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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 10.15 (GBP)
Our buyers could not wait to get this serious quality sparkler from Brazil on the boat and back home to share with you! Crafted from high altitude Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by ex-Moet winemaker Mario Geisse, it's made to the patient traditions of Champagne and stands alongside many Grandes Marques for quality ... but beats them for value.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 31.99 (GBP)
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a "no nonsense" innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 37.74 (GBP)
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a "no nonsense" innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 79.99 (GBP)
Brimming with aromatic peach and apricot flavours, Viognier is fast becoming the nation's favourite grape. Originally used exclusively for top-shelf Rhones, this fruit-packed grape is now flourishing in the sun-drenched Aussie climate. For five generations the fiercely independent Angove family (now headed by the founder's great-grandson John) have bucked commercial trends in favour of top-quality, personality-filled wines ... an approach that has won them over 400 international awards in the last five years alone! And this opulent Viognier is one of their best yet! Supremely refreshing, brimming with lively tropical-fruit and luxurious honeysuckle flavours - it's ideal as a glass on its own or as a feisty partner for roast chicken.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.99 (GBP)
Set in the heart of Portugal's trendiest wine region - the Alentejo - this citrus-packed white is bursting with aromatic fruit flavours. The wines of Alentejo are renowned for their high quality - top wineries across the globe are frantically buying property in the area, including Baron Rothschild-Lafite! Winemaker Pedro Hipolito created this "one off" wine to celebrate the winery's 50th anniversary. Made from a blend of indigenous grapes, Anta da Serra is a fresh and lively white that you're guaranteed to love! One sip - and you'll be hooked! Packed with citrus-laden fruit, this light and refreshing white resembles a Sancerre-like minerality. Perfect as a glass on its own or as an accompaniment to seafood and fish.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
"Chile ... no other country in the world delivers so much red wine flavour for the price" Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide. Chile is the closest thing to Eden for vine and with the 3rd generation Aresti Estate's expertly managed vineyards and skilful winemaking, the results are quite spectacular. We are particularly impressed by the dazzling intensity and smoothness of this oak-aged reserve 2005. Carmenere is an old Bordeaux variety long thought extinct until it was shown to be thriving in the vineyards of Chile, where it had been brought over in the 19th century. It's characteristically dark and succulent with wild brambly fruit and complements the noble blackcurrant and pepper profile of Syrah very well. Winemaker Jon Ander Usabiaga has crafted a rich, velvety red with layers of plumy, blackberry flavours with almost dark chocolate intensity, hints of spicy oak and fresh herbs. Serve this with garlic and rosemary-encrusted roast lamb ... ratatouille and lamb cutlets or a spicy tagine.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Rich Aussie red wines ... fruit driven gems - with your NEW Customer Poll No.1!
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Fruit-packed Aussie white wines
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Favourite Aussie reds ... packed with ripe fruit flavour
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
'Sunshine-in-a-glass' Aussie whites ... famous quality, flavour and value for money
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Vibrant, fruit-packed Aussie reds ... unbeatable value
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 115.95 (GBP)
The enigmatic Pinot Noir grape can yield sublime reds of unmatchable finesse, but outside of its Burgundy home, quality is infuriatingly elusive. Many have tried to master it but few succeed - without commanding a princely sum ... until now that is! New Zealand's world-renowned Babich Estate has created a deliciously smooth, concentrated Pinot Noir of truly impressive charm which offers an irresistibly affordable taste of this most elegant, distinctive grape. " Ripe cherries and strawberries abound in this irresistibly juicy pure Pinot Noir. It has a spicy complexity evoking fine red Burgundy, and is full and smooth, plump yet supple ... as fresh as a Spring day and a delight with this season's New Zealand lamb. Although it will develop beautifully over the next four years, I defy you not to polish off your case in weeks."
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 99.95 (GBP)
Based in the famed Marlborough region, the renowned Babich family cellar is now in the hands of its third generation. With 45 years of winemaking experience, Joe Babich is one of New Zealand's leading producers. Great care is taken to capture every nuance of vibrant fruit flavour from the Babich's Sauvignon Blanc - night harvesting seals in the freshness and cool fermentation intensifies all those gorgeous flavours. Vibrant and refreshing with enticing aromas of tropical fruit and citrus. This is followed by hints of pineapple and ripe gooseberry flavours with a zesty lime finish. Great on its own or with seafood dishes, lobster and oysters.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 134.95 (GBP)
Hugh Johnson's wasn't the only one to be impressed by the sheer scale of this colossal Shiraz (that's part of his tasting note above). The judges at the International Wine Challenge awarded it a Silver medal. So it's clearly not just big, it's beautiful too. It comes from the Redheads wine studio - an establishment that is every bit as extraordinary as the wines it produces. A former wine bar, this cosy boutique winery retains some of the creature comforts of its previous incarnation. Where you might expect an impromptu seat fashioned from a wine barrel, you find instead a red leather sofa where maverick winemakers sit and hatch their next innovative project. It's a place that flies in the face of convention and amidst the jovial buzz of activity, you might also think, by the seat of its pants. But fly it does ... and the results are spectacular. Best with either spicy foods - chorizo-laced pizza, chilli con carne, or a mild vindaloo ... or char-grilled sausages or peppered steaks.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 11.49 (GBP)
Hugh Johnson's wasn't the only one to be impressed by the sheer scale of this colossal Shiraz (that's part of his tasting note above). The judges at the International Wine Challenge awarded it a Silver medal. So it's clearly not just big, it's beautiful too. It comes from the Redheads wine studio - an establishment that is every bit as extraordinary as the wines it produces. A former wine bar, this cosy boutique winery retains some of the creature comforts of its previous incarnation. Where you might expect an impromptu seat fashioned from a wine barrel, you find instead a red leather sofa where maverick winemakers sit and hatch their next innovative project. It's a place that flies in the face of convention and amidst the jovial buzz of activity, you might also think, by the seat of its pants. But fly it does ... and the results are spectacular. Best with either spicy foods - chorizo-laced pizza, chilli con carne, or a mild vindaloo ... or char-grilled sausages or peppered steaks.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.34 (GBP)
Even more popular than Pinot Grigio is this rare, pink version. An absolute must for Summer but please - be quick! Pinot Grigio from northern Italy is the quintessential version of this most popular grape - crisp, fragrant, intense and seductive. Just occasionally you might see it like this - made as a rose with a gorgeous light pink hue. It's a rare style due to the extra care, attention and sheer skill required to produce it. Our advice is unequivocal. Buy this beauty buy the case and savour it in the full flush of youth. Splash it over strawberries with a twist of black pepper, drink it with barbecued king prawns, or simply sip it under the shade of a tree but order now. Once word is out, it may be too late ...
