Christmas Newsletter

The D. Byrne & Co. Christmas Newsletter 2014

Wines and Spirits for Christmas

Seasonal Wine Cases
Earlier in November we launched our Christmas and Connoisseurs Cases of wine and they have been flying off the shelves. Each case has a beautiful selection of twelve bottles of wine designed for drinking over the Christmas period. Traditionally presented, the wines are accompanied by tasting notes and can be collected in the shop or delivered to any mainland UK address. For full details of these cases please CLICK HERE

There will be free delivery for orders within a 30 mile radius placed with us before 7th December. After that time there will be a small charge of £8, due to the sheer volume of wines being dispatched we will need to use carriers rather than our own drivers Ken, Shaun and Paulo.

Christmas Opening Times
We are open seven days a week in the run up to Christmas
8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday
Open late until 8.00pm on Thursday and Friday
8.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday
10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday

The Victorian interior of the shop - and three underground wine cellars still to explore.

Andrew's Christmas Box
Taltarni Blanc de Blancs 2011 Methode Traditionelle
On my great adventure down under this was one of the wineries I visited. This very pure, very fine wine has an exceptional fruit flavour profile, coupled with great acidity. One of my very fond memories is drinking this at 11am pre-BBQ.
Montagny 'Les Crets' 2012/13 Feuillat Juillot
Earlier this year I visited Burgundy from north to south. This wine, made by a lovely lady, Francoise Feuillat- Juillot, was an absolute delight. It is medium bodied, has lovely fruit and is very fine. Great with white meat or fish.
Sileni 'The Straits' Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2013
This estate wine is a classic regional style, intensely aromatic with gooseberry and passionfruit characters. The palate is rich and full with a long finish. A lovely aperitif or with any fish, particularly smoked salmon.
Ontanon Rioja Reserva 2004
I've missed going to Spain this year, but this bodega is on next year's hit list. From a great vintage, this is proper Rioja, deep dark fruit flavours combined with ample acidity, minerality and earthy notes. It has a fine structure and natural grape tannins giving good length and weight, superb food wine!
Coyam Colchagua Valley, Emiliana 2011
Earlier this year I was visited from Chile by Noelia Orts, who has worked at prestigious wineries in Spain and New Zealand. She now makes impressive and expressive single vineyard 'Siglos de Origen' and the top flight blends Coyam and Ge. She's clearly a hugely talented wine maker and this has to be the Christmas Day bottle!

Krohn 2001 Colheita Port
Always a winner at Christmas, this multi gold award winning vintage tawny port has rich, caramelised berry fruit, perfect with cheese or fruit cake or, indeed, with a nice warm fire.
£79.00 if collected from the shop
£87.00 delivered anywhere in UK
Please see above for free delivery details


Tim's Christmas 2014 Wine Recommendations

Our finest red wine values of 2014

Pedrera Monastrell 2013, Jumilla, Spain £5.99
The new D. Byrne & Co. Red Wine of The Year 2014/15
We first introduced our 'Wines of The Year' in 1990, these wines represent our selection of what we consider to be the wine bargains of the year. The Pedrera Monastrell has the lot, great fruit, excellent structure and tonnes of personality......impossibly good for such a modest price.
Cabaret Frank Old Vine Cabernet Franc, Lodi, California £6.99
With tonnes of fresh, sweet red fruits this wine would be perfect served with the Christmas turkey.
Dona Paula Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina £6.99
A classic Mendoza Malbec, with delicious black fruits and an uplifting floral feel.
Vina Real Crianza 2010, Rioja, Spain £7.99
This has been a firm favourite throughout the year and simply impossible to ignore. A very stylish Crianza from the excellent Bodegas C.V.N.E.......and 91 Parker points.
Chapoutier Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2013, Cotes-du-Rousillon Villages, France £13.99
94-97 points from The Wine Advocate. Cash in on this recent purchase which must stand as one of the finest bargains on the planet.

Christmas Claret

Please call in the shop and cellars to view our massive selection from the finest Chateaux in Bordeaux. In the meantime here are a few bargains we have rolled out for Christmas.

Chateau Caronne Sainte Gemme 2010, Haut Medoc £14.99

A consistently excellent Haut Medoc.
Available from 4th December 2014

Chateau Valade Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2009 £18.99

A rich a succulent St Emilion from the fantastic 2009 vintage

*SPECIAL OFFER* buy 12 bottles and pay for 11 (wooden boxes)

Chateau La Dauphine 2001, Fronsac £19.99

A wonderfully rich and mature Pomerol lookalike for £20.........yes please!

Grosset Gaia 2010, Clare Valley £34.99

Granted, this isn't Bordeaux but it is an impeccably crafted Paulliac pretender made by one of Australia's most precise wine makers.

