Red Wine from Other Countries between £8.00 and £12.00 per bottle
Other Countries includes wines that did not have a country specified when we added them to our database - so may include countries originally listed in the menu.
Vieux Chateau Guibeau 2005 - £10.89
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Merlot-rich Chateau Guibeau is a dinner party classic you've been enjoying for nearly 40 years. Yet in three generations the Bourlon family have never had as good a vintage as 2005 The chateau is situated in the village of Puisseguin ... a treasure trove for those in search of Merlot-rich Saint-Emilion bargains. Despite the escalating reputation of their wines, prices for this excellent claret remain sensible thanks to our long-standing relationship with the family. ''Seductively smooth with subtle toastiness and richly textured blackberry and plum. Decant for an hour to release full flavour.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Merlot-rich Chateau Guibeau is a dinner party classic you've been enjoying for nearly 40 years. Yet in three generations the Bourlon family have never had as good a vintage as 2005 The chateau is situated in the village of Puisseguin ... a treasure trove for those in search of Merlot-rich Saint-Emilion bargains. Despite the escalating reputation of their wines, prices for this excellent claret remain sensible thanks to our long-standing relationship with the family. ''Seductively smooth with subtle toastiness and richly textured blackberry and plum. Decant for an hour to release full flavour.''
Villa Cerna 2005 - £10.89
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Set in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, Villa Cerna has been producing wine for almost 1000 years! A document recovered from 1183 refers to the estate's suitability for grape growing - and Villa Cerna has never looked back! Even today, this cherry-red Chianti is made in a fully traditional style - current owners, the Cecchi brothers use ONLY indigenous grapes in their blend ... you won't find any Cabernet Sauvignon in this winery! The wine is then aged in traditional oak barriques in the property's ancient cellars - to offer an authentic taste of Italy! Bright and vibrant with intense cherry, violet and spicy wood aromas. Elegant and refined with a good structure - this would be perfect with traditional Italian fare.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Set in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, Villa Cerna has been producing wine for almost 1000 years! A document recovered from 1183 refers to the estate's suitability for grape growing - and Villa Cerna has never looked back! Even today, this cherry-red Chianti is made in a fully traditional style - current owners, the Cecchi brothers use ONLY indigenous grapes in their blend ... you won't find any Cabernet Sauvignon in this winery! The wine is then aged in traditional oak barriques in the property's ancient cellars - to offer an authentic taste of Italy! Bright and vibrant with intense cherry, violet and spicy wood aromas. Elegant and refined with a good structure - this would be perfect with traditional Italian fare.
Selvarossa Riserva 1998 - £10.89
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winning Grand Gold at Italy's top wine show is no easy feat, especially when you consider the number of entries vying for top place. With ten years mellow maturity and a palate rich in plum and spicy oak - it's easy to see why the judges were so enamoured! Made from 100% sun-ripened Negroamaro, this delicious red is brimming with fruits of the forest aromas. Wonderfully rich, it's the ideal accompaniment to lamb chops, spaghetti bolognaise or Mediterranean cuisine.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Winning Grand Gold at Italy's top wine show is no easy feat, especially when you consider the number of entries vying for top place. With ten years mellow maturity and a palate rich in plum and spicy oak - it's easy to see why the judges were so enamoured! Made from 100% sun-ripened Negroamaro, this delicious red is brimming with fruits of the forest aromas. Wonderfully rich, it's the ideal accompaniment to lamb chops, spaghetti bolognaise or Mediterranean cuisine.
