AUGUST 2011  

Wines with *** will be available from 10th August 2011   �
Chateau / Domaine Appellation Region/ Country Vintage  Price HT
    

Batailley Pauillac Bordeaux, France 2000 79.00 €
D’Armailhac Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1996 70.00 €
D’Armailhac Pauillac Bordeaux, France 2003 72.00 €
Haut Batailley Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1990 99.00 €
Pontet Canet  Pauillac Bordeaux, France 1996 103.00 €

Branaire Ducru *** St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 82.00 €
Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien Bordeaux, France 1986 190.00 €
Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien Bordeaux, France 1996 218.00 €
Gruaud Larose  St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 96.00 €
Léoville Barton St Julien Bordeaux, France 1996 146.00 €
Léoville Las Cases St Julien Bordeaux, France 1994 142.00 €
Talbot *** St Julien Bordeaux, France 1995 93.00 €

Durfort Vivens *** Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 65.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 1998 82.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 104.00 €
Kirwan  Margaux Bordeaux, France 2002 52.00 €
Preiure Lichine Margaux Bordeaux, France 2000 78.00 €

Calon Ségur St Estephe Bordeaux, France 1996 102.00 €
Cos d’Estournel  *** St Estephe Bordeaux, France 1995 233.00 €

Chasse Spleen Moulis Bordeaux, France 2000 49.00 €

Beau-Sejour Bécot St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2005 105.00 €
Bellevue St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2000 135.00 €
Canon La Gaffeliere  *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1990 158.00 €
La Gaffeliere *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1995 69.00 €
Gracia St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1999 140.00 €
La Mondotte St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1995 86.00 €
Pavie  *** St Emilion Bordeaux, France 1990 186.00 €
Pavie Macquin St Emilion Bordeaux, France 2003 160.00 €

La Fleur Pétrus Pomerol Bordeaux, France 1995 272.00 €

Suduiraut Sauternes Bordeaux, France 2006 52.00 €
Rieussec *** Sauternes Bordeaux, France 1990 125.00 €

Faiveley Corton GC Burgundy, France 2002 112.00 €

Chapoutier “La Mordorée” Côte Rôtie Rhône, France 1997 118.00 €
Guigal St Joseph Hospices de Vignes *** St Joseph Rhône, France 2005 111.00 €

Isole e Olena Cepparello  Tuscany, Italy 2004 78.00 €
Sassicaia  Tuscany, Italy 1998 265.00 €
Sassicaia  Tuscany, Italy 2000 265.00 €
Tignanello   Tuscany, Italy 2008 102.00 €
Brunello di Montalcino Cerbaiona  Tuscany, Italy 2005 98.00 €

Bruno Giacosa “Asili” Barbaresco Piemonte, Italy 2005 125.00 €
Bruno Giacosa “Rabaja” Barbaresco Piemonte, Italy 2005 105.00 €
Sandrone “La Vigne” Barolo Piemonte, Italy 2004 130.00 €

Pingus Ribero del Duero Spain 2001 727.00 €
Aalto PS Aalto Priorat Spain 2003 90.00 €

Caymus Special Selection *** Cab Sauv Napa Valley USA 1999 195.00 €
Ecole 41 “Perigee” (B’deaux blend)  Washington State USA 2005 65.00 €
Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast California, USA 2008 61.00 €
Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast California, USA 2008 61.00 €
“Opus One” Mondavi Napa Valley California, USA 1990 245.00 €

Fine Wine Works Treasure Trove Issue III
Valid from 26th January 2011

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien

Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

(more…)

Fine Wine Works Treasure Trove Issue II
Valid from 1st November 2010

Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.

Whites

1. WillaKenzie Estates Pinot Gris 2007
 Willamette Valley, Oregon USA
 27.00€ SOLD OUT
 This Pinot Gris is made in a rich and complex Alsatian style, fermented in stainless  steel, with generous aromatics and a pleasingly rich mouthfeel dominated by ripe  ear,  peach and a touch of grapefruit. This wine sees no wood and has flavours and aromas  of stone fruit, orange blossom and honeysuckle with a light minerality and a crisp  finish.

2. Flowers Estate, Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California USA
 61.00€
 Showing balanced depth and complexity with a light straw colour. Aromas unfold  with layers of lemon drop, pear, apricot and wet stone mineral. This vintage shows  crispness and intense fruit on the palate – lush and balanced.

Reds
Bordeaux

3. Château Pichon Baron Longueville 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 155.00€
 Pichon Baron, a leading Pauillac 2eme Cru Classé estate, is one of Bordeaux’s most  illustrious “super seconds”. The best examples have layer upon layer of unctuous,  vanilla scented and cassis fruit intermingled with cigar box and lead pencil shavings  aromas – as they require cellaring for at least 10 years, this 1996 is drinking  magnificently now!

 Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask.  The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that  has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of  tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac  should be at its finest between 2006-2022. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 91 points
4. Château Pontet Canet 1996
 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
 5ème Cru Classé
 103.00€
 A super star, great value property which borders Mouton Rothschild, owner Alfred  Tesseron is outperforming this property’s historic reputation by perhaps the greatest  degree in the whole of Bordeaux.  Shortly to be granted full eco Organic certification.  The 1996 is just starting to come into its stride!

 With coaxing, the wine offers aromas of black currant jam intertwined with minerals, sweet oak,  and spice. A full-bodied wine, it possesses layered, concentrated, sweet fruit, with an elevated  level of ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92 points

5. Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1996
 St Julien, Bordeaux, France
 2ème Cru Classé
 218.00€
 A description of the land, the name literally means “beautiful pebble”: small stones  and gravel permit good drainage of the soils and that’s exactly what Cabernet  Sauvignon thrives on!

 A thoroughly outstanding wine, sleek and racy with loads of character. Intense floral and  blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral. Full bodied, with super silky tannins and a long, long  finish. Wine Spectator 92 points

6. Château Beau Séjour Bécot 2005
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 105.00€
 In the upper echelon, and rightfully so, of Bordeaux right bank producers, but still  offering excellent value for money, even for this exquisite 2005 vintage, for its fruit  dripping, well-made Merlot based wines.

 Offers aromas of blackberry, coffee and tar, with a full body, silky tannins and a blackberry,  mineral and light vanilla aftertaste. Balanced, refined and pretty. Wine Spectator 92 points

 The bottled 2005 Beau Sejour Becot confirms that this is the finest effort from this estate in the  thirty years I have been covering Bordeaux. A classic blend of 70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet  Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is an intense, full-bodied St.-Emilion revealing notes of  espresso roast, chocolate, blackberries, licorice, and truffles. With sweet but noticeable  tannins, good acidity, and a powerful, long finish, this textbook St.-Emilion cuts a swath  between the modern school of winemaking and the traditionalists. Robert Parker (Wine  Advocate) 94 points

7. Château Pavie Macquin 2003
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 1er Grand Cru Classé
 160.00€
 Recently promoted in the 2006 St Emilion classification re-shuffle and is a property  which has really hit form in the last 10 years, producing first-class wines. Since 1990  Nicholas Thienpoint of Vieux Château Certan has been in charge of the vineyards  which he manages on organic lines.

 One of the top St Emilion’s of the vintage. Deep, intense colour. Ripe, dark fruit and licquorice  nose. Rich layered extract, velvety texture of fruit with a muscular tannic structure. Powerful but  ripe and balanced with a long fresh finish.  Decanter Rating ****

 Burgundian, liqueur-like nose – very distinctive! Full-bodied, quite soft and a different structure  from most. Fine tannins and some tarry flavours on the finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20
8. Château Bellevue 2000
 St Emilion, Bordeaux, France
 Grand Cru Classé
 135.00€
 With just over 6 hectares planted (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc), this estate  cuddles up next to Ch Angelus and Beau Séjour Becot, this wine has been catching the  eye of wine guru and critic Robert Parker in the US – he gives this vintage a  staggering 95+ points!
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 Impressive fruit in this wine, with crushed plums and spices. Full- to medium-bodied, with super  silky tannins and a long, caressing finish. A refined and beautiful wine. Best after 2008.
 Wine Spectator 91 points

9. Château Kirwan 1996
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 90.00€ SOLD OUT
 An illustrious property, currently passing through a bit of a golden age under the deft  winemaking expertise of Michel Rolland.  Kirwan takes its name from its original  Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined in 1792

 Pretty plum and blackberry character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish.
 Wine Spectator 90 points

 Fantastic tanginess, so rich and deep. Brooding and opulent. A stonker. 10 years+.
 Decanter Rating ****
10. Château Kirwan 2000
 Margaux, Bordeaux, France
 3ème Cru Classé
 104.00€
 Lovely stylish nose, oak and cassis, finely perfumed. Rich and opulent,  lush, big ripe tannins,  formidable and built to last. Tight and powerful.  Drink 2008-17.
 Decanter Rating ****

 Dense, dark nose of black fruit leading to a full palate with sweet fruit and good structure –  plenty of potential here. This is very good indeed!
 The Wine Doctor 17.5 / 20

 …shows attractive plum and berry character, with hints of mineral. Full-bodied, with a solid  core of fruit and very refined tannins. Lasts a long time on the finish. Very, very silky.
 Wine Spectator 92 points

Rhône Valley

11. Côte Rôtie “La Mordorée” M. Chapoutier 1997
 Rhône, France
 118.00€
 The Côte – Rôtie vineyard is certainly one of the oldest in existence and Vienne wines  were already highly reputed by Rome as far back as one century BC. Since Michel  Chapoutier took control of this long-established firm in 1988, quality has soared.
 All the vineyards are now run on biodynamic principles and all his wines are bottled  unfined and unfiltered.
 “Filtering a wine is like making love with a condom,” says Michel Chapoutier and
 Crucial to Michel Chapoutier’s philosophy is the production of “téte de cuvées”, which  include La Mordorée made from 60 year old vines on the Côte Blonde.