A particularly classy bottle for the Christmas Table

Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes-du-Rhone - France 2009 £16.99
A wonderful example of high quality CDR from one of the Rhone's greatest estates.
Dominio de Atuata 2010, Ribera del Duero - Spain £20.99
A seriously fine Ribera from high altitude ancient vines.
Poderi Colla Barbaresco Roncaglie 2010, Piemonte - Italy £19.99
A fantastic vintage from an equally fantastic producer at a fantastic price.........fantastico!
Chianti Classico Il Grigio Gran Selezione 2010 - Italy £21.99
Gran Selezione is a new classification for the Chianti Classico, a superior classification to represent the highest quality wines within the DO. An absolutely stunning Chianti.
Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2009 - France £38.99
A 'super-concentrated' effort from the delectable 2009 vintage. One of Chateauneuf's finest.

Recommended White Wines for Christmas

Diez Siglos Verdejo 2013, Rueda - Spain £5.99
D. Byrne & Co. White Wine of the Year 2014/15.
Pure, zingy and packed with crisp citrus fruits.
Soave Dal Cerro 2013, Veneto - Italy £9.99
A ripe and creamy Soave with bright citrus fruits and a wonderfully well rounded texture in the mouth.
Domaine du Petit Metris Clos de la Marche 2011 Savennieres - France £12.99
A very, very classy dry white made from the Chenin Blanc grape......simply astounding complexity and minerality.
Fento 2012, Riax Biaxas - Spain £12.59
Fresh white flowers on the nose and crispy stone fruit flavours on the palate. Serve with fine shellfish such as crab or oysters.
Le Fusil de Chasse 2012 Pouilly Fume - France £8.99
A very lean and crisp Pouilly Fume, a perfect accompaniment to the smoked salmon.

Domaine des Perserons Saint Veran 2012 - France £10.99
A fine example of just how good St Veran can be. A sensational value fine white Burgundy.
Domaine Faiveley Rully Blanc Les Villeranges 2012 - France £15.99
A very fine white Burgundy to accompany the finest fish dishes, lobster perhaps.
Domaine de la Motte Chablis 2012 - France £11.99
A classic style of Chablis but one with plenty of richness and intensity.

Champagne Offers

Louis Roederer Brut Premier £27.99
Taittinger Brut £25.59
Lallier Grand Cru Brut 2005 £29.98

Make mine a LARGE ONE
An impressive selection of impressive looking bottles to impress your friends.
A select few chosen from our massive range of large format bottles.

House Champagne    Magnum £38.99
House Champagne    Jeroboam £89.99
Champagne Lallier Grand Cru Grande Reserve Brut    Jeroboam £150.00
Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier    Jeroboam £175.00
Boutinot Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Seguret 2011    Magnum £21.99
Boutinot Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Seguret 2011    Jeroboam £85.00
Boutinot Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Cairanne 2011    Magnum £24.99
Chateau Langoa-Barton 2006 Saint Julien    Jeroboam £144.99
Chateau Sociando Mallet 1988 Haut-Medoc    6 litre £499.99
Chateau Montrose 1988 Saint-Esteph    5 litre £679.99
Vieux Telegraph 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape    Magnum £79.99
Chateau Beaucastel 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape    Magnum £110.99
San Felice Chianti Classico 2009    Magnum £19.99
San Felice Chianti Classico 2009    5 litre £95.00
San Felice Poggio Rosso 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva    Magnum £49.99
Campogiovanni 2007 Brunello di Montalcino    Jeroboam £149.99
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2008    Magnum £143.99
Penfolds RWT 2008    Magnum £169.99
Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet 2008    Magnum £208.99
Penfolds Grange 2006    Magnum £609.99

Philip's Burgundy Selection
Just a small selection from our range of over 1000

REDS
2005/6 Bourgogne Rouge Michel Lafarge £15.99
2010 Cote de Nuits Villages Roche de Bellene £11.99
2011 Bourgogne Rouge Matrot £12.99
2005 Volnay Vendages Selection Michel Lafarge £30.99
2002 Corton Pougets Grand Cru Louis Jadot £46.99
2010 Beaune Clos du Ursules Louis Jadot £36.99
2009 Vosne Romanee Clos Reas Michel Gros £62.99
2009 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux Comte Armand £62.99
2005 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Dugat-Py £64.39
2009 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pascal Marchand £69.99
2005 Chambertin Grand Cru Nicolas Potel £149.99
2009 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Pascal Marchand £114.99
2011 Chambertin Clos de Bez Grand Cru Duroche £89.99
2010 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses Roche de Bellene £139.99
WHITES
2008 St Romain Pascal Matrot £16.99
2009 Meursault Vendages Selection Lafarge £27.69
2005 Meursault Charmes Pierre Matrot £37.99
2011 Puligny Montrachet Domaine Laflaive £46.99
2007 Chassagne Montrachet Les Chaumes Niellon £40.39
2002 Le Montrachet Grand Cru Louis Jadot £184.99
2010 Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles Louis Jadot £218.99

