January Just French Reds Dozen
Save 13% on four French reds that are perfect for the cold and dark of January. Three bottles each of: La Croisade Pinot Noir 2024 - bright, juicy and great with white meats; Domaine des Forges Anjou Rouge 2023 - a classic Loire Cabernet France... Read More
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Inside the case you'll get...
La Croisade, Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d'Oc, 2024
Perfumed, pretty Pinot Noir that benefits from some of the fruit being picked from cool climate vineyards in Limoux. Lots of Pinot character with some richer dark chocolate notes adding complexity. Drink now - 2026.
ColourRed
RegionPays d'Oc
GrowerLa Croisade
Grape VarietyPinot Noir
Vintage2024
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
ClosureScrewcap
CodeAGW724
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...
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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Chateau Les Combes, Lussac-Saint-Emilion, 2020
100% unoaked Merlot from a single vineyard with thin soils over limestone located at one of the highest points in the appellation. A long term SVS favourites from grower Frédéric Borderie, it has fresh blackberry and plum fruit and there is a stony note on the finish. Fine tannins give structure and support the fruit. Balanced and refined, this is a smart claret for all occasions. Now-2027
ColourRed
RegionBordeaux
GrowerFrederic Borderie
Grape VarietyMerlot
Vintage2020
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
CodeGRC420
Frederic Borderie, Chateaux Les Combes and Les Gravieres de la Brandille, Bordeaux, France
Frederic Borderie, in his late 30s, is one of our stars, making delicious, perfumed whites and a range of reds which he fairly views as the equals - both in quality and longevity - of more expensive wines from grander appellations.
Modestly he ascribes their success to his vineyards being on gravelly river terraces of the Isle river, an underrated terroir with some similarities to the...
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Merlot
Origins
- Bordeaux region. Known by 18thC
- Now much more widely planted in Bordeaux than Cabernet Sauvignon
Characteristics
- Productive - high yielding …but early budding, so vulnerable to frost (e.g. 1956)
- In comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon: higher sugars and appealing...
Amadieu, Cotes du Rhone Villages, 2023
60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and Cinsault, all in tank, from vines farmed (and certified) bio-dynamically. Bursts with strawberries and spice on the nose. Very pure and bright with sappy red cherry and cranberry on the palate, whilst maintaining a savoury edge. Brilliant for the price. Now - 2028.
ColourRed
RegionRhone
GrowerDomaine des Amadieu
Grape VarietyGrenache
Vintage2023
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
ClosureCork
MethodBiodynamic
CodeAMB123
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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Here’s the full tasting note for...
January Just French Reds Dozen
Save 13% on four French reds that are perfect for the cold and dark of January. Three bottles each of: La Croisade Pinot Noir 2024 - bright, juicy and great with white meats; Domaine des Forges Anjou Rouge 2023 - a classic Loire Cabernet France from a ripe vintage; Chateau Les Combes Lussac-Saint-Emilion 2020 - textbook red Bordeaux for long Sunday lunches; and Amadieu's superb Cotes du Rhone 2024 - a wine that cries out for slow braised lamb.
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
