‘THE HOOPS INN’ & COUNTRY HOTEL
“PROBABLY THE BEST WINE LIST IN NORTH DEVON”
WINE LIST
AMONGST OUR EXCELLENT SUPPLIERS ARE:
● Wheelers Cellars (Lay & Wheeler)
● Christopher Piper Wines
● Amphora Wines
● Liberty Wines
● Oliver & Bird Wines
● T & W Wine
● Seckford Wines
THE HOOPS INN & COUNTRY HOTEL.
“PROBABLY THE BEST WINE LIST IN NORTH DEVON”
(REVIEWED AND TOTALLY UPDATED LATE 2007.)
OUR WINE LIST IS ALL ABOUT CHOICE AND GREAT WINE.
● 20 Super Wines by the Glass.
● 15 House Wines, Reds, Whites and Rosé.
● 16 Half Bottles, Try a half bottle with the Cheeseboard.
● 8 Magnums.
● 200 Wines from around the World.
● Prices start from £10.50.
CONTENTS.
Wines by the Glass
Pudding Wines by the Glass
House Wines Page 1 & 2
Champagne and Sparkling Wines Page 7 & 8
Rosé Wines, try something different Page 6
THE ‘OLD’ WORLD LIST.
England Page 9
Lebanon Page 9
France – Bordeaux Page 11 & 12
Burgundy Page 13 & 14
Macon & Chablis Page 16
Beaujolais Page 17
Rhône Valley Page 21
Loire Valley Page 18
Midi, Languedoc & Roussillon Page 19 & 20
Alsace Page 15
Spain & Portugal Page 24
Italy Page 22
Germany & Austria Page 23
THE ‘NEW’ WORLD LIST.
Australia Page 26 & 27
New Zealand Page 29
North America & Canada Page 31
South Africa Page 28
Chile Page 32
Argentina Page 30
A long list of Half Bottles Page 3 & 4
A short list of Magnums Page 5
Dessert Wines (some unusual Pudding Wines) Page 34
Ports (not too expensive) Page 33
Fine Wine List Page 35, 36, 37
Reds and Rosé wines by the Glass
Rosé Wine Regular Large Bottle 75cl
2005 /06 Grenache Rosé, Montagne Noir 3.35 4.75 12.50
Vin de Pays D’ Oc. France
Cool and really drinkable
Red Wines
2006 Mas des Lauriers, Rouge. 3.35 4.75 12.50
VdP Coteaux de Narbonne.
Full of ripe blackberry and licorice
2005/06 Shiraz/Cabernet, Tin Hat. 3.35 4.75 12.50
South East Australia.
Classy Varietal, full and long
2006/07 Merlot, Rio Claro, Maipo Valley, Chile. 3.65 4.95 12.90
Just fantastic, plum scented Merlot
2006 Shiraz/Malbec. Pampas del Sur. 3.35 4.75 12.50
Mendoza, Argentina.
Rounded palate, structured with abundant flavours.
2004 Rioja. Marqués de Caceres, Crianza. 4.20 5.40 16.90
A superb young fruity Rioja and just so drinkable
N.V. Fonds de Pagau, Cotes du Rhône. France. 5.00 6.50 19.90
This is a class find,Cotes du Rhône, from two separate years
mixed, but with all the character of a full A.O.C. Châteauneuf
de Pape. We sell this by the shed load.
White Wines by the Glass
Medium Sweet
N.V. Liebfraumilch. 2.75 3.90 10.50
Lively Aromas of Apple & Citrus.
White Wines
2006 Marsanne, Montagne Noir. 3.35 4.75 12.50
Vin de Pays D’ O c.
Its clean, its refreshing and yet opulent in style
2006/07 Semillon/Chardonnay, Tin Hat 3.35 4.75 12.50
South East Australia
A mouth full of fresh tropical fruit
2006/07 Chardonnay, Rio Claro, Chile. 3.65 4.95 12.90
A clean tasting, unoaked, Super Chardonnay.
2006 Chardonnay/Chenin, Pampas del Sur. 3.35 4.75 12.50
Mendoza, Argentina.
Apricot, Lemon and Pears
2006 Pinot Grigio, Avio Trentino, Italy. 4.20 5.40 16.90
The finest Pinot Grigio ‘ Normale’ we have found.
2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Moa Ridge Marlborough. 5.00 6.60 19.90
N. Z in a glass, a really drinkable Sauvignon with bags of Citrus and
Peaches. Just goes so well with Fish and Shellfish
House Wines.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Red
Bin 1 2006 Mas des Lauriers, Rouge, VdP Coteaux de Narbonne. £12.50
Wow! What a terrific glass of wine for the money. This wonderfully soft and generous blend of Syrah
Merlot and Marselan is full of ripe blackberry and licorice. Perfect for everyday drinking.
Bin 2 2006 Shiraz/Cabernet, Tin Hat, South-East Australia. £12.50
With the excellent Tin Hat range one gets a real sense of the grape variety. Sweet forest fruit notes
of Shiraz combine with the cassis and currant of Cabernet. Has lovely balance and a long refined finish.
Delicious! The 2006 gets better and better.
Bin 3 2006 Merlot, Rio Claro, Maipo Valley, Chile. £12.90
The team at the Dona Javiera winery has made a most attractive, plum-scented Merlot.
Suitable for any occasion.
Bin 4 2003 Château Grand Caumont, Corbieres, France. £15.50
We started drinking this wine in the early 1990’s, when we first lived in France. It was and still is superb.
This is stunning value, a mature and supple Corbieres, with ripe blackberry dominating the nose. Real
wine bargains are rare to find these days, but this is one.
Bin 5 NV. Plan Pegau, Domaine du Pegau, Rhône Valley. £19.80
Superb wine, very interesting. It is Châteauneuf du Pape, Domaine Pegau from two separate vintages -
2003 and 2004, hence the fact it has to be classified as a non vintage wine. Intense sweet plum, cherry
and spice scents on the nose, with rich dark, creamy ripe prune flavours on the palate.
Bin 6 2006 Shiraz/Malbec Bodegas Pampas des Sur, Mondoza, Argentina. £12.50
A blend of Malbec and Tempranillo provides a rounded palate structure with the abundant flavours of
Argentina’s high altitude vineyards.
White
Bin 8 2006 Marsanne, Montagne Noire, Vin de Pays D’Oc. £12.50
Marsanne is a Northern Rhône grape variety. Its clean, refreshing, opulent style is ideal as a partner to
food but equally successful as an aperitif.
Bin 9 2006 Semillon/Chardonnay, Tin Hat, South-East Australia. £12.50
A bouquet of fresh tropical fruit leads to a cascade of peach and exotic fruits on the palate with a
delightful zesty freshness and crisp finish.
Bin 10 2006 Chardonnay, Rio Claro, Maipo Valley, Chile. £12.90
This Chardonnay is clean tasting, without an ounce of unnecessary fat. An unoaked style.
Bin 11 Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Les Lezards Blanc. £13.90
VdP Cotes de Thongue.
Viognier and Rolle are the perfect foils, providing apricot, lemon and much needed acidity to accompany
the pear like nose of the Grenache.
Bin 12 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, Moa Ridge, Marlborough, New Zealand. £19.80
New Zealand in a glass – Tons of cut grass and hay, layered with Gooseberry and summer fruits.
Dry, clean, refreshing acidity and so gulpable.
Bin 13 2006 Chardonnay/Chenin, Bodegas Pampas del Sur, £12.50
Mendoza, Argentina.
Offers vibrant fruit flavours with a crisp yet satisfying taste; a wine to drink at all times of the day and for
any occasion.
Page 1
Bin 7 2006 Grenache Rosé, Montagne Noire, Vin Pays D’Oc. £12.50
Get to know Grenache Rosé, that is our advice. An unpretentious wine, but very well balanced with a soft
Strawberry like aroma and a luscious savoury palate. The pale hue, between onion-skin and Salmon pink,
is perfect. Just made for al fresco enjoyment.
And given the demand we can’t forget these perennial “Old Favourites” from Germany.
Bin 14 N.V. Niersteiner, Schonheim. Rheinessen. £10.50
Lively aromas of Apple and Lime. Typical sweet German White Wine.
Bin 15 N.V. Bernkastler Kurfurstlay, Mosel. £10.50
Evocative tropical flavours, and well-balanced.
And….
New for 2008.
Bin 97 R 2006 Bodegas Castano. D.O.C. Yecla. £12.90
We tried this wine in a Mid Devon Restaurant, tracked it down, and added it to our list. This is an easy
drinking Red Wine, from the Monastrell Grape (Mourvèdre in Southern France), Ripe, Soft, Succulent,
you can taste the Hot Sunshine and the Mediterranean Coast. A touch of oak for a long lasting chewy
finish, a hint of finesse and not too rustic. Sometimes we can’t make up our mind what to drink with
supper, so we plump for a ‘Castano’.
Page 2
Half Bottles.
Try 2 Half Bottles Instead of a Full
Price per 37.5cl
Bottle
Bin 150 W 2006 Domaine La Colombette, Sauvignon Blanc. £9.70
Vdp Coteaux Du Libron. France.
Wonderfully aromatic, with elderflower, citrus and grassy notes. (O&B)
Bin 151 W 2006 Domaine La Colombette, Chardonnay. £10.20
Vdp Coteaux du Libron, France.
This Chardonnay made the Estates reputation. (O&B)
Bin 152 W 2005 Château Carbon D’ Artigues, Graves. £8.70
Semillon Chardonnay.
Honeyed richness and a refreshing clean zestiness. (C&P)
Bin 153 W 2005 Domaine Bois d Yver, Chablis £13.30
Georges Pico, Courgis.
Text Book Chablis, Chardonnay and Terroir.
Bin 154 W 2005/06 Sancerre, Domaine Serge Laporte. £12.25
The very French essence of Sauvignon Blanc. (C&P)
Bin 155 W 2005 Pinot Grigio, Sudtirol – Alto Adige. £10.50
San Michel Appiano, Italy.
Clean, Clear, High altitude Pinot Grigio. (C&P)
Bin 156 W 2005/06 Chardonnay, Brightview £9.95
Simon Hackett, South Australia.
Great Australian Chardonnay. (C&P)
Bin 157 R 2005/06 Beaujolais Villages, France. £8.40
Domaine de la Sorbiere, Quince en Beaujolais.
