Summer Newsletter - The wines of Chile & Argentina

In this latest edition of our newsletter we are featuring a strong selection of recommended wines from Argentina and Chile.
After enjoying many years of popularity in the UK, the wines from both Argentina and Chile go from strength to strength, with a breed of young wine making talent working very hard to bring us fresher and more balanced wines.
Though styles may be changing for the better, the wines have never lost any of their trademark fabulous fruit, and still offer the same outstanding value for money for which they became famous.
Along with the usual great recommendations, in this issue we are also offering a special mixed case of Chilean and Argentine wines, some new wines of the month, and a couple of seriously sharply priced Grandes Marques Champagnes.

A Taste of Argentina and Chile - a case of specially chosen wines
Whites
Torino Don David Torrontes - Cafayate - Argentina
The special micro-climate in the Cafayate valley is ideally suited to the Torrontes grape variety, where it develops concentrated aromas and flavours, which build from start to finish. An intriguing aroma of rose water and delicate fruit flavours of grapefruit and honey make this a rich and elegant wine.
El Viejo del Valle Sauvignon Gris - Casablanca Valley - Chile
This lovely wine shows real intensity and perfume on the nose, the fruit notes are lifted and tropical. There is an abundance of melon and gooseberry fruit on show throughout the palate, and the finish is long and elegant. This is a deliciously soft and full flavoured white.
Adobe Chardonnay - Casablanca Valley - Chile
This is a fresh and nutty Chardonnay made from organically produced grapes. Citric fruit aromas such as grapefruit and lime lead to a soft and flavour-packed palate with plenty of ripe tropical fruit notes and a silky, honeyed finish.
Tabali Reserva Viognier - Limari Valley - Chile
This Viognier presents rich aromas of citrus and dried apricot, with fresh pears and hints of candied fruit. The palate delivers similar fruit notes with a combination of elegant citrus fruits and a fine, chalky minerality so typical of Limari. Bright and fruity with plenty of texture and great purity.
Oveja Negra Sauvignon Blanc/Carmenere - Maule Valley - Chile
The herbal character is very evident on the nose, which displays a nice citrus background that recalls a blooming lemon tree. the wine has a very pleasant and refreshing acidity which is well integrated to the fruit components, making it feel fresh and vibrant.
Reds
Kaiken Reserve Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina
Vibrant crimson purple in colour with an excellent intensity of blackberries, plums and spice. The palate is rich and perfectly balanced with very smooth tannins and a ripe, fruity finish. No oak is used in the wine making, which helps to retain primary fruit flavours and aromas.
Torino Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Cafayate - Argentina
dark and intense on the nose with notes of spicy, red pepper and paprika. Powerful and intense in the mouth with blackberry and morello cherry fruit flavours mixed with some fine smoky and tobacco notes from the oak.
Tesoro de los Andes Bonarda/Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina
Unashamedly fruit driven and easy to drink, this is a perfect little fruit bomb with very broad appeal. Fine raspberry fruit flavours fill the palate, and are backed by some underlying floral notes which leave a feeling of real freshness on the finish.
Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc/Carmenere - Maule Valley - Chile
This delicious medium-bodied blend is supple and juicy fruited, with ripe plum and damson balanced by the soft touch of oak. The perfect interpretation of a modern new world red, showing soft, friendly tannins and a persistent finish.
Novas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot - Maipo Valley - Chile
Red fruit aromas elegantly combine with black pepper notes. On the palate this very classy Cab Sauv/Merlot is bursting with warm plum fruit flavours and just a hint of vanilla and chocolate. All in all this is a very well-structured wine with velvety smooth tannins.
Adobe Syrah - Rapel Valley - Chile
Black, meaty and appealing on the nose with complex aromas of ripe, red fruits and notes from the wood. Soft and well-rounded in the mouth with succulent black cherry fruit flavours and some fresh, smoky spice. A harmonious and mouth-filling wine.
Lauca Pinot Noir - Maule Valley - Chile
This is an elegant and aromatic Pinot Noir dominated by soft, red fruit flavours and light spices. Fresh and silky smooth in the mouth, with wild strawberry fruit flavours and plenty of perfume. Light and easy drinking.
£90 if collected from the shop
£98 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius. 

Our EVERYDAY CASE and SPRING CASE
Two cases of twelve carefully selected wines.
The Everyday Case is £62.99 if collected from the shop & £70.99 delivered in UK
The Spring Case is £79.99 If collected from the shop & £88.00 delivered in UK
Both can be delivered free of charge if within a 30 mile radius, please ring for details.

