expectations - world-famous wine expert Robert Parker gave it 92 points, Decanter magazine gave it 4 stars AND it won a coveted Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge. A seriously good buy! Rich, powerful and inky purple in colour. Spicy bramble fruit merges with soft, vanilla oak flavours. Delicious enjoyed with grilled or barbecued meats and strong cheeses.
Finca Valpiedra Reserva 1998 - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wine has been made in Rioja since at least the second century BC and it remains Spain's greatest fine wine region - producing superb value for money and great quality in equal measure. And Rioja Reservas in particular have a style entirely their own. Subtle, smooth, velvety and fresh, they radiate comfort and warmth like a roasted chestnut. And this is what you get with each glass of Finca Valpiedra - a fine taste of ancient Spain. ''Firm tannins balance a plump texture in this traditional red. Plum, coffee and spice flavours are light but focused. Calls you back for another sip.'' (Wine Spectator) We can't argue there!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Wine has been made in Rioja since at least the second century BC and it remains Spain's greatest fine wine region - producing superb value for money and great quality in equal measure. And Rioja Reservas in particular have a style entirely their own. Subtle, smooth, velvety and fresh, they radiate comfort and warmth like a roasted chestnut. And this is what you get with each glass of Finca Valpiedra - a fine taste of ancient Spain. ''Firm tannins balance a plump texture in this traditional red. Plum, coffee and spice flavours are light but focused. Calls you back for another sip.'' (Wine Spectator) We can't argue there!
Familia Martinez Bujanda Gran Reserva - £15.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rioja Reserva of this age and quality is an exclusive treat - particularly from Riojan royalty, Martinez Bujanda ... voted in ''the world's top 50 estates'' nine years running (Wine Spectator). 1998 was a great year for Rioja - ''a classic Reserva year, with delicious, long-lasting wines'' says Rioja expert John Radford ... so make sure you snap up this wonderfully mellow wine now! '' Deep cherry colour, spicy aromas and brimful of ripe fruit. Lovely toasty oak with a long finish.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rioja Reserva of this age and quality is an exclusive treat - particularly from Riojan royalty, Martinez Bujanda ... voted in ''the world's top 50 estates'' nine years running (Wine Spectator). 1998 was a great year for Rioja - ''a classic Reserva year, with delicious, long-lasting wines'' says Rioja expert John Radford ... so make sure you snap up this wonderfully mellow wine now! '' Deep cherry colour, spicy aromas and brimful of ripe fruit. Lovely toasty oak with a long finish.''
Tesco Blanc De Blancs Champagne 75cl - £96.79
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.13 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
An elegant, dry champagne that combines citrus fruits with a creamy fullness resulting in a fine, complex flavour.
Blanc de blancs blends require skilled winemaking and fine ingredients. In style, this Blanc de blancs is all about elegance and purity of flavour. These blends are particularly suited to fine gastronomy.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.13 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
An elegant, dry champagne that combines citrus fruits with a creamy fullness resulting in a fine, complex flavour.
Blanc de blancs blends require skilled winemaking and fine ingredients. In style, this Blanc de blancs is all about elegance and purity of flavour. These blends are particularly suited to fine gastronomy.
Marques De Murrieta Gran Reserve Rioja 75cl - £96.84
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Marques De Murrieta Gran Reserve Rioja 75cl
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Marques De Murrieta Gran Reserve Rioja 75cl
Caves Saint Pierre Preference Ch Neuf Du Pape75 - £96.84
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Deep purple in colour with dark red glints. It has a complex nose of red fruits, prunes & spice with hints of chocolate. An elegant, full bodied & supple wine with silky tannins which balance perfectly with the intense fruit aromas to give a long finish
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Deep purple in colour with dark red glints. It has a complex nose of red fruits, prunes & spice with hints of chocolate. An elegant, full bodied & supple wine with silky tannins which balance perfectly with the intense fruit aromas to give a long finish
Tesco Champagne Demi Sec 75cl - £96.84
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Rich, soft and smooth, this champagne has a hint of honeyed sweetness, and is full of fresh, elegant flavours.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £16.14 per bottle. Price on 20-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Rich, soft and smooth, this champagne has a hint of honeyed sweetness, and is full of fresh, elegant flavours.
Chateau Haut Chaigneau 2005 - £16.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made by renowned winemaker Pascal Chatonnet, this is a seriously plummy, ripe Pomerol from the outstanding 2005 vintage. Clarets from this incredibly successful year are becoming increasingly hard to find ... snap this up while stocks remain!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Made by renowned winemaker Pascal Chatonnet, this is a seriously plummy, ripe Pomerol from the outstanding 2005 vintage. Clarets from this incredibly successful year are becoming increasingly hard to find ... snap this up while stocks remain!
Chateau La Garde 2005 - £16.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very well done'' (Wine Spectator) This terrific estate produce textbook Graves red that's always great value. Exceptional value in 2005.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very well done'' (Wine Spectator) This terrific estate produce textbook Graves red that's always great value. Exceptional value in 2005.
