Leon Stolarski Fine Wines Roussillon Red Wine

Vintage	2009
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied, aged in stainless steel vats
Grapes	50% Carignan, 20% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Barbequed meats, sausages, rich casseroles, pizza
Next day	At its best on day 1, but still keeps well overnight
Drink	Can be drunk now, but will age nicely for another 3-5 years
A vivid, deep-ish purple core with a narrow rim. Smoky, meaty, savoury notes on the nose, mingled with vibrant red and black fruits. It actually smells as if it will be a brute of a wine, but it is actually nothing of the sort - rather, it is one of those chunky, full-bodied reds that really is a delight to drink young. As with the 2008, there is a big core of fresh, sweet black fruits on the palate, but the tannins are softer/riper, whilst the level of acidity remains healthy and mouth-watering. The finish is fresh yet spicy. Again, whilst drinking nicely now, it will age nicely for at least 2 or 3 years. Excellent value.

Price: £9.50 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar One Block Red 2009 Côtes du Roussillon
Treloar One Block Red 2009

Vintage	2009
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - medium-bodied, aged in oak for 12 months.
Grapes	80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Spicy sausages, meat balls, roasted vegetables
Next day	As good
Drink	Drinking beautifully now, or over the next 3 to 5 years
Youthful, medium purple core with a ruby rim. Quite similar in profile to the 2008, offering intense aromas of raspberry, cherry, orange, cigar box and forest floor and a slight savouriness lurking in the background. The palate is bright, fresh and beautifully balanced, with those red fruits augmented by a touch of plum and bramble. Again - as with the 2008 - this has an elegance and subtlety to it which is rare in a Grenache-dominated wine, being medium-bodied and subtle, rather than full-on, with relatively soft tannins, medium body and juicy acidity. The finish leaves you with an impression of crystallised fruits, a touch of sweet and sour and a hint of gentle spice. At less than 2 years old, it is already lovely to drink, but will also repay keeping for a year or two yet. Temporarily out of stock - more arriving early 2012.

Price: £10.99 (Including: VAT at 20%)

Domaine Treloar Three Peaks 2008 Côtes du Roussillon
Treloar Three Peaks 2008

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged 12 months in oak barriques
Grapes	A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Grilled meats, casseroles, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Lovely now, but will age nicely for another 5 to 8 years
A lovely bright, medium-deep purple core, with a small ruby rim. Beautiful aromas of cherries, brambles, plums and apples steeped in eau de vie, with background notes of garam masala, polished leather and a savoury, almost Marmite note. The palate is immediately appealing, even at this relatively early stage, for though there's plenty of concentration, there's also enough elegance and fleet of foot to make it deliciously drinkable. The tannins are present, but beautifully ripe, making for a wine that finishes dry, but with enough acidity and juicy red fruit flavours to make you keep going back for more. In my opinion, this is by some way the best - and most elegant - Three Peaks yet.

Price: £11.75 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Le Secret 2008 Côtes du Roussillon
Treloar Le Secret 2008

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied, aged in oak barriques
Grapes	80% Syrah, plus Grenache and Mourvedre
Alcohol (a.b.v)	13.5%
Food	Beef, lamb, game, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, but will age for up to 8 years
The colour is very similar to the Three Peaks, though a little darker and more opaque. And despite the fact that Syrah is the dominant variety, the small amount of Mourvedre really shows through, with some really smoky, meaty, leathery, almost farmyardy notes mingled with the bramble fruit, but countered by notes of orange peel and fried spices. There's a touch of oak influence, but it is totally harmonious and serves only to add complexity. The palate has a delightful freshness, with juicy fruit flavours and fine tannins countered (or rather complemented) by excellent acidity. Moreover - and this is something I've noticed in most of the latest crop of Treloar wines - there's absolutely no impression of heat or over-ripeness, with the alcohol level at a very respectable 13.5%. Slightly earlier picked grapes, perhaps? Whatever the reason, the result is more freshness, more finesse and wines which are much easier to drink young. Having said that, this is yet another wine with excellent keeping potential - I'd say another 5 to 8 years.

