The Even Better Summer Dozen
There are lots of staff favourites in this case with an emphasis on lighter, fresher styles plus one delicious bold outlier from Spain. Includes 1 bottle of each of the following wines:
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Inside the case you'll get...
Domaine des Dieux, Methode Cap Classique, Brut, Claudia, South Africa, 2017
Here is the latest vintage of this superb South African MCC (i.e. made in the same way as Champagne), acknowledged as one of the very best sparkling wines in the Cape. Double Gold winner for best Brut in the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge 2023. From 76% Chardonnay and 24% Pinot Noir, with six years on its lees, it stands comparison with plenty of far more expensive vintage Champagnes: yeasty, creamy and with great breadth on the palate. Now-2027
“Spicy and fragrant (I find myself...
ColourWhite
StyleSparkling
RegionElgin
GrowerDomaine des Dieux
Grape VarietyChardonnay & Pinot Noir
Vintage2017
ABV12%
Bottle75cl
DietaryVegan
CodeDDD417
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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Tim Aktin
Tim Aktin is an award-winning wine writer and Master of Wine with 35 years’ experience.
He writes for a number of publications, including Harpers, Decanter, The World of Fine Wine, Gourmet Traveller Wine and The Drinks Business and am one of the Three Wine Men.
Tim's a co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge, the world’s most rigorously judged blind...
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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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Domaine d'Elise, Petit Chablis, 2023
We have worked with this domaine for 23 years simply because the quality outstrips so many other wines from the region – and this Petit Chablis shames many ‘actual’ Chablis wines. Vigneron Frédéric Prain owns one block of vineyards, so chalky and stony as to appear like a white beach, on the boundary of the Chablis appellations. Indeed the vines for this Petit Chablis are adjacent to the 1er Cru Côte de Lechet. Forget any Petit prejudices and buy with confidence. Now - 2027
ColourWhite
RegionBurgundy
Sub RegionChablis
GrowerDomaine d’Elise
Grape VarietyChardonnay
Vintage2023
ABV12%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeELS123
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...
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Cape Atlantic Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, 2024
About two thirds from the young Sauvignon parcels at high altitude Cederberg, plus a third from the Ghost Corner vineyards at Elim near the southernmost tip of Africa – hence the gannet on the label. Juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavours with an underlying note of nettle. A vibrant and precise Sauvignon with a definite stony finish. Now-2026
ColourWhite
RegionWestern Cape
GrowerCederberg
Grape VarietySauvignon Blanc
Vintage2024
ABV12.6%
Bottle75cl
ClosureScrewcap
CodeCED624
Cederberg
South Africa
The redoubtable David Nieuwoudt took over the Cederberg estate from his father in 1997.
We first visited David in 2003, when he was in the midst of his planting programme, and have worked with him ever since then.
The Cederberg vineyards here are 1100-1150 metres up in the Cederberg mountains, most of them on dramatic shale slopes. Good natural rainfall,...
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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...
Parisio, Gavi, 2024
Simon’s long search for a Gavi that offered both typicity and value for money in spades finally ended a couple of years ago when he found a bottle of this white in amongst a wide selection at Vinitaly. Alessandro Parisio’s is the winemaker here – a thoughtful, quietly spoken chap who farms just 4ha. of old vine Cortese. 2024 was a cool year in these parts and that’s reflected in a very classically styled Gavi: zesty citrus and grapefruit with crisp acidity and a subtle minerality....
ColourWhite
RegionGavi
Grape VarietyCortese
Vintage2024
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
CodePAR124
L’Oratge, Garnatxa Blanca, Terra Alta, 2024
A new livery for the wine formerly known as Las Colinas del Ebro. The name and label may have changed but everything else is much as it was: a super value, dry-but-fruity white from the Catalan mountains inland from Barcelona. Grapefruit scented with herbs - rosemary and bay leaf - with attractive pithiness and an incisive, lightly almondy finish. Now-2027
ColourWhite
RegionCatalonia
Sub RegionTerra Alta
GrowerLas Colinas del Ebro
Grape VarietyGrenache Blanc
Vintage2024
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
MethodOrganic
DietaryVegan
CodeCDE724
Las Colinas del Ebro
Discover MoreChateau du Seuil, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, 2024
Organically farmed since 2020, north of Aix-en-Provence on plains 350m above sea level. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle. Very pale pink. This turns up the dial on ‘everyday rosé’ - everything is just more focused and intense. Fragrant blossom and stone fruit to the fore. Now-2027
ColourRosé
RegionProvence
GrowerChateau du Seuil
Grape VarietyGrenache, Syrah & Cinsault
Vintage2024
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
MethodOrganic
CodeSEU524
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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Clos Floridene, Le Rosé de Floridene, Bordeaux, 2023
Clos Floridène, in Pujols sur Ciron in the Graves region, was established on just two hectares in 1982 by Denis and Florence Dubourdieu, and named after a conflation of the founders’ first names. Over the last decades the estate has grown to 40 hectares, with a winery constructed in 2016-18. It's now run by their son, Jean-Jacques.
The family first made a rosé in the 2004 vintage. Unlike some Bordeaux rosés which are made by the saignée method almost as a by-product of...