Cuvee La Madone 2006 - £10.89
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Magnificent Fleurie that comes from the very best hillside vines - in the most prized of the Beaujolais Crus. The 2006 has all the gorgeous spicy berry intensity in-the-know Beaujolais drinkers love - and a highly prized Gold medal from France's top wine show ... for the 2nd year in a row. ''Cru Beaujolais - as refreshing as a pool splash on a hot day; it's rather more thirst-quenching than any wine has the right to be'' commented Andrew Jefford in Decanter magazine and Cuvee La Madone is crafted by one of the region's most acclaimed cellars, the Cave de Fleurie. The use the best hand-picked Gamay from ancient vines (these are crucial to the deep, rich flavours in every glass) and name it in honour of the beautiful Madonna Chapel ... built high on the hillside here in 1870 and in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for her protection of the vineyards. Attractively ruby coloured with heady aromas of fresh raspberry and violets. A silky smooth mouthful of juicy Summer berry fruit flavours with a tantalising touch of spice to finish. Serve gently chilled as a lavish aperitif or accompaniment to lighter Summer dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Magnificent Fleurie that comes from the very best hillside vines - in the most prized of the Beaujolais Crus. The 2006 has all the gorgeous spicy berry intensity in-the-know Beaujolais drinkers love - and a highly prized Gold medal from France's top wine show ... for the 2nd year in a row. ''Cru Beaujolais - as refreshing as a pool splash on a hot day; it's rather more thirst-quenching than any wine has the right to be'' commented Andrew Jefford in Decanter magazine and Cuvee La Madone is crafted by one of the region's most acclaimed cellars, the Cave de Fleurie. The use the best hand-picked Gamay from ancient vines (these are crucial to the deep, rich flavours in every glass) and name it in honour of the beautiful Madonna Chapel ... built high on the hillside here in 1870 and in thanksgiving to the Virgin Mary for her protection of the vineyards. Attractively ruby coloured with heady aromas of fresh raspberry and violets. A silky smooth mouthful of juicy Summer berry fruit flavours with a tantalising touch of spice to finish. Serve gently chilled as a lavish aperitif or accompaniment to lighter Summer dishes.
Finca Labarca Reserva 2001 - £10.95
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Brimming with blackberry, vanilla and creamy oak flavours, you'd be hard pushed to find a more irresistible Rioja than this! Thanks to an ''outstanding'' 2001 vintage, the picturesque estate at Finca Labarca was able to produce fruit of incredible concentration and flavour. A long slumber in the finest oak barrels allowed the wine to gain even more complexity - producing a supple, berry-rich red that is guaranteed to impress! Ripe and concentrated Tempranillo fruit oozes delicious raspberry and tobacco aromas leading to a medium-bodied mouthful of ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit. The perfect partner to tapas dishes such as tasty albondigas (meatballs) or patatas bravas (spicy potatoes)
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Brimming with blackberry, vanilla and creamy oak flavours, you'd be hard pushed to find a more irresistible Rioja than this! Thanks to an ''outstanding'' 2001 vintage, the picturesque estate at Finca Labarca was able to produce fruit of incredible concentration and flavour. A long slumber in the finest oak barrels allowed the wine to gain even more complexity - producing a supple, berry-rich red that is guaranteed to impress! Ripe and concentrated Tempranillo fruit oozes delicious raspberry and tobacco aromas leading to a medium-bodied mouthful of ripe cherry and redcurrant fruit. The perfect partner to tapas dishes such as tasty albondigas (meatballs) or patatas bravas (spicy potatoes)
Schroeder Estate Malbec 2006 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We go to the ends of the earth to secure amazing new wines and here is spectacular proof ... black-as-night, barrel-aged Malbec newly arrived from wild and beautiful ... Patagonia! Argentine Patagonia is a diverse land of deserts, mountains and wild rivers ... and home to the oasis of excellence that is the Schroeder Estate. Fast-draining gravel soils (where dinosaur bones are still regularly found), plentiful sunshine and fresh breezes make it ideal for vines. Add a state-of-the-art winery and the expertise of consultant Leonardo Puppato and all the quality factors are in place for crafting fine wines. Cru classe-style finesse and turbo-charged fruit await ... ''The Malbec grape makes Argentina's greatest reds and they don't come any darker or more brambly than this. Masses of black fruit and toasty oak underpinned by supple tannins. Superb partner for rich game dishes.''
