Christmas Crackers Dozen
A terrific selection from all over the world. A bottle of champagne, five whites, five reds, and a ten year old Tawny Port. All at 5% off.
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Inside the case you'll get...
Thomas-Hatte, Champagne, Tradition, Brut, NV
Our "house" Champagne, crafted by fifth generation champagne grower Franck Thomas from 70% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, wins many friends. Splendidly rounded, creamy and mature. Now-2026
"Full bottle 1,588 g. From fifth-generation grower Franck Thomas of Fleury-la-Rivière from about 70% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. Really biscuity nose and then great freshness and balance with a very well-judged dosage. Not for the long haul...
ColourWhite
StyleSparkling
RegionChampagne
GrowerThomas-Hatté
Grape VarietyPinot Meunier, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
VintageNV
ABV12%
Bottle75cl
CodeHAT1NV
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most-widely planted varieties in the world.
Arguably not the most characterful grape, hence its common ageing in oak, yet at its pinnacle in Burgundy it produces some of the greatest (and certainly most expensive) white wines in the world. Look out for unoaked Chardonnay, it can make a pleasant change, and usually goes down very well with all those people who...
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Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
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Francis Blanchet, Pouilly-Fumé, Silice, 2022
From a small block on very flinty soils in the heart of the appellation, this is an intense and ageworthy wine. Smelling of citrus peel and hawthorn blossom, it’s intensely grapefruity. A splendidly long, steely finish, with a peppery sense of minerality, indicates its class. Now-2027
Year in, year out Francis Blanchet and his family create a wine that is so true to the appellation, and that really displays the illusive suggestion of gunflint, especially after a year or so in...
ColourWhite
RegionLoire
Sub RegionPouilly-Fumé
GrowerFrancis Blanchet
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc
Vintage2022
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
CodeBLA222
Loire Valley
In early February I undertook our annual visit to the wine fair in Angers, escaping the snow which engulfed much of the UK during that week.
This is the yearly opportunity for the vast majority of vignerons in the Loire valley to show off their latest offerings to the rest of the world. The early season’s weather in 2008 was not kind, with variously frost, hail and torrential...
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Sauvignon Blanc
Origins
- Probably in Bordeaux region
- Parent of red grape Cabernet Sauvignon (established by DNA analysis)
Characteristics
- Vigorous plant, so can be too leafy and overproductive
- Aromas and flavours described as: herbaceous, grassy and nettley; Gooseberries; but can also show more tropical fruits...
Aba de Trasumia, Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2023
From the tiny Moraima co-operative, and part sourced from ancient trellised vines, this is as refreshing as the Atlantic Ocean which laps the Rias Baixas. Sweet lemon and apricot with a fine vein of acidity come together brilliantly. With the merest hint of salinity, this is open and easy to enjoy on any occasion and terrific with a platter of fruits de mer. Now-2025
,
ColourWhite
RegionRias Baixas
GrowerAba de Trasumia
Grape VarietyAlbarino
Vintage2023
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeTRA123
Antoine et Laurent Robin, Chablis, 2022
From vines averaging 45 years old (the earliest planted in 1954), on a vineyard facing the 1er Cru of Vaillons, the Robin’s village Chablis is immediately attractive. Green-fruited scent – hint of kiwi. Lots of citrus bite and energy. Silky, already enjoyable. 2024-2027
"Vines averaging 45 years of age from a vineyard facing Vaillons. Pure aroma of ripe lemons opening up to the classic stone-dust character of Chablis. Even though the fruit is fully ripe, there’s a...
ColourWhite
RegionBurgundy
GrowerAntoine et Laurent Robin
Grape VarietyChardonnay
Vintage2022
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeROB222
Burgundy
The Burgundy Pyramid
Making sense of the complexity of the complexity of Burgundy isn’t easy.
Though Burgundy only comprises 5% of France’s vineyard area, it holds 100 different Appellations, 25% of the entire French total. There are no less than 5,000 growers, 85% of whom own less than 10 hectares, and four fifths of them make wine.
To make matters...
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most-widely planted varieties in the world.
Arguably not the most characterful grape, hence its common ageing in oak, yet at its pinnacle in Burgundy it produces some of the greatest (and certainly most expensive) white wines in the world. Look out for unoaked Chardonnay, it can make a pleasant change, and usually goes down very well with all those people who...