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.99 (GBP)
Popularity has done nothing to diminish the cachet of Pinot Grigio, the pre-eminent Italian white, enjoyed by wine lovers around the world for its crowd-pleasing, thirst-quenching qualities. It's grown in many countries, but its true home is Italy. Hugh Johnson says in his classic reference 'The World Atlas of Wine', that "the advent of Sicilian table wine has been spectacular". Barone Paladino demonstrates this with 'new world' freshness and flair. Grown in hills 300m up around the town of Gibellina, the elevation gives freshness to the fruit and moderates the intense Sicilian heat. The Barone was crafted by the very talented Mirella Lombardo in a new nearby winery owned by local entrepreneur Maurizio Biscardo. 2006 was a good vintage for Sicily while the most recent vintage has seen volumes down by 50% and accordingly, prices soaring. The message is clear - snap up this beauty now while you can! Pale gold with silver highlights. Ripe apple, almond and spice aromas. Crisp, mouthfilling apple, melon and almond flavours. The key to maximum enjoyment is to think Italian. Serve with a green pea and mushroom risotto, pan fried fish or your favourite creamy pasta dish.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Our relationship with Andre Roux goes back over 30 years. A veteran over 70 vintages, he is a living legend in his native Rhone Valley. For La Barque Vieille, the old master personally selects grapes from Syrah and Grenache vines he's harvested since 1936, then skilfully crafts the concentrated fruit into this dark, spicy, black cherry-laced gem.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.97 (GBP)
Brimming with rich fruitcake and nutmeg flavours, this top-notch LBV is guaranteed to warm the coldest night. Unfiltered to retain every element of flavour and colour from the wine, this spectacular LBV needs the same treatment as a top Vintage Port - so be sure you decant! Then sit back and indulge in the ultimate winter warmer! Dark ruby colour with pronounced fig, mint and chocolate aromas. Rich and luxurious, it's definitely the bottle to choose when the cheeses arrive.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 53.99 (GBP)
A classic blackberry-and-pepper charged Syrah, from grapes grown high in the Argentine Andes and crafted by the makers of South America's iconic, #30-plus Almaviva. This award-winning red is full of flavour. Powerful aromas of bramble, dried figs and pepper, leading into a soft, velvety palate. No oak here, just maximum blackberry fruit flavours and a long, satisfying finish.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 61.99 (GBP)
If you're a fan of great rose you'll be delighted by this latest release from a former Cape Young Winemaker of the Year. It's tingling with vibrant strawberry and raspberry fruit. Rose has made a come back in recent years pleasing both red and white wine lovers alike. Its all therage in the Cape too which prompted the multi award-winning Bergsig Estate in Worcester to add make this beauty from premium Shiraz fruit. On the opposite side of the de Toitskloof mountains from Paarl and Stellenbosch, it's cooler and drier and the climate is ideal for fresh and fruity rose styles. Sixth generation winemaker De Wet Lategan describes this 2007 as "Classic rose colour with crushed strawberry aromas and flavours of spic an red berries Crisp, refreshing and long..". Enjoy at its youthful best with canapes vegetarian dishes, seafood salads, or tuna.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.95 (GBP)
Sauvignon fans will adore Bob Berton's wine from his brand new Crook Road winery. Verdelho has been grown in Australia for nearly 200 years, but until recently was used almost exclusively for sweet wines, or 'stickies,' as they call them Down Under. However innovative winemakers like Bob have transformed it into a delicious, fresh-tasting dry white ... great for lovers of Sauvignon! Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy Shiraz and we're delighted he chose to give you exclusive access to his supremely refreshing Verdelho ... especially as these grapes were the very first to be crushed in this exciting new winery! Lively, mouthwatering Verdelho bursting with citrus and lemon grass aromas. Hints of tropical passion fruit and zesty lime are joined by a fresh, lemon crispness on the finish.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 53.91 (GBP)
Sauvignon fans will adore Bob Berton's wine from his brand new Crook Road winery. Verdelho has been grown in Australia for nearly 200 years, but until recently was used almost exclusively for sweet wines, or 'stickies,' as they call them Down Under. However innovative winemakers like Bob have transformed it into a delicious, fresh-tasting dry white ... great for lovers of Sauvignon! Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy Shiraz and we're delighted he chose to give you exclusive access to his supremely refreshing Verdelho ... especially as these grapes were the very first to be crushed in this exciting new winery! Lively, mouthwatering Verdelho bursting with citrus and lemon grass aromas. Hints of tropical passion fruit and zesty lime are joined by a fresh, lemon crispness on the finish.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 54.99 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Top-quality, everyday wines - yours for JUST #4.17 a bottle!
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Top-quality, everyday wines - yours for JUST #4.17 a bottle!
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy reds - the last word in quality and value
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 54.99 (GBP)
No Description
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy whites - the last word in quality and value
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy whites - the last word in quality and value
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 56.99 (GBP)
Winemaker Alvaro Arriagada is as famous for making great value wines as he is for never taking off his big hat! He claims the hat is essential for protecting him from the bright sun that shines over his vineyard in Chile's beautiful Maule valley. Abundant sunshine is key to making the grapes ripe and juicy enough for his flavour-packed wine. This fantastic Merlot is entirely unoaked to allow the clean fruit-driven style shine through - you're guaranteed to adore it! Bright ruby red in colour, the wine is jam-packed with plum, cassis and chocolate flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with spaghetti bolognaise or pizza.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 40.74 (GBP)
Traminer - related to the Gewurztraminer grape of Alsace - performs especially well in Australia where its hallmark spicy characters really come to the fore. Bilbul is named after pioneer William Bull who settled in the Riverina in 1890s. He dug a 134 foot well which saved the region's population and livestock during extensive droughts at the end of the century. This delicious wine is made by the De Bortoli family - prominent in Australian wine since 1928. De Bortoli was named 'Wine Company of the Year' by Winestate (Australia's Decanter magazine equivalent) in 2005, 2006 and again in 2007. Made by senior winemaker John Coughlan from grapes picked in the cool of the night to preserve freshness. Pale gold with hallmark sweet spice and stone fruit flavours. Rich fresh melon flavours follow. Serve chilled with stir-fry chicken, prawns or pork.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 114.95 (GBP)
"Best-ever vintage" clarets collection at a fantastic Bin-End price!
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 134.98 (GBP)
Take 12 bottles each of Black Stump and Black Stump White ... you'll SAVE #31 and get a red magnum FRE
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Australia's most addictive red and most unique white ... together in very special mixed case
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 41.94 (GBP)
Packed with fabulously fresh flavour (thanks to night harvesting), Black Stump White is an inspired and unique blend of Verdelho, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. It's made by Oz wine wizard John Casella - with six generations of winemaking experience behind him, he's also won the 'Jimmy Watson', Australia's most prestigious winemaking award. This cracking 2007 vintage white displays the vision and sheer winemaking flair that won him such an honour. You simply won't find another wine like it - pale straw with very attractive aromas of apricot blossom and white peach. Clean, fresh, and fruit-driven. Gently rounded white fruit balanced by zesty lime.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Packed with fabulously fresh flavour (thanks to night harvesting), Black Stump White is an inspired and unique blend of Verdelho, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. It's made by Oz wine wizard John Casella - with six generations of winemaking experience behind him, he's also won the 'Jimmy Watson', Australia's most prestigious winemaking award. This cracking 2007 vintage white displays the vision and sheer winemaking flair that won him such an honour. You simply won't find another wine like it - pale straw with very attractive aromas of apricot blossom and white peach. Clean, fresh, and fruit-driven. Gently rounded white fruit balanced by zesty lime.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 9.99 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 67.99 (GBP)
The Martinez Corta family, third generation wine growers, are blessed with low yielding vineyards in the premium Rioja Alta. Unusually for Rioja, the family own all the vineyards, so they can ensure their vines receive the best care. It is the family's 30-year-old vines that are the key to their wine's quality - yielding such intensely coloured and deeply flavoured fruit that the family leave the vibrant flavours to speak for themselves. The 2006 vintage saw even lower yields giving the grapes great concentration - hand-picked to retain their fresh fruity appeal. Lovely deep ruby colour, with ripe aromas of raspberries and flavours of blueberry and plum laced with spice. Excellent with roast lamb and mature cheeses.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 39.95 (GBP)
Family-run Bodegas Navarro Lopez has developed a strong reputation for producing top quality wines since it was founded in 1904. The bodega is consistently praised by national and international wine experts alike and their winemaker, Javier Mu?oz, has clocked up no less than twelve Gold medals in the last five years alone. Little surprise then that their 1999 Gran Reserva was given a remarkable 88 points by super-critic Robert Parker, and notched up a highly-sought after Silver medal at a 2007 US wine competition. The secrets behind the wine's success are the wonderfully concentrated, hand-picked Tempranillo grapes grown in Valdepe?as - Spain's oldest wine region - and the long period spent mellowing in oak barrels. "Delightfully smooth, bursting with ripe red berry and vanilla aromas, with hints of tobacco and leather. Rich and complex, the finish is long and spicy. Partner with roast lamb or hearty casseroles."
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 41.94 (GBP)
South Africa is "the powerhouse of New World Sauvignon" (The Express) and Bon Courage is one of the finest Cape producers. The Bruwer family have owned this beautiful homestead for three generations and making wine at the estate has always been something of a family affair ... even today, Grandfather Andre goes out on the tractor to inspect the vines and Jacques Bruwer's youngest son (currently aged 6) shows more interest in the wine and farm than going to school! Nestled in what's known as the "Valley of Wine and Roses" lies Robertson, where Bon Courage grown all their vines. The area is blessed with unique soils and plenty of shade from the scorching South African sun, allowing the Sauvignon Blanc grapes to ripen slowly, but surely, to perfection. 2007 was an excellent vintage in South Africa for dry white wines ... evidenced in the crisp, intense citrus and gooseberry flavours of Bon Courage. An extremely refreshing drop! Zesty gooseberry and tropical fruit hints make this elegant, mouthwatering Sauvignon hard to resist. Crisp, dry and with a long and tangy finish. Delicious on its own or with grilled seafood.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 119.98 (GBP)
A rare chance to sample the delights of Bordeaux 2005 - "the best vintage in 10, 50 ... even 100 years
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 45.00 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 14.95 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 19.99 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 9.99 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 81.00 (GBP)
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Available at Laithwaites for only $ 43.99 (GBP)
We're thrilled to welcome back Henley Bridge - a fresh, hoppy, traditional ale - double-fermented for extra strength and a richer, deeper flavour. When the Henley brewery closed in 2002, we thought that would be the last we saw of this delicious drop, but Wychwood Brewery have lovingly reinstalled the original equipment in Witney, West Oxfordshire - and now Henley Bridge is back on top form - full-bodied with a touch of toffee sweetness and spice. Delicious!