Price: £13.99 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Motus 2008 Côtes du Roussillon
Treloar Motus 2008

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied, aged in oak barriques for 2 years
Grapes	Mainly Mourvedre, with a little Syrah and Grenache
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Beef, lamb, game, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, but will age for 10 years or more
A dense, deep purple hue, with a tiny red rim. The nose offers a fabulously complex array of damson, bramble, blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, with notes of leather, tobacco and gently toasty oak. The grapes for this wine are picked relatively early, which is why it also has such wonderfully mouth-watering acidity and an elegance that almost makes it approachable now. Yet there is a tremendous depth of fruit on the palate and the flavours are long and complex, with the dark red fruit fruits augmented by wild strawberry and redcurrant, with smoky and bitter dark chocolate notes coming through on the finish. Stylistically, it is closer to the 2006 than the 2007, because - despite the 2 years in barrel - the oak effect is more subtle, allowing the varietal nuances of the Mourvedre to come to the fore. It is what I like to call a wine for contemplation, with a nose which keeps inviting you back for another sniff and a palate which has much complexity already, yet with the potential to gain even more over the next 5 to 10 years. A beautiful wine, which once again shows that Bandol doesn't quite have the monopoly on world class Mourvedre.

Price: £14.95 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Motus 2009 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Treloar Motus 2009

Vintage	2009
Region	Côtes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied, aged in oak barriques for 2 years
Grapes	Mainly Mourvedre, with a little Syrah and Grenache
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Beef, lamb, game, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, but will age for 10 years or more
A medium-dark purple core, semi-opaque, leading to a small deep red rim. The nose offers intense bramble, leather, iodine and tobacco aromas, with background notes of crystallised fruits and flowers - notably violets and elderflowers. The sheer weight of ripe fruit flavours in this wine makes it surprisingly approachable now, because the tannins are so beautifully ripe. As with previous vintages, there is a tremendous depth of fruit on the palate and the flavours are long, complex and rich, with excellent acidity. A wine of real stucture and absolute class. Another beautiful Motus, which is every bit as good as it's predecessor vintages. As a footnote, the last dregs of my bottle - tasted literally days after first opening - displayed some wonderfully complex notes of meat, mushroom, forest floor, polished wood and decaying black and red fruits. All of which suggests that this will become even more spectacularly complex and lovely as it ages.

Price: £14.95 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Tahi 2007 Côtes du Roussillon
Treloar Tahi 2007

Vintage	2007
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged in oak barriques
Grapes	50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Roast or grilled red meats, game, wild mushroom dishes
Next day	Better still
Drink	Surprisingly approachable now, but will age for 10+ years
A dense but bright purple core leading to a tiny cherry red rim. The nose exudes class, with considerably complex aromas including (but by no means limited to) black cherries, bramble, citrus fruits, garrigue herbs, incense and licorice, and a cloak of gently toasty, beautifully integrated oak. As the colour would suggest, the palate is dense, concentrated and tightly-knit, but not so much as to hide a certain degree of subtlety, with a huge core of juicy black fruits and exotic spiciness, complemented by firm but very fine tannins and tangy acidity. Although I wouldn't dare to suggest it is ready to drink yet, those curious enough to try a bottle at this early stage - preferably with food, of course - would certainly not be disappointed, because all of the components necessary for a very fine wine are there. Indeed, although the 2006 was a hard act to follow, I think this 2007 just about shades it, because of its sheer complexity and potential for elegance. And whilst the 2006 is probably another 5 to 10 years away from its peak, this one may get there a little quicker - but I suspect it will also stay there for longer. A benchmark Roussillon wine - and for me the finest Treloar red yet.

