Superstars

Rich and textured from spending 12 months in oak barrels. Aromas and flavours of stone fruit, citrus and vanilla with a long and mineral finish.

Grapes: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Aligoté

Country: Ukraine

Region: Kyiv, Odesa

ABV: 12%

Food pairing: 

"BIOLOGIST craft winery” from the Kyiv region creates unique and unmatched wines. They have rented vineyards in the Odesa region (the majority of nowadays wines are made from these grapes) and a 1.5-hectare vineyard in the Kyiv region, which is experimental and biodynamic.

The nose has layers of citrus and stone fruit aromas, and hints angelica, acacia flower and allspice. Flavours of lemon, yellow apple and nectarine follow through onto an elegant, balanced palate with delicate notes of greengage, papaya, yellow apple and passion fruit. The wine is light to medium bodied, with a fleshy texture and vibrant, integrated acidity. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Chenin Blanc 53%, Chardonnay 24%, Semillon 19%, Viognier 4%

The blend is composed of signature white varieties from each property: Semillon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Semillon, matured in oak, provides structure and age-worthiness-drawing on Boekenhoutskloof's long-standing reputation for this grape. Old bush vine Chenin Blanc from the Swartland adds depth, texture and opulence, while cool-climate Chardonnay brings lift and precision. Viognier lends a subtle aromatic richness.

Tim Atkin's review: A new addition to the consistently impressive Boekenhoutskloof range, this is a pan-regional blend of Swartland Chenin Blanc complemented by 24% Chardonnay, 19% Semillon and 4% Viognier from elsewhere. Inspired by the whites of the southern Rhône, it's stony, savoury and lightly wooded, with aromas of laurel, thyme and white flowers and a palate of pear, citrus, peach and wet stones. Drink 2026 – 2031

Such a wonderful expression of the Listán Blanco grape variety, otherwise known as Palomino Fino in mainland Spain and other parts of the world. An aromatic nose, with notes of ripe peach and apricot. Green pear on the palate with a textured, saline, long finish from spending 4 months on its lees.

Country: Spain

Region: Tenerife

Grapes: Listán Blanco

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: 

Practicing organic, but not certified.

Complex, precise and elegant Nebbiolo from the region's most well known producer

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte, Barbaresco

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 14.5%

93
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2033
Antonio Galloni, September 2024
The 2021 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, deep wine. Although the aromatics are a bit
closed, the 2021 shows gorgeous depth and a touch more palate presence than is
typically the case for this bottling. Dark and enveloping, the 2021 will offer a number
of years of very fine drinking. It is an impressive, classy wine from Produttori del
Barbaresco.

Rich, complex and voluptuous Chenin stony soils, with a warm, dry climate and sea breeze unique to the Malgas region of South Africa. Fresh fruit and complex mineral  flavours, this wine carries on for a long time on the finish. 

Country: South Africa

Region: Malgas, Swellendam, Western Cape

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 14%

Sijnn is prounounced 'sen', or 'seine'

Certified IPW sustainable

This property has historical importance, being farmed by a pioneering family of the wine industry in the Uco Valley. The Italian José Zingaretti immigrated to Argentina at the beginning of the 20 th century, bringing along his knowledge of vine growing and winemaking from his homeland. He was one of the first settlers of Tupungato, which at the time was a remote and nearly inaccessible area. This wine comes from vines of more than 80 years old. Aged for 18 months in a combination of new, second and third use French oak barrels. 50% of the wine underwent full malolactic and 50% partial. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 400 cases made. Drinking beautifully now or hold for up to 6 years.

Stunning old-vine chardonnay shows beautiful density and concentration Precise with a round, creamy texture. It’s full- bodied, refined, soft and fluffy. Fresh and bright. Intense, yet subtle with notes of pear and cherry blossom. Wonderful white with unique character.

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

ABV: 14.5%

Grapes: Chardonnay

After visiting Argentina in 1989, Californian trail-blazer Paul Hobbs became deeply interested in both the terroir and Argentine culture, noticing the unique potential for Malbec and other varietals in the region. After meeting two kindred spirits, Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud, they founded Viña Cobos in 1997 and since then there has been no looking back. Utilising gnarly old vines, careful vineyard selection, very low yields and an unerring empathy for the raw materials, Viña Cobos craft intense yet balanced wines that showcase the elegance and beauty of this region. The wines from Cobos have branched into four different brands – Felino, Bramare appellation, Bramare Single Vineyard and the super premium Cobos. Binding all of the wines from Viña Cobos is the true identity of each variety and the unique terroir of Mendoza, truly world class wines from a world class producer.

Concentrated and rich red with dark red and black fruit aromas and flavours. Notes of cedar wood, cigar box and cloves comes though on the bold, yet silky palate.

Country: Spain

Region: Ribera Del Duero

Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)

ABV: 14.5%

Food Match: Roast leg of lamb with rich, red wine gravy or venison stew.

Dark cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry aromas are complimented by cassis, tea leaves, dried rosemary and dried spices. Delicious savoury characters are followed by succulent berry fruit on the finish.

Country: New Zealand

Region: Marlborough

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 14%

Certified organic vineyards

Dry, complex and textured Chenin from a part of the Loire typically famed for its sweet wines.  Beautifully rich and ripe on the nose that suggesting it may not be bone dry - and yet it is! Notes of beeswax, honey, white peach. There is a touch of vanilla on the nose on the palate. Wonderfully complex and special wine that is a steel for this price.

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

ABV: 12%

A beautiful, pale rosé with crisp, refreshing acidity, perfect for summer. The palate is bright and lively, with red berries, vibrant citrus, delicate tropical notes and a touch of salinity, reflecting the vineyard's close proximity to the river.

Country: England

Region: Crouch Valley, Essex

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13.5%

A wonderful new addition to our range of English wines. Husband and wife team Umut and Katie Yesil manage their Essex vineyard with a low-intervention and sustainable approach. They don’t use herbicides and manage the vineyard mechanically rather than chemically where possible, to protect soil health and biodiversity which is hugely important to them. 

The single vineyard wines from Mount Difficulty are made in limited quantities and are not produced every year. This wine has the distinctive classic Pipeclay cherry and blackberry with a slight spice kick and lovely light violet floral notes. Rich and sensuous mid palate
the wine finishes strongly with a combination of fruit and finely grained structured
tannins.

Country: New Zealand

Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Mt Difficulty is Central Otago’s leading artisan winegrower with a pioneering heritage
based in Bannockburn. With their founding vineyards established in 1992, Mt Difficulty owns some of the oldest vines having harnessed this once brutal terrain to produce premium wines that are among the finest in New Zealand. Mount Difficulty is Bannockburn’s highest peak and the backdrop to their vineyards – some of Bannockburn’s oldest. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do including using recycled glass made locally, a living roof to encourage biodiversity and new waste reduction technology to list just a few things they do.

Special Limited parcel wine from talented South African winemaker Izele Van Blerk. Drinking window 2025 - 2035. Only 1000 bottles made!

Full-bodied, intense and concentrated. Aromas and flavours blackcurrant, black cherry and ripe plum, with notes of tobacco, eucalyptus and subtle capsicum. The palate is rich and full with prominent fruit ripeness. Great tannic structure and a well balanced, lingering finish.

Country: South Africa

Region: Stellenbosch

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%

If tasted blind, you would never in a million years guess that this wine was English! Perfumed, vibrant, juicy Pinot with violets, lavender, cherries, rhubarb, cinnamon, and pepper. Smooth and silky with a long finish. Excellent.

Country: England

Region: Grapes sourced from Essex Vineyards (Martin's Lane in Crouch Valley) wine vinified in Gavin Carver's winery in The Cotswolds

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 12.5%

Food match: Tagliatelle, con porcini e crema

Ripe, round and elegant with classic, subtle butter, toast and pineapple notes balanced by juicy acidity. On the palate there are notes of lemony cream biscuits and key lime pie. A broad, decadent and ripe long finish. A top quality white Burgundy with more than 10 year aging potential.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Grapes: Chardonnay

ABV: 13%

Regarded as one of the best sites in the region, Montestefano does not disappoint! Complex aromas of red fruit, blood orange, sweet spice and cedar wood. Juicy, rich and full bodied with a mid palate and finish that goes on forever. Very elegant and refined. Special wine!

Country: Italy

Region: Piemonte

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 14.5%

97
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Antonio Galloni, September 2024
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the most elegant, polished wines in this range. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and cedar are beautifully lifted. The tannins are remarkably polished for a young, recently bottled Riserva. I admire its poise and elegance. This is an especially refined edition of the Montestefano. In 2020, the mix of vineyards is a bit younger than in the past, as one of the blocks of older vineyards was replanted and not used. If I could have only one of the Riservas in 2020, this would be it!

Aromatic and lifted nose of raspberry, plumb, white pepper and red berries. A beautifully layered, textural palate with wild strawberry and spice on the finish.