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 52.99 (GBP)
Chenin Blanc is the classic white grape of France's Loire Valley - famous for honeyed wines with bracing acidity, like Vouvray. But in Australia it excels in making simple, soft, crisp and fruity wines like Brightlands Chenin Blanc. This deliciously refreshing, light white - from Southern Australia - is perfect if you don't fancy Down Under's big, bold buttery Chardonnays, and are not in the mood for Sauvignon's full-on, tongue-tingling zing! Pale straw in colour, with aromas of lemon, kiwi fruit - herbal and honey characters too. Soft and full palate, with lighter citrus notes, melon and a good length. Generous weight.
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 114.95 (GBP)
Bone-dry and packed intense lime-fresh flavours, this delicious Riesling has received more awards than we have space to mention here! Virtuoso winemaker Garry Neale (already renowned for his Cloudy-Bay beating Split Rock Sauvignon) is behind this stunning white and is considered to be one of the New World's hottest talents! Judging by this pristine Riesling, it's an accolade well-deserved. Full in body and brimming with zippy citrus notes, it's a brilliant match with delicate Thai and lightly spicy Asian cuisine. Enjoy!
Amadeu Brut
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 10.15 (GBP)
Our buyers could not wait to get this serious quality sparkler from Brazil on the boat and back home to share with you! Crafted from high altitude Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by ex-Moet winemaker Mario Geisse, it's made to the patient traditions of Champagne and stands alongside many Grandes Marques for quality ... but beats them for value.
Andrew McPherson's The Full Fifteen
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 31.99 (GBP)
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a "no nonsense" innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Andrew McPherson's The Full Fifteen
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 37.74 (GBP)
Everything that's great about Australian wine - crammed into one bottle. Big, rich, ripe cherry flavours, full fruit aromas and all backed up with a whopping 15% alcohol. You can almost taste the sunshine in the glass! This is wine made for enjoyment - by a "no nonsense" innovator who has been working his magic for three decades. Careful ageing in American oak lends a delicious spicy toastiness to the velvety brew. The Full Fifteen is meant to be drunk, it's definitely not for the sniff and spit brigade! Maximum alcohol, maximum flavour but minimal stocks. The Full Fifteen is not available in any UK supermarkets or on any high street - just from us.
Angove's Viognier
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 79.99 (GBP)
Brimming with aromatic peach and apricot flavours, Viognier is fast becoming the nation's favourite grape. Originally used exclusively for top-shelf Rhones, this fruit-packed grape is now flourishing in the sun-drenched Aussie climate. For five generations the fiercely independent Angove family (now headed by the founder's great-grandson John) have bucked commercial trends in favour of top-quality, personality-filled wines ... an approach that has won them over 400 international awards in the last five years alone! And this opulent Viognier is one of their best yet! Supremely refreshing, brimming with lively tropical-fruit and luxurious honeysuckle flavours - it's ideal as a glass on its own or as a feisty partner for roast chicken.
Anta da Serra
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.99 (GBP)
Set in the heart of Portugal's trendiest wine region - the Alentejo - this citrus-packed white is bursting with aromatic fruit flavours. The wines of Alentejo are renowned for their high quality - top wineries across the globe are frantically buying property in the area, including Baron Rothschild-Lafite! Winemaker Pedro Hipolito created this "one off" wine to celebrate the winery's 50th anniversary. Made from a blend of indigenous grapes, Anta da Serra is a fresh and lively white that you're guaranteed to love! One sip - and you'll be hooked! Packed with citrus-laden fruit, this light and refreshing white resembles a Sancerre-like minerality. Perfect as a glass on its own or as an accompaniment to seafood and fish.
Aresti Estate Carmenere/ Syrah Oak-Aged Reserva
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
"Chile ... no other country in the world delivers so much red wine flavour for the price" Oz Clarke's Wine Buying Guide. Chile is the closest thing to Eden for vine and with the 3rd generation Aresti Estate's expertly managed vineyards and skilful winemaking, the results are quite spectacular. We are particularly impressed by the dazzling intensity and smoothness of this oak-aged reserve 2005. Carmenere is an old Bordeaux variety long thought extinct until it was shown to be thriving in the vineyards of Chile, where it had been brought over in the 19th century. It's characteristically dark and succulent with wild brambly fruit and complements the noble blackcurrant and pepper profile of Syrah very well. Winemaker Jon Ander Usabiaga has crafted a rich, velvety red with layers of plumy, blackberry flavours with almost dark chocolate intensity, hints of spicy oak and fresh herbs. Serve this with garlic and rosemary-encrusted roast lamb ... ratatouille and lamb cutlets or a spicy tagine.
Aussie Favourites Reds
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Rich Aussie red wines ... fruit driven gems - with your NEW Customer Poll No.1!
Aussie Favourites Whites
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Fruit-packed Aussie white wines
Aussie Trailblazers Reds
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Favourite Aussie reds ... packed with ripe fruit flavour
Aussie Trailblazers Whites
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
'Sunshine-in-a-glass' Aussie whites ... famous quality, flavour and value for money
Aussie Trailblazing Reds
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Vibrant, fruit-packed Aussie reds ... unbeatable value
Babich Family Reserve Pinot Noir
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 115.95 (GBP)
The enigmatic Pinot Noir grape can yield sublime reds of unmatchable finesse, but outside of its Burgundy home, quality is infuriatingly elusive. Many have tried to master it but few succeed - without commanding a princely sum ... until now that is! New Zealand's world-renowned Babich Estate has created a deliciously smooth, concentrated Pinot Noir of truly impressive charm which offers an irresistibly affordable taste of this most elegant, distinctive grape. " Ripe cherries and strawberries abound in this irresistibly juicy pure Pinot Noir. It has a spicy complexity evoking fine red Burgundy, and is full and smooth, plump yet supple ... as fresh as a Spring day and a delight with this season's New Zealand lamb. Although it will develop beautifully over the next four years, I defy you not to polish off your case in weeks."
Babich Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 99.95 (GBP)
Based in the famed Marlborough region, the renowned Babich family cellar is now in the hands of its third generation. With 45 years of winemaking experience, Joe Babich is one of New Zealand's leading producers. Great care is taken to capture every nuance of vibrant fruit flavour from the Babich's Sauvignon Blanc - night harvesting seals in the freshness and cool fermentation intensifies all those gorgeous flavours. Vibrant and refreshing with enticing aromas of tropical fruit and citrus. This is followed by hints of pineapple and ripe gooseberry flavours with a zesty lime finish. Great on its own or with seafood dishes, lobster and oysters.
Back Shed Shiraz Grenache
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 134.95 (GBP)
Hugh Johnson's wasn't the only one to be impressed by the sheer scale of this colossal Shiraz (that's part of his tasting note above). The judges at the International Wine Challenge awarded it a Silver medal. So it's clearly not just big, it's beautiful too. It comes from the Redheads wine studio - an establishment that is every bit as extraordinary as the wines it produces. A former wine bar, this cosy boutique winery retains some of the creature comforts of its previous incarnation. Where you might expect an impromptu seat fashioned from a wine barrel, you find instead a red leather sofa where maverick winemakers sit and hatch their next innovative project. It's a place that flies in the face of convention and amidst the jovial buzz of activity, you might also think, by the seat of its pants. But fly it does ... and the results are spectacular. Best with either spicy foods - chorizo-laced pizza, chilli con carne, or a mild vindaloo ... or char-grilled sausages or peppered steaks.
Back Shed Shiraz Grenache
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 11.49 (GBP)
Hugh Johnson's wasn't the only one to be impressed by the sheer scale of this colossal Shiraz (that's part of his tasting note above). The judges at the International Wine Challenge awarded it a Silver medal. So it's clearly not just big, it's beautiful too. It comes from the Redheads wine studio - an establishment that is every bit as extraordinary as the wines it produces. A former wine bar, this cosy boutique winery retains some of the creature comforts of its previous incarnation. Where you might expect an impromptu seat fashioned from a wine barrel, you find instead a red leather sofa where maverick winemakers sit and hatch their next innovative project. It's a place that flies in the face of convention and amidst the jovial buzz of activity, you might also think, by the seat of its pants. But fly it does ... and the results are spectacular. Best with either spicy foods - chorizo-laced pizza, chilli con carne, or a mild vindaloo ... or char-grilled sausages or peppered steaks.
Barone Dei Falchi Rose
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.34 (GBP)
Even more popular than Pinot Grigio is this rare, pink version. An absolute must for Summer but please - be quick! Pinot Grigio from northern Italy is the quintessential version of this most popular grape - crisp, fragrant, intense and seductive. Just occasionally you might see it like this - made as a rose with a gorgeous light pink hue. It's a rare style due to the extra care, attention and sheer skill required to produce it. Our advice is unequivocal. Buy this beauty buy the case and savour it in the full flush of youth. Splash it over strawberries with a twist of black pepper, drink it with barbecued king prawns, or simply sip it under the shade of a tree but order now. Once word is out, it may be too late ...
