Wine over £12.00 per bottle
Muritai Pinot Noir 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''At its best New Zealand Pinot compares very favourably with Premier Cru Burgundy'' (Scotland on Sunday) ... and look at the price of this exquisite 2006. It's made on a very small scale by Jon Harrey and his family at the Te Mania winery in Nelson. Nelson vies with Marlborough in having the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand and with warm days and cool nights to boot, its perfect for growing quality Pinot Noir fruit. This excellent Pinot is named Muritai after the cooling sea breeze which refreshes the vineyards of Nelson. Rich, ripe raspberry character - very smooth and moreish. Serve with roast chicken, veal, tuna steaks.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''At its best New Zealand Pinot compares very favourably with Premier Cru Burgundy'' (Scotland on Sunday) ... and look at the price of this exquisite 2006. It's made on a very small scale by Jon Harrey and his family at the Te Mania winery in Nelson. Nelson vies with Marlborough in having the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand and with warm days and cool nights to boot, its perfect for growing quality Pinot Noir fruit. This excellent Pinot is named Muritai after the cooling sea breeze which refreshes the vineyards of Nelson. Rich, ripe raspberry character - very smooth and moreish. Serve with roast chicken, veal, tuna steaks.
Nugan Estate Alcira Chardonnay 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Nugan family are passionate about quality, and the results are outstanding. Delight in this estate-grown Chardonnay with its opulent peach and apricot flavours and creamy oak notes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Nugan family are passionate about quality, and the results are outstanding. Delight in this estate-grown Chardonnay with its opulent peach and apricot flavours and creamy oak notes.
Glen Eldon Dry Bore Shiraz 2004 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Here's proof from the Sheedy family that if you only make a little wine (4,000 cases a year) you can ensure it's fantastic! Traditionally fermented and barrel aged for 2 years, the 2004 Dry Bore has ''beautiful texture ... loads of blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of pepper and chocolate'' (Parker).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Here's proof from the Sheedy family that if you only make a little wine (4,000 cases a year) you can ensure it's fantastic! Traditionally fermented and barrel aged for 2 years, the 2004 Dry Bore has ''beautiful texture ... loads of blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of pepper and chocolate'' (Parker).
Chateau Monturon 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Astonishing find! A beautifully crafted Saint-Emilion Grand Cru at a very reasonable price - especially considering its credentials. For starters, the estate's vines lie directly opposite those of #40-a-bottle Chateau Monbousquet. The quality of the terroir is first class. The wine is 100% Merlot, hand-harvested from rare 55-year-old vines so offers fabulous concentration and impressive, rounded structure typical of this most noble Saint-Emilion variety. As for expertise and experience, no one can question the Saby family who have been working the vineyards here for 10 generations. One third of the wine was barrel-aged for 15 months in a mix of old and new oak. The result is a spectacularly rich and smooth claret with deep colour and classic plum, blackberry and liquorice character. In a year of fierce competition, it managed a Bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge in London - a great achievement!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Astonishing find! A beautifully crafted Saint-Emilion Grand Cru at a very reasonable price - especially considering its credentials. For starters, the estate's vines lie directly opposite those of #40-a-bottle Chateau Monbousquet. The quality of the terroir is first class. The wine is 100% Merlot, hand-harvested from rare 55-year-old vines so offers fabulous concentration and impressive, rounded structure typical of this most noble Saint-Emilion variety. As for expertise and experience, no one can question the Saby family who have been working the vineyards here for 10 generations. One third of the wine was barrel-aged for 15 months in a mix of old and new oak. The result is a spectacularly rich and smooth claret with deep colour and classic plum, blackberry and liquorice character. In a year of fierce competition, it managed a Bronze medal at the International Wine Challenge in London - a great achievement!
