£20 to 30

A classic Sancerre with crisp, crunchy grapefruit and lime citrus flavours and a gently herbaceous element adding complexity. There is a mouthwatering, saline minerality to the long finish. Just brilliant.

Country: France

Region: Sancerre

ABV: 12.5%

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Food match: Great with grilled fish, seafood or even as an aperitif. 

Domaine du Pre Semele is located in Maimbray in the town of Sury-en-Vaux 5 km north of Sancerre. The vineyard has been passed on for four generations now and we want to remain a family structure. We are currently 2 brothers on the estate, Julien and Clément Raimbault, where we grow 20 ha on the Sancerre appellation in the greatest respect of our terroirs.

Rich, intense and packed with dark red fruits. With Morello cherry and a touch of sweet spice on the nose, ripe berry, liquorice, chocolate, summer pudding and a hint of cinnamon spice on the palate, this wine is full flavoured and smooth with supple tannins. Brilliant! Perfect for Chateauneuf lovers.

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

Grapes: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan

ABV: 14%

This wine has a natural affinity with herby lamb dishes, but would be superb with most grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

From the true masters of Cape Cabernet - the benchmark Stellenbosch Cab. 2015 was the winner of platter 5* best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa.

This is the only red wine produced by Le Riche that is not 100% Cabernet. This is an exceptionally lovely, classically Bordelaise blend. Restrained but appealing on the nose with typical red fruit aromas of plum, cherries and milled pepper are balanced by an aroma of finely ground graphite found in Left Bank Bordeaux. The palate is a masterpiece of blending - hugely appealing with juicy mouth-filling flavours of red berries, plums and smoky hints balanced with a fine, soft tannic structure and rounded finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 65% , Cinsault 25% , Cabernet Franc 10%

Vegan. Secondary fermentation proceeded in concrete tanks after which the wines were moved to French oak barrels (older225L oak for 12 months), the components are then blended and further matured in 225L barrels, 5000L oak foudres and concrete tanks for a further 8 months Blended after a year of ageing and matured for a further 8 months before bottling unfined with a light filtration

Le Riche Wine

A superb, modern style Pinotage with an abundance of blackcurrants and plums, and hints of fruit cake and cloves on the nose. Intense concentration on the palate shows sweet fruit and well-integrated oak. The silky-smooth tannins contribute to the wine’s juicy, round and seamless finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Pinotage

ABV: 14.5%

KWV The Mentors Wine

Food match: Great with braaied red meat and boerewors, but also amazing for just sipping in front of the fireplace on a cold wintery evening.

With four generations of the same family making fine Chablis wines, you are sure to enjoy an authentic, high quality and delicious wine from this domaine.

Delicate and softly perfumed aromas of citrus tree blossom and fresh cut green apple. Tight, mineral and zippy flavours, with that lovely richness of mouthfeel only found with great quality Chablis.

Country: France

Region: Chablis, Burgundy

ABV: 12.5%

Grapes:  Chardonnay

Domaine Besson makes a Chablis style that is a little more accessible than some other domaines. These wines therefore can be enjoyed from an early age, unlike some Chablis where to get the best from the wine it is necessary to cellar the wine to allow it to develop. 

Superb blend of Chenin , white Grenache and Viognier. All three are fermented separately in old oak, amphora and clay vats. This as well as some skin contact gives lovely texture and body to the wine. Slightly saline finish. A Cellar Door team favourite.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

Grapes: Chenin Blanc 79%,
Grenache Blanc 13%,
Viognier 8%

ABV: 13.5%

Blankbottle Wine

Food Match: Poultry or fish dishes with rich, creamy sauce such as mushroom.

Lemon yellow colour which is clean and bright. A very expressive aroma with citrus and grapefruit, spices and vanilla scents. A fresh and very well balanced wine with balanced acidity and a long citrus finish.

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Grapes: Vuira (51%), Chardonnay (49%)

ABV: 13.5%

From a warmer vintage, this shows riper yet still mineral fruit with added depth from a small (around 10%) addition of oak-aged wine into the blend. This is very typical of the Motte style and gives richness and balance to the wine. A deliciously precise expression of classic chalky Chablis terroir.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy, Chablis

Grapes: Chardonnay

ABV: 13%

A classic Chablis from vines grown on the famous Kimmeridgian clay.

One of the top 10 most sought after Tuscan wines.

An intense red - floral and dark fruit notes, well-balanced with a ripe and explosive finish. Stunning. 

Country: Italy

Region: Tuscany

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

The winemaker from Baron Rothschild-Lafite, Christian Le Somme, visits once a month and, by working closely with Alessandro Cellai (from Castellare di Castellina) they are able to maintain the essential Italian character of Tuscany, through the plantings of Sangiovese combined with the power and mid-palate weight of Cabernet and Merlot.

