Wine over £12.00 per bottle
Loosen Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett 2004 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When it comes to quality German Riesling like this, ''No other wine can offer in a single sip as much finesse, purity of fruit, intensity of flavour and thrilling acidity'' (New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia). And after years of being overlooked, it's now very much the 'in' style - especially over the Summer months. Happily, prices don't yet reflect the high quality, so the value is outstanding. Ernst Loosen has been both 'Decanter Man of the Year' and the 'White Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge, so you'd be hard pressed to find a finer exponent of fabulous German Rieslings. This is a Kabinett - a step up from standard QbA wines with a little more intensity and finesse. It's mouthwatering aromas recall lemons, lime and passion fruit, while its fresh, fruitiness is balanced by irresistibly racy acidity. Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, with pan fried scallops, grilled fish fillets or a light green pea risotto.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
When it comes to quality German Riesling like this, ''No other wine can offer in a single sip as much finesse, purity of fruit, intensity of flavour and thrilling acidity'' (New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia). And after years of being overlooked, it's now very much the 'in' style - especially over the Summer months. Happily, prices don't yet reflect the high quality, so the value is outstanding. Ernst Loosen has been both 'Decanter Man of the Year' and the 'White Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine Challenge, so you'd be hard pressed to find a finer exponent of fabulous German Rieslings. This is a Kabinett - a step up from standard QbA wines with a little more intensity and finesse. It's mouthwatering aromas recall lemons, lime and passion fruit, while its fresh, fruitiness is balanced by irresistibly racy acidity. Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, with pan fried scallops, grilled fish fillets or a light green pea risotto.
Roger et Didier Raimbault Sancerre 2005 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This Gold-medal estate made one of its finest releases in 2005. Roger and Didier Raimbault are dynamic young producers with all the heritage and experience of their 350-year-old domaine behind them. They combine a passion for quality with a deep respect for the soil - tending their precious old vines with a green fingered approach to please any environmentalist. Intense and complex with a laser-like purity of steely fresh flint. Classic cut grass and gooseberry aromas and citrus-charged flavours. Mouthwateringly crisp. Exquisite with grilled goat's cheese.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This Gold-medal estate made one of its finest releases in 2005. Roger and Didier Raimbault are dynamic young producers with all the heritage and experience of their 350-year-old domaine behind them. They combine a passion for quality with a deep respect for the soil - tending their precious old vines with a green fingered approach to please any environmentalist. Intense and complex with a laser-like purity of steely fresh flint. Classic cut grass and gooseberry aromas and citrus-charged flavours. Mouthwateringly crisp. Exquisite with grilled goat's cheese.
Familia Martinez Bujanda Reserva 2001 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Martinez Bujanda family are one of a handful of Rioja bodegas to own all their own vineyards - giving them total control over ripeness, yield, harvesting ... and 'you can taste it in the glass' quality. Voted in the World's top 50 wineries by Wine Spectator nine years running, brothers Carlos and Jesus refuse to rest on their laurels, saying ''We treat each vintage as our first and make it the best we can'' ... and each year they continue to amaze us with their superb Reserva Rioja. Stunningly elegant, the juciy, smooth Tempranillo is 'beefed up' by the ripest Mazuelo (a traditional Rioja grape which adds colour and depth) from ancient, low-yielding vines. Patient ageing in new French and American oak barrels has given a wine of thrilling depth and purity. Simply outstanding.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Martinez Bujanda family are one of a handful of Rioja bodegas to own all their own vineyards - giving them total control over ripeness, yield, harvesting ... and 'you can taste it in the glass' quality. Voted in the World's top 50 wineries by Wine Spectator nine years running, brothers Carlos and Jesus refuse to rest on their laurels, saying ''We treat each vintage as our first and make it the best we can'' ... and each year they continue to amaze us with their superb Reserva Rioja. Stunningly elegant, the juciy, smooth Tempranillo is 'beefed up' by the ripest Mazuelo (a traditional Rioja grape which adds colour and depth) from ancient, low-yielding vines. Patient ageing in new French and American oak barrels has given a wine of thrilling depth and purity. Simply outstanding.