Barone Paladino Pinot Grigio
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.99 (GBP)
Popularity has done nothing to diminish the cachet of Pinot Grigio, the pre-eminent Italian white, enjoyed by wine lovers around the world for its crowd-pleasing, thirst-quenching qualities. It's grown in many countries, but its true home is Italy. Hugh Johnson says in his classic reference 'The World Atlas of Wine', that "the advent of Sicilian table wine has been spectacular". Barone Paladino demonstrates this with 'new world' freshness and flair. Grown in hills 300m up around the town of Gibellina, the elevation gives freshness to the fruit and moderates the intense Sicilian heat. The Barone was crafted by the very talented Mirella Lombardo in a new nearby winery owned by local entrepreneur Maurizio Biscardo. 2006 was a good vintage for Sicily while the most recent vintage has seen volumes down by 50% and accordingly, prices soaring. The message is clear - snap up this beauty now while you can! Pale gold with silver highlights. Ripe apple, almond and spice aromas. Crisp, mouthfilling apple, melon and almond flavours. The key to maximum enjoyment is to think Italian. Serve with a green pea and mushroom risotto, pan fried fish or your favourite creamy pasta dish.
Barque Vieille
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Our relationship with Andre Roux goes back over 30 years. A veteran over 70 vintages, he is a living legend in his native Rhone Valley. For La Barque Vieille, the old master personally selects grapes from Syrah and Grenache vines he's harvested since 1936, then skilfully crafts the concentrated fruit into this dark, spicy, black cherry-laced gem.
Bar?o de Vilar Late Bottled Vintage
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.97 (GBP)
Brimming with rich fruitcake and nutmeg flavours, this top-notch LBV is guaranteed to warm the coldest night. Unfiltered to retain every element of flavour and colour from the wine, this spectacular LBV needs the same treatment as a top Vintage Port - so be sure you decant! Then sit back and indulge in the ultimate winter warmer! Dark ruby colour with pronounced fig, mint and chocolate aromas. Rich and luxurious, it's definitely the bottle to choose when the cheeses arrive.
Bastiana 1561 Syrah
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 53.99 (GBP)
A classic blackberry-and-pepper charged Syrah, from grapes grown high in the Argentine Andes and crafted by the makers of South America's iconic, #30-plus Almaviva. This award-winning red is full of flavour. Powerful aromas of bramble, dried figs and pepper, leading into a soft, velvety palate. No oak here, just maximum blackberry fruit flavours and a long, satisfying finish.
Bergsig Shiraz Rose
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 61.99 (GBP)
If you're a fan of great rose you'll be delighted by this latest release from a former Cape Young Winemaker of the Year. It's tingling with vibrant strawberry and raspberry fruit. Rose has made a come back in recent years pleasing both red and white wine lovers alike. Its all therage in the Cape too which prompted the multi award-winning Bergsig Estate in Worcester to add make this beauty from premium Shiraz fruit. On the opposite side of the de Toitskloof mountains from Paarl and Stellenbosch, it's cooler and drier and the climate is ideal for fresh and fruity rose styles. Sixth generation winemaker De Wet Lategan describes this 2007 as "Classic rose colour with crushed strawberry aromas and flavours of spic an red berries Crisp, refreshing and long..". Enjoy at its youthful best with canapes vegetarian dishes, seafood salads, or tuna.
Berton Crook Road Verdelho
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.95 (GBP)
Sauvignon fans will adore Bob Berton's wine from his brand new Crook Road winery. Verdelho has been grown in Australia for nearly 200 years, but until recently was used almost exclusively for sweet wines, or 'stickies,' as they call them Down Under. However innovative winemakers like Bob have transformed it into a delicious, fresh-tasting dry white ... great for lovers of Sauvignon! Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy Shiraz and we're delighted he chose to give you exclusive access to his supremely refreshing Verdelho ... especially as these grapes were the very first to be crushed in this exciting new winery! Lively, mouthwatering Verdelho bursting with citrus and lemon grass aromas. Hints of tropical passion fruit and zesty lime are joined by a fresh, lemon crispness on the finish.
Berton Crook Road Verdelho
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 53.91 (GBP)
Sauvignon fans will adore Bob Berton's wine from his brand new Crook Road winery. Verdelho has been grown in Australia for nearly 200 years, but until recently was used almost exclusively for sweet wines, or 'stickies,' as they call them Down Under. However innovative winemakers like Bob have transformed it into a delicious, fresh-tasting dry white ... great for lovers of Sauvignon! Bob's a very old friend of ours - he introduced you to ever-popular Willy Willy Shiraz and we're delighted he chose to give you exclusive access to his supremely refreshing Verdelho ... especially as these grapes were the very first to be crushed in this exciting new winery! Lively, mouthwatering Verdelho bursting with citrus and lemon grass aromas. Hints of tropical passion fruit and zesty lime are joined by a fresh, lemon crispness on the finish.
Best Buys Mixed Case
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 54.99 (GBP)
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Best Buys Mix
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Top-quality, everyday wines - yours for JUST #4.17 a bottle!
Best Buys Mix
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Top-quality, everyday wines - yours for JUST #4.17 a bottle!
Best Buys Reds
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy reds - the last word in quality and value
Best Buys Whites Case
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 54.99 (GBP)
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Best Buys Whites
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy whites - the last word in quality and value
Best Buys Whites
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 49.99 (GBP)
Our Best Buy whites - the last word in quality and value
Big Hat Merlot
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 56.99 (GBP)
Winemaker Alvaro Arriagada is as famous for making great value wines as he is for never taking off his big hat! He claims the hat is essential for protecting him from the bright sun that shines over his vineyard in Chile's beautiful Maule valley. Abundant sunshine is key to making the grapes ripe and juicy enough for his flavour-packed wine. This fantastic Merlot is entirely unoaked to allow the clean fruit-driven style shine through - you're guaranteed to adore it! Bright ruby red in colour, the wine is jam-packed with plum, cassis and chocolate flavours. Perfect as a glass on its own or with spaghetti bolognaise or pizza.
Bilbul Road Reserve Traminer
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 40.74 (GBP)
Traminer - related to the Gewurztraminer grape of Alsace - performs especially well in Australia where its hallmark spicy characters really come to the fore. Bilbul is named after pioneer William Bull who settled in the Riverina in 1890s. He dug a 134 foot well which saved the region's population and livestock during extensive droughts at the end of the century. This delicious wine is made by the De Bortoli family - prominent in Australian wine since 1928. De Bortoli was named 'Wine Company of the Year' by Winestate (Australia's Decanter magazine equivalent) in 2005, 2006 and again in 2007. Made by senior winemaker John Coughlan from grapes picked in the cool of the night to preserve freshness. Pale gold with hallmark sweet spice and stone fruit flavours. Rich fresh melon flavours follow. Serve chilled with stir-fry chicken, prawns or pork.
Bin-end Claret Mix
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 114.95 (GBP)
"Best-ever vintage" clarets collection at a fantastic Bin-End price!
Black Stump - 12 White + 12 Red + FREE Magnum
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 134.98 (GBP)
Take 12 bottles each of Black Stump and Black Stump White ... you'll SAVE #31 and get a red magnum FRE
Black Stump - 6 Red + 6 White
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Australia's most addictive red and most unique white ... together in very special mixed case
Black Stump Verdelho/Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 41.94 (GBP)
Packed with fabulously fresh flavour (thanks to night harvesting), Black Stump White is an inspired and unique blend of Verdelho, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. It's made by Oz wine wizard John Casella - with six generations of winemaking experience behind him, he's also won the 'Jimmy Watson', Australia's most prestigious winemaking award. This cracking 2007 vintage white displays the vision and sheer winemaking flair that won him such an honour. You simply won't find another wine like it - pale straw with very attractive aromas of apricot blossom and white peach. Clean, fresh, and fruit-driven. Gently rounded white fruit balanced by zesty lime.
Black Stump Verdelho/Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Packed with fabulously fresh flavour (thanks to night harvesting), Black Stump White is an inspired and unique blend of Verdelho, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. It's made by Oz wine wizard John Casella - with six generations of winemaking experience behind him, he's also won the 'Jimmy Watson', Australia's most prestigious winemaking award. This cracking 2007 vintage white displays the vision and sheer winemaking flair that won him such an honour. You simply won't find another wine like it - pale straw with very attractive aromas of apricot blossom and white peach. Clean, fresh, and fruit-driven. Gently rounded white fruit balanced by zesty lime.
Blue Ramekins set of two
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 9.99 (GBP)
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Bodegas Martinez Corta
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 67.99 (GBP)
The Martinez Corta family, third generation wine growers, are blessed with low yielding vineyards in the premium Rioja Alta. Unusually for Rioja, the family own all the vineyards, so they can ensure their vines receive the best care. It is the family's 30-year-old vines that are the key to their wine's quality - yielding such intensely coloured and deeply flavoured fruit that the family leave the vibrant flavours to speak for themselves. The 2006 vintage saw even lower yields giving the grapes great concentration - hand-picked to retain their fresh fruity appeal. Lovely deep ruby colour, with ripe aromas of raspberries and flavours of blueberry and plum laced with spice. Excellent with roast lamb and mature cheeses.