Situated between Gavorrano and Ribolla in the rossetto province in Maremma, the soils have similar characteristics to those of Chianti and Montalcino, but with slightly higher temperatures, so are able to reach maturation earlier compared to those territories further north. The winery was designed by the Shard's architect, Renzo Piano, one of the most admired architects in the world, and named in Time Magazine’s Top 10 most influential people working in the Arts.

It has the biggest barrel room in the world, with only 20% of the winery above ground. The winery runs completely on environmental principles: electricity powered by solar panels and gravity-led production, and the underground barrel cellar allows natural air conditioning and saves energy.

A serious rosé with a strong personality.

Beautiful pale salmon colour with an appealing lemon and herb nose followed by flavours of warm southern French herbs with rich, rounded fruit.  Very much a food wine with a powerful character and a delicious dry finish.

Country: France

Region: Provence

Grapes:  65% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 15% Cinsault

ABV: 14%

Organic

Vegan/Vegetarian

Domaine Lafran Veyrolles is an estate with a superb terroir and is widely recognised as one of the top three producers in the appellation. Jean-Marie Castell runs this small, traditional estate with just 10 ha of vines on the famous red clay soil of Bandol.  The estate nestles in and is protected by the hills of the Cadière d'Azur and benefits from a maritime climate. The estate is farmed organically and the yields are kept extremely low. Domaine Lafran Veyrolles reds have made it one of the star performers of the appellation … but don’t overlook the rosé wines as they deserve attention too!

Deep, dark purple in colour and gorgeously full bodied and unctuous wine. Raspberries, mulberries and aromatic sweet spice jump out of the glass on the nose. Fine grained, grippy, tannins are in perfect balance with lots of concentrated, ripe black fruit character on the finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Tinta Barocca

ABV: 14.5%

Dornier is a family owned winery that is situated in the Golden Triangle area of the famous Upper Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch - their prestigious neighbours are
De Trafford, Keermont and Waterford, so they are in fine company. The property was home to one of the first wineries in Stellenbosch, having been completed in the late 1600s, as well as an historic Sir Herbert Baker home. 

The winemaking philosophy at Dornier is to produce premium quality wines, with minimal intervention in the winery, that are expressive of the unique terroir of the Golden Triangle and showcase the complexity and finesse of the noble grape varietals planted on the farm..

Delicious, rich and aromatic with notes of pineapple and dried grass. It has a beautiful balance of honeyed tropical fruits whilst retaining a refreshing acidity.

Country: Spain

Region:  Rías Baixas

Grapes: Albariño

ABV: 13%

Layered aromas of pineapple, mandarin and orange . Fresh and earthy palate with a creamy vibrant texture, smooth, round finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Paarl

Grapes: Grenache Blanc

ABV: 13.5%

KWV The Mentors Wine

Astonishingly good Riesling from an outstanding New Zealand producer. Concentrated, explosive in the mouth! Dry, flavoursome Riesling with honeysuckle notes, aromatic nectarine, baked peach, apricot, lime and preserved lemon. One glass will not be enough!

Country: New Zealand

Region: North Canterbury

ABV: 15.5%

Grapes: Riesling

Read Wine Advocate Erin Larkin’s wonderful review of Pegasus from latest trip to the South Island

'From there, I went to Pegasus Bay, and it was here that I was so impacted. This is an iconic Riesling producer—Rieslings worth crossing the ocean for. They age slowly and gracefully, employ botrytis as a textural aid and are thundering examples of Riesling from New Zealand. I can’t overstate that. These are collectors’ wines. I have seen older examples in Australia over the years, served blind, that have taken the room by storm. My thanks to Winemaker Matt Donaldson for the afternoon; it took us in directions I think neither of us expected.'

Pegasus Bay Riesling Bel Canto 2022 – 94 points.

The 2022 Bel Canto Dry Riesling leads with loquat, kumquat and orange rind. In the mouth, the wine is floral, detailed and full—it is actually quite wide, spreading to all corners of the mouth, leaving a trail of fine chalky texture in its wake. Really good. Textural. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Erin Larkin Wine Advocate

You would be barking mad not to try this wine....

An elegant and balanced wine packed with flavours of ripe blueberry and mulberry, exotic spice and creamy vanilla with evident ripe tannins and a long lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Pinotage

A fantastic example of classic French Sauvignon Blanc. Intense and flowery on the nose with hints of acacia and lime blossom with notes of tropical fruit. The palate follows through from the bouquet and offers a great balance of freshness and flavour, finishing with great length and minerality.

