Our Own Selection

Sourced from the prestigious Grand Cru village of Mailly, located at the heart of the Montagne de Reims, and benefiting from over three years ageing, our UKC Cuvée is a classic blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.

All the hallmarks of Grand Cru are here, with brioche and flowers on the nose and an elegant palate which marries notes of lemon grass, gingerbread and honeysuckle. The wine effortlessly combines structure and finesse and reverberates with a really authoritative Grand Cru crescendo on the finish.

{***}
{region}Champagne{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{ratings}
[]Jancis Robinson::16/20
{ratings}
{***}

A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 15% each of Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, this is a beautiful, balanced wine, with elegant aromas of orchard fruit and honeyed spice. Aged traditionally and generously on its lees, it shows more exotic fruits on the palate with a clean, pebbly backdrop and an impressive depth of flavour.

{***}{region}Languedoc-Roussillon{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}NV{vintage}{***}

The perfect partner to our much-loved Good Ordinary Claret, “GOW” is made for us by the same winemaking team at Dourthe, one of Bordeaux’s most respected producers. The wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, fermented cool to preserve freshness and aromatics. With the understated elegance of the vintage, citrus-fruit aromas are most prominent on the nose; a wonderful mineral edge lends structure and balance. Lively and refreshing, this is immensely appealing, whether as an apéritif or served with seafood, vegetable or lighter chicken dishes.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}

Our biggest seller for decades, “GOC” is a carefully assembled blend from some of Bordeaux’s best terroirs. Merlot makes up 67% of the blend, giving the wine its silky richness. The balance is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, adding power and structure. After a year in oak, this shows why Claret is such a perennial favourite: warm, savoury aromas of cedar and woodsmoke, with supple cassis and blackberry on the palate. Designed for early drinking, this is a comfortable partner for most food, and is soft enough to be enjoyed on its own.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}
{***}

A classic white Graves blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Sémillon (50%), our 2020 Extra Ordinary White is a testament to the quality and value of this oft-overlooked region. The Sauvignon provides aromatic fireworks and freshness on the palate; the Sémillon adds body and a touch of soft peach fruit. Around 10% is fermented in wood, lending further depth and complexity to the whole. This versatile wine makes an excellent apéritif, but it is best with a seafood platter or a goat’s cheese tartlet.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}

For just gone two decades, “EOC”, as it is known, has come from this single estate in the southern Graves. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of blackberries and blueberries combine with notes of cedar, allspice and violets. The palate is succulent and moreish, with layers of ripe cherries and blackcurrants, bolstered by a firm backbone of soft, silky tannins. Rich, warming, and classically Bordeaux, this would pair beautifully with a leg of lamb, or enrich any simple mid-week meal.

{***}
{region}Bordeaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

For the 2019 vintage, Jean-Luc Terrier has sourced fruit from older vines and higher-altitude plots. The addition of 10% Pinot Noir to the historically Merlot/Syrah-based blend has transformed this into a beautifully fragrant, complex and elegant wine brimming with sweet red cherry fruit and displaying super fine tannins. It is harmonious and perfectly in balance with real subtlety and a long, extremely enjoyable, refreshing finish.

{***}{region} Languedoc{region}
{color} Red {color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

Our 2020 Reserve White is a Chardonnay which comes from the wonderful team at Collovray & Terrier in the Limoux region of the Languedoc. The wine is fresh, fine and elegant, with a lemon-lime refreshment and a creamy texture. The finish is long and rewarding. A saline note draws out the minerality derived from this parcel’s limestone soils, giving this wine a true sense of place.

{***}
{region}Rhône{region}
{color}White{color}

{vintage}2020{vintage}

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {***}

Our delicious 2020 Reserve Rosé is especially Provençal in style this year due to the addition of 20% Cinsault to the blend. This lends a gorgeous finesse and herbal refreshment to the wine. It is a delicate and subtle dry rosé with a pebble stone purity and a delectably saline finish.