Light and fresh to be drunk whilst young. (C&P)
Bin 158 R 2005 Brouilly, Chateau du Pave’. France. £10.50
One of our Wine Merchants is the Wine maker. (C&P)
Bin 159 R 2004/05 Chateau La Passone, Cadillac. £8.40
Premieres Cotes du Bordeaux.
This is a house style Claret, for easy drinking. (C&P)
Bin 160 R 2005/06 Montepulciano D’ Abbruzzo £7.80
Umani Ranchi, Osimo, Ancona Italy.
Soft and approachable, plumy fruitiness (C&P)
Bin 161 R 2003/04 Rioja Tinto, CVNE. Crianza. £8.90
Haro, Rioja, Spain.
From possibly Spain’s leading Rioja producer. (C&P)
Page 3
Bin 162 R 2003/04 Massaya Classic Red (White Label) £10.90
Massaya, Bekaa Valley, Labanon.
An explosive mouthful. (C+P)
Bin 163 R 2005/06 Cabernet Sauvignon, Montes, £7.80
Curico, Chile.
Full on Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. (C+P)
Bin 164 R 2004/05 Shiraz, Simon Hackett. £10.90
South Australia.
Strong peppery wine, perfect with cheese. (C+P)
Bin 165 R 2005 Château Grand Moulas. £7.50
Cotes du Rhône, France.
On our list for over 10 years. Text book, easy drinking Cotes du Rhône.
Page 4
Magnums.
2 Bottles in a Bottle.
Price per Magnum
1.5. L
Bin 250 R 2002/01 Bodegas Ameloza de la Mora, Rioja Crianza. £45.00
Torre Montalbo, Rioja Alta. Spain.
Tempranillo, Mazuela and Graciano, give a wine of great expression. A really great wine. Our favourite
tipple at the moment. Length and Depth, Fruit on the palate, Blackberry and Smoke on the Nose. (A&P)
Bin 251 R 2004 Tenuta Fontodi, Panzano, Tuscany. £135.00
Flaccianello della Pieve, Chianti.
Made solely with Sangiovese, from a selection of the Estates best grapes, this wine is outstanding.
96 points from Robert Parker, underlines the quality. (L&W)
Bin 252 R 2004 Château Montaguillon, Montagne St Emillion. £45.00
What a super wine, we have been listing this for over 10 years, deep and dense with plenty of Berry
Fruits. (L&W)
Bin 253 R 1999 Château La Tour de By. Medoc. £58.00
Bégadan, Cru Bourgeois Superior.
Marc Pages, runs his vineyards with passion and care. These are phenomenal wines for the price.
(C&P)
Bin 254 R 2004/05 Brouilly, Chateau du Pavé. £49.00
St Lager, Beaujolais, France.
This is a big structured wine with little filtration to allow the fantastic quality of the vintage to shine
through.
Bin 255 R 1988 Château Siran, Margaux. £180.00
Grand Cru, Exceptionnel.
This 40 ha vineyard, owned by the Miailhe family, produces classic Margaux, dense, but with a
certain muscularity, finishes with great elegance and balance.
Bin 256 R 2003 Chateau La Peyreyre. Haut Medoc. £49.00
Grand Vin de Bordeaux.
A wine from an excellent négociant, full of Cabernet Sauvignon Smokiness on the nose with tight
blackberry fruit on the palate. Good weight and a long finish, excellent with robust foods.
Bin 257 R NV. Fonds De Pegau, Domaine du Pegau,
Rhône Valley. £49.00
Superb wine, very interesting. It is Châteauneuf du Pape, Domaine Pegau from two separate vintages -
2003 and 2004, hence the fact it has to be classified as a non vintage wine. Intense sweet plum, cherry
and spice scents on the nose, with rich dark, creamy ripe prune flavours on the palate.
Bin 258 R 1997 Cote – Rotie. Ampuis, Rhone Valley. £90.00
Jean Paul and Jean Luc Jamet.
Full bodied Cote – Rotie, super smooth with an intense, peppery palate, makes really good drinking.
Page 5
The ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Worlds.
Rosé Wines.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 7 Rosé 2006 Grenache Rosé, Montagne Noir £12.75
Vin de Pays D’Oc, France.
Wow! What a terrific glass for the money. Lovely expressive fruit – sweet plums, cherries and bramble
fruits, elegance, succulent tannins and a fresh finish. Super supper wine that would go great with pizza,
spaghetti bolognese or bangers and mash. (L&W)
Bin 101 Rosé 2006 Rioja Rosé, Marques de Caceres, £14.10
Rioja, Spain.
Very fruity full-bodied style. (C&T)
Bin 135 Rosé 2006 Pinot Noir Rosé. New Zealand. £18.90
Lawsons Dry Hills, Marlborough.
Lawson’s is strawberry coloured with pure, ripe aromas combining cherries, raspberries and blueberries.
The palate is soft, yet crisp and refreshing, just as a good Rosé should be.
Delicious, innovative New World style. (L&W)
Bin 93 Rosé 2006 Villa Wolf Rosé, Ernie Loosen. £16.70
Rheinpfalz.
Fabulous rich and full flavoured Pinot Noir Rosé. This is an off-dry with a creamy texture and a splash of
strawberry essence running through the middle. Delicious lunch time drinking. (C&P)
Bin 125 Rosé 2005 Angels Flight £14.90
Zinfandel.
The grapes for this wine came from many select parts of California where the soils are mostly sandy
loam and the climate is Mediterranean. Cool stainless steel fermentation was used and the wine was
filtered to leave the residual sugar. Light to medium bodied, this fruit forward White Zinfandel opens with
bright aromas of strawberry and watermelon. The full, ripe fruit flavours are well balanced with a
refreshing mouthfeel and a slight crisp, lingering finish. This White Zinfandel has a deep, rich salmon
colour announcing this special wine. (L&W)
Bin 70 Rosé 2004/05 Domaine la Colombette, £27.90
Pinot Noir Rosé.
No apologies for the price, this is an absolutely stunning wine. This is a Rosé for vintage Champagne
Drinkers, think of the difference between Mateus Rosé and Krug; Aged in oak this wine is Fine,
Complex, Round and Long.
Page 6
The ‘Old’ World List.
France, Spain and Italy.
Champagne (C) and Sparkling Wines (S.W)
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 300 S.W NV. Freixenet, Brut £14.90
Cordon Negro, Cava Spain.
High quality Cava at a really sensible price. (CT)
Bin 301 S.W NV. Cremant de Limoux Brut 1531. £16.95
Grande Cuvée d’Aimery, Sieur d’Arques.
Limoux is situated in the heart of the Languedoc where, at the monastery of St Hilaire, monks are
reputed to have discovered the secret of the sparkle some 50 years before Dom Pérignon. This
delicious example is made from the local Mauzac grape with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. It is floral
and perfumed on the nose with a very open easy structure and fine, soft finish. A glorious aperitif.
(L&W)
Bin 302 S.W NV. Prosecco dei Colli Trevigiani Frizzante £17.50
Nera Spago, de Faveri, Italy.
In the right hands, prosecco can be a delicious, soft, light apple and pear fruit flavoured sparkling wine,
offering excellent value for money. This is just such an example which makes a delicious alternative to
champagne. (L&W)
Bin 303 C NV. Gobillard Brut Rosé. £37.50
Here is proof that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy a glass of rosé champagne. Pure aromas
of wild strawberries and summer berries complement the delicate pink colour. The palate is elegant and
balanced with crisp acidity and a wonderful cherry and ‘digestive biscuit’ finish. The perfect aperitif on a
warm summer’s evening and a wine to try with grilled fillet of salmon with a cream sauce.
Bin 304 C NV. Michel Guilleminot. £33.00
This blanc de noirs cuvée is from a quality cellar in the Vallée de l’Aube. It is brilliantly fresh and has a
lovely berry-fruit palate with length and finesse. A perfect aperitif champagne.
Bin 305 C NV. Brut Reserve, Mercier. £42.50
A champagne to inspire the palate morning, noon or night. Fresh floral aromas and a delightful mousse
lead into a clean, soft palate. Chardonnay in the blend contributes to the delicacy and finesse of this
lovely wine. (L&W)
Bin 306 C NV. Billecart - Salmon Brut £48.00
Lovely fresh pure fruit flavours, from one of our favourite Champagne Houses. This is a clean, lean and
very crisp wine, with a fine mousse, biscuity overtones on the palate and a long dryish finish. A
wonderful bottle to start the evening.
Page 7
Champagne and Sparkling Wines Continued…
Bin 307 C NV. Louis Roederer. £55.00
Brut Premier
Roederer’s Brut Premier always reveals a fine biscuit/toasty quality. The accent here is one of luxury -
due in part to the substantial Pinot Noir content of this cuvee. A very well followed non-vintage style
that has become a favourite of ours over the years.
Bin 308 C 2000 Cristal, £240.00
Louis Roederer.
One of the greatest wines ever produced, Louis Roederer’s Cristal more than justifies its reputation.
A broad structure, stunning purity, crisp acidity and almost decadent opulence and if you’re going to
drink vintage champagne, this is the only one. (L&W)
Bin 309 C NV. Jacquart Brut £50.00
Mosaique Rosé.
Traditionally produced. Brilliant rose pink colour with vibrant wild strawberry aromas and masses of
elegance. Evocative summer fruit aromas and flavours to the fore.
A sheer delight. (L&W)
Champagne Half Bottles.
Bin 310 C NV. Michel Guilleminot. £18.90
This blanc de noirs cuvée is from a quality cellar in the Vallée de l’Aube. It is brilliantly fresh and has
a lovely berry-fruit palate with length and finesse. A perfect aperitif champagne.
Bin 311 C NV. Billecart Salmon, £37.90
Rosé.
This is Rosé to perfection, a soft Pink Rosé wine, masses of wild strawberry fruit and a soft creamy
mousse. This is so heavenly hedonistic.
Page 8
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
England, Lebanon & Others.
Lebanon.
Bin 79 R 2000 Château Musar, Serge Hochar. £39.00
Bekaa Valley. Lebanon.
Serge Hochar and his team have produced a gem that is internationally recognized as one of the world’s
greats. This wine can age but you will have a hard job resisting its immediate charms.
Great with hearty food, and of course unparalleled with Middle Eastern cooking. (L&W)
England.
Bin 80 W 2005 New Hall Bacchus. £13.50
A medium dry white wine. A great individual wine with a full subdued fruity aroma and mouth watering
backdrop of luscious soft fruits similar to Sauvignon Blanc. (L&W)
Bin 81 R 2005 King Coel Red. £16.50
An exciting English Red Wine! A bright ruby red colour, this wine gives inviting red berry aromas.
