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 brilliant value Sauvignon de Touraine from Lionel Gosseaume is hard to beat in terms of value for money.

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 West Sussex, Wiston Estate Brut is another house favourite.

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. The new find Chateau Muret is a great example of this, offering a remarkably luxurious feel and depth for a wine at this level, super value Bordeaux - something you don't hear too often sadly.

Yet variety is key and so these mainstays are peppered with bottles from from all corners of the world like the magic Pinot Noir from our new signings in Oregon, the wonderful Illahe Estate or one of our fantastic Beaujolais growers. Here we have a raft of incredibly well-crafted wines, soft and generous - yet with a sophistication you would being paying at least twice the price for if they were made just an hour further north, in Burgundy.