Robert Nicolle 'Mont de Milieu' Domaine de la Mandeliere 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Robert and Josette Nicolle achieve mouthwatering flavours in every vintage from their small patch of old vines in the exceptional 1er Cru vineyard 'Mont de Milieu' - ''a rival to Grand Cru Chablis'' (Robert Parker) This produces some of Chablis' ripest fruit, packed full of the mineral intensity that distinguishes fine Chablis ... and the 2005 vintage saw these flavours at their most intense ever. Great floral nose with freshly cut herb notes. Classic, steely, minerally, citrus flavours with an excellent concentration of fruit. Rich and powerful. Hint of biscuit and vanilla. Irresistibly elegant and perfect with oysters!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Robert and Josette Nicolle achieve mouthwatering flavours in every vintage from their small patch of old vines in the exceptional 1er Cru vineyard 'Mont de Milieu' - ''a rival to Grand Cru Chablis'' (Robert Parker) This produces some of Chablis' ripest fruit, packed full of the mineral intensity that distinguishes fine Chablis ... and the 2005 vintage saw these flavours at their most intense ever. Great floral nose with freshly cut herb notes. Classic, steely, minerally, citrus flavours with an excellent concentration of fruit. Rich and powerful. Hint of biscuit and vanilla. Irresistibly elegant and perfect with oysters!
Maison Albert Bichot Le Clos 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Pouilly-Fuisse can be a very special wine ... Le Clos one of its best vineyards'' (Parker) Albert Bichot's subtle use of oak preserves the wonderfully bright fruit and mineral flavours in this classic Pouilly-Fuisse. Excellent value too.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Pouilly-Fuisse can be a very special wine ... Le Clos one of its best vineyards'' (Parker) Albert Bichot's subtle use of oak preserves the wonderfully bright fruit and mineral flavours in this classic Pouilly-Fuisse. Excellent value too.
Les Mines 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
World-famous wine expert Robert Parker writes of Priorat that it was ''an historic but forgotten region until twenty years ago'' when a ''new wave'' of winemakers claimed back the region's hillside vineyards and began to carve out a reputation for its rich, deeply fruited wines. The secret to Priorat's recent success is its soil, which is not really soil at all but a dense slate and quartz mix called ''Llicorella''. Years ago, this tough, mineral-rich land was mined - hence the name 'Les Mines' - but this rugged terroir also proves perfect for growing grapes ... the vines have to struggle through it to find moisture, and in doing so pick up traces of mineral and nutrients that help the grapes achieve such intense flavours. A complex blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Merlot, Les Mines counts Hugh Johnson among its many fans: ''deep-coloured and flavoured like spicy plums, roundly fills the mouth, then tweaks the palate with juicy freshness. A bargain for a region in high demand. Excellent.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
World-famous wine expert Robert Parker writes of Priorat that it was ''an historic but forgotten region until twenty years ago'' when a ''new wave'' of winemakers claimed back the region's hillside vineyards and began to carve out a reputation for its rich, deeply fruited wines. The secret to Priorat's recent success is its soil, which is not really soil at all but a dense slate and quartz mix called ''Llicorella''. Years ago, this tough, mineral-rich land was mined - hence the name 'Les Mines' - but this rugged terroir also proves perfect for growing grapes ... the vines have to struggle through it to find moisture, and in doing so pick up traces of mineral and nutrients that help the grapes achieve such intense flavours. A complex blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Merlot, Les Mines counts Hugh Johnson among its many fans: ''deep-coloured and flavoured like spicy plums, roundly fills the mouth, then tweaks the palate with juicy freshness. A bargain for a region in high demand. Excellent.''
The Homestead Barrel Aged Shiraz 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Big and juicy with waves of plump blackberry fruit underpinned by hints of spice, smoke and liquorice. ''Australia's best Shiraz comes from Victoria'' (Decanter) ... better still: ''an outstanding 5-star winery'' (James Halliday) is behind this mighty offering - their wines normally sell around the #20 a bottle mark. Then there's the year - ''2005 is the vintage of the century'' says Aussie guru Huon Hooke.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Big and juicy with waves of plump blackberry fruit underpinned by hints of spice, smoke and liquorice. ''Australia's best Shiraz comes from Victoria'' (Decanter) ... better still: ''an outstanding 5-star winery'' (James Halliday) is behind this mighty offering - their wines normally sell around the #20 a bottle mark. Then there's the year - ''2005 is the vintage of the century'' says Aussie guru Huon Hooke.
