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I'm not sure we've ever had a Greek wine before but we certainly should have as they are quite fantastic at producing a good bottle. Let's find out about this one.
One of the pioneers of the modern Greek wine revolution Gaia Estate was established in 1994 by Greek winemakers Leon Karatsalos and Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. Operating two different wineries they make cutting edge wines in both Nemea and Santorini. Gaia's main aim is to present the potential of the indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide.
This wine is made from the island's indigenous variety Assyrtiko (pronounced Ah-SEERtee-koe) which is renowned for combining full flavoured maturity whilst retaining considerably high acidity. The grapes are produced exclusively from vineyards in the Episkopi, Akrotiri and Pyrgos regions, at elevations of between 50 to 250 metres above sea-level. The vines are between 70 to 80 years old and produce a particularly low yield of between 18 to 25 hectolitres per hectare. The vines are cultivated in volcanic soils which are porous with a high mineral content.
Gaia Wines Thalassitis Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 @ £25.95 - Buy it here!
Thalassitis is a bone-dry wine with strong character: full-bodied, well-structured with crisp acidity, distinctive minerality and delicate honeysuckle aromas.
It's different but comforting and most definitely refreshing so come and give it a go. Cheers!
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A simple photo for a simple wine but simplicity does not make it boring or mundane! This stuff is perfect to just sit back with a glass of. Let's find out more, shall we?
When esteemed businessman and attorney Kobus Basson banded together with his brother-in-law in 1996 to purchase the century-old Stellenbosch wine farm now known as Kleine Zalze, he viewed the move mainly as a potentially profitable side business venture.
A change of heart and direction, though, soon had the co-owner committing himself fully to nurturing the land’s potential for top-quality produce. Determined to master the trade and to build his knowledge of the industry, he set off across international waters to study the market and to learn from the many regions and estates well-known for making word-class wine.
But what Kobus returned with was far more than mere know-how in viticulture and vinification; having noted the move overseas to multi-faceted lifestyle estates – those that offer accommodation and fine dining alongside their vino – back on the home front, his new approach to the running of the family-owned farm was coloured by one key realisation: in an increasingly competitive environment, it’s not enough to just produce wines; rather, what’s needed is an all-round offering
Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc Vineyard Selection 2018 @ £15.95 - Buy it here!
Initial aromas of lime and citrus zest are beautifully intertwined with a virtual ‘fruit salad’ of tropical fruits. These flavours follow on the palate, and combined with the rich texture and elegant minerality, ensures a very long finish.
If you're a chenin lover then you're going to be blow away! Cheers!
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Just to warn you all that due to our annual company dinner we will be closed a little early today. Instead of the usual 8pm we will be closing at 7pm to give us time to get ourselves ready!
We are otherwise open as normal so dont miss out on some gorgeous bottles and a little taster before you buy it too. Cheers!
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Time to introduce another new one! This ones a little on the expensive side but its honestly worth every penny and more. Let's find out all about it.
Raymond Vineyards, founded in 1970, is one of the Napa Valley’s pioneering estates. The Raymond family arrived in Napa in 1933 and have become deeply connected to the valley’s winemaking origins. In 1970, they established a 36 hectare estate in Rutherford, which now comprises 121 hectares in Rutherford, St. Helena and Jameson Canyon. Raymond’s Rutherford and St. Helena estate vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic; and 100% of the winery’s power comes from renewable solar energy.
Five generations of the Raymond family have created a Napa icon, with an enduring reputation for elegant wines with a beautiful balance of finesse, opulence and complexity.
R Collection by Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 @ £19.95 - Buy it here!
This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dark red fruits and blackberry pie accented with a touch of clove. Opulent on the palate with rich flavours of rhubarb, plum and blackcurrant which intermingle seamlessly with the smooth tannins and create a long, delicious finish
Just wow in every way. So much finesse and power, you'll be asking for more every time. Cheers!
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In celebration of a new vintage being released we've decided to put a little offer together on our amazing Puech Haut.
When you buy 2 bottles get 15% off straight away! No need for a full case at all, just a couple is all you need. Just in time for a bit of sun too!
Never tried the Puech? Here's a little bit of info for you!
Puech-Haut Prestige Rose 2017 @ £15.95 - Buy it here!
The 2017 Prestige Rosé is another beautiful rosé from this estate. Spice, underbrush, cherries, citrus blossom and beautiful minerality all emerge from the glass and it’s rich, yet also fresh and crisp. It's a food rosé to drink over the coming year. It’s a blend of 60/40 Grenache and Cinsault aged in tank.
This stuff will blow you away so why not come and grab a few whilst they're a little cheaper than normal?
Cheers!
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Another new one from a long time favourite. En Passant Rouge has been known in the shop for a while for its amazing labels which change with every vintage. Let's look at the white equivalent. Shall we?
Situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees, surrounded by its vineyards, Domaine Gayda is a new destination in the Languedoc, 25km south west of Carcassonne, in the village of Brugairolles. Domaine Gayda has a passion for the traditional ‘cépages’ grown across the many diverse soils and climates of their vineyards situated throughout the Languedoc, giving “Provenance” to all the wines. While the grapes are rooted in tradition, the winery itself is all about the new, with investments in all the latest equipment and technology.
The latest addition to the estate’s collection is a limited edition range designed as an ode to Domaine Gayda’s spirit of creativity and inventiveness.
Inspired by The Passenger, the classic pop-rock anthem by Iggy Pop, its inherently restless character is expressed through a red and a white wine that are made from a different vineyard, terroir and grape variety every vintage, underscoring its ephemeral nature. This ‘rolling stone’ concept is clearly mirrored in the labelling of En Passant with constantly changing imagery designed as a storyboard.
Domaine Gayda En Passant Blanc 2017 @ £14.95 - Buy it here!
Here we find Macabeu associated with Muscat d’Alexandrie for even more structure and richness whilst keeping its pure freshness. Simple citrus with gorgeous blossom notes grace the palate and linger on gracefully with an extended finish.
What a stonker of a bottle. Something like this is perfect in the fast approaching sun. Cheers!