On the palate there are complex flavours of redcurrants, raspberries and liquorice and gentle tannins
from its eleven months ageing in French oak barrels. It is a medium bodied, 11% volume, red wine made
by blending four different varieties of grape; Rondo, Dornfelder, Dunkelfelder and Pinot Noir. (L&W)
Page 9
Page 10
The ‘Old’ World List
France
Bordeaux and Satellites
Bin 17 R 2004 Château La Passone £13.90
Premier Cotes de Bordeaux, Cadillac.
Michel Bonet and Leuis- Michel Muyst make. What we call a “House style Claret”. Full of soft succulent
fruit, with a good structure and ripe tannins.
Bin 18 R 2004, Château Nicot £14.40
Château Nicot has been on our list for 4 years and is very reliable text book claret. A blend of Merlot and
Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes, with a deep ruby red appearance with bright stone fruit scents and flavours
to give an easy to drink approachable Red Wine.
Bin 19 R 2001 Château des Joualles. £15.20
The Freylon family based at Ruch make a deep colored and fruit driven Bordeaux Superier. Château
bottled Claret from a good year and excellent value.
Bin 20 R 2002 Château de Carles £24.70
Fronsac. Bordeaux
Merlot predominates in this deep colored, Damson scented Fronsac fresh, vibrant and juicy, revealing a
delightful clarity of flavour and harmony. This is an excellent example from a frequently under estimated
appellation.
Bin 21 R 2003 Château Le Breuil. £16.75
Cotes de Bourg, Bayon sur Gironde.
Cotes de Bourg is another of the “satellite” appellations of the Bordeaux. It’s probably difficult to find a
Cotes de Bourg that would beat Henri Doyens fine example. Château Le Breuil is situated just 500
metres from the Gironde (river) whose influence helps make this a supple and intelligently extracted wine
with great depth.
Bin 22 R 2003 Château Montaguillion £19.50
Monatagne Emillion.
This is a super wine and certainly one of the best examples of this very popular Château that we have
tasted in over a decade of listing this wine. French ‘Merlot ‘as it should be, deep and dense with plenty of
berry fruits.
Bin 23 R 2001 Château St Jacques. £27.90
Bordeaux Superier de Château, Siran.
A multi award winning wine. Brigitte Micilles, Château St Jacques is actually made at Château Siran (one
of the big names), but with grapes from just outside its boundaries, so is classed as a ‘semi second wine’.
Don’t let this detract, this is a serious wine.
Well worth enjoying. St Jacques, who is depicted on the label, is the original ‘Pilgrim’, of St
Jacques de Compestella fame.
Bin 24 R 2001 Château La Fleur – Haut Brisson. £23.75
Cotes de Castillon. Sainte Colombe.
We have been looking for a really decent ‘Cotes de Castillon’ for some time and in Château La Fleur we
have one of its rising stars. The passionate and dynamic Pierre Choukroun has invested heavily in the
property and the 2001 is very rich and deliciously ripe, with a soft and poised soft cherry fruit and fire
grained tannins. It is a real find.
Bin 25 R 2001 Clos Sainte Anne £27.00
Pomerol.
We just had to have a Pomerol on our list; the Clos St Anne has intense Cherry and Red Fruit perfume
and flowing vivacious flavours. Superbly crisp and beautifully vibrant, there is substance, depth and
length.
Page 11
Bin 26 R 2003 Pauillac de Château LaTour £39.30
Pauillac.
From the great Château Latour one of the legendary names of the French wine world, comes their 3rd
wine. Ready to drink now, (unlike the 1st and 2nd wines) with layers of crunchy black fruit and ripe tannins
giving this wine a feel of true quality. Exudes the class the Château Latour.
Bin 27 R 2000 Château Puy-Blauquet, £45.00
St Emillion Grand Cru.
From a great year, the style of this Chateau is constantly rewarding, offering notes of plum and currant
fruit and enough fruit to accompany fine cuisine. Delightful Merlot and Cab Franc blend.
Bin 28 R 2001 Château Troplong - Mondot. £54.00
Grand Cru Classé, St Emillion.
Christine Valettes Estate has been one of St-Emillion star performers of late and more refined style now
being achieved has lifted Troplongs wines to an even higher level.
Bin 29 R 2001 Château Beauregard. £59.30
Pomerol, Gironde.
Lovely freshness here, luscious, open and complex. A Pomerol with finesse and pristine elegance.
Bin 30 R 2000 Château Pontet-Canet. £62.00
Grande Cru Classe Pauillac.
Exquisitely made, pure, fresh with super balance.
Page 12
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France
Red Burgundy. Cotes de Beaune.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 31 R 2005 Hautes Cotes de Beaune, Vielle Vignes. £15.00
Nicholas Potel.
Good depth of colour; Nose is ripe with jammy ripe fruits and hints of spice, while the palate is rich and textured with grainy tannins, abundant red fruit and classic Beaune earthiness. A very good forward drinking Burgundy. (L&W)
Bin 32 R 2003 Volnay, Les Blanches. £35.90
Darvoit – Perrin.
Brilliantly purple and with its hint of spiced black fruits, this is a fabulous Red wine, tremendously full and flavoursome, with a long luscious finish. Delicious Volnay. (L&W)
Bin 33 R 2002 Gevrey – Chambertin £34.00
Humbert Freres.
Emmanuel and Frederic Humbert took over the family domaine in 1989 and have steadily improved the quality of the wine. Made from several well positioned parcels and old vines. This is a toasty, autumn fruit scent and a robust, ripe, full flavoured palate with an interesting mineral element. (L&W)
Bin 34 R 2004 St Aubin, Premier Cru, Les Casets. £29.90
Hubert Lamy.
An attractive Red St Aubin with vivid cherry fruit, quite lifted and vibrant, with pleasing proportion and gently peppery tannins. (L&W)
Bin 35 R 2002 Savigny – Les – Beaune, £29.50
Aux Grand Liards.
Hints of black fruits on the nose, this is intense and weighted with a fire core, textbook Savigny from Patrick Bize. (L&W)
Bin 36 R 2001 Pommard, £57.80
Comte Armard.
A very rich style for Pommard with a hint of cinnamon and red fruits beautifully perfumed with rounded broad tannins on the finish. Fresh Pinot aromas make this a delicious example of “Village Pommard.”
This is well loved by our staff and customers. (L&W)
Page 13
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France.
White Burgundy.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 62 W 2006 Bourgogne Aligoté. £17.50
Olivier Leflaive.
An assemblage of Aligoté from 65 year old vines, showing a greenish tint in the glass, the aromas here of ripe, grassy green fruits with enticing floral notes. Very appealing on the palate with almost greengage flavours allied to notes of exotic fruit. This is zesty and appetising from the start. (L&W)
Bin 37 W 2002 Rully, Les Villeranges £24.80
Faivelly, Coté Chalonaise.
Delightful citrus and tropical fruit scents and flavours are lifted by life giving acidity. A Perfect example of Chardonnay. (L&W)
Bin 38 W 2003 Chassagne-Montrachet. Cotés d’Or. £37.50
Morey-Coffinet.
In this vintage Michel Morey has crafted a wine with a hint of spice and underlying minerality. Rich and generous on the palate, this is a harmonious wine for drinking now. (L&W)
Bin 39 W 2005 Mersault Cotés d’Or. £39.50
Nicolas Marey.
Lemony notes are immediately apparent on the nose. This wine has a lovely purity with appealing long seductive fruit on the palate. An excellent example of the genre. (L&W)
Page 14
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France
Alsace.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 51 W 2002 Pinot Blanc, Vielles Vignes, £14.00
Meyer-Fonne.
Pinot Blanc has the capability to match a wide range of cuisine, and as such may be the perfect all-rounder. Meyer-Fonne’s is full, rounded and with an elegant balance. There is a refreshing fruit quality here. (L&W)
Bin 52 W 2004 Pinot Blanc (Auxerrois) A, £24.00
Albert Boxler.
Taken from a parcel of thirty-year-old vines, just to the west of the famous hill of Brand, this is a remarkably pure, delicious wine. The scent is of ripe, creamy, apple fruit. It has an impressive and satisfying texture and the pure pear and apple fruit follows through on the palate. Poised and ripe, a lemon dart of acidity leaves a lasting impression of freshness in this just off dry, appetising wine. (L&W)
Bin 53 W 2005 Riesling, £29.00
Albert Boxler.
Plenty of ripe citrus and stony mineral characters on the nose, slightly floral too. There is a steely vein of acidity, mouth-watering limey citrus fruits and fine poise. Not an overly rich Riesling, but again very defined, finishing dry with a lingering mineral-infused fruit. Serious quality for a generic Riesling.
The only disappointment is the low level of production, which make this wine a rare find on a U.K wine list. (L&W)
Page 15
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France.
Macon.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 40 R 2005 Macon Rouge, La Roche Vineuse. £15.90
Domaine Alain Normand.
A Pinot Noir, impressive wine with Damson and violet notes, a purity of fruit is displayed for immediate
drinking. (C&P)
Bin 41 W 2004 Macon Villages, Mise Tardive. £15.50
Verget.
A rare cuvée which is left on its lees for added length of finish. A delightful, rich, yeasty mineral flavoured wine. Super with Fish and Shellfish. (L&W)
Bin 42 W 2005 Pouilly-Fuisse, £26.50
Domaine de la Collonge. Giles Noblet.
White Peach and Nectarine scents to the fore with citrus notes. This Pouilly-Fuisse is complex-elegant and sophisticated with acidity and mineral notes, delivering mouth watering freshness. (L&W)
Chablis.
Bin 43 W 2003 Chablis £17.70
Domaine Le Vauroux.
With a fresh-citrus fruit nose, this wine expresses balance and structure in the palate, with classically steely purity on the finish. (L&W)
Bin 44 W 2004 Chablis Tete D’or, £26.90
Billaud – Simon.
Made from forty-year old vines, this wine has plenty of texture. The delicious scent of soft fruits, a twist of citrus peel and vanilla follows through to the palate with ripe fruit, layered with minerals. Can be drunk with fish and shellfish dishes, or with cream and cheese based sauces. (L&W)
Bin 45 W 2003 Chablis, Mont de Tonnere. £29.30
Domaine de Vauroux
Lying to the North of Chablis, on the same escarpment as the Grand Cru, Montee de Torrerre is a wine of exotic, spiced fruit and good length. (L&W)
Page 16
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France.