 The 1997 Cote Rotie La Mordoree is an extremely expressive, open-knit, aromatic, and  seductive example. Chapoutier believes it is the finest he has ever made. It is soft, accessible,  and easy to understand. The saturated ruby/purple color is accompanied by tell-tale aromas of  black raspberries, roasted herbs, smoke, and meat. The wine is medium to full-bodied and  moderately tannic, with low acidity, superb concentration, and an intense black cherry,  camphor-like, olive component. This wine should be drinkable upon release, and last for two  decades. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 92-94 points

 A class act. Succulent yet ripe, showing wonderfully defined aromas and flavors, kicking with  lively acidity but also delivering plenty of ripe fruit, smoke, grilled meat and leather notes.  Supple, subtle, sweet tannin structure. This Rhône red is enjoyable on release, but has the  stuffing to age. Wine Spectator 93 points
 

Italy

12. “Cepparello” Isole e Olena 2004
 Tuscany, Italy
 78.00€
 A barrique – aged 100% Sangiovese classified as an IGT – at the time of its creation in  the 1980’s, a wine comprising 100% Sangiovese could not be labelled as Chianti!!

 It boasts layers of vibrant fruit intermingled with subtle mineral and licorice notes, showing  outstanding length on the palate and fine, noble tannins. A wine of extraordinary elegance, it  has been stunning on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. That said, readers who want to  experience this wine’s full array of tertiary notes will have to give this wine time to mature in the  bottle. It is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity 2009-2022. Robert Parker (Wine
 Advocate) 95 points

13. “Ornellaia” Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia 2005
 Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
 198.00€
 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is without question one of Italy’s blue-chip properties. The  gorgeous, sprawling estate is located in Bolgheri in Tuscany’s Maremma.  Ornellaia is  a Bordeaux inspired blend consisting principally of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet  Franc and Merlot.

 Displays beautiful aromas of ripe fruit, with currant, plum and blackberry. This complex and full- bodied Tuscan red has soft, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Shows a deft hand in the  winemaking.  Wine Spectator 95 points

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14. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 1998
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€
 “Unquestionably one of the most compelling and dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon’s I  have ever tasted, it continues to go from strength to strength” Robert Parker
 Sassicaia is one of the original show-stopping Super Tuscans and is now a “must  have” on any noteworthy cellar list.

 Shows its class. Loaded with fruit. Rich yet balanced, with lots of jammy and plummy  character. Full-bodied, with round tannins and a silky finish. Exotic. Sass made excellent wine  again in a less than easy year. Wine Spectator 93 points

 Fairly subdued on the nose (but in fairness the sample had only just been opened – I’d love to  look at this after decanting), just an allusion to prune and leather. But absolutely stunning on  the palate. The spice is softly embroidered into shimmering fruit. Very very firm, sleek tannins.  Terribly elegant, softly spoken and precise. Detailed and fine lined. Unending silky-spiced  length. Jancis Robinson 18 /20

15. “Sassicaia” Tenuta San Guido 2000
 Tuscany, Italy
 265.00€
 Hickory, black cherry, spice rack, cedarwood and a mushroomy earthy tone to the nose.  Likewise on the palate, a funky expressive nose, like fresh compost and over-ripe fruit. The  structure is eminently accessible whilst grippy enough to keep, and is showing development  that will surely expand with age. Very good Jancis Robinson 17.5++/20

16. Barbaresco “Asili”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 125.00€
 Single vineyard traditional style Barbaresco, it shows remarkable balance and  harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant  it is actually hard to perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome  inner balance and poise.

 Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from  this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points

17. Barbaresco “Rabaja”, Bruno Giacosa 2005
 Piemonte, Italy
 105.00€
 A different single vineyard – just as joyously exquisite!

 Wonderful perfume in this Barbaresco with flowers and ripe berries, including strawberry. Full  bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish.  A superb wine. 95 points Wine Spectator
Spain
18. Dominio de Pingus 2001 LAST BOTTLE!
 Ribero del Duero, Spain
 727.00€
 A candidate for perfection in the world of wine – truly one of the most profound wines  ever made in Spain. Miniscule production (less than 500 cases per year) in the hands  of intrepid Danish winemaker, Peter Sisseck – one of the world’s most highly  regarded and sought after wines. Peter’s aim is to produce “an unmistakeably Spanish  wine” from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo).
 It offers great fruit on the attack along with huge body, and notes of grilled meats intermixed  with Provencal herbs, pepper, spice box, cigar smoke, and copious quantities of barbecue  smoke-infused blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Anticipated  maturity: 2010-2028. Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95 points
 Power and restraint join forces in this muscular red. Alluring spicy aromas give way to a thick  palate with flavors of plum, coffee, tobacco and mineral, backed by firm tannins. It remains  balanced and fresh on the long finish. Best after 2006. 500 cases made.                                   95 points Wine Spectator
USA
19. Flowers, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2008
 Sonoma Coast, California, USA
 61.00€ SOLD OUT
 Walt and Joan Flowers purchased 321 acres in the northern Sonoma Coast, high  above the Pacific Ocean in 1989 with the intention of producing Pinot Noir and  Chardonnay in a place they believed to be uniquely suited to growing them. Fresh  fruit aromas of raspberry, cherry and plum are followed by hints of violet, spice and  pepper. Tannins are supple with a lingering finish showing cola, smoke and  strawberry.

