D. Byrne & Co. Wines for Christmas Blog 2013

D. Byrne & Co. Christmas Newsletter
 

Lallier Grand Cru Vintage Brut 2005 £29.99
A wonderfully rich and mature Pinot dominant vintage Champagne, from 100% Grand cru vineyards. The bargain of the year - we think so!
Domaine Madeloc Collioure Blanc Cuvee Tremadoc 2011 £15.99
A superbly intense and exotic wine made from a blend of Grenache Gris, Rousanne and Vermentino. Ripe and fleshy, this is a joy!
Vallet Freres Auxey Duresses 2008 £19.99
This is fantastic value for money. Situated close to Mersault, the village of Auxey Duresses is an excellent source for similarly styled, rich and nutty fine wines at a fraction of the cost.

Domaine de Petit, Clos de la Marche, Savennieres 2010 £12.99
A very fine wine from one of France's most underrated appellations. Made from the Chenin Blanc grape, this is a very complex and refined white wine.
Sileni Estate The Straights Sauvignon Blanc 2012 £10.99
A super soft and outrageously fruity Kiwi Sauvignon, bursting with pure gooseberry fruit

Campogiovanni Arkeos 2008 Toscana £21.99
Produced from the ancient grape of Chianti, Pugnitello grown in vineyards in the Montalcino area, this is a wonderfully powerful complex wine.
Chapoutier Bila Haut Occultum Lapidem - Rousillon 2011 £13.99
95-97 Parker points, this is a sensationally priced wine for such a high rating. A deeply concentrated, alluring, smoky red.
Edmeades Mendocino Zinfandel 2010 £12.99
Full-bodied and bursting with red fruits, this would be perfect with the turkey.
Chateau La Dauphine Fronsac 2001 £19.99
A mature right bank Bordeaux from a lovely vintage, this is drinking superbly.
Fincas de Ganuza Reserva Rioja 2005 £20.99
Made in the modern style, this is undoubtedly one of Rioja's finest producers.
Barbazul Tinto 2011 - Arcos de la Frontera £8.59
Spain comes up with the goods once again with this sensational wine from Cadiz. Lovely fresh red fruits and plenty of structure. We also have a limited quantity of Barbazul 2011 in 3ltr format £52.99 - a stunning looking bottle that is perfect for a large Christmas gathering.
Monthelie 2008 Pierre Matrot £18.99
A bargain priced Burgundy of real quality, Monthelie is an adjoining village to Volnay and produces similarly fine, fragrant wines.

The Essential Party Wines

Party Fizz
Lunetta Prosecco £7.49
Our brilliant House Prosecco, very clean and filled with lovely soft apple fruits. A quality sparkler to serve your guests without breaking the bank.
Stephane Breton Brut N.V. £16.99
Our outstanding House Champagne goes from strength to strength.
"An absolute bargain" says The Daily Telegraph

Party Whites
Cape Heights Sauvignon Blanc 2013 - South Africa £4.99
This ticks all the boxes, full of fruit, very clean, light and dry.
Impossible to beat for the price.
Domaine Vision Viognier 2011 - France £5.99
Smooth, weighty and honeyed with classic apricot fruit flavours. Cheap enough to slurp and yet posh enough to serve at a dinner party.
Monte Schiavo Verdicchio Classico 2012 - Italy £5.99
A fine and fantastically fresh dry white with very clean citrus fruits.

Party Reds
Cape Heights Shiraz 2013 - South Africa £4.99
Like it's white counterpart, this is simply impossible to beat for the price. Delivering everything and more with it's soft and smoky black fruit.
Vega Piedra Rioja 2011 - Spain £5.69
Light and plummy with just a hint of spicy oak, an authentic easy drinking Rioja.
Cotes du Rhone La Chapelle du Marin 2012 - France £5.99
An un believably serious wine for such a modest price. With enough weight and richness to impress your guests at a dinner party.

Philip's Rhone & Burgundy Selection

Rhone
2010 Cornas 'La Geynale' Vincent Paris £34.99
2010 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Confiance £20.99
2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Clos St Jean £24.99
2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Pierre Usseglio £24.99
2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Telegraph £34.99
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos du Papes Avril £34.99
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Auguste Favier Domaine St. Prefert £31.69
2009 Coudoulet Beaucastel £16.89
2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Chateau Beaucastel £55.49
Burgundy
2008 Puligny Montrachet Domaine Leflaive £38.99
2008 Saint Romain Matrot £16.99
2006 Meursault Charmes 1er Cru Matrot £37.89
2009 Meursault Vendage Selection Lafarge £27.69
2010 Rully 1er Cru Gressigny H & P Jacquesson £16.99
2007 Chassagne Montrachet 'Les Chenevottes' Niellon £40.39
2010 Batard Montrachet Louis Jadot £165.99
2009 Corton Charlmagne Louis Jadot £82.99
2010 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Folatieres Louis Jadot £46.99
2005 Bourgogne Pinot Noir Bernard Dugat £29.99
2009 Bourgogne Rouge Domaine Cecile Tremblay £20.89
2008 Bourgogne Hautes Cote de Nuits Michel Gros £15.99
2007 Bourgogne Rouge Alain Burguet £16.69
2009 Bourgogne Rouge Ghislaine Barthod £22.89
2006 Bourgogne Pinot Noir M. Lafarge £15.99
2010 Avalon Pinot Noir Pascal Marchand £14.99
2006 Volnay Vendages Selection M. Lafarge £32.99
2008 Blagny 1er Cru 'Les Piece Sous Les Bois' Joseph Matrot £28.99
1998 Clos St Denis Grand Cru Nicolas Potel £47.99
2002 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Nicolas Potel £55.99
1999 Clos St Denis Grand Cru Louis Jadot £62.99
2002 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Louis Jadot £69.99
2010 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pascal Marchand £66.49
2009 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Pascal Marchand £114.99
2005 Chambertin Grand Cru Nicolas Potel £149.99
2009 Echezeaux Grand Cru Roche Bellene £69.99
2005 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vigne Bernard Dugat £69.39
2005 Nuits St Georges Robert Arnoux £29.99
2005 Pommard Clos des Epeneux Comte Armand £46.99
2009 Vosne Romanee Les Croix Blanches Rene Bouvier (magnums) £80.99
2009 Chambole Musigny Les Fuess 1er Cru Rene Bouvier (magnums) £119.99

Our famous Seasonal Cases
For quality, excitement and sheer value for money these are hard to beat!

