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. 

D. Byrne & Co. July Newsletter

D. Byrne & Co. July Newsletter

D. Byrne & Co. Barbecue Case
Whites
Alasia Piemonte Cortese - Italy
Delicious fresh fragrant nose, clean, invigorating and zesty, with crisp green fruit on the palate and lovely acidity, a very moreish drink.
Percheron Chenin Blanc Viognier - South Africa
Vibrant and aromatic with delicious, generous fresh apricot, nectarine and hints of passion fruit on the nose, in this delightful blend sourced from vines up to 40 years old.
Ancora Bianco Garganega delle Venezie - Italy
Pale straw yellow colour, lightly aromatic with ripe citrus and baked apple characters, a soft easy to drink white.
Sierra Grande Chardonnay - Chile
A fantastic expression of un-oaked Chilean mountain Chardonnay. Ripe peaches and mango, with hints of vanilla creaminess. A very pure crisp Chardonnay.
Ca' di Ponti Catarratto - Italy
This great value has some real weight and character, fresh and dry with ripe guava and citrus, and a succulent tropical fruit finish.
Rose
Percheron Grenache Rose - South Africa
SWA Gold medal & a separate award for wine by the glass Sommelier Wine Awards 2013
Elegant, savoury and lifted, from young vine Swartland Grenache. No surprise it scooped so many awards at the SWA!
Reds
Mas de Vigneron Rouge, Pays du Vaucluse - France
First impressions are of a classic Rhone red, friendly and warming, with the hallmark spice of Grenache and Syrah. Soft, fruity and easy to drink.
Alasia Piemonte Barbera - Italy
Light juicy red with aromas of raspberry fruit, plums and cherries. These characters follow through to the palate, along with soft tannins and a savoury finish.
Percheron Old Vine Cinsault - South Africa
Highly praised by wine critics, from gnarly vines up to 65 years old, this wine is gently compelling with aromas of the earth and stony minerality. The palate includes red fruits, cherries, a hint of spice and creamy refreshing acidity.
Borsao Garnacha, Bodegas Borsao - Spain
It would be hard to find, at the price, a more highly praised and award winning wine than this. Juicy bramble fruit and fresh redcurrants dominate this very approachable wine.
Cape Heights Shiraz - South Africa
A ripe chunky red, with layers of spicy fruit and damsons, that massively over delivers.
Ancora Rosso Sangiovese di Puglia
A cracking barbecue wine, medium bodied with aromas or red fruit and damsons, balanced by a tangy acidity.
£60.99 if collected from the shop and £69.00 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius.

D. Byrne & Co. Summer Case
Whites
L'Ormarine 'Duc de Morny' Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux Languedoc - France
Nicknamed 'La Bomba' due to the incredible fruit and zest in a white from this far south. Exuberantly fresh on the palate with ripe mango fruit, a slightly salty edge and underlying minerality.
Torre de Menagem Vinho Verde - Portugal
Aromas of stone fruit, peach and orange zest. The wine is ripe, spicy and aromatic on the palate, with tangy, citrussy lemon and pink grapefruit. Portugal's answer to the wines of Rias Baixas.
Lauca Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Maule - Chile
Twenty five year old low-trellised Maule Valley Sauvignon Blanc from cool, rocky terrain. Medium-bodied with fresh citrus notes, hints of tropical fruit, a steely mineral palate and delicious pink grapefruit acidity.
Les Cepages Oublies Gros Manseng Colombard, Pays de Cotes de Gascogne - France
Ripe grass nose (reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc), citrus fruit and hints of nuttiness harmonise into an intensely aromatic wine. Quite frankly superb!
Castell del Remei Blanc Planell - Spain
Costers del Segre remains an emerging but not exactly mainstream region, producing exceptional quality wines. peach and white blossom on the palate, almonds, hints of fennel and herbaceous notes. This is an absolute delight, a wine that certainly delivers.
Rose
Borsao Seleccion Rosado - Spain
A great fresh rose, spicy and full with excellent harmony between acidity and ripe fruit. Borsao have achieved a rare combination of quality and stunning value.
Reds
Alianca Dao Reserva - Portugal
This a proper, grown-up, thoroughly drinkable wine. Intense, a full flavoured spicy brambly red, perfect for drinking on long summer nights.
Soliti Merlot, Il Cascinone - Italy
An exuberant, juicy, slurpy, fruity red which tastes of proper wine! Crushed cherry characters, a nice soft palate with vibrant acidity and a mouth-watering oh-so drinkable finish.
Domaine Belle Granges Syrah, Pays de Collines Rhodaniennes - France
Sourced a 15 minute drive from Hermitage in the Rhone Valley. Amazingly fresh and vibrant with real depth and the tell-tale perfume of violets gives way to lashings of sweet ripe fruit. Perfect for the barbecue or to cheer you up if it's raining!
Senorio de Sarria Crianza, Navarra - Spain
SWA Gold Medal winner, also awarded a medal for wine by the glass, Sommelier Wine Awards 2013
Packed with an abundance of juicy ripe berry fruits. An harmonious palate and soft rounded tannins. Great with lamb.
Barbera d'Asti 'Ceppi Storici' - Italy
A medium-bodied, warm, soft, spicy red, with flavours of damson fruits on the palate. Light redcurrant and subtle red cherry fruits on the finish, juicy, succulent and comfortingly full.
Lauca Cabernet Sauvignon - Chile
Made from 30 year old vines. Dark and brooding, with pepper and spice and intense black fruit on the palate, rich plum and exotic spices mingle to ensure a great drink.
£79.89 if collected from the shop and £88 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius.