20. WillaKenzie Estate, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007
 SOLD OUT
 Oregon, USA
 33.00€
 Named after the soil that defines it, WillaKenzie Estate is a small family-owned  winery dedicated to the highest expression of terroir. They make wonderful wines  exclusively from the Pinot family of grapes. This Pinot Noir offers complex aromas of  red and black fruits with attractive floral tones and a touch of spice. The finish is long  with hints of candied fruit and spice and beautifully combines elegance and  concentration, finely balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins.

21. Howell Mountain Red, Duckhorn 2004 SOLD OUT
 Napa Valley, California, USA
 87.00€
 From one of North America’s premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines comes  this blend (57% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, plus Cab Franc and Petit Verdot) from two  Howell Mountain vineyard sites. A wine of exceptional structure and extracted  aromatics of peppermint, chocolate, bramble, soy and ginger spice. On the palate it is  ush and mouthfilling with Howell Mountain’s signature wild berry and currant  flavours, alongside notes of taoasted marshmallow, espresso, earth, sage and  sandalwood. Extraordinary!
22. L’Ecole 41, Seven Hills Vineyard “Perigee” 2005
 Washington State, USA
 61.00€
 Perigee exemplifies elegance: the essence of the Estate’s Seven Hills Vineyard – a  blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot and Cab Franc, it shows smooth, silky red  cherry and blackberry fruit, with rich, floral and spicy aromas of cinnamon and  mocha on a vivid, mineral, earthy finish.
 Perigee 2005 – 92 points (Wine Advocate)
 Black cherry, ripe firm tannin with a leather and liquorice finish. Jancis Robinson 17/20

23. Opus One 1990
 Napa Valley, California, USA
 225.00€
 Probably California’s single most famous exported wine – the co-production  between the Rothschilds of Bordeaux and Robert Mondavi in California.  Capturing the best of both worlds in a truly sublime representation of the  Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
 Dramatic, with its ripe, rich, plush core of exotic currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and berry notes  that are enormously complex on the finish. Delicious. Wine Spectator 96 points

Fine Wine Works Treasure Trove
Valid from 7th July 2010
Our Winefinder service procures wines absolutely to order from the best current sources in terms of Price and Provenance. We also take the opportunity to acquire small parcels of fine wines as we discover them throughout Europe – may we introduce our FWW Treasure Trove!

A selection of juicy and delicious tiny quantities of fine wines we have acquired recently:

All prices are HT (without tax). Call us or e-mail us if any of the wines are of interest to you.
(more…)

In the next few days you’ll start to see a few changes creep onto the FWW site, not least of which is a fully revamped wine list. After a few jaunts around the country earlier this year we find ourselves with an expanded portfolio of Distributorships and have been appointed agents for two French wineries to represent them in the Alpes – Martimes. There are a few old friends we’ll be sticking with – new vintages plus a few range extensions, but we are most proud to now be working closely with both Château des Chaberts in the Var and Domaine de Mourchon in the Southern Rhône village of Séguret.
(more…)

Check out our funky, vibrant International Wine List by clicking on Wine List page. So as to keep our costs at an absolute minimum and therefore make the price to you, dear Customer, as sexy and attractive as possible, we don’t hold stock and so “buy to order” -also by paying up front to our suppliers we can squeeze them for the best price possible and so pass it on to you. We can do this ONLY by accepting pre-paid orders from you and by working to an order cycle pattern that optimizes our flexibility.

So, the next Order Cycle is:

Place orders by Friday 5th June
Send your cheque (or bank transfer) so we recieve it by Wednesday 10th June
We’ll start our delivery schedule from Monday 15th June

Simple, hey?

If you are unsure as to how to proceed, want some further guidance on your Wine Choices, or any other wine related advice – just call us on 06 42 15 51 21 or e-mail us at info@finewineworks.com

Helen Brotherton

All prices are quoted TTC per 75cl bottle, unless otherwise stated.
Payment and Delivery Terms are outlined at the end of this list.

Fabulous Fizz

Until such time as we can source a New World Fizz at the right price and which delivers a real point of difference, we are offering just one Champagne. But it’s a “Name Dropping Fizz” – we’ve dropped the idea of using big names!
So rather than go for a brand or so called Grande Marque which I believe hold falsely high retail prices almost through a monopoly pricing strategy, we’ve hunted out a small but highly regarded Champagne house to be the FWW Champagne of choice.
Vilmart & Cie from Rilly-la-Montagne have been producing their distinctive Champagnes since 1890 from their own bio-dynamically farmed Premier Cru status vineyards and use larger oak “foudres” for all their non-vintage Cuvées and smaller 225 litre “barriques” for their vintage and premium wines (sort of “mini Krug”). Top Champagne writer Tom Stevenson rates Vilmart as “the finest Grower Champagne I know” WINE magazine. Guru critic, Robert Parker rates the full range well into the 90’s (out of 100 possible points!)