Joseph's Spirit & Liqueur Recommendations

Whisky
Drumguish Single Malt, Highland £16.99
Soft, medium-dry with good body and a firm but gentle, dark, earthy smokiness.
Speyburn Bradan Orach, Speyside Single Malt £17.49
Classic Speyside single malt. Green apples, honey, lemon and floral vanilla spices. Wonderfully balanced, full-bodied, with a long lasting finish.
Ledaig, Isle of Mull Single Malt £19.99
Distinct peatiness and a prevalence of fresh sea air, seaweed and dry smoke. The long and pleasant finish has a satisfying ginger sweetness with a mellow soft warmth.
The Ileach, Islay Single Malt £22.99
Our biggest selling single malt, not to everyone's taste though. Robust, peaty, with the unmistakable breath of the seashore.
Tomintoul 10 year old, Speyside Single Malt £24.99
The gentle dram. Round, very approachable, with creamy sweetness balanced by gentle oaky spice.
Royal Lochnagar 12 year old, Highland Single Malt £29.99
A favourite of Queen Victoria. Extremely smooth with a slight sweetness. Medium weight, honey, barley and a touch of vanilla.

The Singleton of Dufftown 12 year old, Single Malt £29.89
"Perfectly balanced, naturally rich and smooth" it says on the label - that sums it up perfectly.
Glencadam 10 year old, Highland Single Malt £29.99
Beautifully balanced with tart fruits, freshly cut hay and vanilla sweetness. Long and gentle finish fading out on barley, malt and fruit.
Dalmore 15 year old, Highland Single Malt £47.99
Delicious and rich. Zesty orange, chocolate, winter spice and stem ginger. Hints of anise and a little hickory.
Haig Club, Single Grain Scotch £43.99
As smooth as David Beckham. A great price for this new whisky. Toffee and vanilla with pleasant supporting oak notes.

Other Whisky
John E. Fitzgerald Larceny, Kentucky Bourbon 100cl £34.99
Made with wheat as the secondary grain instead of the traditional rye, Larceny is a smoother tasting Bourbon. Buttery caramel and honey with a long, gently sweet and savoury finish (normal price £41.99).
Teeling Small Batch Blended, Irish Whiskey 70cl. £28.59
A deliciously creamy, spicy and rich Irish blend. Allspice, hints of vanilla, apple pie and blackberries (normal price £30.59).
Nikka From The Barrel, Japanese Whisky 50cl. £30.99
Plenty of winter spice and toffee, a little caramel and vanilla and a good mouthful of fruit. Full-bodied and punchy palate.

Brandy
Torres 10 Gran Reserva - Spain 70cl £12.99
Outstanding value, with a saving of £5, on this deliciously rounded and rich Spanish brandy.
Maxime Trijol Classic V.S. Cognac 70cl. £23.99
A vibrant and well balanced cognac. Rich and full of fruit and floral notes (normal price £25.99).
Maxime Trijol VSOP, Grande Champagne Cognac 70cl. £36.99
Spicy palate with notes of dried apricots and prune, with cedar and fruit coming through on the finish (normal price 39.99).

Ragnaud Sabourn No. 25 XO, Grande Champagne Cognac 70cl. £80.99
For that something a bit special. Floral nose, with blossom, some sweetness and rose petals. A woody palate with spices, oak-led vanilla and fruit. Long and elegant finish with gentle tannins (normal price £96.59).
Baron de Sigognac 10ans, Armagnac 70cl. £29.99
Lots of roundness on the palate with floral, woody and spicy notes leading to a long and pleasing finish of grilled almonds and vanilla (normal price £32.59).

Baron de Sigognac 20ans, Armagnac 70cl. £42.59
Flavours of violets, prunes and vanilla on the palate. The gentle but long finish reminds one of how mellow Armagnac can be when well-aged (normal price £50.59).

Rum
Three outstanding rums from Venezuela: very rich and smooth:
Dipumatico Anejo £19.59 (normal price 23.59)
Diplimatico Reserva £24.59 (normal price 27.99)
Diplimatico Reserva Exclusiva £33.99 (normal price £39.99)

Gin
Tanqueray, London Dry £18.99
Huge juniper hit with spicy notes of orange and lemon peel and just a hint of aniseed. A very flavoursome gin at a reasonable price.
Caorunn Small Batch, Scottish £23.99
Clean, crisp, sweet, full-bodied and aromatic. Serve with a slice of red apple for an extremely refreshing G&T.
Sacred Microdistillery, London Dry £29.99
A boutique artisanal hand distilled gin produced in small batches. Rich creamy notes of fresh citrus and juniper with exotic spice provided by cardamom, nutmeg and frankincense.Sacred Christmas Pudding Gin £33.99
Actual Christmas puddings, steamed for eight hours and then macerated with grain spirit, juniper berries and then redistilled for a refreshing alternative to the stodgy version. Serve from the freezer after the turkey.
Monkey 47, Schwarzwald Dry 50cl. £36.59
The ultimate in gin. An unusual gin made from 47 botanicals from the Black Forest in Germany. Cranberries, woody, spice, the list goes on. All the tastes of the forest floor. Delicious!