RECOMMENDED WINES FROM ARGENTINA AND CHILE

Whites
From two countries most noted for the production of fine red wines, a list of fantastically fresh and cool fruited whites that are perfect for summer drinking.

2013 Torino Don David Torrontes - Cafayate - Argentina £7.59
2013 Riccitelli 'The Apple Doesn't fall Far From The Tree' Torrontes - Mendoza
- Argentina £8.59
2013 Amauta Absoluto Torrontes - Cafayate - Argentina £8.59
2009 Bressia Monteagrelo Chardonnay - Mendoza - Argentina £13.59
2013 Adobe Chardonnay Organic - Casablanca - Chile £6.79
2013 Adobe Gewurztraminer Organic - Casablanca - Chile £6.79
2013 El Viejo del Valle Sauvignon Gris - Casablanca - Chile £7.59
2013 Oveja Negra Winemakers Selection Sauvignon Blanc/ Carmenere - Maule - Chile £7.59
2012 Oveja Negra Winemakers Selection Chardonnay/Viognier - Maule - Chile £7.59
2013 Novas Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Organic - Casablanca - Chile £8.59
2012 Tabali Dry Muscat - Limari - Chile £7.59
2012 Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay - Limari - Chile £9.59
2011 Signos de Origen Chardonnay/Marsanne/Viognier/Roussanne - Casablanca
- Chile £10.59

Reds

Malbec, Malbec and more Malbec please...........
paying homage to one of the finest red grapes on the planet

Fresh, juicy fruited styles:
2012/13 El Camino Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £5.99
2013 Dona Paula, Paula Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £5.99
2013 M. Torino Collecion Malbec - Cafayate - Argentina £6.99
2013 M. Torino Cuma Malbec organic - Cafayate - Argentina £7.49
2012 Pablo y Walter Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £7.99
2013 Renacer Punto Final Malbec - Mendosa - Argentina £8.59
All of the above offer sensational value for money, they are soft and approachable, delivering plenty of uncomplicated fruit flavours and all of them avoid being too heavy.

Floral, spicy and elegant
2010/11 Nieto Don Nicanor Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £9.99
2011 Matias Riccitelli 'The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree' Malbec - Mendoza
- Argentina £11.59
2011 Matias Riccitelli Vineyard Selection Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £16.99
2010/11 Bressia Monteagrelo Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £13.59
2012 Achaval Ferrer Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £13.99
2006 Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £62.99

Powerful, soft, fruit driven:
2011 Kaiken Reserve Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £7.99
2012 Urban Uco Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £8.99
2011 Colome Estate Malbec - Calchaqui - Argentina £13.99
2010 Bianchi Particular Malbec - San Rafael - Argentina £13.99
2008 O'Fournier Alfa Crux Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina £23.99

Recommended red blends:
Skilfully blended and perfectly balanced interpretations of the vineyard

2011 Kaiken Cab/Malbec/P.Verdot - Mendoza - Argentina £8.59
2011 Kaiken Malbec/Bon/P. Verdot - Mendoza - Argentina £8.59
2011 Septimo Gran Reserva - Mendoza - Argentina £13.59
2011 Bodegas Ranacer Enamore - Mendoza £16.99
2008 Walter Bressia Profundo - Mendoza - Argentina £20.59
2010 Pulenta Gran Corte - Mendoza - Argentina £20.99
2012 Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc/Carmenere - Maule Valley - Chile £7.59
2011 Oveja Negra Cabernet/Syrah - Maule Valley - Chile £7.59
201 Novas Gran Reserva Shiraz/Mourvedre - Maule Valley - Chile £7.59
2009 Altair Sideral - Cachapoal - Chile £14.59
2010 Emiliana Coyam - Colchagua - Chile £15.99
2005 Casa Silva Altura - Colchagua - Chile £34.99
2008/9 Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founders Reserve - Aconcagua - Chile £42.59
2009 Eduardo Chadwick Sena - Aconcagua - Chile £72.99

Other red grapes:
Some classics we all know and a few surprises

2012 Torino Don David Reserve Cabernet - Cafayate - Argentina £7.59
2013 Amauta Absoluto Tannat - Cafayate - Argentina £8.59
2010/11 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc - Mendoza - Argentina £13.59
2012 Nieto Bonarda - Mendoza - Argentina £7.59
2011 Carmen Gran Reserva Carmenere - Colchagua - Chile £8.59
2012 Perez Cruz Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Maipo - Chile £8.99
2010 Lauca Reserva Carignan - Maule - Chile £8.59
2010 Oveja Negra Single Vineyard Carignan - Maule - Chile £10.99

Wines of the Month

2012 Domaine Talmard Macon Uchizy - Burgundy - France £8.59
Highly Recommended DECANTER MAGAZINE panel tasting
- 2012 Macon cru whites. June 2014 issue.