See our Fine Wine List for opportunities to pre-order other Champagnes from this producers range.

Vilmart & Cie Grande Réserve Brut NV     .     22.90€
Champagne, France
Can’t quite believe that this is their “entry level” champagne! 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay (actually no Pinot Meunier used in any of their cuvées), this has such finesse and delicate aromatics – fresh fern, honeysuckle and jasmine and notable white fruits (pear, nectarine and Mirabelle plum) on the palate then a delectable length with a hint of ginger nut biscuit on the finish. This is the one we’re opting for initially, although I would hope to offer perhaps one or two from the rest of the range at a later stage once word spreads.
***STOP PRESS***As of 22nd April, FWW have been appointed Agent for Vilmart in the Cote d’Azur.
Enquire about this wine
 

Think Pink! – Ravishing Rosés

Here we are in the land of inexhaustible rosé wine supply and yet there is so much more beyond Provence (it’s just difficult to find others here!).

Herederos Lurton Rosado   .   2007/8   .   7.35€
Castilla Y Leon, Spain
The region of Castilla Y Leon encompasses both the fine wine areas of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the grape here is known locally as Tinta de Toro but is none other than Spain’s celebrity red – Tempranillo. The vibrant deep pink colour is bottled Spanish sunshine, bursting with bright red fruits such as strawberry & raspberry, but with an added layer of mandarin and spicy pepper. This is the perfect versatile lunch wine: crisp and cold, just like a White wine, yet with bouncier fruit and structure, yet more refreshing than a Red.
Drink with: Basque Chicken with Peppers; Chorizo & Chickpeas; brilliant with Turkey; any Tapas & Mezze and a wow with Chicken Satay.
Enquire about this wine

Mas Janeil Gris     .     2008     .     7.92€
VdP Cotes Catalanes, France
A more different Rosé to the Spanish one you could not imagine – and a refreshingly different sort of Pink to the typical Provence Rosé – made principally from Grenache Noir with a little elegant Grenache Gris & floral Macabeu – pale and refined with crunchy redcurrant fruit – the perfect “Picnic Pink”
Drink with: Poached Salmon with Cucumber & Dill Salsa; Caesar or Nicoise Salad; Prawn Cocktail and other cold Seafood and Fishy Nibbles.
Enquire about this wine
 

Crisp, delicate Whites

Sometimes you don’t need depth, or complexity, or overpoweringly intense fruity flavours – when your hand reaches to the fridge door, sometimes all one craves is crisp, clean purity and a delicate yet refreshing chilled glass of white….look no further!

Hermanos Lurton Verdejo   .   2007/8   .   9.75€
DO Rueda, Spain
Looking for something Sauvignon-like with a little ‘ole’ Flamenco fruit with a taut Spanish guitar acidity? Pleasing citrusy, slightly honeyed aroma with a hint of white flowers – Jasmine? Oh yes, and cantaloupe melon!! Soft fruit with a zesty citrus minerality, passionfruit, lime and grapefruit to taste and a cute herbal finish.
Drink with: Great with fish and all things from the sea! A perfect aperitif too. Food writer and evangelist, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall swears that Verdejo is the wine for oysters. Me – I love it with Gazpacho!

Recipe suggestion: Crab crostini with samphire and shaved fennel – keep the white meat simple, (squeeze of lemon, salt & pepper) and mix a little chopped chilli and dill into the brown meat, pile on to ciabatta crostini (don’t go too heavy on the garlic) and sit on a pile of steamed samphire with some very finely shaved fennel, drizzled with a light & fruity olive oil.

Tierra de Luna Torrontes     .     2008     .     7.60€
Mendoza, Argentina
Pale lemon gold, floral almost suggestive of a delicate Gewurztraminer on the nose. Soft chalky minerality, with racy acidity, this has a lovely weight – medium bodied mouthfeel, with crisp grapefruit flavours finishing with a marzipan flourish – fabulously refreshing!
Drink with: Sweet ‘n’ Sour Chinese dishes, Asian dishes with a bit of a chilli kick – the flowery character copes well with hot food. Thai fishcakes with a Dipping Sauce would be a dream.
Enquire about this wine

Savanha Chenin Blanc     .     2007     .     8.22€
Western Cape, South Africa
The great grape of the Loire, here in its other spiritual homeland: Pale in colour with an enticingly citrus nose, this is a typically zippy South African Chenin with a good concentration of sub tropical fruit, apricot and guava resonate with the exuberance of a New World white. Well balanced with fresh citrus acidity and a dry finish, this is a great party wine with impressive depth.
Drink with: This wine is perfect for drinking by the glass but also compliments light seafood dishes and salads. Super with vegetarian dishes like chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables and sensational with Roast Pork – with or without Apple Sauce!
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Aromatic, spicy Whites

Vibrant whites with more complex, herbaceous and pungent character: wines that you instinctively turn to when choosing fish & seafood and whose personality won’t be swamped and overshadowed by bigger flavours. I make no excuse for including three different Sauvignon Blancs here as it is by far the most recognisable White grape variety, and these examples show just how complex and versatile a little Diva she can be!