In November we launched our Christmas, Connoisseurs and Luxury cases of wine and they have been flying off the shelves. each case has a beautiful selection of twelve bottles of wine designed for drinking over the Christmas period. Traditionally presented, the wines are accompanied by full tasting notes. For details of the cases please CLICK HERE

Recommended Spirits and Liqueurs
Mamont Siberian Vodka £29.99
Soft, with a hint of sweetness and a dry finish (available in gift sets for no extra charge).
Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin £23.99
Caorunn is uniquely served with a slice of red apple to enhance its invigorating dry and crisp taste.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin 50cl £36.39
The ultimate gin from our range of over 90. From the Black Forest in Germany, distilled from 47 predominantly usual but regional botanicals such as lingonberries and blended with natural spring water.
Doorleys XO Barbados Rum £24.99
From very old selected rums matured for a second time in Oloroso sherry casks, producing a delicious fusion of complex flavours from the cask and well-aged rums.
Godet VS Deluxe Cognac £19.99
Comte de Ferragut VS Armagnac £17.99
Comte de Ferragut VSOP Armagnac £20.99
Torres 10 Gran reserve Spanish Brandy £12.99
Four fantastically priced brandies from our range of over 100 from various countries.
something that bit special......
Ragnaud Sabourn No. 20 Reserve Speciale Cognac £63.59
This Grande Champagne cognac is aged for at least 20 years to produce a very smooth, rich and rounded brandy.
something that bit different.......
Akashi-Tai Plum Infused Sake 50cl £14.59
Astonishingly versatile, this can be used as a dessert wine or even a liqueur. Try this with mince pies or Christmas pudding and be amazed!


Malt Whisky Offers for Christmas
Selected from our range of over 400 keenly priced malts. If you are looking for recommendations come and talk to us.

Speyburn Bradan Orach £17.59
Subtle and delicate with vanilla and honey, full-bodied, creamy and smooth with long lasting spicy finish.
Glen Moray Elgin Classic £19.49
The mouth feel is lightly spiced with a warming and gently mouth watering effect. Malty toffee sweetness is present throughout, with blackcurrants and a fragrant citrus lemongrass tang.
Aberlour Aged 10 Years £21.99
Full-bodied, spicy rich fruit cake, toffee-caramel, honey and sweet spice notes and a long creamy maltiness.
The Ileach £21.99
The Ileach is a peaty single malt from a secret Islay distillery. Scoring very highly in The Whisky Bible, it is very smooth with malty notes, peat, warming spices and a slight fruit cake finish.

Old Pulteney aged 12 years £23.99
Dry, medium-bodied and smooth with a clean finish; faintly salty with a slight sherry note. Winner of many Gold medals.
Strathisla aged 12 years £24.99
Rich and fruity with a complex array of hay-like aromas, balanced with a dry oakiness. Full, rich and with a mellow, nutty sweetness. Finishes rich and mellow.
Isle Of Jura Superstition £24.99
Both young and aged (up to 21 years) whiskies go into this mysterious bottle, so there's a different flavour to explore with every drop. Hints of honey and spice.
Glengoyne aged 10 years £29.99
Fresh green apples, toffee and a hint of nuttiness. This is the taste of distilling slower than anyone else in Scotland, notes of barley dried by air, never peat, and of oak casks.
Glenrothes Select Reserve £30.79
Laden with ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice, the Select Reserve is the essence, the very heart of the Glenrothes range.
Aberlour A'Bunadh 60.2vol. Batch 45 £30.79
Bottled straight from single Oloroso butts, spicy, with raisin fruitiness. A classic!
Dalmore aged 15 years - with free nosing glass £39.99
Twelve years maturing in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then a three year finish in three different sherry woods - Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem Oloroso. A robust, yet elegant spirit, spicy with some orange zest.
Glen Cadam aged 14 years Oloroso finished £42.59
95 points in The Whisky Bible. Floral and spicy with a sophisticated mix of vanilla and sherry sweetness and a gentle pepper spice finish.
Scapa aged 16 years £46.59
Perfectly balanced and rich, with a tang of ginger and sweet baked apples. Rich, long and very slightly dry with the merest hint of the sea.
Old Pulteney aged 21 years £81.99
This malt is matured in ex-bourbon wood with spirit from ex-sherry wood casks. The crucial difference, however, is that the ex-sherry wood in this case is made from American oak (mostly Fino sherries). This adds yet another layer of complexity, depth and character to this truly superb malt whisky.
Dalmore King Alexander III £112.39
Crafted to honour the act of saving Scotland's king in 1263, this expression unites six specially selected casks housing spirit of perfect maturity. Whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso sherry wood, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques are brought together in perfect harmony. Each cask gives its own flavour notes, delivering a unique complex single malt whisky revered by connoisseurs.