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
We go to the ends of the earth to secure amazing new wines and here is spectacular proof ... black-as-night, barrel-aged Malbec newly arrived from wild and beautiful ... Patagonia! Argentine Patagonia is a diverse land of deserts, mountains and wild rivers ... and home to the oasis of excellence that is the Schroeder Estate. Fast-draining gravel soils (where dinosaur bones are still regularly found), plentiful sunshine and fresh breezes make it ideal for vines. Add a state-of-the-art winery and the expertise of consultant Leonardo Puppato and all the quality factors are in place for crafting fine wines. Cru classe-style finesse and turbo-charged fruit await ... ''The Malbec grape makes Argentina's greatest reds and they don't come any darker or more brambly than this. Masses of black fruit and toasty oak underpinned by supple tannins. Superb partner for rich game dishes.''
Scarpantoni Domenico's Block Shiraz 2005 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Have a taste of Australia's finest, with this top-vintage Shiraz from the magnificent Scarpantoni estate - who scooped the Jimmy Watson this year - Australia's most sought-after wine Trophy! It's crafted from fruit of one of the Scarpantoni family's oldest plots in McLaren Vale - home to ''world-class Shiraz'' (The Observer) - and gets the extra care its venerable vines deserve. Brothers Michael and Filippo named the wine in honour of Domenico Scarpantoni, who established the winery in 1979. You're advised to order this right away ... ''a flurry of excitement greets each new red from Scarpantoni ... hurry along if you want any!'' (Penguin Guide) A luscious mouthful of bramble fruit, spice, pepper and plum, underpinned by creamy vanilla oak thanks to a lavish 12 months' ageing in oak barrels. Glorious with roasted red meat dishes.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Have a taste of Australia's finest, with this top-vintage Shiraz from the magnificent Scarpantoni estate - who scooped the Jimmy Watson this year - Australia's most sought-after wine Trophy! It's crafted from fruit of one of the Scarpantoni family's oldest plots in McLaren Vale - home to ''world-class Shiraz'' (The Observer) - and gets the extra care its venerable vines deserve. Brothers Michael and Filippo named the wine in honour of Domenico Scarpantoni, who established the winery in 1979. You're advised to order this right away ... ''a flurry of excitement greets each new red from Scarpantoni ... hurry along if you want any!'' (Penguin Guide) A luscious mouthful of bramble fruit, spice, pepper and plum, underpinned by creamy vanilla oak thanks to a lavish 12 months' ageing in oak barrels. Glorious with roasted red meat dishes.
Terra Rossa Ridge Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This belter of a Cabernet is not only from the ''5-star Pepper Tree estate'' (James Halliday) but also Australia's ''extraordinary, 96-point 2005 vintage'' (Robert Parker). It is crafted by gifted Jim Chatto from Cabernet hotspot Wrattonbully, between famed Coonawarra and Padthaway, where it shares the same distinctive red soil (terra rossa) this noble grape loves. Deep garnet with attractive blackcurrant and cassis aromas and subtle tobacco leaf notes - the hallmark of the finest Cabernet. 12 months patient ageing in barrel has produced a smooth, succulent and richly complex style.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
This belter of a Cabernet is not only from the ''5-star Pepper Tree estate'' (James Halliday) but also Australia's ''extraordinary, 96-point 2005 vintage'' (Robert Parker). It is crafted by gifted Jim Chatto from Cabernet hotspot Wrattonbully, between famed Coonawarra and Padthaway, where it shares the same distinctive red soil (terra rossa) this noble grape loves. Deep garnet with attractive blackcurrant and cassis aromas and subtle tobacco leaf notes - the hallmark of the finest Cabernet. 12 months patient ageing in barrel has produced a smooth, succulent and richly complex style.