{***}
{region}Rhône{region}
{color}Rose{color}

{vintage}2020{vintage}

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text} {***}

We are delighted to once again partner with the esteemed Ch. la Mascaronne for this fresh and delectable rosé. The initial sensation of biting into a fresh red plum is followed by vivid notes of wild strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. Above all, this is an energetic, pure and mineral wine with delicious freshness and a long, creamy finish.

{***}
{region}Provence, France{region}
{color}Rose{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{***}

For our 2019 White Burgundy we have worked once again with our good friends Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray. The warm and sunny 2019 vintage has yielded a charming wine with aromas of ripe stone-fruit, subtle floral touches and a suggestion of toasted hazelnuts. The palate is at once generous and refreshing, with a mineral, smoky finish courtesy of judicious oak ageing. A versatile wine, enjoy it on its own or as an accompaniment to salads, seafood and lighter meat dishes.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}White{color}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

Chablis producers have defined the style of chardonnay in this famous region, and this has all the purity and steely freshness with classic aromas of crushed oyster shell and lime, plus plenty of ripe stone fruits, fresh acidity, minerality and an oyster shell finish. Brilliant on its own, but perfect with Good Friday fish pie, goats cheese salad and shellfish.

{***}{region}Chablis{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

The Merlin family have made this well-rounded white for us. The fruit comes from the villages of Vergisson, Chaintré and Fuissé. Notes of ripe melon, peach and white flowers on the nose are accompanied by a subtle hint of oak. The palate is generous and refreshing, with pear and apricot giving way to a cleansing finish. Enjoy this with fish and seafood dishes. Drink now to 2025.

{***}{region}Pouilly-Fuissé{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
    {ratings}        {***}

Our friend Benjamin Leroux has made this excellent Burgundian Pinot Noir for us. Sourced exclusively from vineyards in Chorey-lès-Beaune, this wine punches above its weight in complexity and elegance. The nose is serious and brooding; pepper notes accompany charming wild-berry fruits. The warm and sunny vintage delivers generous morello cherry and subtle spice. It’s approachable now but has the structure to keep for three to five years. Pair this versatile wine with charcuterie, cheese and heartier dishes.

{***}
{region}Burgundy{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{***}

The fruit for our 2018 Nuits-St Georges comes from 50-year-old vines in three different vineyards. The warm vintage has yielded a generous, spicy wine with a rich and rounded mouthfeel. Red and black cherries jostle for attention with sweet oak spice, while supple tannins and refreshing acidity make this an excellent wine for the table. Drink now to 2026.

{***}
{region}Nuits-St Georges{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Made with fruit from 65-year-old, organically farmed vines, our 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin is charming, fleet-footed and delicate. Using two-thirds whole bunches and just 15% new oak, brothers David and Nicolas Rossignol have produced a vibrant and energetic wine with a beguiling floral perfume, sweet crushed strawberry fruit and a refreshing finish. Try it with lighter red meat dishes  or salmon.

{***}
{region}Gevrey-Chambertin{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 
{ratings}{***}

Our Own Selection St Julien comes from the younger vines of Ch. Léoville Las Cases. You’ll find notes of cassis and menthol on the nose, with just a touch of oak and a deep and powerful palate that brings classic Cabernet and Merlot fruit flavours to the fore. This is a balanced wine, with a long, savoury finish – perfect with a prime rib of beef or a leg of British lamb.

{***}
{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{***}

Our St Julien comes from young vines at Ch. Léoville Las Cases. This is one of the finest sites for Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc, and a great vintage like the 2018 shows the variety off in all its glory. A fabulously rich nose of cassis, blackberry and cedar wood paves the way to a gorgeously deep, full-bodied palate brimming with dark fruit. Despite its power, this is a balanced, harmonious wine; it will drink well young, yet age impeccably. It is, perhaps, the best Own Selection Claret we have ever bottled.

{***}
{region}St Julien{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{***}

Once again, the fruit for our own-label 2017 Margaux comes from plots of younger vines at Château du Tertre. From the perfumed, elegant bouquet, to its charming, silky palate, this is quintessential Claret, made in an attractive, rounded style. Redcurrant and violets fill the nose, while darker, bramble fruit, cedar and spice follow on the palate. A touch of smoky oak frames the whole, and the finish is long, subtle and warming. Already drinking well now, this will cellar comfortably for a year or two.

