White Wine
2006 Pouilly Fume, ChÂTeau De Tracy
We've been taught that the 'smoky, minerally, gunflinty' style defines the wines from eastern Loire appellation Pouilly Fumé - but we're hard pressed to spot it in Henri d'Estutt d'Assay's, richly-textured, weighty, grassy, grapefruity Sauvignons. Perhaps his Château de Tracy (a beautiful property, set in parkland, and home to the vine since 1396) deserves an appellation all its own. One for goat cheeses or citrus chicken. (read more)
Our Price: £14.00
2008 Pinot Gris 'Maggie's Block', Neudorf, Nelson
This lovely wine celebrates vineyard manager and mule rider Maggie Horne, who first saw the viticultural potential of Brightwater, on stony alluvial soils between the Waimea and Wai-iti rivers. Maggie was just one of the colourful characters who helped Tim and Judy Finn on their 31 year journey to world wine renown. Zoologist and journalist respectively, these 1960s back to the land-ers?needed all the help they could get starting out in 1978, when useful quality wine precedents in NZ were virtually non-existent. Finding the best varieties for their soils took years, and many false starts, including the dreaded Müller-Thurgau. Pinot Gr... (read more)
Our Price: £12.00
Sauvignon Blanc Mixed Case 12 Bottles
This case contains Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, South Australia, New Zealand, the South of France and the Loire - Sancerre, TOuraine and Pouilly-Fumé. Fresh, pure, vibrant flavours characterise this lovely white grape variety. (read more)
Our Price: £127.00
Casa Rivas Sauvignon Blanc 6 Bottle Case
Crisp, refreshing Sauvignon with excellent fruit acidity. Ideal with a wide range of fish dishes. (read more)
Our Price: £30.00
Adnams Explores Chardonnay Case
Chardonnay is a grape that polarises opinions. Most adore it, and look to the sublime wines of Burgundy to discover Chardonnays with intense aromas of lemon, lime, angelica and liquorice aromas with a creamy, smooth texture. Others view it with distain, perhaps because they have only encountered, blousey, over-blown examples and view it as dull and boring. This lovely case shows why you should never write off Chardonnay as boring - there's far too much diversity and blossoming of styles to ignore it. (read more)
Our Price: £117.00
2008 Canto Bianco, Pinot Bianco Delle Venezie, Endrizzi
Subjects of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Endrici (Endrizzi in local dialect) family arrived in northern Italy in 1885 and established a formidable estate at the foot of the Dolomites in now coveted Saint Michele All Adige. Enthusiastically biodynamic, they offer an impressive array of wines. This revels in the aromas of crushed grapes and the flavours of clean, dry appley fruits. A perfect summer aperitif. (read more)
Our Price: £6.00
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Seidelberg Estate
New Seidelberg winemaker Cerina De Jongh's CV reads encouragingly: top of her year at Elsenburg College, hired by high-profile Grangehurst and veteran of vintages the world over. She's thriving at this idyllic estate, founded in 1680 on the southern slopes of the Paarlberg, and now owned by German émigré Roland Seidel. There's excellent weight and depth of crisp apple and lemon flavours in this minerally-fresh Sauvignon. Lovely with fresh crab. (read more)
Our Price: £7.00
2007 Gewurztraminer, Cave De Pfaffenheim (Half)
Stylish, fragrant, spicy Alsace Gewürz in a handy half-bottle -perfect for a midweek Chinese or Thai supper. All the depth of character you'd expect from one of France's most respected co-operative wineries: the Cave Vinicole de Pfaffenheim & Guberschwihr. This gleaming, efficient cellar is supplied by conscientious (and deservedly well-paid) growers, many with Grand Cru vineyards. 'Hornstein' is one of their premium cuvées, a best-seller worldwide. (read more)
Our Price: £5.00
2008 Sauvignon, Tapiz, Single Vineyard, Uco Valley, Mendoza
The Tapiz wines come from the Fincas Patagonicas, one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Fincas Patagonicas vineyards are located in the Valle de Uco and Agrelo regions, province of Mendoza. Mt. Plata (6100 meters) and Tupungato volcano (6800 meters), overlook the state-of-the-art Fincas Patagónicas Winery providing magnificent scenery. (read more)
Our Price: £7.00
2008 Torrontez, Bodegas Tapiz, Famatina Valley, La Rioja
The Tapiz wines come from the Fincas Patagonicas, one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Fincas Patagonicas vineyards are located in the Valle de Uco and Agrelo regions, province of Mendoza. Mt. Plata (6100 meters) and Tupungato volcano (6800 meters), overlook the state-of-the-art Fincas Patagónicas Winery providing magnificent scenery. (read more)
Our Price: £9.00
2007 Chablis, Domaine De La Boissonneuse, Julien Brocard