Philip's Holiday Drinking

Soon to be going on holiday my mind has turned to the all important decision of which drinking delights I am going to take with me, it's surprising just how many bottles you can squeeze into a car between the dog and the wetsuits.

Holiday drinking is a relaxed affair, so no premier crus here, just good quality, easy drinking, pleasure-giving wine, you know, the ones where you won't feel guilty if you pull a second cork!

A great start to the holiday this year will be Rimauresq 2011 Cotes de Provence - particularly since my wife, Judith, recently received a 3 litre double magnum as a particularly spectacular birthday present. This is available in a more reasonably sized bottle at £10.39. 

We may be enjoying a Devon seaside holiday, but I will always remain a Francofile, so the the family will be enjoying a Bourgogne Rouge Michel Lafarge 2006 £13.99 and a Chateau Cap de Faugeres Cotes de Castillon £13.99. At the moment we are particularly partial to the Bernard Vallet Chardonnay £13.29, a grower we have met many times and are proud to call a friend. Next in the box will be the Greywacke Sauvignon from New Zealand £13.99, especially if we boys have been out mackerel fishing for the day. I might just sneak a bottle of Pouilly Fume Arret Buffatte £12.99 in to go with the spectacular crabs that are brought in at the local beach.

Being a father to two student daughters I often find myself pandering to their wine whims. Our youngest, an art student, has a great wine palate but is always drawn to a good label, not aesthetics over quality I might add, she just likes a bottle to look good. Her current favourites are more than worthy to be going on holiday with us: Passion has Red Lips Cabernet Shiraz by Some Young Punks £11.89 and Pablo Y Walter Malbec £8.39.

The irresistible urge for man to make fire gets to us all which means you'll frequently find me in charge of the barbecue and that calls for serious quaffing wine. Our family quaff would be either Pina Fidelis from Ribera del Duero (our Red of the Year) £6.99 or a superb Alianca Bairrada Reserva £5.99. For the white wine drinkers there will be a bottle of Mastri Vernacoli Trentino Nosiola £6.09

Holidays aren't all about wine, even for a wine merchant; we always sample the local beers, especially since we stay next door to a pub! For a long cool tipple, Judith has recently discovered the delights of Hendrick's Gin £26.19, which she insists must be drunk from a large brandy glass with slices of cucumber and ice to capture all the flavours.

Fine Wines from Oporto by Tim Byrne
I have just returned from a visit to Portugal, this was an opportunity to taste the new vintages and to meet with a number of our suppliers there. One of the many highlights of the trip was an extensive tasting and dinner with Jose Carneiro of the port house Wiese and Krohn.
In port wine terms Krohn are a relatively small house, but they are widely acknowledged as one of the finest producers of Colheita ports. The company house an impressive stock of some five million litres of wine and still have Colheita ports in barrel dating back to 1863. A Colheita port is a tawny port from a single harvest, the wines must be aged in wood for a minimum of seven years after which time they take on a smooth tawny character.
Fine Colheitas are fascinating and of all the styles of port wine produced,  I find Colheitas to be the most alluring, with a rare complexity and intensity all of their own.