Beaujolais.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 46 R 2005 Beaujolais – Villages, £15.90
Domaine du Clos du Fief, Michel Tetè.
A well-graded colour indicates a wine made with care.
There is an immediate lusciousness which we have come to expect from any wine made by
Michael Tetè, but also a wonderfully elegant palate. A perfect choice for a large party at lunch or dinner.
(L&W)
Bin 47 R 2003 Morgon, £16.90
Jean-Pierre Large.
Large’s vineyard holdings in Morgon are located in the heart of the region around the granite and slate
Mont du Py. A product of 80-year vines, the wine explodes with fresh summer fruits – strawberries,
plums, redcurrants and cherries. (L&W)
Bin 48 R 2002 Julienas, £17.70
Domaine du Clos du Fief.
Displays a vibrant purple colour, with opulent, juicy fruit scents. On the palate the wine has almost silky
black fruit flavours which lead to a lovely rounded finish. Exciting wine. (L&W)
Bin 49 R 2003 Chiroubles, Clos les Farges, £17.50
Domaine Cheysson.
With a fresh wild strawberry and sweet cherry nose, this is a lovely, lively and light wine.
There is no need for complexity here as the pure fruit and floral characters on the palate are simple,
unconfected and delicious. (L&W)
Bin 50 R 2005 Brouilly. £19.80
Château du Pavè, St Lager.
Established in 1631 by Antoine Brac this lovely estate is now owned by Michel and Corinne Brac de la
Perriere, who now utilize eco-friendly cultivation. This is a big structured wine, with little filtration, to
allow the fantastic quality of the vintage to shine through. (C&P)
Page 17
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France.
Loire Valley.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 54 W 2006 Muscadet, Sauvion de Cleray, £15.25
Sauvion et fils, Loire Atlantique.
Crisp, clean and ‘zingy’ with a touch of white flowers and a slight nutty nuance. A seriously good ‘sur lie’ Muscadet that makes the perfect accompaniment with seafood and quite excellent on its own too.
When you taste one of the very best, you understand why Muscadet is making a comeback! (C&P)
Bin 55 R 2005 Chinon, Vieille Vignes, ‘Les Trios Quartiers’ £21.15
Domaine de la Chapelle, Cravant-les-Coteaux.
The star in the Pichard collection is, Les Trois Quartiers, Chinon, made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes from vines between 35 and 50 years old, grown on clay and flint soils in the commune of Cravant-les-Coteaux. His 2005 is a wonderful wine; richly coloured, juicy and very pure with top class ‘spicy blackberry’ Cab Franc fruit bursting out of everywhere. A truly delicious, Loire Red, well worth trying. (C&P)
Bin 56 W 2004 Menetou – Salon, Sauvignon Blanc. £22.90
Prieure de Saint – Ceols.
A real alternative to Sancerre, the wine is wonderful, with mouth filling gooseberry freshness and long lasting blackcurrant leaf aromas. It is produced by one of the leading growers in the area. Pierre Jacolin wines are some of the most sought after in the regions leading restaurants, always a good sign – if the locals want to drink it, it must be good. (AMP)
Bin 57 W 2005 Pouilly Fume, Villa Paulus, £26.15
Domaine Masson-Blondelet, Pouilly-sur-Loire
Vines grown on two types of soil (Marne and Calcaire), give the wine a terrific balance and depth and that, Smokey richness that only Pouilly-Fume can achieve. This 2005 has a delightful laser-sharp, crisp acidity and is bursting with greenage fruit backed up with a solid structure and earthy minerality. The Smokey, gooseberry Sauvignon character reveals itself in a lingering and subtly pervasive aftertaste. (C&P)
Bin 58 W 2006 Sancerre, Chavignol £22.75
Domaine Serge Laporte.
Situated in the village of Chavignol, about 2km from Sancerre, this 10 hectare domaine is made up of numerous small parcels scattered throughout the Chavignol commune, long regarded as one of the ‘crus’ of Sancerre. The different ‘Cuvées’ come together to give a wine of great complexity and elegance, reflecting the “terres blanches” (chalky) and “caillotes” (limestone-pebbly) soil types found in Chavignol which are so ideal for the Sauvignon Blanc. (C&P)
Bin 59 W 2005 Sancerre, Cuvée des Mages, £29.50
Domaine Serge Laporte, Chavignol.
Serge and Elisabeth Laporte created their limited production Cuvée des Mages following their very successful 1998 vintage. It is a classical selection of two very fine parcels of Sauvignon Blanc, one on the Mont Damnes, with its “caillotes” (limestone-pebbly) soil and the other from a small parcel of 45 year-old vines on the Verdigny side of Chavignol where the soils are more “terres blanches” (chalky). The combination of soil types and age of the vines ensures a ‘special Cuvée’ with a fantastic complexity, great purity of fruit and near-perfect balance. (C&P)
Bin 60 W 2006 Valencay Blanc. £19.50
Le Clos Delorme, B&A Minchin.
Delicious racy and fresh finish Sauvignon Blanc, this clean and dry white, delivers delightful currant and citrus scents. This is our first listing of the recently promoted A.O.C Valencay in deepest Touraine. Valencay is best drunk young and vibrant, served as an aperitif or with salads or seafood. (L&W)
Page 18
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
The Midi, Languedoc and Roussillon.
The Most Drinkable of French Wines. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 1 R 2006 Mas des Lauriers £12.50
VdP des Coteaux de Narbonne.
This wonderfully soft and generous blend of Syrah, Merlot and the rare Marselan (a sort of cross
between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache) is full of ripe blackberry and liquorice. Perfect for
everyday drinking. (O&B)
Bin 4 R 2003/04 Château du Grand Caumont £14.90
Lezignan des Corbieres. Midi.
We started drinking this wine in the early 1990’s, when we first lived in France. It was and still is superb.
This is stunning value, a mature and supple Corbiere, with ripe blackberry dominating the nose.
Real wine bargains are rare to find these days, but this is one. (O&B)
Bin 68 R 2005 Domaine Lalaurie, Marselan, £14.90
VdP Coteaux de Narbonne.
This wine made from 100% Marselan is Lalaurie’s first bottling of this grape and is a lovely introduction
to this Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache cross. It will become much more common over the next
decade as many vineyard owners in the South are frantically planting it, as they realise its true potential.
Red Cherry, Blackberry and Liquorice are dominant aromas, and should be enjoyed by those who like a
good Beaujolais or Loire Red. (O&B)
Bin 69 R 2004/05 Domaine du Clos Roca “Ecceterra” £14.90
VdP de L’Herault.
This is a typical Midi blend of Carignan, Syrah and Mourvedre which makes these wines so easy to
drink. This is the first year this particular cuvée has been made at Clos Roca and so little was produced.
We have been lucky and managed to bag a few hundred. Deep and ripe this wine shows great verve for
a wine of this price level with plum, liquorice and caramel, vying for one’s attention on the nose.
The sort of wine one longs to drink in a classic Bistro in France, but rarely does. Never mind; The
Hoops will do nicely, thank you. (O&B)
Bin 70 Rosé 2004/05 Domaine La Colombette, Pinot Noir Rosé £27.90
VdP Coteaux du Libron.
No apologies for the price, this is an absolute stunning wine, this is a Rosé for Vintage Champagne
Drinkers, think of the difference between Mateus Rosé and Krug! Aged in oak, this wine is Fine,
Complex, Round and Long. (O&B)
Bin 71 W 2005Mas Saint Laurent. Picpoul de Pinet. £15.50
A.O.C. Coteaux du Languedoc.
If there is a White Wine that represents the Languedoc it has to be Picpoul de Pinet. This grape
is pretty much unheard of anywhere else. Down on the Med, this is what the locals drink and is
“de rigeur” with Oysters and Mussels. This is a seriously sophisticated Picpoul, with a real minerally
edge supporting the grapefruit and lime fruit in the mouths.
Page 19
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
The Midi, Languedoc and Roussillon.
The Most Drinkable of French Wines. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 72 W Domaine La Colombette, Sauvignon Blanc. £15.90
VdP. Coteaux du Libron.
This is an excellent example of how good Languedoc Sauvignon can be and is possibly due to the
fastidious nature of the vignerons, (you need to clean your shoes to walk between the rows of vines.)
This wine is wonderfully aromatic with elderflower, citrus and grassy notes on the nose. This wine has
an elegance on the palate that is so lacking in lesser examples of this aggressively pungent variety.
(O&B)
Bin 73 R 2005/06 Le Clos, Cotes du Roussillon £17.90
Domaine Boudau.
One of the finest Roussillons that we have tasted in recent years, and we have tasted a few. Bright
purplish in appearance, the aromas suggest ripe, vibrant cherry fruit. The palate is freshly styled with
abundant Morello cherry and characteristics of Provencal herbs. Really appetising with vibrant fruit.
(L&W)
Bin 74 R 2005 Les Galets Rouges, Costières de Nîmes £17.80
Château Mourgues du Grès.
Mourgues du Grès, located on the west bank of the Rhône at Beaucaire, is commanding considerable
attention for its well-made reds using local varieties. Les Galets takes its name from the presence of
alluvial pudding stones (Galets) which preserve vital moisture as well as reflecting heat, just as in
nearby Châeauneuf-du-Pape. Winemaker Francois Collard employes Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
and old-vine Carignan to produce a rich, fruit-and-spice flavoured red. (L&W)
Bin 75 R 2004 Domaine de la Jasse, Vielles Vignes £18.90
Vin de Pays D’Oc.
This Vieilles Vignes cuvée is produced from the classic Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (80%)
and Merlot (20%) and aged in part new French and American oak barriques for 12 months.
It has a splendid, deep and intense black/purple colour. A delicate bouquet provides aromatic touches
of velvety black fruits and lavender. This is rich in fruit with subtle nuances and a pure and refined style.
The palate has delicious mouth-filling fruit flavours, concentrated and balanced with satin tannins and a
spicy finesse. (L&W)
Bin 76 R 2003 A’d’Aussières. £19.90
Château d’Aussières, Corbières.
The second wine of Château d’Aussières, a blend of Syrah and Grenache, with a little Mourvèdre and
Carignan, inviting aromas of black fruits, spiced cherry and that tell-tale South of France scent of warm
earth and herbs. It has layers of spicy fruit on the palate and a delicious, fresh, Moreish character.
