Red Wine over £12.00 per bottle
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!
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.''
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
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.
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 22-Nov-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 22-Nov-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.
Elgin Vintners Shiraz 2006 - £83.79
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £13.97 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Elgin Vintners Shiraz 2006
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £13.97 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Elgin Vintners Shiraz 2006
Domaine Bouscatiere 2002 - £13.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Rhone's 2002 vintage favoured this sheltered estate close to Chateauneuf. Their powerful red shows plenty of ripe, berry fruity flavours and a peppery, lingering finish.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
The Rhone's 2002 vintage favoured this sheltered estate close to Chateauneuf. Their powerful red shows plenty of ripe, berry fruity flavours and a peppery, lingering finish.
El Bombero (Magnum) 2006 - £13.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
El Bombero's army of fans have waited eagerly for the new 2006 vintage and, like the previous nine, it's another triumph! It's the ancient Garnacha vines of remote Cari?ena, the brilliance of winemaker Xavier Domeque and yields lower than Grand Cru Burgundy that produce a wealth of deep, velvety rich fruit flavour - and a bargain at this price. Red berry, bramble and raspberry aromas with extravagantly flavoursome, mouthfilling blackberry and plum all kept deliciously smooth and full bodied by the whack of 15% alcohol.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
El Bombero's army of fans have waited eagerly for the new 2006 vintage and, like the previous nine, it's another triumph! It's the ancient Garnacha vines of remote Cari?ena, the brilliance of winemaker Xavier Domeque and yields lower than Grand Cru Burgundy that produce a wealth of deep, velvety rich fruit flavour - and a bargain at this price. Red berry, bramble and raspberry aromas with extravagantly flavoursome, mouthfilling blackberry and plum all kept deliciously smooth and full bodied by the whack of 15% alcohol.
Chateau Graves du Bert 2003 - £13.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A chance to enjoy fine-estate Grand Cru Saint-Emilion at a bargain price! Sumptuous plums and spice.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
A chance to enjoy fine-estate Grand Cru Saint-Emilion at a bargain price! Sumptuous plums and spice.
Chateau Haut Beychevelle Gloria - £13.99
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Keenly priced, well endowed 2nd wine of ''gloriously delicious Chateau Gloria'' (Robert Parker). At its velvety peak after 7 years' ageing ... and drinking beautifully.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Keenly priced, well endowed 2nd wine of ''gloriously delicious Chateau Gloria'' (Robert Parker). At its velvety peak after 7 years' ageing ... and drinking beautifully.
Reserva de Familia Juan Ramon Madrid 2001 - £14.15
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rioja devotees need look no further. This perfectly mature, multi-medal winning Rioja Reserva is bound to delight. It is made by Juan Ramon Madrid, chief winemaker at renowned Bodegas Primicia, consistently rated among the best estates in Rioja. It has been patiently oak-aged to add soft layers of warming vanilla and impressive complexity to the red fruit flavours of the Tempranillo. It has a mature, brick-red hue with enticing, smoky redcurrant and vanilla oak aromas and layer upon layer of classic, ripe black fruit, raspberry, nutmeg and cigar box complexity. No wonder it has accumulated so many medals.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Rioja devotees need look no further. This perfectly mature, multi-medal winning Rioja Reserva is bound to delight. It is made by Juan Ramon Madrid, chief winemaker at renowned Bodegas Primicia, consistently rated among the best estates in Rioja. It has been patiently oak-aged to add soft layers of warming vanilla and impressive complexity to the red fruit flavours of the Tempranillo. It has a mature, brick-red hue with enticing, smoky redcurrant and vanilla oak aromas and layer upon layer of classic, ripe black fruit, raspberry, nutmeg and cigar box complexity. No wonder it has accumulated so many medals.
Tesco Finest Barolo 75cl - £85.44
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £14.24 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Tesco Finest Barolo 75cl
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £14.24 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Tesco Finest Barolo 75cl
Graham Beck Ridge Syrah 75cl - £85.44
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £14.24 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Graham Beck Ridge Syrah 75cl
For 6 bottles - equivalent to £14.24 per bottle. Price on 22-Nov-08 from Tesco.
Case of 6 Graham Beck Ridge Syrah 75cl
Domaine de la Vougeraie Terres de Famille 2006 - £14.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Hugely popular Pinot Noir that's a real silky charmer in 2006 thanks to new winemaker Pierre Vincent - fame will surely spread if the superb quality of this is anything to go by. Famously includes grapes grown right by the legendary Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru vineyard. Simply Bourgogne on the label - something much grander in the bottle! 100 cases.
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Hugely popular Pinot Noir that's a real silky charmer in 2006 thanks to new winemaker Pierre Vincent - fame will surely spread if the superb quality of this is anything to go by. Famously includes grapes grown right by the legendary Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru vineyard. Simply Bourgogne on the label - something much grander in the bottle! 100 cases.
Ravenswood Zinfandel 2004 - £14.29
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Back in the early 1970's, dynamic winemaker Joel Peterson dreamt of creating wines in California that would rival the greatest of Europe. His dream was realised in 1976 when the first vintage of his Ravenswood Zinfandel was released - and he's never looked back! Joel's mantra of ''no wimpy wines'' means that every bottle Ravenswood produce is crammed with as much voluptuous, berry-rich flavour as possible! This hedonistic red is made from the juiciest, sun-ripened grapes of the Sonoma Valley - a highly exclusive wine region in California - and undergoes a l-o-n-g slumber (over 2 years!) in premium oak barrels before release. ''Bright, flashy, ripe raspberry, blackberry and vanilla flavours are wrapped around a soft sweet fruit core highlighted by scents of cinnamon'' Joel Peterson
Price on 16-Jun-08 from Laithwaites.
Back in the early 1970's, dynamic winemaker Joel Peterson dreamt of creating wines in California that would rival the greatest of Europe. His dream was realised in 1976 when the first vintage of his Ravenswood Zinfandel was released - and he's never looked back! Joel's mantra of ''no wimpy wines'' means that every bottle Ravenswood produce is crammed with as much voluptuous, berry-rich flavour as possible! This hedonistic red is made from the juiciest, sun-ripened grapes of the Sonoma Valley - a highly exclusive wine region in California - and undergoes a l-o-n-g slumber (over 2 years!) in premium oak barrels before release. ''Bright, flashy, ripe raspberry, blackberry and vanilla flavours are wrapped around a soft sweet fruit core highlighted by scents of cinnamon'' Joel Peterson