Here are my personal favourites from the tasting, needless to say they are all highly recommended.

Krohn 1964 White Colheita £62.99
This rare and remarkable wine has spent 47 years in cask and is an utter joy to taste. Super complex from start to finish, this is a truly stunning Colheita. It is hard to believe that a wine so fine has a cost which equates to less than £1.30 a year - rare indeed.
Krohn 1982 Colheita £39.99
This wine shows the development of the 30 years spent in cask, it has rich and nutty complexity backed by some silky spicy notes, the finish lasts for over a minute!
Krohn 1995 Colheita £21.99
With 15 years in cask this is a more vigorous and full-bodied wine than the '82. Rich in dried fruits and some chocolaty notes, this is a perfectly balanced example.
Krohn 2000 Colheita £15.59
This is the youngest of Krohn's Colheitas and the perfect entry level style. Rich and fruity with some soft Christmas spices.
Krohn LBV 2005 £12.99
Outstanding value. This is a sensational LBV, full-bodied and very sweet, fruity and not too serious.
Krohn Dry White £10.29
Served as a long drink with tonic water and ice this makes a delicious aperitif.
Krohn Rose £8.99
The finest example of the new style 'Rose Port' I have tasted. With crisp red fruits and a vibrant refreshing feel.



Andrew's Spirits

Benromach is carefully handcrafted at Speyside's smallest distillery by just two men using the finest Scottish barley and the purest of spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. Golden in colour, with a soft mellow character, this single malt combines soft fruity notes with a rich sherry influence and gentle peat smoke to deliver an exceptional whisky experience. Benromach 10 year old has just achieved the 'Ultimate Recommendation' accolade at the Ultimate Spirit Challenge after scoring 95 points out of 100.
Benromach 10 year old SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £27.99

Maison Briottet is a family business, founded in 1836. Originally in the wine business as a negociant buying and selling wine. Following the development of the 'blanc cassis' aperitif (white wine with Crème de Cassis), the company progressively focused its activities of producing fruit crèmes liqueurs. More recently people have been experimenting with all sorts of concoctions and two of the nicest are either Liqueur de Rhubarbe £15.29 or Liqueur Pamplemouse Rose (pink grapefruit) £16.39 - mixed with Prosecco (Lunetta £7.49) they both make delicious tasting summer evening drinks.



Orders or enquiries for any of the cases or wines in this blog please telephone the shop on 01200 422281 or 01200 423152.

D. Byrne & Co. Summer Newsletter

In a fit of enthusiasm we have entitled this blog 'The Summer Newsletter', may I just add that we reserve the right to post a 'Proper Summer Newsletter' when summer does, finally, get here. In the mean time, here are some great wines to keep you going - lower alcohol wines, fabulous Rhones, a report of a terrific Lebanese Evening & wines of Chateau Musar and finally the best cognac offer you're going to see this year, enjoy!

Lower alcohol wines are all the rage.
Quite a few customers have asked us for a few wines lower in alcohol to enjoy on those 'hoped for' balmy summer evenings. We have put together a selection of some particularly fresh, well-balanced examples that will provide fine drinking during the warm summer months, and before you laugh, we have put in a request for a sunny summer.

Whites
2011 Les Oliviers Sauvignon Blanc/Colombard Cotes de Gascogne 12% vol. £5.69
Typically crisp citrus fruits with added fat from the more tropical Colombard.
2010 Joseph Burrier Macon Vergisson Burgundy 13% vol. £10.99
A fine wine from the south of the Burgundy region which reflects the near perfect growing season of 2010.
2008 Joseph Matrot St. Romain Burgundy 12.5% vol. £16.99
Matrot produce particularly fine white Burgundy. The style here is all elegance, refinement and minerality.
2009 Bourgogne Blanc Gerard Thomas Burgundy 13% vol. £10.99
Concentrated and fruity Burgundy from a fine domaine.
2012 Duc de Mornay Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc 13% vol. £6.99
Bring a taste of the Languedoc coast to your dining table.
2011 Terres de Granit Pinot Blanc - Alsace 12% vol. £8.99
Just off dry with elegant soft stone fruit flavours. A really lovely aperitif!
2009 Blanc Fume de Pouilly Domaine Didier Dageneau - Loire
12.5% vol. £39.99