Los Arbolitos Sauvignon Blanc     .     2008     .     7.65€
Central Valley, Chile
The Central Valley is the powerhouse of Chilean wine and in style & flavour profile this sits pretty much halfway between the grassy and herby Loire (Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé) and the piercing tropicality of New Zealand. Here citrus and tropical fruits marry harmoniously with some “three in a bed” stone fruit (peach & nectarine) to deliver a superbly approachable dry and fruity white.
Drink with: The classic partner of Sauvignon Blanc is Goat’s Cheese – where a Sancerre might be best with a young fresh crottin, try this with oven baked or grilled Goat’s Cheese Crostini with a Salad of Soft Herbs (Tarragon, Coriander and especially Dill). Works brilliantly with fish dishes where there is aniseed or fennel flavours. Marvellous too with a Globe Artichoke Risotto, Brandade de Morue and proper “British” Fish & Chips.

Recipe suggestion: Salsa Verde – sort of like a Pesto sauce but with herbs such as Dill, Parsley, Mint and Tarragon (just about any combination) rather than Basil – smash a couple of garlic cloves, add a handful of each of the chopped herbs, some chopped capers, anchovies (optional), a teaspoon or so of Dijon mustard and a few squeezes of lemon – drizzle in enough olive oil to a sloppy consistency – serve with Grilled Chicken or Fish.

Sancerre “Les Demoiselles”     .     2007     .     14.30€
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Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc     .     2008     .     12.35€
Marlborough, New Zealand
Exceptional aromatic ripe gooseberry and lime characters dominate this wine, with hints of green capsicum. The depth and intensity of ripe varietal flavours that this wine presents is a direct reflection of the prolonged fruit ripening policy that Villa Maria pursues in its Marlborough Vineyard. SB has been graced with the charming scent characteristics of “Cat’s Pee on a Gooseberry Bush”, but this has altogether more class! Almost tart with acidity but plenty of fruit to balance it – how very refreshing! I get a bit of asparagus but heaps of lime too, and a little bit of passion fruit coming through on the finish – this for me is what hallmarks it as a Marlborough Sauvignon
Drink with: Modern and contemporary food – try it with Sushi, Sashimi (go steady with the Wasabi) and fishy “fusion” food. A must with sweet Scallops griddled with Pancetta or Boudin Noir. It worked for me with a Grilled Brill (Barbue here) and Oyster Tempura

FWW Wine Fact: My mate Alastair Maling MW is the winemaker here – Villa Maria have also pioneered the use of stelvin (screw cap) as THE preferred closures for Marlborough Sauvignon – finally Cloudy Bay have followed and so the screw cap reigns supreme here

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Full, rich & ripe Whites

Wines in this section are not necessarily huge teeth shattering blockbusters, but they exhibit riper fruit styles, richer Chardonnays, and full bodied whites with enough complexity and layers to cope with gutsier flavours.

Beringer “Stone Cellars” Chardonnay  .  2005/6  .  8.20€
California, USA
Unmistakeably Californian! Cinnamon, nougat and toasted almonds on the nose and then wafts of pineapple and mango come through. On the palate the citrus flavours shine – ruby grapefruit and candied lemons. Enough crisp acidity and well integrated oak which finishes with a lush, seamlessly long, plush flavour of Crème Brulée.
Drink with: Creamy Saffron Risotto, Grilled Chicken, Corn & Crab Chowder, Sweet Onion & Pancetta Tart – seriously chill it and take it to the beach with a Club Sandwich.

Recipe suggestion: Halibut (Fletan here in France) with Butternut Squash Puree – roast a quartered & de-seeded squash drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed coriander & cumin seeds, scoop off the skins and blitz to a purée with a spoon or two of cream & plenty of seasoning. Grill or pan-fry the fish and sit on top of the puree and finish with a drizzle of infused curry oil

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“Accademia del Sole” Chardonnay / Viognier     .     2006     .     8.68€
IGT Sicily, Italy
Sicily has undergone a quality revolution and there are so many flying Aussie winemakers wandering around the island it feels like the Barossa ! Calatrasi have been at the forefront of this innovation and this peachy example offers full-bodied ripe apricots & boiled sweets – bold ripe and luscious with a fresh spicy palate and a nutty finish.
Drink with: Sweeter seafood such as Lobster and Langoustine, Savoury Crepes, Chicken in a Creamy White Wine Sauce with Tarragon. Perfetto with a Fettucine Alfredo or Spaghetti Carbonara.
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Light, fruity & easy Reds

Gentle, juicy red wines too sip on their own or with food, laid back wines which don’t ask you to work too hard. Not too high in alcohol or gum drying tannins – just balanced fruit flavours and sensuous pleasure in a glass!