Fortified Wines

Port
Grahams Six Grapes Reserve £9.99
Dark red colour, with a seductive rich perfume of ripe plums and cherries. On the palate, complex, with a good structure and long lingering finish.
Krohn Coleita 2001 Tawny £14.99
Soft toffee nose with caramelised berry fruit and hints of dry figs on the palate.
Krohn Vintage 2005 £22.99
An exceptionally warm vintage with some timely rain at harvest brings ripe, mouth-filling, juicy fruit characters with deliciously spicy Christmas cake notes. Soft, round, approachable, forward, ready for drinking now and exceptionally good value.

Sherry
Jose De Soto - great value house sherries covering most styles:
Fino (dry) £7.29
Manzanilla (dry) £7.29
Amontillado (medium dry) £8.29
Pale Cream (sweet) £8.29
Rich Cream (sweet) £8.29
Pedro Ximenez (very sweet) £9.99

Sanchez Romate Fino Marismeno £13.59
Vibrant tingling freshness, crisp and dry. Balanced by perfect acidity and a lingering finish.
Sanchez Romate Pedro Ximenez Cardenal Cisneros £20.89
Raisin and sultana aromas with a touch of nut, dried fruit and oak spice. Balancing acidity, creamy raisins, espresso coffee and dark chocolate.
Fernando De Castilla Antique Oloroso 50cl £20.99
This Oloroso is completely dry and very aromatic. Flavours of walnut, spice and orange peel. A great wine with cured meats and cheeses or just to sip in front of a warm fire.

The D. Byrne & Co. Christmas Beer Keg
As usual we have our Christmas Beer Keg. A 5 litre keg of gorgeous Bowland Brewery Beer prepared specially for us £18.99
We also have a huge selection of bottled beer both local and international and beer gift packs which make excellent presents.

Gift Vouchers
We have gift vouchers which can be made out to any sum and can be posted on your behalf to anywhere in the UK.

To order anything you have seen in the blog please phone us on 01200 422281 or 01200 423152

May we take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support throughout 2013 and wish you all a very Merry and Peaceful Christmas.

Christmas Cases for 2013

OUR CHRISTMAS CASES 2013

The time of year has arrived when people have been asking us when our Christmas Cases will be available, so here they are!

As last year we have put together four different cases for you to choose from to suit every kind of occasion over the Christmas period. The cases make ideal Christmas presents, which can be collected from the shop or can be delivered to any address in mainland UK in time for Christmas. The cases also make excellent corporate gifts, call us for details.

So whether you want to send a gift, thank a loved one, turn up with something special at a house party or simply light the fire, put your feet up and indulge, we have something for you. Each case comes complete with a set of tasting notes.

This year we have once again put together a luxury case of wines and Andrew has put together six of his favourite Christmas tipples too.

We will be following shortly with our Christmas Selection Newsletter, full of wines for Christmas drinking. There was simply too much to put in one newsletter!

Please note that due to the sheer quantity of wines being sold in our cases over the Christmas period, we reserve the right to substitute a wine or vintage for one of an equal quality if necessary.

Orders or enquiries for any of the cases in this newsletter please apply by phone to the shop on 01200 422281or 01200 423152 – not by email, thank you.

There will be free delivery for orders within a 30 mile radius placed with us before 30th November. After that time there will be a small charge of £8, due to the volume of wines being despatched we will need to use carriers rather than our own drivers Ken, Shaun and John.

WHITES
Mon Vieux 'Hell's Heights' Sauvignon Blanc, Banghoek - South Africa
A stunning find at a recent trade tasting. Hells Heights is a wine with incredibly expressive fruit, packed with Granny Smith and hedgerow flavours brought together by vibrant needle sharp natural acidity.
Cavit Mastri Vernacoli Trentino Nosiola - Italy D. Byrne & Co. White Wine of the Year
A fairy tale of twists and turns, amazing value for such complexity. Individual and remarkable for the price. A medley of fruit with citrus, apple and stone fruit on the nose, with hints of fennel. The palate is deliciously nutty and ripe, with a slight creaminess, a dash of lime and grapefruit, and a dry, savoury finish.
El Tesoro Verdejo - Spain
Aromas of tropical fruit with hints of citrus. The palate has lots of passion fruit and guava with great texture and an intensely tangy citrus finish. the wine has a balance of ripeness and creaminess.
Domaine Les Grands Presbyterese Tradition Muscadet, Sevre et Maine - France
A ripe fruity style with not too much petillance. Crisp, flinty notes with a hint of lime on the nose. The palate has a smooth and creamy texture with fresh lemon and hints of ripe pear and apple along with yeasty lees notes. A lovely Muscadet.
Peacock Ridge Chenin Blanc - South Africa
A stunning Chenin; rich, rounded and generous. A well layered wine with thoroughly integrated oak. The nose has aromas of buttered toast, lemon marmalade and white stone fruit. The palate is rich and rounded with grilled peach, toasted brioche, sweet apricot tart with toasted almonds.
 REDS
Domaine Belles Granges Syrah, Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes - France
D. Byrne & Co. Red Wine of the Year
Fresh, juicy, plump fruit with hints of violets and red fruits on the nose and a supple, smooth, lush palate almost southern Rhone in its warm, sweet-fruited style but with a lovely twist of acidity on the finish.
Chateau de Blissa Cotes de Bourg, Bordeaux - France
Great with food, especially beef. The wine is very ripe and concentrated, the lively red fruit is backed by real depth and notes of oak, with a delightfully soft fruity finish.
Pierre Fine Grenat, Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes, Pays d'Oc - France
Aromas of ripe red fruits on the nose and a palate brimming with the full-bodied fruit of old bush vines, dark bramble fruit flavours and oak spice with some tasty wood tannins on the finish.
'Les Coteaux' Cotes du Rhone Villages - France
The exceptional fruit blazes the senses with its heady perfumes and lavish flavours, from the stunning 2011 vintage packed with soft, sweet-spicy and warm flavours, and then finish with a long flowing robe of depth and concentration.
Guelbenzu 'Vierlas' Ribera del Queiles - Spain
A robust and bold blend of Syrah, Merlot and Graciano with plush plummy, spice, tobacco and woody aromas rom six months spent in oak. The palate is approachable, smooth, round and tactile with blackberry, liquorice and a touch of chocolate on the finish.
Silvermyn Argentum Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot - South Africa
An incredible blend with rich fruit and soft tannins, a wine that punches way above its price tag. We think this will shortly be on our list of best sellers! 
Aliance Bairrada Reserva - Portugal
This could very easily have been our Red of the Year. Aromas of ripe berry and plum fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, dark fruit and warming spicy characters.
£79.95 if collected from the shop
£88 delivered anywhere in mainland UK.