2009 Silex Blanc Fume de Pouilly Domaine Didier Dageneau 13%vol. £59.99

A superstar Domaine now in the capable hands of Louis Benjamin Dageneau. The ultimate expression of Sauvignon Blanc.
2012 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough 12.5% £9.99
Fresh cut grass aromas and a burst of tropical fruits.
2011 Innocent Bystander Chardonnay - Yarra Valley 12.5% £10.59
Fresh and juicy with citrus and tropical fruit notes.
2012 Ciconia Antao Vaz/Viognier/Verdelho - Alentejo 13% vol. £6.99
This is clean and delicious with passion fruit and white flowers.
2011 Vesevo Beneventano Falanghina Campania 13% vol. £9.59
A refreshing lemon scented wine from the native Falanghina grape.
2012 Cantina Paolini Grillo Baccaria - Sicily 12.5% vol. £6.69
Honeyed candied peel characters and an appealing nutty, almond finish. Excellent value!
2012 Raza Vinho Verde 12% vol. £7.59
A truly authentic Vinho Verde with crisp sherbet lemon fruits and a lightness and drinkability all of its own. Perfect with sardines.
2012 Naire Verdejo Toro 12.5% £6.99
Fresh tropical fruits and a crisp vibrant mouth-feel, a very clean wine.
2011 La Liebre y la Tortuga Albarino Rias Baixas 12.5% vol. £9.99
The highly fashionable Albarinos from Galicia make a delicious accompaniment to fine seafood. A delicious wine filled with racy green fruits.

Reds
 2011 Ponte del Diavolo Refosco Friuli 12.5% £7.39
Crisp and crunchy red fruits, this is light and refreshing. Perfect with tomato based pasta dishes.
2011 Poderi Colla Dolcetto D'Alba Pian Balbo, Piemonte 12% vol. £9.89
Fresh and crunchy red fruits with fine acidity. Serve lightly chilled with pizza and anti pasti.
2011 Contesa Vigna Corvina Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 13% vol. £7.59
Plums and damsons with some ripe chocolaty tannins.
2012 Patrice Armand Cotes du Rhone 13% vol £5.99
From an elegant Southern Rhone vintage, this is fresh and spicy.
2012 Les Cepages Oublies Cinsault/Grenache Pays D'Oc 13% vol £6.99
A sweet perfume of mild cranberries tipped with sweet exotic spices.
2009 Matrot Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 12% £12.99 In ripe vintages such as 2009 Bourgogne Rouge can be particularly enticing and excellent value for money, this is a textbook example.
2010 Champs du Chene Julienas, Beaujolais 13% vol. £8.39
Julienas is one of the finest of the Beaujolais Crus. This wine shows real concentration, a hallmark of the outstanding 2010 vintage.

2008 Chateau Cantemerle 5er Cru Classe Haut Medoc, Bordeaux 13% vol. £28.99
Cantemerle is a very reliable Chateau, producing a string of excellent wines since the 2004 vintage. In Bordeaux terms this is a bargain, well balanced and age worthy.
2011 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley 13% vol. £11.79
One of the best value now world Pinots. From the premium wine growing area of Yarra Valley, this is silky smooth with textbook aromas and flavours.
2011 Beyra Tinto, Beira Interior 13.5% vol. £7.99
A fresh, modern Portuguese red from high altitude vineyards south of the Douro. This has beautifully crisp and crunchy red fruits.
2012 El Tesoro Monastrell/Shiraz Jumilla 13% vol. £5.49
This bargain priced Spanish red has rich black cherry fruit and a twist of spice.
2010 Dirk Niepoort Drink Me Douro Tinto, Douro Valley 13% vol. £9.99
One of the great innovators of the Douro, Dirk Niepoort produces wonderfully authentic Portuguese wines from native grapes.
2012 Naire Tempranillo, Toro 13% vol. £6.99
A soft and sweetly fruited wine with vibrant plum and damson fruits.

