Staff Picks
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Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a well-know region thanks to Sassicaia. It is a prestigious appellation, located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round with -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, PaarlGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points / Gold Medal - IWSC. Bacco Estate Red Blend is the flagship wine from one of Paarl’s rising stars. Crafted from a Bordeaux-inspired blend with a nod to Italy’s Super Tuscans, it’s a bold, expressive red that combines Old World structure with New World intensity — a wine with serious pedigree and undeniable character. Wine Press Ratings 95 Points / Gold Medal - IWSC (2021 Vintage) "Elegant nose showcasing blackcurrant and well-integrated oak. Ripe tannins meld seamlessly with hints of d
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Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Descorchados. The El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is a wonderfully exuberant wine that demonstrates how fine Argentinean Cabernet Franc can be. The brainchild of Adrianna Catena and soils engineer Alejandro Vigil, the winery is in Argentina’s wine capital, Mendoza. The El Enemigo wines are made from the grapes cultivated in the region from the vineyards of Tupungato on deep calcareous and rocky soils. To preserve the grape’s vital character, only natural yeasts are used in fermentatio -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, MalbecABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Tim Atkin MW. Keet Wines epitomises viticulturist and oenologist Christopher Keet’s philosophy that the art of viticulture and winemaking lies in the focus, attention to detail and precision nurturing of vine and wine. The grapes are sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Stellenbosch area including the slopes of the Helderberg, Stellenbosch Mountain, Simonsberg and the Polkadraai area. An understanding of this special terroir, meticulous site selection and attention to det -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Montagne Saint-EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic RedIt is no wonder that this is the former domaine of the Lacoste family who owned Petrus. A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, Château Lys de Maisonneuve begins with aromas of red fruits and exotic spices which are joined together with tobacco and herbs. Full-bodied with notable fruit tannin structure and a core of bright black cherries that lead up to the long juicy finish. Appealing now, and should continue to develop in bottle over many years. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Apr 2025) Awards / Win -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, MalbecABV: 12.5%Style: Smooth Fruity RedKleinboet (Little Brother) is a Bordeaux blend, featuring all 5 varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot aged in french oak for 24 months. The cool climate sub region of Sondagskloof, Walker Bay, brings natural acidity and minerality to the wines. Expect intense blackcurrant, lavender, black olive and fynbos on the nose with a supple and and round palate. Vivino Rating: 4.2 (Sept 2024) Taste Brick red to deep purple with aromas of blackcurrant, lavender, bla -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 15%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - International Wine Report. No ordinary Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Lagrave Paran is nestled on a micro-property spanning approximately 3.5 hectares, this under-the-radar winemaker lavishes each vine with the utmost care, resulting in excellent wines year after year. The wine's soft, maturing black-currant fruits reflect the vintage's relative lightness, while oak aging gracefully smooths the tannins and imparts a final, juicy character. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Feb 2025) Wine Press Rating -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, Walker BayGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red100% Cabernet franc and the only single block wine in the HPF portfolio. Swartskaap (Black Sheep) is recognised as one of South Africa’s best in what is considered a challenging cultivar. European in style and offering nuances of black olive, generous fruit and fynbos spice finishing with finesse & complexity. Vivino Score: 4.3 (Sept 2024) Taste Violet to ruby red, aromas of black olive, fynbos, spice, on the palate minerality, elegance, finesse & complexity. Maturation: New and 2nd fil -
Country: Italy, TuscanyGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - The Wine Independent. Bolgheri is a well-know region thanks to Sassicaia. It is a prestigious appellation, located on the Tuscan coast just to the south of Livorno, home to exceptional wines. It is known mainly for deeply coloured, supple yet age worthy red wines, usually based on the Bordeaux grape varieties, which this wine is no different (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec). A classic, elegant Bordeaux style blend with round with -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EstepheGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red92 Points - Andreas Larsson. Château Tour des Termes is one Saint-Estephe’s finest Cru Bourgeois Superieur. The 2014 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot from vineyards that border the Grand Cru Classé estates of Chateau Calon Ségur and Chateau Montrose. 2014 was a lovely year, one that’s been unfairly overshadowed by 2015 and 2016. The upside to this has been that the wines remain competitively priced and now offer exceptional drinking at affoRegular Price£33.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£27.16 -