Bodegas Navarro Lopez Gran Reserva
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 39.95 (GBP)
Family-run Bodegas Navarro Lopez has developed a strong reputation for producing top quality wines since it was founded in 1904. The bodega is consistently praised by national and international wine experts alike and their winemaker, Javier Mu?oz, has clocked up no less than twelve Gold medals in the last five years alone. Little surprise then that their 1999 Gran Reserva was given a remarkable 88 points by super-critic Robert Parker, and notched up a highly-sought after Silver medal at a 2007 US wine competition. The secrets behind the wine's success are the wonderfully concentrated, hand-picked Tempranillo grapes grown in Valdepe?as - Spain's oldest wine region - and the long period spent mellowing in oak barrels. "Delightfully smooth, bursting with ripe red berry and vanilla aromas, with hints of tobacco and leather. Rich and complex, the finish is long and spicy. Partner with roast lamb or hearty casseroles."
Bon Courage Sauvignon Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 41.94 (GBP)
South Africa is "the powerhouse of New World Sauvignon" (The Express) and Bon Courage is one of the finest Cape producers. The Bruwer family have owned this beautiful homestead for three generations and making wine at the estate has always been something of a family affair ... even today, Grandfather Andre goes out on the tractor to inspect the vines and Jacques Bruwer's youngest son (currently aged 6) shows more interest in the wine and farm than going to school! Nestled in what's known as the "Valley of Wine and Roses" lies Robertson, where Bon Courage grown all their vines. The area is blessed with unique soils and plenty of shade from the scorching South African sun, allowing the Sauvignon Blanc grapes to ripen slowly, but surely, to perfection. 2007 was an excellent vintage in South Africa for dry white wines ... evidenced in the crisp, intense citrus and gooseberry flavours of Bon Courage. An extremely refreshing drop! Zesty gooseberry and tropical fruit hints make this elegant, mouthwatering Sauvignon hard to resist. Crisp, dry and with a long and tangy finish. Delicious on its own or with grilled seafood.
Bordeaux 2005 Collection
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 119.98 (GBP)
A rare chance to sample the delights of Bordeaux 2005 - "the best vintage in 10, 50 ... even 100 years
Bordeaux half-dozen
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 45.00 (GBP)
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Box of 2 Bordeaux Accedemia Glasses
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 14.95 (GBP)
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Box of 2 Bordeaux Glasses
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 19.99 (GBP)
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Box of 2 Port Glasses
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 9.99 (GBP)
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Box of 6 Riedel Red Wine Glasses
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 81.00 (GBP)
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Brakspear Henley Bridge
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 43.99 (GBP)
We're thrilled to welcome back Henley Bridge - a fresh, hoppy, traditional ale - double-fermented for extra strength and a richer, deeper flavour. When the Henley brewery closed in 2002, we thought that would be the last we saw of this delicious drop, but Wychwood Brewery have lovingly reinstalled the original equipment in Witney, West Oxfordshire - and now Henley Bridge is back on top form - full-bodied with a touch of toffee sweetness and spice. Delicious!
Brightlands Chenin Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 52.99 (GBP)
Chenin Blanc is the classic white grape of France's Loire Valley - famous for honeyed wines with bracing acidity, like Vouvray. But in Australia it excels in making simple, soft, crisp and fruity wines like Brightlands Chenin Blanc. This deliciously refreshing, light white - from Southern Australia - is perfect if you don't fancy Down Under's big, bold buttery Chardonnays, and are not in the mood for Sauvignon's full-on, tongue-tingling zing! Pale straw in colour, with aromas of lemon, kiwi fruit - herbal and honey characters too. Soft and full palate, with lighter citrus notes, melon and a good length. Generous weight.
Brightwater Dry Riesling
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 114.95 (GBP)
Bone-dry and packed intense lime-fresh flavours, this delicious Riesling has received more awards than we have space to mention here! Virtuoso winemaker Garry Neale (already renowned for his Cloudy-Bay beating Split Rock Sauvignon) is behind this stunning white and is considered to be one of the New World's hottest talents! Judging by this pristine Riesling, it's an accolade well-deserved. Full in body and brimming with zippy citrus notes, it's a brilliant match with delicate Thai and lightly spicy Asian cuisine. Enjoy!
Cabalie
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 43.14 (GBP)
Dark, succulent, compelling - Cabalie is a multi Gold-medal red with the power and intensity of top-flight Shiraz, even vintage Port. Its unique character inspires fierce devotion amongst Members and every new vintage release disappears quicker than the last. Cabalie hails from Maury, famous for its port-like wines, and a town with wine heritage dating back to the 2nd century BC! The area boasts some of France's oldest vineyards, and some impressively deep, smooth wines. Robert Parker calls it "One of the last undiscovered bastions of delicious, value-priced wines." Cabalie's remarkable concentration is due to a unique combination of the delicious old-vine Grenache enriched with a splash of the powerful, port-like Maury - in the same way the Romans enhanced their wines over 2000 years ago! The result is a densely concentrated red, packed with flavour and warming 14.5% alcohol.
Cabalie
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 79.99 (GBP)
Dark, succulent, compelling - Cabalie is a multi Gold-medal red with the power and intensity of top-flight Shiraz, even vintage Port. Its unique character inspires fierce devotion amongst Members and every new vintage release disappears quicker than the last. Cabalie hails from Maury, famous for its port-like wines, and a town with wine heritage dating back to the 2nd century BC! The area boasts some of France's oldest vineyards, and some impressively deep, smooth wines. Robert Parker calls it "One of the last undiscovered bastions of delicious, value-priced wines." Cabalie's remarkable concentration is due to a unique combination of the delicious old-vine Grenache enriched with a splash of the powerful, port-like Maury - in the same way the Romans enhanced their wines over 2000 years ago! The result is a densely concentrated red, packed with flavour and warming 14.5% alcohol.
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 34.00 (GBP)
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Calabria Estate Viognier
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 32.94 (GBP)
Bill Calabria's take on pure, hedonistic Viognier - the grape famous for the #20-a-bottle, finest whites of the Rhone. Bill's grapes come from a favoured slope, are night-harvested and ever-so-carefully handled to capture the full array of apricot and peach flavours, enhanced by gentle barrel-ageing. "Dazzling with a fragrant aroma of apricot, orange blossom and musk. Rich, fruity sweet peach and spice flavours with a citrus twist. Delicious with Asian cuisine, tempura and chicken salad."
Campanula Pinot Grigio
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Zesty citrus flavours, mouthwatering freshness and superb with food ... nothing beats top flight Pinot Grigio when it comes to all-round refreshment. Campanula offers unrivalled value for money and is a superb introduction to the historic vineyards of Hungary. Pinot Grigio is the nation's white ace - originally brought here by Italians and tasting just as good as its expensive Latin counterparts. We're delighted to have joined forces again with winemaker Gabor Laczko and secured the entire parcel of 2006 - no mean feat as his wines pick-up medals galore, attracting the attention of some serious rival buyers from the US and Italy. Aromas of fresh-cut grass, pear and grapefruit followed by refreshing citrus flavours and zesty acidity. Serve nicely chilled alongside tiger prawns or grilled salmon steaks.
Cappuccino set with frother
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 18.99 (GBP)
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Casa del Rio Verde Sauvignon Blanc - three bottles per order
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 8.97 (GBP)
Zesty, refreshing Chilean Sauvignon - an exclusive find for us made by super-talented winemaker Adolfo Hurtado at the award-winning Cono Sur winery, known for pushing the boundaries of Chilean winemaking with special projects like this. Young Adolfo has astounded the international wine circuit by scooping more awards than any other winemaker in Chile's history. He identified some special parcels of vineyard in the warm, lush Colchagua valley next to a river called the Rio Verde. The fruit here ripens easily but retains its elegance and balance thanks to the cooling breezes brought by the river. Bright, pale lemon colour. Vibrant aromas of ripe pear and citrus ... following through on the palate with refreshing grapefruit and a delicious crispness. And 2007 is proving a terrific year for aromatic whites of this quality.
Casa del Rio Verde Sauvignon Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Zesty, refreshing Chilean Sauvignon - an exclusive find for us made by super-talented winemaker Adolfo Hurtado at the award-winning Cono Sur winery, known for pushing the boundaries of Chilean winemaking with special projects like this. Young Adolfo has astounded the international wine circuit by scooping more awards than any other winemaker in Chile's history. He identified some special parcels of vineyard in the warm, lush Colchagua valley next to a river called the Rio Verde. The fruit here ripens easily but retains its elegance and balance thanks to the cooling breezes brought by the river. Bright, pale lemon colour. Vibrant aromas of ripe pear and citrus ... following through on the palate with refreshing grapefruit and a delicious crispness. And 2007 is proving a terrific year for aromatic whites of this quality.