SEASONAL CASES

The Everyday Case - wines of exceptional value for money.
£60.99 if collected from the shop and £69.99 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius.

The Spring Case - perfect for that transition from Spring into Summer
£79.89 if collected from the shop and £88.00 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius.



LEBANESE WINES

On the 11th May we were lucky enough to attend a Lebanese evening at The Parkers Arms hosted by the Country Pub themselves in association with Ralph Hochar of Chateau Musar. Lebanese wine has a very ancient history dating back to 4500 BC and has its origins in the Bekaa valley surrounded by two impressive mountain ranges. The Hochar family arrived in the Lebanon from France in the 12th century and Chateau Musar was founded by the family in 1930.
Though we have championed their wines for many many years, it was refreshing to try a wide range with the food of the country of origin. We were very impressed with what we found on both counts.
Chateau Musar Jeune Rose 2011 £8.99
Best served gently chilled, the colour is vividly bright, reminiscent of redcurrants, and indeed the fruit is there too on the palate, together with cranberries, raspberries and a hint of rose water.
This was a delightful aperitif served with a meze of falafels, pomegranate crusted sausages and 'Khobez' flat bread with za'atar.
Chateau Musar Jeune Red 2010 £8.99
A youthful wine grown at altitude. The 2011 vintage was challenging leading to late maturation, but the resulting wine is very balanced. The palate is fresh & fruity with blueberries, blackcurrants and red plums. The tannins are soft, long and warm. We enjoyed this with 'Chorba Mloukhiyeh', a deliciously light chicken and Jew's mallow broth served with shallot vinegar and Lebanese bread croutons.
Hochar Pere et Fils Red 2007 £11.59
Aromas of leather, cigar box, tea leaves and spices and a palate of plums, prunes, dates and figs and sweet spices such as cardamom. In other words exotic to the last sip and thoroughly enticing. The wine was a wonderful match with local venison tartar, cracked wheat, olive oil, red onions cumin and tomatoes.
Chateau Musar White 2005 £16.59
Rich lemon in colour with aromas of tropical fruits, pineapple, lychee, pears and apricots. A rather remarkable multi-layered wine, which balanced perfectly the cumin spice of the 'Siyadiyeh', the hake with caramelised onion pilaf with lemon sauce.
Chateau Musar Red 2005 £18.99
This wine is only released by the winery when they consider it to be fully mature and ready for drinking. This is their current release and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present on the evening. Almost medicinal hints along with all the delights of figs, mocha, leather and juicy red plums. A wine almost designed to accompany the 'Lahem Meshwi', local milk fed lamb, aubergine confit and lamb fat roasted potatoes.

Chateau Musar Arak £20.59

A new experience for many of us, daughter Ruth has become a firm fan! Probably best not drunk neat, Ralph Hochar suggested one part arak to two parts water. Smooth, refreshing and very easy in the mouth even without the addition of water, a very sophisticated arak.
The arak was enjoyed alongside the 'Labneh halwa' (soft curd cheese with pistachio croustillant and amar el din sorbet with rosehip jelly) and Lebanese petit fours with Cardomom infused coffee.



By the end of the evening many of us were planning our visits to The Lebanon  but you don't have to, all the wines are available from the shop! We also keep a good selection of other Lebanese wines if you would like to experiment - you won't regret it!

One or two others you might try:
2012       Domaine des Tourelles White £8.59
2011/12 Domaine des Tourelles Rose £8.59
2010       Domaine des Tourelles Red £8.59
2010       Domaine des Tourelles Marquis des Beys Red £18.99
2009       Chateau Ka Red £8.99
2010/11 Massaya Classic Red £9.99
2010       Massaya Silver Red £14.99