Miranda Leone Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Barossa Shiraz is one of the world's most iconic wines - big, brooding, blockbuster reds often with similarly bruising price tags, up to #50-a-bottle! So this exceptional value beauty from the ''very good Miranda estate'' (James Halliday) comes with our highest recommendation. Ancient Shiraz vines, the famed Barossa red earth and Mother Nature's bounty in 2006 combine with astonishing power in this blistering red. ''Dense, smoky black fruit and spice, with BIG smooth flavours of blackberries, chocolate and soft oak. A wine tailor-made for the biggest, juiciest steaks.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Barossa Shiraz is one of the world's most iconic wines - big, brooding, blockbuster reds often with similarly bruising price tags, up to #50-a-bottle! So this exceptional value beauty from the ''very good Miranda estate'' (James Halliday) comes with our highest recommendation. Ancient Shiraz vines, the famed Barossa red earth and Mother Nature's bounty in 2006 combine with astonishing power in this blistering red. ''Dense, smoky black fruit and spice, with BIG smooth flavours of blackberries, chocolate and soft oak. A wine tailor-made for the biggest, juiciest steaks.''
Domaine Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Terre de Maimbray 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Loire-lovers can expect harmony, fruit and finesse from 2006'' Decanter ... and Sancerre fans can expect thrilling aromatics of ripe gooseberry and a mouthful oozing crisp apple and deep mineral complexity from this stunning Sancerre. But there is real depth of flavour, not often found in Loire whites because dynamic brothers Pascal and Nicolas leave their wine on its lees. The result in the glass is breathtaking! Deliciously fragrant gooseberry, grapefruit and lemon aromas, with the minerality that defines Sancerre. The palate is intense, with abundant fruit and great freshness. Enjoy!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Loire-lovers can expect harmony, fruit and finesse from 2006'' Decanter ... and Sancerre fans can expect thrilling aromatics of ripe gooseberry and a mouthful oozing crisp apple and deep mineral complexity from this stunning Sancerre. But there is real depth of flavour, not often found in Loire whites because dynamic brothers Pascal and Nicolas leave their wine on its lees. The result in the glass is breathtaking! Deliciously fragrant gooseberry, grapefruit and lemon aromas, with the minerality that defines Sancerre. The palate is intense, with abundant fruit and great freshness. Enjoy!
Chateau Gigault, Cuvee Viva 2005 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Robert Parker calls this ''one of the best choices for maximum value'' - and we couldn't agree more! Packed with ripe brambly fruit and subtle hints of mocha and mint, this luxurious gem has won a stack of awards and commendations - including a top 91-point score from Wine Spectator! ''Ripe cherry and berry, with a melange of fresh herbs, olive and a hint of coffee and chocolate on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, intense and silky, with loads of fruit pushing through the long finish. Delicious even now. This is always excellent value.'' Wine Spectator
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Robert Parker calls this ''one of the best choices for maximum value'' - and we couldn't agree more! Packed with ripe brambly fruit and subtle hints of mocha and mint, this luxurious gem has won a stack of awards and commendations - including a top 91-point score from Wine Spectator! ''Ripe cherry and berry, with a melange of fresh herbs, olive and a hint of coffee and chocolate on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, intense and silky, with loads of fruit pushing through the long finish. Delicious even now. This is always excellent value.'' Wine Spectator
Hungerford Hill Chardonnay 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the cool growing climate of Tumbarumba is the ideal location for clean, peach-fresh Chardonnays like this. With altitudes up to 750 metres, it's one of Australia's coldest viticultural regions ... and fast becoming one of the finest! Leading wine writer, James Halliday is a big fan of Hungerford Hill Chardonnay and gave this vintage a massive 92 points! The ultra-low yields in 2006 brought fruit concentration levels through the roof - producing wines of outstanding quality, as you'll soon taste. ''Pale straw green in colour. The nose displays complex yet delicate aromas of pear & white nectarine amidst a background of fine nutty oak. The palate is complex & full bodied with perfectly integrated fruit flavours & subtle French oak.'' Phillip John, Chief Winemaker.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the cool growing climate of Tumbarumba is the ideal location for clean, peach-fresh Chardonnays like this. With altitudes up to 750 metres, it's one of Australia's coldest viticultural regions ... and fast becoming one of the finest! Leading wine writer, James Halliday is a big fan of Hungerford Hill Chardonnay and gave this vintage a massive 92 points! The ultra-low yields in 2006 brought fruit concentration levels through the roof - producing wines of outstanding quality, as you'll soon taste. ''Pale straw green in colour. The nose displays complex yet delicate aromas of pear & white nectarine amidst a background of fine nutty oak. The palate is complex & full bodied with perfectly integrated fruit flavours & subtle French oak.'' Phillip John, Chief Winemaker.