Familia Martinez Bujanda Reserva 2004 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Martinez Bujanda family are one of a handful of Rioja bodegas to own all their own vineyards - giving them total control over ripeness, yield, harvesting ... and 'you can taste it in the glass' quality. Voted in the World's top 50 wineries by Wine Spectator nine years running, brothers Carlos and Jesus refuse to rest on their laurels, saying ''We treat each vintage as our first and make it the best we can'' ... and each year they continue to amaze us with their superb Reserva Rioja. Stunningly elegant, the juciy, smooth Tempranillo is 'beefed up' by the ripest Mazuelo (a traditional Rioja grape which adds colour and depth) from ancient, low-yielding vines. Patient ageing in new French and American oak barrels has given a wine of thrilling depth and purity. Simply outstanding.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Martinez Bujanda family are one of a handful of Rioja bodegas to own all their own vineyards - giving them total control over ripeness, yield, harvesting ... and 'you can taste it in the glass' quality. Voted in the World's top 50 wineries by Wine Spectator nine years running, brothers Carlos and Jesus refuse to rest on their laurels, saying ''We treat each vintage as our first and make it the best we can'' ... and each year they continue to amaze us with their superb Reserva Rioja. Stunningly elegant, the juciy, smooth Tempranillo is 'beefed up' by the ripest Mazuelo (a traditional Rioja grape which adds colour and depth) from ancient, low-yielding vines. Patient ageing in new French and American oak barrels has given a wine of thrilling depth and purity. Simply outstanding.
Domaine Pabiot et Fils Les Chantebines 2005 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Pouilly-Fume is ''finer and more complex'' than any other Sauvignon says Hugh Johnson and the Pabiot family are masters. Their five-star 2005 has a superb depth of smoky citrus flavour.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Pouilly-Fume is ''finer and more complex'' than any other Sauvignon says Hugh Johnson and the Pabiot family are masters. Their five-star 2005 has a superb depth of smoky citrus flavour.
Bouchard Vieilles Vignes Grande Reserve du Domaine 2005 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From celebrated producer, Pascal Bouchard, this exquisite, award-winning Chablis is a superb choice for fine dining. ''Intense aromas and generous flavours - with mineral complexity and delicate cinnamon notes. Delicious with mussels and grilled lobster.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
From celebrated producer, Pascal Bouchard, this exquisite, award-winning Chablis is a superb choice for fine dining. ''Intense aromas and generous flavours - with mineral complexity and delicate cinnamon notes. Delicious with mussels and grilled lobster.''
Domaine Durup La Marche du Roi 2005 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Thirty years ago, in the early days, Jean Durup supplied us with fine Chablis from his family domaine. Today Durup Chablis returns, with a very special wine released under the name of Jean's daughter Valerie. It's from a small (4.5 hectares) plot called 'La Marche du Roi' in a steep-sided valley where the earliest vineyards of Chablis were originally planted. Its excellent aspect (fully exposed to the sun), matches neighbouring Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Yet, for no good reason, it was overlooked by the authorities who classified the vineyards of Chablis. This is clearly a Chablis that punches well above it standard AOC designation. A very smart buy for Chablis lovers who care more for the content of the bottle than the label! Lavished with exceptional care, concentrated and intense, it ranks as one of the region's least-known stars. Pale gold with fresh aromas and great concentration of vibrant, fresh flavours - this is a serious Chablis!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Thirty years ago, in the early days, Jean Durup supplied us with fine Chablis from his family domaine. Today Durup Chablis returns, with a very special wine released under the name of Jean's daughter Valerie. It's from a small (4.5 hectares) plot called 'La Marche du Roi' in a steep-sided valley where the earliest vineyards of Chablis were originally planted. Its excellent aspect (fully exposed to the sun), matches neighbouring Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Yet, for no good reason, it was overlooked by the authorities who classified the vineyards of Chablis. This is clearly a Chablis that punches well above it standard AOC designation. A very smart buy for Chablis lovers who care more for the content of the bottle than the label! Lavished with exceptional care, concentrated and intense, it ranks as one of the region's least-known stars. Pale gold with fresh aromas and great concentration of vibrant, fresh flavours - this is a serious Chablis!
