Wine

Fiona and Niall Shiner had been living in Hong Kong for 18 years when they returned to Britain to take on Niall's parents' property at Amberley. Niall continued with his career, but mother-of-three Fiona decided to plant some vines at the property following a comment by her mother-in-law that the Romans could have grown vines there. The first acre was planted in 2007, with the acquisition of an old cattle farm on the (really quite steep) hill opposite and converting an old barn into a winery in 2016. A third vineyard side since been acquired taking the current area under vine (but not all producing grapes yet) to 58 acres (23ish hectares), still firmly in the ‘tiny’ bracket.

Enticing notes of crisp and refreshing citrus and green fruits are beautifully balanced with subtle peach and hints of minerality. The barrel fermented Ortega gives great texture and balance. A delicious, dry white with a clean and pleasing finish.

Picpoul Jim but not as we know it. Extended lees ageing blesses this with a disarming richness; it’s all honeysuckle and peach but just beautifully balanced with great acidity.

A single vineyard Pinot Noir from the cool Elgin region near Grabouw. Elegant and light in style, with an abundance of ripe red berries, juicy strawberries and subtle spices on the nose which follow through on the palate where it marries perfectly with a savoury meatiness.

Longridge Wine Estate

A spectacular blend of indigenous and international varieties. With a combination of Grasevina, Muller Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Gris this giant white pleases a multitude of palate types. A fresh and light white, fruit forward, with a touch of meadow flowers. Top-quality wine with protected geographical indication Zagorje – Medimurje. A real treat for the adventurous wine lover!

Straw green hues, expressive freshness & rich fruity tones. This citrus & peach bomb also has mingling notes of celery and pine trees. Thus adding a more savoury element to this tangy white. Bursting with minerality, a harmonious crisp acidity and a beautifully long length. A truly fascinating, happy white!

Bolfan Vinski Vrh

Grown on the centuries-old terraces of the best vineyards, vinified according to the philosophy of Daniel Fries- minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation and long lees contact. Exclusively terraced, handcrafted year-round, pure slate, this Riesling embodies everything that makes Winningen so unique. Fermented with wild yeasts in large wooden barrels and stainless steel, and aged on the lees.

Cracking Pet Nat made from Verdelho, suatainably produced with wild yeast fermentation and a further 4-5 months on lees before disgorgement

Aromas of lime, crisp apple with freshly baked pastry, and toasted almonds on the nose. The palate is ripe and full flavoured with bright citrus fruit offset by vibrant acidity and a soft creamy mouthfeel.

This gem of a wine comes from a small plot of Clairette planted in 1977 and almost forgotten, until the vineyard was salvaged more than four decades later. This wine is crafted with minimal interference allowing the fruit of these once untended, unirrigated old bush vines to express a unique provenance.

Delicately aromatic with lychee, greengage and citrus fruit. Taut and textural palate with apricot, mango and ripe citrus stone fruit. Concentrated yet restrained, the fruit perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and mineral notes. Gently savoury and long on the finish

The grapes are sorted, de-stemmed and crushed. Fermentation process started with juice still on the grape skins, whereafter the wine was left on the grape skins for a further 6 months. The clear wine was then racked, blended and bottled. Intense savoury nose with notes of dried citrus peel, marmalade, brown spice and almond skin. Full flavoured and textural on the palate with flavours of apricot kernel and fruit peel followed by a fine bitter orange finish.

Daschbosch is one of the country’s oldest wineries, dating back to 1754 and this is one of my favourites from the estate. From 60 year old vines, it’s on the intense side – the fruit has been worked pretty hard to give a real richness and texture with bags of stone fruit flavours balanced by a taut acidity on the finish.

From Chris- "Pinotage has a reputation of being something of a “Marmite” variety and, in truth, I still blow pretty hot and cold with it. It’s very much a South African speciality - a cross between Cinsaut and Pinot Noir that’s been around for 80 or so years. At its best it’s all about lush, brambly fruit – loganberries and blackberries, at the other end of the scale it reeks of acetone and burnt rubber. I remember a tasting with Andre Van Rensberg, then winemaker with Vergelegen, who responded to a question with the retort “I’ve never killed anyone, never stolen from anyone and never planted Pinotage.” Any road up, I think this is rather good. Delheim were the first to produce a rose Pinotage in 1976 so they’ve had plenty of time to finetune their act. This is elegant and clean-as-a-whistle with more than a hint of strawberry fruit. Proper summertime rose."

Despacito Malbec (Despacito. Slowly) is from vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains, cooler temperatures at these higher altitudes provide the ideal conditions for a slower maturation and a perfect ripeness. The best things in life should be enjoyed SLOWLY…ensure you remember the elegance, fruit and flavour of the wine and savour the moment.