La Crema Pinot Noir - £16.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fruit quality is the starting point of any fine wine and La Crema has plenty of great grapes. Like the Burgundy region, the vineyards of Sonoma Coast offer an unusually long, cool and even growing season. Fog and breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean help to moderate temperatures and slow the ripening process. The results at harvest are small grapes with highly concentrated varietal aromas and flavours. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe cherries, blossom, spicy clove and liquorice. In the mouth, cherry, plum, orange peel and tea leaves flavours shine through. Balanced acidity and firm tannins round out a long, lingering finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fruit quality is the starting point of any fine wine and La Crema has plenty of great grapes. Like the Burgundy region, the vineyards of Sonoma Coast offer an unusually long, cool and even growing season. Fog and breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean help to moderate temperatures and slow the ripening process. The results at harvest are small grapes with highly concentrated varietal aromas and flavours. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe cherries, blossom, spicy clove and liquorice. In the mouth, cherry, plum, orange peel and tea leaves flavours shine through. Balanced acidity and firm tannins round out a long, lingering finish.
La Crema Pinot Noir 2006 - £16.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fruit quality is the starting point of any fine wine and La Crema has plenty of great grapes. Like the Burgundy region, the vineyards of Sonoma Coast offer an unusually long, cool and even growing season. Fog and breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean help to moderate temperatures and slow the ripening process. The results at harvest are small grapes with highly concentrated varietal aromas and flavours. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe cherries, blossom, spicy clove and liquorice. In the mouth, cherry, plum, orange peel and tea leaves flavours shine through. Balanced acidity and firm tannins round out a long, lingering finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The La Crema winery is an established specialist in intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool Sonoma Coast. Unlike many wineries in the region, La Crema does not have large tourist facilities and is not open to the public. It is a small top-end family estate that gets on with the job of handcrafting fine wines, barrel by barrel. Fruit quality is the starting point of any fine wine and La Crema has plenty of great grapes. Like the Burgundy region, the vineyards of Sonoma Coast offer an unusually long, cool and even growing season. Fog and breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean help to moderate temperatures and slow the ripening process. The results at harvest are small grapes with highly concentrated varietal aromas and flavours. This delicious Pinot Noir opens with aromas of ripe cherries, blossom, spicy clove and liquorice. In the mouth, cherry, plum, orange peel and tea leaves flavours shine through. Balanced acidity and firm tannins round out a long, lingering finish.
Domaine de Nalys Les Dix Salmees 2005 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Domaine de Nalys is excellent - its reds are disarmingly lush, seductive and delicious''. That's the pronouncement of international super-critic Robert Parker and you'd do well to take note. We don't have a lot of this to go around. It was one Philippe Dufays - owner of the estate between 1955 and 1976 - who really brought the property to its current apogee. Nowadays, Nalys is an estate of about fifty hectares (125 acres) on three parcels of land. All thirteen grape varieties authorised in the appellation are represented with Grenache accounting for 60% and Syrah about 25%.,, This stunning Chateauneuf-du-Pape is among the region's oldest estates and has been turning heads for decades with its deep flavours and terrific value. 40-year-old vines and the ''outstanding, 95-point 2005 vintage'' (Parker) make for a rich Chateauneuf-du-Pape of rare complexity.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Domaine de Nalys is excellent - its reds are disarmingly lush, seductive and delicious''. That's the pronouncement of international super-critic Robert Parker and you'd do well to take note. We don't have a lot of this to go around. It was one Philippe Dufays - owner of the estate between 1955 and 1976 - who really brought the property to its current apogee. Nowadays, Nalys is an estate of about fifty hectares (125 acres) on three parcels of land. All thirteen grape varieties authorised in the appellation are represented with Grenache accounting for 60% and Syrah about 25%.,, This stunning Chateauneuf-du-Pape is among the region's oldest estates and has been turning heads for decades with its deep flavours and terrific value. 40-year-old vines and the ''outstanding, 95-point 2005 vintage'' (Parker) make for a rich Chateauneuf-du-Pape of rare complexity.
Cuvee du Vatican 2005 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Parker loves what he calls Vatican's ''powerful, rich, in-your-face style of wine'' so we fully expect a rave review for this 2005. It has all the hallmark layers of brambles, redcurrants, spice and tar yet - incredibly - with even more ample body and flavour than in previous years. Above all, it's the balance and purity that set this apart. Winemaker Jean-Marc Diffonty deserves all the praise he receives and is delighted that there's so much enthusiasm for his wines among our members. Drink 2007-2016.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Parker loves what he calls Vatican's ''powerful, rich, in-your-face style of wine'' so we fully expect a rave review for this 2005. It has all the hallmark layers of brambles, redcurrants, spice and tar yet - incredibly - with even more ample body and flavour than in previous years. Above all, it's the balance and purity that set this apart. Winemaker Jean-Marc Diffonty deserves all the praise he receives and is delighted that there's so much enthusiasm for his wines among our members. Drink 2007-2016.