Price: £17.75 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Tahi 2008 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Treloar Tahi 2008

Vintage	2008
Region	Côtes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged in oak barriques
Grapes	50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Roast or grilled red meats, game, wild mushroom dishes
Next day	Better still
Drink	Surprisingly approachable now, but will age for 10+ years
Medium/dense bright purple colour with a narrow cherry-red rim. The nose exhibits complex aromas of black cherries and bramble, with beautifully integrated notes of curry spices, cloves, cedar/cigar box and citrus. The palate is concentrated, yet fresh and giving, with juicy red and black fruit, spice and garrigue herb flavours. The tannins are grippy but very fine and already nicely integrated, whilst the tangy acidity keeps it all nicely fresh. This is the third vintage of Tahi, and whilst the 2006 demands more time and the 2007 is a little softer and more forward, this one really seems to have hit its stride already. Then again, it almost seems a shame to drink it so young. The back label says "to enjoy from 2010 to 2020" and I wouldn't disagree, because it is a wine which is approachable enough to enjoy in its youth, whilst also having the structure to age and evolve for another 10 years. But you pays your money and you takes your choice - and either way, it is an absolute cracker. Yet another benchmark Roussillon wine, which leaves me running short of superlatives!

Price: £17.75 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Chateau McGuire 2008 Côtes du Roussillon - 6 bottles
Domaine Treloar Chateau McGuire 2008 6-bottle

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Trouillas, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged 12 months in oak barriques
Grapes	Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Grilled meats, casseroles, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, but will also age 5 to 8 years
This wine has a bright, medium-deep purple core with a ruby rim and displays aromas of cherries, brambles, plums and apples steeped in eau de vie, with background notes of garam masala, polished leather and a hint of savouriness. The palate shows excellent concentration, but also a good deal of elegance. The tannins are beautifully ripe, in a wine that finishes dry, but with enough acidity and juicy red fruit flavours to keep you coming back for more. This is a special bottling by Domaine Treloar, produced in association with our friend Stuart McGuire, who is currently battling against testicular cancer. For more information, please visit www.chateaumcguire.com . Chateau McGuire 2008 is offered in 6 or 12-bottle quantities, with almost £3 from every bottle sold being donated to cancer charities. The price is £90 for 6 bottles, or £174 for 12 bottles (a saving of £6 - see below).

Price: £90.00 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Treloar Chateau McGuire 2008 Côtes du Roussillon - special 12-bottle price (save £6)

Price: £174.00 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Sol-Payre Cuvée Tradition 2008 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Sol-Payre Tradition 2008 table

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Elne, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - medium bodied.
Grapes	50% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 30% Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	13.0%
Food	Roast beef or lamb, roast vegetable dishes, cheese, pasta
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, or keep for 2 or 3 years
Medium ruby red colour with a light-ish rim. The nose offers enticing aromas of cherries, stewed plums and raspberries. Notes of herby garrigue and red capsicum, combined with a touch of meatiness, add savoury nuances. The palate is loaded with fresh, juicy red cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, again with some savoury/meaty notes. All of that flavour, combined with a healthy dash of tangy acidity and just the right level of tannin makes for a wine that is deliciously drinkable already. There may even be the merest hint of spritz, which serves only to lift it further above the ordinary. This wine shows just how good Roussillon reds can be at the "lower" end, with an aromatic and flavour profile not a million miles away from really good Cotes du Rhone - but with extra dimensions of freshness and lift. This is another real winner, from one of the most reliable growers on our list.

Price: £9.20 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Sol-Payré Ivresse de Sens 2007 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Sol-Payre Ivresse de Sens 2007 table

Vintage	2007
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Elne, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged in oak barrels for 1 year.
Grapes	50% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 30% Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	13.0%
Food	Roast beef or lamb, roast vegetable dishes, cheese, pasta
Next day	Better still
Drink	Superb now, or keep for up to 5 years
A lovely transluscent ruby/blood red core, fading gently to a wide rim. The nose has complex aromas of poached bramble and strawberry, garrigue herbs and orange peel, with subtle notes of leather and older oak (i.e. with a suggestion of cedar, rather than vanillin). Lurking in the background, there are some meaty, savoury notes, along with a hint of red capsicum, giving the wine an almost (dare I say it) Claret-like profile. The savouriness on the palate, though, is maritime Roussillon through and through - after all, Elne (where this wine is grown) is barely 10km from the sea, and those sea mists can often reach this far inland. But there's plenty of fruit in this wine, with more in the way of red fruits than black (notably cherry and redcurrant) which combine beautifully with the savoury elements. Soft tannins and decent acidity complete the package, in a wine that has a deliciously sweet and sour quality. It is very drinkable now, but undoubtedly has the structure to evolve nicely over the next 3 to 5 years.

