Champteloup Rose d'Anjou
We are thrilled to present this latest edition of summer thirst quenching rosés to the range. Located in the picturesque Anjou district of France's western Loire Valley, the region is famous for producing generously flavoured, textural wines with various levels of sweetness. The two red grapes used in production, Grolleau and Cabernet Franc impart a delicious spectrum of summer red berry fruit, combining the classic stylistic descriptor of 'strawberries and cream'.
Dulong Reserve Saint Emilion
This red from France is a great introduction to Bordeaux without the expensive price tag. A deep purple colour with hint of spice and vegetal aromas. The palate is supple and round with notes of plum, leather and spice with a rich, persistent finish.
Château Leoville-Las-Cases St-Julien
While Chateau Latour might be proximate to the famed Leoville estate, Chateau Leoville-Las-Cases is individually distinguished for its own unique character, and regularly is called the best wine of St-Julien. Classic Las Cases wines show incredible perfume, a result of lower temperature fermentation and an adherence to around three quarters of their barrels being new oak. The 2010 is as always Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, and shows with elegance, finesse and yet a layered complexity that draws the drinker in. Potential for this wine is immense; a life of 30 to 40 years in cellar should be considered.
Château Canon St-Émilion
Chateau Canon shows no shy and retiring character in 2010, set to a naturally ripe and high 15% alcohol. Though power and density is a motif in 2010, there is a surprising suppleness in this wine, born from central St-Emillion vineyards and the same family of wine as Chateau Rauzan-Segla of Margaux. Almost evenly split between Merlot and Cabernet Franc usually, it''s three quarters Merlot in 2010; the wine matures in oak barrel for 18 months, with around 70% of those offering new wood character. While dense and compact, there is a succulence to the wine that suggests cellaring to two decades would be apt.
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste produce some of the best value wines in the Pauillac region, if not simply some of the best quality in general. Cabernet based reds are their staple and generally produce wines of a robust and masculine nature. In recent years the wines are close to rivalling the famed Pichons .
Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Cabernet Merlot
The Arrogant Frog Ribet Red Cabernet Merlot from the South-West of France is a juicy, easy drinking style with soft tannins on the finish. Jean-Claude Mas has crafted the perfect red to enjoy with grilled lamb chops from the BBQ or many pasta dishes.
Château Troplong-Mondot St-émilion
On the rise and rise, Chateau Troplong-Mondot is increasingly considered a peer amongst the 1er Grand Cru Classe producers and perseveres with its lavish, luscious, strking wine styles. The wine is produced by Christine Valette in collusion with famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland, who has been working with the estate since the 1980s, explaining some of the density and power now found in the wine. This 2010 iteration is 90% Merlot and finishes with a balance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernt Franc. Consider the wine full-flavoured, dense and rich, but with a grace that belies its 15% alcohol
Château Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien
Chateau Leoville-Poyferre''s reputation as a 2nd growth of note has been buoyed by the engagement of renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, whose work has been an influence at the estate since the mid 1990s. Prior, the reputation had struggled until the 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, whose labour has helped create a greater reputation, more befitting the Leoville name. The wine has increasingly become one of the finest modern examples of St-Julien, with a move towards later harvests, fuller body, deeper concentration and exceptional length of flavour. 2010 reinforces that Chateau Leoville-Poyferre is a St-Julien wine to relish and cellar for up to and beyond another 30-plus years.
La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge
From the world-famous Chateau de Beaucastel, this medium-bodied, Southern Rhone red is packed with juicy red berry fruits and savoury complexity. Finishing dry, it's a winner with grilled meats.
Estandon Saint Louis de Provence Rosé
Oily and rich, yet pristine and super fine. The Estandon Saint Louis de Provence Rosé has earthy redcurrants, aniseed spice, crunchy acidity and a fleshy long finish that belies the brilliantly pale colour. It's a delightful summer drinking.