D. Byrne & Co.  Christmas Connoisseurs Case
WHITE WINES
N.V. Domenico de Bertiol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene - Italy
Kick off the festivities in perfect style with this superb sparkling wine, a top quality Prosecco from the DOCG of Valdobbiadene. This is worlds apart from your standard Prosecco, a wonderfully creamy example, with soft peachy fruit and a long, dry, mineral finish. This is the perfect Christmas Day breakfast wine.
2011 Clos Saint Pierre Macon Charnay - France
With real depth and refinement, this is a very classy Burgundy in every sense. Smooth and concentrated stone fruit flavours and fine minerality, leading to some silky, lightly buttered toast notes on the finish. This delicious wine would be really well suited to some lightly poached fish and hollandaise.
2012 Domaine Saint Romble Sancerre - France
This is quintessential Sancerre with a classic nose of fresh cut grass and green herbs preceding a palate that blossoms fine white flowers and lean, flinty mineral notes. Try this family favourite with wild Scottish smoked salmon or a warm goats cheese soufflé.
2012 Vina Real Barrel Fermented Viura - Spain
This was the stand out wine from the C.V.N.E. dinner we hosted in June, and amply demonstrates just how good white Rioja can be. Rich, nutty, waxy, honeyed and creamy, these are all the elements that make up this fine multi-layered wine. Enjoy this velveteen gem with a creamy seafood mornay.
2011 Waterkloof Estate Circle of Life White - South Africa
This is the flagship blend from the outstanding Waterkloof estate in Stellenbosch and although the grapes remain a secret, there is definitely a nod at the Loire. A supreme and very finely crafted, chalky and intense, mineral infused white wine. A wonderful wine to serve with oysters or crab.

RED WINES
2010 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape - France
We have long been admirers of this excellent Chateauneuf producer and in 2010, a near perfect growing season, they have fashioned a near perfect example of this Southern Rhone stalwart. Full-bodied, with masses of black fruits and plenty of fragrant peppery spice. This is sure to be a knockout with venison or jugged hare.
2010 Domaine Madeloc Cuvee Serral Collioure Rouge - France
We could not resist including this outstanding wine from the Rousillon, and giving you the opportunity to unlock its magic. Pure blackberry fruits to the core, multi-layered and silky in the mouth with some lovely plump, soft spices lifting the finish. A wine to savour with something rich and gamey.
2008 Ondarre Rioja Reserva - Spain International Wine Challenge Trophy 2013
This is a fine example of a modern take on the classic reserve. The oak is there but the fruit notes are more primary, with figs and damsons flooding the palate and folding into a wealth of Christmas spices. A simply perfect match with herb infused roast lamb.
2009 San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy
This is an exceptionally good riserva from a lovely Chianti vintage. The San Felice estate achieve a unique complexity in their Chianti with the addition of some native Pugnitello grapes in the blend, the resulting wines are uncommonly classy. Equally as good with hard cheese or tomato based sauces..
2011 Tommasi Arele Apassimento - Italy
A 'Mini-Amarone' blended from Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Merlot grapes, a proportion of which are partially dried before fermentation. Round and harmonious in the mouth with some irresistible flavours of coco dusted cherries, the overall impression is silky and elegant making the wine slip down very easily.
2010 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc - Argentina
New World meets Old World in this fine interpretation of the hugely red Loire grape. High altitude vineyards give this Cabernet Franc its essential coolness and fragrance while the Argentine sun adds a welcome dimension od sweetness to the earthy, raspberry tinged fruit. Try this with a rare, peppered fillet steak.
2010 Massaya Silver Selection - Lebanon
Something a little different here from an excellent Bekka Valley producer. A Grenache prevalent blend with a sweet perfume of ripe red fruits, very complex and superbly balanced, this very fine wine would sit happily on any Christmas table.
£149.99 if collected from the shop
£158 delivered anywhere in mainland UK.

D. Byrne & Co. Luxury Case

WHITE WINES
N.V. Louis Roederer Brut Premier - France
2013 Decanter World Wine Awards - N.V. Champagne Regional Trophy Best in Class
' Rich, biscuity nose with a hint of dried plum, candied and red fruit. Excellent flavours of brioche and toast with a fabulous fine mousse, very attractive complexity and a super-minerally finish. A top class N.V.'
2011 Mersault Les Tillets, Domaine Yves Broyer-Martenot - France
This is a fine domaine and a producer of traditional, rich, oaky Mersault. A complex nose with notes of toasted nuts and ripe tropical fruits, full and intense on the palate with a smooth buttery feel and plenty of fine minerality.
2011 Chassagne Montrachet, Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot - France
Stylistically this is a very classic Chassagne from one of Village's most reliable growers. There is marvellous concentration here with plenty of soft nectarine fruit and perfectly well-integrated oak.
2012 Sancerre Blanc, Domaine Vacheron - France
Vacheron produce sublime Sancerre, and are rightly acknowledged as one of the region's finest growers. The 2012 is a sleek, mineral scented wine and a perfect interpretation of the region's unique terroir. Lean and green with piercing redcurrant and gooseberry fruit and abundant chalky minerality.
2010 Naiades Rueda, Bodegas Naia - Spain
The Naiades vineyards were planted in the 19th century with ungrafted Verdejo vines, these rare and ancient pre-phylloxera vines produce the extraordinary grapes from which Naiades is made. An amazingly rich and intense wine that floods the palate with exotic, sweet spices and crystalline candied fruits.

RED WINES
2009 Chateau Haut Marbuzet, Saint Esteph - France
Having bought every vintage of Haut Marbuzet since the 1982, you could say that this excellent Chateau is a firm family favourite. Consistently one of St. Esteph's most opulent wines, lavishly oaky and fruit forward, with real depth and sweet succulent tannins. The richness of the acclaimed 2009 vintage further adds to Haut Marbuzet's charm.
2006 Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes, Alain Burguet - France
Burguet is a meticulous grower and a fine source for rich, fragrant Gevrey. The vieilles vignes is his top cuvee and a truly gorgeous example of sweet, succulent Burgundy. Classic gamey aromas, concentrated red fruits and a perfectly balanced, silky mouth-feel.
2009 Hermitage, Cave de Tain L'Hermitage - France
The Cave de Tain's members own almost a quarter of the famous appellation of Hermitage, this great, steep hill produces the most profound examples of the classic northern Rhone red. Pure violets and sweet red fruits dance across the palate in this powerful, spicy wine which has masses of finesse.
2008 Pra Amarone della Valpolicella - Italy
Pra are an excellent producer of Amarone, the house style here is one of elegance and refinement and their wines are an absolute joy. This is a wonderful Amarone that delivers pure opulence in its fine perfume and fascinating bitter sweet notes.
2007 Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta Argiano - Italy
The lovely 2007 vintage in Montalcino produced some lovely, open silky Brunello wines and this fine example from Argiano is no exception. Full-bodied and showing excellent depth, with a seamless integration of ripe cherry fruits, flowers and sweet spices.
2005 Pintia Toro, Bodegas Pintia - Spain
Pintia is owned by the venerable Vega Sicilia, Spain's finest producer, it is made from 100% Tempranillo from vines averaging over 35 years old. Awarded 95 Parker points, the 2005 is now drinking superbly, with powerful black fruits and some really complex gamey, meaty notes.
2001 Rioja Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta - Spain
This is quite simply one of Rioja's finest Gran Reservas from one of the region's most celebrated vintages, a winning combination indeed. Pure elegance and refinement from beginning to end, a world class wine with tonnes of personality.
£345 if collected from the shop
£353 delivered anywhere in mainland UK.

Andrew's Christmas Box

Stephane Breton N.V. Brut Champagne
The perfect start to Christmas, our outstanding house champagne in one hand and a basting pipette in the other!

La Guincare Verdicchio Classico Riserva Monte Schiavo
It doesn't seem that long ago that I was standing in the sea at Ancona at the end of a very memorable trip to Italy, one of the highlights being a visit to Monte Schiavo. Rich, full-bodied, with tropical fruit flavours, this is a serious wine with stunning texture and luscious appeal, just the wine for smoked salmon.
Pouilly Fume Le Fusil de Chasse
Crisp, clean, fresh and dry, this stunning Sauvignon has a lovely minerality with nice smoky flavours. This is a great aperitif but my favourite way to serve it is on Boxing Day with a Bloody Mary prawn cocktail.

Domaine La Haut Marone Le Cru Des Dentelles De Montmirail Gigondas
Intense aromas of ripe raspberries and dark cherries, then a wisp of smoke creeps in along with some hints of toasted cocoa beans; deep and intense, black cherries and a hint of clove and nutmeg. Rich and elegant, this is just the wine for the Christmas table.
Ondarre Rioja Reserva
My favourite wine region. This wine, one of the great finds of the year, is rich with a full nose of herbs and spicy vanilla, luscious fruit and oak on the palate, with well balanced tannins, elegant and long. The perfect wine for Boxing Day.
Krohn Colheita 2001
This summer I spent my holidays in Portugal and while there visited Krohn in Oporto, trying many of their old Colheita ports and very enjoyable it was too! This, the latest release, is rich, full-bodied, with lovely raisin fruit flavours. Perfect with blue cheese, Christmas cake or chocolate.
£82.99 if collected from the shop
£91 delivered anywhere in mainland UK.

Autumn Newsletter

THE AWARD WINNERS
D. Byrne & Co. Regional Merchant of the Year for North West England - 2013 IWC Awards
Shortlisted for National Small Independent - 2013 IWC Awards

Following our recent success at the International Wine Challenge we are offering a selection of our favourite medal winning wines from the competition. There are also a number of medal winning wines from the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards along with some superb 'must try' wines featured in the Decanter Magazine weekday wines section.

Decanter Magazine Weekday 'Must-Try' wines.

LIBRANDI CIRO BIANCO 2012, Calabria - Italy (October 2013 18.5/20) £9.59

A wine that is filled with fragrance and attractive summer fruits, very clean in the mouth and super fresh on the palate. This is an irresistible example of the native Greco grape.
LE ROCCHE MALATESTIANE ANTICA MARINERIA, Emilia Romagna - Italy (September 2013 18.5/20) £10.99
This is a NV white wine made from 100% Sangiovese and barrel aged for 10 months. A very complex wine with ripe tropical fruits and a gloriously silky, textural mouth-feel.
FATALONE PRIMITIVO 2008, Puglia - Italy (October 2013 18/20) £10.99
Pasquale Petrera crafts some amazing examples of the Primitivo grape from his organically farmed estate in the DOC of Gioia del Colle. A massive concentration of sweet black fruits and complex spices, 15% abv. We also have a limited amount of the stunning 2005 Riserva £14.99



Decanter Magazine 2013 World Wine Awards

PAUL CLUVER GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2012, Elgin - South Africa £9.99
INTERNATIONAL TROPHY for the best Dry Aromatic under £15
This is all roses and Turkish Delight without being too heavy, a textbook Gewürztraminer.
DE MORGENZON MAESTRO 2012, Stellenbosch - South Africa £12.99
SOUTH AFRICA REGIONAL TROPHY for the best White Blend under £15
A food friendly modern blend that is all peaches and cream. Soft full bodied and delicious.
CAVE DE TURCKHEIM RIESLING GC BRAND 2008, Alsace - France £14.99
ALSACE REGIONAL TROPHY for the best Dry Riesling over £15
Very fine quality here with real depth and minerality.
BEYRA VERMIOSA 2012, Beira Interior - Portugal £7.99
PORTUGAL REGIONAL TROPHY for the best white under £15
A lovely dry white with pure citrus fruits and a lean and refreshing mineral edge.
ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC CLASSICO 2012,  Mendoza - Argentina £9.59
ARGENTINA REGIONAL TROPHY for the best Malbes under £15
Dark brambly juicy fruits and plenty of spice, this is a classic.
LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER NV, Champagne - France £28.99
CHAMPAGNE REGIONAL TROPHY for the best Non-Vintage.
Consistently one of the very finest NVs. A fine, rich and toasty Champagne and a great price!
TAITTINGER COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE BLANCS 2002, Champagne - France £124.99
GOLD MEDAL
From one of the most celebrated vintages of recent years. A rare and sumptuous wine for a very special occasion.
COLOME ESTATE MALBEC 2011, Calchaqui - Argentina £13.99
GOLD MEDAL
With plenty of perfume and a rich concentration of black fruits - a stunner!
PATRIZI BAROLO 2008, Piedmont - Italy £15.99
GOLD MEDAL
This is a bargain priced Barolo with real class.
RUSTENBERG BUZZARD KLOOF SYRAH 2010, Coastal Region £13.99
GOLD MEDAL
A rich and silky Shiraz with some lovely spice tinged blackberry fruit.

THE INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE

2012 MICHEL TORINO DON DAVID TORRONTES, Cafayate - Argentina £8.99
ARGENTINA WHITE TROPHY AND TORRONTES TROPHY & GOLD MEDAL
Honeysuckle aromas and fresh nectarine fruit flavours. Flavour packed and deliciously different, perfect with sea bass and ginger.
2010 PIEROPAN SOAVE LA ROCCA, Veneto - Italy £19.99
ITALIAN WHITE TROPHY WINNER & SOAVE TROPHY
A regular Gold and trophy winner, La Rocca is one of Italy's finest white wines. A luxuriously rich and smooth, highly complex wine.
2012 DANDELION VINEYARDS RIESLING, Eden Valley - Australia £9.99
GOLD MEDAL
Bone dry and crisp, a very elegant Riesling with pure citrus fruits. Lean and limey with lovely minerality.
2010 CAVE DE TAIN ST JOSEPH ESPRIT DE GRANIT, Rhone - France £17.99
ST JOSEPH TROPHY, FRENCH RED TROPHY, INTERNATIONAL SYRAH TROPHY
From the outstanding 2010 vintage, this is a Syrah with real class. Intense and smooth with blackberries and peppery spice.

**STAR BUY**
2008 ONDARRE RIOJA RESERVA - Spain £10.99
RIOJA RESERVA TROPHY - GOLD MEDAL
"Lovely rich nose of mountain herbs and exotic spices. Prominent oak, but sufficient fruit to support, with juicy tannins, lovely balance and a long open finish. Attractive and complex"
18/20 Decanter Magazine September 2013
2010 TERRE DI SAVA PAZZIA OLD VINES PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA, Puglia - Italy £21.59
PUGLIA TROPHY AND PRIMITIVO TROPHY - GOLD MEDAL
"Opulent, late harvest style with bags of dried fruit, malt and dark chocolate flavour. Big, rich, alcoholic, a splendid example of Puglia Primitivo" International Wine Challenge 2013
2010 RUST-EN-VREDE STELLENBOSCH RIDGE, Stellenbosch - South Africa £21.99
SOUTH AFRICAN BORDEAUX BLEND TROPHY - GOLD MEDAL
This is a gloriously rich Stellenbosch red with intense blackcurrant fruit flavours, cedary spice and very fine tannins.
2011 ALPHA ZETA 'R' VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO, Veneto - Italy £10.59
GOLD MEDAL
Sweet cherry liqueur and chocolate. This is a classic Valpolicella Ripasso.
2010 DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONS TOOTH SHIRAZ/RIESLING, McLaren Vale - Australia £9.99
GOLD MEDAL
Wild cherries, blueberries and mulberries combine to form an impressive structure balanced by spicy oak, velvety and opulent.

WINES OF THE MONTH

2012 ELKI PEDRO XIMENEZ, Elqui Valley - Chile £7.99
A rare example of the PX grape, this is intense and fruity white wine. Deliciously different and well worth a try.
2011 OLLIEUX ROMANIS CORBIERES CLASSIQUE - France £8.99
This excellent Corbieres producer has turned out a superb Cuvee Classique in 2011. Rich and sweetly fruited with plum compote and some aromatic garrigue herbs on the finish.