Domaine Pardon Vieilles Vignes 2006 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The ancient Pardon estate is a trophy-winning, family owned bijou property which produces one of the best wines of the commune. Fleurie, 'Queen of Beaujolais' is one of the most popular of the Beaujolais Crus. Typically aromatic, smooth and luscious - this stunning 2006 vintage is bursting with ripe berry appeal. Our advice: take as much as you can! Highly aromatic with a touch of spice - just why Fleurie is the Queen of Beaujolais! Velvety mouthfuls of ripe strawberry fruit - served lightly chilled, it's perfect Summer sipping.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The ancient Pardon estate is a trophy-winning, family owned bijou property which produces one of the best wines of the commune. Fleurie, 'Queen of Beaujolais' is one of the most popular of the Beaujolais Crus. Typically aromatic, smooth and luscious - this stunning 2006 vintage is bursting with ripe berry appeal. Our advice: take as much as you can! Highly aromatic with a touch of spice - just why Fleurie is the Queen of Beaujolais! Velvety mouthfuls of ripe strawberry fruit - served lightly chilled, it's perfect Summer sipping.
Sciara Terra Nera Pinot Nero - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Your passion for the great reds of Italy makes you party to a remarkable NEW discovery that we'd love to offer more widely - but we can't because there is so little of it made. Imagine a top-notch Pinot Noir - all silky, cherry fruit and spicy complexity - given ripples of dark, chocolaty depth by the fertile soils (Terra Nera) on Mount Etna - yes, the volcano! I'm talking about a striking depth of flavour to blow your guests socks off! Order without delay to be part of this one-chance-only experience but hurry, only 500 cases exist - it's now or never! Magnificently rich and brimming with black cherry, chocolate and cinnamon flavours. A velvety smooth mouthful with layers of berry-ripe complexity. This caused a real stir in our tasting room - try it today!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Your passion for the great reds of Italy makes you party to a remarkable NEW discovery that we'd love to offer more widely - but we can't because there is so little of it made. Imagine a top-notch Pinot Noir - all silky, cherry fruit and spicy complexity - given ripples of dark, chocolaty depth by the fertile soils (Terra Nera) on Mount Etna - yes, the volcano! I'm talking about a striking depth of flavour to blow your guests socks off! Order without delay to be part of this one-chance-only experience but hurry, only 500 cases exist - it's now or never! Magnificently rich and brimming with black cherry, chocolate and cinnamon flavours. A velvety smooth mouthful with layers of berry-ripe complexity. This caused a real stir in our tasting room - try it today!
Sciara Terra Nera Pinot Nero 2006 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Your passion for the great reds of Italy makes you party to a remarkable NEW discovery that we'd love to offer more widely - but we can't because there is so little of it made. Imagine a top-notch Pinot Noir - all silky, cherry fruit and spicy complexity - given ripples of dark, chocolaty depth by the fertile soils (Terra Nera) on Mount Etna - yes, the volcano! I'm talking about a striking depth of flavour to blow your guests socks off! Order without delay to be part of this one-chance-only experience but hurry, only 500 cases exist - it's now or never! Magnificently rich and brimming with black cherry, chocolate and cinnamon flavours. A velvety smooth mouthful with layers of berry-ripe complexity. This caused a real stir in our tasting room - try it today!
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Your passion for the great reds of Italy makes you party to a remarkable NEW discovery that we'd love to offer more widely - but we can't because there is so little of it made. Imagine a top-notch Pinot Noir - all silky, cherry fruit and spicy complexity - given ripples of dark, chocolaty depth by the fertile soils (Terra Nera) on Mount Etna - yes, the volcano! I'm talking about a striking depth of flavour to blow your guests socks off! Order without delay to be part of this one-chance-only experience but hurry, only 500 cases exist - it's now or never! Magnificently rich and brimming with black cherry, chocolate and cinnamon flavours. A velvety smooth mouthful with layers of berry-ripe complexity. This caused a real stir in our tasting room - try it today!