2012 The Black Craft Shiraz - Barossa - Australia £9.99
Back in stock at last.....A hugely popular blockbuster of a Shiraz filled with sweet, velvety black fruits.

N.V. Le Dolci Colline Rose Spumante Brut - Italy £6.99
At only 11.5% vol this is the ideal warm weather session wine. Very pale pink, soft and filled with fresh, red fruits.


Special Offer Champagnes
Two sensational prices for what we consider to be the two finest N.V. Grandes Marques
N.V. Louis Roederer Brut Premier - Champagne £28.69
N.V. Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut - Champagne £31.99


Whisky recommendations

Clynelish 14 yo - Coastal Highland £29.99
This is a light, yet firm-bodied, maritime single malt. Fresh and creamily smooth on the palate, it has a smoky, sea-spicy character and a very pleasing texture.

Knockando 12 yo - Speyside £28.99
A delicate, sweet single malt. Very smooth yet complex, with layers of fruity, flowery and nutty notes.

For more information about any of these wines and spirits, or to order these or any other products, please give us a ring on 01200 423152

Spring Newsletter

White Wines
La Battistina Gavi Conchetta, Piemonte - Italy
A gently aromatic dry white with crisp green apple and kiwi fruit flavours typical of the Cortese grape. Fresh and elegant, this is a very versatile wine for drinking with food or as an aperitif.
M. Schiavo Coste del Molino Verdicchio, Marche - Italy
This is a lovely citrus filled dry white with pure sherbet lemon and lime fruit flavours, chalky minerality and vibrant, crisp acidity. The perfect spring aperitif or served with light fish dishes.
Les Oliviers Colombard, Pays des Cotes de Gascogne - France
A delicious, 'super-fresh' dry white with a palate full of ripe peach and melon fruit flavours. Light and easy drinking this is a perfectly modern, squeaky clean Colombard that is perfect for any occasion.
Domaine Mas Bahourat Viognier, Pays du Gard - France
This is a fine example of the rich and intoxicating Viognier grape, with a heady aroma of flowers and apricots leading to a ripe and textural palate flowing with concentrated flavours of peach, apricot and pear. A perfectly balanced, clean and full-bodied white wine.
Les Volets Chardonnay, Pays de l'Haute Vallee de l'Aude - France
This is a very fine Chardonnay with the aromas and flavours of candied tropical fruits, peaches and orange peel, giving way to toasted hazelnuts and buttered brioche. Elegant and intense with opulent flavours that fill the mouth.
Red Wines
Domaine Mas Barrau Cabernet Franc, Pays du Gard - France
Crackling with dark fruits and laced with spiky 'herbes de Provence', this is a deliciously round and silky wine that is rich, smooth and full of intense savoury flavours. Might we suggest serving this little beauty at the first barbecue of the year?
Les Cepages Oublies Mourvedre, Pays d'Oc - France
A dense and full-bodied wine with tonnes of personality, that screams of the magic of the south of France. Savoury black fruits are complimented by notes of black olive and tapenade with an array of exotic spices and some aromatic garrigue herbs, simply delicious!
Terrazze della Luna Teroldego Rotaliano, Trentino - Italy
A medium bodied wine with real vibrancy and energy, the concentrated plum and damson fruit flavours are ripe and faintly perfumed, while the finish is all freshness and flowers. This is something new and interesting to taste from one of Trentino's finest indigenous red grapes.
Il Cascinone Crocera Barbera d'Asti, Piemonte - Italy
A fantastic fruit filled Barbera, bursting with delicious black cherry flavours which are backed by some fine woody notes gained through 12 months ageing in French oak barriques. This is a very classy wine indeed.
Dowie Doole Spitting Spider Shiraz, McLaren Vale - Australia
This is a fresh and flavourful Shiraz that isn't too heavy. Unashamedly forward and fruit driven in style, with notes of plum compote and an uplifting, peppery spice. All in all a very enjoyable, soft and easy drinking wine.
Sierra Grande Pinot Noir, Valle Central - Chile
This is the quintessential Pinot, a delicate marriage of wild strawberry fruit flavours and some interesting, gentle smoky notes. A wine that is full of finesse, with an especially long and pure finish.
Herdade Sao Miguel Ciconia Tinto, Alentejo - Portugal
The Ciconia Tinto has been a consistently excellent wine for us, and the 2012 is on fantastic form. With an abundance of sweet red fruits and an alluring mix of spices, this wine is the perfect foil for any classic lamb dish, particularly Tagine.
£79.95 if collected from the shop and £88 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius

2013 Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc - South Africa
In our opinion the Waterkloof Estate produces the finest Sauvignon Blanc wines in the Cape. This is a lovely wine with a concentrated fruit core offset perfectly by some piercing chalky minerality. Lean and very fine.
2012 Capricho Val de Paxarinas Godello, Bierzo - Spain
A blend of old vine Godello and 15% Dona Blanca - floral, peachy aromatics, lush ripe fruit on the palate moderated by minerality and spice through to the sumptuously textured finish.
2012 Domaine Desire Petit 'L'Essenciel' Savignin Arbois, Jura - France
With aromas of citrus oils and subtle notes from the wood it has matured in, this has minerality and a marked hazelnut character - long and elegant, with a very slight hint of liquorice on the finish.
2009 Chateau La Moutete Rouge Vieilles Vignes, Cotes de Provence - France
Dense fruits of the forest perfumes followed by herbs of the garrigue, very smooth with rich, savoury and almost wild herby flavours alongside those of ripe red fruits and spicy oak. Powerful and structured with well integrated tannins, a true taste of Provence.
2010 Tain Esprit de Granit St. Joseph, Rhone - France
A multi award winning wine. Appealing and perfumed on the nose with intense liquorice and vanilla leading to a palate that is characteristically mineral with delicious sweet dark fruit, good balance and ripe tannins. Seductive and elegant, hallmarks of the wonderful 2010 vintage.
2005 Fincas de Ganuza Reserva, Rioja - Spain
Remirez de Ganuza are a first rate Rioja producer making stunning wines from old vines in the Rioja Alavesa. This is ripe and spicy with some creamy oak and round toasty tannins.
£89.99 if collected from the shop and £98 delivered anywhere in the UK
Free delivery within a 30 mile radius

Also available.......................

This is a beautiful case of twelve wines suitable for drinking at any time and for any occasion. The wines are accompanied by a sheet of tasting notes. Available for £60.99 if collected from the shop, or we can deliver anywhere in mainland UK for £69.00. Delivery is free within a 30 mile radius.


Red Wine of the Month
2011 Crocera Barbera d'Asti Superiore Il Cascinone £6.99
Deeply coloured, with an intense nose of ripe damsons and black cherry. Hints of smokiness and brown spices, the wine is full flavoured and generous with intense black fruit, balanced by fresh acidity, and finishing with a savoury tang.

White Wine of the Month
2012 Gavi 'Conchetta' la Battistina £6.99
Classic and elegant Gavi. Green apple, lime and the herbaceous characters typical of the local Cortese grape and lightly herbal savoury notes, combine with the fruit to give a wonderfully textured creamy palate.

Italian Selection
White Wines

Nosiola Mastri Vernacoli £5.99 D. BYRNE WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR
Amazing value here for such complexity. A medley of flavours with apple and stone fruit mixed with some lovely fennel spice. Nutty and ripe with a dash of lime and grapefruit on the dry, savoury finish.
2012 Castanzu Vermentino di Sardegna £5.99
"I was amazed by the quality to price ratio of this wine on a trip to Italy" said Philip. Rich and spicy with citrus and ripe tropical fruit on the palate, a textural honeyed feel with hints of lemon marmalade on the finish.
2012/13 Bottega Vinai Trentino Gewurztraminer £8.99
Intense rose petal and lychee aromas so typical of the grape, with hints of ginger, citrus peel and honeysuckle on the palate. Ripe and opulent with plenty of citrus fruit and floral characters leading to a long, spicy finish.
Terrazza Della Luna Pinot Grigio £6.99
This is proper Pinot Grigio with a purity of fruit that shines through. Zesty, citrus and textural.
Fontanino Riesling £6.99
A light and delicate dry Riesling with floral notes and hints of apple and fresh lime.