Chateau de la Riviere 2003 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Lots of charm. Fragrant floral, violet nose. Round, smooth texture. 3 stars'' (Decanter Magazine) One of the most reliable estates in Fronsac, La Riviere never fails to satisfy, and in 2003 the combination of baking sun and moisture retentive clay soils has created a wine that challenges many of its high-priced Pomerol neighbours.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Lots of charm. Fragrant floral, violet nose. Round, smooth texture. 3 stars'' (Decanter Magazine) One of the most reliable estates in Fronsac, La Riviere never fails to satisfy, and in 2003 the combination of baking sun and moisture retentive clay soils has created a wine that challenges many of its high-priced Pomerol neighbours.
Chateau Roc de Boisseaux 2003 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The vineyards for this plummy, blackcurrant-packed red wine lie just 400 metres from those of Chateau Monbousquet - one of Saint-Emilion's finest estates - and enjoy the same sandy, clay and gravel soils that help give quality and flavour to wines from this region. With plenty of experience of winemaking in Burgundy, the Clowez family - who have owned the estate since the 1980s - have worked hard to keep on raising the quality of their wines ... and their efforts have paid off, with vintage after vintage winning highly sought-after medals in Paris. ''Ripe plum, damson and blackcurrant aromas merge seamlessly into smooth vanilla and cedar notes from ageing in finest oak barrels. A classic partner to roast lamb and griddled meats.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The vineyards for this plummy, blackcurrant-packed red wine lie just 400 metres from those of Chateau Monbousquet - one of Saint-Emilion's finest estates - and enjoy the same sandy, clay and gravel soils that help give quality and flavour to wines from this region. With plenty of experience of winemaking in Burgundy, the Clowez family - who have owned the estate since the 1980s - have worked hard to keep on raising the quality of their wines ... and their efforts have paid off, with vintage after vintage winning highly sought-after medals in Paris. ''Ripe plum, damson and blackcurrant aromas merge seamlessly into smooth vanilla and cedar notes from ageing in finest oak barrels. A classic partner to roast lamb and griddled meats.''
Domaine Henri Gouges 2006 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''The quality of the Gouges wines has always been of the very highest'' (Clive Coates MW) Our first release of this plush, satin-textured Pinot Noir from Christian Gouges (grandson of Burgundy legend Henri) received great acclaim last year. Christian is a traditionalist who lets the quality of fruit and terroir shine through in his wines - ''a delicious 2006 Bourgogne'' (Sarah Marsh MW)
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''The quality of the Gouges wines has always been of the very highest'' (Clive Coates MW) Our first release of this plush, satin-textured Pinot Noir from Christian Gouges (grandson of Burgundy legend Henri) received great acclaim last year. Christian is a traditionalist who lets the quality of fruit and terroir shine through in his wines - ''a delicious 2006 Bourgogne'' (Sarah Marsh MW)
Le Grand Chai Grand Cru Saint-Emilion 2005 - £16.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Today we open the door to the most exciting Chai release yet ... from ''Bordeaux's best ever vintage!'' (Wine & Spirit mag) From prime vineyards right next door to #35-a-bottle Rol Valentin and a short stroll from #80 Chateau Figeac ... Le Grand Chai Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (a mouthful in every way) is not to be missed! Saint-Emilion 2005 ... everything just 'clicked' - wine lovers and critics across the world all agreed that these clarets were nothing short of spectacular! Robert Parker called it ''exquisite and exceptional ... 99/100!'' , Decanter magazine said ''the wines are all perfect.'' Such a vintage is bound to be in hot demand, but Late in 2005, Le Chai's Jean-Marc Sauboua bumped into an old school chum who knew of a tiny parcel of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from 40-year-old vines and prime-sited vineyards - it was soon on its way to Le Chai, for 'finishing' in the finest French oak barrels. Dark and brooding, with powerful aromas of blueberry, plum and fresh coffee. As with the finest Saint-Emilion, the fruit will grow almost sweet as it matures. Magnificent!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Today we open the door to the most exciting Chai release yet ... from ''Bordeaux's best ever vintage!'' (Wine & Spirit mag) From prime vineyards right next door to #35-a-bottle Rol Valentin and a short stroll from #80 Chateau Figeac ... Le Grand Chai Saint-Emilion Grand Cru (a mouthful in every way) is not to be missed! Saint-Emilion 2005 ... everything just 'clicked' - wine lovers and critics across the world all agreed that these clarets were nothing short of spectacular! Robert Parker called it ''exquisite and exceptional ... 99/100!'' , Decanter magazine said ''the wines are all perfect.'' Such a vintage is bound to be in hot demand, but Late in 2005, Le Chai's Jean-Marc Sauboua bumped into an old school chum who knew of a tiny parcel of Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from 40-year-old vines and prime-sited vineyards - it was soon on its way to Le Chai, for 'finishing' in the finest French oak barrels. Dark and brooding, with powerful aromas of blueberry, plum and fresh coffee. As with the finest Saint-Emilion, the fruit will grow almost sweet as it matures. Magnificent!