David Porter's Wine List
At this time of year I find my self reaching to the wine-rack for something red and juicy. Of course there is always a moment when I just want some White and I love pure, bright wines full of energy and vim. The ludicrously joyful wines from Manni Nossing are often opened, but the chiselled bright Chenin Blanc from Tim Hillock in South Africa's Swartland, has fast become a go-to as it always hits the spot - fresh but wonderfully textured a wine for all occasions.
I can always find a reason to open some bubbles, surely the perfect start to an evening whether celebrating or not. Legras Blanc de Blancs is fine and bright and dangerously drinkable or the English Sparkler from Kent, Herbert Hall Brut is another house favourite, english orchard blossoms and lovely persistent bubbles make this a real treat.
For reds at this time of year Italy often jumps out, I relish the bright fruit and delicate lick of acidity you often find in Tuscan reds which keeps the wine incredibly moreish and these wines just work so well with food. Bordeaux too always takes up a good stretch of the wine rack at home. When you find a good quality Claret that does not break the bank - yet still offers the poise and cut of sophistication possible in Bordeaux - it's a rare joy. Old friend Chateau Montaiguillon is unbelievably charming and yet has real refined claret-like feel.
Yet variety is key and so these mainstays are peppered with bottles from all corners of the world like the magic 2021 PINOT NOIR Willamette Valley from the lovely team at Illahe Vineyards in Oregon. Beaujolais growers. Here we have a raft of incredibly well-crafted wines, soft and generous - yet with a sophistication you would be paying at least twice the price for if they were made just an hour further north, in Burgundy.
2021 GARNACHA Bodegas y Viñedos Monfil
Cariñena Spain 13.5% Red
Syrah, Garnacha.
The 2021 is another stonker from Maria and the family at Bodegas Monfil! Loaded with exuberant blueberry, cranberry and damson fruit. Supple and fresh in the mouth with succulent berry fruitiness and a delicate bite of t...(read more)
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2022 CÔTE DE BROUILLY Les Grillés Domaine Chevalier-Métrat
Beaujolais France 13% Red
Gamay.
Red currants, raspberries and blueberries here. Beautifully fragrant and lifted. Consistent in the mouth, richly fruited again but with great freshness, flesh and weight, delivered in a lip smacking style. The cut and li...(read more)
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2017 CABURNIO Tenuta Monteti
Bolgheri Tuscany Italy 14% Red
Alicante Bouschet, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
This has the same blend as the winning 2016 Caburnio with 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Alicante Bouschet & 20% Merlot. It is however, a different beast - yet still a wine that grabs your attention and encourages you b...(read more)
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2020 PELORO Rosso Le Casematte
IGP Terre Sicilliane Sicily Italy 13% Red
Nocera, Nerello Mascalese.
70% Nerello Mascalese, 30% Nocera. Eight months in 500-litre French oak. Light crimson with soft rim. Fragrant with wild strawberry. Super-fine dry tannins, almost chalky. Scented with tart red fruits on the palate. Deli...(read more)
Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com
2019 CHÂTEAU MONTAIGUILLON Montagne Saint Emilion
Right Bank Bordeaux France 14.5% Red
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Simply delicious Bordeaux from the talented young Mathieu Ternault. A recent visit reminded us of the immense quality of the work he is doing here at this well placed family estate. As we stood in front of the winery loo...(read more)
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2021 LA DULA Garnachas de Altura Sierra de Toloño
Rioja Alavesa Rioja Spain 14% Red
Garnacha. Certified Organic
From old vines that are planted at 700 metres, this is the fourth release from this very special plot. As ever the wine is extraordinary for its grace, purity and elegant length. Remarkably Pinot Noir 'shaped' Grenache....(read more)
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2021 MOULIN A VENT Vignes du Tremblay Domaine Paul Janin et Fils
Beaujolais France 13% Red
Gamay. Certified Organic
Tremblay is the original Lieu-dit at the heart of Moulin a Vent, here the Janin family bought a handful of parcels in the 1930s. Recently renamed Les Burdelines the family cling to this special historic name. With vines...(read more)
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2020 DAMASCENE Syrah Swartland
Swartland South Africa 13% Red
Syrah.
13% alcohol. Sourced from schist and granitic soils on slopes. Taut aromatics with bright cherry and raspberry fruit with some notes of meat, tar and pepper. The palate is bright and focused with sweet cherry and berry f...(read more)
Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com
2018 LE C DES CARMES HAUT BRION Pessac-Léognan
Left Bank Bordeaux France 13% Red
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
This show so much effusive ripe fruit with cherries and strawberries. Lightly jammy. Full-bodied and slightly chewy, yet with so much fruit and brightness. Delicious now, but give it two or three years to open. Second wi...(read more)
James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com
2018 HERBERT HALL Brut
England United Kingdom 12% White
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
Simply one of our very favourite English sparklers from the talented duo of Nick Hall and Kirsty Smith. From a tiny 4.5 hectare estate in Marden in Kent and made from the three classic varieties for quality fizz, Chardon...(read more)
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LEGRAS Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Chouilly Champagne R&L Legras NV
Champagne France 12.5% White
Chardonnay.
From the Grand Cru vineyards of Chouilly, this entirely Chardonnay champagne has pale colour, smooth weight and fresh flavour, with remarkable clean length and a zesty finish. A really exciting quality Champagne which al...(read more)
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