Price: £11.30 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Sol-Payre Imo Pectore - du Fond du Cœur 2006 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Sol-Payre imo Pectore 2006 table

Vintage	2006
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Elne, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied.
Grapes	Mourvedre, Syrah and old vine Carignan - aged in oak
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Grilled or roast meats, game, roasted vegetables
Next day	As good, or even better
Drink	Can be drunk now, or age for a further 5 years +
Semi-transluscent ruby red colour, fading to a pale rim. The nose is spectacularly complex, with aromas of cherry and bramble fruits steeped in eau de vie, allied to notes of cocoa, sandalwood, leather, tobacco and aromatic spices - clearly the product of beautifully ripe fruit and masterly barrel ageing. The palate is equally classy and complex, with generous, sweet black fruit flavours complemented by tangy sour cherry and orange peel, whilst subtle notes of garrigue herbs and red meat add savouriness. Ripe, velvety tannins and ample acidity complete the package. Restrained power and elegance are the watchwords. In fact, having already written that the 2007 Cuvée Ater (see below) is the best wine of the current crop from Sol-Payré, I must say that this one compares very favourably. The wines of Domaine Sol-Payré have always been reliably lovely, but it is clear that winemaker Jean-Claude Sol is not happy to rest on his laurels. As with the Ater, this one has raised the quality to a new level. Yet another fantastic wine.

Price: £13.79 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Sol-Payre Ater Noir 2007 Côtes du Roussillon
Domaine Sol-Payre Ater 2007 table

Vintage	2007
Region	Cotes du Roussillon, Elne, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied.
Grapes	Syrah, Grenache and Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Beef, lamb, game in rich sauces
Next day	Even better
Drink	Drinking well now, but will improve for 5 to 8 years
An almost opaque blood red core, leading to a narrow, light purple rim. The rich, bramble, cherry and plum aromas typical of previous vintages are all present and correct. But it's not just about the fruit - there's a whole lot more going on here, with subtle cedar, leather and tobacco aromas, courtesy of very skilful oak-ageing, along with some enticingly meaty, savoury elements lurking in the background. Many of these elements take some time to emerge (in fact, it really does come into its own on day 2) but they are worth waiting for, because this a truly impressive and considerably complex wine. It oozes class, though in a restrained, almost elegant (rather than overt) way. Not that it lacks power - far from it - but the luscious yet tangy red and black fruit flavours and those savoury elements, combined with fine, chocolatey tannins and just the right level of acidity, all seem to add up to something much more than the sum of its parts. The finish is long and spicy. It is already a delight to drink now, although the fact that it shows so brilliantly on the second day marks it out as a wine that should age and improve superbly, over the next 5 to 8 years, perhaps more. This has become my favourite cuvée from Sol-Payré over the years, and this may just turn out to be the best one yet. A gold medal winner at the 2009 Concours Genéral in Paris..

Price: £13.79 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Mas de Lavail Cuvée Tradition 2008 Côtes du Roussillon Villages
Domaine Mas de Lavail Tradition 2008 table

Vintage	2008
Region	Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Maury, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied.
Grapes	40% Carignan, 40% Syrah, 20% Grenache, all 50 years+
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.5%
Food	Grilled meats and vegetables, poultry, cheese
Next day	Better still
Drink	Excellent now, or to age for a further 5 years or more
Dark purple colour with a narrow rim. A hint of reduction on the nose quickly blows-off to reveal aromas of bramble fruits, garrigue herbs and leather, with a distinctly smoky, meaty, almost animal character. Later, notes of polished mahogany and incense develop. The palate displays succulent flavours of stewed plums, bramble and liquorice, with those herby, savoury notes also coming through. The sweet fruit combines beautifully with soft tannins, ample acidity and a long, warming finish. The classic blend of dry-farmed Carignan, Syrah and Grenache grapes harvested at full maturity makes for a full bodied, complex and concentrated wine that is extremely enjoyable to drink now, but with enough stuffing to age and evolve for a few years yet. Who needs oak-ageing (this is aged in vats) when the fruit is this good? Another superb vintage of one of our favourite Roussillon reds.