Country: France, BordeauxGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - Decanter. No ordinary Bordeaux Superieur, Chateau Lagrave Paran is nestled on a micro-property spanning approximately 3.5 hectares, this under-the-radar winemaker lavishes each vine with the utmost care, resulting in excellent wines year after year. The wine's soft, maturing black-currant fruits reflect the vintage's relative lightness, while oak aging gracefully smooths the tannins and imparts a final, juicy character. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Aug 2024) Wine Press Ratings 90 Points - Dec -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, MalbecABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red95 Points - Decanter. One of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Grand Cru's, located right next door to the famed Château Cheval Blanc. From the oldest surviving wine producing château in Saint-Émilion comes this incredible Grand Cru Classe wine from a fabulous vintage. A sensationally moreish, fragrant and textured wine created by the renowned Olivier Decelle. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Jun 2024) Wine Press Ratings 95 Points - Decanter "Wonderfully floral cherry notes on the nose here - ripe, vibrant an -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet FrancABV: 13%Style: Savoury Classic RedIn common with all the leading properties in Saint Emilion, Chateau Palais Cardinal produced an exceptional 2022. Given 92/93 points from James Suckling, the 50-year-old vines allow Nicolas Ballande to produce an outstanding wine. In many ways the 2022 was the result of work that was started in 2008. It was then that this ancient estate was given a new lease of life after years of underperformance. The winery was completely overhauled with outdated presses and vats being replaced by state-of-the -
Country: Chile, Curico ValleyGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A true standout from Chile, Caballo Loco Grand Cru Sagrada Familia 2021 is a rich and expressive red that blends power with finesse. Sourced from the warm Curicó Valley, this wine is bursting with ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and spice, all wrapped in velvety tannins. Crafted by Valdivieso’s innovative Caballo Loco project, this Grand Cru captures the essence of its terroir while delivering depth, complexity, and a long, satisfying finish. Drink no -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.5%Style: Rich Full Red91 Points - Descorchados. Over the last few years, Argentinean Cabernet Franc has got a lot of wine critics very excited. One taste of the Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc and it’s easy to see why. Argentina’s pioneering Catena family could be set to do for Cabernet Franc what they did for Malbec. Made from fruit sourced from the family´s historic high-altitude vineyards (1,090m/3,576ft above sea level) in San Carlos, the sandy loam soils are perfect for Cabernet Franc, delivering sm -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Cabernet Franc, MerlotABV: 13.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red93-94 Points - James Suckling. One of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious Grand Cru's, located right next door to the famed Château Cheval Blanc. From the oldest surviving wine producing château in Saint-Émilion comes this incredible Grand Cru Classe wine from a fabulous vintage. A sensationally moreish, fragrant and textured wine created by the renowned Olivier Decelle. Vivino Rating: 4.1 (Sept 2024) Wine Press Ratings 93-94 Points - James Suckling "A dense and linear fruit. Gorgeous already." 91-Regular Price£55.95Summer Sale - Save 25%£41.97 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red93 Points - Wine Enthusiast. Château Fonroque produced an excellent wine in 2017. The 2017 vintage was unusual and not without its challenges. A hard (-6°C) frost on the 28th of April reduced the potential crop significantly as did a lack of rain in the spring. Happily a dry summer and sunny autumn allowed Fonroque to bring in a relatively small, but healthy harvest. The grand vin is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, a mix that played to the vintage’s strengths. Typically powerful andRegular Price£55.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£44.76 -