Cuvee Presidente Marguerite 2006 - £10.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
An exclusive and favourite of staff and press alike! This special cuvee honours a former head of a terrific local cellar, Marguerite Chabert... the first French woman to hold such a role - and she did so from 1946 until 1984! Fleurie is possibly Beaujolais' most famous and popular 'cru' village. As Hugh Johnson says, the finest Fleurie is ''the epitome of a Beaujolais Cru ... fruity, scented, silky, racy''. And this offers textbook, spicy red berry fruit and a deliciously silky finish. Wonderful with roast pork or cold meats.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
An exclusive and favourite of staff and press alike! This special cuvee honours a former head of a terrific local cellar, Marguerite Chabert... the first French woman to hold such a role - and she did so from 1946 until 1984! Fleurie is possibly Beaujolais' most famous and popular 'cru' village. As Hugh Johnson says, the finest Fleurie is ''the epitome of a Beaujolais Cru ... fruity, scented, silky, racy''. And this offers textbook, spicy red berry fruit and a deliciously silky finish. Wonderful with roast pork or cold meats.
Perrin Les Christins 2005 - £11.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Built very much in the Beaucastel mould, Les Christins is a strapping wine yet in 2005, amazingly elegant too. Its intensity comes from 55-year-old Grenache and Syrah vines grown in a single vineyard just south of the ruggedly beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail hills. Mouthwatering morello cherry and liquorice melange. Drink 2007-2013.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Built very much in the Beaucastel mould, Les Christins is a strapping wine yet in 2005, amazingly elegant too. Its intensity comes from 55-year-old Grenache and Syrah vines grown in a single vineyard just south of the ruggedly beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail hills. Mouthwatering morello cherry and liquorice melange. Drink 2007-2013.
Domaine des Carbonniers 2005 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Gigondas can pummel the softer Chateauneuf into submission'' Decanter's Andrew Jefford This outstanding estate is a recent winner of the Vinalies Prix d'Excellence - one of the highest wine awards in France. It's not surprising that, given the extraordinary quality of the vintage, Carbonnieres 2005 is a candidate for the finest Gigondas we've ever encountered. A complete 'steal' for the price. Drink 2007-2012.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
''Gigondas can pummel the softer Chateauneuf into submission'' Decanter's Andrew Jefford This outstanding estate is a recent winner of the Vinalies Prix d'Excellence - one of the highest wine awards in France. It's not surprising that, given the extraordinary quality of the vintage, Carbonnieres 2005 is a candidate for the finest Gigondas we've ever encountered. A complete 'steal' for the price. Drink 2007-2012.
Roc de Lussac 2003 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Roc de Lussac is all that is great about Saint-Emilion - a passionate, dedicated cellar with centuries of wine-making know-how ... and a silky, opulent red that could be from knowhere else in the world. Wine guru Robert Parker rates Lussac ''as a veritable treasure trove for Saint-Emilion bargains'' while Hugh Johnson considers the wines ''excellent''. And this is from the 2003 vintage - ''in years to come we will be drinking Bordeaux 2003 and satying this is as good as it gets'' (Johnson). Satisyingly intense plum aromas. Smooth, succulent, ripe fruit - waves of concentrated cassis, black cherry, spice and a trace of liquorice. Wonderful structure and a long, luxurious finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Roc de Lussac is all that is great about Saint-Emilion - a passionate, dedicated cellar with centuries of wine-making know-how ... and a silky, opulent red that could be from knowhere else in the world. Wine guru Robert Parker rates Lussac ''as a veritable treasure trove for Saint-Emilion bargains'' while Hugh Johnson considers the wines ''excellent''. And this is from the 2003 vintage - ''in years to come we will be drinking Bordeaux 2003 and satying this is as good as it gets'' (Johnson). Satisyingly intense plum aromas. Smooth, succulent, ripe fruit - waves of concentrated cassis, black cherry, spice and a trace of liquorice. Wonderful structure and a long, luxurious finish.