A must to serve with cassoulet, duck and wild mushrooms. (L&W)
Bin 8 W 2005/06 Marsanne, Vin de Pays D’Oc £12.75
Montagne Noir.
Marsanne is a Northern Rhône grape variety. Its clean refreshing opulent style is ideal as a partner to
food but equally successful as an aperitif. (L&W)
Bin 77 R 2001 St Chinian, Moulin de Ciffre. £14.90
Gault and Millau one of the French Wine Bibles, rates this as a 3 star wine. High praise for this
delightful blend, a soft and luscious fruit-styled wine with hints of Syrah laden spice. An opulent broad
wine, ideal with cold meats and pickles on a warm summers day, or to be drunk with a good fillet steak.
Bin 78 R 2001 Minervois, Château Villerambert – Julien. £22.00
This is a serious wine and not to be overlooked. Rich and intense fruit and meaty flavours combine
to make this lovely vibrant wine. This is another favourite with Gault and Millau and again it has been
given the top 3 star rating.
Page 20
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
France.
Rhône Valley. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 61 R 2005 Cotes du Rhône, £14.90
Château du Grand Moulas.
Another Château bottled wine that we have had on lists for over 10 years. A wine for all seasons, highly drinkable, with aromas of red fruits, wild thyme and crushed peppers.
Bin 5 R NV Plan Pegau, £19.80
Domaine du Pegau.
Superb wine, very interesting. It is Châteauneuf du Pape Domaine Pegau from two separate vintages – 2003 and 2004, hence the fact it has to be classified as a non vintage wine. Intense sweet plum, cherry and spice scents on the nose, with rich dark, creamy ripe prune flavours on the palate. One of our favourite wines for everyday drinking.
Bin 63 R 2004 Cairanne, Southern Rhône. £19.90
Domaine Les Grand Bois.
With a blend comprising 80% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache this is far from mainstream Southern Rhône. Has an inviting nose of ripe plums, blackberries and sweet spice and on the palate, blackcurrant with layers of spice and pepper. This full-flavoured wine is the perfect match for rich stews, lamb cooked Provencal-style, and summer barbecues.
Bin 64 R 2004 Vacqueyras, Cuvée Saint Roch, £22.50
Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux.
A classic Vacqueyras blend, with Grenache accounting for two-thirds, with a healthy percentage of Syrah and a little Mourvedre. Relatively restrained aromas here, with a dark raspberry edge to the fruit and a pleasing sense of ripeness. The palate shows lovely elegance, a mélange of red and black hedgerow fruits, with a peppery touch and a note of liquorice. Well balanced, with an overriding sense of harmony that is lacking in many Vacqueyras of this level. The freshness that seems characteristic of the 2004 vintage has rendered this cuvée particularly appealing.
Bin 65 R 2003/04 Châteauneuf du Pape, £27.20
Domaine de la Roquette,Brunier and Fils.
In spite of searing summer heat, this is a wine with finesse and poise. An inviting spice laden nose with layer of ripe red autumn fruits on the palate. A beautifully crafted glass of wine from one of the Rhône Valley’s premier winemakers.
Bin 66 R 2004 Crozes Hermitage. Rouge. £18.90
Domaine Pradelle.
Bright Spiced Fruit scents and flavours are the hallmark of this Southern Rhône Syrah.
Bin 67 R 2004 Lirac, Southern Rhône. £15.50
Domaine Pelaquie.
A blend of approximately 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvedre, this shows a deep, vibrant hue in the glass. The aromas are at once vivid and peppery, with a ripe berry fruit behind. Not as weighty as some, there is an appealing freshness here, with dark cherry fruit, spice and pepper as well as notes of garrigue. Well balanced and expressive, an interesting wine well worth trying.
Page 21
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
Italy. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 82 W 2004 Pinot Grigio, Avio. £16.90
Trentino Alto-Adige.
This is a high altitude wine with just a touch of attitude. This Pinot Grigio has a discreet bouquet with
good character. In our book this is the finest Pinot Grigio “Normale” we have tasted, the difference in
flavour and depth is amazing. (L&W)
Bin 83 W 2005 Roero Arneis Bricco Capellina £26.00
Gianni Voerzio, Piedmont.
Complex, herby nose with lovely floral notes. The palate exhibits superb purity, silky texture and a lovely
fresh, citrus nature with a touch of honey. Outstanding intensity and concentration. (L&W)
Bin 84 R Montepulciano d’Abruzzo £14.90
Abruzzi, Roxan
Superb value here, by the bottle and by the glass. Deep roasted red pepper hue. Has soft cherry fruit
flavours with a striking and typically “Italian” grilled note. Superbly zippy and zappy, with a great follow
through on the palate. (L&W)
Bin 85 W 2005 Chianti, Tuscany. £16.50
Cantine di Montalcino.
Cantine Sangiovese grapes producing a Chianti of finesse and elegance due to the limestone soils
and the high altitude. (L&W)
Bin 86 W 2003 Nebbiolo d’Alba, Ca’Vega £25.00
Paitin di Pasquero, Neive, Piedmont.
Pale Ruby in colour and with an enticing scent which is laden with sweet ripe black fruit. The fruit for this
wine comes from the Bricco di Neive vineyards which have high clay content, resulting in a dense
and textured wine, Rich with ripe fruit on the palate, full bodied and chewy with an almost Barolo like
concentration and character. A wine with great poise and elegance. (L&W)
Bin 87 W 2006 Verdicchio Classico, Le Vele. £14.90
Moncaro, Cantina de Montecarotte.
Verdicchio dei Casttelli di Jesi, grown to the West of Ancona about 30kms from the Adriatic, made by
the talented oenologist Guiliano d’ Ignazi, who heads up this progressive co-operative. This is 100%
Verdicchio, picked ultra ripe at the beginning of October and cool fermented to allow the fresh, honeyed
aromatics to come to the full with a rich zesty fruitiness.
Bin 88 R 2004 Valpolicella Superiore £15.50
Zenato, Peschiera, Verona.
A beautifully light smooth and velvety wine, with great depth of fruit. Packed with hints of cherries
and spice. Produced from vineyards in the historic zone in the commune of Sant’ Ambrogio.
Traditional production from 85% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. The nose offers supple
fragrances of almonds and violets. Crisp and dry in the mouth, well structured with a lovely velvety
texture.
Bin 89 R 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany. £24.90
Villa la Pagliaia, Castelnuevo Beradenga.
An archetypal Chianti with brambly, bitter cherry fruit, cedary, spicy back notes, succulent acidity and
well merged tannins. This Riserva is particularly elegant and fully concentrated. It has a grippy, spicy
character with flavours of stewed plum fruit and a hint of chocolate. This fine wine has a long deep
finish.
Bin 90 W 2005 ‘G’, Greco di Tufo. £24.90
Di Meo, Campania. Nuances of peach, grapefruit and honeyed lemon, whilst maintaining an upright elegance and balance
that makes it a serious dinner wine. Great with all fish, seafood or even chicken. The first time we
tasted a Graco di Tufo, we couldn’t really believe the depth of quality, the length of finish, in fact just how great this White wine really was. (O&B)
Page 22
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
Germany and Austria.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Germany.
Bin 14 W 2006 Liebfraumilch, Rheinessen, £10.50
Franz Schonheim.
Lively aromas of apple and lime. (C&P)
Bin 15 W 2006 Bernkastler Kurfustlay, £10.50
Kruger, Mosel
Evocate Fruit flavours and well balanced. (C&P)
Bin 91 W 2006 DR ‘L’ Riesling, QBA, Ernie Loosen. £15.50
Mittelmosel.
Stunning award winning Riesling with a wonderful balance of acidity and fruit sweetness, along with
appealing aromas – honey, citrus fruit and a hint of petrol. The Dr L is a lightish style, very fresh and
perfectly balanced, and of Kabinett quality.
The Loosen Estate goes back some 200 years, and in 2005 Ernest Loosen was named Wine Person of
The Year by Decanter Magazine. (C&P)
Bin 92 W 2006 Villa Wolf, Pinot Gris £16.70
QBA. Rheinpflaz.
A typical Pinot Gris with a peach fruit flavour and a lovely creamy texture. Very slightly off-dry, it is excellent with smoked fish, chicken, salads and cream based pasta dishes. Made from old vines on a 10 hectare site in Wachenheim, this is a wonderful wine made from a grape variety we tend not to associate with Germany. (C&P)
£16.70
Bin 93 Rosé 2006 Villa Wolf, Rosé,
Rheinpfalz.
Fabulous rich and full flavoured Pinot Noir Rosé. This is an off-dry with a creamy texture and a splash of strawberry essence running through the middle. Delicious lunch time drinking. (C&P)
Bin 94 W 2006 Niersteiner Bergkirche Riesling Kabinett. £16.25
Louis Guntrum, Rheinhessen.
A medium-bodied, medium-dry and racy Riesling from one of Nierstein’s top sites.
Covering roughly 2 hectares with a south-easterly exposure. The loess and sandy loam soils produce excellent Rieslings from this top vineyard site. Its name derives from the church of St. Killan which overlooks Nierstein. (C&P)
Austria.
Bin 95 W 2006 Gruner Veltliner, Fred Loimer £22.00
Kamptal.
This is a complex estate covering 21 hectares of vineyard in the Kamp Valley, split into 35 separate parcels, planted on seven different soil-types. Situated at an altitude of between 220 and 350 metres above sea level, the south facing vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights, resulting in grapes with excellent aromatics and balance. The Gruner Veltliner is generally harvested at the end of October, is stainless steel fermented which allows the purity of its fruit to dominate. (C&P)
Bin 96 W 2006 Riesling, Fred Loimer £22.00
Kamptal.
A subtle Riesling with aromas of lime, green apple, apricot and undertones of fine blossoms. The palate reveals delicate, juicy fruitiness. A distinct play between sweetness and acidity lends finesse and lightness to the wine.
A classic, refreshing Riesling. (C&P)
Page 23
The ‘Old’ World List Continued…
Spain. New List for 2007 – 2008
Bin 97 R 2005/06 Bodegas Castano. £13.50
Monastrell. D.O. Yecla.