Casa del Rio Verde Sauvignon Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 69.99 (GBP)
Zesty, refreshing Chilean Sauvignon - an exclusive find for us made by super-talented winemaker Adolfo Hurtado at the award-winning Cono Sur winery, known for pushing the boundaries of Chilean winemaking with special projects like this. Young Adolfo has astounded the international wine circuit by scooping more awards than any other winemaker in Chile's history. He identified some special parcels of vineyard in the warm, lush Colchagua valley next to a river called the Rio Verde. The fruit here ripens easily but retains its elegance and balance thanks to the cooling breezes brought by the river. Bright, pale lemon colour. Vibrant aromas of ripe pear and citrus ... following through on the palate with refreshing grapefruit and a delicious crispness. And 2007 is proving a terrific year for aromatic whites of this quality.
Castell de Veza
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.99 (GBP)
Outstanding quality and superb value in whites simply doesn't get any better than this deliciously zesty, fruit-packed Spanish star. It's crafted at the multi medal-winning La Baronia de Turis cellar who are renowned for the quality of their Malvasia and Moscatel grapes - so much so that in 1626 the town was ordered to pay a special tax to King Felipe IV of Spain due to the superior quality of their wines! Now young, up-and-coming winemaker Juan Pico Lozano brings these two classic varieties together beautifully to create a refreshing, zippy white "Pale golden glassful with lovely fresh rose petal aromas and deliciously crisp flavours of apricot and zesty orange. Perfect with fragrant Thai dishes."
Castellari Bergaglio Rolona
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 99.95 (GBP)
Gavi is to Italy what Chablis and Sancerre are to France - as increasing numbers of you are discovering. Pour yourself a glass and you'll see why Gavi's currently in such demand! The finest Gavi comes from fruit grown in vineyards around the town of Gavi itself (hence Gavi di Gavi). The small family winery of Castellari Bergaglio is amongst the very finest producers making Gavi of 'Premier Cru' standard, consistently recommended in every major Italian wine guide. Elegant aromas of fresh cut hay, lime blossom and citrus fruits. Praised for its "very fragrant, limey, rich textured fruits" (Rose Murray Brown MW) with crisp, stony minerality and fresh, zesty grapefruit flavour. Enjoy it chilled on its own or serve with delicate seafood dishes.
Castellari Bergaglio Rolona
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 8.99 (GBP)
Gavi is to Italy what Chablis and Sancerre are to France - as increasing numbers of you are discovering. Pour yourself a glass and you'll see why Gavi's currently in such demand! The finest Gavi comes from fruit grown in vineyards around the town of Gavi itself (hence Gavi di Gavi). The small family winery of Castellari Bergaglio is amongst the very finest producers making Gavi of 'Premier Cru' standard, consistently recommended in every major Italian wine guide. Elegant aromas of fresh cut hay, lime blossom and citrus fruits. Praised for its "very fragrant, limey, rich textured fruits" (Rose Murray Brown MW) with crisp, stony minerality and fresh, zesty grapefruit flavour. Enjoy it chilled on its own or serve with delicate seafood dishes.
Castello Montedoro
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 64.99 (GBP)
Every year Puglia produces more top-quality ripe fruit than anywhere else in Italy. It has attracted attention (and envy) from across the wine world - especially from top-name wineries in northern Italy who are frantically trying to buy property in the area! Talented winemaker Cesare is the third generation of the Colucci family to run the estate. His grandfather bought the winery in 1938 and his ancestors have grown grapes in the region for generations before this. Bright ruby with a spicy red fruit nose with warm herbs and light oak. Ideal with roasted red meats, spicy pasta and full flavoured cheese.
Castillo Alonso
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 35.94 (GBP)
This fabulous, 100% old-vine Garnacha is crafted in the historic ancient bodega of Palacio de Arganza. Once the supplier to the Royal Houses of Galicia and Leon, and today its flagship wine sells for #60-plus a bottle! Juicy and full of flavour, Castillo Alonso is made from gnarled old Garnacha vines grown in Castilla's most elevated vineyards. "Deep ruby colour, gorgeous red berry aromas and lingering Summer fruit flavours. Very versatile - the perfect 'house red' for your collection".
Cavazzola
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 54.99 (GBP)
Deliciously crisp and elegant cool-climate white from the same cellar as our priciest, top-flight Pinot Grigio. Do not be fooled by Cavazzola's humble Vino da Tavola status - it's made from 100% Grave del Friuli DOC grapes ... only 'declassified'! Winemaking rules only permit a certain of bottles to be granted DOC status each year - a problem for wineries in bumper years, but a real chance for a bargain for canny buyers. And here's a perfect example from our top Pinot Grigio cellar. Cavazzola has a tantalising, fragrant nose of orange blossom and pineapple, followed by mouthwateringly fresh crisp citrus flavours and a tingly mineral finish.
Champagne Laithwaite Extra Brut
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 119.94 (GBP)
When it comes to serious celebrating, top quality Champagne is a must ... and it doesn't get much better (or more exclusive) than this Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs - yet its half the price of Bollinger! It coms from our old friends in Avize (and a cellar rated by top Champagne critic Tom Stevenson as "exceptional, a class act of great magnitude"). Old-fashioned hand-harvesting and patient cellaring are the norm. "Outstanding" says Wine Spectator. The steady stream of fine bubbles and mouthwatering mousse are a sure sign ofquality. Enticing honeyed apple and brioche notes on the nose ... a fresh and lively palate, with lovely citrus and biscuit character. Exceptionally long finish.
Champagne Renaudin Umbrella
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 12.99 (GBP)
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Chapel Down Pinot Reserve Brut
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 99.94 (GBP)
With a terroir very similar to Champagne, southern England excels in making top-quality sparklers. Award-winning Chapel Down Brut could easily pass for good Champagne with its biscuity complexity - and "at a price that'll have the Champenois quaking in their boots" (The Daily Mail). Only the very best Pinot Noir grapes from Chapel Down's superb vineyards were selected, and then gently pressed and fermented using the very same methods to make top-class Grande Marque Champagnes. Full of classic, yeasty brioche notes with hints of fresh stone fruit and a fine stream of small, lingering bubbles. Seriously classy!
Chapelle St Arnoux
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 59.94 (GBP)
If you love the berry-packed style of top-shelf Rhone - then here's a bargain not to be missed! Located right next-door to Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Vacqueyras has always been a closely guarded secret in the wine world. The area benefits from the same premium terroir as its illustrious neighbour, down to the famous "pudding stones" which litter the vineyards and help keep the vines warm at night. Entirely hand-harvested from ancient vines, this superb red is a fantastic value alternative to Chateauneuf-du-Pape! In fact, Robert Parker is a big fan of the area - "Vacqueyras unbridled power and a fleshy personality make for a substantial and mouthfilling glass of wine". Prices look set to soar in the next few years - closer to its more famous neighbour - so you'd better be quick! This ripe and fleshy red is all that you'd expect from the superb 2003 vintage. With a blend rich in Grenache, it's brimming with concentrated redcurrant, cherry and cranberry flavours. Excellent as a glass on its own or with hearty roast beef or lamb.
Chapoutier La Croix des Grives
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 99.95 (GBP)
Rich, smooth and deliciously full, La Croix des Grives displays the dedication to quality that has seen the reputation of the Chapoutier family estate rise to the very top among Rhone producers. Family head Michael Chapoutier keeps fruit yields seriously low and handpicks the ripest, old vine Syrah and Grenache - the famous, full-flavoured grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And the 2004 vintage boosted flavour concentration to amazing levels. Wild herb aromas with velvet-smooth brambly plumb flavours, this is world class quality at a realistic price. "If you love the Rhone - and you'd be crazy not to - now is the time to buy!" (The Independent).
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 67.97 (GBP)
Heidsieck's Brut Reserve is the most genuine expression of their house style, which has been enjoyed by aficionados worldwide since 1851. Wine judges are big fans too and this delicious luxury sparkler has picked up countless awards and accolades at blind tastings around the world. Painstakingly made with the finest grapes, and aged 25m undergorund in the maison's cellars that were carved originally by the Romans. Key to the wine's remarkable complexity is the three years' patient ageing, prior to disgorgement. From the pale golden hue to the tiny dancing bubbles, this gorgeous wine bears all the hallmarks of the finest Champagnes. Rich brioche aromas lead to concentrated apricot and citrus and a delicious creamy mousse. To be enjoyed at any celebration until 2013.
Chateau La Clariere Laithwaite
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 77.94 (GBP)
Handcrafted by Jean-Marc Saboua - our Haut-Brion-trained winemaker - from a perfectly ripe harvest of old-vine Merlot - we couldn't be prouder of this delicious 1996 vintage! For extra body and structure, Jean-Marc added a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, before ageing the wine for a year in fine French oak. And what a result! Succulent and rich with bags of fruit-laden flavour. Best thing is it's affordable too ... a real poke in the eye to our illustrious neighbours. Because as Wine International wrote recently, "if it wasn't for the line dividing Castillon from Saint-Emilion, its wines would be twice the price. The hills are the same, the soil is the same, the exposure is the same". Dark and smooth with deeply concentrated ripe, rich black fruit. Toasty vanilla flavours give way to deeper, more complex violet, plum and damson. Excellent on it's own or with roast beef and hearty stews.