Subtly minerally, citrusy Chablis from Brocard's long-established Préhy vineyards. Wine for oysters. Julien Brocard is now managing the Chablis estate painstakingly built up from 1 hectare to 100 over 30 years by determined father Jean-Marc. Exposed to biodynamic ideals at wine college, Julien was lucky to be taking on plots certified as organic. He continues the tradition of brilliantly expressing an enviable array of terroirs. (read more)
Our Price: £16.00
2008 Sancerre, The Adnams Cellar Selection
The Adnams Cellar Selection seeks to find wines of a quality above the norm, that you would be proud to have on your dinner table. The Pabiot family are based in Pouilly Fumé and we have followed their excellent wine for many years. They also own a small parcel of vineyards in Sancerre at 'La Mérisière' and it from the Sauvignon vines on this well-favoured site that we source this deliciously crisp and dry wine. (read more)
Our Price: £14.00
2008 Muscat, Ca' Del Solo, Bonny Doon, Monterey County
Winemaker Randall Grahm is more creative than most when it comes to labelling his wines and this is no exception. He loves to experiment with 'underdog' grape varieties and transforms them into wines of note. This Muscat is made from biodynamically grown grapes in the Bonny Doon outpost in Monterey County. (read more)
Our Price: £14.00
2008 Terra De Lobos Branco,Quinta Do Casal Branco, Ribatejo
Just to the north of Lisbon, on the east bank of the river Tagus, Quinta do Casal Branco is a large mixed farm that grows tomatoes, melons, wheat and maize. They also breed Lusitano horses and raise cattle. Jose Lobo de Vasconcelos, whose family has been here since 1775, also has 135 hectares of vines. Jose uses a mix of local and international grape varieties to produce great value wines of real character. (read more)
Our Price: £5.00
2008 Sauvignon Blanc, C J Pask,Omahu Road, Hawke's Bay
Suffolk-born Chris Pask and daughter Tessa McKay set up their estate in 1985 on the gravelly soils of the North Island's Gimblett Road (underlain by an old riverbed of the Ngaruroro River) and have triumphed ever since. Thanks to the efforts of winemaker Kate Radburnd, the winery has reeled in scores of awards, including a Wine Challenge trophy. Their minerally, elegant Sauvignon has currant-leaf aromas and vibrant lime-zesty flavour with hints of tropical fruit richness. (read more)
Our Price: £9.00
2008 Santorini, Hatzidakis Winery
Mouthwatering citrus flavours and a lingering, mineral-rich finish. Twice a Gold medallist. The beautiful Aegean island of Santorini, with its whitewashed chapels and volcanic black sand beaches, is home to this opulent, unoaked blend of Assyrtiko, Aidani and Athiri. Haridimos Hatzidakis (ex-chief winemaker for Boutari) has been racking up awards for his innovative work with local grapes since setting up his Santorini cellar in 1997. "Vibrant pears and citrus. waxy and chalky. Beautiful fresh crispness with a citrus core and a funky, spicy edge." Wine & Spirit, May 2008 (read more)
Our Price: £13.00
2007 Chardonnay, Camino Cellars, Monterey County
Made by the famous Kevin Shannon from grapes grown in cool coastal Monterey vineyards. The wine possesses ripe varietal characters kept in check by crisp acidity. (read more)
Our Price: £9.00
2009 Chenin Blanc, Freedom Cross, Franschhoek Cellars
Revitalised management at this 60-year-old co-op winery in the Western Cape's idyllic Franschhoek Valley has rallied the number of crush-contributors to 50, including historic Huguenot estate La Motte. Cape-and California-trained Jolene Calitz heads up a youthful, culturally diverse winemaking team. Their succulent Chenin Blanc, just a touch off-dry, has ripe, gently honeyed apple and pear fruit, and a minerally finish. An ideal match for river fish. (read more)
Our Price: £5.00
2005 La Soula Blanc, Vin De Pays Des Cotes Catalanes
Taut, lively with a lime edge to its complex fruit flavours. This wine takes you by surprise as to just how good it is. This should be savoured slowly. (read more)
Our Price: £17.00
2008 Muscadet De Sevre Et Maine, Cuvee Prestige (Half)
If you've a platter of fresh bivalves in your sights, and nothing in the way of wine to slurp them down with, Serge Saupin's your man. His property in Nantes (the Atlantic end of the Loire), is home to our top Muscadet, oyster beverage nonpareil. This is his finest cuvée, pale, lemony yellow in colour, crisp and minerally fresh, with that broad, slightly creamy character you only find in the finest 'sur lie' Muscadet (wine left to gain complexity on its yeast 'lees'). (read more)
Our Price: £4.00
2008 Muscadet De Sevre Et Maine,'Cuvee Prestige', Serge