Thierry and Pascale Matrot 2006 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Meursault specialist Thierry Matrot is ''a top class producer'' (Wine International) who extends the same care to his Bourgogne as his highly prized Premiers Crus. Indeed, this tastes like a 'mini Meursault' - such is the purity of its honeyed citrus fruits and creamy opulence. Pound for pound one of the wines of the vintage!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Meursault specialist Thierry Matrot is ''a top class producer'' (Wine International) who extends the same care to his Bourgogne as his highly prized Premiers Crus. Indeed, this tastes like a 'mini Meursault' - such is the purity of its honeyed citrus fruits and creamy opulence. Pound for pound one of the wines of the vintage!
Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec 2005 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A magnificent Malbec! It picked up a trophy at the inaugural Wines of Argentina Awards held in Mendoza in 2007, having wowed the international panel of judges - included among them wine expert Jancis Robinson, who gave it an impressive 17 out of 20. This mulberry and spice-flavoured red wine was made by Herve Fabre, who was originally involved in the Bordeaux wine trade, before he and his wife fell in love with Argentina and moved there to establish a boutique winery. Herve's experience in producing top quality wines shines through in this tremendously rich, silky-smooth wine. Ripe blackberry and bramble aromas merge seamlessly with spicy oak and vanilla flavours. Full bodied, yet seriously smooth and warming. This 89 Parker point wine is sure to survive for many years to come. Definitely a wine to enjoy with fine food ... try it with rare roast beef or a juicy steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A magnificent Malbec! It picked up a trophy at the inaugural Wines of Argentina Awards held in Mendoza in 2007, having wowed the international panel of judges - included among them wine expert Jancis Robinson, who gave it an impressive 17 out of 20. This mulberry and spice-flavoured red wine was made by Herve Fabre, who was originally involved in the Bordeaux wine trade, before he and his wife fell in love with Argentina and moved there to establish a boutique winery. Herve's experience in producing top quality wines shines through in this tremendously rich, silky-smooth wine. Ripe blackberry and bramble aromas merge seamlessly with spicy oak and vanilla flavours. Full bodied, yet seriously smooth and warming. This 89 Parker point wine is sure to survive for many years to come. Definitely a wine to enjoy with fine food ... try it with rare roast beef or a juicy steak.
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Domaine de la Croix Jacquelet 2002 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For more than 180 years, the Faiveley family has been one of the most respected producers in Burgundy. This fantastic Pinot Noir is from their vineyards in Cote Chalonnaise - current owner Erwan Faiveley lavishes as much attention on the vines here as he does his Grand Crus! When given such care and attention Cote Chalonnaise is home to ''some of the finest bargains in Burgundy.'' (Wine Magazine) - deeply concentrated reds packed with berry-laden personality. The ''outstanding'' 2002 vintage raised quality even more - making these incredibly sought after wines! Powerfully structured, with ripe cherry fruit aromas. Rich and velvety in body with abundant raspberry and strawberry flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with roast meats.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
For more than 180 years, the Faiveley family has been one of the most respected producers in Burgundy. This fantastic Pinot Noir is from their vineyards in Cote Chalonnaise - current owner Erwan Faiveley lavishes as much attention on the vines here as he does his Grand Crus! When given such care and attention Cote Chalonnaise is home to ''some of the finest bargains in Burgundy.'' (Wine Magazine) - deeply concentrated reds packed with berry-laden personality. The ''outstanding'' 2002 vintage raised quality even more - making these incredibly sought after wines! Powerfully structured, with ripe cherry fruit aromas. Rich and velvety in body with abundant raspberry and strawberry flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with roast meats.
Domaine des Chantebines Jean Pabiot et Fils - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Pouilly-Fume is ''finer and more complex'' than any other Sauvignon says Hugh Johnson and the Pabiot family are masters. Their five-star 2005 has a superb depth of smoky citrus flavour.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Pouilly-Fume is ''finer and more complex'' than any other Sauvignon says Hugh Johnson and the Pabiot family are masters. Their five-star 2005 has a superb depth of smoky citrus flavour.
Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Jane Hunter OBE is renowned for her benchmark Marlborough Sauvignons with the explosive tropical aromatics loved throughout the world. This magnificent 2007 vintage is a sorbet-fresh, gooseberry-charged peach of a wine - showing all of the excellence that has made this estate famous. Gooseberry, passion fruit and mown hay on the nose, with the palate showing more ripe tropical fruit and a delicious hint of melon.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Jane Hunter OBE is renowned for her benchmark Marlborough Sauvignons with the explosive tropical aromatics loved throughout the world. This magnificent 2007 vintage is a sorbet-fresh, gooseberry-charged peach of a wine - showing all of the excellence that has made this estate famous. Gooseberry, passion fruit and mown hay on the nose, with the palate showing more ripe tropical fruit and a delicious hint of melon.
Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A magnificent Malbec! It picked up a trophy at the inaugural Wines of Argentina Awards held in Mendoza in 2007, having wowed the international panel of judges - included among them wine expert Jancis Robinson, who gave it an impressive 17 out of 20. This mulberry and spice-flavoured red wine was made by Herve Fabre, who was originally involved in the Bordeaux wine trade, before he and his wife fell in love with Argentina and moved there to establish a boutique winery. Herve's experience in producing top quality wines shines through in this tremendously rich, silky-smooth wine. Ripe blackberry and bramble aromas merge seamlessly with spicy oak and vanilla flavours. Full bodied, yet seriously smooth and warming. This 89 Parker point wine is sure to survive for many years to come. Definitely a wine to enjoy with fine food ... try it with rare roast beef or a juicy steak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A magnificent Malbec! It picked up a trophy at the inaugural Wines of Argentina Awards held in Mendoza in 2007, having wowed the international panel of judges - included among them wine expert Jancis Robinson, who gave it an impressive 17 out of 20. This mulberry and spice-flavoured red wine was made by Herve Fabre, who was originally involved in the Bordeaux wine trade, before he and his wife fell in love with Argentina and moved there to establish a boutique winery. Herve's experience in producing top quality wines shines through in this tremendously rich, silky-smooth wine. Ripe blackberry and bramble aromas merge seamlessly with spicy oak and vanilla flavours. Full bodied, yet seriously smooth and warming. This 89 Parker point wine is sure to survive for many years to come. Definitely a wine to enjoy with fine food ... try it with rare roast beef or a juicy steak.
Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Jane Hunter OBE is renowned for her benchmark Marlborough Sauvignons with the explosive tropical aromatics loved throughout the world. This magnificent 2007 vintage is a sorbet-fresh, gooseberry-charged peach of a wine - showing all of the excellence that has made this estate famous. Gooseberry, passion fruit and mown hay on the nose, with the palate showing more ripe tropical fruit and a delicious hint of melon.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Jane Hunter OBE is renowned for her benchmark Marlborough Sauvignons with the explosive tropical aromatics loved throughout the world. This magnificent 2007 vintage is a sorbet-fresh, gooseberry-charged peach of a wine - showing all of the excellence that has made this estate famous. Gooseberry, passion fruit and mown hay on the nose, with the palate showing more ripe tropical fruit and a delicious hint of melon.
Domaine des Deux Roches 'Rives de Longsault' 2006 - £12.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The impressive Domaine des Deux Roches has long been turning heads in the trade with the striking quality of its whites - and in 2006 it produced a golden white full of the honeyed stone fruits, mineral subtlety and creamy oak that makes Burgundy such a fabulous treat. Be sure it will take your guest's breath away! Bright gold in the glass, with gorgeous blossom, white peach and mandarin aromas. Rich and vibrant mouthfuls of mango, nectarine and a hint of toasty vanilla. Wonderful with roast chicken or salmon.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The impressive Domaine des Deux Roches has long been turning heads in the trade with the striking quality of its whites - and in 2006 it produced a golden white full of the honeyed stone fruits, mineral subtlety and creamy oak that makes Burgundy such a fabulous treat. Be sure it will take your guest's breath away! Bright gold in the glass, with gorgeous blossom, white peach and mandarin aromas. Rich and vibrant mouthfuls of mango, nectarine and a hint of toasty vanilla. Wonderful with roast chicken or salmon.
Domaine de la Maurelle 2003 - £12.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
In the words of Decanter magazine, Gigondas ''out-muscles all other Rhone villages'' - and that includes Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The blockbusting 14.5% La Maurelle is a classic three grape blend of Grenache Syrah and Mourvedre. Powerfully flavoured with wild berry, black fruit, spice and Provencal herb character.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
In the words of Decanter magazine, Gigondas ''out-muscles all other Rhone villages'' - and that includes Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The blockbusting 14.5% La Maurelle is a classic three grape blend of Grenache Syrah and Mourvedre. Powerfully flavoured with wild berry, black fruit, spice and Provencal herb character.