Hungerford Hill Chardonnay - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the cool growing climate of Tumbarumba is the ideal location for clean, peach-fresh Chardonnays like this. With altitudes up to 750 metres, it's one of Australia's coldest viticultural regions ... and fast becoming one of the finest! Leading wine writer, James Halliday is a big fan of Hungerford Hill Chardonnay and gave this vintage a massive 92 points! The ultra-low yields in 2006 brought fruit concentration levels through the roof - producing wines of outstanding quality, as you'll soon taste. ''Pale straw green in colour. The nose displays complex yet delicate aromas of pear & white nectarine amidst a background of fine nutty oak. The palate is complex & full bodied with perfectly integrated fruit flavours & subtle French oak.'' Phillip John, Chief Winemaker.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, the cool growing climate of Tumbarumba is the ideal location for clean, peach-fresh Chardonnays like this. With altitudes up to 750 metres, it's one of Australia's coldest viticultural regions ... and fast becoming one of the finest! Leading wine writer, James Halliday is a big fan of Hungerford Hill Chardonnay and gave this vintage a massive 92 points! The ultra-low yields in 2006 brought fruit concentration levels through the roof - producing wines of outstanding quality, as you'll soon taste. ''Pale straw green in colour. The nose displays complex yet delicate aromas of pear & white nectarine amidst a background of fine nutty oak. The palate is complex & full bodied with perfectly integrated fruit flavours & subtle French oak.'' Phillip John, Chief Winemaker.
Chateau Moine Blanc - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This is great value for historic vintage Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, but perhaps more striking is the wine's exceptional pedigree. In 1982, the 14th century Moine Blanc became the first estate in Saint-Emilion to embrace the now famous biodynamic methods of viticulture thanks to the current owner Monsieur Courthe. The 2005 vintage was crafted under the auspices of the brilliant Jean-Luc Thunevin, consultant to the region's top estates. This is wonderfully pure claret - 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet France, aged in 30% new oak barrels. Smooth, complex and full of blackberries, liquorice and spice - a delightful claret.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This is great value for historic vintage Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, but perhaps more striking is the wine's exceptional pedigree. In 1982, the 14th century Moine Blanc became the first estate in Saint-Emilion to embrace the now famous biodynamic methods of viticulture thanks to the current owner Monsieur Courthe. The 2005 vintage was crafted under the auspices of the brilliant Jean-Luc Thunevin, consultant to the region's top estates. This is wonderfully pure claret - 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet France, aged in 30% new oak barrels. Smooth, complex and full of blackberries, liquorice and spice - a delightful claret.
Muritai Pinot Noir - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''At its best New Zealand Pinot compares very favourably with Premier Cru Burgundy'' (Scotland on Sunday) ... and look at the price of this exquisite 2006. It's made on a very small scale by Jon Harrey and his family at the Te Mania winery in Nelson. Nelson vies with Marlborough in having the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand and with warm days and cool nights to boot, its perfect for growing quality Pinot Noir fruit. This excellent Pinot is named Muritai after the cooling sea breeze which refreshes the vineyards of Nelson. Rich, ripe raspberry character - very smooth and moreish. Serve with roast chicken, veal, tuna steaks.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''At its best New Zealand Pinot compares very favourably with Premier Cru Burgundy'' (Scotland on Sunday) ... and look at the price of this exquisite 2006. It's made on a very small scale by Jon Harrey and his family at the Te Mania winery in Nelson. Nelson vies with Marlborough in having the highest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand and with warm days and cool nights to boot, its perfect for growing quality Pinot Noir fruit. This excellent Pinot is named Muritai after the cooling sea breeze which refreshes the vineyards of Nelson. Rich, ripe raspberry character - very smooth and moreish. Serve with roast chicken, veal, tuna steaks.