Country: Australia

Region: McLaren Vale

Grapes: Grenache

ABV: 14%

Food Matches: Moroccan lamb tagine

Carema is high on the northern border of the alpine region Aosta in northern Piedmont. It is made of Nebbiolo grown on glacial soil in this high altitude region which creates powerful, perfumed wines with delicate fruit. 

Pale ruby to tawny. Complex and elegant nose of small, wild red fruits, forest undergrowth, crushed stones and hints of cinnamon. Weightless palate, light to medium body, refined with lively acidity, noble tannins and a long spicy finish.

Country: Italy

Region: Alto Piedmont

Grapes: Nebbiolo

ABV: 13.5%

A very rare grape variety, mostly found in the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife. The vines are 'pie franco' or ungrafted ancient specimens that thus far have managed to avoid the dreaded Phylloxera bug which devastated many European vineyards in the 19th century. The wine is complex, concentrated and flinty with aromas of green herbs, apples and quince. 6 months in barrel and on its lees has given the wine a beautiful texture and long, saline finish.

Country: Spain

Region: Tenerife

Grapes: Vijariego Blanco

ABV: 13.5%

Food Match: Seafood such as grilled prawns and calamari would work well with this wine.

Practicing organic, but not certified.

Perfect Pinot Noir! Only 24 barrels made of this, so snap it up while you can!

Ripe in dense black cherry, blueberry and raspberry. This wine has a delicious juiciness that keeps it balanced in the glass. A firmness of acidity supports the well-integrated tannins and lithe fruit, while the finish brings a swirl of cinnamon, baked red apple and vanilla. 

Country: USA

Region: Russian River Valley, California

ABV: 14%

Grapes: Pinot Noir

The nose is delicate, restrained and elegant with its grapefruit, greengage, chamomile and apple blossom aromas and whiffs of exotic spice. The floral character of the nose follows through onto a richly textured mid-palate, showing yellow peach, poached pear and nectarine against a backdrop of fresh mandarin and green fig flavours with integrated acidity and a full body. The ripe stone fruit character adds to the complexity on the palate and the spicy finish with hints of fenugreek, black cardamom and Cape fynbos complements a very balanced wine.

Country: South Africa

Region: Franschhoek Valley

Grapes: Semillon (97%), Muscat d'Alexandrie (3%)

ABV: 13.5%

Great with Cape Malay dishes such as beef baboti - a well-known South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.

Tim Atkin MW
96 points. Boekenhoutskloof's world-class Semillon uses grapes from three distinct blocks in Franschhoek, planted in 1902, 1936 and 1942, combining these with 3% Muscat d'Alexandrie. Showing more acidity and restraint than the stunning 2020, and less of the struck match character, it has notes of lemongrass, custard and beeswax and a core of chiselled acidity. Drinking 2024-32

Complex and rich red, full of dark berry fruit, black pepper and well integrated French oak flavours.

Country: USA

Region: Napa Valley

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.2%

A deliciously unique blend, with lime and rose petals, green apple, orange zest, backed with toasted almond characters, multi-layered and charmingly complex. Reflecting Pieter’s focus on overlooked, high-quality vineyards.

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Grapes: Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche, Fernão Pires, Semillon and Verdelho

ABV: 13.5%

The combination of fruit from 17 Western Cape sites, including Grenache Blanc (Piekenierskloof), Clairette Blanche and Fernão Pires (Swartland), plus Semillon (Elgin) and Verdelho (Voor Paardeberg), brought together in this defining blend created from Pieter's conscious brain. His favourite barrels, tank selections and varietals from a range of different sites across the winelands, then aged 10 months in old French oak.

Winemakers don't come much more creatively brilliant than the genius that is Pieter Walser. He's the sort of man that's had more fantastic ideas before breakfast than we manage in a whole week and that talent shines through in his wines. Each comes with a story often as captivating as they are mystifying so we've asked him to record a few to give you an insight into the magic behind the vino!

Country: South Africa

Region:  Elgin

Grapes: Pinot Noir

ABV: 13%

Food Match: 

From the Quinta do Cruzeiro winery. Made with hidden gem grape varieties Encruzado and Malvasia Fina -  famous grapes in Portugal and should be world famous in my opinion!

Aromas of lime, green apple and toast. This wine is clean, precise and has great depth of richness and minerallity with a long, complex finish.

Country: Portugal

Region: Mangualde, Dão

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Encruzado and Malvasia Fina