Made for us by New Zealand's Winemaker of the year 2000 (and he keeps getting better), in the cool climate of Marlborough - one of the few regions that can rival Burgundy at its' best. Our customer, Georgie says it's "very smooth, if you try one Pinot Noir this year, try this one". Velvet smooth, strawberry notes, gentle tannins, warming alcohol and medium bodied.
The fact that Nicolas Potel doesn't have any vineyards of his own, means he is free to pick and choose the best grapes from other people for his wine - and thanks to his reputation for fine wine, they're usually more than willing to oblige. This Romanee is a delicate and light Pinot Noir that wins you over slowly with its charms.
If anyone knows about the subtle differences in flavour that a vineyard can have on a wine it's Nicholas Potel. His understanding of what's known in the business as `Terroir' means he can track down the best examples of Pinot grapes in each region and use them to make distinctive wines. His Volnay is one of the lightest Pinot Noirs in appearance, yet in terms of taste, one of the most powerful.
In my opinion there are only two really great Sancerre Rosés - and this is one of them. In fact, when I got the opportunity, I just had to buy this. Delicate and powerful at the same time, this is what real Rosé is all about. Deliciously creamy red fruits backed by a refreshing mineral undertone, this is definitely one to enjoy in the sunshine - preferably with someone really special.
From the Southern-most winemaking region in Chile comes this gentle Pinot Noir. A cooler climate down there means winemakers can try growing more temperamental grape varieties. Thin-skinned Pinot Noir is tricky, and if treated wrongly can refuse to taste any good. Luckily these grapes have been treated very well indeed. The result is a subtle strawberry-infused masterpiece, easily as good as any French Pinot Noir, but with a little more flavour.
As you know, we are always looking for the next small thing. The area, grape or person that can deliver exciting flavours without breaking your bank. What about this we've concocted? A cool-climate Australian Pinot Noir from a single vineyard site at well under a tenner?
A lovely Pinot Noir - one with all the finesse of good Burgundy, but the fruit and finish of a New World contender. Lovely dark cherry flavours dominate with a nice punchy, racy edge to it that makes it last and last. A great South African Pinot that will help wash down a lovely tender bit of bird (choose your own) any time.
Delicious, supple red berry fruit with elegance, integrated tannins and a long, pure Pinot finish. Fine weather ensured optimum ripeness at harvest time and resulted in wines of exceptional richness; full-bodied and with intense perfume. A sensational red that is ideal with poultry and game-birds or a delicate Burgundian cheese such as Montrachet.
Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to cultivate. But New Zealand growers have managed to become a centre of excellence for this prima donna of the wine world. And one of the very best is Fromm winery. 100% pure Pinot Noir, this is a rich and plumy wine with subtle flavours of herbs and earth, perfectly balancing
the generous fruit. From the 2005 vintage this is now ready to drink and, if you can resist temptation, will cellar up to 2015 (although much more likely to be open by about 19:30!)
With 5 generations behind them, the Raimbault family use a minimal interventionist approach to create wines of great purity and finesse. This is presented perfectly in this fantastic Sancerre Rosé. With its intense fruitiness and complex character, this Rosé is a true delight to drink. You will definitely enjoy this refreshing yet vibrant wine.