Discover More
Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
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Chateau Courbin Heritage, Graves, 2022
"85% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon Blanc aged for four months on lees with a small portion in oak. Subtle and sophisticated for the money. Tastes quite rich, too rich to be an aperitif, but a really fine, quite complex wine to drink with food. No hurry to drink. I think this will probably age quite well. Pungent, green-fruit flavours with a little bit of a smoky overlay. Long. VGV, 16.5/20. 2023-26", Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com, 7th November 2023
"A gorgeous...
ColourWhite
RegionBordeaux
Sub RegionGraves
GrowerChateau Courbin
Grape VarietySemillon & Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage2022
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeCOU122
Sauvignon Blanc
Origins
- Probably in Bordeaux region
- Parent of red grape Cabernet Sauvignon (established by DNA analysis)
Characteristics
- Vigorous plant, so can be too leafy and overproductive
- Aromas and flavours described as: herbaceous, grassy and nettley; Gooseberries; but can also show more tropical fruits...
Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
Discover More
Victoria Moore
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Victoria Moore is the author of the best-selling and award-winning book The Wine Dine Dictionary, and shares her knowledge of wine, winemakers and the wonderful world of food and drink pairings in her weekly Saturday column and Telegraph Luxury online.
Any wine you see on our website that...
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Domaine des Dieux, Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 2019
From vineyards at the very top of the valley, cooled by breezes and the cloud attracted to the nearby Babylonstoren peak, now crafted by John Seccombe (of Thorne & Daughters), the Des Dieux Chardonnay has become one of our best-loved wines. All barrel-fermented (30% new French oak plus older barrels), but with well-integrated oak flavours, it displays a terrific melding of cream, lime and toast flavours. Now-2027
ColourWhite
RegionHemel-en-Aarde
GrowerDomaine des Dieux
Grape VarietyChardonnay
Vintage2019
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
DietaryVegan
CodeDDD119
Domaine des Dieux
Hemel-en-Aarde, South Africa
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, which translates as Heaven on Earth, rises prettily from just west of Hermanus.
When we first visited in 2003 the wineries, notably Hamilton Russell and Bouchard Finlayson, were all in the lower part of the valley, but more recently plantings at the top of the valley - higher, drier, with warmer...
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most-widely planted varieties in the world.
Arguably not the most characterful grape, hence its common ageing in oak, yet at its pinnacle in Burgundy it produces some of the greatest (and certainly most expensive) white wines in the world. Look out for unoaked Chardonnay, it can make a pleasant change, and usually goes down very well with all those people who...
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Villa Orae, La Clape, Sillons, 2020
"Transparent crimson. Sweet start and lots of pleasure and saline interest already though with some tannic undertow. Good for now and the future! 16.5/20, Drink 2023-2028", Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com, May 2023.
"Smells of tinned strawberries, peppermint and prunes stewed in tea. In the mouth, it’s damson jam and white pepper on toast. The tannins have the delicate tug of cold-brew tea, and they’re wrapped in swathes of fine-gauze tea-soaked fruit...
ColourRed
RegionLanguedoc
Sub RegionLa Clape
Grape VarietySyrah, Grenache & Mourvedre
Vintage2020
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeORA120
Languedoc-Roussillon
There’s something very complete about our annual offer of wines from the Languedoc and Roussillon: with whites, rosés and reds, and wonderful fortified wines, the Vins Doux Naturels which are such a speciality of the region, there should be something for all tastes. Secondly, there are wines for every budget; at every level we believe these wines continue to offer terrific...
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Grenache / Garnacha
Grenache / Garnacha
Grenache grows well in hot, dry regions, though it can develop very high (15 degrees+) alcohol.
As such it is grown principally in Southern France and Spain (as Garnacha). It is usually blended with other varieties in the Southern Rhône and Languedoc (Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsaut and others).
Its flavour usually encompasses the...
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Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
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Michele Biancardi, Anima di Nero, Nero di Troia, IGT Puglia, 2019
From a top organic grower in Puglia; loosely translated as “the soul of black”, it’s 100% Nero di Troia, given a year invery large oak vats. It’s a big (belieing its alchohol level) and spicy wine. A hugely appealing perfume of red fruit isfollowed by a lush mouthful of strawberry, cherry and blackcurrant. Now-2027
ColourRed
RegionTuscany
GrowerMichele Biancardi
Grape VarietyNero di Troia
Vintage2019
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
MethodOrganic
CodeBIA419
Quinta do Convento, Vinho Tinto, DOP Douro, 2020
The Douro region specialises in field blends of ancient vines – many estates are currently in the process of having the vines analysed. From granite soils, this is 34% old vine field blend, 31% Tinta Barroca, 21% Touriga Nacional and 14% Tinta Roriz; 70% of which spend 16 months in second and third fill French barrels. Intensely dark profile here, with a delicious core of brambly fruit dominating. There are some subtle gamey notes along with a little cigar box perfume. Rich and velvety...