If you've a platter of fresh bivalves in your sights, and nothing in the way of wine to slurp them down with, Serge Saupin's your man. His property in Nantes (the Atlantic end of the Loire), is home to our top Muscadet, oyster beverage nonpareil. This is his finest cuvée, pale, lemony yellow in colour, crisp and minerally fresh, with that broad, slightly creamy character you only find in the finest 'sur lie' Muscadet (wine left to gain complexity on its yeast 'lees'). (read more)
Our Price: £7.00
2007 Pinot Gris 'The Tattybogler' Central Otago
Leaving behind careers in medicine and molecular biology, Doctors John and Brigid Forrest established Forrest Estate in Marlborough's stony Wairau River Valley in 1989. Branching out from their home territory they bought vineyards in the cool southern area of Otago with the intention of making fine Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The results are impressive, (read more)
Our Price: £15.00
2007 Chardonnay, Juniper Crossing
Sumptuous, concentrated Chardonnay with rich lemon peel, oak and melon aromas. Ten months in oak have lent creamy smoothness and spice. Pop some succulent seafood on your beach barbecue. Juniper's talented winemaker Mark Messenger crafts this wine using parcels of estate-grown fruit as well as that sourced from friends and neighbours in and around Margaret River's Wilyabrup region. Such 'Crossing' gives rise to extra depth and complexity. (read more)
Our Price: £8.00
2007 Hautes Cotes De Nuits Blanc, Domaine Anne Gros 12 Bottles Per Case
Anne is a member of the legendary Burgundian Gros dynasty, and is based in Clos Vougeot, Her vineyard work is dictated by her deep respect for the soil, her land and the greater environment, so ploughing and tilling are the order of the day. Her custom-built barrel cellar is immaculate, and has more in common with a top Bordeaux château?s than with the average Burgundy cellar. Her wines, which are equally immaculate have the ability to age with exceptional grace and elegance. (read more)
Our Price: £210.00
2008 Quincy 'Les Grands Coeurs', Domaine Sylvain Bailly
Quincy is a tiny Loire appellation on the left bank of the Cher where dynamic Jacques Bailly and wife Marie-Helene cultivate a small parcel of Sauvignon and an even smaller plot of Pinot Noir. Jacques is best-known for his excellent Sancerres, but this exuberantly fruity Sauvignon deserves a wider audience. Attractive aromas of fresh grass and lemon peel; crisp green apples and limes on the palate; lovely with grilled goat cheese salad. (read more)
Our Price: £9.00
2008 Sauvignon, Grange Rouge, Vin De Pays D'oc
Incisively crisp, zesty Sauvignon with appealing notes of gooseberries, apples and elderflowers. A hit with pan-fried scallops. (read more)
Our Price: £6.00
2008 Touraine Sauvignon, Paul Buisse
Paul Buisse has 15 hectares of vines close by the charming town of Montrichard on the banks of the river Cher. Here he has established not only his own wine cellars, dug deep into the chalky cliffs, but has also developed a thriving negociant business, dealing in wines from all over the Loire Valley. The Sauvignon he makes for us is from his own vineyards. Deliciously typical of this grape. Try this with some fresh goat cheese or served with hot fish pie. It is delightfully versatile. (read more)
Our Price: £6.00
2006 The Adnams Selection Fine Dessert Wine, Pacherenc Du Vic Bilh
Pasheronk doo Vick Beel'. Even the producers of our luscious, glimmering gold dessert wine, France's progressive Plaimont winery, admit it's a pretty strange name. The ancient title derives from the Gascon 'Bi de Bits Pacherads' or 'wines from staked vines' grown in the 'old country' ('Vic Bilh' - hills south of Armagnac). A blend of local varieties, picked over-ripe, it was barrel-fermented and matured on its lees to lend structure and preserve fruitiness. (read more)
Our Price: £7.00
2005 Pinot Gris 'Tradition', Hugel
This rich, full-bodied Pinot Gris, made from hand-picked fruit, was only lightly filtered to preserve fruit character. Deliciously spicy, with aromas of orchard fruits, acacia blossom and dried honey, it's lovely with smoked ham. There's no lack of 'Tradition' at Hugel: established in Riquewihr in 1639, this crusading, vineyard-resurrecting wine dynasty (owners of the world's oldest barrel, dated 1715) consistently produces Alsace classics that are benchmarks for the region. (read more)
Our Price: £12.00
2008 Adnams White Burgundy, 12 Bottle Case Offer
It has to be pretty special for us to put our names to it - and this white Burgundy from the gleaming, steel tank-lined cellars of the ever-reliable Talmard family (they're based in the Mâcon town of Chardonnay, so ought to know a thing or two about the grape) truly is 'les genoux des abeilles' (knees of bees). Stunningly clean, fresh and characterful, with intense white peach, lemon and melon flavours, it's sophisticated and versatile, perfect as an apéritif or with chicken, fish or salads. (read more)
Our Price: £99.00