A selection of my favourite wines, both recent and classic. There’s something for everyone and every occasion. From classic grapes to famous names. They all pass the WineTime test with flying colours and would make any special event more special or a fantastic gift!
Domaine Francois Crochet, Sancerre Blanc, Les Perrois, Loire, France
François and his wife Carine works 10.5 hectares of vines, encompassing all three of the principle Sancerre terroirs. These wines are some of the most precise and refined Sancerre around; intensely flavoured with crisp, refreshing acidity and great length. This textbook Sancerre has fruit and minerality perfect proportions. Fresh citrus fruit acidity supports stony fruit and stony minerality on the palate. With power, elegance and purity this wine really stands out.
Iona Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin, South Africa
Subtle, powerful yet delicate and steely this wine delivers classy flinty, mineral freshness with subtlety fresh fruit with almost laser like precision! Enjoy on its own or with cured meats, smoked fish and meats.
Torreon de Parades Chardonnay Reserva Privada, Chile
Award-winning Chardonnay, it is buttery, complex and has a striking finish. Golden yellow and produces ripe tropical fruit, banana and pineapple. The unctuous palate exhibits fine hints of vanilla and caramel with a long, balanced finish. Great with roast meats.
Domaine du Colombier Chablis, France
A wonderful Chablis from the family-run Domaine du Colombier, full of fruit and balancing mineral notes. A star pairing with oysters, if you have any to hand!
Nicolas Maillart Brut Platine Premier Cru, Champagne NV, France
Golden in colour with intense aromas of fruit and toasty hazelnuts. Wonderfully fresh and fruity with great finesse. Nicolas has been named by Decanter as one of the top three grower producers, the wine itself is an award winning 95 point champagne. Absolutely Fabulous stuff!!
Bodegas Luis Cañas, Selección De La Familia Rioja Reserva, DOCA Rioja, Spain
Family owned, this amazing wine displays a beautiful ruby colour with a clean nose and good intensity. Complex aromas of leather, ripe sweet fruit and herbs over a base of fine oak. The palate is potent and juicy with structure and good tenacity. The finish shows lots of spice and is ample, complex, long and persistent. This wine has spent 18 months in new oak. Fabulous with rich stews, roast meat and cheese.
Goru 38 barrels, Ego Botega, Jumilla Spain
Delicate black fruit aroma with roasted and smoky features. Structured, subtle and smart palate, ripe appetising and a sweet tannins marked by elegance. Perfect with all roasted red meat and smoked game.
Torreón de Paredes Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon (unfiltered), Cachapoal, Chile
Ruby-red colour with blue tinges. An elegant bouquet with vanilla, leather and dried plum aromas. Long, lingering presence on the palate with round, mature tannins and elegant menthol notes. Elegant and powerful, great with any type of roast or steak and strong cheese. Decanter Gold Medal Winner.
Woodstock, Pilot's View Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Dark berries, plum and chocolate nuances with some mint, vanilla and spice highlight the underlying savoury tones and well-integrated oak characters. Supple, textured tannins leave you wanting more from this well awarded wine. Great with anything but try it with beef wellington and hard cheddar.
Château Cissac, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc 2014 France
Owned by the Vialard family Château Cissac has been consistent through time, producing authentic and robust Bordeaux style with good structure and delicate fruits. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot there is plenty of blackcurrant fruits and a hint of oak. The palate is well structured with firm tannins. Cissac’s is a perfect example of classic claret style at a great price!
Cote de Nuits Village, Albert Bichot, Burgundy, France
From villages located in the northern and southern parts of the Côte de Nuits. Beautifully intense, primary floral, airy aromas with predominant scents of white blossoms (acacia). The palate is fresh and pleasing, straightforward, balanced minerality underscored by flavors of black and yellow plum. Ideal with fine fish and seafood, also a good match for white meats, poultry in sauce and full-flavored cheeses.