Red Wines

2010 San Felice Chianti Classico SPECIAL OFFER £8.99

Very attractive cedar and spice on the nose, with lifted perfumed notes, flavours of coffee and dark chocolate, and a lovely complexity on the finish.
2009/10 Araldica Barbaresco 'Corsini' SPECIAL OFFER £8.99

Vibrant aromas of black cherries, perfumed violets, warm spices and game. On the palate the wine has great structure and shows complex rich fruit and fine balanced acidity. Great with steak!

2009/10 Araldica Barolo 'Flori' SPECIAL OFFER £11.99

A beautifully structured introduction to Barolo. Lovely concentrated black fruit, with delicate floral and violet notes plus hints of vanilla and spice.

2010 Sassaiolo Rosso Piceno Monte Schiavo £6.69

The palate is warm and generous and packed full of rich berry fruit with a touch of exotic spice.

2008/9 Azienda Monaci Copertino Rosso £7.29

There are hints of sandalwood and tobacco on the nose. A ripe and generous wine on the palate, with developed herbal and cherry notes. The finish is long with a touch of spice.

2009 Salice Salentino, Giardinelli Vineyard £7.69

Warm generous and ripe, with hints of exotic spice and nicely balanced black fruit. A wonderful balance of sweet ripeness and bitterness so typical of Negro Amoro, held together by fresh acidity.

2011 Bottega Vinai Trentino Pinot Nero £8.99

Blackcurrant and cherry dominate the palate on this rich spicy wine. Soft and gentle with light tannins, and a wonderfully rich concentrated flavour. An outstanding Pinot for the price.

2011/12 Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Classico Ripasso SPECIAL OFFER £9.99

Plump plush and generous, intense aromas of fresh cherry and ripe plum, with spicy vanilla notes, big and savoury, great with the weekend roast.

2012 Imprint Primitivo Appassito £10.59

A wonderfully rich and sweetly fruited red fermented from partially dried grapes. Rich blackberry fruit, Mediterranean herbs and a hint of vanilla.

2011 A Mano primitivo £7.59

This is forward and fruity without being too heavy, all raspberries and ripe tannins.

2012 Zabu Nero D'Avola £7.99

Fresh and un-oaked, this is a supple plummy wine made in the modern style.

Must tell you about this......
2010 Mr Smith Shiraz, McLaren Vale - Australia £9.99
Rich and ripe, this is the classic Australian Shiraz. Pure blackberry and plum flavours with chocolate undertones. A gorgeous mouth filling wine, and great value for money.

Just read about this in the Wine Advocate......

2011 Matrot Bourgogne Chardonnay £11.99
"Medium to full-bodied, with surprising intensity, this is sensational white Burgundy. This fabulous buy is a rare find from the super-premium world of Burgundy."

 Joseph's whisky recommendations

"Last year I was kindly invited to visit Glencadam Distillery, the only one remaining in the Kingdom of Angus and was established in 1825. The trip consisted of a tour followed by a tasting at the distillery and in the evening a meal at a local Golf Course with whiskies to accompany each course. All in all it was a great experience and I can highly recommend their whiskies."
Glencadam 10 Year Old £29.99
Aromatic and fresh. beautifully balanced with tart fruits, freshly cut hay and vanilla sweetness. Long and gentle finish.
Glencadam 12 Year old Port Wood Finish £34.99
Sweet and rich, with a wonderful mix of juicy malt, floral notes and some spice. Good length, with cinnamon, clementines and barley.
Glencadam 14 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish £42.59
Rich, fruity palate with notes of clean malt and buttery toffee. Gingernut biscuits and walnut loaf. Good length with sweet spices and fruit.
Glencadam 21 Year Old £60.59
Spicy and tingling on the tongue, with oak-led spices, vanilla, cinnamon and allspice. Creamy pineapple and hints of coconut alongside toasted barley. Long finish with some oaky dryness and tropical fruit.
Each expression is bottled at 46% vol. to retain the whisky's unique and natural characteristics and subtlety of taste, and, by not chill-filtering their whisky, it ensures that the aromatic components in the whisky are preserved to enhance presence and flavour.


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 please.

February Newsletter

February Newsletter

In this blog:
Wines of Spain Special Promotion
Very rare single malt whisky releases from Diagio

With January out of the way it is time for us to plan the new year, so with batteries fully charged we approach 2014 with renewed optimism and a promise to bring you more of the same great wines at some of the keenest prices in the UK. February and March are very important months for us as they signal the start of many of our trade tastings, so expect to find many new and exciting wines appearing on the shelves.