Country: Argentina, MendozaGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 13.4%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Tim Atkin MW. There were only 5,000 bottles produced of this un-oaked Cabernet Franc, from vineyards situated at over 1,000 metres high. Highly praised by the International Wine Press, this is a medium bodied wine, with a wonderful complexity of herbaceous and dark fruit notes, firm tannins and a fresh acidity. Vivino Rating: 4.0 (Mar 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Tim Atkin MW (2022 Vintage) Taste Refreshing, medium-bodied with firm tannins and grains and fresh acidity. Subtle -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Lalande de PomerolGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red90 Points - James Suckling. The Chateau Pavillon Beauregard hails from Lalande de Pomerol, a commune of Bordeaux that made the most of the fantastic 2019 vintage. Lalande de Pomerol's best wines share many of the characteristics of the wines from its more famous neighbour, while offering great value for money - something no one could accuse Pomerol of doing. The Chateau Pavillon Beauregard 2019 received 90 points from The Wine Independent, and it's easy to see why. With its plump nose of crushedRegular Price£34.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£27.96 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, StellenboschGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 13%Style: Rich Full Red90 Points - Gilbert et Gaillard. The Waterford Estate Antigo 2020 is a distinguished red blend hailing from the renowned Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The name “Antigo” is inspired by the distinctive red clay soils of the specific Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard that forms the backbone of this blend. These rich soils impart a unique character to the wine, offering plush and elegant fruit aromatics, along with softer, sweeter tannins compared to other Waterford Estate offerings. -
Country: Chile, Maipo ValleyGrapes: Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Rich Full Red93 Points - Tim Atkin MW. The Garage Wine Co Pirque Vineyard Cabernet Franc Lot 90 is a classic example of what this innovative winery is all about. The fruit for this comes from a high-altitude (600 metres above sea level) vineyard which was established in the 1980s. Sadly, for a combination of reasons it was subsequently abandoned leaving the vines to grow wild and old. The team rejuvenated it by deploying regenerative practices and since 2016 it has become one of their most acclaimed wines.Regular Price£34.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£27.96 -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, PaarlGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Rich Full Red95 Points / Gold Medal - IWSC. Bacco Estate Red Blend is the flagship wine from one of Paarl’s rising stars. Crafted from a Bordeaux-inspired blend with a nod to Italy’s Super Tuscans, it’s a bold, expressive red that combines Old World structure with New World intensity — a wine with serious pedigree and undeniable character. Wine Press Ratings 95 Points / Gold Medal - IWSC (2021 Vintage) "Elegant nose showcasing blackcurrant and well-integrated oak. Ripe tannins meld seamlessly with hints of d -
Country: South Africa, Western Cape, FranschhoekGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit VerdotABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic RedA sophisticated expression of Franschhoek’s terroir, The Max 2019 is a meticulously crafted Bordeaux-style blend that balances power with precision. The nose is deeply layered, revealing cassis, black cherry, and plum, interwoven with cedar, tobacco, and graphite. The palate is structured yet polished, with finely grained tannins supporting a core of dark fruit, savoury spice, and mineral complexity. Aged in French oak, the wine’s elegance and depth promise remarkable ageing potential, yet its r -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14.5%Style: Savoury Classic Red94 Points - Falstaff. Chateau Fombrauge has always been one of Saint-Emilion's most consistent Grand Cru Classes, but in 2016 it took its performance to a whole new level. Despite being awarded 94/100 by wine critics Falstaff, it remains affordable and as it enters its drinking window it's a must-buy wine for all Saint Emilion lovers. Blend: 93% Merlot | 7% Cabernet Franc Vivino Rating 4.2 (Apr 2025) Wine Press Ratings 92 Points - Jeff Leve (2016 Vintage) "Deep dark ruby with a firm core, purpleRegular Price£49.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£39.96 -
Country: USA, CaliforniaGrapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, MalbecABV: 15%Style: Rich Full Red94 Points - Wine Enthusiast. The Pahlmeyer Jayson Red 2020 is a bold Napa blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. Bursting with black cherry, wild strawberry, and earthy undertones, it’s vibrant yet polished. Aged 15 months in 65% new French oak, this wine delivers rich layers of berry fruit with silky tannins and a lasting finish. Vivino Rating: 4.4 (Jun 2025) Wine Press Ratings 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast "This bold and fully ripe-tasting wine showers tRegular Price£69.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£55.96 -
Country: France, Bordeaux, Saint EmilionGrapes: Merlot, Cabernet FrancABV: 14%Style: Savoury Classic Red91 Points - James Suckling. Second wines in great years have always been a great way for Bordeaux wine lovers to enjoy something special without breaking the bank. The Petit Corbin-Despagne Saint-Emilion 2018 is a prime example of this. The second wine of the Grand Cru Classe, Chateau Grand Corbin-Despagne, it shares much of its big brother's class and style, but being made from younger vines it's approachable young. Leading critic James Suckling gave the Petit Corbin-Despagne Saint-Emilion 2018Regular Price£33.95Summer Sale- Save 20%£27.16