Liqueurs

Saliza Amaretto, Bepi Tosolini £19.59
Inviting almond-apricot nose with a hint of orange zesty. Lightly syrupy palate with marzipan, macaroon, almond and vanilla. The best Amaretto we've tried (normal price £21.59).
Evan Williams Bourbon Liqueurs £16.99
*available in cinnamon, cherry or honey
A great price on these three very popular liqueurs. Initially sweet, but with a Bourbony after kick due to the 35% vol. alcohol. The cinnamon works particularly well this time of year (normal price 20.29).

The Byrnes' Christmas Beer Keg
As usual we have the D. Byrne & Co. Christmas beer Keg of gorgeous beer prepared specially for us by Bowland Beer, at just £18.99
We also have a huge selection of bottled beers both local and international and beer gift packs which make excellent presents.

Gift Vouchers
We have gift vouchers which can be made out to any amount you choose and can be posted on your behalf to anywhere in the UK.

May we take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support throughout 2014 and wish you all a very Merry and Peaceful Christmas.

D. Byrne & Co. Launch of the Christmas Cases

Launch of the 2014 Christmas Cases

That time of year is approaching when we start getting the request "when will you be releasing your Christmas Cases?" Well, here they are!

The cases each contain twelve superb wines to suit all your seasonal drinking. They also make ideal presents, which can be collected from the shop or can be delivered to any address in mainland UK in time for Christmas. The cases also make excellent corporate gifts, please call us for details.

So whether you want to send a gift, thank a loved one, turn up with something special at a house party or simply light the fire, put your feet up and indulge, we have something for you. Each case comes complete with a set of tasting notes.

Please note that due to the sheer quantity of wines being sold in our cases over the Christmas period, we reserve the right to substitute a wine or vintage for one of an equal quality if necessary.

For orders or enquiries about any of the cases or wines in this newsletter, please contact us by phone at the shop on 01200 422281 or 01200 423152, thank you. 

We would also like to express our thanks to all who joined us for our annual Tasting of Wines for Christmas and hope that you enjoyed yourself as much as we did. The feedback from the tasting has been very interesting, and after the Cases we have included our Top Five Whites and Top Ten Reds (and a couple of extras) of the event.

Thank you to The Lancashire Life Magazine for the fabulous article about us in their recent issue:
http://www.lancashirelife.co.uk/food-drink/d_byrne_co_family_wine_merchants_in_clitheroe_1_3833638

Tim, Philip and Andrew tasting the Christmas Case choices.

Christmas Case 2014

White Wines
Diez Siglos Verdejo - Rueda - Spain
D. Byrne & Co. White Wine of the Year 2014/15
This really is a wonderful wine, and one which we simply couldn't resist naming as our new White Wine of the Year. Very clean and filled with tangy citrus fruits, this is an amazingly fine flavourful wine. The perfect modern dry white which is unashamedly fruity, elegant and lengthy.
Terrazze della Luna Nosiola - Trentino - Italy
The relatively undiscovered Nosiola grape is definitely one to watch, and this is a particularly fine example from the excellent Cavit Co-operative. Juicy fruited and textural in the mouth with ripe pear and apple notes leading to a slightly nutty finish.
Cher et Tendre Vouvray Sec - France
It may seem slightly risky throwing an old fashioned medium dry white into the mix, but with a joint of gammon or some smoked fish this is absolutely lovely. Smooth and round with fresh green apples and a delicately balancing acidity, wonderfully fruity and off-dry.
Catalan Eagle Garnacha Blanc/Viognier - Terra Alta - Spain
A delicate floral nose with white stone fruit and grapefruit. The palate displays plenty of citrus character coupled with flavours of pear and melon, minerality and spice. Rich and textural, this is a wonderfully integrated wine.
Adobe Sauvignon Blanc - Casablanca Valley - Chile
Fresh lime zest and green pepper aromas on the nose are carried through to the palate which is alive with crunchy green fruits. Organic and Fair Trade, this is a fine and zesty Sauvignon which is long and zippy.
Red Wines
Juan Gil Pedrera Monastrell - Jumilla - Spain
D. Byrne & Co. Red Wine of the Year 2014/15
The excellent Bodegas Juan Gill produce some of Jumilla's finest wines and they are an absolute genius with the local Monastrell grape. This is a wonderfully pure and open example of the Monastrell, with ripe and juicy bramble and plum fruit flavours, just a hint of fresh spice and a supple, juicy finish.
Caves Alianca Dao Tinto - Portugal
An open fruity nose, with ripe cherry and plum characters. Similarly ripe and full-flavoured on the palate with blackberry and plum notes. Soft tannins and spice on the finish. The perfect winter warmer.
Les Cepages Oublies Cinsault Grenache Vieilles Vignes - Pays d'Oc - France
Old vines, and consequently low yields produce grapes packed with intense perfumes and flavours. The rugged, aromatic intensity of Cinsault is complimented perfectly here by the rich, sweet spiciness of Grenache to produce a refreshingly different but charming wine.
Giardinelli Salice Salentino - Puglia - Italy
Ripe and openly fruity on the nose with liquorice and raisins. The palate shows a wonderful balance of sweet and sour so typical of the Negro Amaro grape with pure black fruits, fresh acidity and a touch of oak spice.
Pablo y Walter Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina
A really pure expression of Malbec which is bright red and juicy fruited, rich in chocolate flavours with just a touch of oak to soften the edges. Rich, vibrant and velveteen.
The Charge Tempranillo Garnacha - Rioja - Spain
Aromas of berries and warm spices lead onto a palate which has beautifully complex dark and spicy fruit flavours and some fine vanilla notes on the finish. A thoroughly satisfying and fruit forward Rioja.
Peacock Ridge Merlot - Western Cape - South Africa
Deep and dense on the nose with aromas of cassis, cedar wood, smoke and herbal notes. Elegant and evolved on the palate with black fruits, mocha, liquorice and tar all perfectly balanced by fine tannins.