Our first promotion of 2014 features the wines of Spain and we shall be running this throughout February and March, see the wines listed below or pop into the shop where you will find many fabulous offers and a bottle or two to taste. Spanish wines have been a pivotal point of our list now for many years and we carry one of the country's most comprehensive selections, with over 300 wines on display and many more for which we don't have shelf space. The reason for having such a large selection of Spanish wines is quite simple, in our opinion the price/quality ratio is more favourable here than in any other wine producing country.

So all that remains is to wish you all a happy new year and to leave you with our unrivalled knowledge that is, there has never been a better time to fill your cellar with some fine wines from Spain.

The Sensational Spanish Dozen

A mixed case of outstanding value red wines from Spain

D. Byrne & Co. - Spanish Specialist merchant of the Year 2007 IWC

2010 Vina Real Crianza - Bodegas C.V.N.E. - Rioja

Fresh red fruits on the nose mingle with some wonderfully aromatic wood spices, the palate has great texture, with fantastically soft and elegant black cherry fruit flavours mixed with sweet, toasty oak. This is a superb Crianza from one of the Rioja regions most respected producers.

91/100 'Superb value for money' issue 210 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Graciano - Bodegas Ondarre - Rioja

The Graciano is one of the classic Rioja grapes. Traditionally blended, it now appears more and more frequently as a high quality single varietal wine. Lifted aromas with flowers and ripe black fruits, leading to a concentrated palate full of freshness and vitality with an alluring mix of herbs and spices.

2011 Garnacha de Fuego - Bodegas Breca - Calatayud

A true 'old vine' Garnacha in every sense, made from rigorously sorted grapes from 50-90 year old vines. This is modern Spain at its best, a super-concentrated combination of smoky cherry fruits and some amazingly fresh and peppery minerality.

92/100 'Just when you think you have tasted the world's greatest values, along comes the Bodegas Breca'. Issue 203 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

2011 Tarima Monastrell - Bodegas Volver - Alicante

The Monastrell (Mouvedre) grape has adapted perfectly to the dry, arid conditions of Spain's southern regions. In the D.O.s of Jumilla, Yecla and Alicante in particular, a combination of old vines and small yields contribute to some highly concentrated grapes and particularly characterful wines.

91/100 'From an area dominated by cooperatives, this full-bodied blockbuster boasts plenty of blue and black fruit notes, impressive purity and an enticing texture as well as length. It is hard to believe that wines such as this can be found for under £10 a bottle.' Issue 203 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

2011 Cuatro Pasos Mencia - Bierzo

The Bierzo region is home to the very much in vogue and very funky Mencia grape which is also known as Jaen in neighbouring portugal. Cuatro Pasos is a perfect, modern example of the wonderful Mencia, with fresh and fleshy aromas, succulent, fine red fruits and lovely, crunchy acidity. This is a delicious and vibrant, food friendly wine.

Gold Medal 2013 International Wine Challenge

2011 En Vaso Bobal - Cien y Pico - Manchuela

From ancient Bobal vines, dry grown on limestone soils. A vibrant nose which shows abundant fruit, along with chocolate and earthy notes. Blackberries, blackcurrant and cinnamon spice, along with cocoa and mulberry on the palate. A soft wine with juicy tannins and an uplifting fresh fruit finish.

The perfect dozen - two bottles of each of the above £100

Or simply chose one bottle of each for the perfect half dozen £50

Recommendations taken from our massive range

of the finest Spanish wines.

White Wines

2012 Mara Martin Godello - Monterrei   WHITE WINE OF THE MONTH   £7.99

An intensely perfumed and spicy dry white that offers exceptionally good value for money.

2012 Boca do Monte - Valdeorras   £7.99

An un-oaked wine that is both fresh and elegant with some lovely minerality.