ColourRosé
RegionBordeaux
GrowerClos Floridene
Grape VarietyMerlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage2023
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeFLO523
Cabernet Sauvignon
The most prestigious red grape?
Origins
- Bordeaux region, as a natural cross of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc (established 1997 by DNA analysis)
- Was known as Vidure or Petit-Vidure
- Spread throughout left bank of Bordeaux, supplanting white grapes
Characteristics
- Fairly easy to grow: hardy, buds...
Domaine des Forges, Anjou Rouge, 2023
100% Cabernet Franc with no oak used. A very classic nose – blackcurrant leaf and raspberry fruit – followed by an impressively balanced, medium-bodied palate with cassis fruit and a hint of minerality from the slatey soils. Very well made and a pleasing 12.5% abv too. Lightly chill and bring on some cold cuts, charcuterie and jambon persillé. Brilliant at this price. Now-2027
ColourRed
RegionLoire
GrowerForges
Grape VarietyCabernet Franc
Vintage2022
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeFOR123
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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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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La Chapelle des Bois, Fleurie, Grand Pre, 2023
Fleurie has an association with “flowery” – but the best wines can have substance too. Bright youthful purple. Vibrant red-berried and black-cherried fruit. Very traditional example, showing a lively bite and enough fruit tannins to accompany food well. Now-2027
Cru (from the 10 Cru villages) Beaujolais remains undervalued. The levity and charm of juicy Gamay is out of fashion presumably because people still hold bad memories of thin Beaujolais Nouveau. But with warmer summers...
ColourRed
RegionBeaujolais
Sub RegionFleurie
GrowerLa Chapelle des Bois
Grape VarietyGamay
Vintage2023
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeCHB123
Beaujolais
"…if red wine can be nubile, this red wine is" - Andrew Jefford, in The New France
That immediate fruitiness of the Gamay grape, allied to refreshing acidity, moderate alcohol levels - usually 12.5 degrees to 13 degrees - and ability to be served cool (don’t overchill, or you won’t taste anything), makes Beaujolais the definitive summer...
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Gamay
Gamay is Beaujolais! Lovely medium to light red wine, with fresh acidity for summer drinking with great potential for ageing in good vintages.
Also planted in: the Loire; odd new plantings in New World, e.g. New Zealand
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Michele Biancardi, Primitivo Puro, IGT Puglia, 2022
As the name implies, 100% Primitivo. Such a seductive wine – flamboyant colour; a flagrant fruit cocktail of fresh strawberries, red cherries, blackcurrants and blueberries; plus notes of liquorice, spice and pepper. Juicy enough to drink on its own yet with plenty of concentration for food. Gorgeous vitality and punch. Now-2026
"It's highly unusual to find a Puglia Primitivo at 13.5% (they're usually 15%) so I am not surprised that this wine tastes like it might be...
ColourRed
RegionTuscany
GrowerMichele Biancardi
Grape VarietyPrimitivo
Vintage2022
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
MethodOrganic
CodeBIA322
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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El Lagar de Isilla, Ribera Del Duero, Roble, 2022
A blend of 92% Tempranillo, 5% Abillo Mayor and 4% Merlot. This offers lots of generous black fruit. Blackcurrant, black cherry and some strawberry are present along with something floral, maybe a touch of lavender. This is both subtantive and fun. It has a small amount of oak which rounds out the fruit. An ideal partner for hearty red meat dishes. Now-2026
ColourRed
RegionRibera Del Duero
GrowerEl Lagar de Isilla
Grape VarietyTempranillo
Vintage2022
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeLAH122
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is Spanish red wine, with Rioja being its showroom.
Origins
- Tempranillo vines were (possibly) originally brought to Spain, as variants of Pinot Noir (Burgundy) or Cabernet Franc (Bordeaux) from monasteries in Northern France by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Characteristics ...
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Domaine Begude, Le Cerisier Pinot Noir, IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude, 2023
Les Cerisiers = the cherry trees and there is a distinct cherry edge to the nose and palate here. Pure and focused - just 10% of the assemblage is aged in old oak. Rounded and smooth. Now-2027.
"There is something very 'Chinon' about this wine. Perhaps it's the petrichor-and-graphite spine. Perhaps it's the mountain-stream-cool, mossy perfume. Perhaps it's the sap-sharp, snapped-stem freshness of redcurrants zipped straight off the bush and into your mouth...
ColourRed
RegionLanguedoc
Sub RegionIGP Pays d'Oc
GrowerDomaine Begude
Grape VarietyPinot Noir
Vintage2023
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
MethodOrganic
DietaryVegan
CodeBEG623
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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Domaine Begude
Limoux
We have been shipping wines from James Kinglake since he left his life in the City in 2003 to buy the Domaine La Begude, about 350 metres up in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Limoux.
"I could not quite afford to buy in Burgundy so I chose the next best thing". But it hasn't always been an easy ride: he acknowledges how tough it is to be a farmer: his...
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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
Here’s the full tasting note for...
The Even Better Summer Dozen
There are lots of staff favourites in this case with an emphasis on lighter, fresher styles plus one delicious bold outlier from Spain. Includes 1 bottle of each of the following wines:
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