Chateau La Clariere Laithwaite
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 12.99 (GBP)
Handcrafted by Jean-Marc Saboua - our Haut-Brion-trained winemaker - from a perfectly ripe harvest of old-vine Merlot - we couldn't be prouder of this delicious 1996 vintage! For extra body and structure, Jean-Marc added a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, before ageing the wine for a year in fine French oak. And what a result! Succulent and rich with bags of fruit-laden flavour. Best thing is it's affordable too ... a real poke in the eye to our illustrious neighbours. Because as Wine International wrote recently, "if it wasn't for the line dividing Castillon from Saint-Emilion, its wines would be twice the price. The hills are the same, the soil is the same, the exposure is the same". Dark and smooth with deeply concentrated ripe, rich black fruit. Toasty vanilla flavours give way to deeper, more complex violet, plum and damson. Excellent on it's own or with roast beef and hearty stews.
Chateau du Bourg
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 149.95 (GBP)
Lavish, barrel-matured Merlot from "the leading estate in the Cotes de Castillon" (Wine Spectator). Hand picked and hand selected, oozing dark plum and damson with layers of spicy oak. Excellent value for money - could take on many a Saint-Emilion and win!
Chateau Bourdillot
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 89.99 (GBP)
Over the last hundred years, the Haverlan family have crafted tiny quantities of hand-picked, old-vine whites at Chateau Bourdillot. Their wines are typified by intense notes of citrus and pineapple, thanks to the skills of winemaker Henri Ducourneau.
Chateau Bourdillot
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 8.15 (GBP)
Over the last hundred years, the Haverlan family have crafted tiny quantities of hand-picked, old-vine whites at Chateau Bourdillot. Their wines are typified by intense notes of citrus and pineapple, thanks to the skills of winemaker Henri Ducourneau.
Chateau Canon
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 44.00 (GBP)
After a few difficult vintages, Chateau Canon is finally producing wines worthy of its premium "terroir". This is largely due to the massive sums of money the new owners have invested in the estate, which - if the wine is anything to go by - is certainly well spent! This vintage promises to be one of the most exciting yet and has created quite a buzz in the press. Wine International gave the wine an impressive 91 points and declared that it "another step forward in the renaissance of Canon". "Fruit is bright and fresh - red fruits with a hefty dose of new oak. Tannins are roasted and big, perhaps a shade rustic, but ripe. Balance and length are good as well." Wine International Magazine
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 200.00 (GBP)
As fans of this famed winery will know, Cheval Blanc is the benchmark in great St Emilion. Wine Spectator awarded this vintage a fantastic 94-point score - declaring it better than the legendary 2000! A wealth of concentrated fruit and a subtle use of oak make this a wine of accomplishment that will continue to evolve for years to come. "Subtle herb, menthol, cranberry, black currant, and licorice aromas emerge from this dark ruby/plum-colored wine. It is medium-bodied and elegant with plenty of sweet fruit. The complexity and nobility of Cheval Blanc's gravelly terroir is apparent in this delicate, subtle St Emilion" Robert Parker
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 220.00 (GBP)
Bottled early to protect its delicate style, this fantastic vintage is a rare gem. Only a few cases of 2003 were made so you'd better get your hands on some while you still can! As fans of this famed winery will know, Cheval Blanc is the benchmark in great St Emilion. Wine Spectator awarded this vintage a fantastic 96-point score - describing it as a "gorgeous and seductive wine". A wealth of concentrated fruit and a subtle use of oak make this a wine of accomplishment that will continue to evolve for years to come. "Blackberry, mineral and lightly toasted oak. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with wonderfully sweet fruit character and ultrarefined tannins. Goes on and on." Wine Spectator
Chateau Corbin
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 29.00 (GBP)
Steeped in heritage, Chateau Corbin is one of the oldest estates in St Emilion. Some parts of the property date back to the fifteenth century and according to legend, Corbin was the focal point of the stronghold that belonged to the Black Prince. Today, Chateau Corbin is the only estate in St. Emilion that's owned solely by women, and with a female winemaker. Anabelle Cruse Bardinet's great-grandparents bought the estate in 1924 and ever since she took it over in 1999 - the winery has been going from strength to strength! Wine Spectator suggest that 2005 was the "best ever" vintage from this estate ... and we can certainly see why! Robert Parker awarded the wine an incredible 90-point score, describing it as "open-knit, broad, savoury St.-Emilion possessing abundant notes of sweet cherries, blackcurrants, roasted herbs, spice, and vanilla in its medium to full-bodied, lush personality." Final bottles - so hurry!
Chateau Durfort-Vivens
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 17.15 (GBP)
With a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Durfort-Vivens is packed full of ripe, concentrated fruit. Ideally situated in the centre of Margaux, Chateau Durfort-Vivens shares a perfect "terroir" with top first-growth properties Rausan-Segla, Palmer and Margaux. Recent investment by owner Lucien Lurton ensures further expansion for the winery - so be sure to secure a case now, while it's still remarkably good value! "Firm and silky, with leaf, berry and chocolate aromas and flavours. Medium-bodied, with a fresh finish." Wine Spectator
Chateau Gardour
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 134.95 (GBP)
Hugely sort-after 2005 has been described as "the best vintage in 10, 50 ... even 100 years" (Decanter). This superb Lalande de Pomerol is filled with velvety damson flavours and complex oak characters.
Chateau Gardour
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 11.99 (GBP)
Hugely sort-after 2005 has been described as "the best vintage in 10, 50 ... even 100 years" (Decanter). This superb Lalande de Pomerol is filled with velvety damson flavours and complex oak characters.
Chateau Haut Brion
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 320.00 (GBP)
Founded in 1525 Chateau Haut-Brion is the oldest of Bordeaux's five Premier Grand Cru Classe clarets. The 1998 vintage has impressed a host of noted wine critics, including Robert Parker who calls it "liquid nobility" - awarding a near-perfect score of 96 points. "It exhibits a dense ruby/purple colour in addition to a tight, but incredibly promising nose of smoke, earth, minerals, lead pencil, black currants, cherries, and spice. This full-bodied wine unfolds slowly, but convincingly on the palate, revealing a rich, multi-tiered, stunningly pure, symmetrical style with wonderful sweetness." (Robert Parker)
Chateau La Grave
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 34.95 (GBP)
This sumptuous, deeply flavoured, barrel-aged gem is an absolute must for claret fans. From a terrific little estate, whose 50-year-old, biodynamically grown vines (think super-organic!) thrived in 2005, "Bordeaux's best ever vintage" (Wine & Spirits magazine). The chateau, situated in Saint-Germain-de-Graves has been owned by eight generations of the Duc family since 1850. Current winemaker, Sebastien Duc, draws on the knowledge handed down by his forebears, along with the "gift of Madame Nature" as he calls it, to craft this elegant, classically wooded claret. Deeply coloured, brimming with ripe red and black berry aromas, with a touch of cedar wood. Fine oak gives excellent structure, complemented by a long, long finish. Delicious with traditional roast beef.