£79.95 if collected from the shop
£88 delivered anywhere in mainland UK


Connoisseur Case 2014

White Wines
Fromm Estate La Strada Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough
A hand bitingly pretty wine. Intense pure lemon and wonderfully uplifting stony minerality. Very Sancerre like, the palate is zippy, zesty and fresh, held together by creamy minerality, with tight white peach and a tiny tint of pink grapefruit.
The Tea Leaf Chenin Blanc - Piekernierskloof - South Africa
Complex sandy stone fruit nose with plenty of minerality. The palate has firm, high-key fruit, a broad texture and plenty of persistence. Ultimately this is a deeply satisfying single vineyard wine from an ancient vine block with a genuinely unique terroir feel and character.
Agricola Pra Soave 'Otto' - Italy
Fresh, flowery and subtly tropical nose with ripe pears and a touch of wood smoke. The palate is attractively textured and juicy, showing zesty 'leesy' intensity and a hint of almonds. Richly flavoured and concentrated with a crisp, incisive and mineral finish.
Domaine de la Motte Chablis Premier Cru Vau - Ligneau - France
A full and rich style of Chablis. The nose is a blend of caramel and butterscotch married with ripe mango and other tropical fruits along with apple tones. The palate shows a steely, linear, mineral style with citrus characters. The richness is nicely balanced with good acidity and freshness.
Vallet Freres Bourgogne Blanc - France
This beautifully balanced and classic white Burgundy has a savoury, salty biscuit nose with a restrained, mineral palate. The oak is well-integrated on both the nose and palate giving texture and broadness of style and a long, intense finish.
Red Wines
Nerube Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva, Abruzzo - Italy
A powerful, rich and hedonistic Montepulciano with sensational black fruit aromas that leap from the glass. Full and ripe on the palate with a complex mixture of dried fruits, chocolate and Asian spices. This would be a lovely wine to serve with a seasonal cheese board.
Jealous Sisters Pinot Noir - Wairarapa - New Zealand
Black Cherry and dark plum notes aplenty in this deliciously fruity Pinot. With a softness and suppleness of ripe tannins giving a rounded structure and a long lasting aftertaste, this is rich and elegant.
Boutinot Cairanne 'Les Six' - Cotes du Rhone Villages - France
Silky, peppery, elegant and very long on the palate, this is just such a lovely wine that oozes finesse and is perfumed with eau de Cairanne. Although young, it screams out "drink me!".....and how can you resist?
Alvaro Castro Dao Tinto - Portugal
Alvaro Castro is widely regarded as one of Portugal's finest wine makers, and most certainly crafts the finest wines in his native region the Dao. This is a lovely wine filled with sweet, fresh red fruits and fine minerality, all of which amount to an unmistakable feeling of grace and elegance.
Chateau Valade St Emilion Grand Cru - Bordeaux - France
This is a very classy Claret from the wonderfully rich and exotic 2009 vintage. There is plenty of structure here, but the fruit is ripe and succulent, decant for an hour and serve with a roast of beef or lamb.
Emiliana Coyam Colchagua - Chile
Amongst the first Chilean blends to champion the Carmenere grape. Rich and sumptuous on the nose with Morello cherries, mulberries and more berries! The palate contains the same berry intensity, plus a wonderful warm dusty character, reminiscent of its location, together with hints of mint and some minerality.
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha - Campo de Borja - Spain
Deep cherry red in colour with a hint of purple. A bouquet of mature red fruits with floral notes that are typical of the best Garnachas. The palate is rich and well-structured showing flavours of blackberries, strawberries and tones of leather, vanilla and a smoky burnt treacle tang. 