“Fumées Blanches” Pinot Noir     .     2007     .     8.03€
VdP d’Oc, France
 Silky, perfumed, strawberry scented Pinot Noir – the red grape of Burgundy, but here at an approachable price ! Will stand being slightly chilled to give more fragrant redcurrant note with feisty acidity to cut through some fattier dishes.
Drink with: Platter of Charcuterie and Salami, classic Melon & Parma Ham, Cold Roast Beef and frankly, the ONLY wine one can have with Crispy Duck Pancakes!

Recipe suggestion: Rare Roast Beef, Roquefort Cheese, Walnut & Pickled Red Onion Salad – pan-fry well-seasoned Entrecote and keep rare – allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Skin and cut a couple of red onions into quarters, keeping as much of the core as possible so they keep their shape, drop into boiling water for a couple of minutes, drain and then tip into a pan with warmed olive oil, groundnut oil and balsamic vinegar (approx 100ml of each – equal quantities), squeeze of lemon, salt & pepper – these are best made a couple of hours in advance but will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge. Pile salad leaves onto plates, slice beef, crumble cheese, sprinkle with walnut halves and place a couple of chunks of red onion – drizzle the onion dressing over the plate & serve.

Bodega Lurton Bonarda     .     2007/8     .     7.70€
Mendoza, Argentina
Until recently this was the most widely planted grape in Argentina, now overtaken by Malbec, and is related to one (or more??) red varieties in Piemont, NW Italy. Black & red fruits dominate – a real picnic in the forest! Sweet cherries and plums on the palate with a murmer of sweet fig & raisin. Great acidity here, as with all native Italian varieties, and something a little savoury on the finish – a real easy drinker!
Drink with: Any tomato based pasta, grilled spicy sausage (Merguez, Toulouse etc) and a natural playmate with Pizza. Enough zip to cut through a rich Paté or Terrine too.
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Bodega Muriel Reserva Rioja     .     2001     .     13.45€
Rioja, Spain
A real dilemma as to which slot to pop this beauty as it falls between this light red category and the next one…but because it is a Reserva rather than a Gran Reserva, and is certainly soft enough to quaff on its own – here it is! Raspberry, blackberry with vanilla and toasty coconut then a finale of tobacco and liquorice – but this is modern and fruit driven – the best of both worlds in Rioja.
Drink with: Sooo good with lamb it almost bleats at you! Whether slow cooked Four Hour Lamb, a Roast Gigot with Garlic, Rosemary & Anchovies or perfectly tender and sweet Herb Crusted Cutlets, this is just brilliant. Will cope too with Mushrooms and Truffles – enough earthy flavours
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Spicy, warming Reds

Bigger, bolder red wines with attitude! Ripe fruit, spice, pepper – bring on the Barbeque season. Tending toward warmer climates, these wines offer the gourmand a chance to go mad at the Boucherie and even though Food & Wine Matching is as always, subjective, I can’t honestly recommend any of the following with a Dover Sole!

Beringer “Stone Cellars” Zinfandel  .  2004/   .  8.25€
California, USA
A traditional and crowd-pleasing ‘American-Zin’ style. The resulting wines showcases clove, white pepper and jammy black fruit aromas that lead into a mouth full of black berries and sweet spice. Intense and rich with liquorice notes, this is a big, rich wine with distinctive raisined fruit and leathery character.
Drink with: Not many wines come out on top with an encounter with sweet, spicy, sharp barbeque sauce but this is the wine to triumph in the face of BBQ Ribs, don’t forget the rest of the grill – this is great with Hamburgers (with all those relishes), Steaks & Hotdogs. On a more sophisticated level, try this with Thanksgiving / Christmas Turkey – all those punchy flavoured accompaniments – good old Zin shines!!
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Terlato Chapoutier Shiraz Viognier     .     2007     .     12.00€
Victoria, Australia
 Here we have a nose that is very expressive of grape origins – this is a spicy Shiraz at its most typical. Amongst the baked and jammy fruit, there is a touch of something floral – violet? You’ll find this lifted floral perfume comes from the small amount of Viognier – just 5% in the blend, echoing classic Rhone practices. Medium bodied, but with quite a warm alcohol of 14%! Lots of red berry fruit plus some blueberries and even Turkish Delight. The tannins are quite supple – not really mouthdrying. Really generous fruit flavours, a big bouncy wine and a very contemporary style.
Drink with: Big roasts, peppery meat dishes like Chilli Con Carne & spicy Tex Mex – if there is too much tannin in a red wine served with chilli, the tannins can make the food seem hotter!

FWW Wine Fact: This is a co-production between Rhone guru, M. Chapoutier and a Californian winemaker, Anthony Terlato – here they’ve created an international Rhone style Shiraz – but with an imaginative Aussie twist.