D. Byrne & Co. AUTUMN CASE

WHITE WINES
MASTRI VERNACOLI TRENTINO NOSIOLA - Italy
A medley of fruit with citrus, apple and stone fruit on the nose. A deliciously ripe and nutty palate with a slight creaminess.
FUENTESCA MACABEO SAUVIGNON BLANC - Spain
Lightly aromatic with white peach and jasmine on the nose, along with some delicate herbaceous notes. The palate is textured with fresh and zesty citrus notes and a clean, crisp finish. Organic
CAPE HEIGHTS CHENIN BLANC - South Africa
A fresh, dry Chenin with broad appeal and displaying classic baked apple and zippy citrus notes with soft apple fruit flavours on the palate.
DOMAINE VISON VIOGNIER - France
Honeyed and rich with ripe stone fruits and vanilla oak, smooth and weighty, this is very much a food wine. New World meets Old World.
PASQUIER SAUVIGNON V - France
An innovative blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino from Southern France. The luscious exotic fruit flavours from the Vermentino are balanced by the clean, zingy fruit of Sauvignon, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic, smooth dry white.

RED WINES
OSA MAREMMA TINTO - Italy
A warm spicy nose with ripe red fruits and notes of tobacco and dried figs. Sweet and spicy baked red fruits and a soft, rounded palate.
LA CHAPELLE DE MARIN COTES DU RHONE - France
Delicious ripe bramble fruit aromas with a palate of rich fruit, warm spice and real depth. This is a classic Southern Rhone red which is rich and smooth with supple tannins.
BURLESQUE OLD VINE - USA 
A full-bodied zin, packed with damson fruit flavours with a twist of black pepper. Wonderfully smooth and easy drinking.
FUENTESCA BOBAL/CABERNET - Spain
Juicy fruits on the nose with cassis and cherry characters. there is a great silky texture to the palate which flows with juicy plum fruit and faint herbal notes. Organic.
VISTA TINTA RORIZ - Portugal
Aromas of ripe cherry and plum fruit with a touch of pepper. Warm and richly flavoured with some savoury, meaty characters in the palate and  fresh spices on the finish.
FALSE BAY SHIRAZ - South Africa
A full yet elegant Shiraz with cassis and black cherry flavours on the palate and a touch of white pepper spice on the finish.
EMILIANA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Chile
A soft, fruit driven Cabernet Sauvignon with some pleasantly ripe blackcurrant fruit flavours and well structured minty tannins.

£75.95 if collected from the shop and £83.95 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius

Still available our fabulous EVERYDAY CASE
12 great bottles for drinking any day of the week
£60.99 in the shop or £69.00 delivered

VALUE WINES FROM SPAIN
With the nights drawing in there is a temptation to drink fuller bodied reds and whites. We consider Spain to be a treasure trove for both quality and value.

REDS
2012 BORSAO GARNACHA £4.99
Highly praised and offering stunning value. Rich ripe bramble and redcurrant fruits are balanced with a hint of liquorice and crushed black pepper on the finish.
2010 BORSAO SELECTION BARRICA £7.19
Deep, honest and intoxicating - this 100% Garnacha has spent 3 months in second and third filled French oak barriques, providing an enticing whiff of smoky bacon mingled with sumptuous black cherry on the palate.
2011 TRES PICOS BODEGAS BORSAO, CAMPO DE BORJA £12.89
A bouquet of mature red fruits with floral notes that are typical of the best Garnachas. The palate is rich, showing flavours of blackberries, strawberries and vanilla, which combine harmoniously on the sweet soft finish.
2011 PINNA FIDELIS RIBERA DEL DUERO £6.99
D. BYRNE & CO. RED WINE OF THE YEAR
6 months in French and American oak. Fruit aromas of fresh raspberry and redcurrants balanced by notes of slightly toasty oak and a beautifully balanced persistent finish.
2010 MESONEROS DE CASTILLA ROBLE, RIBERA DEL DUERO £8.59
This is a generous and approachable wine aromas of black cherry, plum, coffee bean and layered fruit. Sweet vanilla and toasty notes from its time spent in oak combine for a richly flavoured finish. This is excellent!
2009 VALSOTILLO CRIANZA, RIBERA DEL DUERO £12.99
Deep garnet in colour, with cherry aromas and containing typical Ribera notes of both cassis and menthol. This wine has a mouth-filling palate, considerable structure and complexity.
2010 PARADA DE ATAUTA, RIBERA DEL DUERO £14.99
The nose is warm and spicy with intense black fruit, mocha and baked earth characters. The palate has a good structure, concentrated fruit, cedar and minerality with perfumed violets to the finish.
2010 VEGA PIEDRA RIOJA TINTO £5.59
D. BYRNE & CO. HOUSE RIOJA
A soft, approachable and aromatic number, with comforting and generous ripe berry fruit aromas, and a hint of spice. the palate is light and plumy, with a long juicy finish. To get an oak-aged wine of this quality, at this price, is an absolute bargain.
2009 ONTANON RIOJA, CRIANZA £8.39
The nose is well balanced with aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. The palate contains further bright, intense tangy red cherry fruit, with fresh acidity, a silky mouth-feel, soft ripe tannins and a lingering finish.