{***}
{region}Margaux{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

Once again, we are proud that our Own Selection Pomerol comes from selected parcels of vines at Ch. Feytit-Clinet. The estate is just seven hectares of glorious vineyards planted mostly to Merlot; a dash (10%) of Cabernet Franc adds structure in warmer vintages. The 2019 is an elegant, charming wine. Laden with silky, blackberry and kirsch flavours, the fruit feels decadent but never heavy, and is impossibly moreish. Hard to resist now, it will drink best with game and poultry, but it is a versatile all-rounder.

{***}
{region}Pomerol{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{***}

Once again, we’ve worked with the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages. Benefitting from the same terroir and techniques as their much-loved grand vin, this blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc is wonderfully fragrant, with layers of cassis and blackberries underpinned by sweet cedar spices and a core of graphite. It is luscious, elegant and distinctly Pauillac, with a palate of round, velvety tannins that complement the purity of the fruit. Ideal for drinking now, you could also cellar this for a couple of years.

{***}
{region}Pauillac{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

{***}
{region}St Estèphe{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}
 

{ratings} {***}

Our Pessac-Léognan comes from plots of younger vines at Ch. Haut-Bailly, one of Bordeaux’s finest names. A traditional blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, this is possibly its best vintage yet. The nose is glorious, with bright cassis and blackberry. The palate is refined, elegant and deliciously drinkable; there is a seamless quality to the balance of fruit and structure. This is a beautiful expression of the region, and there is no need to wait – it is drinking perfectly now.

{***}
{region}Pessac-Léognan{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-improve{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{***}

For several years now, our own-label St Emilion has come from a small Grand Cru owned by the Vauthier family, one of the best names on the Right Bank. The 2018 is deeply coloured, with a decadent nose of dark bramble fruit and inviting notes of mocha, spice and toasty oak. The palate is densely concentrated, with substantial, plummy fruit, and a long, warming finish. It’s a serious wine this – and one which gets even better in the glass. Superb with roast rib of beef, or an expansive cheese board.

{***}
{region}St Emilion{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Our Côtes du Rhône is made for us by the talented Rémi Pouizin. The wine is so typical of the Rhône, with its herbal notes of dried basil and sage. Yet it’s also full of fresh blackberry fruit and the richness of macerated raspberries. The vibrant palate is brimming with ripe red cherries and an appealing kernel hint. Fine tannins move across the palate smoothly, and the lip-smacking freshness demands another sip.

{***}{region}Southern France{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                             

  {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
 {ratings}       {***}

Our Chianti Classico is made by the Stucchi Prinetti family of Badia a Coltibuono, a legendary estate whose history stretches back over 1,000 years. This 2018 is classical and charming: it’s full of sour cherries and raspberries, with white pepper and dried roses. The palate has cherry stone notes and crunchy berry brightness, framed by fine and firm tannins. It’s a great match for tomato-based pasta dishes or grilled meats with fresh rosemary.

{***}{region}Italy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

Our Barolo reaches new heights with this magnificent 2016. This is a traditional blend of three communes: Castiglione Falletto fills the nose with morello cherry and roses; Barolo itself lends power and depth of fruit; and the ancient white soils of Serralunga d’Alba give it an unmistakable mineral grip. Articulate and expressive, this is of the highest class and elegance. Drink now to 2036.

{***}{region}Italy{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}{***}

{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

Made by sisters María and Cristina de Amézola, our Rioja combines aromas of sweet strawberries and redcurrants with a savoury note of cured meat. This is wonderfully fresh, with focused tannins and a smooth mouth-feel. An early frost led to low yields in 2017, but the resultant quality, intensity and complexity is extremely impressive.

{***}{region}Rioja, Spain{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}{***}

We’re proud to be working with winemaker David Ramey on our first own-label Sonoma County Chardonnay. From the 2018 vintage, this wine has an attractive, ripe stone-fruit nose, with aromas of orange blossom, ginger and citrus zest adding complexity. Time in French oak has contributed layers of toast and spice, and is generously supported by lively, crisp acidity and a subtle hint of struck match.

{***}
{region}California{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

For this, the second vintage of our Californian Zinfandel, Ridge Vineyards has carefully sourced the highest-quality grapes from the Sonoma County AVA. The resulting wine displays luscious, wild, red-berry fruit with strawberry jam and chocolate notes. The concentration and spice of the 2018 vintage is wonderfully balanced by the wine’s crunchy acidity and rich tannins.

{***}
{region}California{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

This delicious wine comes from vines planted on selected old blocks in the beautiful Tierhoek estate, situated high on Piekenierskloof Mountain. The oldest parcel is 42 years of age; such vine maturity draws a beautiful and focused expression of terroir into the wine. This is a gloriously fresh and pure style of Chenin Blanc, with notes of melon and pineapple supported by a luscious character and refreshed by a wonderful, stony minerality.

{***}
{region}South Africa{region}
{color}Red{color}                {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

We love how De Martino craft their Cabernet Sauvignon and we are extremely proud to partner with them again on this wine. Our 2020 vintage has a wonderful freshness about it which makes it extremely attractive to drink. Blueberries and damsons mingle on the nose and the palate is vibrant, exuding a juicy richness of mouthcoating fruit. A classically Bordelais note of gravel comes through, adding definition. This would be a perfect Sunday roast wine.

{***}{region}Chile{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
   {ratings}   {***}

Made once again by the brilliant De Martino, our Own Selection Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is bright, fresh and zippy. The 2019 has aromas of green apples accompanied by an invigorating sea-breeze character. The palate displays light tropical hints of green melon and passion fruit, balanced out by a refreshing note of tart greengage. This wine is more textured than the previous vintage, but also incredibly mineral, with a wonderful saline edge to the fresh, fruit salad finish.

{***}{region}Chile{region}
{color} White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] International Wine Challenge® 2020 Commended Winner {ratings}   {***}

{***}{region} Port {region}
{color} Red{color}              {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}NV{vintage}
{***}

This delectable Riesling is one of the most thirst-quenching wines that you could ever wish to taste. Made for us by the brilliant Johannes Selbach, it has fresh green apple and apricot aromas, lifted by the scent of meadow wildflowers. The flavours are invigorating, with bright apple freshness persisting alongside more tropical notes of kaffir lime leaves and a twist of white pepper. There’s a hint of sweetness on the otherwise palate-cleansing finish, making this a perfect match for Vietnamese dishes or a Gorgonzola salad.

{***}
{region}Mosel{region}
{color}White{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}
{ratings}

{ratings}{***}

The 2021 vintage in New Zealand was of exceptional quality but very low quantity. So, we are delighted to have secured this wine, made for us by the inspiring Jeremy McKenzie of Isabel Estate. Refreshing green apple and ripe gooseberry dominate the nose. The palate is invigorating, with a lemon-sherbet zippiness and wet-pebble minerality. The wine has a wonderful cleansing purity about it, whilst a sea-salt twist lingers on the elegant finish.

{***}{region} Marlborough {region}
{color}White{color}                          {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}

Our Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir has been specially made for us by Jim Clendenen, the highly regarded winemaker of Au Bon Climat, with whom we have been working for 20 years. The 2019 vintage is ripe, with rich aromas of red cherries, damsons and wild berries. The palate has a generous and silky texture, its tannins supple and beautifully integrated. Subtle notes of spice and wild herbs provide complexity and intrigue. Drink now until 2025.nins.

{***}{region}California, USA{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                               {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2018{vintage}{***}

{***}{region} Port {region}
{color} Red{color}              {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

Our 2020 Pinot Noir is once again made specially for us by the excellent Greystone. This wine is full of rich, sour red cherry fruit mingling with sweet, fragrant red berries, and a herbal top-note of raspberry tea. The palate is as fine, fresh and elegant as ever, with fine tannins leaving a slight grip on the tongue. Notes of autumn leaves, toast and cured meat add complexity. The enticing finish is savoury, mineral and long.

{***}{region} New Zealand{region}
{color}Red{color}                          {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2020{vintage}
{ratings}
{ratings}{***}