£149.99 if collected from the shop
£158 delivered anywhere in mainland UK

Top Wines of the Annual Tasting of Wines for Christmas

Whites
1. Seriously Cool Chenin £8.99
2. Sileni Straights Sauvignon Blanc £8.99
3. Domaine des Perserons Saint Veran £10.99
4. Domaine de la Motte Chablis £11.99
5. Le Fusil de Chasse, Pouilly Fume £8.99

Reds
1. Wishbone Shiraz/Grenache £7.99
2. Domaine de la Haute Marone Gigondas £12.99
3. Caberet Frank Old Vine Cabernet Franc £6.99
4. Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico £10.99
5. Novas Gran Reserva Merlot £8.59
6. Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape £18.59
7. Dona Paula Malbec £6.99
8. Niepoort Drink Me Tinto £10.59
9. Juan Gill 4 Meses Monastrell £6.99
10. Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz £11.99

Little Stars - Sweet Wine & Port
1. Pellegrino Passito do Pantelleria - luscious raisins £8.99
2. Grahams Late Bottled Vintage Port - Christmas in a glass £9.99

July Newsletter

Summer Case

Bottega Vinai Trentino Gewurztraminer
Intense rose petal and lychee aromas typical of the grape, with hints of ginger and honeysuckle. Ripe and opulent on the palate, with plenty of citrus fruit and flowers leading to a long, spicy finish.
The Cloud Factory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Perfumed with nettle and ripe tropical fruits, this is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh and deliciously fruity with plenty of richness and some minerality.
Vetiver Rioja Blanco
Made from 100% Viura, this is a very stylish white wine from the Rioja Baja. Open and appealing on the nose with lemon and pineapple notes and floral hints, the mouthfeel is voluptuous, with tropical fruits and some toasted smoky character which is balanced perfectly by plenty of fine natural acidity.
Mon Vieux 'Old Dutch' Chenin Blanc - Swartland
This is a fine and concentrated old-vine Chenin. Rich and honeyed, with red apple and stone fruit flavours balanced by a core of wonderful minerality.
Soldiers Block Chardonnay - Western Australia
This is an elegant easy drinking Chardonnay with fresh, white peach fruit flavours and a subtle hint of spice. Bright and fruit driven, this is an unashamedly modern interpretation of the classic Chardonnay grape.
Domaine de L'Olibet Cinsault Rose
Lovely sweet fruity-floral aromas, reminiscent of scented pink spring flowers lead onto a palate which is immediately soft and round with abundant ripe fruit, lifted by a natural zing and finishing with a characterful texture and richness.
Le Fou Pinot Noir - Pays d'Oc
This is a fairly full style of Pinot with warm, ripe cherry fruit flavours that are lusciously smooth and effortlessly fruity. A well rounded and sweetly fruited red that is very easy to drink.
Cabaret Frank Old Vine Cabernet Franc - California
This is a smooth, medium bodied red that strikes a lovely balance with its blackberry, plum and dark cherry fruit characters coupled with classic leafy tones.
Les Pivoines - Beaujolais Village
This is a classic example of a quality, fresh and fruity Beaujolais Village. Juicy crushed strawberry and cherry fruit are complimented by some vibrant, peppery notes on the finish.
Pedera Monastrell - Jumilla
Ripe, juicy and forward with crunchy red berries, cherry and plum fruit flavours. Fruit driven in style, with good weight and complexity, yet another fantastic wine from the dynamic Juan Gil estate.
False Bay Pinotage - Western Cape
Hints of spice and red fruits on the nose with clean, bright and juicy black fruit flavours on the palate. Full and spicy with excellent concentration and some interesting earthy notes on the finish.
Bottega Vinai Trentino Lagrein Dunkel
Rich and robust with smoky wood aromas which mingle with red berries, spices and chocolate on the nose. The palate is dry and finely structured with smooth tannins, and a typically Italian sweet and sour twist.
£79.99 if collected from the shop
£88 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius. 

Cru Beaujolais Case

Domaine de la Porte du Paradis, St. Amour, Le Cru des Amoureux
Appealing aromas of fruit compote and perfumed with hints of violets, ripe and seductive on the palate which has a delicate minerality and wonderful freshness.
La Madone, Fleurie La Reine de L'Arenite
A heady perfume of freshly picked irises and peonies. The palate is fleshy and luscious, with cherry fruit flavours and a hint or roses, there is good depth and a touch of spice. Perfect Fleurie - floral, juicy and elegant.
Domaine les Roches Bleues, Brouilly, Le Cru du Volcan
This is bursting with flavours to tanlalize the taste buds. Lovely floral notes on the nose with a hint of violets. The palate is fresh and fruity with hints of raspberry and liquorice, a silky texture is complimented by a steely mineral core.
Domaine Les Roches Bleues, Cote de Brouilly, Vieilles Vignes
The nose is fresh with some fruits of the forest and sweet crushed cherries. Complex on the palate with plenty of spice to lift the flavours of plum and olive, the finish is herbal and slightly minty.
Cote de Py, Le Cru aux Roche Pourries
A fantastic Morgan that is filled with fruit and spice. Perfumed on the nose with a heady aroma of strawberry, the palate is vibrant and juicy fruited with crisp raspberry flavours complimented by some minerality.
Domaine Champs du Chene, Julienas
This is one of the lightest and most elegant of the Cru Beaujolais, with plenty of ripe, sappy red fruits and a comforting earthiness on the finish. A very easy drinking wine that is light and charming.
£52.50 if collected from the shop
£60.50 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius. 