Domaine Michel Thomas Silex 2006 - £13.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
With a host of the world's best wine awards, including high ratings from Robert Parker and Guide Hachette, there's no doubt Michel Thomas is making some of the finest Sancerre. This is his top cuvee, full of the thrilling aromatics, intense gooseberry flavours and deep mineral complexity of fine 2006.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
With a host of the world's best wine awards, including high ratings from Robert Parker and Guide Hachette, there's no doubt Michel Thomas is making some of the finest Sancerre. This is his top cuvee, full of the thrilling aromatics, intense gooseberry flavours and deep mineral complexity of fine 2006.
Monteillet St Joseph 2004 - £13.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Founded in the eighteenth century, Domaine Monteillet has been owned by the Montez family for three generations. Current winemaker Stephane Montez worked for a number of top New World wineries (including Brown Brothers in Australia) before he took over the family business several years ago. Since then quality has soared! Stephane produces massively rich, Syrah-packed reds with plenty of berry-laden fruit. Just 200 cases are made every vintage - making this an extremely sought after wine. Don't miss out! Super-rich and inky black in colour. Brimming with black cherry, spice and abundant cassis flavours - this is excellent on its own or a superb partner for red meats and full-flavoured vegetarian dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Founded in the eighteenth century, Domaine Monteillet has been owned by the Montez family for three generations. Current winemaker Stephane Montez worked for a number of top New World wineries (including Brown Brothers in Australia) before he took over the family business several years ago. Since then quality has soared! Stephane produces massively rich, Syrah-packed reds with plenty of berry-laden fruit. Just 200 cases are made every vintage - making this an extremely sought after wine. Don't miss out! Super-rich and inky black in colour. Brimming with black cherry, spice and abundant cassis flavours - this is excellent on its own or a superb partner for red meats and full-flavoured vegetarian dishes.
Esquive de Franc Maillet 2004 - £13.49
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Special project of Jean-Luc Thunevin who also crafts #200 Chateau Valandraud. He brings all of his Grand Vin know-how to bear in this great-value Pomerol. Full of the seductive black fruit and plummy generosity that make the ''2004 clarets just so delicious right now'' (Jancis Robinson MW).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Special project of Jean-Luc Thunevin who also crafts #200 Chateau Valandraud. He brings all of his Grand Vin know-how to bear in this great-value Pomerol. Full of the seductive black fruit and plummy generosity that make the ''2004 clarets just so delicious right now'' (Jancis Robinson MW).
Geoff Merrill Reserve Shiraz 75cl - £82.59
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £13.77 per bottle. Price on 06-Jul-08 from Tesco.
The wine displays aromas of licorice and black pepper with a complex spicy vanillin bouquet. The palate is rich and creamy with a long firm tannin finish.
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £13.77 per bottle. Price on 06-Jul-08 from Tesco.
The wine displays aromas of licorice and black pepper with a complex spicy vanillin bouquet. The palate is rich and creamy with a long firm tannin finish.
Clos Floridene Blanc 2006 - £13.79
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Clos Floridene is somewhat of an insider's secret, producing brilliant dry white wine ... at a price that remains a relative steal'' Robert Parker If you've yet to be seduced by Bordeaux's outstanding whites, this highly acclaimed gem is the perfect place to start ... ''very lively, flirtatious and floral like so many of the best 2006 whites'' (Jancis Robinson).
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Clos Floridene is somewhat of an insider's secret, producing brilliant dry white wine ... at a price that remains a relative steal'' Robert Parker If you've yet to be seduced by Bordeaux's outstanding whites, this highly acclaimed gem is the perfect place to start ... ''very lively, flirtatious and floral like so many of the best 2006 whites'' (Jancis Robinson).