Warm climate wines, made from grapes grown at an altitude of between 400m and 700m above sea
level. Made with a modern approach, this deep coloured red, has a peppery nose, and dark liquorice
overtones on the palate. The 2005 Vintage is excellent, 90 points from Robert Parker. (LIB)
Bin 98 R 2002 Bodegas Amezola de la Mora. £22.50
Torremontalbo, Rioja, Crianza. Magnum £45.00
Tempranillo, Mazuels and Graciano combine to make a wine of great expression. A wine of real depth
and colour with a long finish, held in oak barrels for a minimum of 15 months. In our opinion just the best
Rioja Crianza in N. Devon. 100 Points from the Team at Hoops Inn. (AMP)
Bin 99 R 2000 Cellars Santa Maria. Gran Recosind. £18.50
Capmany, Alt Emporda, Costa Brava.
This is a real gem, from Vineyards high in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees, a true Catalan Wine.
Garnacha, Carinena and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Macabeo producing a serious wine of great
character and length. This family owned winery was awarded its first “Medal of Perfection” in 1877! (AMP)
Bin 100 R 2005 Marqués de Caceres. Red Wine. £16.90
Rioja, Tinto, Crianza.
Good text book entry level Rioja, Smokey, Red Fruit flavours, probably the best selling Rioja in the UK,
we certainly sell an enormous amount, by the bottle and by the glass. (CT)
Bin 101 Rosé 2006 Marqués de Caceres. Rosé Wine. £15.50
Rioja, Rosé.
A Spanish Rosé of good quality, very fruity, and full bodied. (CT)
Bin 102 R 2000 Bodegas Murua. £19.90
Rioja Reserva. Alavesa.
Beautiful fruit aromas greet the nose; strawberry and currant. The palate is long and refined with ever-so
silky tannins and hints of vanilla oak. (L&W)
Bin 103 R 2002/03 Bodegas Ventolsilla. D.O. Ribera del Duero. £18.90
Prado Rey, Aranda del Duero.
For Ribero del Duero think of Rioja but with more vivid, cleaner cut fruit. Add a note of oak-spice and the
picture is compelling indeed. Balanced, firm, yet expressive.
A wine of the fine intensity and depth, with a structure to age further. Oak is present in a wine with follow-
through as well as drive. Finishes on a note of fine ripe fruit. (L&W)
Bin 104 R 2000 C.V.N.E. Imperial. £34.50
Rioja Reserva, Haro. Alto Rioja.
Founded in 1879, the Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana, has been in the same family for five
generations and produces some of Spain’s finest Rioja’s. Only produced in exceptional years the Imperial
offers plum like fruit, rounded and deep, has the positive character of deep red berries and the smokiness
of the finest Tempranillo. (L&W)
Bin 105 W 2006 Nava Real. Verdejo. £15.30
Rueda, Valladolid, Castille.
100% Verdejo, restrained and tightly knit, yet long and beautifully textured. Delicious and excellent value,
this White Wine drinks well on its own, or with any of our fish or seafood dishes. (LIB)
Bin 106 W 2006 Pazo Senorans. £28.50
Albarino, Galicia. North West Spain.
The Albarino, remains one of the most alluring White Wines on our list. Vigorous selection in the
Vineyard, when the grapes are fully ripened, gives top quality fruit. Following a soft pressing the wine is
fermented in small tanks. Bottling after 12 months, this gives a wine of tremendous depth with complex
tropical fruit flavours. Simply one of the best in Spain.
Page 24
The ‘New’ World List.
Australia - Red Wines.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 2 R 2006/07 Shiraz/ Cabernet Tin Hat £12.50 With the excellent Tin Hat range one gets a real sense of the grape variety.
Sweet forest fruit notes of Shiraz combine with the cassis and currant of Cabernet.
Has a lovely balance and a long refined finish, Delicious Screw cap closure.
Bin 107 R 2003 Shiraz/ Cabernet, Firestick £16.75
South Australia.
This is a full bodied yet soft wine with aromas of plums, spice and earthiness, typical of this
classic Australian blend. The palate is soft with stewed fruit characters, balanced by soft tannins.
An easy drinking red wine ready for immediate consumption, the wine will also benefit from
short term cellaring if stored in optimum conditions. It makes an ideal accompaniment to a wide
range of foods, particularly red meat dishes such as Osso Buco, Lamb or Beef Casseroles,
a variety of hearty Pasta dishes, and of course with a classic plate of grilled red meat.
Bin 108 R 2003 Merlot, Cockfighters Ghost £22.90
Mclaren Vale.
Merlot comes in many forms, sometimes light and inconsequential, sometimes more solid.
This example made from Mclaren Vale grapes is in the later camp with plenty of ripe, smooth
berry character trimmed pleasantly in cherry oak. It has depth and persistence in the mouth with
finely balanced tannins.
Bin 109 R 2004 Shiraz, Cockfighters Ghost. £22.90
Mclaren Vale.
This is Very fine, modern Mclaren Vale Shiraz that’s all silk and suppleness, yet avoids being
too soft. Very Generous, cool and sensuous aromatics include black cherry, mocha, cedary and
a lovely dash of black pepper that lifts it beyond the ordinary. Medium- full bodied, smooth and
rich with terrific fruit density, focus and fine tannin. Excellent length.
Bin 110 R 2005 Premium Pinot Noir, Cockfighters Ghost. £27.90
Tasmania.
Vibrant crimson in colour, this wine displays the typical lifted wild berry aromas and flavours
typical of pinot noir from this region. The palate is long and concentrated with sweet berry,
subtle spice and gamey characters, finishing with a rich, velvety mouth- feel.
This pinot noir will continue to age gracefully for eight to ten years if cellared in optimum
conditions. An ideal accompaniment to game meats such as duck and quail, with mushroom
risotto or with soft cheeses such as camembert or a ripe goats cheese.
Bin 111 R 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Cockfighters Ghost. £27.90
Coona Warra.
Deep red black in colour, this wine displays aromas of blackcurrant and mint chocolate.
The palate is long and concentrated with red liquorice and black olive flavours balanced by
Cinnamon and nutmeg from the oak with a dry, savory finish.
Bin 112 R 2003 Estate Shiraz, Pooles Rock £29.00
Hunter Valley
Crimson in colour, this wine exhibits classic spice, earthy forest floor and black pepper aromas
Spicy rich plum and savory flavours on the palate combine with vanillin oak characters from the
French oak maturation to provide complexity and length.
Page 25
The ‘New’ World List Continued…
Australia – White Wines.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 9 W 2006/07 Tin Hat, Semillon Chardonnay £12.50
A bouquet of fresh tropical fruit leads to a cascade of peach and exotic fruits on the palate
with a delightful zesty freshness and crisp finish.
Bin 113 W 2005 Chardonnay, Firestick. £16.75
South Australia.
Pale straw to lime in colour, this Chardonnay has tropical fruit aromas of pineapple, mango,
with a hint of honeydew melon. These intense fruit characters continue onto the palate and integrate
seamlessly with subtle vanilla flavours from the French oak. The wine finishes crisp and clean and will
be appreciated by those who prefer a fruit driven Chardonnay with delicate oak flavours.
Firestick Chardonnay is to be enjoyed now and is suited to accompany a wide variety of dishes, especially
roasted or grilled chicken, prawns and scallops, creamy pasta dishes and summer salads.
Bin 114 W 2006 Riesling, Cockfighters Ghost. £19.90
Clare Valley.
This Riesling shows all the hallmark characters for which this region has become famous. Vibrant lime
green in colour there is fragrant lemon and lime citrus on the nose with some delicate talcum powder
characters, typical of young Riesling from this region. The palate is lush with juicy melon and citrus with
fresh acidity providing a clean, crisp and dry finish. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth or will continue
to reward for up to ten years in the cellar if stored in optimum conditions. It is an ideal accompaniment to
a wide range of cuisines but is especially suited to spicy Southeast Asian dishes such as Prawn Laksa,
and also freshly shucked Oysters and Seafood Salads.
Bin 115 W 2006 Semillon, Cockfighters Ghost. £19.90
Hunter Valley.
This wine is pale yellow to lime in colour. There are delicate aromas of green pineapple, lemon zest,
lime juice and grapefruit. These tropical and citrus fruit characters combine with lychee flavours on the
palate, with fresh, natural acidity providing a well balanced finish. This Semillon has been bottled early to
capture its fresh youthful appeal but like all classic Hunter Valley Semillon’s, it will benefit from bottle
maturation: up to ten years if stored in optimum conditions. As a young wine, this Semillon makes an
ideal aperitif, and is well suited to a wide variety of foods including fresh Seafood, especially white-
fleshed Fish, barbequed Prawns, Oysters and Sushi. With bottle age it will suit more robust dishes
including grilled Lobster, oven roasted Poultry dishes and or more mature wash rind Cheeses.
Bin 116 W 2006 Unwooded Chardonnay, Cockfighters Ghost. £19.90
Hunter Valley.
Cockfighter’s Ghost Unwooded Chardonnay is pale green in colour with fresh, honeydew melon and
Peach aromas. Crisp pineapple and other tropical fruit flavours can be found on the front palate along
with a soft creaminess which rounds out the finish. This Unwooded Chardonnay is bottled early to
capture fresh fruit aromas and flavours. Ready for immediate enjoyment, Cockfighters Ghost Unwooded
Chardonnay is suited to a wide variety of foods including white Fish, Smoked Salmon and Creamy Pasta
dishes.
Page 26
The ‘New’ World List Continued…
Australia – White Wines.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 117 W 2006 Verdelho, Cockfighters Ghost. £19.90
Hunter Valley.
This wine is pale in green in colour. The wine has lifted aromas of musk, as well as tropical and citrus
fruits. Aromatic fruit characters of green melon, lychee and peach flow onto the palate and combine with
fresh natural acidity to give a crisp and dry finish. A fresh, dry white wine ready for immediate enjoyment,
Cockfighters Ghost Verdelho makes an ideal aperitif or a perfect accompaniment to white fleshed fish
dishes, as well as Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. (L&W)
Bin 118 W 2005 Estate Chardonnay, Pooles Rock . £29.00
Hunters Valley.
Pale straw to green colour, this Chardonnay has lifted aromas of honeydew melon, citrus and ripe figs.
Ripe fruit flavours follow onto the palate along with more melon and fig. Lees contact has added
creaminess and complexity to the wine. This Chardonnay is the product of a wonderful Hunter Valley
vintage and will continue to improve for up to eight years if stored in optimum conditions. It will make an
ideal accompaniment to poached Salmon, and will also handle more robust matches including grilled
Lobster in a buttery sauce, roasted corn fed Chicken, or even Pork with fennel and garlic. (L&W)
Bin 119 W 2003 Estate Semillon, Pooles Rock. £29.00
Hunters Valley.