Baron de Barbon Reserva 2004 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Hugely satisfying Reserva with all the class and style you'd expect from this outstanding estate. Skilful maturation in oak has framed the core of intensely deep, ripe fruit with deliciously spicy tannins. Will be drinkable on release yet can be cellared until at least 2013. A shrewd choice for those looking for the perfect combination of indulgence and ageing potential.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Hugely satisfying Reserva with all the class and style you'd expect from this outstanding estate. Skilful maturation in oak has framed the core of intensely deep, ripe fruit with deliciously spicy tannins. Will be drinkable on release yet can be cellared until at least 2013. A shrewd choice for those looking for the perfect combination of indulgence and ageing potential.
Westend Estate Three Bridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's Westend Estate specialises in producing boutique-style, limited edition wines of excellence. Bill himself is dedicated to the pursuit of quality, and he has kept these Three Bridges wines aside (the finest in the range) exclusively for us. After a 15-month slumber in new oak barrels, Bill's Cabernet is superb - he even hand-selected the grapes himself! Complex cassis and blackcurrant flavour with notes of spicy oak.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Bill Calabria's Westend Estate specialises in producing boutique-style, limited edition wines of excellence. Bill himself is dedicated to the pursuit of quality, and he has kept these Three Bridges wines aside (the finest in the range) exclusively for us. After a 15-month slumber in new oak barrels, Bill's Cabernet is superb - he even hand-selected the grapes himself! Complex cassis and blackcurrant flavour with notes of spicy oak.
Familia Martinez Bujanda Reserva 2000 - £11.39
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.
Wrangle Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2004 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, skilfully crafted in a charming and food-friendly style. For Aussie lovers, this wine makes a great change from Shiraz! After years of working the famous Rosemount Winery, becoming in the process, one of the Australia's best-known winemakers, Philip Shaw set up on his own with a vineyard he had bought way back in the 1980s. Orange is a beautiful place with very distinct seasons - not something that other Australian wine regions can generally lay claim to. Its cool climate status means the wines are elegant and fragrant - yet still with that benchmark Australian ripeness. Lovely minty Cabernet with ripe blackcurrant fruit and firm yet smooth tannins. Serve with hearty stews, roast leg of lamb or tender steaks.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, skilfully crafted in a charming and food-friendly style. For Aussie lovers, this wine makes a great change from Shiraz! After years of working the famous Rosemount Winery, becoming in the process, one of the Australia's best-known winemakers, Philip Shaw set up on his own with a vineyard he had bought way back in the 1980s. Orange is a beautiful place with very distinct seasons - not something that other Australian wine regions can generally lay claim to. Its cool climate status means the wines are elegant and fragrant - yet still with that benchmark Australian ripeness. Lovely minty Cabernet with ripe blackcurrant fruit and firm yet smooth tannins. Serve with hearty stews, roast leg of lamb or tender steaks.
Bois de la Salle 2005 - £11.39
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
St Amour is perhaps the best-loved of all the Beaujolais Crus 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. Never has Beaujolais tasted so incredibly rich and beautifully balanced but stocks of this hugely acclaimed vintage are running dangerously low. If you're a fan you may have already got your finger poised on the order button. Press it! If you're unfamiliar with St Amour at its gorgeous best, we cannot urge you strongly enough to try it now. Draw the cork and brace yourself for a rush of crushed cherry and strawberry aromas. Take a sip and enjoy the mouth-caressing silkiness, vibrant red fruit flavours and lovely lingering intensity. Serve with chacouterie, roasted poultry and cheese platters.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
St Amour is perhaps the best-loved of all the Beaujolais Crus 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. Never has Beaujolais tasted so incredibly rich and beautifully balanced but stocks of this hugely acclaimed vintage are running dangerously low. If you're a fan you may have already got your finger poised on the order button. Press it! If you're unfamiliar with St Amour at its gorgeous best, we cannot urge you strongly enough to try it now. Draw the cork and brace yourself for a rush of crushed cherry and strawberry aromas. Take a sip and enjoy the mouth-caressing silkiness, vibrant red fruit flavours and lovely lingering intensity. Serve with chacouterie, roasted poultry and cheese platters.