The grapes from the Helderberg region stem from an old vine block dating back to 1974. Aromatic on the nose, yet soft and smooth on the palate. Lightly tinted and medium bodied, this wine greets you on the nose with aromatic floral notes which follow through onto the palate with ripe strawberries, cherries, sweet spices and soft tannins on the mid palate.

Accolades.

NEW RELEASE 92/100 Tim Atkin MW 2017; 4 ½ * – Platter Wine Guide 2018

Longridge Wine Estate

Chris writes "Equal measures of Viognier and Marsanne create this gorgeous, vibrant Rhone white which served to give my palate a much needed wake-up call when it crossed my path at a tasting back in October. Unoaked, it’s all about vibrant stone fruit and citrus flavours finishing with that mouth-cleansing acidity. "

Simon of Domaine Capmartin has dusted off the historic traditions of Madiran and Pacherenc de Vic-Bil into a new, more progressive age.

He has set about significant changes amongst the vines and in the winery leading to his own unique versions of these truly exceptional AOP wines. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon is now striving further with his sights firmly set on Biodynamic certification. Natural, low intervention winemaking are the watchwords. No added sulphur, all wild ferments and aiming for light tannins makes for previously unknown modern, fresh and delicious Madiran Tannat.

Simon of Domaine Capmartin has dusted off the historic traditions of Madiran and Pacherenc de Vic-Bil into a new, more progressive age.

He has set about significant changes amongst the vines and in the winery leading to his own unique versions of these truly exceptional AOP wines. Certified organic for the best part of a decade, Simon is now striving further with his sights firmly set on Biodynamic certification. Natural, low intervention winemaking are the watchwords. No added sulphur, all wild ferments

This is the first production of Orange wine from Domaine des Tourelles. Winemaker Faouzi Issa has been mentored by a couple of Georgian winemakers who have been teaching him their methods of producing Amber wines.

The native Merweh grapes come from 150 year old vines which grow wild in the mountains of Lebanon. Fermentation takes place in Terracotta jars where the wine spends 4 months on skins. Light amber in color. Rich in flowers, orange blossoms, jasmine, and tea on the nose. On the palate we can discern some smooth elegant tannins that come from the maceration with the skin, while displaying a taste of apricot, pears, and hints of saltiness and minerality.

Domaine des Tourelles

In 2009 there were only 400ha of Pinot d'Aunis in France - it's a rare grape variety from a tiny appellation providing a nice alternative to very fine Pinot Noir. A separate plot about 5km north of the Loir (not the Loire, it lies just under an hour South of Le Mans). Grapes from 120 year-old vines are given a very long 12 week maceration in stainless steel. A 3 month ferment is followed by 6 months in amphora followed by minimal fining and filtration. Very fine and elegant with beautifully supple, chalky tannin. Black cherry fruit in abundance with a liquorice twist.

DR. LO Riesling has just the right amount of fruitiness to balance the crisp acidity. On the palate it is clearly Riesling, but it walks the line between a fruity and drier style. The characteristic acidity of Mosel Riesling helps it finish fresh and clean. If shown blind it may not be recognized as alcohol-free.

Single vineyard wine from the Helderberg region with notes of cinnamon and sweet spices. Barrel matured with ripe yet soft tannin.

Accolades.

4 * – John Platter Wine Guide 2017, South Africa; Top 100 SA Wine Awards; 93/100 Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 2017; Top 100 & Double Platinum Awards 2017

Longridge Wine Estate

The d'Annona vineyard is a fantastic single vineyard site with vines in excess of 60 years old. The grapes selected for this wine are grown on 2 small parcels totalling 3.5 ha. The grapes are hand-picked, destemmed and crushed, and innoculated with selected yeasts. The must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel with pumping over four times per day. The wine is then racked to a mixture of new (two thirds) and one year old (one third) French oak barriques where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 18-20 months. It spends a further 18 months in bottle before release.

Azienda Agricola Il Cascinone

Maison Roche de Bellene

Is this a slightly blush orange wine, a rose made using orange wine methods or a bit of both? Who knows and, frankly who cares - when a wine is this deliciously drinkable who cares what label we bup on it.

Made from Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, fermented on skins and aged in 1000L Amphorae, this is an orange wine with a definate pink hue (OK, so maybe we do care what label we put on it). Seriously cool and refreshing and packed with stone fruits, mineral rocks and a hint of anise.

Altolandon

• Nose. intensive, lasting and engaging, complex combination of fruit nuances and delicate oak.
• Mouth. powerful and complex. The taste impresses with its velvety softness and warmth.
• Tannins. woody tannins, very well structured.
• Aftertaste. Excellent with a long finish.

