Acumen, Mountainside 2021 (Sauvignon Blanc – Sonoma Valley)

THEY SAY: Crafted from organically grown grapes, this tantalizing mountain grown Sauvignon Blanc leaps from the glass with zesty aromas of lemon, grapefruit and citrus blossom, as well as notes of green apple and lychee. On the palate, the flavors are clean and crisp with toned acidity providing a refreshing structural framework

WE SAY: At last, a Californian Sauvignon Blanc that shines! from one of our favorite Napa wineries.

Arrowsmith’s 2022 Ballerina, Rose Wine (Pinot Noir – Santa Maria, California)    

THEY SAY: Made exclusively from Pinot Noir, this rose possesses the gentle perfume and structure for which this wine is renowned. The Santa Maria Valley’s cool breezes and foggy mornings provide the perfect conditions for Pinot Noir to thrive, resulting in wine with the balance, finesse and beauty of a ballet dancer. 

WE SAY: Our second vintage! We are so proud of this, especially as Anna helped design the label. It’s smooth and delicious!

100% Chardonnay from Santa Maria, California.

Arrowsmith, La Flechette, 2019 (Bordeaux Blend - Santa Ynez Valley, CA) Vegan

THEY SAY: A deep cherry red wine with flashes of purple, which has distinct redcurrant, black plum, tree bark and raspberry leaf on the nose. It is medium weight with red fruit flavors and fine-grained tannins. A touch of herbal adds complexity and a suggestion of ageability.

WE SAY: Our first wine from our own vineyard and the wine we learnt everything on! We are very pleased to finally offer this to the public. Just so you know, the name means “little arrow” in French.

Arrowsmith,  2020 Malbec (Malbec - Santa Barbara, California) Vegan $18/$50

THEY SAY: This wine was sourced from Tommy Town, a  sun-baked vineyard in Happy Canyon. It has rich, red fruit flavors of redcurrant and cherry, with subtle plum notes. Gentle acidity and modest tannins provide refined balance to the wine, with excellent potential for cellaring.

WE SAY: Recently, Tim and I have been drinking this like it is water…

Arrowsmith, 2020 Petite Sirah (Petite Syrah – Santa Barbara, California) Vegan 

THEY SAY: The long, hot summer of 2020 gave us perfect Tommy Town fruit again, the result was a wine with the deep, dark berry flavors for which Petite Sirah is renowned. Reminiscent of home-cooked blackberry pie, or the slow-cooked berry confitures of Southern France, this is a rich, full and intense wine. Acidity and tannins are gentle and well balanced, and the wine exhibits subtle licorice notes.

WE SAY: Very deep, very dark, very lovely.

Bava, Bass Tuba Moscato D'Asti 2020 (Moscato - Piemonte, Italy)                

THEY SAY: The bouquet on the nose is aromatic, delicate and fragrant with notes of citrus, apricot, fig and orange blossom. On the palate it is delicately sparkling, pleasantly sweet, yet mild with a rich Moscato flavor.

WE SAY: A sweet white that manages to stay clear of being clingy, an enjoyable holiday in the mouth even for those who normally would choose a drier wine.

Broadbent Rainwater Medium-dry Madeira Tinta Negra - Portugal

THEY SAY:  A light, toffee-scented bouquet with hints of crème brûlée. Notes of marzipan, raisin and fresh fig, sweet and spicy on the entry. It is understated at first with smoked walnut, nougat, cumin and Chinese 5-spice and it builds gently towards a harmonious, beautifully balanced finish with traces of red chilies, dried honey and walnuts. 

WE SAY: We holidayed in the island of Madeira where we first tasted the delights of this wine and we highly recommend it. It is different from other sweet wines, it’s warming yet fresh with lots of lovely almonds!

Broadbent White Porto Malvasia Fina, Códega, Rabigato, Gouveio - Portugal  

THEY SAY: Golden color with a very good nose and honey aromas. Palate is sweet and nutty. 

WE SAY: Bring on the white port! The drink that us Brits drank so much of in the 1990’s. If you haven’t 

tried white port, it’s time to!

Canard-Duchêne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier - Champagne, France Vegan  

THEY SAY: Intense aromas of fresh fruit, typical of Pinot varietals. Eye: A golden hue and delicate bubbles. Palate: Notes of fruit coupled with hints of buttery brioche. Fresh intensity & noble character, with aromas of fresh red berries, crisp apples & pears, a touch of smoke and buttery brioche. .

WE SAY: A lovely, easy drinking, classic Champagne, not too yeasty for once!         Decanter 91 Points

Canard-Duchêne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier - Champagne, France Vegan  

THEY SAY: Intense aromas of fresh fruit, typical of Pinot varietals. Eye: A golden hue and delicate bubbles. Palate: Notes of fruit coupled with hints of buttery brioche. Fresh intensity & noble character, with aromas of fresh red berries, crisp apples & pears, a touch of smoke and buttery brioche. .

WE SAY: A lovely, easy drinking, classic Champagne, not too yeasty for once!         Decanter 91 Points

Chapel Down Brut (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Pinot Blanc – England)

THEY SAY: Chapel Down Brut NV is a classic example of quality English sparkling wine with aromas of red apple, citrus fruits and freshly baked bread together with hints of strawberry and quince on the palate and fine persistent bubbles.

WE SAY: Just as good as any Champagne if not better, just half the price. Don’t miss it, England is on the up!

Collet Premier Cru "Les Florēts" 2020 (Chardonnay - Chablis, France)

THEY SAY: Collet ferments the wine in a combination of 90% cement egg and 10% used barrel, aged for about 12 months. No stirring or lees. It is dynamic and angular, which flirts with scents of wet stone, sea spray and peach skin. On the palate find savory nuances,white flowers, honey and anise.

WE SAY: Alas, the more expensive French is really worth the money, *sighs*

Dirler-Cadé Crémant d'Alsace Brut Nature (Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, Riesling – Alsace, France)

A dry, biodynamic sparkling wine produced from This Brut Nature combines body and a straight freshness. Foaming is carried out with the natural sugar of the grapes. This a lovely bone dry sparkler for any occasion.

Domaine Dozon Clos Du Saut Au Loup, 2020 (Cabernet Franc – Chinon, France)            

THEY SAY: Vibrant purple color. Traditional notes of plum skin, raspberries and capsicum abound. Manageable tannins and herbal notes underscore a direct fruitiness.

WE SAY: Tim can’t stop talking about this wine, he is crazy for it. I like t too, but he just won’t shut up about it. A subtle, beautiful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Domaine Dozon Clos Du Saut Au Loup, 2020 (Cabernet Franc – Chinon, France)            

THEY SAY: Vibrant purple color. Traditional notes of plum skin, raspberries and capsicum abound. Manageable tannins and herbal notes underscore a direct fruitiness.

WE SAY: Tim can’t stop talking about this wine, he is crazy for it. I like t too, but he just won’t shut up about it. A subtle, beautiful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon.