Chalk, Mineral, Flint

Iona, Chardonnay, Elgin, South Africa, 2021
£25.00

100% Chardonnay - 13.5% abv.

An exceptional wine to have in our portfolio, and it is not just me who thinks so. This wine won Best in Show at Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, and received a stonking 97 points from Robert Parker! The Iona Vineyard is set at the top of the valley in Elgin and is a rather special place in the world. Andrew is not only a pioneer in winemaking but also in how he operates and maintains his vineyard. All production happens onsite and he even keeps his own cows, to create his own fertiliser for the vines. Truly extraordinary.

The wine shows concentrated marzipan and citrus notes, with underlying hazelnut and lime, which adds to layered complexity. It is seamless, with a flavoursome and long finish.

vegan ∙ practising organic

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Decanter Best in Show Award, 97 points - World Wine Awards 2023

Celler Cataruz, Extremo, Valencia, Spain, 2020
£23.00

50% Verdejo / 50% Viognier - 13% abv.

This wine took all my senses on a rollercoaster ride; elderflower, eucalyptus, kaffir lime, vanilla…Such complexity and depth of flavour were surprising from the floral and aromatic grapes in the blend. It boasts an intense yellow colour and has leesy notes, with a finish reminiscent of an off-dry Riesling. Hand-harvested from 35 yrs old vines, this wine is rich, and clearly enriched, by its environment. Our current Winemaker to Watch, Coqué Ruz is blowing up Spain with her exceptional ability to understand native varietals in their natural environment and continue to produce exceptional wines.  

vegan ∙ certified organic

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Guia Peñin - 90 points

Domaine Capmartin, Lou Piaf, Sauvignon Blanc, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, France, 2022
£19.00

50% Sauvignon Blanc / 30% Colombard / 20% Chardonnay - 12% abv.

What an extraordinary wine from a winemaker who continues to push boundaries and defy the norm. I had to take a moment to understand what was going on after my initial sip - a true experience. Wild fermentation, low intervention and confidence have produced this wonderful drop. Perfect with food, or simply drink it by itself. The Colombard and the Chardonnay work harmoniously to balance out the natural acidity in the Sauvignon. This is simply sublime and perfect in warm weather, or at a BBQ.

A fresh wine that is full of life, with crisp apple and pear fruit aromas, which mingle with delicate floral notes. On the palate, the wine is lifted by subtle exotic notes of kiwi and pineapple, yet the overwhelming character is that of precision, linear minerality and elegance.

vegan ∙ certified organic

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Cantina Merano, Pinot Grigio, Festival, DOC Alto Adige, Italy, 2022
£21.00

100% Pinot Grigio - 13.5% abv.

Pinot Grigio should be appreciated more and here is the reason why. This wine is rich and full, with a mineral feel and slightly petrol finish. There is a warming melon flavour which grows with each sip and keeps you reaching for more. This wine is expressive and a true representation of the superior level of winemaking coming from the DOC Alto Adige region, renowned for its top-quality Pinot Grigios. Let’s drink in style.

The 2022 is a vivid yellowish-green colour, with aromas of green apple and banana. On the palate it is very well balanced and complex with refreshing fruit acidity. Nice length to the finish.

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Quinta da Mariposa Branco, Malvasia Fina, Dão DOC, Portugal, 2021
£18.00

Malvasia Fina 40% / Cerceal Branco 30% / Encruzado 30% - 13% abv.

This wine is typical of the Dão region in Portugal, from a female winemaker who shows respect for her environment through all aspects of viticulture and her approach. She only uses local, native varieties, with minimal intervention during the vinification, demonstrating her unique understanding of the land, and the connection she has made to it.

This lemon-coloured wine has a nose of flora and citrus fruits. Lovely acidity on the palate combined with the characteristic minerality found in the Dão region, with a long and elegant finish.

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Maison Antech, Blanquette de Limoux Brut, Cuvée Françoise, Languedoc, France
£18.50

90% Mauzac / 5% Chardonnay / 5% Chenin Blanc - 12% abv.

This is the aperitif fizz of the future! Wonderfully floral and fresh, with lots of green apple and decent acidity on the finish. It has structure and elegance and uplifting high notes on the end. From the fifth generation of female winemakers, it is wonderful to see Maison Antech turning tradition on its head, in the age old winemaking region of Limoux.

Pale yellow colour with golden reflections and fine bubbles. The nose expresses the spring flowers and fresh apple and pear. The palate is lively, harmonious and round.

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