DRINKING CLARET OFFER - LA RESERVE DE LEOVILLE BARTON

As a break from the hype of the 2009 Bordeaux releases, I am delighted to offer a quintessential claret, which is not only drinking superbly well now but I believe represents outstanding value for money – La Réserve de Léoville Barton 2004.

This is the second wine of the great Château Léoville Barton. It never disappoints and Anthony Barton puts as much effort into La Réserve as he does his 2ème Cru flagship wine. The 2004 vintage sits neatly between the extreme heat and overblown wines (and prices) of 2003 and the near perfect but expensive 2005. It is a vintage that can be drunk young but will also reward short to mid-term aging on some wines. The best thing about this vintage is that on the whole the wines make for reliable bargains. Already with five years or so bottle age, this 2004 is drinking perfectly but has the ability to evolve beautifully for a decade.

Some say that the commune of St-Julien crafts the epitome of Bordeaux, classic, long-lived and well structured. Equally many would point to Château Léoville-Barton as the epitome of St-Julien, a tenderloin slice of the 18th century Léoville estate, one of the biggest in Bordeaux. Owner Anthony Barton has been in charge of the wine for over thirty years and is unwavering in his dedication to quality and steadfast to his commitment of offering the wines at a sensible price.

La Réserve de Léoville Barton 2004, St-Julien // £199.00 per case of 12 in bond*

A youthful nose of cassis and forest fruits. Fleshy yet harmonious palate with rounded tannins. Fresh blackcurrants and raspberrys, savoury oak, fresh acidity followed by a long length. Typical St-Julien cedar complexity. Superb now and will keep.

“wine for the true claret connoisseur” - Robert Parker

*(£258.00 inc. duty and VAT)

Quantities are limited at this price so please let me know if you would like to reserve a case of two.

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With kind regards

Stuart

MEERLUST ESTATE RED & CHARDONNAY BACK IN STOCK...

I am delighted to bring you two new vintages from Meerlust Estate.

First is the excellent Chardonnay 2008. It follows on from the 2006 and 2007 vintages with an approachable style. Great balance of old and new world. And next is the new 2007 Meerlust ‘Red’. I often think of the Red as a baby Rubicon. It has a similar blend of grapes and more or less follows the same winemaking pattern, just with a little less time in new oak. It is a great every day, claret-style red wine. And a complete bargain.

Meerlust Chardonnay 2008, Stellenbosch // £204.00 per case of 12 inc. VAT

“Very bright, polished platinum with green, vivacious hue. Complex, appealing nose with quince, citrus and floral notes developing into lemon cream, oatmeal and marzipan richness. On the palate the wine is full bodied & generous, but still balanced by crisp acidity. There is ripe tropical fruit & creaminess balanced by a pure minerality typical of the variety. The wine has a long , very pleasant lingering finish indicating the richness and persistence of the vintage.” Chris Williams, winemaker.

Meerlust Red 2007, Stellenbosch // £120.00 per case of 12 inc. VAT

Lovely ripe, cassis fruit on the nose, with tell tale Meerlust chocolate, leather complexity. This follows to the palate. Intense fruit with good, background spice from the oak. Velvety tannins gives this wine structure and harmony. A petit Rubicon in every way.

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With kind regards,

Stuart