Pale straw to lime in colour, this wine exhibits classic lemon zest and lanoline aromas combined with a
hint of buttered toast from the bottle maturation. The palate has luscious lemon, pineapple and
marmalade flavours with a refreshing crisp, mineral finish. Although released as a three year old wine,
this Semillon will benefit from a further four years bottle age if stored in optimum conditions. It makes an
ideal accompaniment to fresh seafood dishes, including white fleshed fish such as Barramundi or
Flathead, freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters, and white meats such as Chicken Fillets in a cream
sauce. (L&W)
Page 27
The ‘New’ World List.
South Africa.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 145 R 2005 Merlot, Tulbagh Ridge. £13.90
Drostdy.
Ruby plum with a dark red rim. The nose reveals cassis and lead pencil followed by whiffs of mulberry and chocolate. The palate is full of black fruits and spice with a touch of eucalyptus on the finish. The fruit and oak nicely balanced.
In the fertile valley known as Het Land van Waveren lies South Africa’s oldest co-operative wine cellar. Tulbagh Co-operative Winery has been producing quality wines since 1906. Situated in the picturesque hamlet of Drostdy, the winery can be found on the Winterhoek road leading out of Tulbagh. (C&P)
Bin 146 W 2006 Chenin Blanc, £13.90
Tulbagh Ridge, Drostdy.
Lemon yellow with a faint green tinge, the bouquet has a lovely whiff of ripe green apple with touches of capsicum and green pea. On the palate there is ripe apple, backed by firm crisp natural acidity. Winemaker Carl Allen has extracted flavour and concentration in this excellent Chenin Blanc. From the same winery as the Merlot listed above and of equal character. (C&P)
Bin 147 R 2004/05 Cabernet Sauvignon, £14.10
Excelsior Estate Ashton.
Blackish plum in colour. Nose redolent of ripe blackcurrant and plumy fruit. Toasty oak aromas and sweet fruit flavours are balanced by soft, ripe tannins. Good structure with soft, clean finish.
In 1859 a young man with energy and vision came to the South West Cape and bought a large tract of land. He pioneered the channeling of a river to bring water to his fields. He planted crops and established vineyards and orchards and built a cellar which, because it was continually being extended, became known as the Long Cellar. In his old age he divided his land among three sons, the youngest of whom named his portion Excelsior. Stephan and Freddie de Wet who now own Excelsior are the fourth generation of De Wets to farm the land of their ancestor. (C&P)
Bin 148 W 2006 Sauvignon Blanc £18.00
Groenekloof. West Coast, Darling.
Predominant flavours are those of tropical fruit with herbaceous overtones, whilst the overall impression is of elegance and delicacy with a long flavoursome finish.
Recognising the unique quality of the grapes from Groenekloof in 1996 Neil Ellis Wines entered into a partnership with Alex Versveld to farm the 120ha Contreberg Estate which is the source of their Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc. Groenekloof is situated near Darling on the West Coast and here the hills rise to 385 metres above sea level. The vineyards are only 8km from the cool prevailing southwesterly winds. Soils are deep, red, decomposed granite and produce lively, complex Sauvignon Blanc wines. This area has particularly consistent weather. (C&P
Bin 149 R 2002/03 Pinotage, Kanonkop £29.00
Stellenbosch.
A deep red full bodied Pinotage with a complex black and red berry and oak flavours on the palate that will integrate well with bottle age. A wine that will last at least 5-8 years in the bottle.
Kanonkop derives its name from a Kopje (hillock) from which a cannon was fired in the 17th century to alert farmers in outlaying areas of the Boland that sailing ships plying the waters between Europe and the Far East had entered Table Bay for a stopover at Cape Town. In those days the Cape was, first and foremost, a replenishment station and the farmers would load their produce, mainly fresh fruit and vegetables, to the sailors and other travellers. (C&P)
Page 28
The ‘New’ World List Continued…
New Zealand. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 133 R 2003 Pinot Noir. £19.90
Lawsons Dry Hills, Marlborough.
Vivacious red fruits dominate this very attractive Marlborough Pinot. Luscious and exuberant in the
extreme with plum and cherry notes marrying with herbs, spices and a hint of toasty oak. (L&W)
Bin 134 R 2005 Gimblett Road. Merlot. £19.90
C.J Pask, Hawkes Bay.
The classic ‘Bordeaux’ varietals ripen well in NZ’s North Island Hawke’s Bay region.
This example is from fruit grown in the now famous Gimblett Gravels, an area that Chris Pask was first to
recognise as terroir ideally suited to the varietals. Aromas combine scents of black stone fruits and
currants. The immediate impression on the palate is of bright vibrant fruit with just a whisper of oak.
Generous without being extracted. Complete, layered and deliciously harmonious with a lushness of
fresh, ripe fruit. (L&W)
Bin 135 Rosé 2005 Pinot Noir Rosé. £18.90
Lawsons Dry Hills, Marlborough.
Lawson’s is strawberrry coloured with pure, ripe aromas combining cherries, raspberries and blueberries.
The palate is soft, yet crisp and refreshing, just as a good Rosé should be.
Delicious, innovative New World style. (L&W)
Bin 12 W 2006 Sauvignon Balnc. £19.80
Moa Ridge, Marlborough.
New Zealand in a glass – Tons of cut grass and hay, layered with Gooseberry and summer fruits. Dry,
clean, refreshing acidity and so gulpable.
Bin 136 W 2004/06 Sauvignon Blanc. £21.50
Greenhough, Nelson.
Vivacious red fruits dominate this very attractive Nelson Pinot. Luscious and exuberant in the extreme
with plum and cherry notes marrying with herbs, spices and a hint of toasty oak.
Bin 137 W 2005/06 Chardonnay, Omhu Road. £17.90
C.J Pask, Hawkes Bay.
Chris Pask’s philosophy with his Chardonnay is to achieve complexity of flavour rather than the excessive
richness which dogs some New World Chardonnays. High class wine-making in evidence here, this is a
Kiwi Chardonnay with rare breadth. Splendid harmony of fruit and a wealth of flavours of which wine -
makers the world over would be proud. Grapefruit, butterscotch, butter, caramel and yellow plum are just
some we detect in this quite subtle Chardonnay. (L&W)
Bin 138 W 2006 Pinot Gris. £17.50
Lawsons Dry Hills.
An intriguing example of a variety that is set to become more popular with New Zealand growers.
Almost limpid in appearance. The nose suggests hints of William pears. On the palate, bright, zippy
fruit melds with hints of spices. Real refreshment value on a warm summer’s day. This combines the
lightness of touch of Italian Pinot Grigio with the spiciness of the best examples of this variety from
Alsace specialty, tarte á l’oignon. (L&W)
Page 29
The ‘New’ World List Continued…
Argentina.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 6 R 2006 Shiraz / Malbec. £12.50
Bodegas Pampas del Sur, Mendoza.
On the nose distinct plum aromas typical of this varietal enhanced with oaky notes. A generous, fruity and
spicy wine, with well integrated soft tannins with a rounded and lingering finish. (L&W)
Bin 128 R 2006 Pinot Noir. £13.50
Bodegas Pampas del Sur, Mendoza.
Floral Bouquet with notes of violets and roses. The palate is extremely rounded with some chocolate and
fruit flavours. (L&W)
Bin 129 R 2006 Malbec. £14.50
Bodegas. Santa Juha, Mendoza.
Smokey and slightly spicy, topped with rich black fruit flavours and a really long smooth finish. As you
would expect from Argentina, excellent with Steak. (North Devon Steak of course). (L&W)
Bin 130 W Malbec Reserva. £18.90
Bodegas Terrazas, Mendoza.
This is another New Wine from Argentina and fully illustrates the tremendous skills being used to
produce world class wines. (L&W)
Bin 13 W 2006 Chardonnay / Chenin. £12.50
Bodegas Pampas del Sur, Mendoza.
Attractive yellow with greeny olive notes in the colour, highly aromatic on the nose, with a delicate
combination of citrus and pineapple flavours. This wine tastes really fruity and has a long pleasing
finish. (L&W)
Bin 131 W 2006 Viognier £13.50
Bodegas Pampas del Sur, Mendoza.
Brilliant yellow with greenish tints show in the glass. The nose will detect complex blends of apricots,
honey and tropical fruits. The taste on the palate is young and very refreshing. (L&W)
Bin 132 W 2006 Pinot Grigio. £14.75
Bodegas Santa Julia, Mendoza.
Our Winemaker’s objective for this rather special wine was to produce an Alsace style, with a discreet
fruitiness as a complex rich flavour. This is a very rare style in Argentina, especially as the Winemakers
have only a few hectares of Pinot Gris Vines planted. (L&W)
Page 30
The ‘New’ World List.
North America.
Canada. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 121 W 2003 Mission Hill, Pinot Gris Reserve. £25.00
Okanagan Valley, British Colombia.
A masterpiece from the largely unknown Okanagan valley. This has a crisp clean nose filled with citrus and fresh peaches. The palate opens up to reveal tangy flavours of apple, pear, hints of almonds and finishing with a flourish of lemon.
The owner of Mission Hill Estate, Anthony Von Mandl helped to pioneer the making of fine wines in a valley where grapes were first planted in the 1860s. Determination and an unshakeable commitment to quality led to international acclaim, validating his belief and giving him the confidence to undertake unprecedented investments in grape growing and wine making. He has just completed a six-year transformation of the original winery. (C&P)
California.
Bin 122 R 2004 Zinfandel Vintners Blend £17.95
Ravenswood Winery, Sonoma County.
Concentrated, intense and lush Zinfandel. This is soft, round, spicy and jammy with voluptuous overtones of plums and blueberries – irresistible. A good choice to match with richer meat dishes, particularly game.
(C&P)
Bin 123 R 2005 Angels Flight, £14.90
Merlot.
This is classic Merlot - full of plum jam fruit with succulence and a hint of spice. This red is ripe and robust, full in the mouth with charming, easy drinking fruit. (L&W)
Bin 124 R 2002 Merlot, Stonehedge Cellars, £18.90
St Helena, Napa Valley.
The Stonehedge Merlot offers a richly layered core of cherry, strawberry-plummy notes with echoes of black jammy spice on the finish. A supple and soft wine perfect with a wide variety of foods. It is over 80% Merlot with the balance a blend of Carignan, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah.