Chateau Lafleur
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 375.00 (GBP)
Chateau Lafleur is one of Pomerol's smallest properties - producing tiny quantities of extremely high quality wine. Ideally situated on the famous "Plateau Argileux" - Lafleur reaps the benefits of the exclusive "terroir" of the region. Like the vineyards in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Lafleur's soil is covered in stones - which help to keep the vines warm at night. Winemaker Jacques Guinaudeau pays close attention to his vineyard, using only natural fertilisers on the soil. He also insists on using a large quantity of Cabernet Franc in his blend - far more than anywhere else in Pomerol - creating the evocative, perfumed nose that Lafleur are famous for. "Very lively crimson, even slightly purple, colour. Lots of Cab Franc fragrance on the nose - delightful and slightly smudgy in a good way. Very sumptuous with lots of impact - pretty impressive." Jancis Robinson
Chateau Lagrezette
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 87.99 (GBP)
Steeped in heritage, Chateau Lagrezette is set among some of the oldest vineyards in France. The impressive estate was built in the 15th Century on the foundations of a 12th century fortified house. Current owner, diamond-magnate Alain Dominique Perrin bought the property 25 years ago and has invested great time and energy ( ...and money!) to restoring the property to its former winemaking glory. Assisted by renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland, Alain-Dominique produces incredibly concentrated wines of magnificent complexity. This dense and silken red is made from 100% Malbec - a variety first planted here more than 500 years ago! Long-lived and powerful, Chateau Lagrezette has received high praise in the press - notably from Robert Parker and Hugh Johnson. "Purple-stained dark red. By no means an old fashioned 'black' Cahors, mulberry and blackberry - scented, grainy and almost soft, but with gently abrasive tannins, scrubbing the palate without a bite. Beautifully-made wine, carrying its aromas all the way to a long finish." Hugh Johnson
Chateau Lagrezette
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 14.99 (GBP)
Steeped in heritage, Chateau Lagrezette is set among some of the oldest vineyards in France. The impressive estate was built in the 15th Century on the foundations of a 12th century fortified house. Current owner, diamond-magnate Alain Dominique Perrin bought the property 25 years ago and has invested great time and energy ( ...and money!) to restoring the property to its former winemaking glory. Assisted by renowned wine consultant Michel Rolland, Alain-Dominique produces incredibly concentrated wines of magnificent complexity. This dense and silken red is made from 100% Malbec - a variety first planted here more than 500 years ago! Long-lived and powerful, Chateau Lagrezette has received high praise in the press - notably from Robert Parker and Hugh Johnson. "Purple-stained dark red. By no means an old fashioned 'black' Cahors, mulberry and blackberry - scented, grainy and almost soft, but with gently abrasive tannins, scrubbing the palate without a bite. Beautifully-made wine, carrying its aromas all the way to a long finish." Hugh Johnson
Chateau Le boscq
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 16.99 (GBP)
"Leading Cru Bourgeois giving excellent value in tasty Saint-Estephe" (Hugh Johnson) Excellent value indeed - Le Boscq could easily have been listed on the previous page! For us it was the purity of fruit that made the 2005 Le Boscq stand out from previous brilliant vintages ... and saw Parker give it his highest rating ever. "Full-bodied with lovely, silky tannins ... already so delicious. One of the best from here" Wine Spectator
Chateau Les Tours Bayard
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 46.45 (GBP)
Michel who? Michel Rolland is one of Bordeaux's - indeed one of the world's - most famous wine consultants and his services are in huge demand. Love him or hate him, there is no questioning that the wines he is ultimately responsible for always make a big impression! His client list includes many of the greatest names in wine ... and this comparatively modest 10 hectare estate. Chateau Les Tours de Bayard is an award-winning property in Montagne-Saint-Emilion and is part of a family-owned stable of chateaux that include several Grands Crus. The wine, 70% Merlot with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is made by Pascal Hebrard and barrel aged in one third new oak. Decanter magazine called our Bordeaux list "stunning ... includes vintages that are often hard to find elsewhere." Saint-Emilion 2005 is one such vintage ... stock up while you can!
Chateau Les Tours Bayard
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 92.90 (GBP)
Michel who? Michel Rolland is one of Bordeaux's - indeed one of the world's - most famous wine consultants and his services are in huge demand. Love him or hate him, there is no questioning that the wines he is ultimately responsible for always make a big impression! His client list includes many of the greatest names in wine ... and this comparatively modest 10 hectare estate. Chateau Les Tours de Bayard is an award-winning property in Montagne-Saint-Emilion and is part of a family-owned stable of chateaux that include several Grands Crus. The wine, 70% Merlot with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is made by Pascal Hebrard and barrel aged in one third new oak. Decanter magazine called our Bordeaux list "stunning ... includes vintages that are often hard to find elsewhere." Saint-Emilion 2005 is one such vintage ... stock up while you can!
Chateau Leoville Las Cases
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 130.00 (GBP)
Benchmark St Julien from a super-ripe vintage is very special indeed. The wealth of fruit character already here promises an exuberant future for Chateau Leoville-Las Cases. This vintage has already whipped up frenzy in the press - scoring highly in every review. Robert Parker calls the wine "a brilliant achievement" and Decanter Magazine awards it a perfect five stars. "Warm and rich aromas of plums, blackberries and currants, turning to flowers and hints of mineral. Layers of cashmere-like tannins, turning to leather. Warm and inviting, yet rich and powerful; fantastic purity, yet voluptuous." James Suckling, Wine Spectator
Chateau Marbuzet
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 20.49 (GBP)
Originally built in tribute to Regina Badet, prima ballerina of the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux, Chateau Marbuzet is renowned for having one of the most picturesque estates in France - Robert Parker agrees, "If I had to pick one of the most beautiful and romantically situated Medoc estates it would be this gloriously situated Chateau". The wine produced is dense and rich, offering hints of ripe berry and spice. Parker awarded the 2004 an impressive 86-88 points, calling it "An elegant, crisp, refreshing effort offering cherry, herb, cedar and spice flavours".
Chateau Maucoil Cuvee Speciale
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 14.99 (GBP)
Maucoil was once home to Roman legions defending the area from the native Gauls. The ancient vineyards are now tended by husband and wife team Guy and Daniele Arnaud, who are dedicated to producing quality wines using ten out of the thirteen grape varieties that are permitted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Their vineyard produces tiny yields, resulting in pure, concentrated flavours. Only the highest quality, hand-harvested grapes are allowed into the presses, and the wine is treated to a luxury slumber in finest French oak to give it a mellow, toasty edge. Deep ruby in colour with juicy, red berry aromas. Full bodied, yet delightfully smooth, with layers of toasty oak and spice. Well suited to rich, meaty casseroles or game. Decant before serving, as gentle filtering means the wine may throw a slight deposit.
Chateau Mouton Rothschild
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 230.00 (GBP)
Here is an extremely rare opportunity to own something truly great. Awarded a near-perfect score of 19.5 points by Jancis Robinson, Mouton Rothschild sets the precedent for other first-growths. Much riper than other clarets from this vintage, it is just about ready to drink now. "Dark ruby with a hint of brick at the rim. Refined and elegant ... racy, even lacy in its transparency and texture." Jancis Robinson
Chateau Potensac
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 23.95 (GBP)
Chateau Potensac is renowned for producing some of the best wines of the region - thanks to the expertise of its owners, the Delon family. The family, who also own Chateau Leoville-Las Cases have Pierre Rolland (brother of renowned oenologist, Michel Rolland) at the helm of the wine's production - ensuring every vintage represents the high level of quality Potensac are famous for. "Rich and long-lived. It boasts a dark purple colour, as well as sweet, earthy, blackcurrant and cherry liqueur-scented nose. There is terrific fruit intensity and purity, as well as moderate tannin in the medium-bodied, impressively rich finish." Robert Parker
Chateau Tonnelle de Grillet
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 6.99 (GBP)
"Cotes de Blaye ... good wines at excellent prices" (Clive Coates MW) - this 'best-ever' 2005 is a real step up in flavour concentration and finesse. Delicious! The Cotes de Blaye, on Bordeaux's 'right bank is separated from heart of the Medoc by a two mile stretch of water - the mouth of the Gironde. Chateau Tonnelle de Grillet has belonged to the Glemet family for 200 years and has an impressive cellar with 200 barrels. The 2005 is a rich blend of 80% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Malbec adding spice and depth. The vines are quite old - between 30 and 45 years and mainly harvested by hand. The vineyards are located on steep slopes which lead down to the Garonne estuary from where you can look across to Chateau Margaux.
Chateau Valandraud
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 128.00 (GBP)
Another triumph for husband and wife winemakers, Jean-Luc and Murielle Thunevin. This wine is so close to their hearts, the name "Valandraud" is derived from Murielle's maiden name. This vintage remarkably surpassed the famed 2000, according to Robert Parker and has received a host of awards in its wake. A fantastic accomplishment! "The 2001 Valandraud boasts a saturated plum/purple colour as well as a sumptuously sweet nose of Varhona chocolate intertwined with espresso roast, blackberries, cherry jam, and currants. Full-bodied, opulent, voluptuously textured, pure, rich, and seriously endowed." Robert Parker
Chateau Valandraud
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 154.00 (GBP)
Jean-Luc Thunevin and wife Murielle Andraud insist on making wine with passion. This has never been more evident than in their flagship Grand Cru St Emilion, Chateau Valandraud. Thanks to a "phenomenal year" (Robert Parker), and superb vineyard site, the wine has never tasted better - Wine Spectator declares that the 2000 is "the best from Valandraud yet." awarding it a near-perfect score of 93. "This is really exciting, with dark chocolate, berry, grilled meat and cedar. Full-bodied and silky, with lovely berry and mineral character." James Suckling - Wine Spectator
Chateau d'Armailhac
Available at Laithwaites for only $ 18.15 (GBP)
Founded in 1933 by its neighbour Mouton-Rothschild, Chateau D'Armailhac is Bordeaux's best-kept secret. Not only does the wine benefit from the same "terroir" as its first-growth cousin ... it is also made by the Mouton-Rothschild winemaking team - and it's even aged in the same barrels! The result is fantastic - a claret with all the hallmark elegance of Mouton-Rothschild at a fraction of the price! Robert Parker is a big fan of the wine, especially this terrific vintage - "The 2004 is elegant with fine tannin, sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit as well as hints of herbs and new oak. It possesses that crunchy, juicy fruit character."