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 13%

Bright, ruby red with flecks of violet, the Lagrein grape has delicious berry aromas on the nose with hints of violets and dried rose petals. The palate is silky, medium bodied with soft tannins and a long finish.

Grapes: Lagrein

Region: Gries, Alto Adige

Country: Italy

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: Game bird, duck, veal and lamb dishes. Mature hard cheese also works well.

A beautiful wine with an exotic bouquet of lime, stone fruits and spicy wood, tons of flavour and long poised finish. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Viognier

Such an attractive, appealing nose of mixed red fruits, very bright and clean. The palate is soft and mouth-filling. Red fruits follow through with a touch of minerality. Great finesse, with a gentle and seamless finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte

Grapes: Nebbiolo: 90%
Cabernet Sauvignon: 5%
Vespolina: 5%

ABV: 13%

Food Match: A wonderfully versatile red that is great just with simple antipasti or with roast lamb with all of the trimmings.

Orbello is a small village very close to the Tenuta Sella vineyard where this wine is produced from. A traditional blend that Tenute Sella has been producing for more than 50 years. Nebbiolo, Vespolina and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, all the grapes are hand-harvested. Once picked a cold maceration is carried out. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in stainless steel tank. Aging for 1 year in barriques, and 6 months refinement in bottle.

A true reflection of a great South African Chenin blanc, intense flavours of peach, Granny Smith apple and meringue. The creamy and textured palate shows hints of lime and almonds, a vibrant, zesty finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Paarl

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 14%

KWV The Mentors Wine

Aromatic, medium to full bodied and powerful, with good extraction of the sweet flavours of black ripe fruits. Elegant with good texture and firm tannins, giving wine great ageing potential. A touch of mint, with lavender notes. Firm, well balanced oak and long finish with fresh, spicy, integrated mouthfeel.

Country: South Africa

Region: Wellington

ABV: 14%

Grape: Shiraz

Andreas Wine

Andreas only produce this wine - and they are good at it. The wine is aged for 18 months in French and American oak and bottle matured for another year. Winemaker Shaun Meyeridricks' first first vintage was in 2018, since joining Andreas from Boekenhoutskloof where he was previously making exemplary Shiraz.

Cinsault (50%), Grenache (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). Bright ruby colour with red fruit, plum, sloe berry and cherries on the aromas and flavours.

Country: Lebanon

Region: Bekaa Valley

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault,  Grenache

ABV: 13.5%

Rich in age, rich in flavour. Toasty, vanilla, raisins and dried plum.

Beautiful brick red colour, with a complex aroma of roasted coffee, spices, vanilla, ripe fruits raisins, caramel, and subtle bottle ageing notes of leather, tobacco. Silky smooth tannins, and velvety finish.

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja Alavesa

Grapes: Tempranillo

ABV: 14%

Only made in the best vintages from the best grapes, this Rioja GR has gone through an ageing process of 30 months in new French (75%) & American (25%) oak barriques, followed by a further 3 years before it is released.

https://www.murielwines.com/en/our-brands/rioja-collection/vina-muriel

To learn more about the Rioja region and their different styles of wines read our blog here.

Hand harvested and completely destemmed, the wine was fermented and aged in the amphoras in contact with skins and lees. The inside of our amphoras is coated with natural tree resin according to the ancient process used by the Romans 2000 years ago. The wine has not been filtered or stabilised.

Rich, ripe and full of mulberry fruit character with a silky round tannic structure. Beautifully made low intervention wine.

Country: Portugal

Region: Lisboa

Grapes: 50% Aragonez and 50% Trincadeira

ABV: 14%

A stand-out example of what high quality Bordeaux should taste like.

Plum, some bitter fruit, clove, cinnamon nose. Spicy up front and smooth, rounded fruit. Drinking well now so no need to lay down for any longer - the work has already been done so enjoy while you can!

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux, Montagne St Emilion

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Chateau Corbin is one of the oldest estates in St. Emilion, dating all the way back to the 15th century. More recently, bringing Chateau Corbin into the modern era, in 1924, Chateau Corbin was purchased by the Great Grandparents of the current owners, the Cruse family. The beautiful chateau was constructed in the 1800’s. During the late 1990’s, Anabelle Cruse and her sisters purchased the shares of Chateau Corbin from the other family shareholders and took over complete ownership of the estate. 

Anyway, more importantly, what does it taste like and is it worth the money? We always believe that one of the great things about wine is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we're pretty safe in saying that this is a stand-out example of exactly what Bordeaux is supposed to taste like. Extremely smooth and from what is now known as one of the best vintages ever, this is one for thinking up a special occasion just to open it.