ColourRed
RegionDouro
Sub RegionCima Corgo
GrowerKranemann
Grape VarietyField Blend , Tinta Barroca & Touriga Nacional
Vintage2020
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeKRA420
Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
Discover More
Hoddles Creek Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, 2021
Franco d'Anna at Hoddles Creek says the best vintage since 2017. 11 months in barrel; 30% new, 30% one year old and the rest 2-3 years old. Beautiful nose of dark fruits. Great depth and richness. Fine mid palate tannins. Now-2027
“Vivid deep crimson hue. Cherry, raspberry, strawberry all populate the intense but perfectly created pinot, each reflected in a Catherine wheel of pinot noir essence. Hoddles Creek does it again and again. Australia’s best value pinot? Gold and...
ColourRed
RegionGippsland
GrowerHoddles Creek
Grape VarietyPinot Noir
Vintage2021
ABV 13.2%
Bottle75cl
ClosureScrewcap
DietaryVegan
CodeHOD621
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Origins
- Ancient vine, perhaps 2,000 years old
Distant origins in France - first documented mention in France in 1375
Characteristics
- Finicky grape: notoriously difficult to grow (which is partly why it is hugely intriguing to New World...
Jancis Robinson
We get super excited when Jancis Robinson (or one of her team) write about our wine!
Voted the world's most influential wine critic in polls in the US, France and internationally in 2018, Jancis views herself as a wine writer rather than a wine critic.
She writes daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times. She is founder-editor of The Oxford Companion...
Discover More
Chateau de la Greniere, Lussac St Emilion, Chartreuse, 2019
40% Merlot with 30% of each of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, a slightly unusual blend on the right bank; aged in 40% new oak, 40% first refill and 20% third use. From an estate with 17th century roots, and owned by the Dubreuil family since 1914, now with the fourth and fifth generation in charge, father Jean Pierre and son Audren. The 15 hectare estate is in the north-east of the appellation, bringing two benefits: the vineyards lie predominantly on gravelly soils, with some sand and clay;...
ColourRed
RegionBordeaux
Sub RegionLussac Saint-Emilion
Grape VarietyMerlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
Vintage2019
ABV14%
Bottle75
CodeGRN119
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Francis a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon.
A cross of it with Sauvignon Blanc resulted in Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Many of the red wines of the Loire are primarily Cabernet Franc.
Origins ...
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Kranemann, 10 year old Tawny Port
From traditional Douro red grape varieties, aged in old wooden casks for an average period of ten years; and thatlengthy period brings oxidative notes of nuts and caramel over the heart of cooked strawberries. Spirity, to be sure, but also beautifully light and airy. In a smart, stumpy bottle, this is a wonderful addition to our portfolio. Definitive Christmas wine. Now-2030
ColourRed
StyleFortified
RegionPorto
Sub RegionCima Corgo
GrowerKranemann
Grape VarietyTouriga Nacional , Tinta Barroca & Tinta Roriz
VintageNV
ABV19.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeKRA1NV
Here’s the full tasting note for...
Christmas Crackers Dozen
A terrific selection from all over the world. A bottle of champagne, five whites, five reds, and a ten year old Tawny Port. All at 5% off.
Great choice of good-value wines in the January sales. The website is really easy to use to make up an order. Delivery, as is often the case, was within 24 hours and, as usual, was well-packed.Read More
I've bought a couple of cases recently, and many more in years gone by, and have really enjoyed their selection. They have a good range of interesting wines from some classic and some more…Read More
Judging by the wines I have had, someone is doing a very good job in selecting the wines to put before the public, and at a very fair price. Delivery from online purchases as also been quick and…Read More
Great company with good service and good prices. Highly recommended.Read More
One of my favourite independents. Been enjoying these special wines for more than 10 years. Always interesting choices, and always great value in the sales!Read More
This was yet another quick and painless transaction, as I have come to expect from SV&S.Read More