Domaine Bessa Valley

A big, robust Bulgarian red made in a very opulent Bordeaux style by master winemakers. This wine shows a deep purple colour whilst the nose explodes with vanilla and menthol aromas, followed by blackberry and raspberry strong nuances.

This wine displays an intense ruby red colour with violet hues. The nose reveals aromas of red fruit and black fruit with balsamic tones, which complements with notes of vanilla, chocolate, cherry and plums. It has a soft palate, fine-grained tannins, and refreshing acidity.

On the nose, this Sauvignon Blanc displays citrus aromas, of lime and tangerine. The palate features aromas of mandarin, tropical fruits and herbal notes. A wine with a refreshing acidity, great depth and persistence.

Eshcol was the original name of the estate. First planted in the 1800s, the wines made here helped establish Napa’s early reputation for quality. Eshcol Red is an authentic Bordeaux-style blend sourced primarily from the younger blocks of the main ranch.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

This red blend opens with bold fruit-forward aromas of blackberry and dried cherry. On the palate, bright red fruit gives way to modest tannins and nicely balanced acidity, making it ready to open for almost any occasion.

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Notes of baked apple, peach, citrus and honey are to the fore whilst on the palate it is dry with a mouthfilling richness. Following fermentation the wine is left on its lees for a period of 9 months to add concentration and depth and you can really feel this additional texture in the mouth.

Selected from selected blocks from the best and oldest of Esk Valley's vineyards, the "Great Dirt" collection are veru much chief winemaker Gordon Russell's pet passion, made to age gracefully and showcase the terroir of the different sites

Aromas of rose petal, red berries and grilled meats are compelling. The wine is round and mouthfilling with a red fruited profile, but a firm tannic backbone provides complexity and length

This is a dry style Pinot Gris with aromas and flavours of Nashi pear, peach, citrus and honey. A small portion of barrel fermentation has added richness and complexity to this delicious and highly drinkable wine.

Esk Valley Estate

This a very aromatic and intensely flavoured wine true to its Marlborough origins. Its flavours are a mix of ripe tropical fruits, citrus and cooler notes of green fruits and fresh herbs. It is rich and full-flavoured style with a crisp dry finish which provides freshness and length to the palate.

Esk Valley

Widely renowned as one of New Zealand’s greatest reds, this is produced only in great vintages from a small terraced vineyard.

The Terraces Vineyard is perched on the steep, North West facing slope above the old Esk Valley winery near Bay View in the North of Hawkes Bay. This sunny, sheltered site was originally planted in the 1940s and then re-established with its current plantings in 1989. It occupies approximately one hectare and is planted with Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are harvested and fermented together as a true expression of the vineyard. The soils are complex with low fertility, containing layers of seashell and limestone, interspersed with clay and volcanic ash. The vines are spur-pruned, thinned to one bunch per shoot and hand harvested.

This wine is a true vineyard blend with the individual plots of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc being harvested and fermented together. The grapes were hand harvested, sorted and destemmed to a 80-year-old concrete vat for fermentation. Hand plunging was employed for cap management. The finished wine was aged in 50% French oak barriques for 17 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered

Widely renowned as one of New Zealand’s greatest reds, this is produced only in great vintages from a small terraced vineyard.

The Terraces Vineyard is perched on the steep, North West facing slope above the old Esk Valley winery near Bay View in the North of Hawkes Bay. This sunny, sheltered site was originally planted in the 1940s and then re-established with its current plantings in 1989. It occupies approximately one hectare and is planted with Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are harvested and fermented together as a true expression of the vineyard. The soils are complex with low fertility, containing layers of seashell and limestone, interspersed with clay and volcanic ash. The vines are spur-pruned, thinned to one bunch per shoot and hand harvested.

This wine is a true vineyard blend with the individual plots of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc being harvested and fermented together. The grapes were hand harvested, sorted and destemmed to a 80-year-old concrete vat for fermentation. Hand plunging was employed for cap management. The finished wine was aged in 50% French oak barriques for 17 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered

Pronounced and complex nose with savoury, nutty aromas and hints of fennel, ginger and white spice. The palate is fine, concentrated and textural, with crisp citrus and lightly honeyed stone fruit balanced by minerality and sappy acidity.

Cantine Nicosia

Wild yeast fermentation, low yields and naturally balanced grapes inform this ripe unoaked textural Chardonnay. Extended time on the lees adds nutty and toasty notes. Intense yet delicate right through to the finish.

Dark garnet with a violet rim. Fresh lifted berry fruit that draws you in! Full yet elegant with bramble aromas and cream, cassis and black cherry flavours on the palate with structure provided by fine tannins with a long rich, ripe finish.