2011 Borsao Seleccion - Campo de Borja   £6.29
Soft and well rounded, with some lovely tropical fruits. 100% Macabeo.

Rose Wine

2012 Vinedo No5 Senorio de Sarria - Navarra   £8.29
A full and intense rose sources from very old Garnacha vines, peppery and delicious.
90/100 Robert Parker. Best Spanish Roase La Nariz de Oro 2013

Red Wines

2010 Vina Real Crianza Bodegas C.V.N.E. - RED WINE OF THE MONTH Rioja   £8.99
'This 2010 has a nice bright cherry color with a clean and open nose displaying red fruits and a spicy touch, coming through as quite a traditional nose and a polished palate with good acidity as they aim for freshness and drinkability. This Crianza represents superb value for money. 91/100 Issue 210 The Wine Advocate.
2010 Cerro Anon Crianza Bodegas Olarra - Rioja   £8.99
This is textbook Crianza with plenty of ripe fruit and a mouth-filling mellow spiciness.
Gold Medal & Trophy winner 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards
2008 Ondarre Reserva - Rioja   £10.99
One of our top selling wines of Christmas, and with good reason. This bargain priced reserva scooped the Rioja Reserva Trophy in the 2013 International Wine Challenge.
2008 Vinas de Gain Bodegas Artadi - Rioja   £13.99
A fantastically smooth, fruit forward, modern style Rioja from a superstar Bodega.
2001 Gran Reserva 904 La Rioja Alta - Rioja   special offer   £29.99
One of Rioja's very finest wines. 96/100 R. Parker.
2012 Pinna Fidelis Tinto Roble - Ribera del Duero   £6.99
This former D. Byrne & Co. Red Wine of the Year is on fine form in 2012, with silky red fruits and a touch of toasty oak.
2012 PSI Sisseck - Ribera del Duero   £22.99
A very fine Ribera from one of the regions most revered wine makers.
2011 Flor de Vetus - Toro   £9.99
A full-bodied succulent wine with plenty of structure, pure black fruits and fragrant spices.
91 pts Penin guide.
2009 Bodegas Borsao Berola Garnacha - Campo de Borja   £12.99
Included in the Wine Spectator Top 100 Value Wines of 2013
2010 Raimat Abadia Crianza - Costers del Segre    £6.99
A former firm favourite for many years, the 2010 is firmly back on form. Full, fruity and very well balanced.

This is a beautiful case of twelve wines suitable for drinking at any time and for any occasion. The wines are accompanied by a sheet of tasting notes. Available for £60.99 if collected from the shop, or we can deliver anywhere in mainland UK for £69.00. Delivery is free within a 30 mile radius.

So many people have been asking us about the individual prices of the wines in our Christmas and Connoisseur's Cases because they have enjoyed them so much that we thought we'd include them in our newsletter. The full descriptions for these wines can be found in our Christmas newsletter (which should be found by scrolling down below this month's offering).

The Christmas Case
WHITES
Mon Vieux 'Hell's Heights' Sauvignon Blanc, Banghoek - South Africa £9.19
Cavit Mastri vernacoli Trentino Nosiola - Italy £5.99
El tesoro Verdejo - Spain £5.49
Domaine Les Grands Presbyterese Tradition Muscadet, Sevre et Maine - France £6.89
Peacock Ridge, Chenin Blanc - South Africa £6.99
REDS
Domaine Belles Granges Syrah, Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes - France £6.99
Chateau de Blissa Cotes de Bourg, Bordeaux - France £7.99
Pierre Fine Grenat, Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes, Pays d'Oc - France £8.39
'Les Coteaux' Cotes du Rhone Villages - France £7.69
Guelbenzu 'Vierlas' Ribera del Queiles - Spain £7.99
Silvermyn Argentum Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc & Petit Verdot - South Africa £6.69
Aliance Bairrada Reserva - Portugal £5.99

The Connoisseurs Case
WHITES
N.V. Domenico de Bertiol Prosecco di Valdobbiadene - Italy £9.89
2011 Clos Saint Pierre Macon Carnay - France £9.99
2012 Domaine Saint Romble Sancerre - France £12.99
2012 Lugana Campovalentino Montresor - Italy £8.59
2011 Waterkloof Estate Circle of Life White - South Africa £12.69
REDS
2010 Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape - France £17.99
2010 Domaine Madeloc Cuvee Serral Collioure Rouge - France £15.99
2008 Ondarre Rioja Reserva - Spain £10.99
2009 San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva - Italy £13.99
2011 Tommasi Arele Apassimento - Italy £12.99
2010 Bressia Monteagrelo Cabernet Franc - Argentina £13.59
2010 Massaya Silver Selection - Lebanon £15.99

The 2013 Diageo Special Releases
An extremely rare opportunity to purchase a small annual release of a limited edition, natural cask strength single malt. These are very old unusual bottlings from famous and closed distilleries. The prices shown are per 70cl bottle.

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

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.