Christmas Staff Picks – Raz breaks the ice

           

The holidays are coming!

We thought a little insight into our wine vision and desire would bring a little bit of joy to you, the reader, so over the course of 4 weeks we’ll “interview” our staff colleagues about such delights. I’m the first pick to break the ice, and I didn’t need a lot of convincing, it was actually harder to narrow down the picks to just 3, a round number in my head.  Not necessarily in this order, here they are:

 

    1. 2017 Buehler Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvingon, Napa Valley, California, USA.   This is a wonderful example of a Napa Cabernet, showing a delightful balance between the expressive purple fruit, light smoky oak and that lively touch of sagebrush herb on the nose, complemented on the palate by full ripe tannins, prune, dusty cocoa and a hint of spicy dark cherry. Great pairing for stronger flavoured meats like beef, duck or (my pick) , roast goose.  Price at the time of writing : £47
    2. 2020 Bender Hofpasch Riesling Auslese, Mosel, Germany. There wouldn’t be a holiday season without the king of grapes (at least for me), Riesling. This one is even better as it was picked selectively late, from arguably the best terroir there is for this grape, at home on the Mosel. An inviting, autumnal ripe fruit and citrus nose gives way to a subtle, somewhat sweet, bright and juicy palate. The finish is long, incredibly concentrated, citrus peel and candied tropical fruit with a mineral touch.  Have this alongside spicy sausages, pork or venison schnitzel and also as your light dessert wine. Price at the time of writing : £25
  2. 2022 Celler Mas la Mola, L’expressio del Priorat, Priorat, Spain. It was hard to choose just 3, but this wine is so so good that picking it was a no brainer. It comes from the steep, monasteries laden, hill of Priorat in Catalunya province. Here, close to 80 year old vines of Garnacha and Carinena make an intense, supple and silky red with delicate aromatic forest berries, lingering maraschino cherries and fine, powdery tannins. This one is a must try, particularly good with roast turkey (and the ubiquitous cranberry sauce)  and with most of the Boxing Day pies. Or just have it on its own, once the relatives have left the building.Price at the time of writing £27

 

I could have easily added many more, but I’m sure my colleagues are eager to pick so many others to entice you too.

Have a wonderful holiday season and see you soon in one of our shops!