Barbecue Case

Le Dolci Colline Prosecco Spumante
Fresh and gently fruity fizz from the Veneto. Citrus and green apple fruit flavours, delicate and lively in the mouth with plenty of zest on the refreshing finish.
Cien Malvasia - Toro
A fresh, floral and gently aromatic white wine with plenty of ripe stone fruit flavours on the palate and a twist of exotic spice on the finish.
Les Oliviers Sauvignon Blanc/Vermentino - Vin de Pays d'Oc
A delicious and refreshing blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino from the south of France. the perfect combination of exotic fruit aromas from the Vermentino and a clean, zingy palate provided by the Sauvignon Blanc.
Les Cepages Oublies Gros Manseng/Colombard - Pays de Gascogne
Lovely grassy, aromatic nose balanced by ripe tropical melon and pink grapefruit aromas, soft and creamy on the palate with real depth of flavour finishing with a lemon tang.
Castanzu Vermentino di Sardegna
Rich and spicy on the nose with citrus and tropical fruit aromas, gently floral and vibrant on the palate with lovely weight and some minerality.
Percheron Grenache Rose - Western Cape
This is a lovely pale salmon pink in colour, with delicate floral aromas of young vine Grenache fruit. The palate is filled with bright and juicy strawberry fruit flavours giving the wine real drinkability.
Mon Vieux 'Sheer' Syrah/Tannat - Stellenbosch
Black and warmly spicy with notes of star anise and flavours of earthy forest fruits, this has real character and a restraining minerality on the finish. An inspired blend of elegant Syrah wrapped in flavoursome Tannat.
Vista Tinta Roriz/Touriga Nacional - Beiras
Aromas of ripe cherry and plum fruit with a touch of pepper, this is warming and full of flavour with black fruits and some wonderfully savoury, meaty notes.
Manon Tempranillo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
A very soft, fruit forward wine that is robust and rich in black fruits. This is juicy and delicious with plum and damson compote tinged with sweet vanilla spice.
Longue-Dog Rouge - Pays d'Oc
This is instantly fruity and warming on the nose, plump and luscious in texture with pure blackberry fruit flavours and an underlying hint of spice.
Chianti Colli Senesi 'Panezio'
Elegant aromas of cherry, plum and red berry fruits mingle in this attractive light Chianti. Ripe red cherry flavours on the palate mix with mellow oak characters adding a hint of spice to the finish.
Emiliana Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
A very pretty cassis driven Cabernet from Chile's leading organic producer. Pure damson and blackcurrant fruits balanced by elegant toasted notes of wood.
£72.99 if collected from the shop
£81 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius. 

The Essential Wines of Summer..................
A personal selection of our most favourite wines for drinking throughout the summer.

White Wines

Domaine Papagiannakos 2013 Retsina - Greece per 50cl £5.59
This is amazing and must be tasted to be believed, dispelling any of the previous prejudice bestowed upon the lowly Retsina. The key of course is in the base wine which is fabulously fresh and lean, this is then blended with the finest quality resin wrought from the pine trees of Attica. The resulting wine has a totally unique aroma and flavour profile which bears an uncanny resemblance to rosemary and is absolutely perfect paired with pink lamb cutlets.
Domaine Francis Mabille Vouvray Demi-Sec 'La Croix Picaussee' - France £7.99
An elegant aroma of 'pain d'epice' and the zest of Seville orange peel lead on to a palate which is rich, infused with notes of acacia honey and white meadow flowers, streaked throughout with minerality drawn from the 'causse' (chalky) soils. A light and moreish, medium white wine with notes of candied peel and zesty lime that dance on the palate.
Giacomo Montressor 2012/13 Lugana 'Campo Valentino' - Italy £8.39
A stunning example of one of northern Italy's most in vogue white wines. Subtle and restrained on the nose with delicate stone fruit and lightly nutty aromas. A textural palate which displays more nutty characters and a broad mouth-feel, all beautifully balanced by peachy fruit, a dash of lime, and taut acidity on the finish.
Friedrich Wilhelm Gymnasium 2012 Fritz Willi Riesling - Germany £9.59
A classic Mosel from one of the region's most respected growers. Fragrant aromas of ripe apricots and red apples, delicious citrus characters balanced by refreshing minerality. Only 11% vol and medium dry.
El Tesoro Verdejo 2013 - Spain £5.49
Great value for money here, this is a super fresh and crisp dry white bursting with citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
Cave de Turckheim 2011/12 Reserve Gewurztramminer - Alsace £9.99
A fine Gewurzt that is the very essence of summer, floral and exotically spicy.
Pazo de Monterrey 2012/13 Godello - Monterrei £8.59
A crisp, aromatic white with a lifted nose of apricot, citrus fruits and a hint of pear drops. Very fresh acidity and mineral notes balance rich, ripe fruit characters of apple and pear.
Torre de Menagem 2013 Vinho Verde - Portugal £8.59
Blended from the superior grapes of Alvarinho and Trajadura, this is a superior Vinho Verde in every sense. Tangy and citrusy with lemon and pink grapefruit characters.
Txakoli Gorka Izagirre 2013 - Spain £11.39
Grown in the hills above Bilbao, this wine is crisp, saline, mineral and focused yet with depth and concentration reminiscent of the purest expression of Chablis. A sublime and unusual treat from one of the region's most accomplished producers.