Chateau Guibot La Fourvieille 2004 - £12.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A glorious reminder of why great claret is still the world's most sought-after red wine style - the choice for Sunday lunch and Saturday dinner parties! Smooth Merlot predominates here, giving concentrated plum and blackcurrant flavours over a layer of creamy oak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A glorious reminder of why great claret is still the world's most sought-after red wine style - the choice for Sunday lunch and Saturday dinner parties! Smooth Merlot predominates here, giving concentrated plum and blackcurrant flavours over a layer of creamy oak.
Pagos de Tahola Reserva de la Familia 1995 - £12.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
An elegant, beautifully balanced Rioja from the highly acclaimed Chavarri family winemakers, renowned for producing world-class wines. Rioja from the stellar 1995 vintage is a devil to find, and, when you do, it's normally twice the price of this satin-smooth treat. Wonderfully mellow, with rich, bramble fruit and a smooth, sweet vanilla oak finish. A must for Rioja fans!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
An elegant, beautifully balanced Rioja from the highly acclaimed Chavarri family winemakers, renowned for producing world-class wines. Rioja from the stellar 1995 vintage is a devil to find, and, when you do, it's normally twice the price of this satin-smooth treat. Wonderfully mellow, with rich, bramble fruit and a smooth, sweet vanilla oak finish. A must for Rioja fans!
Domaine Piron et Lafont Chenas Quartz 2005 - £12.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Little-known Chenas is a tiny appellation right next door to Moulin a Vent and is one of the great 10 Crus of the Beaujolais. And as Richard Ehrlich, noted in The Independent on Sunday, ''these wines can achieve extraordinary heights''. That they most certainly did in 2005 a ''textbook perfect'' vintage according to Beaujolais legend George Duboeuf. This superb wine is made by the partnership of Dominique Piron and Jean-Marc Lafon. It comes from a single, 35 year-old vineyard of granite and clay with bands of quartz lying just to the east of Moulin a Vent. It's generous, serious and mightily delicious. Teeming with red and black berry fruit and a layer of mocha flavours. A lovely intense wine drinking beautifully now and with a good three years ahead of it.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Little-known Chenas is a tiny appellation right next door to Moulin a Vent and is one of the great 10 Crus of the Beaujolais. And as Richard Ehrlich, noted in The Independent on Sunday, ''these wines can achieve extraordinary heights''. That they most certainly did in 2005 a ''textbook perfect'' vintage according to Beaujolais legend George Duboeuf. This superb wine is made by the partnership of Dominique Piron and Jean-Marc Lafon. It comes from a single, 35 year-old vineyard of granite and clay with bands of quartz lying just to the east of Moulin a Vent. It's generous, serious and mightily delicious. Teeming with red and black berry fruit and a layer of mocha flavours. A lovely intense wine drinking beautifully now and with a good three years ahead of it.
Chateau Gressier Grand Poujeau 2003 - £12.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Chateau Gressier is steeped in history ... they've been producing wine since 18th Century. Recent investment from the winery's closest neighbour, Chateau Chasse-Spleen has pushed quality levels through the roof! They understood that the ingredients for great wine - perfect climate, old vines, good soil - were already present in the winery ... the only thing they needed to add was a little tender loving care. Deep purple in colour, this fantastic claret is stacked with ripe berry flavours. Soft, mouthfilling damson and cherry tinged fruit lead to a lick of creamy oak on the finish. Delicious!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Chateau Gressier is steeped in history ... they've been producing wine since 18th Century. Recent investment from the winery's closest neighbour, Chateau Chasse-Spleen has pushed quality levels through the roof! They understood that the ingredients for great wine - perfect climate, old vines, good soil - were already present in the winery ... the only thing they needed to add was a little tender loving care. Deep purple in colour, this fantastic claret is stacked with ripe berry flavours. Soft, mouthfilling damson and cherry tinged fruit lead to a lick of creamy oak on the finish. Delicious!