2009 / 2010 / 2011 Rhones
Very fine wines and equally fine value for money.
These have been some of the finest vintages for the Rhone in recent years and in our opinion are now offering some of the greatest value to be had from any wine region in the world.
2011       Domaine Belles Granges Syrah Pays de Collines Rhodaniennes £7.59
2010       Les Coteaux Cotes de Rhone Villages £7.39
2009/10  Les Coteaux Schisteux Seguret Cotes du Rhone Villages £9.99
2009/10  Les Cote Sauvage Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages £10.99
2010       Domaine de l'Espigouttes Violes, Vacqueyras £12.69
2009       Domaine Le Couroulu Vieilles Vignes, Vacqueyras £14.89
2010       Domaine La Soumade Rasteau Villages £11.99
2010       Domaine La Soumade Rasteau Cuvee Prestige £14.99
2010       Domaine La Soumade Cuvee Violettes £21.99
2010       Domaine La Soumade Cuvee Confiance £21.99
2010       Domaine La Haute Marone, Les Cru des Dentelles de Montmirail Gigondas £12.29
2011       Domaine Les Florets Gigondas Les Florets £14.59
2011       Domaine Florent et Damien Burle Gigondas Cuvee Traditionelle £14.69
2011       Domaine Raspail Ay Gigondas £17.39
2010/11  Domaine La Soumade Gigondas £19.99
2009/10  Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Racines £22.89
2010       Domaine Fayolle Fils Crozes Hermitage Rouge Las Pontaix £13.99
2010       Domaine Fayolle Fils Crozes Hermitage Les Cornirets £17.19
2009       Domaine Michel Chapoutier Crozes Hermitage Les Varonniers £35.99
2009       Domaine Michel Chapoutier Saint Joseph Les Granits Rouge £37.99
2010       Yves Cuilleron Saint Joseph Rouge L'Amarybelle £18.99
2010       Domaine du Monteillet Saint Joseph Rouge Cuvee du Papy £20.19
2010       Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 £20.69
2010       Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 £23.69
2010       Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale £34.99
2010       Domaine Philippe Faury Cote Rotie Reviniscence £30.89
2009       Domaine du Monteillet Cote Rotie Fortis £34.39
2009       Domaine Michel Chapoutier Cote Rotie La Mordoree £109.99
2009       Chateau de Beaucastel Coudelet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone £16.89
2009       Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape £55.49
2010       Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape £17.89
2009       Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes £29.39
2010       Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape £23.29
2010       Clos du Mont Olivet Cuvee du Papet Chateauneuf du Pape £42.49
2010       Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape £24.99
2010       Pierre Usseglio Mon Aieul Chateauneuf du Pape £59.99
2010       Pierre Usseglio Deus Freres Chateauneuf du Pape £98.99
2010       Domaine Vieux Telegraph Chateauneuf du Pape £38.99
2010       Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape £25.19
2010       Domaine Saint Prefert Chateauneuf du Pape £31.49
2010       Domaine Saint Prefert Collection Charles Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape £45.99
2010       Domaine Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve £53.99
2010       Domaine Pegau Cuvee da Capo Chateauneuf du Pape £246.99
2009       Domaine Michel Chapoutier Ermitage Le Greffieux £112.99
2009       Domaine Michel Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal £144.99

 











Provence Rose
Light and easy drinking and exceptional quality too

2012       Domaine de la Vieille Tour Rose Cotes de Provence £8.09
2012       Chateau La Moutete Grande Reserve Rose Cotes de Provence £9.39
2012       Rimauresq Cru Classe Rose Cotes de Provence £10.29


Andrew's Spirit recommendations

Ardbeg 10 Y.O. £35.99
A very sophisticated single Islay malt, non chill-filtered and bottled at a strength of 46% to retain maximum flavour.

From our range of over 80 different gins I've selected:
Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin £20.99
41% vol with some more unusual botanicals which include rowan berry and heather, bog myrtle, dandelion and the rare Coul Blush apple amongst others. Invigorating, long, refreshing, crisp and dry. Instead of lemon or lime, drink it with a freshly cut slice of red apple.

De Marcy Eminence X.O. Cognac £25.99
A terrific bargain - we managed to buy a small parcel at an unbeatable price, snap it up quickly! Very high quality cognac, rich and very smooth. 

One to keep in the fridge door!
De Soto Fino Sherry 15% vol. £7.29
Bone dry, fresh and clean, an excellent aperitif and a perfect wine with spicy Chinese food.


A final little fizz for the summer.....
Frassinelli Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Extra dry £9.59
Given rave reviews by wine writer Jane Mcquitty in The Times
- a great value sparkling wine!

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