Rose Wines

Domaine du Petit Chaumont 2013 Gris de Gris £6.99
Easily the finest quality £6.99 rose in the country. This is absolutely delicious, dry, full of fruit and elegant, with fabulous texture and real drinkability. The perfect rose to compliment the perfect summer.

Fantastic Fizz

Magpie Estate 2008 'Tight Cluster' Sparkling Shiraz - Barossa Valley £16.99
Very concentrated, medium dry, fizzy Shiraz - not my bag at all, but they love it with a BBQ down under, give it a try!
Stephane Breton N.V. Rose Brut £18.99
The rose sister of our sensational House Champagne. This is very fine, full-bodied and rich in soft red fruits, and what's more it is better and £30 a bottle cheaper than many more famous rose Champagne equivalents.
Henners 2009 Vintage Brut - East Sussex £22.99
Biscuity brioche on the nose, with delicate white flower and full fruit. Citrus, apple and 'leesy' characters add complexity to the palate. A very fine, patriotic fizz.
Ferghettina N.V. Franciacorta Brut - Italy £16.59
A blend of the classic Champagne grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Soft and persistent with hints of white flowers and hazelnuts. Easy drinking and approachable.

Ferghettina 2010 Milledi Gift Box £25.99

Packaged like am ultra premium Grandes Marques Champagne, with contents to match, a stunning bottle in every sense. At this price this is surely a no brainer.

Red Wines
Domaine de Vedilhan 2011 Syrah - Pays d'Oc £6.59
A ripe, smoky Syrah with tonnes of easy fruit and plenty pf spice, ideal with barbecue fare.
Tenuta Roncaglie 2012/13 Dolcetto d'Alba Pian Balbo - Italy £9.99
An outstanding Dolcetto from a leading Barbaresco estate. Very fresh and vividly fruity with sour cherry, violets and dried herbs, delicious served with antipasti.
Kloster Eberbach 'Crescentia' Hollenberg 2011 Spatburgunder - Rheingau £19.99
A sublime Pinot Noir with ripe, wild, red berry fruit, fantastic concentration and great depth. Think fine, full-bodied Chambolle 1er cru, from a rich vintage, at 1980's prices and you're well on the way to discovering a very, very rare Pinot bargain.
Sierre Grande 2012 Pinot Noir - Central Valley £5.69
The same as the above only 1960's prices!
Macia Batle Crinza 2010/11 - Mallorca £12.59
Powerful and spicy aromas of black cherries, blackberries and warm, oaky notes. A rich, smooth, supple palate, juicy and beautifully balanced, with savoury layers of tobacco, coffee and bitter chocolate.
Allianca 2011 Bairrada Reserva - Portugal £5.99
2013 IWC - Great value red wine under £7 award.
Hearty and rustic with supple dark fruits and a warming spicy edge. Perfect with a barbecue.
Circumstance 'Seriously Cool' Cinsault 2013 £11.99
Fresh and fruity with plenty of old vine intensity. Delicious served slightly cool.
Burlesque 2012 'Old Vine' Zinfandel - Lodi £6.79
Great value fruit packed Zin whose abundance of sweet, fresh raspberry fruits couldn't fail to please.

We still have available our wonderful Everyday case and the Wines of Chile & Argentina, just click HERE

If you would like to order any of the wines you have seen in this newsletter, please give us a ring on 01200 423152 or 422281

FATHERS DAY

FATHERS DAY 2014 - need some ideas?
Apologies if the approach of Father's Day has taken you be surprise, (just as these once a year events tend to do, sneak up on you).
Here we go:

Whisky:
Jura Superstition + 2 free glasses (tasting on the counter tomorrow) This is absolutely gorgeous, come and try it! £28.59
Old Pultney 12 yo £23.99
Speyburn Bradan Orach £17.49
Strathisla 12 yo £29.99
Knockando 12 yo £28.59
Glencadam Portwood Finish £34.99
Glencadam Oloroso Finish £42.59
Glencadam 10 yo £29.99

WINE:
Just shipped in a whole load of this specially for the World Cup & it's flying off the shelves - Domaine de Petit Chaumont Gris de Gris Rose £6.99 (normally ££7.99) - summer in a bottle!

Does Dad like a bottle of red? Here's something fun, soft and fruity, you never know, he might even share it with you! Cabaret Frank £6.99 

BEER:
Is Dad a beer drinker? Do you want to join him in a tipple? A Bowland Brewery mini keg is the way to go! £18.99 for 5 litres