In 1992, the Shahabi Family established Stonehedge in the small town of St. Helena, situated in the heart of Napa Valley. The care and dedication of the Shahabi Family has pushed Stonehedge to the forefront of California winemaking and has made it a recognized name for exceptional quality. The acclaimed Napa Valley range is very limited in availability. (C&P)
Bin 125 Rosé 2005 Angels Flight White Zinfandel. £14.90
The grapes for this wine came from many selected parts of California where the soils are mostly sandy
loam and the climate is Mediterranean. Cool stainless steel fermentation was used and the wine was
filtered to leave the residual sugar. Light to medium bodied, this fruit forward White Zinfandel opens with
bright aromas of strawberry and watermelon. The full, ripe fruit flavours are well balanced with a
refreshing mouthfeel and a slight crisp, lingering finish. This White Zinfandel has deep, rich salmon colour
announcing this special wine.
Bin 126 W 2000 Chardonnay, Calera. £39.00
Calera Holister, San Benito County.
Made from grapes purchased from neighbouring properties in Monterey, Santa Clara and San Benito counties. This wine is rich and fleshy with a lovely smooth, creamy texture. It reveals flavours of spicy apple and melon and hints of honeysuckle and touches of citrus with a full lingering aftertaste. A truly fine Californian Chardonnay.
Bin 127 W 2005 Angels Flight Chardonnay. £14.90
A full flavoured, buttery Chardonnay with citrus notes on the nose and palate backed up by a delicious butterscotch flavour and well balanced oak on the finish.
Page 31
The ‘New’ World List Continued…
Chile. Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 3 R 2006 Merlot, Rio Clara. £12.90
Dona Javiera Estate, Maipo Valley.
85% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, big plum scented, with an intense red colour, violet edges. Floral and spicy, aromas of pepper are distinctive to this wine. This has been a House Wine at The Hoops for the last 4 years, and no wonder why. The perfect ratio of quality to price.
Bin 139 R 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rio Clara £12.90
Dona Javiera Estate, Maipo Valley.
Has a crisp assertive character with well defined blackcurrant and herb aromas, and a long palate of berry fruits and tobacco. (L&W)
Bin 10 W 2006 Chardonnay, Rio Clara. £12.90
Dona Javiera Estate, Maipo Valley.
This un-oaked style of Chardonnay is clean tasting without an ounce of unnecessary fat. This has been a House Wine at The Hoops for the last 4 years, and no wonder why. The perfect ratio of quality to price. (L&W)
Bin 140 W 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Rio Clara. £12.90
Dona Javiera Estate, Maipo Valley.
Delicious Sauvignon, vibrant bouquet is so typical of the variety. The palate is curranty yet pleasantly subtle. (L&W)
Bin 141 W 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Arboleda £17.95
Leyda Valley. Award Winning Wine.
Voted best Chilean Sauvignon Blanc in the 2006 Wines of Chile awards. This wine has a bright herbaceous scent, with attractive White Currant and gooseberry notes. Vibrant with a lift of acidity, a deliciously fresh and appealing wine. (L&W)
Bin 142 R 2004 Syrah, Arboleda. Award Winner. £17.95
Colchagua Valley.
Rich and Deep in colour, with cassis and green pepper aromas. This is concentrated yet well balanced, with great depth of flavour and peppery, superb with grilled meats. (L&W)
Bin 143 R 2004 Carmenere Arboleda Award Winner. £17.95
. Colchagua Valley.
This wine has a scent of black autumn fruits, liquorice and smoke with a touch of vanilla. Velvety textured, soft and generous in the mouth, an impressive depth of ripe fruit and a lingering finish. (L&W)
Page 32
Port Wines.
Price per bottle 75cl
Bin 148 P Lay & Wheeler Special Reserve Port. £24.00
Rich and Luscious Bench L.B.V
Bin 219 P 1994 Martinez. £70.00
Peppery nose with Brandy spirit on the upper palate. Intense Berry fruit, inviting, positive.
This is stylish with a long finish. Last few bottles of this vintage.
Bin 220 P 1987 Fonseca Guimaraens. £55.00
Showing signs of maturity on the rim. The nose still seems to suggest some restraint though there is
no denying the underlining richness. Typically for a 1987, this has a firm backbone
Bin 149 P 1999 Delaforce Late Bottled Vintage. £26.00
A slightly different style of L.B.V but fantastic drinking. Finishes the meal off correctly.
Bin 150 P Warres Otima, 10 year Old Tawny (50cl) £25.00
Tawny Ports are the ideal partners to rich puddings,
Blue Cheese and Chocolate Desserts, best served slightly chilled.
Page 33
Pudding Wines.
Price per Bottle
Bin 166 P Essencia Orange Muscat, Quady, California. (37.5cl) £18.80
Sweet Orange Marmalade flavours.
Bin 167 P Elysium Black Muscat, Quady California. (37.5cl) £18.80
Deep, Dark and Luscious.
Bin 168 P Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise. (37.5cl) £19.90
Just super with Chocolate and Ginger.
Bin 169 P Jurancon Moelleux. (37.5cl) £17.60
Delightfully lighter style.
Bin 170 P Tokaj Azzu, 5 Puttonyos. (50cl) £42.00
Crown Estates, Hegyalija.
Honey Sweet Wine with real character.
Bin 171 P Paul Cluver Estate, Elgin. R.S.A. (37.5cl) £18.50
Noble Late Harvest Reisling.
Peaches, Mandarin and Citrus Notes.
Bin 172 P Maury Solera 1928, Cask 903 (50cl) £28.00
Vignerons de Maury, Rousillon.
Glorious French concoction, made like a good sherry in the solera system.
See our separate list of
PUDDING WINES BY THE GLASS
Page 34
Fine Wines List.
From amongst the Worlds best Vineyards.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 226 R 1994 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, £75.00
Cru Classe St-Julien
The 1994’s are offering mature, complex flavours. This is one of the best wines from the vintage Marvelous!
Bin 200 R 1999 Château Magdelaine 1er Grand Cru Classe, £80.00
St Emilion.
A stunning, beautifully ripe, fruit-cake scented, voluptuous cuvée. Very lovely.
Bin 201 R 1996 Château Certan de May £85.00
Pomerol.
Positive and confident. Richness is evident, as is structure and refinement. A very impressive wine and an excellent ’96.
Bin 202 R 1996 Château l’Eglise-Clinet, £95.00
Pomerol.
Ranked as one of the leading Pomerol Estates. Proprietor Denis Durantou has produced a generous, fully fleshy, generous wine that shows considerable verve.
Bin 203 R 1994 Château Latour, 1er Cru Classe, £140.00
Pauillac.
First growth considered the grandest statement of the Medoc. The ’94 is profound, intense and perfumed.
Bin 204 R 1995 Château Mouton-Rothschild £220.00
1er Cru Classe, Pauillac.
The ’95 is made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and is rich and opulent.
Bin 205 R 1997 Château Cos d’Estournel, £140.00
Cru Classe St. Estephe – Magnum 1.5L
Soft and elegant and just showing the added complexity of a few years’ bottle-age.
Page 35
Fine Wines List.
From amongst the Worlds best Vineyards.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 214 W 2002 Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes, £49.00
Domaine Cordier.
Totally intoxicating, heavenly wine. Cordier can match the best for the Cote d’Or.
£80.00
Bin 215 W 1997 Meursault 1er Cru,
Pierre Morey.
Only 100 cases made. A big, potent and serious wine, with plentiful rich flavours. Chunky and rewarding.
Bin 216 W 1978 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Chalumeau, £95.00
Domaine Leroy Museum Collection.
The ultimate negociant with the finest stocks of old wines in Burgundy. This is a fine, magnificent, rich, complex wine.
White Bordeaux.
Bin 217 W 2000 Château Malartic Lagraviere, £49.00
Cru Classe Sauternes.
In 2000 the recently-renovated and much improved Malartic has produced an elegant and stylish wine endowed with weight, fluidity and ‘nervosite’. A modern wine, made using up-to-the-minute techniques yet displaying traditional virtues.
Bin 218 W 1998 Château d’Yquem, £180.00
1er Grand Cru Classe Sauternes.
Heady aromas of butterscotch, candied fruit and hazelnuts overlay a rich, compelling palate.
Opulent and captivating.
Page 36
Fine Wines List.
From amongst the Worlds best Vineyards.
Price per 75cl Bottle
Bin 227 R 1999 Morey-St-Denis £65.00
1er Cru La Forge, Mommessin.
This is from one of the true superstar producers in Burgundy. The Mommessin family monopoly of Clos de Tart is rightly considered one of the Cote de Nuits finest grand crus. This second wine epitomizes its style, full of harmony and finesse.
Bin 206 R 1999 Vosne-Romanee, £70.00
Joseph Drouhin.
The silky nature of Vosne-Romanee seems incredibly well suited to the opulent style of this vintage. Its bright red fruit flavours have a lingering elegance that is very more-ish.
Bin 207 R 1999 Nuits-St. Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forets St. George, £75.00
Domaine de l’Arlot.
Deep colour and a brooding intensity hinting at submerged strength. A well-structured wine with satisfying weight and texture. Has the layered quality one sees in exceptional vintages.
Bin 208 R 1999 Pommard 1er Cru Clos Les Rugiens, £90.00
Domaine de Montille.
A very terroir dominated wine from one of the finest vintages in Pommard for twenty years.
Bin 209 R 1996 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, £105.00
Pierre Damoy.
Layers of complex flavours. A high quality wine from a great vintage.
Bin 210 R 1999 Echezeaux Grand Cru, £190.00
Joseph Drouhin – Magnum 1.5L
Almost chocolate-y overtones, supported by black summer fruits. This is a very full wine with plenty of power.
Bin 211 R 1999 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, £75.00
Château de Beaucastel.
Provencal herbs and ultra-ripe, sweet spicy fruit make for heady aromas. The palate shows density and power, though not at the loss of refinement.
Bin 212 R 1993 Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, £75.00
Henschke, Eden Valley. Australia.
Outstanding Cabernet, the best Australia has to offer. Seriously complex, rich meaty flavours blend well together with intense black fruit.
Bin 213 R 1997 Howell Mountain Merlot, £60.00
Duckhorn, Napa. California.
Virtually 100% Merlot grown in mountain vineyards on the east side of the valley. A wine with an elegant structure and discrete concentration from low yields. Very special.
Page 37