2009 THE CHARGE TEMPRANILLO GARNACHA, RIOJA £8.59
Intense aromas of leather, warm spice and dark fruits. The palate is dark, pruney and decadently ripe with good balance between tannins and acidity. An earthly, opulent wine that is rich, warm and classically poised.
2006 VALENCISO RESERVA RIOJA, a classic vintage red. £16.99
Pungent meaty and curranty aromas, with hints of cedar and spice. Produced purely from Tempranillo and aged in new French and American oak barriques. This wine is soft-bodied and smooth and displays all the elegance expected of the variety. Delicate and velvety, with plenty of complexity - awarded 91 points in The Wine Advocate.
2012 JUAN GIL 4 MESES MONASTRELL, JUMILLA £7.39
A beautiful Monastrell from 40 year old vineyards. An intense palate with fresh juicy blackberry and plum fruit, delicate vanilla spice and cedar. Hugely enjoyable!
2012 TURRET FIELDS MONASTRELL SHIRAZ, JUMILLA £8.59
This is a characteristically rich and powerful Monastrell based red. It is deeply perfumed with black cherry, damson and blueberry aromas, spice and black pepper. The palate has ripe juicy fruit in abundance, soft approachable tannins, hints of violet and more spice. the finish has an almost choclate texture and a fresh sappy character.
2007 CANUS VERUS 'VINAS VIEJAS', TORO £12.19
A big, bold and serious wine. Dark bramble fruits mingle with liquorice, vanilla and spice aromas. Very complex and concentrated.
2011 CATALAN EAGLE RED, GARNACHA CARINENA SYRAH, LA BASCULA £8.49
Characterized by smoky, black berry fruit and spice, rounded off by some contact with French oak, this wine has a New World feel whilst remaining firmly and typically Spanish with the 60% old Grenache and Carignan.
2008 THE GAUNTLET MONASTRELL, YECLA £12.29
A wine with great length and complexity complemented by an excellent structure of fine acidity and well honed tannins. Ripe, spicy black berry fruit is balanced by the vanila flavours from oak barrels.
2011 BARBAZUL, CADIZ £8.69
A heady concoction of flavours in a seriously impressive wine. The fruit is pure with bright, juicy cherry, sweet spice, balanced acidity, an impressive structure and a long finish. Ideal fro with juicy steaks.
2007 TABERNER, CADIZ £16.99
The rave reviews and awards should leave you in no doubt - a stunning wine that will not disappoint. Full and rich, with a heady nose of ripe plum, chocolate, spice, mocha and oak. Voluptuous with a savoury edge.
2010 MANO TEMPRANILLO, LA MANCHA £6.69
A hugely appealing red from Mano a Mano winery near Alhambra - truly capturing the character of the region and over delivering with every sip.
2010 MANO A MANO TEMPRANILLO, LA MANCHA £8.49
Cherry, black cherries, violets and cassis mingle with smoked meat and black pepper on the nose; an intensely structured wine with robust flavours, dark fruits and a mineral yet juicy finish.
2011 MACIA BATLE TINTO ANADA, BINISSALEM MALLORCA £8.99
A rich and generous red wine from one of the leading producers in the region. Wild berry fruit characters, smoky undertones and a structured finish. Will drink very nicely with grilled or roasted lamb.
2010 MACIA BATLE CRIANZA, BINISSALEM MALLORCA £12.29
A rich and generous red from one of Mallorca's leading producers. Powerful and spicy aromas of cherries, blackberries and warm oaky notes, beautifully balanced with layers of coffee and bitter chocolate.
2008 MACIA BATLE RESERVE PRIVADA, BINISSALEM MALLORCA £20.19
A dark, brooding wine, with a huge concentration or ripe fruit. The palate is complex with layers of coffee, chocolate and plum jam. This is Macia batle's flagship wine.

WHITES

2012 MARQUES DE LA VILLA MALVASIA, TORO £5.99
A plump aromatic white, lively citrus and tropical fruit aromas offer immediate appeal. The full, ripe, peachy palate is balanced by crisp fresh acidity.
2012 ARTESA RIOJA VIURA WHITE £5.99
Unoaked Viura. Clean, fresh and attractive nose showing hints of ripe peach and pear. The ripe, round and almost creamy palate cut through with a refreshing streak of zesty acidity. This is excellent value.
2012 DIEZ SIGLOS RUEDA VERDEJO £5.99
Stunning value. Pungent aromatics lead to a complex and vibrant wine, passion fruit tangerine and citrus flavours on the palate. A wine with great texture and finesse.
2012 K-NAIA, RUEDA £7.69
A fresh Rueda from a top producer who is currently making quite an impact in the UK. A nose of zesty citrus with a rich pineapple layer and hints of mango. The palate is rich with minerality and further hints of tropical fruit. This wine has a lovely intensity and a modern feel.
2009 NAIADES BODEGAS NAIA VERDEJO, RUEDA £16.99
An extraordinary wine produced from ancient vines, well over 100 years old. In tensely powerful 'toasty aromatics' - ripe melon combined with citrus and grapefruit on the palate. A seamless mix of honeyed fruit, structure and richness.
2011 HEIGHTS OF THE CHARGE VERDEJO VIURA, RUEDA £8.39
The palate of this wine possesses both remarkable depth and a wonderfully luscious quality. Lemony freshness gives way to hints of stone fruit, nectarine and fresh apricot. This enormously satisfying number exudes quality.
2012 CATALAN EAGLE WHITE, GARNACHA BLANCA VIOGNIER, CATALUNYA £8.39
This wonderfully complex wine from Catalonia has a delicate floral nose permeated by grapefruit and earthy clay notes. Citrus emerges on the palate, accompanied by pear and melon, warm spice and savoury notes. Richly textured and inviting.


For orders or enquiries for any of the wines in this blog please apply by phone to the shop on 01200 423152 or 01200 422281, thank you.