Price: £9.95 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Pietri-Geraud Sine Nomine Collioure 2007
Domaine Pietri-Geraud Sine Nomine 2007 table

Vintage	2007
Region	Collioure - by the Mediterranean, near the Spanish border
Colour/Style	Dry red - medium-to-full bodied.
Grapes	60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, plus Mourvedre and Carignan
Alcohol (a.b.v)	13.5%
Food	Garlic lamb, tagines, steak, grilled Tuna
Next day	Even better - still going strong after a day or two
Drink	Excellent now, or keep for 6+ years
Lifted aromas of strawberry and plum, combined with notes of spring flowers, violets and undergrowth. There is also a subtle, yet very definite hint of the sea (Collioure is situated right on the coast, where the Pyrenées tumble into the Mediterranean). All of these aromas combine beautifully in a wine of considerable elegance. The palate is elegant, too - in fact, very feminine - with the rich red fruit flavours balanced by juicy acidity and tannins as soft as velvet. That maritime influence again has its say - not so much salty as savoury and herby, along with a hint of liquorice and a long, softly spicy finish. This really is a lovely surprise and is very definitely the most elegant of our current crop of Roussillon wines.

Price: £13.79 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Mas de Lavail Ballade 2007 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes
Mas de Lavail Ballade 2007 table

Vintage	2007
Region	Fenouilledes, north-west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - medium/full bodied.
Grapes	A blend of very old Carignan and Grenache
Alcohol (a.b.v)	14.0%
Food	Rich casseroles, spaghetti bolognese, pizza
Next day	Even better
Drink	Excellent now, but will improve for 2 or 3 years
A medium/dark ruby core, fading gently to the rim. A nose of blackcurrants, black cherries and mulberries, with hints of garrigue herbs, tar and eau de vie. Rather in the manner of a super-charged Cotes du Rhone in profile, it has bags of concentrated black, tarry fruit flavours, with a nice layer of rustic but soft tannins and just the right amount of acidity to keep it refreshing. It is a powerful wine, with a warm, spicy, gently alcoholic finish. That said, it is relatively soft, so can be served lightly chilled. Experience tells me it will also age and evolve nicely for 2 or 3 years. Not complex, but very satisfying and excellent value.

Price: £8.75 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Mas de Lavail Ego 2006 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes
Domaine Mas de Lavail Ego 2006 table

Vintage	2006
Region	Fenouilledes, north-west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Dry red - full bodied. Aged in oak barrels for 12 months
Grapes	100% old vine Grenache
Alcohol (a.b.v)	15.0%
Food	Fillet steak, venison, rack of lamb
Next day	Opens out even more
Drink	Excellent now, but will improve for up to 10 years
Aromas of cherry and raspberry and even a hint of seville orange, with notes of aromatic spices, herby garrigue and leather. The palate is rich and dense, without feeling heavy, and offers an abundance of spiced fruitcake flavours, with additional notes of toffee and dark chocolate. The tannins are velvety and ripe, in a wine that is drinkable now, but with the structure to age and improve for a number of years. Further tasting reveals extra layers of flavour and interest, with earthy, savoury nuances making an appearance. Harvesting old Grenache at full maturity in a hot climate makes for a naturally high level of alcohol (15% abv). But, as with this wine's white counterpart (Le Sud) it makes no attempt to hide it. But there is a healthy degree of acidity for such a rich wine, giving excellent balance and even a degree of elegance. Superb stuff - though not for the faint-hearted!