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Graham Beck Pinotage     .     2005     .     13.45€
Franshhoek, South Africa
From a 3rd generation family winery, comes this classic bruiser of a wine from this, South Africa’s very own grape. Yes, there are burnt rubber notes, and coffee and savoury meaty flavours, but this Pinotage doesn’t succumb to overtly vegetal notes and stays true to deep berry, ripe cherry, sweet and spicy plum flavours with a background of earthy mushrooms. 12 months in American & French oak and you have a vanilla tinged beauty!
Drink with: Cassoulet, Confit Duck, Wild Boar & Cep Pasta & Gorgonzola. Can any wine survive a Curry – try our Pinotage, chilled.
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Complex, elegant Reds

This section includes examples of that magical duo – Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot – the subtle and exquisite mystery of a delightful Bordeaux, and a New World example of the much echoed and imitated pairing, from New Zealand. The adage of the “sum proving greater than the parts” never holds truer than when you have a glass of Cab /Merlot (known as “Meritage” in the USA) in your hand.

“Pilheiros”     .     2005/6     .     9.95€
Douro, Portugal
Miss out Portugal at your peril! Some of the most exciting wine comes from the Port region along the Douro river. The hidden jewel in Europe: perfect climate, fabulous indigenous varieties, including Touriga Nacional – one of the most highly regarded Port varieties and now, with well-travelled winemakers proving their skill, we have a wine of poise and persistence. Seductive dark fruit nose, with some earthy, herbal spice and yet such complexity, I think this is a really interesting sniff and sip!
Drink with: Roast Venison with Tapanade – black olives can make even the fiercest tannins seem velvety and tame. Slow Braises and Casseroles such as Beef in a Port Sauce or Spiced Pork with Red Wine & Orange.
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Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot   .   2006   .   14.00€
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
A lovely rounded and fleshy wine from the award winning Villa Maria winery – it’s berries all the way ! Loganberries, blueberries, mulberries ooze, then an underpinning of mocha. On the palate you’ll discover dark cherry and cassis with cedar and biscuity oak. Full and rich with fine grain tannins. Superb!
Drink with: Lamb, Beef or Duck – Roast Beef or a rare Entrecote with Herb Butter, Veal Chop with Capers & Garlic
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L’Oratoire de Chasse Spleen     .     2004     .     16.80€
Bordeaux, France
Think you’ve heard the name before? It’s a 2nd Wine of a most illustrious estate in Bordeaux (see FWW Wine Facts below) and gives us crackingly good value, backbone and breeding! Garnet red, this wine has notes of vivid blackberry, liquorice and plum on the nose with definite cassis & blackcurrant leaf flavours on the palate. Excellent depth and concentration, subtle smoky oak and unbelievable finesse. You better get some of this before I’m tempted to drink the lot myself!
Drink with: Frankly, I’d treat yourself to a Cote de Boeuf (between two), a simple Rocket Salad and a large enough glass to let this wine breath and become ethereal perfection. PS I’ve also served it with Peppered Venison, Yorkshire Pudding and Horseradish Crème Fraiche…but that’s another story!

FWW Wine Facts: Moulis wines are often more approachable when young than some of their posher neighbours with fine vintages such as 2005 begging to be left alone for decades, this will reward the impatient quaffer earlier and more cheaply! L’Oratoire de Chasse Spleen is the 2nd Wine of Château Chasse Spleen: a 2nd wine is made from the grapes which, in these competitive and rating chasing time, didn’t make it into an estates Grand Vin. Often made from the grapes from younger vines (less than 20 years old), yet they share the same expertise, terroir and history as the Grand Vin but do NOT demand the same price – often a 1/3 of the price of the main wine – worth remembering in these “credit crunch” times. The 2004 vintage is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot and will drink well for the next 6 years or so. Château Chasse Spleen itself is thought to have been named by the melancholic English poet, Lord Byron, when he stayed there on route to Spain.

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Sweeties – Dessert Wine

I know, there is only one wine here at the moment, but I’ve had to curb my own infatuation with what I call Pudding Wines and will see how this, our 1st List takes off before adding to it. Meanwhile, if I find I can lay my paws on some of the world’s fantastic non-French sweeties, then more examples may creep in…watch this space! Meanwhile, wary of Sauternes prices and snobbery, may we proudly present:

Chateau Graves Ste Croix du Mont     .     2005     .     9.50€
Ste Croix du Mont, Bordeaux, France
From directly across the river Garonne to Sauternes & Barsac but at a mere fraction of the price, here is a glorious and heady mixture of pineapple, apricots and honey with a hint of acacia blossom and vanilla. This is a full, generous sweet wine, almost buttery in texture with great acidity.
Drink with: Foie-gras and rich Liver Patés; Creamy & Fruit desserts such as Crème Brulée and Bread & Butter Pudding; Roquefort and other salty Blue Cheese
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Funny how life takes you in different directions – we embarked on this Magical Mystery Tour here on the Riviera called Fine Wine Works almost 5 months ago, with a clear yet broad vision of the range of directions we would be heading in. (more…)