Price: £14.80 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Pietri-Geraud Cuvée Méditerranée 2005 Banyuls
Pietri-Geraud Banyuls 2005

Vintage	2005
Region	Banyuls - by the Mediterranean, near the Spanish border
Colour/Style	Full-bodied fortified red, aged in oak barrels
Grapes	90% Grenache, 10% Carignan - 40 to 100 years old
Alcohol (a.b.v)	16.0%
Food	Strong cheeses, patés, rich fruit cakes and puddings (including chocolate), dried fruits - versatile!
Next day	Lasts for weeks, once opened
Drink	Excellent now, or will age for 20+ years
It is difficult to compare and contrast this particular vintage with the 2003, because they are quite similar in so many ways. Then again, 2003 was such an unusual vintage, due to the (in)famous heatwave, that the full-on richness inherent in such a vintage would be hard to replicate. Having said that, the fact that this wine is matured for no less than 4 years in old barrels, outside and exposed to the elements of all four seasons, means that there really isn't that much difference. And make no mistake, this is another delicious Banyuls. Bonfire toffee, Christmas cake, roasted mocha, prunes in eau de vie, Seville oranges, marmalade and polished old wood are just a few of the aromas which greet the senses on the first sniff, along with a definite hint of damp earth/forest floor. And whilst the flavours are a shade less dense than the 2003, there's a degree of subtlety and elegance in their place, with the aforementioned toffee and fruitcake qualities accompanied on the palate by flavours of crystallised red and black fruits and almost fresh orange acidity, whilst whatever tannin remains is tempered by a level of sweetness that is comforting, rather than cloying. There's a warming touch of eau de vie on the finish, but you almost don't notice it, because it gets buried beneath those fruit flavours, which go on and on for an age - and at just 16% abv, this is a fortified wine which majors on fruit, not alcohol. In fact, as I write this note, I'm tempted to say that I actually prefer this vintage to the 2003 (I have a bottle open, by way of comparison). It really is a quite wonderful wine.

Price: £18.79 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Domaine Mas de Lavail Expression 2008 Maury
Domaine Mas de Lavail Maury Expression 2008 table

Vintage	2008
Region	Maury, west of Perpignan
Colour/Style	Red, vin doux naturel - similar to Port, only better!
Grapes	100% old vine Grenache
Alcohol (a.b.v)	16.0%
Food	Duck with cherries, rich puddings, fruit cake, cheese, raspberry sorbet - or to enjoy on its own
Next day	How about weeks? Develops for ages!
Drink	Excellent now, or age for 10 years or more
Made from 100% old vine Grenache, harvested at the peak of maturity. The grapes are given a long maceration, followed by "mutage" (the addition of a small amount of grape brandy) which halts fermentation and retains some of the grape sugars. The colour is densely purple and opaque, with a tiny, vivid pink rim. The nose is all about dark fruits of both the fresh and dried varieties. Bramble and blackcurrants, cherries and prunes steeped in eau de vie mingle with dark chocolate, forest floor and cedar wood. The palate is a riot of intensely sweet, concentrated fruit, combining tangy black cherries, stewed brambles, cassis and prunes, with a hint of Seville orange marmalade. Notes of molasses and dark chocolate add an intense richness, like liquid Christmas cake. And through it all runs an enticing, refreshing streak of acidity. I guess there are some healthy tannins in there somewhere, but the balance and the richness render them almost unnoticeable. This wine is so delicious and so more-ish that it is hard to fault. And although it is so lovely now, it will surely age and evolve beautifully for at least a decade, perhaps a lot longer. Vintage Maury is one of the world's best and most underrated sweet red wine styles - and this is a truly exceptional example .

Price: £15.25 (Including: VAT at 20%)

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Minimum order value, delivery charges, times and restrictions

We deliver only to UK and Northern Ireland addresses. The minimum order value is £75 (plus the delivery charge). You may of course choose a mix of any wines in our range. Orders between £75 and £200: delivery charge is £7.50. Orders over £200: delivery is free! (If your order is over £200, please remember to change the delivery charge in checkout to £0.00). Please note: Delivery to non-mainland addresses (Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, etc.) is usually possible, but may not be on a next-working-day basis. It is also more expensive than delivery to mainland addresses, so will be charged at cost (for orders under £200) but with a small discount for orders over £200 - please call us for a quote.

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It is an offence to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol if you are under the age of 18. (Section 149 Licensing Act 2003).We reserve the right to seek proof of age. Leon Stolarski says "drink less, but drink better!" Please consume alcohol in moderation.